Iskanje po repozitoriju

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Povzetek: Human-carnivore conflict, particularly involving livestock depredation, remains a major threat to large carnivore conservation worldwide. To protect their livelihood, farmers often attempt to remove “problem” individuals that specialize in killing livestock, although empirical support for such specialized individuals is limited. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are widespread carnivores that are often involved in human-wildlife conflicts, but most studies have focused on protected areas, even though most of their range is unprotected. We tracked 29 leopards for an average of 422 days over ten years on freehold farmlands of central Namibia to investigate their foraging ecology. We investigated 455 clusters of GPS locations (which often indicate prey consumption), and found 375 identifiable prey remains from 20 species. Wild prey constituted 96.8% of identified kills, with gemsbok (Oryx gazelle), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) representing 77.3% of all identified prey. Livestock (cattle, Bos spp., and horses, Equus ferus) composed only 3.2% of the kills, with male leopards feeding on livestock three times more frequently than females. While approximately one-third of leopards consumed livestock at least once, no individual exhibited specialization for livestock, although individuals did exhibit specialization for some wild prey. Predation occurred primarily during crepuscular periods, but diel patterns in predation differed between the sexes. These findings challenge assumptions that livestock depredation is driven by habitual livestock-killing leopards and suggest that it may be mostly opportunistic. Our results underscore the value of maintaining wild prey populations and adopting non-lethal management practices to mitigate conflict and promote human-carnivore coexistence across unprotected areas.
Ključne besede: leopard, foraging ecology, human-wildlife conflict, livestock, unprotected areas, predation, specialization, Namibia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Ogledov: 57; Prenosov: 31
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Povzetek: Bisphenols (BPs) are industrial chemicals extensively used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins for everyday products, including food and beverage containers, toys, and thermal paper, representing major sources of human exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most prevalent; however, due to its endocrine-disrupting, reproductive, and genotoxic effects, it is classified as a substance of high concern by the European Chemicals Agency. Regulatory restrictions have prompted the use of structural analogues, including bisphenol AP (BPAP) and bisphenol C (BPC); however, emerging evidence suggests they may pose similar or greater health risks. Comprehensive data on their toxicity and human exposure, especially in mixtures, remain limited. This study assessed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of BPA, and less studied analogues BPAP, BPC, and their binary mixtures using a human-relevant 3D HepG2 spheroid model, representing an advanced in vitro system. Spheroids were exposed for 24 and 96 h, and effects were evaluated by ATP-based viability assays, comet assay, and targeted transcriptomics. None of the bisphenols induced significant cytotoxicity, although slight reductions in viability were observed for BPAP, BPC, and mixtures. DNA strand breaks were detected after exposure to BPA, BPC, and mixtures. Transcriptomic analysis revealed modest stress responses and strong upregulation of xenobiotic metabolism genes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, UGT1A1, NAT2), indicating cellular recognition of the tested bisphenols as bioactive xenobiotics. Antioxidant and DNA repair genes were largely unchanged, except for upregulation of oxidative stress markers HMOX1 and SRXN1 and a slight increase in OGG1, indicating oxidative DNA damage. Importantly, mixture effects were predominantly additive, with no evidence of synergistic interactions under the tested conditions. Overall, bisphenol exposure primarily triggered oxidative stress and metabolic responses rather than robust DNA damage signalling, suggesting that genotoxicity is largely mediated by reactive oxygen species. By integrating multiple endpoints in a 3D liver model, this study provides a more comprehensive assessment of bisphenol toxicity and highlights potential risks associated with BPA analogues and their mixtures, supporting the need for a comprehensive safety assessment to evaluate their suitability as replacements in consumer products.
Ključne besede: bisphenol, DNA damage, oxidative stress, complex mixtures, metabolism
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Ogledov: 21; Prenosov: 19
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Ključne besede: mikroplastika, organizmi, školjke, ribe, slovensko morje
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Ogledov: 18; Prenosov: 0

Ključne besede: upravljanje z vodami, biološki elementi kakovosti, stanje, morje, predpisi
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Ogledov: 30; Prenosov: 0
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Povzetek: The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) hosted a workshop on marine NonIndigenous Species (NIS) within the framework of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The workshop, which took place from 10 to 12 February 2026, gathered experts from Member States and representatives of marine Regional Sea Conventions to discuss progress on monitoring, measures, and targets related to NIS. Experts acknowledged that progress has been made, but that challenges still exist in calculating monitoring efforts, setting effective targets, and assessing the impact of NIS on marine biodiversity, highlighting the need for further action to protect Europe's marine ecosystems. Researchers noted that current efforts to monitor the spread of NIS in Europe's seas are insufficient to fully understand the harm they cause, and that more work is needed to develop a shared approach to study their impact on marine ecosystems. A consensus was achieved on the need to assess the effects of NIS, which is a complex task that requires more research and cooperation. To address this challenge, the JRC will continue to work with countries experts to develop new methods and strategies for monitoring and managing NIS, with the ultimate goal of protecting Europe's marine biodiversity.
Ključne besede: Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Descriptor 2, invasive species, workshop, monitoring
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.07.2026; Ogledov: 28; Prenosov: 0