292 research outputs found

    Micro language planning for multilingual education : agency in local contexts

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    This paper overviews some of the domains of application of micro-level language planning approaches to foster multilingual education. It examines the language planning of local agents and the contexts in which their work contributes to multilingual education, either to expand or limit educational possibilities. It identifies four broad contexts of language planning activity in which local agents work: the local implementation of macro-level policy, contestation of macro-level policy, addressing local needs in the absence of macro-level policy and opening new possibilities for developing multilingualism. These contexts provide a way of framing the contribution that micro language planning work and local agents can make to multilingual education

    An investigation into linearity with cumulative emissions of the climate and carbon cycle response in HadCM3LC

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    We investigate the extent to which global mean temperature, precipitation, and the carbon cycle are constrained by cumulative carbon emissions throughout four experiments with a fully coupled climate-carbon cycle model. The two paired experiments adopt contrasting, idealised approaches to climate change mitigation at different action points this century, with total emissions exceeding two trillion tonnes of carbon in the later pair. Their initially diverging cumulative emissions trajectories cross after several decades, before diverging again. We find that their global mean temperatures are, to first order, linear with cumulative emissions, though regional differences in temperature of up to 1.5K exist when cumulative emissions of each pair coincide. Interestingly, although the oceanic precipitation response scales with cumulative emissions, the global precipitation response does not, due to a decrease in precipitation over land above cumulative emissions of around one trillion tonnes of carbon (TtC). Most carbon fluxes and stores are less well constrained by cumulative emissions as they reach two trillion tonnes. The opposing mitigation approaches have different consequences for the Amazon rainforest, which affects the linearity with which the carbon cycle responds to cumulative emissions. Averaged over the two fixed-emissions experiments, the transient response to cumulative carbon emissions (TCRE) is 1.95 K TtC-1, at the upper end of the IPCC’s range of 0.8-2.5 K TtC-1

    Hemodynamic Effects of Epinephrine, Bicarbonate and Calcium in the Early Postnatal Period in a Lamb Model of Single-Ventricle Physiology Created In Utero

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    ObjectivesA reproducible fetal animal model of single-ventricle physiology was created to examine the effects of pharmacologic agents commonly used in the perinatal and perioperative intensive care management of patients with a single ventricle.BackgroundSingle-ventricle physiology is characterized by parallel pulmonary and systemic circulations, with effective blood flow to each determined by the relative resistances in the pulmonary and systemic vascular beds. Perinatal and perioperative management of these patients is largely based on empiric observations and differs considerably between institutions and is further complicated by the transitional physiology of the newborn. The lack of animal models of single-ventricle physiology has hindered the understanding of this problem.MethodsA 10-mm, Damus-Kaye-Stansel-type aortopulmonary anastomosis was created in 10 fetal sheep at 140±1.2 days of gestation. The main pulmonary artery was ligated distally, and pulmonary blood flow (Qp) was provided through a 5-mm aortopulmonary shunt. Eight lambs were delivered at term and placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (30 min) 48 to 72h after birth. Pharmacologic interventions (0.1Mg/kg body weight per min of epinephrine, 2mEq/kg of sodium bicarbonate and 10mg/kg of calcium chloride) were performed before and after bypass, and hemodynamic responses were observed. The response to the epinephrine bolus was determined only in the postbypass study.ResultsBoth before and after bypass, epinephrine infusion and calcium and bicarbonate administration increased Qp and systemic blood flow (Qs) (total cardiac output) but produced only small changes in the Qp/Qs ratio (-0.5% to -7.3% change). With the epinephrine bolus, Qp increased enormously, and the Qp/Qs ratio increased by 584% (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn neonatal lambs with single-ventricle physiology created in utero, epinephrine infusion and calcium and bicarbonate administration increased total cardiac output without significantly compromising the Qp/Qs ratio. However, epinephrine bolus seems to be hemodynamically detrimental in circumstances of single-ventricle physiology and should be used with caution and probably in relatively lower doses in the resuscitation of patients with single-ventricle physiology. Further investigation of the dose-dependent effects and the effects of prolonged administration of common pharmacologic agents will enable better management of patients with single-ventricle physiology

    Brucella exposure risk events in 10 clinical laboratories, New York City, USA, 2015 to 2017

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    Copyright © 2020 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. From 2015 to 2017, 11 confirmed brucellosis cases were reported in New York City, leading to 10 Brucella exposure risk events (Brucella events) in 7 clinical laboratories (CLs). Most patients had traveled to countries where brucellosis is endemic and presented with histories and findings consistent with brucellosis. CLs were not notified that specimens might yield a hazardous organism, as the clinicians did not consider brucellosis until they were notified that bacteremia with Brucella was suspected. In 3 Brucella events, the CLs did not suspect that slow-growing, small Gram-negative bacteria might be harmful. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization- time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), which has a limited capacity to identify biological threat agents (BTAs), was used during 4 Brucella events, which accounted for 84% of exposures. In 3 of these incidents, initial staining of liquid media showed Gram-positive rods or cocci, including some cocci in chains, suggesting streptococci. Over 200 occupational exposures occurred when the unknown isolates were manipulated and/or tested on open benches, including by procedures that could generate infectious aerosols. During 3 Brucella events, the CLs examined and/or manipulated isolates in a biological safety cabinet (BSC); in each CL, the CL had previously isolated Brucella. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prevent laboratory-acquired brucellosis (LAB) were followed; no seroconversions or LAB cases occurred. Laboratory assessments were conducted after the Brucella events to identify facility-specific risks and mitigations. With increasing MALDI-TOF MS use, CLs are well-advised to adhere strictly to safe work practices, such as handling and manipulating all slow-growing organisms in BSCs and not using MALDI-TOF MS for identification until BTAs have been ruled out

    Macro-language planning for multilingual education : focus on programmes and provision

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    This overview identifies some common features of macro-level language planning and briefly summarises the changing approaches to the analysis of macro-planning in the field. It previews six cases of language-in-education planning in response to linguistic diversity presented by the contributors to this issue. The cases show how macro-planning can either fail to recognise diverse ethnolinguistic identities or work to acknowledge them. Three common themes in language planning for multilingual education can be identified from the contributions: (i) top-down definitions of what counts as mother tongue can have both intended and unintended outcomes; (ii) language-as-problem responses to linguistic diversity can work to reinforce social exclusion; and (iii) the acknowledgement of diversity and minority language rights needs to flow through from statements of intent to on-the-ground implementation if they are to become a reality

    Microbiome-inspired green infrastructure (MIGI) : a bioscience roadmap for urban ecosystem health

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    Background: Microbiome-Inspired Green Infrastructure (MIGI) was recently proposed as an integrative system to promote healthy urban ecosystems, through multidisciplinary design. Specifically, MIGI is defined as nature-centric infrastructure restored and/or designed and managed to enhance health-promoting interactions between humans and environmental microbiomes, whilst sustaining microbially-mediated ecosystem functionality and resilience. MIGI also aims to stimulate a research agenda that focuses on considerations for the importance of urban environmental microbiomes. Objectives: In this paper we provide details of what MIGI entails from a bioscience and biodesign perspective, highlighting the potential dual benefits for human and ecosystem health. We present ‘what is known’ about the relationship between urban microbiomes, green infrastructure and environmental factors that may affect urban ecosystem health (ecosystem functionality and resilience as well as human health). We discuss how to start operationalising the MIGI concept based on current available knowledge, and present a horizon scan of emerging and future considerations in research and practice. We conclude by highlighting challenges to the implementation of MIGI and propose a series of workshops to discuss multi-stakeholder needs and opportunities. Discussion: This article will enable urban landscape managers to incorporate initial considerations for the microbiome in their development projects to promote human and ecosystem health. However, overcoming the challenges to operationalising MIGI will be essential to furthering its practical development. Although the research is in its infancy, there is considerable potential for MIGI to help deliver sustainable urban development driven by considerations for reciprocal relations between humans and the foundations of our ecosystems –– the microorganisms
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