scholarly journals Missing interactions: the current state of multispecies connectivity analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia L. R. Wood ◽  
Kyle T. Martins ◽  
Veronique Dumais-Lalonde ◽  
Olivier Tanguy ◽  
Fanny Maure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Reserve Design ◽  
Connectivity Analysis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Analytical Approaches ◽  
Data Requirements

Designing effective habitat and protected area networks, which sustain species-rich communities is a critical conservation challenge. Recent decades have witnessed the emergence of new computational methods for analyzing and prioritizing the connectivity needs of multiple species. We argue that the goal of multispecies connectivity prioritizations be the long-term persistence of a set of species in a landscape and suggest the index of metapopulation capacity as one metric by which to assess and compare the effectiveness of proposed network designs. Here we present a review of the literature based on 77 papers published between 2010 and 2020, in which we assess the current state and recent advances in multispecies connectivity analysis in terrestrial ecosystems. We summarize the four most employed analytical methods, compare their data requirements, and provide an overview of studies comparing results from multiple methods. We explicitly look at approaches for integrating multiple species considerations into reserve design and identify novel approaches being developed to overcome computational and theoretical challenges posed by multispecies connectivity analyses. We conclude that, while advances have been made over the past decade, the field remains nascent in its ability to integrate multiple species interactions into analytical approaches to connectivity. Furthermore, the field is hampered in its ability to provide robust connectivity assessments for lack of a clear definition and goal for multispecies connectivity, as well as a lack of common metrics for their comparison.

scholarly journals Air quality trends in Europe over the past decade: a first multi-model assessment

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 19029-19087 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Colette ◽  
C. Granier ◽  
Ø. Hodnebrog ◽  
H. Jakobs ◽  
A. Maurizi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Anthropogenic Emissions ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Transport Models ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Primary Compounds ◽  
Long Term Trend

Abstract. We discuss the capability of current state-of-the-art chemistry and transport models to reproduce air quality trends and inter annual variability. Documenting these strengths and weaknesses on the basis of historical simulations is essential before the models are used to investigate future air quality projections. To achieve this, a coordinated modelling exercise was performed in the framework of the CityZEN European Project. It involved six regional and global chemistry-transport models (Bolchem, Chimere, Emep, Eurad, OsloCTM2 and Mozart) simulating air quality over the past decade in the Western European anthropogenic emissions hotspots. Comparisons between models and observations allow assessing the skills of the models to capture the trends in basic atmospheric constituents (NO2, O3, and PM10). We find that the trends of primary constituents are well reproduced (except in some countries – owing to their sensitivity to the emission inventory) although capturing the more moderate trends of secondary species such as O3 is more challenging. Apart from the long term trend, the modelled monthly variability is consistent with the observations but the year-to-year variability is generally underestimated. A comparison of simulations where anthropogenic emissions are kept constant is also investigated. We find that the magnitude of the emission-driven trend exceeds the natural variability for primary compounds. We can thus conclude that emission management strategies have had a significant impact over the past 10 yr, hence supporting further emission reductions strategies.

MAYA ARCHAEOLOGY FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: THE PROGRESS, THE PERILS, AND THE PROMISE

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur A. Demarest
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
First Century ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
Culture Studies ◽  
Maya Archaeology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Culture History ◽  
Institutional Structures ◽  
Analytical Approaches

AbstractIn the past 20 years, what were once considered specialized auxiliary subdisciplines or analytical approaches such as bioarchaeology, paleozoology, subterranean archaeology, and material culture studies have become central to all research due to refinements of their analytic tools. Meanwhile, building on earlier progress in epigraphy, work on the Classic period truly has become historical archaeology. These advances provide a much greater understanding of ancient Maya ecology, economy, and politics and insights into the details, not just trends, in culture history. Realization of this potential, however, is imperiled by problems in research design and interpretation. Project structures rarely allows for complete and independent application of these enhanced fields, while the traditional elements of ceramic classification and chronology have not kept pace. The erratic sample of both Maya lowland and highland regions needs to addressed, rather than glossed over by extrapolations or assumptions about interaction and expansionism. Institutional structures and financial limitations have led to many superficial studies masked by quasi-theoretical terminologies. Constructive solutions, most exemplified in some current projects, include the obligation to try to apply all available techniques and approaches. To make that feasible, larger projects should be fragmented into multi-institutional collaborations. Greater emphasis must be given to classifications and excavations that generate ceramic microchronologies. Above all, we must investigate the extensive unstudied or understudied regions. Finally, most challenging is the need to collectively confront academic structures that encourage rapid, incomplete studies and discourage more substantial publications and long term multi-institutional research.

scholarly journals Rural Poverty and Land Degradation: A Review of the Current State of Knowledge

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (4II) ◽  
pp. 1053-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohail Jehangir Malik ◽  
Hina Nazli
Keyword(s):  
World Bank ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Resource Degradation ◽  
The World ◽  
Short And Long Term

By highlighting the lack of rigorous evidence and calling for a greater understanding of the interaction of the two processes, a recent study [Nelson et al. (1997)] has called into question the strong perception that poverty is both a consequence as well as a cause of resource degradation.1 This perception which is widely held is strongly evident in the writings of the multilateral development agencies such as the World Bank (1990) and IFAD (1992) and exists despite extensive reviews which indicate that the short- and long-term implications of land degradation are not very clear [see Scherr and Yadav (1995)]. Similarly, while knowledge about poverty is expanding rapidly, thanks in large parts to the massive international focus and resources brought to bear on its understanding in the past ten.........................

Banking in Africa

2019 ◽  
pp. 1075-1112
Author(s):  
Thorsten Beck ◽  
Robert Cull ◽  
Patricio Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Banking Systems ◽  
Financial Innovations ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Sub Saharan

This chapter takes stock of the current state of banking systems across Sub-Saharan Africa and discusses recent developments, including innovations that might help Africa leapfrog more traditional banking models. Using an array of different data, the chapter documents that African banking systems are shallow but stable. African banks are well capitalized and over-liquid, but lend less to the private sector than banks in non-African developing countries. African enterprises and households are less likely to use financial services than their peers in other developing countries, although there has been significant progress over the past decade. The chapter also describes a number of financial innovations across the continent that can help overcome different barriers to financial inclusion and have helped to expand the bankable and the banked population. The chapter ends with discussing current challenges for policymakers and academics, including the lack of (data on) long-term finance and the supervisory challenges stemming from increasing cross-border banking in the region.

scholarly journals How Anesthetic, Analgesic and Other Non-Surgical Techniques During Cancer Surgery Might Affect Postoperative Oncologic Outcomes: A Summary of Current State of Evidence

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Forget ◽  
Jose A. Aguirre ◽  
Ivanka Bencic ◽  
Alain Borgeat ◽  
Allessandro Cama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Oncologic Outcomes ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Network ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Cancer Resection ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State

The question of whether anesthetic, analgesic or other perioperative intervention during cancer resection surgery might influence long-term oncologic outcomes has generated much attention over the past 13 years. A wealth of experimental and observational clinical data have been published, but the results of prospective, randomized clinical trials are awaited. The European Union supports a pan-European network of researchers, clinicians and industry partners engaged in this question (COST Action 15204: Euro-Periscope). In this narrative review, members of the Euro-Periscope network briefly summarize the current state of evidence pertaining to the potential effects of the most commonly deployed anesthetic and analgesic techniques and other non-surgical interventions during cancer resection surgery on tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Thorny way of strategic planning in modern Russia

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
MIKHAIL E. DMITRIEV ◽  
◽  
VALERY B. KRAPIL ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Market Economy ◽  
Planning System ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Long Term Trends ◽  
To Come ◽  
Further Development

The article considers strategic planning practices in Russia since the transition to market economy. The authors assess the outcomes of federal strategies and the possible causes of their incomplete implementation. The study reviews the development of legislation on strategic planning and the problems and contradictions associated with the implementation of the laws, including the subfederal level. The course of development of the project format of strategic documents (national projects, etc.) and the reasons that led to the strengthening of its role, despite the lack of legislative registration, are also presented. Based on the results of the review, a characteristic is given of the current state of the strategic planning system, which is assessed as unstable and transitional, and possible directions for its further development are noted. The interest in strategic planning over the past three decades has been generated by objective long-term challenges. They are largely due to the need to take into account long-term trends in demographic, technological, environmental, climatic, spatial, infrastructural, geopolitical and other areas where there are problems and tasks that can only be solved by coordinated planning of actions for many years to come.

Reserve design to optimize the long-term persistence of multiple species

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1354-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Strimas-Mackey ◽  
Jedediah F. Brodie
Keyword(s):  
Reserve Design ◽  
Multiple Species

scholarly journals U.S. Nonprofit Activity in Cuba: The Cuban Context

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Brundige ◽  
Eduardo Penalver ◽  
Laura M. Spitz
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Legal Policy ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State

Cornell International Law Journal: Vol. 50 : No. 2 , Article 2.American regulatory restrictions on nonprofit activity in Cuba have decreased dramatically over the past three years. As a result, interest in undertaking projects in Cuba among U.S. nonprofits has increased significantly over that same period. Despite President Trump's recent directive that rolled back several aspects of the previous administration's Cuba policy and ordered new restrictions on U.S.-Cuban engagement, U.S. nonprofits are unlikely to be deterred from seeking to expand their engagement in Cuba over the long term. As nonprofits explore potential opportunities and navigate legal and political challenges, this Article seeks to advance the conversation by answering the following questions: What is the current state of U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit activity within Cuba? What are the Cuban legal and other constraints that affect nonprofit activity in the country? What recommendations might we offer to U.S. nonprofits that are interested in pursuing work in Cuba, in light of the constraints identified above? And finally, what legal, policy or other measures in Cuba might help address these constraints and facilitate increased nonprofit engagement? Co-Authors: Elizabeth Brundige, Lucia Dominguez Cisneros, Eduardo M. Penalver, Laura Spitz

scholarly journals Reconstructing Long-Term Changes in Avian Populations Using Lake Sediments: Opening a Window Onto the Past

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew P. Duda ◽  
Kathryn E. Hargan ◽  
Neal Michelutti ◽  
Jules M. Blais ◽  
Christopher Grooms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Impacts ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current State ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Avian Populations ◽  
Term Monitoring

The lack of long-term monitoring data for many wildlife populations is a limiting factor in establishing meaningful and achievable conservation goals. Even for well-monitored species, time series are often very short relative to the timescales required to understand a population’s baseline conditions before the contemporary period of increased human impacts. To fill in this critical information gap, techniques have been developed to use sedimentary archives to provide insights into long-term population dynamics over timescales of decades to millennia. Lake and pond sediments receiving animal inputs (e.g., feces, feathers) typically preserve a record of ecological and environmental information that reflects past changes in population size and dynamics. With a focus on bird-related studies, we review the development and use of several paleolimnological proxies to reconstruct past colony sizes, including trace metals, isotopes, lipid biomolecules, diatoms, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, invertebrate sub-fossils, pigments, and others. We summarize how animal-influenced sediments, cored from around the world, have been successfully used in addressing some of the most challenging questions in conservation biology, namely: How dynamic are populations on long-term timescales? How may populations respond to climate change? How have populations responded to human intrusion? Finally, we conclude with an assessment of the current state of the field, challenges to overcome, and future potential for research.

Getting to grips with the plant metabolic network

2007 ◽  
Vol 409 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee J. Sweetlove ◽  
David Fell ◽  
Alisdair R. Fernie
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Network ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Plant Metabolism ◽  
Rapid Progress ◽  
The Past ◽  
Metabolic Network Analysis ◽  
Current State ◽  
Engineer Plant ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Research into plant metabolism has a long history, and analytical approaches of ever-increasing breadth and sophistication have been brought to bear. We now have access to vast repositories of data concerning enzymology and regulatory features of enzymes, as well as large-scale datasets containing profiling information of transcripts, protein and metabolite levels. Nevertheless, despite this wealth of data, we remain some way off from being able to rationally engineer plant metabolism or even to predict metabolic responses. Within the past 18 months, rapid progress has been made, with several highly informative plant network interrogations being discussed in the literature. In the present review we will appraise the current state of the art regarding plant metabolic network analysis and attempt to outline what the necessary steps are in order to further our understanding of network regulation.

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