The supervised IBP: neighbourhood preserving infinite latent feature models

We propose a probabilistic model to infer supervised latent variables in the Hamming space from observed data. Our model allows simultaneous inference of the number of binary latent variables, and their values. The latent variables preserve neighbourhood structure of the data in a sense that objects in the same semantic concept have similar latent values, and objects in different concepts have dissimilar latent values. We formulate the supervised infinite latent variable problem based on an intuitive principle of pulling objects together if they are of the same type, and pushing them apart if they are not. We then combine this principle with a flexible Indian Buffet Process prior on the latent variables. We show that the inferred supervised latent variables can be directly used to perform a nearest neighbour search for the purpose of retrieval. We introduce a new application of dynamically extending hash codes, and show how to effectively couple the structure of the hash codes with continuously growing structure of the neighbourhood preserving infinite latent feature space

A birth-death process for feature allocation

We propose a Bayesian nonparametric prior over feature allocations for sequential data, the birth-death feature allocation process (BDFP). The BDFP models the evolution of the feature allocation of a set of N objects across a covariate (e.g. time) by creating and deleting features. A BDFP is exchangeable, projective, stationary and reversible, and its equilibrium distribution is given by the Indian buffet process (IBP). We show that the Beta process on an extended space is the de Finetti mixing distribution underlying the BDFP. Finally, we present the finite approximation of the BDFP, the Beta Event Process (BEP), that permits simplified inference. The utility of the BDFP as a prior is demonstrated on real world dynamic genomics and social network dat

Mechanism of droplet-formation in a supersonic microfluidic spray device

Spray drying is an approach employed in automotive, food, and pharmaceutical industries as a robust and cost efficient liquid atomization technique offering direct control over droplet dimensions. The majority of commercially available spray nozzles are designed for large throughput spray drying applications or uniform surface coating, but microfluidic nebulizers have recently been developed as small scale alternatives. Here, we explore the physical parameters that define the droplet size and formation under supersonic flow conditions commonly found in microfluidic spray drying systems. We examined the spray nozzle operation using high speed imaging and laser scattering measurements, which allowed us to describe the spray regimes and droplet size distributions. It was determined that by using this spray nozzle device, droplets with diameters of 4–8 μm could be generated. Moreover, we show that the supersonic de Laval nozzle model can be used to predict the average droplet size. Our approach can be used as a platform for interfacing fluid microprocessing with gas phase detection and characterization

Reflecting back and forwards: The ebb and flow of peer-reviewed reflective practice research in sport

Researchers in sport have claimed that reflective practice is important for competent practice. Evidence supporting this claim is sparse, highly theoretical and located within a variety of domains. The aim of this study was to assimilate and analyse the last 12 years of reflective practice literature within the sport domain in order to identify new areas of inquiry, emerging trends with regard to findings or methodology, and to identify implications for future research and practice. A sample of 68 papers published between 2001 and 2012 was examined, and investigated for the research locations, data collection methods utilised, and the professions and communities involved. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future research

Targeting with nanoparticles for the therapeutic treatment of brain diseases

Brain diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and tumours are among the most serious health problems, degrading the quality of life and causing massive economic cost. Nanoparticles that load and deliver drugs and genes have been intensively studied for the treatment of brain diseases, and have demonstrated some biological effects in various animal models. Among other efforts taken in the nanoparticle development, targeting of blood brain barrier, specific cell type or local intra-/extra-cellular space is an important strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the nanoparticle delivery systems. This review underlies the targeting issue in the nanoparticle development for the treatment of brain diseases, taking key exemplar studies carried out in various in vivo models

Utilization of GelMA with phosphate glass fibers for glial cell alignment

Glial cell alignment in tissue engineered constructs is essential for achieving functional outcomes in neural recovery. While gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel offers superior biocompatibility along with permissive structure and tailorable mechanical properties, phosphate glass fibers (PGFs) can provide physical cues for directionality of neural growth. Aligned PGFs were fabricated by a melt quenching and fiber drawing method and utilized with synthesized GelMA hydrogel. The mechanical properties of GelMA and biocompatibility of the GelMA-PGFs composite were investigated in vitro using rat glial cells. GelMA with 86% methacrylation degree were photo-crosslinked using 0.1%wt photo-initiator (PI). Photocrosslinking under UV exposure for 60 s was used to produce hydrogels (GelMA-60). PGFs were introduced into the GelMA before crosslinking. Storage modulus and loss modulus of GelMA-60 was 24.73 ± 2.52 and 1.08 ± 0.23 kN/m2 , respectively. Increased cell alignment was observed in GelMA-PGFs compared with GelMA hydrogel alone. These findings suggest GelMA-PGFs can provide glial cells with physical cues necessary to achieve cell alignment. This approach could further be used to achieve glial cell alignment in bioengineered constructs designed to bridge damaged nerve tissue

'I just want to watch the match': a practitioner's reflective account of men's health themed match day events at an English Premier League football club

This study reflects on the effectiveness and delivery of a series of health themed match day events at an English Premier League Football Club which aimed to create awareness and motivate men to adopt recommended health behaviours. A range of marketing techniques and activities were adopted within a targeted space and time to increase men's exposure to health information. The first author adopted a practitioner-cum-researcher role and was immersed in the planning and delivery of the events utilising the principles of ethnography. Data were predominately collated through observations and personal reflections logged via autobiographical field notes. Data were analysed through abductive reasoning. In general, men were reluctant to engage in health-related behaviours on match days. However, subtle, non-invasive approaches were deemed successful. Positive outcomes and case studies from the latter techniques are presented and suggestions for effective strategies that will better engage men in health information and behaviours are made. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis

The BASES expert statement in safeguarding in the sport sciences.

Within the context of sport and exercise science, safeguarding concerns a professional obligation to protect all parties (for example the client, athlete and/or self) from maltreatment or harm (Mountjoy et al., 2016). Safeguarding should embrace relational (others), individual (self) and organisational (culture) considerations. The understanding of physical, emotional and social well-being and freedom from discrimination are the focus of safeguarding education. In this expert statement we provide information in three key areas: 1) a brief summary of the research themes and findings surrounding maltreatment in sport; 2) a discussion of safeguarding within the sport and exercise profession and finally; 3) recommendations for sport and exercise scientists on matters of safeguarding