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The National Eclipse Weather Experiment: an assessment of citizen scientist weather observations
The National Eclipse Weather Experiment (NEWEx) was a citizen science project designed to assess the effects of the 20 March 2015 partial solar eclipse on the weather over the United Kingdom (UK). NEWEx had two principal objectives: to provide a spatial network of meteorological observations across the UK to aid the investigation of eclipse induced weather changes; and to develop a nationwide public engagement activity based participation of citizen scientists. In total NEWEx collected 15606 observations of air temperature, cloudiness, and wind speed and direction from 309 locations across the UK, over a 3 hour window spanning the eclipse period. The headline results were processed in near real-time, immediately published on-line,
and featured in UK national press articles on the day of the eclipse. Here we describe the technical development of NEWEx and how the observations provided by the citizen scientists were analysed. By comparing the results of the NEWEx analyses with results from other investigations of the same eclipse using different observational networks, including measurements from the University of Reading’s Atmospheric Observatory, we demonstrate that NEWEx provided a fair representation of the change in the UK meteorological conditions throughout the eclipse. Despite the simplicity of the approach adopted, robust reductions in both temperature and wind speed during the eclipse were observed
HI asymmetry in the isolated galaxy CIG 85 (UGC 1547)
We present the results from the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
interferometric HI and 20 cm radio continuum observations of CIG 85, an
isolated asymmetric galaxy from the AMIGA (Analysis of the Interstellar Medium
of Isolated GAlaxies) sample. Despite being an isolated galaxy, CIG 85 showed
an appreciable optical and HI spectral asymmetry and therefore was an excellent
candidate for resolved HI studies to understand the reasons giving rise to
asymmetries in isolated galaxies. The galaxy was imaged in HI and 20 cm radio
continuum using the GMRT. For a detailed discussion of the results we also made
use of multi-wavelength data from archival SDSS, GALEX and Halpha imaging. We
find the HI in CIG 85 to have a clumpy, asymmetric distribution which in the NW
part is correlated with optical tail like features, but the HI velocity field
displays a relatively regular rotation pattern. Evaluating all the
observational evidence, we come to a conclusion that CIG 85 is most likely a
case of a disturbed spiral galaxy which now appears to have the morphology of
an irregular galaxy. Although it is currently isolated from major companions,
the observational evidence is consistent with HI asymmetries, a highly
disturbed optical disk and recent increase in star formation having been caused
by a minor merger, remnants of which are now projected in front of the optical
disk. If this is correct, the companion will be fully accreted by CIG 85 in the
near future.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures, accepted in A&
Simulation-driven engineering for the management of harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms
Harmful Algal and Cyanobacterial Blooms (HABs), occurring in inland and
maritime waters, pose threats to natural environments by producing toxins that
affect human and animal health. In the past, HABs have been assessed mainly by
the manual collection and subsequent analysis of water samples and occasionally
by automatic instruments that acquire information from fixed locations. These
procedures do not provide data with the desirable spatial and temporal
resolution to anticipate the formation of HABs. Hence, new tools and
technologies are needed to efficiently detect, characterize and respond to HABs
that threaten water quality. It is essential nowadays when the world's water
supply is under tremendous pressure because of climate change,
overexploitation, and pollution. This paper introduces DEVS-BLOOM, a novel
framework for real-time monitoring and management of HABs. Its purpose is to
support high-performance hazard detection with Model Based Systems Engineering
(MBSE) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) infrastructure for dynamic
environments
Radial HI Profiles at the Periphery of Galactic Disks: The Role of Ionizing Background Radiation
Observations of neutral hydrogen in spiral galaxies reveal a sharp cutoff in
the radial density profile at some distance from the center. Using 22 galaxies
with known HI distributions as an example, we discuss the question of whether
this effect can be associated exclusively with external ionizing radiation, as
is commonly assumed. We show that before the surface density reaches
(the same for
galaxies of different types), it is hard to expect the gas to be fully ionized
by background radiation. For two of 13 galaxies with a sharp drop in the HI
profile, the "steepening" can actually be caused by ionization. At the same
time, for the remaining galaxies, the observed cutoff in the radial HI profile
is closer to the center than if it was a consequence of ionization by
background radiation and, therefore, it should be caused by other factors.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figure
Smooth HI Low Column Density Outskirts In Nearby Galaxies
This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article published in The Astronomical Journal. The Version of Record is available online at https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/aabbaa.The low column density gas at the outskirts of galaxies as traced by the 21 cm hydrogen line emission (H i) represents the interface between galaxies and the intergalactic medium, i.e., where galaxies are believed to get their supply of gas to fuel future episodes of star formation. Photoionization models predict a break in the radial profiles of H i at a column density of ∼5 × 10 19 cm -2 due to the lack of self-shielding against extragalactic ionizing photons. To investigate the prevalence of such breaks in galactic disks and to characterize what determines the potential edge of the H i disks, we study the azimuthally averaged H i column density profiles of 17 nearby galaxies from the H i Nearby Galaxy Survey and supplemented in two cases with published Hydrogen Accretion in LOcal GAlaxieS data. To detect potential faint H i emission that would otherwise be undetected using conventional moment map analysis, we line up individual profiles to the same reference velocity and average them azimuthally to derive stacked radial profiles. To do so, we use model velocity fields created from a simple extrapolation of the rotation curves to align the profiles in velocity at radii beyond the extent probed with the sensitivity of traditional integrated H i maps. With this method, we improve our sensitivity to outer-disk H i emission by up to an order of magnitude. Except for a few disturbed galaxies, none show evidence of a sudden change in the slope of the H i radial profiles: the alleged signature of ionization by the extragalactic background.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio
The physical demands of Super League rugby: Experiences of a newly promoted franchise.
The physical match demands for a newly promoted European Super League (ESL) squad were analysed over a full season using global positioning systems. Players were classified into four positional groups: outside backs (OB), pivots (PIV), middle unit forwards (MUF) and wide running forwards (WRF). MUF covered less total distance (4318 ± 570 m) than WRF (6408 ± 629 m), PIV (6549 ± 853) and OB (7246 ± 333 m) (P 0.05). WRF (36 ± 5) and MUF (35 ± 6) were involved in more collisions than OB (20 ± 3) and PIV (23 ± 3; P < 0.05). The high-speed running and collision demands observed here were greater than that previously reported in the ESL, which may reflect increased demands placed on the lower ranked teams. The present data may be used to inform coaches if training provides the physical stimulus to adequately prepare their players for competition which may be especially pertinent for newly promoted franchises
Novel variants in GNAI3 associated with auriculocondylar syndrome strengthen a common dominant negative effect
Auriculocondylar syndrome is a rare craniofacial disorder comprising core features of micrognathia, condyle dysplasia and question mark ear. Causative variants have been identified in PLCB4, GNAI3 and EDN1, which are predicted to function within the EDN1-EDNRA pathway during early pharyngeal arch patterning. To date, two GNAI3 variants in three families have been reported. Here we report three novel GNAI3 variants, one segregating with affected members in a family previously linked to 1p21.1-q23.3 and two de novo variants in simplex cases. Two variants occur in known functional motifs, the G1 and G4 boxes, and the third variant is one amino acid outside of the G1 box. Structural modeling shows that all five altered GNAI3 residues identified to date cluster in a region involved in GDP/GTP binding. We hypothesize that all GNAI3 variants lead to dominant negative effects.CRANIRAREUniversite Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cite Pole de Recherche et d'Enseignement SuperieurAgence Nationale de la Recherche (project EvoDevoMut)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e Tecnológico (CNPq)National Health and Medical Research Council of AustraliaUniv São Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Genet & Biol Evolut, Ctr Pesquisas Genoma Humano & Celulas Tronco, BR-05508090 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Paris 05, Sorbonne Paris Cite, INSERM, U1163, Paris, FranceUniv São Paulo, HRCA, Dept Clin Genet, Bauru, BrazilUniv Melbourne, Royal Childrens Hosp, Murdoch Childrens Res Inst, Victorian Clin Genet Serv, Melbourne, Vic, AustraliaUniv Melbourne, Dept Paediat, Melbourne, Vic, AustraliaRoyal Childrens Hosp, Dept Plast & Maxillofacial Surg, Melbourne, Vic, AustraliaHosp Sick Children, Dept Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, CanadaUniv São Paulo, Inst Biosci, BR-05508090 São Paulo, BrazilLeiden Univ, Med Ctr, Leiden Genome Technol Ctr, Leiden, NetherlandsUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencia & Tecnol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, BrazilHop Necker Enfants Malad, AP HP, Dept Genet, Paris, FranceUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencia & Tecnol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, BrazilUniversite Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cite Pole de Recherche et d'Enseignement Superieur: SPC/JFG/2013-031National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia: 607431Web of Scienc
Heritage buildings as a contribution to the contemporary city: the relocation of Braga’s District Archive
This paper reflects on the ability to adapt buildings with relevant heritage and historical value to different uses and functions. A case study is presented: The relocation of Braga?s District Archive from the former Archbishop?s Palace in Largo do Paço, a building dating back to the XIVth century confined within the Historical Center?s buffer zone, into a modernist building located in Abade Loureira street, North of the original complex and outside the medieval walled city.
The methodological approach and the processes associated with the intervention are presented according to the analysis of the proposed program, rather than by the formal and symbolic features of the building itself.
Extensive in-situ surveys took place at the two buildings, comparing both the present and the proposed solution. Based on this analysis, the Program?s adequacy is discussed, displaying the advantages and disadvantages of this change and how it may affect the mission of the District Archive
Far from 'the magic of the mall': Retail (Change) in 'other places'
Abstract: A pre-occupation with the ‘new' and a focus on corporate retailers and spaces has led to a lack of consideration of change and issues in secondary or ‘other places' of retail. Using a longitudinal survey methodology, data on retail stock, churn, vacancy and use are considered for one such ‘other place' - Shettleston in Glasgow. The data show complex dimensions and aspects of vulnerability and resilience, compounded by reactions to exogenous retail and other economic and social changes. Far from being ‘seedy, pre-historical backwaters', Shettleston and similar ‘other' places can be vital, local centres playing a variety of useful roles. They require support and attention every bit as much as more high profile town centres and high streets
Medico-legal assessment of personal damage in older people: report from a multidisciplinary consensus conference
Ageing of the global population represents a challenge for national healthcare systems and healthcare professionals, including
medico-legal experts, who assess personal damage in an increasing number of older people. Personal damage evaluation in older
people is complex, and the scarcity of evidence is hindering the development of formal guidelines on the subject. The main
objectives of the first multidisciplinary Consensus Conference on Medico-Legal Assessment of Personal Damage in Older
People were to increase knowledge on the subject and establish standard procedures in this field. The conference, organized
according to the guidelines issued by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), was held in Bologna (Italy) on June 8, 2019
with the support of national scientific societies, professional organizations, and stakeholders. The Scientific Technical Committee
prepared 16 questions on 4 thematic areas: (1) differences in injury outcomes in older people compared to younger people and
their relevance in personal damage assessment; (2) pre-existing status reconstruction and evaluation; (3) medico-legal examination
procedures; (4) multidimensional assessment and scales. The Scientific Secretariat reviewed relevant literature and documents,
rated their quality, and summarized evidence. During conference plenary public sessions, 4 pairs of experts reported on
each thematic area. After the last session, a multidisciplinary Jury Panel (15 members) drafted the consensus statements. The
present report describes Conference methods and results, including a summary of evidence supporting each statement, and areas
requiring further investigation. The methodological recommendations issued during the Conference may be useful in several
contexts of damage assessment, or to other medico-legal evaluation fields
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