The status of the world's land and marine mammals: diversity, threat, and knowledge

Knowledge of mammalian diversity is still surprisingly disparate, both regionally and taxonomically. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals. Data, compiled by 1700+ experts, cover all 5487 species, including marine mammals. Global macroecological patterns are very different for land and marine species but suggest common mechanisms driving diversity and endemism across systems. Compared with land species, threat levels are higher among marine mammals, driven by different processes (accidental mortality and pollution, rather than habitat loss), and are spatially distinct (peaking in northern oceans, rather than in Southeast Asia). Marine mammals are also disproportionately poorly known. These data are made freely available to support further scientific developments and conservation action

Comparative measurements on atomic layer deposited Al2O3 thin films using ex situ table top and mapping ellipsometry, as well as X-ray and VUV reflectometry

In this study we compare the thicknesses and optical properties of atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 films measured using table top and mapping ellipsometry as well as X-ray and optical reflectometry. The thickness of the films is varied in the range of 1–50 nm. ALD samples are used as references with well-controlled composition and thickness, as well as with a good lateral homogeneity. The homogeneity is checked using mapping ellipsometry. Optical models of increasing complexity were developed to take into account both the top (surface roughness on the nanometer scale) and bottom interfaces (buried silicon oxide and interface roughness). The best ellipsometric model was the one using a single interface roughness layer. Since the techniques applied in this work do not measure in vacuum, organic surface contamination even in the sub-nanometer thickness range may cause an offset in the measured layer thicknesses that result in significant systematic errors. The amount of surface contamination is estimated by in situ reflectometry measurement during removal by UV radiation. Taking into account the surface contamination the total thicknesses determined by the different methods were consistent. The linearity of the total thickness with the number of atomic layer deposition cycles was good, with an offset of 1.5 nm, which is in good agreement with the sum of thicknesses of the interface layer, surface nanoroughness, and contamination layer

A simple model for predicting the effect of hygrothermal conditions on populations of house dust mite 'Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus' (Acari: Pyroglyphidae)

A simple mite population index (MPI) model is presented which predicts the effect on house dust mite populations of any combination of temperature and relative humidity (RH). For each combination, the output is an index, or multiplication factor, such that 1.1 indicates 10% population growth and 0.9 indicates 10% population decline. To provide data for the model, laboratory experiments have been carried out using lab cultures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The population change was observed for mites held in steady-state conditions at different combinations of temperature and RH over 21 days. From the results, a best-fit equation has been derived which forms the basis of the MPI model. The results also enable a new term to be defined: the Population Equilibrium Humidity, PEH, the RH for a given temperature at which house dust mite populations neither grow nor decline. It is similar to Critical Equilibrium Humidity, the RH below which house dust mites are unable to maintain water balance, but relates to a population of mites (rather than a physiological phenomenon) and is more able to take account of the observed effects of extremes of temperature and RH. Compared with previous population models, the MPI model is potentially more accurate and comprehensive. It can be combined with other simple models (described in previous papers), such as BED, which simulates the average hygrothermal conditions in a bed, given room conditions, and Condensation Targeter II, which simulates room conditions given a range of easily obtainable inputs for climate, house type and occupant characteristics. In this way it is now possible, for any individual dwelling, to assess the most effective means of controlling mite populations by environmental means, such as by improving standards of ventilation and insulation, or by modifying the occupant behaviour that affects the hygrothermal environment within a dwelling. Although the MPI model requires further development and validation, it has already proved useful for understanding more clearly how the different hygrothermal conditions found in beds and bedrooms can affect mite populations. It has also demonstrated that there is considerable scope for controlling mites by environmental means in cold winter climates such as the UK