Protection Of Components Research Articles

TiO2/graphene composite nanofibers for efficient photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds: Rifampin, Phenazopyridine, Azathioprine.

Pharmaceutical wastewater treatment is an essential component of environmental protection and sustainable development. In this study, our aim was to investigate the morphology, characterization, and effectiveness of TiO2/graphene composite nanofiber photocatalysts in the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater containing three different pharmaceutical groups, such as an antibiotic (rifampin), painkiller (phenazopyridine), and immunosuppressant (azathioprine). Various parameters such as pH, salt concentration, and initial pharmaceutical compound concentration were optimized to achieve maximum degradation kinetics and efficiency. The optimum conditions were determined to be 1.5% graphene content, 30ppm initial concentration of pharmaceutical compound, pH=5, and a 0.5g/L photocatalyst dose. The presence of salt slightly decreased the degradation kinetics, but it did not significantly affect the performance of the TiO2/graphene composite nanofibers photocatalyst. At optimum condition, TiO2/1.5% graphene composite nanofibers degraded 50% of phenazopyridine, 86.89% of rifampin, and completely azathioprine. Comparing with phenazopyridine, N heteroatom-rich molecule of azathioprine and hydroxyl-rich molecule of rifampin lead to being susceptible to photocatalytic degradation. The reuse of the photocatalyst in multiple cycles showed consistent performance, indicating its potential for practical and economic applications.

ANTIOXIDANT DEFICIENCY AS PREECLAMPSIA RISK FACTOR

The aim – to study the state of the processes of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and theantioxidant system (AOS) of protection in pregnant women with different degrees ofpreeclampsia severity(PE).Materials and methods. LPO and AOS indicators were studied at 24-26 and 34-36 weeksof pregnancy in 20 healthy women with a physiological course of pregnancy (controlgroup) and in 34 women with PE (main group). 20 of them- with moderate PE (groupI) and 14 – with severe PE (group II).The results. When studying the processes of POL-AOS in pregnant women of all groups,a reliable increase in POL was found, which was more significant in the main group(Р˂0.001). In response to the activation of LPO processes in the control group, the activationof the AOS components of blood protection occurred, as evidenced by an increase in thelevel of glutathione (Р˂0.02) and glutathione peroxidase (Р˂0.05). This contributes to theneutralization of POL products. In pregnant women of the I group, at 24-26 weeks, the levelof glutathione and glutathione- peroxidase increased (Р˂0.02 and Р˂0.01, respectively), andat 34-36 weeks, these indicators did not differ from the control (Р>0.05). In women of theII group, against a background of an increase in the level of lipoperoxidation products, theindicator of glutathione peroxidase did not increase reliably (Р>0.05). The level of glutathionein 24-26 weeks also did not increase (Р>0.05), and in 34-36 – significantly decreased.Conclusions. In women with moderate PE at 34-36 weeks of pregnancy, there is anantioxidant deficiency and a decrease in compensatory and adaptive mechanisms.Exhaustion of the body’s antioxidant defense system was found in pregnant women withsevere PE. Violation of AOS function against a background of hyperproduction of lipidhydroperoxides can lead to oxidative stress, disruption of compensatory and adaptivemechanisms and the development of pathological conditions in the mother and fetus.Preclinical diagnosis and correction of disorders of POL-AOS processes will give anopportunity to prevent the development of severe PE.

ESD Research of SCR Devices under Harsh Environments.

In prior technology, system-level electrostatic discharge (ESD) tests under environment change conditions mainly focused on testing the effect of a high-temperature environment. i.e., the effect on internal circuits of heat generated outside. However, few studies have explored the effect of ambient relative humidity changes on integrated circuits (ICs). Therefore, this study will analyze the performance of various ESD protection components under high ambient temperature and high ambient relative humidity. The ESD protection devices are tested for the ESD robustness of the silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCR) under a harsh environment and the measurement results are discussed and verified in the CMOS process.

Why Should we Integrate Income and Employment Support? A Conceptual and Empirical Investigation

The integration of active labour market policies within income support schemes – such as unemployment insurance and social assistance – has been a key component of social protection in high-income countries since the 1990s, with a rich literature reviewing its effects and implementation characteristics. Today, although this approach has become prevalent in many middle-income economies, its conceptual and practical application has not been studied in detail outside of high-income countries. This paper conceptualizes, for the first time, the implementation of integrated approaches, focusing on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We first develop a conceptual framework to understand how integrated policies can address labour market challenges, exploring the theoretical effects they exert on selected labour market and social dimensions. We then contrast these theoretical expectations with findings from the empirical literature on the effectiveness of integrated approaches. While many empirical studies find positive effects across different labour market dimensions, this is not a universal finding. To reconcile this discrepancy, we investigate the design and implementation of integrated approaches across LMIC and identify factors which contribute to their effectiveness.

Police victims of domestic abuse: barriers to reporting victimisation

ABSTRACT Policing is the institution responsible for protecting victims of domestic abuse and the institution to which victimisation is formally reported. The police workforce, therefore, are routinely exposed to domestic abuse victimisation, perpetration and its consequences. When police themselves become victims of domestic abuse, the interaction between personal and professional identity and cultures may exacerbate the harms of victimisation and discourage victims from reporting victimisation. In this study, we describe themes that emerged from accounts of reporting and not reporting domestic abuse by police officers and staff in an English police force. Through the lenses of victimology theory and police culture theory, we describe how there appears to be few protective components of working in policing and several adverse consequences for victims. Reporting was impeded by difficulty recognising abuse and experiencing feelings of shame in a way similar to that of many non-police victims. These common obstacles were exacerbated by a conflict between police and victim identities, by significant concern about formal and informal violations of privacy by colleagues and by worry about potential damage to their career. These challenges were particularly acute when the perpetrator also worked in policing. The paper concludes with a call for researchers, policy makers and policing to recognise and respond to the unique vulnerabilities inherent in the police-victim overlap.

Alarming contagion effects: The dangerous ripple effect of extreme price spillovers across crude oil, carbon emission allowance, and agriculture futures markets

The inherent financial interconnections between crude oil prices, carbon emission allowances, and agriculture commodity futures warrant a thorough investigation as fossil energy consumption, carbon emissions, and agriculture plants are three critical components of global environmental protection. This paper aims to quantify not only the normal (mean quantile) static and dynamic spillover effects among them in both time and frequency domains but also the more critical extreme spillovers that occur across various time horizons. Additionally, we explore the vital role of carbon futures in hedging risk and enhancing the performance of oil and agricultural portfolios. Empirical results indicate that, under extreme market situations, the total spillovers among oil, carbon, and agriculture commodity futures are much larger than those under normal conditions. Furthermore, soybean and corn are generally the most potent information transmitters over other futures in the time domain, while carbon emission allowance futures act as an obvious spillover receiver at both normal and extreme market conditions across various time frequencies. Both the total spillover and the net spillover are centered at a short-term frequency (i.e., one to four weeks). Finally, we find that carbon futures can contribute to improving the hedge effectiveness and performance of oil and agricultural portfolios. These findings have valuable implications for policymakers, relevant producers/consumers, as well as futures investors.

Revisiting the personal protective equipment components of transmission-based precautions for the prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory virus infections in healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some potential limitations of transmission-based precautions. The distinction between transmission through large droplets vs aerosols, which have been fundamental concepts guiding infection control measures, has been questioned, leading to considerable variation in expert recommendations on transmission-based precautions for COVID-19. Furthermore, the application of elements of contact precautions, such as the use of gloves and gowns, is based on low-quality and inconclusive evidence and may have unintended consequences, such as increased incidence of healthcare-associated infections and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms. These observations indicate a need for high-quality studies to address the knowledge gaps and a need to revisit the theoretical background regarding various modes of transmission and the definitions of terms related to transmission. Further, we should examine the implications these definitions have on the following components of transmission-based precautions: (i) respiratory protection, (ii) use of gloves and gowns for the prevention of respiratory virus infections, (iii) aerosol-generating procedures and (iv) universal masking in healthcare settings as a control measure especially during seasonal epidemics. Such a review would ensure that transmission-based precautions are consistent and rationally based on available evidence, which would facilitate decision-making, guidance development and training, as well as their application in practice.

Computational Design of High-Entropy Rare Earth Disilicates as Next-Generation Thermal/Environmental Barrier Coatings

Development of advanced thermal/environmental barrier coating (T/EBC) materials possessing balanced thermal-mechanical properties is crucial to protect SiC-based ceramic composites from chemical and thermal attack for better performance of components in the hot section of gas turbine engines. In this work we utilize density functional theory (DFT) together with combinatorial chemistry methodology to design high-performance high-entropy rare earth disilicates (β-RE2Si2O7 (RE=Yb, Y, Er, Lu, La, Ce,)) for enhanced phase stability, desired coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), low lattice thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties. The CTE are determined by phonon calculations at different volumes within the quasi-harmonic approximation. The lattice thermal conductivities are evaluated by the Debye-Callaway model considering three phonon processes. We show that the solid solution of YYbSi2O7 exhibits lowered lattice thermal conductivity than pure cases and a good range of CTE. We also present good EBC candidate materials of Er1/4Lu1/4Y3/4Yb3/4Si2O7 and Er1/2Lu1/2Y1/2Yb1/2Si2O7 with very low lattice thermal conductivity < 0.23 W/m/K at 1500 K and a good match of average CTE (5.1 - 5.2×10−6 K−1) with SiC without compromising mechanical properties. These new EBC with outstanding multi-functional properties are believed to enable significant increases in the performance of protective components in gas turbines. This work also illustrates an efficient and reliable computational framework in accelerating the design of next-generation T/EBC.

Experimental study on defects of needled quartz fiber reinforced phenolic aerogel composites by cryogenic milling

Needled quartz fiber reinforced phenolic aerogel composite (NQF/PA) is a kind of lightweight thermal protection material commonly used in the aerospace field. With the continuous development of aerospace science and technology, the design of various spacecraft is becoming more and more complex. Due to the limitation of the preparation process, thermal protection components are difficult to be directly prepared and formed. It is often necessary to carry out secondary processing in order to bond and assemble into a large-size combined thermal protection system. Because NQF/PA composites have the characteristics of high fiber toughness and easy cracking of the matrix, it is easy to cause processing defects such as burrs, tearing and edge collapse in dry machining. Cryogenic machining can improve the machinability of fiber-reinforced composites. However, there is still a lack of research on the cryogenic machining of NQF/PA composites. In order to analyze the feasibility of cryogenic machining technology for low-damage processing of NQF/PA composites, this paper carried out a comparative experimental study on dry machining and cryogenic machining of NQF/PA composites and analyzed the influence of spindle speed, feed rate and radial cutting depth on surface defects and cutting force. The research showed that under the same processing parameters, compared with dry machining, cryogenic machining can effectively reduce the cutting force and suppress processing defects.

APPLICATION EFFICIENCY OF THE TREATMENT IMPROVED METHOD OF ACUTE ODONTOGENIC PERIOSTITIS IN CHILDREN

The aim of our work – to establish the effectiveness of the improved method of treatmentof acute odontogenic periostitis in children suffering from diffuse non-toxic goiter.Materials and methods. 38 children aged 12-15 years with acute odontogenic periostitisagainst a background of diffuse non-toxic goiter were involved into the treatment andobservation. Pharmacological correction was applied in the complex of generallyaccepted treatment measures, in particular, the appointment of topical probiotic lozengesfor absorption «BioGaia Prodentis» and oral administration of the immunomodulatorydrug «Imupret» against a background of correction of the trace element supply of thechild’s body with the drug «Calcemin advance».The results. The high clinical effectiveness of the proposed method of treatment wasestablished, which was confirmed by the reduction of the treatment period to (5.3±0.26)days against (8.0±0.36) days with the generally accepted method of treatment (p&lt;0.05)and the normalization of all protective components of oral fluid.Conclusion. The proposed method of treatment makes it possible to provide effectively thedental care to children with odontogenic inflammatory diseases, taking into account theetiopathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of the inflammatory process and preventingthe development of possible complications from the dento- maxillofacial system and thechild’s body as a whole.

Radiographers’ attitudes toward the use of lead contact shielding

IntroductionLead contact shielding has been a crucial component of patient radiation protection since it was first introduced in the early 1900s. Concerns surrounding the hereditary effects of ionising radiation were a driver for using lead shielding. Recently the American Association of Physics in Medicine (AAPM) and the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) have published position papers that suggest that lead contact shielding is no longer needed due to reduced radiation doses for x-ray examinations. This work examines radiographers' opinions on these position papers. MethodsAn online survey with quantitative and qualitative elements was designed to explore knowledge and attitudes toward the BIR and AAPM position papers. The population for this survey was all qualified radiographers. ResultsThe majority (59%) of participants are aware of the AAPM guidance, and 76% are aware of the BIR guidance. Given the changes in the gonad tissue weighting factor, 66% believed additional emphasis should be placed on protecting organs and tissues with higher tissue weighting factors. The vast majority (87%) believed lead shielding is not the primary dose reduction strategy, with 82% agreeing that lead shielding may interfere with the AEC. ConclusionThis study identifies a perception that lead protection may still play a role in patient protection, particularly for children and pregnant patients. However, it is not considered the primary mechanism of protection. More specific guidance and information are needed to incorporate the guidance for radiographers into working practice, improving patient care. Implications for practiceLead shielding remains a tool for radiation protection in particular examinations, however, its role has diminished in clinical practice. RecommendationsAdditional research is required into the number of repeat x-rays associated with the use of lead shielding and the actual dose saving for shielding outside the field of view. Additional education and specific clarification on when to use and not use lead contact shielding is required.

Excellent NH3-SCR activity and significant sulfur resistance over novel core–shell Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 catalyst

A core–shell Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 catalyst with both microporous and mesoporous pores was successfully synthesized using a self-assembly technique in this research. The catalyst was tested via NH3–SCR of NOx removal from diesel exhausts. The Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 catalyst was found to have significantly improved activity at high temperatures, wider temperature range, improved hydrothermal stability, and anti-sulfur performance. After the introduction of meso-CeO2, a significant synergistic effect between the Cu2+/Ce4+ ions on the core–shell layer was observed, and the amounts of Cu2+–2Z species and acidic sites increased, which may be conducive to the superior catalytic performance of Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 contrasted to Cu-SSZ-13. Subsequent to hydrothermal treatment, Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 maintains a superior CHA-type structure, additional L-acidic sites, and isolated Cu2+ ions while being protected by a meso-CeO2 shell. In addition, in the presence of SO2, the meso-CeO2 shell in Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 reacts with SO2 to produce cerium sulfate, which serves as a protective component for the copper species on Cu-SSZ-13. Moreover, the reaction mechanism studies have indicated that NO reduction primarily adheres to the E–R mechanism on Cu-SSZ-13, whereas both L–H and E–R mechanisms contribute to Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2. SO2 has a less significant inhibitive effect on the adsorption of NH3 over Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 compared with that over Cu-SSZ-13. The inhibitive influence of SO2 on Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 is primarily owing to the inhibitory adsorption of NO and the reduction of the L–H reaction path, with little effect on the E–R reaction mechanism, which is significantly affected in Cu-SSZ-13. The Cu-SSZ-13@meso-CeO2 catalyst demonstrated exceptional NH3–SCR performance, a broad temperature range, and super hydrothermal stability as well as anti-sulfur performance, indicating great application prospects for NOx removal from diesel vehicle exhausts.

Longitudinal Impact of Perfectionism on Suicidal Ideation among Chinese College Students with Perceived Academic Failure: The Roles of Rumination and Depression

Objective Suicide has become a nonnegligible cause of death among emerging adults, and academic performance is one of the most significant factors in Chinese college students’ suicidal ideation. Based on this, we examined the risk and protective sides of perfectionism on suicidal ideation among college students with perceived academic failure experiences. Method In the current study, a total of 674 Chinese college students (63.6% females, M age = 19.96, SD = 1.31) with perceived academic failure in the past six months participated in a survey and completed self-report measures assessing perfectionism, rumination, depression, and suicidal ideation twice with a six-month interval. Results Negative perfectionism was a risk factor for suicidal ideation, while positive perfectionism had an opposite effect. In addition, intrusive rumination, deliberate rumination, and depression serially mediated the association between positive/negative perfectionism and suicidal ideation. Conclusion The results indicated perfectionism has both positive and negative sides to suicidal ideation. Clinicians might be aware of the risk and protective components of perfectionism when intervening with suicidal ideation among college students with perceived academic failure experiences.

Structural, optical, and electrical properties of cellulose/titanate nanosheets composite with enhanced protection against gamma irradiation

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a promising functional filler in nanocomposites due to their unique anisotropy and resilience to harsh conditions. We report herein the use of Ti0.91O2 nanosheets as a protective component against γ-irradiation to cellulose paper. The titanate nanosheets were prepared via a sequence of solid-state synthesis of lepidocrocite-type Cs0.7Ti1.825O4, proton exchange to H0.7Ti1.825O4·H2O, and exfoliation with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. The nanosheets were incorporated into the commercial cellulose filter paper by a simple dip coating up to 0.6 mg cm−2, equivalent to 10 wt% TiO2. The nanosheets distribution was demonstrated by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is found that γ-irradiation (up to 50 kGy) destroyed the cellulose Iβ crystallinity of uncoated paper, but this is less pronounced in the cellulose/titanate nanosheets composite. This was also confirmed by the lack of a 235 nm-absorption characteristics of irradiation-induced decomposition product(s) in nanosheets-containing papers, which also exhibit UVA shielding property. The coated samples remained white while the uncoated ones were darkened with γ-irradiation. In addition, the nanosheets-coated papers showed dielectric permittivity, loss tangent, and AC conductivity which were invariant of the γ-dose, unlike those from the uncoated ones. Our work demonstrates the use of lead-free Ti0.91O2 nanosheets as a γ-shielding component to slow down/prevent structural, optical, and electrical properties damages in cellulose paper, which could extend to other nature-derived materials.

TLR2 is non-redundant in the population and subpopulation responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages and in vivo.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a global health threat. Targeting host pathways that modulate protective or harmful components of inflammation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy that could aid sterilization or mitigate TB-associated permanent tissue damage. In purified form, many Mtb components can activate innate immune pathways. However, knowledge of the pathways that contribute most to the observed response to live Mtb is incomplete, limiting the possibility of precise intervention. We took a systematic, unbiased approach to define the pathways that drive the earliest immune response to Mtb. Using a macrophage model of infection, we compared the bulk transcriptional response to infection with the response to a panel of Mtb-derived putative innate immune ligands. We identified two axes of response: an NF-kB-dependent response similarly elicited by all Mtb pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and a type I interferon axis unique to cells infected with live Mtb. Consistent with growing literature data pointing to TLR2 as a dominant Mtb-associated PAMP, the TLR2 ligand PIM6 most closely approximated the NF-kB-dependent response to the intact bacterium. Quantitatively, the macrophage response to Mtb was slower and weaker than the response to purified PIM6. On a subpopulation level, the TLR2-dependent response was heterogeneously induced, with only a subset of infected cells expressing key inflammatory genes known to contribute to the control of infection. Despite potential redundancies in Mtb ligand/innate immune receptor interactions during in vivo infection, loss of the TLR2/PIM6 interaction impacted the cellular composition of both the innate and adaptive compartments. IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death globally. Drug resistance is outpacing new antibiotic discovery, and even after successful treatment, individuals are often left with permanent lung damage from the negative consequences of inflammation. Targeting host inflammatory pathways has been proposed as an approach that could either improve sterilization or improve post-treatment lung health. However, our understanding of the inflammatory pathways triggered by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in infected cells and lungs is incomplete, in part because of the complex array of potential molecular interactions between bacterium and host. Here, we take an unbiased approach to identify the pathways most central to the host response to Mtb. We examine how individual pathways are triggered differently by purified Mtb products or infection with the live bacterium and consider how these pathways inform the emergence of subpopulation responses in cell culture and in infected mice. Understanding how individual interactions and immune pathways contribute to inflammation in TB opens the door to the possibility of developing precise therapeutic interventions.

Water Quality Evaluation, Spatial Distribution Characteristics, and Source Analysis of Pollutants in Wanquan River, China

Surface water quality assessment is an important component of environmental protection and sustainable development. In this study, 24 sampling sites were arranged in the Wanquan River area of Hainan Island, China, in 2021, and nine water quality indicators were measured. The water quality of the Wanquan River was assessed using the single factor pollution index method and the Nemerow pollution index method; the spatial distribution characteristics of pollutants were revealed, and the sources of pollution were further analyzed using factor analysis. The results show that the overall water quality of the Wanquan River basin is good, with the average values of all indicators meeting China’s Class III water quality standards. The results of the single factor pollution index method showed that 29% of the sampling sites were in the no pollution class, 38% in the slight pollution class, 25% in the light pollution class, and 8% in the moderate pollution class. The results of the Nemerow pollution index showed that 25% of the sampling sites were in the clean category, 17% in the cleaner category, 42% in the light category, and 17% in the moderate category. The results of the factor analysis show that agricultural activities and domestic sewage discharge are the main sources of pollution, with nitrogen and phosphorus being the most important factors affecting water quality. This paper proposes several measures to reduce water pollution in the Wanquan River, including improving agricultural activities, improving wastewater treatment, and strengthening environmental monitoring. The findings have practical implications for reducing water pollution in rivers and lakes and can provide a reference for policy decisions related to water resource management and environmental protection.

Design of new resonant magnetic perturbation coils on the J-TEXT tokamak

The resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) system is a powerful auxiliary system on tokamaks. On the J-TEXT tokamak, a set of new in-vessel coils is designed to enhance the amplitude of the RMP. The new coils are designed to be two-turn saddle coils. These two-turn saddle coils have been optimized in terms of their structure, support, and protection components to overcome the limitations of the narrow in-vessel space, resulting in a compact coil module that can be accommodated in the vessel. To verify the feasibility of this design, an electromagnetic simulation is performed to investigate the electrical parameters and the generated field of the coils. A multi-field coupled simulation is performed to investigate the capacity of heat dissipation. As a result of these efforts, the new RMP coils have been successfully installed on the J-TEXT tokamak. It has significantly enhanced the RMP amplitude and been widely applied in experiments.

Visual feedback manipulation in virtual reality to influence pain-free range of motion. Are people with non-specific neck pain who are fearful of movement more susceptible?

Movement-evoked pain may have a protective or learned component, influenced by visual cues which suggest that the person is moving towards a position that may be perceived as threatening. We investigated whether visual feedback manipulation in virtual reality (VR) had a different effect on cervical pain-free range of motion (ROM) in people with fear of movement. In this cross-sectional study, seventy-five people with non-specific neck pain (i.e., neck pain without a specific underlying pathology) rotated their head until the onset of pain, while wearing a VR-headset. Visual feedback about the amount of movement was equal, 30% smaller or 30% larger than their actual rotation. ROM was measured using the VR-headset sensors. The effect of VR manipulation in fearful (N = 19 using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and N = 18 using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-physical activity (FABQpa)) and non-fearful (N = 46; non-fearful on both scales) people was compared using mixed-design ANOVAs. Fear of movement, influenced the effect of visual feedback manipulation on cervical pain-free ROM (TSK: p = 0.036, ղp2 = 0.060; FABQpa: p = 0.020, ղp2 = 0.077); a greater amplitude of pain-free movement was found when visual feedback reduced the perceived rotation angle compared to the control condition (TSK: p = 0.090, ղp2 = 0.104; FABQpa: p = 0.030, ղp2 = 0.073). Independent of the presence of fear, visual feedback manipulation reduced the cervical pain-free ROM in the overstated condition (TSK: p< 0.001, ղp2 = 0.195; FABQpa: p<0.001, ղp2 = 0.329). Cervical pain-free ROM can be influenced by visual perception of the amount of rotation and people with fear of movement seem to be more susceptible to this effect. Further research in people with moderate/severe fear is needed to determine whether manipulating visual feedback may have clinical applicability to make patients aware that ROM may be influenced more by fear than tissue pathology.

Precision Vaccinology Approaches for the Development of Adjuvanted Vaccines Targeted to Distinct Vulnerable Populations.

Infection persists as one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality, with particular burden at the extremes of age and in populations who are immunocompromised or suffer chronic co-morbid diseases. By focusing discovery and innovation efforts to better understand the phenotypic and mechanistic differences in the immune systems of diverse vulnerable populations, emerging research in precision vaccine discovery and development has explored how to optimize immunizations across the lifespan. Here, we focus on two key elements of precision vaccinology, as applied to epidemic/pandemic response and preparedness, including (a) selecting robust combinations of adjuvants and antigens, and (b) coupling these platforms with appropriate formulation systems. In this context, several considerations exist, including the intended goals of immunization (e.g., achieving immunogenicity versus lessening transmission), reducing the likelihood of adverse reactogenicity, and optimizing the route of administration. Each of these considerations is accompanied by several key challenges. On-going innovation in precision vaccinology will expand and target the arsenal of vaccine components for protection of vulnerable populations.

Knowledge, understanding and perceptions of key stakeholders on the maternity protection available and accessible to female domestic workers in South Africa.

Maternity protection enables women to combine reproductive and productive roles. Domestic workers are a vulnerable group due to heterogeneous non-standard employment relationships and are unlikely to have access to comprehensive maternity protection. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, understanding and perceptions of key stakeholders in government, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and other relevant organisations of the maternity protection entitlements that should be available and accessible to female domestic workers in South Africa. This qualitative cross-sectional study included in-depth interviews with fifteen stakeholders working in different sectors in South Africa and mainly at a national level involved in maternity protection availability and access. Results show that stakeholders appear to have limited understanding of comprehensive maternity protection. Many challenges related to accessing cash payments while on maternity leave were described and suggestions were provided for how this could be improved. Participants described how certain labour-related characteristics unique to the domestic work sector were barriers in accessing maternity protection. Ensuring greater awareness of all components of maternity protection and improving implementation of existing labour legislation intended to guarantee maternity protection for non-standard workers in South Africa is important to improve access to maternity protection for this vulnerable group. Improved access to maternity protection would contribute to optimal maternal and new-born health and ensure economic security for women around the time of childbirth.