scholarly journals Impacts of Phased-Array Radar Data on Forecaster Performance during Severe Hail and Wind Events

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A. Bowden ◽  
Pamela L. Heinselman ◽  
Darrel M. Kingfield ◽  
Rick P. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Decision Process ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Phased Array Radar ◽  
First Case ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract The ongoing Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE) investigates the impacts of higher-temporal-resolution radar data on the warning decision process of NWS forecasters. Twelve NWS forecasters participated in the 2013 PARISE and were assigned to either a control (5-min updates) or an experimental (1-min updates) group. Participants worked two case studies in simulated real time. The first case presented a marginally severe hail event, and the second case presented a severe hail and wind event. While working each event, participants made decisions regarding the detection, identification, and reidentification of severe weather. These three levels compose what has now been termed the compound warning decision process. Decisions were verified with respect to the three levels of the compound warning decision process and the experimental group obtained a lower mean false alarm ratio than the control group throughout both cases. The experimental group also obtained a higher mean probability of detection than the control group throughout the first case and at the detection level in the second case. Statistical significance (p value = 0.0252) was established for the difference in median lead times obtained by the experimental (21.5 min) and control (17.3 min) groups. A confidence-based assessment was used to categorize decisions into four types: doubtful, uninformed, misinformed, and mastery. Although mastery (i.e., confident and correct) decisions formed the largest category in both groups, the experimental group had a larger proportion of mastery decisions, possibly because of their enhanced ability to observe and track individual storm characteristics through the use of 1-min updates.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Analysis of NWS Forecasters’ Use of Phased-Array Radar Data during Severe Hail and Wind Events

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A. Bowden ◽  
Pamela L. Heinselman
Keyword(s):  
Phased Array ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Phased Array Radar ◽  
Retrospective Reports ◽  
Wind Events ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract The 2013 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE) investigated the impacts of higher-temporal-resolution radar data on National Weather Service forecasters’ warning decision processes during severe hail and wind events. In total, 12 forecasters participated in the 2013 PARISE over a 6-week period during the summer of 2013. Participants were assigned to either a control [5-min phased-array radar (PAR) updates] or experimental (1-min PAR updates) group, and worked two cases in simulated real time. This paper focuses on the qualitative retrospective reports of participants’ warning decision processes that were collected using the recent case walk-through method. Timelines of participants’ warning decision process were created for both cases, which were then thematically coded according to a situational awareness framework. Coded themes included perception, comprehension, and projection. It was found that the experimental group perceived significantly more information during both cases than the control group (case 1 p = 0.045 and case 2 p = 0.041), which may have improved the quality of their comprehensions and projections. Analysis of timelines reveals that 1-min PAR updates were important to the experimental group’s more timely and accurate warning decisions. Not only did the 1-min PAR updates enable experimental participants to perceive precursor signatures earlier than control participants, but through monitoring trends in radar data, the experimental group was able to better detect storm motion, more accurately identify expected weather threats from severe thunderstorms, more easily observe strengthening and diminishing trends in storms, and make more correct tornado-related warning decisions.

scholarly journals Tornado Warning Decisions Using Phased-Array Radar Data

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Heinselman ◽  
Daphne LaDue ◽  
Darrel M. Kingfield ◽  
Robert Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Lead Time ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Probability Of False Alarm ◽  
Temporal Sampling ◽  
Phased Array Radar ◽  
Tornado Warnings ◽  
Tornado Warning

Abstract The 2012 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment identified how rapidly scanned full-volumetric data captured known mesoscale processes and impacted tornado-warning lead time. Twelve forecasters from nine National Weather Service forecast offices used this rapid-scan phased-array radar (PAR) data to issue tornado warnings on two low-end tornadic and two nontornadic supercell cases. Verification of the tornadic cases revealed that forecasters’ use of PAR data provided a median tornado-warning lead time (TLT) of 20 min. This 20-min TLT exceeded by 6.5 and 9 min, respectively, participants’ forecast office and regions’ median spring season, low-end TLTs (2008–13). Furthermore, polygon-based probability of detection ranged from 0.75 to 1.0 and probability of false alarm for all four cases ranged from 0.0 to 0.5. Similar performance was observed regardless of prior warning experience. Use of a cognitive task analysis method called the recent case walk-through showed that this performance was due to forecasters’ use of rapid volumetric updates. Warning decisions were based upon the intensity, persistence, and important changes in features aloft that are precursors to tornadogenesis. Precursors that triggered forecasters’ decisions to warn occurred within one or two typical Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) scans, indicating PAR’s temporal sampling better matches the time scale at which these precursors evolve.

scholarly journals Ivermectin as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19 among Healthcare Providers in a Selected Tertiary Hospital in Dhaka – An Observational Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Tarek Alam ◽  
Rubaiul Murshed ◽  
Pauline Francisca Gomes ◽  
Zafor Md. Masud ◽  
Sadia Saber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction: While multiple vaccines are undergoing clinical trial across the globe, we yearn for an FDA approved drug to protect us from the devastating pandemic for the time being. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Ivermectin when administered as pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19. Method: An observational study, with 118 healthcare providers who were enrolled purposively, was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Dhaka from May 2020 to August 2020. The subjects were divided into experimental and control groups; and the experimental group received an oral monthly dose of Ivermectin 12mg for 4 months. Both groups were exposed to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the hospital during the course of study. The symptomatic subjects were evaluated by physical examination, COVID-19 RT-PCR and/or HRCT of chest. Differences between the variables were determined using the Chi-square test and the level of statistical significance was reached when p<0.05. Result: 73.3% (44 out of 60) subjects in control group were positive for COVID-19, whereas only 6.9% (4 out of 58) of the experimental group were diagnosed with COVID-19 (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Ivermectin, an FDA-approved, safe, cheap and widely available drug, should be subjected to large-scale trials all over the world to ascertain its effectiveness as pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19.

Redefining the Neck: A Retrospective Review Utilizing Hyoid Suspension

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-204
Author(s):  
Sami A. Nizam ◽  
Rhys Branman
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Biomechanical Testing ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hyoid Suspension ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Experimental Group

Neck contouring is one of the most frequent reasons patients seek cervicofacial rhytidectomy. But what makes for aesthetically pleasing youthful neck? Ellenbogen and Karlin described 5 criteria in their 1980 landmark publication, including having a cervicomental angle between 105° and 120° and a visible subhyoid depression. Recent advances in neck anatomy have revealed the existence of ligamentous like structures attaching the skin and platysma to the hyoid. These have been termed the hyoplatysmal ligament (HPL) and cervicomental suspensory angle ligament by different authors. This study was undertaken to determine whether surgically reestablishing the above structures utilizing a hyoid suspension technique resulted in statistically significant changes in cervicomental contour. A retrospective chart review was performed from January 2014 to present. After December 2016, the second author began utilizing a hyoid suspension technique where the inter- and subplatysmal fat was resected and the HPL was reestablished surgically (hyoid suspension). Cases before this date served as controls if a similar neck manipulation was performed without reestablishing the HPL. In total, 104 charts were queried, of which, 21 charts fit inclusion criteria to serve as controls and 20 as the experimental group. Before and after profile pictures were then compared for differences in cervicomental angle utilizing commercially available imaging software (Canfield Mirror, Parsippany, New Jersey). An unpaired Student t test was then performed to determine whether this 2 groups differed significantly utilizing a P value of .05 to denote statistical significance. The mean difference between pre- and postoperative cervicomental angle for the control group was 17.38° with a standard deviation of 8.05°. The mean difference between pre and postoperative cervicomental angle for the experimental group was 28.75° with a standard deviation of 15.52°. The resulting 11.37° difference in cervicomental angle between the 2 groups was found to be statistically significant with a P value of .0051. Our cosmetic surgical and anatomical knowledge continues to progress. Brant first described a ligamentous structure that attaches the platysma to the hyoid. Through biomechanical testing, he noted this ligament to be one of the weakest in the face and neck. Thereafter, in 2016 Yousif et al and Le Lourn separately described similar procedures to attach the platysma to the hyoid, in effect reestablishing this ligament. Utilizing one simple surgical maneuver, the hyoid suspension reestablishes the HPL. This surgically creates an acute cervicomental angle, resulting in less platysmal displacement postoperatively, with virtually no addition to surgical time or morbidity.

Effects of a Polycaprolactone (PCL) Tissue Scaffold in Rattus norvegicus on Blood Flow

2013 ◽  
Vol 1498 ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish Bhat ◽  
Christopher Chen ◽  
Deborah A. Day
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Right Ventricle ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Rattus Norvegicus ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
The Right ◽  
Experimental Group

ABSTRACTTissue engineering aims to save lives by producing synthetic organs and bone. This study is attempting to determine what effects a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold will have on the blood flow of Rattus norvegicus, as measured by the number of platelets. Prior to experimentation, it was hypothesized that the polycaprolactone scaffold would maintain and/or increase the number of platelets when compared to the control group. This was developed based on prior research that showed polylactic acid (PLA), a polymer being used currently, and polycaprolactone had similar characteristics like boiling point, melting point, and glass transition temperature. To test this hypothesis, the PCL, created from an existing protocol, was used to mold a scaffold in vitro. Three groups of rats were identified, then further split into an “A” and “B” subdivision with 5 members in each. All “A” subdivision members received the scaffold, while the "B" factions lacked it. Each rat underwent surgery to remove 1mm of the right ventricle, which was replaced by the PCL scaffold in the experimental group. The control group did not have the scaffold replacement. Without this piece of the right ventricle, prior research conducted at the University of Virginia in 2006 suggests that the rats would die within one week. However, in the experimental group of rats, the missing piece of the ventricle was replaced with the scaffold, so if it were accepted then the rats would survive beyond 1week. All rats in the experimental group died exactly 1 week after the control group as predicted before experimentation. After all of the rats had a 1-week acclimation period, a 1mm^2 slice of the heart was extracted and then the number of platelets was counted using a phase contrast microscope. The heart extraction was prepared in a petri dish and then placed into a hemocytometer, splitting the dish into smaller sections making it possible to count. The data supports the hypothesis whereby an average 12% increase in the number of platelets in the rats with the PCL scaffold versus the group without it was seen. This increase in platelet count reflects an increase in blood flow. A statistical t-test was conducted on each trial (n=5 per group, n=10 total per trial) comparing experimental versus control group to calculate a p-value. The p-values were 0.034, 0.045, and 0.022, respectively which indicates statistical significance since the value is less than 0.05. After all experimentation, the benefits of using PCL in tissue engineering were examined. For example, PCL costs $80 less to produce per kilogram than polylactic acid. This study suggests that PCL would be a viable candidate for tissue engineering in humans.

Effect of lidocaine iontophoresis combined with exercise intervention on gait and spasticity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
Fatma A. Hegazy ◽  
Emad A. Aboelnasr ◽  
Yasser T. Salem
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

BACKGROUND: Gait deviations and spasticity are common impairments seen in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and may interfere with functional performance and effective walking pattern. Lidocaine iontophoresis is effective for reducing muscle spasticity in adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of lidocaine epinephrine iontophoresis combined with exercises on gait and spasticity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). METHODS: Thirty children with spastic HCP aged 4–6 (5.20±0.32) years were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Children in both groups received one hour of exercises, three times a week for three months. Children in the experimental group received 2% lidocaine iontophoresis immediately before the exercises. The lidocaine iontophoresis was delivered for 20 minutes (1mA/min). Spatio-temporal gait parameters were assessed within one week before and after the intervention using 3D motion analysis. Surface electromyography was used to assess muscle tone using H/M ratio of the soleus muscle. ANOVA was used to investigate the differences between experimental and control groups. Statistical significance was set at P value less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups at baseline. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements when compared to the control group for gait speed (p = 0.03), stride length (p = 0.04), cadence (p = 0.0001), cycle time (p = 0.0001), and H/M ratio (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Lidocaine iontophoresis combined with exercises was effective in improving gait spatiotemporal parameters and reducing spasticity in children with CP.

Examining of the Effects of Target-Oriented Circular Training on Biomotor Features by using Tennis Ball Throwing Machine at 12-14 Age Tennis Performance Sportsmen for 10 weeks

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 3174-3180
Author(s):  
Turgut Çamlibel ◽  
Mehmet Özal
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
T Test ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tennis Ball ◽  
Package Program ◽  
Visual Reaction ◽  
Experimental Group

Aim: In this work, it is aimed that examining the effects of target-oriented circular training on biomotoric features by using a tennis ball throwing machine at 12-14 age tennis performance sportsmen for ten weeks. Method: This research was implemented on sixteen active licensed athletes who played tennis for at least four years in Ankara. The athletes were randomly divided into two separate groups as the experimental group (n=8) and the control group (n=8). After measuring the height, weight, and fat rate of the athletes, biometric tests were started. Flamingo balance, sit-reach, reaction time, five meters and twenty meters sprints, T-test, and standing long jump tests were performed, respectively. Athletes were get heated for ten minutes before the tests and they were given a trying chance. The best scores were recorded by repeating each test twice. In the statistical analysis of the collected data, IBM SPSS 19 package program was used. In repeated measurements, the results were compared by two-way ANOVA with intergroup, intragroup and post-training data. Results: As a result, between the experimental group and control group data; on averages of T-Test (p<0.139), visual reaction (p<0.001), Flexibility (p<0.024), Vertical Jump (p<0.022), Flamingo Balance right foot (p<0.046) and left foot (p<0.045) statistical significance was confirmed. Keywords: Biomotoric features, ITN test, Tennis, Tennis ball machine

scholarly journals UTILIZATION POSSIBILITIES OF PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS IN PREVENTION AND HEALTH CARE OF CALVES

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-127
Author(s):  
Luboš Zábranský ◽  
Miloslav Šoch ◽  
Pavel Novák ◽  
Jan Brouček ◽  
Anna Šimková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Seaweed Extracts ◽  
Weight Gains ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract the aim of our study was to evaluate influence of probiotic agents (Lactovita) and seaweed extracts (Biopolym) with antidiarrheal effects on the prevention of diarrhoea in calves. In the experiment 22 experimental and 22 control calves were observed. The results of the observed incidence of diarrhoea in the control and experimental groups showed a positive effect of probiotic Lactovita and seaweed extracts Biopolymer. 32% of calves in the experimental group and 45% of calves in the control group became sick. Unfortunately, we could not demonstrate the statistical significance of these differences. The weight gains found in the 4th week after birth were by 37.6% higher in the group with Lactovita and Biopolym than in the control group.

scholarly journals Clowns Benefit Children Hospitalized for Respiratory Pathologies

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bertini ◽  
Elena Isola ◽  
Giuseppe Paolone ◽  
Giuseppe Curcio
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Therapeutic Settings ◽  
Experimental Group

The study aims at evaluating health-generating function of humor therapy in a hospital ward hosting children suffering from respiratory pathologies. The main scope of this study is to investigate possible positive effects of the presence of a clown on both the clinical evolution of the on-going disease, and on some physiological and pain parameters. Forty-three children with respiratory pathologies participated in the study: 21 of them belonged to the experimental group (EG) and 22 children to the control group (CG). During their hospitalization, the children of the EG interacted with two clowns who were experienced in the field of pediatric intervention. All participants were evaluated with respect to clinical progress and to a series of physiological and pain measures both before and after the clown interaction. When compared with the CG, EG children showed an earlier disappearance of the pathological symptoms. Moreover, the interaction of the clown with the children led to a statistically significant lowering of diastolic blood pressure, respiratory frequency and temperature in the EG as compared with the control group. The other two parameters of systolic pressure and heart frequency yielded results in the same direction, without reaching statistical significance. A similar health-inducing effect of clown presence was observed on pain parameters, both by self evaluation and assessment by nurses. Taken together, our data indicate that the presence of clowns in the ward has a possible health-inducing effect. Thus, humor can be seen as an easy-to-use, inexpensive and natural therapeutic modality to be used within different therapeutic settings.

scholarly journals Effects of Presentation- Assimilation- Discussion (PAD) Class Teaching Model on Learning Attitudes of Nursing Students --- Taking the “Nursing Psychology” Course as an Example

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Zhiping Liu ◽  
Menglin Yue
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Junior Colleges ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Teaching Model ◽  
Teaching Mode ◽  
Learning Attitudes ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Experimental Group

 Purpose: to explore and discuss the effects of PAD Class Teaching Model on nursing students who are expected to enter undergraduate schools from junior colleges. Method: Randomly select 112 students from two classes (2016) who are expected to enter undergraduate schools from junior colleges in a medical school in Pingdingshan, and divide them into a control group and an experimental group using a method of cluster randomization. In the teaching process of “Nursing Psychology”, the control group and the experimental group respectively adopted the traditional teaching mode and the PAD class teaching mode. After the implementation of one semester, compare the nursing students’ learning attitudes change before and after the implementation. Results: The scores of the nursing students in the experimental group at the three latitudes of learning interests, learning habits, and professional cognition were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the differences have statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: PAD class teaching mode helps improve nursing students’ learning attitudes.

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