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Many Uncertainties (many + uncertainty)
Selected AbstractsTransportation and the Geographical and Functional Integration of Global Production NetworksGROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 4 2006JEAN-PAUL RODRIGUE ABSTRACT The growing interest in the relationships between transportation and globalization has spurred many inquires in the nature of production, consumption and distribution, especially within transport geography. It is widely acknowledged that improvements in transport and distribution have contributed to significant changes in the geographies of production (and vice versa). In a context of intense global competition and diminishing profit margins, logistics and the formation of global production networks offer additional opportunities to improve the efficiency of production through distribution strategies. The spatial and functional fragmentation of manufacturing and attempts at reducing inventories have led to smaller, more frequent and synchronized shipments, transforming the logistics industry, but placing intense pressures on transport systems to support these flows. The benefits derived from global production networks thus cannot be achieved without improvements in logistics and supply chain management. This article seeks to assess the conditions driving the global forms of production, distribution, and transport mainly by looking at the levels of geographical and functional integration of global production networks in view of the high level of fragmentation observed within them. However, there are still many uncertainties and delays in distribution, which can only be compensated by a better organization of freight distribution systems supporting global production networks. [source] Linking climate change modelling to impacts studies: recent advances in downscaling techniques for hydrological modellingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2007H. J. Fowler Abstract There is now a large published literature on the strengths and weaknesses of downscaling methods for different climatic variables, in different regions and seasons. However, little attention is given to the choice of downscaling method when examining the impacts of climate change on hydrological systems. This review paper assesses the current downscaling literature, examining new developments in the downscaling field specifically for hydrological impacts. Sections focus on the downscaling concept; new methods; comparative methodological studies; the modelling of extremes; and the application to hydrological impacts. Consideration is then given to new developments in climate scenario construction which may offer the most potential for advancement within the ,downscaling for hydrological impacts' community, such as probabilistic modelling, pattern scaling and downscaling of multiple variables and suggests ways that they can be merged with downscaling techniques in a probabilistic climate change scenario framework to assess the uncertainties associated with future projections. Within hydrological impact studies there is still little consideration given to applied research; how the results can be best used to enable stakeholders and managers to make informed, robust decisions on adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of many uncertainties about the future. It is suggested that there is a need for a move away from comparison studies into the provision of decision-making tools for planning and management that are robust to future uncertainties; with examination and understanding of uncertainties within the modelling system. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Infantile haemangiomas: a challenge in paediatric dermatologyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2010RA Schwartz Abstract Infantile haemangiomas, common benign vascular tumours of childhood, are characterized by rapid growth during the first year of life and a slow regression that is usually completed at 7,10 years of age. These tumours are composed of endothelial cells with high mitotic rates and stromal components such as fibroblasts, mast cells and pericytes. Haemangiomas become a challenge when they are part of a syndrome, are located in certain areas of the body or when complications develop. The above-mentioned factors also influence the treatment modality used. However, although there remain many uncertainties regarding management, the ,-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol is a promising new candidate for first-line systemic therapy. It produces such a dramatic and rapid response that the appearance of an infantile haemangioma should impart expeditious consideration of the risks and benefits of its use. [source] Reflection paper on the use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins in food producing animals in the European Union: development of resistance and impact on human and animal healthJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2009Scientific Advisory Group on Antimicrobials of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use Resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins is rapidly increasing in bacteria infecting humans. Although many of these problems are linked to human to human transmission and to use of antimicrobials in human medicine, the potential role of community reservoirs such as food producing animals needs to be scrutinized. Resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins is emerging in enteric bacteria of food producing animals and also in food of animal origin. The genes encoding resistance to these cephalosporins are transferrable and often linked to other resistance genes. Systemic use of third and fourth cephalosporins selects for resistance, but co-selection by other antimicrobials is also likely to influence prevalence of resistance. Although there are many uncertainties, the potential consequences of a further increase of resistance to this critically important class of antimicrobials in bacteria colonising animals are serious. Measures to counter a further increase and spread of resistance among animals should therefore be considered. [source] Ground-penetrating radar and geo-electrical simulations of data from the Floridablanca archaeological siteARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION, Issue 1 2005M. de la Vega Abstract In this work we characterize the electromagnetic response of archaeological remains of a Spanish fortress situated on the Atlantic coast in Patagonia (Argentina). The fortress, part of the Floridablanca colony, founded in the eighteenth century, has been surveyed with non-invasive electromagnetic techniques (ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and the geo-electric method). The surveys indicate the presence of adobe walls of various sizes and width having different preservation states. Use of inversion algorithms alone to interpret the data has not been conclusive in obtaining a reliable model, because many uncertainties remained. To aid the interpretation, we make use of modelling methods to simulate the low- and high-frequency electromagnetic responses of the structures. The walls can be differentiated in spite of the low resistivity contrast with the surrounding media. The resolution of the 500,MHz antenna allows a satisfactory determination of the location of the walls and their conservation state. Similarly, the geo-electrical response has enough sensitivity to detect the inner and major walls. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||