scholarly journals Distribution and Abundance of the Interior Population of the Least Tern (Sternula Antillarum), 2005; A Review of the First Complete Range-Wide Survey in the Context of Historic and Ongoing Monitoring Efforts

Author(s):  
Casey A. Lott
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Cadrobbi ◽  
Fioroni Daniele ◽  
Alessandro Bozzoli

This article draws on the experience matured while working with low-enthalpy geothermic installations both in the design and executive phase as well as ongoing monitoring, within the scope of energy conservation as it relates to building and construction. The goal is to illustrate the feasibility of adopting the ESBE certification protocol (Certification of Energy Efficient Low-Enthalpy Probes) aimed at optimizing the harnessing of local geothermic resources to satisfy the energy requirements of a building, measured against the initial investment. It is often the case, in fact, that during the course of a construction project for a given low-enthalpy installation, we verify incompa tibilities with the local geologic and geothermic models, which, if inadequate during construction, can compromise the proper functioning of the installation and its subsequent operation. To this end, the ESBE method, which adheres to the governing environmental regulations, and which takes its cue from technical statutes within the sector, permits us to validate via verification, simulations and tests, the geothermic field probes used in construction in an objective and standardized manner, thereby joining and supporting the most recent protocols for energy certification of buildings (LEED 2010, CASACLIMA 2011, UE 20120/31 Directive). ESBE certification operates through a dedicated Certifying Entity represented by the REET unit (Renewable Energies and Environmental Technologies) of FBK (Bruno Kessler Foundation) of Trento. The results obtained by applying the ESBE method to two concrete cases, relative to two complex geothermic systems, demonstrate how this protocol is able to guarantee, beyond the correct execution in the field of geothermic probes, an effective coverage of the energy requirements of the building during construction adopting the best optimization measures for the probes in keeping with the local geological and geothermic model.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
NMJ Wright ◽  
F Hankins ◽  
P Hearty

Abstract Background Prisoner populations have a disproportionately high prevalence of risk factors for long-term conditions (LTCs), and movement between community and prisons is a period of potential disruption in the ongoing monitoring and management of LTCs. Method Nineteen qualitative interviews with staff, recruited by purposive sampling for professional background, were conducted to explore facilitators and barriers to screening, monitoring and medicines management for LTCs. Results There is variability in prisoner behaviours regarding bringing community GP-prescribed medication to prison following arrest and detention in police custody, which affects service ability regarding seamless continuation of community prescribing actions. Systems for actively inputting clinical data into existing, nationally agreed, electronic record templates for QOF monitoring are under-developed in prisons and such activity is dependent upon individual “enthusiast(s)”. Conclusion There is a pressing need to embed standardised QOF monitoring systems within an integrated community/prison commissioning framework, supported by connectivity between prison and community primary care records, including all activity related to QOF compliance.


Foods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Debegnach ◽  
Simona Patriarca ◽  
Carlo Brera ◽  
Emanuela Gregori ◽  
Elisa Sonego ◽  
...  

Genus Claviceps is a plant pathogen able to produce a group of toxins, ergot alkaloids (EAs), whose effects have been known since the Middle Ages (ergotism). Claviceps purpurea is the most important representative specie, known to infect more than 400 monocotyledonous plants including economically important cereal grains (e.g., rye, wheat, triticale). EAs are not regulated as such. Maximum limits are in the pipeline of the EU Commission while at present ergot sclerotia content is set by the Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 in unprocessed cereals (0.05% as a maximum). This study aimed to investigate the presence of the six principal EAs (ergometrine, ergosine, ergocornine, α-ergocryptine, ergotamine and ergocristine) and their relative epimers (-inine forms) in rye- and wheat-based products. Of the samples, 85% resulted positive for at least one of the EAs. Wheat bread was the product with the highest number of positivity (56%), followed by wheat flour (26%). Rye and wheat bread samples showed the highest values when the sum of the EAs was considered, and durum wheat bread was the more contaminated sample (1142.6 μg/kg). These results suggest that ongoing monitoring of EAs in food products is critical until maximum limits are set.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 11697-11707
Author(s):  
Benjamin Becker ◽  
Christian Kochleus ◽  
Denise Spira ◽  
Christel Möhlenkamp ◽  
Julia Bachtin ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this study, three different passive sampling receiving phases were evaluated, with a main focus on the comparability of established styrene-divinylbenzene reversed phase sulfonated (SDB-RPS) sampling phase from Empore™ (E-RPS) and novel AttractSPE™ (A-RPS). Furthermore, AttractSPE™ hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) disks were tested. To support sampling phase selection for ongoing monitoring needs, it is important to have information on the characteristics of alternative phases. Three sets of passive samplers (days 1–7, days 8–14, and days 1–14) were exposed to a continuously exchanged mixture of creek and rainwater in a stream channel system under controlled conditions. The system was spiked with nine pesticides in two peak scenarios, with log KOW values ranging from approx. − 1 to 5. Three analytes were continuously spiked at a low concentration. All three sampling phases turned out to be suitable for the chosen analytes, and, in general, uptake rates were similar for all three materials, particularly for SDB-RPS phases. Exceptions concerned bentazon, where E-RPS sampled less than 20% compared with the other phases, and nicosulfuron, where HLB sampled noticeably more than both SDB-RPS phases. All three phases will work for environmental monitoring. They are very similar, but differences indicate one cannot just use literature calibration data and transfer these from one SDB phase to another, though for most compounds, it may work fine. Graphical abstract


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick W. Keys ◽  
Elizabeth A. Barnes ◽  
Neil H. Carter

AbstractThe human footprint index is an extensively used tool for interpreting the accelerating pressure of humanity on Earth. Up to now, the process of creating the human footprint index has required significant data and modeling, and updated versions of the index often lag the present day by many years. Here we introduce a near-present, global-scale machine learning-based human footprint index (ml-HFI) which is capable of routine update using satellite imagery alone. We present the most up-to-date map of the human footprint index, and document changes in human pressure during the past 20 years (2000 to 2019). Moreover, we demonstrate its utility as a monitoring tool for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15), “Life on Land”, which aims to foster sustainable development while conserving biodiversity. We identify countries that are making progress toward SDG15 while also experiencing increases in their ml-HFI. We briefly examine a subset of these in the context of conservation policies that may or may not enable continued progress toward SDG15. This has immediate policy relevance, since the majority of countries globally are not on track to achieve Goal 15 by the declared deadline of 2030. Moving forward, the ml-HFI may be used for ongoing monitoring and evaluation support toward the twin goals of fostering a thriving society and global Earth system.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awube Menlah ◽  
Evans Appiah Appiah Osei ◽  
Isabella Garti ◽  
Stella Appiah ◽  
Dorothy Baffour Awuah ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundVasectomy is an effective contraceptive method that has been approved worldwide and proven to be an effective method of contraception among males in the perspective of controlling a population. Although safer, simpler, less expensive and equally as effective as female sterilization, throughout the world, it is one of the least used and least known methods of contraception. It is perceived to be a form of castration, which can make men weak and incapable, thereby unable to satisfy their wives sexually, leading to marital conflicts. The study aimed at determining perceptions and experiences regarding vasectomy among vasectomized men at Larterbiokorshie. MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative method utilizing Phenomenological research design. The sample consisted of 18 vasectomized men selected through purposive sampling method. Face-face interviews were conducted with participants using a semi-structured interview guide. ResultsThe study discovered that the vasectomized men have a positive perception about vasectomy in terms of promoting couples sexual Health. Nevertheless, public perception regarding vasectomy was found to be poor. Socio-cultural and religious factors were also found to influence vasectomy uptake. In addition, several reasons were cited for motivating men regarding their decision on vasectomy and finally, participants shared their experiences following their vasectomy. ConclusionConclusively, despite all the misconceptions and concerns raised about vasectomy, the study revealed a positive perception among the vasectomized men. The study recommends that the government should formulate policies which will improve the utilization of vasectomy through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of services.


Check List ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 2098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilo Sánchez-Giraldo ◽  
Juan M. Daza

The northern part of the Cordillera Central in Colombia has been recognized as a region of particular relevancy in vertebrates biodiversity. We provide a list of non-volant mammal species in Jaguas and San Carlos, two protected areas around hydroelectric projects on the eastern slope of the Cordillera Central in Antioquia. As part of an ongoing monitoring project, we obtained records from a standardized survey in 2011 and sporadic surveys in 2014–2015 (capture and non-invasive methods), and from the revision of voucher specimens. From 132 records we generated a list of 34 species, 22 species in Jaguas and 27 in San Carlos, belonging to 20 families and seven orders. We record the occurrence of four endemic and four threatened species, including the endemic and Endangered Tamarin, Saguinus leucopus, highlighting the importance of these protected areas for mammal conservation in this highly diverse region. 


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document