Spatial and temporal variation of drought patterns over East Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebremedhin Gebremeskel Haile ◽  
Qiuhong Tang ◽  
Guoyong Leng ◽  
Guoqiang Jia ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Downward Trend ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Drought Adaptation ◽  
Significant Downward Trend ◽  
Drought Pattern ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

<p>Understanding historical patterns of changes in drought is essential for drought adaptation and mitigation.<br>While the negative impacts of drought over east Africa have attracted increasing attention,<br>a comprehensive and long-term spatiotemporal assessment of drought is still lacking. Here, we provided<br>a comprehensive spatiotemporal drought pattern analysis during the period of 1964–2015 over<br>the GHA. The Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at various timescales (1 month<br>(SPEI-01), 3 month (SPEI-03), 6 month (SPEI-06), and 12 month (SPEI-12)) was used to investigate drought<br>patterns on a monthly, seasonal, and interannual basis. The results showed that despite regional differences,<br>an overall increasing tendency of the drought was observed across the GHA over the past 52 yr, with trends of<br>change of -0.0017 yr<sup>-1</sup>, -0.0036 yr<sup>-1</sup>, -0.0031 yr<sup>-1</sup>, and -0.0023 yr<sup>-1</sup> for SPEI-01, SPEI-03, SPEI-06, and<br>SPEI-12, respectively. Droughts were more frequent, persistent, and intense in Sudan and Tanzania, while<br>more severe droughts were found in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Droughts occurred frequently before<br>the 1990 s, and then became intermittent with large-scale impacts occurred during 1973–1974, 1984–<br>1985, and 2010–2011. A turning point was also detected in 1989, with the SPEI showing a statistically significant<br>downward trend during 1964–1989 and a non-statistically significant downward trend from 1990<br>to 2015. Seasonally, droughts exhibited an increasing trend in winter, spring, and summer, but a decreasing<br>trend in autumn. The research findings have significant implications for drought adaptation and mitigation<br>strategies through identifying the hotspot regions over east Africa at various timescales. Area-specific<br>efforts are required to alleviate environmental and societal vulnerabilities to drought events.</p>

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Variation of Wind Erosion Climatic Erosivity and Its Response to ENSO in the Otindag Desert, China

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 614
Author(s):  
Lou ◽  
Wang ◽  
Cai
Keyword(s):  
El Niño ◽  
Wind Erosion ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Downward Trend ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variations ◽  
Comprehensive Management ◽  
Significant Downward Trend

Wind erosion is a major cause of soil losses in China’s drylands which is further stimulated by climate variability and fragile ecological conditions. Climatic erosivity is an important index of wind erosion, therefore, evaluation of its spatiotemporal variations and relationship with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive management and prevention of soil erosion. In this study, by using the climatic erosivity equation, geographic information system (GIS) and geostatistical analysis, we quantified the climatic erosivity, explored its spatiotemporal variations, and detected the effects of the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) on climatic erosivity in the Otindag Desert during the period of 1980–2016. The results indicated that the climatic erosivity (C-factor value) ranged from 82–445, and it decreased from the western margin to the eastern margin of the desert. The climatic erosivity showed a significant downward trend at seasonal and annual scales (p < 0.05). As far as spring, autumn and annual climatic erosivity, the whole region showed a downward trend, however, the summer and winter climatic erosivity varied spatially, in which the central and western regions showed a downward trend, but the eastern region showed an upward trend. The results showed that the average climatic erosivity is weaker during La Niña events than during El Niño events. The climatic erosivity recorded by 14 of the 20 meteorological stations, all located in central and west regions, exhibited a significant correlation with MEI (p < 0.05). The ENSO has a significant impact on climatic erosivity.

scholarly journals National Temporal Trend Analysis of Infective Endocarditis among Patients Infected with HIV in Spain (1997–2014): A Retrospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fe Muñoz-Moreno ◽  
Pablo Ryan ◽  
Alejandro Alvaro-Meca ◽  
Jorge Valencia ◽  
Eduardo Tamayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Downward Trend ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Epidemiological Trend ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Significant Downward Trend

Background: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) form a vulnerable population for the onset of infective endocarditis (IE). We aimed to analyze the epidemiological trend of IE, as well as its microbiological characteristics, in PLWH during the combined antiretroviral therapy era in Spain. Methods: We performed a retrospective study (1997–2014) in PLWH with data obtained from the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set. We selected 1800 hospital admissions with an IE diagnosis, which corresponded to 1439 patients. Results: We found significant downward trends in the periods 1997–1999 and 2008–2014 in the rate of hospital admissions with an IE diagnosis (from 21.8 to 3.8 events per 10,000 patients/year; p < 0.001), IE incidence (from 18.2 to 2.9 events per 10,000 patients/year; p < 0.001), and IE mortality (from 23.9 to 5.5 deaths per 100,000 patient-years; p < 0.001). The most frequent microorganisms involved were staphylococci (50%; 42.7% Staphylococcus aureus and 7.3% coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS)), followed by streptococci (9.3%), Gram-negative bacilli (8.3%), enterococci (3%), and fungus (1.4%). During the study period, we found a downward trend in the rates of CoNS (p < 0.001) and an upward trends in streptococci (p = 0.001), Gram-negative bacilli (p < 0.001), enterococci (p = 0.003), and fungus (p < 0.001) related to IE, mainly in 2008–2014. The rate of community-acquired IE showed a significant upward trend (p = 0.001), while the rate of health care-associated IE showed a significant downward trend (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The rates of hospital admissions, incidence, and mortality related to IE diagnosis in PLWH in Spain decreased from 1997 to 2014, while other changes in clinical characteristics, mode of acquisition, and pathogens occurred over this time.

scholarly journals Risk Assessment of Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects—Assumptions and Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Jana Korytárová ◽  
Vít Hromádka
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
Individual Risk Factors

This article deals with the partial outputs of large-scale infrastructure project risk assessment, specifically in the field of road and motorway construction. The Department of Transport spends a large amount of funds on project preparation and implementation, which however, must be allocated effectively, and with knowledge of the risks that may accompany them. Therefore, documentation for decision-making on project financing also includes their analysis. This article monitors the frequency of occurrence of individual risk factors within the qualitative risk analysis, with the support of the national risk register, and identifies dependent variables that represent part of the economic cash flows for determining project economic efficiency. At the same time, it compares these dependent variables identified by sensitivity analysis with critical variables, followed by testing the interaction of the critical variables’ effect on the project efficiency using the Monte Carlo method. A partial section of the research was focused on the analysis of the probability distribution of input variables, especially “the investment costs” and “time savings of infrastructure users” variables. The research findings conclude that it is necessary to pay attention to the setting of statistical characteristics of variables entering the economic efficiency indicator calculations, as the decision of whether or not to accept projects for funding is based on them.

Environmental Development Strategies for an Industrial Area (Kochi Industrial Belt)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annu Reetha Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Industrial Pollution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Technical Solutions

Discharging of wastes and toxic pollutants produced by the industrial activities into the natural environment which consist of air, water and land implies the term Industrial Pollution. It has serious consequences on human life and its health along with several ways of negative impacts on the environment and nature. As far as our nation is concerned most of the major cities are filled with these large-scale industries which place a crucial role financial development of a country. Strictly hindering the development of industries cannot be done as it is vital for the Socio-Economic progress of a country. Yet it is our duty to protect our natural environment by limiting the pollution due to industries. This Study consist of the issues occurred in Eloor- Kadungalloor region as result of the industrial pollution followed by policies for a development plan to enhance the natural and environmental conditions with a planning approach at micro study level. As far as the Kerala context is considered, the major spot which is mostly affected by the industrial pollution is the ‘Edayar Industrial belt’ which is the largest industrial belt in Kerala. This became one of most noted spot because of the continuous dumping of dangerous chemical pollutants from adjacent industries (pesticide and fertilizer manufacturing). It has also resulted in health issues for the inhabitants of the site. Though many complaints have been filed against the companies, there has no proper laws or schemes for taking measures for reduction of pollution have come up so far. Hence this paper deals with the application of technical solutions and strategies for an Environment Improvement plan development for an industrial as well as studying on the issues of sire and its inhabitants.

Bridge Health Monitoring by Infrared Thermography

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Matsumoto ◽  
Kyle Ruske
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Bridge Health Monitoring ◽  
Large Scale Data ◽  
Concrete Bridge Decks ◽  
Federal Highway ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Visual Confirmation ◽  
Inspection Data

<p>Condition ratings of bridge components in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Structural Inventory and Appraisal database are determined by bridge inspectors in the field, often by visual confirmation or direct- contact sounding techniques. However, the determination of bridge condition ratings is generally subjective depending on individual inspectors’ knowledge and experience, as well as varying field conditions. There are also limitations to access, unsafe working conditions, and negative impacts of lane closures to account for. This paper describes an alternative method to obtaining informative and diagnostic inspection data for concrete bridge decks: mobile nondestructive bridge deck evaluation technology. The technology uses high- definition infrared and visual imaging to monitor bridge conditions over long-term (or desired) intervals. This combination of instruments benefits from rapid and large-scale data acquisition capabilities. Through its implementation in Japan over the course of two decades, the technology is opening new possibilities in a field with much untapped potential. Findings and lessons learned from our experience in the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania are described as examples of highway-speed mobile nondestructive evaluation in action. To validate the accuracy of delamination detection by the visual and infrared scanning, findings were proofed by physical sounding of the target deck structures.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring the intersections: researchers and communication professionals' perspectives on the organizational role of science communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaisu Koivumäki ◽  
Clare Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Influences ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
Funding Policies ◽  
Negative Impacts

PurposeThis paper reports on research exploring the intersections between researchers and communication professionals' perspectives on the objectives, funders and organizational influences on their science communication practices.Design/methodology/approachExamining one context, the inter-organizational BCDC Energy Research project based at five different research organizations in Finland, this paper presents data from semi-structured interviews with 17 researchers and 15 communication professionals.FindingsThe results suggest that performance-based funding policies that drive the proliferation of large-scale research projects can create challenges. In particular, a challenge arises in generating a shared sense of identity and purpose amongst researchers and communication professionals. This may have unintended negative impacts on the quality and cohesiveness of the science communication which occurs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory in nature and focuses on one organizational and institutional environment. Further research with a wider number of projects, as well as funders, would be conducive to a greater understanding of the issues involved.Practical implicationsOn a practical level, this research suggests that the creation of clearer communications awareness and guidance may be helpful in some large-scale projects, particularly involving broad numbers of organizations, individual researchers and funders.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies examining the perspectives of both researchers and communication professionals working over one project, drawing together a range of different institutional and disciplinary perspectives. The results highlight the importance of the influences of funding on science communication aims, assumptions, cultures and structures. The article articulates the need for further research in this area.

scholarly journals Can benchmarking Australian hospitals for quality identify and improve high and low performers? Disseminating research findings for hospitals

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 84-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hibbert ◽  
Faisal Saeed ◽  
Natalie Taylor ◽  
Robyn Clay-Williams ◽  
Teresa Winata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Health Services Research ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Logic Model ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Services Research ◽  
High Performer ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract This paper examines the principles of benchmarking in healthcare and how benchmarking can contribute to practice improvement and improved health outcomes for patients. It uses the Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA) study published in this Supplement and DUQuA’s predecessor in Europe, the Deepening our Understanding of Quality improvement in Europe (DUQuE) study, as models. Benchmarking is where the performances of institutions or individuals are compared using agreed indicators or standards. The rationale for benchmarking is that institutions will respond positively to being identified as a low outlier or desire to be or stay as a high performer, or both, and patients will be empowered to make choices to seek care at institutions that are high performers. Benchmarking often begins with a conceptual framework that is based on a logic model. Such a framework can drive the selection of indicators to measure performance, rather than their selection being based on what is easy to measure. A Donabedian range of indicators can be chosen, including structure, process and outcomes, created around multiple domains or specialties. Indicators based on continuous variables allow organizations to understand where their performance is within a population, and their interdependencies and associations can be understood. Benchmarking should optimally target providers, in order to drive them towards improvement. The DUQuA and DUQuE studies both incorporated some of these principles into their design, thereby creating a model of how to incorporate robust benchmarking into large-scale health services research.

scholarly journals Analysis of Site Selection and Design Example of Spoil Ground

2021 ◽  
Vol 631 (1) ◽  
pp. 012005
Author(s):  
Liheng Zhang ◽  
Yi He ◽  
Jie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Detailed Design ◽  
Engineering Construction ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Selection Principles ◽  
Secondary Disasters ◽  
Negative Impacts

Abstract As an auxiliary project of engineering construction, spoil ground is often not given enough attention. Unreasonable spoiled materials not only have negative impacts on the local natural environment, but also generate the risk of secondary disasters. The selection and design of spoil ground is an important part of earthwork. And thus it is necessary to select the site of spoil ground reasonably and carefully and carry out detailed design of spoil, protection and flood drainage. First of all, the basic selection principles of spoil ground were discussed in this paper. Then, combined with the spoil ground design of the Heat and Power Cogeneration Power Workshop Project in Zhenfeng County's Coal, Electricity and Metallurgical Integration Industrial Park, the author presented elaboration of the technical key points of site selection, slope stability, blocking engineering and flood drainage system of large-scale spoil ground. The analysis in this paper can be used as a reference for similar spoil ground design.

scholarly journals Agile Transformation at Scale: A Tertiary Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Suddhasvatta Das ◽  
Kevin Gary
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Software Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agile Processes ◽  
Current State ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Agile Software ◽  
Tertiary Study

AbstractDue to the fast-paced nature of the software industry and the success of small agile projects, researchers and practitioners are interested in scaling agile processes to larger projects. Agile software development (ASD) has been growing in popularity for over two decades. With the success of small-scale agile transformation, organizations started to focus on scaling agile. There is a scarcity of literature in this field making it harder to find plausible evidence to identify the science behind large scale agile transformation. The objective of this paper is to present a better understanding of the current state of research in the field of scaled agile transformation and explore research gaps. This tertiary study identifies seven relevant peer reviewed studies and reports research findings and future research avenues.

scholarly journals Opportunities for increased reproducibility and replicability of developmental neuroimaging

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard Klapwijk ◽  
Wouter van den Bos ◽  
Christian K. Tamnes ◽  
Nora Maria Raschle ◽  
Kathryn L. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Developmental Studies ◽  
Data Analyses ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Many workflows and tools that aim to increase the reproducibility and replicability of research findings have been suggested. In this review, we discuss the opportunities that these efforts offer for the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience, in particular developmental neuroimaging. We focus on issues broadly related to statistical power and to flexibility and transparency in data analyses. Critical considerations relating to statistical power include challenges in recruitment and testing of young populations, how to increase the value of studies with small samples, and the opportunities and challenges related to working with large-scale datasets. Developmental studies involve challenges such as choices about age groupings, lifespan modelling, analyses of longitudinal changes, and data that can be processed and analyzed in a multitude of ways. Flexibility in data acquisition, analyses and description may thereby greatly impact results. We discuss methods for improving transparency in developmental neuroimaging, and how preregistration can improve methodological rigor. While outlining challenges and issues that may arise before, during, and after data collection, solutions and resources are highlighted aiding to overcome some of these. Since the number of useful tools and techniques is ever-growing, we highlight the fact that many practices can be implemented stepwise.

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