Respiratory Intervals and Swimming Speed as Remotely Sensed Health Metrics in Free-Ranging Killer Whales (Orcinus orca).

Respiratory rate (mean number of breaths per minute) and respiratory interval (mean time between breaths) can offer insight into a diving mammal's activity state, metabolic rate, behavior, and synchronization due to social cohesion. Also, respiratory rate can reflect an individual animal's health and has the potential to be an informative remotely assessed health metric for monitoring individual animal health in endangered whale species and populations such as southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). Using data collected from noninvasive, land-based theodolite tracking, we analyzed swimming speed and surfacing intervals (i.

Noise from deep-sea mining may span vast ocean areas.

Potential harm is understudied and largely overlooked.

Measuring speed of vessels operating around endangered southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Salish Sea critical habitat.

Motorized vessels are a major source of anthropogenic noise and can have adverse effects on species relying on sound for communication and feeding. Monitoring noise levels received by endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKWs) requires knowing the number, distance, and speed of surrounding vessels, including small boats that do not have Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). A method for estimating their speed is required to predict received noise levels and compliance with vessel regulations.

Behavioural responses of wild Pacific salmon and herring to boat noise.

There is growing concern about impacts of ship and small boat noise on marine wildlife. Few studies have quantified impacts of anthropogenic noise on ecologically, economically, and culturally important fish. We conducted open net pen experiments to measure Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) and juvenile salmon (pink, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, and chum, Oncorhynchus keta) behavioural response to noise generated by three boats travelling at different speeds.

Psychosocial needs of rural survivors of cancer and their partners.

It is important to understand the psychosocial needs of rural survivors of cancer to better serve this group. Survivors and partners filled out a pre-tested survey addressing general and mental health, quality of life and demographics. Twenty-nine survivors and 15 partners responded.

Rural older adults' mental health: status and challenges in care delivery.

Introduction: Health disparities remain a challenge in rural populations, with mental health care especially challenging as the proportion of older adults continues to increase worldwide. This study examined the mental health service needs of, and use by, independently living rural older adults, with a focus on depression.

Methods: Older adults (≥ 50 years) were asked to complete a survey.

Illinois 4-H health jam for healthy lifestyles and rural pipeline awareness.

This article discusses knowledge and encouragement of healthy lifestyles and health professions career awareness in rural youth. The Northern Illinois 4-H Health Jam, an innovative program targeting rural elementary school children to offer information and support related to exercise, wellness, nutrition, and health careers is described. From 2006 to 2008, a total of 262 youth have participated in the Health Jam, which is based on an experiential learning approach.

A national view of rural health workforce issues in the USA.

Introduction: Regional or state studies in the USA have documented shortages of rural physicians and other healthcare professionals that can impact on access to health services. The purpose of this study was to determine whether rural hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) in the USA report shortages of health professions and to obtain perceptions about factors influencing recruiting and retention.

Methods: A nationwide US survey was conducted of 1031 rural hospital CEOs identified by regional/state Area Health Education Centers.

Immunization issues for the 21st century.

Objective: Review and discuss major issues of vaccination and immunization. The development and application of vaccination and immunization is one of the most remarkable successes of the 20th century. This is true both in the United States and worldwide.