Microbial burden prediction model for unmanned planetary spacecraft

The technical development of a computer program for predicting microbial burden on unmanned planetary spacecraft is outlined. The discussion includes the derivation of the basic analytical equations, the selection of a method for handling several random variables, the macrologic of the computer programs and the validation and verification of the model. The prediction model was developed to (1) supplement the biological assays of a spacecraft by simulating the microbial accretion during periods when assays are not taken; (2) minimize the necessity for a large number of microbiological assays; and (3) predict the microbial loading on a lander immediately prior to sterilization and other non-lander equipment prior to launch. It is shown that these purposes not only were achieved but also that the prediction results compare favorably to the estimates derived from the direct assays. The computer program can be applied not only as a prediction instrument but also as a management and control tool. The basic logic of the model is shown to have possible applicability to other sequential flow processes, such as food processing

Designing Teenage Emotions with a Life of Their Own

In this chapter, two participatory design activities are described in which teenagers create lo-fi designs describing emotions and explain the rationale for their design choices. Designs annotating and describing emotions are categorised as anthropomorphic, abstract, object based, or biomorphic. The chapter concludes: (i) teenagers use a variety of visual metaphors to describe emotions, (ii) teenagers use anthropomorphic visual metaphors most often to describe emotions and (iii) teenagers make more use of abstract and biomorphic visual metaphors to describe ‘negative’ emotions. The effect of materials on designs is analysed, suggesting that teenagers are more likely to create designs describing emotions featuring anthropomorphic visual metaphors when using malleable three-dimensional materials. Suggestions are made for the use of externalisation and personification as part of interactive emotion displays within affective systems. A focus group evaluation of a prototype mobile app is described, which suggests that teenagers place more importance on an affective systems ability to support social relationships than they do its ability to support psychological development. This research will be of value to interaction designers and Child-Computer Interaction researchers seeking to understand how teenagers use different visual metaphors to describe different emotions

Levels of Concern of Elementary Teachers in the Millard Schools with the Innovation, Instructional Theory into Practice

Over the past two decades, concerned people in local schools have expanded considerable energy and resources aimed at making schools better. (Parish and Arends, 1983) Efforts to improve teaching require change and change is a process that takes time and is generally achieved in stages. Schools are in a constant state of change. Staffs are striving to provide curriculum to students with quality instruction. As research and theories of curriculum (what to teach) and instruction (how to teach) are articulated and studied local programs change to meet the emerging data

‘You're kinda passing a test’: A phenomenological study of women's experiences of breastfeeding

Background: Despite an increasing research base about what helps or hinders breastfeeding, there is a dramatic drop in breastfeeding prevalence within the first 6 weeks. Aim: To explore the experiences of breastfeeding women. Methods: This study used interpretive phenomenology to research the experiences of 22 women who had all breastfed their youngest baby for at least 11 days. Data were collected using in-depth interviews when the women's babies were between 3-6 months of age. Thematic analysis was used to analyse findings. Findings: The women described tensions and mixed messages regarding breastfeeding, and contradictions between public health messages promoting breastfeeding and the support received to continue breastfeeding. The women also described how these approaches and messages affected their breastfeeding experiences, and how they managed breastfeeding as a result. Conclusions: The findings from this study revealed a patriarchal healthcare support system for breastfeeding whereby the women felt under surveillance and expected to perform to a prescribed ideal, but also a lack of support for exclusive breastfeeding after the initial postnatal period. These findings have clear implications for practice and policy

Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (LPRF) Therapy & Leprosy: the Need for Caution and Research Among Marginalised Groups in Low Resource Settings

This paper discusses the potential of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy (LPRF) to help treat ulcers and skin damage associated with leprosy. It warns that although LPRF may be a valuable and cost-effective treatment, it is crucial to understand potential resistance to haematologically based treatments. For physicians and health service staff operating within a biomedical paradigm, folk beliefs resisting such treatments may be inconsequential. However, research and education among marginalised and excluded populations is vital to overcome potential hesitancy and resistance to such treatments.ye

Lies, Damned Lies, Metrics & Semantics: Exploring definitions of the end of Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) & their implications

Many a statistic is false on its face. It gets by only because the magic of numbers brings about a suspension of common sense. Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease), is an infectious disease that is both potentially disabling and highly stigmatised. Leprosy can cause blindness, disfigurement and deformity. This disease is named after G. H. Armauer Hansen, a physician who identified the causative agent, Mycobacterium leprae, in Norway in 1873. Mycobacterium leprae is a strongly acid-fast rod-shaped organism with parallel sides and rounded ends (see Figure One), rather similar to the tubercle bacillus.ye

Supply Chain Contracts, Coordination, and Ego Networks. A Research Proposal

The potential of interest alignment between independent firms through supply chain contracts (SCC)is not fully utilized. An exhausting amount of analytical research indicates advantages of SCCs, buttheir use in practice is limited (Cachon, 2003). This article aims to illuminate the purpose of supply chain specific contracts as an interorganizational coordination tool, as seen through the lens of organizational theory. The central question of this study relates to the conditions and antecedents of supply chain contract use, with an emphasis on vertical dyadic and secondary horizontal links between companies in a supply chain. A review shows that this topic can benefit from a connection to network theory. A three-stage research model utilizing network analysis based on case-based data collection is proposed

Cybersecurity, Ransomware Attacks and Health: Exploring the Public Health Implications of the Recent Cyberattack on Ireland’s Health Service

In May 2021, Ireland's state healthcare system, the Health Services Executive, was the subject of a devastating ransomware attack called Conti. The malware uses a number of sophisticated tools and has effectively caused the healthcare system to go off-line for an extended period of time as the state has refused to pay the $19,999,000 ransom demand. Globally, ransomware is becoming a major issue for healthcare systems, with widespread attacks, even increasing in number during the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare systems may be being targeted for a number of reasons including that they are necessary to a population and may be vulnerable to compromise due to a lack of cybersecurity resources. To improve the security posture of healthcare systems a rebalancing may need to occur with potential impacts on resources available for healthcare provision and consequent impact on public health. Preventative measures regarding ransomware are presented, including what to do if an attack is discovered.ye

Effect of limonene on the heterotrophic growth and polyhydroxybutyrate production by Cupriavidus necator H16

The inhibitory effect of limonene on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production in Cupriavidus necator H16 was studied. Firstly, results demonstrate the feasibility of using orange juicing waste (OJW) as a substrate for PHB production. An intracellular PHB content of 81.4% (w/w) was attained for a total dry matter concentration of 9.58 g L−1, when the OJW medium was used. Later, a mineral medium designed to mimic the nutrient levels found in the complex medium derived from OJW was used to study the effect of limonene on the production of PHB. Results showed a drop in specific growth rate (μ) of more than 50% when the initial limonene concentration was 2% (v/v) compared to the limonene free medium. This work highlights the importance of a limonene recovery stage prior to fermentation, to maintain levels below 1% (v/v) in the medium, adding value to the OJW and enhancing the fermentation process productivity

The 2023 Rhysida Ransomware Attack on the British Library: Prioritisation, Expertise, and Funding Issues

The British Library is a flagship library that plays a pivotal role in the UK learning and research infrastructure, in addition to being a central conduit for international library linkages. However, in late October 2023, this premier institution was the subject of a cyberattack that has left it crippled. The Rhysida group perpetrated this catastrophic ransomware attack. Underfunding and threat identification are explored as potential weaknesses resulting in deficiencies in the British Library’s online security systems. To help prevent further such assaults in libraries, this Commentary also details what is known about the attack and how such breaches might be prevented in the future