Calculation of αˉQ.E.D.\bar{\alpha}_{\rm Q.E.D.} on the Z

We perform a new, detailed calculation of the hadronic contributions to the running electromagnetic coupling, $\bar{\alpha}$, defined on the Z particle (91 GeV). We find for the hadronic contribution, including radiative corrections, 10^5\times \deltav_{\rm had.}\alpha(M_Z^2)= 2740\pm12, or, excluding the top quark contribution, 10^5\times \deltav_{\rm had.}\alpha^{(5)}(M_Z^2)= 2747\pm12. Adding the pure QED corrections we get a value for the running electromagnetic coupling of $$\bar{\alpha}_{\rm Q.E.D.}(M_Z^2)= {{1}\over{128.965\pm0.017}}.$$Comment: Version to appear in Phys. Rev. D. Plain TeX fil

Challenges and considerations of applying nature-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries in Southeast and East Asia

Low- and middle-income countries in Southeast and East Asia face a range of challenges related to the rapid pace of urbanisation in the region, the scale of pollution, climate change, loss of ecosystem services and associated difficulties for ecological restoration. Possible pathways towards a more sustainable future lie in the applications of nature-based solutions (NBS). However, there is relatively little literature on the application of NBS in the region, particularly Southeast Asia. In this paper we address this gap by assessing the socio-ecological challenges to the application of NBS in the region – one of the most globally biodiverse. We first provide an overview and background on NBS and its underpinnings in biodiversity and ecosystem services. We then present a typology describing five unique challenges for the application of NBS in the region: (1) Characteristics of urbanisation; (2) Biophysical environmental and climatic context; (3) Environmental risks and challenges for restoration; (4) Human nature relationships and conflicts; and (5) Policy and governance context. Exploiting the opportunities through South-South and North-South collaboration to address the challenges of NBS in Southeast and East Asia needs to be a priority for government, planners and academics.Peer reviewe

Coupling effect of ozone column and atmospheric infrared sounder data reveal evidence of earthquake precursor phenomena of Bam earthquake, Iran

Understanding the source mechanism of earthquakes may be the key to predict earthquakes. The testing of radioactive radiations and reactionary hypothesis of gases before and after quake events can help predict and monitor earthquake occurrence. In this study, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the column ozone (O3) were applied to evaluate the December 26, 2003 earthquake of Bam city in western Iran. The results show that ozone concentration (column density) decreased about 30 DU and or 807 × 10E15/cm2 molecules. Using high-resolution AIRS data for the study area, we were able to discriminate gases that formed and changed before the main shock at least a day before the occurrence of the quake in Bam

Occurrence of silicon associated with lignin-polysaccharide complexes isolated from Gramineae (wheat straw) cell walls

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