The First Post-Kepler Brightness Dips of KIC 8462852

We present a photometric detection of the first brightness dips of the unique variable star KIC 8462852 since the end of the Kepler space mission in 2013 May. Our regular photometric surveillance started in October 2015, and a sequence of dipping began in 2017 May continuing on through the end of 2017, when the star was no longer visible from Earth. We distinguish four main 1-2.5% dips, named "Elsie," "Celeste," "Skara Brae," and "Angkor", which persist on timescales from several days to weeks. Our main results so far are: (i) there are no apparent changes of the stellar spectrum or polarization during the dips; (ii) the multiband photometry of the dips shows differential reddening favoring non-grey extinction. Therefore, our data are inconsistent with dip models that invoke optically thick material, but rather they are in-line with predictions for an occulter consisting primarily of ordinary dust, where much of the material must be optically thin with a size scale <<1um, and may also be consistent with models invoking variations intrinsic to the stellar photosphere. Notably, our data do not place constraints on the color of the longer-term "secular" dimming, which may be caused by independent processes, or probe different regimes of a single process

'LUCAS': the library assistant robot, implementation and localisation

In modern ageing society, robots are been designed to play an increasing role in the lives of elderly people This paper describes a mobile robotic assistant, named ‘LUCAS’, Limerick University Computerised Assistive System, that is currently being developed to assist elderly individuals with mild cognitive or physical impairments within a library environment. The aim of the project is to provide an assistive socially interactive robotic aid. The main focus of this paper is on the localisation system of ‘LUCAS’. A continuous localisation process is used which relies on monocular vision and ultrasonic range readings. The process employ’s methods of straight-line-extraction, vanishing point estimation and ultrasonic pattern detection. The correspondence space is reduced by splitting the navigable space into localisation variant regions. The pose is calculated for each localisation hypothesis within the particular region and is used to correct the motion of the robot before it enters the next localisation region

A stratospheric mission – design of a conceptual framework to bring weather balloons and STEM into the classroom

Introduction: Integrated STEM education makes learning relevant and applicable, blending the mindset, skillset, and toolset necessary in developing a depth of understanding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Methods: Based on the theoretical framework of Kelley and Knowles the ‘Spaceship Earth’ project was designed to engage primary school children in 4th class (ages 9 and 10 years old) in real-world project-based experiments in the classroom that are used to develop collaborative problem-solving skills and a framework for asking and answering scientific questions. This project involved researchers from two Universities and the Irish National Meteorological Service working collaboratively on a high-altitude balloon mission. Results: High-altitude balloons have an established track record of safe and effective use in weather forecasting, astronomy, and STEM outreach. During the project lifecycle the children devised experiments that they launched to the stratosphere using the high-altitude balloons. Once the experiments returned to Earth, the children engaged in analysis and discussion about their experiments that extended and deepened their learning. Discussion: This celestial project framework represents a new dawn of innovation for STEM education and public engagement</p

System for Management and Prevention of Venous Pooling

Patent: A monitoring system (1) comprises sensors (102) adapted to be worn by a user, and, a processor (101, 302) linked with the sensor. The processor receives sensor data and processes this data to determine user posture data including data indicative of vertical distance between level of the user's heart and ankle (Δh, Vd 1, Vd2, Vd3). Based on the posture data together with a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency and/or blood density, generate an estimate of user static venous pressure while the user is static, without calf muscle pump activity. The processor (101, 302) also processes the sensor data to determine if there is calf muscle pump activity, and generates an estimate of user active venous pressure according to the static venous pressure estimate, rate of calf muscle activity, and a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency. The processor (101, 302) may generate the venous pressure estimate in real time, and may control an NMES device accordingly

Effects of increasing levothyroxine on pregnancy outcomes in women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism

Objective Uncontrolled hypothyroidism has been associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of increasing levothyroxine (LT4) dose on reducing the risk of adverse outcomes for pregnant women with TSH level greater than the recommended 1st trimester limit. Design, Patients, Measurements We reviewed the electronic medical records of pregnant women evaluated from January 2011 to December 2013, who had history of LT4-treated hypothyroidism and were found to have TSH &amp;gt; 2.5 mIU/l in 1st trimester. Women were divided into two groups: group A - LT4 dose was increased within two weeks from the TSH test, group B - LT4 dose remained stable. We compared the frequency of pregnancy loss (primary outcome) and other prespecified pregnancy-related adverse outcomes between groups. Results There were 85 women in group A (median TSH: 5.0, interquartile range 3.8-6.8 mIU/l) and 11 women in group B (median TSH: 4.5, interquartile range 3.2-4.9 mIU/l). The groups were not different in baseline clinical and socioeconomic characteristics. The mean interval between TSH test and LT4 dose increase was 4.5 (SD 4.6) days. Pregnancy loss was significantly lower in group A (2/85, 2.4%) vs group B (4/11, 36.4%) (P = 0.001). Other pregnancy-related adverse outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusions Increasing LT4 dose for women with uncontrolled hypothyroidism in the 1st trimester of pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of pregnancy loss. Given the limitations of our study, this association awaits further confirmation from larger studies

Effects of levothyroxine therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with subclinical hypothyroidism

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in some, but not all, studies. Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy on improving health outcomes in pregnant women with SCH. The objective of this study was to assess the potential benefits of LT4 therapy in pregnant women with SCH. Methods: The medical records were reviewed of pregnant women with SCH, defined as an elevated serum thyrotropin (TSH) of &amp;gt;2.5 mIU/L for the 1st trimester or &amp;gt;3 mIU/L for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but &amp;lt;= 10 mIU/L. Pregnant women were divided into two groups depending on whether they received LT4 (group A) or not (group B). Pregnancy loss and other pre-specified adverse outcomes were evaluated during follow-up. Results: There were 82 women in group A and 284 in group B. Group A had a higher body mass index (p = 0.04) and a higher serum TSH level (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) compared with group B. Group A had fewer pregnancies lost (n = 5 [ 6.1%] vs. n = 25 [ 8.8%]; p = 0.12), low birth weight (LBW) offspring (1.3% vs. 10%; p &amp;lt; 0.001), and no neonates with a five-minute Apgar score &amp;lt;= 7 (0% vs. 7%; p &amp;lt; 0.001) compared with group B. Other pregnancy-related adverse outcomes were similar between the two groups. Inferences remained unchanged after considering different models to adjust for potential predictors of outcome. Conclusions: LT4 therapy is associated with a decreased risk of LBW and a low Apgar score among women with SCH. This association awaits confirmation in randomized trials before the widespread use of LT4 therapy in pregnant women with SCH