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The radio detection technique of cosmic ray air showers has gained renewed interest in the last two decades. While the radio experiments are very cost-effective to deploy, the Monte-Carlo simulations required to analyse the data are computationally expensive. Here we present a novel way to synthesise the radio emission from extensive air showers in simulations. It is a hybrid approach which uses a single microscopic Monte-Carlo simulation, called the origin shower, to generate the radio emission from a target shower with a different longitudinal evolution, primary particle type and energy. The method employs semi-analytical relations which only depend on the shower parameters to transform the radio signals in the simulated antennas. We apply this method to vertical air showers with energies ranging from $10^{17} \; \text{eV}$ to $10^{19} \; \text{eV}$ and compare the results with CoREAS simulations in two frequency bands, namely the broad [20, 500] MHz band and a more narrow one at [30, 80] MHz . We gauge the synthesis quality using the maximal amplitude and energy fluence contained in the signal. We observe that the quality depends primarily on the difference in \textXmax\ between the origin and target shower. After applying a linear bias correction, we find template synthesis to have an accuracy of better than 10% on the broad frequency range. On the restricted [30, 80] MHz range the accuracy is better than 5%. We surmise the template synthesis approach to be limited by intrinsic shower fluctuations which were not accounted for.

This study is a continuation of previous work, on the development of an assessment of conceptual frameworks (encompassing knowledge, beliefs, and concepts) for knee osteoarthritis and physical activity. Per guideline recommendations, we are taking a three-phase approach to the development and validation of this proposed scale about conceptual frameworks for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, we have three primary objectives

This Organizational Improvement Plan explores trust, leadership, and power at True North Academy (a pseudonym), a Canadian-themed international school in Asia. The Problem of Practice (PoP) recognizes a gap between the school’s current collaborative practices and its aspirations being a cutting-edge learning organization. Recent events, especially the global pandemic, have highlighted the school’s reliance on traditional hierarchies and top-down decision-making. Unpopular decisions made without staff input have damaged teacher trust in the leadership, raised concerns of a staff exodus, and stalled ongoing improvement of school programmes. Within a theoretical framework of social constructivism, a plan is proposed to address the challenges posed by declining trust and the power gap by exploring alternate approaches to decision-making within the senior school. Using a hybrid of Lewin’s stage change model and Duck’s five-stage change curve, the role of middle leaders will be broadened, empowering them as members of a more robust leadership team and in their interactions with their own followers. The solution described in this OIP is for middle leaders to build capacity by engaging in an ongoing Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle in which they learn to work together effectively and model distributive leadership practices within their own professional teams. Supporting middle leaders in redefining their own roles will draw upon the principles of adaptive and situational approaches that focus on their individual readiness, capacity, and emotional needs to ensure a positive transition into a more dynamic and inclusive vision of school leadership.

Phase One - Item Development for the OACS

Benchmarking has been a useful tool for unbiased comparison of control strategies in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in terms of effluent quality, operational cost and risk of suffering microbiology-related total suspended solids (TSS) separation problems. This chapter presents the status of extending the original Benchmark Simulation Model No 2 (BSM2) towards including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A mathematical approach based on a set of comprehensive models that estimate all potential on-site and off-site sources of CO2, CH4 and N2O is presented and discussed in detail. Based upon the assumptions built into the model structures, simulation results highlight the potential undesirable effects on increased GHG emissions when carrying out local energy optimization in the activated sludge section and/or energy recovery in the anaerobic digester. Although off-site CO2 emissions may decrease in such scenarios due to either lower aeration energy requirement or higher heat and electricity production, these effects may be counterbalanced by increased N2O emissions, especially since N2O has a 300-fold stronger greenhouse effect than CO2. The reported results emphasize the importance of using integrated approaches when comparing and evaluating (plant-wide) control strategies in WWTPs for more informed operational decision-making.

Funder: Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/100009745, Funder: Roche (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd); doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/100004337, Funder: Celltrion Healthcare; doi: https://doi.org/10.13039/100010780, Funder: NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, UKRI (MR/V036939/1), Biogen GmbH (Switzerland), Takeda (UK), and Galapagos NV (Belgium)., Anti tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs increase the risk of serious respiratory infection and impair protective immunity following pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. Here we report SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immune responses and breakthrough infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, who are treated either with the anti-TNF antibody, infliximab, or with vedolizumab targeting a gut-specific anti-integrin that does not impair systemic immunity. Geometric mean [SD] anti-S RBD antibody concentrations are lower and half-lives shorter in patients treated with infliximab than vedolizumab, following two doses of BNT162b2 (566.7 U/mL [6.2] vs 4555.3 U/mL [5.4], p

This protocol outlines the development and testing of an IAT (KneeIAT) about the safety/danger of knee related movement in two populations: people with painful knee osteoarthritis, and people without lower extremity pain.

This thesis was scanned from the print manuscript for digital preservation and is copyright the author. Researchers can access this thesis by asking their local university, institution or public library to make a request on their behalf. Monash staff and postgraduate students can use the link in the References field.

Additional file 1.

Contact tracing is being widely employed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Many apps have been developed that allow for tracing to be done automatically based off location and interaction data generated by users. There are concerns, however, regarding the privacy and security of users data when using these apps. These concerns are paramount for users who contract the virus, as they are generally required to release all their data. Motivated by the need to protect users privacy we propose two solutions to this problem. Our first solution builds on current "message based" methods and our second leverages ideas from secret sharing and additively homomorphic encryption.

In cryptography, secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) protocols allow participants to compute a function jointly while keeping their inputs private. Recent breakthroughs are bringing MPC into practice, solving fundamental challenges for secure distributed computation. Just as with classic protocols for encryption and key exchange, precise guarantees are needed for MPC designs and implementations; any flaw will give attackers a chance to break privacy or correctness. In this paper we present the first (as far as we know) formalisation of some MPC security proofs. These proofs provide probabilistic guarantees in the computational model of security, but have a different character to machine proofs and proof tools implemented so far --- MPC proofs use a \emph{simulation} approach, in which security is established by showing indistinguishability between execution traces in the actual protocol execution and an ideal world where security is guaranteed by definition. We show that existing machinery for reasoning about probabilistic programs adapted to this setting, paving the way to precisely check a new class of cryptography arguments. We implement our proofs using the CryptHOL framework inside Isabelle/HOL.

Two years of field trials conducted in a Meloidogyne incognita-infested field evaluated grafting and Paladin Pic-21 (dimethyl disulfide:chloropicrin [DMDS:Pic] 79:21) for root-knot nematode and weed control in tomato and melon. Tomato rootstocks evaluated were; 'TX301', 'Multifort', and 'Aloha'. 'Florida 47' was the scion and the nongrafted control. A double crop of melon was planted into existing beds following tomato harvest. Melon rootstocks, C. metulifer and 'Tetsukabuto', were evaluated with nongrafted 'Athena' in year 1. In year 2, watermelon followed tomato with scion variety 'Tri-X Palomar' as the control and also grafted onto 'Emphasis' and 'Strongtosa' rootstocks. Four soil treatments were applied in fall both years under Canslit metalized film; Paladin Pic-21, methyl bromide:chloropicrin (MeBr:C33, 67:33), Midas (iodomethane:chloropicrin 50:50), and a herbicide-treated control. M.incognita J2 in soil were highest in herbicide control plots and nongrafted tomato. All soil treatments produced similar tomato growth,which was greater than the herbicide control. All treatments reduced M. incognita J2 in roots compared to the herbicide control. 'Multifort' rootstock produced the largest and healthiest roots; however, the number of M. incognita isolated from roots did not differ among the tomato rootstocks tested. Galling on tomato was highest in herbicide control plots and nongrafted plants. In melon, M.incognita J2 in soil did not differ among melon rootstocks, but numbers isolated from melon rootstocks increased in 'Tetsukabuto' compared with C. metuliferus. 'Tetsukabuto' were larger root systems than nongrafted 'Athena'. All fumigants provided protection for all melon rootstocks against galling by M.incognita compared to the herbicide control. Galling on C. metuliferus rootstock was less in all fumigant treatments compared with nongrafted 'Athena' and 'Tetsukabuto'. In watermelon, M. incognita in soil and roots did not differ among soil treatments or watermelon rootstocks, and yield was lower in both grafted rootstocks compared with the nongrafted control. All soil treatments increased average fruit weight of watermelon compared with the herbicide control, and provided effective weed control, keeping the most predominant weed, purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), density at or below 1/m row. Grafting commercial scions onto M. incognita-resistant rootstocks has potential for nematode management combined with soil treatments or as a stand-alone component in crop production systems.

Steam and soil solarization were investigated for control of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria in 2 yr of field trials on a commercial flower farm in Florida. The objective was to determine if preplant steam treatments in combination with solarization, or solarization alone effectively controlled nematodes compared to methyl bromide (MeBr). Trials were conducted in a field with naturally occurring populations of M. arenaria. Treatments were solarization alone, steam treatment after solarization using standard 7.6-cm-diameter perforated plastic drain tile (steam 1), steam treatment following solarization using custom-drilled plastic drain tile with 1.6-mm holes spaced every 3.8 cm (steam 2), and MeBr applied at 392 kg/ha 80:20 MeBr:chloropicrin. Drain tiles were buried approximately 35 cm deep with four tiles per 1.8 by 30 m plot. Steam application followed a 4-wk solarization period concluding in mid-October. All steam was generated using a Sioux propane boiler system. Plots were steamed for sufficient time to reach the target temperature of 708C for 20 min. Solarization plastic was retained on the plots during steaming and plots were covered with a single layer of carpet padding to provide additional insulation. The floriculture crops larkspur (Delphinium elatum and Delphinium X belladonna), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were produced according to standard commercial practices. One month after treatment in both years of the study, soil populations of M. arenaria were lower in both steam treatments and in MeBr compared to solarization alone. At the end of the season in both years, galling on larkspur, snapdragon, and sunflowers was lower in both steam treatments than in solarization. Both steam treatments also provided control of M. arenaria in soil at the end of the season comparable to, or exceeding that provided by MeBr. Both steam treatments also reduced M. arenaria in snapdragon roots comparable to, or exceeding control with MeBr. Meloidogyne arenaria in soil increased in solarization alone. Solarization alone also had higher gall ratings on larkspur, snapdragon, and sunflower than all other treatments. Steam provided excellent control of M. arenaria in this study.

Fractals have been identified as a common feature of many natural and artificial systems that exhibit similar patterning at different scales. Understanding fractals is a critical aspect of decoding complex systems, as the pattern of such large systems can be revealed by identifying only a small part of the system. Furthermore, identify existing features of such systems can start at the large scale with the fewest details of the system under scrutiny before doing a more detailed analysis at finer scales. Such a process provides an efficient and reliable way of analysing and managing information of big data systems. This study revealed the fractality in water distribution networks (WDNs) based on research on fractals in complex networks. Specifically, we explored the existence of fractal patterns in six real world WDNs of different complexities (e.g. from a network with only 21 pipes to a network with 2465 pipes). The box-covering algorithm has been applied, which is the most widely used method to distinguish between fractal or non-fractal networks. The WDNs are first mapped into undirected graphs. Next, the method partitions the nodes into boxes of size l B , i.e. the maximal distance between nodes within each box is at most l B − 1 . By varying the box sizes, different minimum numbers of boxes N B required to cover the entire network can be identified. A network is fractal if the regression line for log ( N B ) and log ( l B ) is linear. The results demonstrate the existence of fractal patterns in all case study WDNs, as linear regression lines with coefficient of determination over 0.95 ( R 2 > 0 . 95 ) are obtained in all analyses. As further verification, the self-similarity on multiscales is revealed, i.e. the similarity in patterns of component criticality. Based on the fractal patterns, a systematic method is also developed for more efficient identification of critical pipes in WDNs, e.g. reducing the computational load by 61% in the case study.

Climate change is projected to significantly alter existing rainfall patterns. Traditional water and wastewater assets are unlikely to be able to respond to such events, particularly when factoring in increasing population growth. Novel source control and non-potable use strategies are required to limit the impacts of extreme events on water resources. A novel, smart Rainwater Management System (RMS) was developed by Over the Air Analytics Ltd. building on research conducted at University of Exeter. The technology sees the commercial application of emerging Internet of Things (IoT) protocols and communication platforms to manage rainwater at source to mitigate flooding and provide alternative water resources in urban settings. With new technologies in data gathering, communications, power management, and associated software, IoT systems can enable real-time management of water sector assets. In addition, the reducing cost of such technologies is enabling their deployment in a widening set of technical niches. In this paper, results from a trial with the Future Cities Catapult (London) are presented including high resolution data acquisition and analysis of an innovative smart RMS. Over a 4-month trial period, at a residential property, the smart RMS successfully attenuated the rainfall from several storm events, whilst enabling rainwater reuse for non-potable applications (i.e. WC flushing). Despite some gaps in the data, due to power and connectivity disruptions, the system showed a high degree of reliability, with little downtime. The study concludes that the use of IoT in RMS shows potential to increase the flexibility and resilience of water and wastewater assets by adapting to the challenges of climate changes in an affordable, reliable and scalable system.

Let $C$ be a smooth projective irreducible curve of genus $g$. And let $G_{\alpha}(n,d,l)$ be the moduli space of $\alpha$ stable pairs of a vector bundle of $\rank n, \deg d$ and a subspace of $H^0(C,E)$ of $\dim = l $. We find an explicit birational map from $G_{\alpha} (n, d, n+1)$ to $G_{\alpha} (1, d, n+1)$ for $C$ general, $1/\alpha \gg 0$ and $g \ge n^2-1$. Because of this and other examples, we conjecture $G_{\alpha} (a, d, a+z)$ maps birationally to $G_{\alpha} (z, d, a+z)$ for $1/ \alpha \gg 0$ and $C$ general with $g>2$., Comment: 12 pp

Let SU(r,d) be the moduli space of rank r, degree d vector bundles over a smooth projective curve of genus $g\ge 2$. If (r,d)=1 and d divides r+1, then SU is rational. Furthermore, if $0, Comment: 24 pages, AMS-TeX, corrected proof of Proposition 3

1. 1. Gills of fresh-water North American eels (Anguilla rostrata LeSueur) bound relatively large amounts of injected 4−14C cortisol compared to the reference steroid 4−14C progesterone. 2. 2. Two hr after the injection of labelled cortisol, the gills contained 2005 dpm (52 per cent authentic cortisol) the gill/plasma ratio being 0·721, whereas after the same period the gills from eels injected with radioactive progesterone contained only 665 dpm, the gill/plasma ratio being 0·250 (P 3. 3. Radioactive cortisol was transformed to authentic radioactive cortisone but the latter compound was not localized in the gills. 4. 4. The localization of cortisol in eel gills is discussed in relation to the endocrine control of active sodium transport.

Supplementary file for an article submitted to MDPI Nanomaterials.

A relative age effect refers to the presence of a bias towards relatively older children assembled collectively within a selection year. We consider this in association football (soccer) for Republic of Ireland under twenty-one international footballers over two intervals: from November 1981 to November 1994 and from September 2007 to May 2013. As the registration date for organised soccer in Ireland changed between both periods, these intervals provide scope for a natural experiment to test for a shifting relative age effect. The study confirms the existence of a relative age effect, with a selection bias toward players born in the earlier months of the registration year for both intervals.

The transitivity axiom is common to nearly all descriptive and normative utility theories of choice under risk. Contrary to both intuition and common assumption, the little-known ’Steinhaus-Trybula paradox’ shows the relation ’stochastically greater than’ will not always be transitive, in contradiction of Weak Stochastic Transitivity. We bespoke-design pairs of lotteries inspired by the paradox, over which individual preferences might cycle. We run an experiment to look for evidence of cycles, and violations of expansion/contraction consistency between choice sets. Even after considering possible stochastic but transitive explanations, we show that cycles can be the modal preference pattern over these simple lotteries, and we find systematic violations of expansion/contraction consistency.

Supplementary file for an article submitted to MDPI Nanomaterials.

Supplementary file for an article submitted to MDPI Nanomaterials.

This paper examines the impartiality of referee decision making when applying Law 7 of FIFA's Laws of the Game. We investigate decision making relating to the allocation of additional time for 1,515 English Premier League matches from 2009 to 2013. The research finds no evidence of home favoritism and limited evidence of a bias towards "big" clubs, a phenomenon commonly known as Fergie Time. However, an examination of close matches finds Fergie Time is not present, suggesting its ability to alter tight matches is negligible.

Over the last decade, the content, delivery and media of pain education have been adjusted in line with scientific discovery in pain and educational sciences, and in line with consumer perspectives. This paper describes a decade-long process of exploring consumer perspectives on pain science education concepts to inform clinician-derived educational updates (undertaken by the authors). Data were collected as part of a quality audit via a series of online surveys in which consent (non-specific) was obtained from consumers for their data to be used in published research. Consumers who presented for care for a persistent pain condition and were treated with a pain science education informed approach were invited to provide anonymous feedback about their current health status and pain journey experience 6, 12 or 18 months after initial assessment. Two-hundred eighteen consumers reported improvement in health status at follow-up. Results of the surveys from three cohorts of consumers that reported improvement were used to generate iterative versions of ‘Key Learning Statements’. Early iteration of these Key Learning Statements was used to inform the development of Target Concepts and associated community-targeted pain education resources for use in public health and health professional workforce capacity building initiatives. Perspective This paper reflects an explicit interest in the insights of people who have been challenged by persistent pain and then recovered, to improve pain care. Identifying pain science concepts that consumers valued learning provided valuable information to inform resources for clinical interactions and community-targeted pain education campaigns. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Individuals with stroke often experience significant impairment of the upper limb. Rehabilitation interventions targeting the upper limb are typically associated with only small to moderate gains. The knowledge that body schema can be altered in other upper limb conditions has contributed to the development of tailored rehabilitation approaches. This study investigated whether individuals with stroke experienced alterations in body schema of the upper limb. If so, this knowledge may have implications for rehabilitation approaches such as motor imagery.An observational study performed online consisting of left/right judgment tasks assessed by response time and accuracy of: (i) left/right direction recognition; (ii) left/right shoulder laterality recognition; (iii) left/right hand laterality recognition; (iv) mental rotation of nonembodied objects. Comparisons were made between individuals with and without stroke. Secondary comparisons were made in the stroke population according to side of stroke and side of pain if experienced.A total of 895 individuals (445 with stroke) participated. Individuals with stroke took longer for all tasks compared to those without stroke, and were less accurate in correctly identifying the laterality of shoulder (P0.001) and hand (P0.001) images, and the orientation of nonembodied objects (P0.001). Moreover, the differences observed in the hand and shoulder tasks were greater than what was observed for the control tasks of directional recognition and nonembodied mental rotation. No significant differences were found between left/right judgments of individuals with stroke according to stroke-affected side or side of pain.Left/right judgments of upper limb are frequently impaired after stroke, providing evidence of alterations in body schema. The knowledge that body schemas are altered in individuals with longstanding stroke may assist in the development of optimal, well-accepted motor imagery programs for the upper limb.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A394).

BackgroundDespite well-established benefits of physical activity for knee osteoarthritis (OA), nine of ten people with knee OA are inactive. People with knee OA who are inactive often believe that physical activity is dangerous, fearing that it will further damage their joint(s). Such unhelpful beliefs can negatively influence physical activity levels. We aim to evaluate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of integrating physiotherapist-delivered pain science education (PSE), an evidence-based conceptual change intervention targeting unhelpful pain beliefs by increasing pain knowledge, with an individualised walking, strengthening, and general education program.MethodsTwo-arm, parallel-design, multicentre randomised controlled trial involving 198 people aged ≥50 years with painful knee OA who do not meet physical activity guideline recommendations or walk regularly for exercise. Both groups receive an individualised physiotherapist-led walking, strengthening, and OA/activity education program via 4x weekly in-person treatment sessions, followed by 4 weeks of at-home activities (weekly check-in via telehealth), with follow-up sessions at 3 months (telehealth) and 5 and 9 months (in-person). The EPIPHA-KNEE group also receives contemporary PSE about OA/pain and activity, embedded into all aspects of the intervention. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are physical activity level (step count; wrist-based accelerometry) and self-reported knee symptoms (WOMAC Total score) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, pain intensity, global rating of change, self-efficacy, pain catastrophising, depression, anxiety, stress, fear of movement, knee awareness, OA/activity conceptualisation, and self-regulated learning ability. Additional measures include adherence, adverse events, blinding success, COVID-19 impact on activity, intention to exercise, treatment expectancy/perceived credibility, implicit movement/environmental bias, implicit motor imagery, two-point discrimination, and pain sensitivity to activity. Cost-utility analysis of the EPIPHA-KNEE intervention will be undertaken, in addition to evaluation of cost-effectiveness in the context of primary trial outcomes.DiscussionWe will determine whether the integration of PSE into an individualised OA education, walking, and strengthening program is more effective than receiving the individualised program alone. Findings will inform the development and implementation of future delivery of PSE as part of best practice for people with knee OA.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:ACTRN12620001041943(13/10/2020).

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a promising alternative to chemical fumigation to control soil-borne plant pathogens and weeds. This research focused on evaluating several locally available carbon sources for ASD on weed control, evaluating the performance of brewers' spent grain (a promising carbon source) under field conditions, and evaluating whether yeast addition enhanced the effectiveness of ASD treatments. A series of greenhouse trials were conducted at the Southern Piedmont AREC (Agricultural Research and Extension Center). The greenhouse trials were conducted in PVC tubes, 20 cm tall and 15 cm in diameter. The first set of trials evaluated ASD conducted over 21-day periods of ASD using locally available carbon sources. The carbon sources included brewer`s spent grain, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), paper mulch, peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shells, rice bran, sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum drummondii), and waste coffee grounds applied at 4 mg of C/g of soil. The targeted weed species included common chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). All ASD treatments significantly reduced weed viability compared to the non-treated control. The yeast amendments enhanced weed control over ASD without yeast. The second set of greenhouse trials was focused on ASD using brewer`s spent grain, and on evaluating ASD at the half and one-third carbon dose rates. The target pests were the same weed species in the first set of trials, and Pythium irregulare was added as an additional target pest. This set of trials indicated yeast enhanced addition the effect of BSG in ASD on both weeds and P. irregulare, indicating the potential to reduce carbon input necessary for effective ASD. A follow-up, two seasons, open-field trial conducted over two growing seasons at the Hampton Roads AREC focused on understanding the effects of ASD on weed density and strawberry fruit yield and fruit quality in annual hill strawberry production. The treatments included ASD at standard or half carbon dose rates, with or without yeast. Fumigation (80% chloropicrin + 20% 1,3-dichloropropene) and non-treated plots were used as control groups. Weed suppression with ASD was consistent for most of the broadleaf weed species, and total weed counts were significantly reduced compared to non-treated controls. Yield from ASD with yeast was higher than ASD without yeast and non-treated control in one growing season, while the increase in yield did not occur in another growing season. Yeast may have potentially enhanced the yield effects of ASD but lacked consistency. Yeast may have the potential to enhance ASD effectiveness. Doctor of Philosophy Strawberry is a high-value crop known for its brightly colored, sweet tasting, juicy and fleshy fruit that possesses a unique aroma. The southern region is the second large region of strawberry production in the United States. Strawberry is susceptible to soil-borne pests, including weeds and diseases. Preplant control of soil-borne diseases and weeds is important for strawberry production. Early season weeds can compete with newly transplanted strawberry plugs for nutrients, light, and other resources. However, currently, the limited options of pre-plant chemical fumigants and herbicides available in strawberry plasticulture make weed control a challenge in strawberry production. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) may be an effective alternative to preplant chemical fumigation. Anaerobic soil disinfestation involves three steps- applying carbon sources to the soil, covering the bed with black tarp, and watering the soil to maintain certain soil moisture to field capacity generally for 21 days. However, there are only a few studies on weed control using ASD in the southern region; locally available carbon sources also need to be evaluated. Thus, this study focused on evaluating several locally available carbon sources (cover crops, brewer`s spent grain, used coffee ground, paper mulch, peanut shell) for ASD to control troublesome weeds (common chickweed, redroot pigweed, white clover, yellow nutsedge). This study also explored a new method that involves mixing distiller's yeast with solid carbon sources in order to enhance the ASD weed control effect. Additionally, this study evaluated the effect of ASD using reduced carbon inputs, potentially reducing the total cost of ASD by reducing the carbon input. A series of greenhouse studies were conducted at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), Blackstone, VA, with a follow-up field study done at the Hampton Roads AREC. The greenhouse trials evaluated carbon sources including brewer`s spent grain, buckwheat, cowpea, paper mulch, peanut shells, rice bran, sorghum-sudangrass, and waste coffee grounds. These greenhouse experiments were conducted in containers made from PVC tubes, and strawberry plants were not involved. The main objective of the greenhouse trial was to test the suppression of four troublesome weeds, including common chickweed, redroot pigweed, yellow nutsedge, and white clover. The most effective treatments in the greenhouse studies were further investigated in the field trial. The brewer`s spent grain was again used in the field trial, and treatments included ASD using a full or half dose of brewer's spent grain, with or without yeast. We evaluated the effects of these treatments on weed control, plant crop growth, and crop yields. Fruit quality factors, including fruit firmness, sweetness, and size, were also evaluated. In summary, all of the carbon sources evaluated provide similar weed control. Adding yeast showed potential to enhance the effect of ASD using brewer`s spent grain. Adding yeast also increased the effectiveness of the half-rate of the carbon source, showing the potential for effective pre-plant pest control for strawberry using ASD treatments with significantly reduced C dose rates.

Background: Chronic pain is common following stroke, yet its characteristics are poorly understood. Objectives: To characterize the beliefs and perceptions of people with stroke who experience chronic pain and compare these to a non-stroke population with chronic pain. Method: An online survey of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory for stroke and non-stroke individuals with chronic pain. Pain beliefs and perceptions, including perceived causes of pain, were compared across the two groups. Results: A total of 223 participants completed all questions. The stroke group (N = 106) reported significantly higher pain intensities (p =

Background: Chronic pain is common following stroke, however there is little known about the treatments for pain that are being accessed by stroke survivors, nor their perceived effectiveness. Objectives: The objectives were to: i) identify the number and type of treatments for pain currently used by stroke survivors with chronic pain; and ii) examine the self-perceived effectiveness of medication and non-medication treatments for pain. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Participants with stroke and self-reported chronic pain completed an online survey that measured demographics, stroke related factors, intensity of pain, treatments for pain, and perceived effect of medication and non-medication treatments for pain. Results: Of 322 stroke survivors who completed the survey, the majority (90.1%) reported current use of pain treatment(s). Medications were accessed by 257 (79.8%), with the most common being anti-inflammatories (39.8%), anticonvulsants (29.5%) and antidepressants (24.8%). Paracetamol (12.1%) was the most common non-prescribed medication used. Polypharmacy was high, with 129 (40.1%) reporting taking 2 or more medications. Medication treatments were self-reported to be effective in 47.1% of those taking medication. Non-medication treatments were accessed by 208 (64.6%), with Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy being most common (48.1%), followed by Occupational Therapy (15.5%) and Psychology (11.8%). Use of multiple non-medication treatments was reported by 85 (26.4%). Non-medication treatments were reported to be effective by 52.4% of those receiving them. Conclusions: Survey findings indicate that stroke survivors with chronic pain demonstrate high utilization of pain treatments, despite the perception that treatment is often ineffective. This highlights the need to develop effective pain interventions for stroke survivors. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Glacier retreat is considered a clear sign of global climate change. Although a rich body of work has documented glacial response to climate warming trends, comparatively little research has assessed vegetation change in recently deglaciated areas. In this study, we assess vegetation change at two glacier forefronts in Glacier National Park, Montana, through remote sensing analysis, fieldwork validation, and statistical modelling. The research objectives were to: 1) quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of landcover change of five classes"ice, rock, tree, shrub, and herbaceous at the two glacier forefronts in Glacier National Park, and 2) determine the role of selected biophysical terrain factors (elevation, slope, aspect, solar radiation, flow accumulation, TWI, and geology) on vegetation change at the deglaciated areas. Landsat imagery of the study locations in 1991, 2003, and 2015 were classified and validated using ground truth points and visual interpretation for accuracy. Overall accuracies were above 75% for all classified images. To identify biophysical correlates of change, we used generalized linear mixed models with non-vegetated surfaces to vegetation (code=1) or stable non-vegetation class (code=0) as a binary response variable. Results revealed elevation, slope, TWI, geology, and aspect to be associated with increased vegetation over time at Jackson Glacier forefront, whereas elevation, slope, solar radiation, and geology were significant at Grinnell Glacier forefront. New case studies on vegetation change in recently deglaciated regions can deepen our knowledge about how glacier retreat at local scales results in recharged ecosystem dynamics. Master of Science Glacier retreat is considered a clear sign of global climate change. Although glaciers are retreating globally, comparatively little research has assessed how vegetation changes in recently deglaciated areas. The research objectives were to: 1) quantify patterns of landcover change of five classes—ice, rock, tree, shrub, and herbaceous at two glacier forefronts in Glacier National Park, and 2) determine the environmental and terrain factors that affect vegetation change at the deglaciated areas. Landsat imagery of the study locations in 1991, 2003, and 2015 were classified and validated using ground truth points and visual interpretation for accuracy. To identify terrain and environmental factors that influence change, we modeled change from nonvegetated surfaces to vegetation (code=1) and the stable non-vegetation class (code=0). Results revealed elevation, slope, topographic moisture, geology, and aspect to be associated with increased vegetation over time at Jackson Glacier forefront. Elevation, slope, solar radiation, and geology were significant at Grinnell Glacier forefront, indicating some geographic differences in important factors. New case studies on vegetation change in recently deglaciated regions can deepen our knowledge about how glacier retreat at local scales results in recharged ecosystem dynamics. This study provides further insight on the future of alpine ecosystems as they respond to global climate change and a compelling new perspective on the future of the Park. Additionally, we demonstrate the benefits of using remote sensing applications to study land cover change as a proxy for vegetation colonization, especially in remote mountainous environments.

Current treatment of low back pain indicates that a classification-based approach may be of value in identifying patients who may benefit from particular interventions (Fritz et al.2007). Epidemiologic data indicate that chronic, widespread,nonspecific musculoskeletal pain is on the rise, which results in a significant challenge to health care providers and adds to the ever-increasing costs of health care, especially in the area of chronic low back pain (CLBP) (Wall and Melzack 2005). Few treatment interventions are helpful for CLBP (Carville et al.2008), which in turn adds to the frustration and challenge of treating these patients. One in five people in the United States has an ongoing (chronic) pain state, implying that approximately65 to 70 million Americans have persistent pain (Walland Melzack 2005).

Postoperative rehabilitation for lumbar radiculopathy has shown little effect on reducing pain and disability. Current preoperative education programs with a focus on a biomedical approach feature procedural and anatomical information, and these too have shown little effect on postoperative outcomes. This report describes the development of an evidence-based educational program and booklet for patients undergoing lumbar surgery for radiculopathy using a recently conducted systematic review of neuroscience education for musculoskeletal pain. The previous systematic review produced evidence for neuroscience education as well as best-evidence synthesis of the content and delivery methods for neuroscience education for musculoskeletal pain. These evidence statements were extracted and developed into patient-centered messages and a booklet, which was then evaluated by peer and patient review. The neuroscience educational booklet and preoperative program convey key messages from the previous systematic review aimed at reducing fear and anxiety before surgery and assist in developing realistic expectations regarding pain after surgery. Key topics include the decision to undergo surgery, pain processing, peripheral nerve sensitization, effect of anxiety and stress on pain, surgery and the nervous system, and decreasing nerve sensitization. Feedback from the evaluations of the booklet and preoperative program was favorable from all review groups, suggesting that this proposed evidence-based neuroscience educational program may be ready for clinical application. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Background: Disruption of cortically-held working body schema has been associated with a variety of pain conditions. A motor imagery technique - the left right judgement task (LRJT) - has been used as an indirect assessment of the integrity of the working body schema. To date there is no LRJT specifically designed to investigate the body schema of persons with shoulder pain. Objectives: To develop a shoulder specific LRJT and assess its validity and reliability. Design: Cross-sectional repeated measures. Methods: Shoulder images were developed representing the shoulder in a variety of postures of graded complexity/awkwardness and degree of rotation. These images were digitally mirrored to represent both left and right shoulders. Participants viewed the images on a computer and determined whether images were of a left or right shoulder. Results: 1413 participants were recruited worldwide and performed the shoulder LRJT (laterality judgement). Mean response time (SD) for the task was 1738(741) ms. Mean accuracy (SD) was 93.5(9.2)%. Chronbach's Alpha for shoulder image response times was 0.95. Participants were fastest responding to images of simple postures and slowest to images corresponding to the more awkward postures (mean difference 520 ms, 95%CI 469–570 ms). Participants were fastest responding to the least rotated images and slowest responding to inverted images, (mean difference 981 ms, 95%CI 919–1043 ms). Conclusions: The shoulder specific LRJT proved to be highly reliable. Response times increased with complexity and rotation of images, implying a motor imagery strategy was used to complete the task, validating the task as a measure of shoulder joint implicit motor imagery. Abnormal performance cut-offs for age were reported. This result will enable further research examining the relationship between shoulder pain and body schema. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Background: We sought to determine current utilization, importance, content, and delivery methods of preoperative education by spine surgeons in the United States for patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was used to study a random sample of spine surgeons in the United States. The Spinal Surgery Education Questionnaire (SSEQ) was developed based on previous related surveys and assessed for face and content validity by an expert panel. The SSEQ captured information on demographics, content, delivery methods, utilization, and importance of preoperative education as rated by surgeons. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the current utilization, importance, content, and delivery methods of preoperative education by spine surgeons in the United States for patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Results: Of 200 surgeons, 89 (45% response rate) responded to the online survey. The majority (64.2%) provide preoperative education informally during the course of clinical consultation versus a formal preoperative education session. The mean time from the decision to undergo surgery to the date of surgery was 33.65 days. The highest rated educational topics are surgical procedure (96.3%), complications (96.3%), outcomes/expectations (93.8%), anatomy (92.6%), amount of postoperative pain expected (90.1%), and hospital stay (90.1%). Surgeons estimated spending approximately 20% of the preoperative education time specifically addressing pain. Seventy-five percent of the surgeons personally provide the education, and nearly all surgeons (96.3%) use verbal communication with the use of a spine model. Conclusions: Spine surgeons believe that preoperative education is important and use a predominantly biomedical approach in preparing patients for surgery. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Objective: Evaluate content and educational delivery methods of preoperative education in total joint arthroplasties of the hip and knee (THA and TKA) addressing postoperative pain. Conclusions: Preoperative education centered on a biomedical model of anatomy and pathoanatomy as well as procedural information has limited effect in reducing postoperative pain after THA and TKA surgeries. Preoperative educational sessions that aim to increase patient knowledge of pain science may be more effective in managing postoperative pain. Data extraction: Data were extracted utilizing the participants, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes approach. Data sources: Systematic searches conducted on Biomed Central, BMJ.com, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, NLM Central Gateway, OVID, ProQuest (Digital Dissertations), PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Secondary searching (pearling) was undertaken. Data synthesis: This review included 13 RCTs involving a total of 1,017 subjects who underwent THA or TKA. Educational delivery methods comprised verbal one-onone or group education sessions, delivered within 4 weeks of surgery lasting an average of 30 minutes, and accompanied by other written materials. The educational content centered on descriptions of preoperative preparation, hospital stay, surgical procedure, immediate/intermediate experiences, expectations following surgery, rehabilitation, encouragement/reassurance, and answering common question associated with the surgical experience. Limitations: Studies published in English; published within the last 20 years and patients over the age of 18. No limitations were set on specific outcome measures of pain. Study selection: All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of preoperative education on postoperative pain in THA and TKA surgery were considered for inclusion. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The pain field has been advocating for some time for the importance of teaching people how to live well with pain. Perhaps some, and maybe even for many, we might again consider the possibility that we can help people live well without pain. Explaining Pain (EP) refers to a range of educational interventions that aim to change one's understanding of the biological processes that are thought to underpin pain as a mechanism to reduce pain itself. It draws on educational psychology, in particular conceptual change strategies, to help patients understand current thought in pain biology. The core objective of the EP approach to treatment is to shift one's conceptualization of pain from that of a marker of tissue damage or disease to that of a marker of the perceived need to protect body tissue. Here, we describe the historical context and beginnings of EP, suggesting that it is a pragmatic application of the biopsychosocial model of pain, but differentiating it from cognitive behavioral therapy and educational components of early multidisciplinary pain management programs. We attempt to address common misconceptions of EP that have emerged over the last 15 years, highlighting that EP is not behavioral or cognitive advice, nor does it deny the potential contribution of peripheral nociceptive signals to pain. We contend that EP is grounded in strong theoretical frameworks, that its targeted effects are biologically plausible, and that available behavioral evidence is supportive. We update available meta-analyses with results of a systematic review of recent contributions to the field and propose future directions by which we might enhance the effects of EP as part of multimodal pain rehabilitation. Perspective EP is a range of educational interventions. EP is grounded in conceptual change and instructional design theory. It increases knowledge of pain-related biology, decreases catastrophizing, and imparts short-term reductions in pain and disability. It presents the biological information that justifies a biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

We wanted to find out whether people who suffer from dizziness take longer than people who do not, to perform a motor imagery task that involves implicit whole body rotation. Our prediction was that people in the "dizzy" group would take longer at a left/right neck rotation judgment task but not a left/right hand judgment task, because actually performing the former, but not the latter, would exacerbate their dizziness. Secondly, we predicted that when dizzy participants responded to neck rotation images, responses would be greatest when images were in the upside down orientation; an orientation with greatest dizzy-provoking potential. To test this idea, we used a case-control comparison design. One hundred and eighteen participants who suffered from dizziness and 118 age, gender, arm pain, and neck pain-matched controls took part in the study. Participants undertook two motor imagery tasks; a left/right neck rotation judgment task and a left/right hand judgment task. The tasks were completed using the Recognise program; an online reaction time task program. Images of neck rotation were shown in four different orientations; 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Participants were asked to respond to each "neck" image identifying it as either "right neck rotation" or a "left neck rotation," or for hands, a right or a left hand. Results showed that participants in the "dizzy" group were slower than controls at both tasks (p=0.015), but this was not related to task (p=0.498). Similarly, "dizzy" participants were not proportionally worse at images of different orientations (p=0.878). Our findings suggest impaired performance in dizzy people, an impairment that may be confined to motor imagery or may extend more generally. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Louw A, Diener I, Butler DS, Puentedura EJ. The effect of neuroscience education on pain, disability, anxiety, and stress in chronic musculoskeletal pain. Objective To evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of neuroscience education (NE) for pain, disability, anxiety, and stress in chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Data Sources Systematic searches were conducted on Biomed Central , BMJ.com , CINAHL, the Cochrane Library , NLM Central Gateway, OVID, ProQuest (Digital Dissertations) , PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Secondary searching (PEARLing) was undertaken, whereby reference lists of the selected articles were reviewed for additional references not identified in the primary search. Study Selection All experimental studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized clinical trials, and case series evaluating the effect of NE on pain, disability, anxiety, and stress for chronic MSK pain were considered for inclusion. Additional limitations: studies published in English, published within the last 10 years, and patients older than 18 years. No limitations were set on specific outcome measures of pain, disability, anxiety, and stress. Data Extraction Data were extracted using the participants, interventions, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) approach. Data Synthesis Methodological quality was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Critical Review Form–Quantitative Studies. This review includes 8 studies comprising 6 high-quality RCTs, 1 pseudo-RCT, and 1 comparative study involving 401 subjects. Most articles were of good quality, with no studies rated as poor or fair. Heterogeneity across the studies with respect to participants, interventions evaluated, and outcome measures used prevented meta-analyses. Narrative synthesis of results, based on effect size, established compelling evidence that NE may be effective in reducing pain ratings, increasing function, addressing catastrophization, and improving movement in chronic MSK pain. Conclusions For chronic MSK pain disorders, there is compelling evidence that an educational strategy addressing neurophysiology and neurobiology of pain can have a positive effect on pain, disability, catastrophization, and physical performance.

Background and Purpose. People in persistent pain have been reported to pay increased attention to specific words or descriptors of pain. The amount of attention paid to pain or cues for pain (such as pain descriptors), has been shown to be a major factor in the modulation of persistent pain. This relationship suggests the possibility that language may have a role both in understanding and managing the persistent pain experience. The aim of this paper is to describe current models of neuromatrices for pain and language, consider the role of attention in persistent pain states and highlight discrepancies, in previous studies based on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), of the role of attention on pain descriptors. The existence of a pain neuromatrix originally proposed by Melzack (1990) has been supported by emerging technologies. Similar technologies have recently allowed identification of multiple areas of involvement for the processing of auditory input and the construction of language. As with the construction of pain, this neuromatrix for speech and language may intersect with neural systems for broader cognitive functions such as attention, memory and emotion. Method. A systematic search was undertaken to identify experimental or review studies, which specifically investigated the role of attention on pain descriptors (as cues for pain) in persistent pain patients. A total of 99 articles were retrieved from six databases, with 66 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. After duplicated articles were eliminated, the remaining 41 articles were reviewed in order to support a link between persistent pain, pain descriptors and attention. Results. This review revealed a diverse range of specific pain descriptors, the majority of which were derived from the MPQ. Increased attention to pain descriptors was consistently reported to be associated with emotional state as well as being a significant factor in maintaining persistent pain. However, attempts to investigate the attentional bias of specific pain descriptors highlighted discrepancies between the studies. As well as the diversity of pain descriptors used in studies, they were inconsistently categorized into domains of pain. A lack of consistent bias towards certain pain descriptors was observed, and may be explained simply by the fact that the words provided are not those which subjects themselves would use. Conclusion. These findings suggest that the multidimensional and individual nature of the persistent pain experience may not be adequately explained by pain questionnaires such as the MPQ. Personalized pain descriptors may communicate the pain experience more appropriately, but may also contribute to an increased sensitivity of cortical pain processing areas by capturing increased attention for that individual. The language used as part of communication between therapists and people with persistent pain may provide an, as yet, unexplored adjunct strategy in management. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The characterization of engine liner topography has been a topic of considerable research in manufacturing, tribology, surface metrology and auto-mobile engineering for the past 30 years. It is believed that an idle surface topography would result in a short running-in stage, low oil consumption, low harmful emissions, prolonged engine life and good engine performance. To achieve these objectives a plateau-shaped feature which possesses truncated peaks, deep valleys and a crossed striation pattern is required for the surface topography of engine liners (cylinder liner). Master of Science

The study of skin topography has many important applications in medical and cosmetics industries. By following the variations in skin topography and its corresponding 3 dimensional parameters, effectiveness of medical and cosmetic treatments can be assessed and suitable recommendations made. In order to conduct skin surface topography studies effectively, a suitable protocol for measuring skin topography and 3D relief parameters is required. Thus it is the objective of this dissertation to develop such a protocol and to study some variations of skin surface parameters with different measuring variables. Master of Science (Biomedical Engineering)

The purpose of this work is to study and evaluate in detail the quality control of the image sensors assembly process as well as to improve the process capability. The die and glass attachment process is one of the major contributors to daily production yield loss. Thus, this work covers the die and glass attachment operation and manufacturing processes. Master of Science (Computer Integrated Manufacturing)

In this dissertation, a morphological study on the surface of commercially available OasisTM Wound Dressing was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Master of Science (Biomedical Engineering)