scholarly journals Raptors are still affected by environmental pollutants: Greenlandic Peregrines will not have normal eggshell thickness until 2034

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knud Falk ◽  
Søren Møller ◽  
Frank F. Rigét ◽  
Peter B. Sørensen ◽  
Katrin Vorkamp
Keyword(s):  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Critical Limit ◽  
Eggshell Thinning ◽  
The World ◽  
Breeding Failure

Abstract The DDT-induced effects, eggshell thinning and breeding failure in Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations were reverted with restrictions on the use of the compound from the 1970s, and in most studied populations, the eggshell thickness is back to normal. In Greenland, a previous study of eggshell thinning in Peregrines found that shells had not yet reached pre-DDT levels. In this study, we extend the time series and reinterpret shell thinning data for 196 clutches covering a 45-year time span (1972–2017). There was a significant (P<0.001) increase in the eggshell thickness of 0.23% per year. This corresponds to a change in eggshell thinning from 14.5% to 5.4% in 2017 compared to the pre-DDT mean. With the current rate of change, pre-DDT shell thickness is predicted to be reached around the year 2034. However, a few clutches are still below the critical limit. The relatively slower recovery of the shell thickness in the Greenland population is likely indicative of the slower phasing out of DDT in the Greenlandic Peregrines’ wintering grounds in Latin America. The shell thinning in the Greenlandic population probably never crossed the 17% threshold associated with population declines, contrary to the populations in many other parts of the world.

Changes of Eggshell Characteristics during Embryo Development in Western Capercaillie (Tetrao Urogallus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Rosenberger ◽  
Denis Charles Deeming ◽  
Ewa Łukaszewicz ◽  
Artur Kowalczyk
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Tetrao Urogallus ◽  
Minimal Effect ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
Egg Viability ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Eggshell Thinning

The influence of a developing bird embryo on eggshell thinning is well known, however this phenomenon has been described mainly for poultry, and in wild birds is poorly understood. This study focussed on Capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus), in which the effect of a developing embryo on the change of eggshell thickness has not been described. However, problems relating to a large number of dead embryos and eggs cracking during incubation are observed in captive breeding centres giving us the opportunity to test how the developing embryo affects the eggshell and thereby its properties, including eggshell strength and thickness. In total, 196 unhatched eggs, including 146 infertile and 50 eggs with embryos which died at various stages of development, were analysed in relation to eggshell shape, thickness and strength. Moreover, 102 posthatched eggshells were also examined. Although the strength of eggshell was affected by egg shape and shell thickness, contrary to expectations, the stage of embryonic development had no significant influence on eggshell strength. As has been demonstrated in other species, etching of eggshells by the developing embryo reduces shell thickness in Capercaillie but it has minimal effect on the strength of the eggshell. Egg viability is not compromised during the later stages of development by contact incubation with the female. The eggshell of infertile eggs or eggs containing early-dead embryos were 10% thicker than posthatched eggshells and eggs with late-dead embryos, confirming that eggshell thinning in Capercaillie is typical for precocial species.

scholarly journals Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Kumar Singh ◽  
Martin Drews ◽  
Manuel De la Sen ◽  
Prashant Kumar Srivastava ◽  
Bambang H. Trisasongko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Geospatial Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
Global Threat

AbstractThe new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals Higher Education in VUCA-World: New Metaphor of University

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Tatiana V. Korsakova
Keyword(s):  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Organizational Systems ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
The World ◽  
Organizational Ties ◽  
State Of Affairs ◽  
The University ◽  
Current Reality

In the 21st century universities cannot survive if they simply support an established state of affairs because the modern world is described by the following relation: the rate of change tends to infinity; the transition interval tends to zero. This leads to the fact that universities cannot rest on their laurels and not change. The university that cannot construct new organizational ties loses its magnitude forever. The article describes the specific features of the new reality which are of great importance for building modern organizational systems in universities. Reference points have been being identified and that allows presenting the direction of development that meets the new requirements of the modern world to people, processes, technologies, structures, and systems accordingly to the university. Analysis of the selected reference points leads to the conclusion that in the conditions of dynamic changes and uncertainty of the world the concrete way of the vision of the university’s situation is to see it as if in the light of the modern world. A metaphor is presented, which is based on a comparison of the university internal world with the current reality. It is expressed by the acronym VUCA.

scholarly journals The Valuation of Environmental Assets

Conservation ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 140-158
Author(s):  
Charles Perrings
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Economic ◽  
Total Factor Productivity ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Rate Of Return ◽  
Factor Productivity ◽  
Natural Resource Use ◽  
The World ◽  
United Nations System ◽  
Nations System

Chapter 6 examines the value of environmental assets, which lies in the discounted stream of services they offer. Their conservation depends on the expected rate of change in their value, if conserved, relative to the rate of return on alternative assets. This chapter considers how the portfolio of environmental assets—natural capital—has been valued at the national scale. The two main approaches adopted are the United Nations’ System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA), and the World Bank’s (Inclusive) Wealth Accounts. The authors consider both approaches, and what they mean for the sustainability and the efficiency of natural resource use. Particular attention is paid to the residual left over after taking account of all marketed inputs in production: total factor productivity.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PROBIOTIK DAN EKSTRAK DAUN KATUK (Sauropus androgynous) TERHADAP TEBAL KERABANG DAN HAUGH UNIT (HU) PUYUH PETELUR (Effect Of Probiotic and Sauropus androgynous Leaf Extract on Eggshell Thickness and Haugh Unit (HU) in Laying Quail)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Novia Rahayu ◽  
Dwi Wijayanti ◽  
Nurul Frasiska
Keyword(s):  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Bacillus Sp ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Probiotic Treatment ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Haugh Unit

Abstrak Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian ekstrak daun katuk (Sauropus androgynous) dalam ransum terhadap tebal kerabang dan haugh unit (HU). Enam puluh ekor puyuh petelur fase produksi dibagi menjadi 4 kelompok perlakuan : 1) T0 : ransum tanpa perlakuan, 2) T1 : ransum dengan perlakuan ekstrak daun katuk 3.5g/kg ransum, 3) T2 : ransum dengan perlakuan probiotik (Bacillus sp. dan Saccharomycess sp.), 4) T3 : ransum dengan perlakuan ekstrak daun katuk 3.5g/kg ransum + probiotik (Bacillus sp. dan Saccharomycess sp.). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap tebal kerabang (P>0.05) dan haugh unit (HU) (P>0.05). Telur hasil penelitian dari semua perlakuan menunjukkan kondisi telur yang sesuai dengan standar kualitas tebal kerabang dan haugh unit (HU). ¬Kata Kunci : Ekstrak daun katuk, haugh unit, probiotik, puyuh, tebal kerabang Abstract The study aims to determine the effect of giving sauropus androgynous leaf extract in the ration on egg quality. Sixty quails laying in the production phase were divided into 4 treatment groups: 1) T0: rations without treatment, 2) T1 : rations with katuk leaf extract treatment 3.5g / kg ration, 3) T2 : rations with probiotic treatment (Bacillus sp. And Saccharomycess sp.), 4) T3 : ration with katuk leaf extract treatment 3.5g / kg ration + probiotics (Bacillus sp. and Saccharomycess sp.). The results showed that the treatment had no significant effect on egg shell thickness (P>0.05) and haugh unit (HU) (P>0.05). Eggs from all treatments showed the condition of eggs in accordance with the quality standards of the thickness of the shells and haugh units (HU). Keywords: Eggshell thickness, haugh unit, probiotics, quail, sauropus androgynous leaf extract

scholarly journals Pollution Problems in Koya City due to Private Electrical Generators

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Hayder H. Abbas ◽  
Fakhri H. Ibraheem ◽  
Ahmed A. Maaroof
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Problem ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Power Generators ◽  
Number Of Generators ◽  
The World ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
Annual Amount

Koya city, like any other city in the world, faces a critical environmental problem which is global warming and the increase in the rate of production of gaseous pollutants. This research is involved with the negative effects of private Electrical Power Generators (EPGs) on the environment in Koya City. The environmental pollutants resulted from EPGs were investigated by performing an actual study on land for the number of (EPGs), types, and distribution. Koya city is divided into 18 quarters. The investigation covers a period from 2009 to 2017, included. The production of power was increased due to the increase in the number of generators and supplying hours. The power production in 2009 was 23,850 megawatt (MW) whereas it was 49,635 MW in 2017. The amount of fuel consumed in 2009–2017 was relatively increased from 30,000 to 62,500 barrel/year. The total amount of pollutants was increased by about 108% during the period 2009–2017. The results showed that the most significant increase in pollutants was carbon dioxide (CO2). The annual amount of (CO2) emitted in 2009 was 6588 tons whereas it has increased in 2017–13710 tons. The conclusion of this study was that the highest pollution occurred in the center of Koya City in Nabeel quarter, which represented 22% of the whole pollutants.

The Out-Migration Crisis

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-104
Author(s):  
Kristen Ghodsee ◽  
Mitchell A. Orenstein
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Young People ◽  
Brain Drain ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
The West ◽  
Rural Villages ◽  
East European ◽  
The World ◽  
Migration Crisis

Chapter 8 discusses the significant negative social and economic impacts of the mass out-migration that many postsocialist countries have experienced since the lifting of the “Iron Curtain,” balanced with the positive impacts of remittances and circulation of talent and capital. It also explores the negative side of out-migration, suggesting that the mass exodus of young people has had significant deleterious impacts on a number of sending countries and that many migrants faced hostile, exploitative, and sometimes dangerous conditions in the West. The chapter points to the collapse of rural villages and brain drain as having catastrophic prospects for the postsocialist world. This chapter highlights the role of European Union accession in 2004 as a possible contributor to Central and East European countries experiencing the sharpest population declines in the world and the largest peacetime migration in modern history measured as a percentage of sending country population.

Technology and Disabilities in the Century Ahead

2011 ◽  
pp. 2077-2081
Author(s):  
Ray Kurzweil
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Technology Trends ◽  
Over Time

I have been involved in inventing since I was five, and I quickly realized that for an invention to succeed, you have to target the world of the future. But what would the future be like? To find out, I became a student of technology trends and began to develop mathematical models of different technologies: computation, miniaturization, evolution over time. I have been doing that for 25 years, and it has been remarkable to me how powerful and predictive these models are. Now, before I show you some of these models and then try to build with you some of the scenarios for the future—and, in particular, focus on how these will benefit technology for the disabled—I would like to share one trend that I think is particularly profound and that many people fail to take into consideration. It is this: the rate of progress—what I call the “paradigmshift rate”—is itself accelerating. We are doubling this paradigm-shift rate every decade. The whole 20th century was not 100 years of progress as we know it today, because it has taken us a while to speed up to the current level of progress. The 20t h century represented about 20 years of progress in terms of today’s rate. And at today’s rate of change, we will achieve an amount of progress equivalent to that of the whole 20th century in 14 years, then as the acceleration continues, in 7 years. The progress in the 21st century will be about 1,000 times greater than that in the 20th century, which was no slouch in terms of change.

The Fluids Engineering Laboratory at the University of Michigan

1960 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-256
Author(s):  
G. V. Edmonson
Keyword(s):  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
The World ◽  
Human Understanding ◽  
Scientists And Engineers ◽  
The University

Although the purpose of this paper is specifically that of describing the Fluids Engineering Laboratory at the University of Michigan, it is clear that an understanding of the faculty philosophy underlying the planning of this unit is a necessary part of the document. This is an age of technological expansion, the rate-of-change of which exceeds any progress the world has hitherto known. The seeking of new knowledge and the application of that knowledge is the work of an ever-increasing number of competent scientists and engineers not only skilled in a technology but equally successful in the art of human understanding and relationships. Institutions of higher education are an integral part of this technological age and, because of this fact, find themselves confronted with the task of foreseeing the educational and research needs of the future. This is an immense task, one which is occupying many of the best minds of this generation. The technological and social progress of the coming generation depends upon the continuing flow of students emanating from our institutions of learning. They must be adequately prepared for the responsibilities which they alone can assume.

scholarly journals Tracking Theory Building and Use Trends in Selected LIS Journals: More Research is Needed

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Carol Perryman
Keyword(s):  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Measure Theory ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Korean Society

Objective - The authors measure theory incidents occurring in four LIS journals between 1984-2003 in order to examine their number and quality and to analyze them by topic. A third objective, only identified later in the text of the study, was to compare theory development and use between Korean and international journals. Research questions asked include whether LIS has its own theoretical base as a discipline, and what characteristics the theoretical framework has. Design – Bibliometric study. Setting – Journal issues selected from four LIS journals for the time span from 1984 - 2003. Subjects – Two international journals, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) and Library and Information Science Research (LISR) were selected based on their high ranking in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) impact factors. Two Korean journals, Journal of the Korean Society for Information Management (JKSIM) and Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science (JKSLIS) were selected. Methods - After having determined a definition of theory, and identifying different levels of theory, the authors set up rules for the identification of theory incidents, which are defined as “events in which the author contributed to the development or the use of theory in his/her own paper” (550). Content analysis of 1661 research articles was performed to measure theory incidents according to working definitions. Interrater reliability was ensured by conducting independent coding for “subfield classification, identification of theory incidents, and quality measurement” (555), using a sample of 199 articles (random selection not specified), achieving 94-97% interrater reliability. Incidents, once identified, were evaluated for quality using Dubin’s “efficiency of law” criteria, involving measures of relatedness, directionality, co-variation, rate of change, and “profundity,” defined as the depth to which theory is incorporated into the research study. Main Results - 21.79% (n=362) of the articles contained theory incidents that were analyzed and evaluated. Trend measurement indicated an overall increase, although a slight decrease was shown in the year range 1993-2003. International journals accounted for 61.33% of theory incidents, compared to 38.67% for the Korean journals. T-testing showed that differences in means between Korean and international journals were not statistically significant. Topical theory areas were ranked by frequency. The top five areas were shown to be nearly identical between Korean and international journals. ANOVA was performed with significant results in the difference between efficiency ratings. Conclusion – The authors find that the overall proportion of theory incidents including both theory development and use increased through the 20-year time span examined, and that LIS has established its own theoretical framework based upon the frequency of incidents.

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