Multiphase coexistence in polydisperse colloidal mixtures

We study the phase behavior of mixtures of monodisperse colloidal spheres with a depletion agent which can have arbitrary shape and can possess a polydisperse size or shape distribution. In the low concentration limit, considered here, we can employ the free-volume theory and take the geometry of particles of the depletion agent into account within the framework of fundamental measure theory. We apply our approach to study the phase diagram of a mixture of (monodisperse) colloidal spheres and two polydisperse polymer components. By fine tuning the distribution of the polymer it is possible to construct a complex phase diagram which exhibits two stable critical points.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure

Bayesian prior probability distributions and subjective sensitivity to the variance of a sample of numbers

This study was run to study human sensitivity to changes in sample variance. The subjects observed lists of numbers and were asked to estimate the mean for each list. Then they were to indicate how confident they were in their choice by means of a graph. The graph was to show the relative likelihood of other values they thought could be the mean. This type of graph can be considered a subjective probability distribution and is proposed for practical application in Bayesian statistical analysis

The 'heROIC' Trial: Does the use of a Robotic rehabilitation trainer change Quality Of Life, range of movement and function In children with Cerebral Palsy?

Background: Children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) (GMFCS IV/V) can find it difficult to access equipment that allows them to exercise effectively, potentially impacting their quality of life. Physiotherapists working within special schools are well placed to facilitate increased physical activity as part of the school day. This study explored whether the Innowalk Pro, a robotic rehabilitation trainer, could influence quality of life (measured by the CPCHILD questionnaire), in children with CP, alongside, joint range of movement, spasticity and functional goals of the lower limbs, measured by goniometry, modified Tardieu scale and goal attainment scoring, GAS, respectively. Methods: A prospective single-arm, pre–post trial was undertaken. The Innowalk Pro was used four times a week for 30 min alongside usual physiotherapy care in a school setting over a 6-week period. Outcomes were evaluated immediately pre/post intervention and at 6 weeks and 3 months post intervention. Analysis also explored differences between primary and secondary age participants. Results: Twenty-seven participants aged 5–18 years with a diagnosis of CP GMFCS IV/V (10 female, 17 male, mean age 12 years) were included from a convenience sample in a special school. Quality of life improved in 36% of participants, the majority of these being secondary aged. Knee extension reduced significantly 3 months post intervention. There were no meaningful changes in spasticity. GAS goals improved in 88% of participants after using the Innowalk Pro. GAS goals tended to decline after a break from using the equipment, with 21% declining by two or more units at 3 months post intervention. Conclusion: A 6-week course of the Innowalk Pro can improve quality of life and functional goals for children with CP aged 5–18 years. After a break of 6–12 weeks, functional goals tend to return to baseline. Further research is needed to explore different prescriptions of the Innowalk Pro, to see if increasing the time used/increasing the frequency or number of weeks it is used for can provide longer lasting benefits

Algunos ejemplos de Realpolitik en las fuentes griegas

Se comentan algunos ejemplos de textos legales que muestran un enfoque decididamente realista, inspirado por un principio de racionalismo práctico y una total autonomía en la aplicación de la inteligencia humana a la previsión y resolución de los problemas de la vida en comunidad. Los testimonios analizados primero, son epigráficos: una arcaica inscripción de Quíos (VII-VI), cuya mención de una µïùìc äèíïóÝè indujo a considerarla un temprano ejemplo de constitución democrática, y los códigos legales, en forma de Imprecaciones Públicas, recogidos en dos inscripciones procedentes de Teos (490-470). Finalmente se insiste en el paralelismo de estos testimonios directos con un texto literario, la Ciropedia de Jenofonte.Using some fragments of archaic legal texts, and of Xenophon's Cyropaedia, we show the dominant role, within the Ancient Greek World, of a principle of practical rationality to deal with the problems arising from life of the human communities. A principle relying upon a full authonomy of the human mind. The fragments belong to a Chios' inscription (VII-VI), usually seen as an early remain of a democratic constitution because of its mentioning of a µïùìc äèíïóÝè, and to the law codes on two inscriptions from Teos (490-470), written in the form of public imprecations. An akin method is suggested for the political strategies shown by the literary hero of Xenophon's Cyropaedia

Browntail Moth Research at the University of Maine: A Report of Activities and Findings 2016-2020

The browntail moth has become a very serious problem for many communities in southern, midcoast and central Maine over the past several years as this insect has reached populations levels that we have not seen in 80 to 100 years. Researchers at the University of Maine have teamed up with entomologists in the Maine State Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Maine Forest Service (MDACF) to track the spread and investigate the causes of the outbreak and evaluate management strategies for this daunting pest. The report was prepared by Prepared by: Dr. Eleanor Groden, Professor of Entomology, Emerita, School of Biology and Ecology and the Maine Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, University of Maine Karla Boyd, M.S. Entomology, Dr. Hye Weon Hwang, PhD Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Maine, Dr. Barbra Cole, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Angela Mech, Assistant Professor of Forest Entomolog