438 research outputs found

    Reframing the human-wetlands relationship through a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands

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    The proposed Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands is consistent with the principles of the rights of Nature, and reframes the human-wetlands paradigm away from one of degradation and loss to one of ecological sustainability that supports the Web of Life and continued delivery of Nature's contributions to people. Given the significance of the role of wetlands in reversing climate destabilisation and biodiversity degradation and loss, the paradigm shift engendered by a Declaration opens new possibilities to align wetlands, climate, and biodiversity policy, consistent with theIntergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2021)proposals, to guide effective governmental and non-governmental mechanisms. Widening the acceptance of the concepts presented in the Declaration is part of a process to reframe human-wetlands relationships, and is ongoing and iterative

    New, Improved Bulk-microphysical Schemes for Studying Precipitation Processes in WRF

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    Advances in computing power allow atmospheric prediction models to be mn at progressively finer scales of resolution, using increasingly more sophisticated physical parameterizations and numerical methods. The representation of cloud microphysical processes is a key component of these models, over the past decade both research and operational numerical weather prediction models have started using more complex microphysical schemes that were originally developed for high-resolution cloud-resolving models (CRMs). A recent report to the United States Weather Research Program (USWRP) Science Steering Committee specifically calls for the replacement of implicit cumulus parameterization schemes with explicit bulk schemes in numerical weather prediction (NWP) as part of a community effort to improve quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF). An improved Goddard bulk microphysical parameterization is implemented into a state-of the-art of next generation of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. High-resolution model simulations are conducted to examine the impact of microphysical schemes on two different weather events (a midlatitude linear convective system and an Atllan"ic hurricane). The results suggest that microphysics has a major impact on the organization and precipitation processes associated with a summer midlatitude convective line system. The 31CE scheme with a cloud ice-snow-hail configuration led to a better agreement with observation in terms of simulated narrow convective line and rainfall intensity. This is because the 3ICE-hail scheme includes dense ice precipitating (hail) particle with very fast fall speed (over 10 m/s). For an Atlantic hurricane case, varying the microphysical schemes had no significant impact on the track forecast but did affect the intensity (important for air-sea interaction

    Risk factors for exacerbations and pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pooled analysis.

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    BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of exacerbations and pneumonia; how the risk factors interact is unclear. METHODS: This post-hoc, pooled analysis included studies of COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combinations and comparator arms of ICS, LABA, and/or placebo. Backward elimination via Cox's proportional hazards regression modelling evaluated which combination of risk factors best predicts time to first (a) pneumonia, and (b) moderate/severe COPD exacerbation. RESULTS: Five studies contributed: NCT01009463, NCT01017952, NCT00144911, NCT00115492, and NCT00268216. Low body mass index (BMI), exacerbation history, worsening lung function (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stage), and ICS treatment were identified as factors increasing pneumonia risk. BMI was the only pneumonia risk factor influenced by ICS treatment, with ICS further increasing risk for those with BMI <25 kg/m2. The modelled probability of pneumonia varied between 3 and 12% during the first year. Higher exacerbation risk was associated with a history of exacerbations, poorer lung function (GOLD stage), female sex and absence of ICS treatment. The influence of the other exacerbation risk factors was not modified by ICS treatment. Modelled probabilities of an exacerbation varied between 31 and 82% during the first year. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of an exacerbation was considerably higher than for pneumonia. ICS reduced exacerbations but did not influence the effect of risks associated with prior exacerbation history, GOLD stage, or female sex. The only identified risk factor for ICS-induced pneumonia was BMI <25 kg/m2. Analyses of this type may help the development of COPD risk equations

    Amyloid angiopathy of the floor of the mouth: a case report and review of the literature

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    Amyloidosis is a rare disease characterised by the deposition of insoluble extracellular fibrillar proteins in various tissues of the body. The pattern of manifestation is organ dependent and also on whether the disease is localised or systemic, primary or secondary

    Effects of exposure to cigarette smoke prior to pregnancy in diabetic rats

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke exposure before pregnancy on diabetic rats and their offspring development.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and cigarette smoke exposure was conducted by mainstream smoke generated by a mechanical smoking device and delivered into a chamber. Diabetic female Wistar rats were randomly distributed in four experimental groups (n minimum = 13/group): nondiabetic (ND) and diabetic rats exposed to filtered air (D), diabetic rats exposed to cigarette smoke prior to and into the pregnancy period (DS) and diabetic rats exposed to cigarette smoke prior to pregnancy period (DSPP). At day 21 of pregnancy, rats were killed for maternal biochemical determination and reproductive outcomes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The association of diabetes and cigarette smoke in DSPP group caused altered glycemia at term, reduced number of implantation and live fetuses, decreased litter and maternal weight, increased pre and postimplantation loss rates, reduced triglyceride and VLDL-c concentrations, increased levels of thiol groups and MDA. Besides, these dams presented increased SOD and GSH-Px activities. However, the increased antioxidant status was not sufficient to prevent the lipid peroxidation observed in these animals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite the benefits stemming from smoking interruption during the pregnancy of diabetic rats, such improvement was insufficient to avoid metabolic alterations and provide an adequate intrauterine environment for embryofetal development. Therefore, these results suggest that it is necessary to cease smoking extensive time before planning pregnancy, since stopping smoking only when pregnancy is detected may not contribute effectively to fully adequate embryofetal development.</p

    Constraints on Nucleon Decay via "Invisible" Modes from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory

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    Data from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory have been used to constrain the lifetime for nucleon decay to ``invisible'' modes, such as n -> 3 nu. The analysis was based on a search for gamma-rays from the de-excitation of the residual nucleus that would result from the disappearance of either a proton or neutron from O16. A limit of tau_inv > 2 x 10^{29} years is obtained at 90% confidence for either neutron or proton decay modes. This is about an order of magnitude more stringent than previous constraints on invisible proton decay modes and 400 times more stringent than similar neutron modes.Comment: Update includes missing efficiency factor (limits change by factor of 2) Submitted to Physical Review Letter

    Hubungan Antara Perhatian Orangtua Dan Hasil Belajar Pada Pembelajaran Tematik Integratif Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri Kembangarum 2 Mranggen Demak

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    More less the studying result of students in 4th SD Negeri Kembangarum 2 Mranggen that influences some aspects, one of aspects is her parents?óÔé¼Ôäó not careless with them. Parents?óÔé¼Ôäó is constitute the?é?á first educator for children so that her parents?óÔé¼Ôäó has have responsibility to the studying result her children. The problem in this research contents is about Is there any correlation between of parents?óÔé¼Ôäó attention and the study result for thematic integrative learning in 4th SD Negeri Kembangarum 2 Mranggen Demak?. The hypothesis is that there is positive and significant correlation between of parents?óÔé¼Ôäó attention and the study result for thematic integrative learning in 4th SD Negeri Kembangarum 2 Mranggen Demak. The kind of this research is quantitative research. This research use correlation methode and submited the data use questionnaire and test. The colected data are analysed using product moment formula. The finding is that > on significancy level of 0,05. So the?é?á conclusion is there is positive and significant correlation between of parents?óÔé¼Ôäó attention and the study result for thematic integrative learning in 4th SD Negeri Kembangarum 2 Mranggen Demak

    The effect of latency on bone lengthening force and bone mineralization: an investigation using strain gauge mounted on internal distractor device

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    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of latency on the development of bone lengthening force and bone mineralization during mandible distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: Distraction tensions were investigated at different latency period in 36 rabbits using internal unilateral distractor. Strain gauges were prepared and attached to the distractor to directly assess the level of distraction tension during mandible lengthening. The tensile force environment of the mandible of rabbit during distraction was evaluated through in vivo experiments using two gauges. The animals were divided into 3 groups each containing 12 rabbits. Latency periods of 0, 4 and 7 days respectively were observed prior to beginning distraction. The distraction protocol consisted of a lengthening rate of 1 mm once daily for 8 days, followed by a consolidation phase of 2 weeks after which the animals were killed. Biopsies specimens were taken from the distracted area at the end of the distraction period. A non-distracted area of the mandible bone served as control. The specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to assess the ultrastructural pattern, and the bone mineralization. RESULTS: The resting tension acting on the distraction gap increases through distraction. The 7-day latency groups exhibit higher tension then those of 0-day and 4-days latency groups. Quantitative energy dispersive spectral analysis confirmed that immediate distractions were associated with lower calcium and phosphate atomic weight ratio. CONCLUSION: the latency periods could affect the bone lengthening tension and the bone mineralization process
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