707 research outputs found
Application of Unibest to model White Lagoon Beach Enhancement
No full textThe objective of this study is to test the use and applicability of the Unibest CL+ and TC models for the White Lagoon case. The White Lagoon is a small bay near Balchik, Bulgaria, that is characterised by two T-groynes and a rocky bottom nearshore. A local hotel would like the present beach to be enlarged to accommodate for more guests. In addition, due to bad circulation algae and seaweeds flourish in the tourist season. Different data are available, including results from a bathymetric survey, wind data, offshore wave data, sediment sieve curves and some preliminary research. Relevant physical processes are identified, such as wave transformation due to decreasing water depth and wave-induced currents and sediment transport. It is expected that different wave conditions cause widely varying processes. Due to limited breaker depth under normal wave conditions, there will be no longshore sediment transport offshore from the groynes, whereas under storm conditions, longshore transport is expected offshore from the groynes and cross-shore transport from the zone between the groynes to the offshore zone. Unibest CL+ is a single line coastline model that assumes an invariant bottom profile. Unibest CL+ is therefore incapable of modelling cross-shore dynamics, for which Unibest TC is used. For a number of reasons, it is not possible to model the entire area in Unibest CL+ and as a result the model area is limited to the area between the groynes, where diffracted waves are used as wave input. Unibest TC is used to model cross-shore dynamics for a profile between the groynes. Many problems have been encountered when applying the models. The most important problem is the lack of good calibration data. Furthermore it is expected that both models, which have been designed for sandy coasts, are very limited in their applicability to the rocky coast with little available sand at White Lagoon. It is recommended for the follow-up of this study that better calibration data is collected by measuring wave properties throughout the surf zone, with according bottom changes. In addition, more accurate wave scenarios are needed, especially for the CL+ model, either from measurements or a number of SWAN runs.Civil Engineering and GeosciencesHydraulic Engineerin
Impact of biodiversity-climate futures on primary production and metabolism in a model benthic estuarine system
No full textAll work was supported by NERC grant NE/E006795/1Understanding the effects of anthropogenically-driven changes in global temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide and biodiversity on the functionality of marine ecosystems is crucial for predicting and managing the associated impacts. Coastal ecosystems are important sources of carbon (primary production) to shelf waters and play a vital role in global nutrient cycling. These systems are especially vulnerable to the effects of human activities and will be the first areas impacted by rising sea levels. Within these coastal ecosystems, microalgal assemblages (microphytobenthos: MPB) are vital for autochthonous carbon fixation. The level of in situ production by MPB mediates the net carbon cycling of transitional ecosystems between net heterotrophic or autotrophic metabolism. In this study, we examine the interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations (370, 600, and 1000 ppmv), temperature (6°C, 12°C, and 18°C) and invertebrate biodiversity on MPB biomass in experimental systems. We assembled communities of three common grazing invertebrates (Hydrobia ulvae, Corophium volutator and Hediste diversicolor) in monoculture and in all possible multispecies combinations. This experimental design specifically addresses interactions between the selected climate change variables and any ecological consequences caused by changes in species composition or richness.Peer reviewe
The natural environment: a critical missing link in national action plans on antimicrobial resistance
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR), the ability of a micro-organism to stop an antimicrobial from working against it, is one the greatest global health challenges. It is projected to be the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 10 million lives a year, by 2050, primarily in low- and middle-income countries (1). In 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a global action plan on AMR underscored by the One Health approach (2). One Health seeks to improve health and well-being through the integrative management of disease risks at the interface between humans, animals and the natural environment, based on closer collaboration among individual disciplines and an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to research, surveillance, and response (3). The natural or biophysical environment here includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors affecting the survival of all organisms (including humans) at the individual, population, community or ecosystem level. In this context, an ecosystem refers to a community of plants, animals and microorganisms that live, feed, reproduce and interact in the same area or environment. AMR connects human health to the health of ecosystems and the natural environment, in terms of both drivers and consequences. Concurrently with the WHA action in 2015, member states agreed to publish individual national action plans (NAPs) on AMR by May 2017 (2), (4). Here we present the first analysis of the extent to which these post-2015 NAPs have been successful in integrating the natural environment within a One Health approach. We found that NAPs feature human and animal health prominently but that most do not specifically incorporate the natural environment, and hence fall short of achieving a genuine One Health approach. Given the key role of the natural environment in contributing to AMR, we call for greater integration of the natural environment in existing and new NAPs, so that we can maximise our chances of finding holistic and sustainable solutions to this global health threat.</p
The natural environment: a critical missing link in national action plans on antimicrobial resistance
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR), the ability of a micro-organism to stop an antimicrobial from working against it, is one the greatest global health challenges. It is projected to be the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 10 million lives a year, by 2050, primarily in low- and middle-income countries (1). In 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a global action plan on AMR underscored by the One Health approach (2). One Health seeks to improve health and well-being through the integrative management of disease risks at the interface between humans, animals and the natural environment, based on closer collaboration among individual disciplines and an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to research, surveillance, and response (3). The natural or biophysical environment here includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors affecting the survival of all organisms (including humans) at the individual, population, community or ecosystem level. In this context, an ecosystem refers to a community of plants, animals and microorganisms that live, feed, reproduce and interact in the same area or environment. AMR connects human health to the health of ecosystems and the natural environment, in terms of both drivers and consequences. Concurrently with the WHA action in 2015, member states agreed to publish individual national action plans (NAPs) on AMR by May 2017 (2), (4). Here we present the first analysis of the extent to which these post-2015 NAPs have been successful in integrating the natural environment within a One Health approach. We found that NAPs feature human and animal health prominently but that most do not specifically incorporate the natural environment, and hence fall short of achieving a genuine One Health approach. Given the key role of the natural environment in contributing to AMR, we call for greater integration of the natural environment in existing and new NAPs, so that we can maximise our chances of finding holistic and sustainable solutions to this global health threat.</p
NSW DMR, Area M, Kayrunnera(Milparinka, Cobham Lk, White Cl.), NSW, 1999 (P745), magnetic line data, AWAGS levelled
No full textMaintenance and Update Frequency: notPlannedStatement: This NSW DMR, Area M, Kayrunnera(Milparinka, Cobham Lk, White Cl.), NSW, 1999 (P745), magnetic line data, AWAGS levelled is an airborne-derived magnetic line dataset for the NSW DMR, Area M, Kayrunnera(Milparinka, Cobham Lk, White Cl.), NSW, 1999 survey. The data was acquired under the project No. 745 for the geological survey of NSW. A total of 55448 line-kilometres of data at a line spacing of 250m and 60m terrain clearance were acquired during this survey. To constrain long wavelengths in the data, an independent data set, the Australia-wide Airborne Geophysical Survey (AWAGS) airborne magnetic data, was used to control the base levels of the survey data (Milligan et al., 2009). This survey data is essentially levelled to AWAGS. Details of the specifications of individual airborne surveys can be found in the Fourteenth Edition of the Index of Airborne Geophysical Surveys (Percival, 2014). This Index is also available online at http://pid.geoscience.gov.au/dataset/79134.
References:
Milligan, P.R., Minty, B.R.S., Richardson, M. & Franklin, R., 2009. The Australia-wide Airborne Geophysical Survey accurate continental magnetic coverage. Preview, No. 138, p. 1-128,
Percival, P.J., 2014. Index of airborne geophysical surveys (Fourteenth Edition).Total magnetic intensity (TMI) data measures variations in the intensity of the Earth's magnetic field caused by the contrasting content of rock-forming minerals in the Earth crust. Magnetic anomalies can be either positive (field stronger than normal) or negative (field weaker) depending on the susceptibility of the rock. The data are processed via standard methods to ensure the response recorded is that due only to the rocks in the ground. The results produce datasets that can be interpreted to reveal the geological structure of the sub-surface. The processed data is checked for quality by GA geophysicists to ensure that the final data released by GA are fit-for-purpose.<br/> These line dataset from the NSW DMR, Area M, Kayrunnera(Milparinka, Cobham Lk, White Cl.), NSW, 1999 survey were acquired in 1999 by the NSW Government, and consisted of 55448 line-kilometres of data at 250m line spacing and 60m terrain clearance. To constrain long wavelengths in the data, an independent data set, the Australia-wide Airborne Geophysical Survey (AWAGS) airborne magnetic data, was used to control the base levels of the survey data. This survey data is essentially levelled to AWAGS
Modelling conflicting objectives in the management of a mobile ecological resource: Red deer in the Scottish Highlands
No full textFree-ranging ecological resources are frequently managed with an age- and gender-structured complexity beyond that handled routinely in optimising bioeconomic analysis. Here we use a Hamiltonian-based solution method to develop optimal management prescriptions for a bioeconomic system comprising 14 state variables and 6 control variables: red deer management in the Scottish Highlands. We consider management on estates where deer are husbanded as a sporting resource, and on sites where deer density is reduced to promote the regeneration of native woodland. We focus in particular on the consequences of deer emigration/immigration, between neighbouring sites pursuing conflicting management objectives. Our results suggest that a strong stock effect on culling cost and a wide disparity in value between culled males and females underlie the high population densities and female-biased herd structures which prevail across the Highlands. Neither of these effects have been included in earlier ecological models of red deer management. Results also suggest that managing deer density to secure the regeneration of native woodland will incur considerable costs. We also show that emigration/immigration of immature male deer between a neighbouring sporting estate and woodland regeneration site carries adverse cost implications for both parties. Whilst deer management on sporting estates may respond to financial incentives, the strong inverse relationship between deer density and culling cost will prevent such mechanisms from delivering substantial reductions in deer density under current property rights.No Full Tex
PROTON NMR STUDY OF ROTATIONAL DYNAMICS OF MATRIX ISOLATED METHYL COMPOUNDS: AND
No full textAuthor Institution:The proton NMR spectra of several symmetric top molecules, and isolated in an argon matrix are reported. The temperature dependence of the lineshapes and the spin lattice relaxation times have been measured in the range 5.5 to 40K. The results are discussed in terms of the tunneling rotation of the -groups and molecular reorientations in the matrix
Exposure to nature gardens has time-dependent associations with mood improvements for people with mid- and late-stage dementia:Innovative practice
No full textExposure to green space and nature has a potential role to play in the care of people with dementia, with possible benefits including improved mood and slower disease progression. In this observational study at a dementia care facility in the UK, we used carer-assessed measures to evaluate change in mood of residents with mid- to late-stage dementia following exposure to a nature garden. We found that exposure to nature was associated with a beneficial change in patient mood. There was a non-linear relationship between time spent outdoors and mood outcome. Improvements in patient mood were associated with relatively short duration exposures to nature, and no additional measureable increases in mood were found with exposures beyond 80-90 minutes duration. Whilst further investigation is required before causality can be determined, these results raise important questions for policy about the integration of outdoor space into the design of dementia care facilities and programmes
Assessment of temporal trends in ecosystem health using an holistic indicator
No full textThe Ecosystem Approach to environmental management, with its explicit acknowledgment of the environmental, social and economic elements within ecological systems, is becoming increasingly adopted by managers and policy makers. However, there are few specific prescriptions as to exactly how these different elements should be integrated, or examples where historical changes have been tracked. Here, we assess the potential benefits and challenges of applying an Ecosystem Approach to management using one particular method, the Holistic Ecosystem Health Indicator (HEHI), which integrates data from the ecological, social and interactive dimensions into a single composite index of ecosystem 'health'. We apply it to one of the best-documented catchments in the UK, the Ythan Estuary in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, based on a 50-year time series of data. The evaluation of ecosystem health over time is lacking in previous applications of HEHI, yet is crucial for the assessment of the utility of this approach to ecosystem management. The application of HEHI yielded different insights to those revealed from the traditional application of biophysical approaches for managing the Ythan. Overall, ecological health declined through the 50-year period, although it increased marginally in the last decade, while social and interactive dimensions followed the opposite trend. HEHI indicated a steady increase in ecosystem health overall except for the last decade, when it declined marginally. Our evaluation of the application of ecosystem health for the Ythan revealed major data gaps. For the approach to be used more widely, issues of data availability and the temporal and geographical mismatch between ecological and social research boundaries need to be overcome.No Full Tex
The textural discontinuity hypothesis: An exploration at a regional level. Shortened version: Exploring Holling's TDH
No full textDominant physical and biological processes in ecosystems occur at specific scales of space and time. The life‐spans and the life‐spaces (areas used by species over their lifetime) become entrained to operate at similar scales. Because life‐spans and life‐spaces are related to body size, ecosystems display polymodality in body size distributions: Holling's textural discontinuity hypothesis, TDH. Falsification of the TDH requires either changing the frequencies of the dominant processes or changing the species. Both are difficult to achieve for regional‐scale faunas, but the transformation of the terrestrial fauna of New Zealand by humans over the past 800 years provides an opportunity to explore the effect of changing the species. Our analyses of the pre and post first‐contact with humans assemblages show that species body size spectra are polymodal and similar (the spectrum is conservative in shape), both pre‐ and post‐spectra exhibiting three distinct modes, despite significant changes in the taxonomic make‐up of the fauna. Our findings are consistent with the TDH, but not consistent with other known competing explanations. There is also a compelling case that invasions and introductions have been more successful in the body size range that falls between modes. This is also consistent with the TDH, but not necessarily at odds with explanations based on propagule pressure.No Full Tex
- …
