361 research outputs found
Usability and Behaviour Analysis of Prisoners using an Interactive Technology to Manage Daily Living
An Infrared Comparison of Type-1 and Type-2 Quasars
We model the optical to far-infrared SEDs of a sample of six type-1 and six
type-2 quasars selected in the mid-infrared. The objects in our sample are
matched in mid-IR luminosity and selected based on their Spitzer IRAC colors.
We obtained new targeted Spitzer IRS and MIPS observations and used archival
photometry to examine the optical to far-IR SEDs. We investigate whether the
observed differences between samples are consistent with orientation-based
unification schemes. The type-1 objects show significant emission at 3 micron.
They do not show strong PAH emission and have less far-IR emission on average
when compared to the type-2 objects. The SEDs of the type-2 objects show a wide
assortment of silicate features, ranging from weak emission to deep silicate
absorption. Some also show strong PAH features. In comparison, silicate is only
seen in emission in the type-1 objects. This is consistent with some of the
type-2s being reddened by a foreground screen of cooler dust, perhaps in the
host galaxy itself. We investigate the AGN contribution to the far-IR emission
and find it to be significant. We also estimate the star formation rate for
each of the objects by integrating the modeled far-IR flux and compare this
with the SFR found from PAH emission. We find the type-2 quasars have a higher
average SFR than the type-1 quasars based on both methods, though this could be
due to differences in bolometric luminosities of the objects. While we find
pronounced differences between the two types of objects, none of them are
inconsistent with orientation-based unification schemes.Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap
Exploring aspects of agile software development risk – results from a MLR
Agile software development methods are widely used by software organisations, focusing on short developmental life cycles and customer satisfaction through the iterative and incremental development of software products. Despite their popularity, these methods present risks that may be underappreciated. This paper examines certain risks attributed to agile software development, with a focus on the lack of documentation, scope creep, technical debt and job satisfaction. Through the application of a multivocal literature review, we find that agile software development can greatly benefit projects. However, when agile methods are implemented inappropriately or sub-optimally, projects risk over-spending, delayed or defective software, employee turnover, and overall decreased productivity. Understanding the risks associated with agile software development can help practitioners to achieve higher efficiency and success in their software development projects
Gender differences in uptake, adherence and experiences: a longitudinal, mixed methods study of a physical activity referral scheme in Scotland, UK
Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are implemented internationally to increase physical activity (PA) but evidence of effectiveness for population subgroups is equivocal. We examined gender differences for a Scottish PARS. This mixed-method, concurrent longitudinal study had equal status quantitative and qualitative components. We conducted 348 telephone interviews across three time points (pre-scheme, 12 and 52 weeks). These included validated self-reported PA and exercise self-efficacy measures, and open-ended questions about experiences. We recruited 136 participants, 120 completed 12-week and 92 completed 52-week interviews. PARS uptake was 83.8% (114/136) and 12-week adherence for those who started was 43.0% (49/114). Living in less deprived areas was associated with better uptake (p=0.021) and 12-week adherence (p=0.020), and with male uptake (p=0.024) in gender-stratified analysis. Female adherers significantly increased self-reported PA at 12 weeks (p=0.005) but not 52 weeks. Males significantly increased exercise self-efficacy between baseline and 52 weeks (p=0.009). Three qualitative themes and eight subthemes developed; gender perspectives, personal factors (health, social circumstances, transport and attendance benefits) and scheme factors (communication, social/staff support, individualisation and age appropriateness). Both genders valued the PARS. To increase uptake, adherence and PA, PARS should ensure timely, personalized communication, individualised, affordable PA and include mechanisms to re-engage those who disengage temporarily
Are Ethnic and Gender Specific Equations Needed to Derive Fat Free Mass from Bioelectrical Impedance in Children of South Asian, Black African-Caribbean and White European Origin? Results of the Assessment of Body Composition in Children Study
Background
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a potentially valuable method for assessing lean mass and body fat levels in children from different ethnic groups. We examined the need for ethnic- and gender-specific equations for estimating fat free mass (FFM) from BIA in children from different ethnic groups and examined their effects on the assessment of ethnic differences in body fat.
Methods
Cross-sectional study of children aged 8–10 years in London Primary schools including 325 South Asians, 250 black African-Caribbeans and 289 white Europeans with measurements of height, weight and arm-leg impedance (Z; Bodystat 1500). Total body water was estimated from deuterium dilution and converted to FFM. Multilevel models were used to derive three types of equation {A: FFM = linear combination(height+weight+Z); B: FFM = linear combination(height2/Z); C: FFM = linear combination(height2/Z+weight)}.
Results
Ethnicity and gender were important predictors of FFM and improved model fit in all equations. The models of best fit were ethnicity and gender specific versions of equation A, followed by equation C; these provided accurate assessments of ethnic differences in FFM and FM. In contrast, the use of generic equations led to underestimation of both the negative South Asian-white European FFM difference and the positive black African-Caribbean-white European FFM difference (by 0.53 kg and by 0.73 kg respectively for equation A). The use of generic equations underestimated the positive South Asian-white European difference in fat mass (FM) and overestimated the positive black African-Caribbean-white European difference in FM (by 4.7% and 10.1% respectively for equation A). Consistent results were observed when the equations were applied to a large external data set.
Conclusions
Ethnic- and gender-specific equations for predicting FFM from BIA provide better estimates of ethnic differences in FFM and FM in children, while generic equations can misrepresent these ethnic differences
How markets slowly digest changes in supply and demand
In this article we revisit the classic problem of tatonnement in price
formation from a microstructure point of view, reviewing a recent body of
theoretical and empirical work explaining how fluctuations in supply and demand
are slowly incorporated into prices. Because revealed market liquidity is
extremely low, large orders to buy or sell can only be traded incrementally,
over periods of time as long as months. As a result order flow is a highly
persistent long-memory process. Maintaining compatibility with market
efficiency has profound consequences on price formation, on the dynamics of
liquidity, and on the nature of impact. We review a body of theory that makes
detailed quantitative predictions about the volume and time dependence of
market impact, the bid-ask spread, order book dynamics, and volatility.
Comparisons to data yield some encouraging successes. This framework suggests a
novel interpretation of financial information, in which agents are at best only
weakly informed and all have a similar and extremely noisy impact on prices.
Most of the processed information appears to come from supply and demand
itself, rather than from external news. The ideas reviewed here are relevant to
market microstructure regulation, agent-based models, cost-optimal execution
strategies, and understanding market ecologies.Comment: 111 pages, 24 figure
The Grizzly, November 13, 2003
The Power of Puppets: Spiral Q at Ursinus • Registration Frustration • Philly Re-elects John Street as Mayor • First Injectable Male Contraceptive • Campus Connection: Spotlight on NYU and Student Suicide • Rush Begins at Ursinus • Cellphones Used to Cheat: Will This Technology Tempt Students at Ursinus? • Opinions: John Street: A Better Choice for Philadelphia Mayor; Die in Peace or Stay Alive?; Careers over Children; Why You Should Vote • Academy of Sportfighting • Networking for Holidays • Halloween Extravaganzas: Frightful Night for the Senior Class; Smoking Party • Musical Performances in UC History • Myrin Library now Recycles! • Field Hockey\u27s Season Cut Short • Women\u27s Soccer Team has a Record Breaking Season • UC Football: Skid Continueshttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1548/thumbnail.jp
Initial experience with an electron FLASH research extension (FLEX) for the Clinac system
Purpose: Radiotherapy delivered at ultra-high-dose-rates (≥40 Gy/s), that is, FLASH, has the potential to effectively widen the therapeutic window and considerably improve the care of cancer patients. The underlying mechanism of the FLASH effect is not well understood, and commercial systems capable of delivering such dose rates are scarce. The purpose of this study was to perform the initial acceptance and commissioning tests of an electron FLASH research product for preclinical studies.
Methods: A linear accelerator (Clinac 23EX) was modified to include a nonclinical FLASH research extension (the Clinac-FLEX system) by Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company (Palo Alto, CA) capable of delivering a 16 MeV electron beam with FLASH and conventional dose rates. The acceptance, commissioning, and dosimetric characterization of the FLEX system was performed using radiochromic film, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters, and a plane-parallel ionization chamber. A radiation survey was conducted for which the shielding of the pre-existing vault was deemed sufficient.
Results: The Clinac-FLEX system is capable of delivering a 16 MeV electron FLASH beam of approximately 1 Gy/pulse at isocenter and reached amaximum dose rate \u3e3.8 Gy/pulse near the upper accessory mount on the linac gantry. The percent depth dose curves of the 16 MeV FLASH and conventional modes for the 10 × 10 cm2 applicator agreed within 0.5 mm at a range of 50% of the maximum dose. Their respective profiles agreed well in terms of flatness but deviated for field sizes \u3e10 × 10 cm2. The output stability of the FLASH system exhibited a dose deviation of \u3c1%.Preliminary cell studies showed that the FLASH dose rate (180 Gy/s) had much less impact on the cell morphology of 76N breast normal cells compared to the non-FLASH dose rate (18 Gy/s), which induced large-size cells.
Conclusion: Our studies characterized the non-clinical Clinac-FLEX system as a viable solution to conduct FLASH research that could substantially increase access to ultra-high-dose-rate capabilities for scientists
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