Mark IVA microprocessor support

The requirements and plans for the maintenance support of microprocessor-based controllers in the Deep Space Network Mark IVA System are discussed. Additional new interfaces and 16-bit processors have introduced problems not present in the Mark III System. The need for continuous training of maintenance personnel to maintain a level of expertise consistent with the sophistication of the required tools is also emphasized

Synthesis and evaluation of novel polymer modifiers for biodegradable polymers

The effects of ester plasticizers and copolymers on the mechanical properties of the natural biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [PHB] and poly(lactic acid) [PLA] have been studied after subjecting to melt processing conditions. Ester plasticizers were synthesized from citric, tartaric and maleic acids using various alcohols. A variety of PLA copolymers have also been prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives using stannous octanoate catalysed ring opening polymerisations of DL-lactide. A novel PLA star copolymer was also prepared from an ethoxylated pentaerythritol. The structures of these copolymers were determined by NMR spectroscopy. The plasticizing effect of the synthesised additives at various concentrations was determined. While certain additives were capable of improving the mechanical properties of PLA, none were effective in PHB. Moreover, it was found that certain combinations of additives exhibited synergistic effects. Possible mechanisms are discussed. Biotic and abiotic degradation studies showed that the plasticizers (esters and copolymers) did not inhibit the biodegradability of PHB or PLA in compost at 60°C. Simple toxicity tests carried out on compost extract and its ability to support the growth of cress seeds was established. PLA was found to be susceptible to limited thermal degradation under melt processing conditions. Conventional phenolic antioxidants showed no significant effect on this process, suggesting that degradation was not predominantly a free radical process. PLA also underwent photo-oxidative degradation with UV light and the process could be accelerated in the presence of a photoactivator such as iron (III) diisononyl dithiocarbamate. The mechanisms for the above processes are discussed. Finally, selected compounds were prepared on a pilot plant scale. Extruded and blown films were prepared containing these additives with conventional polymer processing equipment. The mechanical properties were similar to those obtained with laboratory produced compression moulded films

Evidence synthesis on the occurrence, causes, consequences, prevention and management of bullying and harassment behaviours to inform decision making in the NHS

Background Workplace bullying is a persistent problem in the NHS with negative implications for individuals, teams, and organisations. Bullying is a complex phenomenon and there is a lack of evidence on the best approaches to manage the problem. Aims Research questions What is known about the occurrence, causes, consequences and management of bullying and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace? Objectives Summarise the reported prevalence of workplace bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Summarise the empirical evidence on the causes and consequences of workplace bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Describe any theoretical explanations of the causes and consequences of workplace bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Synthesise evidence on the preventative and management interventions that address workplace bullying interventions and inappropriate behaviour. Methods To fulfil a realist synthesis approach the study was designed across four interrelated component parts: Part 1: A narrative review of the prevalence, causes and consequences of workplace bullying Part 2: A systematic literature search and realist review of workplace bullying interventions Part 3: Consultation with international bullying experts and practitioners Part 4: Identification of case studies and examples of good practic

Positive allosteric modulators of the μ‐opioid receptor: a novel approach for future pain medications

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109803/1/bph12599.pd

An investigation of vertical extrapolation of the vector horizontal wind field

Extrapolation techniques including the geostrophic and gradient thermal wind, average wind shear from United States Weather Bureau maximum-wind analyses, and persistence were statistically compared for January 1960 over the United States. Calculations were made for layers contained between 200 mb and 40,000 or 15,000 feet, the thicknesses averaging 2100 or 6500 feet, respectively. Graphic results are presented for both speed and direction errors for each type of extrapolation. It is shown that low wind speed, cross-isobar flow, and large curvature are associated with significant extrapolation errors. The author is grateful for the patience and expert counsel of Professor R. J. Renard of the United States Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.http://www.archive.org/details/investigationofv00carlLieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Emergency Conditions in Horses: Opinions and Decision Making of Livery Yard Owners

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate equine livery yard owners’ opinions of emergency conditions, and to identify factors influencing emergency decision making in the horse.Background: There is limited data on horse owners’ opinions and decision making in emergency conditions.Evidentiary value: An online questionnaire was distributed to UK livery yard owners accredited with the British Horse Society. There were 104 survey participants, who represented experienced owners with responsibility for care of a number of horses.Methods: The questionnaire consisted of open and closed questions on participants’ demographics, their experiences and opinions of the most common equine emergency conditions, and emergency decision making. Descriptive data analysis included frequency ranking and categorisation of free text responses.Results: The majority of respondents had kept horses for more than 10 years (97%), and reported previous experience of emergency conditions (99%), predominantly colic (96%) and wounds (92%). Participants considered that the most common emergency conditions were colic (98%), wounds (49%) and fractures (22%), and the most concerning conditions were colic (94%), lameness (36%) and wounds (21%). Factors believed to be important in emergency decision making were: degree of pain, likelihood of condition resolving, and severity of disease.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of colic and wounds as emergency conditions in the horse, and describes factors considered important in emergency decision making.Application: The outcomes identify where research and clinical resources should be targeted to improve emergency care for horses. The results were used to inform a survey of the wider horse population

Cross-sectional study of horse owners’ knowledge, and opinions on recognising colic in the horse

BackgroundColic is the most common emergency problem in the horse. An owner’s ability to recognise colic and seek assistance is a critical first step in determining case outcome.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess horse owners’ knowledge and opinions on recognising colic.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to horse owners with open and closed questions on their knowledge of normal clinical parameters in the horse, confidence and approach to recognising colic (including assessment through case scenarios), and their demographics. Descriptive and chi squared statistical analyses were performed.ResultsThere were 1564 participants. Many respondents either did not know or provided incorrect estimates for their horse’s normal clinical parameters: only 45% (n = 693/1540) gave correct normal values for heart rate, 45% (n = 694/1541) for respiratory rate and 67% (n = 1028/1534) for rectal temperature. Knowledge of normal values was statistically associated with participants’ educational qualifications (

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student Clinicians’ Self-Perceived Competency in Dysphagia Management

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the preferred healthcare providers for managing the direct clinical care of patients with dysphagia. By assessing self-perceived competency during academic training, SLP graduate student clinicians may increase their understanding of their skills in dysphagia management. We modified the Dysphagia Competency Verification Tool (DCVT) to use a 5-point ordinal scale to explore how SLP graduate student clinicians’ self-perception of competency in dysphagia management changes over time and to determine the impact of clinical practicum experiences. Seventy-two SLP graduate student clinicians rated their self-perceived competency for four DCVT domains. We used Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models to analyze the statistical significance of self-perception of competency ratings for each of the DCVT domains across semesters while accounting for clinical practicum experiences. Overall, the SLP graduate student clinicians indicated an increase in DCVT scores from the beginning of their graduate training program to the time of graduation, but did not perceive themselves as Adequate on most items of the DCVT until their last semester. These results suggest that both SLP graduate student clinicians and SLP graduate training programs would benefit from using a standardized metric to assess self-perceived competence in dysphagia management. DCVT self-perceived competency ratings could inform SLP graduate student clinicians about areas of dysphagia management practice and skills that need further development, allowing them to target these specific areas and gain actual competence