Impact of ERS-2 Scatterometer wind data on Global Analysis-Forecast system

The near surface scatterometer wind data from the European remote sensing satellite ERS-2 of European space agency(ESA) became available at NCMRWF on real time basis since February 1997. An attempt has been made to assimilate this data in the global data assimilation system(GDAS) operational at NCMRWF after proper quality control to study its impact on the analysis as well as on medium range weather forecast over the tropics. For this purpose the GDAS was run for 15 days (27 May to 10 June 1998). The impact has been examined through circulation characteristics and various objective scores. The study revealed that with proper quality control the scatterometer wind data can be assimilated in real time basis, resulting in an overall improvement in performance of the analysis-forecast system.

A Novel Optimised Inter-Locking Connection For Steel Modular Building Systems To Enable Re-Use

Hot-rolled steel Modular Building Systems (MBS) represent the highest level of Off-Site Con-struction (OSC) in which prefabricated, and often prefinished steel modules are delivered to site on a ‘just-in-time’ basis and assembled into complete building systems. Besides the already well-known advantages such as tight tolerance control, reduced on-site human intervention and speedier construction times, the context of the ongoing climate emergency has brought forward the connection between circular economy (CE) and opportunities of steel MBS for disassembly and reuse. However, the use of hybrid structural systems, the functionality of inter-modular connections, and the effects of complex and demanding load transfer paths often question the actual prospects of deconstruction, repair, relocation, or reuse. So far, inter-module connections have been heavily influenced by conventional design methods, relying on bolts, welds or even prestressing strands, which require laborious on-site tasks and simplifying design assumptions, often raising uncertainty about structural behaviour of modular buildings.In an attempt to mitigate limitations of existing systems, a new inter-module connection was envisaged, inspired from the inter-locking method of joining. At the forefront of the develop-ment process, topology optimisation (TO) was adopted in the conceptual design of the main component of the joint, assisting the morphogenesis process which provided the final configu-ration of the novel system. The structural performance of the newly proposed connection was assessed through a series of static monotonic and quasi-static cyclic FE analyses. Results re-vealed that in terms of load-bearing capacity, ductility and energy dissipation ability, the struc-tural behaviour of the new connection was comparable to that of other inter-module joints in literature, while managing to tackle their limitations by introducing both an easy-to-install and easy-to-disassemble configuration with promising opportunities for reuse, further demonstrat-ing that inter-locking joints could be worthy competitors for traditional means of attachment in the future of modular construction.

Treatment of infantile idiopathic scoliosis using a novel thoracolumbosacral orthosis: a case report

Background The recommended treatment for mild to moderate infantile idiopathic scoliosis curves involves serial casting. There are concerns, however, regarding the safety of repeated casting in very young children owing to the requirement for anesthetization during the casting process. Very little research has been conducted on the influence of bracing as an initial treatment for scoliosis in this age group. This report details the successful treatment of a large thoracic curve using a thoracolumbosacral orthosis in an infant diagnosed with infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Case presentation The Dutch-Australian patient presented at 11 weeks of age with a 44° thoracic scoliosis and a rib vertebral angle difference of 14°. The history and physical examination failed to reveal a cause of the curvature, and a diagnosis of infantile idiopathic scoliosis was made. The patient was prescribed a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (ScoliBrace) to be worn on a part-time basis for a period of 8 months. At the end of the bracing program, the patient’s curve had been reduced to 7° and a rib–vertebral angle difference of 0°. A final follow-up of the patient at 2 years after the cessation of treatment revealed no evidence of scoliosis. The parents were compliant with the bracing protocol and reported that the treatment was tolerated by the infant. Conclusion The use of an orthosis as a standalone treatment in this patient resulted in significant reduction in a large thoracic scoliosis. Based on the results witnessed in this patient, further investigation into bracing as an alternative to casting is warranted.

Radio refractivity observations over the oceans using airborne microwave refractometer in tropics

The coastal waters of Indian sub -continent do not have reliable measurements of fine structure of radio refractivity especially in near real-time basis needed to mitigate the effects of anomalous propagation for the defence communications as well as for antisubmarine warfare. This programme was designed to document the radio refractive layer structure and variations of the marine layer in tropical waters of India. The paper describes the above observations taken using the airborne microwave refractometer developed by the author at National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. Typical observations taken (for the first time in India) under normal and anomalous propagation conditions are presented and the results are compared with the special shipborne observations made under MONEX operation over the coastal waters of India.

The judicial finetuning of the EU rules determining the applicable social security legislation

The conflict rules enshrined in Regulation 883/2004 on the coordination of social security were created six decades ago to offer those who exercise free movement rights ‘constant social security protection’. The main idea was to ensure that beneficiaries are always subject to the legislation of a single Member State and to indicate which Member State that was. Because beneficiaries were above all ‘standard’ employees working on a full-time basis for an indefinite period of time, it was initially quite easy to determine the ‘competent’ Member State. The processes of flexibilization, digitalization, enlargement and globalization, however, have posed new and often formidable challenges. In today’s dynamic labour market it is often particularly difficult to identify the applicable legislation, issues arise as regards swift and frequent switches in the applicable legislation, increased worker and company mobility may affect social security rights and problems have arisen because of the possible fraudulent use of the rules determining the applicable legislation. This contribution analyses some of the recent CJEU case law on topics like working in to or more Member States, posting, abuse and fraud, employment and/or residence outside the EU and gaps in in social security protection by EU workers. The overarching question is how, in the view of the CJEU, the classic conflict rules are to be applied so as to ensure cross-border movers continue to enjoy constant social security protection.

Exploring Determinants of Early Retirement Among Saudi Medical Staff

The aim of this research was to explore the relationship between the push, pull, anti-push, and anti-pull factors vs. early retirement intention among Saudi medical staff, and to investigate whether there are gender differences in the early retirement intention. To this end, we designed a correlational and cross-sectional study, for which data were collected through an online survey. A total of 680 responses were gathered, of which 221 valid responses constituted the final sample for the analysis. Logistics regression was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The results showed that approximately 58% of the respondents indicated early retirement intention. The significant factors in predicting this intention were the pull, anti-push, and anti-pull factors, whereas the push factors were found to be insignificant. Moreover, female medical staff tend to retire earlier than males. Strategies recommended to delay retirement are providing flexible work hours, working shorter shifts or on a part-time basis, offering programs for professional development, and according more recognition.

Dataset Evaluation for Multi Vehicle Detection using Vision Based Techniques

Vehicle detection is one of the primal challenges of modern driver-assistance systems owing to the numerous factors, for instance, complicated surroundings, diverse types of vehicles with varied appearance and magnitude, low-resolution videos, fast-moving vehicles. It is utilized for multitudinous applications including traffic surveillance and collision prevention. This paper suggests a Vehicle Detection algorithm developed on Image Processing and Machine Learning. The presented algorithm is predicated on a Support Vector Machine(SVM) Classifier which employs feature vectors extracted via Histogram of Gradients(HOG) approach conducted on a semi-real time basis. A comparison study is presented stating the performance metrics of the algorithm on different datasets.

Sub-division wise probabilistic variability and extreme rainfall analysis of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall

Statistical analysis based on past data on probability of normal/excess rainfall, the probable future rainfall for smaller areas at different stages of the monsoon period will serve as an appropriate information system for efficient management of available surface water resource at the state and the national levels. In this paper the author have made an attempt in that direction and have brought out some important features of the monsoon rainfall. It is found that the probability of monthly rainfall becoming normal or excess is high in maximum number of sub-divisions in July and August and is least in September. It is further observed that the normality of rainfall as highly probable to the north of the monsoon trough in July and that to the south of the trough in August besides the west coast. The rainfall extreme values over a long period will be useful in determining the minimum assured and maximum probable future rainfall at different stages of the monsoon period. These information will be valuable to decision makers, managers etc. in their decision making process on real time basis.

Parkinson’s patients situation during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic and their interest in telemedicine A cross-sectional study

Background During the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, telemedicine experienced an enormous boom. Also, for Parkinson’s patients there are upcoming alternatives to regular care. Objective The aim of the present study was to interview Parkinson’s patients under the impression of the first lockdown in Germany about their health care situation, but especially about the use of and attitudes towards videotherapy and -consultation. Methods Northern German members of the German Parkinson Association were mailed a 16-item questionnaire including demographic questions on a one-time basis. The voluntary participants answered regarding their health care situation during the first German SARS CoV-2 lockdown, as well as attitudes towards videotherapy/-consultations. Results The 332 (of 974 questionnaires) responding evaluated their care situation predominantly (58.7%) unchanged during lockdown. There was hardly any previous experience in the areas of videotherapy and -consultations (15.4% and 3%, respectively), but at the same time mostly imaginability of implementation (54.2% and 56%, respectively) and the belief that they could motivate themselves to do so (51.8%). A total of 69% welcomed technical support for the implementation of videotherapy. Conclusion In principle, there seems to be both, a need and an interest in telematics in healthcare such as videotherapy and video consultations, even if further barriers such as technical implementation need to be addressed. An expansion of telemedical services and infrastructure seems desirable not only in the pandemic situation, but also in the long term against the backdrop of demographic change, especially in an area like Schleswig-Holstein. Further studies are needed.

The School Environment is a Mixed blessing for Seventh-Graders with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Cohort Study

Background : There is strong evidence to support the association between bullying and the onset of mental health conditions in students with ASD. In Taiwan, seventh grade marks the first year in middle school after elementary school. It is also a period when peers tend to affiliate with one another to perform bullying behaviors to establish status among the peer group. Therefore, it is considered one of the most challenging times for students with ASD due to several adjustments within the school environment and the developmental changes that arise at this age.. To assess the association between school environment and bullying victimization among students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) studying in regular classes in the first year of middle school. Methods: Data were obtained from the Special Needs Education Longitudinal Study database located in the Survey Research Data Archive of Academia Sinica. One hundred and eighty-four seventh-graders with ASD in regular classes across Taiwan were included in the analysis. The primary variables under study were whether they had experienced social exclusion, insults or teasing, extortion, or sexual harassment over the past semester.Results: Participants with a higher positive friendship quality (P = 0.027) and who had received more peer support upon encountering difficulties in school (P = 0.041) were less likely to experience social exclusion. Participants with higher positive friendship quality (P = 0.001) and a more positive learning environment in the classroom (P = 0.031) were less likely to have experienced insults or teasing. However, participants with more friends were more likely to be extorted (P = 0.015) and sexually harassed (P = 0.001) than those with fewer friends. Furthermore, participants in regular classes on a part-time basis were 2.59 times more likely to report sexual harassment than those in regular classes on a full-time basis (P = 0.021). Conclusions : This study suggests that a supportive school environment reduces the likelihood that seventh-graders with ASD are bullied. Clinicians should consider the association between the school environment and bullying victimization among adolescents with ASD in regular classes during their first year of middle school.