Time-gated transillumination of biological tissues and tissuelike phantoms

The applicability and limits of time-resolved transillumination to determine the internal details of biological tissues are investigated by phantom experiments. By means of line scans across a sharp edge, the spatial resolution (Ax) and its dependence on the time-gate width (At) can be determined. Additionally, measurements of completely absorbing bead pairs embedded in a turbid medium demonstrate the physical resolution in a more realistic case. The benefit of time resolution is especially high for a turbid medium with a comparatively small reduced scattering coefficient of approximately pL,' = 0.12 mm-1. Investigations with partially absorbing beads and filled plastic tubes demonstrate the high sensitivity of time-resolving techniques with respect to spatial variations in scattering or absorption coefficients that are due to the embedded disturber. In particular, it is shown that time gating is sensitive to variations in scattering coefficients. Key words: Time-resolved transillumination, turbid media, light scattering, streak camera

American Opinions of GM Food: Awareness, Knowledge, and Implications for Education

Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Consumer Responses to GM Foods: Why are Americans so Different?

Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Speckle interferometry using a hardwired autocorrelator

Imperial Users onl

Exploring Young Carers’ Experiences of Education

Background The term young carer is relatively new but a focus on young carers in policy and legislation within the United Kingdom has highlighted the need to identify and work with young carers. Though definitions of the term ‘young carer’ and the exact number of young carers across the country vary considerably by study, there is beginning to be an increase in young carer research. The current research sought to find out about the educational experiences of school age young carers, an area which has little information which focuses specifically on the United Kingdom and its education system. Methods Four participants were part of the current research, all of whom met the set criteria that they needed to be a young carer of school age. Two of the participants attended primary schools, with the other two attending secondary schools. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with each participant online. Findings were explored through the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings Three superordinate themes were identified from the analysis: protective factors, adversity and the impact of caring and, lastly support through education. Conclusions All of the young carers spoke positively about school and they could identify what support they thought would help them the most in school as a young carer. The findings are discussed in relation to previous young carer research and psychological theories which underpin the current research. There are suggestions for future practice and implications for the work of Educational Psychologists, particularly in relation to the work Educational Psychologists carry out in conjunction with young carers, schools and families

Three dimensional optical imaging of blood volume and oxygenation in the neonatal brain

Optical methods provide a means of monitoring cerebral oxygenation in newborn infants at risk of brain injury. A 32-channel optical imaging system has been developed with the aim of reconstructing three-dimensional images of regional blood volume and oxygenation. Full image data sets were acquired from 14 out of 24 infants studied; successful images have been reconstructed in 8 of these infants. Regional variations in cerebral blood volume and tissue oxygen saturation are present in healthy preterm infants. In an infant with a large unilateral intraventricular haemorrhage, a corresponding region of low oxygen saturation was detected. These results suggest that optical tomography may provide an appropriate technique for investigating regional cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation at the cotside. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

AMERICANS AND GM FOOD: KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND INTEREST IN 2004

This report presents the results from the third in a series of studies examining public perception of genetically modified (GM) food in the United States. All three studies were based on survey results of separate, nationally representative samples of approximately 1,200 Americans taken in 2001, 2003, and 2004. While the survey instrument on which the current report is based maintained many of the same measures of awareness and attitude as its two predecessors, it also included several new queries that assess the ability of respondents to recall specific news stories related to GM food, their interest in the topic, and where they would go to look for new information. Many questions that were repeated from previous years have changed considerably in the current survey. Some of the classic measures of awareness and opinion now incorporate an "unsure" response as choice supplied by the interviewer. While respondents were allowed to volunteer this response in the past, explicitly providing this option to respondents reduced guessing on knowledge-based questions and encouraged a more accurate representation of opinion than in the past. The report begins with an investigation of Americans' awareness and knowledge about the topic in general, their ability to recall related news stories, familiarity with laws and regulations as well as other questions designed to get at highly specific knowledge about agricultural biotechnology. Next, it details the effect of the new survey methodology on reported opinions about plant-based and animal-based GM food. Finally, it delves into a number of novel findings about interest in hypothetical television shows about GM food, desire for information on food labels, and reported behavior with regards to information seeking. Consistent with results from our previous studies and others, these findings suggest that the American public is generally unaware of GM food. Most Americans have heard or read little about it, are not aware of its prevalence in their lives, and are confused as to which type of GM products are available. Respondents struggled with factual questions related to GM food and the science behind it, could not recall news stories related to the topic, and were not very knowledgeable about laws regarding the labeling and testing of GM food. Americans are also unsure of their opinions about GM food and split in their assessments of the technology when forced to take a position. Americans say they are interested in the topic of GM food, specifically those topics related to human health. Respondents say they desire more information on food labels and report that they would like to see GM foods labeled as such. The majority of Americans admit they have never looked for information about GM food and most say they will search the Internet should the need arise.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Comparability of Dietary Measures Among NSW Children and Adolescents.

The measurement of lifestyle behaviours among child and adolescent populations is challenging. Over the past two decades, there have been at least six population-based surveys that have measured lifestyle and anthropometric factors among 13 population-based samples of children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW). While these surveys have used different instruments and modes of administration, all have to some extent collected data on the same types of indicators (or variables) for assessing dietary intake and food related behaviours. This report collates estimates of the different dietary indicators used in population-based surveys conducted with young people in NSW between 1995 and 2010, and compares these estimates according to age group, survey methods, the different population survey questions, by age group and respondent (child versus parent). The results provide valuable information to guide the interpretation of population dietary surveillance data, and future decisions around population nutrition monitoring, in NSW

The Avoidance of Burnout Among Open Bible Pastors: Creating Healthy and Vibrant Leaders in Ministry

Pastors in the Open Bible Churches denomination struggle with spiritual health, even as they lead local congregations. The perils of vocational ministry can often contribute to emotional fatigue, disillusionment, and exhaustion, commonly referred to as “burnout.” Pastors serve sacrificially in their churches, giving all that they have for the lives of the others. However, the life many pastors live actually negatively impacts themselves as well as others around them, thus negating the purpose for which they strive. This Doctor of Ministry project sought to discover how ministers can remain spiritually healthy while actively leading the local church. Much of the problem stems from an identity crisis. Many pastors lack the certainty of their identity because they have inadvertently remained self-deceived. Lacking self-awareness is a dangerous and systemic problem among people in general, but Open Bible pastors specifically. Jesus said that He came to give life, and give it abundantly (John 10:10). Since Jesus indicated that abundant life is possible for individuals, pastors too have hope that they can experience a vibrant, fruitful life in the ministry, yet many never actually experience this. Open Bible’s heritage plays a central role both positively and negatively in how pastors experience the abundant life. Key features, such as the power of the Spirit and a reliance on prayer, are healthy and necessary for pastors to live abundantly. A foundation is in place. The next steps for healthy pastors involve the awareness of the problem and then development of a plan of action that implements practices often foreign to the Open Bible perspective, but are still Christian in nature. This author’s hope is that this work encourages pastors that they are not alone in their journey of pastoral leadership, as well as reminds pastors of key pillars that can sustain them throughout their ministry