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Choice of model and re‐nesting probability function influences behaviour of avian seasonal productivity models and their demographic predictions
Get PDFMeasuring seasonal productivity is difficult in multi‐brooded species without labour‐intensive ringing studies. Individual‐based (IB) models have been used to estimate seasonal productivity with no direct knowledge of number of nesting attempts, but they are often based on simplified re‐nesting probability (φ R ) step‐functions instead of observed or more biologically plausible ones. We present a new, open‐source IB seasonal productivity model parameterized from studies of Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros and Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. We examined how the φ R function shape (empirical versus simplified) influenced (1) model performance, (2) re‐nesting compensation and (3) population‐level predictions of a simulated management intervention. Population‐level predictions were made only for Yellowhammer as we had more detailed demographic data, such as survival rates, available. Pattern‐oriented modelling revealed that IB models produced realistic within‐population distributions of breeding parameters, and those specified with an observed or empirically derived φ R function generally outperformed those specified with simpler step functions. Strength of re‐nesting compensation differed depending on the φ R function used. For Yellowhammers, type of φ R function in IB models marginally influenced population‐level predictions of a simulated management intervention (potential population growth rate increased between 23% and 29% relative to no management intervention). In contrast, a simple deterministic productivity model, which did not simulate re‐nesting compensation, predicted a 41% increase in potential population growth. At a population level, choice of φ R function may have less influence on IB model predictions, but choice of model itself (IB versus deterministic) may have substantial impact. We discuss how more biologically plausible φ R functions might either be observed directly, derived from nest data, or estimated from proxy information such as moult or brood patch changes
A multidisciplinary evaluation, exploration, and advancement of the concept of a traumatic birth experience
Get PDFBackgroundUnderstanding a woman’s traumatic birth experience benefits from an approach that considers perspectives from various fields of healthcare and social sciences.AimTo evaluate and explore the multidisciplinary perspectives surrounding a traumatic birth experience to form a theory and to capture its structure.MethodsA multidisciplinary advanced principle-based concept analysis was conducted, including the following systematic steps: literature review, assessment of concept maturity, principle-based evaluation, concept exploration and advancement, and formulating a multidisciplinary concept theory. We drew on knowledge from midwifery, psychology, childbirth education, bioethics, obstetric & gender violence, sociology, perinatal psychiatry, and anthropology.ResultsOur evaluation included 60 records which were considered as ‘mature’. Maturity was determined by the reported concept definition, attributes, antecedents, outcomes, and boundaries. The four broad principles of the philosophy of science epistemology, pragmatics, linguistics, and logic illustrated that women live in a political, and cultural world that includes social, perceptual, and practical features. The conceptual components antecedents, attributes, outcomes, and boundaries demonstrated that a traumatic birth experience is not an isolated event, but its existence is enabled by social structures that perpetuate the diminished and disempowered position of women in medical and institutionalised healthcare regulation and management.ConclusionThe traumatic childbirth experience is a distinctive experience that can only occur within a socioecological system of micro-, meso-, and macro-level aspects that accepts and allows its existence and therefore its sustainability - with the traumatic experience of the birthing woman as the central construct
Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study
Get PDFHearing loss is associated with cognitive/physical health; less is known about mental health. We investigated associations between hearing loss severity, depression, and health-related quality of life among older adults with unaided hearing loss. Data (N = 948) were from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study. Hearing was measured by pure-tone average (PTA), Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test, and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE-S). Outcomes were validated measures of depression and health-related quality of life. Associations were assessed by negative binomial regression. More severe hearing loss was associated with worse physical health–related quality of life (ratio: .98, 95% CI: .96, 1.00). Better QuickSIN was associated with higher mental health–related quality of life (1.01 [1.00, 1.02]). Worse HHIE-S was associated with depression (1.24 [1.16, 1.33]) and worse mental (.97 [.96, .98]) and physical (.95 [ .93, .96]) health–related quality of life. Further work will test effects of hearing intervention on mental health
Re-enactment in Lighter Dark Tourism: An Exploration of Re-enactor Tour Guides and Their Perspectives on Creating Visitor Experiences
Get PDFThis study explores the perspectives of re-enactor tour guides (RTG) concerning their role and re-enactment of dark histories—an overlooked topic within dark tourism research. A conceptual model is proposed that reflects the role of RTGs and how they differ from re-enactors and non-acting tour guides. The model was developed from data collected using rich picture building (RPB) during focus groups with RTGs at three lighter dark visitor attractions. The findings reveal RTGs are passionate about the history and committed to delivering memorable visitor experiences. They also reveal RTGs can offer attraction management constructive feedback and ideas to enhance the visitor experience. The study extends existing literature and provides important insights pertaining to RTGs and the re-enactment of dark histories within lighter dark tourism
Literature Review on Antimicrobial Resistance In Relation To The Environment In Scotland
No full textCommissioned literature review on the key causes, impacts and controls for anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in the environment that are relevant to Scotland. The review summarises what is currently known about the impact of AMR on the environment and the nature of existing controls in Scotland.The review has highlighted gaps in the evidence base around the impact of AMR on the environment itself and that further research in this area is needed. Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) will share the findings and evidence gaps with relevant organisations who can influence potential future research to fill evidence gaps
Use of buffer treatment to utilize local non-alkali tolerant bacteria in microbial induced calcium carbonate sedimentation in concrete crack repair
Get PDFConcrete often suffers cracks due to its low tensile strength. The repair process can vary ranging from surface coating, grouting, and strengthening. Microbial induced calcium carbonate sedimentation process (MICP) is a process of utilizing non-pathogenic bacteria to produce calcium carbonate through its urease activity in crack repair (filling). It is known as an alternative crack repair method that does not utilize Portland cement. In general, the bacteria used in MICP are alkali tolerant bacteria that have a higher chance of surviving the high alkalinity environment in concrete. However, in some regions, alkali tolerant bacteria are difficult to acquire and unavailable locally. This study introduced a technique to utilize non-alkali tolerant bacteria in MICP using buffer treatment. Instead of injecting bacteria directly onto the crack surface, the buffer solution was applied onto the crack surface prior to the bacteria injection. Results from the laboratory indicated a higher bacteria survival rate when the buffer treatment was applied to the medium. For the crack filling, with the buffer treatment, the crack was completely filled within 21–28 days. The microstructure results also showed that the crystal deposits from both laboratory and crack surface were similar in both physical appearance and phase composition
Midwifery Care For Pregnant Women Who Live With Obesity: A Guide to Explaining the Risks and Providing Practical Advice
No full textThis practical guide equips midwives with the skills and knowledge necessary to support pregnant women living with obesity, from communicating meaningfully about weight through to providing evidence-based information about optimising health and making changes.Beginning with an overview of what living with obesity means for women, this book supports midwives to develop consultation skills and structure their encounters with women for maximum effect. It presents up-to-date, evidence-based information about the impact of obesity on pregnant women and their unborn babies from conception to birth and beyond. Chapters on changing health behaviours, nutrition and physical activity explore how to mitigate these risks and optimise health.Including reflective questions and case studies, this book is designed for practising and student midwives looking to develop their personalised care and communication skills
Data-based bipartite formation control for multi-agent systems with communication constraints
Get PDFThis article investigates data-driven distributed bipartite formation issues for discrete-time multi-agent systems with communication constraints. We propose a quantized data-driven distributed bipartite formation control approach based on the plant’s quantized and saturated information. Moreover, compared with existing results, we consider both the fixed and switching topologies of multi-agent systems with the cooperative-competitive interactions. We establish a time-varying linear data model for each agent by utilizing the dynamic linearization method. Then, using the incomplete input and output data of each agent and its neighbors, we construct the proposed quantized data-driven distributed bipartite formation control scheme without employing any dynamics information of multi-agent systems. We strictly prove the convergence of the proposed algorithm, where the proposed approach can ensure that the bipartite formation tracking errors converge to the origin, even though the communication topology of multi-agent systems is time-varying switching. Finally, simulation and hardware tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme
A QOBL-SAO and its variant: An open source software for optimizing PV/wind/battery system and CEC2020 real world problems
Get PDFThe Quasi oppositional smell agent optimization (QOBL-SAO) and its levy flight variant (LFQOBL-SAO) are two cutting-edge software tools for optimizing PV/wind/battery power systems. They can also be used to solve real-world CEC2020 optimization problems and are as good as top-performing software such as IUDE, MAgES and the iLSHAD ɛ. The QOBL-SAO exploits the random mode’s weakness and then adds a number to the initial population. The LFQOBL-SAO, on the other hand, improves the random mode’s weakness in order to solve this problem. The LFQOBL-SAO improves performance and search space by using levy flight instead of random code
Considering Environmental Effects on Porous Concrete Applications: An Experimental Investigation
Get PDFUrban areas worldwide grapple with ecological disruption due to overpopulation, exacerbated by impermeable concrete surfaces that hinder rainwater absorption, curb plant growth and foster urban heat islands. Innovative porous concrete applications were pioneered in developed countries in recent times, offering alternative solutions albeit with limitations in strength (typically less than 20MPa). These include pavement systems (e.g. sidewalks, bike paths, parking lots), flood control infrastructure, green roofs and decorative / landscaping features. This experimental study investigates engineering properties of porous concrete mixes, suitably designed for harsh climatic conditions, with the incorporation of admixtures. A series of destructive & non-destructive tests were conducted at different ages of the concrete specimens. Test results were analysed and compared to conventional concrete to evaluate the potential benefits of using porous concrete in Scotland. This research makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on porous concrete and provides data of direct applicability to designers and contractors so that they make more informed decisions about porous concrete applications, while considering environmental effects
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