Search

Considering the EU environmental standards for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), reducing pollutant emissions from inland waterway vessels is becoming increasingly important. The RIVER research project aims to find solutions to achieve nitrogen-free combustion in waterways transportation systems while also emitting zero CO2 emission. RIVER addresses these issues using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and Oxy-fuel combustion (OFC). The project is co-financed by the European Union, as part of the Interreg North-West Europe program. There are ten partners involved in this project (FR, UK, GE, NL, LU). In OFC technology, pure oxygen is used instead of air. Due to the absence of N2 in the intake charge, NOx emissions will be eliminated. Consequently, the only products of combustion are CO2 and water vapor. To have a stable combustion process and avoid overheating problems caused by using pure oxygen, some part of the exhaust CO2 will be recirculated to the engine to create an oxygen-CO2 mixture for being fed into the engine. A detailed CFD simulation carried out in this project has revealed that 21% oxygen and 79% carbon dioxide is the ideal mixture for the engine to run at maximum efficiency. The remaining CO2 from the exhaust is collected. It is then condensed, compressed, and stored in a tank to be valorized later. It will be transformed into cosmetics, skincare products, and formic acid. These types of acids are used by the medical sector as an anti-rheumatic product. River's final demonstration will take place in Crewe, UK in July 2022.

Physical exercise requiring oxidative energy transfer increases pulmonary ventilation (VE). In an air polluted environment, the exercise-induced increase in VE increases the volume of toxic gases and number of toxic particles to which the pulmonary system is exposed. Using a respiratory air-filtering device (RAFD) during exercise decreases exposure to inhaled toxic gases and particles. However, a RAFD creates external resistance to inspiration and expiration which could decrease pulmonary muscle function and pulmonary volumes, and creates an external mechanical dead-space which produces fractional rebreathing which could increase pulmonary flowrates. This experiment tested the hypotheses that using a RAFD during exercise would; decrease post-exercise peak inspiratory pressure (PPI) and peak expiratory (PPE) pressure, FVC and FEV1, and increase post-exercise flowrates. Using a repeated-measures, counter-balanced design, six healthy moderately aerobically-trained, men (mean ± SD; age 24.7 ± 1.7 years; peak oxygen utilization [VO2peak] 42.8 ± 5.3 ml kg-1 min-1) completed two 30 min exercise test sessions at a power output equal to 75% VO2peak. One session was performed not using (NORAFD), and one using a RAFD (Moldex 8000) fitted with organic vapor cartridges and combined dust and mist pre-filters (inspiratory resistance = 0.216 kPa, expiratory resistance = 0.094 kPa at 85.0 l min-1). All pulmonary function tests were performed immediately pre-(Pre) and 0 (Post-0), 5 (Post-5), and 15 (Post-15) min post-exercise. There was a significant (p

To assess the effectiveness of weight-loss interventions on pain and disability in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) and spinal pain.Intervention systematic review.Twelve online databases and clinical trial registries.Randomized controlled trials of any weight-loss intervention (eg, diet, physical activity, surgical, pharmaceutical) that reported pain or disability outcomes in people with knee or hip OA or spinal pain.We calculated mean differences or standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool to judge credibility of evidence.Twenty-two trials with 3602 participants were included. There was very low- to very low-credibility evidence for a moderate effect of weight-loss interventions on pain intensity (10 trials, n = 1806; SMD, -0.54; 95% CI: -0.86, -0.22; IWeight-loss interventions may provide small to moderate improvements in pain and disability for OA compared to minimal care. There was limited and inconclusive evidence for weight-loss interventions targeting spinal pain.

This paper explores the application of ethics in two contrasting approaches to evaluation: one that views evaluation as essentially a research project, and the other that sees evaluation as an extension of project management. We argue that the growth in so-called rigorous impact evaluation, characterised by practitioners as evaluation using experimental or quasi-experimental methods, has seen evaluation treated increasingly as a subset of research. This has entailed greater use of ethical committees, and specifically institutional review boards (IRBs), as many academics promoting the use of experimental methods are based in the USA. Elsewhere, evaluation is treated more as a management activity, with professionalisation initiatives such as membership standards and ethical guidance often used in the place of formal review. In this paper, we question whether the simultaneous growth in usage of IRBs and professionalisation addresses the ethical issues faced by evaluators.

Evaluation takes place within a political and organisational context. While it shares the same methodologies as social science research, stakeholders usually have a more immediate interest in the f...

This IDS Bulletin explores recent evidence on integrated approaches in rural development. Since the 1970s, holistic and multisectoral programming has been based on the synergistic potential of achieving more through a ‘big push’ of doing lots together. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also suggest a greater need to understand and address interconnectedness across different sectors. Drawing extensively on a recent impact evaluation of the Millennium Villages Project in northern Ghana, this issue presents a series of articles on the challenges of evaluating integrated development. The articles explore the challenge of assessing synergy; the cost-effectiveness of integration; the value of mixing methods; and dealing with multiple outcomes on different timelines. This introduction concludes by suggesting a narrower testing of combinations of interventions in different contexts, and incrementally building the evidence base; rather than ‘doing everything together’, where a lack of impact combined with weak mid-range theory can limit learning about what works and why.

This is the notes on contributors for IDS Bulletin 49.4, 'The Millennium Villages: Lessons on Evaluating Integrated Rural Development'.

The use of mixed methods in impact evaluation often focuses on the triangulation of findings or using qualitative data to explain statistical assessments of impact (net effect). In this article, we argue for the benefits of combining and contesting ex ante etic-informed theory with ex post emic-informed grounded theory. Using the case of the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) evaluation in northern Ghana, we highlight examples of where emergent theory led to a deeper understanding that valued how local people view change. In the context of an independent evaluation that set out to assess the MVP model – and with little scope for the evaluation to influence or adapt implementation – the theories of change created abductively helped fill a theoretical void. We argue that this is particularly applicable for integrated programmes where ex ante theory may struggle to capture the complex interaction of different sector-based activities, overlook unintended effects, and undervalue local perceptions of change.

This is the glossary of IDS Bulletin 49.4,'The Millennium Villages: Lessons on Evaluating Integrated Rural Development'.

Patient socioeconomic data is not usually included in medical records nor easily accessible to clinicians, yet socioeconomic disadvantage can be an important guide to disease management. This study evaluated the neighborhood-level Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a measure of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, as a factor in diabetes mellitus prevalence. Electronic health records at an academic hospital system identified 4,770 Medicare beneficiaries. Logistic regression of diabetes diagnosis (ICD9=250.x) against ADI quintile, age, gender, and race/ethnicity found all these patient characteristics to be significantly associated. Diabetes prevalence was lowest in the least disadvantaged quintile of neighborhoods after adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The positive non-linear association of diabetes prevalence with ADI demonstrates the power of this index to practically quantify socioeconomic disadvantage. The ADI may be suitable for clinical decision support, and for informing the policy changes which are needed to reduce socioeconomic disparities in diabetes prevalence and other health outcomes.

This IDS Bulletin is the first of two special issues presenting contributions from the event ‘Impact Innovation and Learning: Towards a Research and Practice Agenda for the Future’, organised by IDS in March 2013. The initiative, as well as these two issues, represent a ‘rallying cry’ for impact evaluation to rise to the challenges of a post‐MDG/post‐2015 development agenda. This introduction articulates first what these challenges are, and then goes on to summarise how the contributors propose to meet these challenges in terms of methodological and institutional innovation. Increasingly ambitious development goals, multiple layers of governance and lines of accountability require adequate causal inference frameworks and less ambitious expectations on the span of direct influence single interventions can achieve, as well as awareness of multiple bias types. Institutions need to be researched and become more impact‐oriented and learning‐oriented .

This article details the design of an impact evaluation of the Millennium Villages Project in Northern Ghana. The evaluation is particularly challenging because the intervention cannot be randomised; it is clustered in a group of homogeneous communities and likely to generate spill-over effects. We propose a difference-in-differences design selecting control communities based on a propensity score and collecting five rounds of yearly data. We address a number of evaluation questions in relation to testing the breaking of the poverty trap, assessing project externalities, the role of qualitative research, cost-effectiveness and project synergies, sustainability and scalability in the presence of scale economies.

Williams Syndrome Transcription Factor (WSTF) is one of ∼25 haplodeficient genes in patients with the complex developmental disorder Williams Syndrome (WS). WS results in visual/spatial processing defects, cognitive impairment, unique behavioral phenotypes, characteristic “elfin” facial features, low muscle tone and heart defects. WSTF exists in several chromatin remodeling complexes and has roles in transcription, replication, and repair. Chromatin remodeling is essential during embryogenesis, but WSTF’s role in vertebrate development is poorly characterized. To investigate the developmental role of WSTF, we knocked down WSTF in Xenopus laevis embryos using a morpholino that targets WSTF mRNA. BMP4 shows markedly increased and spatially aberrant expression in WSTF-deficient embryos, while SHH, MRF4, PAX2, EPHA4 and SOX2 expression are severely reduced, coupled with defects in a number of developing embryonic structures and organs. WSTF-deficient embryos display defects in anterior neural development. Induction of the neural crest, measured by expression of the neural crest-specific genes SNAIL and SLUG, is unaffected by WSTF depletion. However, at subsequent stages WSTF knockdown results in a severe defect in neural crest migration and/or maintenance. Consistent with a maintenance defect, WSTF knockdowns display a specific pattern of increased apoptosis at the tailbud stage in regions corresponding to the path of cranial neural crest migration. Our work is the first to describe a role for WSTF in proper neural crest function, and suggests that neural crest defects resulting from WSTF haploinsufficiency may be a major contributor to the pathoembryology of WS.

tives can lead to innovations that can change the world. The amount of money available for prizes has more than tripled over the last decade to an estimated $1$2 billion, and the sector continues to grow rapidly. Famous prizes, such as the Longitude Prize, the Orteig Prize, and Napoleon’s food preservation prize (see text box on next page), provide powerful evidence of the enormous benefits that be achieved by people competing for prizes. Although hugely popular a century ago, interest in prizes declined during the 1900s, replaced in large part with grant funding. Grants have been credited with establishing the research centers and institutes of excellence that have been behind much of the rapid rise in innovation over the last 100 years. However, after a century of grant-funding cycles that have become ever more deeply entrenched in the complex relationship between funders and recipients, the connection between grant funding and innovation leaves room for improvement While grant funding regroups, the awarding of prizes is again proliferating, not only in terms of numbers but in ambition and aims. The rapid growth of information technology and social media are helping to fuel this proliferation. Most observers see 2004 as the start of this upward trend, as that is the year that Scaled Composites launched a reusable manned spacecraft twice within two weeks—a feat that won the company the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. From 2004 to 2009, the number of prizes offering large incentives more than tripled across the globe.

Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) has emerged as an incredibly versatile nuclear protein. WSTF and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in which it exists, WINAC, WICH, and B-WICH, have been studied in a variety of organisms. This research has revealed roles for WSTF in a number of diverse molecular events. WSTF function includes chromatin assembly, RNA polymerase I and III gene regulation, vitamin D metabolism, and DNA repair. In addition to functioning as a subunit of several ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, WSTF binds specifically to acetylated histones and is itself a histone kinase as well as a target of phosphorylation. This review will describe the three known WSTF-containing complexes and discuss their various roles as well as mechanisms of regulating WSTF activity.

This article compares key attributes, strengths and weaknesses of three different approaches to monitoring development interventions: the logical framework approach, participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) and feedback systems. Academic and practitioner literature describes how logframes meet the needs of senior decision makers to summarise, organise and compare projects. PM&E meets the needs of field staff to work sensitively with intended beneficiaries and support their learning and empowerment. Feedback systems appear to link the two, providing performance data for managers and creating incentives for implementing staff to focus on their intended beneficiaries. Feedback systems build on the rich heritage of PM&E and are compatible with logframes. They may help provide a manageable and effective approach to accountability that links the means and the ends of development interventions. Feedback systems are at an early stage of development. There is a lot to learn about how and where they work best.

The use of a UHV nanoprobe allows for simultaneous electrical measurements of individual and bundles of carbon nanotubes while performing STM, SEM and Auger. The Four probe tips can be accurately positioned on to a one-dimensional nanostructure such as a nanotube to perform measurements of resistivity and electrical transport properties at low temperatures, while their exact position can be determined. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been investigated. In particular, the effects of conductivity as a function of the presence or absence of a junction have been investigated. The effects of probe pressure and thermal annealing have been measured, as has the application of pressure to the nanotube. For MWNTs a resistance per unit distance of 4 kΩ/μm has been determined that matches theoretical models. Interestingly, resistance is independent of path at a MWCNT-MWCNT junction; however, there is a 100x increase in resistance at the point of the junction.

This experiment investigated the effects of varying bench inclination and hand spacing on the EMG activity of five muscles acting at the shoulder joint. Six male weight trainers performed presses under four conditions of trunk inclination and two of hand spacing at 80% of their predetermined max. Preamplified surface EMG electrodes were placed over the five muscles in question. The EMG signals during the 2-sec lift indicated some significant effects of trunk inclination and hand spacing. The sternocostal head of the pectoralis major was more active during the press from a horizontal bench than from a decline bench. Also, the clavicular head of the pectoralis major was no more active during the incline bench press than during the horizontal one, but it was less active during the decline bench press. The clavicular head of the pectoralis major was more active with a narrow hand spacing. Anterior deltoid activity tended to increase as trunk inclination increased. The long head of the triceps brachii was more active during the decline and flat bench presses than the other two conditions, and was also more active with a narrow hand spacing. Latissimus dorsi exhibited low activity in all conditions.

Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) has emerged as an incredibly versatile nuclear protein. WSTF and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in which it exists, WINAC, WICH, and B-WICH, have been studied in a variety of organisms. This research has revealed roles for WSTF in a number of diverse molecular events. WSTF function includes chromatin assembly, RNA polymerase I and III gene regulation, vitamin D metabolism, and DNA repair. In addition to functioning as a subunit of several ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, WSTF binds specifically to acetylated histones and is itself a histone kinase as well as a target of phosphorylation. This review will describe the three known WSTF-containing complexes and discuss their various roles as well as mechanisms of regulating WSTF activity.

Since the publication of this review, there have been retractions of papers from the Sikeagi Kato lab cited in this review (http:// retractionwatch.com/category/shigeaki-kato/). The existence of the WINAC complex (and thus its attributed activities) is now in doubt, thus readers should disregard the section of this review that is focused onWINAC. This includes the role ofWINAC in vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent gene regulation, H3K14 binding by WSTF, and MAPK phosphorylation of WSTF and subsequent effects on complex formation. The authors of this review were disappointed to learn of these retractions and ask the readers to take note of the other excellent research cited in this review, and to not let themisconduct of one laboratory color their perceptions of other work in this field.

“Programs for lower secondary students supporting their access to vocational education and training in the senior years: a cross-sectoral approach including school and industry profession development” is a project funded by the Career Education Association of Western Australia and the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The project objectives, findings and recommendations from the preliminary research and other project developments are described. The Internet address for regular updated information is also provided.

You will be able to get some politics with your Paramore this Sunday at WBRU's Dunkin’s Donuts Summer Concert Series . Volunteers from the Secretary of State’s office will spend the afternoon on the Providence waterfront registering fans of Paramore, Jack's Mannequin, Phantom Planet and Paper Route. The voter registration drive is part of our push to get younger voters to the polls in 2008. The goal is to improve turnout among 18-to-24-year-olds leading up to the 2008 elections. In order to register to vote, you must turn 18 by November 4, be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Rhode Island and have a valid social security number or Rhode Island driver’s license. Catch us at the concert this Sunday or download a voter registration form from our website. For more info, contact me at 222-4293 or cbarnett@sec.state.ri.us. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Secretary of State Mollis is reminding Rhode Islanders they have until tomorrow, August 9, to register to vote in the September 9 primary. If you don't happen to be gassing up in the vicinity of the Hot Club on Saturday when the Obama campaign will be registering voters, our office at 148 West River St. in Providence will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to register voters. If Providence isn't your thing tomorrow, we put together a list of the locations in every city and town that will be open on Saturday so you can take advantage of the extra day to register to vote. Completed voter registration forms that have not been turned into local board of canvassers by tomorrow must be postmarked by August 9 in order to make the deadline. At the top of September’s ballot, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed will face Democratic challenger Christopher Young. There are local primaries for state representative, state senate, city council and school committee in many communities this year. In order to register to vote, you must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Rhode Island and have a valid social security number or Rhode Island driver’s license. Registering to vote is free.For more info, contact me at 595-3920 or cbarnett@sec.state.ri.us. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Today at 4 p.m. is the deadline for candidates to submit the signatures of enough eligible Rhode Island voters to get on the ballot this year. You can track the progress of all of the candidates who are vying for a spot on the ballot on the Secretary of State's web site Every morning, we will update the number of signatures that have been certified for every candidate in their quest to appear on the ballot. Signature papers already have started to trickle in from the local boards of canvassers, where the signature papers must be filed by law. We have until July 18 to finish certifying the names in order for candidates to officially be placed on the ballot for the September 9 primary or November 4 election. The 2,800 Rhode Islanders who filed declarations of candidacy last month have had since July 1 to collect the signatures of eligible voters. The thresholds range from 50 signatures for the state House of Representatives and many municipal offices to 1,000 signatures for the U.S. Senate. For more info, contact me at cbarnett@sec.state.ri.us or 222-4293. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Later this week, we will know who intends to run for everything from the U.S. Senate to the town council. Rhode Islanders who plan to run for office this year have until this Wednesday, June 25, to file official Declarations of Candidacy. The Secretary of State has posted many of the necessary forms and all the key dates in the 2008 election calendar. Need more info? Contact me at cbarnett@sec.state.ri.us or 222-4293. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]