Leatherback turtles satellite-tagged in European waters

The North Atlantic is considered a stronghold for the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle. However, limited information exists regarding the movements of individuals to and from the seas off Europe’s northwesterly fringe, an area where leatherbacks have been historically sighted for the past 200 yr. Here, we used satellite telemetry to record the movements and behaviour of 2 individuals bycaught in fisheries off the southwest coast of Ireland. The turtle T1 (tagged 1 September 2005; female; tracked 375 d) immediately travelled south via Madeira and the Canaries, before residing in West African waters for 3 mo. In spring, T1 migrated north towards Newfoundland where transmissions ceased. T2 (29 June 2006; male; 233 d) travelled south for a short period before spending 66 d west of the Bay of Biscay, an area previously asserted as a high-use area for leatherbacks. This prolonged high latitude summer residence corresponded with a mesoscale feature evident from satellite imagery, with the implication that this turtle had found a rich feeding site. A marked change in dive behaviour was apparent as the turtle exited this feature and provided useful insights on leatherback diving behaviour. T2 headed south in October 2006, and performed the deepest-ever dive recorded by a reptile (1280 m) southwest of Cape Verde. Unlike T1, T2 swam southwest towards Brazil before approaching the major nesting beaches of French Guiana and Surinam. Importantly, these tracks document the movement of leatherbacks from one of the remotest foraging grounds in the North Atlantic.

DDoS attack detection at local area networks using information theoretical metrics

DDoS attacks are one of the major threats to Internet services. Sophisticated hackers are mimicking the features of legitimate network events, such as flash crowds, to fly under the radar. This poses great challenges to detect DDoS attacks. In this paper, we propose an attack feature independent DDoS flooding attack detection method at local area networks. We employ flow entropy on local area network routers to supervise the network traffic and raise potential DDoS flooding attack alarms when the flow entropy drops significantly in a short period of time. Furthermore, information distance is employed to differentiate DDoS attacks from flash crowds. In general, the attack traffic of one DDoS flooding attack session is generated by many bots from one botnet, and all of these bots are executing the same attack program. As a result, the similarity among attack traffic should higher than that among flash crowds, which are generated by many random users. Mathematical models have been established for the proposed detection strategies. Analysis based on the models indicates that the proposed methods can raise the alarm for potential DDoS flooding attacks and can differentiate DDoS flooding attacks from flash crowds with conditions. The extensive experiments and simulations confirmed the effectiveness of our proposed detection strategies.

Teaching in the iWorld: developing a repertoire of pedagogical discourse around the usage of touch screen devices in early years classrooms

 Touch-screen devices have been enthusiastically adopted by schools across Australia and Canada. Their ease of use means that they are accessible by very young children, and these children often have free access to these devices in their home, however the devices tend to be ‘domesticated’ in the school context (O’Mara and Laidlaw, 2011). In the short period of their availability, a plethora of educational applications have been developed for these devices. This paper addresses emergent themes from our 2011-2013 Canadian/Australian project, Literacy learning in playful spaces: using multi-modal strategies to develop narrative with young learners, funded by the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Insight Development Grant). In our analysis of the discourse around the introduction of portable touch screen devices into school literacy classes (published texts, teacher interviews, classroom observations), we noted that much of the public discourse is slanted towards the idea of “teacher-proofing” the curriculum. Initially the teachers we have been working with saw the apps themselves as complete, as doing all the work and the discourse around the devices was around what apps are “best”, and “is there an app for that?” It was only with more experience and time that teachers were able to harness the range of affordances of the devices—their capacity for recording audio, video, pictures etc., and start to categorise the apps themselves. In this paper we suggest ways in which current literacy models might be used to develop a repertoire of pedagogical discourse around these devices, providing language and framings for teachers to think about how these new tools might best be used to enhance literacy teaching and learning. O’Mara, J. & Laidlaw, L. (2011). Living in the iWorld: Two literacy researchers reflect on the changing texts and literacy practices of childhood. English Teaching: Practice and Critique 10 (4): 149-159. Available: http://edlinked.soe.waikato.ac.nz/research/journal/view.php?article=true&id=754&p=1

Corporate political connections and the 2008 Malaysian election

We examine whether the relationship between political connections and firm value is moderated by the length of time firms have been politically connected. We find that compared to firms with political connections for a short period, firms with political connections for a long period have a smaller magnitude of negative stock price reaction to the 2008 General Election loss of the supermajority by the ruling party in Malaysia. We also find that the smaller magnitude of negative stock price reaction is, in part, attributable to improvements in board of director characteristics. Furthermore, we find that while the performance subsequent to the General Election of politically connected firms is worse than that of non-politically connected firms, firms with political connections for a long period exhibit better performance than those connected for short periods. Collectively, the evidence shows that the length of political connections is an important factor that moderates economic value.

Activities between activities of focus-Relevant when assessing DNA transfer probabilities

Consideration of the indirect transfer of 'touch DNA' is increasingly becoming part of criminal investigations. Focus is often concentrated on the actions relating to the pick-up of the relevant DNA and key actions associated with transfer to the exhibit from which the sample in question was collected. There is often a time lapse between such actions. As any contact can influence the gain and/or loss of DNA, it is relevant to have an awareness of what hands touch during everyday activities in order to assist consideration of what may be occurring during potential time lapses within contemplated scenarios. To gain an appreciation of the manner and frequency of hands contacting various surfaces during everyday activities, we analysed several videos of individuals performing a variety of general activities. The findings indicate that several items are touched over a relatively short period of time. Appreciation and consideration of general activities that may have occurred between key focus activities are necessary to assess any impact these may have on what is deposited at the final collection site. The information this provides is imperative when weighting alternative transfer scenario propositions.

Active power control in an islanded microgrid using DC link voltage status

This paper proposes a power balancing strategy for dispatchable and non-dispatchable sources in an islanded microgrid. This control method enables energy storage system that employs a voltage-band at a dc busbar to maintain grid voltage stability for short period disturbances in a network. This voltage-band, applied to obtain maximum benefit from the storage system, depends on a storage capacity feature to avoid voltage limit violation. In addition, a linear quadratic regulator is employed as a voltage controller to track the reference grid voltage that is obtained from the proposed P/V droop control strategy. In the proposed control method, a long-term energy storage element, such as a battery, also can be used to regulate voltage and deliver insufficient power in a microgrid. It is concluded that the proposed control method exhibits an effective result in voltage and power issue during transient.

Heterogeneous cooperative co-evolution memetic differential evolution algorithms for big data optimisation problems

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have recently been suggested as candidate for solving big data optimisation problems that involve very large number of variables and need to be analysed in a short period of time. However, EAs face scalability issue when dealing with big data problems. Moreover, the performance of EAs critically hinges on the utilised parameter values and operator types, thus it is impossible to design a single EA that can outperform all other on every problem instances. To address these challenges, we propose a heterogeneous framework that integrates a cooperative co-evolution method with various types of memetic algorithms. We use the cooperative co-evolution method to split the big problem into sub-problems in order to increase the efficiency of the solving process. The subproblems are then solved using various heterogeneous memetic algorithms. The proposed heterogeneous framework adaptively assigns, for each solution, different operators, parameter values and local search algorithm to efficiently explore and exploit the search space of the given problem instance. The performance of the proposed algorithm is assessed using the Big Data 2015 competition benchmark problems that contain data with and without noise. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm, with the cooperative co-evolution method, performs better than without cooperative co-evolution method. Furthermore, it obtained very competitive results for all tested instances, if not better, when compared to other algorithms using a lower computational times.

The relationship between phase and period responses to light pulses

Current theories of stable circadian entrainment postulate phase delays should be associated with period lengthening, while phase advances should be associated with period shortening. While characterising features of the rat PRC to light, we noted substantial numbers of responses that displayed the opposite pattern. Forty-eight rats provided data for 192 phase responses. Limiting our analysis to phase shifts greater than 1 hour, we found 44 displayed the expected predicted relationship, and 33 displayed the contrary paradoxical relationship. Paradoxical responders possessed significantly shorter initial activity periods, compared to predicted responders. Activity was significantly lengthened by paradoxical responders and shortened by predicted responders following light pulse exposure. These results suggest a second mode of stable entrainment. Additionally, these results indicate entrainment mode, predicted or paradoxical, is based upon activity period duration. Short activity period durations will be associated with paradoxical responses, long durations will be associated with predicted responses. We argue that, given the dynamic changes in photoperiod, both modes of entrainment are necessary to provide stable entrainment across the year.

The effects of short-term sprint training on MCT expression in moderately endurance-trained runners

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of short-term sprint training on transient changes in monocarboxylate lactate transporter 1 (MCT1) and MCT4 protein and mRNA content. Seven moderately endurance-trained runners (mean ± SE; age 27.7±2.9 years, body mass 81.1±5.9 kg, VO₂ max 58.1±2.0 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) completed a VO₂ max and a supramaximal running test to exhaustion (RTE) before and after a 6-week period of sprint training. The sprint training was progressive and consisted of 18 sessions of near maximal short duration (5–15 s) sprints to compliment the athlete’s endurance training. Prior to the training period there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in MCT1, but not MCT4 protein, 2 h after the RTE. This occurred without any change in corresponding mRNA levels. After the training period, there was a significant increase in MCT1 protein but no significant change in the MCT4 isoform. Both MCT1 and MCT4 mRNA was significantly lower at rest and 2 h post-RTE after the completion of the training period. After the training period, there was a significant increase in the time to exhaustion and distance covered during the RTE. This study demonstrates that sprint training of this length and type results in an upregulation of MCT1 protein, but not MCT4 content. Additionally, this study shows conflicting adaptations in MCT1 and MCT4 protein and mRNA levels following training, which may indicate post-transcriptional regulation of MCT expression in human muscle.

The effect of repeated pulses of light at the same time on period responses of the rat circadian pacemaker.

A consequence of simple velocity-based models is that, in response to light pulses, the circadian period should adjust inversely to phase. In addition, because of the interaction of circadian period and phase response, earlier circadian period changes should modify later circadian period changes. The literature contains few mentions of response curves of circadian period responses following light pulses. Rats were exposed to four pulses of light (60 minutes, 1000 lux) at the same circadian time, a minimum of 26 days apart; we assessed period responses and possible bias in the period-response curve. Modulation of circadian period following light-induced phase responses was examined by assessing the period of running wheel activity onset. Phase and circadian period were not consistently found to share an inverse relationship. Moreover, biases in initial period tended to be increased by the experimental protocol regardless of circadian time of pulse. Rats with a short initial (highvelocity) period had a lengthened period, while rats with a long initial period (low velocity) tended to have a reduce period. However, rats with a long initial period were phase delay biased, not phase advance biased. These results do not support a simple velocity model of the pacemaker.

Short-run performance of recent Australian on-market share buy-back announcements

Share buy-backs (or share repurchases) have become increasingly popular among Australian companies during the recent times. One of the aims of share buy-back is to increase the shareholders' wealth by increasing the market price of company shares. While there are several ways of buying backs shares, on-market buy-backs is the most popular method of share repurchase in Australia. Australian listed companies have announced more than two hundred on-market share buy-backs over the past three years. The aim of this paper is to examine the short-run market performance of these recent on-market buy-back announcements.

Short-term effect of on-market buy-back announcements on the share price is an issue, which is theoretically interesting and practically important. Buy-back announcements are believed to convey a signal to the market (i.e., signalling effect). If the market considers this signal positively, the short-run price of the shares would increase. If the signal were considered negatively, the short-run price of shares would decrease. If there is no signalling content or the signal is neutral the price would remain the same. In this study, signalling effect of share buy-back announcements is empirically examined using most recent Australian data. The total population of on-market buy-back announcements that have been lodged with Australian Stock Exchange by Australian listed companies during the period from 1 January 2000 to 10 March 2003 are included in this study. The abnormal market return over the short-run (announcement day and 10 trading days centred on the announcement date) is examined using the All Ordinaries Accumulation Index as the reference portfolio. The daily abnormal returns (AR) and cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) during the event period are computed. The results indicate that the Australian market generally positively reacts to on-market buy-back announcements.

A randomized controlled trial of buprenorphine in the management of short-term ambulatory heroin withdrawal

Aim: To determine whether buprenorphine is more effective than clondine and other symptomatic medications in managing ambulatory heroin withdrawal.
Design: Open label. prospective randomized controlled trial examining
withdrawal and 4-week postwithdrawal outcomes on intention-to-treat.
Setting: Two specialist, out-patient drug treatment centres in inner city
Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.
Participants: One hundred and fourteen dependent heroin users were recruited. Participants were 18 yea rs or over. and with no significant other drug dependence, medical or psychiatric conditions or recent methadone treatment. One hundred and one (89%) participants completed a day 8 research interview examining withdrawal outcomes, and 92 (81%) completed day 35 research interview examining postwithdrawal outcomes.
Interventions: Participants randomized to control (n = 56) (up to 8 days or
clonidine and other symptomatic medications) or experimental (n = 58) (up to 5 days of buprenorphine) withdrawal groups. Following the 8-day withdrawal episode, participants could self-select from range of postwithdrawal options (naltrexone, substitution maintenance or counselling).
Measurements: Retention in withdrawal: heroin use during withdrawl: and
retention in drug treatment 4 weeks after withdrawal.
Secondary outcomes: Withdrawal severity: adverse events, and heroin use in the postwithdrawal period.
Findings: The experimental group had better treatment retention at day 8 (86% versus 57%, P = 0.001, 95% CI for numbers needed to treat (NNT) = 3-8) and day 35 (62% versus 39%, P = 0.02, 95% CI for NNT = 4-18): used heroin on fewer days during the withdralwal programlme (2.6 ± 2.5 versus 4.5 ± 2. 3.
P < 0.001. 95% CI = 1- 2.5 days) and in the postwithdrawal period (9.0±8.2
versus 14.6± 10. P<O.Ol. 95% CI = I .8- 9.4): and reported less withdrawal
severity. No severe adverse events reported.
Conclusions: Buprenorphine is effective for short-term ambulatory heroin
withdrawaI, with greater retention, less heroin use and less withdrawal discomfort during withdrawal: and increased postwithdrawal treatment retention than symptomatic medications.

Low carbohydrate diets: what are the potential short and long term health implications?

Low-carbohydrate diets for weight loss are receiving a lot of attention of late. Reasons for this interest include a plethora of low-carbohydrate diet books, the over-sensationalism of these diets in the media and by celebrities, and the promotion of these diets in fitness centres and health clubs. The re-emergence of low-carbohydrate diets into the spotlight has lead many people in the general public to question whether carbohydrates are inherently 'bad' and should be limited in the diet. Although low-carbohydrate diets were popular in the 1970s they have resurged again yet little scientific fact into the true nature of how these diets work or, more importantly, any potential for serious long-term health risks in adopting this dieting practice appear to have reached the mainstream literature. Evidence abounds that low-carbohydrate diets present no significant advantage over more traditional energy-restricted, nutritionally balanced diets both in terms of weight loss and weight maintenance. Studies examining the efficacy of using low-carbohydrate diets for long-term weight loss are few in number, however few positive benefits exist to promote the adoption of carbohydrate restriction as a realistic, and more importantly, safe means of dieting. While short-term carbohydrate restriction over a period of a week can result in a significant loss of weight (albeit mostly from water and glycogen stores), of serious concern is what potential exists for the following of this type of eating plan for longer periods of months to years. Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. The need to further explore and communicate the untoward side-effects of low-carbohydrate diets should be an important public health message from nutrition professionals.

Short-term diets enriched in stearic or palmitic acids do not alter plasma lipids, platelet aggregation or platelet activation status

Objective: To determine whether healthy males who consumed increased amounts of dietary stearic acid compared with increased dietary palmitic acid through the consumption of commercially available foods, exhibited any changes in plasma lipids, platelet aggregation or platelet activation status.
Design: A randomised cross-over dietary intervention.
Subjects and interventions: Nine free-living healthy males consumed two experimental diets (stearic acid enriched, diet S, and palmitic acid enriched, diet P) for 3 weeks in a randomised cross-over design separated by a 3 week washout phase. The diets consisted of 30% of energy as fat (30% of which was derived from the treatment diets) providing 13 g=day as stearic acid and 17 g=day as palmitic acid on diet S and 7g=day as stearic acid and 22 g=day as palmitic acid on diet P. The dietary ratio of stearic to palmitic acids was 0.76 on diet S compared with 0.31 on diet P. Blood samples were collected on days 0 and 21 of each dietary period.
Results: LDL cholesterol levels and platelet aggregation response to the agonist ADP were significantly decreased (P <0.025) in subjects on diet S compared with day 0. Apart from that, there were no significant changes in plasma lipids, plateletaggregation, mean platelet volume and platelet reactivity between diets. There were no significant changes in stearic or palmitic acid levels in plasma phospholipid or triacylglycerol. There was a significant difference in palmitic acid levels in platelet phospholipids between the two diets.
Conclusions: Use of commonly available foods led to a 27% increase in stearic acid (diet S) and a 19% increase in palmitic acid (diet P), on diets S and P respectively, and no significant differences between the two diets in plasma lipoprotein concentrations, platelet aggregation or platelet activation status.

Global and targeted gene expression and protein content in skeletal muscle of young men following short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation has been shown to increase fat-free mass and muscle power output possibly via cell swelling. Little is known about the cellular response to CrM. We investigated the effect of short-term CrM supplementation on global and targeted mRNA expression and protein content in human skeletal muscle. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-blind design, 12 young, healthy, nonobese men were supplemented with either a placebo (PL) or CrM (loading phase, 20 g/day x 3 days; maintenance phase, 5 g/day x 7 days) for 10 days. Following a 28-day washout period, subjects were put on the alternate supplementation for 10 days. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained and were assessed for mRNA expression (cDNA microarrays + real-time PCR) and protein content (Kinetworks KPKS 1.0 Protein Kinase screen). CrM supplementation significantly increased fat-free mass, total body water, and body weight of the participants (P < 0.05). Also, CrM supplementation significantly upregulated (1.3- to 5.0-fold) the mRNA content of genes and protein content of kinases involved in osmosensing and signal transduction, cytoskeleton remodeling, protein and glycogen synthesis regulation, satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription control, and cell survival. We are the first to report this large-scale gene expression in the skeletal muscle with short-term CrM supplementation, a response that suggests changes in cellular osmolarity.