scholarly journals ESSAY REVIEW Disappointing “documentary” about Loch Ness Monsters (“Nessies”) (Can good documentaries be made about such subjects?)

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-115
Author(s):  
Henry Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Essay Review ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Important Respect ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Scientific Test

“About the show:Professor Neil Gemmell uses cutting-edge environmental DNA science to unravel the mystery of the Loch Ness monster. Neil’s high-tech monster hunt opens a new chapter in the search for Nessie as he puts the leading theories to the ultimate scientific test.” [i]This description misleads in every important respect. The mystery is not unraveled; the leading theory is not even mentioned, and Gemmell’s reason for embarking on this project —  namely, to spread awareness of the potential benefits that can accrue from research on environmental DNA (eDNA) — is not well served, because there is no useful explanation of what eDNA science does, what it can and cannot accomplish, and why [ii]. That lack is all the sadder because the results in this case with respect to Nessies are not only incomplete, they are inconclusive and probably even wrong in an important respect.[i]        https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/loch-ness-monster-new-evidence[ii]       That eDNA work is not easy or infallible is pointed out in a comment on Roland Watson’s informative and reliable blog: “as with any tests that involve biologicals, there are error rates. And eDNA is not immune to these errors. . . . eDNA testing is also affected by seasonal changes — of how creatures operate in their environment, as well as the quality of the effluent at different times of the year, and so on. . . . [F]or eDNA testing to detect creatures properly there would have to be such testing throughout Loch Ness on a quarterly basis over probably at least two years, and probably have close to 350 to 450 sampling points — and doing this at least at five or six different consistent depths. I think that Roland correctly pointed out that nothing was taken way down deep, and there probably should have been. Also, eDNA actually lasts much, much longer in soils than in water. So taking samples off the Loch bottom might be a fruitful endeavor.”     Indeed, there are several clues indicating that Nessies spend most of their time down deep, possibly in the two basins known to be deeper than 200 m (Shine & Martin 1988).

Economic returns of family planning and fertility decline in India, 1991–2061

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Srinivas Goli ◽  
K. S. James ◽  
Devender Singh ◽  
Venkatesh Srinivasan ◽  
Rakesh Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Reproductive Health Care ◽  
The World ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Education And Employment ◽  
Global Evidence

Abstract Investment in family planning (FP) provides returns through a lifetime. Global evidence shows that FP is the second-best buy in terms of return on investment after liberalizing trade. In this study, we estimate the cumulative benefits of FP investments for India from 1991 to 2016 and project them up to 2061 with four scenarios of fertility levels. The findings suggest that India will have greater elasticity of FP investments to lifetime economic returns compared to the world average (cost–revenue ratio of 1:120). We have taken four scenarios for the goalpost, viz., 2.1, 1.8, 1.6, and 1.4. Although different scenarios of total fertility rate (TFR) levels at the goalpost (i.e., the year 2061) offer varied lifetime returns from FP, scenario TFR < 1.8 will be counterproductive and will reduce the potential benefits. With a comprehensive approach, if the country focuses more on improving the quality of FP services and on reducing the unmet need for FP to enhance reproductive health care and expand maximum opportunities for education and employment for both women and men, it can improve its potential to reap more benefits.

scholarly journals The effect of silica desiccation under different storage conditions on filter-immobilized environmental DNA

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Allison ◽  
Jessica M. Round ◽  
Lauren C. Bergman ◽  
Ali Mirabzadeh ◽  
Heather Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silica Gel ◽  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Silica Bead ◽  
Gel Beads ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Objective Silica gel beads have promise as a non-toxic, cost-effective, portable method for storing environmental DNA (eDNA) immobilized on filter membranes. Consequently, many ecological surveys are turning to silica bead filter desiccation rather than ethanol preservation. However, no systematic evaluation of silica bead storage conditions or duration past 1 week has been published. The present study evaluates the quality of filter-immobilized eDNA desiccated with silica gel under different storage conditions for over a year using targeted quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assays. Results While the detection of relatively abundant eDNA target was stable over 15 months from either ethanol- or silica gel-preserved filters at − 20 and 4 °C, silica gel out-performed ethanol preservation at 23 °C by preventing a progressive decrease in eDNA sample quality. Silica gel filter desiccation preserved low abundance eDNA equally well up to 1 month regardless of storage temperature (18, 4, or − 20 °C). However only storage at − 20 °C prevented a noticeable decrease in detectability at 5 and 12 months. The results indicate that brief storage of eDNA filters with silica gel beads up to 1 month can be successfully accomplished at a range of temperatures. However, longer-term storage should be at − 20 °C to maximize sample integrity.

scholarly journals A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of bandaging compared to the JuxtaCures™ device in the management of people with venous ulceration: Feasibility study

2021 ◽  
pp. 026835552098822
Author(s):  
Philip Stather ◽  
Carroll Petty ◽  
Helen Langthorne ◽  
Emma Rayner ◽  
Jufen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Multicentre Trial ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Venous Ulceration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Introduction The mainstay of treatment for venous ulceration remains compression therapy. Velcro Wrap devices are being increasingly used in these patients despite limited evidence. This feasibility study aimed to compare standard bandaging to the JuxtaCures™ Velcro wrap device. Methods A single centre, unblinded RCT compared participants with venous ulceration randomised to either the JuxtaCures™ device or short stretch bandaging. Participants were followed up for 26 weeks. Results 160 participants were screened with 40 randomised. 3 participants in bandaging and 1 in JuxtaCures™ didn’t complete the study. 60% in JuxtaCures™ healed v 55% in bandaging despite larger ulcers in the JuxtaCures™ arm (9.33 cm2 v 6.97 cm2). There was no significant difference in time to healing (12.17 v 13.64 weeks). JuxtaCures™ showed improved ulcer reduction for those that didn’t heal (14.91–5.00 cm2 v 14.20–8.62 cm2; P = 0.06). JuxtaCures™ had more consistent sub-bandage pressure dropping from 39–36 mmHg versus 41–25 mmHg in bandaging between application and removal (P < 0.001). Quality of life (EQ5D) was improved in JuxtaCures at 3 months (mean difference 0.14, p = 0.04), but not at 1 and 6 months, or in disease specific quality of life. Cost was lower in JuxtaCures™ £842.47 v £1064.68. Duration of appointment was significantly shorter in JuxtaCures™ (41 minutes v 53 minutes; P = 0.003). Conclusion This study has shown the feasibility and necessity of running a multicentre trial to evaluate the use of Velcro wrap devices for venous ulceration. It highlights the potential benefits of more consistent pressure, increased self-care, and potential with regards to ulcer healing, cost, nursing resource and quality of life.

scholarly journals Urea-Doped Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as Sustainable Nitrogen Nanofertilizers for Viticulture: Implications on Yield and Quality of Pinot Gris Grapevines

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1026
Author(s):  
Federica Gaiotti ◽  
Marco Lucchetta ◽  
Giacomo Rodegher ◽  
Daniel Lorenzoni ◽  
Edoardo Longo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Phosphate ◽  
Nitrogen Source ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Plant Nitrogen ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Berry Quality ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles

In recent years, the application of nanotechnology for the development of new “smart fertilizers” is regarded as one of the most promising solutions for boosting a more sustainable and modern grapevine cultivation. Despite showing interesting potential benefits over conventional fertilization practices, the use of nanofertilizers in viticulture is still underexplored. In this work, we investigated the effectiveness of non-toxic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ca3(PO4)2∙nH2O) doped with urea (U-ACP) as a nitrogen source for grapevine fertilization. Plant tests were performed for two years (2019–2020) on potted adult Pinot gris cv. vines grown under semi-controlled conditions. Four fertilization treatments were compared: N1: commercial granular fertilization (45 kg N ha−1); N2: U-ACP applied in fertigation (36 kg N ha−1); N3: foliar application of U-ACP (36 kg N ha−1); C: control, receiving no N fertilization. Plant nitrogen status (SPAD), yield parameters as well as those of berry quality were analyzed. Results here presented clearly show the capability of vine plants to recognize and use the nitrogen supplied with U-ACP nanoparticles either when applied foliarly or to the soil. Moreover, all of the quali–quantitative parameters measured in vine plants fed with nanoparticles were perfectly comparable to those of plants grown in conventional condition, despite the restrained dosage of nitrogen applied with the nanoparticles. Therefore, these results provide both clear evidence of the efficacy of U-ACP nanoparticles as a nitrogen source and the basis for the development of alternative nitrogen fertilization strategies, optimizing the dosage/benefit ratio and being particularly interesting in a context of a more sustainable and modern viticulture.

scholarly journals Performance of deep learning technology for evaluation of positioning quality in periapical radiography of the maxillary canine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mizuho Mori ◽  
Yoshiko Ariji ◽  
Motoki Fukuda ◽  
Tomoya Kitano ◽  
Takuma Funakoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Classification Performance ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
System 2 ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
System 1 ◽  
Periapical Radiography

Abstract Objectives The aim of the present study was to create and test an automatic system for assessing the technical quality of positioning in periapical radiography of the maxillary canines using deep learning classification and segmentation techniques. Methods We created and tested two deep learning systems using 500 periapical radiographs (250 each of good- and bad-quality images). We assigned 350, 70, and 80 images as the training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. The learning model of system 1 was created with only the classification process, whereas system 2 consisted of both the segmentation and classification models. In each model, 500 epochs of training were performed using AlexNet and U-net for classification and segmentation, respectively. The segmentation results were evaluated by the intersection over union method, with values of 0.6 or more considered as success. The classification results were compared between the two systems. Results The segmentation performance of system 2 was recall, precision, and F measure of 0.937, 0.961, and 0.949, respectively. System 2 showed better classification performance values than those obtained by system 1. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values differed significantly between system 1 (0.649) and system 2 (0.927). Conclusions The deep learning systems we created appeared to have potential benefits in evaluation of the technical positioning quality of periapical radiographs through the use of segmentation and classification functions.

Kurzweil Reading Machine: A Partial Evaluation of Its Optical Character Recognition Error Rate

1979 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 389-399
Author(s):  
Gregory L. Goodrich ◽  
Richard R. Bennett ◽  
William R. De L'aune ◽  
Harvey Lauer ◽  
Leonard Mowinski
Keyword(s):  
Error Rate ◽  
Character Recognition ◽  
Optical Character Recognition ◽  
Partial Evaluation ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Recognition Error ◽  
Optical Character ◽  
Printed Materials ◽  
High Level

This study was designed to assess the Kurzweil Reading Machine's ability to read three different type styles produced by five different means. The results indicate that the Kurzweil Reading Machines tested have different error rates depending upon the means of producing the copy and upon the type style used; there was a significant interaction between copy method and type style. The interaction indicates that some type styles are better read when the copy is made by one means rather than another. Error rates varied between less than one percent and more than twenty percent. In general, the user will find that high quality printed materials will be read with a relatively high level of accuracy, but as the quality of the material decreases, the number of errors made by the machine also increases. As this error rate increases, the user will find it increasingly difficult to understand the spoken output.

Effect of supplementary light on growth, yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars grown in high-tech glasshouse

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
A. Alharbi ◽  
O. Babiker ◽  
J. Campen ◽  
M.E. Abdelaziz ◽  
F. de Zwart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Tomato Cultivars

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine for Hypertension

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Wang ◽  
Xingjiang Xiong
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Public Health Challenge

Hypertension is an important worldwide public -health challenge with high mortality and disability. Due to the limitations and concerns with current available hypertension treatments, many hypertensive patients, especially in Asia, have turned to Chinese medicine (CM). Although hypertension is not a CM term, physicians who practice CM in China attempt to treat the disease using CM principles. A variety of approaches for treating hypertension have been taken in CM. For seeking the best evidence of CM in making decisions for hypertensive patients, a number of clinical studies have been conducted in China, which has paved the evidence-based way. After literature searching and analyzing, it appeared that CM was effective for hypertension in clinical use, such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, qigong, and Tai Chi. However, due to the poor quality of primary studies, clinical evidence is still weak. The potential benefits and safety of CM for hypertension still need to be confirmed in the future with well-designed RCTs of more persuasive primary endpoints and high-quality SRs. Evidence-based Chinese medicine for hypertension still has a long way to go.

scholarly journals Supporting the development of scientific understanding when constructing an evolving explanation

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Novak ◽  
David F. Treagust
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Explanation ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Incremental Development ◽  
Freshwater Organisms ◽  
Freshwater System ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Scientific Ideas ◽  
Over Time

AbstractWe explore how students developed an integrated understanding of scientific ideas and how they applied their understandings in new situations. We examine the incremental development of 7th grade students’ scientific ideas across four iterations of a scientific explanation related to a freshwater system. We demonstrate that knowing how to make use of scientific ideas to explain phenomena needs to be learned just as developing integrated understanding of scientific ideas needs to be learned. Students participated in an open-ended, long-term project-based learning unit, constructing one explanation over time to address, “How healthy is our stream for freshwater organisms and how do our actions on land potentially impact the water quality of the stream?” The explanation developed over several weeks as new data were collected and analyzed. Students discussed evidence by revisiting scientific ideas and including new scientific ideas. This research investigates two questions: (1) As students engage in writing a scientific explanation over time, to what extent do they develop integrated understanding of appropriate scientific ideas? and (2) When writing about new evidence, do these earlier experiences of writing explanations enable students to make use of new scientific ideas in more sophisticated ways? In other words, do earlier experiences allow students to know how to make use of their ideas in these new situations? The results indicated statistically significant effects. Through various iterations of the explanation students included richer discussion using appropriate scientific ideas. Students were also able to make better use of new knowledge in new situations.

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