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Snakebites occur in the community, not in the Emergency Unit. As such it is important to understand the first-aid concepts and pre-hospital emergency care aspects of this neglected disease. This article will highlight the concepts for emergency care within the context of the current pre-hospital arena and in light of the recent South African Snakebite Symposium consensus meeting held in July 2022, where wilderness rescue, emergency medical services and other medical participants agreed through evidence review and consensus debate on the current best approaches to care of the snakebite victim outside the hospital environment.

This study explores the processes and curatorial techniques that support corporeal engagements with online exhibitions. Exhibitions, physical and otherwise, are a complex interplay between spaces - real and imagined -audiences, and tangible or intangible objects. This is a guiding notion of this article, supported by Merleau-Ponty's perspective of the relation between internal human experiences and the external bodily encounters that shape them. I maintain that differing digital curatorial presentations can enhance or subdue the embodied interaction of visitors. By relying on my lived experience of navigating the transfer of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival's visual arts programme of 2020 to the online sphere, I discuss various strategies deployed to encourage embodied engagement. Amongst other findings, the study underscores the need to consider audience preferences and allowing visitors a sense of agency to choose how they want to engage artwork online. Even though the arena of exchange might differ, I argue that all exhibitions, whether online or brick-and-mortar, provide audiences with the possibility of an engaging experience. In addition to the exhibition itself, viewers embody another energy - and it is the viewer's deliberate performance and choice to interact that produces the distinctive experience of an exhibition.

Postural change intermittently between upright and head down in giraffes standing at a height of 4.5 meters is of physiological significance. The length of a giraffe’s neck denotes the flow of blood against the force of gravity, to supply the brain over a 2 m distance. The force of gravity also affects the flow of blood toward the brain, with a posture change from erect to ground level. How do these changes in stance not result in fainting when the head is raised and brain damage when the head is lowered? Giraffe has an advanced interconnection of the common carotid artery and the vertebral artery. The connection is located at the midpoint of the atlas, as indicated by means of computerized tomography and dissection. Duplex ultrasound with Doppler waveform examination showed the unidirectional movement of blood with movement from the vertebral artery into the common carotid artery when the head is erect. The direction of flow allows the provision of blood to the maxillary artery that feeds the rostral epidural rete that supplies to the brain. The flow direction in the carotid-vertebral connection changes when blood moves in the direction of the head along with the force of gravity, when the head is lowered. The rerouting of blood to move from the common carotid into the vertebral artery prevents brain damage. We have confirmed, by utilizing a CT scan, Doppler sonar, and dissection of latex-filled arteries, the existence and blood flow direction within the anastomotic artery associated with variation in posture in the giraffe.

Background: In the absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials, observational data can be used to emulate clinical trials and guide clinical decisions. Observational studies are, however, susceptible to confounding and bias. Among the used techniques to reduce indication bias are propensity score matching and marginal structural models. Objective: To use the comparative effectiveness of fingolimod vs natalizumab to compare the results obtained with propensity score matching and marginal structural models. Methods: Patients with clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing remitting MS who were treated with either fingolimod or natalizumab were identified in the MSBase registry. Patients were propensity score matched, and inverse probability of treatment weighted at six monthly intervals, using the following variables: age, sex, disability, MS duration, MS course, prior relapses, and prior therapies. Studied outcomes were cumulative hazard of relapse, disability accumulation, and disability improvement. Results: 4608 patients (1659 natalizumab, 2949 fingolimod) fulfilled inclusion criteria, and were propensity score matched or repeatedly reweighed with marginal structural models. Natalizumab treatment was associated with a lower probability of relapse (PS matching: HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.62-0.80]; marginal structural model: 0.71 [0.62-0.80]), and higher probability of disability improvement (PS matching: 1.21 [1.02 -1.43]; marginal structural model 1.43 1.19 -1.72]). There was no evidence of a difference in the magnitude of effect between the two methods. Conclusions: The relative effectiveness of two therapies can be efficiently compared by either marginal structural models or propensity score matching when applied in clearly defined clinical contexts and in sufficiently powered cohorts.

We investigated the nature of protostellar objects in G358.46−0.39 and their gas kinematics using ALMA data, with the aim of understanding the ongoing star formation activities in the region. The dust continuum map reveals multiple cores (MM1a, MM1b, MM1c, and MM2) dominated by MM1a, with no detectable free–free emission. We calculated the masses and the column densities of the various objects (MM1a, MM1b, MM1c, and MM2). A total of 33, 10, 10, and 9 molecular transitions are detected towards MM1a, MM1b, MM1c, and MM2, respectively. The differences in the number of molecular lines detected towards each of the cores support different excitation conditions at different positions. We derived the kinetic temperature ranges of MM1a, MM1b, MM1c, and MM2 to be ∼96–118, 96–114, 72–74, and 80–84 K, respectively. A highly collimated bipolar outflow traced by 12CO emission is observed to be associated with MM1a, with knots along the outflow lobes, which could be an indication of episodic ejection. The C17O emission is observed to be likely tracing a slowly rotating envelope of gas around MM1a. The velocity field map of CH3OH (22, 1 − 31, 2) emission suggests the presence of a rotating structure, possibly a disc. The physical and kinematic properties of MM1a are strong indication of a massive young stellar object, with ongoing outflow activity and accretion in its early stage of formation.

Background. Up to a quarter of inpatients in high-income countries (HICs) self-report beta-lactam allergy (BLA), which if incorrect,increases the use of alternative antibiotics, worsening individual health outcomes and driving bacterial resistance. In HICs, up to 95% ofself-reported BLAs are incorrect. The epidemiology of BLA in low- and middle-income African countries is unknown.Objectives. To describe the epidemiology and de-labelling outcomes of self-reported BLA in hospitalised South African (SA) patients.Methods. Point-prevalence surveys were conducted at seven hospitals (adult, paediatric, government and privately funded, district andtertiary level) in Cape Town, SA, between April 2019 and June 2021. Ward prescription records and in-person interviews were conductedto identify and risk-stratify BLA patients using the validated PEN-FAST tool. De-labelling was attempted at the tertiary allergy clinic atGroote Schuur Hospital.Results. A total of 1 486 hospital inpatients were surveyed (1 166 adults and 320 children). Only 48 patients (3.2%) self-reported a BLA,with a higher rate in private than in government-funded hospitals (6.3% v. 2.8%; p=0.014). Using the PEN-FAST tool, only 10.4% (n=5/48)of self-reported BLA patients were classified as high risk for true penicillin hypersensitivity. Antibiotics were prescribed to 70.8% (n=34/48)of self-reported BLA patients, with 64.7% (n=22/34) receiving a beta-lactam. Despite three attempts to contact patients for de-labelling atthe allergy clinic, only 3/36 underwent in vivo testing, with no positive results, and 1 patient proceeded to a negative oral challenge.Conclusion. Unlike HICs, self-reported BLA is low among inpatients in SA. The majority of those who self-reported BLA were low risk fortype 1 hypersensitivity, but outpatient de-labelling efforts were largely unsuccessful.

Syzygium maire (swamp maire) is an endemic New Zealand Myrtaceae tree species. Current threats to this species include habitat destruction, myrtle rust, declining remnant populations and low capacity for natural regeneration. Large-scale replanting for conservation/restoration initiatives would mitigate against these threats. However, there is limited information available on propagation of this species. In this study, we looked at sexual propagation using seed germination and asexual propagation using softwood cuttings. For seed germination, we examined the effect of seed pretreatments (intact fruit or de-pulped seed) and temperature settings (15/25°C or 20/30°C) to optimise germination. For softwood cutting propagation, we investigated the diameter of the cuttings (1–2 mm or 3–5 mm) and application of exogenous indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 g L−1) on their efficacy of producing adventitious rooting. The most critical factor for seed germination was the removal of seed pulp. De-pulping the seeds shortened the mean time to germination and positively affected the germination percentage, regardless of the incubation temperature. Germination percentage of ≥94.5% was achieved in seeds sown without pulp. Propagation by softwood cutting of 1–2 mm in diameter was possible without IBA treatment (63.3% of cuttings rooted), but the application of 1.5 g L−1 IBA increased the rooting percentage (to 75%), thereby inducing the production of a higher number of roots. Seed germination and softwood cutting were effective strategies to propagate S. maire. The findings of this research contribute to the knowledge of propagation and restoration of S. maire populations.

Luminous red novae (LRNe) are transients characterized by low luminosities and expansion velocities, and are associated with mergers or common envelope ejections in stellar binaries. Intermediate-luminosity red transients (ILRTs) are an observationally similar class with unknown origins, but generally believed to either be electron capture supernovae (ECSN) in super-AGB stars, or outbursts in dusty luminous blue variables (LBVs). In this paper, we present a systematic sample of 8 LRNe and 8 ILRTs detected as part of the Census of the Local Universe (CLU) experiment on the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). The CLU experiment spectroscopically classifies ZTF transients associated with nearby ($, 32 pages, 16 figures. Submitted to ApJ, comments welcome

Multiple sclerosis is a leading cause of neurological disability in adults. Heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis clinical presentation has posed a major challenge for identifying genetic variants associated with disease outcomes. To overcome this challenge, we used prospectively ascertained clinical outcomes data from the largest international multiple sclerosis registry, MSBase. We assembled a cohort of deeply phenotyped individuals of European ancestry with relapse-onset multiple sclerosis. We used unbiased genome-wide association study and machine learning approaches to assess the genetic contribution to longitudinally defined multiple sclerosis severity phenotypes in 1813 individuals. Our primary analyses did not identify any genetic variants of moderate to large effect sizes that met genome-wide significance thresholds. The strongest signal was associated with rs7289446 (β = −0.4882, P = 2.73 × 10−7), intronic to SEZ6L on chromosome 22. However, we demonstrate that clinical outcomes in relapse-onset multiple sclerosis are associated with multiple genetic loci of small effect sizes. Using a machine learning approach incorporating over 62 000 variants together with clinical and demographic variables available at multiple sclerosis disease onset, we could predict severity with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.79–0.88). Our machine learning algorithm achieved positive predictive value for outcome assignation of 80% and negative predictive value of 88%. This outperformed our machine learning algorithm that contained clinical and demographic variables alone (area under the receiver operator curve 0.54, 95% CI 0.48–0.60). Secondary, sex-stratified analyses identified two genetic loci that met genome-wide significance thresholds. One in females (rs10967273; βfemale = 0.8289, P = 3.52 × 10−8), the other in males (rs698805; βmale = −1.5395, P = 4.35 × 10−8), providing some evidence for sex dimorphism in multiple sclerosis severity. Tissue enrichment and pathway analyses identified an overrepresentation of genes expressed in CNS compartments generally, and specifically in the cerebellum (P = 0.023). These involved mitochondrial function, synaptic plasticity, oligodendroglial biology, cellular senescence, calcium and G-protein receptor signalling pathways. We further identified six variants with strong evidence for regulating clinical outcomes, the strongest signal again intronic to SEZ6L (adjusted hazard ratio 0.72, P = 4.85 × 10−4). Here we report a milestone in our progress towards understanding the clinical heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis outcomes, implicating functionally distinct mechanisms to multiple sclerosis risk. Importantly, we demonstrate that machine learning using common single nucleotide variant clusters, together with clinical variables readily available at diagnosis can improve prognostic capabilities at diagnosis, and with further validation has the potential to translate to meaningful clinical practice change.

Effective communication within the South African industrial context is vitally important if the objectives of industry are to: contribute to satisfactory national economic growth provide adequate job appreciation distribute economic activity to provide for sensible geographical development improve the social well-being of the community improve acceptable economic independence from external economic and political influences. The dilemma which faces South African industry is the heterogeneity of the South African population and that communication must take many factors such as race, cultural development, language and standard of living into account. Recognition by industry of the importance of proper communication in all facets is fundamental to the building of an economically and politically viable social structure in South Africa.

This workshop will provide a background to, and practical sessions on, enriching standard metadata in repositories with Linked Data elements. This includes a brief introduction to the Semantic Web, what Linked Data is, and how to enrich metadata through practical sessions.

The measure of an academic field lies in the richness and depth of its published research, especially within the ever-developing field of distance education, which is relatively new. The University of South Africa is one of the oldest open distance learning (ODL) higher education institutes globally, which has given rise to its status internationally as a leader of distance education. It is prudent to analyse and reflect on the research outputs published by South African academics, particularly regarding the levels of research that are conducted. This article follows the research published by Roberts, which analysed South African distance learning research levels and sublevels from articles published between 2011 and 2015. This longitudinal study applied a thematic content analysis of the titles and abstracts of all ODL-related papers published by South African authors. The findings compare ODL trends for the five-year periods from 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2019. The data were obtained from the Scopus and SABINET databases, using the same search criteria employed by Roberts. The levels of research publications were analysed according to the open distance learning research framework of Zawacki-Richter presented through descriptive statistics. The results indicate that although the number of published open distance learning research articles has more than doubled, the research levels have not shown any significant change from the previous five years. The South African ODL publications should give attention to meso- and macro-level research to enhance the ODL development within Southern Africa and create local trends fit for purpose.

Background: Patients with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis inadequately responding to first-line therapies (interferon-based therapies, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, and teriflunomide, known collectively as “BRACETD”) often switch to natalizumab or fingolimod. Objective: The aim was to estimate the comparative effectiveness of switching to natalizumab or fingolimod or within BRACETD using real-world data and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of switching to natalizumab versus fingolimod using a United Kingdom (UK) third-party payer perspective. Methods: Real-world data were obtained from MSBase for patients relapsing on BRACETD in the year before switching to natalizumab or fingolimod or within BRACETD. Three-way-multinomial-propensity-score–matched cohorts were identified, and comparisons between treatment groups were conducted for annualised relapse rate (ARR) and 6-month–confirmed disability worsening (CDW6M) and improvement (CDI6M). Results were applied in a cost-effectiveness model over a lifetime horizon using a published Markov structure with health states based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Other model parameters were obtained from the UK MS Survey 2015, published literature, and publicly available UK sources. Results: The MSBase analysis found a significant reduction in ARR (rate ratio [RR]=0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.72; p&nbsp

With the advancement of digital technology, the collection of pavement performance data has become commonplace. The improvement of tools to extract useful information from pavement databases has become a priority to justify expenditures. This paper presents a case study of PaveMD, a tool that integrates multi-dimensional data structures with a data-driven fuzzy approach to identify good performing pavement sections. Combining this tool with an innovative paradigm where the focus is on repeating success can bring additional value to existing pavement databases. The case study shows that PaveMD can identify pavement sections that are performing well by comparing performance measures for the New Zealand context. In this paper, PaveMD’s development is described, and its implementation is showcased using data from the New Zealand Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. It is recommended that this approach be further developed and extended to other infrastructure databases internationally.

Context Patients with mutations in thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 have developmental delay and chronic thyrotoxicosis associated with being underweight and having cardiovascular dysfunction. Objective Our previous trial showed improvement of key clinical and biochemical features during 1-year treatment with the T3 analogue Triac, but long-term follow-up data are needed. Methods In this real-life retrospective cohort study, we investigated the efficacy of Triac in MCT8-deficient patients in 33 sites. The primary endpoint was change in serum T3 concentrations from baseline to last available measurement. Secondary endpoints were changes in other thyroid parameters, anthropometric parameters, heart rate, and biochemical markers of thyroid hormone action. Results From October 15, 2014 to January 1, 2021, 67 patients (median baseline age 4.6 years; range, 0.5-66) were treated up to 6 years (median 2.2 years; range, 0.2-6.2). Mean T3 concentrations decreased from 4.58 (SD 1.11) to 1.66 (0.69) nmol/L (mean decrease 2.92 nmol/L; 95% CI, 2.61-3.23; P < 0.0001; target 1.4-2.5 nmol/L). Body-weight-for-age exceeded that of untreated historical controls (mean difference 0.72 SD; 95% CI, 0.36-1.09; P = 0.0002). Heart-rate-for-age decreased (mean difference 0.64 SD; 95% CI, 0.29-0.98; P = 0.0005). SHBG concentrations decreased from 245 (99) to 209 (92) nmol/L (mean decrease 36 nmol/L; 95% CI, 16-57; P = 0.0008). Mean creatinine concentrations increased from 32 (11) to 39 (13) µmol/L (mean increase 7 µmol/L; 95% CI, 6-9; P < 0.0001). Mean creatine kinase concentrations did not significantly change. No drug-related severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions Key features were sustainably alleviated in patients with MCT8 deficiency across all ages, highlighting the real-life potential of Triac for MCT8 deficiency.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:46:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-11-09 Background and ObjectivesPeople with multiple sclerosis MS are a vulnerable group for severe coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies DMTs. We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS.MethodsData from 12 data sources in 28 countries were aggregated sources could include patients from 1-12 countries. Demographic age, sex, clinical MS phenotype, disability, and DMT untreated, alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl fumarate, glatiramer acetate, interferon, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, siponimod, other DMTs covariates were queried, along with COVID-19 severity outcomes, hospitalization, intensive care unit ICU admission, need for artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, MS phenotype, and Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS score.ResultsSix hundred fifty-seven 28.1% with suspected and 1,683 61.9% with confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed. Among suspected plus confirmed and confirmed-only COVID-19, 20.9% and 26.9% were hospitalized, 5.4% and 7.2% were admitted to ICU, 4.1% and 5.4% required artificial ventilation, and 3.2% and 3.9% died. Older age, progressive MS phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.41; aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.48-4.02 and ICU admission aOR 2.30, 95% CI 0.98-5.39; aOR 3.93, 95% CI 1.56-9.89, although only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.54-10.39. Compared to pooled other DMTs, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.29-2.38; aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.87-4.07 and ICU admission aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.49-4.36; aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.27-8.23, but only rituximab was associated with artificial ventilation aOR 6.15, 95% CI 3.09-12.27. Compared to natalizumab, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-3.07; aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.68-4.92 and ICU admission aOR 2.13, 95% CI 0.85-5.35; aOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.17-8.91, but only rituximab was associated with ventilation aOR 5.52, 95% CI 1.71-17.84. Associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death. Stratification by age, MS phenotype, and EDSS score found no indications that DMT associations with COVID-19 severity reflected differential DMT allocation by underlying COVID-19 severity.DiscussionUsing the largest cohort of people with MS and COVID-19 available, we demonstrated consistent associations of rituximab with increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and need for artificial ventilation and of ocrelizumab with hospitalization and ICU admission. Despite the cross-sectional design of the study, the internal and external consistency of these results with prior studies suggests that rituximab/ocrelizumab use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19. CORe Department of Medicine and Neuroepidemiology Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania ESAT-STADIUS KU Leuven Department of Neurology Melbourne MS Centre Royal Melbourne Hospital MS International Federation Department of Clinical Neuroscience Swedish MS Registry Department of Neurology CHU Pontchaillou Karolinska Institutet Biomedical Research Institute-Data Science Institute Hasselt University Department of Medical Informatics University Medical Center Department of Computer Science and AI KU Leuven QMENTA Medpace Reference Laboratories Molecular Unit IConquerMS People-Powered Research Network Accelerated Cure Project for MS NeuroTransData Study Group NeuroTransData German MS-Register by the National MS Society MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH MS Register Swansea University COViMS Division of Biostatistics Washington University in St. Louis Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Cleveland Clinic Department of Neuroscience Central Clinical School Monash University Al-Amiri Hospital Kuwait City Dokuz Eylul University Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de CEMIC RELACOEM Australian MS Longitudinal Study Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Bulgarian SmartMS COVID-19 Dataset ABEM-Brazilian MS Patients Association Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry Department of Neurology University Hospital Rigshospitalet Universidade Estadual Paulista Unesp Faculdade de Medicina REDONE.br-Brazilian Registry of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Multiple Sclerosis University Center Ramos Mejia Hospital-EMA Imperial College Swansea University Mental Health Area MS and Demyelinating Diseases Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires EMA Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya Cemcat Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Institute of Experimental Neurology Ospedale San Raffaele Universidade Estadual Paulista Unesp Faculdade de Medicina

Hybridization is recognized as a notable driver of evolution and adaptation, which closely related species may exploit in the form incomplete reproductive barriers. Three closely related species of Ceratocystis (i.e., C. fimbriata, C. manginecans and C. eucalypticola) previously have been shown to hybridize by mating naturally occurring self-sterile strains with an unusual laboratory-generated sterile isolate type, which could have impacted conclusions regarding the prevalence of hybridization and inheritance of mitochondria. In the current study we investigated whether interspecific crosses between fertile isolates of these three species are possible, and if so how mitochondria are inherited by the progeny. For this purpose, a PCR-RFLP method and a mitochondrial DNA-specific PCR technique were custom-made and applied in a novel approach of typing complete ascospore drops collected from the fruiting bodies in each cross to distinguish between self-fertilizations and potential hybridization. These markers showed hybridization between C. fimbriata and C. eucalypticola and between C. fimbriata and C. manginecans, while no hybridization was detected in the crosses involving C. manginecans and C. eucalypticola. In both sets of hybrid progeny, we detected biparental inheritance of mitochondria. This study was the first to successfully produce hybrids from a cross involving self-fertile isolates of Ceratocystis, and also provided the first direct evidence of biparental mitochondrial inheritance in the Ceratocystidaceae. This work lays the foundation for further research focused on investigating the role of hybridization in the speciation of Ceratocystis species, and if mitochondrial conflict could have influenced the process.

The aim of this chapter is to highlight the effect of Namibian cultural practices on its citizen health and simultaneously emphasize the important role traditional healers can play in supporting primary healthcare services. One of the cultural practices of concern discussed in this chapter is that child marriage is encouraged in some Namibian communities; it not only hampers a girl child's educational development, but it also compromises her health and psychological development. According to the literature, culture can contribute towards development through social cohesion and by promoting positive perceptions regarding gender equality for development. Some cultural practices can contribute to health and education enhancement, for example, using medicinal plants to treat various diseases and disorders, with the majority of plants being used to treat mental diseases, skin infections, and external injuries.

Recalcitrant seeds are characterized by desiccation and freezing sensitivity, and short storage longevity. These physiological attributes obviate their ex situ conservation in conventional seed banks, where seeds are stored dry at sub-zero temperatures (typically, 15% relative humidity and –20°C) for extended periods of time. Propagation of plants for field collections (e.g., botanical gardens, nurseries, and arboretums) is a valuable ex situ conservation option. However, these collections are relatively costly, require high maintenance, preserve limited genetic diversity and/or are directly exposed to biotic (e.g., pests) and abiotic (e.g., climatic) threats. Therefore, recalcitrant-seeded (RS) species are dependent on cryopreservation for their safe and long-term ex situ conservation. Different explant sources such as whole seeds, zygotic embryos, dormant buds, shoot tips, and pollen, can be used for plant propagation of RS species in field collections as well as for their cryopreservation. The success of the propagation or the cryopreservation of these explants often depends on their developmental status, vigor, and/or tolerance to desiccation and chilling/freezing. These attributes are modulated by the environment where the donor plant grows and we hypothesize that climate change, by affecting these biological attributes, would impact the success of explant propagation and cryopreservation. To support this hypothesis, we have reviewed how temperature changes and drought, the two main climate change scenarios, affect the main biological attributes that are directly involved in the success of ex situ conservation of tropical and temperate RS species. In general, increases in temperature and drought will negatively affect plant development in field collections and the quality of the explants used in cryopreservation. Consequently, field collections of RS species may need to be moved to more suitable places (e.g., higher latitudes/altitudes). Additionally, we may find a reduction in the success of cryopreservation of RS species germplasm directly harvested from field collections. However, we cannot always generalize these effects for all species since they often depend on the origin of the species (e.g., tropical and temperate species tend to respond to climate change differently), the genotype, the adaptive genetic potential of each population, and the severity of the environmental change. On the other hand, the increase in temperatures and water stress in donor plants at high-latitude areas and also some tropical environments may favor the production of seeds and seedlings better adapted to drying, and hence, increase the success of plant propagation and zygotic embryo cryopreservation.

Between December 2020 and November 2022 the Glasgow-based community group Gamelan Naga Mas worked re- motely with two Indonesian musicians, Peni Candra Rini and Rangga Purnama Aji. This musical collaboration was made possible by the Estuary platform, which allowed for real-time livecoded improvisations between locations in Scotland, Indonesia, and the USA. In this paper we discuss and reflect upon the technical, musical, and human factors that have made this project a success and indicate some directions for future exploration., Floating Gold is funded by the British Council's International Collaboration Grants, which are designed to support UK and overseas organisations to collaborate on international arts projects.

Background Healthcare personnel (HCP) in high TB burdened countries continue to be at high risk of occupational TB due to inadequate implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control (TB-IPC) measures, lack of understanding of the context and relevance to local settings. Such transmission in the healthcare workplace has prompted the development and dissemination of numerous guidelines for strengthening TB-IPC for use in settings globally. However, a growing body of literature points to lack of involvement of the HCP in the conceptualization and development of guidelines and programmes seeking to improve TB-IPC in high burden countries generally. Objectives The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting and influencing the adoption of TB-IPC measures in heath settings and the recognised research field exploring the inclusion of the HCP in decision making when designing these guidelines, in relation to appropriateness of the guidelines to the local context. Methods A scoping review methodology was selected for this study to gain insight into the relevant research evidence identifying and mapping key elements in the TB-IPC measures in relation to HCP as implementors. Results Studies in this review refer to factors related to HCP’s knowledge of TB-IPC, perception regarding occupational risks, behaviours, and their role against a background of structural resource constraints, and guidelines adherence. They report several challenges in the TB-IPC implementation and adherence particularly eliciting recommendations from HCP for improved TB-IPC practices. Conclusion Research on the enablers and barriers to TB-IPC implementation needs to go beyond mere documenting factors affecting and influencing adoption of TB-IPC measures in heath settings. There is an urgent need for research on participation of the implementers in the decision making when developing TB-IPC guidelines. Finally, when designing the TB-IPC guidelines, factors to be considered should be the appropriateness of the guidelines to the local context.

There is some confusion in the radar community on the handling of phase noise in radar because current definitions give rise to divergent integrals. It is shown that the spectrum of a phase noise modulated signal rather than the spectrum of the phase noise modulating function is the applicable function for coherent radar system design. A heuristic model is proposed to derive the finite power signal spectrum from the infinite power phase spectrum. The well-known phase delay differencing function that is used to weigh the base-band phase noise before integration is also discussed and applied to typical spectra to obtain well behaved analytical descriptions of phase noise that lead to convergent integrals for the autocorrelation and noise power.

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is a popular, user-friendly, data-driven algorithm to decompose a given (non-stationary) signal into its constituting components, utilizing spline interpolation. This algorithm was first proposed in 1998 in the one-dimensional setting, and it employed standard cubic spline interpolation. Since then, different two-dimensional extensions of EMD have been proposed. In this paper, we consider one of these two-dimensional extensions and adapt it to use a shape-preserving interpolation scheme based on quadratic B-splines, ensuring that monotonicity and concavity in the input data are preserved. Using multiple numerical experiments, we show that this new scheme outperforms the original EMD, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Also moved to pydata_sphinx_theme!

There is a growing need to better understand the risk of malignancy in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population, particularly given the relatively recent and widespread introduction of immunomodulating disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Multiple sclerosis disproportionately affects women, and the risk of gynecological malignancies, specifically cervical pre-cancer and cancer, are of particular concern. The causal relationship between persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer has been definitively established. To date, there is limited data on the effect of MS DMTs on the risk of persistent HPV infection and subsequent progression to cervical pre-cancer and cancer. This review evaluates the risk of cervical pre-cancer and cancer in women with MS, including the risk conferred by DMTs. We examine additional factors, specific to the MS population, that alter the risk of developing cervical cancer including participation in HPV vaccination and cervical screening programs.

Given the present work climate in South Africa, it can no longer be assumed that after completing tertiary education, a graduate is automatically assured of employment in his or her field of study. Opportunities are scarce and the supply generally outweighs the demand. It is therefore no surprise that any future candidate for the job market would prefer to keep his or her education record clean.The possible consequences of a disciplinary enquiry have the potential to impact on the record of the student concerned. Such a student will put up the strongest possible defence at such an enquiry, and the question arises as to whether or not the student should be entitled to acquire the services of a legal representative to serve his or her best interests.At the same time, seen from the viewpoint of a tertiary institution, the preference may well be to keep the enquiry a domestic affair and not allow the intervention of an outsider who may cause the enquiry to be prolonged, or show the chairperson or initiator of the enquiry, often a layperson, to be inadequately skilled when compared with a legal practitioner.The question of the right to representation at a disciplinary enquiry of an employee arises for similar reasons, and it happens more often.In the present constitutional dispensation it cannot be assumed that the right to legal representation at disciplinary enquiries is only established by contractual agreement (individual or collective), or by an express provision in some legislative enactment, or even that such agreement or enactment may lawfully prohibit legal representation at enquiries. In the recent judgment in Hamata v Chairperson, Peninsula Technikon Internal Disciplinary Committee (supra; hereinafter “Hamata”) handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal this issue of legal representation at disciplinary enquiries was considered and addressed.

The Labour Court was faced with the question of whether the respondent in this case was justified in imposing a blanket ban on the employment of diabetics in the position of firefighters on the basis that the condition in itself posed a serious risk for the sufferer, as well as the public at large, where the individual was called upon to work in hazardous and stressful conditions.

As a result of pressure from the trade union movement to reconsider the policy norms governing retrenchments, significant amendments, both procedural and substantive, were made to the retrenchment provisions in the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (“the LRA”) in 2002. A new section (s 189A) was introduced which provides that where a potential retrenchment involves at least 10 employees where an employer employs has more than 50 employees such employees acquire the right to strike in opposition to the retrenchment. Employees and trade unions can elect to challenge such retrenchment through the law or by means of protected strike action (see s 65(4)(c)). Section 189A(1)(a) provides that this section applies to employers employing more than 50 employees if –“(a) the employer contemplates dismissing by reason of the employer’s operational requirements, at least –(i) 10 employees, if the employer employs up to 200 employees;(ii) 20 employees, if the employer employs more than 200, but not more than 300, employees;(iii) 30 employees, if the employer employs more than 300, but not more than 400, employees;(iv) 40 employee employees, if the employer employs more than 400, but not more than 500, employees; or(v) 50 employee employees, if the employer employs more than 500, employees.”An additional consequence of the introduction of section 189A is that provision is made for statutory facilitation in respect of the retrenchment consultation at the request of the employer or any consulting parties representing the majority of employees who are targeted for retrenchment. Compulsory notice periods are also introduced, since the section requires a 60 day holding-off period if statutory facilitation is embarked upon or pending terminations disputed (s 189A(2)(a) read with s 189A(7)(a) and 189A(8)(b)(i); and see Thompson “Restructuring and Retrenchment” 2002 Current Labour Law 30).In order to prevent employers from circumventing the effect of section 189A by splitting or staggering a retrenchment, section 189A provides that, if the number of employees that an employer contemplates dismissing, together with the number of employees that have been dismissed by reason of that employer’s operational requirements in the 12 months prior to the employer issuing a retrenchment notice, is equal to or exceeds the relevant number set out above the section applies to the second retrenchment exercise as well (s 189A(1)(b)). This provision is important, because the additional rights granted to employees and trade unions by section 189A are significant (as set out above).But what if an employer retrenches employees in an instance where section 189A does not apply, and thereafter retrenches more employees within the following 12 months or even later? Should section 189A apply to the first retrenchment which, on its own, falls short of the numbers that cause the section to apply? This issue was recently addressed in NUMSA v Continental Tyre (unreported – Labour Court 2005).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition of increasing prevalence. Many people living with MS will trial various alternative therapies, including changed patterns of eating, to try to gain control over their condition. New clinical guidelines advise reducing the time between first clinical symptoms and treatment. It is the support of the healthcare team that can empower the person in their healthcare journey.The aim of this article is to provide insights into the role of diet as an element of lifestyle management of MS and describe the implications of diet as a first-line treatment for MS.Many 'MS diets' have been promoted to persons diagnosed with MS, yet evidence-based advice is necessitated by an expressed need. Although health risks of short-term exploration of specific diets are not likely to cause concern, lifestyle management should be included in communication plans, with referrals to other healthcare professionals as appropriate.

Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy technology is relatively new and commissioning publications, quality assurance (QA) protocols and commercial products are limited. This work provides guidance for implementation measurements that may be performed on the Elekta Unity MR-Linac (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). Adaptations of vendor supplied phantoms facilitated determination of gantry angle accuracy and linac isocentre, whereas in-house developed phantoms were used for end-to-end testing and anterior coil attenuation measurements. Third-party devices were used for measuring beam quality, reference dosimetry and during treatment plan commissioning; however, due to several challenges, variations on standard techniques were required. Gantry angle accuracy was within 0.1°, confirmed with pixel intensity profiles, and MV isocentre diameter was 20,10 was 0.705 ± 0.001, in agreement with treatment planning system (TPS) calculations, and gamma comparison against the TPS for a 22.0 × 22.0 cm2 field was above 95.0% (2.0%, 2.0 mm). Machine output was 1.000 ± 0.002 Gy per 100 MU, depth 5.0 cm. During treatment plan commissioning, sub-standard results indicated issues with machine behaviour. Once rectified, gamma comparisons were above 95.0% (2.0%, 2.0 mm). Centres which may not have access to specialized equipment can use in-house developed phantoms, or adapt those supplied by the vendor, to perform commissioning work and confirm operation of the MRL within published tolerances. The plan QA techniques used in this work can highlight issues with machine behaviour when appropriate gamma criteria are set.

This paper provides a contemporary discussion of security as a service from a network perspective and discusses state-of-the-art research conducted within a framework known as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) (pronounced ‘sassy’). SASE is a network security framework proposed by Gartner (2019) (MacDonald, Orans and Skorupa, 2019). This paper gives brief description of cloud concepts and technologies, focuses on network security in the cloud and aims to provide researchers with subjects of future research in SASE. To achieve the aim, the authors evaluate existing papers on SASE and its core components to identify gaps in the literature currently available on SASE.