Mudflat surface morphology as a structuring agent of algae and associated macroepifauna communities: a case study in the Ria Formosa

Although mudflats seem relatively planar, closer inspection reveals a succession of meso-topographical features, including consecutive convex and concave meso- and micro-topographical features. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of meso-scale surface sediment morphology on the dynamics of the macroalgae Ulvales (Chlorophyta) and associated macroepifauna in the Ria Formosa tidal lagoon (southern coast of Portugal). Four sites in the Ria Formosa were sampled monthly. Two were located on convex sections (mounds) of the mudflat and the other two on concave sections (depressions). Macroalgae and related macroepifauna were sampled at each station. Biomass was quantified by determination of the ash-free dry weight (AFDW). Data were analysed using the software package ‘PRIMER’ (Plymouth Routines In Multivariate Ecological Research). Results show a clear distinction between convex and concave areas. In convex sections, Enteromorpha dominated, to the point of being the only algal species present during part of the year. Conversely, biomass and dynamics of Enteromorpha and Ulva were almost the same in concave sections. The associated macroepifauna was also different in protruding or depressed sections of the mudflat. In the convex areas, the macroepifauna population showed less diversity and was dominated by the snail Hydrobia ulvae. In concave areas, the species diversity was larger, but dominated in terms of biomass by the amphipod Melita palmata and the gastropod Nassarius pfeifferi. Results of the study indicate that the benthic communities associated with concave or convex features were different. No relevant differences in texture and sediment physico-chemical characteristics were found between convex and concave sections. The inference is that the morphological nature of the bottom in tidal mudflats can act as a structuring agent of benthic communities

3rd UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3) Evidence Report

The CCRA is a statutory requirement under the Climate Change Act, and must be completed every five years. The first CCRA was laid before Parliament in January 2012, the second (CCRA2) in January 2017, and the next is due by January 2022. As in CCRA2, the Government report will be draw on an independent report prepared by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), written by July 2021

Clinical Outcomes For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: 24-Month Follow-Up In An Ongoing 3-Year, Prospective, Non-Interventional Registry Trial

Abstract Introduction Patients (pts) with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience a heterogeneous clinical course, with a range of symptoms and sequelae. We describe clinical outcomes and treatment patterns from a prospective registry of pediatric and adult pts with SCD. Methods Pts ≥2 years old with HbSS, HbSC, or HbS/β-thalassemia were enrolled from 57 US centers and assessed every 6 months (mos) for up to 3 years. Differences between pediatric and adult pts at 24 mos follow-up are reported. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01220115). Results A total of 498 pts completed the baseline visit (74.1% HbSS disease, 15.3% HbSC, and 10.4% HbS/β-thalassemia) (Table 1 ). At baseline, the following conditions were more frequent in adults: avascular necrosis, gallbladder disease, leg ulcers, and pulmonary hypertension. Pediatric pts had more frequent asthma/reactive airway disease, dactylitis, and splenic sequestration. The nature of sickle-related events varied between adult and pediatric pts (Table 2 ). Prior to study, adults had higher frequencies of pain crises, strokes, and priapism, while pediatric pts had more frequent infections and acute chest syndrome (ACS)/pneumonia. On study, a similar proportion of pediatric and adult pts (56.4% overall) were hospitalized, most frequently due to pain, fever, and ACS/pneumonia; a greater proportion of pediatric pts were hospitalized due to fever (P&lt;0.05). The percentage of pts who received a transfusion and/or chelation while on study was similar between adult and pediatric pts. Almost half of the pediatric and adult groups received hydroxyurea prior to and during the study. High rates of absenteeism were observed, with 51% of pediatric pts and 44.4% of adults missing 1 to 10 days of school or work in the year before study. Conclusions Despite advances in care, SCD is associated with significant morbidity that contributes to high rates of hospitalization and absenteeism in both pediatric and adult pts. Continued follow-up in this registry will provide additional information about disease patterns and pt management. Disclosures: Heeney: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Hydroxurea is indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and to reduce the need for blood transfusions in adult patients with sickle cell anemia. It is not approved for use in children. Mueller:Novartis: Research Funding. Adams-Graves:Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Paley:Novartis: Employment. Esposito:Novartis: Employment. Katie:Novartis: Employment. Vichinsky:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; ApoPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; ARUP: Research Funding, Research Laboratory, Research Laboratory Other. </jats:sec

The hottest July day on the railway network:insights and thoughts for the future

The 1 July 2015 was the hottest July day on record (37.5 °C recorded at Heathrow Airport) in the United Kingdom (UK), and record-breaking temperatures were recorded across England. This short-duration heatwave (30 June–1 July 2015) affected railway services both directly, by causing asset failure or malfunction, and indirectly, by necessitating the use of emergency speed restrictions (ESRs) to reduce the likelihood of track buckling. Incidents caused by heat and lightning were recorded across the British railway network, and knock-on delays affected rail travel in regions where extreme weather did not have a direct impact. Over both days there were more than 220 000 delay-minutes. Many of these could not be attributed specifically to the weather, but 23 700 delay-minutes were due to emergency speed restrictions (ESRs) as a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of rail buckling, 12 800 to heat and 4000 to lightning incidents. All regions experienced more than twice the daily average delay-minutes on one or both days, costing an estimated £16 million to the national economy. Incidents on critical routes (e.g. London North Eastern connecting London and Scotland) or near critical transport nodes such as Manchester Piccadilly caused the longest delays. Under future warmer climatic conditions, heatwaves and extreme temperatures are projected to occur more frequently and the railway operator has several measures to adapt or update existing infrastructure in order to reduce the impact of heat and lightning. Alternative solutions such as low-cost sensors for real-time condition monitoring or green infrastructure for increased asset resilience should also be considered.</p

Assessing climate risks across different business sectors and industries : an investigation of methodological challenges at national scale for the UK

Climate change poses severe risks for businesses, which companies as well as governments need to understand in order to take appropriate steps to manage those. This, however, represents a significant challenge as climate change risk assessment is itself a complex, dynamic and geographically diverse process. A wide range of factors including the nature of production processes and value chains, the location of business sites as well as relationships and interdependencies with customers and suppliers play a role in determining if and how companies are impacted by climate risks. This research explores the methodological challenges for a national-scale assessment of climate risks through the lens of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA) process and compares the approaches adopted in the first and second UKCCRA (2011, 2016), while also reflecting on international experiences elsewhere. A review of these issues is presented, drawing on a wide body of contemporary evidence from a range of sources including the research disciplines, grey literature and government policy. The study reveals the methodological challenges and highlights six broad themes, namely scale, evidence base, adaptation responses, scope, interdependencies and public policy. The paper concludes by identifying suitable lessons for future national climate risk assessments, which should guide the next phase of research in preparation for UKCCRA3 and those of national-level risk assessments elsewhere

The UK climate change risk assessment 2012: assessing the impacts on water resources to inform policy makers

The Climate Change Act 2008 requires a series of assessments of the risks of climate for the UK, under both current conditions and over the long term, to 2100. This paper describes the research completed on the impacts of climate change on the UK water sector, involving stakeholder engagement and a mix of literature review, expert elicitation and broad-scale quantitative analysis to develop ten climate change risk metrics. These include measures of the demand for water, impacts on supply, water quality and asset performance using future scenarios based on the UK Climate Projections 2009 and future population projections from the Office for National Statistics. The analysis has resulted in a number of key findings that can help to inform policy in different parts of the UK. Overall the assessment showed that there is likely to be increased pressure on water resources in the UK. These pressures need to be considered in long term plans so that the needs of different users are met without impacting on the environment