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Third-order time stepping methods for superdiffusion using weighted and shifted Grünwald–Letnikov formulae with nonsmooth data
No full textThis version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10915-025-03088-5In this paper, we study a numerical method for the Caputo time fractional wave equation with nonsmooth data. We first introduce a class of third-order approximations, known as weighted and shifted Grünwald-Letnikov approximations, to approximate the Caputo fractional derivative. Based on this, we develop a new time stepping method for solving the time fractional wave equation. After applying corrections to several initial steps, the proposed time stepping method achieves a convergence order of O(k3) for nonsmooth data, where k denotes the time step size. We also analyze the stability regions of the proposed time stepping method, which show that the scheme is unconditionally stable for α∈(1,1.94), and conditionally stable for α∈[1.94,2). Numerical experiments are presented to validate the theoretical findings.The work of this paper was partially funded by the Fujian Province Natural Science Foundation 2022J01338, Fujian Province Education Fund JAT210231, Fujian Alliance of Mathematics 2024SXLMMS03, and Digital Fujian Big Data Modeling and Intelligent Computing Institute, China
Together under one roof: Primrose Place. An ethnographic exploration of the lived experiences within a co-located intergenerational setting
No full textFor many decades attempts have been made worldwide to reunite generations that have become segregated through societal, political and economic changes. In England, Primrose Place (pseudonym) is a co-located intergenerational setting where the nursery is physically situated within the building of a residential village for the over 55s. The children in the nursery and their older friends have many opportunities to share in varied experiences as they spend time together each day. The aim of this research was to explore, understand and interpret the participants’ views of their experiences within their co-located intergenerational setting. The participants included young children aged up to 4 years, nursery staff and residents living independently in the village. I was invited by the nursery to be part of their new social world and therefore took a qualitative philosophical position. The study was inductive and employed an interpretative ethnographic approach. A variety of ethnographic research methods were used including participant observations, interviews, focus group and the children’s voice. Through a reflexive thematic analysis of the data, three core findings arose: firstly co-location of intergenerational provision offers a particular social infrastructure which enhances opportunity for both planned and spontaneous interactions between the generations. Secondly, this therefore supports the development of meaningful relationships between the generations: children, residents and nursery staff; consequently a sense of family, belonging and community are developed within and beyond the Primrose Place building itself. Finally, co-location leads to a sense of transformation for the participants and a keenness that such provision should be replicated. These findings resonated with research conducted world-wide into the outcomes of co-located intergenerational practice and also synthesised with aspects of intergroup contact theory, intergenerational solidarity theory and elements of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, thus offering useful lenses to support the interpretation of co-located intergenerational practice. This study offers valuable insights into the worth of co-located intergenerational provision and its contribution towards building a more cohesive society with empathy for all generations. It also suggests the ways in which such provision can forge intergenerational solidarity and make significant contributions towards political, economic and social policy in the UK
Analytical data of Acacia nilotica var. Nilotica gum
Get PDFThis study aimed to characterize the exudate gum from Acacia nilotica var. nilotica in Sudan and compare its physicochemical properties to Acacia seyal var. seyal and Acacia senegal var. senegal (gum Arabic). Samples were collected from six different states in Sudan over three seasons. The gum had a moisture content of 10.50%, ash content of 1.86%, pH value of 5.19, specific optical rotation of +94.70, intrinsic viscosity of 10.44 cm3 g-1, nitrogen content of 0.024%, protein content of 0.16%, acid equivalent weight of 1907.82, and total uronic acid content of 10.18%. Sugar content analysis revealed arabinose (41.20%), galactose (17.43%), and rhamnose (10.68%). Potassium was the predominant cation, followed by calcium, magnesium, sodium, lead, and iron. Acacia nilotica was classified as part of the Gummeferae series and exhibited a positive specific optical rotation. The Number average molecular weight (Mn) was estimated using osmometric measurements and gel permeation chromatography. The gum had a higher molecular weight and lower intrinsic viscosity compared to gum Arabic, suggesting a spheroidal shape of molecule. Amino acid analysis showed similarities with gum Arabic, with hydroxyproline and serine as principal amino acids. Variations in cationic composition were attributed to differences in soil type among collection locations.Unfunde
Book Review: South African London: Writing the Metropolis after 1948 by Andrea Thorpe
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A generic theory of change-based framework with core indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of large-scale food fortification programs in low- and middle-income countries
Get PDF© 2023 Rodas-Moya, Giudici, Owolabi, Samuel, Kodish, Lachat, Abreu, van het Hof, Osendarp, Brouwer, Feskens and Melse-Boonstra.Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) programs are widely implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. However, these programs may not achieve the desired impact due to poor design or bottlenecks in program implementation. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and a set of agreed indicators can help to benchmark progress and to strengthen the evidence-base of effectiveness in a standardized way. We aimed to formulate recommendations towards core indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of LSFF programs with their associated metrics, methods, and tools (IMMT). For this, we used a multi-method iterative approach, including a mapping review of the literature, semi-structured interviews with international experts, compilation of a generic Theory of Change (ToC) framework for LSFF program delivery, and selection of IMMT for M&E of LSFF programs at key stages along the ToC delivery framework. Lastly, we conducted exploratory, qualitative interviews with key informants in Nigeria to explore experiences and perceptions related to the implementation of LSFF programs in Nigeria's context, and their opinion towards the proposed set of core IMMT. The literature search resulted in 14 published and 15 grey literature documents, from which we extracted a total of 41 indicators. Based on the available literature and interviews with international experts, we mapped a ToC delivery framework and selected nine core indicators at the output, outcome and impact level for M&E of the effectiveness of LSFF programs. Key informants in Nigeria revealed that the main bottlenecks for implementation of the proposed IMMT are related to the lack of technical capacity, equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and financial resources. In conclusion, we propose a set of nine core indicators for enabling comprehensive M&E of the effectiveness of LSFF programs in LMIC. This proposed set of core indicators can be used for further evaluation, harmonization and integration in national and international protocols for M&E of LSFF programs.Funding for the research was provided by Wageningen University & Research, as recipient of a Food Fortification Service (2FAS) grant from the European Union, Landell Mills, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Understanding the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and engagement in selective anti-microbial self-medication practices in a community in Greater Monrovia, Liberia: A constructivist grounded theory
No full textBackground: In Greater Monrovia (GM), Liberia, self-medication is a prevalent practice, with individuals often using medications to manage conditions like diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) without professional consultation. Cultural beliefs, perceived cost savings, and a desire for autonomy in health management drive this practice. Commonly used medications include antibiotics like Flagyl, doxycycline, and tetracycline for diarrhoea, and ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin for RTIs and typhoid fever. Alongside nonpharmaceutical medicines, herbal remedies such as guava leaves and ginger-lime mixtures are also widely used. However, the unregulated use of these substances contributes to significant public health risks, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is exacerbated by poor access to healthcare and low levels of health literacy in Liberia. Despite the high prevalence of self-medication, there has been limited research into the perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes of Liberians toward this practice.
Aim: This thesis aims to explore the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of Liberians regarding self-medication, specifically in the context of managing diarrhoea and RTIs. The research further analyses how these practices contribute to the development of AMR and seeks to propose policy recommendations to mitigate the negative consequences of self-medication in Liberia.
Method and Design: The study adopts a qualitative design, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect data from residents in Greater Monrovia (GM). Data were gathered from 26 participants (physicians, pharmacists, patients, and residents) in GM, who were selected using purposive and theoretical sampling methods. The research is underpinned by constructivist grounded theory alongside symbolic interactionism, with Kathy Charmaz's approach providing the methodological framework. The conceptual framework guiding the study is the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), which helps understand the behavioural factors influencing individuals' decisions to self-medicate. The research follows a constructivist paradigm, utilising an interpretivist approach to explore the social and healthcare barriers contributing to self-medication practices in the region.
Findings: Analysis of the interview data revealed three major themes that influence self-medication in GM, Liberia: (1) barriers to accessing healthcare services, (2) the impact of low literacy and education on unsafe medication practices, and (3) the lack of a structured medication dispensing policy. Participants commonly self-medicate for a wide range of conditions, including hypertension, hepatitis-related symptoms, diarrhoea, RTIs, and general body pains. The findings suggest that the practice of self-medication is heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, the accessibility of medications, and the lack of healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusions: The study concludes that self-medication in GM is driven not only by personal beliefs but also by systemic factors such as poor healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of education regarding the risks of improper medication use. While some participants are aware of the potential dangers of self-medication, they often disregard these risks due to limited healthcare options and perceived autonomy over their health. The study recommends implementing stricter regulations on the sale of antibiotics and other prescription medications, alongside strategies to improve healthcare accessibility and public health promotion education. Monitoring medication sales and enforcing prescriptions could play a crucial role in reducing self-medication practices and mitigating the rise of antimicrobial resistance in Liberia
Assessing risk factors for drug storage practices in veterinary surgeries: A questionnaire study of UK veterinary professionals
Get PDFThis is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Gouveia, K., & Perry, J. (2025). Assessing risk factors for drug storage practices in veterinary surgeries: A case study of UK veterinary professionals. Veterinary Record Open, 12(1), article-number e270005], which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1002/vro2.70005]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.BACKGROUND: Safe drug storage practices are essential in veterinary practice to maintain optimal standards of animal care. Practical challenges in clinic may impact their uptake, which could affect drug efficacy and the success of treatment. The UK is presumed to provide high standards for animal care and welfare in the veterinary profession and may provide an interesting case study to assess veterinary drug storage practices.
METHODS: An online survey with 184 practice participants assessed UK veterinary professionals’ responses on drug storage practices. This included socio-demographic information and questions or statements that examined storage practices compliant with the requirements established by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulatory body for veterinary practice in the UK.
RESULTS: Overall, practices followed RCVS recommended measures, though there was clear selectivity for stock temperature checks (72.2 %), over other measures, particularly, replacing stock (54.4%) and returning medications to refrigerated storage (52.5%). Clinical experience and practice type impacted most on drug storage practices, with more experienced clinicians and small animal practices showing greater uptake of best measures.
CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that practices should adopt all of the RCVS measures in relation to veterinary drug storage practices. Socio-demographic factors should be considered because they can act as risk factors influencing best practice in clinics. Our findings may have wider implications for the veterinary profession in general, given similar demographic trends in veterinary practice in many European countries.UnfundedEmbargo (31/12/2025) removed after publication (03/02/2025) as publisher allows AAM to be O
Captivity induces large and population‐dependent brain transcriptomic changes in wild‐caught cane toads (Rhinella marina)
Get PDF© 2022 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Gene expression levels are key molecular phenotypes at the interplay between genotype and environment. Mounting evidence suggests that short‐term changes in environmental conditions, such as those encountered in captivity, can substantially affect gene expression levels. Yet, the exact magnitude of this effect, how general it is, and whether it results in parallel changes across populations are not well understood. Here, we take advantage of the well‐studied cane toad, Rhinella marina, to examine the effect of short‐term captivity on brain gene expression levels, and determine whether effects of captivity differ between long‐colonized and vanguard populations of the cane toad's Australian invasion range. We compared the transcriptomes of wild‐caught toads immediately assayed with those from toads captured from the same populations but maintained in captivity for seven months. We found large differences in gene expression levels between captive and wild‐caught toads from the same population, with an over‐representation of processes related to behaviour and the response to stress. Captivity had a much larger effect on both gene expression levels and gene expression variability in toads from vanguard populations compared to toads from long‐colonized areas, potentially indicating an increased plasticity in toads at the leading edge of the invasion. Overall, our findings indicate that short‐term captivity can induce large and population‐specific transcriptomic changes, which has significant implications for studies comparing phenotypic traits of wild‐caught organisms from different populations that have been held in captivity.This study was supported by the Australian Research Council (DE150101393 to LAR), Deakin University (CRGS no. 27701 to LAR) and the UNSW Scientia Programme (to LAR). Open access publishing facilitated by University of New South Wales, as part of the Wiley - University of New South Wales agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians
Language and pop culture: Setting the agenda
Get PDFThis document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a published work that appeared in final form in [Journal of Language and Pop Culture]. To access the final edited and published work see http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/jlpop.24034.werUnfunde
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs
No full text© 2020 The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AGEncyclopedia entryUnfunde
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