The CAMELS data set:Catchment attributes and meteorology for large-sample studies

We present a new data set of attributes for 671 catchments in the contiguous United States (CONUS) minimally impacted by human activities. This complements the daily time series of meteorological forcing and streamflow provided by Newman et al. (2015b). To produce this extension, we synthesized diverse and complementary data sets to describe six main classes of attributes at the catchment scale: Topography, climate, streamflow, land cover, soil, and geology. The spatial variations among basins over the CONUS are discussed and compared using a series of maps. The large number of catchments, combined with the diversity of the attributes we extracted, makes this new data set well suited for large-sample studies and comparative hydrology. In comparison to the similar Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) data set, this data set relies on more recent data, it covers a wider range of attributes, and its catchments are more evenly distributed across the CONUS. This study also involves assessments of the limitations of the source data sets used to compute catchment attributes, as well as detailed descriptions of how the attributes were computed. The hydrometeorological time series provided by Newman et al

Legacy, rather than adequacy, drives the selection of hydrological models

The findings of hydrological modeling studies depend on which model was used. Although hydrological model selection is a crucial step, experience suggests that hydrologists tend to stick to the model they have experience with, and rarely switch to competing models, although these models might be more adequate given the study objectives. To gain quantitative insights into model selection, we explored the use of seven rainfall-runoff models based on the abstract of 1,529 peer-reviewed papers published between 1991 and 2018. The models selected were the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning model (HBV), the Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC), the mesoscale Hydrological model (mHM), the TOPography-based hydrologic model (TOPMODEL), the Precipitation Runoff Modelling System (PRMS), the Génie Rural model à 4 paramètres Journaliers (GR4J), and the Sacramento soil moisture accounting model. We provide quantitative evidence of regional preferences in model use across the world and demonstrate that specific models are consistently preferred by certain institutes. Model attachment is particularly strong. In ~74% of the studies, the model selected can be predicted solely based on the affiliation of the first author. The influence of adequacy on the model selection process is less clear. Our data reveal that each model is used across a wide range of purposes, landscapes, and temporal and spatial scales (i.e., as a model of everything and everywhere). Model intercomparisons can provide guidance for model selection and improve model adequacy, but they are still rare (because each model must usually be setup individually) and the insights they provide are currently limited (because they are rarely controlled experiments). We suggest that moving from fixed-structure models to modular modeling frameworks (master templates for model generation) can overcome these issues, enable a more collaborative and responsive model development environment, and result in improved model adequacy

Déterminants du syndrome de stress post-traumatique et interventions pour y remédier chez les infirmières au retour de mission humanitaire: travail de Bachelor

De nos jours, le domaine de l’humanitaire est confronté à de nouveaux types de conflits et à des catastrophes plus importantes en intensité, en durée et en fréquence. Les infirmières partant en mission humanitaire doivent faire face à de nouveaux défis et à des situations souvent complexes et stressantes qui peuvent engendrer le développement d’un syndrome de stress post-traumatique (PTSD). Les objectifs de ce travail sont d’identifier les déterminants influençant le développement d’un PTSD chez les infirmières au retour de mission humanitaire puis de déterminer quelles en sont les conséquences. Des interventions visant à faciliter l’adaptation des infirmières sont décrites et des recommandations proposées, basées sur une revue de la littérature scientifique. Un cadre conceptuel est proposé afin de déterminer les liens entre les différents déterminants du PTSD dans le cadre humanitaire. Nos recherches ont permis d’identifier le sexe féminin, les antécédents d’événements traumatiques ainsi que la sévérité de l’exposition comme des facteurs de risque majeurs. Une consommation augmentée de tabac et alcool a été observée comme une conséquence des événements vécus sur le terrain. La préparation avant de partir en mission et une communication interne efficace ont été identifiés comme des facteurs protecteurs réduisant l’apparition d’un PTSD. Les données récoltées par cette revue de la littérature ont permis de mettre en évidence plusieurs déterminants jouant un rôle dans le risque de développer un PTSD. Cependant, les différences méthodologiques entre les recherches scientifiques et la complexité des maladies psychiatriques nous obligent à émettre des réserves quant au lien de causalité entre les facteurs de risque identifiés et le développement ou non d’un PTSD dans un cadre humanitaire

Analysis of Criteria for Measuring Project Success in the Construction Industry of Ghana

This study provides analysis of the effect of culture on the construction industry in the developing world focusing on Ghana. The culture exhibited considered the key factors influencing performance measures; the critical performance variables in assessing contractors (construction industry) performance; extent to which each performance measure affect performance outcome correlation; the major challenges contractors in Ghana faced; and extent to which cultural dimensions influence the contractor performance. Research questionnaires where design and administered in five regions of Ghana. Data collected from Six hundred (600) respondents comprising Five hundred (500) workers from construction industries, Seventy-Five (75) contractors, Fifteen (15) consultants and Ten (10) clients. Five hundred experienced staffs across five regions were also interviewed. The mixed method was adopted for the study. Keywords: Culture, Construction Industry, Bribery, Corruption

An Econometric Model of Factors Influencing Households’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Solid Waste Management Service within the Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana

Solid waste disposal, in particular, has become a daunting task for the municipal authorities. This paper presents an assessment of household's willingness to pay for improved solid waste management service. The paper engaged household's that demand the services of Solid Waste Management (SWM) within Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis. Data for the study were collected through survey of households living at the Effiakuma estates. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to respondents to gather information on their willingness to pay and the amount they were willing to pay for an improved service. In this study, contingent valuation method (CVM) was used as a method of valuation. Probit and Tobit models were used in the empirical analysis to determine the factors that influence WTP and MWTP of households for improved SWM respectively. The outcome of the study shows that, environmental awareness, occupation, income, perception and house ownership significantly determined households willingness to pay for an improved SWM service. The paper recommends that government should create more employment opportunities so that people can earn regular income. In addition government and various stake holders should make efforts towards improving residents' income as willingness to pay relates positively to income.  More so, educational programs about the dangers of waste in our communities should be organized by various organizations in a quest to increase environmental awareness so as to increase the WTP for improved environmental quality in general and improved solid waste management in particular. Last but not least, the policy frameworks which have been set aside by government for service providers or companies must be given a strict enforcement. Keywords: Solid Waste Management, Willingness to pay, Contingent valuation method, Probit and Tobit model, Marginal effect, Sekondi – Takoradi  and Effiakuma Estate

Screening for foetal malformations: performance of routine ultrasonography in the population of the Swiss Canton of Vaud.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity of ultrasonography in screening for foetal malformations in the pregnant women of the Swiss Canton of Vaud. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study over a period of five years. METHOD: We focused our study on 512 major or minor clinically relevant malformations detectable by ultrasonography. We analysed the global sensitivity of the screening and compared the performance of the tertiary centre with that of practitioners working in private practice or regional hospitals. RESULTS: Among the 512 malformations, 181 (35%) involved the renal and urinary tract system, 137 (27%) the heart, 71 (14%) the central nervous system, 50 (10%) the digestive system, 42 (8%) the face and 31 (6%) the limbs. Global sensitivity was 54.5%. The lowest detection rate was observed for cardiac anomalies, with only 23% correct diagnoses. The tertiary centre achieved a 75% detection rate in its outpatient clinic and 83% in referred patients. Outside the referral centre, the diagnostic rate attained 47%. CONCLUSIONS: Routine foetal examination by ultrasonography in a low-risk population can detect foetal structural abnormalities. Apart from the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities, the results in the Canton of Vaud are satisfactory and justify routine screening for malformations in a low-risk population. A prerequisite is continuing improvement in the skills of ultrasonographers through medical education

Escuela de comercio, en Ginebra

This school, with a volume of nearly 80.000 m3 involves three main blocks that are quite separate. One houses the schoolrooms, another the special lecture rooms, and offices, and the third the gymnasium. Finally there is an auditorium for 600 persons, a cafeteria, parking space and other facilities.Esta escuela, con un volumen de cerca de 80.000 m3 presenta tres cuerpos principales de edificación claramente diferenciados: el de las aulas normales; el de las clases especiales y la administración; y los gimnasios. El conjunto construido está dotado, asimismo, de un auditorio para 600 personas, cafetería, aparcamientos, etc