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$1 Internet - exploiting limited bandwidth in developing countriesINFONET-BioVision.org is an freely available internet based knowledge-management system, funded by the Liechtenstein Development Service (LDS) and the BioVision Foundation for Environment and Development, that offers Kenyan farmers information on affordable, effective and ecologically sound technologies in crop and livestock production as well as environmental and human health. One of the challenges faced by the project is the secure provision of information to the rural areas that would most benefit from advice on crop pests and productivity [Avallain, 2008] . Bandwidth is sometimes available in these areas, but is limited, unmanaged and relatively expensive. This paper discusses current work in the development of a novel system that brings together hardware and software to make better use of available bandwidth, whilst offering a financially viable and sustainable method of extending internet provision to these hard-to-reach areas, providing rural farmers with access to the INFONET-BioVision platform and other internet based sources of information. The system currently in development is premised on the fact that some internet based applications require more bandwidth than others. Moreover, their real-time requirements differ greatly. Although it is conceivable that a number of users can share low-bandwidth connections, the multiple bandwidth requests created can easily overwhelm the connection due to the way in which these are managed by protocols developed for bandwidth-rich countries. This results in virtually no bandwidth availability for the user applications themselves. It is clear, therefore, that to maximise the number of users on one low-bandwidth connection, allocation should take place before applications actually make the bandwidth requests. Indeed, similar bandwidth management exists on a larger scale, with domestic broadband providers controlling the amount of data provided through existing channels to a home user at the exchange, based on a tariff system. The system effectively applies a scaled down version of this scenario to available connectivity, be that GPRS, satellite or wired. An inexpensive single-board computer acts as a hub between users and internet, allowing software management of bandwidth and connectivity to users mobile devices through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and wired LAN. The allocation of bandwidth to each user is based on a voucher system that effectively splits the cost of the connection. Users purchase these vouchers, which are priced according to usage, ranging from very low, none real-time e-mail access to more expensive web-browsing, prior to accessing the system. The proposed system is intended to provide communities with inexpensive connectivity through shared costs which is scaleable, such that, should there be a requirement for extra provision of bandwidth or number of users, subsequent devices can be added or moved simply, easily and at low cost. The system is scheduled for testing later in 2008, at which point a full evaluation will be undertaken.
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1, 2, 3 – A journey of PDP at the University of WolverhamptonThis paper is a synthesis of the findings of three research projects to identify Personal Development Planning (PDP) progress at the University of Wolverhampton. The three projects look at PDP from a number of perspectives. Firstly, a university-wide e-Portfolio evaluation that explored e-Portfolio practice through the measure of PDP objectives evident in practice - the objectives used within this provide the structure for the discussion within this paper. Secondly, the paper is informed by the Inter/National Coalition for EPortfolio Research INCEPR) project, which involved looking at the facilitating and inhibiting factors affecting the scalability and sustainability of e-Portfolio and e-Portfolio based PDP across the institution. Finally, a Doctoral research project that looked at factors that contribute to engagement with PDP. Aspects of three of these pieces of research were pulled together as part of the Higher Education Academy/National Teaching Fellowship Scheme National Action Research Network On Researching and Evaluating Personal Development Planning and ePortfolio Practice Project (The NTFS NARN project).
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100% DesignShaw was invited to develop a contemporary use of Jasper and to push the limits of the material while producing work with the potential for production. Shaw used her own specific finishing techniques of grinding and polishing to develop a collection of Jasperware that challenged both conceptual and aesthetic perceptions of traditional Jasperware by exploring the formal limits of the clay body, in relation to pattern and colour as well as perceptions of actual and metaphoric aspects of use.
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100-m breaststroke swimming performance in youth swimmers: the predictive value of AnthropometricsThis study aimed to estimate the optimal body size, limb segment length, and girth or breadth ratios of 100-m breaststroke performance in youth swimmers. In total, 59 swimmers [male: n = 39, age = 11.5 (1.3) y; female: n = 20, age = 12.0 (1.0) y] participated in this study. To identify size/shape characteristics associated with 100-m breaststroke swimming performance, we computed a multiplicative allometric log-linear regression model, which was refined using backward elimination. Results showed that the 100-m breaststroke performance revealed a significant negative association with fat mass and a significant positive association with the segment length ratio (arm ratio = hand length/forearm length) and limb girth ratio (girth ratio = forearm girth/wrist girth). In addition, leg length, biacromial breadth, and biiliocristal breadth revealed significant positive associations with the 100-m breaststroke performance. However, height and body mass did not contribute to the model, suggesting that the advantage of longer levers was limb-specific rather than a general whole-body advantage. In fact, it is only by adopting multiplicative allometric models that the previously mentioned ratios could have been derived. These results highlighted the importance of considering anthropometric characteristics of youth breaststroke swimmers for talent identification and/or athlete monitoring purposes. In addition, these findings may assist orienting swimmers to the appropriate stroke based on their anthropometric characteristics.
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10 Marked differences in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of ticagrelor in patients undergoing treatment for ST elevation and non ST elevation myocardial infarction (stemi and nstemi)Introduction Ticagrelor, an orally administered, direct acting, reversible P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, provides faster onset and greater levels of platelet inhibition when compared to clopidogrel. Current data indicates a reduced antiplatelet effect in STEMI. We sought to determine the early pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effect of ticagrelor loading doses administered to patients undergoing PCI for STEMI and NSTEMI. Methods This is a single centre non-randomised study. P2Y12 naive patients presenting with STEMI or NSTEMI were considered for inclusion. All patients gave informed consent. Enrolled patients were administered a loading dose of aspirin 300 mg and ticagrelor 180 mg prior to PCI. Blood was sampled at 20 min, coronary balloon time, 1 hour and 4 hours after loading. PD results are expressed as P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) and were assessed using VerifyNow. A PRU>208 indicates a sub-optimal antiplatelet response. PK properties were assessed by measuring plasma concentration of ticagrelor parent compound (T-PC) and active metabolite (T-AM) using liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry. The lower limits of quantification of T-PC and its active metabolite, AR-C124910XX (T-AM) are 1 ng/ml and 2.5 ng/ml respectively. PRU and plasma concentrations over time were tested between the two groups using 2-way ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results 30 patients (15 STEMI/15 NSTEMI) were recruited. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1.
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11+ dance: a neuromuscular injury prevention exercise program for dancersEpidemiological studies over the past decade indicate high Injury prevalence in pre-professional ballet (76%), and professional contemporary and ballet dancers (60-69%). Injuries can have detrimental effects both for the dancers and the dance company. Most injuries are in the lower limb and reported as the gradual onset of overuse. Professional dance companies have reduced injury incidence and severity through the implementation of comprehensive injury audit programs and proactive exercise prescription. Injury prevention research in dance is scarce and there has been no intervention targeting dance injuries. This article describes the development of 11+Dance, an injury prevention training program designed for dancers based on current evidence and best practice on injury prevention in sports. It is a 25–30-minute neuromuscular based training program focused on strength, balance and jumping/landing technique, with special attention on ankle, knee, and hip alignment. The high prevalence of injuries reported in the different styles of dance, suggests that implementation of an injury prevention program is both the plausible and ethical action to take for all levels of performance.
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1H NMR quantification of spray dried and spray freeze-dried saccharide carriers in dry powder inhaler formulationsQuantitative analysis using proton NMR (1H qNMR) has been employed in various areas such as pharmaceutical analysis (e.g., dissolution study), vaccines, natural products analysis, metabolites, and macrolide antibiotics in agriculture industry. However, it is not routinely used in the quantification of saccharides in dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations. The aim of this study was to develop a 1H NMR method for the quantification of saccharides employed in DPI formulations. Dry powders as DPI carriers were prepared by spray drying (SD) and spray freeze drying (SFD) using three saccharides: namely D-mannitol, D-sorbitol and D-(+)-sucrose. The calibration curves constructed for all three saccharides demonstrated linearity with R2 value of 1. The 1H qNMR method produced accurate (relative error %: 0.184-3.697) and precise data with high repeatability (RSD %: 0.517-3.126) within the calibration curve concentration range. The 1H qNMR method also demonstrated significant sensitivity with low values of limit of detection (0.058 mM for D-mannitol, 0.045 mM for D-(+)-sucrose, and 0.056 mM for D-sorbitol) and limit of quantitation (0.175 mM for D-mannitol, 0.135 mM for D-(+)-sucrose, and 0.168 mM for D-sorbitol). Pulmonary deposition via impaction experiments of the three saccharides was quantified using the developed method. It was found that SFD D-mannitol (68.99%) and SFD D-(+)-sucrose (66.62%) exhibited better delivered dose (total saccharide deposition in throat and all impactor stages) than SD D-mannitol (49.03%) and SD D-(+)-sucrose (57.70%) (p< 0.05). The developed 1H qNMR methodology can be routinely used as an analytical method to assess pulmonary deposition in impaction experiments of saccharides employed as carriers in DPI formulations.
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2,8-Disubstituted-1,6-Naphthyridines and 4,6-Disubstituted-Isoquinolines with Potent, Selective Affinity for CDK8/19We demonstrate a designed scaffold-hop approach to the discovery of 2,8-disubstituted-1,6-naphthyridine- and 4,6-disubstituted-isoquinoline-based dual CDK8/19 ligands. Optimized compounds in both series exhibited rapid aldehyde oxidase-mediated metabolism, which could be abrogated by introduction of an amino substituent at C5 of the 1,6-naphthyridine scaffold or at C1 of the isoquinoline scaffold. Compounds 51 and 59 were progressed to in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, and 51 also demonstrated sustained inhibition of STAT1SER727 phosphorylation, a biomarker of CDK8 inhibition, in an SW620 colorectal carcinoma human tumor xenograft model following oral dosing.
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2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritisBackground: An important but often insufficient aspect of care in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is empowering patients to acquire a good understanding of their disease and building their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical and psychological impacts of it. Self-management skills can be helpful in this regard. Objectives: To develop recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in IA. Methods: A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review and other supportive information (survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient organisations) were used to formulate the recommendations. Results: Three overarching principles and nine recommendations were formulated. These focused on empowering patients to become active partners of the team and to take a more proactive role. The importance of patient education and key self-management interventions such as problem solving, goal setting and cognitive behavioural therapy were highlighted. Role of patient organisations and HCPs in promoting and signposting patients to available resources has been highlighted through the promotion of physical activity, lifestyle advice, support with mental health aspects and ability to remain at work. Digital healthcare is essential in supporting and optimising self-management and the HCPs need to be aware of available resources to signpost patients. Conclusion: These recommendations support the inclusion of self-management advice and resources in the routine management of people with IA and aim to empower and support patients and encourage a more holistic, patient-centred approach to care which could result in improved patient experience of care and outcomes.
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3D Archaeological Reconstruction and Visualisation: An Artificial Life Model for Determining Vegetation Dispersal Patterns in Ancient LandscapesThis paper describes a methodology and software engine for generating dynamic vegetation models for archaeological reconstruction and interactive visualisation, integrating the disciplines of Artificial Life (Alife) and Virtual Reality. The engine, based on the concept of emergence (a phenomenon in complex Alife systems), uses real botanical parameters, channelled through simple rules, in order to synthesise the dispersal patterns of natural vegetation communities as they grow, reproduce, and compete for resources. The foci for the development and evaluation of the Alife engine described relate to different scenarios in nature as may have existed during the Mesolithic period. Results from the study showed evidence of correlations between the artificial vegetation and their natural counterparts, demonstrating the feasibility of using such models in historical landscape reconstructions.
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3D FE simulation of the welding process to optimise residual stress profiles in complex geometriesWelded, thick-walled, tee branch junctions are complex piping components commonly used in the nuclear power and petrochemical industries. Owing to the relatively large wall thickness, weldments are often constructed in several passes. Each successive pass alters the stresses caused by previous passes. Consequently, complex residual stresses of significant levels can develop at the welding stage. Tensile welding residual stresses can, in combination with operating stresses, lead structures to be prone to catastrophic premature failure. It is most desirable that residual stresses be predicted and optimized well in advance of welding execution. This dissertation documents the development of a full 3D FE model for multipass welding simulation. A generalized plane strain model was first developed. Modelling techniques, including standard versus contact boundary conditions, sequentially versus fully coupled models, were investigated. A 3D sequentially coupled model with standard constraint was then proposed and applied to multipass butt-welded plates and pipes for validation. Good agreements between the predictions and independent experimental measurements have been obtained. To extend the work to thick and intricate welded structures, a newly developed all-hexahedral meshing technique was employed to mesh the complex intersection area in a tee branch junction. The moving heat source and filler material deposition were simulated by assigning reactivated elements with a volumetric heat flux progressing along the weld path. Temperature dependent material properties, latent heat and large deformation were considered. Detailed temperature and residual stress distributions have been reported. The correlations between welding parameters and residual stresses have been established and issues concerning residual stress profile optimization have been addressed via extensive parametric studies. The parameters investigated included the number of passes, welding sequence, heat input, preheat and interpass temperature and cooling rate. Cooling rate and interpass temperature were found to be the most important parameters affecting residual stresses. The model can be applicable to other multipass welded complex geometries for residual stress prediction and optimization.
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3D particle models for composite laminates with anisotropic elasticity© 2018 Elsevier Ltd This paper presents an assessment of three different particle based approaches for 3D modelling of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates with anisotropic elasticity, namely 3D Discrete Lattice model, 3D Hexagonal Close Packing model and Extended 2D Hexagonal and Square Packing model. These approaches are compared and evaluated against experimental results using a 0∘ ply lamina case. It has been confirmed that the Extended 2D Hexagonal and Square modelling approach in Discrete Element Method (DEM) is capable of modelling 3D composite laminates with better efficiency. Angle-ply lamina and two different laminates are modelled with the chosen particle approach. Good agreements between DEM, Finite Element and theoretical results prove the capability of this developed DEM approach for modelling the elastic behaviour of general FRP composite lamina and laminates.
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3D printed auxetic nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 sample collectionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in worldwide shortages of nasopharyngeal swabs required for sample collection. While the shortages are becoming acute due to supply chain disruptions, the demand for testing has increased both as a prerequisite to lifting restrictions and in preparation for the second wave. One of the potential solutions to this crisis is the development of 3D printed nasopharyngeal swabs that behave like traditional swabs. However, the opportunity to digitally conceive and fabricate swabs allows for design improvements that can potentially reduce patient pain and discomfort. The study reports the progress that has been made on the development of auxetic nasopharyngeal swabs that can shrink under axial resistance. This allows the swab to navigate through the nasal cavity with significantly less stress on the surrounding tissues. This is achieved through systematically conceived negative Poisson's ratio (-ν) structures in a biocompatible material. Finite element (FE) and surrogate modelling techniques were employed to identify the most optimal swab shape that allows for the highest negative strain (-∊lat) under safe stress (σvon). The influence and interaction effects of the geometrical parameters on the swab's performance were also characterised. The research demonstrates a new viewpoint for the development of functional nasopharyngeal swabs that can be 3D printed to reduce patient discomfort. The methodology can be further exploited to address various challenges in biomedical devices and redistributed manufacturing.
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3D printed cobalt-chromium-molybdenum porous superalloy with superior antiviral activityCOVID-19 pandemic and associated supply-chain disruptions emphasise the requirement for antimicrobial materials for on-demand manufacturing. Besides aerosol transmission, SARS-CoV-2 is also propagated through contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. As such, the development of effective biofunctional materials that can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 is critical for pandemic preparedness. Such materials will enable the rational development of antiviral devices with prolonged serviceability, reducing the environmental burden of disposable alternatives. This research reveals the novel use of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) to 3D print porous Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) superalloy with potent antiviral activity (100% viral inactivation in 30 min). The porous material was rationally conceived using a multi-objective surrogate model featuring track thickness (tt) and pore diameter (ϕd) as responses. The regression analysis found the most significant parameters for Co-Cr-Mo track formation to be the interaction effects of scanning rate (Vs) and laser power (Pl) in the order PlVs>Vs>Pl. Contrastively, the pore diameter was found to be primarily driven by the hatch spacing (Sh). The study is the first to demonstrate the superior antiviral properties of 3D printed Co-Cr-Mo superalloy against an enveloped virus used as biosafe viral model of SARS-CoV-2. The material significantly outperforms the viral inactivation time of other broadly used antiviral metals such as copper and silver, as the material’s viral inactivation time was from 5 h to 30 min. As such, the study goes beyond the current state-of-the-art in antiviral alloys to provide extra protection to combat the SARS-CoV-2 viral spread. The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic brings new and unpredictable challenges where on-demand 3D printing of antiviral materials can achieve rapid solutions while reducing the environmental impact of disposable devices
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3D printing customised stiffness-matched meta-biomaterial with near-zero auxeticity for load-bearing tissue repairThe evolution of meta-biomaterials has opened up exciting new opportunities for mass personalisation of biomedical devices. This research paper details the development of a CoCrMo meta-biomaterial structure that facilitates personalised stiffness-matching while also exhibiting near-zero auxeticity. Using laser powder bed fusion, the porous architecture of the meta-biomaterial was characterised, showing potential for near-zero Poisson’s ratio. The study also introduces a novel surrogate model that can predict the porosity (φ), yield strength (σy), elastic modulus (E), and negative Poisson’s ratio ( - υ) of the meta-biomaterial, which was achieved through prototype testing and numerical modelling. The model was then used to inform a multi-criteria desirability objective, revealing an optimum near-zero - υ of - 0.037, with a targeted stiffness of 17.21 GPa. Parametric analysis of the meta-biomaterial showed that it exhibited - υ, φ, σy and E values ranging from - 0.02 to -0.08, 73.63–81.38%, 41–64 MPa, and 9.46–20.6 GPa, respectively. In this study, a surrogate model was developed for the purpose of generating personalised scenarios for the production of bone scaffolds. By utilising this model, it was possible to achieve near-zero - υ and targeted stiffness personalisation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the field of bone tissue engineering and could pave the way for improved patient outcomes. The presented methodology is a powerful tool for the development of biomaterials and biomedical devices that can be 3D printed on demand for load-bearing tissue reconstruction. It has the potential to facilitate the creation of highly tailored and effective treatments for various conditions and injuries, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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3D scene creation using story-based descriptionsDevelopments in the creation of 3D virtual environments have made this a popular approach in a variety of applications. However, creating 3D scenes still requires professionals to spend an enormous amount of effort and time on it. In this paper, we present a fully implemented prototype system called 3DSV (3D Story Visualiser) that generates a virtual scene by using simplified story-based descriptions. This prototype system is based on the integration of advances in computer graphics and text-tovisualization technology to generate 3D virtual environment. This makes it easier and faster for nonprofessionals to create 3D environments compared to using traditional 3D design packages.
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3D-printed polyester-based prototypes for cosmetic applications—future directions at the forensic engineering of advanced polymeric materialsKnowledge of degradation and impairment phenomena of (bio)degradable polymeric materials under operating conditions, and thus the selection of test procedures and prediction of their behavior designates the scope and capabilities as well as possible limitations of both: the preparation of the final product and its durability. The main novelty and objective of this research was to determine the degradation pathways during testing of polylactide and polylactide/polyhydroxyalkanoate materials made with three-dimensional printing and the development of a new strategy for the comprehensive characterization of such complex systems including behavior during waste disposal. Prototype objects were subjected to tests for damage evolution performed under simulating operating conditions. The reference samples and the tested items were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry to determine changes in material properties. The studies showed that: polyhydroxyalkanoate component during accelerated aging and degradation in environments rich in microorganisms accelerated the degradation of the material; paraffin accelerates polylactide degradation and slows degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate-based material; under the influence of an environment rich in enzymes, paraffin contamination accelerates biodegradation; under the influence of natural conditions, paraffin contamination slowed degradation; the processing conditions, in particular the printing orientation of individual parts of the container, influenced the material properties in its various regions, affecting the rate of degradation of individual parts.
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66.86m“66.86 m”, is a single channel video documentation of a ‘drawing contraption’ of the artists’ devising, in which ropes are pulled through a box in order to produce a three-dimensional object, in this instance a chair. This is the first work Harrison & Wood produced without a figure present within the frame, and shows the making of a three-dimensional drawing of a generic chair. The continuous take from a fixed camera, together with the jerky movements of the rope and pulleys (used to produce the drawing) re-enforces the distance between the mechanical work and current digital technologies. The work examines the relationship between what is present within the frame and what is excluded. A very direct relationship is formed in that it is evident that what is onscreen is being directly activated by what is off screen, contrary to most film making where this relationship is hidden. The work also examines the relationship between the three dimensional space in which the activity is taking place, the activity itself, and the video.