Development Services Group (United States)

Abstract The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) is a convection-allowing implementation of the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) Model with hourly data assimilation that covers the conterminous United States and Alaska and runs in real time at the NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Implemented operationally at NOAA/NCEP in 2014, the HRRR features 3-km horizontal grid spacing and frequent forecasts (hourly for CONUS and 3-hourly for Alaska). HRRR initialization is designed for optimal short-range forecast skill with a particular focus on the evolution of precipitating systems. Key components of the initialization are radar-reflectivity data assimilation, hybrid ensemble-variational assimilation of conventional weather observations, and a cloud analysis to initialize stratiform cloud layers. From this initial state, HRRR forecasts are produced out to 18 h every hour, and out to 48 h every 6 h, with boundary conditions provided by the Rapid Refresh system. Between 2014 and 2020, HRRR development was focused on reducing model bias errors and improving forecast realism and accuracy. Improved representation of the planetary boundary layer, subgrid-scale clouds, and land surface contributed extensively to overall HRRR improvements. The final version of the HRRR (HRRRv4), implemented in late 2020, also features hybrid data assimilation using flow-dependent covariances from a 3-km, 36-member ensemble (“HRRRDAS”) with explicit convective storms. HRRRv4 also includes prediction of wildfire smoke plumes. The HRRR provides a baseline capability for evaluating NOAA’s next-generation Rapid Refresh Forecast System, now under development. Significance Statement NOAA’s operational hourly updating, convection-allowing model, the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR), is a key tool for short-range weather forecasting and situational awareness. Improvements in assimilation of weather observations, as well as in physics parameterizations, have led to improvements in simulated radar reflectivity and quantitative precipitation forecasts since the initial implementation of HRRR in September 2014. Other targeted development has focused on improved representation of the diurnal cycle of the planetary boundary layer, resulting in improved near-surface temperature and humidity forecasts. Additional physics and data assimilation changes have led to improved treatment of the development and erosion of low-level clouds, including subgrid-scale clouds. The final version of HRRR features storm-scale ensemble data assimilation and explicit prediction of wildfire smoke plumes.

The incidence of violence in dating relationships has a significant impact on young people, including decreased mental and physical health. This review is the first to provide a quantitative synthesis of empirical evaluations of school-based programs implemented in middle and high schools that sought to prevent or reduce incidents of dating violence. After a systematic search and screening procedure, a meta-analysis of 23 studies was used to examine the effects of school-based programs. Results indicated school-based programs influence dating violence knowledge ([Formula: see text] 95% confidence interval [0.05, 0.39]) and attitudes ([Formula: see text] 95% confidence interval [0.10, 0.19]); however, to date, the results for dating violence perpetration and victimization indicate programs are not affecting these behaviors to a significant extent. The results of this review are encouraging, but they also highlight the need for modifications to dating violence prevention programs including the incorporation of skill-building components and a need to address the role of bystanders.

Individual participant data (IPD) is the backbone of scientific inquiry and important to a meta-analysis for a variety of reasons. It is therefore important to be able to access IPD, and yet, obstacles persist that make it difficult for meta-analysts, as well as interested primary study analysts, to obtain it. In this paper, we discuss the barriers to obtaining IPD via online repositories or contacting primary study authors and provide an example data sharing agreement that can be used to ameliorate a few of these issues. We also discuss the ethics of data sharing. The goal of this paper is to help meta-analysts anticipate these potential barriers at the outset of their studies and hopefully increase the likelihood of producing thorough IPD syntheses and foster collaborative partnerships with primary study researchers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Communicative and social capacities are known to be of primary developmental importance to all children and often present a particular difficulty for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. A recurring challenge for teachers is achieving effective communication with children who span developmental diversity (e.g. inclusive settings or those with a range of special needs) while using practical strategies that feel manageable to the teachers themselves. Music, a powerful affective medium, is appealing to all children and has the inherent flexibility to reach differing individuals. Thus, it is especially valuable for children with autism and other special needs. However, teachers without musical training may miss a great deal of music’s potential benefits. The author describes an affective singing technique that, while grounded in vocal practice and music theory, uses an overt focus upon vowels—vowels being known conveyors of emotion in sounded communication. This natural port of entry offers non-musician teachers a simple and accessible way to incorporate live singing into daily activities that opens space for two-way affective communication, a crucial component of social development. Key concepts in this paper are elucidated by childhood instructional and play scenarios and graphics. The discussion is supported by published behavioral and imaging research.

Milk andL. rhamnosusincrease the probiotic character and stability of a beverage and greatly improve its viscosity and syneresis. The first use of ABY-6 culture in whey fermentation was successfully performed.

We discuss an interesting case of a right internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysm discovered after an attempted right internal jugular venous catheter placement. Such injury to the internal mammary artery is a rare complication of traumatic injuries to the chest, sternotomies, and central venous catheter placements. It has been reported after subclavian line placements, but not after an internal jugular catheterization.

Abstract As leaders gain seniority, many of them view their days of being a mentee as behind them. They see mentoring as a developmental activity designed primarily to help new or emerging leaders. But mentoring can be a powerful tool for helping leaders at all levels grow and develop. Finding and working successfully with the right mentor requires commitment and following the correct steps.