PropBase QueryLayer : a single portal to UK physical property databases (extended abstract)

As the host institution of the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC), the British Geological Survey (BGS) holds significant volumes of subsurface data on behalf of the UK. These are derived both from the BGS�fs own data collection for research programmes, collected over many decades, and also as the national repository of data collected for other, often commercial, purposes deposited in the NGDC as a place of national deposit under statutory and other obligations. With the changing environment ensuring the security of the most basic requirements for human life, including the availability of potable groundwater, requires successful utilisation of finite resources from the subsurface, which in turn requires an ever greater understanding of the physical properties of the subsurface of the UK landmass. BGS has already moved from a mapping to a modelling paradigm, where the �gfundamental product�h of all of BGS�fs outputs is no longer represented as a two dimensional (2D) paper map but as a computer visualised three�]dimensional (3D) framework model. (Figure 1: an example 3D geological framework model). These show the geometric location of the subsurface information, realistically represented with shells or volumes representing geologically defined units. The next phase of this continuing process is to populate these geometric volumes with physical properties information that describe the heterogeneity of the subsurface. Understanding the physical properties data is vital for the undertaking of the behaviour of the subsurface, and is directly relevant to understanding the composition and behaviour of the rocks and fluids underground. This is of enormous vast societal and economic importance, and of increase. Understanding of the subsurface heterogeneity of the UK, in particular the changes in attributes such as porosity and rock �gstrength�h are of increasing importance in understanding the opportunities and threats represented by our subsurface. Once incorporated into the framework model this will be voxelated to demonstrate variation of property within the geometry (Figure 2). BGS has for many years stored all digital scientific analysis and records in relational databases to ensure the long�]term continuity of this information. However the structure of these databases is, by necessity, complex; each database, as well as containing positional reference data and model information, also contained metadata such as sample identification information and attributes that define the source and sample processing. Such metadata is critical to detailed assessment of the value of these analyses. It is however also hugely complicating for a simple understanding of variation of the physical property under assessment. Given that the UK�es populated areas are mostly underlain by clastic sedimentary rocks, understanding the variability of porosity is fundamental to understanding the nature of these rocks. However porosity data has been measured in a significant variety of ways, for a significant variety of end�]uses over a long period of time. This means that the extraction of physical properties from these databases for a first look at understanding porosity is difficult; therefore the PropBase Query Layer has been created to allow a simplified aggregation of and extraction of all related data. The concept of the Query Layer is the presentation of complex data in simple, often denormalized, tables. The PropBase Query Layer brings together property information from various databases (each with its own database structure that reflects the nature of the data) into a single system. This means that data from all of the BGS�fs subsurface data holdings can be viewed together in simple interfaces. Technical descriptions of the Query Layer (denormalized layer) The PropBase data architecture is based around the concept of a query layer to present complex data in a simple but often denormalized set of tables and other programmable units within a relational database system. The query layer brings together property information from various databases each with their own relational structure into a generalised structure, so that there's a single consistent point of access of the data for any applications that may require the data. The query layer is implemented within an Oracle relational database system where the source databases also reside or are re�]engineered into to facilitate easy loading of the data. The denormalization techniques used to build the query layer are not unique to Oracle and can be implemented on other RDBMS (Relational database management system). The query layer structure comprises a set of tables, procedures, functions, triggers, views and possibly materialised views. The structure contains a main table PRB_DATA which contains all of the data with the following attribution: . a unique identifier for each record . the source of the data . the corresponding unique identifier of the record from its parent database for traceability. . the geographic co�]ordinates of the record . the depth values . the type of property . the value of the property . the units of measure . the appropriate qualifiers . precision values and a full audit trail for the record The data source, property type and units of measure are constrained by a series of dictionaries collated from the values used in the different databases from which data is extracted to populate the query layer. The property dictionary is a key component of the structure as this defines what properties and inherit hierarchies are to be coded and also guides the process as to what and how these are extracted from the structure. The data model (Figure 3) shows that the structure also contains a child table PRB_DATA_COORD that holds secondary geographic co�]ordinates in different projections from the primary record in the PRB_DATA table for a given record. This allows for the presentation of a property with its location in the primary projection and any others as maybe recorded in the database. The structure incorporates a level of flexibility because of the it's simplistic structure that enables us to add on any extra tables required linked off the main PRB_DATA table to capture extra attribution with a 1�]to�]many relationship or even a 1�]to�]1 if adding any extra attributes to the main table comprises the simplicity of the structure. In a similar vein to adding the capability to hold primary and secondary co�]ordinates references for a record at different projections, the structure also incorporates a GROUND_REFERENCE table that allows secondary ground reference information at different surface level data to be recorded in a separate table to the primary record held in the main table. The surface level datum attribute in this extra table is constrained by a dictionary of such surface level datum types. Given the size of the denormalized structure and the many property types and their values from various data sources, it's important that there's a co�]ordinated technical approach to keep the layer synchronised. The query layer therefore makes use of oracle procedures written in PL/SQL containing the logic to carry out the data manipulation (inserts, updates, deletes) to keep the layer synchronised with the underlying databases. These procedures and/or packages are run as scheduled jobs at regular intervals (weekly, monthly etc.) or can be invoked on demand. Implications for need to improve BGS database structures Several databases have been in operation for 10�]15 years without review. Work on PropBase has further identified redundancy within the data structures, data quality issues and opportunities for where improvement to the database structure that will not only allow delivery of information more effectively but also improve data quality at little cost. Conclusions The implementation of the PropBase QueryLayer has enabled BGS to find display and interpret more dataset with greater ease, massively simplifying the process of populating 3D framework models volumes with physical properties for parameterisation and study of geological intra�]unit heterogeneity. This has enabled more rapid data discovery and population of 3D models with data held in our databases, enabling different datasets to be easily compared improving the data verification process. This technology will assist BGS is continuing to be one of the world leading national geological surveys

Simple new risk score model for adult cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: simple cardiac ECMO score.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing in adult patients, the field lacks understanding of associated risk factors. While standard intensive care unit risk scores such as SAPS II (simplified acute physiology score II), SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment), and APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II), or disease-specific scores such as MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) and RIFLE (kidney risk, injury, failure, loss of function, ESRD) exist, they may not apply to adult cardiac ECMO patients as their risk factors differ from variables used in these scores. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 73 ECMOs were performed for cardiac support at our institution. Patient demographics and survival were retrospectively analyzed. A new easily calculated score for predicting ECMO mortality was created using identified risk factors from univariate and multivariate analyses, and model discrimination was compared with other scoring systems. RESULTS: Cardiac ECMO was performed on 73 patients (47 males and 26 females) with a mean age of 48 ± 14 y. Sixty-four percent of patients (47/73) survived ECMO support. Pre-ECMO SAPS II, SOFA, APACHE II, MELD, RIFLE, PRESERVE, and ECMOnet scores, were not correlated with survival. Univariate analysis of pre-ECMO risk factors demonstrated that increased lactate, renal dysfunction, and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were risk factors for death. Applying these data into a new simplified cardiac ECMO score (minimal risk = 0, maximal = 5) predicted patient survival. Survivors had a lower risk score (1.8 ± 1.2) versus the nonsurvivors (3.0 ± 0.99), P \u3c 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Common intensive care unit or disease-specific risk scores calculated for cardiac ECMO patients did not correlate with ECMO survival, whereas a new simplified cardiac ECMO score provides survival predictability

Care staff intentions to support adults with an intellectual disability to engage in physical activity: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Researchers suggest that people with an intellectual disability (ID) undertake less physical activity than the general population and many rely, to some extent, on others to help them to access activities. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model was previously found to significantly predict the intention of care staff to facilitate a healthy diet in those they supported. The present study examined whether the TPB was useful in predicting the intentions of 78 Scottish care staff to support people with ID to engage in physical activity. Regression analyses indicated that perceived behavioural control was the most significant predictor of both care staff intention to facilitate physical activity and reported physical activity levels of the people they supported. Attitudes significantly predicted care staff intention to support physical activity, but this intention was not itself significantly predictive of reported activity levels. Increasing carers' sense of control over their ability to support clients' physical activity may be more effective in increasing physical activity than changing their attitudes towards promoting activit

Optimization of water content for the cryopreservation of allium sativum In vitro cultures by encapsulation-dehydration

BACKGROUND: There is a general requirement to determine and correlate water content to viability for the standardization of conservation protocols to facilitate effective cryostorage of plant germplasm. OBJECTIVE: This study examined water content as a critical factor to optimize the cryostorage of Allium sativum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stem discs were excised from post-harvest, stored bulbs prior to cryopreservation by encapsulation-dehydration and water content was determined gravimetrically. RESULTS: Survival of cryopreserved stem discs was 42.5%, with 22.5% exhibiting shoot regrowth following 6 h desiccation. Gravimetric data demonstrated a correlation between water content corresponding with survival / regrowth from desiccated, cryopreserved stem discs. For encapsulated stem discs a 25% residual moisture and corresponding water content of 0.36 g H2O g-1 d.wt correlated with maximal survival following ~6.5 h of desiccation. CONCLUSION: The data concurs with the literature suggesting the formation of a stable vitrified state and a ‘window’ for optimal survival and regrowth that is between 6 – 10 h desiccation. Further studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are suggested to substantiate these findingsFunding: EU COST Action 871 Cryoplanet; EU Crymcept QLK5CT-2002-01279; J. Keller, IPK, Germany for garlic germplasm; K. Harding for the Visiting Professorship at the University of Derby

Measuring rainfall from above and below the sea surface

Satellites play a major role in the determination of the rainfall at sea. Researchers at Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC) have been involved in two projects addressing this task. First they have been instrumental in developing techniques to retrieve rain rate information from the 10+ years of dual-frequency altimeter data. The TOPEX radar measures rainfall via the attenuation it causes, producing a climatology that is independent of those derived from passive microwave (PM) and infrared (IR) sensors. Because TOPEX is an active microwave sensor, it can have a much smaller footprint than PM sensors. Therefore it can be used to estimate the size of rain cells, showing that the ITCZ and mid-latitude storm tracks are characterized by larger rain systems than elsewhere. TOPEX’s simultaneous recording of wind and wave data reveal that, for mid-latitude systems, rain is most likely in association with developing seas.All satellite-based datasets require validation, and SOC's work on the development and testing of acoustic rain gauges is the second aspect of this paper. By listening at a range of frequencies, an underwater hydrophone may distinguish the spectra of wind, rain, shipping etc., and estimate the wind speed or rain rate according to the magnitude of the signals. All our campaigns have shown a good acoustic response to changes in wind speed. However the quantitative inversion for recent trials has given values that are too high, possibly because of significant acoustic reflection from the sea bottom. The changes in spectral slope often agree with other observations of rain, although validation experiments in coastal regions are hampered by the extraneous sources present. Acoustic rain gauges would eventually see service not only for routine satellite validation, but also for real-time monitoring of locations of interest

Compression and texture in socks enhance football kicking performance

The purpose of this study was to observe effects of wearing textured insoles and clinical compression socks on organisation of lower limb interceptive actions in developing athletes of different skill levels in association football. Six advanced learners and six completely novice football players (15.4±0.9years) performed 20 instep kicks with maximum velocity, in four randomly organised insoles and socks conditions, (a) Smooth Socks with Smooth Insoles (SSSI); (b) Smooth Socks with Textured Insoles (SSTI); (c) Compression Socks with Smooth Insoles (CSSI) and (d), Compression Socks with Textured Insoles (CSTI). Reflective markers were placed on key anatomical locations and the ball to facilitate three-dimensional (3D) movement recording and analysis. Data on 3D kinematic variables and initial ball velocity were analysed using one-way mixed model ANOVAs. Results revealed that wearing textured and compression materials enhanced performance in key variables, such as the maximum velocity of the instep kick and increased initial ball velocity, among advanced learners compared to the use of non-textured and compression materials. Adding texture to football boot insoles appeared to interact with compression materials to improve kicking performance, captured by these important measures. This improvement in kicking performance is likely to have occurred through enhanced somatosensory system feedback utilised for foot placement and movement organisation of the lower limbs. Data suggested that advanced learners were better at harnessing the augmented feedback information from compression and texture to regulate emerging movement patterns compared to novices

Measurement of human capabilities

The paper is motivated by sustained interest in the capabilities approach to welfare economics combined with the purported paucity of economic statistics that measure capabilities at the individual level. Specifically, it takes a focal account of normatively desirable capabilities constitutive of a good life and operationalizes that account by means of a new survey instrument used to elicit information about capabilities at the individual level. The paper explores the extent to which these capabilities are co-variates of a life satisfaction measure of utility (happiness) and finds that many are. Aspects of robustness are explored using standard socio-demographic variables as well as a relatively novel control for personality; in addition, a range of different models are explored and sub-population differences are examined