Beluga Vocalizations Decrease in Response to Vessel Traffic in the Mackenzie River Estuary

Vessel traffic negatively affects marine mammals by causing behavioural disturbance, acoustic masking, contamination (i.e., oil spills), and ship strikes. Few studies have examined the effects of vessels on marine mammals in the Arctic, but beluga whales appear to be especially sensitive to vessel traffic. We examine how the vocalizations of belugas are impacted by vessel traffic in the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area in the Mackenzie River estuary of the western Canadian Arctic. Between one and four acoustic recorders were deployed between June and August each year between 2015 and 2018 near the only shipping channel at this site. We examined beluga vocalizations from acoustic recordings over four summers and assessed how the distance to the nearest vessel passing the acoustic recorder affected the number of vocalizations. Beluga vocalizations within the range of the acoustic recorder decreased significantly when vessels were within 5 km of the acoustic recorder. This result suggests either that belugas are avoiding the vessel or that they reduce their vocalization in response to vessel traffic. Future work is needed to assess exactly how belugas are reacting to vessel traffic in this area and what the long-term consequences of these reactions are. Management measures for reducing these impacts must be carefully considered, especially since these vessels are very restricted in where they can travel, and many of the vessels are necessary for the livelihoods of local communities.La circulation maritime a des effets négatifs sur les mammifères marins, car elle entraîne des perturbations comportementales, masque leurs signaux acoustiques et engendre de la contamination (comme des déversements de pétrole) et des collisions. Bien que peu d’études aient examiné les effets des bateaux sur les mammifères marins de l’Arctique, les bélugas semblent particulièrement sensibles à la circulation maritime. Dans cet article, nous examinons en quoi les vocalisations des bélugas sont touchées par la circulation maritime dans la zone de protection marine de Tarium Niryutait faisant partie de l’estuaire du fleuve Mackenzie, dans l’ouest de l’Arctique canadien. Entre un et quatre enregistreurs acoustiques ont été déployés de juin à août de chaque année entre 2015 et 2018, à proximité du seul chenal de navigation de l’endroit. Nous avons examiné les vocalisations des bélugas prélevées à l’aide des enregistreurs acoustiques au cours de quatre étés, et évalué en quoi la distance du bateau passant le plus près de l’enregistreur acoustique avait un effet sur le nombre de vocalisations. Les vocalisations des bélugas dans la zone de l’enregistreur acoustique diminuaient considérablement lorsque les bateaux se trouvaient à moins de cinq kilomètres de l’enregistreur. Ce résultat suggère soit que les bélugas évitent les bateaux, soit qu’ils réduisent leurs vocalisations en réponse à la circulation maritime. Il y a lieu de pousser cette étude plus loin pour évaluer exactement comment les bélugas réagissent à la circulation des bateaux dans cette région, et quelles sont les conséquences à long terme de ces réactions. Il y a lieu aussi de considérer avec soin des mesures de gestion pour réduire ces incidences, surtout parce que les déplacements de ces bateaux sont assujettis à de nombreuses restrictions et parce que grand nombre des bateaux qui passent par là sont nécessaires à la subsistance des collectivités de la région. &nbsp

Marine mammal hotspots across the circumpolar Arctic

Aim: Identify hotspots and areas of high species richness for Arctic marine mammals. Location: Circumpolar Arctic. Methods: A total of 2115 biologging devices were deployed on marine mammals from 13 species in the Arctic from 2005 to 2019. Getis-Ord Gi* hotspots were calculated based on the number of individuals in grid cells for each species and for phyloge-netic groups (nine pinnipeds, three cetaceans, all species) and areas with high spe-cies richness were identified for summer (Jun-Nov), winter (Dec-May) and the entire year. Seasonal habitat differences among species’ hotspots were investigated using Principal Component Analysis. Results: Hotspots and areas with high species richness occurred within the Arctic continental-shelf seas and within the marginal ice zone, particularly in the “Arctic gateways” of the north Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Summer hotspots were generally found further north than winter hotspots, but there were exceptions to this pattern, including bowhead whales in the Greenland-Barents Seas and species with coastal distributions in Svalbard, Norway and East Greenland. Areas with high species rich-ness generally overlapped high-density hotspots. Large regional and seasonal dif-ferences in habitat features of hotspots were found among species but also within species from different regions. Gap analysis (discrepancy between hotspots and IUCN ranges) identified species and regions where more research is required. Main conclusions: This study identified important areas (and habitat types) for Arctic marine mammals using available biotelemetry data. The results herein serve as a benchmark to measure future distributional shifts. Expanded monitoring and teleme-try studies are needed on Arctic species to understand the impacts of climate change and concomitant ecosystem changes (synergistic effects of multiple stressors). While efforts should be made to fill knowledge gaps, including regional gaps and more com-plete sex and age coverage, hotspots identified herein can inform management ef-forts to mitigate the impacts of human activities and ecological changes, including creation of protected areas

The first episode of non-suicidal self-injury and risk factors for age of onset

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as direct and deliberate self-inflicted body tissue damage, performed without conscious suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned. Recent research initiatives have included efforts to gain a better understanding of the development of NSSI overtime, including behaviour onset, duration, and severity. This line of investigation brings to light potential risk and protective factors in NSSI behaviour. While risk factors increase the likelihood of negative outcomes, protective factors promote positive adaptation and resilience. To date, researchers have not examined the initial onset of NSSI; however, they have identified key first episode variables in other maladaptive behaviours that inform later trajectories. One such element is age at first episode, which has been previously associated with NSSI frequency and severity, but researchers have yet to examine factors that may determine age of onset. The role of the familial environment has been well documented as a risk factor for NSSI behaviour. It has been argued that invalidating home environments are foundational to weak interpersonal and emotion-regulation competencies that in turn lead to maladaptive coping strategies, such as NSSI. The current program of research sought to contribute to the current literature concerning the developmental trajectory of NSSI. This was done through an examination of the first episode of NSSI and first episode variables related to continued NSSI behaviour, as well as potential familial risk factors for NSSI age of onset. These research areas are addressed through two manuscripts that include community samples of young adult males and females who reported having engaged in NSSI. Manuscript 1 (N = 108; 29 male, 79 female) included an exploration of the context of the first episode of NSSI, followed by an examination of age of onset, affect, and disclosure at the first episode, in NSSI continuation. Descriptive results indicated a mean age at first episode of 14.8 years, and a majority response for participants' home as the location of the first episode, with most indicating It just came to me, for the origin of the idea to engage in NSSI. Among the sample, most participants reportedly engaged in NSSI again within one month (52.9 %), and 30.8% told someone after the first episode. A younger age of onset and an increase in positive affect after the first episode were associated with a greater likelihood of future engagement in the behaviour. Disclosure following the first episode was associated with a decreased likelihood of succeeding episodes.Manuscript 2 (N = 106; 27 male, 79 female) investigated potential familial risk factors for NSSI age of onset through analyses that served to distinguish three age of onset groups on indices of attachment (secure, avoidant, ambivalent) and childhood maltreatment (physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse). Those with an age of onset of 12 years and under were significantly more likely to report an avoidant attachment with the primary caregiver and emotional abuse, in comparison to the 13-17 year and 18-25 year NSSI onset groups. In sum, the current program of research provides a context for NSSI initiation and reveals the role of onset variables in continued engagement in NSSI. Additionally, it identifies potential risk factors for NSSI age of onset. This serves to inform the developmental NSSI literature based on preliminary data that links age of onset to a more severe trajectory of the behaviour.L'automutilation non-suicidaire (AMNS) est l'acte de s'infliger des dommages directes et délibérées aux tissus du corps, effectuée sans intention suicidaire consciente et à des fins non sanctionné par la société. Les initiatives de recherche récentes incluent des efforts visant à acquérir une meilleure compréhension de l'évolution de l'AMNS, incluant l'apparition du comportement, la durée, et la gravité. Ces enquêtes mettent à jour les risques et facteurs protecteurs de l'AMNS. Bien que les risques augmentent la probabilité de résultats négatifs, les facteurs protecteurs favorisent l'adaptation positive et la résilience. L'apparition initiale de l'AMNS n'a toujours pas été examinée, mais les variables principaux qui informent les trajectoires d'autres comportements ont été identifiés. Un de ces facteurs est l'âge du sujet au moment du premier épisode. L'âge a déjà été associée à la fréquence et à la gravité de l'AMNS, mais les facteurs qui peuvent influencer l'âge d'apparition n'ont pas été examiné jusqu'à présent. Le rôle de l'environnement familial est bien documenté comme un facteur de risque de comportement l'AMNS. Les milieux d'accueil invalidant pourraient être à la base de faiblesses dans les relations interpersonnelles et de difficultés à maitriser les émotions, qui pourrait à leurs tours conduire à des stratégies de fonctionnement inadaptées, tel l'AMNS. Le programme de recherche ci-présent a cherché à contribuer à la littérature existante concernant la trajectoire de développement de l'AMNS. Cela a été accompli en examinant le premier épisode de l'AMNS, les variables liées à l'AMNS persistante, et aux risques familiaux affectant l'âge d'apparition de l'AMNS. Ces domaines de recherche sont présentés dans deux manuscrits, examinant des échantillons communautaires de jeunes hommes et femmes qui ont déclaré avoir prit part à l'AMNS. Le premier manuscrit (N = 108; 29 hommes, 79 femmes) comprenait une exploration du contexte du premier épisode de NSSI, suivi d'un examen du rôle de l'âge d'apparition, de l'émotion, et de la communication lors du premier épisode de l'AMNS persistante. Les résultats ont indique que l'âge moyen du premier épisode était de 14,8 ans, que la maison était l'emplacement principale du premier épisode, et que la source première de l'AMNS était que l'idée leurs « est venu spontanément ». Dans cet échantillon, la plupart des participants auraient répété l'AMNS à nouveau dans un délai de moins d'un mois (52,9%), et 30,8% en ont parlé à quelqu'un après le premier épisode. Un âge d'AMNS plus jeune, et une augmentation d'émotions positives après le premier épisode sont associés à une probabilité supérieur de répéter le comportement dans le futur. La divulgation après le premier épisode est associée à une diminution de la probabilité d'épisodes futurs. Le deuxième manuscrit (N = 106; 27 hommes, 79 femmes) a étudié le rôle des facteurs de risque familial sur l'âge d'apparition de l'AMNS. Des analyses qui ont servi à distinguer trois groupes d'âge d'apparition sur des indices d'attachement (sécure, évitant, ambivalent) et de traitement abusif des enfants (abus physique, négligence physique, violence psychologique, négligence affective, abus sexuel). Les résultats indiquent que ceux ayant un âge d'apparition de 12 ans et moins étaient beaucoup plus susceptibles d'indiquer avoir un attachement évitant avec leur parent responsable, et d'avoir été victime de violence psychologique, par rapport à ceux ayant un âge d'apparition de 13-17 et de 18-25 ans.En sommaire, ce programme de recherche fournit un contexte pour l'initiation de l'AMNS, et révèle le rôle de l'apparition dans un engagement continu de l'AMNS. De plus, il identifie les facteurs de risque contribuant à l'âge d'apparition de l'AMNS. Ce programme contribue à la littérature sur le développement de l'AMNS, grâce a des résultats préliminaires liant l'âge de début à une trajectoire plus sévère du comportement

Colonization of constructed ponds by crustacean zooplankton: local and regional influences

We examined monthly changes in crustacean zooplankton community composition during the initial colonisation period of a newly constructed pond (LWL pond), and in the littoral zone of an adjacent lake (Ramsey lake). In addition, four unconnected constructed ponds aged ≥20 years with established zooplankton communities were sampled and compared to the LWL pond. The species richness of both LWL pond and Ramsey lake increased over the ice-free season, although Ramsey lake always had more species. Almost half of all species sampled occurred in both pond and lake. None of the zooplankton communities in the ponds used in the spatial analysis resembled communities of the LWL pond or one another. Taken together, these results indicate a lack of dispersal limitation, which suggests that differing local habitat factors had a strong influence in structuring the zooplankton communities.</p

Complement Activation During Long-Term Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonates

(J Extra-Corpor. Technol. 20[1] pp. 19–23, 32 references, Spring 1988) Complement activation is known to occur in procedures where blood comes into contact with non-biological surfaces. We followed complement activation in 5 infants undergoing long term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Duration of ECMO varied from 121 hours to 309 hours. Changes in plasma C3a, C4a, C5a, and serum CH50 levels where measured before, during, and after ECMO. Upon initiation of ECMO, plasma C3a levels increased significantly during the first 2 hours. This was followed by a steady decline to pre-ECMO levels within 24 hours. Serum whole complement, measured by CH50 units, dropped markedly by 10 minutes after initiation of ECMO, returning to pre-ECMO levels in 24 hours. Plasma levels of C5a (a factor with high affinity for neutrophils) did not change significantly; nor did plasma C4a (a factor produced via activation of the classical pathway) show significant changes. Chest X-ray images uniformly demonstrated the onset of dense pulmonary opacification during the first 24 hours of ECMO treatment. This condition slowly cleared and appeared normal at termination of ECMO. We conclude that current ECMO circuitry mediates complement activation in neonates, probably via the alternate pathway. Activation is primarily limited to the first hours of ECMO and is no longer evident after 24 hours

Do beluga whales truly migrate? Testing a key trait of the classical migration syndrome

Abstract Background Migration enables organisms to access resources in separate regions that have predictable but asynchronous spatiotemporal variability in habitat quality. The classical migration syndrome is defined by key traits including directionally persistent long-distance movements during which maintenance activities are suppressed. But recently, seasonal round-trip movements have frequently been considered to constitute migration irrespective of the traits required to meet this movement type, conflating common outcomes with common traits required for a mechanistic understanding of long-distance movements. We aimed to test whether a cetacean ceases foraging during so-called migratory movements, conforming to a trait that defines classical migration. Methods We used location and dive data collected by satellite tags deployed on beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Eastern Beaufort Sea population, which undertake long-distance directed movements between summer and winter areas. To identify phases of directionally persistent travel, behavioural states (area-restricted search, ARS; or Transit) were decoded using a hidden-Markov model, based on step length and turning angle. Established dive profiles were then used as a proxy for foraging, to test the hypothesis that belugas cease foraging during these long-distance transiting movements, i.e., they suppress maintenance activities. Results Belugas principally made directed horizontal movements when moving between summer and winter residency areas, remaining in a Transit state for an average of 75.4% (range = 58.5–87.2%) of the time. All individuals, however, exhibited persistent foraging during Transit movements (75.8% of hours decoded as the Transit state had ≥ 1 foraging dive). These data indicate that belugas actively search for and/or respond to resources during these long-distance movements that are typically called a migration. Conclusions The long-distance movements of belugas do not conform to the traits defining the classical migration syndrome, but instead have characteristics of both migratory and nomadic behaviour, which may prove adaptive in the face of unpredictable environmental change. Such patterns are likely present in other cetaceans that have been labeled as migratory. Examination of not only horizontal movement state, but also the vertical behaviour of aquatic animals during directed movements is essential for identifying whether a species exhibits traits of the classical migration syndrome or another long-distance movement strategy, enabling improved ecological inference

Understanding discharge communication behaviours in a pediatric emergency care context: a mixed methods observation study protocol

Abstract Background One of the most important transitions in the continuum of care for children is discharge to home. Optimal discharge communication between healthcare providers and caregivers (e.g., parents or other guardians) who present to the emergency department (ED) with their children is not well understood. The lack of policies and considerable variation in practice regarding discharge communication in pediatric EDs pose a quality and safety risk for children and their parents. Methods The aim of this mixed methods study is to better understand the process and structure of discharge communication in a pediatric ED context to contribute to the design and development of discharge communication interventions. We will use surveys, administrative data and real-time video observation to characterize discharge communication for six common illness presentations in a pediatric ED: (1) asthma, (2) bronchiolitis, (3) abdominal pain, (4) fever, (5) diarrhea and vomiting, and (6) minor head injury. Participants will be recruited from one of two urban pediatric EDs in Canada. Video recordings will be analyzed using Observer XT. We will use logistic regression to identify potential demographic and visit characteristic cofounders and multivariate logistic regression to examine association between verbal and non-verbal behaviours and parent recall and comprehension. Discussion Video recording of discharge communication will provide an opportunity to capture important data such as temporality, sequence and non-verbal behaviours that might influence the communication process. Given the importance of better characterizing discharge communication to identify potential barriers and enablers, we anticipate that the findings from this study will contribute to the development of more effective discharge communication policies and interventions