A Phase Ambiguity Resolution Technique for TCM

This paper presents the simulation model, performance evaluation and hardware implementation of a technique to resolve phase ambiguity in trellis coded modulation (TCM) where the popular Viterbi algorithm is utilized. While this approach has been employed with BPSK and QPSK, its application to multilevel modulation schemes (M\u3e4) is novel and of interest because it provides a viable alternative to rotationally invariant codes. This approach does not require any arithmetic computations and can be accomplished with minimal hardware. The results presented in this paper are being used to implement a 32 sector phase quantized TCM system utilizing 8PSK modulation

Central venous dialysis : an Australian survey

Aim: To explore the current central venous dialysis catheter (CVDC) nursing care practices in Australia. Method: A survey of dialysis units in Australia. Results: 66% return rate (48/73) Internal jugular is the main insertion site (75%) and the majority are tunneled (85%). Insertion was performed most commonly by radiologists (34%) followed by intensivists (24%) with one center reporting insertion by nursing staff. CVDCs were most commonly inserted in radiology (54%), followed by theatre (33%). Dressings were attended weekly (55%) or on dialysis days (45%). Chlorhexidine was the antiseptic solution of choice (54%) followed by povidine-iodine (37%). In 21% of centres Mupirocin was routinely applied in addition to the antiseptic solution. Transparent dressings were overwhelmingly favoured however most centres recommended alternatives related to patient need. 21% of units reported enrolled nurses undertaking dressings. All units reported the use of sterile gloves and sterile dressing packs. 10% reported different routine care for tunneled and non-tunneled. 40% of the units collected data on infection rates per catheter days. General opinion (39%) was identified as the reason to base CVDC protocols while descriptive studies (25%), RCTs (23%) and guidelines (18%) were also reported. Conclusion: There are significant variations in the Australian nursing practice related to the care of CVDCs. Although there is still practice based on general opinion there is evidence that changes in practice in the past 8 years may be associated with knowledge derived from research.<br /

The distribution of Bibionidae (Diptera) in Scotland

We review the material of the family Bibionidae from Scotland in the Natural History Museum, London and the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, as well as some material from other collections and published records from the SIRI (Scottish Insect Records Index). Eleven species of the genus Bibio Geoffroy, 1762 and four species in the genus Dilophus Meigen, 1803 have been collected in Scotland. We review the distribution and ecology of each species and present maps of records. Previous Scottish records of Bibio hortulanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and B. reticulatus Loew, 1846 are deemed to be most likely erroneous. Additionally, we have not found any specimens confirming the literature record of Bibio venosus (Meigen, 1804), but we believe this record is most likely correct since this species is distinctive and well defined with no substantial confusion about its identity. There is also a recent record of Dilophus humeralis Zetterstedt, 1850 which we have not been able to confirm. The following species have unambiguous records from Scotland: Bibio clavipes Meigen, 1818; B. ferruginatus (Linnaeus, 1758); B. johannis (Linnaeus, 1767); B. lanigerus Meigen, 1818; B. leucopterus (Meigen, 1804); B. longipes Loew, 1864; B. marci (Linnaeus, 1758); B. nigriventris Haliday, 1833; B. pomonae (Fabricius, 1775); B. varipes Meigen, 1830; Dilophus bispinosus Lundström, 1913; D. febrilis (Linnaeus, 1758); D. femoratus Meigen, 1804

Approval Ratings of Inpatient Coercive Interventions in a National Sample of Mental Health Service Users and Staff in England

Objective: To ascertain the degree of approval amongst service users and staff for various coercive measures commonly used in acute mental health care. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted. The Attitudes to Containment Measures Questionnaire (ACMQ) was completed by 1,361 service users and 1,226 staff in acute care mental health services from three regions of England. This provided evaluation of eleven coercive measures (e.g. seclusion) on six dimensions of approval (e.g. indignity, safety) in a large national sample. Comparisons between groups were tested using independent samples t-tests, χ2 or Spearman correlations. Results: Both service users and staff disapproved strongly of mechanical restraint and expressed a relative preference for compulsory intramuscular medication and seclusion. Male staff, older service users and staff who had been involved in implementing coercion expressed greater approval of coercive measures. Conclusion: Mechanical restraint remains highly objectionable to staff and service users in English mental health services despite its widespread acceptance elsewhere in the world

Protection status, human disturbance, snow cover and trapping drive density of a declining wolverine population in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Protected areas are important in species conservation, but high rates of human-caused mortality outside their borders and increasing popularity for recreation can negatively affect wildlife populations. We quantified wolverine (Gulo gulo) population trends from 2011 to 2020 in &gt; 14,000 km2 protected and non-protected habitat in southwestern Canada. We conducted wolverine and multi-species surveys using non-invasive DNA and remote camera-based methods. We developed Bayesian integrated models combining spatial capture-recapture data of marked and unmarked individuals with occupancy data. Wolverine density and occupancy declined by 39%, with an annual population growth rate of 0.925. Density within protected areas was 3 times higher than outside and declined between 2011 (3.6 wolverines/1000 km2) and 2020 (2.1 wolverines/1000 km2). Wolverine density and detection probability increased with snow cover and decreased near development. Detection probability also decreased with human recreational activity. The annual harvest rate of ≥&nbsp;13% was above the maximum sustainable rate. We conclude that humans negatively affected the population through direct mortality, sub-lethal effects and habitat impacts. Our study exemplifies the need to monitor population trends for species at risk—within and between protected areas—as steep declines can occur unnoticed if key conservation concerns are not identified and addressed

The trends in prostate specific antigen usage amongst United Kingdom urologists – a questionnaire based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Worldwide, the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing as a screen for prostate cancer is contentious. Whilst there is no National UK Screening programme, many men undergo opportunistic screening. This study investigates UK urologist's usage of PSA and the awareness surrounding the Department of Health (DoH) PSA guidelines.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Urologists were sent a questionnaire regarding PSA cut-off values.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 733 urologists eligible to participate in this study 346 returned completed questionnaires giving a response rate of 47%. The most commonly generally used age-related PSA cut-off values (36% of respondents) are – 3.5 ng/ml for 50 – 59 year olds, 4.5 ng/ml for 60 – 69 year olds and 6.5 ng/ml for over 70 year olds. Two-thirds (58%, 200/346) of respondents were aware of the DoH PSA guidelines but only 20% (n = 69/346) follow these guidelines. The majority of respondents (68%, n = 234/346) used higher PSA cut-offs than recommended by the DoH. The level of compliance showed marked regional variation with a range from 7% to 44% (median 19%). In addition, it was apparent that lower PSA cut-off values were used in private practice as opposed to the National Health Service.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A nationwide lack of agreement on PSA cut-off values may generate a variable standard of care both regionally and in NHS versus private practice. Generally, higher PSA cut-off values are being used than recommended by the DoH guidance.</p