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An integrative study of a new species of Melloina Brignoli: An additional support for Melloinidae new family (Araneae: Mygalomorphae)
No full textMelloina is a genus that has long occupied an unstable taxonomic position, fluctuating between the families Paratropididae and Theraphosidae. The most recent proposal, in 2020, placed it within Theraphosidae. Alternatively, the phylogenetic relationships among Paratropididae and Theraphosidae have been controversial and subject to revision over time. Early studies suggested Paratropididae as the sister group of Theraphosidae, but recent molecular analyses have revealed that Barychelidae is more closely related to Theraphosidae than Paratropididae (Paratropis). In this study, we describe a new species, Melloina condesa sp. n., based on a morphological and multilocus approach. Phylogenetic results, using a total evidence framework, recovered Melloina as an independent lineage more closely related to Theraphosidae and Barychelidae. Based on these findings and on the comparison of diagnostic characters among the taxa under discussion, we propose a new family, Melloinidae, to include all species of Melloina
The relationship between self-identity and international volunteer tourism in Chiang Mai province, Thailand : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between volunteer tourism and self-identity in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Volunteer tourism, a growing trend in the region, attracts individuals seeking meaningful travel experiences that align with their values and sense of identity. The aims of this study are to 1. Determine the type and role of volunteer tourism experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 2. To define the broad motivational factors for volunteer tourism in Chiang Mai, Thailand. And 3. To evaluate how the experience and motivation combine to affect the self-identity of volunteer tourists in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This study uses focus groups and qualitative interviews to explore the motives, experiences, and personal perspectives of volunteer tourists in Chiang Mai.
The main conclusions show that volunteer tourism strengthens the bond between participants' sense of self and their desire to contribute constructively to local communities. The study highlights how engaging in altruistic activities allows volunteers to redefine their sense of purpose, challenge pre-existing cultural perceptions, and enhance their global citizenship. The study also explores how the distinct cultural and social setting of Chiang Mai affects the volunteer experience, influencing the depth of self-reflection and identity transformation. The cyclical link between volunteer tourism and self-identity is depicted by the model in this study. This paradigm highlights the transformational potential of volunteer tourism in forming self-identity. A volunteer's sense of self is influenced by their experiences, motivations, and volunteer work both during and after a trip, as well as over several journeys or just their daily life.
The results offer valuable insights for tourism operators and organisations aiming to develop meaningful volunteer programs that support local communities and appeal to travellers' changing sense of self
Effects of a fungal volatile organic compound on microbiomes associated with perennial ryegrass and white clover under drought stress
No full textDrought can significantly reduce pasture growth in many parts of New Zealand with subsequent negative effects on the economy. Fungal volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) can facilitate plant-microbe interactions including host-microbiome recognition, assembly, and maintenance via chemical signalling. This study investigated the impact of coating seeds with a FVOC on plant biomass and plant associated microbiomes of drought stressed pasture plants (perennial ryegrass, white clover, and a mixture of both) in a glasshouse study. Plant dry matter and soil microbial samples were collected when plants had recovered from three consecutive drought events. The ITS3/ITS4 and 16S V5/V7 regions were sequenced using the DNA nanoball sequencing platform, with sequence denoising using the DADA2 pipelines, and microbiome analyses conducted via MicrobiomeAnalyst. FVOC treatment increased plant dry weight after the three drought events by 9%, 8% and 33% respectively in the absence of drought and by 15%, 31%, 48% under drought conditions for grass, clover, and the mixture, respectively. Bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of Rhizobiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Xanthobacteraceae from FVOC treatments were 11%, 5%, and 22% higher than controls, whereas fungal ASVs of Nectriaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Mortierellaceae, Filobasidiaceae, and Hoehnelomycetaceae were reduced by 9%, 6%, 10%, 3%, and 38%, respectively. Bacterial families that incorporate known mutualistic species were associated with plant growth and stress responses, while fungal families that showed a reduction in ASVs were primarily those that include species capable of causing plant disease. These results suggest that FVOC treatment can enhance plant biomass and modulate microbiomes to improve drought resilience, offering a potential strategy for pasture management under water-limited condition
When the novelty wears off: Enemy spillover drives plant invasion success
Get PDFIntegrating plant physiological traits (ideal weed hypothesis) and interactions with enemies (enemy release hypothesis) may be key to understanding plant invasions. Contrary to enemy release, recent evidence suggests that invasive plants often accumulate generalist enemies due to the same r-selected physiological traits that often drive invasive success. Despite high enemy loads, successful invasive plants can remain dominant due to high growth rates rather than due to lack of damage. Consequently, generalist herbivore and pathogen populations may be amplified by invaders and can spillover onto native plants, with these indirect interactions disproportionately affecting native rather than invasive plant species via apparent competition. Where this occurs, the generalist enemies of invasive plants may instead be hidden allies that amplify invader success and impacts
Through the lens of phosphorus: The legacy of Andrew Sharpley
Get PDFThe pursuit of sustainable phosphorus (P) management represents a long-standing challenge in agricultural arenas, with far-reaching implications for the environment and societal development. Few scholars are as synonymous with P science as Andrew Sharpley. Renowned over his 44-year professional career for providing foundational insights into the fate and management of agricultural P, Sharpley also became the central figure in organizing responses to concerns over the contribution of non-point source P pollution to eutrophication. As a global authority, Sharpley led teams that crafted scientific consensus for use by managers and policymakers in the face of complexity and uncertainty. His leadership offers lessons to those continuing in his footsteps and a model for all who desire to achieve scientific impact. This special collection of papers celebrates the perspectives, contributions, and legacy of Andrew Sharpley
Promoting sustainable agri-food production to achieve food and nutrition security: The role of soil conservation practices
Get PDFThis study examines the role of soil conservation practices (SCPs) in promoting sustainable agri-food production to achieve food and nutrition security. It uses the endogenous treatment regression model to address the selection bias associated with SCP adoption. We examine the data sourced from the 2020 China Land Economic Survey, collected by Nanjing Agricultural University, China. First, we analyze the association between the adoption of SCPs and rice yield; we focus on rice as it is the most common food staple globally. Then we examine the links between the SCPs and the consumption of ten specific foods (rice, pork, beef, poultry, fish, egg, bean products, vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oil). This allows us to glean insights into how SCPs may affect changes in dietary patterns in rural communities. The findings show that adopting SCPs is associated with a 7% increase in rice yield. We find that education, farm size, the slope of the farm, and owning real estate are positively associated with the adoption of SCPs, whereas encountering pest infestations reduces one’s likelihood of adopting them. As for rice yields, they are positively associated with household size, economic status, soil fertility, plot slope, and having a higher percentage of adults over 65. The findings also show that adopting SCPs can influence the dietary patterns of farming households. Specifically, those who adopt SCPs increase their consumption of fruits and protein-rich food such as pork and fish; however, adopting SCPs is associated with lower consumption of vegetables
Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices among vegetable handlers in Bangladesh
No full textThis study delves into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of vegetable handlers in Jashore Sadar, Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the crucial significance of food safety across the entire farm‐to‐fork process. Integrating quantitative and qualitative data provides a multifaceted depiction of this pivotal component within the food supply chain. Ten focus group discussions were conducted, and in total, 50 vegetable handlers were interviewed separately. In the survey, there were 17 questions on food safety knowledge, 16 on food safety attitudes, and 17 on food safety‐related practices followed by vegetable handlers. We found that while approximately 60% of handlers had good knowledge about food safety, only about one‐quarter of the interviewed vegetable handlers had good attitudes and practices toward food safety. The attitudes and practices of individuals involved in handling vegetables demonstrate a complex range of variations shaped by factors such as educational background, prior experience, and availability of food safety training. Concerns regarding the rising expenses linked to adherence to food safety regulations and a perceived lack of accountability among those involved were also noted. The interviewed wholesaler group reported that approximately BDT 100–150 (USD 0.91–1.37¹)/maund¹ was incurred in maintaining proper safety practices, while the interviewed retailer group said costs would increase by BDT 20–40 (USD 0.18–0.36)/maund if they followed proper handling practices. It is important to note that vegetable handlers recognize the favorable economic consequences of implementing appropriate food safety measures. This study highlights the significance of implementing focused educational and policy interventions to address knowledge disparities and encourage the adoption of food safety procedures among individuals involved in handling vegetables
