The role of defensible space on the likelihood of house impact from wildfires in forested landscapes of south eastern Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra H. Penman ◽  
Owen F. Price ◽  
Trent D. Penman ◽  
Ross A. Bradstock
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Defensible Space ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Principle Components Analysis ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Need To Evaluate

The number of houses at risk from wildfire continues to increase around the world as populations continue to expand into fire-prone areas. Creating defensible space (managing fuels within a 30-m zone around a house) is a key strategy for mitigating risk, but there is a need to evaluate the key components of defensible space. This study examined house impact in 27 independent forest fires from New South Wales, Australia, between 2001 and 2009, comprising 309 houses destroyed or damaged and 618 unburnt houses. A range of spatial measures of vegetation, nearby buildings, waterbodies and topography were measured around each house. Principle Components Analysis and Generalised Additive Mixed Model analysis was used to derive the best and supported alternative models to explain the determinants of housing impact. The best model contained positive effects of vegetation touching the house and estimated Radiant Heat Flux and negative effects of distance to the nearest building and the number of nearby waterbodies on the probability of impact. The results suggest that risk could be effectively reduced by providing waterbodies, maintaining defensible space and ensuring separation between houses.

Preterm birth and maternal responsiveness during childhood are associated with brain morphology in adolescence

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
RICHARD E. FRYE ◽  
BENJAMIN MALMBERG ◽  
PAUL SWANK ◽  
KAREN SMITH ◽  
SUSAN LANDRY
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Maternal Responsiveness ◽  
Hemispheric Differences ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Supportive Parenting

AbstractAlthough supportive parenting has been shown to have positive effects on development, the neurobiological basis of supportive parenting has not been investigated. Thirty-three adolescents were systemically selected from a longitudinal study on child development based on maternal responsiveness during childhood, a measure of supportive parenting, and whether they were born term or preterm. We analyzed the effect of preterm birth on hemispheric and regional (frontal, temporal, parietal) cortical thickness and surface area using mixed-model analysis while also considering the effect of brain hemisphere (left vs. right). We then determined whether these factors were moderated by maternal responsiveness during childhood. Preterm birth was associated with regional and hemispheric differences in cortical thickness and surface area. Maternal responsiveness during childhood moderated hemispheric cortical thickness. Adolescence with mothers that were inconsistently responsive during childhood demonstrated greater overall cortical thickness and greater asymmetry in cortical thickness during adolescence as compared to adolescence with mothers who were consistently responsive or unresponsive during childhood. Maternal responsiveness and preterm birth did not interact. These data suggest that changes in brain morphology associated with preterm birth continue into adolescence and support the notion that the style of maternal-child interactions during childhood influence brain development into adolescence. (JINS, 2010, 16, 784–794.)

scholarly journals Bian Zheng Lun Zhias a Complementary and Alternative Treatment for Menstrual Cramps in Women with Dysmenorrhea: A Prospective Clinical Observation

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pin-Yi Lin ◽  
Yueh-Ting Tsai ◽  
Jung-Nien Lai ◽  
Chia-Hao Yeh ◽  
Ruei-Chi Fang
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Syndrome Differentiation ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhea ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects

Background. Limited scientific evidence supports the positive effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating dysmenorrhea. Thus, an observation period of 3 months could verify the ancient indication that TCM treatments effectively alleviate menstrual cramps in women with primary dysmenorrhea or endometriosis.Methods. A prospective, nonrandomized study (primary dysmenorrhea and endometriosis groups) was conducted in women with dysmenorrhea for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles. All patients received TCM prescriptions based onbian zheng lun zhitheory 14 days before menstruation for a period of 12 weeks. Pain intensity was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analogue scale and two validated questionnaires (the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire).Results. Of the initial 70 intent-to-treat participants, the women with dysmenorrhea reported significant alleviation of cramps during menstruation after the 12-week TCM treatment. Mixed model analysis revealed that TCM prescriptions were more effective in alleviating fatigue, hot flashes, dizziness, painful breasts, excitement, and irritability in the primary dysmenorrhea group (N=36) than in the endometriosis group (N=34).Conclusion. TCM prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation theory might be a potentially viable choice for treating painful menstruation and premenstrual symptoms after ruling out endometriosis.

scholarly journals Impact of Housing Condition on Welfare and Behavior of Immunocastrated Fattening Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 618
Author(s):  
Linda Steybe ◽  
Kevin Kress ◽  
Sonja Schmucker ◽  
Volker Stefanski
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Model Analysis ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Social Mixing ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Varying Environments

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the well-known positive effects of immunocastration on the behavior and welfare of pigs persist under varying environments. One hundred forty-four male pigs were studied with regard to their sex category (EM: entire males, IC: immunocastrates, BA: barrows) and housing environment (ENR: enriched, STD: standard, MIX: repeated social mixing). The vaccination of immunocastrates included two injections at the age of 12 and 22 weeks. Regardless of the housing conditions, frequencies of sexual and fighting behavior expressed by immunocastrates shifted from boar-like to barrow-like behavior after the second immunocastration vaccination (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.05). Penis biting decreased in IC after the second vaccination (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, p = 0.036) and penile injuries were lower in IC animals compared to EM (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.001). Housing-dependent effects on behavior could also be observed in the animals at a relatively young age. Enriched housing showed a beneficial effect on play behavior (Chi-square test, p < 0.001) and the social mixing environment reduced the number of social nosing events (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.05). The positive effects of immunocastration thus are robust to all housing conditions assessed in this study.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effectiveness of MNRI therapy in children with autism based on the ATEC test – a preliminary report

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 20-34
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Nowak ◽  
Halina Muzaj ◽  
Halina Nawrocka ◽  
Piotr Sobaniec
Keyword(s):  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Coordination Systems

Autism (ASD) is a multiform disorder of unexplored etiology. Therapeutic treatment is therefore symptomatic0 and due to the complexity and variety of symptoms, it must be individualized. Therapists reach for various methods and forms of work with an autistic patient. In this situation, there is also a need to evaluate the therapeutic procedure and the choice of methods that will help assess the effectiveness of therapy. One of the proposed activities is therapeutic modality MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration), while the standard ATEC test is used to assess the effectiveness of therapy. The MNRI method deals with the functioning of basic reflexes, the movement system and its impact on the developmental and learning processes. The MNRI method is aimed at restoring normal neurosensoric development and integration of reflex patterns, motor coordination systems and skills enabling movement functioning, behavioural regulation, emotional and cognitive functions. Therapy consists in activating reflex patterns to stimulate the natural resources of the brain, the body, strengthening memory and neurosensotimotive as well as motor integration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MNRI therapy in children with autism based on the ATEC test. The study involved 60 children diagnosed with autism (F84.0) according to ICD-10 criteria. The average age of patients was 10.7 years. Each participant of the project took an active part in the 11-day rehabilitation process according to the MNRI programme. The standardized ATEC test was used to assess the effectiveness of therapy. Analysis of the results of the ATEC test before and after the 11-day rehabilitation in autistic patients showed positive effects of MNRI therapy among 43.5% of the subjects. These effects included, for part I - in terms of communication, an increase was noted by 9.2%; for part II – socialization0 58.3%; part III - sensory feeling, cognitive awareness, 47.2% and in part IV - physical health, emotions, behaviour, 57.9%. MNRI therapy positively influenced the examined group of autistic patients. Particularly noticeable improvement was expressed in the reduction of self-inflicted harm (65%), reduced hypersensitivity and improvement in sound tolerance (80%), improvement of awareness of one’s own body's (60%); greater calmness, self-control (80%). The therapy is safe, painless, has no negative effects. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. null

scholarly journals Forest Management with Reduced-Impact Logging in Amazonia: Estimated Aboveground Volume and Carbon in Commercial Tree Species in Managed Forest in Brazil’s State of Acre

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 481
Author(s):  
Flora Magdaline Benitez Romero ◽  
Laércio Antônio Gonçalves Jacovine ◽  
Carlos Moreira Miquelino Eleto Torres ◽  
Sabina Cerruto Ribeiro ◽  
Vicente Toledo Machado de Morais Junior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Balance Growth ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Aboveground Carbon ◽  
Commercial Species ◽  
Negative Impacts

Tropical forest management has both positive and negative effects on climate change, and quantifying these effects is important both to avoid or minimize negative impacts and to reward net positive effects. This study contributes to this effort by estimating the aboveground volume and carbon present in commercial tree species in a managed forest in the forest harvest stage in Brazil’s state of Acre. A total of 12,794 trees of commercial species were measured. Trees were categorized and quantified as: “harvested trees” (“harvest or cut”), which were felled in the harvest stage, and “remaining trees” (“future cutting,” “trees in permanent protection areas or APPs,” “seed trees,” “rare trees” and “trees protected by law”) that remained standing in the forest post-harvest. Aboveground volume and carbon stocks of the 81 commercial species (diameter at breast height [DBH] ≥ 10 cm) totaled 79.19 m³ ha−1 and 21.54 MgC ha−1, respectively. The category “harvested trees” represents 44.48% and “remaining trees” 55.49% of the aboveground volume stocks. In the managed area, the category “harvested trees” is felled; this is composed of the commercial bole that is removed (19.25 m³ ha−1 and 5.32 MgC ha−1) and the stump and crown that remain in the forest as decomposing organic material (15.97 m³ ha−1 and 4.41 MgC ha−1). We can infer that the 21.54 MgC ha−1 carbon stock of standing commercial trees (DBH ≥ 10 cm) represents 13.20% of the total aboveground carbon in the managed area. The commercial boles removed directly from the forest represent 3.26% of the total aboveground carbon, and the stumps and crowns of the harvested trees represent the loss of an additional 2.70%. For sustainability of the management system in terms of carbon balance, growth in the 35-year management cycle must be sufficient to replace not only these amounts (0.27 MgC ha−1 year−1) but also losses to collateral damage and to additional logging-related effects from increased vulnerability to forest fires. Financial viability of future management cycles will depend on replenishment of commercial trees of harvestable size (DBH ≥ 50 cm).

Undesirable Effects of Goal Setting on Perceived Fairness, Commitment, and Unethical Behavior

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Keith
Keyword(s):  
Goal Setting ◽  
Unethical Behavior ◽  
The United States ◽  
Goal Commitment ◽  
Management Technique ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
And Performance

Abstract. The positive effects of goal setting on motivation and performance are among the most established findings of industrial–organizational psychology. Accordingly, goal setting is a common management technique. Lately, however, potential negative effects of goal-setting, for example, on unethical behavior, are increasingly being discussed. This research replicates and extends a laboratory experiment conducted in the United States. In one of three goal conditions (do-your-best goals, consistently high goals, increasingly high goals), 101 participants worked on a search task in five rounds. Half of them (transparency yes/no) were informed at the outset about goal development. We did not find the expected effects on unethical behavior but medium-to-large effects on subjective variables: Perceived fairness of goals and goal commitment were least favorable in the increasing-goal condition, particularly in later goal rounds. Results indicate that when designing goal-setting interventions, organizations may consider potential undesirable long-term effects.

Mobilizing for Some

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffael Heiss ◽  
Jörg Matthes
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Social Media ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Collective Efficacy ◽  
Political Efficacy ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
School Students ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Specific Factors

Abstract. This study investigated the effects of politicians’ nonparticipatory and participatory Facebook posts on young people’s political efficacy – a key determinant of political participation. We employed an experimental design, using a sample of N = 125 high school students (15–20 years). Participants either saw a Facebook profile with no posts (control condition), nonparticipatory posts, or participatory posts. While nonparticipatory posts did not affect participants’ political efficacy, participatory posts exerted distinct effects. For those high in trait evaluations of the politician presented in the stimulus material or low in political cynicism, we found significant positive effects on external and collective efficacy. By contrast, for those low in trait evaluations or high in cynicism, we found significant negative effects on external and collective efficacy. We did not find any effects on internal efficacy. The importance of content-specific factors and individual predispositions in assessing the influence of social media use on participation is discussed.

On the diversity of the effects of the state support for agriculture

2019 ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolai M. Svetlov ◽  
Renata G. Yanbykh ◽  
Dariya A. Loginova
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
The State ◽  
Russian Regions ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
State Support ◽  
Soft Budget Constraints ◽  
Institutional Conditions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Production Factors ◽  
Corporate Farms

In this paper, we assess the effects of agricultural state support of corporate farms on their revenues from agricultural production sales in 14 Russian regions that differ in technology, environment and institutional conditions. In addition to the direct effect of the state support, the indirect effects via labor and capital are revealed. For this purpose, we identify production functions and statistical models of production factors for each of these regions separately. We find out diverse effects of the state support on revenues among the regions. Positive effects prevail. Negative effects are mainly caused by labor reductions that follow subsidy inflows. Another cause of negative effects is the soft budget constraints phenomenon.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPOSES OF COW PEA (CV. PUSA BARSATI) GROWN ON FLY ASH AMENDED SOIL IN PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA AND RHIZOBIUM LEGUMINOSARUM

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamal Singh ◽  
A. A. Khan ◽  
Iram Khan ◽  
Rose Rizvi ◽  
M. Saquib
Keyword(s):  
Fly Ash ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Rhizobium Leguminosarum ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Meloidogyne Javanica ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Insignificant Difference

Plant growth, yield, pigment and protein content of cow-pea were increased significantly at lower levels (20 and 40%) of fly ash but reverse was true at higher levels (80 and 100%). Soil amended by 60% fly ash could cause suppression in growth and yield in respect to 40% fly ash treated cow-pea plants but former was found at par with control (fly ash untreated plants). Maximum growth occurred in plants grown in soil amended with 40% fly ash. Nitrogen content of cow-pea was suppressed progressively in increasing levels of fly ash. Moreover,  Rhizobium leguminosarum  influenced the growth and yield positively but Meloidogyne javanica caused opposite effects particularly at 20 and 40% fly ash levels. The positive effects of R. leguminosarum were marked by M. javanica at initial levels. However, at 80 and 100% fly ash levels, the positive and negative effects of R. leguminosarum and/or M. javanica did not appear as insignificant difference persist among such treatments.Key words:  Meloidogyne javanica; Rhizobium leguminosarum; Fly ash; Growth; YieldDOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4098Ecoprint An International Journal of Ecology Vol. 17, 2010 Page: 17-22 Uploaded date: 28 December, 2010  

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