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1
Deng, Weikun, Khanh T. P. Nguyen, Christian Gogu, Jérôme Morio, and Kamal Medjaher. "Physics-informed Lightweight Temporal Convolution Networks for Fault Prognostics Associated to Bearing Stiffness Degradation." PHM Society European Conference 7, no. 1 (June 29, 2022): 118–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.36001/phme.2022.v7i1.3365.
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This paper proposes hybrid methods using physics-informed (PI) lightweight Temporal Convolution Neural Network (PITCN) for bearings’ remaining useful life (RUL) prediction under stiffness degradation. It includes three PI hybrid models: a) PI Feature model (PIFM) — constructing physics-informed health indicator (PIHI) to augment the feature space, b) PI Layer model (PILM)—encoding the physics governing equations in a hidden layer, and c) PI Layer Based Loss model (PILLM)—designing PI conflict loss, taking into account the difference before and after integration of the physics input-output relations involved module to the loss function. We simulated 200 different bearing stiffness degradations, using their discrete monitored vibration signals to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also investigate their inference process through feature heat map analysis to interpret how the models melt physics knowledge to assist in capturing the degradation trend. The physics knowledge considered in this paper is the dynamic relationship between vibration amplitude and stiffness in a damped forced vibration model. The results show that all three PITCN models effectively capture degradation-related trend information and perform better than the vanilla lightweight TCN. Furthermore, the visualization of the feature channels highlights the important role of physics information in model training. Channels containing physics information demonstrate higher correlation with results as they significantly dominate the heat map compared to other channels.
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Wolfberg, Jeremy, Keerthana Chintalapati, Shunji Tomatsu, and Kyoko Nagao. "Hearing Loss in Mucopolysaccharidoses: Current Knowledge and Future Directions." Diagnostics 10, no. 8 (August 4, 2020): 554. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10080554.
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Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by a deficiency of one of the enzymes involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Hearing loss is a common clinical presentation in MPS. This paper reviews the literature on hearing loss for each of the seven recognized subtypes of MPS. Hearing loss was found to be common in MPS I, II, III, IVA, VI, and VII, and absent from MPS IVB and MPS IX. MPS VI presents primarily with conductive hearing loss, while the other subtypes (MPS I, MPS II, MPS III, MPS IVA, and MPS VII) can present with any type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss). The sensorineural component develops as the disease progresses, but there is no consensus on the etiology of the sensorineural component. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the most common therapy utilized for MPS, but the effects of ERT on hearing function have been inconclusive. This review highlights a need for more comprehensive and multidisciplinary research on hearing function that includes behavioral testing, objective testing, and temporal bone imaging. This information would allow for better understanding of the progression and etiology of hearing loss. Owing to the prevalence of hearing loss in MPS, early diagnosis of hearing loss and annual comprehensive audiological evaluations are recommended.
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Ayanlade, Ayansina, and Ulrike Proske. "Assessing wetland degradation and loss of ecosystem services in the Niger Delta, Nigeria." Marine and Freshwater Research 67, no. 6 (2016): 828. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15066.
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The Niger Delta, being the most extensive freshwater wetland and aquatic ecosystem in West Africa, provides numerous services both to local people and to the West African economy. Ongoing environmental pressure exerted by large-scale oil extraction and illegal timber logging, however, are suspected to have had a substantial impact on the Delta’s ecosystems over the last decades. Knowledge on impact of these activities on the region’s wetlands now or in the past is scarce and patchy. To address this lack of knowledge, this study assesses spatiotemporal changes in two wetlands in the region by using satellite data from 1984 to 2011 and GIS methods. The results show that both wetlands have experienced substantial degradation, particularly with respect to the area of forest lost. Although comprehensive environmental protection laws were introduced in 1988, ecosystem services of up to US$65 million in value were lost over the study period. The introduction of new legislation in 2007, however, is potentially a first step towards a more ‘wise use’ of wetlands in Nigeria.
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Górska, Magdalena, and Dorota Wojtysiak. "Integrin degradation during postmortem cold storage and the level of drip loss in pork." Medycyna Weterynaryjna 73, no. 6 (2017): 325–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.21521/mw.5711.
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Integrins are a family of transmembrane adhesion proteins. An integrin molecule is composed of two subunits called α and β, each of which has a large extracellular domain, a transmembrane fragment, and a short cytoplasmic sequence. The main function of integrin is to bind extracellular matrix proteins and the skeletal muscle cell membrane. In addition, integrin as a membrane receptor is involved in signal transduction and cell response to microenvironmental signals, by relaying information about the structure and composition of the cell environment. Postmortem integrin degradation has been the subject of several studies, mainly in pork, where the mechanisms of postmortem integrin degradation are not completely understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to present current knowledge on the role of integrin in postmortem drip loss in pork. Research to date has shown that postmortem integrin degradation could contribute to the formation of drip channels between the cell body and cell membrane of muscle fibers, which increases the drip loss from pork.
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Girardin, Patricia, Osvaldo Valeria, and François Girard. "Measuring Spatial and Temporal Gravelled Forest Road Degradation in the Boreal Forest." Remote Sensing 14, no. 3 (January 19, 2022): 457. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs14030457.
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Degradation of forest roads in Canada has strong negative effects on access to forestlands, together with economic (e.g., increased maintenance costs), environmental (e.g., erosion of materials and subsequent habitat contamination), and social (e.g., use risks) impacts. Maintaining sustainable and safe access to forestland requires a better understanding and knowledge of forest road degradation over time and space. Our study aimed to identify relevant spatiotemporal variables regarding the state of eastern Canadian forest road networks by (1) building predictive models of gravel forest road degradation and assessing effects of the slope, time, loss of the road surface, and road width (field approach), and (2) evaluating the potential of topography, roughness and vegetation indices obtained from Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data and Sentinel-2 optical images to estimate degradation rates (remote sensing approach). The field approach (n = 207 sample plots) confirmed that only four variables were efficient to estimate degradation rates (pseudo-R2 = 0.43 with ±8% error). Simulations that were conducted showed that after about five years without maintenance, the rate of degradation on a road, regardless of its width, increased exponentially, exacerbated by a high slope gradient and loss of road surface. The narrowest roads tended to degrade more rapidly over time. The remote sensing approach performed quite well (pseudo-R2 = 0.34 with ±9% error) in terms of predicting road degradation, giving us the valuable tools to spatialise the state of gravel forest road degradation in eastern Canadian forest. This study provided new knowledge and tools that are critical for maintaining and sustaining access to Canada’s boreal forest territory in both the short- and the long-term.
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N, Arivarasan. "Ecological degradation in Cho. Dharman's novel Sool." International Research Journal of Tamil 4, S-3 (May 3, 2022): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.34256/irjt22s31.
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Sool Cho Dharman has registered the lives of Karisal (land) people. It is mainly on how an age gone generation have lived their lif e which is depends on their practical knowledge on nature. He has collected information on how people of the karisal land have worshiped their ancestress in their religious belief system and how they have maintained their ethical values. He has transformed this information into the fictional theme of his novel, Sool. Through this novel one could read how UrulaikKudi people once have lived their lives one with nature. Now they have lost their traditional knowledge, and their life which is very much imbedded in their ethical values. Hence, the novel represents the decadence of ancient way of life with its traditional knowledge system. Subsequently such decadence of living has also lead to destruction of environmental resources such as reservoirs, natural irrigational system and ethnic seeds and trees. Traditional works such as pottery, traditional medicine, palm tree related products and its works, carpentry are also jeopardised by loss of such living. When new foreign breeds of species are introduced here the ethnic breeds are vanished from the face of the earth. Hence, this article tries to showcase the issues and consequences of environmental decadence and the changing social life of karisal people through the novel Sool.
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Prakash Bhuyar, Nurul Aqilah Binti Mohd Tamizi, Mohd Hasbi Ab. Rahim, Gaanty Pragas Maniam, and Natanamurugaraj Govindan. "Effect of ultraviolet light on the degradation of Low-Density and High-Density Polyethylene characterized by the weight loss and FTIR." Maejo International Journal of Energy and Environmental Communication 1, no. 2 (July 24, 2019): 26–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.54279/mijeec.v1i2.244915.
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In this study, the research was made to understand the knowledge widely related to the degradation process of polyethylene polymer. The mode of treatment that involves in the degradation process of polyethylene is physical treatment while the method of degradation used is photo-degradation of UV light. By using the physical treatment of UV irradiation light, it helps by affecting the bonding that holds the polymer together to break and weakens the plastic. From the result obtained in FTIR and SEM analysis, in FTIR spectrum of LDPE shows higher transmittance compared to FTIR spectrum of HDPE both UV-treated for 30 days. This indicates the high transmittance have few bonds to absorb light in the LDPE sample, low transmittance in HDPE sample means has high population of bonds which have vibrational energies corresponding to the incident light. For SEM result, the polyethylene for LDPE plastic sheet shows the best results for degradation and managed to reduce the weight loss at 87.5% compared to HDPE plastic which at 21.6%.
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Cancellieri, Dominique, Valérie Leroy-Cancellieri, Xavier Silvani, and Frédéric Morandini. "New experimental diagnostics in combustion of forest fuels: microscale appreciation for a macroscale approach." Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences 18, no. 7 (July 16, 2018): 1957–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/nhess-18-1957-2018.
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Abstract. In modelling the wildfire behaviour, good knowledge of the mechanisms and the kinetic parameters controlling the thermal decomposition of forest fuel is of great importance. The kinetic modelling is based on the mass-loss rate, which defines the mass-source term of combustible gases that supply the flames and influences the propagation of wildland fires. In this work, we investigated the thermal degradation of three different fuels using a multi-scale approach. Lab-scale experimental diagnostics such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), use of the cone calorimeter (CC) or Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) led to valuable results for modelling the thermal degradation of vegetal fuels and allowed several upgrades of pyrolysis models. However, this work remains beyond large-scale conditions of a wildland or forest fire. In an effort to elaborate on the kinetic models under realistic natural fire conditions, a mass-loss device specifically designed for the field scale has been developed. The paper presents primary results gained using this new device, during large-scale experiments of controlled fires. The mass-loss records obtained on a field scale highlight the influence of the chemical composition and the structure of plants. Indeed, two species with similar chemical and morphological characteristics exhibit similar mass-loss rates, whereas the third presents different thermal behaviour. The experimental data collected at a field scale led to a new insight about thermal degradation processes of natural fuel when compared to the kinetic laws established in TGA. These new results provide a global description of the kinetics of degradation of Mediterranean forest fuels. The results led to a proposed thermal degradation mechanism that has also been validated on a larger scale.
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Hazell, Donna. "Frog ecology in modified Australian landscapes: a review." Wildlife Research 30, no. 3 (2003): 193. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr02075.
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Frog decline in Australia has often occurred where habitat is relatively intact. Habitat alteration and loss do, however, threaten many species. Widespread degradation of aquatic and terrestrial systems has occurred since European settlement, with only 6.4% of Australia's landmass reserved for conservation. But what do we know about how frogs use modified Australian landscapes? Do wildlife managers have the information required to ensure that frog habitat is considered in the management and revegetation of these areas? This review examines published Australian research on frogs to determine knowledge on processes of habitat loss and degradation. Literature that informs landscape restoration and revegetation is also examined to determine whether the habitat needs of frogs are considered. While many threats associated with frog habitat loss and change have been identified there is little quantitative information on frog–habitat relationships in modified landscapes, habitat fragmentation or knowledge of the connectivity required between terrestrial and aquatic frog habitat. Without this information frogs have largely been ignored in efforts to revegetate and manage for the conservation of Australian biota outside reserves. Ecological frog research in modified landscapes is required to avoid land-management decisions and conservation strategies based on inappropriate assumptions of how biota respond to landscape change.
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Nasare, Latif Iddrisu, Latifa Abdul Rahman, and Francis Diawuo Darko. "Indigenous knowledge systems for land condition assessment and sustainable land management in the Talensi District, Ghana." Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management 10, no. 2 (January 1, 2023): 4209. http://dx.doi.org/10.15243/jdmlm.2023.102.4209.
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<p>The quest for sustainable land management has led to the development of modern technologies for land condition assessment and management, but these approaches have often failed in rural contexts due to their high complexity and incompatibility with the socio-economic conditions of land users. Although indigenous systems are known to be accessible, compatible, and economically affordable for rural farmers, less is known about indigenous technologies for the assessment of the land condition and sustainable land management. The present study identified indigenous indicators for the assessment of land degradation and examined indigenous practices for sustainable land management in the Talensi district of the Upper East region of Ghana. The study employed a qualitative approach in which interviews were conducted with sixty farmers in three selected communities of the Talensi district. Generally, land degradation was observed by respondents in the form of soil degradation or loss of vegetative cover. Among indigenous indicators of land degradation, soil erosion emerged as the most frequent indicator (75%), while the proliferation of mining pits (10%) was the least observed indicator. Indigenous practices for sustainable land management in the district include stone bunding, contour ploughing and zero tillage. The most used soil fertility improvement practice identified was crop rotation (47%) while the application of compost/manure occurred as the least (18%) practice. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture incorporate indigenous knowledge and technologies into land management programmes.</p>
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Luning, Sabine. "Ritual Territories as Local Heritage? Discourse on Disruptions in Society and Nature in Maane, Burkina Faso." Africa 77, no. 1 (February 2007): 86–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.3366/afr.2007.77.1.86.
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AbstractThe issue of nature as local heritage refers to temporalities: the transmission of a valued common good over time, as well as the assessment of causes leading to degradation of the natural environment. How are such ideas shaped in local discourse and practices in the Moose chiefdom of Maane? The article focuses on the creation, development and main features of the ritual territories of earth priests over time. A pessimistic discourse on the present environmental situation connects the degradation of the land to processes of social erosion: loss of knowledge and morals. Is this degradation considered to be a recent phenomenon, or is it inherent in the passage of time at whatever moment in the history of Maane?
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Su, Xu, Yong Xu, Linshuang Li, and Chaoran Song. "Characterization and thermal degradation kinetics of thermoplastic polyimide based on BAPP." High Performance Polymers 30, no. 7 (September 5, 2017): 787–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0954008317729741.
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Two kinds of thermoplastic polyimides (PIs) were synthesized via a two-step method with 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane (BAPP), 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) diamine, and 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), and their thermal degradation kinetics was studied by thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates under nitrogen. Derivative thermogravimetric analysis curves indicated a simple, single-stage degradation process in PI BTDA-BAPP and a two-stage degradation process in PI BTDA-ODA-BAPP. The activation energies ( Eas) of the thermal degradation reaction were determined by the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods without a knowledge of the kinetic reaction mechanism. By comparing the values of Ea and weight loss temperatures, it was demonstrated that the thermal stability of PI BTDA-ODA-BAPP was superior to that of PI BTDA-BAPP.
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Vinuesa, Ariel José, Carla Soledad Fermanelli, and Clara Saux. "ACTIVATED BIOCHARS FUNCTIONALIZATION FOR PHOTO-FENTON DEGRADATION OF ORGANIC DYES." Latin American Applied Research - An international journal 53, no. 1 (January 1, 2023): 37–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.52292/j.laar.2023.1161.
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Activated biochars were obtained from peanut shells, a waste from the local agricultural industry, and used as supports for iron species. These materials were evaluated as catalysts in photo-Fenton reactions for methyl orange degradation in aqueous solutions. Supports and composites were physiochemically characterized by various techniques for better knowledge, finding a good interaction between the active phase and the support. The materials were subsequently evaluated in a batch system equipped with a Hg lamp. The catalysts showed good performance in the degradation of an organic dye. Reuse was evaluated for the catalyst with the highest activity (CA-FeWI), showing a slight loss in photodegradation capacity.
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Salvia, Rosanna, Gianluca Egidi, Sabato Vinci, and Luca Salvati. "Desertification Risk and Rural Development in Southern Europe: Permanent Assessment and Implications for Sustainable Land Management and Mitigation Policies." Land 8, no. 12 (December 11, 2019): 191. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land8120191.
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The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification defines ‘land degradation’ as a reduction or loss of the biological and economic productivity resulting from land-use mismanagement, or a combination of processes, such as soil erosion, deterioration of soil properties, and loss of natural vegetation and biodiversity. Land degradation is hence an interactive process involving multiple factors, among which climate, land-use, economic dynamics and socio-demographic forces play a key role. Especially in the Mediterranean basin, joint biophysical and socioeconomic factors shape the intrinsic level of vulnerability of both natural and agricultural land to degradation. The interplay between biophysical and socioeconomic factors may become extremely complex over time and space, resulting in specific patterns of landscape deterioration. This paper summarizes theoretical expectations and empirical knowledge in the field of soil and landscape degradation in Mediterranean Europe, evidencing the intimate relationship between agriculture and socio-demographic factors of growth (or decline) of rural areas. Understanding spatio-temporal trends of each factor underlying land degradation and the related background context is a key tool in the assessment of the spatial distribution of vulnerable and critical land to degradation. Empirical results of a permanent monitoring of land degradation contributes to delineate more effective conservation policies through identification of target areas requiring specific actions for biodiversity and landscape protection. With increasing human pressure on rural environments, a diachronic evaluation of patterns and processes of land degradation reveals particularly appropriate in a both positive and normative perspective, prefiguring new actions for soil conservation and landscape valorization under global change.
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Larsen, Philip J. "Mechanisms behind GLP-1 induced weight loss." British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease 8, no. 2_suppl (November 2008): S34—S41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1474651408100525.
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Endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that plays an important role in maintaining pancreatic function as well as caloric intake. Since the advent of GLP-1 receptor agonists resistant to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) (degradation, it has become clear that their chronic use promotes negative energy balance. With regard to their effects on body weight, the principal action of GLP-1 agonists is mediated via their inhibition of eating. In searching for the underlying mechanism of GLP-1 receptor agonist-induced anorexic effect, scientists have discovered pathways in the central nervous system, as well as in the periphery. This review describes emerging knowledge of a peripheral endocrine GLP-1 system mediating its activity through a central ascending GLP-1 pathway and targeting hypothalamic sites involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Thus peripheral and central GLP-1 sensitive pathways appear to be organised to co-operatively help control food intake and body weight.Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008;8 (Suppl 2): S34—S41
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Brown, Sandra, Abu R. J. Mahmood, Katherine M. Goslee, Timothy R. H. Pearson, Hansrajie Sukhdeo, Daniel N. M. Donoghue, and Pete Watt. "Accounting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Forest Edge Degradation: Gold Mining in Guyana as a Case Study." Forests 11, no. 12 (December 7, 2020): 1307. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f11121307.
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Background and Methods: Degradation of forests in developing countries results from multiple activities and is perceived to be a key source of greenhouse gas emissions, yet there are not reliable methodologies to measure and monitor emissions from all degrading activities. Therefore, there is limited knowledge of the actual extent of emissions from forest degradation. Degradation can be either in the forest interior, with a repeatable defined pattern within areas of forest, as with timber harvest, or on the forest edge and immediately bounding areas of deforestation. Forest edge degradation is especially challenging to capture with remote sensing or to predict from proxy factors. This paper addresses forest edge degradation and: (1) proposes a low cost methodology for assessing forest edge degradation surrounding deforestation; (2) using the method, provides estimates of gross carbon emissions from forest degradation surrounding and caused by alluvial mining in Guyana, and (3) compares emissions from mining degradation with other sources of forest greenhouse gas emissions. To estimate carbon emissions from forest degradation associated with mining in Guyana, 100 m buffers were located around polygons pre-mapped as mining deforestation, and within these buffers rectangular transects were established. Researchers collected ground data to produce estimates of the biomass damaged as a result of mining activities to apply to the buffer area around the mining deforestation. Results: The proposed method to estimate emissions from forest edge degradation was successfully piloted in Guyana, where 61% of the transects lost 10 Mg C ha−1 or less in trees from mining damage and 46% of these transects lost 1 Mg C ha−1 or less. Seventy percent of the damaged stems and 60% of carbon loss occurred in the first 50 m of the transects. The median loss in carbon stock from mining damage was 2.2 Mg C ha−1 (95% confidence interval: 0.0–10.2 Mg C ha−1). The carbon loss from mining degradation represented 1.0% of mean total aboveground carbon stocks, with emissions from mining degradation equivalent to ~2% of all emissions from forest change in Guyana. Conclusions: Gross carbon emissions from forest degradation around mining sites are of little significance regardless of persistence and potential forest recovery. The development of cost- and time-effective buffers around deforestation provides a sound approach to estimating carbon emissions from forest degradation adjacent to deforestation including surrounding mining. This simple approach provides a low-cost method that can be replicated anywhere to derive forest degradation estimates.
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Saguye, Tesfaye Samuel. "Analysis of Farmers’ Perception on the Impact of Land Degradation Hazard on Agricultural Land Productivity in Jeldu District in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia." Energy and Environment Research 8, no. 2 (November 26, 2018): 20. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/eer.v8n2p20.
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Land degradation is increasing in severity and extent in many parts of the world. Success in arresting land degradation entails an improved understanding of its causes, process, indicators and impacts. Various scientific methodologies have been employed to assess land degradation globally. However, the use of local community knowledge in elucidating the causes, process, indicators and effects of land degradation has seen little application by scientists and policy makers. Land degradation may be a physical process, but its underlying causes are firmly rooted in the socio-economic, political and cultural environment in which land users operate. Analyzing the root causes and effects of land degradation from local community knowledge, perception and adapting strategies perspective will provide information that is essential for designing and promoting sustainable land management practices. The main objective of this study was to analyze the perceptions of farmers’ on the impact of land degradation hazard on agricultural land productivity decline associated with soil erosion and fertility loss. The study used a multistage sampling procedure to select sample respondent households. The sample size of the study was 120 household heads and 226 farm plots managed by these farmers. The primary data of the study were collected by using semi-structured Interview, focus group discussions and field observation. Both descriptive statistics and econometric techniques were used for data analysis. Descriptive results show that 57percent of the respondents were perceived the severity and its consequence on agricultural land productivity. The following indicators of soil erosion and fertility loss were generally perceived and observed by farmers’ in the study area: gullies formations, soil accumulation around clumps of vegetation, soil deposits on gentle slopes, exposed roots, muddy water, sedimentation in streams and rivers, change in vegetation species, increased runoff, and reduced rooting depth. The direct human activities which were perceived to be causing land degradation in the study area include: deforestation and clearing of vegetation, overgrazing, steep slope cultivation and continuous cropping. The farmers’ possibility of perceiving the impact of land degradation hazard on agricultural land productivity was primarily determined by institutional, psychological, demographic and by bio-physical factors. Farmers who perceive their land as deteriorating and producing less than desired, tend to adopt improved land management practices. On the other hand, farmers who perceive their land to be fertile tend to have low adoption of conservation practices. In order to overcome this land degradation and its consequent effects, the study recommended a need for the government to enforce effective policies to control and prevent land degradation and these policies should be community inclusive /participatory founded up on indigenous and age-honored knowledge and tradition of farmers' natural resource management as well as introduced scientific practices.
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Koehn, John D., Scott M. Raymond, Ivor Stuart, Charles R. Todd, Stephen R. Balcombe, Brenton P. Zampatti, Heleena Bamford, et al. "A compendium of ecological knowledge for restoration of freshwater fishes in Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 71, no. 11 (2020): 1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf20127.
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Many freshwater fishes are imperilled globally, and there is a need for easily accessible, contemporary ecological knowledge to guide management. This compendium contains knowledge collated from over 600 publications and 27 expert workshops to support the restoration of 9 priority native freshwater fish species, representative of the range of life-history strategies and values in south-eastern Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin. To help prioritise future research investment and restoration actions, ecological knowledge and threats were assessed for each species and life stage. There is considerable new knowledge (80% of publications used were from the past 20 years), but this varied among species and life stages, with most known about adults, then egg, juvenile and larval stages (in that order). The biggest knowledge gaps concerned early life stage requirements, survival, recruitment, growth rates, condition and movements. Key threats include reduced longitudinal and lateral connectivity, altered flows, loss of refugia, reductions in both flowing (lotic) and slackwater riverine habitats, degradation of wetland habitats, alien species interactions and loss of aquatic vegetation. Examples and case studies illustrating the application of this knowledge to underpin effective restoration management are provided. This extensive ecological evidence base for multiple species is presented in a tabular format to assist a range of readers.
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Rust, Niki, Ole Erik Lunder, Sara Iversen, Steven Vella, Elizabeth A. Oughton, Tor Arvid Breland, Jayne H. Glass, Carly M. Maynard, Rob McMorran, and Mark S. Reed. "Perceived Causes and Solutions to Soil Degradation in the UK and Norway." Land 11, no. 1 (January 14, 2022): 131. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land11010131.
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Soil quality is declining in many parts of the world, with implications for the productivity, resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems. Research suggests multiple causes of soil degradation with no single solution and a divided stakeholder opinion on how to manage this problem. However, creating socially acceptable and effective policies to halt soil degradation requires engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders who possess different and complementary knowledge, experiences and perspectives. To understand how British and Norwegian agricultural stakeholders perceived the causes of and solutions to soil degradation, we used Q-methodology with 114 respondents, including farmers, scientists and agricultural advisers. For the UK, respondents thought the causes were due to loss of soil structure, soil erosion, compaction and loss of organic matter; the perceived solutions were to develop more collaborative research between researchers and farmers, invest in training, improve trust between farmers and regulatory agencies, and reduce soil compaction. In Norway, respondents thought soils were degrading due to soil erosion, monocultures and loss of soil structure; they believed the solutions were to reduce compaction, increase rotation and invest in agricultural training. There was an overarching theme related to industrialised agriculture being responsible for declining soil quality in both countries. We highlight potential areas for land use policy development in Norway and the UK, including multi-actor approaches that may improve the social acceptance of these policies. This study also illustrates how Q-methodology may be used to co-produce stakeholder-driven policy options to address land degradation.
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Liang, Zhihao. "A New Knowledge Distillation Method for Object Detection Based on EMD." Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2083, no. 4 (November 1, 2021): 042028. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2083/4/042028.
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Abstract As a common method of model compression, the knowledge distillation method can distill the knowledge from the complex large model with strong learning ability to student small model with weak learning ability in the training process, to improve the accuracy and performance of the small model. At present, there has been much knowledge distillation methods specially designed for object detection and achieved good results. However, almost all methods failed to solve the problem of performance degradation caused by the high noise in the current detection framework. In this study, we proposed a feature automatic weight learning method based on EMD to solve these two problems. That is, the EMD method is used to process the space vector to reduce the impact of negative transfer and noise as much as possible, and at the same time, the weights are allocated adaptive to reduce student model’s learning from the teacher model with poor performance and make students more inclined to learn from good teachers. The loss (EMD Loss) was redesigned, and the HEAD was improved to fit our approach. We have carried out different comprehensive performance tests on multiple datasets, including PASCAL, KITTI, ILSVRC, and MS-COCO, and obtained encouraging results, which can not only be applied to the one-stage and two-stage detectors but also can be used radiatively with some other methods.
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García-Yagüe, Ángel Juan, Isabel Lastres-Becker, Leonidas Stefanis, Demetrios K. Vassilatis, and Antonio Cuadrado. "α-Synuclein Induces the GSK-3-Mediated Phosphorylation and Degradation of NURR1 and Loss of Dopaminergic Hallmarks." Molecular Neurobiology 58, no. 12 (October 5, 2021): 6697–711. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-021-02558-9.
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Abstract In Parkinson’s disease, the dysfunction of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract involves the loss of function of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta followed by death of these neurons. The functional recovery of these neurons requires a deep knowledge of the molecules that maintain the dopaminergic phenotype during adulthood and the mechanisms that subvert their activity. Previous studies have shown that transcription factor NURR1, involved in differentiation and maintenance of the dopaminergic phenotype, is downregulated by α-synuclein (α-SYN). In this study, we provide a mechanistic explanation to this finding by connecting α-SYN-induced activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) with NURR1 phosphorylation followed by proteasomal degradation. The use of sequential deletion mutants and single point mutants of NURR1 allowed the identification of a domain comprising amino acids 123-PSSPPTPSTPS-134 that is targeted by GSK-3 and leads to subsequent ubiquitination and proteasome degradation. This study provides a detailed analysis of the regulation of NURR1 stability by phosphorylation in synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Graphical abstract
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García-Yagüe, Ángel Juan, Isabel Lastres-Becker, Leonidas Stefanis, Demetrios K. Vassilatis, and Antonio Cuadrado. "α-Synuclein Induces the GSK-3-Mediated Phosphorylation and Degradation of NURR1 and Loss of Dopaminergic Hallmarks." Molecular Neurobiology 58, no. 12 (October 5, 2021): 6697–711. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-021-02558-9.
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Abstract In Parkinson’s disease, the dysfunction of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract involves the loss of function of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta followed by death of these neurons. The functional recovery of these neurons requires a deep knowledge of the molecules that maintain the dopaminergic phenotype during adulthood and the mechanisms that subvert their activity. Previous studies have shown that transcription factor NURR1, involved in differentiation and maintenance of the dopaminergic phenotype, is downregulated by α-synuclein (α-SYN). In this study, we provide a mechanistic explanation to this finding by connecting α-SYN-induced activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) with NURR1 phosphorylation followed by proteasomal degradation. The use of sequential deletion mutants and single point mutants of NURR1 allowed the identification of a domain comprising amino acids 123-PSSPPTPSTPS-134 that is targeted by GSK-3 and leads to subsequent ubiquitination and proteasome degradation. This study provides a detailed analysis of the regulation of NURR1 stability by phosphorylation in synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Graphical abstract
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Scrimgeour, F. G., and T. G. Shepherd. "The economics of soil structural degradation under cropping: some empirical estimates from New Zealand." Soil Research 36, no. 5 (1998): 831. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/s96018.
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Soil structural degradation is a problem of some arable farms in New Zealand. This paper presents economic estimates of the significance of the loss of soil structure to farmers and the Manawatu region of New Zealand. Contingent valuation surveys of farmers and the wider community were used to estimate both use and non-use values. The results show the significance of compaction on both farm profits and land values, together with the lack of knowledge of the wider community concerning this problem. They reinforce the importance of careful farm practice, further scientific research, and a considered public policy response.
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Hauzer, Willy, Jan Gnus, Paula Hauzer, and Joanna Rosińczuk. "Pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms from the vascular surgeon perspective – knowledge summary." Journal of Education, Health and Sport 13, no. 2 (December 12, 2022): 62–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2023.13.02.008.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) affect 2.4% of the population, with men being five times more likely to be affected than women. The development of AAA is linked to changes in the elastin and vascular wall collagen. The enzymes that damage the cell wall are called metalloproteinases. AAA forms as a result of damage to elastic fibres and the loss of the property of reversible deformation of the aortic wall. The degradation of elastin and other stem proteins in the aortic wall is caused by metalloproteinases and serine proteases, accompanied by cysteine proteases and asparagine proteases. Increased calprotectin levels are observed in AAA patients in comparison to patients with a healthy aorta. A significant role in the pathogenesis of AAA and its rupture is played by inflammatory response cells; proteases of the tissue plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis. Plasminogen activator and plasmin accelerate the degradation of the aortic wall. Microbial involvement of C. pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, CMV, and HIV is considered in this inflammatory reaction. The local activation of platelets and the plasma coagulation system leads to the formation of a mural thrombus filling the lumen of the aneurysm. The mural thrombus shows a high tissue factor (TF) activity. The formation of AAA is conditioned by a combination of multiple factors. The factors impacting the formation of AAA discovered so far include genetic factors, sex, age, lifestyle (abuse of alcohol, tobacco misuse, obesity, stress), health conditions (hypertension, high cholesterol level, atherosclerosis), and infectious factors: bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
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Awalu, Adamu Mbah, and Manu Ibrahim Nformi. "Rangeland Degradation and Rehabilitation: Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Perceptions of Pastoralists in the Adamawa High Plateau of Cameroon." International Journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science 6, no. 4 (2022): 01–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijhaf.6.4.1.
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Pastoralists’ perceptions and indigenous ecological knowledge of vegetation changes are often ignored despite the debate about their role in rangeland management. Yet, pastoralists are known to have extensive ecological knowledge which could complement scientific knowledge and contribute to improved understanding and sustainable management of savanna Ecosystems. This study was aimed at exploring pastoralists’ perceptions regarding rangeland degradation in the Adamawa highland plateau. More specifically, it was geared to examine their awareness of rangeland degradation, the current status/condition of the rangelands, the drivers and major root causes of degradation, negative consequences, existing management practices, and a methodological framework to make these measures more resilient. The study applied a descriptive statistics method. Focus group discussions, field observations and structured/semi-structured survey questionnaires, were used for data collection, where 240 pastoralists were targeted. The study covered 4 sub-divisions within Faro & Deo District of the plateau based on the intensity of degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the main livelihood activity is cattle rearing and crop cultivation (86.43%) with a certain degree of sedentarization. The major livestock production constraint proved to be insufficient and poor pasture available for cattle (65.71%). A great majority (93.6%) also confirmed that the present rangeland state/condition has become poor and non-conducive for cattle production. This is clearly interpreted in the drastic drop of the ‘cheptel’ (average holdings) and a decline in the quality of pastoral resources/outputs offered to the communities. The major root causes of degradation were overgrazing, bush encroachment, uncontrolled bush fires, soil erosion, population pressure and limited care/attention paid to rangelands. The major socio-economic consequences were poverty, food insecurity, conflicts, loss of cultural heritage, rural exodus and high crime waves. Through their indigenous ecological knowledge pastoralists conserve their rangelands through: mechanical and chemical fight against bush encroachment (Bush clearing and use of selective herbicide respectively), seasonal herd mobility/transhumance, use of paddocking systems, destocking of herds, adoption of improved pastures, and improvement on pastoral hydraulics. Government and NGOs’ supports to rangeland management, proved to be limited in the study area. The degradation of rangelands in the study area is progressing at an alarming rate which gives the impression of difficulty to restore it in the future if proper measures are not taken by stakeholders.
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Andrade, Ricardo Guimarães, Antônio Heriberto de Castro Teixeira, Janice Freitas Leivas, and Sandra Furlan Nogueira. "Analysis of evapotranspiration and biomass in pastures with degradation indicatives in the Upper Tocantins River Basin, in Brazilian Savanna." Revista Ceres 63, no. 6 (December 2016): 754–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0034-737x201663060002.
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ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to apply the Simple Algorithm For Evapotranspiration Retrieving (SAFER) with MODIS images together with meteorological data to analyze evapotranspiration (ET) and biomass production (BIO) according to indicative classes of pasture degradation in Upper Tocantins River Basin. Indicative classes of degraded pastures were obtained from the NDVI time-series (2002-2012). To estimate ET and BIO in each class, MODIS images and data from meteorological stations of the year 2012 were used. The results show that compared to not-degraded pastures, ET and BIO were different in pastures with moderate to strong degradation, mainly during water stress period. Therefore, changes in energy balance partition may occur according to the degradation levels, considering that those indicatives of degradation processes were identified in 24% of the planted pasture areas. In this context, ET and BIO estimates using remote sensing techniques can be a reliable indicator of forage availability, and large-scale aspects related to the degradation of pastures. It is expected that this knowledge may contribute to initiatives of public policies aimed at controlling the loss of production potential of pasture areas in the Upper Tocantins River Basin in the state of Goiás, Brazil.
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Amann, Lisa F., Emilia Ruda Vicente, Mareike Rathke, Astrid Broeker, Maria Riedner, and Sebastian G. Wicha. "Stability studies with tigecycline in bacterial growth medium and impact of stabilizing agents." European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 40, no. 1 (July 27, 2020): 215–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10096-020-03970-0.
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Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the degradation of tigecycline in Mueller Hinton broth (ca-MHB), as knowledge about bacterial susceptibility is key for therapeutic decisions. Methods Antioxidative stabilizers were evaluated on tigecycline stability in a quantitative chromatography assay and tigecycline induced kill against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213) was determined in time kill studies. Results Ascorbic acid caused rapid degradation of tigecycline and resulted in loss of antibacterial activity. Tigecycline was stabilized in aged broth by 2% pyruvate and bacterial growth, and tigecycline killing was similar to fresh broth without supplementation, but independent of age. Conclusion Our results underline the importance of using freshly prepared ca-MHB or the need for stabilizers for tigecycline susceptibility testing while using aged ca-MHB.
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Simonet, Julien, and Christophe Gantzer. "Inactivation of Poliovirus 1 and F-Specific RNA Phages and Degradation of Their Genomes by UV Irradiation at 254 Nanometers." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 72, no. 12 (October 13, 2006): 7671–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.01106-06.
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ABSTRACT Several models (animal caliciviruses, poliovirus 1 [PV1], and F-specific RNA bacteriophages) are usually used to predict inactivation of nonculturable viruses. For the same UV fluence, viral inactivation observed in the literature varies from 0 to 5 logs according to the models and the methods (infectivity versus molecular biology). The lack of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of inactivation due to UV prevents us from selecting the best model. In this context, determining if viral genome degradation may explain the loss of infectivity under UV radiation becomes essential. Thus, four virus models (PV1 and three F-specific RNA phages: MS2, GA, and Qβ) were exposed to UV radiation from 0 to 150 mJ · cm−2. PV1 is the least-resistant virus, while MS2 and GA phages are the most resistant, with phage Qβ having an intermediate sensitivity; respectively, 6-log, 2.3-log, 2.5-log, and 4-log decreases for 50 mJ · cm−2. In parallel, analysis of RNA degradation demonstrated that this phenomenon depends on the fragment size for PV1 as well as for MS2. Long fragments (above 2,000 bases) for PV1 and MS2 fell rapidly to the background level (>1.3-log decrease) for 20 mJ · cm−2 and 60 mJ · cm− 2, respectively. Nevertheless, the size of the viral RNA is not the only factor affecting UV-induced RNA degradation, since viral RNA was more rapidly degraded in PV1 than in the MS2 phage with a similar size. Finally, extrapolation of inactivation and UV-induced RNA degradation kinetics highlights that genome degradation could fully explain UV-induced viral inactivation.
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Lister, Helga E., Karien Mostert, Tanita Botha, Simoné van der Linde, Elaine van Wyk, Su-Ané Rocher, Richelle Laing, et al. "South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed-Methods Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 16 (August 16, 2022): 10121. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610121.
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Climate change, biodiversity loss and large-scale environmental degradation are widely recognized as the biggest health threats of the 21st century, with the African continent already amongst the most severely affected and vulnerable to their further progression. The healthcare system’s contribution to climate change and environmental degradation requires healthcare professionals to address environmental issues urgently. However, the foundation for context-relevant interventions across research, practice, and education is not readily available. Therefore, we conducted a convergent mixed-methods study to investigate South African healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to environmental sustainability. Healthcare professionals participated in a cross-sectional questionnaire (n = 100) and in-depth semi-structured focus group discussions (n = 18). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, and integrated to provide holistic findings. Our results confirm overwhelmingly positive attitudes and a high degree of interest in education, implementation, and taking on more corresponding responsibility, but a lack of substantial knowledge of the subject matter, and only tentative implementation of practices. Identified barriers include a lack of knowledge, resources, and policies. Further research, education, and policy development on overcoming these barriers is required. This will facilitate harnessing the extant enthusiasm and advance environmental sustainability in South Africa’s healthcare practice.
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Triolo, Matthew, and David A. Hood. "Manifestations of Age on Autophagy, Mitophagy and Lysosomes in Skeletal Muscle." Cells 10, no. 5 (April 29, 2021): 1054. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells10051054.
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Sarcopenia is the loss of both muscle mass and function with age. Although the molecular underpinnings of sarcopenia are not fully understood, numerous pathways are implicated, including autophagy, in which defective cargo is selectively identified and degraded at the lysosome. The specific tagging and degradation of mitochondria is termed mitophagy, a process important for the maintenance of an organelle pool that functions efficiently in energy production and with relatively low reactive oxygen species production. Emerging data, yet insufficient, have implicated various steps in this pathway as potential contributors to the aging muscle atrophy phenotype. Included in this is the lysosome, the end-stage organelle possessing a host of proteolytic and degradative enzymes, and a function devoted to the hydrolysis and breakdown of defective molecular complexes and organelles. This review provides a summary of our current understanding of how the autophagy-lysosome system is regulated in aging muscle, highlighting specific areas where knowledge gaps exist. Characterization of the autophagy pathway with a particular focus on the lysosome will undoubtedly pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat age-related muscle loss.
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Duplaix, Nicole, Emanuela Evangelista, and Fernando C. W. Rosas. "Advances in the study of giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis): ecology, behavior, and conservation: a review." Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 10, no. 2 (December 28, 2015): 75–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.5597/lajam00200.
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Giant otters, once targeted by the pelt trade to near extinction, are now legally protected and have made a comeback in some parts of their range. Our state of knowledge about the behavior and ecology of this apex predator has increased substantially since the first studies in the 1970s but remains incomplete. Negative anthropogenic pressures and conflicts affecting giant otters are intensifying and now take many forms, from extensive habitat loss and degradation, pollution, ecotourism with heavy impacts, to gold mining. We review the corpus of giant otter field research and findings since 1980 and discuss new findings and our shortfall of knowledge and its implications for the long-term conservation of the species.
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Tisdale, Michael J. "Mechanisms of Cancer Cachexia." Physiological Reviews 89, no. 2 (April 2009): 381–410. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00016.2008.
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Up to 50% of cancer patients suffer from a progressive atrophy of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, called cachexia, resulting in weight loss, a reduced quality of life, and a shortened survival time. Anorexia often accompanies cachexia, but appears not to be responsible for the tissue loss, particularly lean body mass. An increased resting energy expenditure is seen, possibly arising from an increased thermogenesis in skeletal muscle due to an increased expression of uncoupling protein, and increased operation of the Cori cycle. Loss of adipose tissue is due to an increased lipolysis by tumor or host products. Loss of skeletal muscle in cachexia results from a depression in protein synthesis combined with an increase in protein degradation. The increase in protein degradation may include both increased activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and lysosomes. The decrease in protein synthesis is due to a reduced level of the initiation factor 4F, decreased elongation, and decreased binding of methionyl-tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit through increased phosphorylation of eIF2 on the α-subunit by activation of the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, which also increases expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway through activation of NFκB. Tumor factors such as proteolysis-inducing factor and host factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, angiotensin II, and glucocorticoids can all induce muscle atrophy. Knowledge of the mechanisms of tissue destruction in cachexia should improve methods of treatment.
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Alikin, Denis, Boris Slautin, and Andrei Kholkin. "Revealing Lithiation Kinetics and Battery Degradation Pathway in LiMn2O4-Based Commercial Cathodes via Electrochemical Strain Microscopy." Batteries 8, no. 11 (November 5, 2022): 220. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/batteries8110220.
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The capacity fade during the cycling of lithium batteries is a key factor limiting further progress in the improvement of electric vehicles, wearable electronic devices, alternative energy sources, etc. One of the main reasons for capacity loss is battery cathode degradation, which significantly influences the battery lifetime. Despite in-depth knowledge of battery degradation at the chemical level, the kinetics of the degradation at the resolution of the individual elements of the cathode are not fully understood. Here, we studied lithiation kinetics in commercial cathodes based on lithium manganese spinel using the electrochemical strain microscopy local method. Supported by the experimental finding, the “viscous fingers” model of lithium ions intercalation–deintercalation in individual particles of the cathode was proposed. The non-linear dynamics of the lithiation front were suggested to be stimulated by the non-uniform stress field and gradient of the chemical potential. Irregularity of the lithiation front causes the formation of the residual lithiated pocket in the delithiated particles, which effectively reduces the volume available for chemical reaction. The obtained results shed further light on the degradation of the lithium battery cathodes and can be applicable for other cathode materials.
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Oshima, Kaori, Sarah M. Haeger, Joseph A. Hippensteel, Paco S. Herson, and Eric P. Schmidt. "More than a biomarker: the systemic consequences of heparan sulfate fragments released during endothelial surface layer degradation (2017 Grover Conference Series)." Pulmonary Circulation 8, no. 1 (December 4, 2017): 204589321774578. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2045893217745786.
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Advances in tissue fixation and imaging techniques have yielded increasing appreciation for the glycosaminoglycan-rich endothelial glycocalyx and its in vivo manifestation, the endothelial surface layer (ESL). Pathological loss of the ESL during critical illness promotes local endothelial dysfunction and, consequently, organ injury. Glycosaminoglycan fragments, such as heparan sulfate, are released into the plasma of animals and humans after ESL degradation and have thus served as a biomarker of endothelial injury. The development of state-of-the-art glycomic techniques, however, has revealed that these circulating heparan sulfate fragments are capable of influencing growth factor and other signaling pathways distant to the site of ESL injury. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning the local (i.e. endothelial injury) and systemic (i.e. para- or endocrine) consequences of ESL degradation and identifies opportunities for future, novel investigations.
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Torres-Romero, Francisco, and Julio César Acosta-Prado. "Knowledge Management Practices and Ecological Restoration of the Tropical Dry Forest in Colombia." Land 11, no. 3 (February 24, 2022): 330. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land11030330.
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Ecological restoration is considered a nature-based solution to reduce ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and combat climate change. In this sense, the objective of this study was to identify the knowledge management practices that are present in an ecological restoration process in the tropical dry forest. The empirical study was developed using a mixed approach over an area of 11,079 ha in Huila, Colombia. At first, the qualitative study was supported by a documentary review and participant observation between 2018 and 2020. On the other hand, the quantitative study was carried out through the application of the Delphi method with the participation of 64 experts. Twenty-two knowledge management practices were identified with orientation towards human factors, organization, information technologies, strategy, and intellectual protection. These findings show that all the knowledge management practices identified have an impact on the six components of the ecological restoration process (planning, diagnosis, implementation, monitoring, participation, and consolidation). Likewise, these practices contribute to the generation, transformation, and mobilization of local and scientific knowledge in the components of the ecological restoration process of the tropical dry forest.
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Kingsford, R. T. "Conservation of waterbirds in Australia." Pacific Conservation Biology 19, no. 4 (2013): 366. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc130366.
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There are 93 species of Australian waterbirds, predominantly dependent on freshwater, inland saline or estuarine ecosystems. They include diverse species predominantly from six major groups: grebes (Podicipediformes); ducks, geese and swans (Anseriformes); pelicans and cormorants (Pelecaniformes); egrets, ibises, spoonbills (Ciconniiformes); cranes, rails and crakes (Gruiiformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes). I analysed the content of 382 publications on Australian waterbirds in relation to life history and threats. There were 4.08 publications per species, with most publications biased towards the Anseriformes (6.95 publications per species). There were relatively few publications on Gruiformes (1.13 per species) or Podicipediformes (0.33 per species). There is reasonably good knowledge of distribution, abundance, diet and foraging and habitat use, but there were generally few examples of integration of these data into population modelling, a particularly useful tool for conservation of species. Significant gaps exist in the understanding of basic life history and movement patterns, critical for conservation; these are particularly accentuated for cryptic species. Opportunities exist to collection basic information, directed towards modelling population dynamics. As with most of the world’s organisms, habitat loss and degradation remain the major threat to waterbirds in Australia. The ongoing pressure on water resources and developments of estuaries continue to cause decline of waterbirds, exacerbated by secondary threats including climate change, disease, hunting, pollution and disturbance. Hunting continues to have an impact, but it is relatively poorly modelled, requiring more investment by governments charged with its management. Effective conservation of Australian waterbirds and their wetland habitats depends on mitigating habitat loss and degradation, primarily dependent on political will not knowledge.
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Sudha, A., G. Thiribhuvanamala, and S. Rajamanickam. "Degradation ability of wood decay fungi in teak (Tectona grandis L.) wood under storage condition." Journal of Environmental Biology 42, no. 4 (July 1, 2021): 982–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.22438/jeb/42/4/mrn-1494.
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Aim: The present study was undertaken to provide basic knowledge about the teak woody biomass degradation ability of wood decay fungi. Methodology: Wood decay fungi was isolated from the decayed wood samples collected from teak wood logs. The weight loss of teak wood and moisture content were assessed under in-vitro condition by incubating the teak wood block with the isolated fungi. Further, the secretion of ligninolytic enzymes viz., laccase, lignin peroxidise (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) produced by wood decay fungi were assessed to understand their degrading ability. Results: Wood decay fungi namely, Daldinia concentrica, Ganoderma lucidum, Lenzites betulina, Ganoderma tsugae, Trametes versicolor and Schizophyllum commune, were isolated from teak wood logs as pure culture and were used for studying their degrading ability. Higher degrading percentage of 10.50 and 12.0 was recorded with L. betulina and T. versicolor inoculated wood blocks on 60th day of incubation. Similarly, the maximum moisture content of 54.45 and 50.00 percent was recorded with L. betulina and T. versicolor at 60th day of incubation in teak wood blocks. Supporting these results, L. betulina showed increased secretion of laccase, LiP and MnP enzyme activity to the level of 0.60, 0.056 and 0.26U ml-1, respectively. Interpretation: The results of the present study gives an understanding on the degrading ability of wood decay fungi which can be used to devise integrated management practices to minimise the losses under storage.
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Nepal, Rajesh, and Dharma Raj Dangol. "People’s knowledge and dependency on Rampur wetland of western Chitwan, Nepal." Journal of Natural History Museum 30 (December 1, 2018): 192–201. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnhm.v30i0.27555.
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Understanding people’s knowledge and their dependency on wetland forms the basis of conserving them. The paper assessed the status of wetland in Rampur and local peoples’ dependency on it, conducted in the year of 2013. Study revealed that majority of respondents noticed change in wetland in past years and in their priority, drying ranked first followed by decrease in acreage, and biodiversity loss. It was found that factors responsible for these changes were drought, encroachment, flooding, erosion and succession by invasive weed species. Study found that local peoples have several impacts on wetland which were conversion for agriculture, discharge of pollutants, overexploitation of aquatic resources, overgrazing conversion for residential development, and conversion for aquaculture. However, Negative impacts of wetland were flooding, foul smell, incidence of insect pest/disease, coldness in winter, and bank cutting. It was found that people dependent on wetland for farming, fodder collection, fuel wood collection, medicinal plants, religious purpose, fishery, livestock grazing, wild edible plants, irrigation, commercial fishery and recreation. Study showed that local peoples have knowledge about several aspects of wetland and they are dependent for their livelihood. Therefore, in order to protect wetland from degradation, conservation and management activities need to be implemented properly with the involvement of local peoples.
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Liva, Francesca, Doretta Cuffaro, Elisa Nuti, Susanna Nencetti, Elisabetta Orlandini, Giovanni Vozzi, and Armando Rossello. "Age-related Macular Degeneration: Current Knowledge of Zinc Metalloproteinases Involvement." Current Drug Targets 20, no. 9 (June 11, 2019): 903–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450120666190122114857.
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Background: Advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly with limited therapeutic options. The disease is characterized by photoreceptor loss in the macula and reduced Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) function, associated with matrix degradation, cell proliferation, neovascularization and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) play a critical role in the physiology of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and, in turn, in ECM pathologies, such as AMD. A balance between the activities of MMPs and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase (TIMPs) is crucial for the integrity of the ECM components; indeed, a dysregulation in the ratio of these factors produces profound changes in the ECM, including thickening and deposit formation, which eventually might lead to AMD development. Objective: This article reviews the relevance and impact of zinc metalloproteinases on the development of AMD and their roles as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. We illustrate some studies on several inhibitors of MMPs currently used to dissect physiological properties of MMPs. Moreover, all molecules or technologies used to control MMP and ADAM activity in AMD are analyzed. Conclusion: This study underlines the changes in the activity of MMPs expressed by RPE cells, highlights the functions of already used MMP inhibitors and consequently suggests their application as therapeutic agents for the treatment of AMD.
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Moles, Jerry. "Agricultural Sustainability and Traditional Agriculture: Learning from the Past and its Relevance to Sri Lanka." Human Organization 48, no. 1 (March 1, 1989): 70–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.17730/humo.48.1.980771825278g4j0.
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That contemporary understandings of agricultural systems are not leading to the solution of food and fiber deficiencies is not a new claim. Current interpretations of these problems seem not to make a difference in terms of policy and approach with a few notable exceptions. The failure to solve such problems can be viewed as resulting from epistemological difficulties. Given such difficulties, the position of applied social science can be recast in light of current needs of agricultural systems (i.e., environmental degradation, population growth, welfare, loss of traditional knowledge, etc.), with more active participation in setting policy and program priorities.
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Bano, Kulsoom, Mohammed Kuddus, Mohd Rehan Zaheer, and Roohi. "A novel, thermotolerant, extracellular PHB depolymerase producer Paenibacillus alvei PHB28 for bioremediation of biodegradable plastics." Turkish Journal of Biochemistry 44, no. 3 (December 5, 2018): 344–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/tjb-2018-0207.
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Abstract Background Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most important and versatile class of biodegradable polymers used successfully in the medical, agricultural and industrial field. Idea is to find the novel isolate for degradation of biodegradable plastics that can enhance the bioremediation. Materials and methods Thirty-one PHB and PHB depolymerase enzyme producing isolates out of 80 mesophilic bacteria from Lucknow region were further screened for PHB degradation capability by secreting extracellular PHB depolymerase enzyme in minimal salt media supplemented with PHB (0.15%). Various biodegradable plastic films were tested by soil burial method for weight loss determination. Result 37.3% weight loss has been observed in PHB films when buried under the soil for 45 days in the presence of a novel PHB degrader identified as Paenibacillus alvei PHB28 by 16S rRNA sequencing (GenBank accession number KX886342). These Gram-negative, spore-forming, thermotolerant bacteria produce maximum PHB depolymerase (5.03 U/mL) at 45°C, pH 8.0, with 0.15% substrate concentration when incubated for 96 h with starch (0.1%) and yeast extract (0.01%) as an additional nutrient supplements. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of PHB depolymerase production by P. alvei PHB28 which may contribute successfully to combat plastic pollution and to sustain the green environment.
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Kube, Alexander, Jens Meyer, Dennis Kopljar, Norbert Wagner, and Kaspar Andreas Friedrich. "A Segmented Cell Measuring Technique for Current Distribution Measurements in Batteries, Exemplified by the Operando Investigation of a Zn-Air Battery." Journal of The Electrochemical Society 168, no. 12 (December 1, 2021): 120530. http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac4059.
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A transimpedance amplifier circuit as well as an instrumental amplifier circuit were used to measure current densities of a zinc-air battery with an integrated segmented current collector foil. Error calculation showed that the transimpedance amplifier is superior to the used instrumental amplifier, but both methods provide valuable and consistent results. They both showed comparable results with operando insight into the current distribution of the battery. The knowledge about those distributions is essential to avoid fast degradation of battery materials and irreversible capacity loss due to heterogeneous dissolution of the anode during discharge. In this work we showed that oxygen starvation as well as gas flow rate leads to large current gradients. It was also demonstrated that heterogeneous current distributions on cathode side induces also a heterogenous dissolution behavior on the anode, resulting in irreversible capacity loss.
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Kamal, Asfia Gulrukh, Joseph Dipple, Steve Ducharme, and Leslie Dysart. "Learning the Language of the River: Understanding Indigenous Water Governance with O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, Northern Manitoba, Canada." Case Studies in the Environment 2, no. 1 (2018): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1525/cse.2017.000653.
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Hydroelectric “development” in Canada has been criticized for the lack of meaningful consideration of community perspectives. This article shares the case of the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN) in northern Manitoba, Canada, and the impact of mainstream water resource management strategies over their culture and livelihood. Through consideration of Kistihtamahwin, OPCN’s concept of water governance, as well as the promises made in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), this article argues that the lack of meaningful consultation and engagement with local resource users as well as the concept of Kistihtamahwin has led to the destruction of a successful fishery, which resulted in severe socioeconomic loss, environmental degradation, and cultural loss in the community. We found that for meaningful application of UNDRIP in Indigenous water governance, local cultural strategies and traditional knowledge are essential.
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Bdour, Mathhar, Zakariya Dalala, Mohammad Al-Addous, Ashraf Radaideh, and Aseel Al-Sadi. "A Comprehensive Evaluation on Types of Microcracks and Possible Effects on Power Degradation in Photovoltaic Solar Panels." Sustainability 12, no. 16 (August 10, 2020): 6416. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12166416.
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Photovoltaic (PV) panels installation has become one of the major technologies used for energy production worldwide. Knowledge and competitive prices are the main reasons for the spread usage and expanded exploiting of PV systems. Accordingly, this creates several challenges for manufacturers and customers, mainly, the quality of PV panels to withstand environmental conditions during service lifetime. Hence, the quality of PV panels is a vital aspect. By thinking of PV power plants, it appears that some factors should be considered, like the developing microcracks (µcracks). An issue like that increases the chances of having power loss during the operation phase. Notably, µcracks develop in different shapes and orientations; the variation depends on what causes them. This study is a presentation and summary of data collected from different projects in Jordan to describe the effect of each µcracks shape on power loss, aiming to give decision makers an indication to decide whether to replace the faulty panels or not, depending on their own conditions and projects sizes. Hence, in this study, it was found that the µcracks have impacted power loss differently and recorded power reduction of percentages of 0.82–3.21% for poly-crystalline technology. Variation in power degradation depends on the module situation; whether it is stocked in facility or operated on-site. In the mono-crystalline technology case, the power losses varied between 0.55% and 0.9%, with the exception of some samples from both technologies that have effects other than microcracks, which affected power severely. Furthermore, a general overview is provided for µcracks before installation.
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Gu, Yanan, Cheng Deng, and Kun Wei. "Class-Incremental Instance Segmentation via Multi-Teacher Networks." Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence 35, no. 2 (May 18, 2021): 1478–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1609/aaai.v35i2.16238.
Full textAbstract:
Although deep neural networks have achieved amazing results on instance segmentation, they are still ill-equipped when they are required to learn new tasks incrementally. Concretely, they suffer from “catastrophic forgetting”, an abrupt degradation of performance on old classes with the initial training data missing. Moreover, they are subjected to a negative transfer problem on new classes, which renders the model unable to update its knowledge while preserving the previous knowledge. To address these problems, we propose an incremental instance segmentation method that consists of three networks: Former Teacher Network (FTN), Current Student Network (CSN) and Current Teacher Network (CTN). Specifically, FTN supervises CSN to preserve the previous knowledge, and CTN supervises CSN to adapt to new classes. The supervision of two teacher networks is achieved by a distillation loss function for instances, bounding boxes, and classes. In addition, we adjust the supervision weights of different teacher networks to balance between the knowledge preservation for former classes and the adaption to new classes. Extensive experimental results on PASCAL 2012 SBD and COCO datasets show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
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Artru, Maxime, and Antoine Lecerf. "Slow degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in a stream and its riparian area." Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology 55 (2019): 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/limn/2019017.
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There is no place on Earth where plastic debris could not be found. Impacts of plastics on aesthetics, biota and ecosystems are dependent on how long plastic items last, and what degradation products are released, in recipient environments. As bio-based plastics tend to replace petroleum-based plastics in everyday life, it is important to upgrade knowledge on the degradation of new polymers in natural environments. Single-use plastic carrier bags are nowadays made of bio-plastics certified as biodegradable and compostable. It is unclear, however, whether claims of biodegradability and compostability can be taken as evidence of rapid degradation of plastic bags outside recycling/composting facilities. This study sought to provide quantified information about the degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in streams and riparian zones. We found that plastic samples enclosed in different types of mesh bags lost weight at extremely slow rates, albeit significant when submerged in a stream. 95% of initial plastic mass remained after 77 days spent in water whereas alder leaf litter allowed to decompose under the same condition had completely disappeared before the end of the study. Determination of respiration rate and invertebrate abundance in plastic samples showed a greater decomposer activity in the stream than in the riparian environment. However, biotically-mediated degradation by decomposers was probably overridden by dissolution processes in mediating plastic mass loss. Our findings suggest that mismanaged plastic carrier bags could impact recipient ecosystems even when they are claimed as biodegradable or compostable.
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Morris, Rebecca L., Robin Hale, Elisabeth M. A. Strain, Simon E. Reeves, Adriana Vergés, Ezequiel M. Marzinelli, Cayne Layton, et al. "Key Principles for Managing Recovery of Kelp Forests through Restoration." BioScience 70, no. 8 (July 8, 2020): 688–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaa058.
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Abstract There is increasing interest in mitigating the loss of kelp forests through restoration, but this has received scant attention relative to other coastal habitats. We evaluate current knowledge centered on key restoration principles to provide guidelines for best practice in kelp restoration. The cause and scale of degradation is fundamental in determining if kelp can be restored and the methods required to promote reestablishment. Removal of stressors may be adequate to achieve restoration goals where degradation is not too widespread or acute. Extensive losses of kelp forests will often require active reseeding of areas because of the low dispersal ability of many kelp species. Restoration efforts have generally taken a trial-and-error approach at experimental scales to develop techniques for establishing individuals. Furthermore, studies that inform cost–benefit analysis and the appropriate spatial scales for restoration of sustainable kelp forests are urgently needed for prioritizing and scaling up restoration efforts globally.
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Huang, Ya-Hui, and Chau-Ting Yeh. "Functional Compartmentalization of HSP60-Survivin Interaction between Mitochondria and Cytosol in Cancer Cells." Cells 9, no. 1 (December 19, 2019): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells9010023.
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Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and survivin reside in both the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments under physiological conditions. They can form HSP60-survivin complexes through protein–protein interactions. Their expression levels in cancer tissues are positively correlated and higher expression of either protein is associated with poor clinical prognosis. The subcellular location of HSP60-survivin complex in either the cytosol or mitochondria is cell type-dependent, while the biological significance of HSP60-survivin interaction remains elusive. Current knowledge indicates that the function of HSP60 partly rests on where HSP60-survivin interaction takes place. HSP60 has a pro-survival function when binding to survivin in the mitochondria through interacting with other factors such as CCAR2 and p53. In response to cell death signals, mitochondrial survivin functions through preventing procaspase activation. Degradation of cytosolic survivin leads to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and aberrant mitosis processes. On the other hand, HSP60 release from mitochondria to cytosol upon death stimuli might exert a pro-death function, either through stabilizing Bax, enhancing procaspase-3 activation, or increasing protein ubiquitination. Combining the knowledge of mitochondrial HSP60-survivin complex function, cytosolic survivin degradation effect, and pro-death function upon mitochondria release of HSP60, a hypothetical scenario for HSP60-survivin shuttling upon death stimuli is proposed.
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Khodkar, Asghar, Seyed Mostafa Khezri, Alireza Pendashteh, Shahrzad Khoramnejadian, and Leila Mamani. "Preparation and application of α-Fe2O3@MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 based on metal–organic framework for photocatalytic degradation of paraquat." Toxicology and Industrial Health 34, no. 12 (November 11, 2018): 842–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0748233718797247.
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In this study, a new magnetic α-Fe2O3@MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized. The material synthesized had been fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller isotherm methods. The X-ray diffraction analysis corroborates that nanoparticles are polycrystalline with rhombohedral and tetragonal crystal structures for Fe2O3 and TiO2, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of the herbicide paraquat in the presence of α-Fe2O3@MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was studied. The effect of experimental parameters such as the initial concentration of catalyst, the pH, and the initial paraquat was investigated. The optimal conditions were achieved for concentration of catalyst 0.2 g L−1, pH 7, and concentration of paraquat 20 mg L−1. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was 88.39% after 15 min with α-Fe2O3@MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 under UV irradiation. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model for photocatalytic degradation of paraquat was obtained. The catalysts could be recovered and reused without any loss of efficiency for five times in the consequent reactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the photocatalytic degradation of paraquat using new α-Fe2O3@MIL-101(Cr)@TiO2 photocatalyst under UV irradiation condition.
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Zhao, Liang, Zhengjie Wei, Yanting Li, Junwei Jin, and Xuan Li. "SEDG-Yolov5: A Lightweight Traffic Sign Detection Model Based on Knowledge Distillation." Electronics 12, no. 2 (January 6, 2023): 305. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/electronics12020305.
Full textAbstract:
Most existing traffic sign detection models suffer from high computational complexity and superior performance but cannot be deployed on edge devices with limited computational capacity, which cannot meet the direct needs of autonomous vehicles for detection model performance and efficiency. To address the above concerns, this paper proposes an improved SEDG-Yolov5 traffic sign detection method based on knowledge distillation. Firstly, the Slicing Aided Hyper Inference method is used as a local offline data augmentation method for the model training. Secondly, to solve the problems of high-dimensional feature information loss and high model complexity, the inverted residual structure ESGBlock with a fused attention mechanism is proposed, and a lightweight feature extraction backbone network is constructed based on it, while we introduce the GSConv in the feature fusion layer to reduce the computational complexity of the model further. Eventually, an improved response-based objectness scaled knowledge distillation method is proposed to retrain the traffic sign detection model to compensate for the degradation of detection accuracy due to light-weighting. Extensive experiments on two challenging traffic sign datasets show that our proposed method has a good balance on detection precision and detection speed with 2.77M parametric quantities. Furthermore, the inference speed of our method achieves 370 FPS with TensorRT and 35.6 FPS with ONNX at FP16-precision, which satisfies the requirements for real-time sign detection and edge deployment.