Speckle techniques for determining stresses in moving objects

Laser speckle interferometry is a relatively new experimental technique which shows promise of alleviating many difficult problems in experimental mechanics. The method utilizes simple high-resolution photographs of the surface which is illuminated by coherent light. The result is a real-time or permanently stored whole-field record of interference fringes which yields a map of displacements in the object. In this thesis, the time-average theory using the Fourier transform is developed to present the application of this technique to measurement of in-plane displacement induced by the vibration of an object

Diurnal changes in reflectance factor due to Sun-row direction interactions

Over a two year period, data were collected regarding the canopies of soybeans grown in rows in planter boxes placed on a turntable in an effort to investigate changes in the spectral reflectance factor related to row direction, Sun direction, soil background, and crop development stage. Results demonstrate that the direction of rows in a soybean canopy can affect the reflectance factor of the canopy by as much as 230%. The results for the red spectral region tend to support the validity of canopy reflectance models; results for the infrared region do not

From policy to pedagogy: widening the discourse and practice of the learning society in the European Union

This paper explores the policy turn of the learning society, and how the academic world is responding to new social and political demands. It highlights some of the criticisms levelled at the learning society, as well as the voices of support. The paper also showcases the European Language Portfolio and the Transferable Skills project as two examples of good practice. Cet article examine le tournant de la politique de la socie´te´ du savoir ainsi que la re´ponse du monde intellectuel face aux nouvelles exigences sociales et politiques. Il met en lumie`re certaines des critiques souleve´es par la socie´te´ du savoir ainsi que par les voix favorables. L’article s’appuie sur deux exemples pratiques, a` savoir le Portfolio Europe´en des Langues et le Project des Compe´tences Transmissibles

Case-finding in clinical practice: An appropriate strategy for dementia identification?

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Earlier diagnosis of dementia is increasingly being recognized as a public health priority. As screening is not generally recommended, case-finding in clinical practice is encouraged as an alternative dementia identification strategy. The approaches of screening and case-finding are often confused, with uncertainty about what case-finding should involve and under what circumstances it is appropriate. We propose a formal definition of dementia case-finding with a clear distinction from screening. We critically examine case-finding policy and practice and propose evidence requirements for implementation in clinical practice. Finally, we present a case-finding pathway and discuss the available evidence for best practice at each stage, with recommendations for research and practice. In conclusion, dementia case-finding is a promising strategy but currently not appropriate due to the substantial gaps in the evidence base for several components of this approach.This work was supported by the Halpin Trust (J.M.R., D.J.L., and E.K.), Mary Kinross Charitable Trust (D.J.L. and E.K.), and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for the South West Peninsula (D.J.L. and I.L.)

Eventos adversos pós-vacinais em pacientes imunizados contra a COVID-19 em um município do sul de Santa Catarina no ano de 2021

The mass availability of vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the result of worldwide scientific efforts. However, insecurity and popular hesitation permeate the antivaccine movements. Objective: Analyze the profile of Post-Vaccine Adverse Events (PVAE) in the city of Tubarão, SC, Brazil, in 2021. Methodology: Cross-sectional epidemiologicalstudy with data from all standard PVAE notification forms in the city of Tubarão-SC in 2021. The variables analyzed were the epidemiological profile of the patient, the immunobiological administered, the type of event and the evolution of the cases. The incidence rate (IR) was calculated for 10,000 doses ap-plied. Results: The study population was 274 patients, 73% were female, with a mean age of 39.8±14.5 years. A total of 197,001 doses were applied in the year 2021, resulting in an overall IR of 13.9. There were 206 reactions reported in pa-tients immunized withAstraZeneca (IR=29.1), 43 with Pfizer (IR=5.1), 18 with Coro-navac (IR=4.8) and seven with Janssen (IR=13.8).There were only seven cases classified as severe (IR=0.3) and, of these, one patient died, with no causal rela-tionship established. Conclusion: The overall incidence of serious events was low, which corroborates the safety profile of available immunobiologicals against COVID-19.A disponibilização em massa de vacinas contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 é resultado de esforços científicos mundiais. Entretanto, a insegurança e a hesitação popular per-meiam os movimentos antivacinais. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil dos Eventos Adver-sos Pós-Vacinais (EAPV) na cidade de Tubarão-SC no ano de 2021. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico transversal com dados de todas as fichas de notificação padrão de EAPV no município de Tubarão em 2021. As variáveis analisadas foram o perfil epidemiológico do paciente, imunobiológico administrado, o tipo de evento e a evolução do caso. Calculou-se a taxa de incidência (TI) para 10 mil doses apli-cadas. Resultados: A população em estudo foi de 274 pacientes, sendo 73% do sexo feminino, com média das idades de 39,8±14,5 anos. Foram aplicadas 197.001 doses no ano de 2021, o que resultou em uma TI geral de EAPV de 13,9. Houve 206 reações notificadas em pacientes imunizados com a AstraZeneca (TI=29,1), 43 com a Pfizer (TI=5,1), 18 com a Coronavac (TI=4,8) e sete com a Janssen (TI=13,8). Houve apenas sete casos classificados como graves (TI=0,3) e, destes, um paciente evoluiu com óbito, sem relação causal estabelecida. Conclusão: A incidência geral de eventos graves foi baixa, o que corrobora o perfil de segurança dos imunobiológicos disponíveis contra a COVID-19

A tale of two cities: The impact of airline mergers and consolidation at London and New York

This paper considers the changes to airline networks, service patterns, and competition that have taken place as a result of recent airline mergers on both sides of the North Atlantic as well as through transatlantic alliances. Capacity, frequency and the competitive position are studied at London and New York with the use of schedule data within different markets in which measures of market concentration are evaluated. International Civil Aviation Organization data is employed to examine load factors on international routes, and UK Civil Aviation Authority data to consider the distribution of traffic between airports in London. It is shown that the effectiveness of the hubs has increased, with enhanced efficiency for surviving airlines, through fewer competitors, an enlarged network and greater control of capacity. Potential concerns are identified however, regarding passenger choice,pricing, and service options that suggest the industry is moving toward an oligopoly. Smaller cities are also seen to be the losers from consolidation with slot divestments favoring increased service in the dense markets, with many regional links being axed altogether. The paper supplements the literature on airline consolidation, with a particular focus on the two biggest markets in the world—London and New York—which demonstrate some similar but also some different issues. Both airline network impacts and choice, and service for local consumers are considered

A Simple Colorimetric Assay for Specific Detection of Glutathione-S Transferase Activity Associated with DDT Resistance in Mosquitoes

Aedes mosquitoes transmit many human viral pathogens including dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. Most of these pathogens have no specific treatment or vaccine and hence their control is reliant on controlling the mosquito vectors, which usually involves the use of insecticides. In order to prevent the alarming prospect of mosquito control failure due to the rapid selection and spread of insecticide resistance in several mosquito populations worldwide, it is essential that effective resistance management strategies are implemented and adhered to. The development of simple diagnostic tests for the early identification and monitoring of resistance is an important prerequisite for this task. Here, we describe the development of a simple colorimetric test for the detection of GSTE2-2/DDTase-based resistance in individual mosquitoes. The novel assay combines the most desirable features of specificity and sensitivity with the low cost and ease of use required for a routine test in endemic countries. It can have direct application in routine vector monitoring as a resistance indicator and help improve the sustainability of insecticide based control strategies