101 research outputs found
The European community and the Belgrade CSCE
No full textThe EC Nine were effectively able to speak with a single voice and came to be recognised as a distinct and unitary actor at the Helsinki CSCE. Thanks to this successful experience, the Nine made the CSCE process a permanent task of their political cooperation efforts. This chapter offers the first assessment of the EC Nine’s action at the first CSCE follow-up conference in Belgrade, It first reports the EC Nine’s preparation for the Helsinki conference in order to provide the fundamental elements of their approach to the CSCE process. The analysis then appraises the effects of the Helsinki experience on the EC Nine and their preparation for the next meeting. It therefore focuses on the EC Nine’s action in Belgrade on the different issues on the agenda, also paying due attention to tactics and internal coordination. In this context the author acknowledges meaningful changes, viz. the attitude of the new US administration, which somehow conditioned the action of the EC Nine during the negotiations. In the concluding part, the author assesses the performance of the EC Nine in Belgrade by also taking into consideration the perspective of the West European governments and EC institutions. The analysis is based on archival sources from the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States
The Contribution of Aviation NOx Emissions to Climate Change �
No full textThe contribution of aviation to anthropogenic climate change results from CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. Latter comprises emissions of nitrogen oxides, water vapour, and aerosols as well as contrail and contrail-cirrus effects. A series of updates can be noted in recent studies related to the effects of NOx-emissions; the inclusion of two physical processes and an updated radiation calculation (see below). However, in our opinion, two further published methodological shortcomings have not been fully considered which leads to a considerable underestimation of the contribution of aviation’s NOx emissions to climate change. First, methane response calculations implicitly assume steady-state instead of an adequate transient development. Second, most studies determine ozone changes caused by switching off or reducing aviation NOx emissions, instead of calculating aviation contributions to ozone. Such methodological simplifications largely underestimate the contribution of the aviation NOx emissions to climate change by a factor of 6 to 7 and can thereby be considered as flaws. Note that the contribution of an emission to climate change (="status report") and the contribution of a change in emissions to climate change (="mitigation option") require different calculation methods. While for calculating the contribution of emissions to atmospheric compositions (and hence climate change), to which we are referring here, a clear recommendation was made, the methodological approach for evaluating mitigation measures might still be ambiguous, but should certainly not ignore the results of contribution calculations.Aircraft Noise and Climate Effect
Design and Optimisation of an Electromagnetic Linear Guide for Ultra-Precision High Performance Cutting
No full textAbstractUltra-precision machining is rarely used in the production industry due to high costs as a consequence of disproportionally long primary and secondary processing times. In this context, the implementation of innovative machine technologies presents a suitable approach to increase productivity and reduce manufacturing costs. This paper introduces the implementation of an electromagnetic linear guide within a two-axis positioning stage for ultra-precision and micro machining. Using analytical models and FEM simulations, an optimised design for the guide's structure and magnet configuration is developed with regard to the intended application in ultra-precision high performance cutting. The new guide system provides frictionless operation for rapid and precise feed movements. Stiffness and damping of the electromagnetic guide can be adjusted to current process requirements. Fine positioning of the levitating carriage within the air gap enables an increase of the overall position accuracy
Klinisches und funktionelles Outcome nach primärer Knieendoprothesenimplantation in Abhängigkeit von der Patellaführung
No full textRetrospektive Studie zur Evaluation des Einflusses eines Patellamaltrackings auf das klinische und funktionelle Outcome nach primärer Knieprothesenimplantation in einem Follow-up-Zeitraum von 60 Monaten mittels Auswertung mehrerer röntgenbasierter Indizes und krankheitsspezifischer und -unspezifischer klinischer Scores. Es wurden zwei Faktoren identifiziert, die einen signifikanten Einfluss auf das postoperative Ergebnis haben: ein erhöhter patellarer Tilt > 4° und ein reduzierter patellarer Facettenwinkel < 142°. Zudem wurden neue Methoden zur Messung des Patella-Shifts und -Tilt eingeführt
The contribution of aviation NOx emissions to climate change: Are we ignoring methodological flaws?
No full textThe contribution of aviation to anthropogenic climate change results from CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. Latter comprises emissions of nitrogen oxides, water vapour, and aerosols as well as contrail and contrail- cirrus effects. A series of updates can be noted in recent studies related to the effects of NOx-emissions; the inclusion of two physical processes and an updated radiation calculation (see below). However, in our opinion, two further published methodological shortcomings have not been fully considered which leads to a considerable underestimation of the contribution of aviation’s NOx emissions to climate change. First, methane response calculations implicitly assume steady-state instead of an adequate transient development. Second, most studies determine ozone changes caused by switching off or reducing aviation NOx emissions, instead of calculating aviation contributions to ozone. Such methodological simplifications largely underestimate the contribution of the aviation NOx emissions to climate change by a factor of 6 to 7 and can thereby be considered as flaws. Note that the contribution of an emission to climate change (=”status report”) and the contribution of a change in emissions to climate change (=”mitigation option”) require different calculation methods. While for calculating the contribution of emissions to atmospheric compositions (and hence climate change), to which we are referring here, a clear recommendation was made, the methodological approach for evaluating mitigation measures might still be ambiguous, but should certainly not ignore the results of contribution calculations
Non-human primate orthologues of TMPRSS2 cleave and activate the influenza virus hemagglutinin.
No full textThe cellular serine protease TMPRSS2, a member of the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family, cleaves and activates the hemagglutinin of influenza A viruses (FLUAV) in cell culture and is essential for spread of diverse FLUAV in mice. Non-human primates (NHP), in particular rhesus and cynomolgus macaques, serve as animal models for influenza and experimental FLUAV infection of common marmosets has recently also been reported. However, it is currently unknown whether the NHP orthologues of human TMPRSS2 cleave and activate FLUAV hemagglutinin and contribute to viral spread in respiratory tissue. Here, we cloned and functionally analyzed the macaque and marmoset orthologues of human TMPRSS2. In addition, we analyzed the macaque orthologues of human TMPRSS4 and HAT, which also belong to the TTSP family. We found that all NHP orthologues of human TMPRSS2, TMPRSS4 and HAT cleave and activate HA upon directed expression and provide evidence that endogenous TMPRSS2 is expressed in the respiratory epithelium of rhesus macaques. Finally, we demonstrate that a serine protease inhibitor active against TMPRSS2 suppresses FLUAV spread in precision-cut lung slices of human, macaque and marmoset origin. These results indicate that FLUAV depends on serine protease activity for spread in diverse NHP and in humans. Moreover, our findings suggest that macaques and marmosets may serve as models to study FLUAV activation by TMPRSS2 in human patients
Climate assessment of single flights: Deduction of route specific equivalent CO2 emissions
No full textClimate impact of anthropogenic activities is more and more of public concern. But while CO2 emissions are accounted in emissions trading and mitigation plans, emissions of non-CO2 components contributing to climate change receive much less attention. One of the anthropogenic emission sectors, where non-CO2 effects play an important part, is aviation. Hence, for a quantitative estimate of total aviation climate impact, assessments need to comprise both CO2 and non-CO2 effects (e.g., water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and contrails), instead of calculating and providing only CO2 impacts. However, while a calculation of CO2 effects relies directly on fuel consumption, for non-CO2 effects detailed information on aircraft trajectory, engine emissions, and ambient atmospheric conditions are required. As often such comprehensive information is not available for all aircraft movements, a simplified calculation method is required to calculate non-CO2 impacts.
In our study, we introduce a simple calculation method which allows quantifying climate assessment relying on mission parameters, involving distance and geographic flight region. We present a systematic analysis of simulated climate impact from more than 1000 city pairs with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft depending on the flight distance and flight region to derive simplified but still realistic representation of the non-CO2 climate effects. These new formulas much better represent the climate impact of non-CO2 effects compared to a constant CO2 multiplier. The mean square error decrease from 1.18 for a constant factor down to 0.24 for distance dependent factors and can be reduced even further to 0.19 for a distance and latitude dependent factor
Government stability in Estonia: Wishful Thinking or Reality? : An evaluation of Estonia's governments from the 1992 elections up to 2003 [including a comment of the cabinet of Juhan Parts up to February 2005]
No full textThis article examines the multiple governments of independent Estonia since 1992 referring to their stability. Confronted with the immense problems of democratic transition, the multi-party governments of Estonia change comparatively often. Following the elections of March 2003 the ninth government since 1992 was formed. A detailed examination of government stability and the example of Estonia is accordingly warranted, given that the country is seen as the most successful Central Eastern European transition country in spite of its frequent changes of government. Furthermore, this article questions whether or not internal government stability can exist within a situation where the government changes frequently. What does stability of government mean and what are the varying multi-faceted depths of the term? Before analysing the term, it has to be clarified and defined. It is presumed that government stability is composed of multiple variables influencing one another. Data about the average tenure of a government is not very conclusive. Rather, the deeper political causes for governmental change need to be examined. Therefore, this article discusses the conceptual and theoretical basics of governmental stability first. Secondly, it discusses the Estonian situation in detail up to the elections of 2003, including a short review of the 9th government since independence. In the conclusion, the author explains whether or not the governments of Estonia are stable. In the appendix, the reader finds all election results and also a list of all previous ministers of Estonian governments (all data are as of July 2002)
Mobilising Knowledge for General Practice Decarbonisation: Maximising Impact Through a Multi‐Stakeholder Workshop
No full textBackground: This manuscript explores how knowledge mobilisation (KMb), through a multi‐stakeholder workshop, can advance decarbonisation in general practice by interpreting findings from the GPNET‐0 study, which includes a systematic review, a GP survey and longitudinal case studies. The KMb workshop serves as a platform to interpret and disseminate its findings, thereby informing the development and refinement of outputs (i.e., Policy Brief and Factsheet) and the tailoring of audience‐specific dissemination strategies. Methods: Fifteen stakeholders were selected from key groups across the United Kingdom, including public representatives, policymakers and general practitioners. The workshop was structured with presentations, group discussions and interactive activities to encourage targeted dialogue. Pre‐workshop materials, including a Policy Brief and Factsheet, were shared with participants to promote informed discussions. The workshop's design ensured that stakeholder input was actively integrated into the development and refinement of outputs. Findings: The KMb workshop provided valuable insights and views into the barriers, opportunities and priorities for general practice decarbonisation. The analysis identified four overarching views: ‘bridging knowledge and resource gaps’, ‘organisational and cultural barriers’, ‘enhancing public engagement and messaging’, and ‘policy and leadership as drivers of change’. Conclusions: The KMb effectively engaged stakeholders in reflecting on decarbonisation challenges and opportunities, informing the development of targeted dissemination strategies. The KMb workshop demonstrated the critical role of stakeholder engagement in refining outputs for maximal impact of research findings and outputs. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and members of the public were closely involved throughout the study. Two lay representatives served as co‐investigators, and a nine‐member PPI panel provided input across all stages, including study design, development of the Policy Brief and Factsheet, and the knowledge mobilisation workshop, and one lay representative is a co‐author of this article
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