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Piezoelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is extensively used as sensor and actuator devices owing their excellent piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. However, the melting point of PVDF is relatively low and the service temperature of PVDF is up to 100°C. This restricts the use of PVDF in high temperature applications. This can be improved by adding appropriate fillers to the PVDF. In the present study, a composite of PVDF-Onium salt was developed and characterized to improve the thermal efficiency of PVDF for high temperature applications. In order to investigate the presence of β-phase, which is necessary for sensor applications, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman and infrared spectra, and dielectric test were used to characterize PVDF-Onium salt composite films made using the solvent cast method. The melting point of PVDF-Onium salt composite was found to be higher (175°C) as compared to the PVDF polymer alone (168.2°C) which has been discussed in detail. The PVDF-Onium salt composite sensors were further tested for dynamic strain sensing application for the first time. The modes of cantilever beam vibrations and the impact loading effects were recorded in order to assess the performance of these sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FORESEE is an open access, climatological database for Central Europe containing observed and projected meteorological data for the 1951–2100 period. As a climate service, FORESEE disseminates basic meteorological variables at a daily time step with a 0.1° × 0.1° spatial resolution including maximum/minimum temperature, precipitation, incoming shortwave solar radiation and daylight vapour pressure deficit. The future climate in FORESEE v4.0 and FORESEE-HUN v1.0 is projected by 14 regional climate models from the EURO-CORDEX database using the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Based on RCP4.5 the country-specific results indicate similar projected mean changes in annual mean temperature (1.5–1.7 °C) but considerable differences in precipitation (from −1.6 to 6.9%) in the region for 2071–2100 relative to 1991–2020. We present two case studies to demonstrate the applicability of FORESEE in climate change impact studies using the ensemble approach. Climate change induced negative weather effect (15.4% and 28.9% mean loss for 2071–2100 according to RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) might dominate the future winter wheat yields in Hungary that is superimposed to the overall trend determined by other factors. The projections provide consistent results about the mean advance in the start of the growing season for forests in Hungary up to 2100 with ensemble mean of 9.1 days (RCP4.5) and 19.8 days (RCP8.5). We also demonstrate that the representative model selection method might lead to misleading results in impact studies that should be considered. The updated FORESEE is a way forward in the dissemination of policy-relevant essential climate data in Central Europe.

Worldwide, ecosystems are suffering important taxonomic and functional modifications in response to anthropogenic disturbances, operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Awareness on biodiversity losses has led to the adoption of conservation policies and the development of programs devoted to the conservation and the restoration of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The assessment of the ecological health of ecosystems requires measuring and characterizing restoration or degradation dynamics and their consequences on the ecological quality with respect to reference conditions defined pragmatically as conservation targets. Methodological innovations, in terms of data collection, analysis, and visualization, have an important influence on the ability of ecologists to understand biodiversity changes. The assessment of the quality of ecosystems with respect to reference conditions requires to address, notably, three main challenges: the definition of reference conditions, the assessment of the degree of achievement of conservation objectives, and the qualitative and quantitative characterization of recovering and departing patterns. We propose here the ecological quality assessment (EQA) framework as a data‐driven approach to track ecological quality focusing on the distance of the tested stations with respect to a chosen reference envelope using fuzzy logic and trajectory analysis. We take advantage of those analytical tools to propose a general and flexible multivariate framework by quantifying the achievement of reference conditions, measuring restoration and degradation dynamics when temporal series are available, and representing and synthesizing this information. To take into account the natural spatiotemporal variability of sites considered as reference, we gave two variants to our framework: a state‐based variant when no temporal replications are available and a trajectory‐based variant specially devoted to compare whole trajectories to a trajectory reference envelope defined by a set of reference trajectories. These two complementary approaches were illustrated through two terrestrial and marine ecological applications using the R package "ecotraj" in order to evidence ecological observations that meet conservation objectives from those that do not meet them. EQA constitutes a flexible framework for the assessment and reporting of ecosystem quality, including restoration and degradation dynamics adaptable to multiple questions in the different fields of ecology and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of times children change schools, or student mobility, is associated with multiple adverse outcomes across the life span. This study used administrative data from the Western Australian Department of Education for public primary school students who completed Year 6 between 2016 and 2019 to examine potential associations between student mobility and academic (using National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy [NAPLAN] participation and scores) and behaviour outcomes (measured through school suspensions). The odds of participating (vs. not participating) in NAPLAN were significantly lower for students with high mobility. High mobility students also achieved significantly lower scores, on average, on NAPLAN literacy and numeracy at Year 3 and Year 5 compared with low mobility students. However, there was no evidence of an association between student mobility and school suspensions. These findings highlight the need for action to address substantial academic detriment for mobile students, many of whom are likely to be from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Furthermore, current policies to address academic disadvantage are likely to exclude those students at substantial academic risk and require revision to be appropriately triaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Worldwide, ecosystems are suffering important taxonomic and functional modifications in response to anthropogenic disturbances, operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Awareness on biodiversity losses has led to the adoption of conservation policies and the development of programs devoted to the conservation and the restoration of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The assessment of the ecological health of ecosystems requires measuring and characterizing restoration or degradation dynamics and their consequences on the ecological quality with respect to reference conditions defined pragmatically as conservation targets. Methodological innovations, in terms of data collection, analysis, and visualization, have an important influence on the ability of ecologists to understand biodiversity changes. The assessment of the quality of ecosystems with respect to reference conditions requires to address, notably, three main challenges: the definition of reference conditions, the assessment of the degree of achievement of conservation objectives, and the qualitative and quantitative characterization of recovering and departing patterns. We propose here the ecological quality assessment (EQA) framework as a data‐driven approach to track ecological quality focusing on the distance of the tested stations with respect to a chosen reference envelope using fuzzy logic and trajectory analysis. We take advantage of those analytical tools to propose a general and flexible multivariate framework by quantifying the achievement of reference conditions, measuring restoration and degradation dynamics when temporal series are available, and representing and synthesizing this information. To take into account the natural spatiotemporal variability of sites considered as reference, we gave two variants to our framework: a state‐based variant when no temporal replications are available and a trajectory‐based variant specially devoted to compare whole trajectories to a trajectory reference envelope defined by a set of reference trajectories. These two complementary approaches were illustrated through two terrestrial and marine ecological applications using the R package “ecotraj” in order to evidence ecological observations that meet conservation objectives from those that do not meet them. EQA constitutes a flexible framework for the assessment and reporting of ecosystem quality, including restoration and degradation dynamics adaptable to multiple questions in the different fields of ecology and conservation.

The deep-sea mining industry is currently at a point where large-sale, commercial polymetallic nodule exploitation is becoming a more realistic scenario. At the same time, certain aspects such as the spatiotemporal scale of impacts, sediment plume dispersion and the disturbance-related biological responses remain highly uncertain. In this paper, findings from a small-scale seabed disturbance experiment in the German contract area (Clarion-Clipperton Zone, CCZ) are described, with a focus on the soft-sediment ecosystem component. Despite the limited spatial scale of the induced disturbance on the seafloor, this experiment allowed us to evaluate how short-term (< 1 month) soft-sediment changes can be assessed based on sediment characteristics (grain size, nutrients and pigments) and metazoan meiofaunal communities (morphological and metabarcoding analyses). Furthermore, we show how benthic measurements can be combined with numerical modelling of sediment transport to enhance our understanding of meiofaunal responses to increased sedimentation levels. The lessons learned within this study highlight the major issues of current deep-sea mining-related ecological research such as deficient baseline knowledge, unrepresentative impact intensity of mining simulations and challenges associated with sampling trade-offs (e.g., replication). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most studies evaluating the effect of Xpert MTB/RIF testing for tuberculosis (TB) concluded that it did not reduce overall mortality compared to usual care. We conducted a systematic review to assess whether key study design and execution features contributed to earlier identification of patients with TB and decreased pre-treatment loss to follow-up, thereby reducing the potential impact of Xpert MTB/RIF testing. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Scopus for literature published from 1 st January 2009 to February 2019. We included all primary intervention studies that had evaluated the effect of Xpert MTB/RIF on mortality compared to usual care in participants with presumptive pulmonary TB. We critically reviewed features of included studies across: Study setting and context, Study population, Participant recruitment and enrolment, Study procedures, and Study follow-up. Results: We included seven randomised and one non-randomised study.  All included studies demonstrated relative reductions in overall mortality in the Xpert MTB/RIF arm ranging from 6% to 40%. However, mortality reduction was reported to be statistically significant in two studies. Study features that could explain the lack of observed effect on mortality included: the higher quality of care at study sites; inclusion of patients with a higher pre-test probability of TB leading to higher than expected empirical rates; performance of additional diagnostic testing not done in usual care leading to increased TB diagnosis or empiric treatment initiation; the recruitment of participants likely to return for follow-up; and involvement of study staff in ensuring adherence with care and follow-up. Conclusion: Most studies of Xpert MTB/RIF were designed and conducted in a manner that resulted in more patients being diagnosed and treated for TB, minimising the potential difference in mortality Xpert MTB/RIF testing could have achieved compared to usual care.

Ocean monitoring and forecasting systems combine information from ocean observations and numerical models through advanced data assimilation techniques. They are essential to monitor and report on past, present and future oceanic conditions. However, given the continuous development of oceanic models and data assimilation techniques in addition to the increased diversity of assimilated platforms, it becomes more and more difficult to establish how information from observations is used, and to determine the utility and relevance of a change of the global ocean observing system on ocean analyses. Here, a series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSE), which consist in simulating synthetic observations from a realistic simulation to be subsequently assimilated in an experimental analysis system, was performed. An original multiscale approach is then used to investigate (i) the impact of various observing system components by distinguishing between satellites and in situ (Argo floats and tropical moorings), and (ii) the impact of recommended changes in observing systems, in particular the impact of Argo floats doubling and enhancements of tropical moorings, on the fidelity of ocean analyses. This multiscale approach is key to better understand how observing system components, with their distinct sampling characteristics, help to constrain physical processes. The study demonstrates the ability of the analysis system to represent 40-80% of the temperature variance at mesoscale (20-30% for salinity), and more than 80% for larger scales. Satellite information, mostly through altimetric data, strongly constrains mesoscale variability, while the impact of in situ temperature and salinity profiles are essential to constrain large scale variability. It is also shown that future enhancements of Argo and tropical mooring arrays observations will likely be beneficial to ocean analyses at both intermediate and large scales, with a higher impact for salinity-related quantities. This work provides a better understanding on the respective role of major satellite and in situ observing system components in the integrated ocean observing system.

Piezoelectric polymer Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is extensively used as sensor and actuator devices because of their excellent piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. The melting point of PVDF, however is relatively low and the service temperature of PVDF is up to 100oC. This restricts the use of PVDF in high temperature applications. This can be improved by adding appropriate fillers to the PVDF. In the present study, a composite of PVDF-Onium salt has been developed and characterized to improve the thermal efficiency of PVDF for high temperature applications. Poly (vinylidene fluoride)-Onium salt composite films have been developed using the solvent cast method and characterized for structural, surface and electrical properties to investigate the presence of β-phase (required for sensor applications) through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter, Raman and Infrared spectra, and dielectric properties. The melting point of PVDF-Onium salt composite was found to be higher (175°C) as compared to the PVDF polymer alone (168.2°C) which has been discussed in detail. The PVDF-Onium salt composite sensors were further tested for dynamic strain sensing application for the first time. The performance of these sensors was evaluated by recording the vibration modes of the cantilever beam and resulting from impact loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the viability and impact of out-of-town shopping centres is of equal importance for property developers, retailers, and city planners. In the current study, we aim to model and predict behavioural loyalty (operationalised as relative shopping frequencies, RSF) for an existing out-of-town shopping centre. Two separate sets of quantile regression models, one consisting of demographic independents and the other behavioural independents, were constructed. Two datasets, sampled in 2006 and 2011, enabled evaluation of the predictive power of our models and independents. To compare the performance of our explanatory variables over time, models with interaction were used. The results indicate that in the short-run (5–15 years), forecasts based on the current retail provision and consumer demographics together with information on proposed retail agglomerations in the area are likely to give sufficient information about the future viability of a shopping centre.

One of the main areas of interest of communication studies is that children, who are the most innocent consumers of the media, are affected by the media messages. Despite the presence of television content that appeals to children, the fact that children can also access media content for adults causes this situation to be handled within the framework of more concern. Adult content can be quite dangerous for children who accept the visuals they watch without questioning them without filtering the reality. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the projections of the COVID-19 epidemic process in the minds of children, which emerged in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, affected the whole world in a short time and caused the declaration of a global epidemic on March 11,2020. The pictures made by the children were analyzed within the framework of the prominent themes. The most important result of the study is that the pictures made by the most of 112 children (110) were shaped around negative themes. In addition, it was observed that 39.2% of the children portrayed the virus subject as the most prominent element, and it was observed that the longing for play and social life were among the prominent themes. Another important result obtained in the study is that some of the prominent themes differ according to the gender of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) that predict the absolute risk of a clinical condition or future outcome for individual patients are abundant in the medical literature; however, systematic reviews have demonstrated shortcomings in the methodological quality and reporting of prediction studies. To maximise the potential and clinical usefulness of CPRs, they must be rigorously developed and validated, and their impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes must be evaluated. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the stages involved in the development, validation and evaluation of CPRs, and to describe in detail the methodological standards required at each stage, illustrated with examples where appropriate. Important features of the study design, statistical analysis, modelling strategy, data collection, performance assessment, CPR presentation and reporting are discussed, in addition to other, often overlooked aspects such as the acceptability, cost-effectiveness and longer-term implementation of CPRs, and their comparison with clinical judgement. Although the development and evaluation of a robust, clinically useful CPR is anything but straightforward, adherence to the plethora of methodological standards, recommendations and frameworks at each stage will assist in the development of a rigorous CPR that has the potential to contribute usefully to clinical practice and decision-making and have a positive impact on patient care.

Penetration of renewable energy based distributed generators into power networks is limited. This is due to several reasons such as intermittency of the generation, low-inertia during disturbances and high variation of local voltage and frequency. Traditionally, distribution networks are designed for a finite voltage drop with distance from feeder connection. When PV panels are deployed at households, their impact on the local voltage profile becomes very substantial. Especially, when there is high solar radiation, generated power increases and the local voltage exceeds the permittable limits. Smart inverters are introduced to tackle this problem. Unlike other inverters, they can follow the local network measurements and provide auxiliary voltage and frequency support. With these features, smart inverters have the ability to push the renewable energy penetration level further. To investigate this phenomenon, custom smart inverter models are developed. Power flow calculation steps are modified to include smart inverter's active inputs. Then, feeder hosting capacity studies were run with conventional and smart inverters to investigate the improvement. Developed models, modified power flow algorithm and results of simulations are reported. Findings show renewable energy share can be increased in networks with smart inverter deployments only, without making substantial changes to rest of the network.

In this work we propose an approach for selecting a subset of regional climate models that have a reasonable skill in simulating the past climate and represent changes in average and extreme climatic conditions well. After that, it is carried out a post-processing of the selected models based on quantile mapping correction. The selection of a subset of climate models is a crucial step when conducting climate change impact studies. Performaces of the proposed approach have been evaluated considering as a case study the evaluation of thermal discomfort for the city of Prato located in Italy. The climatic parameter adopted for the evaluation of the thermal discomfort due to high temperatures is the humidex index. For this specific test case, the approach defined and used to select an appropriate subset of EURO-CORDEX climate models to evaluate changes in the trend of humidex index and the related uncertainty, proved to be valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of extreme precipitation based on modern climate models suffer from large uncertainties. Specifically, unresolved physics and natural variability limit the ability of climate models to provide actionable information on impacts and risks at the regional, watershed and city scales relevant for practical applications. Here, we show that the interaction of precipitating systems with local features can constrain the statistical description of extreme precipitation. These observational constraints can be used to project local extremes of low yearly exceedance probability (e.g., 100‐year events) using synoptic‐scale information from climate models, which is generally represented more accurately than the local scales, and without requiring climate models to explicitly resolve extremes. The novel approach, demonstrated here over the south‐eastern Mediterranean, offers a path for improving the predictability of local statistics of extremes in a changing climate, independent of pending improvements in climate models at regional and local scales. Plain Language Summary: Climate change impact studies are currently restrained by the limited accuracy of climate models in resolving precipitation extremes, by the computational power required to run high‐resolution models, and by the uncertainties characterizing their analysis. Here, we present a novel approach which permits to project extreme precipitation for future climatic scenarios based on the combination of coarse‐scale information from climate models with local observations. Focusing on the south‐eastern Mediterranean, we provide projections of precipitation extremes which could not yet be derived using traditional methods, such as the events occurring on average once in 100 years. The combined effect of changes in intensity and occurrence of two dominant synoptic systems is projected to increase the intensity of the 100‐year events in the coast and in the desert areas of the region and to decrease it elsewhere. The novel approach offers a path for improving the predictability of extremes in a changing climate, independent of pending improvements in climate models. Key Points: Local observations can be used to constrain the intensity distribution of precipitation events associated with different synoptic systemsThe constraints allow projecting extreme return levels at scales relevant for impact studies from synoptic information from climate modelsThe approach improves the predictability of local extremes, independent of improvements in climate models at regional and local scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address the issue of classified facilities and the problems they cause, as well as their impact on the urban environment at the urban level in Algeria. These facilities have caused many problems in terms of pollution of all kinds, at the level of the urban perimeter of the city, especially of the visual and auditory kind. Facilities of the first and second class are considered to be the most dangerous (factories, fuel pumping stations). However, harassment and annoyance are found at the level of urban agglomerations in which the facilities classified as category three and four (Technical blacksmithing, Carpentry) distributed in an irregular manner, which caused a distortion in the aesthetics of the city. Therefore, the study of the city of M'sila was addressed due to the accelerated spread of the third and fourth categories of classified facilities, and this amid its urban surroundings. These facilities emerged in such a chaotic manner that they are not subject to the laws of configuration and there is no clear study to determine how they exist in terms of number, distribution and spread within the city. In addition to that, the illegal transgressions of the exploiter (the artisan) by displaying his work on the pavement and obstructing the movement of pedestrians, and the dangers arising from the classified facilities by placing the work equipment near dwellings, although several new laws have been issued stipulating how to deal with this type of facilities, such as Law 03-10 of 19-07-2003 on environmental protection in the framework of sustainable development, and the last decree 06-198 of 31-05-2006, which regulates the regulation applied to institutions classified to protect the environment, Executive Decree 07-145 of 19-05-2007, which defines the scope of application, the content and the means to validate a study of the impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]