Can majority support save an endangered language? A case study of language attitudes in Guernsey

Many studies of minority language revitalisation focus on the attitudes and perceptions of minorities, but not on those of majority group members. This paper discusses the implications of these issues, and presents research into majority andf minority attitudes towards the endangered indigenous vernacular of Guernsey, Channel Islands. The research used a multi-method approach (questionnaire and interview) to obtain attitudinal data from a representative sample of the population that included politicians and civil servants (209 participants). The findings suggested a shift in language ideology away from the post-second world war ‘culture of modernisation’ and monolingual ideal, towards recognition of the value of a bi/trilingual linguistic heritage. Public opinion in Guernsey now seems to support the maintenance of the indigenous language variety, which has led to a degree of official support. The paper then discusses to what extent this ‘attitude shift’ is reflected in linguistic behaviour and in concrete language planning measures

Nanoparticles for Applications in Cellular Imaging

In the following review we discuss several types of nanoparticles (such as TiO2, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles) and their impact on the ability to image biological components in fixed cells. The review also discusses factors influencing nanoparticle imaging and uptake in live cells in vitro. Due to their unique size-dependent properties nanoparticles offer numerous advantages over traditional dyes and proteins. For example, the photostability, narrow emission peak, and ability to rationally modify both the size and surface chemistry of Quantum Dots allow for simultaneous analyses of multiple targets within the same cell. On the other hand, the surface characteristics of nanometer sized TiO2allow efficient conjugation to nucleic acids which enables their retention in specific subcellular compartments. We discuss cellular uptake mechanisms for the internalization of nanoparticles and studies showing the influence of nanoparticle size and charge and the cell type targeted on nanoparticle uptake. The predominant nanoparticle uptake mechanisms include clathrin-dependent mechanisms, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis

Hazards of food contact material: nanotechnologies and nanomaterials

The manipulation of molecules at the nanoscale (nanotechnologies) is not really a new technology in food production, but it is causing concern because of parallels drawn by some between the potential health effects of nanoparticles (NPs) and the known health effects of inhaled ultrafine air pollutants and pathogenic fibers (e.g., asbestos). From a food perspective, assessment of the health risks associated with NPs will depend on a better understanding of their pharmacokinetics (factors that determine their extent of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, their distribution to tissues, and their clearance). Current regulatory practices in most jurisdictions should be capable of managing these potential risks, provided the issue of potentially novel functionality is recognized

University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center Programmatic Burn Plan 2020

This programmatic burn plan identifies resources and conditions necessary to bring prescribed fire (also known as planned or controlled fire) back the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (CFC). The primary objective for all prescribed burning operations is to reintroduce fire as an ecological and cultural process to promote and maintain historically fire-dependent forest communities. The plan contains twenty-one elements following the standard established in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Prescribed Fire Plan Template, PMS 484-1. Elements that are addressed include, but are not limited to, burn unit descriptions, prescriptions and objectives, safety hazards, resources needed for ignition, holding, and contingency, and a Go/No-go checklist for the day of burns. Seven burn units are identified across the CFC totaling 201.4 acres. The burn units range in size from 3.6-53.7 acres. Four units, totaling 75.2 acres, are identified as priority units and have site-specific information for prescribed fire implementation including maps. These units require minimal preparation to be ready for burning as of 2020; preparation primarily requires fire line establishment or refreshing where the unit perimeter is not already bounded by a road. Three additional units, totaling 126.2 acres, are identified as secondary units. These units require structural modification, primarily forest canopy density reduction through thinning, prior to being burned. This plan will serve as an umbrella document for the development of site-specific materials for these remaining units. For all units, appendices can be added, as necessary, with updated burn unit structure and fuel conditions.University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Cente