SPATIAL AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ALGORITHMS FOR DERIVING IN-WATER PROPERTIES FROM OCEAN COLOUR

The on-going calibration and validation of visible satellite imagery remains a core activity of the scientific community in pursuit of high quality data characterising the oceanic chlorophyll field, providing input to models assessing primary productivity and the potential role of the oceans in climatic regulation. This work serves to examine the operational characteristics of semi-analytical algorithms that are designed to derive key optical properties from space born observations of ocean colour. The collection of water samples contemporaneously with precision profiled radiometry conforming to similar spectral bands to those of the NASA Sea Viewing Wide Field of view Sensor (SeaWiFS) was planned and executed, with appropriate field sampling techniques developed in accordance with the SeaWiFS Ocean Optics protocols (Mueller and Austin, 1995). Data were collected during extensive fieldwork sampling at a near coastal survey site and during two deep Atlantic research programmes. Historical and recently developed algorithms designed to retrieve the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490nm and chlorophyll-a pigment concentrations from upwelling radiances were applied to the optical data, to compare the mathematically retrieved in-water properties with the values measured in-situ. The radiometric data were then used to generate general and local algorithm modifications to assess possible differences in the mathematically retrieved values. Statistical analyses of the errors in mathematical retrieval of in-water properties identified stmctured variability resulting from the empirical approach to algorithm generation, supporting the point of view that locally constrained algorithms provide a method of achieving significantly improved results. The problems associated with the derivation of semi-analytical algorithms are then discussed and errors analysed. The new algorithms generated here are found to compare well with their source data and with work by other investigators. Systematic variability was found within the data sets and the affect this has on the determinations is discussed. It is suggested that data users be afforded details of the equations employed in the production of readily available remote sensing products, placing them in a position where they are better able to assess the data in the context of their work.Natural Environment Research Council Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences Plymouth Marine Laboratory Prospect Place West Hoe Plymouth Devon UK PL4 3D

Impacts of Increased Atmospheric CO2 on Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems

Lead Partner: National University of Ireland Galway. Project Partner: Marine InstituteOcean pH is a function of the seawater carbonate system, which is a function of both the influx of CO2 from the atmosphere and the resulting concentration of CO2 in the water (i.e. pCO2). Uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is reducing ocean pH; a phenomenon referred to as ocean acidification. It is estimated that there has been a decrease of 0.1 pH units in the surface waters of the world’s oceans since the start of the industrial revolution with a reduction of 0.3 – 0.5 forecast by 2100. There is growing concern over the potential consequences of ocean acidification for marine ecosystems and the services they provide for mankind. This project was aimed at enabling the capability and developing the expertise within Ireland to measure and quantify the flux of CO2 into (or out of) the ocean; to monitor seasonal trends in pCO2 and CO2 fluxes; to determine the current baseline state and variability of the carbonate system; and to evaluate the potential impact of future changes on ecosystems with the ultimate aim of contributing to more informed policy development.This project (Grant-Aid Agreement No. SS/CC/07/001(01)) was carried out under the Sea Change strategy with the support of the Marine Institute and the Marine Research Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan 2007–2013. Support was also provided by NUI Galway College Fellowship and by the EPA Fellowship 2006-PhD-AQ-2.Funder: Marine Institut

Mean sea level and tidal change in Ireland since 1842: a case study of Cork

Knowledge of regional changes in mean sea level and local changes in tides are crucial to inform effective climate adaptation. An essential element is the availability of accurate observations of sea level. Sea level data in the Republic of Ireland, prior to the establishment of the National Tide Gauge Network in the mid-2000s, are limited but belie a wealth of historical data available in archival form. In this study, we digitize records located in Cork Harbour, Ireland, from 1842 and show how short-duration (6–8 weeks), high-quality data with a large interval to the present can accurately inform tidal and mean sea level changes. We consider error sources in detail. We estimate for the main M2 tidal constituent that the accuracy of these historical measurements is 1 % and 2 min for amplitude and phase, respectively, once adjustments for seasonal and nodal effects are made. Our mean sea level estimates are accurate to the 2 cm level, once adjustments for atmospheric and seasonal effects are made. Our results show tidal stability with a 2 % change in the amplitude of the M2 component, 4 min change in the phase over a period of 177 years, and mean sea level rise of 40 cm in the Cork Harbour area from 1842 to 2019, approximately in line with global mean sea level trends plus local glacial isostatic adjustment. More broadly, we show that with careful seasonal, nodal, and atmospheric corrections, together with knowledge of benchmark provenance, these historic, survey-oriented data can accurately inform of sea level changes

Calculating clinically significant change: applications of the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale to evaluate client outcomes in private practice

The Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale is a therapist-rated measure of client outcome that has been widely used within the research literature. The current study aimed to develop reliable and clinically significant change indices for the CGI, and to demonstrate its application in private psychological practice. Following the guidelines developed by Clement, a file review was conducted of the authors' first six years working in private practice. A reliable change on the CGI required the participants score to change by 2-points. Depending on the method used to calculate the clinical change indices, between 23% and 50% of the total participants demonstrated reliable and clinical significant improvement. The CGI proved to be a useful tool to retrospectively evaluate clinical outcomes in private practice

The way forward: report on the preparatory phase of prefabricated building design and construction methodology: identifying critical issues and recommending the way forward

This is an initial report of the PolyU SD part of the team to study Pre-fabricated Building Design and Construction Methodology and marks the completion of Phase 1. It follows our first notes prepared for the meeting on 2 February that identified some critical issues including future lifestyles, life expectancy of buildings, sustainability, size, flexibility and planning considerations. It is also an expansion of our presentation in Dongguan on 23 February. It is not a comprehensive survey of existing approaches or possible ways forward, but it has homed in on certain specific issues and does give specific examples to make the suggestions concrete. It is recommended that more comprehensive research be done to establish previous work and experience internationally. It is also recommended that more research be done on lifestyles as a preliminary to developing at least three concepts for evaluation before proceeding to the detailed design of one concept for full prototyping and market testing. The goal at this point is not to define a single direction but to suggest several future trajectories for further consideration. By the same token, this report is not intended as an exhaustive description of the considerable base of knowledge and ideas brought by the PolyU team to this exciting task. Before taking on an issue of this magnitude and importance in the definition of Hong Kong's future, one must carry out a thoughtful analysis of the issues at hand and an informed definition of paradigms, directions, goals and methods whereby our energies can be best used in the next steps. This report is the result of this analysi

The way forward : report on the preparatory phase of prefabricated building design and construction methodology: identifying critical issues and recommending the way forward

This is an initial report of the PolyU SD part of the team to study Pre-fabricated Building Design and Construction Methodology and marks the completion of Phase 1. It follows our first notes prepared for the meeting on 2 February that identified some critical issues including future lifestyles, life expectancy of buildings, sustainability, size, flexibility and planning considerations. It is also an expansion of our presentation in Dongguan on 23 February.\ud It is not a comprehensive survey of existing approaches or possible ways forward, but it has homed in on certain specific issues and does give specific examples to make the suggestions concrete. It is recommended that more comprehensive research be done to establish previous work and experience internationally. It is also recommended that more research be done on lifestyles as a preliminary to developing at least three concepts for evaluation before proceeding to the detailed design of one concept for full prototyping and market testing.\ud The goal at this point is not to define a single direction but to suggest several future trajectories for further consideration.\ud By the same token, this report is not intended as an exhaustive description of the considerable base of knowledge and ideas brought by the PolyU team to this exciting task. Before taking on an issue of this magnitude and importance in the definition of Hong Kong's future, one must carry out a thoughtful analysis of the issues at hand and an informed definition of paradigms, directions, goals and methods whereby our energies can be best used in the next steps. This report is the result of this analysi

Remote Sensing of Shelf Sea Ecosystems - State of the Art and Perspectives

In 2005 the Marine Board - ESF established a Working Group (consisting of nominated experts) on remote sensing of shelf sea ecosystems, with a remit to review the state of the art and to make recommendations about research priorities and organisational changes needed to advance the application of scientific knowledge in this subject area. The context for the study is the increasingly urgent requirement for regular monitoring of shelf sea ecosystems in order to meet international treaty obligations for protecting the health status of European coastal waters, allied with a recognition that the contribution of ocean colour remote sensing to this operational task has been slow to develop when compared with the benefits of other satellite oceanography techniques in monitoring physical ocean properties. The report is written to inform those responsible for planning and funding marine science, remote sensing technology and the Earth Observation (EO) space programme, especially in relation to the development of operational oceanography capacity and capability in Europe. At the same time, the report aims to highlight to marine and optical scientists the intellectually challenging problems in this field which still need to be solved.JRC.H.3-Global environement monitorin

Evaluation of a culture change program to reduce unprofessional behaviours by hospital co-workers in Australian hospitals

Abstract Background Unprofessional behaviours between healthcare workers are highly prevalent. Evaluations of large-scale culture change programs are rare resulting in limited evidence of intervention effectiveness. We conducted a multi-method evaluation of a professional accountability and culture change program “Ethos” implemented across eight Australian hospitals. The Ethos program incorporates training for staff in speaking-up; an online system for reporting co-worker behaviours; and a tiered accountability pathway, including peer-messengers who deliver feedback to staff for ‘reflection’ or ‘recognition’. Here we report the final evaluation component which aimed to measure changes in the prevalence of unprofessional behaviours before and after Ethos. Methods A survey of staff (clinical and non-clinical) experiences of 26 unprofessional behaviours across five hospitals at baseline before (2018) and 2.5–3 years after (2021/2022) Ethos implementation. Five of the 26 behaviours were classified as ‘extreme’ (e.g., assault) and 21 as incivility/bullying (e.g., being spoken to rudely). Our analysis assessed changes in four dimensions: work-related bullying; person-related bullying; physical bullying and sexual harassment. Change in experience of incivility/bullying was compared using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Change in extreme behaviours was assessed using multivariable binary logistic regression. All models were adjusted for respondent characteristics. Results In total, 3975 surveys were completed. Staff reporting frequent incivility/bullying significantly declined from 41.7% (n = 1064; 95% CI 39.7,43.9) at baseline to 35.5% (n = 505; 95% CI 32.8,38.3; χ2(1) = 14.3; P < 0.001) post-Ethos. The odds of experiencing incivility/bullying declined by 24% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.66,0.87; P < 0.001) and odds of experiencing extreme behaviours by 32% (aOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54,0.85; P < 0.001) following Ethos. All four dimensions showed a reduction of 32–41% in prevalence post-Ethos. Non-clinical staff reported the greatest decrease in their experience of unprofessional behaviour (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.29, 0.61). Staff attitudes and reported skills to speak-up were significantly more positive at follow-up. Awareness of the program was high (82.1%; 95% CI 80.0, 84.0%); 33% of respondents had sent or received an Ethos message. Conclusion The Ethos program was associated with significant reductions in the prevalence of reported unprofessional behaviours and improved capacity of hospital staff to speak-up. These results add to evidence that staff will actively engage with a system that supports informal feedback to co-workers about their behaviours and is facilitated by trained peer messengers