Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Conrad D. Wilson, Chris F. Mansky, Jason S. Anderson
Summary: A recent discovery of a platysomid occurrence in the Tournaisian of Nova Scotia, Canada represents the earliest known deep-bodied actinopterygian fish, indicating postcranial differentiation of actinopterygians already in the earliest Carboniferous aftermath of the Hangenberg extinction. Furthermore, this specimen suggests that early Carboniferous actinopterygians may have used multiple locomotory modes, with later Carboniferous data showing a proliferation of locomotory modes throughout the Carboniferous era. These findings suggest that early Carboniferous actinopterygians were morphologically, ecologically, and functionally diverse.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amanda Kuepfer, Richard B. Sherley, Paul Brickle, Alexander Arkhipkin, Stephen C. Votier
Summary: Incidental mortality in trawl fisheries poses a serious threat to seabird sustainability. Strategic batch discarding is an effective mitigation measure to limit discard discharge, but supporting studies are rare. This study validates the efficacy of batch discarding as a mitigation measure in the Falkland Islands trawl fleet and highlights the importance of complete waste storage.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan F. Masello, Peter G. Ryan, Lara D. Shepherd, Petra Quillfeldt, Yves Cherel, Alan J. D. Tennyson, Rachael Alderman, Luciano Calderon, Theresa L. Cole, Richard J. Cuthbert, Ben J. Dilley, Melanie Massaro, Colin M. Miskelly, Joan Navarro, Richard A. Phillips, Henri Weimerskirch, Yoshan Moodley
Summary: Interspecific introgression and homoploid hybrid speciation have led to different populations of Pachyptila petrels evolving with varying bill sizes. The medium-billed prions may have originated from common ancestry or through independent convergent evolution. The newly discovered population of MacGillivray's prion on Gough Island represents a conservation priority due to the small relict population in the Indian Ocean.
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura V. Minard, Judith Fisher, Larry Broadfield, Gordon Walsh, Ingrid Sketris
Summary: This study examined the use of opioid analgesics in end-of-life cancer patients and identified factors, trends, and patterns associated with the type and dose of opioids dispensed. The results showed that there may have been under-prescribing of opioid medications for some end-of-life cancer patients during the study period. This information can be used to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to improve pain management for end-of-life cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Elizabeth Atchoi, Mindaugas Mitkus, Pranciskus Vitta, Biana Machado, Margarida Rocha, Manuela Juliano, Joel Bried, Airam Rodriguez
Summary: Light pollution has a critical impact on fledglings of burrow-nesting seabirds, resulting in massive mortality. The development of the visual system may determine the vulnerability of seabirds to light pollution. In this study, we investigated how Cory's shearwater chicks respond to different artificial light stimuli and found that repetitive exposure to light increased the number of reactions and chicks displayed light avoidance behavior. The age of the chicks did not affect their responses. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating lighting schemes and understanding the consequences of light pollution on seabird populations.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Pierre-Yves Daoust, Sarah Wong, Erika Holland, Zoe N. Lucas
Summary: Marine birds are frequently found dead on beaches, with most of the carcasses being immature. The study revealed that the primary cause of death for the majority of these birds was emaciation, with notable exceptions such as mycobacteriosis and neoplasia in Northern Fulmars and transmural parasitic proventriculitis in Great Shearwaters.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessie A. McIntyre, Nelson J. O'Driscoll, Ian Spooner, Gregory J. Robertson, John P. Smol, Mark L. Mallory
Summary: Seabirds, especially those scavenging on anthropogenic wastes, play a significant role in the transport of contaminants such as mercury from marine to terrestrial environments. This study found that herring gull breeding colonies in southern Nova Scotia showed higher levels of total mercury in soils compared to nearby reference soils without nesting gulls. The presence of other nesting seabird species, particularly Leach's storm-petrels, likely influenced the levels of total mercury in soils. This research suggests that gulls scavenging on anthropogenic wastes may contribute to the spread of contaminants from industrial sites to their colonies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Airam Rodriguez, Elizabeth Atchoi, Beneharo Rodriguez, Tania Pipa, Matthieu Le Corre, David G. Ainley
Summary: Rescue programs have found that fewer seabird fledglings are grounded during full moon nights. Two hypotheses have been proposed: reduced attraction and disorientation due to light pollution, and reduced fledging activity during moonlit nights. Evidence suggests that the first hypothesis is supported while the second is not. More fledglings are able to safely reach the sea during full moon nights, indicating a decrease in the severity of light pollution on seabirds.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kimberley A. Taylor, David Risk, James P. Williams, Grant D. Wach, Owen A. Sherwood
Summary: This study investigated the presence of methane in groundwater in the Stellarton Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada, finding that the majority of methane is of microbial origin, with some trace thermogenic gas likely originating from coal mines in the area. The data obtained in this study may be used as baseline information for future coal-bed methane operations in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Myriam Mora, Tony R. Walker, Rob Willis
Summary: Small craft harbours play a vital role in the fishing industry and have significant socioeconomic and cultural importance for surrounding communities. Potential contaminants in harbour sediments can have adverse impacts on marine life, fishing activities, and the local economy. A risk assessment of different classes of contaminants in 31 small craft harbours in Nova Scotia, Canada, found most harbours to have low ecological risk, with only a few showing high risk. Monitoring is recommended to ensure pollution levels do not increase and to identify and control contamination sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristin A. Hart, Gavin W. Kennedy, Shannon M. Sterling
Summary: Increased rates of acid deposition from fossil fuel burning have led to acidification and elevated aluminum levels in freshwaters and soils. This study investigates the distribution of aluminum in groundwater in Nova Scotia, Canada, finding the highest concentrations in areas underlain by specific rock types. Despite few samples exceeding accepted levels, challenges in aluminum treatment in private wells and potential impacts on human health and aquatic life require further attention.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kayla M. Hamelin, M. Aaron MacNeil, Kaitlyn Curran, Megan Bailey
Summary: This article assesses the human dimensions of the recreational mackerel fishery, exploring the operational dimensions and benefits derived from recreational fishing. The results provide insights into the stakeholder community, with many respondents sharing comments and suggestions regarding stock management.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nathalie Saint-Jacques, Patrick E. Brown, Judy Purcell, Daniel G. Rainham, Mikiko Terashima, Trevor J. B. Dummer
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, and its burden is increasing. Prevention is a cost-effective and sustainable approach for global cancer control. Understanding the geographic context and the interaction of community and individual level risk factors is crucial for effective cancer prevention.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victoria Marja Sofia Ollus, Martin Biuw, Andrew Lowther, Per Fauchald, John Elling Deehr Johannessen, Lucia Martina Martin Lopez, Kalliopi C. Gkikopoulou, W. Chris Oosthuizen, Ulf Lindstrom
Summary: This study explores the relationship between seabird distribution and habitat characteristics using cruise vessels as sampling platforms. The findings show significant differences in species assemblages between oceanographic areas, with sea surface temperature and distance to coast being the most important predictors of seabird distribution. The study also reveals a geographic separation of distinct communities rather than hotspot regions in the study area in summer.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Francisco Diez-Zamudio, Rodrigo Laytte, Cecilia Grallert, Nedret Neslihan Ivit, Gaston Gutierrez-Gamboa
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the viticultural behavior of two CIHG and three V. vinifera varieties in the Annapolis Valley over three consecutive seasons. The coldest season in 2019 caused a delay in grapevine phenology of at least 18 days for budburst compared to the warmer seasons in 2017 and 2018. L'Acadie showed promising adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Annapolis Valley.
Article
Ecology
Ingrid L. Pollet, Marty L. Leonard, Nelson J. O'Driscoll, Neil M. Burgess, Dave Shutler
Article
Ornithology
Luke R. Halpin, Ingrid L. Pollet, Christopher Lee, Ken H. Morgan, Harry R. Carter
JOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
April Hedd, Ingrid L. Pollet, Robert A. Mauck, Chantelle M. Burke, Mark L. Mallory, Laura A. McFariane Tranquilla, William A. Montevecchi, Gregory J. Robertson, Robert A. Ronconi, Dave Shutler, Sabina I. Wilhelm, Neil M. Burgess
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Julia Loshchagina, Sandra Vardeh, Petr Glazov, Ingrid L. Pollet, Petra Quillfeldt
Article
Ecology
Thiemo Karwinkel, Ingrid L. Pollet, Sandra Vardeh, Helmut Kruckenberg, Peter Glazov, Julia Loshchagina, Alexander Kondratyev, Benjamin Merkel, Jochen Bellebaum, Petra Quillfeldt
Article
Ornithology
Ingrid L. Pollet, Alexander L. Bond
Summary: People with color vision deficiency are an invisible minority, and efforts should be made to be inclusive in scientific research. A study found that while most color images are color-blind compatible, only around 60% are print-friendly in black-and-white, highlighting the importance of ensuring accessibility for readers with color blindness.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Emma Vaasjo, Sandra R. Black, Adriana Pastor, Douglas P. Whiteside
Summary: The study vaccinated a population of greater sage-grouse against WNV, finding that juveniles and most adults had no detectable antibody response. Despite this, there were no WNV-related deaths in the population during the conservation program, suggesting that cell-mediated immunity may play a more important role in protecting against WNV infections in this species.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Emma Vaasjo, Guy Beauchamp, Marion Desmarchelier
Summary: This study examines the health status of wild bald eagles in Eastern Canada, focusing on biochemistry reference intervals, hematological parameters, and background lead accumulation. The findings reveal the presence of lead accumulation in some nestling eagles, with a decrease in the odds of lead accumulation as weight and body condition score increase. These results provide valuable insights for further research and clinical cases, as well as the study of subclinical lead accumulation in growing raptors.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Robert A. Mauck, Isabeau Pratte, April Hedd, Ingrid L. Pollet, Patricia L. Jones, William A. Montevecchi, Robert A. Ronconi, Carina Gjerdrum, Sarah Adrianowyscz, Colin McMahon, Haley Acker, Liam U. Taylor, Jennifer McMahon, Donald C. Dearborn, Gregory J. Robertson, Laura A. McFarlane Tranquilla
Summary: A study found that there are differences in foraging behavior between female and male Leach's Storm Petrels during the incubation period. Females traveled greater distances and went farther from the breeding colony compared to males. Regardless of gender, the longer the foraging trip, the greater the distance. Independent of trip duration, females traveled farther and spent more time prospecting widely. These differences do not seem to be related to morphological differences or spatial segregation.
Book Review
Ornithology
Ingrid L. Pollet
ORNITHOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Rielle Hoeg, Dave Shutler, Ingrid L. Pollet
Summary: Seabird populations are declining globally, with predation being a major threat. A study in two Nova Scotian LHSP breeding colonies found more predation events on Bon Portage Island (BP) where no predator management is in place, compared to Country Island (CI) where management is used.
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Ingrid L. Pellet, Dave Shutter
WILSON JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ingrid L. Pollet, Robert A. Ronconi, Marty L. Leonard, Dave Shutler
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2019)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Airam Rodriguez, Jose M. Arcos, Vincent Bretagnolle, Maria P. Dias, Nick D. Holmes, Maite Louzao, Jennifer Provencher, Andre F. Raine, Francisco Ramirez, Beneharo Rodriguez, Robert A. Ronconi, Rebecca S. Taylor, Elsa Bonnaud, Stephanie B. Borrelle, Veronica Cortes, Sebastien Descamps, Vicki L. Friesen, Meritxell Genoyart, April Hedd, Peter Hodum, Grant R. W. Humphries, Matthieu Le Corre, Camille Lebarbenchon, Rob Martin, Edward F. Melvin, William A. Monteyecchi, Patrick Pinet, Ingrid L. Pollet, Raul Ramos, James C. Russell, Peter G. Ryan, Ana Sanz-Aguilar, Dena R. Spatz, Marc Travers, Stephen C. Votier, Ross M. Wanless, Eric Woehler, Andre Chiaradia
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Environmental Studies
Steffen Oppel, Mark Bolton, Ana P. B. Carneiro, Maria P. Dias, Jonathan A. Green, Juan F. Masello, Richard A. Phillips, Ellie Owen, Petra Quillfeldt, Annalea Beard, Sophie Bertrand, Jez Blackburn, P. Dee Boersma, Alder Borges, Annette C. Broderick, Paulo Catry, Ian Cleasby, Elizabeth Clingham, Jeroen Creuwels, Sarah Crofts, Richard J. Cuthbert, Hanneke Dallmeijer, Delia Davies, Rachel Davies, Ben J. Dilley, Herculano Andrade Dinis, Justine Dossa, Michael J. Dunn, Marcio A. Efe, Annette L. Fayet, Leila Figueiredo, Adelcides Pereira Frederico, Carina Gjerdrum, Brendan J. Godley, Jose Pedro Granadeiro, Tim Guilford, Keith C. Hamer, Carolina Hazin, April Hedd, Leeann Henry, Marcos Hernandez-Montero, Jefferson Hinke, Nobuo Kokubun, Eliza Leat, Laura McFarlane Tranquilla, Benjamin Metzger, Teresa Militao, Gilson Montrond, Wim Mullie, Oliver Padget, Elizabeth J. Pearmain, Ingrid L. Pollet, Klemens Putz, Flavio Quintana, Norman Ratcliffe, Robert A. Ronconi, Peter G. Ryan, Sarah Saldanha, Akiko Shoji, Jolene Sim, Cleo Small, Louise Soanes, Akinori Takahashi, Phil Trathan, Wayne Trivelpiece, Jan Veen, Ewan Wakefield, Nicola Weber, Sam Weber, Laura Zango, Francis Daunt, Motohiro Ito, Michael P. Harris, Mark A. Newell, Sarah Wanless, Jacob Gonzalez-Solis, John Croxall