362 research outputs found
Perspectives on Water Quality Monitoring Approaches for Behavioral Change Research
Publication history: Accepted - 7 June 2022; Published online - 1 July 2022This review considers enhanced approaches to river water quality monitoring in
north-western Europe following a series of study visits (11 sites in 7 countries). Based
on the evidence gathered, options were identified and evaluated for their suitability
to deliver specific water quality monitoring objectives and with a focus on effecting
behavioral change. Monitoring programs were diverse, ranging from enhanced grab
sampling and laboratory analysis to sub-hourly sampling of multiple parameters and
nutrients in autonomous high-specification, bank-side or mobile laboratories. Only one
program out of all the cases evaluated could readily identify influences that had produced
behavioral change among stakeholders. This was principally because the other programs
were focused on top-down policy change or surveillance rather than specifically focused
on influencing behavior. Nevertheless, program researchers were clear that stakeholder
engagement potential was very high and that the sites acted as important focus points
for discussion on water quality issues, and so part of a suite of tools that might ultimately
change behavior. This identifies a space where water quality monitoring solutions could
be adapted for behavioral change research.This study was funded by the Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast (Project 17/4/07)
Phosphorus mobilization and delivery estimated from long-term high frequency water quality and discharge data
Perspectives on water quality monitoring approaches for behavioural change research
Publication history: Accepted - 7 June 2022; Published online - 1 July 2022This review considers enhanced approaches to river water quality monitoring in
north-western Europe following a series of study visits (11 sites in 7 countries). Based
on the evidence gathered, options were identified and evaluated for their suitability
to deliver specific water quality monitoring objectives and with a focus on effecting
behavioral change. Monitoring programs were diverse, ranging from enhanced grab
sampling and laboratory analysis to sub-hourly sampling of multiple parameters and
nutrients in autonomous high-specification, bank-side or mobile laboratories. Only one
program out of all the cases evaluated could readily identify influences that had produced
behavioral change among stakeholders. This was principally because the other programs
were focused on top-down policy change or surveillance rather than specifically focused
on influencing behavior. Nevertheless, program researchers were clear that stakeholder
engagement potential was very high and that the sites acted as important focus points
for discussion on water quality issues, and so part of a suite of tools that might ultimately
change behavior. This identifies a space where water quality monitoring solutions could
be adapted for behavioral change research.This study was funded by the Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast (Project 17/4/07)
Quantifying nutrient and sediment erosion at riverbank cattle access points using fine-scale geo-spatial data
Black Holes and Random Matrices
We argue that the late time behavior of horizon fluctuations in large anti-de
Sitter (AdS) black holes is governed by the random matrix dynamics
characteristic of quantum chaotic systems. Our main tool is the
Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model, which we use as a simple model of a black hole.
We use an analytically continued partition function as well
as correlation functions as diagnostics. Using numerical techniques we
establish random matrix behavior at late times. We determine the early time
behavior exactly in a double scaling limit, giving us a plausible estimate for
the crossover time to random matrix behavior. We use these ideas to formulate a
conjecture about general large AdS black holes, like those dual to 4D
super-Yang-Mills theory, giving a provisional estimate of the crossover time.
We make some preliminary comments about challenges to understanding the late
time dynamics from a bulk point of view.Comment: 73 pages, 15 figures, minor errors correcte
Targeting sediment management strategies using sediment quantification and fingerprinting methods
Using a Computer Module to Teach Use of the EpiPen®
Background: The medical literature suggests that patients and physicians are deficient in their ability to use a self-injectable epinephrine device (EpiPen®) for management of anaphylaxis. This study aims to determine whether a computer module is an effective tool for the instruction of a technical skill to medical trainees.Methods: We conducted a two group comparison study of 35 Post-Graduate Year 1 and 2 Family Medicine residents. Participants were instructed on use of the EpiPen® using either a written module or a computer module. Participants were evaluated on use of the EpiPen® using standardized objective outcome measures by a blinded assessor. Assessments took place prior to and following instruction, using the assigned learning modality.Results: There were 34 participants who completed the study. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in demonstrating use of the EpiPen® following training (p <0.001 for both). A significant post-training difference favouring the computer module learners over the written module learners was observed (p = 0.035). However, only 53% and 18% of candidates (computer module and written module, respectively) were able to correctly perform all of the checklist steps.Conclusion: While our findings suggest computer modules represent an effective modality for teaching use of the EpiPen® to medical trainees, the low number of candidates who were able to perform all the checklist items regardless of modality needs to be addressed
Sediment fingerprinting as a tool to identify temporal and spatial variability of sediment sources and transport pathways in agricultural catchments
Influence of Land Management on Soil Erosion, Connectivity and Sediment Delivery in Agricultural Catchments:Closing the Sediment Budget
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