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We provide here an overview of the state of applied techniques in the estimation of the early period of the postmortem interval (PMI). The biological methods included consist of body cooling, CSF potassium, body cooling combined with CSF potassium, and tissue autolysis. For each method, we present its application in human and veterinary medicine and provide current methodology, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as target areas for improvement. We examine current and future molecular methods as they pertain to DNA and primarily to messenger RNA degradation for the estimation of the PMI, as well as the use of RNA in aging wounds, aging blood stains, and the identification of body fluids. Various types of RNA have different lengths, structures, and functions in cells. These differences in RNAs determine various intrinsic properties, such as their half-lives in cells, and, hence, their decay rate as well as their unique use for specific forensic tests. Future applications and refinements of RNA-based techniques provide opportunities for the use of molecular methods in the estimation of PMI and other general forensic applications.

This article describes two patient advisory councils (PACs) in Canada in order to contribute to the limited evidence base on how they might facilitate patient engagement in health research. Specifically, members of PACs from Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta describe their councils’ governance structure, primary functions, creation and composition, and recount specific research-related activities with which they have been involved. Key challenges of these councils and facilitators of their use are also presented. Finally, members from both councils recount lessons learned and offer suggestions for others interested in advisory councils as a mechanism for patient engagement in any health research project. Members believe patient engagement can result in better quality research and encourage decision makers and researchers to utilize patients’ valuable input to inform health system changes and drive priorities at a policy level.

The article titled "SOUNDING BOARD" in Guitar World features letters from readers expressing their opinions and feedback on previous issues. Mario Vazquez praises the December 2023 issue for its insightful articles and interviews on Aerosmith, highlighting the band's collective talent and not just Joe Perry's individual contributions. Tom Stalets corrects a mistake in a previous article, clarifying that the Band's final concert was in 1976, not 1977. Mike Warren expresses disappointment that Gary Moore was not mentioned in an article on great guitar players from the 1990s, arguing that Moore's albums and guitar solos deserve recognition. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT Using clusters of locations obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry collars to identify predation events may allow more efficient estimation of behavioral predation parameters for the study and management of large carnivore predator-prey systems. Applications of field- and model-based GPS telemetry cluster techniques, however, have met with mixed success. To further evaluate and refine these techniques for cougars (Puma concolor), we used data from visits to 1,735 GPS telemetry clusters, 637 of which were locations where cougars killed prey >8 kg in a multi-prey system in west-central Alberta. We tested 1) whether clusters were reliably created at kill locations, 2) the ability of logistic regression models to identify kill occurrence (prey >8 kg) and multinomial regression models to identify the prey species at a kill cluster, and 3) the duration of monitoring required to accurately estimate kill rate and prey composition. We found that GPS collars programmed to attempt location fixes every 3 hours consistently identified locations where prey >8 kg were handled, and cluster creation was robust to GPS location acquisition failures (poor collar fix success). The logistic regression model was capable of estimating cougar kill rate with a mean 5-fold cross validation error of <10%, provided the appropriate probability cutoff distinguishing kill clusters from non-kill clusters was selected. Logistic models also can be used to direct visits to clusters, reducing field efforts by as much as 25%, while still locating >95% of all kills. The multinomial model overpredicted occurrence of primary prey (deer) in the diet and underpredicted consumption of alternate prey (e.g., elk and moose) by as much as 100%. We conclude that a purely model-based approach should be used cautiously and that field visitation is required to obtain reliable information on species, sex, age, or condition of prey. Ultimately, we recommend a combined approach that involves using models to direct field visitation when estimating behavioral predation parameters. Regardless of the monitoring approach, long continuous monitoring periods (i.e., >100 days of a 180-day period) were necessary to reduce bias and imprecision in kill rate and prey composition estimates.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for making a venetian-style seashell sculpture.

The article discusses how council leisure and recreation centers in Australia can adopt and develop a sales and service culture in order to compete with national and multi national chains entering the local market. The process involves deciding on a center's niche market, collecting data, and designing an enquiry process for the center. Having a great system is just the start and the success of this relies on the implementation and the management.

The article offers information on events which are examples of large insurance claims from the home medical industry in the U.S. and how to avoid similar cases. These events are a fall from a wheelchair which claimed 550,000 dollars, bedrail entrapment that claimed 205,000 dollars, and property loss which claimed 1 million dollars. It notes that companies cannot avoid claims entirely, however a pre-loss planning can prove to be beneficial in the long run.

The article offers ways on how a company can prevent vehicle collisions and keep its costs to a minimum. These ways include selecting qualified drivers, checking employees' driving records, and enforcing progressive discipline policies. It notes that fault collisions are associated with 37 percent of frequency and 64 percent of costs which averages three times the cost of at fault claims. It adds that companies can also check the U.S. National Safety Council Defensive Driving courses.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "The End of the Line," the guitar column of John 5 in the March 2011 issue, and the one about the Kings of Leon in the February 2011 issue.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including the transcription of the song "I'm Going Home" by Ten Years After in the September 2009 issue, and the articles on the groups "Longwave" and "The Devil Wears Prada," also in the September issue.

A letter to the editor is presented about an article on traffic safety that appeared in the May 30, 2006 issue of "Doctor."

The article presents information on how to maximize the sale of fitness equipments meant specifically for women. To have an effective sales process, a sales person must maximize the amount of time to retain control of the prospective members experience. The sales person must have the professionalism, experience and life maturity to handle prospective members of all ages. One has to understand the history and needs of the prospective member and then resolve any initial concerns before showcasing any product.

Traces the inflation of office furniture prices to its archaic distribution system. Planning needed to introduce new products that will not render others obsolete; Difficulties in validating systems furniture pricing; Tips in choosing a furniture.

Presents a checklist that can help complete an effective review of office layout to assure workplace productivity. Chair height; Back adjustments; Stability; Factors that play key roles in office efficiency.