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Field validation of sensitivity and specificity of rapid test for detection of Brugia malayi infection
Jamail M, Andrew K, Junaidi D, Krishnan AK, Faizal M, Rahmah N
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2005 Jan;10(1):99-104.
We conducted a field study of a rapid test (Brugia Rapid) for detection of Brugia malayi infection to validate its sensitivity and specificity under operational conditions. Seven districts in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, which are endemic for brugian filariasis, were used to determine the test sensitivity. Determination of specificity was performed in another state in Malaysia (Bachok, Kelantan) which is non-endemic for filariasis but endemic for soil-transmitted helminths. In Sarawak both the rapid test and thick blood smear preparation were performed in the field. The rapid test was interpreted on site, whereas blood smears were taken to the district health centres for staining and microscopic examination. Sensitivity of Brugia Rapid dipstick as compared with microscopy of thick blood smears was 87% (20/23; 95% CI: 66.4-97.2) whereas the specificity was 100% (512/512). The lower sensitivity of the test in the field than in laboratory evaluations (> or =95%), was probably due to the small number of microfilaraemic individuals, in addition to difficulties in performing the test in remote villages by field personnel. The overall prevalence of brugian filariasis as determined by the dipstick is 9.4% (95% CI: 8.2-0.5) while that determined by microscopy is 0.90% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) thus the dipstick detected about 10 times more cases than microscopy. Equal percentages of adults and children were found to be positive by the dipstick whereas microscopy showed that the number of infected children was seven times less than infected adults. The rapid dipstick test was useful as a diagnostic tool for mapping and certification phases of the lymphatic filariasis elimination programme in B. malayi-endemic areas.
Multicentre laboratory evaluation of Brugia Rapid dipstick test for detection of brugian filariasis
Rahmah N, Shenoy RK, Nutman TB, Weiss N, Gilmour K, Maizels RM, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2003 Oct;8(10):895-900.
A multicentre evaluation of the Brugia Rapid dipstick test was performed using 1263 serum samples in four international laboratories, i.e. T.D. Medical College (TDMC, India), National Institutes of Health (NIH, USA), Swiss Tropical Institute (STI, Switzerland) and Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC, Netherlands). In comparison with microscopy, the dipstick demonstrated sensitivities of 97.2% (70 of 72) at TDMC, 91.6% (175 of 191) at LUMC and 100% (six of six) at STI. Sera of chronic patients showed a positivity rate of 11.3% (19 of 168) and 61.2% (71of 116) at TDMC and LUMC, respectively. All 266 sera of non-endemic normals from STI, NIH and LUMC tested negative with the dipstick. At LUMC, sera of 'endemic normals' (amicrofilaraemics with no clinical disease) from an area with approximately 35% microfilaria positivity showed 60.8% positive results (31 of 51), thus demonstrating the likelihood of many cryptic infections occurring in this population. Specificities of the test with Onchocerca volvulus sera were 98.8% (80 of 81) and 100% (10 of 10) at the NIH and STI, respectively; while specificity with Loa loa sera at the NIH was 84.6% (44 of 52). At the STI, the dipstick test also demonstrated 100% specificity when tested with 75 sera from various protozoan and helminthic infections.
The prevalence of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in Sekong Province, Lao PDR in relation to malaria transmission
Vythilingam I, Phetsouvanh R, Keokenchanh K, Yengmala V, Vanisaveth V, Phompida S, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2003 Jun;8(6):525-35.
A longitudinal study was conducted on the prevalence of Anopheles in three malaria endemic villages in Sekong province, in the southern region of Lao PDR, from August 2000 to October 2001. All night, human landing collections took place in August and October 2000 and April and October 2001, and blood smears were taken for malaria parasites during the same period. Mosquitoes were tested for sporozoite antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In August 2000 (wet season) and April 2001 (dry season) the ovaries of the mosquitoes were examined for parity. A total of 16 species of Anopheles were caught in the study sites of which An. dirus A, An. maculatus sl and An. jeyporiensis were positive for sporozoites. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) ranged from 0.06 to 0.25. There was a good correlation between EIR and vectorial capacity in the wet season, especially in Pai Mai where the prevalence of malaria was also high during the wet seasons (11.8 and 10.53). An. dirus A showed ambivalence in their choice of feeding as approximately 50% attacked man indoors and an equal proportion outdoors. An dirus A was the main vector in Pai Mai. The parous rate did not significantly differ between the wet and dry season, although it was higher in the dry season. In Takaio the parasite prevalence ranged from 8.7% (dry season) to 37.1% (wet season) and An. jeyporiensis was the vector, and the risk of infection was 0.85 in the dry season while 0.99 in the wet season. In Toumgno An. maculatus sl was the vector and infection was found only in August and October 2000. However, malaria prevalence ranged from 9.69 to 20.4% and was equally high in the dry season. Cattle were also present close to the houses in all the villages and this might be a contributory factor in the prevalence of malaria.
Short communication: use of a recombinant antigen-based ELISA to determine prevalence of brugian filariasis among Malaysian schoolchildren near Pasir Mas, Kelantan-Thailand border
Rahmah N, Lim BH, Azian H, Ramelah TS, Rohana AR
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2003 Feb;8(2):158-63.
Brugian filariasis infects 13 million people in Asia. The routine prevalence survey method using night thick blood smear is not sensitive enough to reflect the actual infection prevalence. In 1997-2001, only three microfilaraemic cases (of 5601 individuals screened; 0.05%) were reported in Pasir Mas, a district in Kelantan (Malaysia), which shares a border with Thailand. We therefore investigated the infection prevalence in this district by employing a sensitive and specific serological assay (Brugia-Elisa). This test is based on detection of specific IgG4 antibody against a Brugia malayi recombinant antigen. A total of 5138 children, aged 7-12 years, from 16 primary schools, were tested. Eighteen pupils in eight schools, located in five subdistricts, tested positive, giving an overall prevalence rate of 0.35%. Infection in these children is significant as they represent more recent cases. These subdistricts should be included in the national filariasis elimination programme.
Susceptibility of Culex sitiens to Japanese encephalitis virus in peninsular Malaysia
Vythilingam I, Tan SB, Krishnasamy M
The susceptibility of Culex sitiens to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus was examined in the laboratory. Cx. sitiens became infected with JE virus on day 8 and subsequently it is able to transmit the virus when it takes a blood meal. Both parts of the experiment were carried out using artificial membrane feeding technique.
Isolate resistance of Blastocystis hominis to metronidazole
Haresh K, Suresh K, Khairul Anus A, Saminathan S
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 1999 Apr;4(4):274-7.
Isolates of Blastocystis hominis from infected immigrant workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh and infected individuals from Singapore and Malaysia were assessed for growth pattern and degree of resistance to different concentrations of metronidazole. Viability of the cells was assessed using eosin-brillian cresyl blue which stained viable cells green and nonviable cells red. The Bangladeshi and Singaporean isolates were nonviable even at the lowest concentration of 0.01 mg/ml, whereas 40% of the initial inoculum of parasites from the Indonesian isolate at day one were still viable in cultures with 1.0 mg/ml metronidazole. The study shows that isolates of B. hominis of different geographical origin have different levels of resistance to metronidazole. The search for more effective drugs to eliminate th parasite appears inevitable, especially since surviving parasites from metronidazole cultures show greater ability to multiply in subcultures than controls.
Stability of strain genotypes of Burkholderia pseudomallei from patients with single and recurrent episodes of melioidosis
Vadivelu J, Puthucheary SD, Drasar BS, Dance DA, Pitt TL
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 1998 Jul;3(7):518-21.
The constancy of strain genotypes of multiple isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from 13 patients with melioidosis was examined by BamHI ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of XbaI digests of DNA. Seven of 8 patients with single episodes of melioidosis each yielded genetically identical isolates and only one of five patients with recurrent episodes was infected with a new strain clearly distinct from the original primary strain. Variation was observed in PFGE patterns of primary and relapse isolates of another patient but this was insufficient to define genetically distinct strains. We conclude that most patients with single or multiple episodes of melioidosis retain a single strain.
Review of varicella zoster seroepidemiology in India and Southeast Asia
Lee BW
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 1998 Nov;3(11):886-90.
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) predominantly affects children in temperate countries, with near-universal seroconversion occurring by late childhood. However, in tropical regions, VZV infection is common in adolescents and adults. This review identifies age-related VZV seroprevalence patterns in a number of Asian countries which indicate that seroconversion in tropical countries occurs at a later age than in temperate countries. Seasonal and regional variations in acute disease within some Asian countries suggest that temperate climates might favour transmission of the varicella virus, with incidence peaking during cooler months and in cooler, more temperate regions. VZV infection is often more severe in adults than in children, suggesting that tropical countries may be at risk of greater morbidity and mortality as a result of later-age seroconversion. Susceptibility of pregnant women and their infants, and of people infected with HIV/AIDS is also cause for concern. Vaccination may be beneficial in reducing the impact of VZV in Asian populations.
Use of antifilarial IgG4-ELISA to detect Brugia malayi infection in an endemic area of Malaysia
Rahmah N, Anuar AK, Ariff RH, Zurainee MN, A'shikin AN, Fadzillah A, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 1998 Mar;3(3):184-8.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of antifilarial IgG4 antibody assay in detecting B. malayi infection in a filaria endemic area in Malaysia.
METHODS: A sandwich ELISA using B. malayi soluble antigen was employed to detect antifilarial IgG4 antibodies in serum samples of 330 individuals who comprised 88 healthy individuals from nonendemic areas, 15 B. malayi microfilaraemic cases, 22 individuals with soil-transmitted helminthiases, 9 elephantiasis cases and 196 residents from a B. malayi-endemic area. An O.D. value of > 0.420 at serum dilution of 1:400 was used as the cut-off point. This cut-off point was obtained by taking the mean optical density (0.252 + 4 S.E.) of 36 negative sera which had O.D. values greater than 0.1 at serum dilution of 1:400.
RESULTS: All 15 microfilaraemic persons were positive for antifilarial IgG4 antibody. Non-endemic normals, soil-transmitted helminth infected persons and chronic elephantiasis cases were negative for antifilarial IgG4 antibody. Of the 196 individuals from the filaria endemic area, 37 (18.8%) demonstrated presence of antifilarial IgG4 antibodies; and only eight individuals (4.1%) were positive for microfilariae. All eight microfilaraemic individuals were also positive for antifilarial IgG4 antibodies.
CONCLUSION: Antifilarial IgG4-ELISA could detect 4.6 times more positive cases than the microfilaria detection method. With appropriate cut-off values that eliminate cross-reactivities, this serological tool is very useful for Brugia malayi prevalence surveys and diagnosis.
Poverty and mortality among the elderly: measurement of performance in 33 countries 1960-92
Wang J, Jamison DT, Bos E, Vu MT
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 1997 Oct;2(10):1001-10.
This paper analyses the effect of income and education on life expectancy and mortality rates among the elderly in 33 countries for the period 1960-92 and assesses how that relationship has changed over time as a result of technical progress. Our outcome variables are life expectancy at age 60 and the probability of dying between age 60 and age 80 for both males and females. The data are from vital-registration based life tables published by national statistical offices for several years during this period. We estimate regressions with determinants that include GDP per capita (adjusted for purchasing power), education and time (as a proxy for technical progress). As the available measure of education failed to account for variation in life expectancy or mortality at age 60, our reported analyses focus on a simplified model with only income and time as predictors. The results indicate that, controlling for income, mortality rates among the elderly have declined considerably over the past three decades. We also find that poverty (as measured by low average income levels) explains some of the variation in both life expectancy at age 60 and mortality rates among the elderly across the countries in the sample. The explained amount of variation is more substantial for females than for males. While poverty does adversely affect mortality rates among the elderly (and the strength of this effect is estimated to be increasing over time), technical progress appears far more important in the period following 1960. Predicted female life expectancy (at age 60) in 1960 at the mean income level in 1960 was, for example 18.8 years; income growth to 1992 increased this by an estimated 0.7 years, whereas technical progress increased it by 2.0 years. We then use the estimated regression results to compare country performance on life expectancy of the elderly, controlling for levels of poverty (or income), and to assess how performance has varied over time. High performing countries, on female life expectancy at age 60, for the period around 1990, included Chile (1.0 years longer life expectancy), China (1.7 years longer), France (2.0 years longer), Japan (1.9 years longer), and Switzerland (1.3 years longer). Poorly performing countries included Denmark (1.1 years shorter life expectancy than predicted from income), Hungary (1.4 years shorter), Iceland (1.2 years shorter), Malaysia (1.6 years shorter), and Trinidad and Tobago (3.9 years shorter). Chile and Switzerland registered major improvements in relative performance over this period; Norway, Taiwan and the USA, in contrast showed major declines in performance between 1980 and the early 1990s.
Fulltext Rotavirus vaccines contribute towards universal health coverage in a mixed public-private healthcare system
Loganathan T, Jit M, Hutubessy R, Ng CW, Lee WS, Verguet S
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2016 Nov;21(11):1458-1467.
PMID: 27503549 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12766
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate rotavirus vaccination in Malaysia from the household's perspective. The extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) framework quantifies the broader value of universal vaccination starting with non-health benefits such as financial risk protection and equity. These dimensions better enable decision-makers to evaluate policy on the public finance of health programmes.
METHODS: The incidence, health service utilisation and household expenditure related to rotavirus gastroenteritis according to national income quintiles were obtained from local data sources. Multiple birth cohorts were distributed into income quintiles and followed from birth over the first five years of life in a multicohort, static model.
RESULTS: We found that the rich pay more out of pocket (OOP) than the poor, as the rich use more expensive private care. OOP payments among the poorest although small are high as a proportion of household income. Rotavirus vaccination results in substantial reduction in rotavirus episodes and expenditure and provides financial risk protection to all income groups. Poverty reduction benefits are concentrated amongst the poorest two income quintiles.
CONCLUSION: We propose that universal vaccination complements health financing reforms in strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC). ECEA provides an important tool to understand the implications of vaccination for UHC, beyond traditional considerations of economic efficiency.
Fulltext Evaluation of two commercially available ELISAs for the diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis applied to field samples
Lewthwaite P, Shankar MV, Tio PH, Daly J, Last A, Ravikumar R, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2010 Jul;15(7):811-8.
PMID: 20487425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02537.x
OBJECTIVE: To compare two commercially available kits, Japanese Encephalitis-Dengue IgM Combo ELISA (Panbio Diagnostics) and JEV-CheX IgM capture ELISA (XCyton Diagnostics Limited), to a reference standard (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak - Venture Technologies VT ELISA).
METHODS: Samples were obtained from 172/192 children presenting to a site in rural India with acute encephalitis syndrome.
RESULTS: Using the reference VT ELISA, infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was confirmed in 44 (26%) patients, with central nervous system infection confirmed in 27 of these; seven patients were dengue seropositive. Of the 121 remaining patients, 37 (31%) were JEV negative and 84 (69%) were JEV unknown because timing of the last sample tested was <10 day of illness or unknown. For patient classification with XCyton, using cerebrospinal fluid alone (the recommended sample), sensitivity was 77.8% (59.2-89.4) with specificity of 97.3% (90.6-99.2). For Panbio ELISA, using serum alone (the recommended sample), sensitivity was 72.5% (57.2-83.9) with specificity of 97.5% (92.8-99.1). Using all available samples for patient classification, sensitivity and specificity were 63.6% (95% CI: 48.9-76.2) and 98.4% (94.5-99.6), respectively, for XCyton ELISA and 75.0% (59.3-85.4) and 97.7% (93.3-99.2) for Panbio ELISA.
CONCLUSION: The two commercially available ELISAs had reasonable sensitivities and excellent specificities for diagnosing JEV.
Fulltext Classifying dengue: a review of the difficulties in using the WHO case classification for dengue haemorrhagic fever
Bandyopadhyay S, Lum LC, Kroeger A
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2006 Aug;11(8):1238-55.
BACKGROUND: The current World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of dengue includes two distinct entities: dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome; it is largely based on pediatric cases in Southeast Asia. Dengue has extended to different tropical areas and older age groups. Variations from the original description of dengue manifestations are being reported.
OBJECTIVES: To analyse the experience of clinicians in using the dengue case classification and identify challenges in applying the criteria in routine clinical practice.
METHOD: Systematic literature review of post-1975 English-language publications on dengue classification.
RESULTS: Thirty-seven papers were reviewed. Several studies had strictly applied all four WHO criteria in DHF cases; however, most clinicians reported difficulties in meeting all four criteria and used a modified classification. The positive tourniquet test representing the minimum requirement of a haemorrhagic manifestation did not distinguish between DHF and DF. In cases of DHF thrombocytopenia was observed in 8.6-96%, plasma leakage in 6-95% and haemorrhagic manifestations in 22-93%. The low sensitivity of classifying DHF could be due to failure to repeat the tests or physical examinations at the appropriate time, early intravenous fluid therapy, and lack of adequate resources in an epidemic situation and perhaps a considerable overlap of clinical manifestations in the different dengue entities.
CONCLUSION: A prospective multi-centre study across dengue endemic regions, age groups and the health care system is required which describes the clinical presentation of dengue including simple laboratory parameters in order to review and if necessary modify the current dengue classification.
Fulltext A decade of Japanese encephalitis surveillance in Sarawak, Malaysia: 1997-2006
Wong SC, Ooi MH, Abdullah AR, Wong SY, Krishnan S, Tio PH, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2008 Jan;13(1):52-5.
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an important encephalitis virus in Asia, but there are few data on Malaysia. A hospital-based surveillance system for Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been in operation in Sarawak, Malaysia, for the last 10 years. JEV is endemic in Sarawak, with cases occurring throughout the year and a seasonal peak in the last quarter (one-way anova, P < 0.0001). Ninety-two per cent of 133 cases were children aged 12 years or younger; the introduction of JE vaccination in July 2001 reduced the number of JE cases (84 in the four seasons prior to vs. 49 in the six seasons after, McNemar's test, P = 0.0001). After implementation of the programme, the mean age of infected children increased from 6.3 to 8.0 years (Student's t-test, P = 0.0037), suggesting the need for a catch-up programme.
First molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections in Yemen: different species-specific associated risk factors
Al-Areeqi MA, Sady H, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS, Al-Adhroey AH, Atroosh WM, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2017 04;22(4):493-504.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections among rural communities in Yemen.
METHODS: In a community-based study, faecal samples were collected from 605 participants and examined by wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome staining and nested multiplex PCR techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and environmental information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
RESULTS: Overall, 324 (53.6%) of the samples were positive for Entamoeba cysts and/or trophozoites by microscopic examination. Molecular analysis revealed that 20.2%, 15.7% and 18.2% of the samples were positive for E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed different sets of species-specific risk factors among these communities. Educational level was identified as the significant risk factor for E. histolytica; age and gender were the significant risk factors for E. moshkovskii; and sources of drinking water and consumption of unwashed vegetables were the significant risk factors for E. dispar. Moreover, living in coastal/foothill areas and presence of other infected family members were risk factors for both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii infections.
CONCLUSION: The study reveals that Entamoeba spp. infection is highly prevalent among rural communities in Yemen, with E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii differentiated for the first time. Identifying and treating infected family members, providing health education pertinent to good personal and food hygiene practices and providing clean drinking water should be considered in developing a strategy to control intestinal parasitic infections in these communities, particularly in the coastal/foothill areas of the country.
Seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies among market workers and food handlers in the central state of Malaysia
Samsudin S, Sakinah SNS, Malina O, Norliza BA, Noh MA, Fairuz A, et al.
OBJECTIVE: The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars, and to assess the usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening method for leptospiral antibodies in a high-risk healthy community.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 231 market workers and food handlers in wet markets and food premises from two localities in central Malaysia. Respondents' background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using ELISA and microscopic agglutination test (MAT).
RESULTS: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among healthy workers was 46.3%. Detection of seropositivity was higher by MAT (46%) than ELISA (15%). We observed high seropositivity among local workers (49%), food handlers (49.5%), females (60.8%) and those aged 34 years and older (46.3%). Local strain LEP175 was the predominant serovar, followed by WHO strain Patoc.
CONCLUSION: Overall seroprevalence among healthy food handlers and market workers was high in this study. The workplace places susceptible individuals at risk of leptospirosis.
Fulltext Salmonella Typhi genomics: envisaging the future of typhoid eradication
Yap KP, Thong KL
Next-generation whole-genome sequencing has revolutionised the study of infectious diseases in recent years. The availability of genome sequences and its understanding have transformed the field of molecular microbiology, epidemiology, infection treatments and vaccine developments. We review the key findings of the publicly accessible genomes of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi since the first complete genome to the most recent release of thousands of Salmonella Typhi genomes, which remarkably shape the genomic research of S. Typhi and other pathogens. Important new insights acquired from the genome sequencing of S. Typhi, pertaining to genomic variations, evolution, population structure, antibiotic resistance, virulence, pathogenesis, disease surveillance/investigation and disease control are discussed. As the numbers of sequenced genomes are increasing at an unprecedented rate, fine variations in the gene pool of S. Typhi are captured in high resolution, allowing deeper understanding of the pathogen's evolutionary trends and its pathogenesis, paving the way to bringing us closer to eradication of typhoid through effective vaccine/treatment development.
Vector competence of Malaysian Aedes albopictus with and without Wolbachia to four dengue virus serotypes
Joanne S, Vythilingam I, Teoh BT, Leong CS, Tan KK, Wong ML, et al.
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2017 09;22(9):1154-1165.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus with and without Wolbachia to the four dengue virus serotypes.
METHODS: Two newly colonised colonies of Ae. albopictus from the wild were used for the study. One colony was naturally infected with Wolbachia while in the other Wolbachia was removed by tetracycline treatment. Both colonies were orally infected with dengue virus-infected fresh blood meal. Dengue virus load was measured using quantitative RT-PCR at four-time intervals in the salivary glands, midguts and ovaries.
RESULTS: Wolbachia did not significantly affect Malaysian Ae. albopictus dengue infection or the dissemination rate for all four dengue virus serotypes. Malaysian Ae. albopictus had the highest replication kinetics for DENV-1 and the highest salivary gland and midgut infection rate for DENV-4.
CONCLUSION: Wolbachia, which naturally exists in Malaysian Ae. albopictus, does not significantly affect dengue virus replication. Malaysian Ae. albopictus is susceptible to dengue virus infections and capable of transmitting dengue virus, especially DENV-1 and DENV-4. Removal of Wolbachia from Malaysian Ae. albopictus would not reduce their susceptibility status.
Nasal colonisation, antimicrobial susceptibility and genotypic pattern of Staphylococcus aureus among agricultural biotechnology students in Besut, Terengganu, east coast of Malaysia
Zarizal S, Yeo CC, Faizal GM, Chew CH, Zakaria ZA, Jamil Al-Obaidi MM, et al.
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to profile the antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of resistance and virulence genes of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA nasal carriage, by means of genotypic analyses, in students of a tertiary institution in the state of Terengganu, east coast of Malaysia.
METHODS: A total of 370 agricultural biotechnology students from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in Besut, Terengganu, were enrolled in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were evaluated by standard methods. PCR detection of resistance and virulence genes was performed on S. aureus that were methicillin-resistant, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB )-positive phenotype and/or positive for the leukocidin (pvl) gene followed by staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), staphylococcal protein A (spa) and accessory gene regulator (agr) typing.
RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen of 370 students carried S. aureus (32%); 18 of the isolates were MRSA (15%). Erythromycin resistance was detected in 20% (24/119) of which 15% (18/119) were MRSA and 5% (6/119) MSSA. Among the 24 erythromycin-resistant isolates, D-test was positive in 29% (7/24) displaying inducible MLSB , whereas the remaining 71% (17/24) showed constitutive MLSB phenotypes. Nine (7.6%) of 119 isolates were pvl positive: 44% MRSA (4/9) and 56% MSSA (5/9). Staphylococcal surface protein sasX gene was present in 92% of MRSA and 8% of MSSA isolates. The majority of MRSA isolates were agr type I (15/18; 83%). Five spa types identified with spa t037 were predominant, followed by spa types (t304 and t8696) as newly reported Malaysian MRSA in a community setting.
CONCLUSION: The presence of MRSA with SCCmec of hospital-associated features and globally recognised spa types in community setting is worrisome. Furthermore, the presence of MLSB strains among multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus with sasX as well as pvl-positive isolates highlights the potential risk of a community setting in facilitating the dissemination of both virulence and resistance determinants.
Seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman Islands using recombinant surface antigens 3 (rSAG3) of Sarcocystis falcatula
Tengku-Idris TIN, Fong MY, Lau YL
Trop. Med. Int. Health, 2018 12;23(12):1374-1383.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the seroprevalence of Sarcocystosis in the local communities of Pangkor and Tioman islands, Malaysia, by using antigenic recombinant surface antigens 2 and 3 from Sarcocystis falcatula (rSfSAG2 and rSfSAG3) as the target proteins via Western blot and ELISA assays.
METHODS: SfSAG2 and SfSAG3 genes were isolated from S. falcatula and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. A total of 348 serum samples [volunteers from both islands (n = 100), non-Sarcocystis parasitic infections patients (n = 50) and healthy donors (n = 100)] were collected and tested with purified SfSAGs in Western blot and ELISA assays to measure the seroprevalence of human sarcocystosis.
RESULTS: None of the sera in this study reacted with rSfSAG2 by Western blot and ELISA. For rSfSAG3, relatively high prevalence of sarcocystosis was observed in Tioman Island (75.5%) than in Pangkor Island (34%) by Western blot. In ELISA, the different prevalence rate was observed between Tioman Island (43.8%) and Pangkor Island (37%). The prevalence rate in other parasitic infections (amoebiasis, cysticercosis, filariasis, malaria, toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis) was 30% by Western blot and 26% by ELISA. Only 8% (by Western blot) and 10% (by ELISA) of healthy donors showed reactivity towards rSfSAG3.
CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting a seroprevalence of sarcocystosis in Pangkor and Tioman Islands, Malaysia. The combination of Western blot and ELISA is suitable to be used for serodiagnosis of sarcocystosis. With further evaluations, SfSAG3 can potentially be used to confirm infection, asymptomatic screening, surveillance and epidemiological studies.
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text:
Q: visual studio express 2012 for winjs project I developed a small game using html5/javascript.
I hope to run it on windows phone.
I am using visual studio express 2012 to develop app.
As I know, windows phone 8.0 supports winjs/html5 development.
But I can not find where is javascript project creator(likes in VS 2012 for winrt) in visual studio express 2012.
There is only html5 app option under c# item
Your comment welcome

A: Visual Studio Express 2012 can be used to write Windows 8 apps with WinJS, but not Windows Phone 8 apps. Writing apps with HTML/CSS/JS and WinJS on is supported starting with Windows Phone 8.1, in which case you need Visual Studio Express 2013. See http://www.visualstudio.com/en-US/products/visual-studio-express-vs.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Harold C. Hutchison
4 necessary New Year's resolutions for the US Army
As the new year begins, we all make resolutions in an effort to be better than we were last year. Working to improve, year over year, is a fundamental value of the military, so we think they deserve some resolutions of their own. Let's start with the Army, which spent 2017 fighting two wars.
So, what should the Army resolve to do better in 2018?
4. Start work on new armored vehicles
The M1A2 Abrams and the M2/M3 Bradley Fighting vehicles have served well, but they're designs from the late 1970s, and upgrades can only do so much. Russia is developing the Armata family of armored vehicles, which have a number of new technologies, like active-protection systems, installed.
The Army needs to start work on new armored vehicles that can show the same superiority over the Armata family that the Abrams and Bradley demonstrated over the T-72 and BMP once upon a time.
The M2 Bradley has seen a lot of desert miles. (National War College Military Image Collection)
3. Develop a new scout helicopter
The OH-58 retired in 2016. It outlasted two planned replacements, the RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter and the ARH-70 Arapaho. The Army is now trying to make do by using the AH-64 Apache as a scout helicopter.
This just isn't gonna work. The Apache has a good sensor suite, but why would you send it out carrying less than full firepower? Furthermore, putting firepower on a scout helicopter might just tempt a pilot to go beyond the call of a recon mission. So, getting a new scout helicopter, like the H145M from Airbus, has to be on the Army's "to do" list for 2018.
Airbus H145M helicopter showing a gun pod on the left pylon. (Photo from Airbus Helicopters)
2. Stock enough munitions
The Heritage Foundation reported that the Army's chief of logistics warned of shortages of some crucial weapons. Among them are MIM-104 Patriot missiles, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Excalibur GPS-guided 155mm shells, and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense missiles.
This shortage affects those on the front — and not just because they may run out of ammo, having to resort to spitballs. Proper training on weapon systems helps to keep troops proficient, and proper training requires munitions.
A Patriot Air and Missile Defense launcher fires an interceptor during a previous test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The latest configuration of the system, called PDB-8, has passed four flight tests and is now with the U.S. Army for a final evaluation. (Image from Raytheon)
1. Improve readiness
The Heritage Foundation report noted that only 10 of the Army's 31 active brigade combat teams are combat-ready. That number is actually a misnomer, since of those 10, only three are able to fight right away. There's a word for this: Unacceptable.
The Army needs to get more of its "combat ready" brigades ready to fight right away. That means making sure the troops have enough training, that their gear is in top shape, and that they have enough munitions to fight.
A U.S. Army Paratrooper, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, engages targets during a recon and sniper break contact live fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 6, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Gerhard Seuffert)
What resolutions do you want to see the United States Army make for 2018? Comment below!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Bingham Drive remains closed until Spring 2018 when the road will be restored.
DC Water is performing sewer rehabilitation projects throughout the city as part of its Capital Improvement Program. This project involves the rehabilitation of sewers on Oregon Avenue, NW from Beech Street, NW to Bingham Drive, NW and on Bingham Drive, NW from Nebraska Avenue, NW to Beach Drive, NW. DC Water is responsible for four sanitary sewer interceptors that cross the western half of Rock Creek Park owned by the National Park Service (NPS).
The sewers along Oregon Avenue, NW drain into one of four sewers that cross the western half of Rock Creek Park, conveying flow from Oregon Avenue, NW to the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI).
Three of these park crossings are in natural stream channels and are subject to erosion; two of those crossings are severely exposed and require abandonment.
The fourth sewer is within the paved area of Bingham, Drive NW.
The objective of this project is to design and build a replacement sewer interceptor through the park to allow the abandonment the deteriorated interceptor. To better facilitate future maintenance and access the NPS allowed the sewer to remain through the only paved roadway in the area – Bingham Drive, NW. Benefits of this project include the rehabilitation of an aging sewer system, improving structural integrity while maintaining adequate hydraulic capacity, and reducing stream and groundwater infiltration and sanitary sewer overflows.
Construction of approximately 2,100 feet of new trunk sewer along Oregon Avenue, NW to redirect the flows to Bingham Drive, NW and abandoning the three park crossing sewers in or adjacent to streams.
Construction of approximately 2,300 feet of new trunk sewer along Bingham Drive, NW to convey the flows from Oregon Avenue, NW to the RCMI.
Replacing the old Creekbed sewer interceptor.
Construction of new sewer manholes along Oregon Avenue, NW and Bingham Drive, NW.


All merchandise remains the property of Floyd's Sewing Repair until invoice is paid in full. Receipt required for all returns. 20% Restocking Fee applies to all returns. No returns after 30 days. Thank you for choosing Floyd's Sewing Repair for your sewing, quilt and embroidery needs.


Zinacantán is located in the Mexican state of Chiapas in the municipality of Zinacantán.
Located at an altitude of 1160 meters, Zinacantán is home for 3686 inhabitants. About 50.84 percent of the local population are adults. While the medium quantity of years at school is 4 years, there are still about 937 persons who dont know write or read.
3518 people are of indigenous origin and a total of 3098 individuals older than 5 years still speak an indigenous language.
The longitude of Zinacantán is -92.722222, the latitude is 16.759722.
The website www.nuestro-mexico.com offers additional information about Zinacantán in spanish language at Zinacantán, Chiapas.
If You do not see any photos of Zinacantán here, please visit Panoramio.com and add some pictures of Zinacantán and nearby areas.


Are We Built to Be Monogamous? Apparently Not, No.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and that doesn't change just because someone's put a ring on your finger.
When all is said and done, being in a monogamous relationship is hard. Very hard. But perhaps that's because we're not programmed to be monogamous by nature. That's certainly what extramarital dating website, IllicitEncounters.com, seem to suggest.
By their reckoning, even those in a happy marriage are susceptible to cheating. Why? Well, there is no definitive answer, rather several different ones that differ on a case by case basis.
You might love your significant other, but they can't please you where it counts; whether that stems from a medical issue or not, the bottom line remains the same.
Or, quite simply, people just get bored. I couldn't eat the same meal for 20 years in a row, nor could I do the same job, laugh at the same jokes, or maintain the same, mundane daily routine. So sticking with the same partner can become very stale, very quickly, especially when life – be that work, kids or health – starts to get in the way.
The answer? Well, needless to say, the aforementioned site think an affair is the way to go. Maybe they're right.


text:
The 2015 Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament was a tournament played March 11–14 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Seeds
Teams were seeded by conference record, with a ties broken by record between the tied teams followed by record against the regular-season champion, if necessary. The top six seeds received first round byes.

Schedule

Bracket

* denotes an overtime period

References

External links
2015 Mountain West Championship

Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament
Tournament
Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament
Mountain West Conference men's basketball tournament

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Sect number one offers a selection of beautifully crafted, warm, harmonic Detroit techno soul.
Limited re-issue by demand of this 4 track Detroit techno classic by DJ Bone. For those who missed out on the first run.
From the NSCx2 (double groove) series.. 1 cool electro track and 2 great techno tunes.. KILLER RELEASE!!
part 1 of the limited 10'' Longevity serie from Dj Bone on colored vinyl.. strong uptempo tribal detroit techno tracks..CHECK!!
part 2 of the limited 10'' Longevity serie from Dj Bone on colored vinyl.. strong uptempo tribal detroit techno tracks..CHECK!!
Bouncy floor dedicated classic percussive dark Detroit techno.
Rush percussive funky deep house with piano and spooky windy sounds throughout.
Classic Detroit..deep atmospheric techno with on the flip an uptempo tech-house track.
Triple cd mixed by dj Bone. More info following soon!
Remixes by two of the most hot producers of the moment: Redshape (Present, Styrax Leaves, Delsin, MM) and Rejected (aka Joris Voorn). Massive!
DJ Bone keeps the Detroit sound alive with these soulful & powerful songs.
Initially only available as hand numbered limited edition of 300 pieces.
Subject Detroit looks towards the future, nurturing youth with this collaboration.


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Susannah Willey Writes
historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
Writing Projects
The Introvert Files
New Years Resolution?
February 6, 2022 February 6, 2022 ~ Susannah Willey
I'm always reading. Usually two books at a time: one for reading during the day, another for bedtime reading. So I decided that this year (you could call it my New Year's Resolution), I'm going to keep track of what I read. (the first two were started in December, but finished in 2022 so, hey, they go on my list!)
Catch Me, Lisa Gardner. (finished January 2) Another great read in the Detective D.D. Warren series about a young woman, Charlene Grant, who believes she is going to die. After all, her two best friends have been murdered on the same date: One two years ago, the other last year. Charlene has vowed not to be the third. Charlene's past is of the murky kind. Even now she remembers little of her life "before," and she often loses time, as if she has momentarily blanked out. She's fled from her tiny hometown to Boston, hiding from her unknown stalker and training for the day she'll have to defend herself. In the meantime, murders in the city have begun to point toward her. Is she the hunted — or the hunter?
To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Jeff Shaara: (finished January 3) This is the second of Jeff Shaara's World War II novels that I've read. Shaara takes real life humans–some famous and others obscure–and weaves a novel around their experiences. To Wake the Giant looks at both the Japanese and American decisions, deceptions, and missteps that led up to the United States' entry into the second World War.
Later, Stephen King. This was a quick read and the kind of Stephen King novel I like: short on graphic violence and long on black humor and suspense. It's about Jamie Conklin, a thrteen-year-old boy who sees and talks to dead people. You might roll your eyes at that (cue Haley Joel Osment) but this story is not the same. Nobody knows about Jamie's "gift" except him and his mom, and they intend to keep it that way. When his mother's literary business is threatened by the death of her most famous–and only–client, it's up to Jamie to get the author to relate the story that was left unfinished when he died. But of course things don't go as expected.
The Mermaid and the Bear, Ailish Sinclair. Isobell is much like many girls of her time, betrothed in a politically advantageous fashion to a man who is known for his cruelty. Understandably, Isobel runs like hell. She ends up in Scotland pretending to be a house servant, but of course you know that's not going to last. And of course there is a romance with the Laird of the manor. There is witchcraft and betrayal, the reappearance of the shunned bridegroom and Isobell's older brother who is determined to keep her from inheriting what he wants for himself. Although there are a few common tropes here, they fit easily and convincingly into the story. I'm interested in reading the next book in this series, Firefles and Chocolate.
A Letter From Munich, Meg Lelvis. Another WWII novel, this one about a love letter discovered in 2012 in a box of keepsakes belonging to ex-cop Jack Bailey's father. When Jack is invited by a friend to accompany him on his annual trip visit family in Germany, Jack decides to track down the mysterious woman from the letter. Jack's adventures in Germany are interspersed with the story of Ariana and her sister, Renate, young women living in 1930's Munich. You guessed it: Ariana is the "mysterious woman," and we get to hear her story along with the story of a side of Jack Bailey's father he never knew.
Forgotten in Death, JD Robb. Another favorite of mine, the "In Death" series by JD Robb is what I turn to when I need "light and easy" reading. In this latest installment, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called to the scene of a murder–a body found in a dumpster. The victim is a woman well-known to the locals, whose defining characteristics include origami flowers and keeping a notebook of minor offenses she witnesses. This time it seems the offense wasn't minor: the book has disappeared. While investigating, Eve is called to a nearby building site (a site which her husband, Rourke, has jut purchased) where skeletal remains have been uncovered: a young woman and her unborn child, apparently from an upper class family based on the gold jewelry and designer shoes she wore. Eve is determined to solve both murders and, in the process discovers the shady deals and forbidden secrets of a family dynasty.
The Amber Crane, Malve Von Hassel. In the middle of the Thrty Years' War, Peter, a young apprentice in the amber guild chafes at the rules that confine his artistic talent to crafting rosary beads and similar mundane bits of jewelry. Walking along a beach, an act that in itself is prohibited, he finds a large piece of raw amber. In it he envisions a beautiful crane, its wings spread. He can't simply throw it back in the ocean, even though keeping it could cause his arrest and more. But there is something else about this amber: when Peter holds it, he is transported forward in time to the final months of World War Two and the company of a young woman desperately trying to escape the oncoming Russian army. Can he endanger his family, the reputation of his master, and his future as an amber merchant for the sake of a girl and a beautiful crane?
Billy Summers, Stephen King. (blurb from Goodreads): "Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He's a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he'll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong? How about everything." Another King novel that isn't grisly or even very frightening. Just a really good, suspenseful read where we're rooting for the guy (Billy) who only kills bad people.
Someone Else's Child, Alison Ragsdale. Catriona and her husband, Ducan, had two daughters, Faith and Hope. Faith died at birth. Unable to bear more children, Cat is shattered. But fate intervenes and they adopt an infant girl born two days after the twins. They name her April, for the month in which she was born. Hope and April are inseperable, almost like twins themselves. Then, when the girls are eight years old, tragedy strikes, threatening to tear the little family apart. April's birth mother shows up and starts pressuring Cat to give April back to her. Can Cat and Duncan find the strength to repair their family and keep them whole?
The Raven and the Dove: A Novel of Viking Normandy, KM Butler. Yet another historical novel, this one takes place in 890 A.D. in what would become the country of France. It is a tale of Norse invaders who pillage and burn, and of devout Catholic Frankish countrymen who live in fear of them. But the Norsemen are not the heathens the Franks imagine. Nor are the Franks the weak sheep the Norse think they are. In an attempt to follow the path the gods intend for her, Shieldmaiden Halla proposes a marriage of convenience: In return for being made the ruler of a small town near Rouen, Halla will marry Taurin, one of the Franks. Although she hungers for battle and glorious death, she believes this is what the gods want of her. Taurin agrees to the marriage in return for the promise that the Norsemen will protect them, but the rest of the town remains hostile, believing that the Norse will eventually kill them all, eat their children and engage in heathen debauchery. When invaders begin pillaging the town, it's up to Halla to discover their identity and unite the townspeople to defend themselves.
What's intriguing to me is how siimilar the theme of The Raven and the Dove is to my novel, War Sonnets. In both of these stories, the "enemy" is seen as cruel, inhuman–"otherworldly"–when the truth is, both sides have beliefs and customs which are so firmly ingrained, they are willing to die to defend them.
There are three books I didn't quite finish before the end of the month: Freedom Girls, by Alexandra Apolloni, American Dirt, by Jeanine Cousins, and Sarah's Song, by VIcky Whedbee. More about them later.
So that's ten books finished so far, and three in progress. I don't imagine I'll keep up the ten-book pace, but we shall see…
*featured image source
Posted in Book Reviews book reviewhistorical fictionJD RobbmysterynovelsReadingStephen Kingsuspense
Published by Susannah Willey
Historical fiction/women's fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru, nerdy girl. View all posts by Susannah Willey
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One thought on "New Years Resolution?"
Linda Hepp says:
You certainly have read a lot of books of different genres. They sound so interesting from your descriptions.
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text:
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.162 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.162_PS2.jpg)
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.162 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.162.jpg)
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.162 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.162_bw.jpg)
Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe)
James Tissot
Invited to Bethany, where the siblings Lazarus and Martha reside, Jesus finds respite from his ministry and peace to converse with friends. Intent on listening to Jesus, the Magdalene takes a place at his feet—much to the frustration of Martha, who expects her help with the guests, Tissot relates. The Magdalene's devoted discipleship proves unflagging throughout the narrative from the ministry to the Passion and the Resurrection; and, accordingly, her posture here at the feet of Christ finds echoes in later episodes.
PORTFOLIO/SERIES The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La Vie de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ)
ARTIST James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
MEDIUM Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
Place Made: France
DATES 1886-1894
DIMENSIONS Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm) Sheet: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm) Frame: 15 x 20 x 1 1/2 in. (38.1 x 50.8 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE Signed bottom left on tree trunk: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS European Art
James Tissot: "The Life of Christ"
ACCESSION NUMBER 00.159.162
CREDIT LINE Purchased by public subscription
CAPTION James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany (Jésus à Bethanie, Marie, Madeleine et Marthe), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 15/16 x 11 3/16 in. (20.2 x 28.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.162 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.162_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 00.159.162_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007


text:
Coventry & Warwickshire selected
Coventry & Warwickshire
One dead and another hurt in Leamington Spa stabbing
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-51121121
Image caption One man was declared dead in Tachbrook Road, Leamington Spa
One man has died and another is in a serious condition after a stabbing in Leamington Spa.
Emergency services were called to Tachbrook Road at about 11:00 GMT.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said two men sustained serious injuries and one was confirmed dead at the scene. The second is critical in hospital.
Warwickshire Police has arrested a 33-year-old man from the town on suspicion of murder and is looking for a second suspect.
Image copyright PA Media
Image caption Police have arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of murder
He is described as a young black man who is believed to have sustained a leg injury and was last seen at about 11:30 on Emscote Road, at the junction with Fosberry Close, in Warwick.
Latest news from the West Midlands
Police said it is believed to have been an "isolated" and "targeted" attack, with no ongoing risk to the wider public.
However, Chief Superintendent Ben Smith added there would be an increased police presence in the area. A cordon remains in place.
Anyone with information, particularly any witnesses with CCTV or dashcam footage of the area, is urged to come forward.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone
Warwickshire Police
UN Libya envoy calls for end to foreign meddling


Islamabad [Pakistan], Sept 29 (ANI): Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar have met Prime Minister Imran Khan at his office here to discuss regional and national security issues.
During the meeting, which was held on Friday, Khan was briefed on the Army's Operation Raad-ul-Fasaad, relations with Afghanistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms and other security-related matters, Geo News reported.
On September 12, the 65-year-old cricketer-turned-politician had visited the ISI headquarters and lauded the intelligence agency's operations towards national security. During his visit, Khan was briefed on security, intelligence and strategic issues.


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GÜLŞEN ÖZBAY, SÜHA GÖKSEL, SELDA URAZ
Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi Patoloji AD Based upon 47 cases of gastric carcinoma which were diagnosed in the Pathology Department of Cerrahpaşa Medical School in 1987, the types of intestinal metaplasia (IM) and their relation to the types of gastric carcinoma were examined. When classified according to Jass, 19 of these cases were categorized as intestinal type carcinoma (ITC), and the remaining 28 as gastric type carcinoma. Intestinal metaplasia was further classified as Type I, II, and III following the method of Filipe and Jass. The distribution of these IM types were examined in three distinct mucosa regions; adjacent to carcinoma, 1 cm far from and more remote to the carcinoma. As a result, significant correlation between IM and ITC was found in all of the above three regions of mucosa. Type III IM, which is described as one of the precancerous lesions of gastric carcinomas, was significantly frequent in cases with intestinal type carcinoma, as well. The type of IM with o-acetylated sialomuciae was also found to be significantly frequent in intestinal type carcinomas. Since the studies reported on this subject is limited, the importance of conducting further studies on the relation of this type of IM with the pathologic lesions of the stomach has been emphasized. Keywords :


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Category Archives: Adjutancy
Category "Adjutancy"
Notice of Transition – Supt. Anthony Vandock Monroe
AdjutancyBy emccown September 5, 2020
Septemer 4, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Supt. Anthony Vandock Monroe to eternal rest. Supt. Monroe served as an Adjutant Brother in the Texas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop…
Notice of Episcopal Transition – Bishop Theodore Roosevelt Dunn
AdjutancyBy emccown August 28, 2020
August 28, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 This notice of Episcopal Transition is as per the directive of our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Server, Bishop Theodore Roosevelt…
Notice of Transition – Elder Arlington L. Munroe, Jr.
August 20, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Elder Arlington L. Munroe, Jr., Assistant Chief Adjutant of the South Central Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Norman O. Harper, Jurisdictional Prelate.…
Notice of Episcopal Transition – Bishop Charles Elson Black
AdjutancyBy emccown August 3, 2020
August 3, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 This notice of Episcopal Transition is as per the directive of our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. God, who is omipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Server, Bishop Charles Elson Black,…
Notice of Episcopal Transition – Bishop Ted Gera Thomas, Sr.
AdjutancyBy emccown June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 This notice of Episcopal Transition is as per the directive of our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. It is with heartfelt sorrow that we acknowledge the transition of Bishop Ted…
Notice of Transition – Elder Larry Brown
AdjutancyBy emccown May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Elder Larry Brown of the Venezuela Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Derrick W. Hutchins, Sr., to eternal rest. Elder Brown was a true and…
Notice of Transition – Adjutant Sister Valarie Ellis
May 17, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Evangelist Missionary Valarie Ellis of the Florida Eastern Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Jimmie Williams, to eternal rest. Evangelist Ellis was a true and…
Notice of Transition – Overseer Joseph H. Sherman, Sr.
May 16, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Overseer Joseph Howard Sherman, Jr., to eternal rest. He was the son of the late Bishop Joseph H. Sherman, Sr. and the husband of Lady…
Notice of Transition – Adjutant Brother Paul Marshall Hogan, II
AdjutancyBy emccown May 7, 2020
May 4, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Pastor Paul Marshall Hogan, II, to eternal rest. Pastor Hogan has served as an Adjutant Brother since the 1980s in the Historic Northeast First Ecclesiastical…
Notice of Episcopal Transition – Bishop Clarence Alfred Lewis, III
May 2, 2020 Dear Saints, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15 This notice of Episcopal Transition is as per the directive of our Presiding Bishop & Chief Apostle, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant, Bishop Clarence Alfred…


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\section{Introduction}

In statistical mechanics, one very often performs averages over ensembles of
microscopic configurations.  Since this is usually very difficult, it is common
to replace the ensemble of microscopic quantities by an ensemble of macroscopic
quantities.  For instance, a spin Hamiltonian may be replaced by one that
depends only on magnetization.
This paper, we addresses the problem of a surface in two dimensions with fixed
endpoints where the macroscopic quantities are the perimeter of the surface and
the area enclosed by it.  Such a problem would arise, for example, if  one is
given a Hamiltonian for a system that consists of a area term and a surface
term, i.e.
\begin{equation}
{\cal H} = J f_s(S) - P f_a(A)
\end{equation}
where $S$ is the perimeter of the surface and $A$ is the area between it and
some substrate, $J$ is the surface tension, $P$ the pressure, and $f_s, f_a$
general functions of $S$ and $A$ respectively.
These types of Hamiltonians could arise in domain roughening
problems~\cite{cha81,bur81,kro81,chu81}, wetting problems,
evaporation--deposition problems, the physics of membranes, or polymer
physics~\cite{zwa68,lau70}.  We were motivated by an investigation of the
random field Ising model~\cite{intro,advanced}.

To find the free energy of such a system and thus any relevant macroscopic
quantities at a finite temperature, one would like to know the associated
entropy $S=k_B \ln \Omega_L(S,A)$.  Here, $\Omega_L(S,A)$ is the  number of
surface configurations with the given perimeter $S$ and enclosed area $S$ and
which begin and end at the ends of a line of length $L$; this is the quantity
that shall be of interest to us.

A slightly different version of this problem\footnote{They studied ``bar graph
polygons'' wherein the domain wall heights are not allowed to go below the
baseline.  In our model, the heights of the surface can be both positive and
negative.} has been solved exactly by Owczark and Prellberg~\cite{owc93} by
finding the generating function of $\Omega$.  However, the solution was in
terms of the $q$--series deformation of a hypergeometric function.  While
informative, this result is very complex and difficult to use in our analysis.
 Our aim is to find a simple form for $\Omega$ that can be easily manipulated.

We use an approximation to translate the problem into one of simple Riemannian
geometry that can be solved using the familiar tools of vector analysis.  The
result is the pleasingly elementary form
\begin{equation}
\label{eqn:simpleomega}
\Omega(S,A) = f \left( g^2 S^2 - \frac{A^2}{{\cal L}^2}\right)^\frac{L-3}{2}
\end{equation}
where $f$, ${\cal L}$ and $g$ are functions of $L$ only.  This result compares
favourably with exact numerical results.

\section{Definition of the Problem}
\label{sec:vaprob}
We consider a surface with fixed endpoints such that it has an end to end
distance of $L$.  The surface may take any path between these endpoints as long
as there are no overlaps or overhangs ({\it i.e.}\  it is a directed random
walk).  This should be a reasonable approximation in the limit of weak
disorder.  We label the straight line between the endpoints with the integer $i
\in [0,L]$ and the height of the surface at each point by $h_i$, a single
valued real number.  Figure~\ref{fig:va} illustrates these definitions.  The
quantities $A$ and $S$ may be written as functions of these
variables.
\begin{mathletters}
\label{eqn:VAI}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqn:VA1}
	A&=& \sum_{i=0}^L h_i \\
\label{eqn:VA2}
     	S&=& \sum_{i=0}^L |h_i - h_{i-1}|
\end{eqnarray}
\end{mathletters}
where $S$ is the actual length of the surface less $L$ (since any surface
that covers the baseline distance must be at least $L$ long).

The problem is simplified somewhat by the introduction of the variables
$R_i = h_i - h_{i-1}$.  Like $h_i$, $R_i$ is a real number with $i \in [1,L]$
an
integer.  Under this change of variables, equation~(\ref{eqn:VAI}) becomes
\begin{mathletters}
\label{eqn:VAII}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqn:VA3}
	A  &=& \sum_{i=1}^L (L-i) R_i  \\
\label{eqn:VA4}
	S  &=& \sum_{i=1}^L |R_i|.
\end{eqnarray}
\end{mathletters}

There is also an additional constraint that the surface finish at height
$h_L = 0$.  This introduces the auxiliary equation
\begin{equation}
\label{eqn:ht}
	\sum_{i=1}^L R_i = 0.
\end{equation}

Consider an ensemble of surfaces all with various $(A,S)$ and
subject only to the constraint~(\ref{eqn:ht}).
 In terms of the definitions above, we wish to know how many different values
of ${R_i}$ satisfy equations~(\ref{eqn:VA3}),~(\ref{eqn:VA4}),
and~(\ref{eqn:ht}) for fixed $A$ and $S$.
We solve this problem in the next section.

\section{Solution}

The solution is further complicated by the presence of the absolute value
function in~(\ref{eqn:VA4}) and so we will make a further approximation to
simplify matters.  It is hoped that this will not change the essential
character of the solution.
 Thus, we replace equation~(\ref{eqn:VA4}) by
\begin{equation}
\label{eqn:VA5}
g(L)^2 S^2 = \sum_{i=1}L R_i^2.
\end{equation}
This completes the approximations in the solution.  That  the form factor $g$
should only be a function of $L$ follows from a simple scaling argument.

Clearly, equation~(\ref{eqn:VA5}) implies that the vectors $R_i$ lie on a $L-1$
dimensional hypersphere embedded in $L$ dimensions.  The other two
equations~(\ref{eqn:VA3}) and~(\ref{eqn:ht}) introduce hyperplanes that pass
through the hypersphere.  Thus, vectors that satisfy all three equations lie on
the intersection
of the hypersphere with these two hyperplanes.  This intersection is itself a
hypersphere, but of
dimension $L-3$.  Thus, the problem is reduced to finding the measure of the
vectors which lie on the surface of this hypersphere.  The details of this
calculation are included in appendix~\ref{app:sol} and the result is
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqn:omfinal}
\Omega_L(S,A) &=&  f \left(\max\left( g^2 S^2 - \frac{A^2}{{\cal
L}^2},0\right)\right)^{\frac{L-3}{2}} \\
f &=& \pi^{\frac{L-2}{2}}{
\left(\frac{L-2}{2}\right)!}\left(L-2\right).\nonumber
\end{eqnarray}

It is worth noting that the problem posed by
equations~(\ref{eqn:VA5}),~(\ref{eqn:VA3}), and~(\ref{eqn:ht}) with $g(L)=1$ is
in itself worthy of consideration, and may relate to other models in
statistical physics.  However, since we were motivated by the random field
Ising model wherein~(\ref{eqn:VA4}) arises, we
 set $g(L)$ so that~(\ref{eqn:VA5}) maps as closely as possible back
to~(\ref{eqn:VA4}).  We describe how to do this in the following section.

\section{The Form Factor $\lowercase{g}(L)$}
\label{sec:g}

One can employ simple scaling arguments on~(\ref{eqn:omfinal}) to deduce that
$g(L) \sim c L^{-1/2}$ for large values of $L$, where we would expect $c$ to be
of order unity.  But, a better estimate of $g$ can be made.  Consider the set
of vectors that satisfy~(\ref{eqn:VA5}), that is,  the vectors on an $L$
dimensional hypersphere of radius $r= g(L) A$.  To satisfy~(\ref{eqn:VA4}) we
must set $A$ such that $\sum_{i=1}L R_i = A$ for all vectors on this
hypersphere.  Obviously, we cannot satisfy this criterion for all vectors, so
we demand that it be satisfied on average.  This presumes, of course, that all
the vectors on the hypersphere have equal importance in $\Omega_L$, which is a
reasonable first approximation.  Thus, we set
\begin{equation}
\langle \sum_{i=1}^{L}|x_i | \rangle = A
\end{equation}
where $\langle Q \rangle$ denotes the average value of a quantity $Q$ over the
hyperball of radius $r$.  It is a straightforward piece of mathematics to
perform this calculation, the details of which are included in
appendix~\ref{app:g}.  The result is
\begin{equation}
g(L) = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{L} \left( \frac{
\left(\frac{L+1}{2}\right)!}{\left(L/2\right)! \left(1 + 1/L\right) }
\right)
.\end{equation}
Using Stirling's approximation, we find that for large $L$ this tends
asymptotically to
\begin{equation}
g(L) \rightarrow \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2 L}},
\end{equation}
which agrees with our earlier expectations.

\section{The Numerical Treatment}
\label{sec:num}

In order to test (and possibly improve upon) the analytic results obtained
above, an algorithm was devised to scan over all the random walks with
perimeter $S$ less than some preset maximum $A^\star$.  To understand this
algorithm, it is helpful to think of $S$ as the length of a piece of string
that we have to play with.  This piece of string must start and finish on the
baseline but may do anything in between (subject to the restriction that there
are no overhangs or overlaps).  But, the amount of string we have used up in
our previous steps determines how much we have left to play with in the
following steps.  For instance, at the first step, the string may have any
height $R_o \in [-A^\star/2, A^\star/2]$.    In general, if we are at position
$i$  and at height $h_i = \sum_{j=1}^{i-1} R_j$, and have already used up a
length of string $A_i = \sum_{j=1}^{i-1}|R_j|$, then this limits the range of
values $R_i$ may have.  Namely,
\begin{equation}
R_i \in \left[\frac{-A^\star + A_i - h}{2},\frac{A^\star - A_i - h}{2}\right]
.\end{equation}
Figure~\ref{fig:rvalues} illustrates this.

Furthermore, we only need to scan over various values of $R_i$ for $i \le L-1$
since $R_L$ is determined by the condition $\sum_{i=1}L R_i =0$.  A general
outline of the algorithm is given below:

{\sf
\begin{enumerate}
\item Set $R_1$ to $-A^\star/2$
\item Set all $R_i$ for $i=2,\ldots,L-1$ to their minimum possible value and
determine $R_L$
\item Measure $S$ and $A$.  Increase $\Omega(S,A)$ by one.
\item Increase $R_{L-1}$ by one.  If $R_{L-1}$ exceeds its maximum value then
increase $R_{L-2}$ by one and set $R_{L-1}$ to its minimum value.  If this
causes $R_{L-2}$ to exceed its maximum value, then increase $R_{L-3}$ by one
and set $R_{L-2}$ to its minimum value.  Et cetera.
\item Repeat steps 3 and 4 until $R_1 = A^\star/2$
\end{enumerate}
}

A recursive program was written in C to implement this algorithm, and the
program was run on Sun workstations.  Data was obtained for $A^\star$ as large
as 60 and for $L$ as large as 10.  It becomes increasingly difficult to get
data for larger $L$ since the number of random walks seems to grow
geometrically with $L$.  Indeed, we predict that
\begin{equation}
\int \Omega(S,A) {\rm d} V \sim (L-2)^L A^L \alpha^L
\end{equation}
where $\alpha$ is a constant of order unity.

\section{Comparison of Numerical and Analytic Results}
\label{sec:comp}

When viewed side by side, the two results seem to look very
similar (see Figure~\ref{fig:sampledata}).  However, the scales do not
agree.  This is attributed to the fact that the numerical routine
 investigates only discrete values of $R_i$ whereas in the
analytic treatment $R_i$ was allowed to be continuous.
In both treatments $L$ is divided into discrete intervals, so this is
not a cause for worry (as long as we have $L > 3$).
{}From the point of view of our hypersphere argument, the analytic
treatment has given the measure of all vectors on the surface,
whereas if the components of the vectors are constrained to be
integers, there are fewer vectors close to the surface of the
hypersphere.  Nowhere is the effect of the discretization more
noticeable than in the fact that $\Omega(S,A)=0$ on a discrete lattice for odd
$S$.
This simply says that we need as many steps up as down if we are
to return to the origin.  We do not have this same constraint in
the semi--continuous model.
Nevertheless, the results still compare very favourably on various
 levels (up to this scaling factor).  Three quantities were chosen
 for the purposes of comparison, which we list below together with their
predicted values:
\begin{itemize}
\item The maximum value of $\Omega$ for a given $S$ and $L$,
\begin{equation}
M_m=\Omega_L(A,0) = f(L) \left( g(L) A\right)^{L-3}.
\end{equation}
\item The zeroth moment of the distribution with respect to $A$,
\begin{equation}
M_o = \int \Omega(S,A){\rm d} V = {\cal L} f(L) \left( g(L) A \right)^{L-2}
\Upsilon(L)
\end{equation}
 where
\begin{equation}
\Upsilon(L) = \frac{2^{2L-5} (L-3)! (L-3)!}{(2L-5)(2L-6)!}.
\end{equation}
\item The second moment of the distribution with respect to $A$,
\begin{equation}
M_2 = \int \Omega(S,A) A^2 {\rm d} V = {\cal L}^3 f(L) \left(g(L) A\right)^L
\frac{\Upsilon(L)}{2L-3}.
\end{equation}
\end{itemize}

Given that we expect these forms to arise, we generate these
quantities from our data and fit them to a power law behaviour
 in $S$ for various values of $L$.  The exponent and coefficient of this fit
are then compared to the analytic predictions listed above.  The results are
shown in Figure~\ref{fig:momentplot}, where one can see that the exponents, but
not the coefficients, agree well (as expected from the above discussion).
However, the coefficients do seem to have the correct scaling behaviour in $L$.

\section{Conclusions}
\label{sec:conc}

We have investigated the question of the entropy of a two dimensional surface
with fixed volume and area from both the numerical and analytic viewpoints.
{}From the analytic side, we found an elegant expression for the
semi--continuum by using a single approximation.  From the numerical side, we
generated exact results that compared favourably with the analytic expression.
However, there were certain differences noted between the two and these were
attributed to differences between the discrete and semi--continuous
formulations of the problem.

Nevertheless, the solution captures the important characteristics of the
numerical work.  It is hoped that this work will be of value to finite
temperature formulations of problems in many areas of statistical mechanics
where the question may be posed in terms of such macroscopic quantities as the
length of a curve and the area enclosed by it.

\acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the Rhodes Trust and the Natural Sciences and
Research Council of Canada for providing funding for this work.  Also, I would
like to thank Dr. R.B. Stinchcombe for many useful discussions on this topic.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
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The MSCI Emerging Market equity index (yellow line) has come on strong in the past couple of weeks. It has now recouped everything it lost last year plus a little more (5.25% year-to-date). Bloomberg, citing its own data, reports that shows $561 mln went into emerging market ETFs in the week to April 3 on top of $490 mln the previous week. China and HK accounted for about 60% of this. It was the third consecutive week of inflows.
The MSCI World Index (white line) has matched last year's performance. It has risen almost 3.2% this year. US stocks are holding it back. The S&P 500 (green line) is up a little more than 1% this year, counting today's 0.75% gain during this notes composition. Of the major markets, Italy edges out Germany (22.6% vs 22.05%), followed by the France's nearly 19% gain, and the Nikkei's 11.2% rise.
The negative deposit rate at the ECB (and several other European central banks) and knock-on effects on the yield curves, coupled with ECB asset purchases, have driven investors into European shares. Nearly dollar for dollar, money that has taken profits on US equity has moved into European equity funds this year. The wide gap between US and European valuations considerably narrowed in recent months. There has been much interest in currency hedged European equity vehicles. The tightening of swap rates and our anticipation of a consolidative-to-weaker US dollar, after a strong advance in Q1 suggests tactical currency hedgers may want to reduce hedges here at the start of Q2.
The BOJ's purchases of ETFs and REITs as part of its quantitative easing program are bolstering Japanese shares. Since the BOJ surprise announcement at the end of last October to increase its monetary base target to JPY80 trillion from JPY60 trillion, the Nikkei has risen by more than 26%. In addition, Japan's largest pension fund has indicated it is in the process of shifting funds away from the JGB market and toward domestic stocks (and foreign assets). Many other pension funds are possibly taking similar actions.


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Here you will find examples of projects and posters made by students at the EMSS programme.
The students are choosing topical environmental problems and work problem-oriented in groups with a competent researcher as supervisor. The project work is often conducted in cooperation with an external partner, which has an interest in possible solutions to the topic.
Is biodiversity business of business?


text:
COP 21 : 2 Side-events
COP 21 - Side-event n°1 (Official area)
Le Bourget, France
This side-event aimed to further disseminate the outcomes of the international Conference on methane and to continue the discussions to widen awareness of decision makers about the importance of an action on methane for climate. It was held in the official restricted area at Paris-Le Bourget.
" The Veolia Institute organized this side-event in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)".
Participants exchanged scientific knowledge, explored available mitigation options in one of the major emitting sectors (the waste sector) and discussed economic and financial mechanisms that would facilitate the development of these solutions for meeting the climate challenge.
Dr RAMANATHAN, Professor of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Dr. Ramanathan discovered the greenhouse effect of Choloro-fluoro-carbons in 1975. He predicted in 1980 that global warming would be detected by 2000. He led the Indian-Ocean-experiment that discovered the widespread Atmospheric Brown Clouds and the large warming effect of black carbon. He has made fundamental work on the atmospheric greenhouse effects of CO2, water vapor, methane, ozone and HFCs as well as on the feedback effects involving sea ice, tropical clouds, and storm tracks. Using such empirical observations, he showed that mitigation of short-lived climate pollutants will slow down global warming by as much as 50% during the next few decades. In response, the United Nations has formed the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. He is now focusing on the plight of the bottom 3 billion people who will suffer the worst consequences of climate change and developed a new approach called as The Two Worlds Approach to provide clean/renewable energy access to the bottom 3 billion. One example is Project Surya which is mitigating black carbon and other climate warming emissions from solid biomass cooking in India.
He is now serving in Pope Francis' Council for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Through numerous meetings and summits he helped organize on behalf of Pope Francis at Vatican, an Alliance between Science, religion and policy is emerging with a potential for a transformative effect on the global efforts to slow down climate change.
He was honored as the 2013 Champion of Earth for Science and Innovation by the United Nations and named as the 2014 Global Thinker by the US Foreign Policy. He has been elected to the National Academy of Science, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical society and has won numerous other honors.
James Close, Climate Group Director for Policy and Finance at the World Bank
During his career in the professional services industry, James Close provided strategic and financial advice to a range of public and private sector clients. He has also undertaken a two-year secondment as head of the Corporate and Private Finance team at the UK's Treasury, where he gained experience with the challenges facing governments in trying to establish a suitable enabling environment for private sector investment. James Close advised the Greater London Authority on its climate change and environment policy. At Ernst and Young, he led the Climate Change and Sustainability Services. Mr Close, a chartered accountant, joined the World Bank Group in 2013 as the program manager for PPIAF, a multi-donor trust fund which enables infrastructure investment.
Gary Crawford, Vice President of International Affairs in the Public Affairs Department of Veolia
Gary Crawford is employed by Veolia as Vice President of International Affairs and is based in Paris. He has over 25 years of experience in the waste industry and has held various operational, technical, and managerial positions.
He is responsible for establishing active partnerships with key global stakeholders and institutions to support the Company's current activities and developing business. He is focused on emerging growth markets associated with cross-cutting subjects such as the Circular Economy, Climate Change and Smart Cities.
He is on the Board of the International Solid Waste Association and is Chair of its WG on Climate Change. Representing ISWA, he is a member of the Steering Group of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Municipal Solid Waste Initiative.
Panel moderated by Karen FLORINI, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Change at the U.S. Department of State
Veolia Institute
The U.S. Department of State
International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)
COP 21 - Side-event n°2 (Climate Generations areas)
The side-event n° 2 aimed to further disseminate the outcomes of the international Conference on methane and to continue the discussions to widen awareness of civil society about the importance of an action on methane for climate.
"The Veolia Institute organized this side-event in partnership with the Agence française de Développement and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation."
Roland Kupers, Advisor for Environmental Defense Fund and Associate Fellow at Oxford University
Michel Colombier, Scientific director of the Institut du développement durable et des relations internationales (IDRRI)
Monique Kallassy, Landfill Manager in the Corporate Technical and Performance Department of Veolia
A side event animated by Bertrand CHARRIER, Research Officer, Innovations for Development at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Speakers' Contributions
Presentation of Charrier
Presentation of Kupers
Presentation of Kallassy
Presentation of Colombier
Find more about the conference


How many times, for example, have you heard someone say that she was "on tenderhooks"? She means tenterhooks, of course – the hooks on the tenter, the device that stretches canvas. Such a stretching would make one anxious and eager for the feeling to end. But there is another, perhaps even more painful image that comes from "tender hooks" – the juxtaposition of the sharp hook and something tender, such as flesh. This is a particularly poetic image because it is the hook itself that is tender: This is the kind of impossible metaphor that surrealist poetry is built on.
Similarly, when I read that someone's hair is "tussled," I can never be really sure whether it's a simple misspelling of tousled (rumpled) or a clever play on to tussle or fight – a coiffure that's been roughed up, you might say. When people say they want to "curve their appetite" I know they mean curb, but an interesting idea comes up: the appetite as line to be bent into the desired direction. I also like the overlay of meaning in "boast your confidence." It comes from boost, of course, or possibly even bolster, but the new connotation of vanity amps up the phrase a little.
He then talks about "eggcorns", when we use words incorrectly. An eggcorn is apparently a more creative malapropism. Like, for example, Cold Slaw, instead of coleslaw. Or Jade Goody's famous declaration that she didn't want to be an "escape goat." And so on.
Balderdash. Whatever. Smith clearly has not spent a lot of time marking undergraduate papers.
I see malapropisms and eggcorns and I kind of worry. For example, my students oftentimes write that they "should of" done something, rather than "should have." Or they use "than" instead of "then." They don't know the difference between "they're", "there", and "their." Or "where" and "were." This kind of thing worries me. Call me old fashioned, call me fussy, whatever. I believe literacy matters. And I get concerned when I come across the sorts of malapropisms I come across marking the average paper.
Language works because it is a universal coding system used by speakers of that language. English-speakers, for example, have a general, universal, understanding of what words mean. We see words and we understand their meaning, we then decode them in order to understand what we are reading or hearing (or speaking or writing). There are times when abbreviations are necessary, such as txting or when we leave short notes for spouses, partners, lovers, roommates, and so on. But these usually accord to a universally-agreed upon system as well. These universally-agreed upon codes are central to communication, of communicating ideas to one another. If we cannot communicate, well, the downside to that is rather obvious, I would say.
Certainly, it is my job to help students learn these basic facts of communication, but I don't think that CÉGEP is where they should be learning this. These are basic laws and facts of the English language I understood long before I finished high school. Raising a generation of people who are not fully fluent in their native language is a terrifying thought. Especially when you think about all of the fights and arguments we get into over the course of our lives due to a miscommunication, a word used incorrectly, or heard incorrectly.
You are currently reading On Language at Matthew Barlow.


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Are you schooled in boiler efficiency?
If you're responsible for a school's heating and hot water, you'll be only too aware of the shift in the way major works at your school are managed.
Whereas local councils may have funded and managed projects such as boiler replacements in the past, budgetary cuts mean that chances are, your school is now under increased pressure to do this itself. Granted, it may be that you can pay the council a management fee to take care of things, but there's still every chance your school will be asked to match funding after a bidding process against others for a percentage of the council's allocation.
So what does this mean for your school's heating and hot water?
Fierce competition for funding means many schools just like yours could be at risk of being unable to finance boiler replacements in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Now, more than ever, it is vital that your school has a proactive boiler replacement planned into your maintenance programme so it always has a system it can rely on.
The harsh reality is, a school without heating or hot water has to close. After all, an unreliable heating system can cause a huge amount of disruption to pupils, parents and staff. Schools needing to upgrade or replace an unreliable heating system, should consider shifting to a condensing boiler system, which has a number of benefits over the older cast iron boilers we see in many older plant rooms.
Investing in a boiler replacement might not be at the top of your school's list of priorities but it could offer huge benefits in the long-term. Why not take advantage of a free site survey to assess potential energy savings, the payback period of a system, and how comfort levels can be improved?