Transformation of E. coli and regulation of GFP in pGLO

Research Question: Will the presence of pGLO plasmid containing GFP gene produce glowing cells? Hypothesis: In the presence of pGLO plasmid containing GFP gene, the production of glowing cells will occur

Towards Robust Atmospheric Retrieval on Cloudy L Dwarfs: The Impact of Thermal and Abundance Profile Assumptions

Constraining L dwarf properties from their spectra is challenging. Near-infrared spectra probe a limited range of pressures, while many species condense within their photospheres. Condensation creates two complexities: gas-phase species "rain out" (decreasing in abundances by many orders of magnitude) and clouds form. We designed tests using synthetic data to determine the best approach for retrieving L dwarf spectra, isolating the challenges in the absence of cloud opacity. We conducted atmospheric retrievals on synthetic cloud-free L dwarf spectra derived from the Sonora Bobcat models at SpeX resolution using a variety of thermal and chemical abundance profile parameterizations. For objects hotter than L5 (T$_{eff}$ ~ 1700 K), the limited pressure layers probed in the near-IR are mostly convective; parameterized PT profiles bias results and free, unsmoothed profiles should be used. Only when many layers both above and below the radiative-convective boundary are probed can parameterized profiles provide accurate results. Furthermore, a nonuniform abundance profile for iron hydride (FeH) is needed to accurately retrieve bulk properties of early- to mid- L dwarfs. Nonuniform prescriptions for other gases in near-IR retrievals may also be warranted near the L/T transition (CH$_{4}$) and early Y dwarfs (Na and K). We demonstrate the utility of using realistic self-consistent models to benchmark retrievals and suggest how they can be used in the future.Comment: 20 pages, 12 figures, 5 tables, submitted to Ap

How Does it Heal? Isolation and Re-engaging in Education the Role of Trauma Related Practice in a Post-Pandemic Britain

The Covid-19 pandemic, its multiple lockdowns and restrictions have had a well documented and often discussed effect on the mental health and wellbeing on the whole of the UK and more particularly, on school children who have missed significant periods of schooling (BBC, 2020). Research suggests that, as well as the lack of formal education, the associated experiences gained from school life have also been lost (Ofsted 2020 and DofEd 2022). This literature review adopts a subjectivist approach to collate, examine and compare current and historical research on the impact of trauma, focussing particularly on the impact of childhood trauma on resilience and the ability to learn (McFarlane & Giralmo 1996). It looks at the implications for learning and future health outcomes for those who experienced the Covid-19 lockdowns and examines the evidence of response in terms of an effective response which supports learners and builds resilience with a view to building resilience which is a vital component of effective learning (Maddi, 1999). The dissertation finds that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions placed on young people can be considered an example of childhood trauma and so a trauma informed response was needed to support children as they returned to schools and continues to be helpful as the long-term impact continues to be revealed (Poston, 2009; Maddi, 1999). The dissertation also finds that the children most impacted were often those who required the most support and suggests that increased funding is necessary to ensure that a whole school approach is employed and that resources are in place to bridge the widened gap between children from affluent and less well-off backgrounds (BBC, 2020; Ofsted 2022)

The Welfare of Traveller and Gypsy Owned Horses in the UK and Ireland

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Travellers and Gypsies are recognised ethnic groups in the UK and Ireland. Horse ownership is an important part of their lives; however, poor horse welfare is often perceived to be associated with these horse-owning communities. Nevertheless, studies on the welfare of Traveller and Gypsy-owned horses are lacking. The welfare of 104 horses in the UK and Ireland was evaluated using a horse welfare protocol that assessed health conditions, resource provision, management and horse behaviour. In order to potentially understand how a horse was feeling, Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) was used to evaluate their body language. Most horses were found to have good body condition, a healthy coat and few skin problems or joint issues, however, 27% of horses were found to have neglected hooves. In the voluntary animal approach test, most horses showed a friendly response. Positive QBA terms were more prevalent than negative terms, therefore, the emotional state of Traveller and Gypsy owned horses was deemed to be positive overall. An association between QBA and various horse welfare measures was identified, e.g., improved mood was associated with better water availability. Findings in this study did not support previous negative perceptions of horse welfare in Traveller and Gypsy horse owning communities. ABSTRACT: Travellers and Gypsies are recognised ethnic groups in the UK and Ireland. Horse ownership is an important cultural tradition, however, practices associated with poor welfare are often perceived to be linked to these horse owning communities. Despite this, empirical studies on the welfare status of Traveller and Gypsy owned horses are lacking. To determine the welfare status of Traveller and Gypsy owned horses, 104 horses were assessed using a bespoke horse welfare protocol. This protocol assessed animal, resource and management-based measures. In addition, Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) identified horses’ emotional state. Results indicated that 81% of horses had an optimal body condition score, with no horse recorded as very thin/fat. The absence of limb conditions (95%), ocular (98%) and nasal (93%) discharges were evident in most horses, and 81% of horses responded positively to the voluntary animal approach test. The most commonly observed welfare issues were hoof neglect (27%), with hoof cracks/breakages (19%) being the most prevalent. QBA indicated that positive emotional states were more commonplace than negative. A relationship between QBA and other horse welfare measures was observed, e.g., improved mood was associated with better water availability. This research provides novel data in the under-researched area of the welfare of Traveller and Gypsy owned horses and counters perceptions of a poor welfare state in this group of horses

Kids These Days: Increasing Youth Engagement in Community Heritage and Social Justice Through the Implementation of a Youth Participatory Empowerment Model

The purpose of this co-authored, qualitative, action research study was to examine how to empower youth to become active participants in their communities. Citizen engagement in community and public life is vital to a healthy democracy and young people have a unique place in community citizenry, but are often dismissed or excluded from decision-making. The research team developed a model, the Youth Participatory Empowerment Model (YPEM), to guide youth through a process of identifying and engaging a community heritage or social justice need in their community. The team assembled a guidebook of activities to engage groups in difficult self, group, and community work. To test the model, each of the six members of the research team implemented YPEM to engage youth in six locations throughout the United States. The members of each group represent a diverse sampling of the country and include tribal, undocumented, rural, suburban, and urban youth from low income or underserved populations. Researchers collected interview and observation data to identify themes and strategies that support community youth leadership. The model seeks to cultivate youth voice, youth engagement, and youth empowerment and to assist group mentors with this process. The results of the six groups highlight the importance of youth leadership, trust and safety, partnerships, and multidimensional mentorship. These observations led to the development of an updated version of YPEM, which includes the four main observations and strategies that proved successful in the field

A cluster randomised controlled trial of a comprehensive accreditation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption at community sports clubs: study protocol

Introduction: Excessive alcohol consumption isresponsible for considerable harm from chronicdisease and injury. Within most developed countries,members of sporting clubs consume alcohol at levels above that of communities generally. Despite the potential benefits of interventions to address alcohol consumption in sporting clubs, there have been no randomised controlled trials to test the effectiveness of these interventions. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a comprehensive accreditation intervention with community football clubs (Rugby League, Rugby Union, soccer/association football and Australian Rules football) in reducing excessive alcohol consumption by club members.Methods and analysis: The study will be conducted in New South Wales, Australia, and employ a cluster randomised controlled trial design. Half of the football clubs recruited to the trial will be randomised to receive an intervention implemented over two and a half winter sporting seasons. The intervention is based on social ecology theory and is comprehensive in nature, containing multiple elements designed to decrease the supply of alcohol to intoxicated members, cease the provision of cheap and free alcohol, increase the availability and costattractiveness of non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages, remove high alcohol drinks and cease drinking games. The intervention utilises a three-tiered accreditation framework designed to motivate intervention implementation. Football clubs in the control group will receive printed materials on topics unrelated to alcohol. Outcome data will be collected pre- and postintervention through cross-sectional telephone surveys of club members. The primary outcome measure will be alcohol consumption by club members at the club, assessed using a graduated frequency index and a seven day diary.Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by The University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (reference: H-2008-0432). Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.<br /

Tackling risky alcohol consumption in sport: a cluster randomised controlled trial of an alcohol management intervention with community football clubs

BACKGROUND: An increased prevalence of risky alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm has been reported for members of sporting groups and at sporting venues compared with non-sporting populations. While sports clubs and venues represent opportune settings to implement strategies to reduce such risks, no controlled trials have been reported. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of an alcohol management intervention in reducing risky alcohol consumption and the risk of alcohol-related harm among community football club members. METHOD: A cluster randomised controlled trial of an alcohol management intervention was undertaken with non-elite, community football clubs and their members in New South Wales, Australia. Risky alcohol consumption (5+ drinks) at the club and risk of alcohol-related harm using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were measured at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS: Eighty-eight clubs participated in the trial (n=43, INTERVENTION; n=45, CONTROL) and separate cross-sectional samples of club members completed the baseline (N=1411) and postintervention (N=1143) surveys. Postintervention, a significantly lower proportion of intervention club members reported: risky alcohol consumption at the club ( INTERVENTION: 19%; CONTROL: 24%; OR: 0.63 (95% CI 0.40 to 1.00); p=0.05); risk of alcohol-related harm ( INTERVENTION: 38%; CONTROL: 45%; OR: 0.58 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.87); p&lt;0.01); alcohol consumption risk ( INTERVENTION: 47%; CONTROL: 55%; OR: 0.60 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.87); p&lt;0.01) and possible alcohol dependence ( INTERVENTION: 1%; CONTROL: 4%; OR: 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.65); p&lt;0.01). CONCLUSIONS: With large numbers of people worldwide playing, watching and sports officiating, enhancing club-based alcohol management interventions could make a substantial contribution to reducing the burden of alcohol misuse in communities.<br /

Improving availability, promotion and purchase of fruit and vegetable and non sugar-sweetened drink products at community sporting clubs: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND: Amateur sporting clubs represent an attractive setting for health promotion. This study assesses the impact of a multi-component intervention on the availability, promotion and purchase of fruit and vegetable and non sugar -sweetened drink products from community sporting club canteens. We also assessed the impact the intervention on sporting club revenue from the sale of food and beverages. METHOD: A repeat cross-sectional, parallel group, cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken with amateur community football clubs in New South Wales, Australia. The intervention was conducted over 2.5 winter sporting seasons and sought to improve the availability and promotion of fruit and vegetables and non sugar-sweetened drinks in sporting club canteens. Trial outcomes were assessed via telephone surveys of sporting club representatives and members. RESULTS: Eighty five sporting clubs and 1143 club members participated in the study. Relative to the control group, at follow-up, clubs allocated to the intervention were significantly more likely to have fruit and vegetable products available at the club canteen (OR&thinsp;=&thinsp;5.13; 95% CI 1.70-15.38), were more likely to promote fruit and vegetable selection using reduced pricing and meal deals (OR&thinsp;=&thinsp;34.48; 95% CI 4.18-250.00) and members of intervention clubs were more likely to report purchase of fruit and vegetable (OR&thinsp;=&thinsp;2.58 95% CI; 1.08-6.18) and non sugar -sweetened drink (OR&thinsp;=&thinsp;1.56; 95% CI 1.09-2.25) products. There was no significant difference between groups in the annual club revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverage sales. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the intervention can improve the nutrition environment of sporting clubs and the purchasing behaviour of members. <br /

The feasibility and acceptability of a web-based alcohol management intervention in community sports clubs: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The implementation of comprehensive alcohol management strategies can reduce excessive alcohol use and reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm at sporting venues. Supporting sports venues to implement alcohol management strategies via the Web may represent an effective and efficient means of reducing harm caused by alcohol in this setting. However, the feasibility and acceptability of such an approach is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify (1) the current access to and use of the Web and electronic devices by sports clubs; (2) the perceived usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use a Web-based program to support implementation of alcohol management policies in sports clubs; (3) the factors associated with intention to use such a Web-based support program; and (4) the specific features of such a program that sports clubs would find useful. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with club administrators of community football clubs in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Perceived usefulness, ease of use and intention to use a hypothetical Web-based alcohol management support program was assessed using the validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) instrument. Associations between intention to use a Web-based program and club characteristics as well as perceived ease of use and usefulness was tested using Fisher\u27s exact test and represented using relative risk (RR) for high intention to use the program. RESULTS: Of the 73 football clubs that were approached to participate in the study, 63 consented to participate and 46 were eligible and completed the survey. All participants reported having access to the Web and 98% reported current use of electronic devices (eg, computers, iPads/tablets, smartphones, laptops, televisions, and smartboards). Mean scores (out of a possible 7) for the TAM constructs were high for intention to use (mean 6.25, SD 0.87), perceived ease of use (mean 6.00, SD 0.99), and perceived usefulness (mean 6.17, SD 0.85). Intention to use the Web-based alcohol management program was significantly associated with perceived ease of use (P=.02, RR 1.4, CI 1.0-2.9), perceived usefulness (P=.03, RR 1.5, CI 1.0-6.8) and club size (P=.02, RR 0.8, CI 0.5-0.9). The most useful features of such a program included the perceived ability to complete program requirements within users\u27 own time, complete program accreditation assessment and monitoring online, develop tailored action plans, and receive email reminders and prompts to complete action. CONCLUSIONS: A Web-based alcohol management approach to support sports clubs in the implementation of recommended alcohol management policies appears both feasible and acceptable. Future research should aim to determine if such intended use leads to actual use and club implementation of alcohol management policies