En hjerne til forskel: – neuropædagogik og faglighed på botilbud for voksne med varig nedsat fysisk og psykisk funktionsevne

Rapporten er udarbejdet i tilknytning til projekt KvaliKomBo, som er støttet af Servicestyrelsen under Socialministeriet. Den er udgivet som publikation nr. 6 i serien 'Socialpædagogisk faglighed og voksne med psykisk/fysisk handicap' (serieredaktør: Søren Langager) under DPU’s forskningsprogram Social‐ og specialpædagogik i inkluderende perspektiv (SSIP)

Optimization of the BLASTN substitution matrix for prediction of non-specific DNA microarray hybridization

DNA microarray measurements are susceptible to error caused by non-specific hybridization between a probe and a target (cross-hybridization), or between two targets (bulk-hybridization). Search algorithms such as BLASTN can quickly identify potentially hybridizing sequences. We set out to improve BLASTN accuracy by modifying the substitution matrix and gap penalties. We generated gene expression microarray data for samples in which 1 or 10% of the target mass was an exogenous spike of known sequence. We found that the 10% spike induced 2-fold intensity changes in 3% of the probes, two-third of which were decreases in intensity likely caused by bulk-hybridization. These changes were correlated with similarity between the spike and probe sequences. Interestingly, even very weak similarities tended to induce a change in probe intensity with the 10% spike. Using this data, we optimized the BLASTN substitution matrix to more accurately identify probes susceptible to non-specific hybridization with the spike. Relative to the default substitution matrix, the optimized matrix features a decreased score for A–T base pairs relative to G–C base pairs, resulting in a 5–15% increase in area under the ROC curve for identifying affected probes. This optimized matrix may be useful in the design of microarray probes, and in other BLASTN-based searches for hybridization partners

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows: effects on behavior of sows and piglets

Background To investigate if specific sow and piglet behavioral characteristics could be used diagnostically, this case-cohort study of the behavior of sows and piglets during the periparturient period (from 24 h before the birth of first piglet to 24 h after the birth of last piglet) was conducted. Data included 32 sows diagnosed with PDS (PDS+) vs. 37 healthy matched controls (PDS-) and their litters. Results A significant change from active behavior with many postural changes to a more passive behavior was noted in connection with parturition. Sow nesting behavior was less frequent in PDS+ sows compared to PDS- sows during (p = 0.04) and after parturition (p = 0.0004). No difference was found between PDS+ and PDS- in the number of postural changes, interval from last time standing to the birth of the first piglet, interval from last time eating/drinking to the birth of the first piglet, interval from the birth of the first piglet to the sow standing after farrowing, interval from the birth of the last piglet until eating/drinking, occurrence of bar biting, or frequency or duration of eating/drinking during the observation period. Piglets of PDS+ sows stayed outside the creep areas more often than piglets of PDS- sows (p < 0.0001), but there was no difference in the mean number of piglets observed massaging the udder every 10 min. Conclusion These results confirm that sow behavior changes from active before parturition to more passive after parturition. Being diagnosed with PDS affected the periparturient behavior of sows as well as their piglets. The observed reduction in nesting behavior in PDS+ sows may suggest that a highly motivated piglet-oriented behavior was affected. However, classical sickness behaviors like lethargy and passivity seem to be poor markers for PDS

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Referat fra Trafikdage på Aalborg Universitet 201

Comprehensive Approach. Challenges and opportunities in complex crisis management

This report discusses challenges related to the comprehensive approach in complex crisis management today. The first chapter conceptualises ‘comprehensive approach’ by developing categories and definitions of various kinds of interactions and between various kinds of actors. The second chapter discusses five topic areas that represent a challenge to achieving a comprehensive approach: conflicting values, principles and priorities; organisational and operational challenges; how to organise a comprehensive approach; the challenges of leadership and management; and the challenges of local ownership. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it includes important challenges that organisations attempting to engage in a comprehensive approach must heed. One of the conclusions is that a successful comprehensive approach requires increased organisational flexibility but also basic things like appropriate leadership, and reduction of prejudices and cultural barriers across the range of actors engaged in crisis management