Effects of invasive shrub honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and forest composition on bird communities in woodland stands.

Invasive species pose a threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity (Didham et al. 2005). Amur bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) has typically reduced native plant diversity and altered animal communities by influencing animal abundance and activity (Collier and Vankat 2002). This study was intended to determine whether honeysuckle density or other characteristics of forested stands influence avian diversity, whether impacts are seasonally dependent, and whether correlations exist between attributes of forested stands and honeysuckle density. In order to test the hypotheses, thirteen forest stands within the Louisville Metropolitan Area were selected. They had similar tree composition but varied in density of honeysuckle [six forest stands with Lonicera maackii present and seven stands with little to no honeysuckle]. Vegetation surveys and an assessment of anthropogenic impact were conducted at all stands. Bird surveys were performed at each stand once every season for two years. Results of the study demonstrate that the two major determinants of avian diversity in forest stands of the southeast US (Louisville metropolitan area) were honeysuckle density and magnitude of anthropogenic influence; both effects impacted bird diversity negatively and effects did not vary significantly between seasons. Mean tree height was the only forest stand characteristic that had a significantly negative relationship with honeysuckle density. My study reveals how a pervasive shrub can reduce bird diversity through the seasonal dominance of some species preferring habitats of dense honeysuckle [cardinals, sparrows, and thrushes] and a slight decrease in abundance of some canopy species [titmice, nuthatches, and Eastern wood-pewees]

Frida Kahlo: A Post-Revolutionary Artist

General scholarship on Frida Kahlo focuses on her personal life, so much so that her work is often viewed through a narrow autobiographical lens. Scholars have subjected her work to a psychoanalytical approach, and have overused her personal narrative as the basis of discussing her art. Her dramatic marriage to Rivera, her poor health and the loss of several pregnancies have led scholars to psychoanalyze her paintings. However, it is crucial to avoid reducing Kahlo’s art to merely her physical and emotional pain. This approach has been exhausted and may put Kahlo’s importance as an artist at risk. While Kahlo’s physical and emotional pain was undoubtedly a major source for her paintings, there are certainly other themes present throughout her oeuvre. Her paintings make intellectual statements about politics, culture, and national identity, which raise important and complex questions, and as a result complicates the personal approach to her artwork

The similarities and differences of vision and mission statements: a comparison of ala-accredited lis programs and ischools

iSchools and ALA-accredited programs have many similarities, whereas the ALA mission and iSchool vision are very distinct. In this exploratory work, the authors attempted to collect the website versions of vision and mission statements from 50 iSchools members and 62 ALA-accredited programs and performed basic linguistic analysis using AntConc on each to determine similarity and difference. The authors found that both the vision and mission statements used very similar terminology in describing their purpose, apart from the term “library.” The authors also point out a template for today’s ALA-accredited programs and iSchools with regards to how the vision and mission statements are written

COVID-19: How prepared are front line healthcare workers in England?

National efforts are underway to prepare the UK National Health Service (NHS) for the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the efficacy of these interventions is unknown. In view of this, a cross-sectional survey of front-line healthcare workers (HCWs) at two large acute NHS hospital trusts in England was undertaken to assess their confidence and perceived level of preparedness for the virus. The survey found that there has been moderate success in readying HCWs to manage COVID-19, but that more still needs to be done, particularly in relation to educating HCWs about laboratory diagnostics

Generation of tosyl azide in continuous flow using an azide resin, and telescoping with diazo transfer and rhodium acetate-catalyzed O-H insertion.

Generation of tosyl azide 12 in acetonitrile in flow under water-free conditions using an azide resin and its use in diazo transfer to a series of aryl acetates are described. Successful telescoping with a rhodium acetate-catalyzed O-H insertion has been achieved, thereby transforming the aryl acetate 8 to a-hydroxy ester 10, a key intermediate in the synthesis of clopidogrel 11, without requiring isolation or handling of either tosyl azide 12 or a-aryl-a-diazoacetate 9, or indeed having significant amounts of either present at any point. Significantly, the solution of a-diazo ester 9 was sufficiently clean to progress directly to the rhodium acetate-catalyzed step without any detrimental impact on the efficiency of the O-H insertion. In addition, the rhodium acetate-catalyzed O-H insertion process is cleaner in flow than under traditional batch conditions. Use of the azide resin offers clear safety advantages and, in addition, this approach complements earlier protocols for the generation of tosyl azide 12 in flow; this protocol is especially useful with less acidic substrates

‘Let’s grow together’: understanding the current provision of early childhood development and education for children with disabilities in rural Malawi through community-based participatory research

Focussing on the experiences and perceptions of parents and volunteer caregivers of children with disabilities, this paper reports on a study that explored the provision of early childhood development and inclusive education for children with disabilities in rural Malawi. Drawing on a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design, ten local community researchers and two Malawian researchers collaborated to interview forty caregivers and parents of children with disabilities attending ten Community Based Care Centres (CBCCS) in Southern Malawi. Findings are reported through four key themes: experiences of disability, inclusion, learning and developmental progress; factors influencing non-enrolment and absenteeism; barriers to learning and progress; and accountability and support channels. Five key components were highlighted: 1) relevance of peer interactions for learning outcomes and wellbeing; 2) the importance of the CBCC as (a model for) a safe space against discrimination; 3) relevance of quality education and pre-school teacher training; 4) necessity of material support to decrease absenteeism; 5) the need for greater community and state support for children with disabilities. The implications of the study’s findings are discussed, including the importance and relevance of considering the perspectives of community based actors in program and policy design

Deflation versus maintained inflation of gastric band in pregnancy:A national cohort study

BACKGROUND: With no evidence to guide management of the gastric band in pregnancy, we aim to compare outcomes according to band management. METHODS: Data were collected on all women pregnant (November 2011-October 2012) following gastric banding, using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System surveillance system. We compared outcomes between band management groups and with national data. RESULTS: Band management was variable; deflation 43.4%, inflation maintained 56.6%. The deflation group had lower risk of small for gestational age infants (no cases vs. 11.3%; risk ratio = 0.14, p = 0.05). There was greater gestational weight gain (deflation 15.4 kg, inflation 7.6 kg; adjusted p = 0.05), and perhaps higher risk of gestational hypertension (deflation 10.5%, inflation no cases; p = 0.08) in the deflation group. Other maternal outcomes were similar between management groups but overall worse than national data. CONCLUSIONS: Deflation is associated with better outcomes for babies but worse outcomes for mothers than maintained inflation

A case study investigation into the use of multi-compartment compliance aids in older people resident in very sheltered housing.

Background: Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are repackaging systems for solid dosage form medicines, heralded by some as a solution to non-adherence but with little evidence of benefit. Objective: The aim was to use a theoretical approach to describe the behavioural determinants impacting the use of MCAs in older people from the perspectives of the individual and health and social care providers. Design: A case study investigation was conducted. Setting: The study took place in three very sheltered housing sites in North East Scotland. Subjects: Twenty residents (≥65 years) using an MCA for at least 6 months and 34 members of their care team [17 formal carers, eight general practitioners (GPs), eight pharmacists, one family member]. Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with items based on the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Several behavioural determinants impacted the use of MCAs from the perspectives of the stakeholders involved. Goals of use related to promoting adherence and safety, with less emphasis on independence. Beliefs of consequences related to these goals and were considered of value, with additional consequences of concern around reduced awareness of medicines and complexities of changing medicines. There was a lack of clearly defined roles of professionals for all processes of MCA use, with evidence of blurring and gaps in roles. There were additional issues relating to capabilities of older people in using MCAs and capacity issues for pharmacy-supplied MCAs. Conclusions: Several behavioural determinants impacted the use of MCAs, and while MCAs were valued, there is a need to more clearly define, develop, implement and evaluate a model of care encompassing resident and medicines assessment, supply and ongoing review of MCAs