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1.
J Environ Manage ; 370: 122533, 2024 Sep 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39288496

ABSTRACT

Seeking a balance between food security and carbon mitigation is key to achieving sustainable agricultural development. This study evaluates the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between the food security index (FSI) and agricultural carbon emission efficiency (ACEE) in China from 2010 to 2021 using the coupled coordination model. By adjusting the model coefficients, different government priority scenarios are simulated to explore their impact on CCD. The Geodetector method is employed to identify the influencing factors of CCD, investigate their interactions, and assess the differences in these factors across various government priority settings. The average CCD between FSI and ACEE exhibits a notable upward trend, rising from 0.4583 in 2010 to 0.6595 in 2021. Furthermore, regional disparities are widening, particularly in the major production areas. Catch-up effects exist within regions. Policy simulations showed staged interactions between food security and agricultural carbon efficiency, shifting from food security to balanced production and ecology, then to prioritizing low-carbon production for food security. Adjusting policy priorities can effectively improve coupling coordination in the short term, with increasing impact as priority shifts. CCD is influenced by policy, technology, economy, and society, varying with policy priorities. In the baseline scenario, key factors for CCD include the urban-rural income gap, technological advancement, urbanization, and farmers' education level. When the government prioritizes food security, the impact of narrowing income gaps and agricultural industry agglomeration becomes more pronounced. Conversely, emphasizing carbon emission efficiency enhances the influence of technological advancements and urbanization on CCD. Tailoring agricultural production strategies to local conditions and emphasizing interactive effects among factors is crucial for achieving environmentally friendly and high-quality agricultural development goals.

2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 21652, 2024 09 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39289588

ABSTRACT

Farmers in tropical Indonesia who manage agroecological systems face multiple challenges related to food security. Despite the conditions caused by climate change, these farming households have effectively utilized agroforestry to build food security. However, prolonged dry seasons pose new constraints to their livelihood strategies. This study uses a qualitative methodology and a rural farmer livelihood framework to analyze and evaluate household livelihood strategies, attitudes, and reactions to climate change. The findings show that farmers constantly modify their management techniques using flexible and adaptive decision-making processes to cope with and minimize climate change challenges. Moreover, the role of climate variation as a significant catalyst for change in farming practices is challenging to distinguish from some of the routine problems that farmers face each year. Through knowledge accumulation and adaptive management, farmers in Enrekang utilize several livelihood adaptation strategies to reduce risks in the face of changing climate conditions. In addition, farmers utilize on-farm crops to obtain various ecosystem services that provide services such as food, nutrition, and medicine and improve ecology, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Further research is needed to understand how on-farm tree inclusion affects various biophysical properties and the rationale behind species selection.


Subject(s)
Agriculture , Climate Change , Farmers , Indonesia , Humans , Agriculture/methods , Crops, Agricultural/growth & development , Ecosystem , Food Security
3.
One Health ; 19: 100890, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39314246

ABSTRACT

With modern international trade and the rapid movement of people, animals, and food products, today's risks to food security are increasing worldwide. It is clear that human health, animal health, environmental health, and agriculture are inextricable linked. Food security problems in one sector often adversely impact multiple other sectors. Food security threats are often complex with many factors influencing the emergence of new threats. As multiple US governmental agencies share responsibilities for food security threat mitigation, we need to find new ways for the numerous food security scientific disciplines and agencies to forge new effective research collaborations in meeting these threats. This special issue of the journal One Health seeks to give examples of such research. It represents a collection of scientific reports from oral and poster presentations delivered at the April 21-23, 2024, "International Symposium on One Health Research: Improving Food Security and Resilience" in Galveston, Texas.

4.
J Nutr Sci ; 13: e33, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39314532

ABSTRACT

Paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programmes hold promise in improving food security and dietary patterns among youth. However, programme success is largely dependent upon caregiver and family engagement. The current study sought to gain a better understanding of environmental barriers to engagement in a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme in one low-income, urban community (Flint, Michigan, USA). Following the implementation of a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme, researchers conducted thirty-two semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Researchers explored caregivers' understanding of the fruit and vegetable prescription programme, barriers to programme engagement, and recommendations for improvement. Telephone interviews were transcribed for textual analysis. Researchers used thematic analysis to examine qualitative data, determine patterns across transcripts, and develop emerging themes. Researchers concluded interviews when data saturation was reached. The majority of participants were female (94%), African American (66%), and residents of Flint (72%). Five recurrent themes emerged: (1) nutrition security; (2) prescription distribution; (3) prescription redemption; (4) educational supports; and (5) programme modifications. Although caregivers indicated that the prescription programme addressed household food insecurity, environmental barriers to engagement were apparent. Caregivers provided suggestions, such as partnering with large grocery stores and developing digital prescriptions, to address programme engagement challenges. Fundamental to the success of fruit and vegetable prescription programmes is the understanding of barriers to engagement from the perspective of participants. This study explores challenges with one paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme and provides actionable solutions, from the viewpoint of caregivers, to address these challenges.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Fruit , Vegetables , Humans , Female , Male , Child , Michigan , Adult , Poverty , Diet , Food Security , Adolescent , Health Promotion/methods , Food Insecurity , Food Supply
5.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(42): 54979-54999, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39218845

ABSTRACT

Precipitation extremes have surged in frequency and duration in recent decades, significantly impacting various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, energy, and public health worldwide. Pakistan, being highly susceptible to climate change and extremes, has experienced adverse events in recent times, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between precipitation extremes and crops production. This study focuses on assessing the association between precipitation extremes on crops production, with a particular emphasis on the Punjab province, a crucial region for the country's food production. The initial phase of the study involved exploring the associations between precipitation extremes and crops production for the duration of 1980-2014. Notably, certain precipitation extremes, such as maximum CDDs (consecutive dry days), R99p (extreme precipitation events), PRCPTOT (precipitation total) and SDII (simple daily intensity index) exhibited strong correlations with the production of key crops like wheat, rice, garlic, dates, moong, and masoor. In the subsequent step, four machine learning (ML) algorithms were trained and tested using observed daily climate data (including maximum and minimum temperatures and precipitation) alongside model reference data (1985-2014) as predictors. Gradient boosting machine (GBM) was selected for its superior performance and employed to project precipitation extremes for three distinct future periods (F1: 2025-2049, F2: 2050-2074, F3: 2075-2099) under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 derived from the CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) archive. The projection results indicated an increasing and decreasing trend in CWDs (maximum consecutive wet days) and CDDs, respectively, at various meteorological stations. Furthermore, R10mm (the number of days with precipitation equal to or exceeding 10 mm) and R25mm displayed an overall increasing trend at most of the stations, though some exhibited a decreasing trend. These trends in precipitation extremes have potential consequences, including the risk of flash floods and damage to agriculture and infrastructure. However, the study emphasizes that with proper planning, adaptation measures, and mitigation strategies, the potential losses and damages can be significantly minimized in the future.


Subject(s)
Climate Change , Crops, Agricultural , Machine Learning , Rain , Pakistan , Agriculture , Crop Production
6.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(42): 54453-54462, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39223415

ABSTRACT

Crop losses to pests were the main obstacle to food security globally. Pest control was a laudable exercise, but the exercise could be hindered by the inevitable adjustment between pest reductions, operation costs as well as impacts on the environment and human health. The pest could be controlled by many methods, but biological control was the most popular technique because it addressed inevitable trade-offs between costs and side effects. In this paper, a mathematical model was developed to quantify intricate biological procedures in the context of biological control using prey-predator mechanisms. Three equilibrium points (one trivial and two non-trivial) were derived, and the stability of each equilibrium point was examined. The stability results indicated that the adoption of biological control might neutralize pest infestation but the situation might not persist (unstable trivial equilibrium). It was also discovered that pest control through biological means might fail if the predator was wrongly selected or if the population of the predator vanished while the pest remained in existence (unstable non-trivial equilibrium). The analytical results were finally justified by a means of simulation via a computer-in-built maple program.


Subject(s)
Models, Theoretical , Pest Control, Biological , Pest Control, Biological/methods , Animals
7.
J Nutr ; 2024 Sep 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39307281

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adolescents have the poorest dietary intakes throughout the lifespan. Food insecurity worsens these nutritional risks. Eggs are one nutrient-dense strategy to increase nutrient quality. OBJECTIVE: 1) compare usual nutrient intakes, Dietary Reference Intakes and protein compliance with recommendations, and scores of micronutrient quality; and 2) analyze how adding one egg affects adolescents' nutrient profiles, by food security status and egg-rich diets. METHODS: Dietary data of U.S. adolescents in the 2007-2018 NHANES were analyzed (14-17 years; n=3,633). Egg-rich diet levels were categorized 1) non-eggs, 2) eggs as ingredients in dishes, or 3) primarily egg dishes. Food security status was classified using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate usual nutrient intake and nutrient exposure scores (i.e., food nutrient index and total nutrient index). Nutrient amounts from one medium egg were modeled on existing intakes. Pairwise t-tests determined significant differences. RESULTS: Over 60% of adolescents risked inadequate intake of calcium, choline, magnesium, and vitamins D and E regardless of food security status. Food secure adolescents consuming primarily egg dishes had higher mean usual intakes of lutein + zeaxanthin (1544.1 mcg), choline (408.4 mg), vitamin B2 (2.3 mg), selenium (128.6 mcg), vitamin D (6 mcg), docosahexaenoic acid (70 mg), and protein (89.1g) than other groups (P<0.0002). Those consuming eggs as ingredients in dishes demonstrated higher nutrient adequacy, for magnesium (scored ∼66 out of 100), potassium (scored 81), and total scores (scored 72 and 69, respectively) for the TNI and FNI; and folate only (scored 92) for the TNI, than those not consuming eggs (P<0.0002). Adding one egg increased choline and vitamin D usual intakes for some groups and nutrient index scores for all groups (P<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents are at substantial nutritional risk that was exacerbated by food insecurity and less egg consumption.

8.
Front Nutr ; 11: 1448870, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39309140
9.
Heliyon ; 10(18): e37786, 2024 Sep 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39309826

ABSTRACT

Ethiopia's sub-humid highlands face a critical challenge in balancing agricultural productivity with land degradation. This study explores the effectiveness of soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) in addressing this challenge. We investigated the interaction effects of types of SWCPs, landscape positions, and location on Teff (Eragrostis teff) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield. In addition, we assessed the economic viability of SWCPs using cost-benefit analysis with farmer-funded and cost-sharing scenarios. The results indicated that yield was significantly affected by the interactions between factors like SWCP type and landscape position. Soil bunds consistently increased crop yield across diverse locations and landscapes, indicating superior erosion control benefits. Lower landscape positions on foot slopes benefited most from SWCP implementation. Teff yield increased by 188 % and wheat yield by 181 % under soil bunds. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed the financial viability of SWCPs, particularly for Teff (NPV = 4499.35 USD, IRR = 50 %, and BCR = 1.51) and wheat (NPV = 544.35 USD, IRR = 16 %, and BCR = 1.06) grown on lower landscapes with farmer-funded investment scenarios. Positive return on investment was observed in both scenarios, with cost-sharing offering greater economic benefits for farmers. These findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to SWC implementation for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing food security, improving farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable and productive landscape management practices. Future research should explore the long-term sustainability of SWCPs, their adaptation across diverse agroecological zones and landscapes, the incorporation of various crops, the broader socioeconomic impacts, and the development of effective extension programs for wider adoption by farmers.

10.
Int J Biometeorol ; 2024 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39313690

ABSTRACT

Brazilian livestock provides a significant fraction of the food consumed globally, making the country one of the largest producers and exporters of meat, milk and eggs. However, current advances in the production of protein from Brazilian animal origin may be directly impacted by climate change and the resulting biophysical effects. Therefore, it is strategically consistent to develop measures to deal with the resulting environmental heat stress on domesticated animal species, especially the need in developing countries. This work aims to (1) evaluate the impacts of climate change on livestock (cattle-dairy, cattle-beef, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry-general) in different regions of Brazil and (2) discuss possible response strategies, associated with animal comfort and welfare. From our results, we can draw better strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on livestock production. The results presented show an increase of high heat stress in South and Southeast and an increase of extreme heat stress in North and Central-West areas of Brazil. The rise in extreme heat stress tends to occur mostly during spring and summer and tends to vary considering the different evaluated species. Within the evaluated species, the ones that seem to be more affected by climate changes are Poultry, pigs, cattle-beef and general (temperature-humidity index value). The differences between the results for the five geographic regions in Brazil suggests that different mitigation measures need to be considered to cope with future heat stress in livestock. To ensure the long-term success of Brazil's influence on the global market for proteins of animal origin, it must achieve sustainable production systems more intensively.

11.
Foods ; 13(17)2024 Aug 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39272427

ABSTRACT

Creating propositions for the near and distant future requires a design to catch the tide of the times and move with or against trends. In addition, appropriate, adaptable, flexible, and transformational projects are needed in light of changes in science, technology, social, economic, political, and demographic fields over time. Humanity is facing a period in which science and developing technologies will be even more important in solving food safety, health, and environmental problems. Adapting to and mitigating climate change; reducing pollution, waste, and biodiversity loss; and feeding a growing global population with safe food are key challenges facing the agri-food industry and the food supply chain, requiring systemic transformation in agricultural systems and sustainable future agri-food. The aim of this review is to compile scientific evidence and data, define, and create strategies for the future in terms of food security, safety, and sufficiency; future sustainable foods and alternative protein sources; factors affecting food and nutrition security and agriculture; and promising food systems such as functional foods, novel foods, synthetic biology, and 3D food printing. In this review, the safety, conservation, nutritional, sensory, welfare, and potential challenges and limitations of food systems and the opportunities to overcome them on the basis of new approaches, innovative interpretations, future possibilities, and technologies are discussed. Additionally, this review also offers suggestions for future research and food trends in light of future perspectives. This article focuses on future sustainable foods, alternative protein sources, and novel efficient food systems, highlights scientific and technological advances and new research directions, and provides a significant perspective on sustainability.

12.
Foods ; 13(17)2024 Sep 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39272596

ABSTRACT

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. is experiencing increased food insecurity and stress, which are associated with nocturnal sleep quality and consequently excessive daytime sleepiness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and perceived stress on daytime sleepiness in older adults aged 60 and older living in New York City. This cross-sectional, quantitative study utilized the US Household Food Security Survey Module six-item questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Sleepiness Total to collect data. Participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between demographic variables and food insecurity, perceived stress, and daytime sleepiness outcomes. Three hundred seventy-eight (378) older adults participated in this study. Food insecurity was associated with age (p = 0.045), education (p = 0.022), and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001). On average, participants with a BMI of over 30 had an increased daytime sleepiness total relative to a BMI < 25 (p = 0.029), and those with two to three health conditions and those with more than four health conditions had higher daytime sleepiness totals relative to those with zero to one condition (p = 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Participants who had moderate and high stress, regardless of food security status, had higher daytime sleepiness totals than those with low stress (food secure; p = 0.002; food insecure; p < 0.001). Multifaceted interventions are needed to alleviate food insecurity, manage stress, and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness among older adults.

13.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 2520, 2024 Sep 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39285397

ABSTRACT

A form of food retail regulation called the Stores Licensing Scheme was introduced by the Australian Government in 2007-2022 to ensure food security in remote Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory. We examined evaluations of this Scheme implemented under the Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Stronger Futures Northern Territory Acts. Grey literature search identified nine primary source evaluations. Reported outcomes were extracted and thematic analysis utilised to determine barriers and enablers. Outcomes included improved availability and quality of groceries, financial structures, and retail practices, albeit not consistently reported. Governance and food cost were perceived barriers. Future policy aimed to improve food security through community stores should consider food cost subsidy, measures to incentivise all stores to improve standards, and improved governance arrangements enabling self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Store Directors.


Subject(s)
Food Supply , Humans , Commerce , Food Security , Licensure , Northern Territory , Rural Population , Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
14.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1407005, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39224560

ABSTRACT

Background: Higher education is widely recognized as a strategy to mitigate food insecurity. However, marginalized and racialized groups, especially Latinos, often do not experience the same economic and health benefits from their educational achievements as non-Latino Whites, highlighting a pattern of diminished returns within these communities. Aims: This study aims to explore the disparities in how educational attainment influences marital status and employment, and subsequently, food insecurity among Latino and non-Latino adults. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which encompassed 27,648 adults from both Latino and non-Latino backgrounds, this research applied a structural equation model to examine the relationship between educational attainment, ethnicity, and food insecurity. The study specifically focused on the mediating roles of marital status and employment. Results: Findings reveal significant interactions between education and ethnicity affecting marital status and employment, both of which serve as protective factors against food insecurity. These results indicate that higher levels of unemployment and lower marriage rates may disproportionately escalate food insecurity among Latinos, irrespective of educational attainment. Conclusion: The study highlights profound societal and environmental obstacles that prevent Latinos from leveraging educational achievements to improve their marital and employment statuses, and thereby, their food security. Addressing these disparities demands targeted interventions directed at Latino communities to bridge gaps in employment and marriage rates stemming from educational disparities. A holistic strategy that transcends mere access to education is essential to dismantle the societal barriers that undermine the educational dividends for Latino communities.


Subject(s)
Educational Status , Employment , Food Insecurity , Hispanic or Latino , Humans , Hispanic or Latino/statistics & numerical data , Male , Female , Employment/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Middle Aged , United States , Family Characteristics , Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data , Marital Status/statistics & numerical data , Family Structure
15.
Matern Child Nutr ; : e13725, 2024 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39311043

ABSTRACT

Food security during pregnancy is crucial for safeguarding the health of expectant mothers and optimizing prenatal outcomes. Food insecurity can manifest in varying degrees, ranging from moderate disruptions to the quality and diversity of diet to severe cases that disrupt dietary patterns and reduce overall food intake. Limited information exists regarding food security among pregnant women in Iran. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to investigate food security during pregnancy from the perspectives of pregnant women (n = 17) and experts in food security (n = 6). Data were collected through purposeful sampling and 23 semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process occurred concurrently with data collection, employing a conventional content analysis approach. The findings underwent rigorous evaluation based on credibility, confirmability, dependability, transferability and authenticity. The results revealed that access to quality foods in pregnancy depends on the sustainability of food resources, economic access to food, the family's food budget, pregnant women's utilization of food due to pregnancy conditions, their nutritional literacy and cultural practices. Pregnant women employ various strategies to cope with food insecurity and require social and governmental support to manage it effectively. Therefore, it is suggested that health care authorities initially assess the level of food security among pregnant women and subsequently, through equitable food distribution, reform culture and increase food literacy, providing practical and informative educational programmes, and structured support, improve their food security.

16.
Plants (Basel) ; 13(17)2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39273931

ABSTRACT

Analyzing the impacts of climate change on phytosanitary problems in Brazil is crucial due to the country's special role in global food security as one of the largest producers of essential commodities. This review focuses on the effects of climate change on plant diseases and discusses its main challenges in light of Brazil's diverse agricultural landscape. To assess the risk of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, oomycetes, nematodes, and spiroplasms, we surveyed 304 pathosystems across 32 crops of economic importance from 2005 to 2022. Results show that diseases caused by fungi account for 79% of the pathosystems evaluated. Predicting the occurrence of diseases in a changing climate is a complex challenge, and the continuity of this work is strategic for Brazil's agricultural defense. The future risk scenarios analyzed here aim to help guide disease mitigation for cropping systems. Despite substantial progress and ongoing efforts, further research will be needed to effectively prevent economic and environmental damage.

17.
Plants (Basel) ; 13(17)2024 Sep 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39273966

ABSTRACT

We assessed the impact of environmental conditions and agronomic traits on maize grain quality parameters. The study was conducted using genotypes with distinct genetic constitutions developed specifically for late sowing in semi-arid environments. We evaluated the agronomic, physical, and chemical characteristics of eight maize open-pollinated varieties, six inbred lines, and three commercial hybrids. The yield of the open-pollinated varieties showed a positive correlation with protein content (r = 0.33), while it exhibited a negative correlation with the carbohydrate percentage (r = -0.36 and -0.42) in conjunction with the inbred lines. The flotation index of the hybrids was influenced primarily by the environmental effect (50.15%), whereas in the inbred lines it was nearly evenly divided between the genotype effect (45.51%) and the environmental effect (43.15%). In the open-pollinated varieties, the genotype effect accounted for 35.09% and the environmental effect for 42.35%. The characteristics of plant structure were associated with grain quality attributes relevant for milling, including hardness and test weight. Inbred lines exhibited significant genotype contributions to grain hardness, protein, and carbohydrate content, distinguishing them from the other two germplasm types. These associations are crucial for specific genotypes and for advancing research and development of cultivars for the food industry.

18.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(39): e2400117121, 2024 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39284047

ABSTRACT

Future climate change may bring local benefits or penalties to surface air pollution, resulting from changing temperature, precipitation, and transport patterns, as well as changes in climate-sensitive natural precursor emissions. Here, we estimate the climate penalties and benefits at the end of this century with regard to surface ozone and fine particulate matter (PM[Formula: see text]; excluding dust and smoke) using a one-way offline coupling between a general circulation model and a global 3-D chemical-transport model. We archive meteorology for the present day (2005 to 2014) and end of this century (2090 to 2099) for seven future scenarios developed for Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. The model isolates the impact of forecasted anthropogenic precursor emission changes versus that of climate-only driven changes on surface ozone and PM[Formula: see text] for scenarios ranging from extreme mitigation to extreme warming. We then relate these changes to impacts on human mortality and crop production. We find ozone penalties over nearly all land areas with increasing warming. We find net benefits due to climate-driven changes in PM[Formula: see text] in the Northern Extratropics, but net penalties in the Tropics and Southern Hemisphere, where most population growth is forecast for the coming century.


Subject(s)
Air Pollution , Climate Change , Crops, Agricultural , Ozone , Air Pollution/analysis , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Humans , Ozone/analysis , Ozone/adverse effects , Crops, Agricultural/growth & development , Particulate Matter/analysis , Particulate Matter/adverse effects , Mortality/trends , Forecasting
19.
Int J Circumpolar Health ; 83(1): 2404273, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39283062

ABSTRACT

Pandemics are regularly occurring events, and there are foundational principles of pandemic preparation upon which communities, regions, states, and nations may draw upon for elevated preparedness against an inevitable future infectious disease threat. Many disciplines within the social sciences can provide crucial insight and transdisciplinary thinking for the development of preparedness measures. In 2023, the National Science Foundation funded a conference of circumpolar researchers and Indigenous partners to reflect on COVID-19-related research. In this article, we synthesise our diverse social science perspectives to: (1) identify potential areas of future pandemic-related research in Alaska, and (2) pose new research questions that elevate the needs of Alaska and its people, pursuant of a specific body of pandemic knowledge that takes into account the ecological and sociocultural contexts of the region. In doing so, we highlight important domains of research in the social sciences from transdisciplinary perspectives, including the centering of Indigenous knowledges and needs, the contexts of risk perception and resilience, food and housing security, and more. We highlight the contributions of social sciences to pandemic knowledge and provide a foundation for future pandemic-related research in Alaska.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Alaska/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Social Sciences , Arctic Regions/epidemiology , Interdisciplinary Communication , Alaska Natives , Pandemic Preparedness
20.
Sci Total Environ ; 954: 176293, 2024 Sep 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39284447

ABSTRACT

Surface ozone has become a significant atmospheric pollutant in China, exerting a profound impact on crop production and posing a serious threat to food security. Previous studies have extensively explored the physiological mechanisms of ozone damage to plants. However, the effects of ozone interactions with other environmental factors, such as climate change, on agricultural productivity at the regional scale, particularly under natural conditions, remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed an interpretable machine learning framework, specifically the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm enhanced by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), to investigate the influence of ozone and its interactions with environmental factors on crop production in China's primary winter wheat region. Additionally, a structural equation model was developed to elucidate the mechanisms driving these interactions. Our findings demonstrate that ozone pollution exerts a significant negative effect on winter wheat productivity (r = -0.47, P < 0.001), with productivity losses escalating from -12.28 % to -22.09 % as ozone levels increase. Notably, the impact of ozone is spatially heterogeneous, with western Shandong province identified as a hotspot for ozone-induced damage. Furthermore, our results confirm the complexity of the relationship between ozone pollution and agricultural productivity, which is influenced by multiple interacting environmental factors. Specifically, we found that severe ozone pollution, when combined with high aerosol concentrations or elevated temperatures, significantly exacerbates crop productivity losses, although drought conditions can partially mitigate these adverse effects. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating the interactive effects of air pollution and climate change into future crop models. The comprehensive framework developed in this study, which integrates statistical modeling with explainable machine learning, provides a valuable methodological reference for quantitatively assessing the impact of air pollution on crop productivity at a regional scale.

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