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Ecosystems around the globe are enduring wildfires with greater frequency, intensity, and severity and this trend is projected to continue as a result of climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been proposed as a strategy to prevent wildfires and mitigate climate change impacts; however, it remains poorly understood as a strategy to prevent wildfires. Therefore, the authors propose a multimethod approach that combines mapping of wildfire susceptibility and social surveys to identify priority areas, main factors influencing the adoption of CSA practices, barriers to their implementation, and the best CSA practices that can be implemented to mitigate wildfires in Belize's Maya Golden Landscape (MGL). Farmers ranked slash and mulch, crop diversification, and agroforestry as the main CSA practices that can be implemented to address wildfires caused by agriculture in the MGL. In order to reduce wildfire risk, these practices should, be implemented in agricultural areas near wildlands with high wildfire susceptibility and during the fire season (February-May), in the case of slash and mulch. However, socio-demographic and economic characteristics, together with a lack of training and extension services support, inadequate consultation by agencies, and limited financial resources, hinder the broader adoption of CSA practices in the MGL. Our research produced actionable and valuable information that can be used to design policies and programs to mitigate the impacts of climate change and wildfire risk in the MGL. This approach can also be used in other regions where wildfires are caused by agricultural practices to identify priority areas, barriers and suitable CSA practices that can be implemented to mitigate wildfires.

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BACKGROUND: The prevalence of COVID-19 has a social and economic impact on people, leaving them distressed and fearful of getting infected. OBJECTIVE: To determine the variables attributable to the fear of contracting COVID-19. DESIGN: This is a quantitative study based on an online cross-sectional self-administered survey in Chile between 10 July 2020 and 10 August 2020. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 531, comprising over 18-year-old participants from middle- and high-income levels, was selected. OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimations were obtained using a probit regression model with marginal effects. RESULTS: Fear prevailed mainly in women. It has a positive relationship with variables such as chronic illnesses, infectious family or relatives, reduction in economic activity and perception of bad government response to a pandemic. Fear has a negative relationship with knowledge about COVID-19, education level and ageing. Moreover, those who consider socioeconomic impact less important than health care do not fear a COVID-19 infection. DISCUSSIONAND CONCLUSION: The socioeconomic and health aspects help predict fears. Thus, the government should prioritize these variables in implementing policies. The government's credibility and communication systems can also reduce fears of contracting COVID-19. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A pilot focus group of COVID-19-recuperated individuals and some members of our interest groups were consulted in the design stage of the study; this helped in constructing the survey questions. Additionally, three independent individuals volunteered to read and comment on the draft manuscript.

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This study evaluates the acute and chronic toxicological effects of six fluoroquinolones on the mortality and growth of Daphnia magna. The NOECs calculated with the multivariate Probit regression model for the chronic study were 56 µg/L ciprofloxacin, 63 µg/L enrofloxacin, 78 µg/L levofloxacin, 85 µg/L marbofloxacin, 69 µg/L norfloxacin, and 141 µg/L ofloxacin. The risk quotients were determined using the measure environmental concentrations reported in water sources from different countries. The risks were low and moderate in water samples from rivers and lakes, although concentrations of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin reported in some countries can cause toxicological damage to D. magna. In addition, urban wastewater and hospital wastewater samples constitute a threat to D. magna (high and moderate risks), requiring the treatment of these wastewater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The NOECs calculated with the multivariate Probit model for the six fluoroquinolonas are between 56 µg/L ciprofloxacin and 141 µg/L ofloxacin. The levels of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin in urban wastewater and hospital wastewater produce moderate and high risks for D. magna. Water and river samples from some countries containing ciprofloxacin, norlfoxacin, and ofloxacin present high risks for D. magna.

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Rural households in South Asia's coastal deltas face numerous livelihood challenges, including risks posed by climatic variability and extreme weather events. This study examines major climate risks, farmers' adaptation strategies, and the factors affecting the choice of those strategies using data collected from 630 households in southwestern coastal Bangladesh. Farmers identified cyclones, excessive rain and flooding, and salinity as direct climate risks. Increased crop diseases/pests and livestock diseases were perceived as indirect risks resulting from climatic variability. Farmers used multiple adaptation strategies against those risks such as modifications in farm management, use of savings and borrowing funds from family and neighbors, and periodically reducing household food consumption. Off-farm employment and seeking assistance from governmental as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also common adaptation strategies. The results show that male-headed households are more likely to change farming practices and reduce consumption compared with female-headed households that conversely tended to take assistance from NGOs as an adaptation strategy. Ownership of land and livestock, as well as farmers' prior exposure to climate change and educational training, also had a significant effect on the choice of adaptation strategy. Therefore, development interventions and policies that aimed at improving resource endowment and training to farmers on climatic risks and their adaptation strategies can help minimize the impact of climatic risks.

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Due to the high risk associated with fishing, access to credit becomes very difficult for fishermen. The study was conducted to investigate the determinants of credit constraint on artisanal fishermen with survey data collected from artisanal fishermen in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive and IV-Probit model. Most of the fishermen were in their youthful stage. From the study, while boat ownership and off-fishing activity reduce the probability being credit constrained, complex procedure, and disbursement time lag increase fishermen probability of being credit constrained. The findings of the study also indicated that there is a significant difference between constrained and unconstrained fishermen fishing activity and financial status. Therefore, fishermen in need of additional credit should be catered for to increase their production, hence, livelihood.(AU)

Due to the high risk associated with fishing, access to credit becomes very difficult for fishermen. The study was conducted to investigate the determinants of credit constraint on artisanal fishermen with survey data collected from artisanal fishermen in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive and IV-Probit model. Most of the fishermen were in their youthful stage. From the study, while boat ownership and off-fishing activity reduce the probability being credit constrained, complex procedure, and disbursement time lag increase fishermen probability of being credit constrained. The findings of the study also indicated that there is a significant difference between constrained and unconstrained fishermen fishing activity and financial status. Therefore, fishermen in need of additional credit should be catered for to increase their production, hence, livelihood.(AU)

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This study proposes a pro-active approach for evaluations of methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in situ bioaccumulation in fish (Atherinella brasiliensis) muscles, using specimens from the external sector of Guanabara Bay as a study case. This approach included an hierarchical sequence: analysis of the pollutants concentrations and their comparison to safety criteria; correlations between specimens concentrations vs length (as a proxy of exposure time); projections of concentrations in key lengths (sexual maturation, asymptotic, length limits for fishing and median of fish population) through polynomial regressions, dose-response analysis (Probit), decreasing curves and incorporation rates (using only three length intervals). The incorporation rates were ascending for MeHg and THg (continued bioaccumulation) and descending for As, Pb and Cd (possible biological dilution). The projections were satisfactory, evidencing their use for an improvement on the risks monitoring of fishing and fish consumption by humans in coastal environments.

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ABSTRACT: Due to the high risk associated with fishing, access to credit becomes very difficult for fishermen. The study was conducted to investigate the determinants of credit constraint on artisanal fishermen with survey data collected from artisanal fishermen in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive and IV-Probit model. Most of the fishermen were in their youthful stage. From the study, while boat ownership and off-fishing activity reduce the probability being credit constrained, complex procedure, and disbursement time lag increase fishermen probability of being credit constrained. The findings of the study also indicated that there is a significant difference between constrained and unconstrained fishermen fishing activity and financial status. Therefore, fishermen in need of additional credit should be catered for to increase their production, hence, livelihood.

RESUMO: Devido ao alto risco associado à pesca, o acesso ao crédito se torna muito difícil para os pescadores. O estudo foi conduzido para investigar os determinantes da restrição de crédito em pescadores artesanais com dados de pesquisa coletados nas regiões oeste e central de Gana. Um procedimento de amostragem em vários estágios foi usado para selecionar os entrevistados para o estudo. Os dados coletados foram analisados com o auxílio do modelo descritivo e IV-Probit. A maioria dos pescadores estava em sua fase juvenil. A partir do estudo, enquanto a propriedade do barco e a atividade fora da pesca reduzem a probabilidade de restrição de crédito, procedimentos complexos e atraso no desembolso aumentam a probabilidade dos pescadores sofrerem restrição de crédito. Os resultados do estudo também indicaram que há uma diferença significativa entre a atividade pesqueira e a situação financeira dos pescadores com e sem restrição. Portanto, os pescadores que precisam de crédito adicional devem ser atendidos para aumentar sua produção e, portanto, meios de subsistência.

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The objectives of this study were to assess visitors attitudes, if visitors would be willing to pay to enter Lake Karagol, and what factors affect their decision to pay. The contingent valuation method was used to estimate the economic value of the lake by assessing willingness to pay (WTP). Double dichotomous questions were used in the survey. Respondents were first asked whether or not they would be willing to pay the starting bid. They could either answer in the affirmative (that is, accepted bid) or in the negative (that is, reject the starting bid). The average WTP for an entrance fee was found to be about USD 0.22 for all observations when zero bids were included, and about USD 4.40 when zero bids were excluded. Result of the probit model showed that respondents with a higher income, respondents who were young, and the working status of the respondents had significant impacts on the probability of the WTP.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as atitudes dos visitantes e se eles estavam dispostos a pagar entrada no Lago Karago e quais eram os fatores que afetavam a sua decisão. O método de avaliação contingente foi usado para estimar o valor econômico do Lago usando a decisão dos visitantes de estarem dispostos a pagar entrada. Perguntas duplamente dicotômicas foram usadas no questionário. Os inquiridos foram questionados primeiro se estariam dispostos a pagar um valor inicial. Eles poderiam responder afirmativamente (aceitavam o valor) ou negativamente (rejeitavam o valor). O valor médio (vontade de pagar) de uma entrada foi de 0.22 dólares estadunidenses para todas as respostas, incluindo o mínimo de 0 e de 4.40 dólares estadunidenses excluindo o mínimo de 0. O resultado do modelo de lucro mostrou que os inquiridos com maior valor salarial e mais jovens com estatuto de trabalhadores tinham mais impacto na probabilidade de vontade de pagar.(AU)

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ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to assess visitors' attitudes, if visitors would be willing to pay to enter Lake Karagol, and what factors affect their decision to pay. The contingent valuation method was used to estimate the economic value of the lake by assessing willingness to pay (WTP). Double dichotomous questions were used in the survey. Respondents were first asked whether or not they would be willing to pay the starting bid. They could either answer in the affirmative (that is, accepted bid) or in the negative (that is, reject the starting bid). The average WTP for an entrance fee was found to be about USD 0.22 for all observations when zero bids were included, and about USD 4.40 when zero bids were excluded. Result of the probit model showed that respondents with a higher income, respondents who were young, and the working status of the respondents had significant impacts on the probability of the WTP.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as atitudes dos visitantes e se eles estavam dispostos a pagar entrada no Lago Karago e quais eram os fatores que afetavam a sua decisão. O método de avaliação contingente foi usado para estimar o valor econômico do Lago usando a decisão dos visitantes de estarem dispostos a pagar entrada. Perguntas duplamente dicotômicas foram usadas no questionário. Os inquiridos foram questionados primeiro se estariam dispostos a pagar um valor inicial. Eles poderiam responder afirmativamente (aceitavam o valor) ou negativamente (rejeitavam o valor). O valor médio (vontade de pagar) de uma entrada foi de 0.22 dólares estadunidenses para todas as respostas, incluindo o mínimo de 0 e de 4.40 dólares estadunidenses excluindo o mínimo de 0. O resultado do modelo de lucro mostrou que os inquiridos com maior valor salarial e mais jovens com estatuto de trabalhadores tinham mais impacto na probabilidade de vontade de pagar.

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OBJETIVO: analizar los factores que inciden en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos de la población adolescente y adulta joven de Costa Rica (entre 15 y 35 años de edad).MÉTODOS: Por medio de los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Juventud 2007 y la metodología basada en el Modelo Probit binario con corrección de sesgos de selección mediante Heckman, se modela la decisión de uso de anticonceptivos con base en diferentes características personales y socioeconómicas.RESULTADOS:se muestra que la edad de la persona y la de la pareja, la estabilidad de la relación y pertenecer a la zona urbana son factores que disminuyen la probabilidad de uso de anticonceptivos. Por otro lado, ser mujer, tener educación universitaria, haber recibido información sobre anticonceptivos e infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), la frecuencia de las relaciones y contar con una relación familiar de apoyo son factores que incrementan la posibilidad de protección mediante el uso de métodos anticonceptivos.CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados pueden ayudar en el diseño de políticas para prevenir el embarazo adolescente y la transmisión de ITS. Además, se resalta la importancia de brindar educación sexual tanto a los jóvenes como a sus familias más allá de incentivar la abstinencia, de manera que se motive a tener una vida sexual responsable.

OBJECTIVE:to analyze the factors that affect use and nonuse of contraception in adolescent and young adults in Costa Rica (between ages 15 - 35).METHODS:The influence of personal and socioeconomic characteristics in the decision of the use of contraception can be observed through data collected in the survey National Youth Survey 2007 (Encuesta Nacional de Juventud 2007) and the methodology based on the binary Probit Model with selection bias correction through Heckman.RESULTS:it is showed that the age of both the person and the partner, the stability of the relationship, and residency in urban areas are factors related to lower probability of contraception use. On the other hand, being female, having university education, access to information about birth control and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), frequency in sexual intercourse, and good supportive family relationships are factors related to higher probability of contraception use.CONCLUSIONS:This results could work as a guide to design public policies to prevent teenage pregnancies and STDs. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the significance of sex education for teenagers and their families. This way, education could go beyond encouraging abstinence; it could motivate a responsible sexual life.

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In order to identify variables which have an influence on satisfaction with food-related life among mapuches a survey was applied to 400 mapuche subjects in the Araucanía Region. The questionnaire included the SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life) scale. It was found that 39.5% were satisfied and 332% extremely satisfied with their food-related life. A multinomial probit model was proposed in which the dependent variable was food-satisfaction, which resulted significant (p<0.01) overall. The probability of high food-related satisfaction increases as fewer people live in the subject's household, more is spent on food, children express their opinion aboutfoodstuffs, he/she consumes "catutos" (a mapuche food), aged 55 or over, not widowed, performs regular exercise, tries not to eat industrialized foods, but does not try to eat foods without additives. Food-related satisfaction in mapuche persons in the Araucanía Region is related to demographic, feeding and life-style variables.

Con el objetivo de identificar variables que influyen en la satisfacción con la alimentación en personas mapuche, se aplicó una encuesta a 400 sujetos de esta etnia en la Región de La Araucanía. El cuestionario incluyó la escala SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life). Se obtuvo que el 39,5% está satisfecho y el 33,2% extremadamente satisfecho con su alimentación. Se planteó un modelo probit multinomial en que la variable dependiente fue la satisfacción con la alimentación, el cual resultó significativo (p<0,01) en su conjunto. La probabilidad de una alta satisfacción con la alimentación aumenta en la medida que en el hogar del individuo viven menos personas, se gasta más en alimentación, los niños opinan respecto a los alimentos, consume catutos, tiene 55 años de edad o más, no es viudo, realiza regularmente ejercicio, procura no comer alimentos industrializados, pero no procura comer alimentos sin aditivos. La satisfacción con la alimentación en mapuche de La Araucanía se relaciona con variables demográficas, alimentación y estilo de vida.

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