The Evolution of Compact Binary Star Systems

We review the formation and evolution of compact binary stars consisting of white dwarfs (WDs), neutron stars (NSs), and black holes (BHs). Binary NSs and BHs are thought to be the primary astrophysical sources of gravitational waves (GWs) within the frequency band of ground-based detectors, while compact binaries of WDs are important sources of GWs at lower frequencies to be covered by space interferometers (LISA). Major uncertainties in the current understanding of properties of NSs and BHs most relevant to the GW studies are discussed, including the treatment of the natal kicks which compact stellar remnants acquire during the core collapse of massive stars and the common envelope phase of binary evolution. We discuss the coalescence rates of binary NSs and BHs and prospects for their detections, the formation and evolution of binary WDs and their observational manifestations. Special attention is given to AM CVn-stars -- compact binaries in which the Roche lobe is filled by another WD or a low-mass partially degenerate helium-star, as these stars are thought to be the best LISA verification binary GW sources.Comment: 105 pages, 18 figure

Nano-carrier based drug delivery systems for sustained antimicrobial agent release from orthopaedic cementous material

Total joint replacement (TJR), such as hip and knee replacement, is a popular procedure worldwide. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) after this procedure have been widely reported, where treatment of such infections is complex with high cost and prolonged hospital stay. In cemented arthroplasties, the use of antibiotic loaded bone cement (ALBC) is a standard practice for the prophylaxis and treatment of PJI. Recently, the development of bacterial resistance by pathogenic microorganisms against most commonly used antibiotics increased the interest in alternative approaches for antimicrobial delivery systems such as nanotechnology. This review summarizes the efforts made to improve the antimicrobial properties of PMMA bone cements using nanotechnology based antibiotic and non-antibiotic delivery systems to overcome drawbacks of ALBC in the prophylaxis and treatment of PJIs after hip and knee replacement

The body in medical tourism : under and beyond the gazes

Medical tourism, the practice of travelling across international borders to obtain medical services,has gained new sociological significance given the increasing globalization of healthcare facilitated by technological advancements in medicine, communications and transport. This paper focuses on the human body and seeks to explore its construction and experience. First, in exploring the construction of the body, it examines how the body is presented under various gazes such as medical gaze, tourist gaze, and "medical tourist" gaze (which this paper proposes) in medical tourism. The second finds its place in how medical tourists make sense and give meaning to their experience. Finally, though theoretically inclined to the sociology of tourism, this paper attempts to draw links between the construction and the experience of the body in medical tourism and in doing so, synthesize concepts from the sociology of medicine and body.Bachelor of Art

Nuclear risk and public engagement in Southeast Asia

Abstract not available

Investigating Singapore Fertility Model

Our study identifies the different factors that affect the fertility rate in Singapore, and the policy implications. Statistical analysis was used to identify strong determinants of the fertility rate. A model which includes determinants that could affect fertility rate was then proposed

Corporate governance and firm performance.

In recent years, the spate of accounting scandals such as the downfall of Enron Corporation and the bankruptcy of WorldCom have placed an increased emphasis on good corporate governance. This raises the question whether increased time and effort spent to improve corporate governance practices by management can enhance firm performance. In this study, we investigate whether corporate governance practices and firm financial performance are associated. We also examine if four widely-debated components of good governance are associated with better firm performance

Factors Associated with Low Neighborhood Cohesion Among Women Living with HIV Impacted by Social-Structural Inequities in British Columbia : [infographic]

This infographic is based on the following article : Closson K, Palmer AK, Collins AB, Salters K, Zhang W, Montaner JSG, Hogg RS, Parashar S. Factors associated with low neighborhood cohesion among women living with HIV impacted by social-structural inequities in British Columbia. AIDS Care. 2018 Mar;30(3):318-324. This undergraduate student work is a product of a collaboration between the Making Research Accessible initiative (MRAi), researchers, Dr. Evan Mauro and the students of ASTU 100 at UBC. This student work has been reviewed by the lead author of the original item. Revisions provided by the lead author have been incorporated into the student work with support from the UBC Learning Exchange and members of the MRAi. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student research report and is not an official document of UBC.Arts, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat