Weak solutions to Allen-Cahn-like equations modelling consolidation of porous media

We study the weak solvability of a system of coupled Allen--Cahn--like equations resembling cross--diffusion which is arising as a model for the consolidation of saturated porous media. Besides using energy like estimates, we cast the special structure of the system in the framework of the Leray--Schauder fixed point principle and ensure this way the local existence of strong solutions to a regularised version of our system. Furthermore, weak convergence techniques ensure the existence of weak solutions to the original consolidation problem. The uniqueness of global-in-time solutions is guaranteed in a particular case. Moreover, we use a finite difference scheme to show the negativity of the vector of solutions.}{Weak solutions; cross--diffusion system; energy method; Leray--Schauder fixed point theorem; finite differences; consolidation of porous medi

Laminitis: risk factors and outcome in a group of Danish horses

Reasons for performing study: Recent systematic reviews have highlighted the lack of quality information with respect to the epidemiology of equine laminitis. Objectives: To identify in Denmark the risk factors for new (i.e. not believed to have suffered from laminitis previously) cases of laminitis (NL) and to look at the outcome and incidence of repeated episodes of laminitis in these animals as well as those which had previously suffered an episode of laminitis (i.e. chronic cases) over the following 12 months. Methods: Information was obtained from 110 veterinary diagnosed cases of laminitis (69 new and 41 chronic) and 80 control animals (the next non-laminitic horse/pony seen by that participating practice). All animals were followed for up to one year. Univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression was conducted for the NL case control pairs. Variables were retained within the final multivariable models if the likelihood ratio p-value was < 0.05. Results: There was no association between sex or gender and laminitis. A recent change of grass, being on what was considered high quality grass and being a cold-blooded type, <149cm ( i.e. Shetland, Fell, Welsh, or Dartmoor pony, Icelandic horse, Norwegian fjords, or a mix of these breeds) were all significant risk factors for laminitis. Although cresty neck score (CNS), and body condition Score (BCS), were significantly associated with NL at the univariable screening stage, they were found to be confounders of breed and each other during the multivariable model building process. Other factors such as weight, and estimated starch intake were not found to be significant .Thirty three percent of all the laminitis cases had been humanely destroyed within 12 months of diagnosis, mainly for laminitis associated reasons, compared with only 7.5% of the controls (none for laminitis associated reasons). Conclusions: and potential Relevance: This study confirms the importance of grass turn out and breed on laminitis risk. Horses in work at the time of diagnosis as well as those diagnosed in the winter and spring were more likely to be humanely destroyed within the next 12 months than those not in work or diagnosed in the autumn and summer

Evaluating the Efficacy of Video Self-Modeling for Remediating Dysgraphia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Writing is essential to human interaction. When handwriting is illegible, communication may be negatively impacted. A severe deficit in handwriting is known as dysgraphia, a problem frequently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Video self-modeling (VSM) has been proven effective for children with ASD in the strengthening of social skills, verbalizations, and daily living skills. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the use of VSM for the treatment of dysgraphia in children with ASD. Because VSM has demonstrated success in the acquisition of many types of skills, it may prove similarly effective for remediating dysgraphia in children with ASD. Utilizing a behavioral perspective, this study seeks to determine if VSM is an effective treatment for improving handwriting legibility and proficiency. This study analyzes secondary data collected by a day treatment center (DTC) specializing in the care of children with ASD. Data indicated that after establishing a baseline level of behavior for writing simple words, the DTC staff administered the VSM treatment and rated the legibility of the participants\u27 responses based on the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement (WJ-III) Handwriting Legibility Scale. Raw score differences between baseline and treatment phases were recorded and analyzed. A pretest/ posttest evaluation based on scores obtained from the Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (HPSQ) and Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire for Children (HPSQ-C) determined changes in handwriting proficiency. Effectively analyzing this data would be an important contribution to the existing literature, and would enhance social change initiatives through strengthening the communication skills of individuals with ASD

Prenatal environmental exposures and child neurodevelopment in Project Viva

Background: The prenatal period is a critical window for neurodevelopment and is particularly sensitive to toxicant exposure. Traffic-related air pollution and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are two classes of potential developmental toxicants to which pregnant women are ubiquitously exposed. Objectives: In a cohort of children, characterize in utero exposure to traffic-related air pollution and PFASs and examine the effects of these exposures on childhood assessments of neurodevelopment. Methods: Analyses were conducted in Project Viva, a longitudinal Boston-area birth cohort enrolled during 1999‒2002. In mid-childhood (at age 6‒10), children completed assessments of cognitive function and mothers and classroom teachers assessed executive function and behavior problems in children using validated questionnaires. Estimates of traffic-related pollutant exposures, residential proximity to major roadways, and near-residence traffic density were generated for periods in pregnancy and childhood. Stored maternal plasma from pregnancy was analyzed for concentrations of four common PFASs: perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA). We modeled associations of exposures with neurodevelopmental assessment scores, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Living within 50 meters of a major roadway at birth predicted lower non-verbal intelligence, verbal intelligence, and visual motor abilities in mid-childhood. Children with higher black carbon exposure during childhood had greater teacher-assessed problems with behavior regulation, but prenatal traffic exposures were not associated with greater problems. Children with higher prenatal exposure to PFOA scored lower on assessments of verbal IQ and visual motor abilities, but children with the highest levels of PFOS and PFNA exposure appeared to have better scores on some cognitive assessments (verbal IQ, non-verbal IQ and design memory for PFOS and verbal IQ, design memory and picture memory for PFNA). Conclusions: The influence of exposure to traffic-related pollution and PFASs on neurodevelopment varied across pollutants, exposure windows, and neurobehavioral domains. Results suggested that residential proximity to major roadways during gestation adversely affected cognitive development. Prenatal exposure to traffic-related pollution did not predict greater neurobehavioral problems, but childhood exposure appeared to influence behavioral regulation. Observed associations of prenatal PFAS exposure with childhood cognition differed across studied compounds and cognitive assessments, suggesting both deleterious and protective effects

Reflections of Self: An Autoethnography Exploring a Survivor\u27s Journey to Healing

This study exposed the ramifications of childhood sexual abuse in regards to an African American woman\u27s self-representation by contextualizing this experience within the larger cultural context; thereby, illuminating issues regarding race, class, gender, and relationships with others. Framed within a feminist theoretical paradigm, this study integrated the sociological context of race and culture using Black Feminist thought (Collins, 2000) and Relational Cultural Theory, which examines women\u27s psychological identity development (Jordan, 2010; Miller, 1976). To illustrate an African American woman\u27s negotiation of existence as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, this qualitative study employed the research methodology autoethnography. Employing autoethnography provides individuals primarily studied by members of the dominant culture the opportunity to study their own experience. This is especially important when exploring the topic of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse poses methodological concerns for researchers because of the topic\u27s sensitive nature (Ellis &Bochner, 2003: Mendis, 2009). Investigating the impact of sexual abuse is warranted as it gives voice to the survivor\u27s experience; thereby, liberating the survivor. Yet, it is important to note the hegemonic relationship between the researcher and survivor, since the researcher is contextualizing the information through her eyes (Lister, 2003). Through the researcher\u27s contextualization the survivor transitions back into a victim position. Therefore, survivor discourse about sexual abuse then may be far from liberatory, as the survivor discloses her innermost experiences to an expert, who then reinterprets the experiences using dominant codes of normality (Lister, 2003, p. 47). By employing an autoethnographic approach, Iam negotiating this hegemonic relationship by serving as the researcher and participant. As the participant Iam describing an experience that once victimized me. As the researcher I am contextualizing my journey as a survivor, more specifically, investigating how this experience affected my sense of self, perception of others, and my relationships. With a deeper understanding of self and others, autoethnography can be a very empowering method of inquiry. Autoethnographies can bring voice to those marginalized in society and bring coherence for individuals seeking to understand how past experiences have influenced their life and identity (Ellis &Bochner, 2000)

Introduction: Sounding Islam in China

This introduction to a journal special issue draws together an interdisciplinary group of international scholars interested in the ethnographically grounded, historically informed study of local Islamic practices within Muslim communities across China. The contributors draw on the diverse methodologies of historical, textual analysis, and sensory ethnography to map the Islamic soundscapes of China. The content of this volume ranges from a 16th century Sufi text from Eastern Turkestan, to legal clashes in 18th century Yunnan, from the soundscape of women’s mosques in Henan, and recitation of Jahriyya Sufis in Ningxia, to Internet videos circulating amongst Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. These investigations aim to provide new insights into the nature of religious practice, meaning and power, and illustrate the ways in which they are sonically negotiated both within society and in relation to the state

The implications of resource dependence for non-profit organisations: the Portuguese case

During the last few decades it has been generally accepted that there has been extensive sharing of responsibility between the state and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in order to accomplish public purposes. As a result, the relationship between both sectors, and the degree of dependence of NPOs on the state has been acknowledged as a critical issue within social and public policy debates. However, the intensity of this debate has not been matched by a search for empirical evidence, which might assist in assessing the nature and extent of this dependence as well as the implications, either for the non-profit sector or the state. Therefore this research seeks to address this gap in the literature by providing empirical evaluation of the nature and scope of non-profit organisations dependence on the state for resources regarding the Portuguese case. It also analyses the implications that different types of resource dependencies might have on the perceived autonomy of these organisations and on their organisational and managerial orientations.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Resource dependence and organisational behaviour in the non-profit sector: the portuguese case

Comunicação apresentada na 30th Arnova Annual Conference, Miami, Florida, 29 Nov.-1 Dez. 2001.During the last few decades it has been generally accepted that there has been extensive sharing of responsibility between the state and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in order to accomplish public purposes. As a result, the relationship between both sectors, and the degree of dependency of NPOs on the state has been acknowledged as a critical issue within social and public policy debates. However, the intensity of this debate has not been matched by a search for empirical evidence, which might assist in assessing the nature and extent of this dependency as well as the implications, either for the non-profit sector or the state. Therefore this paper seeks to address this gap in the literature by providing empirical evaluation of the nature and scope of non-profit organisations dependency on the state for resources regarding the Portuguese case. It also analyses the implications that different types of resource dependencies might have on the perceived autonomy of these organisations and on their organisational behaviour.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT