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Anthropogenic sediment traps and network dislocation in a lowland UK river
Get PDFFarm ponds, reservoirs and in-stream weirs exist in most lowland UK river catchments and often dominate over natural features such as lakes, wetlands, floodplains and debris dams. Artificial structures have served multiple purposes, including provision of power for historic flour milling and iron ore crushing and provision of water for medieval fishponds, canals, crop irrigation and potable supply. Although unintentional, they can significantly affect longitudinal connectivity, including sediment delivery pathways, through river catchments. We report results from three spatially nested case studies that were undertaken in the Rother catchment ranging in scale from small farm ponds of a few square metres in area, to larger in-stream weirs and reservoirs (locally called ponds). Reservoirs typically trap sediment, decreasing sediment availability downstream, while inducing valley sediment accumulation upstream. We focus on the quantity and particle size characteristics of sediment trapped behind these structures compared to catchment soils and to sediments that are transported through, and deposited in, ‘natural’ gravel-bed reaches. At all scales our results demonstrate that sediment trapping and release is particle size specific. Fine to coarse sands (125 μm to 2 mm diameter) and coarser sediments are retained behind structures at all scales while silts and clays (63 μm) sediment is a priority for management
Associations between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiac troponin T levels: a meta-analysis
Get PDFCardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a sensitive indicator of heart damage and an important clinical marker for acute myocardial infarction (MI). The recent development of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay allows a more accurate diagnosis of serum cTnT level. There appears to be an association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and changes in serum cTnT level. However, existing research shows mixed results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between cTnT level and OSA. The Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched without a lower time limit and until April 2020. In order to perform the meta-analysis, the heterogeneity of articles was examined using the I2 test, and subsequently a random effects model was applied. Data analysis was performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2). Six studies comprising of 1689 cases and 2171 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The odds ratio of cTnT level in patients with OSA is 1.25 (95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.61), indicating that OSA patients have 25% higher odds to develop cTnT level than people without OSA. Our study showed that OSA is associated with higher serum hs-cTnT level compared to individuals with no OSA. Given that elevated cTnT level can indicate cardiovascular disease, these individuals should be prioritized for screening, early detection and swift interventions. Further studies are needed to determine the causality of this association
The impact of Islamic events on herding behaviour in Saudi Arabian equities market
Get PDFUsing data from Saudi Arabia, a strictly religious society, we examine how Islamic events (i.e., Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and Ashoura) moderate the impact of social mood (positive and negative) on herding in the stock market. We use the cross-sectional absolute deviation (CSAD) of returns and find that investors' mood during Islamic events of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and Ashoura significantly affects herding behaviour in the market. Our results, however, contrast with existing evidence of herding in the month of Ramadan. Overall, results are robust after controlling for market conditions (i.e., domestic and US market returns, liquidity, sentiments, and oil price volatility) and crisis events (i.e., global financial crisis and Arab Spring). Though most prior research investigates the impact of individual Islamic events on stocks as seasonal anomalies, our study contributes by jointly exploring how four key Islamic events, associated with contrasting moods, induce diverse herding patterns in the Saudi stock market
Modelling the effects of volcanic ash on the strength and likely collapse of concrete roofs: implications for EU Building Code EN1991
Get PDFExplosive volcanic eruptions are risk to human population, buildings, and infrastructure. One consequence of volcanic ash in the built environment, as seen graphically during the recent (2021) St. Vincent and La Palma eruptions, is that it collects on roofs, sometimes overtopping the host building completely. If enough ash collects then the weight on the roof can cause collapse, damaging the structure and endanger people. While it is known that snow loading of roofs is a hazard and is regulated for in EN 1991 Eurocode 1, no guidance currently exists in the Eurocodes for volcanic ash deposition, although during prolonged eruptions loading impact from ash can exceed structural guidelines and recommended safety criteria for exceptional snow loads. One of the main reasons for lack of including is data availability. For snow load calculations the Eurocodes can draw on approximately 2600 weather station that are constantly monitored. Volcanic eruptions are significantly less frequent. To remedy this, we present a computer-based mathematical model for testing stress and deformation levels due to volcanic ash deposition on flat concrete roofs. The mathematical model can take account of variable factors. Using computer models, we can assess the interactions of many variables simultaneously, without the need to perform complex physical experiments. Results show that the stress on concrete roofs due to the weight of accumulating ash can exceed the safety requirements set out in EN1991 Eurocode 1. While more research is needed, our results shows the need to revise the current codes for the built environment in volcanic prone areas of Europe
Global prevalence of polypharmacy among the COVID-19 patients : A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Polypharmacy has traditionally been defined in various texts as the use of 5 or more chronic drugs, the use of inappropriate drugs, or drugs that are not clinically authorized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy among the COVID-19 patients, and the side effects, by systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study was performed by systematic review method and in accordance with PRISMA 2020 criteria. The protocol in this work is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281552). Particular databases and repositories have been searched to identify and select relevant studies. The quality of articles was assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale checklist. Heterogeneity of the studies was measured using the I 2 test. RESULTS: The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of polypharmacy in 14 studies with a sample size of 189,870 patients with COVID-19 is 34.6% (95% CI: 29.6-40). Studies have shown that polypharmacy is associated with side effects, increased morbidity and mortality among patients with COVID-19. The results of meta-regression analysis reported that with increasing age of COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of polypharmacy increases (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The most important strength of this study is the updated search to June 2022 and the use of all databases to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the study. The most important limitation of this study is the lack of proper definition of polypharmacy in some studies and not mentioning the number of drugs used for patients in these studies. CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy is seen in many patients with COVID-19. Since there is no definitive cure for COVID-19, the multiplicity of drugs used to treat this disease can affect the severity of the disease and its side effects as a result of drug interactions. This highlights the importance of controlling and managing prescription drugs for patients with COVID-19
The predicaments of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Transport Infrastructure : An examination of policy stagnation and progress
Get PDFPurpose – Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for transport infrastructure, should take into account geological constraints, legislative regulations, public policy, and other strategic considerations. These strategic considerations and constraints that are often seen as the most challenging issues facing transportation planners are critically reviewed. Subsequently, the evolving environmental impacts of civil transport infrastructure projects are measured. Design/methodology/approach – Using a mixed-method approach, this study examines the EIA and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) dimensions of transportation infrastructure. Findings – Through the development of the EIA and EIS policy framework for transport infrastructure, this paper found that to better enhance the EIA and to effectively calculate various indicator variables, a hybrid approach to the method, known as input-output analysis, needs to be adopted. Knowing that a feasible cost breakdown is usually available within projects, it can be concluded that it is plausible to add an I-O model into an existing environmental impact statement to obtain results not only for onsite effects but also for off-site effects. Moreover, some of the benefits of implementing a hybrid input-output analysis can (1) significantly improve the completeness of any conventional EIS for a range of quantifiable indicators, (2) improve the ability to rank alternative options, and (3) provide a valuable overview of indirect impacts to be used for streamlining the EIA audit. For these reasons, input-output techniques could be incorporated as optional elements into the EIA standards. Practical implications - With input from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and national input-output tables of the industry sector, this research was able to determine that indirect effects within transport projects are not being considered for what they are worth. This enables to answer key questions dealing with the effects of EIAs on the transportation sector. This in turn can assist with planning through the commissioning of such projects. Originality/value - The I-O model introduced in this paper will ultimately lead to better incorporation of various environmental elements. The findings of the paper can thus assist transportation planners in better aligning environmental impacts with EIA. This in turn can result in improvements in the completeness of any conventional EIS, enhance the ability to rank alternative options and provide a valuable overview of indirect impacts to be used for streamlining the EIA audit
Does the past dictate the future? Exploring the impact of employability programmes on adults experiencing multiple disadvantage
Get PDFThe research explored the impact of an employability programme, delivered by a Community Interest Company and other third sector partners England. The programme was designed to increase the employability of people aged between 16-72 years-old who were unemployed or economically inactive. To measure the impact of the programme on participants, 1,098 people engaging in the project completed questionnaires designed to capture demographic data and measure general self-efficacy (GSE) upon joining the programme (Time 1); whilst 163 of the same participants completed the questionnaire upon completing the programme (Time 2). Furthermore, interviews were conducted with 26 participants engaged with the programme. Results of the questionnaire data analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between levels of disadvantage experienced by the participants and GSE at Time 1; statistically significant increases in GSE levels between Time 1 and Time 2 for participants who completed the programme; and a statistically significant relationship between GSE at Time 2 and employment/training outcomes. Triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative results of this research revealed the positive impact of the programme on participant’s self-efficacy and employability. This paper is the first of its kind in the UK to explore the impact of employability programmes on adults experiencing multiple disadvantage
Supporting students to adjust to academic culture in the UK.
Get PDFA short journalistic style article on supporting students to adjust to academic expectations in the UK
Impact of Predictive Analytics on the Strategic Business Models of Supply Chain Management
Get PDFThis paper explores and analyses the impact of Predictive Analytics on Supply Chain Management. Predictive Analytics is expanding, and many organisations are utilising this technology for improved benefits and profits. The supply chain consists of different sectors which can inculcate this technology for overall optimization. This research uses primary and secondary data to illustrate the aim and objective of the research. The literature review gives an in-depth overview of the concepts of Big Data and Predictive Analytics (PA) in Supply Chain Management. The outcomes of this research have led to the conclusions that PA plays a critical role in supply chain function optimization and can provide important insights for better decision making. They also point to the improvement of Supply Chain processes through the effective and efficient application of Predictive Analytics, resulting in improved performance, optimised procedures, and increased profits. In addition to that, many technologies can aid new start-ups and entrepreneurs towards success with their effective implementation and give rise to new business models to even larger organizations. This research can thus aid other organisations to understand the importance of PA and how well it can aid in strategic planning and execution and gain an advantage over their competitors
Contract cheating: causes and prevention strategies
Get PDFContract cheating refers to a variety of behaviors in which a student outsources their work or involves a third party in attempting their assignments. Over the last few years, the number of contract cheating cases at the university, nationally, and globally has increased dramatically. To help fight this malpractice, the UK government has now passed a bill making it an offence to provide or advertise cheating services to students enrolled at higher education providers in England. However, this may not be enough as most of these services are run overseas. This project's goals were to investigate various causes that lead students to access contract cheating services measures that can help the university to reduce and prevent contract cheating
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