STRATEGIC DRIVERS OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE ADOPTION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

This paper draws upon the results of a qualitative study on the procurement and adoption of open source software by public sector organizations spanning Europe, Brazil and the USA. The premise of this work was to understand the role ?cost? or total cost of ownership of software plays in government procurement decisions. We found, however, that this was more a rhetoric to gain acceptance for open source and to achieve a level playing field. Interviews with key stakeholders from government agencies and system integrators led us to understand and organize our findings on open source adoption under four broad categories; economic concerns, technical and development features, risk management, and innovation and strategic issues. We conclude with a number of insights to help other public sector organizations make better procurement decisions for information technology

Treatment of laundrette wastewater using Starbon and Fenton's reagent

The use of grey water for a variety of purposes is gaining increased popularity as a means of preserving scarce freshwater resources. In this work, catalytic oxidation over Fenton's reagent and adsorption techniques using Starbon (mesoporous material derived from polysaccharides) has been applied. These novel techniques are used as an alternative to already studied treatments of grey water such as filtration and/or biological processes. In this study, grey water, collected from a commercial laundrette, has been used. Treatment efficiency was determined by changes in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the grey water. Experiments using Fenton's reagent at optimum conditions of Fe3+ = 40 mg L−1; H2O2 = 400 mg L−1 and pH 3 were very successful, resulting in a 95% COD removal after 15 min. Treatment with Starbon adsorption was also effective, reaching up to 81% COD removal at pH 3 within 1 h. The combined treatment with Fenton's reagent and Starbon resulted in a 93% COD removal at a significantly reduced concentration of Fenton's reagent compared to the treatment with solo Fenton's reagent. This lower chemical dose has the advantage of reducing costs and lowering sludge generation

Simultaneous determination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in combined dosage form utilizing spectrophotometric methods and high performance thin layer chromatographic method on nanosilica gel plates

Simultaneous quantification of levonorgestrel (LEV) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) was performed utilizing five different spectrophotometric methods and a high performance thin layer chromatographic method (HPTLC). The applied spectrophotometric methods were based on either ratio spectra namely; ratio difference, ratio subtraction and derivative ratio or the presence of isosbestic point specifically; absorbance subtraction and amplitude modulation. The proposed methods had the ability to resolve the overlapped spectra of the drugs with a linear relationship in the concentration range 1-65 µg/mL and 1-95 µg/mL for LEV and EE, respectively. The developed HPTLC method has revealed a good separation of the drugs upon utilizing Nano Silica Gel on TLC plates with fluorescent indicator 254 nm glass plates as the stationary phase and chloroform: methanol (99:1, v:v) as the mobile phase. The proposed HPTLC method has shown high sensitivity, where the linearity range was 0.02-3.00 µg/band and 0.5-20.0 µg/band, for LEV and EE, respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the analysis of laboratory prepared mixtures as well as combined dosage form. Validation for all methods was conducted in compliance with the ICH guidelines proving the methods to be selective, linear, precise and accurate. The proposed methods were statistically compared with the pharmacopoeial method, where the obtained results showed no significant difference regarding accuracy and precision

OPTIMIZATION OF THE FORMULATED FEEDING IN JUVENILE CORAL TROUT, Plectropomus leopardus IN CONTROLLED TANK

A coral trout grouper is the fishery commodities to generate foreign exchange through exports, to date cultivation continued. The purpose is to obtain data and information on the dose of the right artificial feeding and can increase the survival rate of the optimum seed nursery in the juvenile coral trout in controlled tank. Research has been conducted at the hatchery and the Institute for Mariculture Reasearch and Development Gondol, Bali. Containers experiment is used is a fiber with a size of 1 m³ up to 12 containers. test animals used were seeds of coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus with initial body length on average 3 cm with each treatment density of 100 fish/m³. Coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus seed kept in fibers. This type of feed given in the form of commercial pellet feed with a protein content of 48%, and additional food such as shrimp Mysid (jembret) for 10 days. The frequency of feeding 3 times a day (morning 8:00. local time, lunch 13:00 local time, and afternoon 17:00 local time). Treatment feeding attempted is the treatment of A = 5% dose of artificial feeding, B = 10% dose of artificial feeding, C = 15% dose of artificial feeding, and D = 20% dose of artificial feeding. The study used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, each treatment was repeated 3 times. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. If the variance is different then conducted a further test using the smallest real difference test (BNT). The results showed that significantly different (P <0.05) on survival, feed conversion, weight gain and body length of coral trout. The highest survival rate in treatment C = 15% dose artificial feeding is. = 90.83 ± 1.80%, followed by treatment D, B, and A

NURSERY TECHNIQUES WITH JUVENILE CORAL TROUT, Plectropomus leopardus WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD

ABSTRACT Feed management is a critical factor in the nursery activities because food serves as an energy for growth and survival rates. The study aimed to determine the best feeding to improve growth and survival rates. Cultured of coral trout grouper seeds were used for this research in 9 fiber tubs each of  0.8 tonnes of sea water volume with 3 treatments and 3 replicates. The feeding treatments were (a) commercial feeding pelle; (b) trash fish; and (c) feeding combinations (50% pellets and 50% trash fish). The initial length of coral trout grouper seeds were 3 cm long. The pellet used was a commercial pellet with dose of 5-10% biomass, while the trash fish was clupeid fish. Feeding times were twice a daya at 08:00 and 16:00 local time. A complete random design was used as an experiment design. Data was analysed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Water qualities during larva rearing included water temperature, pH, salinity, DO, ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate. The results showed that growth dan survical rates was significantly affected by combination feeding method (50% pellet and 50% trash fish) with growth rate of 0.08% cm/day and survival rate of 60.20±2.34%. Keywords: Feed, trash fish, juvenile coral trout grouper, growth, and survival

Triple access planning for uncertain futures - A handbook for practitioners

Planning for the future continues to evolve in the face of a changing world. What we did in the past will not work for the future. Even the recent shift, with greater interest in transport planning being vision-led and focused on people rather than traffic, it is still not enough.This Handbook is the next evolutionary step. It supports a way of thinking and acting that is intended to mark a change from transport planning in the ‘predict and provide’ paradigm to ‘Triple Access Planning’ in the ‘decide and provide’ paradigm. This is vision-led (‘decide’) instead of forecast-led (‘predict’). It includes digital accessibility alongside spatial proximity and mobility (together making ‘triple access’). It also includes addressing uncertainty about the future.The Handbook is a companion guide for those who are already conversant with transport planning or other planning approaches. It explains the triple access perspective on planning, the handling of uncertainty, addressing access for goods, and the organisational and institutional challenges associated with Triple Access Planning. For each of these themes, four planning phases are examined: (i) Philosophy - why take this approach?; (ii) Preparation and Analysis – assessing the current and future situations; (iii) Strategy Development – determining visions/goals and the approaches to achieving these; and (iv) Measure Planning – identifying more specifically what needs to be implemented to achieve goals. The first of these is an important (informal) orientation phase. The other phases reflect those recognised in European Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (which also includes ‘Implementation and Monitoring’).Whilst Triple Access Planning does not offer an easier approach than established planning practices and institutions, it is more fit for purpose in relation to the challenge and opportunities we now face. This Handbook is a staging post in the onward journey of change in how we make sense of, and seek to be prepared for and shape, the future. Please embrace it

Phenotypic spectrum and transcriptomic profile associated with germline variants in TRAF7

PURPOSE: Somatic variants in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) cause meningioma, while germline variants have recently been identified in seven patients with developmental delay and cardiac, facial, and digital anomalies. We aimed to define the clinical and mutational spectrum associated with TRAF7 germline variants in a large series of patients, and to determine the molecular effects of the variants through transcriptomic analysis of patient fibroblasts. METHODS: We performed exome, targeted capture, and Sanger sequencing of patients with undiagnosed developmental disorders, in multiple independent diagnostic or research centers. Phenotypic and mutational comparisons were facilitated through data exchange platforms. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on RNA from patient- and control-derived fibroblasts. RESULTS: We identified heterozygous missense variants in TRAF7 as the cause of a developmental delay-malformation syndrome in 45 patients. Major features include a recognizable facial gestalt (characterized in particular by blepharophimosis), short neck, pectus carinatum, digital deviations, and patent ductus arteriosus. Almost all variants occur in the WD40 repeats and most are recurrent. Several differentially expressed genes were identified in patient fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: We provide the first large-scale analysis of the clinical and mutational spectrum associated with the TRAF7 developmental syndrome, and we shed light on its molecular etiology through transcriptome studies

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century