Gamma Ray Burst Constraints on Ultraviolet Lorentz Invariance Violation

We present a unified general formalism for ultraviolet Lorentz invariance violation (LV) testing through electromagnetic wave propagation, based on both dispersion and rotation measure data. This allows for a direct comparison of the efficacy of different data to constrain LV. As an example we study the signature of LV on the rotation of the polarization plane of $\gamma$-rays from gamma ray bursts in a LV model. Here $\gamma$-ray polarization data can provide a strong constraint on LV, 13 orders of magnitude more restrictive than a potential constraint from the rotation of the cosmic microwave background polarization proposed by Gamboa, L\'{o}pez-Sarri\'{o}n, and Polychronakos (2006).Comment: 5 pages, references added, accepted for publication in Phys. Lett.

Measuring Intergroup Forgiveness: The Enright Group Forgiveness Inventory

Until recently, researchers operationalized and measured the psychological construct of forgiveness at the individual, rather than the group, level. Social psychologists started applying forgiveness to groups and examining the role intergroup forgiveness may have in conflict resolution and peace efforts. Initial attempts to define and measure forgiveness at the group level either assumed individual and group capacities were the same, or insufficiently described what intergroup forgiveness meant. We developed a new measure of intergroup forgiveness, and a novel group administration process, that operationalized the construct in a philosophically coherent way. Our conceptualization of intergroup forgiveness was rooted in what groups, as opposed to the individuals who compose them, have the capacity to do. We collected data on the psychometric properties of the measure with 595 participants in three different geographic and cultural settings. We assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the measure. We also assessed a novel group-based method of administering the measure to better understand the relationship between group based reports and self-reports of intergroup forgiveness. The factor structure of the measure was supported, and the measure had strong internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. The group administration process revealed important group dynamics and was not statistically different than a standard self-report administration; this finding has important implications for research and practice

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training - Handbook and Manual

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains the EN-BIRTH_Trainer's Manual (14 June 2017) and EN-BIRTH_Training Handbook (23 May 2017)

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training - Supporting Annexes

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains consent forms and participant information, in addition to standard operating procedures (SOP) for adverse clinical events, and managing distress in interviews. The full complement of annex files used during the training can be requested via this site if required

The Alaska Arctic Vegetation Archive (AVA-AK)

The Alaska Arctic Vegetation Archive (AVA-AK, GIVD-ID: NA-US-014) is a free, publically available database archive of vegetation-plot data from the Arctic tundra region of northern Alaska. The archive currently contains 24 datasets with 3,026 non-overlapping plots. Of these, 74% have geolocation data with 25-m or better precision. Species cover data and header data are stored in a Turboveg database. A standardized Pan Arctic Species List provides a consistent nomenclature for vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens in the archive. A web-based online Alaska Arctic Geoecological Atlas (AGA-AK) allows viewing and downloading the species data in a variety of formats, and provides access to a wide variety of ancillary data. We conducted a preliminary cluster analysis of the first 16 datasets (1,613 plots) to examine how the spectrum of derived clusters is related to the suite of datasets, habitat types, and environmental gradients. Here, we present the contents of the archive, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and provide three supplementary files that include the data dictionary, a list of habitat types, an overview of the datasets, and details of the cluster analysis

EN-BIRTH Data Collection Tools

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains the following data collection tools: Register data extraction, Observation checklist (labour and delivery ward), Observation checklist (kangaroo mother care), Patient record verification tools for antenatal corticosteroid administration, Patient record verification tools for antibiotic administration, and the Maternal recall survey

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training – Training Module material

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains PowerPoint slides used for the nine modules of the Data Collector's Training Programme delivered during May and June 2017. Module 1 (introduction) provides an overview of the training syllabus; Module 2 (Registration) helps tracking officers to understand their roles and responsibilities in the project and how to best execute them; Module 3 (Observation: Labour & Delivery) is intended to help Labour & Delivery observers to conduct themselves, and their work, in accordance with project guidelines and training handbook; Module 4 (Observation: Resuscitation - Nepal) covers the function of CCTV cameras and the value of collecting extra observation data from filmed clinical events; Module 5 (Observation: KMC) outlines expectations and practices to be applied by KMC (kangaroo mother care) observers; Module 6 (Data Extraction & Verification) outlines how data collectors should extract and verify register data and record information in the app extraction form in the L&D ward and KMC ward; Module 7 (Maternal Pre-discharge Recall Survey) outlines how to conduct high-quality interviews and administer the maternal pre-discharge recall survey; Module 8 (Supervision) equips supervisors with the skills to be good team managers, ensure team effectiveness and happiness, respond to incidents in the health facility, and monitor data quality; and finally Module 9 (Training Summary) provides a recap of key information taught over the week

Closing the birth registration gap for Every newborn facility birth: literature review and qualitative research

Background Birth registration is vital to provide legal identity and access to essential services. Worldwide, approximately 166 million children under five years (just under 25%) are unregistered, yet >80% of all births occur in health facilities in most low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Objectives This study, conducted in association with UNICEF, aims to review facility-based birth registration initiatives, and provide recommendations to close the gap between facility birth and birth registration rates in LMIC. Methods A literature review covering published and grey literature was conducted to identify facility-based initiatives to increase birth registration rates. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by audio-call with six key global stakeholders to identify additional initiatives, and further insights for barriers and enablers to close the gap. Results Academic databases and grey literature search yielded 21 studies meeting pre-specified inclusion criteria. Nine barriers preventing birth registration were identified and grouped into three themes: health system, governmental, and societal barriers. Facility-based birth registration initiatives resulted in an increase in birth registration rates. Importantly, health promotion within communities also increased demand for birth registration. In-depth interview respondents provided further detail and supported data found in literature review. Synthesis of the literature and stakeholder interviews noted enablers including inter-sectoral collaboration between health sector and civil registration ministries e.g., placing civil registration offices in health facilities or allowing medical doctors to act as registrars. Conclusion Facility-based birth registration initiatives can increase birth registration rates in LMIC. Initiatives need to address both supply and demand side of birth registration to improve facility-based birth registration rates. A multi-sectoral approach within governments, and alignment with multiple stakeholders is vital

Germline transmission of exogenous genes in the chicken

Difficulties associated with in vitro manipulation and culture of the early chicken embryo have restricted generation of transgenic chickens to approaches that use replication-competent retroviruses. The need to produce transgenic chickens in the absence of replicating virus prompted development of a new method of gene transfer into the chicken. Microinjection of the replication-defective reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) vector ME111 beneath unincubated chicken embryo blastoderms results in infection of germline stem cells. This vector contains genetic information exogenous to the chicken genome, including both the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene and the Tn5 neomycin phosphotransferase gene. About 8 percent of male birds hatched from injected embryos contained vector DNA in their semen. All four positive males tested passed vector sequences onto their progeny. Analysis of G1 offspring showed that gonads of G0 male birds were mosaic with respect to insertion of vector provirus. Thus, primordial germ cells present in the unincubated chicken embryo blastoderm are susceptible to infection by defective REV vectors