Some Critical Issues in Environmental Physiology of Grapevines: Future Challenges and Current Limitations

2015 ◽  
pp. 233-282
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Physiology ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Critical Issues

scholarly journals The path toward ectogenesis: looking beyond the technical challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppe Segers
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Safety Testing ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
Physical Impact ◽  
Biological Parenthood ◽  
Experimental Use

Abstract Background Breakthroughs in animal studies make the topic of human application of ectogenesis for medical and non-medical purposes more relevant than ever before. While current data do not yet demonstrate a reasonable expectation of clinical benefit soon, several groups are investigating the feasibility of artificial uteri for extracorporeal human gestation. Main text This paper offers the first comprehensive and up to date discussion of the most important pros and cons of human ectogenesis in light of clinical application, along with an examination of crucial ethical (and legal) issues that continued research into, and the clinical translation of, ectogenesis gives rise to. The expected benefits include advancing prenatal medicine, improving neonatal intensive care, and providing a novel pathway towards biological parenthood. This comes with important future challenges. Prior to human application, important questions have to be considered concerning translational research, experimental use of human fetuses and appropriate safety testing. Key questions are identified regarding risks to ectogenesis’ subjects, and the physical impact on the pregnant person when transfer from the uterus to the artificial womb is required. Critical issues concerning proportionality have to be considered, also in terms of equity of access, relative to the envisaged application of ectogenesis. The advent of ectogenesis also comes with crucial issues surrounding abortion, extended fetal viability and moral status of the fetus. Conclusions The development of human ectogenesis will have numerous implications for clinical practice. Prior to human testing, close consideration should be given to whether (and how) ectogenesis can be introduced as a continuation of existing neonatal care, with due attention to both safety risks to the fetus and pressures on pregnant persons to undergo experimental and/or invasive procedures. Equally important is the societal debate about the acceptable applications of ectogenesis and how access to these usages should be prioritized. It should be anticipated that clinical availability of ectogenesis, possibly first as a way to save extremely premature fetuses, may spark demand for non-medical purposes, like avoiding physical and social burdens of pregnancy.

Current State and Solutions for Future Challenges in Early Warning Systems and Alerting Technologies

2011 ◽  
pp. 108-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Meissen ◽  
Agnès Voisard
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Warning Systems ◽  
Current State ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Information And Communication

The deployment of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Alerting Technologies (AT) is one of the best measures for improved disaster prevention and mitigation. With the evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), we face new opportunities as well as new challenges for improving classical warning processes. This chapter concentrates on the main aspects of existing early warning systems and alerting technologies. Beginning with the definition and classifications in this field, we describe general approaches, representative systems, and interoperability aspects of EWS. Furthermore, we introduce a list of criteria for evaluating and comparing existing systems. It is worth noting that the deployment of an operational EWS is a complex challenge and remains a young field of research. This is due to many reasons, ranging from the political to the technical. The most critical issues regarding efficient alerting are described in this chapter, along with areas for future research.

scholarly journals Critical Issues Facing the Animal and Food Industry: A Delphi Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K W Lamm ◽  
N L Randall ◽  
F L Fluharty
Keyword(s):  
Workforce Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Future Consumption ◽  
Public Workforce

Abstract By the year 2050, the world’s population is estimated to increase by approximately 2.1 billion people. For the sake of food security and safety, it is vital for the animal and food industry to act now in preparation for future consumption needs. The study at hand explored the most critical issues facing the field, according to industry experts. Using Delphi and constant comparative methods, seven thematic categories emerged that serve as overarching areas for attention: Industry Image and Relationship with the Public, Workforce Development and Pipeline, Economic and Environmental Sustainability, Animal and Human Health/Well-Being, Production and Distribution Efficiency, Government Regulations and Relationship with Legislative Leaders, and Relationship with Higher Education/Researchers. Findings and recommendations on how the industry can move forward in light of future challenges and opportunities are explored.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Italian Healthcare Workers From the Initial Sacrifice to the mRNA Vaccine: Pandemic Chrono-History, Epidemiological Data, Ethical Dilemmas, and Future Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Nioi ◽  
Pietro Emanuele Napoli ◽  
Jessica Lobina ◽  
Maurizio Fossarello ◽  
Ernesto d'Aloja
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
First Case ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Therapeutic Measures ◽  
The Media ◽  
Health Organization

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. Simultaneously, in Italy, in which the first case had occurred on February 18, the rigid phase of the lockdown began. The country has attracted worldwide attention, becoming at the same time a field of study both concerning the spread of the pandemic and advanced assessments of the effectiveness of political, public health, and therapeutic measures. The protagonists of the Italian crisis were the healthcare workers (HCWs) who were exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) without having any perception of what they were facing, courageously contributing to the containment of the epidemic to be defined by the media as “heroes.” However, in the first phase of the pandemic (March–May 2020), the price that the Italian Public Health System had to pay both in terms of the number of positive virus cases and deaths among the HCWs was beyond and represented a peculiarity compared to what happened in other countries. In the current study, after a summary of the evolution of the pandemic in Italy, we offer an analysis of the statistical data concerning contagions and deaths among healthcare workers (physicians in particular). In conclusion, we describe the critical issues that still need to be resolved and the future challenges facing healthcare workers and the general population.

Postsecondary Education for People With Intellectual Disability: Current Issues and Critical Challenges

Inclusion ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meg Grigal ◽  
Debra Hart ◽  
Cate Weir
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Americans With Disabilities Act ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Policy Issues ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Education Opportunity

Abstract Increasingly, people with intellectual disability are seeking, accessing, and benefiting from higher education. This article presents an overview of current legislative and policy issues as they related to postsecondary education for people with intellectual disability, including the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state vocational rehabilitation program policies. Policy actions are suggested. In describing existing and emerging practices, critical issues and future challenges are reviewed by the authors. Finally, current research on the impact of postsecondary education on the systems and people involved is shared and recommendations for future areas of exploration are provided.

ACE2 as therapeutic agent

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (19) ◽  
pp. 2581-2595
Author(s):  
Qiuhong Li ◽  
Maria B. Grant ◽  
Elaine M. Richards ◽  
Mohan K. Raizada
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Peptide Hormone ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Electrolyte Balance ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Future Challenges

Abstract The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has emerged as a critical regulator of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which plays important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating vascular tone, fluid and electrolyte balance. ACE2 functions as a carboxymonopeptidase hydrolyzing the cleavage of a single C-terminal residue from Angiotensin-II (Ang-II), the key peptide hormone of RAS, to form Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), which binds to the G-protein–coupled Mas receptor and activates signaling pathways that counteract the pathways activated by Ang-II. ACE2 is expressed in a variety of tissues and overwhelming evidence substantiates the beneficial effects of enhancing ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis under many pathological conditions in these tissues in experimental models. This review will provide a succinct overview on current strategies to enhance ACE2 as therapeutic agent, and discuss limitations and future challenges. ACE2 also has other functions, such as acting as a co-factor for amino acid transport and being exploited by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs) as cellular entry receptor, the implications of these functions in development of ACE2-based therapeutics will also be discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document