scholarly journals Perform or wither: role of water users' associations in municipalities of Nepal

Water Policy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. 90-106
Author(s):  
Sreoshi Singh ◽  
Krity Shrestha ◽  
Menaka Hamal ◽  
Anjal Prakash
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Water Users ◽  
Two Cities ◽  
Long Time ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Supply Systems

Abstract In Nepal, water institutions have played a very significant role, and in Tansen and Damauli, the presence of user groups has indicated that proper management of water can help people avert critical water shortages. However, although in both Tansen and Damauli the user groups have been operating for a long time, their performances vary. In Tansen, infrastructural constraints tend to throw up challenges, although operational hazards associated with the supply systems are no less threatening. Moreover, there is large-scale corruption in the systems' upkeep and maintenance, allowing low grade vendors to operate in place of readily available efficient institutions. In Damauli, the systems have been rather perfectly managed, except for minor glitches from time to time. Funding has been good and community bonding has paid off. This paper delves into the community-managed water systems in the two cities and how the performance varies across them and the factors that play a role.

The Emergence of Bone Technologies at the End of the Pleistocene in Southeast Asia: Regional and Evolutionary Implications

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J. Rabett ◽  
Philip J. Piper
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Modern Human ◽  
Small Element ◽  
Adaptive Process ◽  
Long Time ◽  
One Step ◽  
A Minor

For many decades Palaeolithic research viewed the development of early modern human behaviour as largely one of progress down a path towards the ‘modernity’ of the present. The European Palaeolithic sequence — the most extensively studied — was for a long time the yard-stick against which records from other regions were judged. Recent work undertaken in Africa and increasingly Asia, however, now suggests that the European evidence may tell a story that is more parochial and less universal than previously thought. While tracking developments at the large scale (the grand narrative) remains important, there is growing appreciation that to achieve a comprehensive understanding of human behavioural evolution requires an archaeologically regional perspective to balance this.One of the apparent markers of human modernity that has been sought in the global Palaeolithic record, prompted by finds in the European sequence, is innovation in bonebased technologies. As one step in the process of re-evaluating and contextualizing such innovations, in this article we explore the role of prehistoric bone technologies within the Southeast Asian sequence, where they have at least comparable antiquity to Europe and other parts of Asia. We observe a shift in the technological usage of bone — from a minor component to a medium of choice — during the second half of the Last Termination and into the Holocene. We suggest that this is consistent with it becoming a focus of the kinds of inventive behaviour demanded of foraging communities as they adapted to the far-reaching environmental and demographic changes that were reshaping this region at that time. This record represents one small element of a much wider, much longerterm adaptive process, which we would argue is not confined to the earliest instances of a particular technology or behaviour, but which forms part of an on-going story of our behavioural evolution.

scholarly journals Derailment or Turning Point? The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sustainability-Related Thinking

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5506
Author(s):  
Zoltán Lakner ◽  
Brigitta Plasek ◽  
Anna Kiss ◽  
Sándor Soós ◽  
Ágoston Temesi
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Journal ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Future Of Education ◽  
Supply Systems ◽  
New Situation

A pandemic has always been a milestone, forcing intellectuals to reassess the directions of development at their time. This fact has generated vivid debates about the possible reactions to the new situation, highlighting the vulnerability of current socio-economic structures as well as the need to reconsider the current way of development. The new challenge has created an unprecedented increase in academic publications. The aim of the current paper is to analyze the socio-economic aspects of the growing interest in the sustainability-related facets of the pandemic. Based on English language journal articles (n = 1326), collected on the Web of Science website, the authors analyze the different aspects of COVID-related discussions connected to sustainability. Applying the triangulation approach, the publications have been classified on the basis of their intellectual roots, co-occurrence of different words and strategic diagramming. Results highlight that, notwithstanding the remarkable number of papers, there is a strong need for the in-depth analysis of the long-term consequences in the fields of (1) health logistics and policy; (2) the future of education and work, based on experience and evidence; (3) the re-thinking of the resilience of large-scale supply systems; (4) global governance of world affairs, (5) the role of distant teaching, telecommunication, telework, telehealth, teleservices.

scholarly journals Practical behavioural solutions to COVID-19: Changing the role of behavioural science in crises

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Coosje Tanis ◽  
Floor Nauta ◽  
Meier Boersma ◽  
Maya van der Steenhoven ◽  
Denny Borsboom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Total N ◽  
Shopping Cart ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Long Time

For a very long time in the COVID-19 crisis, behavioural change leading to physical distancing behaviour was the only tool at our disposal to mitigate virus spread. In this large-scale naturalistic experimental study we show how we can use behavioural science to find ways to promote the desired physical distancing behaviour. During seven days in a supermarket we implemented different behavioural interventions: (i) rewarding customers for keeping distance; (i) providing signage to guide customers; and (iii) altering shopping cart regulations. We asked customers to wear a tag that measured distances to other tags using ultra-wide band at 1Hz. In total N = 4,232 customers participated in the study. We compared the number of contacts (< 1.5 m, corresponding to Dutch regulations) between customers using state-of-the-art contact network analyses. We found that rewarding customers and providing signage increased physical distancing, whereas shopping cart regulations did not impact physical distancing. Rewarding customers moreover reduced the duration of remaining contacts between customers. These results demonstrate the feasibility to conduct large-scale behavioural experiments that can provide guidelines for policy. While the COVID-19 crisis unequivocally demonstrates the importance of behaviour and behavioural change, behaviour is integral to many crises, like the trading of mortgages in the financial crisis or the consuming of goods in the climate crisis. We argue that by acknowledging the role of behaviour in crises, and redefining this role in terms of the desired behaviour and necessary behavioural change, behavioural science can open up new solutions to crises and inform policy. We believe that we should start taking advantage of these opportunities.

scholarly journals The role of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in early prediction of malignant transformation of low-grade Gliomas (A Systematic review)

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 014-029
Author(s):  
Mohammed Danfulani ◽  
Shamsuddeen Ahmad Aliyu
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Transformation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Early Prediction ◽  
High Tendency ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Mri Studies

Introduction: Low-grade gliomas is the most common primary brain tumour, although the presentation may take up to two decades, there is high tendency of early malignant transformation which raise a growing concern. Multi-parametric MRI studies have the potential for predicting the early malignant transformation. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search of various databases was conducted together with forward tracking of the reference list to retrieve relevant qualitative primary studies. Moreover, hand search for journal that was not available electronically was also conducted. Through assessment of the relevant studies was ensured and the included studies were carefully selected. The relevant data was extracted by data extraction form recommended by Cochrane collaborations. Results: The search yielded 1158 which was narrowed down to eight (8) studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies are assessing the role of different MRI parameters in predicting the early malignant transformation of Low-grade gliomas. The risk of bias and the applicability concern of the included studies are low. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this review; Multi-parametric MRI studies have the potential of predicting the early malignant transformation of low-grade gliomas. There is need for high quality large scale, prospective studies on the role of multi-parametric MRI studies in early prediction of malignant transformation of LGGs and meta-analysis of these studies is highly recommended.

scholarly journals Non-hormonal options for the relief of menopausal disorders

2022 ◽  
pp. 190-196
Author(s):  
O. V. Yakushevskaya
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Estrogen Deficiency ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Social Self ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Long Time

Woman’s nature is unique. Taking into account some historical milestones, it can be noted that the role of women in society has undergone large-scale changes. The woman took a confident position in society. Its main function remains unchanged and it consists in procreation and procreation. A woman’s activity is consistent with the work of her reproductive system (RS). The gradual decrease, and then the cessation of the work of the ovaries, contributes to the life order and health of the fair sex. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, which corresponds to the peak of social self-realization. However, in some cases, hormonal changes characteristic of this period can serve as a favorable background for the formation of a number of pathological changes. The growing estrogen deficiency is becoming a pathogenetic impetus for the development of a wide range of climacteric disorders. Vasomotor symptoms and hyperhidrosis are the most frequent companions of women during the perimenopausal transition and early postmenopause. Maintaining optimal activity and the full quality of life of patients should be the goal of correcting the negative manifestations of estrogen deficiency and the complications associated with it. Compensating for estrogen deficiency with menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) is the benchmark for menopausal problems. However, there are a number of patients who have contraindications to prescribing HRT or who refuse to receive it for some reason. For this category of patients, alternative methods of diet correction. Combinations of plant extracts with vitamins and minerals have been successfully used in clinical practice for a long time. The article will provide information on the most studied phytoestrogens contained in soy.

scholarly journals Philosophical aspects of the modern geopolitical realities of the world in context of the Soviet Union's victory over nazi Germany

KANT ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Irina Lukinova ◽  
Svetlana Paletskaya
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Key Indicator ◽  
The World ◽  
Long Time

This article proposes the author's concept of a key indicator for assessing the adequacy of geopolitics in the modern world; as such an indicator, the most key, largely unconditional and absolute, historical event of the last century was chosen - the USSR's Victory over fascist Germany and its allies, the result of which was the geopolitical system of the world, fixed by the documents of the Yalta Conference, which allowed for a relatively long time to ensure the relatively peaceful existence of countries and peoples. At present, Western countries led by the United States are making large-scale efforts aimed at dismantling this global geopolitical structure in order to establish completely different orders and realities in the world. For the complete destruction of the former world, established after the end of World War II, the West seeks to completely falsify its main results, especially the decisive role of the USSR in defeating fascist Germany, its allies and satellites. For this, an unprecedented attack was launched precisely on the Victory of the USSR; under these conditions, this key historical event becomes the main measure, a key indicator of the assessment of modern geopolitical realities of the world as a whole, as well as individual phenomena and processes of the modern historical era. Two main and interconnected features of the modern historical era (called by the author as the "1984 era") are revealed and justified: 1) its geopolitical-destructive nature; 2) its intentional design essence.

State, Society, and Irrigation Management in Egypt

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia M. Gouda
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Irrigation Water Management ◽  
Water Users ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Access To The Field ◽  
Donor Agencies ◽  
Egyptian Government

This chapter brings together the different elements that explain irrigation water management in Egypt and how it has changed over time, leading to the initiation of irrigation improvement projects and the formation of water users' organizations (WUOs) from the late 1980s onward. It looks at the role of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the customary social organizations (informal water user groups) for irrigation water management, and how they have changed over the past sixty years. It outlines the different irrigation improvement projects and discusses the objectives of the Egyptian government and donor agencies in the creation of WUOs, and how these have affected the functioning of WUOs at different hydrological levels. Finally, it summarizes the fieldwork strategy used to carry out the research, giving the reasons for the selection of the villages in Kafr al-Sheikh and Fayoum governorates and the author's access to the field.

scholarly journals Hydrogels with Gigantic Thermopower for Low-grade Heat Harvesting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuan Sun ◽  
Yongjie He ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Hanlin Cheng ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Matrix ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Te Material ◽  
Mobile Ions ◽  
Low Grade Heat ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Harvesting energy from the environment to power the self-sustained systems has long been desired1,2. Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) material with mobile ions as charge carriers has the advantage to generate large thermal voltages at low operating temperatures3-5. Recent works improved the thermopower substantially by modifying the polymer matrix of the i-TE hydrogels6-9. But the mobile ions have not been systematically studied in the context of i-TE hydrogels. This study highlights the role of ions in i-TE hydrogels employing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix and a number of ion providers, e.g. KOH, KNO3, KCl, KBr, NaI, KI, and CsI. The relationship between the intrinsic physical parameters of the ion and the thermoelectric performance is established, indicating electronegativity of the cation and the ability to influence the hydrogen bond by the anion are two crucial factors. Among these i-TE hydrogels, PVA/CsI hydrogel exhibits the largest ionic Seebeck coefficient, reaching 52.9 mV K-1, which is the greatest of all i-TE materials reported till date. In addition, PVA/NaI hydrogel exhibits excellent TE properties, with a record ZT value of 5.09 at room temperature. This flexible, inexpensive hydrogel that compatible with large-scale manufacturing shows great promise for low-grade thermal energy harvesting.

About the Growing Role of Green Finance in Providing Financial Stability

2020 ◽  
pp. 83-95
Author(s):  
Mikhail V. Ershov ◽  
Anna S. Tanasova ◽  
Elena Yu. Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Financial Stability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Financial Risks ◽  
Green Finance ◽  
Long Time

The number of natural disasters which negatively influence the economy has increased in recent years. The solution of the problems linked to the climatic factors for a long time had been put to international level and different regulators implement numerous initiatives, work out international standards, etc. Changes in the production which affect all countries and all spheres of economy require large scale financing which has significant risks. That’s why 36 central banks and supervisors acknowledged climate-related risks are a source of financial risks and which falls within the mandates of central banks and supervisors to ensure the financial system is resilient to these risks. The article revises the international initiatives in which central banks and supervisors participate for better interaction of financial sphere and green economic. The challenges evolve are analyzed. Adequate estimation of financial risks is hampered by many difficulties (shortage of comparable information, lack of financial instruments, etc.). The financial aspects of green economic in Russia are analyzed. Russian regulators are inactive in international initiatives that form regulatory approaches with allowances of climate factor. The investment in green economic is insignificant. Taking ecologic factor in processing is necessary to enhance competitiveness. It is made the conclusion about the importance of taking more active role of Russian regulators in international initiatives at the starting stage when the functioning of green economic and green finance is shaping. It’s obvious that such participation should promote the interests of Russia that will lay basis of its important role in this growing sphere for many years to come.

The Role of Kynurenines in Cognitive Dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kaat Hebbrecht ◽  
Manuel Morrens ◽  
Erik J. Giltay ◽  
Alexander L.N. van Nuijs ◽  
Bernard Sabbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bipolar Depression ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
Depression Group

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Chronic low-grade inflammation is suggested to play a pathophysiological role in bipolar disorder (BD) and its related cognitive dysfunctions. Although kynurenine (KYN) pathway metabolites are key inflammatory mediators, studies investigating the association between KYN metabolism and cognition in BD are scarce. We aimed to explore the relationship between KYN metabolism and cognitive functioning across different mood states in BD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sixty-seven patients with BD (35 depressed and 32 [hypo] manic) and 29 healthy controls were included. Cognitive functioning was assessed at 3 time intervals (baseline, 4, and 8 months) assessing processing speed, sustained attention, verbal memory, working memory, and response inhibition. Plasma samples for quantification of 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were concurrently provided. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The manic group showed deficits in all assessed cognitive domains with the exception of verbal memory at all test moments. The bipolar depression group showed deficits in the processing speed at all test moments. Throughout the whole follow-up period, KYNA was significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls. Only in the bipolar depression group, low KYNA was associated with worse global cognitive functioning (<i>B</i> = 0.114, <i>p</i> = 0.02) and slower processing speed in particular (<i>B</i> = 0.139, <i>p</i> = 0.03). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Only in the bipolar depression group, lower KYNA was associated with worse cognitive functioning. Future large-scale longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm the role of KYN metabolites in cognitive impairment in patients with BD and the possible therapeutic implications of this relationship.

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