Enhancing suicide risk assessment through the use of visual metaphor : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand

Competent assessment and management of the risk of harm is a core competency that mental health professionals are expected to possess. However, despite this expectation, adequate training programs have been lacking for decades and, even when risk assessment training is provided, it is often reported as being insufficient. The literature indicates that training delivery methods often include passive and didactic methods during supervision or seminar sessions. To help enhance the learning of suicide risk factors, some authors proposed a visual metaphor that visually and metaphorically depicts all suicide risk factors. The main purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the proposed visual metaphor. A pilot RCT was undertaken to test several hypotheses, all of which predicted that the visual metaphor would demonstrate superior effects when compared with the conventional textual teaching methods. A group of 22 psychology students were randomized into either a control group (who learnt suicide risk factors via the conventional textual teaching methods) or a treatment group (that learnt the risk factors using the visual metaphor in addition to the conventional textual teaching methods). Memory recall, knowledge transfer, cognitive load, and satisfaction were all tested at the end of the learning sessions. Independent samples t tests indicated that the visual metaphor was effective in improving memory recall and knowledge transfer and reducing the cognitive load. The differences between the two groups’ post-learning scores were significant in each of these outcome measures. The treatment group also expressed higher satisfaction levels in comparison to the control group. Overall the visual metaphor of suicide risk factors was found to be superior to the conventional teaching methods in teaching suicide risk factors to university psychology students. Limitations, implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed

Enhancing skill worker requirements in improving implementation of IBS in construction projects

Skill worker is required and essential for implementing IBS construction projects in order to deliver and achieve projects within specific time and estimated cost. Skill worker in building and construction need to be implemented in terms of knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. Many construction industries lack of skilled and professional labours to handle the progress of construction projects effectively and successfully. Therefore, it is important to study and find out the influencing factors for enhancing skills worker requirements in order to improve implementation of IBS in construction projects. This research focuses on enhancing skill worker requirements in improving implementation of IBS in Johor Bahru, Johor with contractors of G7 involved. The objectives of the research are to identify the influencing factors for enhancing skill worker requirements in improving implementation of IBS in construction projects and recommend ways to enhance skill worker requirements in improving implementation of IBS in construction projects. The quantitative approach was used to obtain information from contractors (G7) in enhancing skill worker requirements in improving implementation of IBS in construction projects. The questionnaires received from respondents were 85. The data from the questionnaires were gathered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0 software. The data collected was analysed into the form of percentage, tables, and charts as well. Labour with a good knowledge, skills and awareness of IBS implementation surely encourage appointed workers to handle and implement IBS projects properly. Effective and successful skill worker can improve implementation of IBS in Malaysian construction projects and accomplish projects on time with good quality, in addition to minimise the foreign work force and encourage the local labour which enhance the market share of construction industry affect and benefit the Malaysian economy

Stochastic Signal Processing and Power Control for Wireless Communication Systems

This dissertation is concerned with dynamical modeling, estimation and identification of wireless channels from received signal measurements. Optimal power control algorithms, mobile location and velocity estimation methods are developed based on the proposed models. The ultimate performance limits of any communication system are determined by the channel it operates in. In this dissertation, we propose new stochastic wireless channel models which capture both the space and time variations of wireless systems. The proposed channel models are based on stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by Brownian motions. These models are more realistic than the time invariant models encountered in the literature which do not capture and track the time varying characteristics of the propagation environment. The statistics of the proposed models are shown to be time varying, and converge in steady state to their static counterparts. Cellular and ad hoc wireless channel models are developed. In urban propagation environment, the parameters of the channel models can be determined from approximating the band-limited Doppler power spectral density (DPSD) by rational transfer functions. However, since the DPSD is not available on-line, a filterbased expectation maximization algorithm and Kalman filter to estimate the channel parameters and states, respectively, are proposed. The algorithm is recursive allowing the inphase and quadrature components and parameters to be estimated on-line from received signal measurements. The algorithms are tested using experimental data, and the results demonstrate the method’s viability for both cellular and ad hoc networks. Power control increases system capacity and quality of communications, and reduces battery power consumption. A stochastic power control algorithm is developed using the so-called predictable power control strategies. An iterative distributed algorithm is then deduced using stochastic approximations. The latter only requires each mobile to know its received signal to interference ratio at the receiver

MINIMIZATION OF DEFLECTION ERROR IN FIVE AXIS MILLING OF IMPELLER BLADES

The 5-axis CNC machine tools are used for manufacturing free form surfaces of sophisticated parts such as turbine blades, airfoils, impellers, and aircraft components. The virtual machining systems can be used in order to analyze and modify the 5-axis CNC machine tools operations. Cutting forces and cutting temperatures induce deflection errors in thin-walled structures such as impeller blades through machining operations. Thin-walled impeller blades' flexibility can result in machining errors such as overcutting or undercutting. So, decreasing the deflection error during machining operations of impeller blades can achieve the desired accuracy in produced parts. Optimized machining parameters can be obtained to minimize the deflection of machined impeller blades. In terms of precision and efficiency enhancement in component production processes, a virtual machining system is developed to predict and minimize deflection errors of 5-axis milling operations of impeller blades. The deflection error in machined impeller blades is calculated by using finite element analysis. The optimization methodology based on the genetic algorithm is applied to minimize the deflection error of impeller blades in machining operations. To validate the integrated virtual machining system in the study, the impeller is milled by using a 5-axis CNC machine tool. The CMM machine is used in order to measure and analyze deflection error in the machined impeller blades. As a result, by using the developed virtual machining system in the study, accuracy and efficiency in 5-axis milling operations of impellers can be increased

Priming of STAT1 and STAT3 for cytokine-triggered degradation by the proteasome upon A2Aadenosine receptor (A2AAR) expression

The A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) functions as a key non-redundant suppressor of inflammatory responses in vivo. However, whether it regulates activation of the JAK-STAT pathway utilised by many pro-inflammatory cytokines is unknown. Using a vascular endothelial cell model system, I have demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated expression of the human A2AAR conferred an ability of IFNα, leptin and a soluble IL- 6 receptor-α/IL-6 (sIL-6Rα/IL-6) trans-signalling complex to promote a time-dependent reduction in the levels of STAT proteins that was entirely due to proteasomal degradation. In terms of functional consequences, degradation was sufficient to attenuate sIL-6Rα/IL-6-stimulated STAT3-dependent up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and enhance eNOS expression. Degradation required JAK activity since A) it was blocked by preincubation with JAK inhibitor. B) STAT1 but not STAT3 was resistant to both tyrosine phosphorylation and down-regulation in response to leptin and C) a Tyr705→Phe mutated STAT3 was also resistant to cytokine-triggered degradation, suggesting that JAK-mediated phosphorylation of this residue is required to produce the effect. Consistent with this hypothesis, sIL-6Rα/IL-6 treatment of A2AAR-expressing cells resulted in the accumulation of polyubiquitylated endogenous and epitope-tagged recombinant wild-type but not Tyr705→ Phe-mutated STAT3. In addition the results show that inhibition of proteasome function was sufficient to block the inhibitory effect of the A2AAR on STAT3 phosphorylation, demonstrating that priming of STATs for degradation is the only mechanism responsible for the reduced cytokine-stimulated STAT phosphorylation observed in A2AAR-expressing cells. To date there is only one E3 ligase known for mediating STAT degradation which is SLIM protein. However, our results suggest the involvement of another E3 ubiquitin ligase in HUVECs, since we have been unable to detect SLIM message or protein in HUVECs under conditions in which STAT degradation occurs. In addition, while Tyr-phosphorylation is clearly the critical step in targeting STATs for degradation in A2AAR-expressing cells, it is unclear as to whether it functions simply as a classical phosphodegron, or whether the nuclear translocation that occurs as a result of phosphorylation is also important for localising the phosphorylated STAT dimer with the relevant E3 ubiquitin ligase. Together, these observations suggest a model whereby expression of the A2AAR in endothelial cells primes JAK-phosphorylated STATs for polyubiquitylation and subsequent degradation by the proteasome following cytokine treatment, and represents a previously unappreciated mechanism by which G-protein-coupled receptors can negatively regulate responsiveness to specific JAK-STAT-mobilising adipocytokines acting on the vascular endothelium

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based wireless manufacturing systems, a review

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one of the most promising technological innovations in order to track and trace products as well as material flow in manufacturing systems. High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID systems can track a wide range of products in the part production process via radio waves with level of accuracy and reliability.   As a result, quality and transparency of data across the supply chain can be accurately obtained in order to decrease time and cost of part production. Also, process planning and part production scheduling can be modified using the advanced RFID systems in part manufacturing process. Moreover, to decrease the cost of produced parts, material handling systems in the advanced assembly lines can be analyzed and developed by using the RFID. Smart storage systems can increase efficiency in part production systems by providing accurate information from the stored raw materials and products for the production planning systems. To increase efficiency of energy consumption in production processes, energy management systems can be developed by using the RFID-sensor networks. Therefore, smart factories and intelligent manufacturing systems as industry 4.0 can be introduced by using the developed RFID systems in order to provide new generation of part production systems. In this paper, a review of RFID based wireless manufacturing systems is presented and future research works are also suggested. It has been observed that the research filed can be moved forward by reviewing and analyzing recent achievements in the published papers

Compared between the Measured Seepage Losses and Estimation and Evaluated the Conveyance Efficiency for Part of the Hilla Main Canal and Three Distributary Canals (HC 4R, HC 5R and HC 6R) of Hilla-Kifil Irrigation Project

Hilla-Kifil irrigation project in Babylon in Iraq consists of three sections: north, middle, and south. The constructed sections currently are: north, middle, and a small part of the southern section. This study was conducted on part of the Hilla main canal between two Kilometers (13.037 km) and (16.492 km) and three distributary canals are (HC 4R, HC 5R and HC 6R) in addition to the watercourses that branched thereof, these canals are lined, the aim of this study was to measured seepage losses from lined canals and checked the water conveyance efficiency. Seepage losses for lined canals that entered in this study were measured by inflow-outflow method and compared the results with the estimated losses by two empirical equations (Moritz and Davis-Wilson), using the reaches on the canals. The average seepage losses that was measured on Hilla main canal was (57.98 m3/s/106m2), (39.52 m3/s/106m2) for the three distributary canals (HC 4R, HC 5R and HC 6R). The standard deviation of the Hilla main canal was 22.98, (27.96) for three distributary canals. The results showed that were above the standards. The water conveyance efficiency for Hilla main canal and three Distributary canals (HC 4R, HC 5R and HC 6R) was checked. The results were (95.21, 83.68%, 81.20% and 90.33%) respectively, and when were compared with the design values ​​were less of them. Keywords: distributary canals and watercourses, Seepage losses, conveyance efficiency, Moritz, Davis-Wilson, inflow and outflow method

Diagnostic study of trypanosomiasis of cats in Mosul, Iraq

Background: Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease endemic in Iraq but with limited information about its occurrence in cats. Aim: This study was designed to detect Trypanosoma spp. in cats using microscopic examination by Giemsa stain and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in Mosul, Iraq. Methods: A total of 120 blood samples from cats were microscopically examined using Giemsa stain. Only 35 positive blood samples were examined by the conventional PCR technique. Hematological changes were also reported. Results: The infection rate of Trypanosoma spp. was 34.2% (41 out of 120). Results of conventional PCR technique for the positive 35 blood samples indicated 31.4% as Trypanosoma spp. and 20% Trypanosoma evansi. This study showed that the infection in younger cats was significantly more than in older cats, with significant differences between females and males. Affected cats suffered from fever, dullness, pale mucous membranes, emaciation, muco-purulent ocular discharge, anorexia, incoordination, and anemia. Results of the blood picture indicated increase in total leukocyte count and decrease in hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and total red blood cells. Conclusion: Trypanosoma spp. and T. evansi infection in Mosul of Iraq is reported for the first time in cats, and younger cats were more affected than older cats

A dramatic decline in university hospital admissions of acute rheumatic fever in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia

AbstractBackgroundsAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequel, chronic valvular heart disease are the most important causes for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide and mainly in developing countries. However, the incidence of ARF has declined in developed countries during the second half of 20th century.Material and methodsThe case files of all patients admitted as new cases of ARF over ∼11 years and 8 months, both in pediatric and medical departments of a university hospital located in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia were reviewed. The demographic and clinical data and the frequency of the new cases were compared with the data that have been published by us 10 years ago from the same hospital during a similar period of time (11 years and 8 months).ResultsIn the current study there was a significant decline in the frequency of admission of cases of ARF as compared to our previous study during a similar period of time, with a frequency rate of 12 cases per 100.000 hospitalizations versus 45 cases per 100.000 hospitalizations, respectively, P<0.001. Dyspnea and chest pain as clinical features of acute rheumatic carditis (ARC) were less frequent in the current study as compared to the previous study (35% versus 44%, P=0.02 and 10% versus 28.6%, P=0.031). The subgroup analysis revealed also a decreased frequency of the clinical features of ARC in pediatric age group in the current study as compared to our previous study.ConclusionThere is a significant decline in the frequency of new hospital admissions due to ARF. This decline was associated with similar decline in the frequency of the manifestations of ARC especially in pediatric age group (1–12 years)

Optical Properties of PVA Silicon Carbide Nano Composites Films Synthesized Via Laser Ablation

Background: Enhancing the optical characteristics of nano-silicon carbide and polyvinyl alcohol films is thought to be crucial for obtaining the semiconductor with the lowest energy gap for applications in electrical devices, digital displays, and sensors. Materials and Methods: &nbsp;Poly vinyl alcohol and silicon carbide's optical properties were examined. A pulsed laser with a 532 nm wavelength is used to create these nanoparticles into widespread nanoparticles in two environments (water and vinyl alcohol). Polyvinyl alcohol&nbsp; nanocomposite was created by spin coating silicon carbide particles with the weight fractions 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.93%, and 0.95%. Fourier spectroscopy was used to locate the functional groups based. Techniques FESEM were used to analyze the surface composition and nanoparticle dispersion on the membrane-surface of the nanocomposite. using spectroscopy UV-Vis used to record the absorbance spectrum in the range of (200-800) nm for ultraviolet radiation. &nbsp;Results: The direct energy gap (5.585, 5.310, 5.480, 4.986, 4.800) eV and the indirect (5.006, 4.880, 4.916, 4.683, 4.490) eV and Urbach energy (2.38, 2.45, 2.94, 2.74, 3.67) eV were calculated.for the samples by ratio, as shown in Table No. 1. Conclusion: By investigating the optical characteristics of nanoparticles, such as their extinction and absorption coefficients, direct and indirect optical energy gaps, and Urbach energies .increase in extinction and absorption coefficients Urbach energy when adding nano carbide to polyvinyl alcohol, results show narrowing of the direct and indirect energy gaps. This suggests that the nanocomposite's optical characteristics have improved. &nbsp