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Dane Law & Chants - Gurum Triads
No full textGurum Triads is a transatlantic guitar & drum duet album that explores multiple techniques (none of which involve playing guitar). London musician Dane Law (Adam Parkinson) uses a Max/MSP contraption of his own invention, which allows him to improvise in real time using samples of his acoustic guitar. Wisconsin-based producer/drummer Chants (Jordan Cohen) contributed cassette tapes of his drums & percussion to this process, and then took the resulting recordings and added additional layers of live drumming and self-sampled beats. The focus was never on the process itself but on the feeling and interplay of tactile textures, and on memories of shared post-rock touchstones
HIDVA Final Report
Get PDFThe purpose of the evaluation was to assess the impact of hospital-based IDVAs in Surrey with reference to five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
1. Trust staff are confident in identifying and safely enquiring with patients about DA and know how to seek support within the Trust with DA-related matters.
2. DA survivors supported by the IDVAs have access to the right information, services, and support, at the right time, in the right place, at the earliest opportunity, through clearly defined referral pathways.
3. IDVAs enhance the Trusts’ Safeguarding response to DA.
4. DA survivors feel enabled to access IDVA and outreach support services. DA survivors are viewed as experts by experience and their feedback on the IDVA service informs the delivery of IDVA services.
5. IDVA data collection in the Trusts provides the Trusts and Commissioners with a better understanding of the level of DA need in Surrey
Harnessing lived experience in a community-based intervention to address gambling-related harms
Get PDFBackground Lived experience of people directly or indirectly affected by public health issues can provide unique insights into how to improve interventions. Increasing availability of gambling necessitates involving communities in efforts to reduce gambling-related harms. This presentation reports qualitative exploratory research into the value of lived experience across a city-region gambling harm reduction initiative in the UK. Methods Focus groups and interviews were used to explore the practical application of lived experience with participants: advisory panel members, external stakeholders, community project staff, and public health professionals. Collaborative data analysis combined the framework method with theme development inductively (from participants’ accounts) and deductively (from academic and grey literature). Results Four themes were identified: (1) lived experience spans formal and informal settings with different activities and personal impacts; (2) organic and structured pathways to lived experience involvement coexist; (3) the emotional work of people affected by gambling-related harms ranges from frustration at policy inertia to deeper understanding of their own recovery journey; and (4) lived experience encompasses diverse experiential knowledges. Conclusions Involving lived experience in this intervention increased participants’ awareness of the harmful role of the gambling industry and critical reflection on the representativeness of lived experience. Harnessing lived experience at a regional level requires multi-setting support free from stigma and industry influence to ensure the sustained vitality of a diverse lived experience community specialised in gambling-related harms and equipped to navigate conflicting emotions and a challenging policy environment. Key messages • Increasing availability of gambling necessitates involving communities in efforts to reduce gambling-related harms. • The use of lived experience in gambling-related harms prevention efforts and research can inform intervention development
An evaluation of the roles and job satisfaction of adult and paediatric endocrine nurses in the UK
Get PDFEndocrine nursing practice has been changing, with the advent of more autonomous roles, involving nurse led clinics and independent prescribing, with more complex clinical case management. However, recent research highlights the emphasis on optimum patient care, but scope of practice is not always clear, leading to unequal balance in skills and capabilities, qualifications, and Agenda for Change (AfC) bandings.
This study explored the remit, job components, and capabilities of adult and paediatric endocrine nurses in the UK, alongside an appreciation of work setting and organisational factors influencing role development and performance.
The survey was sent via email through Society of Endocrinology nursing networks and through social media. 155 responded, with 49% of respondents working solely in adult endocrinology, 26% in paediatric endocrinology, and a mixture (25%) working in both. 37% of Endocrine Nurse Specialists (ENS) have achieved BSc degrees, 28% MSc, and 1% PhD / Doctorate level: over a quarter of respondents have completed MSc level Independent Prescribing qualifications.
Clinical work is dominant, with 74% of ENSs undertaking dynamic function tests, where the majority (67%) are testing for adrenal insufficiency (AI), and 74% undertaking nurse led clinics (NLC). There is a wide range of focus within NLC, such as AI, Precocious Puberty, or Thyroid care, with most of the care focusing on detailed patient education.
There is stark contrast in levels at which ENS are employed in relation to their AfC bandings, with only half working as Band 7, 40% as Band 6, 3% at Band 5 and 7% at Band 8.
Advanced level practice is worthy of a Band 8 proficient level, which is evident in UK ENSs practice, although this data shows that ENSs at this level are wholly underrepresented. More focus is needed in organisational planning in line with competency frameworks, nurse management, and multidisciplinary teams
Chinese herbal injections in combination with radiotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Get PDFAdvanced pancreatic cancer (APC) is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) as adjuvants for radiotherapy (RT) in APC and compare their treatment potentials using network meta-analysis. We systematically searched three English and four Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to July 25, 2023. The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary outcomes included Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). The treatment potentials of different CHIs were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The Cochrane RoB 2 tool and CINeMA were used for quality assessment and evidence grading. Eighteen RCTs involving 1199 patients were included. Five CHIs were evaluated. Compound Kushen injection (CKI) combined with RT significantly improved ORR compared to RT alone (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.21-1.86). Kanglaite (KLT) plus RT (RR 1.58, 95 % CrI 1.20-2.16) and CKI plus RT (RR 1.49, 95 % CrI 1.16-1.95) were associated with improved KPS score compared to radiation monotherapy, with KLT+RT being the highest rank (SUCRA 72.28 %). Regarding AEs, CKI plus RT was the most favorable in reducing the incidence of leukopenia (SUCRA 90.37 %) and nausea/vomiting (SUCRA 85.79 %). CKI may be the optimal choice of CHIs to combine with RT for APC as it may improve clinical response, quality of life, and reduce AEs. High-quality trials are necessary to establish a robust body of evidence. PROSPERO, CRD42023396828. [Abstract copyright: © 2023 Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Vapor Equilibrium Data for the Binary Mixtures of Dimethyl Carbonate and Ethyl Methyl Carbonate in Compressed Carbon Dioxide
Get PDFPhase equilibrium data for the binary systems of carbon dioxide + dimethyl carbonate and carbon dioxide + ethyl methyl carbonate were obtained. All systems were measured for isotherms ranging from 298.2 K to 328.2 K with pressure ranging between 0.13 MPa and 10.6 MPa. A static equilibrium technique was established with samples quantified using an offline method. The results were modeled using the Peng–Robinson equation of state with van der Waals one-fluid mixing rules
Enhancing solar chimney performance in urban tunnels: Investigating the impact factors through experimental and theoretical model analysis
Get PDFEfficient and sustainable ventilation in urban tunnels is crucial for combating air pollution and safeguarding human health. This study investigates the design factors impacting solar chimney performance in urban tunnels to optimize ventilation efficiency. Experimental trials analyzed the effects of blockage ratio, chimney height, and solar radiation on temperature distribution and ventilation rate. The results demonstrate that increased chimney height and solar radiation positively influence airflow velocity at the chimney outlet, enhancing ventilation. The temperature rise near absorber is higher than that closed to glazing wall. Temperature distribution within the chimney follows a distinctive horizontal two-piecewise semi-parabolic decay pattern, enabling accurate prediction of temperature profiles along the cavity depth. Novel analytical models predict temperature distribution, airflow velocity, and ventilation rate within the solar chimney system, aiding precise design and optimization. Remarkably, the blockage ratio has limited impact on ventilation rate, allowing for disregarding vehicle blockage effects in solar chimney design for urban tunnels. Matching chimney width to tunnel width and ensuring a relatively high chimney height are emphasized for optimal functionality. The study holds substantial implications for ventilation system design in urban environments, promoting healthier and more sustainable cities
Many global corporations will soon have to police up and down their supply chains as EU human rights ‘due diligence’ law nears enactment
Get PDFCancer Detection Using Advanced UWB Microwave Technology
Get PDFMedical diagnosis and subsequent treatment efficacy hinge on innovative imaging modalities. Among these, Microwave Imaging (MWI) has emerged as a compelling approach, offering safe and cost-efficient visualization of the human body. This comprehensive research explores the potential of the Huygens principle-based microwave imaging algorithm, specifically focusing on its prowess in cancer, lesion, and infection detection. Extensive experimentation employing meticulously crafted phantoms validates the algorithm’s robustness.
In the context of lung infections, this study harnesses the power of Huygens-based microwave imaging to detect lung-COVID-19 infections. Employing Microstrip and horn antennas within a frequency range of 1 to 5 GHz and a multi-bistatic setup in an anechoic chamber, the research utilizes phantoms mimicking human torso dimensions and dielectric properties. Notably, the study achieves a remarkable detection capability, attaining a signal-to-clutter ratio of 7 dB during image reconstruction using S21 signals.A higher SCR ratio indicates better contrast and clarity of the detected inclusion, which is essential for reliable medical imaging. It is noteworthy that this achievement is realized in free space without necessitating coupling liquid, underscoring the algorithm’s practicality.
Furthermore, the research delves into the validation of Huygens Principle (HP)-based microwave imaging in detecting intricate lung lesions. Utilizing a meticulously designed multi-layered phantom with characteristics closely mirroring human anatomy, the study spans frequency bands from 0.5 GHz to 3 GHz within an anechoic chamber. The outcomes are compelling, demonstrating consistent lesion detection within reconstructed images. Impressively, the signal-to-clutter ratio post-artifact removal surges to 13.4 dB, affirming the algorithm’s potential in elevating medical imaging precision.
To propel the capabilities of MWI further, this research unveils a novel device: 3D microwave imaging rooted in Huygens principle. Leveraging MammoWave device’s capabilities, the study ventures into 3D image reconstruction. Dedicated phantoms housing 3D structured inclusions, each embodying distinct dielectric properties, serve as the experimental bedrock. Through an intricate interplay of data acquisition and processing, the study attains a laudable feat: seamless 3D visualization of inclusions across various z-axis planes, accompanied by minimal dimensional error not exceeding 7.5%.
In a parallel exploration, spiral-like measurement configurations enter the spotlight.
These configurations, meticulously tailored along the z-axis, yield promising results. The research unveils an innovative approach to reducing measurement time while safeguarding imaging fidelity. Notably, spiral-like measurements achieve a notable 50% reduction in measurement time, albeit with slight trade-offs. Signal-to-clutter ratios experience a modest reduction, and there is a minor increase in dimensional analysis error, which remains within the confines of 3.5%. The research findings serve as a testament to MWI’s efficacy across diverse medical domains. The success in lung infection and lesion detection underscores its potential impact on medical diagnostics. Moreover, the foray into 3D imaging and the strategic exploration of measurement configurations lay the foundation for future advancements in microwave imaging technologies. As a result, the outcomes of this research promise to reshape the landscape of accurate and efficient medical imaging modalities
An Investigation of Stochastic Variance Reduction Algorithms for Relative Difference Penalized 3D PET Image Reconstruction
Get PDFPenalised PET image reconstruction algorithms are often accelerated during early iterations with the use of subsets. However, these methods may exhibit limit cycle behaviour at later iterations due to variations between subsets. Desirable converged images can be achieved for a subclass of these algorithms via the implementation of a relaxed step size sequence, but the heuristic selection of parameters will impact the quality of the image sequence and algorithm convergence rates. In this work, we demonstrate the adaption and application of a class of stochastic variance reduction gradient algorithms for PET image reconstruction using the relative difference penalty and numerically compare convergence performance to BSREM. The two investigated algorithms are: SAGA and SVRG. These algorithms require the retention in memory of recently computed subset gradients, which are utilised in subsequent updates. We present several numerical studies based on Monte Carlo simulated data and a patient data set for fully 3D PET acquisitions. The impact of the number of subsets, different preconditioners and step size methods on the convergence of regions of interest values within the reconstructed images is explored. We observe that when using constant preconditioning, SAGA and SVRG demonstrate reduced variations in voxel values between subsequent updates and are less reliant on step size hyper-parameter selection than BSREM reconstructions. Furthermore, SAGA and SVRG can converge significantly faster to the penalised maximum likelihood solution than BSREM, particularly in low count data