scholarly journals Recent Advances in the Monitoring, Assessment and Management of Forest Pathogens and Pests

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1623
Author(s):  
Salvatore Moricca ◽  
Tiziana Panzavolta
Keyword(s):  
Energy Flow ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Pest Outbreaks ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Experimental Approaches

Tree pathogens and pests are fundamental components of forest ecosystems. By killing and decomposing susceptible trees, they regulate the cycle of nutrients and energy flow, thus shaping the structure and composition of forest stands. However, ecosystems can be seriously disrupted when the population density of these parasites increases beyond their tolerance level. Ascertaining the origin of pathogen and pest outbreaks, recognizing their causal agents in a precise and unequivocal way, while understanding their reproductive and dispersive dynamics are all crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. The studies collected in this special issue cover a wide range of topics in the field of forest pathology and entomology. Investigations range from molecular diagnosis of pathogens and pests to their monitoring and quantification in the field, from measurements of their proliferation rate to the analysis of their genetic variability, from the assessment of the role of plant diversity and ecosystem heterogeneity on pathogen and pest impacts to disease and pest management. Specific case studies show how applied research conducted with innovative methods is key to solving taxonomic issues that were, until now, controversial. The variety of experimental approaches and the range of scientific issues addressed document the trends and topicality of modern forest health protection science.

scholarly journals Susceptible supply limits the role of climate in the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Baker ◽  
Wenchang Yang ◽  
Gabriel A. Vecchi ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
Bryan T. Grenfell
Keyword(s):  
Epidemic Model ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
High Susceptibility ◽  
Emerging Pathogen ◽  
Geographic Variations ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
Endemic Infections

AbstractPreliminary evidence suggests that climate may modulate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Yet it remains unclear whether seasonal and geographic variations in climate can substantially alter the pandemic trajectory, given high susceptibility is a core driver. Here, we use a climate-dependent epidemic model to simulate the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic probing different scenarios of climate-dependence based on known coronavirus biology. We find that while variations in humidity may be important for endemic infections, during the pandemic stage of an emerging pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 climate may drive only modest changes to pandemic size and duration. Our results suggest that, in the absence of effective control measures, significant cases in the coming months are likely to occur in more humid (warmer) climates, irrespective of the climate-dependence of transmission and that summer temperatures will not substantially limit pandemic growth.

scholarly journals Susceptible supply limits the role of climate in the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. eabc2535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Baker ◽  
Wenchang Yang ◽  
Gabriel A. Vecchi ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
Bryan T. Grenfell
Keyword(s):  
Epidemic Model ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
High Susceptibility ◽  
Emerging Pathogen ◽  
Geographic Variations ◽  
Endemic Infections

Preliminary evidence suggests that climate may modulate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Yet it remains unclear whether seasonal and geographic variations in climate can substantially alter the pandemic trajectory, given high susceptibility is a core driver. Here, we use a climate-dependent epidemic model to simulate the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic probing different scenarios based on known coronavirus biology. We find that while variations in weather may be important for endemic infections, during the pandemic stage of an emerging pathogen the climate drives only modest changes to pandemic size. A preliminary analysis of non-pharmaceutical control measures indicates that they may moderate the pandemic-climate interaction via susceptible depletion. Our findings suggest, without effective control measures, strong outbreaks are likely in more humid climates and summer weather will not substantially limit pandemic growth.

MYCOPLASMA INFECTIONS IN CHILDHOOD

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1967 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 669-684
Author(s):  
Wallace A. Clyde ◽  
Floyd W. Denny
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Carrier State ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Relative Role ◽  
Course Of Disease ◽  
Tract Disease ◽  
Epidemiologic Features

Mycoplasmas compose a ubiquitous group of minute microorganisms which include saprophytes, commensals, and pathogens. Of the seven species which have been isolated from man, only Mycoplasma pneumoniae has clearly established pathogenicity. Research continues to seek other possible disease relationships, since there are various animal diseases caused by mycoplasmas which have counterparts among human illnesses of unknown cause. M. pneumoniae can be associated with a wide spectrum of respiratory tract disease, including bullous myringitis, pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, and subclinical infections. These illnesses are generally mild and occur most frequently between ages 5 and 19 years in slowly progressive epidemics. The clinical aspects of the disease are indistinguishable from virus-associated syndromes, and epidemiologic features are often more suggestive of the diagnosis. Techniques for M. pneumoniae cultivation and serodiagnosis are now adaptable for use in clinical laboratories. Non-specific diagnostic tests, especially cold hemagglutination, have distinctly limited usefulness in pediatrics. M. pneumoniae is sensitive to the tetracycline drugs and erythromycin; administration of these antibiotics shortens the clinical course of disease but may not be effective for prophylaxis or elimination of the carrier state. For these reasons, vaccines could provide more effective control and are being developed; however, greater experience concerning the relative role of M. pneumoniae among other respiratory disease agents is required before the need for control measures in the general population can be assessed.

scholarly journals Generalized Predator-Prey Model with Nonlinear Impulsive Control Strategy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjie Qin ◽  
Guangyao Tang ◽  
Sanyi Tang
Keyword(s):  
Pest Control ◽  
Impulsive Control ◽  
Dynamical Behavior ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Predator Prey Model ◽  
Prey Model ◽  
Pest Outbreaks ◽  
Wide Range

A generalized predator-prey model concerning integrated pest management and nonlinear impulsive control measures is proposed and analyzed. The main purpose is to understand how resource limitation affects the successful pest control and pest outbreaks. The threshold conditions for the stability of the pest-free periodic solution are given firstly. Once the threshold value exceeds a critical level, both pest and its natural enemy populations can oscillate periodically. Secondly, in order to address how the limited resources affect the pest control, as an example the Holling II functional response function is chosen. The numerical results show that predator-prey model with limited resource has complex dynamical behavior. In addition, it is confirmed that the model has the coexistence of pests and natural enemies for a wide range of parameters.

scholarly journals Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Franzo ◽  
Matteo Legnardi ◽  
Laura Grassi ◽  
Giorgia Dotto ◽  
Michele Drigo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Virus ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Viral Population ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Aleutian Mink Disease Virus ◽  
Different Populations

AbstractAleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is one the most relevant pathogens of domestic mink, where it can cause significant economic losses, and wild species, which are considered a threat to mink farms. Despite their relevance, many aspects of the origin, evolution, and geographic and host spreading patterns of AMDV have never been investigated on a global scale using a comprehensive biostatistical approach. The present study, benefitting from a large dataset of sequences collected worldwide and several phylodynamic-based approaches, demonstrates the ancient origin of AMDV and its broad, unconstrained circulation from the initial intercontinental spread to the massive among-country circulation, especially within Europe, combined with local persistence and evolution. Clear expansion of the viral population size occurred over time until more effective control measures started to be applied. The role of frequent changes in epidemiological niches, including different hosts, in driving the high nucleotide and amino acid evolutionary rates was also explored by comparing the strengths of selective pressures acting on different populations. The obtained results suggest that the viral passage among locations and between wild and domesticated animals poses a double threat to farm profitability and animal welfare and health, which is particularly relevant for endangered species. Therefore, further efforts must be made to limit viral circulation and to refine our knowledge of factors enhancing AMDV spread, particularly at the wild-domestic interface.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (06) ◽  
pp. 828-838
Author(s):  
Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq ◽  
Esam I. Azhar ◽  
Ziad A. Memish ◽  
Alimuddin Zumla
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractThe past two decades have witnessed the emergence of three zoonotic coronaviruses which have jumped species to cause lethal disease in humans: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. MERS-CoV emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and the origins of MERS-CoV are not fully understood. Genomic analysis indicates it originated in bats and transmitted to camels. Human-to-human transmission occurs in varying frequency, being highest in healthcare environment and to a lesser degree in the community and among family members. Several nosocomial outbreaks of human-to-human transmission have occurred, the largest in Riyadh and Jeddah in 2014 and South Korea in 2015. MERS-CoV remains a high-threat pathogen identified by World Health Organization as a priority pathogen because it causes severe disease that has a high mortality rate, epidemic potential, and no medical countermeasures. MERS-CoV has been identified in dromedaries in several countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. MERS-CoV-2 causes a wide range of clinical presentations, although the respiratory system is predominantly affected. There are no specific antiviral treatments, although recent trials indicate that combination antivirals may be useful in severely ill patients. Diagnosing MERS-CoV early and implementation infection control measures are critical to preventing hospital-associated outbreaks. Preventing MERS relies on avoiding unpasteurized or uncooked animal products, practicing safe hygiene habits in health care settings and around dromedaries, community education and awareness training for health workers, as well as implementing effective control measures. Effective vaccines for MERS-COV are urgently needed but still under development.

The Biology of Invasive Alien Plants in Canada. 1. Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 987-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Darbyshire ◽  
C. E. Wilson ◽  
K. Allison
Keyword(s):  
Growing Season ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Midwest United States ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Eriochloa Villosa

The annual grass weed Eriochloa villosa, woolly cup grass, was reported for the first time in Canada in 2000, in southwestern Quebec. It is a serious agricultural pest of field crops in the Midwest United States where it has been difficult and expensive to control. The production of stolons early in the growing season and the extensive branching of stems later in the season mean that single plants occupy and disperse seed over a large area. Cleistogamous flowers ensure good seed set, and plants produce large numbers of seeds. After an initial spring germination flush, seeds continue to germinate throughout the growing season resulting in escapes from early control measures. The large seeds can germinate and emerge under a wide range of soil temperatures and soil depths. Woolly cup grass is tolerant of many herbicides and effective control in agro-ecosystems usually depends on integrated strategies of multiple herbicide applications, cultural and mechanical methods. The above biological features and its presence in a number of bordering States suggest that the species is a potential weed hazard in southern Canada, particularly in areas of corn and soybean production in Quebec and Ontario. Key words: Eriochloa villosa, woolly cup grass, ERBVI, weed biology, invasive alien

scholarly journals The Role of Pathogenic E. coli in Fresh Vegetables: Behavior, Contamination Factors, and Preventive Measures

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Luna-Guevara ◽  
M. M. P. Arenas-Hernandez ◽  
C. Martínez de la Peña ◽  
Juan L. Silva ◽  
M. L. Luna-Guevara
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
General Description ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Foodborne Outbreaks ◽  
Uremic Syndrome ◽  
Fresh Products

Many raw vegetables, such as tomato, chili, onion, lettuce, arugula, spinach, and cilantro, are incorporated into fresh dishes including ready-to-eat salads and sauces. The consumption of these foods confers a high nutritional value to the human diet. However, the number of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce has been increasing, with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen associated with them. In humans, pathogenic E. coli strains cause diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and other indications. Vegetables can be contaminated with E. coli at any point from pre- to postharvest. This bacterium is able to survive in many environmental conditions due to a variety of mechanisms, such as adhesion to surfaces and internalization in fresh products, thereby limiting the usefulness of conventional processing and chemical sanitizing methods used by the food industry. The aim of this review is to provide a general description of the behavior and importance of pathogenic E. coli in ready-to-eat vegetable dishes. This information can contribute to the development of effective control measures for enhancing food safety.

scholarly journals Emergence of Viral Infections through Food Supply Chain: A Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
Rafiya Munshi ◽  
Afsah Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Wet Market

All living organisms may act as host to a wide range of viruses, and can infect the human body causing severe illness or even death. Viruses have often been important in burdening infections and other illnesses and require special attention because of their different behaviour as compared to bacteria. Two highly pathogenic corona-viruses—severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)—supposed to be emerged from an wet market in china resulted in a global epidemic which took a tool on human lives and currently also the world is fighting a deadliest viral infection caused by a small pathogen possibly transmitted through the food chain in a wet market again in china. The environment is the reservoirs for many of these viruses and any human handling of animals carrying such viruses finds an easy route into human body. Besides, there had been various food borne outbreaks throughout the world due to contaminated agricultural produce, packaging, processed foods or through infected food handlers. Such incidents have prioritized the need for effective control measures, intensified research and risk assessment measures in controlling such outbreaks. This review highlights a brief description of viral transmissions, virus and human gut response and preventable strategies in the food chain to contain such infections.

Diagnosis of Noise Radiation Mechanisms from a Wind Turbine Generator

2004 ◽  
Vol 1-2 ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
M.F. Harper ◽  
M. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Radiation Mechanisms ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Noise Radiation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Noise Transmission ◽  
Damping Treatments

Noise from a source such as an engine or gearbox can travel through a surrounding structure by many routes. It can be very difficult to reduce noise transmission to the environment or to operators or passengers, because many paths contribute to the transmission and it may not be clear which need to be treated. In order to apply effective control measures, it is very helpful to start with knowledge of the relative importance of the various possible paths. We report on a method that allows the strengths of the different paths to be quantified and ranked in order of importance, without having to dismantle or disconnect the system. Having measured these, and then having measured the levels of noise being injected into each path by the engine or gearbox, the contribution of each path to transmitted noise can then be estimated. Finally the noise reduction obtained by treating any desired combination of paths can be predicted. We refer to the method as “Transmission Path Audit” (TPA). The method was applied to an operating wind turbine that was giving noise problems. A TPA was carried out: it indicated that the problem was due to the turbine blades and tower, which between them radiated the bulk of the noise at three different tonal frequencies. Based on these results, damping treatments were applied to the blades and tower, and noise radiation was reduced to acceptable levels. The TPA method has very general applicability, and can be used to characterise noise transmission through a wide range of structures. It is likely to be particularly useful in tracing transmission paths through vehicles, from the power plant to the passenger space. Its novelty lies in its being entirely non-intrusive.

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