Improving Electromagnetic Bias Estimates

The derivation of an electromagnetic (EM) bias model that includes the physical optics scattering models and the non-Gaussian long wave surface statistics is presented. The final formulation of the model is expressed as a function of hydrodynamic modulation, surface skewness, and tilt modulation. Through the modulation transfer function, the hydrodynamic modulation coefficient is shown to be equivalent to the long wave RMS slope multiplied by a function of the short wave spectrum. With this result the normalized EM bias reduces to a function of long wave surface parameters with coefficients determined by properties of the short ocean waves. EM bias values are computed from the theory, using a realistic surface PSD, and compared with in situ bias measurements. The bias model is shown to be in excellent agreement with the measured values, and includes features of normalized bias not present in previous models

Functional Morphology and Fluid Interactions During Early Development of the Scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita

Scyphomedusae undergo a predictable ontogenetic transition from a conserved, universal larval form to a diverse array of adult morphologies. This transition entails a change in bell morphology from a highly discontinuous ephyral form, with deep clefts separating eight discrete lappets, to a continuous solid umbrella-like adult form. We used a combination of kinematic, modeling, and flow visualization techniques to examine the function of the medusan bell throughout the developmental changes of the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita. We found that flow around swimming ephyrae and their lappets was relatively viscous (1 < Re < 10) and, as a result, ephyral lappets were surrounded by thick, overlapping boundary layers that occluded flow through the gaps between lappets. As medusae grew, their fluid environment became increasingly influenced by inertial forces (10 < Re < 10,000) and, simultaneously, clefts between the lappets were replaced by organic tissue. Hence, although the bell undergoes a structural transition from discontinuous (lappets with gaps) to continuous (solid bell) surfaces during development, all developmental stages maintain functionally continuous paddling surfaces. This developmental pattern enables ephyrae to efficiently allocate tissue to bell diameter increase via lappet growth, while minimizing tissue allocation to inter-lappet spaces that maintain paddle function due to boundary layer overlap

Fluorides, orthodontics and demineralization: a systematic review

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of fluoride in preventing white spot lesion (WSL) demineralization during orthodontic treatment and compare all modes of fluoride delivery. Data sources: The search strategy for the review was carried out according to the standard Cochrane systematic review methodology. The following databases were searched for RCTs or CCTs: Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied when considering studies to be included. Authors of trials were contacted for further data. Data selection: The primary outcome of the review was the presence or absence of WSL by patient at the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included any quantitative assessment of enamel mineral loss or lesion depth. Data extraction: Six reviewers independently, in duplicate, extracted data, including an assessment of the methodological quality of each trial. Data synthesis: Fifteen trials provided data for this review, although none fulfilled all the methodological quality assessment criteria. One study found that a daily NaF mouthrinse reduced the severity of demineralization surrounding an orthodontic appliance (lesion depth difference –70.0 µm; 95% CI –118.2 to –21.8 µm). One study found that use of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) for bracket bonding reduced the prevalence of WSL (Peto OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.15–0.84) compared with a composite resin. None of the studies fulfilled all of the methodological quality assessment criteria. Conclusions: There is some evidence that the use of a daily NaF mouthrinse or a GIC for bonding brackets might reduce the occurrence and severity of WSL during orthodontic treatment. More high quality, clinical research is required into the different modes of delivering fluoride to the orthodontic patient

Introduction of standardised packaging and availability of illicit cigarettes: a difference-in-difference analysis of European Union survey data 2015-2018.

Standardised packaging of tobacco products is intended to reduce the appeal of smoking, but the tobacco industry claims this increases illicit trade. We examined the percentage of people reporting being offered illicit cigarettes before and after full implementation of standardised packaging in the UK, Ireland and France and compared this to other European Union countries. Reported ever illicit cigarette exposure fell from 19.8% to 18.1% between 2015 and 2018 in the three countries fully implementing the policy, and from 19.6% to 17.0% in control countries (p for difference=0.320). Standardised packaging does not appear to increase the availability of illicit cigarettes

Falerii novi (comune di fabrica di Roma, provincia di viterbo, regione lazio)

As part of the AHRC-funded “Beneath the Surface of Roman Republican Cities” project (2015-17), our team is pursuing a full-coverage Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey of the entire intra-mural area of the Roman town of Falerii Novi, in combination with an assessment of the unpublished pottery from the excavations of 1969-75: our objective is to further our knowledge and understanding of the Roman town and its earlier phases of settlement (Launaro et al. 2016; 2017)

The impact of armed conflict on cancer among civilian populations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Commitee On Publication Ethics ecancermedicalscience Submit article Articles Editorials Special issues Author interviews Category Sub-category Article type Volume Keyword Bookmark and Share Article metrics: 204 views https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2020.1039 Abstract | Full Article | PDF Review The impact of armed conflict on cancer among civilian populations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review Mohammed Jawad1, Christopher Millett1, Richard Sullivan2, Fadel Alturki3, Bayard Roberts4 and Eszter P Vamos1 1Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, Hammersmith, London W6 8RP, UK 2Institute of Cancer Policy, Cancer Epidemiology, Population and Global Health, King's College London and Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK 3Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon 4Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK Abstract Background: Armed conflicts are increasingly impacting countries with a high burden of cancer. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the impact of armed conflict on cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: In November 2019, we searched five medical databases (Embase, Medline, Global Health, PsychINFO and the Web of Science) without date, language or study design restrictions. We included studies assessing the association between armed conflict and any cancer among civilian populations in LMICs. We systematically re-analysed the data from original studies and assessed quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were analysed descriptively by cancer site. Results: Of 1,543 citations screened, we included 20 studies assessing 8 armed conflicts and 13 site-specific cancers (total study population: 70,172). Two-thirds of the studies were of low methodological quality (score <5) and their findings were often conflicting. However, among outcomes assessed by three or more studies, we found some evidence that armed conflict was associated with increases in the incidence and mortality of non-specific cancers, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Single studies reported a positive association between armed conflict and the incidence of stomach and testicular cancers, some as early as 3 years after the onset of conflict. Some studies reported a post-conflict impact on time to diagnosis. Conclusion: Our findings support the need for more rigorous longitudinal and cohort studies of populations in and immediately post-conflict to inform the development of basic packages of cancer services, and post-conflict cancer control planning and development

Interamna lirenas and its territory (comune di pignataro interamna, provincia di frosinone, regione lazio)

The archaeological fieldwork at Interamna Lirenas is part of an integrated research project involving geophysical prospection, field survey and excavation, all aimed at exploring the long-term development of the Roman town and its territory from its colonial origin (late 4th c. BC) well into Late Antiquity (6th c. AD) (Bellini, Launaro and Millett 2014). The full coverage Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey of the urban area (in collaboration with Ghent University) and the main excavation of the roofed theatre (theatrum tectum) were brought to completion in the course of the eighth fieldwork season (2017)

The Strength of two HMX based plastic bonded explosives during one dimensional shock loading

A series of experiments have been performed to probe the mechanical response of two HMX based plastic bonded explosives to one dimensional shock loading. Manganin stress gauges in longitudinal and lateral orientation to the loading axis have been used as the diagnostic. Results indicate that despite major differences in the binder phase and smaller differences in the HMX crystal loading and morphology, the Hugoniot and shear strengths behind the shock front are near identical. We have proposed that this is due to the HMX crystals forming a network that supports the bulk of the applied stress

The shock Hugoniot of hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene

The response of polymers to shock loading is becoming of increasing importance, both as binder systems in plastic-bonded explosives (PBXs) and as structural materials in their own right. In this paper, we report on the shock Hugoniot of hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), which is commonly used as a binder system in PBXs, but whose shock response has yet to be presented in the open literature. Results indicate that the shock velocity --- particle velocity relationship is linear, similar to some but not all polymer-based materials

Sunlight Responsive Thermochromic Window System

Pleotint has embarked on a novel approach with our Sunlight Responsive Thermochromic, SRT™, windows. We are integrating dynamic sunlight control, high insulation values and low solar heat gain together in a high performance window. The Pleotint SRT window is dynamic because it reversibly changes light transmission based on thermochromics activated directly by the heating effect of sunlight. We can achieve a window package with low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), a low U value and high insulation. At the same time our windows provide good daylighting. Our innovative window design offers architects and building designers the opportunity to choose their desired energy performance, excellent sound reduction, external pane can be self-cleaning, or a resistance to wind load, blasts, bullets or hurricanes. SRT windows would provide energy savings that are estimated at up to 30% over traditional window systems. Glass fabricators will be able to use existing equipment to make the SRT window while adding value and flexibility to the basic design. Glazing installers will have the ability to fit the windows with traditional methods without wires, power supplies and controllers. SRT windows can be retrofit into existing buildings