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Understanding the Covid-19 forecasts

In a way, they are right. Predictions are often fraught with mistakes.




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Understanding splines in the EFFECT statement

This SAS Usage Note illustrates fitting a model containing a spline effect in PROC GLIMMIX. It discusses the spline basis output, the interpretation of the output, how to use the spline model to make predictions, and how to use the LSMEANS and ESTIMATE statements to compute quantities of interest.




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Improving the Evidence Base for Information Security and Privacy Policies: Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges related to Measuring Information Security, Privacy and the Protection of Children Online

This report provides an overview of existing data and statistics in the fields of information security, privacy and the protection of children online. It highlights the potential for the development of better indicators in these respective fields showing in particular that there is an underexploited wealth of empirical data that, if mined and made comparable, will enrich the current evidence base for policy making.




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Understanding and Managing the Unequal Consequences of Environment Pressures and Policies - Insights blog

The consequences of degradation of environmental quality as well as the consequences of environmental policies are typically unevenly distributed. In general, poorer countries and lower income households are more severely affected by environmental degradation and at the same time have less capacity to adapt.




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Understanding the battle against extremism

Whoever has a hammer sees every problem as a nail. Those in the security business tend to see the answer to radicalism and terrorism in military might, and those in the financial business in cutting flows of money.




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Scientists get a better understanding of melanoma




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Understanding the mechanical limitations of the performance of soft X-ray monochromators at MAX IV laboratory

MAX IV is a fourth-generation, or diffraction-limited, synchrotron light source with a number of state-of-the-art beamlines. The performance of a beamline is, to a high degree, set by the energy resolution it can achieve, which in turn is governed to a large extent by the monochromator. During the design phase of a monochromator, the mechanical requirements must be fully understood and met with margin. During commissioning, the performance must be verified and optimized. In this paper, six soft X-ray monochromators at MAX IV beamlines (Bloch, Veritas, HIPPIE, SPECIES, FinEstBeAMS and SoftiMAX) are examined with a focus on their resolving power, energy range and the time required to change measurement range, as those parameters are dependent on each other. The monochromators have a modern commercial design, planned and developed in close collaboration with the vendors. This paper aims to present the current status of the commissioning at MAX IV with emphasis on elucidating the mechanical limitations on the performance of the monochromators. It contains analysis of the outcome and our approach to achieve fast and high-resolution monochromators.




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Drugged spiders’ web spinning may hold keys to understanding animal behavior

“Spinning under the influence” is one way to describe recent activities in the Costa Rican laboratory of Smithsonian scientist William Eberhard. An entomologist at the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute, Eberhard recently carried out a series of experiments in which he observed the web-building behavior of dozens of spiders under the influence of drugs—specifically, a chemical injected into their bodies by parasitic wasps.

The post Drugged spiders’ web spinning may hold keys to understanding animal behavior appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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3-D imaging adds remarkable new understanding of North America’s mysterious Clovis people

The only explanation for such symmetry across these vast distances, explains Smithsonian anthropologist Dennis Stanford, is that the method of creating the points was handed down from person to person.

The post 3-D imaging adds remarkable new understanding of North America’s mysterious Clovis people appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Discovery in Smithsonian collection broadens understanding of rare North American leech

Thanks to a recent reassessment of specimens preserved in jars of alcohol at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, New Hampshire is now on […]

The post Discovery in Smithsonian collection broadens understanding of rare North American leech appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Simultaneous hermaphrodites: Understanding Speciation in fish called “hamlets”

New species don’t just spring out of thin air. Speciation, the evolutionary process by which new and distinct species arise, usually takes millions of years. […]

The post Simultaneous hermaphrodites: Understanding Speciation in fish called “hamlets” appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Video: Protecting songbirds by Better Understanding their Migratory connectivity

Identifying and understanding the migratory connectivity of birds throughout an entire annual cycle (not just the times of year they are in your back yard), […]

The post Video: Protecting songbirds by Better Understanding their Migratory connectivity appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




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Understanding of magnetic ordering in Gd-rich compounds




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Learning About Evolution Critical for Understanding Science

Many public school students receive little or no exposure to the theory of evolution, the most important concept in understanding biology, says a new guidebook from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).




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New Report Recommends Research to Improve Understanding of Relationship Between Fatigue and Crash Risk for Truck and Bus Drivers

Insufficient sleep can decrease a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver’s level of alertness, which may increase the risk of a crash, yet little is known about effective ways to minimize that risk, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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U.S. Ocean Observation Critical to Understanding Climate Change, But Lacks Long-Term National Planning

The ocean plays a critical role in climate and weather, serving as a massive reservoir of heat and water that influences tropical storms, El Nin~o, and climate change.




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Public Safety During Severe Weather and Other Disasters Could Be Improved With Better Alert Systems and Improved Understanding of Social and Behavioral Factors

Our ability to observe and predict severe weather events and other disasters has improved markedly over recent decades, yet this progress does not always translate into similar advances in the systems used in such circumstances to protect lives.




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Reducing Climate Uncertainty, Improving Weather Forecasts, and Understanding Sea-Level Rise Are Among Top Science Priorities for Space-Based Earth Observation Over Next Decade

NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) should implement a coordinated approach for their space-based environmental observations to further advance Earth science and applications for the next decade, says a new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Research Campaign to Advance Understanding of Gulf of Mexico Loop Current Moves Forward By Awarding $10.3 Million in Initial Grants

Following recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report released earlier this year, the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program (GRP) is developing a long-term research campaign to improve understanding and prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current System (LCS).




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$2.5 Million in Grants Available to Advance Understanding and Prediction of Gulf of Mexico Loop Current

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced a new funding opportunity to provide up to $2.5 million in grants to foster innovative approaches that support its ongoing efforts to improve understanding and prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current System (LCS).




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$5 Million in Grants Available to Advance Understanding of U.S. Gulf Coastal Ecosystems and Their Interactions with Natural Processes and Human Activities

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced a new funding opportunity under its Healthy Ecosystems Initiative.




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PFAS - Controlling, Preventing, and Understanding Exposure

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are ubiquitous fluorinated organic compounds found widely in manufactured products, from firefighting foam to stain-resistant carpets. These water- and oil-repellent compounds are known to degrade slowly over time, and have been found in humans, drinking water, and even in Arctic ecosystems.




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Gulf Research Program Awards $2 Million to Seven Projects to Improve Understanding and Prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current System

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced $2 million in grant awards for seven new projects through its Understanding Gulf Ocean Systems (UGOS) Grants 2 competition.




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Safeguarding the Bioeconomy: Finding Strategies for Understanding, Evaluating, and Protecting the Bioeconomy while Sustaining Innovation and Growth




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Understanding of consumer environmental behaviour too simplistic

People who are committed to reducing their environmental impact at home do not necessarily behave in the same way when on holiday, according to a new study. The study presents a more complex view of consumer environmental behaviour than is often used to inform policymaking.




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Gaps identified in current understanding of ocean fertilisation

A recent report has summarised what is currently known about the effects of ocean fertilisation as a climate change mitigation measure. The report highlights gaps in scientific understanding of the long term-effects of large-scale ocean fertilisation activities and raises questions about the effectiveness of the approach and the possibility of unintended impacts.




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Understanding aluminium scrap qualities can contribute to circular economy goals (Austria)

The potential of recycling aluminium scrap in Austria has been modelled in a new study. A surplus of mixed aluminium scrap is expected by 2045 if no advanced sorting technologies are applied. Increased demand for wrought aluminium alloys could mean this surplus occurs sooner. New methods to intensively sort aluminium could prevent this excess and contribute towards REACH1 recycling and climate targets.




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Understanding environmental consequences of population growth and consumption

Interactions between population growth, consumption and the use of natural products and services have created an unsustainable pressure on the environment. New research has provided a detailed investigation into the relationships between these three trends, providing insight into how to alleviate these pressures. It concludes they cannot be addressed by market mechanisms or technological advances alone.




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Understanding the ‘why’ is key to effective energy-saving behaviour

To increase energy efficiency, many countries are encouraging their citizens to make individual energy-saving changes, such as changing the type of light bulbs they use. This study investigated the relationship between understanding of environmental issues and effective energy-saving behaviour and shows that informed citizens are key to successful policy.




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Understanding degradation of battery life-time is key to successful vehicle-to-grid systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) could play a role in future power supply, but face issues surrounding the longevity of their batteries. This study reconciles two recent contradictory results on the effects of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology on battery life-time, and shows that V2G — a process via which EVs would exchange energy with the power grid to provide ancillary services, such as supplying power during peak periods, and helping to regulate grid frequency — could actually extend the lifespan of commercial lithium-ion batteries.




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Understanding the integration of sustainability policy in the EU

New research has investigated how successfully two recently implemented EU directives embracing sustainability principles have been integrated into policies. Findings indicate that practices vary a great deal between Member States with trade-offs between different aspects of sustainability, and that no single type of governance guarantees an optimum level of integration.




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Changes that occur to nanoparticles in the environment are key to understanding their impact

Available evidence from the last decade, describing the nature, behaviour and effect of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment, has been reviewed. It identified factors that influence ENP distribution and fate and highlighted the existence of significant research gaps which, if filled, would help in understanding the impacts of long-term accumulation of nanomaterials and the changes that occur to them when they are released into the environment.




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Understanding and addressing the causes of biodiversity loss

Many species around the world are likely to become extinct as ecosystems and the diversity of life found in them are threatened by pressures, such as pollution, overexploitation, climate change, invasive species, fragmentation, degradation and loss of habitat. A recent report has examined the causes of biodiversity loss and the policies surrounding efforts to tackle this loss




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A Census of Marine Life: measuring and understanding biodiversity

A global team of marine biologists have recently completed a Census of Marine Life, which contributes to our basic understanding of marine ecosystems. Among its findings - marine biodiversity in the Baltic and Mediterranean are among the most threatened globally.




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Understanding how fish move can improve management of fisheries

Understanding the way fish use their habitat is necessary for a science- based approach to fisheries management, according to a new scientific review. The paper summarises the current state of knowledge and tools available to assess fish movement patterns in relation to freshwater fisheries, and recommends more systematic use of these tools to inform the management of fish populations.




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Understanding uncertainty in air-quality modelling with new framework

A recent study develops a framework for implementing IAMs using the Lombardy region of Italy as a case study. Researchers have run an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis with an environmental model, specifically with an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) for air quality, demonstrating how model components are sources of uncertainty in the output of an integrated assessment. Policy responses should therefore consider uncertainty and sensitivity when developing measures to improve air quality.




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Understanding egg labels

Don’t know the difference between cage-free and free-range, natural and organic? This will help.




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Lobster virus: Understanding the spread of a new threat

Video: A Florida marine ecologist narrows down the spread of the first lobster virus.



  • Research & Innovations

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Understanding honeybee die-offs with DIY smart hives

Through the collaborative magic of crowdfunding, the Open Source Beehives project aims to bring downloadable beehive designs to citizen scientists everywhere.



  • Organic Farming & Gardening

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Understanding the tradition of wet markets

These fresh food marketplaces are a cultural connecting point that sell live and dead animals, but they have been linked to increased risk of disease.



  • Arts & Culture

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Understanding Mp4 Players

This article explains the basic difference between mp3 and mp4 players, together with the main features of mp4 devices. Internet browsing, emailing and video shows are all resources available in the mp4 players.




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Understanding the benefit of biomechanics in Golf

There are many biomechanical reasons why you can't hit the ball a long way or you slice or hook your shots. Understand how biomechanics can improve your game, remove your weak shot and reduce your risk of injury




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Understanding the Provisions of Your Extended Auto Warranty

Understanding the Provisions of Your Extended Auto Warranty




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Tips on Understanding the Benefits of a Download Manager

Any good download manger must maximize PC use, independently handle downloads, handle interruptions, and store files efficiently. Most download managers have built in systems that accelerate downloads by dealing with multiple segments simultaneously.




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Understanding the Forex Trading System

The forex trading system involves buying and selling foreign currency. Unlike the stock market there is no fixed market for the forex trading system. A good and effective forex trading system allows the traders to transact easily and provide more chances to increase the earnings.




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Understanding The Chinese Pregancy Calendars

A comprehensive article discussing the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar - Learn the fundamentals and how to read a Chinese Pregnancy Calendar.




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IVR - Understanding the Full Service Hosted Managed Approach

Outsourcing Interactive Voice Response is a cost effective way for organizations to add IVR to their customer/employee communication mix, while avoiding high start-up costs, limited scalability plus maintenance or obsolescence worries.




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Understanding Your Credit History

Very few people actually understand their credit score or how it affects their ability to get future credit.




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Understanding Paytables

Knowing the paytables has nothing to do with becoming an expert but everything to do with making sure your money goes as far as possible. Here are a few ways to make paytables work for you.




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Understanding Digital Cameras

This article describes digital camera by explaining its main feature, such as mega pixel resolution, optical and digital zoom and pc connectivity. It is a good guide for those trying to understand what to look for in a digital camera.