A D-vine copula-based quantile regression towards merging satellite precipitation products over rugged topography: a case study in the upper Tekeze–Atbara Basin

Precipitation is a vital key element in various studies of hydrology, flood prediction, drought monitoring, and water resource management. The main challenge in conducting studies over remote regions with rugged topography is that weather stations are usually scarce and unevenly distributed. However, open-source satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs) with a suitable resolution provide alternative options in these data-scarce regions, which are typically associated with high uncertainty. To reduce the uncertainty of individual satellite products, we have proposed a D-vine copula-based quantile regression (DVQR) model to merge multiple SPPs with rain gauges (RGs). The DVQR model was employed during the 2001–2017 summer monsoon seasons and compared with two other quantile regression methods based on the multivariate linear (MLQR) and the Bayesian model averaging (BMAQ) techniques, respectively, and with two traditional merging methods – the simple modeling average (SMA) and the one-outlier-removed average (OORA) – using descriptive and categorical statistics. Four SPPs have been considered in this study, namely, Tropical Applications of Meteorology using SATellite (TAMSAT v3.1), the Climate Prediction Center MORPHing Product Climate Data Record (CMORPH-CDR), Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG v06), and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN-CDR). The bilinear (BIL) interpolation technique was applied to downscale SPPs from a coarse to a fine spatial resolution (1 km). The rugged-topography region of the upper Tekeze–Atbara Basin (UTAB) in Ethiopia was selected as the study area. The results indicate that the precipitation data estimates with the DVQR, MLQR, and BMAQ models and with traditional merging methods outperform the downscaled SPPs. Monthly evaluations reveal that all products perform better in July and September than in June and August due to precipitation variability. The DVQR, MLQR, and BMAQ models exhibit higher accuracy than the traditional merging methods over the UTAB. The DVQR model substantially improved all of the statistical metrics (CC = 0.80, NSE = 0.615, KGE = 0.785, MAE = 1.97 mm d−1, RMSE = 2.86 mm d−1, and PBIAS = 0.96 %) considered compared with the BMAQ and MLQR models. However, the DVQR model did not outperform the BMAQ and MLQR models with respect to the probability of detection (POD) and false-alarm ratio (FAR), although it had the best frequency bias index (FBI) and critical success index (CSI) among all of the employed models. Overall, the newly proposed merging approach improves the quality of SPPs and demonstrates the value of the proposed DVQR model in merging multiple SPPs over regions with rugged topography such as the UTAB.</p

Steps to improve gender diversity in the fields of coastal geosciences and engineering

Robust data are the base of effective gender diversity policy. Evidence shows that gender inequality is still pervasive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Coastal geoscience and engineering (CGE) encompasses professionals working on coastal processes, integrating expertise across physics, geomorphology, engineering, planning and management. The article presents novel results of gender inequality and experiences of gender bias in CGE, and proposes practical steps to address it. It analyses the gender representation in 9 societies, 25 journals, and 10 conferences in CGE and establishes that women represent 30% of the international CGE community, yet there is under-representation in prestige roles such as journal editorial board members (15% women) and conference organisers (18% women). The data show that female underrepresentation is less prominent when the path to prestige roles is clearly outlined and candidates can self-nominate or volunteer instead of the traditional invitation-only pathway. By analysing the views of 314 survey respondents (34% male, 65% female, and 1% ‘‘other’’), we show that 81% perceive the lack of female role models as a key hurdle for gender equity, and a significantly larger proportion of females (47%) felt held back in their careers due to their gender in comparison with males (9%). The lack of women in prestige roles and senior positions contributes to 81% of survey respondents perceiving the lack of female role models in CGE as a key hurdle for gender equality. While it is clear that having more women as role models is important, this is not enough to effect change. Here seven practical steps towards achieving gender equity in CGE are presented: (1) Advocate for more women in prestige roles; (2) Promote high-achieving females; (3) Create awareness of gender bias; (4) Speak up; (5) Get better support for return to work; (6) Redefine success; and, (7) Encourage more women to enter the discipline at a young age. Some of these steps can be successfully implemented immediately (steps 1–4), while others need institutional engagement and represent major societal overhauls. In any case, these seven practical steps require actions that can start immediately

The academy for future science faculty:randomized controlled trial of theory-driven coaching to shape development and diversity of early-career scientists

Background: Approaches to training biomedical scientists have created a talented research community. However, they have failed to create a professional workforce that includes many racial and ethnic minorities and women in proportion to their representation in the population or in PhD training. This is particularly true at the faculty level. Explanations for the absence of diversity in faculty ranks can be found in social science theories that reveal processes by which individuals develop identities, experiences, and skills required to be seen as legitimate within the profession. Methods/Design: Using the social science theories of Communities of Practice, Social Cognitive Career Theory, identity formation, and cultural capital, we have developed and are testing a novel coaching-based model to address some of the limitations of previous diversity approaches. This coaching intervention (The Academy for Future Science Faculty) includes annual in-person meetings of students and trained faculty Career Coaches, along with ongoing virtual coaching, group meetings and communication. The model is being tested as a randomized controlled trial with two cohorts of biomedical PhD students from across the U.S., one recruited at the start of their PhDs and one nearing completion. Stratification into the experimental and control groups, and to coaching groups within the experimental arms, achieved equal numbers of students by race, ethnicity and gender to the extent possible. A fundamental design element of the Academy is to teach and make visible the social science principles which highly influence scientific advancement, as well as acknowledging the extra challenges faced by underrepresented groups working to be seen as legitimate within the scientific communities. Discussion: The strategy being tested is based upon a novel application of the well-established principles of deploying highly skilled coaches, selected and trained for their ability to develop talents of others. This coaching model is intended to be a complement, rather than a substitute, for traditional mentoring in biomedical research training, and is being tested as such

Once the shovel hits the ground : Evaluating the management of complex implementation processes of public-private partnership infrastructure projects with qualitative comparative analysis

Much attention is being paid to the planning of public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects. The subsequent implementation phase – when the contract has been signed and the project ‘starts rolling’ – has received less attention. However, sound agreements and good intentions in project planning can easily fail in project implementation. Implementing PPP infrastructure projects is complex, but what does this complexity entail? How are projects managed, and how do public and private partners cooperate in implementation? What are effective management strategies to achieve satisfactory outcomes? This is the fi rst set of questions addressed in this thesis. Importantly, the complexity of PPP infrastructure development imposes requirements on the evaluation methods that can be applied for studying these questions. Evaluation methods that ignore complexity do not create a realistic understanding of PPP implementation processes, with the consequence that evaluations tell us little about what works and what does not, in which contexts, and why. This hampers learning from evaluations. What are the requirements for a complexity-informed evaluation method? And how does qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) meet these requirements? This is the second set of questions addressed in this thesis

Mechanical transmission and survival of bacterial wilt on enset

The transmission of enset bacterial wilt with contaminated knives and the survival of the causal agent in soil and enset plant debris was studied at the Awassa Agricultural Research Center, Awassa, Ethiopia. Contaminatedknives were found to transmit the pathogen from infected to healthy plants. Disease symptoms were recorded within 15 and 21 days after inoculation on plants inoculated at 6 and 12 months after transplanting, respectively.Enset plants inoculated at 24 and 36 months after transplanting showed initial wilt symptoms 30 days after inoculation. Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) isolates were observed to survive in the soil up to9 days. Thereafter the bacteria population reduced to a level that could not initiate infection. Xcm was also observed to survive in pruned leaf petioles and leaf sheaths for at least 3 months

Evaluation of enset clones against enset bacterial wilt

Enset (Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman) is an important food crop for over 20% of the Ethiopian population living in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Enset farmers commonly grow combinations of clones in fields, but each clone is grown for its specific use. A large number of enset clones collected from the Sidama, Gurage, Kembata Tembaro and Hadyia zones were assessed for resistance/tolerance to enset bacterial wilt, Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) at the Awassa Agricultural Research Center, Awassa in Ethiopia, during the period 1994 to 2000. In addition, some enset clones that were reported by farmers and researchers as tolerant to Xcm were evaluated during the same period. The objective of the study was to screen field-grown enset clones collected from different zones of southern Ethiopia, for reaction against the wilt. AllXcm inoculated enset clones in each of the experiments developed disease symptoms to various intensity levels during the first 45 days after inoculation. However, several enset clones showed relative tolerance to the disease. The enset clones ‘Astara’, ‘Buffare’, ‘Geziwet 2’, ‘Gulumo’ and ‘Kullo’ showed 100% disease symptoms at 30days after inoculation and could, hence, be used as susceptible checks in future screening trials. Disease symptoms were observed on ‘Mezya’, ‘Hiniba’, ‘Sorpie’ and ‘Sigezasarum’, between 21 and 75 days after inoculation. However, some plants resumed normal growth at 90 days after inoculation. The enset clones that showed a resistant and/or tolerant reaction to the wilt pathogen should be further evaluated against a large number of Xcm isolates under greenhouse and field conditions

Evaluation of Enset clones against Enset bacterial wilt

Enset ( Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman) is an important food crop for over 20% of the Ethiopian population living in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Enset farmers commonly grow combinations of clones in fields, but each clone is grown for its specific use. A large number of enset clones collected from the Sidama, Gurage, Kembata Tembaro and Hadyia zones were assessed for resistance/tolerance to enset bacterial wilt, Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) at the Awassa Agricultural Research Center, Awassa in Ethiopia, during the period 1994 to 2000. In addition, some enset clones that were reported by farmers and researchers as tolerant to Xcm were evaluated during the same period. The objective of the study was to screen field-grown enset clones collected from different zones of southern Ethiopia, for reaction against the wilt. All Xcm inoculated enset clones in each of the experiments developed disease symptoms to various intensity levels during the first 45 days after inoculation. However, several enset clones showed relative tolerance to the disease. The enset clones &apos;Astara&apos;, &apos;Buffare&apos;, &apos;Geziwet 2&apos;, &apos;Gulumo&apos; and &apos;Kullo&apos; showed 100% disease symptoms at 30 days after inoculation and could, hence, be used as susceptible checks in future screening trials. Disease symptoms were observed on &apos;Mezya&apos;, &apos;Hiniba&apos;, &apos;Sorpie&apos; and &apos;Sigezasarum&apos;, between 21 and 75 days after inoculation. However, some plants resumed normal growth at 90 days after inoculation. The enset clones that showed a resistant and/or tolerant reaction to the wilt pathogen should be further evaluated against a large number of Xcm isolates under greenhouse and field conditions.Enset ( Ensete ventricosum Welw. Cheesman) est une importante récolte de nourriture pour plus de 20% de la population éthiopienne qui habite dans le Sud et les parties du Sud-Ouest du pays. Les agriculteurs d&apos;Enset dévéloppent ordinairement des combinaisons de clones dans les champs, mais chaque clone sont grandis pour son usage spécifique. Plusieurs clones d&apos;enset recueilli du Sidama, Gurage, Kembata Tembaro et les zones de Hadyia ont été évalué pour la résistance tolérance à enset bactérien flanche, Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum (Xcm) à l&apos;Awassa le Centre de Recherche Agricole, Awassa dans Ethiopie, pendant la période 1994 à 2000. Par ailleurs, quelque enset clone cela ont été rapporté par les agriculteurs et les chercheurs comme tolérant à Xcm ont été évalué pendant la même période. L&apos;objectif de l&apos;étude était de trier les clones d&apos;enset champ-grandis recueillis des zones différentes du sud d&apos;Ethiopie, pour la réaction contre le flanche. Tout Xcm a vacciné les clones d&apos;enset dans chacune des expériences ont développé les symptômes de maladie aux divers niveaux d&apos;intensité pendant le premier 45 jours après l&apos;inoculation. Cependant, plusieurs enset clone la tolérance relative montrée à la maladie. L&apos;enset clone « Astara », « Buffare », , « Gulumo » et « Kullo » ont montré 100% symptômes de maladie à 30 jours après l&apos;inoculation et peut, donc, est utilisé comme les contrôles susceptibles dans avenir trier les procès. Les symptômes de maladie ont été observés sur « Mezya », « Hiniba », « Sorpie » et « Sigezasarum », entre 21 et 75 jours après l&apos;inoculation. Cependant, quelques plantes ont repris la croissance normale à 90 jours après l&apos;inoculation. L&apos;enset clone a montré la réaction tolérante à un et/ou résistant au flanche le pathogène devrait être plus évalué contre plusieurs Xcm isole sous les conditions de serre et champ

Mechanical transmission and survival of bacterial wilt on enset

The transmission of enset bacterial wilt with contaminated knives and the survival of the causal agent in soil and enset plant debris was studied at the Awassa Agricultural Research Center, Awassa, Ethiopia. Contaminated knives were found to transmit the pathogen from infected to healthy plants. Disease symptoms were recorded within 15 and 21 days after inoculation on plants inoculated at 6 and 12 months after transplanting, respectively. Enset plants inoculated at 24 and 36 months after transplanting showed initial wilt symptoms 30 days after inoculation. Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) isolates were observed to survive in the soil up to 9 days. Thereafter the bacteria population reduced to a level that could not initiate infection. Xcm was also observed to survive in pruned leaf petioles and leaf sheaths for at least 3 months.La transmission d&apos;enset bactérien flanche avec les couteaux contaminés et la survie de l&apos;agent causal dans le sol et de débris de plante d&apos;enset a été études à l&apos;Awassa le Centre de Recherche Agricole, Awassa, Ethiopie. Les couteaux infectés été trouvésdangereux pour transmettre le pathogène de plantes infectés aux plantes saines. Les symptômes de maladie ont été enregistrés dans 15 à 21 jours après l&apos;inoculation sur les plantes vaccinées à 6 et 12 mois après avoir transplanté. Plante d&apos;Enset vacciné à 24 et 36 mois après avoir transplanté amontré les symptômes initiaux 30 jours après l&apos;inoculation. Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) isolé ont été observé vivant dans le sol jusqu&apos;à 9 jours. Par la suite la population de bactéries a réduit à un niveau qui ne pourrait pas causer l&apos;infection. Xcm a été aussi observé pour vivant dans les petioles de feuille élagué et les gaines de feuille pour au moins 3 mois