Climate change adaptation in conflict-affected countries: A systematic assessment of evidence

People affected by conflict are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks and climate change, yet little is known about climate change adaptation in fragile contexts. While climate events are one of the many contributing drivers of conflict, feedback from conflict increases vulnerability, thereby creating conditions for a vicious cycle of conflict. In this study, we carry out a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, taking from the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI) dataset to documenting climate change adaptation occurring in 15 conflict-affected countries and compare the findings with records of climate adaptation finance flows and climate-related disasters in each country. Academic literature is sparse for most conflict-affected countries, and available studies tend to have a narrow focus, particularly on agriculture-related adaptation in rural contexts and adaptation by low-income actors. In contrast, multilateral and bilateral funding for climate change adaptation addresses a greater diversity of adaptation needs, including water systems, humanitarian programming, and urban areas. Even among the conflict-affected countries selected, we find disparity, with several countries being the focus of substantial research and funding, and others seeing little to none. Results indicate that people in conflict-affected contexts are adapting to climate change, but there is a pressing need for diverse scholarship across various sectors that documents a broader range of adaptation types and their results.

Projected Entangled Pair States: Fundamental Analytical and Numerical Limitations

Matrix product states and projected entangled pair states (PEPS) are powerful analytical and numerical tools to assess quantum many-body systems in one and higher dimensions, respectively. While matrix product states are comprehensively understood, in PEPS fundamental questions, relevant analytically as well as numerically, remain open, such as how to encode symmetries in full generality, or how to stabilize numerical methods using canonical forms. Here, we show that these key problems, as well as a number of related questions, are algorithmically undecidable, that is, they cannot be fully resolved in a systematic way. Our work thereby exposes fundamental limitations to a full and unbiased understanding of quantum many-body systems using PEPS.

Selective ion-sensing with membrane-functionalized electrolyte-gated carbon nanotube field-effect transistors

In this work the ion-selective response of an electrolyte-gated carbon-nanotube field-effect transistor (CNT-FET) towards K(+), Ca(2+) and Cl(-) in the biologically relevant concentration range from 10(-1) M to 10(-6) M is demonstrated. The ion-selective response is achieved by modifying the gate-electrode of an electrolyte-gated CNT-FET with ion-selective membranes, which are selective towards the respective target analyte ions. The selectivity, assured by the ion-selective poly(vinyl chloride) based membrane, allows the successful application of the herein proposed K(+)-selective CNT-FET to detect changes in the K(+) activity in the μM range even in solutions containing different ionic backgrounds. The sensing mechanism relies on a superposition of both an ion-sensitive response of the CNT-network as well as a change of the effective gate potential present at the semiconducting channel due to a selective and ion activity-dependent response of the membrane towards different types of ions. Moreover, the combination of a CNT-FET as a transducing element gated with an ion-selective coated-wire electrode offers the possibility to miniaturize the already well-established conventional ion-selective electrode setup. This approach represents a valuable strategy for the realization of portable, multi-purpose and low-cost biosensing devices.

Back-gated spray-deposited carbon nanotube thin film transistors operated in electrolytic solutions: an assessment towards future biosensing applications

We report on back-gated carbon nanotube (CNT) thin-film transistors (CNTFETs) and their performance in electrolytic solutions to assess their suitability for future application as biosensors. Spray-deposited CNT networks were used as the sensitive active layer which offers the opportunity for integration on flexible sensing platforms at low-cost. We characterized the transistors' behavior in electrolytes by analyzing the response to different KCl solutions and buffers over a wide pH range. We observed a linear response of the drain current upon changing the pH in low molarity buffers and obtained an exponential dependence on the salt concentration of the electrolyte. These responses can be attributed to electrostatic gating effects that go along with shifts in the threshold voltage. Even though a lot of effort has been put into understanding the biosensing mechanism a detailed theory is still missing. Back-gated CNTFETs operated in electrolytic solutions can be a further tool to investigate and clarify the existing unsolved phenomena.

Random CNT network and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophen) FETs for pH sensing applications: a comparison

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, there is a tremendous need for cheap disposable sensing devices for medical applications. Materials such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and regioregular P3HT are proven to offer a huge potential as cost-effective and solution processable semiconductors for (bio)sensing applications.

METHODS

CNT-based field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) as well as regioregular P3HT-based ones (P3HT-FETs) are fabricated and operated in the so-called electrolyte-gated configuration. The active layer of the P3HT-FETs consists of a spin-coated regioregular P3HT layer, which serves on one hand as the active sensing element and on the other hand as passivation layer for the transistor's metal contacts. The active layer of the nanotube transistors consists of a randomly distributed single walled CNT-network (>90% semiconducting tubes) deposited from a CNT-ink solution by spin-coating.

RESULTS

We compare both devices concerning their stability in aqueous environment and their response when exposed to buffers with different pH. We found that even if P3HT shows lower stability its pH sensitivity is reproducible even after long-term measurements.

CONCLUSION

CNT-FETs and P3HT-FETs offer different advantages and drawbacks concerning their stability in solution and the ease of fabrication. A discussion of their different sensing mechanisms as well as sensitivity is given here.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This work reports on fast and cost-effective production of solution processable thin-film transistors based on carbon nanotubes and regioregular P3HT and demonstrates their suitability as reliable pH sensors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Organic Bioelectronics - Novel Applications in Biomedicine.

[Stress among public safety and security forces. Genetic and physiopathology]

Hans Selye used the word "stress" exactly 68 years ago, in hi paper "A syndrome produced by diverse nocuous agents", published in Nature. The syndrome termed as "stress" induces hormonal autonomic responses and, over time, these hormonal changes can lead to ulcers, high blood pressure, arteriosclercosis, arthritis, kidney disease and allergic reactions. The aim of this study is to analyse the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), the response of the body to external stimuli, and the current knowledge about biochemistry, physiology and stress genetics. The police forces work is a complex profession, particularly liable to stress disease, as the adverse occurrences of the social life add to the stressing events specifics of callings regarding public order keeping. The results of the present study suggests the advisability of instituting a preventive monitoring for these workers.

[Giant hydatid of the left lung]

A case of giant hydatid cyst of the left lung submitted to conservative surgery is reported. The postoperative period was complicated by the appearance of a bronchopleural fistula and a residual cavity. The complication was treated with targeted double lumen drainage which enabled pleuroclysis with saline solution and betadine. The closure of the fistula, the elision of the cavity and recovery were accomplished after 95 days. These results demonstrate that conservative surgery is possible even in the presence of giant lung hydatid cyst. Major resections constitute an extreme measure.

Molecular bases for cystic fibrosis in the Sardinian population

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a relatively uncommon genetic disorder in the Sardinian population. In this study, we have defined the frequency of the most common CF mutation (delta F508) and carried out a genotype-phenotype correlation analysis in a group of 21 patients with CF and of Sardinian descent. We detected the delta F508 mutation in 24 (57%) out of the 42 CF chromosome investigated. This mutation was found in the homozygous state in 9 patients and in the heterozygous state in 6 patients. The remaining 6 patients had other mutations. The delta F508 mutation was associated only with the KM19/XV2c 2 1 haplotype. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis did not give clear-cut results, probably because of the small number of patients investigated. However, out of the four patients with meconium ileus, three were homozygous and one was heterozygous for the delta F508 mutation, confirming that the presence of delta F508 or other severe mutations in the homozygous state is the prerequisite for the development of meconium ileus.

Induction of chromosome aberrations by 90Sr beta-particles in cultured human lymphocytes

Human blood was irradiated with beta-particles from an external source of 90Sr. The source was a rolled piece of silver foil, active dimensions: 100 X 12.5 mm, incorporating 3.7 X 10(8) Bq (10 mCi) of 90Sr/90Y. After culturing for 48 h, the dicentric yield in the lymphocytes at the first metaphase was measured as a function of the dose in the blood. The aberration yield fitted the linear-quadratic function well, which is consistent with the single-track and two-track model for aberration formation at low LET radiation. The curve for 90Sr beta-rays was compared with a curve for 60Co gamma-rays. The main difference between the coefficients was in the alpha values. With respect to 60Co gamma-rays, the RBE calculated from the dose-effect relationships for dicentric production was 2.8 at the dose of 0.14 Gy; it decreased with increasing doses. The distribution of dicentrics was consistent with the Poisson distribution but showed a tendency to over-dispersion in the region of higher doses. A reason for these discrepancies is discussed.

Protocol for X-ray dosimetry and exposure arrangements employed in studies of late somatic effects in mammals

A number of European laboratories studying the late effects of ionizing radiation in animals have established an effective cooperation within the European Late Effects Project Group (EULEP) since 1970. To facilitate the exchange of biological results several techniques, including quality control of the experimental animals, pathology and dosimetry, have to be standardized. The most important aspects of the procedures for X-irradiation and dosimetry of small animals are summarized. These include recommendations on irradiation conditions, dosimetry methods, characteristics of phantoms and factors affecting X-ray dosimetry. X-irradiation procedures employed by the participating institutes are described and the results of five X-ray dosimetry intercomparisons are reported. The introduction of a common dosimetry protocol has resulted in improvements in exposure arrangements and absolute dosimetry.

The dose absorbed by lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with tritiated water

A simple method of irradiating cells in vitro with beta particles is to add the beta-emitter to a cell suspension; various dosimetric aspects of this procedure have been investigated. It is shown that, due to the different water content of the various constituents of a blood cell suspension, the average dose D beta absorbed by a certain type of cells for a tritium nominal concentration Co and an irradiation time t is given by D beta(t) = KEnCo eta t. Typical values of the factor eta are calculated for lymphocytes. A series of experiments has demonstrated that whilst the uptake phase has negligible effect on the dose, a significant error may arise during washing-out because a proportion of the activity remains in the cells.

Chromosome aberrations as a dosimetric technique for fission neutrons over the dose-range 0.2--50 rad

An analysis of the literature shows a lack of data about basic biological parameters regarding cytogenetic dosimetry as applied to neutron fields, in the dose range below 50 rad. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed in vitro to a degraded fission neutron spectrum of mean energy 0.4 MeV. The dose-range was 0.2--50 rad delivered at a dose-rate of about 0.2 or 7 rad/min. The results were processed using a computer programme. Both experimental data for dicentric induction, and theoretical considerations indicate the first-order polynomial as the best fitting dose--response function. The implications of these results for cytogenetic dosimetry are discussed. A comparison with 250 kV X-ray data in the same range gives an r.b.e. of 18.5 +/- 3.1.