The space station: Human factors and productivity

Human factor researchers and engineers are making inputs into the early stages of the design of the Space Station to improve both the quality of life and work on-orbit. Effective integration of the human factors information related to various Intravehicular Activity (IVA), Extravehicular Activity (EVA), and teletobotics systems during the Space Station design will result in increased productivity, increased flexibility of the Space Stations systems, lower cost of operations, improved reliability, and increased safety for the crew onboard the Space Station. The major features of productivity examined include the cognitive and physical effort involved in work, the accuracy of worker output and ability to maintain performance at a high level of accuracy, the speed and temporal efficiency with which a worker performs, crewmember satisfaction with their work environment, and the relation between performance and cost

An AUC-based Permutation Variable Importance Measure for Random Forests

The random forest (RF) method is a commonly used tool for classification with high dimensional data as well as for ranking candidate predictors based on the so-called random forest variable importance measures (VIMs). However the classification performance of RF is known to be suboptimal in case of strongly unbalanced data, i.e. data where response class sizes differ considerably. Suggestions were made to obtain better classification performance based either on sampling procedures or on cost sensitivity analyses. However to our knowledge the performance of the VIMs has not yet been examined in the case of unbalanced response classes. In this paper we explore the performance of the permutation VIM for unbalanced data settings and introduce an alternative permutation VIM based on the area under the curve (AUC) that is expected to be more robust towards class imbalance. We investigated the performance of the standard permutation VIM and of our novel AUC-based permutation VIM for different class imbalance levels using simulated data and real data. The results suggest that the standard permutation VIM loses its ability to discriminate between associated predictors and predictors not associated with the response for increasing class imbalance. It is outperformed by our new AUC-based permutation VIM for unbalanced data settings, while the performance of both VIMs is very similar in the case of balanced classes. The new AUC-based VIM is implemented in the R package party for the unbiased RF variant based on conditional inference trees. The codes implementing our study are available from the companion website: http://www.ibe.med.uni-muenchen.de/organisation/mitarbeiter/070_drittmittel/janitza/index.html

Variational bounds on the energy dissipation rate in body-forced shear flow

A new variational problem for upper bounds on the rate of energy dissipation in body-forced shear flows is formulated by including a balance parameter in the derivation from the Navier-Stokes equations. The resulting min-max problem is investigated computationally, producing new estimates that quantitatively improve previously obtained rigorous bounds. The results are compared with data from direct numerical simulations.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure

Effect of breeding system and farm hygiene on performances of growing rabbits and lactating does over two reproductive cycles

[EN] The aim of this paper was to study the effect of the intensive breeding system (IBS: insemination 4 d postpartum and weaning age at 25 d) vs. the semi-intensive breeding system (SIBS: insemination 11 d post-partum and weaning age at 35 d) on lactating does' performance and the combined effect of the type of farm hygiene (cleaned and disinfected or not) on the performance of growing rabbits from weaning until 56 d of age. A total of 58 New Zealand x Californian rabbit does (29/reproductive rhythm) and 168 young rabbits per combination weaning age x type of farm were selected at random over two consecutive reproductive cycles. Mortality during lactation presented higher values (P=0.067) in young rabbits weaned at 35 d than in those weaned at 25 (19.1 vs. 9.60%). In the first cycle, the number of kits weaned per litter was similar for both reproductive rhythms (7.89 and 8.01 for IBS and SIBS, respectively), whereas in the second cycle, the number of rabbits weaned was lower in rabbit does that weaned their litters later (6.90 vs. 9.06; P=0.049). Weight at parturition and at weaning, fertility, parturition interval, numerical productivity and the number of young rabbits born dead and weaned were not affected by treatments. The fattening mortality was higher in the second cycle than in the first (20.2 vs. 14.5 %, P=0.051), in the farm without cleaning and disinfection between cycles (20.0 vs. 14.2%, P=0.032) and in the animals weaned at 35 d than at 25 d (20.0 vs. 14.7 %, P=0.063). Animals weaned at 25 and 35 d of age both had a peak of mortality around two weeks after weaning. The average weight of rabbits at 56 d was not significantly different between the animals weaned at 25 or 35 d (1805 vs. 1787 g, respectively; P=0.64). However, the feed efficiency in the whole fattening period was higher in young rabbits weaned at 25 d than in those weaned at 35 d (0.392 vs. 0.298 g/g; P<0.001).Garrido, S.; Nicodemus, N.; García, J.; Chamorro, S.; Blas, JD. (2009). Effect of breeding system and farm hygiene on performances of growing rabbits and lactating does over two reproductive cycles. World Rabbit Science. 17(2):71-78. doi:10.4995/wrs.2009.660717817

From Interpreting Student to Deaf Interpreter: A Case Study of Vocational Identity Development

Research indicates that the development of a vocational identity is critical to the process of adult maturation and for creating a sense of purpose in one’s life. Deaf individuals in the United States are increasingly interested in establishing a vocation in signed language interpreting, despite workplace obstacles experienced by other oppressed and marginalized populations. Career identity has been examined in several professions, but little is known about the factors underlying the vocational identity development of Deaf interpreters. To address this gap, the researchers adopted a case study approach to explore the experiences of two Deaf students during their first semester in an undergraduate interpreting program. We analyzed video recordings of interaction between the students and a Deaf instructor, the students’ responses during an end-of-semester interview, and the students’ biographical information. Taken together, the data reveal factors that shaped their paths as interpreters including: (a) educational background, (b) professional experience, (c) bilingual and bicultural fluency, (d) personal identity, and (e) guidance from a Deaf instructor. This paper illuminates how two Deaf students who engaged in separate but interlocking paths developed a vocational identity as interpreters – or changed course – in their career trajectories

Relación entre la composición química corporal, la fertilidad y la prolificidad en conejas primíparas.

En este trabajo se ha estudiado el efecto de la composición química corporal, estimada mediante el método de impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA) en la primera y segunda inseminación artificial (IA), sobre la fertilidad y la prolificidad de conejas primíparas. Se utilizaron los datos de 137 conejas procedentes de dos granjas que utilizaban dos genéticas distintas (UPV e Hyplus) y tres ritmos reproductivos (R4: inseminación a los 4 días tras el parto y destete a los 28 días, R11: inseminación a los 11 días postparto y destete a 35 días y R14: inseminación a los 14 días tras el parto y destete a los 42 días). La fertilidad media observada en el segundo parto fue de un 56,2% y el porcentaje de nacidos vivos, sobre los nacidos totales, fue de un 87,5%, no encontrándose diferencias entre los ritmos utilizados. El aumento de la proporción de proteína corporal, grasa y energía en la primera IA tuvieron un efecto positivo (P=0,007; P=0,03 y P<0,001, respectivamente) sobre la fertilidad del segundo parto. Igualmente, un mayor contenido en grasa (P<0,001) y energía (P<0,001) en la segunda IA también incrementaron la fertilidad del segundo parto. El incremento del ratio proteína/energía corporal de las conejas, determinado en las dos IA, tuvo un efecto negativo sobre la fertilidad en el segundo parto (P<0,001), observándose mejores resultados en conejas con 12 g proteína/MJ respecto a otras con valores superiores. El porcentaje de nacidos vivos (P<0,001), sobre los nacidos totales, aumentó con la proporción de proteína de las conejas en el momento de la segunda IA, pero esta última no tuvo efecto sobre la fertilidad. This study evaluated the effect of chemical body composition at first and second artificial inseminations (AI), determined by bioelectric impedance technique (BIA), on fertility and prolificacy of primiparous rabbit does. Data of 137 does from two farms using two different genetics (UPV and Hyplus) and three breeding systems were analyzed. Fertility was 56.2 % and the percentage of kits born alive over total born was 87.5 %. Breeding system had no effect on fertility or the percentage of kits born alive. Higher body protein, fat and energy of the rabbit doe at first artificial insemination (AI) increased the fertility in the second parity (P=0.007, P=0.03 and P<0.001 respectively). Fat and energy content of the doe at the second AI affected positively fertility in the second parity (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively), while protein influenced positively only prolificacy (P<0.001). The increase of the ratio protein/energy in both AI moments had a negative influence on fertility in the second parity (P<0.001), rabbit does with 12 g protein/MJ showed a higher fertility than those with higher value

Examining intersectoral integration for malaria control programmes in an urban and a rural district in Ghana: a multinomial multilevel analysis

Background: Intersectoral integration is acknowledged to be essential for improving provision of health care and outcomes, yet it remains one of the main primary health care strategic challenges. Although this is well articulated in the literature, the factors that explain differentials in levels of intersectoral integration have not been systematically studied, particularly in low and middle-income countries. In this study, we examine the levels and determinants of intersectoral integration amongst institutions engaged in malaria control programmes in an urban (Kumasi Metropolitan) district and a rural (Ahafo Ano South) district in Ghana. Methods: Interviews were conducted with representatives of 32 institutions engaged in promoting malaria prevention and control. The averaging technique proposed by Brown et al. and a two-level multinomial multilevel ordinal logistic regression were used to examine the levels of integration and the factors that explain the differentials. Results: The results show high disparity in levels of integration amongst institutions in the two districts. Integration was higher in the rural district compared to the urban district. The multivariate analysis revealed that the district effect explained 25% of the variations in integration. The type of institution, level of focus on malaria and source of funding are important predictors of intersectoral integration. Conclusion: Although not causal, integrated malaria control programmes could be important for improving malaria-related health outcomes in less developed regions as evident from the rapid decline in malaria fatality rates observed in the Ahafo Ano South district. Harmonisation of programmes should be encouraged amongst institutions and the public and private sectors should be motivated to work in partnership

Quantitative trait loci controlling agronomic and biochemical traits in \u3ci\u3eCannabis sativa\u3c/i\u3e

Understanding the genetic basis of complex traits is a fundamental goal of evolutionary genetics. Yet, the genetics controlling complex traits in many important species such as hemp (Cannabis sativa) remain poorly investigated. Because hemp’s change in legal status with the 2014 and 2018 U.S. Federal Farm Bills, interest in the genetics controlling its numerous agriculturally important traits has steadily increased. To better understand the genetics of agriculturally important traits in hemp, we developed an F2 population by crossing two phenotypically distinct hemp cultivars (Carmagnola and USO31). Using whole-genome sequencing, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with variation in numerous agronomic and biochemical traits. A total of 69 loci associated with agronomic (34) and biochemical (35) trait variation were identified. We found that most QTL co-localized, suggesting that the phenotypic distinctions between Carmagnola and USO31 are largely controlled by a small number of loci. We identified TINY and olivetol synthase as candidate genes underlying colocalized QTL clusters for agronomic and biochemical traits, respectively. We functionally validated the olivetol synthase candidate by expressing the alleles in yeast. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assays of extracts from these yeast colonies suggest that the USO31 olivetol synthase is functionally less active and potentially explains why USO31 produces lower cannabinoids compared to Carmagnola. Overall, our results help modernize the genomic understanding of complex traits in hemp

Importance of right communication with healthcare providers and patients about the new levothyroxine formulation: an expert opinion from Asia Pacific Thyroid Advisory Board

\ua9 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor &amp; Francis Group.Levothyroxine (LT4), being “narrow therapeutic index” drug, may lead to significant fluctuations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Such fluctuations can result in clinically noteworthy disruptions in thyroid function and give rise to adverse clinical consequences. Consequently, regulatory standards for LT4 potency have been tightened, with the most stringent specifications requiring maintenance of potency within the range of 95–105% of the labeled dose throughout the entire shelf-life of the product. The LT4 new formulation with tightened specification adheres to these rigorous standards, demonstrating established bioequivalence to its older formulation while upholding an equivalent standard of safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the novel formulation exhibits enhanced stability and an extended shelf-life. Of paramount significance is its capacity to provide patients with accurate and consistent dosing, thereby effectively catering to their medical requirements. The primary objective of the Asia-Pacific advisory board meeting (held in June 2022 with endocrinologists, experts from India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) was to establish the importance of appropriate communication to HCPs, patients and other stakeholders regarding the LT4 new formulation. The aim of this brief review is to highlight the importance of communication with healthcare professionals that should focus on providing accurate information on the LT4 new formulation, emphasizing efficacy, safety, and bioequivalence with clear guidance and ensure that patients and clinicians are fully informed about any changes to medications such as LT4 to reduce the risk of unrelated adverse events being incorrectly attributed to the newer formulation

In vitro analysis, an accurate tool to estimate dry matter digestibility in rabbits. Intra- and inter- laboratory variability

[EN] The aim of the present study was to determine the intra- and inter-laboratory variability of an enzymatic system of in vitro analysis for estimating dry matter (DM) digestibility in rabbits and validating the predicted nutritive value of 4 complete diets and 4 raw materials during three different periods of time. Chemical composition, DM digestibility and digestible energy (diets only) were known. In vitro DM digestibility (DMdinv) of all samples was determined by 4 laboratories (triplicate analysis) at different times with an interval of one month between analyses. DMdinv variability and chemical parameters were measured in terms of repeatability (SR: intra-series variability within each laboratory), reproducibility (SL: intra-series variability among laboratories) and reliability (SF: variability through time within each laboratory). Both the laboratory and sample affected DMdinv values (P<0.001). The period of time also had a significant effect (P=0.002) on mean DMdinv values (67.4, 66.8 and 67.0% for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd month, respectively). Significant laboratory x sample, time x laboratory and time x sample interaction effects were also observed. Repeatability, reproducibility and reliability values for the diets were better than those obtained for the raw materials (by 2.0, 1.9 and 2.4 times, respectively). Repeatability values were also better than the values obtained for reproducibility and reliability (by 2.2 and 3.6 times, respectively). Repeatability and reproducibility values were consistently worse for raw materials than for complete diets (by 1.5, 4, 2.9 and 1.3, 4.3, 2.8 times for SR and SL in period 1, period 2 and period 3, respectively), and were also worse in period 1 with respect to the other two periods (by 2.1 and 2.2 times for SR and SL, respectively). Finally, the in vitro method always showed better coefficients of variation of repeatability (CVR) and reproducibility (CVL) than those of the chemical parameters frequently used as predictors of dietary energy value (acid detergent fibre and crude fibre) (1.73 vs. 2.41 and 3.88 for CVR and 3.24 vs. 3.70 and 5.17 for CVL, respectively). In conclusion, the proposed in vitro methodology showed adequate repeatability and reproducibility, being suitable for predictive purposes.This research was supported by ERAFE project CE-FAIR (3-CT96-1651)Carabaño, R.; Nicodemus, N.; García, J.; Xiccato, G.; Trocino, A.; Pascual Amorós, JJ.; Falcão-E-Cunha, L.... (2008). In vitro analysis, an accurate tool to estimate dry matter digestibility in rabbits. Intra- and inter- laboratory variability. World Rabbit Science. 16(4). doi:10.4995/wrs.2008.614SWORD16