Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), are the primary vectors of Lyme disease in the U.S.A. In this study, adult ticks were observed on public trails exhibiting increasing levels of terrain complexity with a potential host nearby. The goal of this study was to (a) examine the extent to which adult ticks may actively search (vs. sit‐and‐wait) for a nearby host, (b) determine whether or not ticks could locate the position of the host in natural conditions and (c) determine the role of terrain complexity on the distances ticks travelled in a short period of time (30 min). Results indicate that, when a potential stationary host is within 50 cm, ticks will utilize an active‐search strategy. The majority of ticks moved in the direction of the host in natural conditions. Finally, ticks in a less complex terrain were more active and travelled greater horizontal distances than ticks in a more complex terrain. In conclusion, the use of an active‐search approach would likely increase the foraging success of ticks, especially in terrains with minimal complexity, near host animals that have stopped to rest or feed, reinforcing that humans should be vigilant about checking for ticks after being outdoors.

In this paper, we present an analysis of the leaders’ backgrounds shaping their decisions towards environmental policy outcomes of nascent democracies such as countries in Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on leaders’ traits and socio-economic conditions. Drawing on factors that influence a leader's decision-making process, including external factors such as social and economic and internal factors (cognitive or traits), this study explores the variation of quality of environmental policy outcomes in Southeast Asian countries. Our findings suggest that the level of development negatively affects environmental policy outcomes, while democratic conditions do not play a significant role. We also find that leaders’ age and level of education negatively affect environmental policy outcomes, whereas gender is not correlated with the quality of the environment. This research provides valuable insights into the environmental policy landscape of Southeast Asia and offers recommendations for policymakers seeking to enhance environmental policy outcomes in the region.

By using of the double antibody sandwich method of ELISA, the activities of five cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IFN-α, IFN-β and TNF-α from the blood serum, liver, intestine and spleen at two developmental stages of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) were determined to analyze the distribution of the cytokines. The result indicated that five cytokines were found in these four tissues, while their activities were different in different tissues and different ages. The highest activity of IL-2 and IL-4 was all present in blood serum of two different ages. The activity of IFN-α was the highest in blood serum of 1-year-old and in spleen of 2-year-old, respectively. The activity of IFN-β was also highest in blood serum of two different ages. The activity of TNF-α was highest in liver of two different ages. Thus, this study provides convincing reference for blood serum and liver as the most important distribution area of Chinese giant salamander.