74 research outputs found
Contemporary constructions of 'sex offenders': Implications for the governance of known perpetrators living in the NSW community
This thesis examines how the problematisation of sexual offending and contemporary constructions of ‘sex offenders’ have impacted on the emergence of technologies to govern known perpetrators living in the NSW community. Mechanisms include a sex offender register; extended supervision and continuing detention orders; restrictions on residency, movement and association; and intrusive surveillance. By means of a genealogical analysis, and a multi-method research design, it examines the incidents, actors, claims and rationalities that have influenced the emergence of an extensive and exceptional post-sentence governance regime aimed at community protection. It draws on the perceptions of 21 stakeholders (including psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and volunteers who work with sex offenders) about the introduction, operation and impacts of the contemporary NSW post-sentence governance framework. It analyses participants’ views about monitoring and supervision of offenders, as well as the provision of treatment, support, and assistance to them.
This thesis demonstrates that in NSW exclusionary, incapacitating crime control measures have been pursued with the aim of preventing sexual (re)offending, and that more inclusive, capacity-building mechanisms have been marginalised. This has occurred despite a lack of evidence that measures which rely on strictly enforced external controls reduce recidivism and mounting evidence that such approaches act as barriers to reintegration and desistance.
This thesis finds the emergence of contemporary approaches has been influenced by a lack of understanding of the empirical realities of sexual offending; extremely negative (mis)perceptions about perpetrators; and the particular way that risk has been conceptualised in relation to sexual (re)offending. While tools to assess and manage the risks posed by sex offenders are imbued with an actuarial, impersonal and seemingly objective logic; risk assessment and management has also been underpinned by highly emotional and moralising discourse and perennial panic. These factors have rendered sex offenders exceptionally high-risk, both deserving and in need of exceptional governance measures. This thesis suggests that shifts in the NSW governance framework to reduce sexual (re)offending and enhance community safety are possible. However, this will require enhanced understanding and education about the realities of sexual offending and the factors that support desistance, and a reconfiguration of the extant risk-paradigm
Higher Instruction Human Resources Management (HRM) Hones and Information Administration Specialist Presence
nformation administration has an affect on human asset hones, agreeing to the organizational life cycle hypothesis. By
comparing colleges that incorporate information administration in their scholastic educational programs to those that don't ,
we trust to decide the impact of information administration on the astuteness of Human Asset (HR) hones. Discoveries
show that colleges that instruct information administration are way better prepared than those that don't development
investigate, instruction, and data absorption through human asset hones. Besides, colleges that did not instruct information
administration tend to be considerably more centered on operational issues and troubles in creating the aptitudes and
information of their HR work force, and their execution is essentially lower. Research limitations and implications -
collecting respondents through purposive sampling has its limitations. It is suggested to increase the number of respondents
by broadening the study's geographical scope and extending its duration. Originality/importance - Numerous organizations
and universities have conducted extensive research on human resource practices. However, courses in knowledge
management that emphasize lecturers as knowledge management agents are still uncommon. This study also incorporates
the life cycle theory by examining HR practices in higher education and encouraging institutions to prioritize strategic HR
issues in their environment
Systematic Approaches for Telemedicine and Data Coordination for COVID-19 in Baja California, Mexico
Conference proceedings info:
ICICT 2023: 2023 The 6th International Conference on Information and Computer Technologies
Raleigh, HI, United States, March 24-26, 2023
Pages 529-542We provide a model for systematic implementation of telemedicine within a large evaluation center for COVID-19 in the area of Baja California, Mexico. Our model is based on human-centric design factors and cross disciplinary collaborations for scalable data-driven enablement of smartphone, cellular, and video Teleconsul-tation technologies to link hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services for point-of-care assessments of COVID testing, and for subsequent treatment and quar-antine decisions. A multidisciplinary team was rapidly created, in cooperation with different institutions, including: the Autonomous University of Baja California, the Ministry of Health, the Command, Communication and Computer Control Center
of the Ministry of the State of Baja California (C4), Colleges of Medicine, and the College of Psychologists. Our objective is to provide information to the public and to evaluate COVID-19 in real time and to track, regional, municipal, and state-wide data in real time that informs supply chains and resource allocation with the anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 cases. RESUMEN Proporcionamos un modelo para la implementación sistemática de la telemedicina dentro de un gran centro de evaluación de COVID-19 en el área de Baja California, México. Nuestro modelo se basa en factores de diseño centrados en el ser humano y colaboraciones interdisciplinarias para la habilitación escalable basada en datos de tecnologÃas de teleconsulta de teléfonos inteligentes, celulares y video para vincular hospitales, clÃnicas y servicios médicos de emergencia para evaluaciones de COVID en el punto de atención. pruebas, y para el tratamiento posterior y decisiones de cuarentena. Rápidamente se creó un equipo multidisciplinario, en cooperación con diferentes instituciones, entre ellas: la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, la SecretarÃa de Salud, el Centro de Comando, Comunicaciones y Control Informático.
de la SecretarÃa del Estado de Baja California (C4), Facultades de Medicina y Colegio de Psicólogos. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar información al público y evaluar COVID-19 en tiempo real y rastrear datos regionales, municipales y estatales en tiempo real que informan las cadenas de suministro y la asignación de recursos con la anticipación de un aumento de COVID-19. 19 casos.ICICT 2023: 2023 The 6th International Conference on Information and Computer Technologieshttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3236-
Efficiency and Sustainability of the Distributed Renewable Hybrid Power Systems Based on the Energy Internet, Blockchain Technology and Smart Contracts
The climate changes that are visible today are a challenge for the global research community. In this context, renewable energy sources, fuel cell systems, and other energy generating sources must be optimally combined and connected to the grid system using advanced energy transaction methods. As this book presents the latest solutions in the implementation of fuel cell and renewable energy in mobile and stationary applications such as hybrid and microgrid power systems based on energy internet, blockchain technology, and smart contracts, we hope that they are of interest to readers working in the related fields mentioned above
Assessing the Benefits, Challenges and Scientific Value of Community Science Programs: A Case Study Using Bumble Bee Watch
We are experiencing a biodiversity crisis but resources to help species are limited. Scientists are turning to community science to complement traditional scientific methods. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators in temperate regions, but many are in decline, and more information is needed to conserve them. The Bumble Bee Watch (BBW) program collects this through photos submitted by volunteers and identified by experts. Yet many community science programs struggle. Chapter 2 reviews common successes and challenges, offering best practices for developing and running programs.
To determine whether BBW is filling knowledge gaps, Chapter 3 compares its data to the Bumble Bees of North America database (BBNA) over all years and 2010-2020. BBW recorded 41 species (BBNA had 48) from all parts of the continental US and Canada, confirmed persistence, and provided novel locations for species outside of and within the known extent of occurrence. BBW showed its greatest impact from 2010-2020 by contributing 25% of all records, 28% of all unique locations, and 32% new plant forage genera.
BBW does not replace traditional surveys, but does complement them. Chapter 4 shows that B. pensylvanicus is critically endangered in Canada according to IUCN Red List criteria. BBW provided 20% of all B. pensylvanicus records and 36% of its sites over the 2007-2016 period assessed, and thus provided important information on its current abundance and distribution.
No experience is required to participate in BBW, but having participants able to accurately identify species is beneficial. Chapter 5 explores the percent agreement and veracity of participant species identifications compared to experts, with the average being 53% and 56%, respectively. With better educational resources, participants may be better trained to identify species more accurately.
Understanding the motivations and insights of community science participants is important. Chapter 6 discusses the results of a BBW user and expert survey: participants want to contribute to science and save the bees, and report an increase in knowledge and skills after participating. Although areas for improvement are noted, BBW is an important tool for Bombus researchers, and demonstrates the value that community science has for species conservation
Babesia and Human Babesiosis
Babesiosis, caused by tick-transmitted intraerythrocytic parasites (Babesia spp.), occurs worldwide. The disease mainly affects livestock, but records of infections in humans are increasing, and the disease is considered to be emerging worldwide. This book provides a comprehensive and holistic view of Babesia species that can infect humans. Numerous experts analyze, in detail, basic aspects of the biology of Babesia, the pathology of the babesiosis highlighting the pathogenesis of babesiosis in sickle cell, the eco-epidemiology of tick vectors and the impact of climate change on them, the current status, and future prospects for laboratory diagnosis and measures to prevent transfusion transmission. The book also focused on unidentified Babesia parasites that continue to emerge, most likely from wildlife, for which neither tick vector species nor vertebrate reservoir host species are currently known. Lastly, current and new therapies for infected patients, in vitro and in vivo culture systems for antibabesial evaluation and measures to prevent infections are also considered
Root, Tuber and Banana Food System Innovations
This open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book’s examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation
Study of the interaction between sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglec) and sialylated glycans for the development of a new generation of immunomodulators.
Glycans and complementary glycan-binding proteins represent essential components in the control of both innate and adaptive immunity. Sialic acids are a family of sugars found on the terminal end of mammalian glycoconjugates; they able to act as marker of self in the immune system, as such residues are absent in most microbes.
Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins, or Siglecs, are cell surface receptors that recognize sialic acids and are known to modulate immune responses, influencing almost every cell in the hematopoietic system. Siglecs are involved in events like cell adhesion and signaling, inhibition or regulation of the immune cell activation, all mediated by the interaction with sialylated ligands. Sialic acid-Siglec interactions have been associated with a broad spectrum of diseases, stretching from autoimmunity to neurodegeneration and cancer. Thus, strategies for a rational modulation of the interactions between Siglecs and sialylated glycans in pathophysiological processes exhibit a great therapeutic potential.
In this context, the present thesis project aimed at the study of the interaction between Siglecs and their cognate sialic acid containing ligands, to disclose the key recognition events underlining host immune suppression or activation. To this end, a multidisciplinary approach combining advanced technologies as ligand-based NMR techniques, including STD-NMR and tr-NOESY, biophysical binding assays and computational methodologies, such as homology modelling docking and MD simulations, was applied to provide an atomistic depiction of the interaction interfaces between various sialoglycans and their receptors.
The described strategy has been employed to characterize the binding features of several receptors of the Siglecs family, namely CD22/Siglec-2, Siglec-10 and Siglec-7. CD22 is a B-cell surface inhibitory protein capable of selectively -(2,6) linked sialylated glycans, thus dampening autoimmune responses against self-antigens. The characterization of complex-type N-glycans by CD22 allowed to describe the conformational behavior of the flexible ligands; the formation of CD22 homo-oligomers on the B-cell surface was also addressed. Furthermore, it was provided a global vision of how the most diffuse neuraminic acid forms of sialylated N-glycans are accomodated in the binding pocket of CD22. Moreover, the elucidation of the binding epitope of a synthetic sialo-mimetic upon CD22 interaction afforded new hints for the design and synthesis of high-affinity ligands of therapeutic relevance against B-cell derived malignancies.
Then, the Siglec-10, an inhibitory receptor that recognize 2,3 and -linked sialoglycans was studied, thus providing the first insights of the molecular mechanisms regulating the interaction between Siglec-10 and naturally occurring sialoglycans.
After that, Siglec-7, a well-established inhibitory receptor that is primarily located on natural killer where it acts as inhibitor of cancer cells cytotoxicity via sialylated ligands binding, has been characterized in the interplay with the oncogenic pathogen F. nucleatum. Indeed, the presence of sialylated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on certain F. nucleatum strains, hinted that it may have a significant role at the immune interface. The interaction between Siglec-7 and the O-polysaccharide chain from the LPS of F. nucleatum 10953 strain has been depicted, thus delineating a structural binding model that might contribute to explain the etiological role of F. nucleatum in carcinogenesis.
A similar approach was employed to other sialoglycan- related systems, i. e. to dissect the mechanism of sialic acid recognition and hydrolysis by mumps virus hemagglutinin neuraminidase, a viral glycoprotein that plays key roles in virus entry and infection; and to assess the binding of the human macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL) in the interplay with lipooligosaccharide of E. coli strain R1.
In conclusion, the structural and functional characterization of Siglec- sialylated glycans interaction have allowed the analysis, at a molecular level, of crucial feature of 3D complexes, highlighting the molecular determinants involved in recognition and binding events, that will aid for the development or optimization of molecules for therapeutic targeting of the Siglecs
Evaluating the Impact of Java Virtual Machines on Energy Consumption
International audienceBackground. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) platforms have known multiple evolutions along the last decades to enhance both the performance they exhibit and the features they offer. With regards to energy consumption, few studies have investigated the energy consumption of code and data structures. Yet, we keep missing an evaluation of the energy efficiency of existing JVM platforms and an identification of the configurations that minimize the energy consumption of software hosted on the JVM. Aims. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the variations in energy consumption between different JVM distributions and parameters to help developers configuring the least consuming environment for their Java application. Method. We thus assess the energy consumption of some of the most popular and supported JVM platforms using 12 Java benchmarks that explore different performance objectives. Moreover, we investigate the impact of the different JVM parameters and configurations on the energy consumption of software. Results. Our results show that some JVM platforms can exhibit up to 100% more energy consumption. JVM configurations can also play a substantial role to reduce the energy consumption during the software execution. Interestingly, the default configuration of the garbage collector was energy efficient in only 50% of our experiments. Conclusion. Finally, we provide an OSS tool, named J-Referral that recommends an energy-efficient JVM distribution and configuration for any Java application
Etudes phylogénomiques et moléculaires des hélicases de type Lhr chez les Archaea et les bactéries
Les hélicases, classées en six superfamilles (SF1-6), sont des protéines qui utilisent l'énergie de l'ATP pour dérouler les acides nucléiques et pour remodeler les complexes protéines-acides nucléiques. Elles sont impliquées dans presque tous les aspects du métabolisme de l'ADN et de l'ARN en participant à de nombreux mécanismes de maintien de l'intégrité cellulaire. Les protéines de type Lhr sont des hélicases SF2 qui sont pour la plupart non caractérisées. Récemment, par des approches phylogénomiques, Dr H. Chamieh et ses collaborateurs ont classé toutes les hélicases SF1 et SF2 présentes dans les génomes d'Archaea et ont montré que les protéines de type Lhr sont ubiquitaires (Chamieh et al. 2016). De plus, en déterminant les réseaux d'interaction des protéines impliquées dans le métabolisme de l'ARN, comme la ribonucléase aRNase J et l'hélicase ASH-Ski2, Dr B. Clouet-d'Orval et ses collaborateurs ont identifié un lien entre les machines de traduction, de dégradation de l'ARN et de transcription chez les Thermococcales -archaea hyperthermophile- avec, au sein de ces réseaux, une protéine annotée comme une hélicase de type Lhr (Phung et al. 2020). Dans ce contexte, les travaux de ma thèse ont pour objectif d'effectuer des analyses phylogénomiques approfondies des hélicases de type Lhr chez les archées et les bactéries, de disséquer la fonction moléculaire de aLhr2 chez Thermococcus barophilus, organisme modèle pour les études biochimiques et génétiques chez les Thermococcales, et d'étudier le rôle de l'hélicase Lhr de E. coli où le gène lhr est en opéron avec le gène codant pour la RNase T. Dans une première partie, une étude bibliographique (publication d'un chapitre de livre ; Hajj et al, 2019) et des analyses phylogénomiques ont permis de définir les protéines de type Lhr comme ubiquitaire chez les archées et d'identifier cinq groupes d'orthologues. Ces analyses permettent de proposer un chemin évolutif pour les protéines Lhr d'archées et de bactéries et d'émettre des hypothèses sur leurs fonctions dans la cellule (Hajj et al, Manuscrit en préparation). Dans une deuxième partie, nous nous sommes focalisés sur l'étude moléculaire de aLhr2 de Thermococcus barophilus (Tbar). Pour étudier les activités enzymatiques de Tbar-aLhr2, le gène alhr2 a été cloné et la protéine recombinante Tbar-aLhr2 exprimée à l'aide du système d'expression pET chez E. coli. Nous avons démontré que Tbar-aLhr2 est une ATPase avec une affinité similaire pour l'ADN et l'ARN simple brin qui peut spécifiquement former et dérouler des duplex ADN/ARN avec une extrémité 3' sortante. Enfin, nous avons effectué des analyses protéomiques et transcriptomiques pour identifier le réseau de protéines associées à Tbar-aLhr2 et pour déterminer l'impact de la délétion du gène alhr2 (Δalhr2) sur l'expression génique chez T. barophilus. Au regard de ces résultats, nous proposons que Tbar-aLhr2 est impliqué au niveau de la transcription et/ou de la réparation de l'ADN chez les Thermococcales en agissant au niveau des "R-loop" (duplex ARN/ADN) (Hajj et al, Manuscrit en préparation). Dans une troisième partie, nous avons initié une étude fonctionnelle de l'hélicase bLhr de E. coli (Eco). Pour tester l'interaction entre Eco-bLhr et la RNase T qui sont exprimées au sein d'un même opéron, le gène Eco-blhr a été cloné et la protéine recombinante Eco-bLhr exprimée. La RNase T est une ribonucléase connue pour être impliquée dans la réparation de l'ADN et le métabolisme des ARNt et ARNr. Finalement, une discussion permet de comparer le(s) rôle(s) proposé(s) pour les hélicases de type Lhr chez les bactéries et les archées en dégageant l'ARN comme acteur clé dans la réparation des dommages de l'ADN.Helicases are proteins that use ATP energy to unwind nucleic acids and to remodel protein-nucleic acid complexes. They are involved in almost every aspect of the DNA and RNA metabolism and participate in numerous repair mechanisms maintaining cellular integrity. Helicases are classified into six superfamilies (SF1-6). The Lhr-type proteins belong to SF2 helicases that are poorly characterized to date. A phylogenomic study performed by Chamieh et al classified SF1 and SF2 helicases from archaeal sequenced genomes and showed that Lhr-type proteins are ubiquitous in Archaea (Chamieh et al. 2016). Another study conducted by Clouet D'orval et al, determined the interaction networks of proteins involved in RNA metabolism, such as the ribonuclease aRNase J and the helicase ASH-Ski2, they identified a cross-talk between the translation, RNA degradation and transcription machineries in Thermococcales a group of -hyperthermophilic Archaea- and remarkably Lhr-type helicase was found to be a partner in these networks (Phung et al. 2020). In this context, my PhD thesis aim to perform in-depth phylogenomic analyses of Lhr-type helicases in Archaea and to extend this work further to bacteria, to dissect the molecular function of aLhr2 in Thermococcus barophilus, a model organism used for biochemical and genetic studies in Thermococcales. Further, we aim to investigate the role of the bacterial Lhr (bLhr) helicase in E.coli where the gene is co-transcribed with the RNase T in proteobacteria. The first part of our work was initiated with a bibliographic survey (published book chapter; Hajj et al, 2019)/ followed by phylogenomic studies on the Lhr-type proteins. We were able to define the Lhr-type proteins as ubiquitous enzyme in Archaea and identify five orthologous groups. Based on these analyses, we proposed an evolution route for the five archaeal and bacterial Lhr groups and hypothesize on their functions in the cell (Hajj et al, Manuscript in preparation). In a second part, we focused on the molecular study of aLhr2 from Thermococcus barophilus (Tbar). To investigate the enzymatic activities of Tbar-aLhr2, alhr2 gene was cloned and the recombinant protein recombinant Tbar-aLhr2 protein produced using the pET expression system in E. coli. We demonstrated that Tbar-aLhr2 is an ATPase that has the same affinity for single stranded DNA and RNA and can specifically anneal and unwind DNA/RNA duplex with a 3' overhang. Finally, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to identify Tbar-aLhr2 protein network and to determine the effect of lhr2 deletion (Δlhr2) on gene expressions in T. barophilus. In light of all these results, we propose that Tbar-aLhr2 is involved in transcription or/and DNA repair in Thermococcales and acts on R-loops (RNA/DNA duplex) (Hajj et al, Manuscript in preparation). In the third part of the work, we initiated a functional study of the bLhr helicase of E. coli (Eco). To examine a putative interaction between Eco-bLhr and RNase T that are expressed as an operon, the Eco-blhr gene was cloned and the recombinant Eco-bLhr protein produced. RNase T is a ribonuclease known to be involved in DNA repair and tRNA/rRNA metabolism. Finally, we discussed and compared the putative role(s) of Lhr helicases in Bacteria and Archaea in RNA metabolism and DNA repair in eliciting RNA as a key player in the repair of DNA damage
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