1,561 research outputs found
Soil radon (Rn-222) monitoring in a forest site in Fukushima, Japan
No full textSoil radon (Rn-222) has been monitored since August 2013 at three different soil depths on a campus forest of Fukushima University in Japan, where a large amount of fallout nuclides were released by the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate Rn-222 activity level, variability and factors controlling Rn-222 concentration in soil air using data obtained from August to December 2013. Time series of Rn-222 activity concentration showed depth-dependent variability with an equilibrium value (Rn-222(eq)) during this observation period; 7.5, 14 and 23 kBq m(-3) at 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 m in depth, respectively. Two typhoons passing over the site had a great influence on soil radon level, which was practically used for evaluating effective diffusion coefficient of Rn-222. Transport mechanism of Rn-222 in soil air was considered to be diffusion-controlled with data sets on changing Rn-222 concentration with time in selected cases that showed decreasing (or increasing) Rn-222 concentration with time at every depth. Important factors affecting soil Rn-222 variability are meteorological parameters, low-pressure front passing over the site, and subsequent precipitation. Time lags of decreasing Rn-222 concentration at different depths after rain indicate a certain relationship of Rn-222 level with moving water (and water vapor) in soil. The findings obtained in this study are important to evaluate the fate of fallout nuclides (radiocesium) in contaminated forest sites using soil radon as a tracer of moving soil air
Global intercomparison of 12 land surface heat flux estimates
No full textA global intercomparison of 12 monthly mean land surface heat flux products for the period 1993-1995 is presented. The intercomparison includes some of the first emerging global satellite-based products (developed at Paris Observatory, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, University of California Berkeley, University of Maryland, and Princeton University) and examples of fluxes produced by reanalyses (ERA-Interim, MERRA, NCEP-DOE) and off-line land surface models (GSWP-2, GLDAS CLM/Mosaic/Noah). An intercomparison of the global latent heat flux (Qle) annual means shows a spread of ∼20 W m -2 (all-product global average of ∼45 W m-2). A similar spread is observed for the sensible (Qh) and net radiative (Rn) fluxes. In general, the products correlate well with each other, helped by the large seasonal variability and common forcing data for some of the products. Expected spatial distributions related to the major climatic regimes and geographical features are reproduced by all products. Nevertheless, large Qle and Qh absolute differences are also observed. The fluxes were spatially averaged for 10 vegetation classes. The larger Q le differences were observed for the rain forest but, when normalized by mean fluxes, the differences were comparable to other classes. In general, the correlations between Qle and Rn were higher for the satellite-based products compared with the reanalyses and off-line models. The fluxes were also averaged for 10 selected basins. The seasonality was generally well captured by all products, but large differences in the flux partitioning were observed for some products and basins.</p
The mainstream primary classroom as a language-learning environment for children with severe and persistent language impairment - implications of recent language intervention research
No full textMany UK children with severe and persistent language impairment (SLI) attend local mainstream schools. Although this should provide an excellent language-learning environment, opportunities may be limited by difficulties in sustaining time-consuming, child-specific learning activities; restricted co-professional working, and the complex classroom environment. Two language intervention studies in mainstream Scottish primary schools showed children with SLI receiving intervention from speech and language therapists (SLTs) or their assistants made more progress in expressive language than similar children receiving intervention from education staff. Potential reasons for this difference are sought in the amount of tailored language-learning activity undertaken; how actively school staff initiated contact with SLTs; and the language demands of the classroom. Tailored language learning appears to be a differentiating factor. A language support model, reflecting views of teachers and SLTs about encouraging language development for children with SLI within the ecology of the mainstream primary classroom, is also outlined
Liouville-type theorems for polyharmonic systems in RN
No full textAbstractIn this note, we consider the polyharmonic system (−Δ)mu=vα, (−Δ)mv=uβ in RN with N>2m and α⩾1, β⩾1, where (−Δ)m is the polyharmonic operator. For 1/(α+1)+1/(β+1)>(N−2m)/N, we prove the non-existence of non-negative, radial, smooth solutions. For 1<α,β<(N+2m)/(N−2m), we show the non-existence of non-negative smooth solutions. In addition, for either (N−2m)β<Nα+2m or (N−2m)α<Nβ+2m with α,β>1, we show the non-existence of non-negative smooth solutions for polyharmonic system of inequalities (−Δ)mu⩾vα, (−Δ)mv⩾uβ. More general, we can prove that all the above results hold for the system (−Δ)mu=vα,(−Δ)nv=uβ in RN with N>max{2m,2n} and α⩾1, β⩾1
L'apport de la bimodalité dans l'élaboration d'interfaces adaptées à la recherche d'informations géographiques
No full text@article{RN-GAIO-2002, author = {Gaio, M. and Szmurlo, M.}, title = {L'apport de la bimodalité dans l'élaboration d'interfaces adaptées à la recherche d'informations géographiques}, journal = {Revue d'Interaction Homme Machine}, year = {2002}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {19-40} }National audienc
Impacts of urban morphology on sensible heat flux and net radiation exchange
No full textUrban morphology affects the sensible heat flux and net radiation exchange which can alter urban heat mitigation plans. This study first parameterized the geometric effects on the net radiation, and then calculated the net radiation and sensible heat flux in the urban landscape of Hong Kong. Considering that the sensible heat flux is the main heat sink in compact urban areas, this study proposes a Normalized Urban Sensible Heat Mitigation Index (NUSHMI) based on the ratio of the net radiation and sensible heat flux. Overall, there is major difference in the dependence of net radiation and sensible heat flux on geometric parameters. Net radiation Rn, reaches an optimal value, either maximum or minimum depending on the parameters of SVF and a standard deviation of building height σh, at intermediate parameter values, which suggests a guideline relevant to urban design targeting the mitigation of urban climate. Contrariwise, sensible heat flux decreases or increases, again depending on SVF and σh, is being considered, with increasing values of the same parameters. For example, Rn, reaches a minimum value for a Sky View Factor (SVF) between 0.5 and 0.6, while it reaches a maximum value for a standard deviation of building height σh between 20 and 30 m. These two results suggest that radiative forcing, i.e. Rn, can be minimized by urban space with SVF around 0.55 and σh around 25 m. The relationships between sensible heat flux and SVF or σh do not show multiple minima or maxima (as with Rn), with the exception of building density, which could also be applied as a guideline in urban design. The results based on the proposed NUSHMI indicated the NUSHMI reaches the highest values when building density is about 0.7 and building height is about 80 m and when the building height standard deviation within an area is about 10 m to 20 m. These findings revealed how the urban morphology affects the surface heat flux exchange between urban canopy and atmosphere boundary layer, and can help to design an efficient urban landscape towards urban heat mitigation for highly compacted cities, e.g. controlling the building density, height, and the height deviation. This combination of urban geometric parameters identifies an urban configuration maximizing the dissipation of absorbed radiant energy as sensible heat. It should be noted, however, that heat load upon buildings would be reduced at the price of maximizing heat dissipation within the built-up space.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Optical and Laser Remote Sensin
Temporality in L2 Spanish: an investigation of the expression of temporality in the narrative discourse of Spanish L2 learners
No full textThe general objective o f this research study is the investigation of the development of the expression of temporality in Second Language Acquisition. In particular, this study examines the acquisition process by native English speakers who are second languages learners of Spanish Temporality is examined as it is manifested in the oral narration of events by these learners. The theoretical argument behind the research is based on linguistic relativity and “thinking for speaking” theories which consider how different languages deal with the linguistic coding of certain concepts, such as time and space, and the influence of linguistic forms on speakers’ perceptions and cognitive development of these concepts. The present study aims to answer the following question.
If the language they speak influences the manner in which speakers conceptualise temporal relations, will learners of a second language adopt the cognitive strategies and styles of the native speakers to refer to events in time, as their Interlanguage develops to approximate the target language? Specifically, will second language learners of Spanish adopt the patterns of temporal expression m narrative discourse, typical of Spanish native speakers? To answer this question standard qualitative and quantitative methods of research used in applied linguistics are utilized
Atmospheric corrosion of iron under a single droplet: A new systematic multi-electrochemical approach
No full textUtilizing a dedicated micro-sized three-electrode cell, this study systematically investigates early-stage electrochemical properties and corrosion behavior of pure iron under single droplets. Various volumes and NaCl concentrations were considered during the evaporation-driven shape and concentration evolution of single droplets. The measurements disclosed that reducing the droplet size from 5 µL to 1.5 µL at 0.01 M NaCl concentration, increased noise resistance (Rn) and polarization resistance (Rp) values. However, at 0.1 M and 0.2 M NaCl concentrations, reducing droplet size led to the domination of relatively high chloride ion concentration over oxygen diffusion, resulting in a very low Rn and Rp and hence enhanced localized corrosion.Team Arjan MolTeam Yaiza Gonzalez Garci
Implementation of the teach-back method in an inpatient pediatric department
No full textPurpose of the Project To increase patient caregiver satisfaction in regard to medication education, by implementing a standardized, evidence-based teach-back strategy by registered nurses within a pediatric inpatient department.Methodology Registered nurses (n=14) at a pediatric medical-surgical inpatient department in NJ were provided with a teach-back training module provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Surveys assessing nursing conviction and confidence were administered pre- and postintervention. Observation of nursing participants during medication administration teaching occurred pre and postintervention. Surveys assessing patient caregiver satisfaction were administered pre- and postintervention (n=40).
Results RN Conviction: preintervention M=8.86, postintervention M=9.57, (t(13)=-2.347, p=.018). RN Confidence: preintervention M=7.79, postintervention M=9.21, (t(13)=-3.822, p=.001). RN Frequency: 50% of nurses had increased frequency. RN Element Use: preintervention M=6.1429, postintervention M=9.3571, (t(13)=-4.418, p=<.001). RN Performance: preintervention M=7.2857, 60.7%, postintervention M=10.0714, 83.9%, (t(13)=-7.320, p=<.001). Patient Caregiver Satisfaction: preintervention satisfaction score sum M=33.95, postintervention satisfaction score sum M=34.35, (t(38)=-.210, p=.418).
Implications for Practice Overall, data and statistical analysis revealed training on the teach-back method significantly increases RN conviction, confidence, and performance in providing patient/patient caregiver education and thus, increases patient/patient caregiver satisfaction. Improved clinical practice improves the patient experience, as supported by previous studies in the literature and concluded with this project.
Keywords: teach-back, RN conviction, RN confidence, RN performance, caregiver satisfaction, NursingD.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference
On div-curl for higher order
No full textLet d be an exterior derivative operator acting on differential forms on R
n, defined by
d: Λq(R
n
) 7→ Λq+1(R
n
), 0 ≤ q ≤ n.
In [Math. Res. Lett. 12 (2005), no. 1, 57–61; MR2122730], E. M. Stein and the first
author of the paper under review established the inequality
(LS) kukLn/(n−1)(Rn) ≤ C
kdukL1(Rn) + kd
∗ukL1(Rn)
,
which holds for any form u of degree q other than q = 1 (unless d
∗u = 0) and q = n − 1
(unless du = 0). Inequality (LS) connects the celebrated Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality
kfkLn/(n−1)(Rn) ≤ Ck∇fkL1(Rn)
and the Bourgain-Brezis inequality
kZkLn/(n−1)(Rn) ≤ CkCurlZkL1(Rn)
for divergence-free vector fields.
In the present work, the authors prove an appropriate analogue of inequality (LS) for
a new class of differential operators of higher orders.
{For the collection containing this paper see MR3309083
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