Sand mining across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment; assessment of activity and implications for sediment delivery

While issues of pollution, floods and drought in our rivers are widely studied, there is a hidden crisis with respect to the widespread global extraction of sand. Large volumes of sand are needed in the construction industry to make concrete. So far, calls for greater monitoring of sand mining activity have largely gone unmet. This is due to the fact mining is extensive, often hidden (e.g. underwater) and thus very difficult to properly assess. To meet this challenge, we use remote sensing methods to detect and monitor sand mining activities at the catchment scale, across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system (catchment size 1.72 million km2). Based on this analysis, here we show that mining activity is diverse and pervasive across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment system for our study period of 2016-2021, with rates of extraction increasing within some of the rivers. Results show the total estimate for sand extraction is ~ 115 MTyr-1 +/- 20 MTyr-1, which is of a similar order of magnitude to the natural bedload flux of the catchment. While there are some limitations to deriving estimates based solely on imagery, this work highlights both the widespread spatial extent and large magnitude of sand mining for one of the world's biggest catchments. Furthermore, given our estimated scale of sand extraction, it demonstrates the need to properly account for mining activities when considering delivery of sediment to deltas in terms of the management of these vulnerable systems in the face of rising sea-levels. Overall, this work stresses the urgent requirement for further similar studies of sand extraction in the world's large rivers, which is vital to underpin sustainable management plans for the global sand commons

Sand mining across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment; assessment of activity and implications for sediment delivery

While issues of pollution, floods and drought in our rivers are widely studied, there is a hidden crisis with respect to the widespread global extraction of sand. Large volumes of sand are needed in the construction industry to make concrete. So far, calls for greater monitoring of sand mining activity have largely gone unmet. This is due to the fact mining is extensive, often hidden (e.g. underwater) and thus very difficult to properly assess. To meet this challenge, we use remote sensing methods to detect and monitor sand mining activities at the catchment scale, across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system (catchment size 1.72 million km2). Based on this analysis, here we show that mining activity is diverse and pervasive across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment system for our study period of 2016-2021, with rates of extraction increasing within some of the rivers. Results show the total estimate for sand extraction is ~ 115 MTyr-1 +/- 20 MTyr-1, which is of a similar order of magnitude to the natural bedload flux of the catchment. While there are some limitations to deriving estimates based solely on imagery, this work highlights both the widespread spatial extent and large magnitude of sand mining for one of the world's biggest catchments. Furthermore, given our estimated scale of sand extraction, it demonstrates the need to properly account for mining activities when considering delivery of sediment to deltas in terms of the management of these vulnerable systems in the face of rising sea-levels. Overall, this work stresses the urgent requirement for further similar studies of sand extraction in the world's large rivers, which is vital to underpin sustainable management plans for the global sand commons

The Value and Impact of a Brief Study Abroad Experience on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Counseling Students’ Learning

This was an exploratory study that sought to understand the experiences and benefits of counseling graduate students from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). These doctoral and master’s students engaged in a brief study abroad experience centered on learning about the historical aspects of counseling in two European locations (Vienna, Austria and London, England). The qualitative methodology used in this study was the naturalist inquiry method, which emphasizes the importance of here-and-now experiences, critical reflections, and dialogues. With a sample size of eight, these tools allowed for a humanistic portrayal while being flexible enough for a creative synthesis in terms of understanding the process as the data portrayed it. Despite the limitations of having a pre-set program type, limited financial resources, and limited sample: this study discovered four themes in the experiences of the counseling students: (1) Self-fulfillment (believing in my own ability to grow), (2) Engaging in painless deep learning, (3) Values and impact, and (4) Study abroad is a “Big Deal”

Easy and accessible way to calibrate a fluorescence microscope and to create a microplastic identification key

We present here a technique for setting up detection limits on any fluorescent microscope in conjunction with the fluorophore Nile Red for microplastic identification. Our method also describes a rigorous morphology-specific identification key for microplastics to reduce subjectivity between researchers. The detection limits were established for nine common polymer types and five natural substrates which could result in false-positive signals when using Nile Red for microplastic identification. This method was then applied to real freshwater samples and identified particles were validated with micro-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy. This approach may reduce subjectivity in microplastic identification and counting and enhances transparency, repeatability and harmonization within microplastic research community.• Instructions for calibration of detection limits for microplastics on fluorescence microscope systems described•Microplastic identification key developed and tested to reduce false positive detection•Lower subjectivity for microplastic identification obtained using the detection limits & identification ke

A view through the looking glass: co-creation and innovation for student voice and wellbeing in distance education

This paper showcases innovative co-creation practice undertaken by a Student Voice and Wellbeing Group (SVWG) created in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, Open University (OU). Ways of doing, seeing, being and believing student voice are discussed alongside the inception of the SVWG, sharing the whys and how's of its strategic approach and the depth and breadth of its student members′ participation. Underpinning this work is the concept that student voice and wellbeing are inextricably connected and are everyone's responsibility (Mander, 2021). The impactful student-staff partnership established through this model illustrates an authentic and dialogic practice that centres students as the drivers, rather than the passengers, for enacting change. As an artefact of innovative practice, the authors showcase a newly published bilingual digital student wellbeing handbook. This example is of interest to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) seeking innovative models for promoting marginalised voices through co-production. The authors′ reflections and recommendations invite policymakers to re-evaluate existing student voice and wellbeing strategies and practices

Patient-Reported Side Effects of Intradetrusor Botulinum Toxin Type A for Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Objective: The aim of the study was a prospective assessment of patient-reported side effects in an open-label study after intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections for idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). Patients and Methods: Botulinum toxin A injection was performed in 56 patients with idiopathic OAB. Patients were followed up for 6 months concerning side effects and patients' satisfaction. Results: Different types of side effects were assessed such as dry mouth (19.6%), arm weakness (8.9%), eyelid weakness (8.9%), leg weakness (7.1%), torso weakness (5.4%), impaired vision (5.4%) and dysphagia (5.4%). In all cases, symptoms were mild and transient. Urological complications such as gross hematuria (17.9%), acute urinary retention (8.9%) and acute urinary tract infection (7.1%) were noticed. In all cases, acute urinary retention was transient and treated with temporary intermittent self-catheterization. There was no statistically significant correlation between dosage and observed side effects. Patients' satisfaction rate was high (71.4%). Conclusion: Intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin was associated with a high rate of neurourological side effects. In general, side effects were transient, mild and did not require special treatment. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Base