Quick disconnect latch and handle combination Patent

Quick disconnect latch and handle combination for mounting articles on walls or supporting bases in spacecraft under zero gravity condition

Type 2 diabetes in Tirana City, Albania: a rapid increase in a country in transition.

AIMS: To determine how the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus has changed in Tirana, the capital of Albania, over 20 years. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used to select 700 households including 1540 adults 25 years of age and over in Tirana City, Albania in 2001. RESULTS: Of 1540 potential subjects, 1120 participated (response rate 72.7%). Using the 1985 WHO criteria to provide comparability with earlier data, the overall prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the age group 25+ was 6.3% (95% confidence interval 4.8-7.7); 6.9% (4.8-9.1%) male; 5.6% (3.8-7.5%) female. The age-adjusted prevalence in those aged 25+ was 5.4%. Of respondents, 3.4% were known to have diabetes, and 2.9% were newly identified through the survey. The prevalence of diabetes increased with age, although among men there was a slight decline after age 65. Impaired glucose tolerance was found in a further 2.9% of respondents, again increasing with age. The prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly since 1980, doubling in the age group 50+. Use of the 1999 WHO diagnostic criteria produces a higher unadjusted prevalence, at 9.7% (8-11.4%). In a logistic regression model, obesity and family history were independent determinants of the probability of having diabetes. Among those known to have diabetes, control was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes in Albania has increased rapidly, consistent with what has been seen in other countries undergoing rapid modernization. It is likely to increase further in the future, with important implications for health policy

Detection of Turbidity Dynamics in Tampa Bay, Florida Using Multispectral Imagery from ERTS-1

Detection of turbidity dynamics in Tampa Bay, Florida using multispectral imagery from ERTS-

Modeling Subtropical Water-level Dynamics Distribution

ERTS-1 MSS imagery coupled with data collection platforms relaying virtual real time data for modeling subtropical water level dynamics distribution in south Florid

A little dab will do ya: An exploration of first time dabbers on YouTube

This thesis project is an in-depth examination of a rising subculture within cannabis users. With this research project, my aim was to explore and provide insight into the initial experiences of novice cannabis concentrate use as represented on YouTube while they are initiated into this emerging cannabis subculture. Referred to as “dabbing” or “dabs,” this highly potent and concentrated form of cannabis is being utilized by cannabis users to achieve greater highs and effects than those from the traditional cannabis flower. In this study I explored first-time “dabbers” by drawing from social media content in the form of YouTube videos in which self-identified novice dabbers are participating in first-time dab use. Using thematic analysis I explored patterns and trends associated with representations of first-time dab use on YouTube by examining the rituals and social processes associated with a novice user’s initial dab experience. I also explored novice dabbers experiences utilizing the sociological perspectives of Symbolic Interaction and Social Learning Theory related to drug use. This was done in an effort to understand practices and rituals of dab use, language use, and users response to dabbing when entering this new cannabis subculture

In vitro culture of flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, L.

The objective of this study was to determine whether flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, L., may be cultured by in vitro bud culture and micrografting through methods previously established for other woody plants. A low salt medium (Knop\u27s) was necessary for survivability of the explants. Nondormant buds responded to in vitro culture more readily than dormant buds. The 6-benzlaminopurine was superior to kinetin in promoting shoot proliferation. Rooting could not be induced with NAA, lAA, IBA, or IBA in combination with phloroglucinol

A Case Study of the Ethanol CleanCook Stove Intervention and Potential Scale-Up in Ethiopia

Background Approximately 80% of Ethiopia\u27s energy consumption is dominated by woody biomass fuel use, resulting in 91.2 million tons of firewood and 4.2 million tons of charcoal consumed annually. Ethiopia\u27s dependency on non-sustainable energy, especially for cooking, has been a major concern for the nation for the past 30 years, contributing to deforestation, climate change, and adverse human health impacts. Objectives Our objective was to document the work of Gaia Association and the implementation of the ethanol CleanCook stove in the refugee camp and urban settings of Ethiopia. We then assessed the potential for the scale-up of ethanol as a household fuel. Methods We utilized the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the ethanol cookstove intervention. We obtained secondary data from a variety of sources to evaluate a.) The performance of the CleanCook ethanol stove; b.) Effectiveness of the ethanol cookstove implementation; and, c.) Barriers to scale-up and commercialization of ethanol use as a household fuel. In addition, we conducted primary analysis of qualitative surveys to evaluate the perceptions of the ethanol and adoption of the CleanCook stove. Results Our case study results provide critical insight into the 13-year implementation of the CleanCook ethanol stove in Ethiopia. Laboratory tests demonstrate that the CleanCook stove reduces harmful emissions compared to biomass stoves, and preliminary field tests show 24-hour average PM2.5 levels of 200 μg/m3. To-date 8731 CleanCook stoves were distributed to refugee households, while an additional 500 were sold at a subsided price to low-income urban households. CleanCook stove users report the continued use of multiple stoves. Conclusions The CleanCook ethanol stove has been implemented as an energy intervention for the vulnerable refugee population in Ethiopia for over 13 years. There has been limited success of a subsidized CleanCook stove among low-income households in Addis Ababa. This case study demonstrates the complexities of promoting a new fuel for household cooking, and the numerous obstacles and stagnations in implementation. Ethanol demonstrates some potential for scale-up and commercialization as a household fuel in Addis Ababa, but it may require simultaneous stabilization of ethanol supply, growth of a city-wide distribution infrastructure, and an affordably priced stove and fuel

Violence Against Women in Sierra Leone: Frequency and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence and Forced Sexual Intercourse

Violence against women is a significant public health problem which impacts women, men, and children. Little is known about the frequency or correlates of violence against women in Africa. In this cross-sectional study, we found that 66.7% of 144 women surveyed in a study of AIDS knowledge, attitude, and behaviours, report being beaten by an intimate male partner and 50.7% report having ever been forced to have sexual intercourse; 76.6% of women report either forced sex or intimate partner violence. Circumcised women were most likely to report intimate partner violence and forced sexual intercourse. To improve the health of women worldwide, violence against women must be addressed