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Death and disposal locations of serial homicides: The effect on recovery timeframes
No full textMany factors affect the solvability of homicides, including body disposal location and time between death and recovery. The aim of this exploratory study was to probe a number of spatiotemporal variables for trends across a subset of solved homicide case data from 54 North American serial killers, active between 1920 and 2016 (125 solved cases) to identify areas for further research. We investigated murder site and body disposal site as location variables with eight subcategories across eight discrete time series, seeking insight into how these factors may affect the early stages of an investigation and (therefore by inference) solvability. The findings showed that bodies recovered after 48 hours are more likely discovered outdoor while those discovered within 24 hours, within the victim’s residence. This has implications for the ability to recover forensic evidence when bodes are located after a prolonged time since death as well as in more hostile environments
Selfies to die for: A review of research on self-photography associated with injury/death in tourism and recreation
No full textThis paper reviews empirical research on the extent and nature of risks associated with dangerous tourist self-photography (selfies) and management responses. Global epidemiological studies have captured the extent of the problem, with studies recording 250+ media-reported deaths within the past decade. Nearly half occurred in natural environments, with key hazards being cliff edges, waterbodies, and wildlife.
Researchers exploring the nature of the phenomenon identify contextual factors along with technology-induced distractions, as risk factors in selfie-taking. Demographics also feature, with the majority of casualties being young males.
The literature points to management responses that relate to either the social or the risky nature of the phenomenon. The most prevalent are communication-related, ranging from education and awareness-raising to persuasive communication. Targeted communications that invoke social norms and innovative media are suggested for addressing the problem
Core Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid biomarker assays are not affected by aspiration or gravity drip extraction methods
Get PDFBackground
CSF biomarkers are well-established for routine clinical use, yet a paucity of comparative assessment exists regarding CSF extraction methods during lumbar puncture. Here, we compare in detail biomarker profiles in CSF extracted using either gravity drip or aspiration.
Methods
Biomarkers for β-amyloidopathy (Aβ1–42, Aβ1–40), tauopathy (total tau), or synapse pathology (BACE1, Neurogranin Trunc-p75, α-synuclein) were assessed between gravity or aspiration extraction methods in a sub-population of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study (cognitively normal, N = 36; mild cognitive impairment, N = 8; Alzheimer’s disease, N = 6).
Results
High biomarker concordance between extraction methods was seen (concordance correlation > 0.85). Passing Bablock regression defined low beta coefficients indicating high scalability.
Conclusions
Levels of these commonly assessed CSF biomarkers are not influenced by extraction method. Results of this study should be incorporated into new consensus guidelines for CSF collection, storage, and analysis of biomarkers
Stability and robustness of a coupled microgrid cluster formed by various coupling structures
Get PDFA standalone microgrid (MG) may frequently experience overloading owing to insufficient power generation or excessive renewable-based generation, which can cause unacceptable voltage and frequency deviations. Such problems are conventionally alleviated by load-shedding or renewable curtailment. Alternatively, autonomously operating MGs can be provisionally connected to facilitate temporary power exchange. The power-exchange link among the MGs can be of different types, e.g., three-phase ac, single-phase ac, or dc-link and power electronic converter-interfaced. All these topologies can facilitate power exchange, but they differ with regard to stability and robustness. In the present study, the stability and robustness of such structures are investigated, and the effects of factors such as the length of the interconnecting line among the MGs, the amount of power supplied to the troubled MGs, and the number of coupled MGs are compared. The stability and robustness of the structures are evaluated in Matlab
Cold plasma vs fungicide: exploring options to manage Fusarium head blight and mycotoxin accumulation in wheat grain in the field
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The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diets and brain aging
No full textThe purpose of this chapter is to (1) examine research published from human studies in order to evaluate the role of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the associated Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in brain aging, particularly cognitive decline, and (2) discuss potential mechanisms of action underlying the observed benefits.
A variety of cognitive functions decline with advancing age; however, such decline is amplified and accelerated with pathological aging, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. Thus, strategies which maintain cognition with advancing age are also likely to delay onset or potentially decrease risk of AD and dementia. Numerous research studies suggest that dietary interventions may confer some protection against cognitive decline.
The DASH diet is comprised of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and is designed to be reduced in fats and higher in protein, minerals, and fiber. The MIND is a combination of the DASH and Mediterranean diets, and focuses on consumption of green leafy vegetables and berries.
The available evidence suggests that the DASH and, to a greater extent, the MIND dietary pattern, may provide protection against neurodegeneration during aging. These dietary patterns may exert their beneficial effects through improving AD risk factors that ultimately benefit brain health, such as reducing CVD and diabetes indices, preserving telomere length, and reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Further prospective studies conducted in diverse populations, and adequately powered intervention studies, using larger sample sizes and longer durations, are required to examine the effect of dietary pattern consumption on clinically relevant cognitive outcomes, and structural and functional brain changes. Such studies are of critical importance given the increasing prevalence of AD and other dementias
Kalyakool Moort - Always Family: Strong culture, strong care, strong families: Codesigning a culturally considered approach to perinatal screening and support for the first 1000 days of parenthood from conception to infancy
Get PDFBackground: Indigenous maternal and child health and wellbeing outcomes remain unacceptably poor and is reflected in low participation in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening. Evidence shows that early exposure to maternal anxiety and depression is a strong predictor of maternal, infant, child and adolescent health and wellbeing outcomes. Critical consideration should also be given to whether current screening is culturally safe, effective and responsive and/or further colonising.
Assessing mental health needs is critical for prevention and care during the critical 1000 days from conception to the early years of parenthood. Psychometric properties of mental health screens are important. However, critical consideration should also be given to whether current screening is culturally safe, effective and responsive.
Aim: This program of work investigated the barriers to successful perinatal screening for Aboriginal Mothers and developed a culturally secure evidence-base to support the formulation of a new gold standard for perinatal care for Aboriginal Australians.
Methodology: A decolonising approach using community participatory action research (CPAR) methods was operationally centred around guidance from an Aboriginal leadership and governance collective. It was a shared view of all groups in this collective that the EPDS has significant limitations in an Australian Aboriginal context, and that there was an urgent need to find culturally stronger ways of supporting families during the perinatal period. This consensus provided the starting point for this program of translational research. Noongar Elders gifted the name, Kalyakool Moort, meaning Always Family in Nyoongar language. The Kalyakool Moort project explored the a) current context of assessing the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents in the perinatal period, and b) enablers and barriers to strong parenting practices.
Two systematic literature reviews were undertaken. The first explored use of the EPDS with Aboriginal women. No evidence was found that the EPDS is suitable for screening Aboriginal women, nor that its adapted versions were widely applicable. The second, a psychometric review of Aboriginal symptom and risk measures found some progress toward culturally relevant mental health screening measures. This review was complemented by a cultural review of each measure undertaken by members of the Aboriginal leadership and governance collective. However, no single tool was found that had generalised transferability to Aboriginal women perinatally.
With the need for a new approach to perinatal mental health screening established, a mixed methods approach was adopted to gather data from experts with lived experience. Aboriginal parents and health professionals provided rich qualitative data through semi-structured interviews, ‘yarn’ sessions and focus groups. Quantitative data were derived from an anonymous practitioner questionnaire, two systematic literature reviews, and analysis of current screening tools. Initially drawing on a grounded theory, thematic analysis and Nvivo-12 were ultimately used for coding qualitative data. Findings from complementary data sources were triangulated, compared and contrasted through a cultural lens eliciting points of difference and congruence. Emergent data were used to prepare an evidence-base to inform a new gold standard in clinical perinatal practice, including providing impetus for the development of a new screening tool.
Results: Aboriginal parents frequently feel marginalised and disempowered by perinatal assessments and care, yet no evidence supports the validity of using existing screening tools with this population – a new framework is needed. Developing a culturally valid screening process is predicated on utilising a culturally sound research methodology. The emerging evidence-base from this series of studies suggests that perinatal screening for Aboriginal parents should be Family-centred (rather than singularly Mother-centred), strengths-based (rather than pathology-based) and culturally sound (rather than based on Western models). An innovative approach to perinatal screening is a translational outcome and will be the subject of a series of studies over the coming year.
Keywords: Indigenous; First Nation; Aboriginal; Wellbeing; Decolonising; Perinatal; Mental Health; Screening; Antenata
Strength Training for Long-Distance Triathletes
No full textConcurrent training, commonly acknowledged as a training method where strength and endurance training are completed complementary to each other, is a strategy often implemented in endurance cyclists' and runners' programs to improve physiological determinants of success such as exercise economy. Although concurrent training methods and strategies have been examined to a large extent in endurance cyclists and runners, literature examining optimal concurrent training methods to improve physiological variables in long-distance triathletes is minimal, leaving optimal programming relatively unknown. This practical applications paper identifies and outlines current concepts and considerations regarding concurrent training for long-distance triathletes including mechanisms contributing to improved performance, muscle and movement patterns used, exercise selection, load, velocity of movement, scheduling, frequency, and duration of training. Common misconceptions related to concurrent training are also identified and practical considerations for the application of concurrent training for coaches, athletes, and other professionals to improve all 3 disciplines of triathlon are discussed
A lossless compression technique for Huffman-based differential encoding in IoT for smart agriculture
No full textAgriculture faces several uncertain problems in terms of making the best use of its natural resources. As a result, and in light of the growing threat of changing weather conditions, we must closely track local soil conditions and meteorological data to expedite the adoption of culture-friendly decisions. In the Internet of Things (IoT) era, deploying Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) as a low-cost remote monitoring and management system for these types of features is a viable choice. However, the WSN is hampered by the motes’ insufficient energy sources, which reduces the network’s overall lifespan. Each mote collects the tracked feature regularly and sends the data to the sink for further analysis. This method of transmitting large amounts of data requires the sensor node to use a lot of energy and a lot of network bandwidth. We propose a lightweight lossless compression algorithm based on Differential Encoding (DE) and Huffman techniques in this paper, which is especially useful for IoT sensor nodes that track environmental features, especially those with limited computing and memory resources. Rather than attempting to create novel ad hoc algorithms, we show that, given a general understanding of the features to be monitored, classical Huffman coding can be used to effectively represent the same features that measure at different times and locations. Even though the proposed system does not achieve the theoretical limit, results using temperature measurements show that it outperforms standard methods built specifically for WSNs