Good Shelter Research Articles

The Negative Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Women and Children in Northern Nigeria: An Assessment

This paper studies the negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on women and children in northern Nigeria. Indeed, Boko Haram has affected the lives of the general populace in northern Nigeria, precisely women and children, by turning the women to widows and children to orphans, the negative events of the sect groups have continually coursing a serious damage to the lives and properties of the peoples in the northern region. The researcher used the Secondary source in acquiring the appropriate data. The study found that this set of individuals and their negative activities have affected the lives and properties of women and children. It is noted that many women have turned to widows and children to orphans. In view of this, the paper recommends that the government should intervein to provide the affected women and children with some empowerment programmes. It should also provide a good shelter to those that lost their husbands and residents, the government, traditional rulers, and religious leaders should help in assisting the children by enrolling them to schools like their fellow counterparts. There is a need for special rehabilitation and trauma centers in the affected states, especially for women and children who have had terrible knowledge during the insurgency period.

Strengthening Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in Nigeria: Exploring Integrated Approach

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, and usually affects the lungs and other parts of the body. Patients with HIV infection are particularly more susceptible to wider varieties of mycobacterium strains. This study discussed integrated strategies of tuberculosis prevention and control for improved population health. The study discussed relevant documents and literatures written in English Language from reorganized websites. Key words were used individually and in series with truncations where necessary. Government can aid the control of tuberculosis by providing good shelter, improved mass literacy programmes on the predisposing factors and prevention. The need to improve the standard of living, reduction of hunger and starvation is essential. The incidence worldwide stood at the rate of 10-20/100,000 per year with low mortality; deaths occurring mainly in the elderly and occasionally in undiagnosed cases. About 10% of all HIV-positive individuals harbor TB. That is 400 times the rate associated with the public. Only 3-4% of infected individuals develop the active disease upon initial infection, 5-10% within one year. In cases of HIV infection the percentages are much higher because HIV infection tends to fuel the reactivation of existing TB infection as well as promote new infections. Integrated strategies will reduce the prevalence of TB especially among the HIV positive patients that are more vulnerable. Promotion of rational drug use, scaling up disease surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, and improving access to diagnostic centers are essential for improved prevention and control. Government policies targeted towards overcrowding prevention, and increased funding for TB research and development will boost and sustain already existing efforts. These processes in a continuum will boost sustainability.

Kasnosrednjovjekovni i novovjekovni nalazi iz podmorja otoka Bapca u Pašmanskom kanalu

Rekognosciranjem podmorja otoka Pašmana 2009. godine u moru kod otoka Bapca otkriveni su arheološki nalazi iz kasnosrednjovjekovnog i novovjekovnog razdoblja. Nalazi su otkriveni u zapadnoj uvali otoka Bapca koja je okrenuta prema mjestu Pašman na istoimenom otoku. Na ovom mjestu Pašmanski kanal je najuži, a zbog povoljnoga prirodnog položaja i zaštićenosti od svih vjetrova lokalitet vjerojatno predstavlja sidrište. Pronađeni materijal nalazio se rasut na dubini od 3 do 4 metra. Najbrojnije su zastupljeni keramički nalazi među kojima prevladava glazirana kuhinjska i stolna keramika, dok je stakleno posuđe zastupljeno u malom broju. Tipološki raznovrstan materijal govori u prilog tome da se vjerojatno radi o sidrištu u koje su se brodovi sklanjali zbog nevremena ili noćenja tijekom čitavog niza stoljeća.

Structural analysis and developmental stages of domatia of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae)

The domatium presents a diversity of forms, and the understanding of the structural aspect of the domatia is very important because it can provide diagnostic characters for families and genera, and favors the establishment of mutualistic relations. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the developmental stages of the domatia of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. (Anacardiaceae) located at the base of the leaflet, and based on these data to determine if the structural aspects provide good shelter for mites and ants. Domatia were observed under a stereomicroscope and then processed following standard techniques for light and scanning electron microscopy. The domatia of S. terebinthifolius develop early during the development of the leaves and go through four stages of development. The domatia have a spiraling architecture with internal chambers that contain trichomes and stomata, suggesting good conditions of shelters for arthropods. Deposits of phenolic compounds and calcium crystals were identified in the domatia, suggesting an investment in alternative forms of protection from herbivory. Structural analysis showed the developmental stages of domatia and how the architecture of these structures can provide efficient shelter for arthropods, thereby contributing to the protection of these plants from herbivory and facilitating ecological studies.

Predation on larval Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in inshore waters of the Baltic Sea

In fishery science, early life-stage survival and development are regarded as major factors driving the population dynamics of marine fishes. During the last century, the main research focus has been on the spatio-temporal match of larval fish and appropriate food (bottom-up processes). However, these field studies are often criticised for their limited capability to disentangle their results from mortality caused by predation since these top-down mechanisms are rarely studied. We examined the predation on herring (Clupea harengus) larvae in a Baltic inshore lagoon by investigating the spatio-temporal overlap of larval herring and their potential predators such as the dominant threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in distinct habitats (sublittoral and littoral areas) using a set of different gears and sampling techniques. Despite significant spatial and temporal predator-prey overlap, stomach analyses suggested that very few larvae were consumed by sticklebacks, even if projected to the entire study area and season. Other well-known predators of clupeid larvae such as gelatinous plankton occur later in the year after young herring have migrated out of the system. The observed predation on herring larvae was much less than expected and appears being a minor factor in determining herring reproduction success in our study area, particularly if compared to other causes of mortality such as egg predation. Providing a relatively good shelter from predation might be a key element making transitional waters valuable nursery grounds for the offspring of migrating marine fish species.

Shelter type and birth number influence the birth and death sites of lambs and ewe movement around lambing time.

A significant number of lambs born each yr in Australia die within 72 h of birth. Periods of high wind, combined with rain and low temperatures, can lead to marked increases in the level of mortality. Under these weather conditions mortality levels may be reduced with the provision of shelter, provided it is utilized by lambs. This study used GPS collars to determine the use of shelter by ewes and lambs, to compare the movement of ewes with twin lambs across 2 types of shelter (hedgerows and shrubs), while also comparing ewes with single and twin lambs in a single shelter type (hedgerows). Additionally, the birth sites of 364 lambs and death sites of 252 lambs were recorded across the 3 shelter type and litter size combinations (Twins in shrubs, Twins in hedgerows, Singles in hedgerows) plus an unsheltered group (Singles in unsheltered). A higher (P < 0.001) than randomly expected percentage of ewes lambed in the areas closest to both shelter types; in the shrub shelter 42% of ewes lambed within 2.5 m of shrub rows compared to an expected 11% based on the proportion of the paddock this area constituted. Despite the higher than expected percentage of ewes lambing close to the shelter rows, ewes in both twin lamb shelter types avoided the areas close to the shelter before and after lambing (Hedgerows-2.5 m; Shrubs- 6.25 m) and single bearing ewes showed no preference for or against these areas. With a high proportion of twin bearing ewes lambing close to the shelter, a design that reduces the potential for ewe and offspring separation while providing good shelter will offer the greatest potential reduction in newborn twin lamb mortality arising from exposure.

Hydrodynamic Design of New Type of Artificial Reefs

The purpose of this research work is to study the hydrodynamic characteristics of a new type of artificial reef structure, in order to provide a structure with low flow resistance, which will be a more suitable shelter for fishes and marine organisms. The idea of the new artificial reef is based on the streamlined bicycle helmet design concept. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the helmet and hollow cube artificial reefs (ARs) of the same volume have been studied at different water depths and wave frequencies of Malaysia seas using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. The finite volume RANSE (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Eqs.) code Ansys CFX was used for calculating the reefs drag force (FD) and flow characteristics, while the potential flow code Ansys Aqwa was used for calculating the reefs inertia force (FI). The Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was used in the RANSE code. The results of the two ARs were then compared for studying the hydrodynamic improvement due to the use of streamlined helmet artificial reef on the flow pattern around it. The streamlined body of the helmet artificial reef enhances the flow pattern at the aft region of the reef and provides flow zones with moderate flow speed at this area, which can help fishes and marine organisms from finding good shelter. The special shape of the different openings in the body of the helmet artificial reef improves the condition of the flow velocity distribution inside the unit than that of the hollow cube unit, which can increase the amount of the nutrient to the living fishes and organisms inside the reef.

Histopathology of the Intestine of Uromastyx hardweikii Associated with Thelandros sp.

Reptiles represent the first class of vertebrates fully adapted for life in dryland. In reptiles Uromastyx spp., get preference for study as they are easy to capture. Uromastyx are primarily herbivorous but occasionally eat insects, they tend to establish themselves inrocky areas, hills, with good shelter and accessible vegetation. The oil extracted from its fat bodies is sold by the road side quacks, and is claimed to cure importance and is also used as embrocation.

Benthic cyanobacterial mats serve as a refuge and food for the amphipod Gammarus fasciatus

We investigated the ecological role of Lyngbya wollei (Farlow ex Gomont, comb. nov.) cyanobacterial mats in aquatic ecosystems, especially as a food source and shelter for the amphipod Gammarus fasciatus (Say). For this, we offered amphipods a choice between mats of L. wollei and either chlorophytes (Spirogyra, Rhizoclonium) or an artificial mat made of acrylic wool in laboratory experiment. Moreover, we reconstructed in situ amphipod diet using a dual isotope mixing model (δ13C and δ15N). G. fasciatus consistently selected the substratum offering the best light refuge (Acrylic > Lyngbya = Rhizoclonium > Spirogyra). Neither the presence/absence of saxitoxins, nor the tissue elemental composition and epiphyte abundance exerted any significant effect on substratum choice. L. wollei and its epiphytes constituted 36 and 24%, respectively, of the in situ diet of G. fasciatus, whereas chlorophytes, macrophytes, and associated epiphytes represented a less important fraction of its diet. Benthic cyanobacterial mats should be considered a good shelter and food source for small omnivorous invertebrates such as amphipods.

얕은 연못에서 담수 어류의 열성 스트레스 저감을 위한 피난처 개발 및 수질환경 조사 연구

The purpose of this study evaluates the water quality of artificial deep pool (ADP) during the late spring and summer. we monitored the water quality, as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature and conductivity at two stations (St. 1. open water, St. 2. in the ADP). The water quality in the ADP is very stable, and temperature and DO are lower than the open water (average value; temperature 1.4~3.2°C, DO 2.4~3.6 mg/L). In particular, daily variation of temperature in the open water showed above 4°C, but ADP remained stable. The water quality was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the analysis showed difference about temperature, pH, DO, conductivity (two-way ANOVA, p<0.05). The ADP has created an aqua environment in thermal and DO gradients by depth. About 1.2 m, Temperature and DO were sharply decreased. The Rhodeus uyekii is dominant species in pond of this study. The ADP offers optimum water temperature (16.5~18.5°C) to the Rhodeus uyekii about spawning. Consequently, the ADP offers stable habitat than open water for fish and aquatic organisms during the summer. It is also a good shelter for fish from a thermal stress.

Shelter effect of a fir tree with different porosities

Windbreak has been used for centuries as a natural wind-fence. The functional effects of windbreaks are directly related to the flow structure. In the present study, the flow around a real fir tree placed in a wind tunnel was quantitatively visualized using PIV (particle image velocimetry) technique. The effects of tree porosity and leaves on the shelter effect were investigated as well. Tree leaves not only reduce the porosity, but also increase the wind-speed reduction and turbulence kinetic energy in the leeward region behind the tree canopy. The leaves of tree canopy induce updraft toward the top region and downdraft toward the ground in the upstream region of the tree. The momentum difference of these two flows generates peculiar upwelling flow characteristics. The large reduction in mean velocities and turbulence intensities of flow around a tree is attributed to tree leaves providing a good shelter zone in the leeward region.

Natal den selection by sympatric arctic and red foxes on Herschel Island, Yukon, Canada

In the twentieth century, red fox (Vulpes vulpes) expanded into the Canadian Arctic, where it competes with arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) for food and shelter. Red fox dominates in physical interactions with the smaller arctic fox, but little is known about competition between them on the tundra. On Hershel Island, north Yukon, where these foxes are sympatric, we focused on natal den choice, a critical aspect of habitat selection. We tested the hypothesis that red fox displaces arctic fox from dens in prey-rich habitats. We applied an approach based on model comparisons to analyse a 10-year data set and identify factors important to den selection. Red fox selected dens in habitats that were more prey-rich in spring. When red foxes reproduced, arctic fox selected dens with good springtime access, notably many burrows unblocked by ice and snow. These provided the best refuge early in the reproductive season. In the absence of red foxes, arctic foxes selected dens offering good shelter (i.e. large isolated dens). Proximity to prey-rich habitats was consistently less important than the physical aspects of dens for arctic fox. Our study shows for the first time that red foxes in the tundra select dens associated primarily with prey-rich areas, while sympatric arctic foxes do not. These results fit a model of red fox competitively interfering with arctic fox, the first detailed study of such competition in a true arctic setting.

Are REITs a good shelter from financial crises? Evidence from the Asian markets

PurposeThe goal of this research is to investigate the time‐varying relationship between REITs and the stock markets in four Asian markets such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.Design/methodology/approachThe Multivariate GARCH‐vech model is used to capture the time‐varying correlation. The extreme value theory (EVT) is then employed to describe the extreme connection between REIT and market returns before and after financial crises.FindingsEmpirical results show that the conditional risks in both markets have increased abruptly since the start of the sub‐prime mortgage crisis and soared to a higher level as Lehman Brothers collapsed. Besides, the REIT markets have been positively correlated with stock markets since the sub‐prime crisis unfolded and the increases of correlation coefficients after the crisis are more than two times larger than those before the crisis in most of the countries. Lastly, the size and probability of having extreme positive coefficient are greater than those expected in normal market conditions.Practical implicationsThus, empirical evidence suggests that REITs are not as defensive as they are in times of stable markets and may not be a good shelter during financial chaos.Originality/valueTo investors, the authors' findings can fortify the understanding of market connections and assist in forming their portfolios. The authors' conclusion, which is drawn given the background of financial market turbulence, is different from those of other works, which mainly focus on the connection of REITs and stock markets in normal market conditions.

Parasitism of ectoparasitic flies on bats in the northern Brazilian cerrado

In this work we record the highest number of bat flies species among those already performed in the Brazilian cerrado and discuss the associations and patterns of parasitism of these species and their hosts. A total of 1,390 ectoparasitic flies were collected, belonging to 24 species of Streblidae and one of Nycteribiidae, parasitizing 227 bats of 15 species. Among the species found, the presence of Trichobius sp. on Lonchophylla mordax and the first occurrence of Hershkovitzia sp. on Thyroptera devivoi are highlighted. Lophostoma species presented the highest proportion of individuals with infracommunities and the highest values of parasitological indexes. The high number of bat fly species and hosts, as well as the high values for rates of parasitism and infracommunities, suggests that this area of cerrado has good shelter conditions for these species. The abundance of species and high rates of parasitism detracts from the hypothesis that a higher mean intensity of ectoparasites results from lower competition among flies for hosts in areas with lower ectoparasite species richness. Biogeographical and historical factors of host populations, besides the number of host species and individuals sampled, may contribute to species number and intensity of parasitism.

Building livelihoods to reduce risk among the most marginalized in urban areas: Strategic approaches from Dhaka

Urban poverty is mired in complexity, with a vast range of choices of issues for NGOs to become involved in. Within the generic grouping of ‘urban poor’ are large disparities, concerning income, status, access and control of resources and respective levels of vulnerability and discrimination. At the ‘bottom’ are the most marginalized. These are the ‘hated poor’ and include sex workers, drug users, the elderly and disabled, among others. For these, access to almost anything is a daily challenge, and the basic need of dignity remains elusive. For such people, good shelter, effective services and land ownership may be a distant dream. This paper seeks to identify the most marginalized within Dhaka, and from that outlines the strategic approach developed by one NGO, CARE Bangladesh, to work with them. It ends with a brief discussion on NGO approaches to urban marginalization.

THE UK RESPONSE TO THE NAPOLI INCIDENT

Incident Overview During severe weather conditions on the morning of 18 January 2007, the MSC NAPOLI, a UK-registered vessel, suffered flooding in her engine room in French Territorial Waters. The MSC NAPOLTs Master took the decision that the danger to the vessel was sufficient to order the crew to abandon the ship. All the crew were successfully rescued by UK helicopter from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has instigated a full investigation into the causes of the incident. The English Channel is a zone of joint responsibility between France and the UK with regards to maritime pollution incidents under the auspices of the multi lateral Bonn Agreement. There is an Anglo-French joint maritime contingency plan, which is referred to as the Mancheplan. The French and English authorities were faced with a large container ship known to be carrying a cargo that included potentially hazardous materials and to have more than 3,000 tonnes of fuel oil on board. Particular a...

Characterisation of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx den sites and kitten survival

Abstract We retrospectively investigated characteristics of den structures and den sites used by female Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in the Jura Mountains and the northwestern Alps of Switzerland. During 1983-2000, we discovered 30 natal and 40 maternal dens belonging to 26 females. Important den structures were closed, i.e. provided good shelter, had few entrances, and measured 1 m2. Dens were found in rocky places, caves and wooden surroundings. Most dens were located in mixed forests with relatively open vegetation allowing for a visibility of 10-20 m. Contrary to our expectations, natal and maternal dens were equally exposed to human disturbance and were found in terrain which could be dangerous for the kittens. Overall, the two den types barely differed. While concealment did not seem to play a very important part at natal dens and while natal dens were almost never open structures, maternal dens were surrounded by a large number of hiding places and the dens and surroundings were rich in visual contrasts...

Growing eucalypt plantation sawlogs on the Gippsland Plains in southern Victoria: A case study

Summary This case study is based on the growth of a 10-y-old plantation at Bairnsdale in Victoria's East Gippsland. The site is owned by the local water management authority. East Gippsland Water, and contains both a dryland blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) plantation and an irrigated agroforestry trial using municipal wastewater. The irrigated agroforestry trial consists of three eucalypt species watered by two different sprinkler systems. The set-up costs and the relatively poor recorded growth suggest that this is a very expensive way to grow sawlogs. Observations and growth measurements indicate that spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) is a far better agroforestry species than either Sydney blue gum (E. saligna) or southern mahogany (E. botryoides.) From an agricultural viewpoint, this agroforestry trial has provided good shelter and feed for a successful beef cattle venture. Without data to quantify its effect on agricultural productivity, it is difficult to evaluate the trial's overall success. The dryland blue gum plantation has recorded moderate to poor growth. This result, however, must be viewed in the context of the area receiving 17% less than the long-term average annual rainfall since the plantation was established in 1996. Any continuation of this trend, as forecast by CSIRO predictions of global warming, has potential to further reduce the long-term suitability of what was already a marginal site for this species. The results suggest that it may be wise to limit future blue gum sawlog plantations in this area to sites with long-term rainfall averages of at least 800 mm y−1, and to plant more drought-tolerant species such as sugar gum (E. cladocalyx) or spotted gum in the 600–800 mm rainfall zone.

Predicting Equity Returns for 37 Countries

THE JOURNAL OF INVESTING 81 I t has become almost axiomatic that the U.S. market was overvalued during the late 1990s, experiencing a bubble fueled by hyperbole about technology and Internet stocks. Campbell and Shiller [1998, 2001], Shiller [2000], and Smithers and Wright [2000] popularized the idea that the U.S. market was grossly overvalued—and the doomsayers were validated when the market tumbled. Questions remain as to whether the U.S. market, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, is still overvalued. One way to figure out an answer is to compare the prospective return of the S&P 500 index with likely prospective returns from investing in other countries and to ask what change in the price of the S&P 500 index would align these returns. The essence of the Campbell and Shiller argument is that the S&P 500 index is overvalued as compared with past history. We ask the same question in a cross-sectional rather than in a time series context. If the S&P 500 index is overvalued, investors will want to avoid the U.S. largecapitalization stocks that dominate the S&P 500. But where should these investors put their money in order to maximize their returns? Are foreign markets a good shelter from the dangers of overvaluation in the United States? And if so, how do investors access and exploit the opportunities available to them in foreign markets? The Gordon [1962] dividend discount model states that the real return from buying and holding a stock forever and consuming the dividends is the dividend yield plus the real rate of dividend growth. We use this formula to predict the real rate of return for three Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) indexes and 37 individual country indexes. To predict future growth rates, we extrapolate past growth rates of dividends and earnings, adjusting these historical growth rates to account for divergence from historical norms. These adjustments are new twists on current methodology. To see what effect our adjustments have, we present four alternative calculations for each index.

Wind tunnel observations about the shelter effect of porous fences on the sand particle movements

The effect of porous wind fences on the wind erosion of small sand particles from a two-dimensional triangular prism pile of sand was investigated experimentally. The mean velocity and turbulence intensity profiles measured at the sand pile location were simulated to fit to the atmospheric boundary layer over open terrain. Flow visualization was carried out to qualitatively determine the movement of the wind-blown sand particles. In addition, the threshold velocity was measured using a digital image processing system at a range of values of the fence porosity ε, particle size D p and sand pile height h. As a result, various types of particle motion were observed according to the experimental conditions. The fence of porosity ε=30% was found to have the highest threshold velocity, indicating a good shelter effect for abating wind-blown sand particles. The threshold velocity was found to increase with increasing sand particle diameter. The threshold velocity was also enhanced when the height of the sand pile was lower than the fence height.