Concept of an Effective Sentinel-1 Satellite SAR Interferometry System

This brief study introduces a partially working concept being developed at IT4Innovations supercomputer (HPC) facility. This concept consists of several modules that form a whole body of an efficient system for observation of terrain or objects displacements using satellite SAR interferometry (InSAR). A metadata database helps to locate data stored in various storages and to perform basic analyzes. A special database has been designed to describe Sentinel-1 data, on its burst level. Custom Sentinel-1 TOPS processing algorithms allow an injection of coregistered bursts into the database. Once the area of interest is set and basic processing parameters are given, the selected data are merged and processed by the Persistent Scatterers (PS) InSAR method or an optimized Small Baselines (SB) InSAR derivative. Depending on the expected deliverables, the processing results can be post-analyzed using a custom approach, in order to achieve a set of reliable measurement points. Final results can be post-processed and visualized using a custom GIS toolbox, consisting in open-source GIS functionality. The GIS post-processing is enforced by HPC power as well. To demonstrate the practical applicability of the described system, a subsidence area in Konya city, Turkey is used as the study area for Sentinel-1 InSAR evaluation

MT-InSAR and Dam Modeling for the Comprehensive Monitoring of an Earth-Fill Dam: The Case of the Benínar Dam (Almería, Spain)

The Benínar Dam, located in Southeastern Spain, is an earth-fill dam that has experienced filtration issues since its construction in 1985. Despite the installation of various monitoring systems, the data collected are sparse and inadequate for the dam’s lifetime. The present research integrates Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) and dam modeling to validate the monitoring of this dam, opening the way to enhanced integrated monitoring systems. MT-InSAR was proved to be a reliable and continuous monitoring system for dam deformation, surpassing previously installed systems in terms of precision. MT-InSAR allowed the almost-continuous monitoring of this dam since 1992, combining ERS, Envisat, and Sentinel-1A/B data. Line-of-sight (LOS) velocities of settlement in the crest of the dam evolved from maximums of −6 mm/year (1992–2000), −4 mm/year (2002–2010), and −2 mm/year (2015–2021) with median values of −2.6 and −3.0 mm/year in the first periods (ERS and Envisat) and −1.3 mm/year in the Sentinel 1-A/B period. These results are consistent with the maximum admissible modeled deformation from construction, confirming that settlement was more intense in the dam’s early stages and decreased over time. MT-InSAR was also used to integrate the monitoring of the dam basin, including critical slopes, quarries, and infrastructures, such as roads, tracks, and spillways. This study allows us to conclude that MT-InSAR and dam modeling are important elements for the integrated monitoring systems of embankment dams. This conclusion supports the complete integration of MT-InSAR and 3D modeling into the monitoring systems of embankment dams, as they are a key complement to traditional geotechnical monitoring and can overcome the main limitations of topographical monitoring

A quantitative investigation into the relationship between nursing students' learning style and success in bioscience education

Bioscience is a cornerstone of nursing practice that is integral to the provision of safe, patient-orientated health care. Yet undergraduate nursing students experience significant andragogic barriers that influence their ability to integrate and apply bioscience knowledge. This study explored the relationships between student characteristics, learning styles and achievement within the bioscience units of the undergraduate nursing programme. The findings from this research may guide the development innovative student-focused teaching approaches that may improve bioscience knowledge application and integration within the clinical environment

The provision of emergency healthcare for women who experience intimate partner violence: Part 2: Strategies to address knowledge deficits and negative attitudes

Taylor, AM ORCiD: 0000-0002-4646-9248Background The first article in this two-part series evaluated healthcare professionals’ approaches to the care of women who present to the emergency department (ED) with injuries related to intimate partner violence (IPV). It identified barriers to appropriate care provision, which included a lack of healthcare professional knowledge and negative professional attitudes. Aim To delineate and evaluate strategies that aim to address the knowledge deficits and negative attitudes affecting the care of women presenting to the ED with IPV-related injuries. Method A rapid review of three databases was undertaken with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature was analysed using three-step thematic analysis. Findings Eleven articles were included in the review. Two main strategies to address ED healthcare professionals’ knowledge deficits and negative attitudes about IPV were identified. These were developed into the themes of IPV/domestic violence specialists, and education and training. Conclusion An IPV healthcare specialist in the ED and a focused IPV education and training programme may improve emergency healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and ability to respond appropriately to women presenting with IPV-related injuries

The provision of emergency healthcare for women who experience intimate partner violence: Part 1. An integrative review

Taylor, AM ORCiD: 0000-0002-4646-9248This integrative review is the first of a two-part series about intimate partner violence (IPV). Part 2 will explore strategies to address barriers to the care of women who experience IPV in the emergency department (ED). IPV has become a major concern globally and specifically in Australia. Healthcare professionals in the ED are often the first point of contact for women experiencing IPV and therefore the provision of a comprehensive healthcare response to these vulnerable patients remains a priority. The review evaluated healthcare professionals' approaches to the care of women who present to the ED with injuries related to IPV. A systematic search of studies was undertaken using four databases. After the selection process, a total of 24 articles was identified. Six themes emerged: IPV care protocols, physical care provision, psychosocial care provision, provision of safety, role of referrals and barriers to appropriate care provision. There is a lack of evidence supporting healthcare approaches in the ED to address IPV. ED healthcare professionals experience numerous barriers that hinder their ability to provide patient-centred care, which suggests that patients presenting with IPV-related concerns may not be receiving adequate or appropriate healthcare in ED settings. © RCN Publishing Company Limited 2019

Thermal stability of stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4).4H2O - A cave mineral from Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia

Thermogravimetric analysis has been used to determine the thermal stability of the mineral stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O. The mineral stercorite originated from the Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia. This cave is one of many caves in the Nullarbor Plain in the South of Western Australia. The mineral is formed by the reaction of bat guano chemicals on calcite substrates. Upon thermal treatment the mineral shows a strong decomposition at 191°C with loss of water and ammonia. Other mass loss steps are observed at 158, 317 and 477°C. Ion current curves indicate a gain of CO2 at higher temperature and are attributed to the thermal decomposition of calcite impurity

Using Colaizzi's method of data analysis to explore the experiences of nurse academics teaching on satellite campuses

Williamson, MJ ORCiD: 0000-0002-8504-5851Background Phenomenology is a useful methodological approach in qualitative nursing research. It enables researchers to put aside their perceptions of a phenomenon and give meaning to a participant's experiences. Exploring the experiences of others enables previously unavailable insights to be discovered. Aim To delineate the implementation of Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis in descriptive phenomenological nursing research. Discussion The use of Colaizzi's method of data analysis enabled new knowledge to be revealed and provided insights into the experiences of nurse academics teaching on satellite campuses. Local adaptation of the nursing curriculum and additional unnoticed responsibilities had not been identified previously and warrant further research. Conclusion Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis is rigorous and robust, and therefore a qualitative method that ensures the credibility and reliability of its results. It allows researchers to reveal emergent themes and their interwoven relationships. Researchers using a descriptive phenomenological approach should consider using this method as a clear and logical process through which the fundamental structure of an experience can be explored. Implications for research Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology can be used reliably to understand people's experiences. This may prove beneficial in the development of therapeutic policy and the provision of patient-centred care. © 2018 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved

The provision of emergency healthcare for women who experience intimate partner violence: Part 1. An integrative review

This integrative review is the first of a two-part series about intimate partner violence (IPV). Part 2 will explore strategies to address barriers to the care of women who experience IPV in the emergency department (ED). IPV has become a major concern globally and specifically in Australia. Healthcare professionals in the ED are often the first point of contact for women experiencing IPV and therefore the provision of a comprehensive healthcare response to these vulnerable patients remains a priority. The review evaluated healthcare professionals' approaches to the care of women who present to the ED with injuries related to IPV. A systematic search of studies was undertaken using four databases. After the selection process, a total of 24 articles was identified. Six themes emerged: IPV care protocols, physical care provision, psychosocial care provision, provision of safety, role of referrals and barriers to appropriate care provision. There is a lack of evidence supporting healthcare approaches in the ED to address IPV. ED healthcare professionals experience numerous barriers that hinder their ability to provide patient-centred care, which suggests that patients presenting with IPV-related concerns may not be receiving adequate or appropriate healthcare in ED settings. © RCN Publishing Company Limited 2019