scholarly journals Empirical characterization factors assessing the effects of hydroelectricity on fish richness across three large biomes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrine Turgeon ◽  
Gabrielle Trottier ◽  
Christian Turpin ◽  
Cécile Bulle ◽  
Manuele Margni
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Steady States ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
List Type ◽  
Characterization Factors ◽  
Alternative Technologies ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Impact

AbstractHydroelectricity is often presented as a clean, reliable, and renewable energy source, but is also recognized for its potential impacts on aquatic ecosystem biodiversity. We used empirical data on change in fish species richness following impoundment to develop Characterisation Factors (CF) and Impact Scores (IS) for hydroelectricity production for use in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). We used data collected on 89 sampling stations (63 upstream and 26 downstream of a dam) belonging to 27 reservoirs from three biomes (boreal, temperate and tropical). Overall, the impact of hydroelectricity production on fish species richness was significant in the tropics, of smaller amplitude in temperate and minimal in boreal biome, stressing for the need of regionalisation. The impact of hydroelectricity production was also quite consistent across scales (i.e., same directionality and statistical significance across sampling stations, reservoirs and biomes) but was sensitive to the duration of the study (i.e., the period over which data have been collected after impoundment), highlighting the need for a clear understanding of transient situations before reaching steady states. Our CFs and ISs contribute to fill a gap to assist decision makers using LCA to evaluate alternative technologies, such as hydropower, to decarbonize the worldwide economy.HighlightsThis paper is the first to develop global and empirically based characterization factors of the impact of hydroelectricity production on aquatic ecosystems biodiversity, to be used in LCA;The impact of hydroelectricity production on fish species richness was significant in the tropics, of smaller amplitude in temperate and minimal in boreal biome;The impact of hydroelectricity production on fish richness was consistent across scales - same directionality and statistical significance across sampling stations, reservoirs and biomes;The impact of hydroelectricity production on fish richness was sensitive to the duration of the study, highlighting the need for a clear understanding of transient situations before reaching steady states in LCA.

A Retrospective Pre-Post Survey to Analyze Course Revisions, Perceived Learning, and Learning Outcomes in an Agricultural Structures Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 1415-1423
Author(s):  
Jonathan Adam Watson ◽  
Ying Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
List Type ◽  
Perceived Learning ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Pedagogical Model ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact

HighlightsThe RASE pedagogical model for integrating technology into an upper-division structures course proved effective.A retrospective pre-test/post-test was used to measure changes in students’ perceived competencies.Students indicated increases in perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes following several course modifications.Students felt technology, experiential learning, and formative and summative assessment improved their learning.Abstract. In early 2019, instructors in the Agricultural Operations Management (AOM) program in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida developed a retrospective pre-test/post-test survey instrument to measure changes in perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) for students enrolled in AOM4642: Environmental Systems for Agricultural Structures during the fall 2019 semester. The course trains students to understand the components of the environment, the impact of those components on building usage, and how to control the environmental variables of buildings used to house agricultural products (e.g., livestock and horticultural) for more efficient production, processing, and storage. The course stresses a hands-on approach through experiential learning opportunities, and it challenges students to solve problems using critical thinking and application of conceptual principles. The course recently underwent significant revisions following the RASE pedagogical model to create student-centered curricular experiences and link learning objectives with assessments, outcomes, and evaluation. Thirty-one AOM students enrolled in the 16-week course completed the survey. After the course, the students retroactively (i.e., “before and after” instruction) rated their perceived learning. Changes in pre- and post-instruction responses were compared using measures of central tendency and correlations, and statistical significance (p-values) was reported. Constructs measuring KSA items were created using collapsed variables and tested for internal consistency and scale reliability against a threshold reliability coefficient of 0.70. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the RASE pedagogical model on student-perceived learning with respect to changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes in an agricultural structures course. The specific objectives of this study were to: (1) measure changes in students’ perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes, (2) evaluate student sentiment toward the course materials and activities, and (3) solicit feedback from the students on ways to improve the course. Results of the survey indicated significant increases in students’ perceived learning with respect to KSA. In addition, students commented on the effectiveness of several instructional activities (e.g., labs, field trips), indicating that those activities enhanced their experiences, but they also noted that shorter, more frequent homework would help with retention. Keywords: Assessment and evaluation, Construct reliability analysis, Instructional improvement, Perceived learning, RASE pedagogical model, Retrospective pre-test and post-test design, Student perceptions.

scholarly journals 4099 Principles of Statistical Education for Translational Scientists in the Age of Rigor, Reproducibility, and Reporting

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 50-51
Author(s):  
Emilia Bagiella ◽  
Paul Christos ◽  
Mimi Kim ◽  
Shing Lee ◽  
Roger Vaughan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
York City ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
List Type ◽  
Scientific Rigor ◽  
City Area ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To describe principles, best practices, and techniques recommended to instill deep understanding of the application and interpretation of statistical techniques and statistical inference among translational scientists and trainees, that best support the concepts of scientific Rigor, Reproducibility and Reporting. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Each of the six New York City Area Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) resources have strong educational programs, novel curricular components, and creative strategies, implemented by award winning educators. To capitalize on shared knowledge, innovation, and resources, the six teams formed the New York City Area BERD Collaborative (NYC-ABC) comprised of BERD resources from Mt. Sinai, Cornell, Einstein, Columbia, Rockefeller, and NYU. The collaborative suggests principles, concepts, tools and approaches to support the concepts of scientific Rigor, Reproducibility and Reporting in translational science. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Principles: Value of team science approach and including biostatisticians early and often.Carefully designing experiments to reduce bias and increase precision.Trainees’ focus is often on “statistical significance” and the p-value. Consequences of data dredging/p-hacking, and the impact of sample size and other factors on statistical significance.Emphasizing the effect size and answering the scientific hypothesis when reporting results.Statistical code used to produce results should be well annotated and raw data posted online to enhance reproducibility. Approaches: Incorporate effective multiple modalities (i.e. didactic, demonstrative, hands on workshops, applications, and tools).Approach from “the drivers’ seat” perspective, rather than strictly mathematical.Endorse flipped classroom approachDISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Like any complex discipline, biostatistical education can be approached from several dimensions, but it remains essential to focus on fundamental goals of science. We remind our trainees that the goal of science is to create knowledge, not to “find significance”. Deep understanding of inferential methods and proper interpretation of results are key. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: None.

scholarly journals On ozone trend detection: using coupled chemistry-climate simulations to investigate early signs of total column ozone recovery

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Keeble ◽  
Hannah Brown ◽  
N. Luke Abraham ◽  
Neil R. P. Harris ◽  
John A. Pyle
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Natural Variability ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Total Column Ozone ◽  
Column Ozone ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Column ◽  
Natural Cycles

Abstract. Total column ozone values from an ensemble of UM-UKCA model runs are examined to investigate different definitions of progress on the road to ozone recovery. This approach takes into account the internal atmospheric variability of the model in assessing the statistical significance of each definition. Three definitions of recovery are investigated: (i) a slowed rate of decline and the date of minimum column ozone; (ii) the identification of significant positive trends; and (iii) a return to historic values. A return to past thresholds is the last state to be achieved. However, while recovery may appear to be robust at a particular point of time, additional years of observations may lead to a reduced significance of trends due to natural variability (e.g. solar cycle, QBO, ENSO). This points to the need to ensure that the impact of natural cycles on total ozone is correctly described in statistical models, especially in the tropics where chemical depletion of the column is small. Trends for the 2000–2017 period are positive at most latitudes and are statistically significant when natural cycles are accounted for. This significance results largely from the large sample size of the multi-member ensemble. The influence of the natural cycles on trend determination is least at latitudes where the trends are sizeable. Thus, while ozone recovery can be identified in certain months over Antarctica, the mid-latitudes are the best place to identify early recovery as the trends are large compared to the variability. Over the Arctic, total column ozone is too variable for a signal to be easily detected: this arises both from the large dynamical interannual variability and from the large changes in chemical ozone loss from year to year. In the tropics, trends are too small compared to the natural variability to identify any statistical significance.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Diabetes and Multivessel or Left Main Disease – a Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Donald E Cutlip ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Bare Metal Stents ◽  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Metal Stents ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Percutaneous Coronary ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
The Impact

Coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes is frequently a diffuse process with multivessel involvement and is associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction and death. The role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with diabetes and multivessel disease who require revascularisation has been debated and remains uncertain. The debate has been continued mainly because of the question to what degree an increased risk for in-stent restenosis among patients with diabetes contributes to other late adverse outcomes. This article reviews outcomes from early trials of balloon angioplasty versus CABG through later trials of bare-metal stents versus CABG and more recent data with drug-eluting stents as the comparator. Although not all studies have been powered to show statistical significance, the results have been generally consistent with a mortality benefit for CABG versus PCI, despite differential risks for restenosis with the various PCI approaches. The review also considers the impact of mammary artery grafting of the left anterior descending artery and individual case selection on these results, and proposes an algorithm for selection of patients in whom PCI remains a reasonable strategy.

Linking fish and crustacean taxonomic composition with seasonal contrasts in the soft-bottom intertidal zone

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Gondal ◽  
S. Iqbal ◽  
U. Atique ◽  
N. U. Saher ◽  
N. A. Qureshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Fish Species Composition ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sw Monsoon

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal fish and crustacean variations concerning taxonomic composition, species richness, and diversity in sandy beach habitat. For this purpose, we investigated the Sonmiani Hor lagoon area during four distinct seasons, i.e., northeast (NE) monsoon, pre-monsoon, south-west (SW) monsoon, and post-monsoon for one year. During each haul, the net was pulled about 100m along the beach in 0.5m depth. The results showed a strong linear correlation between the diversity index and equitability in fishes (r = 0.978). The diversity index was strong negatively correlated with the abundance and biomass (r = -0.978, -0.972, respectively). The physical attributes like sea surface water temperature and salinity showed a strong negative effect on species assemblages (r = -0.981 and -0.943, respectively). The mean air and water temperature illustrated approximately 3°C difference during NE and pre-monsoon seasons. However, salinity, pH, and electrical conductivity did not show any significant seasonal variabilities. Under the ecological indices, the fish species displayed higher diversity (H’ = 3.19) during SW monsoon, whereas the lowest diversity was observed during pre-monsoon (H’ = 1.58). The equitability and species richness, however, remained more noticeable during SW monsoon (J’ = 0.81). The total number of individuals of fish and crustaceans reached 4799 with 3813 fish individuals and 986 individuals of crustaceans. A total of 27 families of fish while five crustacean families comprising of 30 genera and 38 fish species while ten genera and 17 species of crustaceans were recorded. Liza subviridis displayed the highest abundance among the sampled fish species. In conclusion, fish species constituted a significant part of the coastal fauna in the study area. The seasonal variations displayed distinct variations in fish species composition and diversity.

Dietary Patterns: A New Therapeutic Approach for Depression?

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Jesus ◽  
Tânia Silva ◽  
César Cagigal ◽  
Vera Martins ◽  
Carla Silva
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The field of nutritional psychiatry is a fast-growing one. Although initially, it focused on the effects of vitamins and micronutrients in mental health, in the last decade, its focus also extended to the dietary patterns. The possibility of a dietary cost-effective intervention in the most common mental disorder, depression, cannot be overlooked due to its potential large-scale impact. Method: A classic review of the literature was conducted, and studies published between 2010 and 2018 focusing on the impact of dietary patterns in depression and depressive symptoms were included. Results: We found 10 studies that matched our criteria. Most studies showed an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains, and with low intake of processed and sugary foods, and depression and depressive symptoms throughout an array of age groups, although some authors reported statistical significance only in women. While most studies were of cross-sectional design, making it difficult to infer causality, a randomized controlled trial presented similar results. Discussion: he association between dietary patterns and depression is now well-established, although the exact etiological pathways are still unknown. Dietary intervention, with the implementation of healthier dietary patterns, closer to the traditional ones, can play an important role in the prevention and adjunctive therapy of depression and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: More large-scale randomized clinical trials need to be conducted, in order to confirm the association between high-quality dietary patterns and lower risk of depression and depressive symptoms.

Do we Need Maintenance Chemotherapy in Advanced NSCLC in the Era of Immune and Targeted Therapy?

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Ahmed Nagy ◽  
Omar Abdel Rahman ◽  
Heba Abdullah ◽  
Ahmed Negida
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Maintenance Chemotherapy ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
The Impact

Background: Although well established for the effective management of hematologic cancers, maintenance chemotherapy has only been recently incorportated as a treatment paradigm for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. Maintenance chemotherapy aims to prolong a clinically favorable response state achieved after finishing induction therapy which is usually predefined in number before startng treatment. There are 2 modalities for maintenance therapy; continuation maintenance (involving a non-platinum component which was a part of the induction protocol or a targeted agent) and switch maintenance therapy (utilizing a new agent which was not a part of the induction regimen). Methods: The purpose of this article is to review the role of maintenance therapy in the treatment of advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and provide a brief overview about induction chemotherapy in NSCLC to address the basis of maintenance therapy as a treatment option. We will also compare the impact of maintenance chemotherapy with the now evolving role of immunotherapy in NSCLC. Results: There have been 4 maintenance studies to date showing prolonged PFS and OS with statistical significance. However, Three out of the four studies (ECOG4599, JMEN, and PARAMOUNT) did not report tumor molecular analysis. As regard Immunotherapy, current data is in favour of strongly an increasing role for immunotherapy in NSCLC. Conclusion: Maintenance therapy in NSCLC continues to be an important therapeutic line to improve outcome in patients with metastatic and recurrent disease.

scholarly journals Treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy: impact on infection progression assessed by viral load and CD4 count

2013 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia Machado Gonçalves Soares ◽  
Izelda Maria Carvalho Costa
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Facial Lipoatrophy ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome includes changes in body fat distribution, with or without metabolic changes. The loss of fat from the face, called facial lipoatrophy, is one of the most stigmatizing signs of the syndrome.OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the effect of FL treatment using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants on disease progression, assessed by viral load and CD4 cell count.METHODS: This was a prospective study of 44 patients treated from July 2009 to December 2010. Male and female patients, aged over 18 years, with clinically detectable FL and who had never been treated were included in the study. PMMA implantation was done to fill atrophic areas. Laboratory tests were conducted to measure viral load and CD4 count before and after treatment.RESULTS: Of the 44 patients, 72.72% were male and 27.27% female, mean age of 44.38 years. Before treatment, 82% of patients had undetectable viral load, which increased to 88.6% after treatment, but without statistical significance (p = 0.67). CD4 count before treatment ranged from 209 to 1293, averaging 493.97. After treatment, the average increased to 548.61. The increase in CD4 count after treatment was statistically significant with p = 0.02.CONCLUSION: The treatment of FL with PMMA implants showed a statistically significant increase in CD4 count after treatment, revealing the impact of FL treatment on disease progression. Viral load before and after treatment did not vary significantly.

scholarly journals Does Social Support Affect the Health of the Elderly in Rural China? A Meta-Analysis Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natuya Zhuori ◽  
Yu Cai ◽  
Yan Yan ◽  
Yu Cui ◽  
Minjuan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
The Impact

As the trend of aging in rural China has intensified, research on the factors affecting the health of the elderly in rural areas has become a hot issue. However, the conclusions of existing studies are inconsistent and even contradictory, making it difficult to form constructive policies with practical value. To explore the reasons for the inconsistent conclusions drawn by relevant research, in this paper we constructed a meta-regression database based on 65 pieces of relevant literature published in the past 25 years. For more valid samples to reduce publication bias, we also set the statistical significance of social support to the health of the elderly in rural areas as a dependent variable. Finally, combined with multi-dimensional social support and its implications for the health of the elderly, meta-regression analysis was carried out on the results of 171 empirical studies. The results show that (1) subjective support rather than objective support can have a significant impact on the health of the elderly in rural areas, and there is no significant difference between other dimensions of social support and objective support; (2) the health status of the elderly in rural areas in samples involving western regions is more sensitive to social support than that in samples not involving the western regions; (3) among the elderly in rural areas, social support for the older male elderly is more likely to improve their health than that for the younger female elderly; and (4) besides this, both data sources and econometric models greatly affect the heterogeneity of the effect of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas, but neither the published year nor the journal is significant. Finally, relevant policies and follow-up studies on the impact of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas are discussed.

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