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Послесловие. Путеводистель по вселенным Джудит Батлер
No full textThis book is an extraordinarily great success for the Russian intellectual community. It summarizes all the main ideas of Judith Butler\u27s work, from her first book, Gender Trouble, treating fundamental social categories as performative, to the current project in which she proposes a new democracy based on alliances and coalitions instead of aging identity movements. At the same time, the author independently brings together her own ideas, which have always maintained interconnection, but have never been explicitly presented in such a consistent presentation. The relatively small number of translations of Butler\u27s works into Russian largely determines the meager acquaintance with these ideas in the Russian academic environment. Another important obstacle is the confusing and overly specific language of translations, only partly dictated by the original. Although not all of these obstacles have been fully overcome in this edition, the structure of the book and the lecture style of presentation of the material in many respects make it possible to solve these problems and finally get to know the philosopher\u27s theories in Russian quite fully
Dense silicon nanowire networks grown on a stainless-steel fiber cloth: A flexible and robust anode for lithium-ion batteries
No full textSilicon nanowires (Si NWs) are a promising anode material for lithiumion batteries (LIBs) due to their high specific capacity. Achieving adequate mass loadings for binder-free Si NWs is restricted by low surface area, mechanically unstable and poorly conductive current collectors (CCs), as well as complicated/expensive fabrication routes. Herein, a tunable mass loading and dense Si NW growth on a conductive, flexible, fire-resistant,
and mechanically robust interwoven stainless-steel fiber cloth (SSFC) using a simple glassware setup is reported. The SSFC CC facilitates dense growth of Si NWs where its open structure allows a buffer space for expansion/ contraction during Li-cycling. The Si NWs@SSFC anode displays a stable performance for 500 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of >99.5%. Galvanostatic cycling of the Si NWs@SSFC anode with a mass loading of 1.32 mg cm−2 achieves a stable areal capacity of ≈2 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 C after 200 cycles. Si NWs@SSFC anodes with different mass loadings are characterized before and after cycling by scanning and transmission electron micros-copy to examine the effects of Li-cycling on the morphology. Notably, this approach allows the large-scale fabrication of robust and flexible binder-free Si NWs@SSFC architectures, making it viable for practical applications in high energy density LIBs
The toll of unemployment in axial spondyloarthropathy: high prevalence and negative impact on outcomes captured in a national registry
No full textObjective
Axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA) is an inflammatory arthritis of the axial skeleton. Persistent disease activity can result in significant disability and affect the ability to maintain employment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unemployment in axSpA and the impact on patient outcomes.
Method
Data from the Ankylosing Spondylitis Registry of Ireland (ASRI) were cleaned, and information on employment, demographics, and disease characteristics was extracted. Patients were analysed on the basis of employment and categorized as employed or unemployed.
Results
Of the 759 participants included in the analysis, 23.5% (178) were unemployed, higher than national averages of 6.2–13.1% during the study period. Unemployed participants reported significantly worse Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI; 5.1 vs 3.6), Metrology Index (BASMI; 4.8 vs 3.4), Functional Index (BASFI; 5.2 vs 3.0), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ; 0.82 vs 0.40), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL; 9.4 vs 5.4) scores compared to employed (all p < 0.01). Male gender (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 2.65, 1.46–4.83), worse BASMI (1.16, 1.02–1.33), and worse HAQ scores (2.18, 1.13–4.19) were significantly associated with unemployment.
Conclusion
The prevalence of unemployment in axSpA patients is higher than in the general population, and is associated with worse quality of life, poorer levels of function, and higher levels of disease activity. Predictors of unemployment in axSpA were male gender, worse spinal mobility, and poorer level of function. Recognition of patients at risk of unemployment will improve opportunities for intervention and maintain participation in the workforce
A scoping review of occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of people with substance use disorders
No full textPurpose – Diagnosis of substance use disorders and addictive behaviours are growing worldwide. It is timely to examine and collate literature on the nature of occupational therapy intervention in this field, to increase understanding of current practice and inform future directions. The purpose of this paper is to source and synthesise literature on occupational therapy interventions used in the treatment of people experiencing addiction.
Design/methodology/approach – Four databases were searched in August 2019. A total of 597 titles were screened, and 18 studies with varying methods met inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the included literature was arranged into themes to summarise key findings. Findings – Findings were grouped into three themes about occupational therapy provision to people experiencing addiction: single occupation focused intervention; skills training (including sub-themes on daily living skills and vocational skills); and establishing a community-based sober routine. Research limitations/implications – Further research on this topic should focus on efficacy of treatments and build on current findings to develop
more rigorous research with appropriate sample sizes to support evidence-based practice.
Originality/value – This study presents a synthesis of how occupational therapy interventions have been used to treat people experiencing addiction issues. Findings indicate occupational therapy appears to fit well within addiction treatment and assert that occupational therapy is most supportive when interventions go beyond the teaching of skills alone to prioritise occupational engagement and client centred practic
Mechanically evoked cortical potentials: A physiological approach to assessment of anorectal sensory pathways
No full textBackground: Normal defaecation involves activation of anorectal mechanoreceptors responsive to pressure and stretch. The aim of this study was to develop selective anal and rectal mucosal light-touch stimulation suitable for measurement of cortical evoked potentials (EPs) in order to explore the sensory arm of these pathways. New method: A novel device was manufactured to deliver selective rectal and/or anal light-touch stimulation using a shielded inter-dental brush mounted on a rotating stepper motor (1 Hz, 1 ms, 15° rotation). Resultant somatosensory EPs recorded with a 32-channel cortical multi-electrode array were compared to those elicited by electrical anorectal stimulation (2 mm anal plug electrode [1 Hz, 1 ms, 10 V]). Results: Eighteen anaesthetized female Wistar rats (body mass 180-250 g) were studied. Electrical and mechanical stimulation provoked similar maximal response amplitudes (electrical anorectal 39.0 μV[SEM 5.5], mechanical anal 42.2 μV[8.1], mechanical rectal 45.8 μV[9.0]). Response latency was longer following mechanical stimulation (electrical anorectal 8.8 ms[0.5], mechanical anal 16.4 ms[1.1], mechanical rectal 18.3 ms[2.5]). The extent of activated sensory cortex was smaller for mechanical stimulation. Sensory inferior rectal nerve activity was greater during anal compared to rectal mechanical in a subgroup of 4 rats. Evoked potentials were reproducible over 40 min in a subgroup of 9 rats. Comparison with existing methods: Cortical EPs are typically recorded in response to non-physiological electrical stimuli. The use of a mechanical stimulus may provide a more localized physiological method of assessment. Conclusions: To the authors\u27 knowledge these are the first selective brush-elicited anal and rectal EPs recorded in animals and provide a physiological approach to testing of anorectal afferent pathways.Science Foundation IrelandBowel Disease Research Foundatio
Vaccination roll-out:a time to develop and maintain trust in science and health care
No full textMany countries are facing a new phase of the pandemic where COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and uptake takes centre stage. Vaccine hesitancy poses a real challenge in pursuit of this goal. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health.1 The need to understand and support uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations is now imperative. To achieve herd immunity, the virus transmission rate, R, and the performance of the vaccine must be taken into account.2
Given higher transmissibility of new variants, and an optimistic estimate of efficacy of .80, reducing the risk of vaccine recipients getting the disease by 80%, herd immunity may require entire populations to be immunised
Modulating the pro-apoptotic activity of cytochrome c at a biomimetic electrified interface
No full textProgrammed cell death via apoptosis is a natural defence against excessive cell division, crucial for fetal development to maintenance of homeostasis and elimination of precancerous and senescent cells. Here, we demonstrate an electrified liquid biointerface that replicates the molecular machinery of the inner mitochondrial membrane at the onset of apoptosis. By mimicking in vivo cytochrome c (Cyt c) interactions with cell membranes, our platform allows us to modulate the conformational plasticity of the protein by simply varying the electrochemical environment at an aqueous-organic interface. We observe interfacial electron transfer between an organic electron donor decamethylferrocene and O2, electrocatalyzed by Cyt c. This interfacial reaction requires partial Cyt c unfolding,
mimicking Cyt c in vivo peroxidase activity. As proof of concept, we use our electrified liquid biointerface to identify drug molecules, such as bifonazole, that can potentially down-regulate Cyt c and protect against uncontrolled neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative disorders
The Optimisation of Silicas: Pre-treatment, Grafting & Potential Devices
No full textSilica materials especially mesoporous silicas are prime candidates as materials which could help solve
many issues currently existing such as rising CO2 levels as capture devices and rising levels of cancer
worldwide as therapeutics. Interest in these materials are always rising due to the large amount of
applications which these materials hold a good portion of the research. From adsorption processes in
waste streams and exhaust systems to supports of enzymes and catalysts, silicas offer large benefits to
these areas of study.
In chapter 1, the main motivations as to why the research presented during this PhD was carried out are
discussed. The chapter explains the current challenges facing the various sectors, based on the
application associated with that particular area. It lays out the fundamentals associated with mesoporous
silicas which include synthesis, grafting and characterisation of resulting products.
In chapter 2 the synthetic methods to produce silica throughout the results chapters are outline and
discussed. The methods of characterisation including the techniques used are also described along with
their governing principals.
In chapter 3 the role of cleaning methods is examined in terms of their effect on mesoporous silicas.
The cleaning of silica surfaces is a critical step in the semiconductor industry and is carried out before
functionalisation to prime the surface for attachment with whatever ligand or agent is being attached.
The chapter examines this effect in mesoporous silicas and looks to determine if it has any effect on
latter grafting quantities.
In chapter 4 the functionalisation of mesoporous silicas SBA-15 and MCM-41 with polymers is
examined. Hydroxyl-terminated poly-2-vinyl pyridine is used and the optimal conditions for grafting
are determined. Using SBA-15 grafted poly-2-vinyl pyridine, metal salts can be infiltrated into the
polymer layer and were examined with potential applications such as heavy metal adsorption from
waste streams and as a catalyst in mind.
Chapter 5 explores the incorporation of antimicrobial essential oils (EO) into mesoporous silica, SBA-
15 for potential application food packaging. The development of a simple method to load antimicrobial
EO within a support material chemically bound to a substrate was explored. Mesoporous silica (SBA-
15) was functionalised via a post-synthetic reaction using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES)
and then grafted to a 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS) modified surface. The smart
delivery device was assessed against common food spoilage microorganisms.
In chapter 6 final conclusions are wrapped up and potentially new lines of enquiries which could be
examined are outlined in future works
A Cross-Cultural Evaluation of Liking and Perception of Salted Butter Produced from Different Feed Systems
No full textPerception and liking among Irish, German and USA consumers of salted butter produced
from different feed systems—outdoor grass (FS-GRSS), grass/clover (FS-CLVR), and indoor concentrate
(FS-TMR)—was investigated. A consumer study was conducted in all three countries. Irish and
German assessors participated in ranking descriptive analysis (RDA), whereas descriptive analysis
(DA) was carried out by a trained panel in the USA. Volatile analysis was conducted to identify
differences in aroma compounds related to cow diet. Overall, there was no significant difference
in overall liking of the butters, among USA, German and Irish consumers, although cross-cultural
preferences were evident. Sensory attribute differences based on cow diet were evident across the
three countries, as identified by German and Irish assessors and trained USA panelists, which are
likely influenced by familiarity. The abundance of specific volatile aromatic compounds, especially
some aldehydes and ketones, were significantly impacted by the feed system and may also contribute
to some of the perceived sensory attribute differences in these butters
Trends and influential factors of high ecological status mobility in Irish Rivers
No full textThe decline in high ecological water status in rivers is a significant concern in European countries. It is thus important to investigate the factors that cause sites to lose high status in order to undertake measures to protect and restore high status water quality. Analysis of 20 years of water quality data reveals strong mobility between high status and non-high status (especially good status) rivers. Associations between this mobility and socio-economic and physical environmental variables were estimated by multinomial logistic regression at national scale and regional scale. Based on reported changes in water quality status cross across 1990, 2000 and 2010, four classes of the mobility of high status were defined in this study: those sites that maintain high status (maintain), enter high status (enter), fluctuate between high and non-high status (fluctuate) and exit from high status (exit). The national results indicate that agricultural activity as indicated by variables representing intensity of livestock farming (organic nitrogen) and tillage farming (cereal share) and elevation had significant negative impacts on high status rivers. Meanwhile, significant differences in population density and septic tank density between ‘exit’, ‘maintain’, ‘fluctuate’ and ‘enter’ classes indicate that these factors played important roles in the stability of high status rivers. The regional outcomes reveal differential significant pressures across regions. For example, rainfall and elevation had positive impacts on high status rivers in the north-west region, while organic nitrogen had a negative effect in the south-west. This paper demonstrates the challenge in achieving the Water Framework Directive goal of maintaining high status rivers, given the sensitive and highly differentiated nature of areas that have lost high status or fluctuated in and out of high status. This paper also suggests the necessity for localised policies and mitigation measures.EP