BACKGROUND Using rat stomach perforation as a prototypic direct lesion applied in cytoprotection research,we focused on the first demonstration of the severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome induced by stomach perfor...BACKGROUND Using rat stomach perforation as a prototypic direct lesion applied in cytoprotection research,we focused on the first demonstration of the severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome induced by stomach perforation.The revealed stomachinduced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome corresponds to the previously described occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes in rats suffering multicausal pathology and shared severe vascular and multiorgan failure.This general point was particularly reviewed.As in all the described occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes with permanent occlusion of major vessels,peripheral and central,and other similar noxious procedures that severely affect endothelium function,the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 was resolving therapy.AIM To reveal the stomach perforation-induced general occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome and BPC 157 therapy effect.METHODS The procedure included deeply anesthetized rats,complete calvariectomy,laparotomy at 15 min thereafter,and stomach perforation to rapidly induce vascular and multiorgan failure occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome.At 5 min post-perforation time,rats received therapy[BPC 157(10μg or 10 ng/kg)or saline(5 mL/kg,1 mL/rat)(controls)]into the perforated defect in the stomach).Sacrifice was at 15 min or 60 min post-perforation time.Assessment(gross and microscopy;volume)included:Brain swelling,peripheral vessels(azygos vein,superior mesenteric vein,portal vein,inferior caval vein)and heart,other organs lesions(i.e.,stomach,defect closing or widening);superior sagittal sinus,and peripherally the portal vein,inferior caval vein,and abdominal aorta blood pressures and clots;electrocardiograms;and bleeding time from the perforation(s).RESULTS BPC 157 beneficial effects accord with those noted before in the healing of the perforated defect(raised vessel presentation;less bleeding,defect contraction)and occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes counteraction.BPC 157 therapy(into the perforated defect),induced immediate shrinking and contraction of the whole stomach展开更多
Solid-state impedance spectroscopy(SS-IS)was used to investigate the influence of structural modifications resulting from the addition of Nb2O5 on the dielectric properties and relaxation processes in the quaternary m...Solid-state impedance spectroscopy(SS-IS)was used to investigate the influence of structural modifications resulting from the addition of Nb2O5 on the dielectric properties and relaxation processes in the quaternary mixed glass former(MGF)system 35Na_(2)O–10V_(2)O_(5)–(55-x)P_(2)O_(5)–xNb_(2)O_(5)(x=0–40,mol%).The dielectric parameters,including the dielectric strength and dielectric loss,are determined from the frequency and temperature-dependent complex permittivity data,revealing a significant dependence on the Nb2O5 content.The transition from a predominantly phosphate glass network(x<10,region I)to a mixed niobate–phosphate glass net-work(10≤x≤20,region II)leads to an increase in the dielectric parameters,which correlates with the observed trend in the direct-cur-rent(DC)conductivity.In the predominantly niobate network(x≥25,region III),the highly polarizable nature of Nb5+ions leads to a fur-ther increase in the dielectric permittivity and dielectric strength.This is particularly evident in Nb-40 glass-ceramic,which contains Na_(13)Nb_(35)O_(94) crystalline phase with a tungsten bronze structure and exhibits the highest dielectric permittivity of 61.81 and the lowest loss factor of 0.032 at 303 K and 10 kHz.The relaxation studies,analyzed through modulus formalism and complex impedance data,show that DC conductivity and relaxation processes are governed by the same mechanism,attributed to ionic conductivity.In contrast to glasses with a single peak in frequency dependence of imaginary part of electrical modulus,M″(ω),Nb-40 glass-ceramic exhibits two distinct contributions with similar relaxation times.The high-frequency peak indicates bulk ionic conductivity,while the additional low-fre-quency peak is associated with the grain boundary effect,confirmed by the electrical equivalent circuit(EEC)modelling.The scaling characteristics of permittivity and conductivity spectra,along with the electrical modulus,validate time-temperature superposition and demonstrate a strong correlation with comp展开更多
Globally,marine bioinvasions threaten marine ecosystem structure and function,with the Mediterranean Sea being one of the most affected regions.Such invasions are expected to increase due to climate change.We conducte...Globally,marine bioinvasions threaten marine ecosystem structure and function,with the Mediterranean Sea being one of the most affected regions.Such invasions are expected to increase due to climate change.We conducted a risk screening of marine organisms(37 fishes,38 invertebrates,and 9 plants),both extant and‘horizon’(i.e.,not present in the area but likely to enter it).Based on expert knowledge for the Eastern Adriatic Sea coasts of Slovenia,Croatia,and Montenegro,screenings were conducted under both current and predicted climate conditions indicating with an increase in sea surface temperature and salinity of the Adriatic Sea together with changes in precipitation regime.Our aims were to:(1)identify non-native extant and horizon marine species that may pose threats to native biodiversity and(2)evaluate the risk of invasiveness of the selected species under current and predicted climate conditions.Of the 84 species screened,there was an increase in those ranked as‘high risk’from 33(39.3%)under current climate conditions and to 47(56.0%)under global warming scenarios.For those ranked as‘very high’risk,the increase was from 6(7.1%)to 21(25.0%).Amongst the screened species,the already established high-risk species Pacific oyster Magallana gigas and Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus represent a threat to ecosystem services.Given the under-representation of marine species in the current European Union List,the species we have ranked as high to very high risk should be included.展开更多
Three major cardiovascular outcome trials(CVOTs)with a new class of antidiabetic drugs-sodium-glucose cotransporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitors(EMPAREG OUTCOME trial with empagliflozin,CANVAS Program with canagliflozin,DECLARE...Three major cardiovascular outcome trials(CVOTs)with a new class of antidiabetic drugs-sodium-glucose cotransporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitors(EMPAREG OUTCOME trial with empagliflozin,CANVAS Program with canagliflozin,DECLARE-TIMI 58 with dapagliflozin)unexpectedly showed that cardiovascular outcomes could be improved possibly due to a reduction in heart failure risk,which seems to be the most sensitive outcome of SGLT2 inhibition.No other CVOT to date has shown any significant benefit on heart failure events.Even more impressive findings came recently from the DAPA-HF trial in patients with confirmed and well-treated heart failure:Dapagliflozin was shown to reduce heart failure risk for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction regardless of diabetes status.Nevertheless,despite their possible wide clinical implications,there is much doubt about the mechanisms of action and a lot of questions to unravel,especially now when their benefits translated to nondiabetic patients,rising doubts about the validity of some current mechanistic assumptions.The time frame of their cardiovascular benefits excludes glucoselowering and antiatherosclerotic-mediated effects and multiple other mechanisms,direct cardiac as well as systemic,are suggested to explain their early cardiorenal benefits.These are:Anti-inflammatory,antifibrotic,antioxidative,antiapoptotic properties,then renoprotective and hemodynamic effects,attenuation of glucotoxicity,reduction of uric acid levels and epicardial adipose tissue,modification of neurohumoral system and cardiac fuel energetics,sodiumhydrogen exchange inhibition.The most logic explanation seems that SGLT2 inhibitors timely target various mechanisms underpinning heart failure pathogenesis.All the proposed mechanisms of their action could interfere with evolution of heart failure and are discussed separately within the main text.展开更多
BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions...BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions of their mechanism of action.We previously published a prospective observational study that evaluated mechanisms of action of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes who were in HF stages A and B on dual hypoglycemic therapy.Two groups of patients were included in the study:the ones receiving SGLT2i as an add-on agent to metformin and the others on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin due to suboptimal glycemic control.AIM To evaluate the outcomes regarding natriuretic peptide,oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,heart rate,cardiac function,and body weight.METHODS The study outcomes were examined by dividing each treatment arm into two subgroups according to baseline parameters of global longitudinal strain(GLS),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,myeloperoxidase(MPO),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To evaluate the possible predictors of observed changes in the SGLT2i arm during follow-up,a rise in stroke volume index,body mass index(BMI)decrease,and lack of heart rate increase,linear regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There was a greater reduction of MPO,hsCRP,GLS,and blood pressure in the groups with higher baseline values of mentioned parameters irrespective of the therapeutic arm after 6 months of follow-up.Significant independent predictors of heart rate decrease were a reduction in early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the interventricular septal annulus ratio and BMI,while the predictor of stroke volume index increase was SGLT2i therapy itself.CONCLUSION SGLT2i affect body composition,reduce cardiac load,improve diastolic/systolic function,and attenuate the sympathetic response.Glycemic control contributes to the improvement of heart function,blood pressure cont展开更多
In the quest for decreasing fuel consumption and resulting gas emissions in the aeronautic sector,lightweight materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers(CFRPs)and Ti-6Al-4V alloys are being used.These material...In the quest for decreasing fuel consumption and resulting gas emissions in the aeronautic sector,lightweight materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers(CFRPs)and Ti-6Al-4V alloys are being used.These materials,with excellent weight-to-strength ratios,are widely used for structural applications in aircraft manufacturing.To date,several studies have been published showing that the use of metalworking fluids(MWFs),special tool geometries,or advanced machining techniques is required to ensure a surface quality that meets aerospace component standards.Conventional MWFs pose a number of environmental and worker health hazards and also degrade the mechanical properties of CFRPs due to water absorption in the composite.Therefore,a transition to more environmentally friendly cooling/lubrication techniques that prevent moisture problems in the composite is needed.This research shows that lubricated LCO_(2) is a viable option to improve the quality of drilled CFRP and titanium aerospace components compared to dry machining,while maintaining clean work areas.The results show that the best combination of tool geometry and cooling conditions for machining both materials is drilling with Brad point drills and lubricated LCO_(2).Drilling under these conditions resulted in a 90%improvement in fiber pullout volume compared to dry machined CFRP holes.In addition,a 33% reduction in burr height and a 15% improvement in surface roughness were observed compared to dry drilling of titanium.展开更多
With the rapid integration of distributed energy resources(DERs),distribution utilities are faced with new and unprecedented issues.New challenges introduced by high penetra-tion of DERs range from poor observability ...With the rapid integration of distributed energy resources(DERs),distribution utilities are faced with new and unprecedented issues.New challenges introduced by high penetra-tion of DERs range from poor observability to overload and reverse power flow problems,under-/over-voltages,maloperation of legacy protection systems,and requirements for new planning procedures.Distribution utility personnel are not adequately trained,and legacy control centers are not properly equipped to cope with these issues.Fortunately,distribution energy resource management systems(DERMSs)are emerging software technologies aimed to provide distribution system operators(DSOs)with a specialized set of tools to enable them to overcome the issues caused by DERs and to maximize the benefits of the presence of high penetration of these novel resources.However,as DERMS technology is still emerging,its definition is vague and can refer to very different levels of software hierarchies,spanning from decentralized virtual power plants to DER aggregators and fully centralized enterprise systems(called utility DERMS).Although they are all frequently simply called DERIMS,these software technologies have different sets of tools and aim to provide different services to different stakeholders.This paper explores how these different software technologies can complement each other,and how they can provide significant benefits to DSOs in enabling them to successfully manage evolving distribution networks with high penetration of DERs when they are integrated together into the control centers of distribution utilities.展开更多
The enormous economic potentials of the blue/ocean economy have made the maritime domain increasingly susceptible to transnational organized crime and a theater for great power competition,particularly in the Atlantic...The enormous economic potentials of the blue/ocean economy have made the maritime domain increasingly susceptible to transnational organized crime and a theater for great power competition,particularly in the Atlantic maritime domain.The maritime security threats are more prevalent in the Atlantic African maritime domain than in other continents.These threats are becoming increasingly detrimental to the African security,safety,and human security,particularly in the coastal countries of the Atlantic Africa.Despite its increasing susceptibility to maritime security threats including great powers competition and the presence of non-Atlantic great powers more than in other maritime domains in Africa,the coastal countries of the Atlantic Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)have managed to forge strategic inter-regional maritime security partnership that has relatively improved maritime security and safety in the region.There is a growing interest in forging inter-continental partnership of the coastal Atlantic states to collectively respond and address the shared maritime security threats in the entire Atlantic maritime domain.Yet,the way such a complex multilateral partnership would be structured and operationalized has not been worked out.This article assesses the economic potentials,susceptibility to maritime security threats,and level of response to maritime security threats by the coastal countries of the Atlantic SSA with the aim of identifying some lessons that could be relevant for forging the Atlantic inter-continental maritime security partnership.Some of these lessons include genuine partnership that is based on sovereign equality and inter-dependence,a code of conduct,cooperation,and coordination framework,and shared common value system of democratic governance.展开更多
We aim to systematically review challenges imposed by emerging distributed energy resources(DERs)to model in two basic distribution management system(DMS)online applications—power flow and short-circuit analysis,as w...We aim to systematically review challenges imposed by emerging distributed energy resources(DERs)to model in two basic distribution management system(DMS)online applications—power flow and short-circuit analysis,as well as to offer a systematic review of potential solutions.In the last decade,electronically coupled DERs became increasingly popular.DERs can employ a wide range of control strategies for power,current,or voltage control,in both normal and faulted conditions.Therefore,DERs cannot be modeled with the traditional PQ(load or generator bus)or PV(generator bus)bus types used for modeling synchronous and induction machines in online power flow calculations.Moreover,since fault currents of DERs are limited to predefined maximal values,electronically coupled DERs cannot be represented with traditional voltage source behind impedance models for online short-circuit calculation(SCC).However,most of the DMS software packages still use the traditional models to represent all DER types,including those that are electronically coupled.This paper shows that there will be large calculation errors in such practice,which make the system model an inadequate representation of the system.This will lead to serious errors in the management,control,and operation of distribution systems.Nonetheless,potential solutions to the challenges are systematically reviewed.Finally,the calculation results on a distribution test system with all DER types are used to prove the claim.展开更多
This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical p...This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical perspective that attributes the driver of civil wars to governance deficit that is manifested in absence of resilient social contract in terms of sustained agreement between citizens and state.We then ask the key question of whether and how education is linked to a resilient social contract.We found a wealth of evidence linking education and peacebuilding,and education and civicness,but a gap exists in the literature about the link between education and social contract.On the basis of a thorough review of theory and research on education,civicness,and social contract,we develop a theoretical framework to conceptually frame the nexus between education,civicness,resilient social contract,and sustainable peace.This framework is founded on the theory of state formation.Applying this framework to the case of South Sudan,we found that education through civicness makes students become key political stakeholders and more likely nurture a resilient social contract,which in turn sustains peace.The very low level of educated population in South Sudan might have contributed,among other factors,to limited demand for good governance that contributes to governance deficit,which perpetuates poor state-society relations,ineffective and exclusive institutions,and erosion of social cohesion,and interpersonal trust,factors central to resilient social contract.展开更多
It remains challenging to conduct an efficient dynamic façade design.In this article authors try to address this issue introducing the façade daylighting performance improvement(FDPI)indicator aimed to evalu...It remains challenging to conduct an efficient dynamic façade design.In this article authors try to address this issue introducing the façade daylighting performance improvement(FDPI)indicator aimed to evaluate the performance of a dynamic(adaptive)façade from its daylighting performance point of view.To illustrate the FDPI application the authors introduced the preliminary dynamic façade concept for an office building located in Tel Aviv(Hot-summer Mediterranean Climate Csa)with further shape modification based on the daylighting performance analysis compared to the three alternatives representative of different typologies of dynamic façades.Al Bahr,One Ocean and The University of Southern Denmark façade systems were simulated under the same weather and building conditions of the preliminary dynamic façade concept and were considered as a benchmark for the study.The final dynamic façade concept elaborated by the authors in the preliminary comparative workflow showed noticeable daylight performance improvement with respect to the case studies comparative scenarios.The FDPI metric allowed to estimate a daylighting performance improvement of 43%of the final dynamic façade concept over the case study dynamic façade that showed the best performance in the daylighting simulations.展开更多
<strong>Motivation:</strong> We study the asymptotic-type dynamics of various real pointlike objects that one models by a variety of differential equations. Their response to an external force one defines ...<strong>Motivation:</strong> We study the asymptotic-type dynamics of various real pointlike objects that one models by a variety of differential equations. Their response to an external force one defines solely by the trajectory of a single point. Its velocity eventually stops changing after cessation of the external force. The response of their acceleration to the long-term external force is slow and possibly nonlinear. <strong>Objective:</strong> Our objective is to present technique for making simplified models for the long-term dynamics of pointlike objects whose motion interacts with the surroundings. In the asymptotic-type long-term dynamics, the time variable <em>t</em> ∈ (<em>t<sub>m</sub></em>, +∞) and<em> t<sub>m</sub></em> > 0 is large, say <img src="Edit_6f0f7522-7319-4b30-a451-0453ff0f75d3.bmp" alt="" />! <strong>Method:</strong> We apply Taylor series expansion to differential equations to model the acceleration of pointlike object whose response to the long-term external force is not instantaneous and possibly nonlinear. <strong>Results:</strong> We make simplified models for the long-term dynamics of pointlike objects by Taylor polynomials in time derivatives of the external force. <strong>Application:</strong> We interpret the relativistic Lorentz-Abraham-Dirac equation as an equation for modeling the long-term dynamics, where <em>t</em> ≥ <em>t<sub>m</sub></em> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">≫</span> 0. This interpretation resolves the conceptual and usage controversy surrounding its troublesome application to determine the trajectory of a radiating charged particle, thus contributing to the development of more adequate modeling of physical phenomena.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Immense changes have been introduced in psoriasis treatment, including</span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span s...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Immense changes have been introduced in psoriasis treatment, including</span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> suc</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cessful systemic treatment of inflammation and education of psoriatic pa</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tients. The focus of this review </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">is</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the latest developments in the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis, the significance of its comorbidities, treatment possibilities and long-term management using the latest insight provided by pharmacogenetics and identification of biomarkers. The successful control of the disease leads to reduction of myocardial infarction and long-term cardiovascular risk but is usually achieved after various therapeutic attempts until the best-matched treatment for the individual is identified. There is a high unmet medical need for revealing biomarkers associated with disease prognosis, comorbidities, response to therapy and adverse effects. More studies have to be performed for identification and validation of biomarkers and implementation of personalized medicine into clinical practice.</span></span></span>展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a widely used treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Implantation of a self-expanding valve into a dense calcified aortic annulu...<strong>Background:</strong> Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a widely used treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Implantation of a self-expanding valve into a dense calcified aortic annulus can be challenging and may result in device malposition and malfunction.<strong> Aim: </strong>The aim of our case report is to present a novel technique of transcatheter aortic valve dislocation treatment. <strong>Case presentation:</strong> An 86-year-old woman with severely calcified aortic valve underwent TAVI using a 27-mm self-expanding Portico valve (Abbott Vasc, USA). In the last phase of implantation, the valve dislocated deep into the left ventricular outflow tract resulting in significant paravalvular regurgitation and patient instability. Repositioning of the valve with a single snare was ineffective because of severe aortic ring calcifications. A novel “double snare” technique was applied and the valve was successfully repositioned upward with an excellent anatomic and haemodynamic result. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> “Double snare” technique can be an effective strategy for repositioning of deeply implanted self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves. It represents an efficient bailout strategy in case of single snare approach failure, especially in cases of severe aortic ring calcifications.展开更多
The delivery of security to state and citizens will continue to be the daunting task facing nation states in Africa.Many African countries are becoming increasingly unable to deliver security to their citizens and in ...The delivery of security to state and citizens will continue to be the daunting task facing nation states in Africa.Many African countries are becoming increasingly unable to deliver security to their citizens and in some instances;states themselves have become sources of insecurity.This is attributed less to the evolving security threats exacerbated by megatrends but more to the governance deficit manifested in weak social contract and strategic leadership that are short supply in many African countries.Despite a well-articulated security and defense policy of the African Union with a call for its member states to do the same,there is a dearth of national security strategies in most African states.This is largely attributed not only to the lack of effective implementation mechanisms of such policy but importantly to the absence of tools to help member states to craft and implement their national security strategies.There is a convincing wealth of evidence that shows a well-designed and inclusive process of developing national security strategies enables decision-makers to better confront the security threats and improve effective delivery of security to all citizens and state.Such a process provides an invaluable opportunity as well for forging a new social contract between state and its people.This article is an attempt to contribute to rethinking of how security could be perceived,planned,and delivered to the citizens in Africa.展开更多
This study presents the results of the conodont biostratigraphy and microfacies analysis carried out on the pelagic limestones of the Upper Triassic Dov?ko Section in Slovenia,which represents the eastern part of the ...This study presents the results of the conodont biostratigraphy and microfacies analysis carried out on the pelagic limestones of the Upper Triassic Dov?ko Section in Slovenia,which represents the eastern part of the Slovenian Basin.The age of the section ranges from the Lacian 1 to the Alaunian 1.The Lacian part of the succession is predominantly characterized by the representatives of the genus Ancyrogondolella.Transitional morphologies towards Alaunian faunas first appear in the Lacian 3 and become common during the Lacian-Alaunian transition.This evolutionary development coincides with a shift in microfacies from a dominantly radiolarian-bearing mudstone-wackestone-packstone to a filament-dominated wackestone-packstone,and the formation of small neptunian dykes,which may reflect environmental perturbations and/or a change in basin geometry.The proliferation of the genera Epigondolella and Mockina is observed in the Alaunian part of the section,though the genus Ancyrogondolella is still present in this interval.Systematic description of the conodont taxa is provided,and seven new species and two new subspecies are established.The new advances will be of great value in further biostratigraphic studies,especially in areas without ammonoid faunas,and in the reconstruction of the paleogeography of the Slovenian Basin.展开更多
Studies around the world have shown that vegetation cover is undergoing a dramatic change at various scales. Vegetation is a very important component of the ecosystem, its destruction by whatever means will have an ad...Studies around the world have shown that vegetation cover is undergoing a dramatic change at various scales. Vegetation is a very important component of the ecosystem, its destruction by whatever means will have an adverse effect on the functional role it plays in the environment. Hence, it is necessary to monitor, conserve and utilize these vital resources sustainably. This study monitors vegetation dynamics in Mubi region with the view to understand the status of vegetation cover and suggest possible conservation measures. The study used regression differencing method of change detection to identify the status and dynamics of vegetation cover in the region. Landsat satellite images were used to create Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) using IDRISI software. The NDVI images were subjected to diverse analysis ranging from image registration to image regression, differencing and thresholding. The results from these analysis shows that vegetation cover in the region has witnessed unprecedented degradation. In the period between 1987 and 1999 (12 years) the area that experienced depletion in vegetation cover in the region was 10,501.42 hectares while the period between 1999 and 2015 (16 years) witnessed further depletion to 32,701.77 hectares. The areas that experienced restoration in vegetation cover in the region from the period between 1999 and 2015 (24,098.94 hectares) have lower areal extent compared with the period between 1987 and 1999 (44,045.80 hectares). This phenomenon is not unconnected with population growth as the region has witnessed explosive growth in the recent past. This growth in population has resulted in higher demand for food to feed the growing population thereby leading to expansion of farmland. High demands for fuelwood by the increasing populace have also contributed to increase in deforestation. Removal of vegetation cover at such a scale will eventually have negative consequences on the ecosystem as its functional roles in the environment are jeopardized. Hence, there is a ne展开更多
The military spending in Africa is not only high but it is persistent,unconstrained,and even defies the COVID-19 fiscal challenges.With militaries including intelligence been projected as the“guarantors”of national ...The military spending in Africa is not only high but it is persistent,unconstrained,and even defies the COVID-19 fiscal challenges.With militaries including intelligence been projected as the“guarantors”of national security,this phenomenon has been perpetuated by the assumption that more military spending will improve security conditions.This article revisits this assumption by showing the traditional state-centric military security threats that justify such high spending are increasingly been overtaken by the growing non-military security threats that have become the major national security concerns.Based on the available data on security,safety,and military spending in Africa,it is shown in this article the presence of inverse relationship between high military spending and security.The main driver of such spending is the backroom resource-driven defense policies that are grounded on the military-centric definition of strategy,which advocates military solutions and more resources to military as panacea for securing survival of state and safety of its citizens.Such military solutions might be detrimental to state and human security.The urgent war to be fought today in Africa is not about existential threat of state and its territorial integrity but it is a war against a web of complex threats to the lives and livelihoods of African citizens.One possible way of constraining the high military spending in Africa is to formulate new defense policies that are inclusive,transparent,people-centered,and guided by inclusive people-centered national security strategies and core budgetary principles.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Using rat stomach perforation as a prototypic direct lesion applied in cytoprotection research,we focused on the first demonstration of the severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome induced by stomach perforation.The revealed stomachinduced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome corresponds to the previously described occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes in rats suffering multicausal pathology and shared severe vascular and multiorgan failure.This general point was particularly reviewed.As in all the described occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes with permanent occlusion of major vessels,peripheral and central,and other similar noxious procedures that severely affect endothelium function,the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 was resolving therapy.AIM To reveal the stomach perforation-induced general occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome and BPC 157 therapy effect.METHODS The procedure included deeply anesthetized rats,complete calvariectomy,laparotomy at 15 min thereafter,and stomach perforation to rapidly induce vascular and multiorgan failure occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome.At 5 min post-perforation time,rats received therapy[BPC 157(10μg or 10 ng/kg)or saline(5 mL/kg,1 mL/rat)(controls)]into the perforated defect in the stomach).Sacrifice was at 15 min or 60 min post-perforation time.Assessment(gross and microscopy;volume)included:Brain swelling,peripheral vessels(azygos vein,superior mesenteric vein,portal vein,inferior caval vein)and heart,other organs lesions(i.e.,stomach,defect closing or widening);superior sagittal sinus,and peripherally the portal vein,inferior caval vein,and abdominal aorta blood pressures and clots;electrocardiograms;and bleeding time from the perforation(s).RESULTS BPC 157 beneficial effects accord with those noted before in the healing of the perforated defect(raised vessel presentation;less bleeding,defect contraction)and occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes counteraction.BPC 157 therapy(into the perforated defect),induced immediate shrinking and contraction of the whole stomach
文摘Solid-state impedance spectroscopy(SS-IS)was used to investigate the influence of structural modifications resulting from the addition of Nb2O5 on the dielectric properties and relaxation processes in the quaternary mixed glass former(MGF)system 35Na_(2)O–10V_(2)O_(5)–(55-x)P_(2)O_(5)–xNb_(2)O_(5)(x=0–40,mol%).The dielectric parameters,including the dielectric strength and dielectric loss,are determined from the frequency and temperature-dependent complex permittivity data,revealing a significant dependence on the Nb2O5 content.The transition from a predominantly phosphate glass network(x<10,region I)to a mixed niobate–phosphate glass net-work(10≤x≤20,region II)leads to an increase in the dielectric parameters,which correlates with the observed trend in the direct-cur-rent(DC)conductivity.In the predominantly niobate network(x≥25,region III),the highly polarizable nature of Nb5+ions leads to a fur-ther increase in the dielectric permittivity and dielectric strength.This is particularly evident in Nb-40 glass-ceramic,which contains Na_(13)Nb_(35)O_(94) crystalline phase with a tungsten bronze structure and exhibits the highest dielectric permittivity of 61.81 and the lowest loss factor of 0.032 at 303 K and 10 kHz.The relaxation studies,analyzed through modulus formalism and complex impedance data,show that DC conductivity and relaxation processes are governed by the same mechanism,attributed to ionic conductivity.In contrast to glasses with a single peak in frequency dependence of imaginary part of electrical modulus,M″(ω),Nb-40 glass-ceramic exhibits two distinct contributions with similar relaxation times.The high-frequency peak indicates bulk ionic conductivity,while the additional low-fre-quency peak is associated with the grain boundary effect,confirmed by the electrical equivalent circuit(EEC)modelling.The scaling characteristics of permittivity and conductivity spectra,along with the electrical modulus,validate time-temperature superposition and demonstrate a strong correlation with comp
基金funded by an ERASMUS+(EPPKA2-Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices,CBHE-JP-Capacity building in higher education)within the project “Educational capacity strengthening for risk management of non-native aquatic species in Western Balkans(Albania,Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro)-RiskMan”(project reference:619384-EPP-1-2020-1-TR-EPPKA2-CBHEJP)the national research project“Monitoring the species diversity and abundance of non-native species in the Slovenian Sea”and the Slovenian Research Agency(research core funding No.P1-0237)the Croatian Science Foundation for the support under Project No.HRZZ-IP-2019-04-6702(Benthic NIS).
文摘Globally,marine bioinvasions threaten marine ecosystem structure and function,with the Mediterranean Sea being one of the most affected regions.Such invasions are expected to increase due to climate change.We conducted a risk screening of marine organisms(37 fishes,38 invertebrates,and 9 plants),both extant and‘horizon’(i.e.,not present in the area but likely to enter it).Based on expert knowledge for the Eastern Adriatic Sea coasts of Slovenia,Croatia,and Montenegro,screenings were conducted under both current and predicted climate conditions indicating with an increase in sea surface temperature and salinity of the Adriatic Sea together with changes in precipitation regime.Our aims were to:(1)identify non-native extant and horizon marine species that may pose threats to native biodiversity and(2)evaluate the risk of invasiveness of the selected species under current and predicted climate conditions.Of the 84 species screened,there was an increase in those ranked as‘high risk’from 33(39.3%)under current climate conditions and to 47(56.0%)under global warming scenarios.For those ranked as‘very high’risk,the increase was from 6(7.1%)to 21(25.0%).Amongst the screened species,the already established high-risk species Pacific oyster Magallana gigas and Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus represent a threat to ecosystem services.Given the under-representation of marine species in the current European Union List,the species we have ranked as high to very high risk should be included.
文摘Three major cardiovascular outcome trials(CVOTs)with a new class of antidiabetic drugs-sodium-glucose cotransporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitors(EMPAREG OUTCOME trial with empagliflozin,CANVAS Program with canagliflozin,DECLARE-TIMI 58 with dapagliflozin)unexpectedly showed that cardiovascular outcomes could be improved possibly due to a reduction in heart failure risk,which seems to be the most sensitive outcome of SGLT2 inhibition.No other CVOT to date has shown any significant benefit on heart failure events.Even more impressive findings came recently from the DAPA-HF trial in patients with confirmed and well-treated heart failure:Dapagliflozin was shown to reduce heart failure risk for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction regardless of diabetes status.Nevertheless,despite their possible wide clinical implications,there is much doubt about the mechanisms of action and a lot of questions to unravel,especially now when their benefits translated to nondiabetic patients,rising doubts about the validity of some current mechanistic assumptions.The time frame of their cardiovascular benefits excludes glucoselowering and antiatherosclerotic-mediated effects and multiple other mechanisms,direct cardiac as well as systemic,are suggested to explain their early cardiorenal benefits.These are:Anti-inflammatory,antifibrotic,antioxidative,antiapoptotic properties,then renoprotective and hemodynamic effects,attenuation of glucotoxicity,reduction of uric acid levels and epicardial adipose tissue,modification of neurohumoral system and cardiac fuel energetics,sodiumhydrogen exchange inhibition.The most logic explanation seems that SGLT2 inhibitors timely target various mechanisms underpinning heart failure pathogenesis.All the proposed mechanisms of their action could interfere with evolution of heart failure and are discussed separately within the main text.
文摘BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions of their mechanism of action.We previously published a prospective observational study that evaluated mechanisms of action of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes who were in HF stages A and B on dual hypoglycemic therapy.Two groups of patients were included in the study:the ones receiving SGLT2i as an add-on agent to metformin and the others on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin due to suboptimal glycemic control.AIM To evaluate the outcomes regarding natriuretic peptide,oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,heart rate,cardiac function,and body weight.METHODS The study outcomes were examined by dividing each treatment arm into two subgroups according to baseline parameters of global longitudinal strain(GLS),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,myeloperoxidase(MPO),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To evaluate the possible predictors of observed changes in the SGLT2i arm during follow-up,a rise in stroke volume index,body mass index(BMI)decrease,and lack of heart rate increase,linear regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There was a greater reduction of MPO,hsCRP,GLS,and blood pressure in the groups with higher baseline values of mentioned parameters irrespective of the therapeutic arm after 6 months of follow-up.Significant independent predictors of heart rate decrease were a reduction in early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the interventricular septal annulus ratio and BMI,while the predictor of stroke volume index increase was SGLT2i therapy itself.CONCLUSION SGLT2i affect body composition,reduce cardiac load,improve diastolic/systolic function,and attenuate the sympathetic response.Glycemic control contributes to the improvement of heart function,blood pressure cont
基金financially supported by CRYOMACH Project (INNO-20182049)by the ARRS – national science agency within research program 2-0266 (Advance manufacturing technologies for high quality and sustainable production/ Napredne izdelovalne tehnologije za visoko kakovostno in trajnostno proizvodnjo)
文摘In the quest for decreasing fuel consumption and resulting gas emissions in the aeronautic sector,lightweight materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers(CFRPs)and Ti-6Al-4V alloys are being used.These materials,with excellent weight-to-strength ratios,are widely used for structural applications in aircraft manufacturing.To date,several studies have been published showing that the use of metalworking fluids(MWFs),special tool geometries,or advanced machining techniques is required to ensure a surface quality that meets aerospace component standards.Conventional MWFs pose a number of environmental and worker health hazards and also degrade the mechanical properties of CFRPs due to water absorption in the composite.Therefore,a transition to more environmentally friendly cooling/lubrication techniques that prevent moisture problems in the composite is needed.This research shows that lubricated LCO_(2) is a viable option to improve the quality of drilled CFRP and titanium aerospace components compared to dry machining,while maintaining clean work areas.The results show that the best combination of tool geometry and cooling conditions for machining both materials is drilling with Brad point drills and lubricated LCO_(2).Drilling under these conditions resulted in a 90%improvement in fiber pullout volume compared to dry machined CFRP holes.In addition,a 33% reduction in burr height and a 15% improvement in surface roughness were observed compared to dry drilling of titanium.
基金the U.S.Department of Energy under Contract No.DE-AC36-08GO28308.
文摘With the rapid integration of distributed energy resources(DERs),distribution utilities are faced with new and unprecedented issues.New challenges introduced by high penetra-tion of DERs range from poor observability to overload and reverse power flow problems,under-/over-voltages,maloperation of legacy protection systems,and requirements for new planning procedures.Distribution utility personnel are not adequately trained,and legacy control centers are not properly equipped to cope with these issues.Fortunately,distribution energy resource management systems(DERMSs)are emerging software technologies aimed to provide distribution system operators(DSOs)with a specialized set of tools to enable them to overcome the issues caused by DERs and to maximize the benefits of the presence of high penetration of these novel resources.However,as DERMS technology is still emerging,its definition is vague and can refer to very different levels of software hierarchies,spanning from decentralized virtual power plants to DER aggregators and fully centralized enterprise systems(called utility DERMS).Although they are all frequently simply called DERIMS,these software technologies have different sets of tools and aim to provide different services to different stakeholders.This paper explores how these different software technologies can complement each other,and how they can provide significant benefits to DSOs in enabling them to successfully manage evolving distribution networks with high penetration of DERs when they are integrated together into the control centers of distribution utilities.
基金the Africa Center for Strategic Studies,National Defense University,Washington,USA as a chapter contribution to the Report on“Great Power Competition in the Atlantic”prepared by the Atlantic Center.
文摘The enormous economic potentials of the blue/ocean economy have made the maritime domain increasingly susceptible to transnational organized crime and a theater for great power competition,particularly in the Atlantic maritime domain.The maritime security threats are more prevalent in the Atlantic African maritime domain than in other continents.These threats are becoming increasingly detrimental to the African security,safety,and human security,particularly in the coastal countries of the Atlantic Africa.Despite its increasing susceptibility to maritime security threats including great powers competition and the presence of non-Atlantic great powers more than in other maritime domains in Africa,the coastal countries of the Atlantic Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA)have managed to forge strategic inter-regional maritime security partnership that has relatively improved maritime security and safety in the region.There is a growing interest in forging inter-continental partnership of the coastal Atlantic states to collectively respond and address the shared maritime security threats in the entire Atlantic maritime domain.Yet,the way such a complex multilateral partnership would be structured and operationalized has not been worked out.This article assesses the economic potentials,susceptibility to maritime security threats,and level of response to maritime security threats by the coastal countries of the Atlantic SSA with the aim of identifying some lessons that could be relevant for forging the Atlantic inter-continental maritime security partnership.Some of these lessons include genuine partnership that is based on sovereign equality and inter-dependence,a code of conduct,cooperation,and coordination framework,and shared common value system of democratic governance.
基金the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia for its support to this research through the ProjectⅢ-42004.
文摘We aim to systematically review challenges imposed by emerging distributed energy resources(DERs)to model in two basic distribution management system(DMS)online applications—power flow and short-circuit analysis,as well as to offer a systematic review of potential solutions.In the last decade,electronically coupled DERs became increasingly popular.DERs can employ a wide range of control strategies for power,current,or voltage control,in both normal and faulted conditions.Therefore,DERs cannot be modeled with the traditional PQ(load or generator bus)or PV(generator bus)bus types used for modeling synchronous and induction machines in online power flow calculations.Moreover,since fault currents of DERs are limited to predefined maximal values,electronically coupled DERs cannot be represented with traditional voltage source behind impedance models for online short-circuit calculation(SCC).However,most of the DMS software packages still use the traditional models to represent all DER types,including those that are electronically coupled.This paper shows that there will be large calculation errors in such practice,which make the system model an inadequate representation of the system.This will lead to serious errors in the management,control,and operation of distribution systems.Nonetheless,potential solutions to the challenges are systematically reviewed.Finally,the calculation results on a distribution test system with all DER types are used to prove the claim.
文摘This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical perspective that attributes the driver of civil wars to governance deficit that is manifested in absence of resilient social contract in terms of sustained agreement between citizens and state.We then ask the key question of whether and how education is linked to a resilient social contract.We found a wealth of evidence linking education and peacebuilding,and education and civicness,but a gap exists in the literature about the link between education and social contract.On the basis of a thorough review of theory and research on education,civicness,and social contract,we develop a theoretical framework to conceptually frame the nexus between education,civicness,resilient social contract,and sustainable peace.This framework is founded on the theory of state formation.Applying this framework to the case of South Sudan,we found that education through civicness makes students become key political stakeholders and more likely nurture a resilient social contract,which in turn sustains peace.The very low level of educated population in South Sudan might have contributed,among other factors,to limited demand for good governance that contributes to governance deficit,which perpetuates poor state-society relations,ineffective and exclusive institutions,and erosion of social cohesion,and interpersonal trust,factors central to resilient social contract.
基金the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation as part of the World-class Research Center program:Advanced Digital Technologies(contract No.075-15-2022-311 dated 20 April 2022).
文摘It remains challenging to conduct an efficient dynamic façade design.In this article authors try to address this issue introducing the façade daylighting performance improvement(FDPI)indicator aimed to evaluate the performance of a dynamic(adaptive)façade from its daylighting performance point of view.To illustrate the FDPI application the authors introduced the preliminary dynamic façade concept for an office building located in Tel Aviv(Hot-summer Mediterranean Climate Csa)with further shape modification based on the daylighting performance analysis compared to the three alternatives representative of different typologies of dynamic façades.Al Bahr,One Ocean and The University of Southern Denmark façade systems were simulated under the same weather and building conditions of the preliminary dynamic façade concept and were considered as a benchmark for the study.The final dynamic façade concept elaborated by the authors in the preliminary comparative workflow showed noticeable daylight performance improvement with respect to the case studies comparative scenarios.The FDPI metric allowed to estimate a daylighting performance improvement of 43%of the final dynamic façade concept over the case study dynamic façade that showed the best performance in the daylighting simulations.
文摘<strong>Motivation:</strong> We study the asymptotic-type dynamics of various real pointlike objects that one models by a variety of differential equations. Their response to an external force one defines solely by the trajectory of a single point. Its velocity eventually stops changing after cessation of the external force. The response of their acceleration to the long-term external force is slow and possibly nonlinear. <strong>Objective:</strong> Our objective is to present technique for making simplified models for the long-term dynamics of pointlike objects whose motion interacts with the surroundings. In the asymptotic-type long-term dynamics, the time variable <em>t</em> ∈ (<em>t<sub>m</sub></em>, +∞) and<em> t<sub>m</sub></em> > 0 is large, say <img src="Edit_6f0f7522-7319-4b30-a451-0453ff0f75d3.bmp" alt="" />! <strong>Method:</strong> We apply Taylor series expansion to differential equations to model the acceleration of pointlike object whose response to the long-term external force is not instantaneous and possibly nonlinear. <strong>Results:</strong> We make simplified models for the long-term dynamics of pointlike objects by Taylor polynomials in time derivatives of the external force. <strong>Application:</strong> We interpret the relativistic Lorentz-Abraham-Dirac equation as an equation for modeling the long-term dynamics, where <em>t</em> ≥ <em>t<sub>m</sub></em> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">≫</span> 0. This interpretation resolves the conceptual and usage controversy surrounding its troublesome application to determine the trajectory of a radiating charged particle, thus contributing to the development of more adequate modeling of physical phenomena.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Immense changes have been introduced in psoriasis treatment, including</span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> suc</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cessful systemic treatment of inflammation and education of psoriatic pa</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tients. The focus of this review </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">is</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the latest developments in the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis, the significance of its comorbidities, treatment possibilities and long-term management using the latest insight provided by pharmacogenetics and identification of biomarkers. The successful control of the disease leads to reduction of myocardial infarction and long-term cardiovascular risk but is usually achieved after various therapeutic attempts until the best-matched treatment for the individual is identified. There is a high unmet medical need for revealing biomarkers associated with disease prognosis, comorbidities, response to therapy and adverse effects. More studies have to be performed for identification and validation of biomarkers and implementation of personalized medicine into clinical practice.</span></span></span>
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a widely used treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Implantation of a self-expanding valve into a dense calcified aortic annulus can be challenging and may result in device malposition and malfunction.<strong> Aim: </strong>The aim of our case report is to present a novel technique of transcatheter aortic valve dislocation treatment. <strong>Case presentation:</strong> An 86-year-old woman with severely calcified aortic valve underwent TAVI using a 27-mm self-expanding Portico valve (Abbott Vasc, USA). In the last phase of implantation, the valve dislocated deep into the left ventricular outflow tract resulting in significant paravalvular regurgitation and patient instability. Repositioning of the valve with a single snare was ineffective because of severe aortic ring calcifications. A novel “double snare” technique was applied and the valve was successfully repositioned upward with an excellent anatomic and haemodynamic result. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> “Double snare” technique can be an effective strategy for repositioning of deeply implanted self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves. It represents an efficient bailout strategy in case of single snare approach failure, especially in cases of severe aortic ring calcifications.
文摘The delivery of security to state and citizens will continue to be the daunting task facing nation states in Africa.Many African countries are becoming increasingly unable to deliver security to their citizens and in some instances;states themselves have become sources of insecurity.This is attributed less to the evolving security threats exacerbated by megatrends but more to the governance deficit manifested in weak social contract and strategic leadership that are short supply in many African countries.Despite a well-articulated security and defense policy of the African Union with a call for its member states to do the same,there is a dearth of national security strategies in most African states.This is largely attributed not only to the lack of effective implementation mechanisms of such policy but importantly to the absence of tools to help member states to craft and implement their national security strategies.There is a convincing wealth of evidence that shows a well-designed and inclusive process of developing national security strategies enables decision-makers to better confront the security threats and improve effective delivery of security to all citizens and state.Such a process provides an invaluable opportunity as well for forging a new social contract between state and its people.This article is an attempt to contribute to rethinking of how security could be perceived,planned,and delivered to the citizens in Africa.
基金partially supported by the Slovenian Research Agency(No.P1-0011)partially by the NKFIH PD-131536 Project。
文摘This study presents the results of the conodont biostratigraphy and microfacies analysis carried out on the pelagic limestones of the Upper Triassic Dov?ko Section in Slovenia,which represents the eastern part of the Slovenian Basin.The age of the section ranges from the Lacian 1 to the Alaunian 1.The Lacian part of the succession is predominantly characterized by the representatives of the genus Ancyrogondolella.Transitional morphologies towards Alaunian faunas first appear in the Lacian 3 and become common during the Lacian-Alaunian transition.This evolutionary development coincides with a shift in microfacies from a dominantly radiolarian-bearing mudstone-wackestone-packstone to a filament-dominated wackestone-packstone,and the formation of small neptunian dykes,which may reflect environmental perturbations and/or a change in basin geometry.The proliferation of the genera Epigondolella and Mockina is observed in the Alaunian part of the section,though the genus Ancyrogondolella is still present in this interval.Systematic description of the conodont taxa is provided,and seven new species and two new subspecies are established.The new advances will be of great value in further biostratigraphic studies,especially in areas without ammonoid faunas,and in the reconstruction of the paleogeography of the Slovenian Basin.
文摘Studies around the world have shown that vegetation cover is undergoing a dramatic change at various scales. Vegetation is a very important component of the ecosystem, its destruction by whatever means will have an adverse effect on the functional role it plays in the environment. Hence, it is necessary to monitor, conserve and utilize these vital resources sustainably. This study monitors vegetation dynamics in Mubi region with the view to understand the status of vegetation cover and suggest possible conservation measures. The study used regression differencing method of change detection to identify the status and dynamics of vegetation cover in the region. Landsat satellite images were used to create Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) using IDRISI software. The NDVI images were subjected to diverse analysis ranging from image registration to image regression, differencing and thresholding. The results from these analysis shows that vegetation cover in the region has witnessed unprecedented degradation. In the period between 1987 and 1999 (12 years) the area that experienced depletion in vegetation cover in the region was 10,501.42 hectares while the period between 1999 and 2015 (16 years) witnessed further depletion to 32,701.77 hectares. The areas that experienced restoration in vegetation cover in the region from the period between 1999 and 2015 (24,098.94 hectares) have lower areal extent compared with the period between 1987 and 1999 (44,045.80 hectares). This phenomenon is not unconnected with population growth as the region has witnessed explosive growth in the recent past. This growth in population has resulted in higher demand for food to feed the growing population thereby leading to expansion of farmland. High demands for fuelwood by the increasing populace have also contributed to increase in deforestation. Removal of vegetation cover at such a scale will eventually have negative consequences on the ecosystem as its functional roles in the environment are jeopardized. Hence, there is a ne
文摘The military spending in Africa is not only high but it is persistent,unconstrained,and even defies the COVID-19 fiscal challenges.With militaries including intelligence been projected as the“guarantors”of national security,this phenomenon has been perpetuated by the assumption that more military spending will improve security conditions.This article revisits this assumption by showing the traditional state-centric military security threats that justify such high spending are increasingly been overtaken by the growing non-military security threats that have become the major national security concerns.Based on the available data on security,safety,and military spending in Africa,it is shown in this article the presence of inverse relationship between high military spending and security.The main driver of such spending is the backroom resource-driven defense policies that are grounded on the military-centric definition of strategy,which advocates military solutions and more resources to military as panacea for securing survival of state and safety of its citizens.Such military solutions might be detrimental to state and human security.The urgent war to be fought today in Africa is not about existential threat of state and its territorial integrity but it is a war against a web of complex threats to the lives and livelihoods of African citizens.One possible way of constraining the high military spending in Africa is to formulate new defense policies that are inclusive,transparent,people-centered,and guided by inclusive people-centered national security strategies and core budgetary principles.
