The study is aimed at analyzing psychometric features of the local version of the Honey-Alonso Learning Styles Questionnaire. First, the inner structure of the scale is examined by means of a confirmatory factor analysis and an analysis of factorial invariance, splitting the sample by faculty. Second, internal consistency coefficients of the dimensions are analyzed and compared to previous results. Third, external convergent validity evidences are considered, regarding scores obtained from a learning approach scale which was used as an external criterion. Findings show an adequate model fit, even employing different estimation methods. Furthermore, the factorial invariance analysis verifies the metrical equivalence of the model. The internal consistency study finds acceptable values. The dimensions' stability reliability indices do not verify significant differences between test and retest. Finally, the convergent validity evidences analyses show positive associations between learning styles and the Deep learning approach on the one hand, and negative associations between the Surface approach and learning styles on the other, as reported in previous studies. Results are discussed on the grounds of the theoretical and empirical background


Aristotle claims man is a political animal and that the polis exists by nature. Taking literally his analogy between the legislator and the craftsman, Aristotle's critics contend that he 'blunders' because the polis is artificial, devised by a legislator/founder and imposed on a people. We defend Aristotle's claims by showing, first, how Aristotle's claim that man is by nature an animal possessing logos -- speech/reason -- grounds his account of the natural development of the polis out of the earliest partnerships (which the critics concede are natural); second, that the person who first brought people together in a polis may well have done so without realizing the scope of his actions; and, finally, that the developmental process is clearly one of praxis (action), not poisis (making, the imposition of a form on matter). Aristotle's claims are evidenced by the Homeric hero Philoctetes, whom one critic takes to disprove Aristotle's theses.


In 1972, the International Geographical Union's Commission on World Land Use Survey adopted a project for a land-use map of Europe. Such a map, under the name Eulusmap was started earlier under sponsorship of several government offices in Hungary. Although there was great response from a number of contributors in many countries, it became evident by mid-1974 that the map would contain gaps and some inaccuracies unless additional data sources were utilized. By then, the satellite Landsat-1 had obtained imagery of most of Europe. Using theme extraction techniques, the map was completed in draft form and portions of it displayed at the 23d International Geographical Congress in Moscow during July 1976. Printing of the completed map was accomplished in May 1978.


One of the most remarkable and ruthless leaders in ancient history, Agathocles was the son of an Italian Greek exile living at Thermae Himeraeae, then under Carthaginian rule, in western Sicily. A potter by trade (so his enemies claimed), he migrated to Syracuse, making his name first as a skillful soldier and then venturing into politics against the dominant oligarchy, the Six Hundred. When these forced him into exile (ca. 330), he operated in southern Italy as commander of a body of mercenary troops, but won a recall to Syracuse around 322. He was soon exiled again but, with factional strife worsening in the city, returned in 319 under a political compromise brokered by the Carthaginian general in Sicily. He was now elected strategos autokrator, general with supreme powers (a recognized route to becoming "tyrant," or dictator). A few years' uneasy coexistence with the Six Hundred ended in 316 with his massacre of them and their supporters—four thousand in all, while thousands more fled to other Sicilian cities for refuge. This made him master of Syracuse.

Keywords:

ancient history;
biography;
greek history;
military history;
war


Interleukin-8 (IL-8,also named CXCL8) binds to its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) with subsequent recruitment of neutrophils and enhancement of their infiltration into inflamed sites, which exaggerates inflammation in many diseases. Recent studies have proposed metabolic disorders can be attenuated by counteracting certain inflammatory signal pathways. In this study, we examined whether intervention with G31P, an antagonist of CXCL8, could attenuate tissue inflammation and development of metabolic disorders in db/db mice. The db/m and db/db mice were injected with G31P or equivalent normal saline for six weeks. The physical and metabolic parameters, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hepatic lipid accumulation, and inflammation markers were measured. G31P improved hepatic insulin sensitivity by modulating expression of genes related to gluconeogenesis and phosphorylated AKT level. The expressions of several genes encoding proteins involved in de novo lipogenesis (DNL) were decreased in G31P-treated db/db mice. Meanwhile, immune cells infiltration and cytokines release were attenuated in db/db mice with G31P treatment. G31P also improved the ratio of pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Furthermore, G31P ameliorates inflammation-associated metabolic disorders via inhibition of CXCR1 and CXCR2 pathways. These data suggest the selective inhibition of CXC chemokines may have therapeutic effect on inflammation and its related metabolic syndrome.


FIELD: medicine. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to medicine, namely to determination of hemoglobin and its derivatives in blood for use in laboratory practice. For this, using a digital spectrophotometer in the wavelength range λ=500–700 nm, with an accuracy of 0.5–1 nm, the absorption spectrum of the erythrocyte suspension in PBS buffer is measured at pH 7.4. Further empirical and theoretical curves are approximated by the standard non-linear regression method. Approximation takes into account the absorption of light by hemoglobin derivatives, as well as the Rayleigh scattering of light and scattering on blood cells. EFFECT: invention allows to increase the accuracy of the evaluation of the content of hemoglobin derivatives in the blood of a healthy and sick person in the diagnosis of diseases. 1 cl, 5 dwg, 5 tbl, 2 ex


We establish a simplified form for the Landau equation with Maxwellian-type molecules. We study in details the Cauchy problem associated to this equation, and some qualitative features of the solution. Explicit solutions are given.


In the article the structure and the content of the moral education model of students of higher education institute, witch are learn on the Design specialty, are revealed on the assumption of their vocational training peculiarities.


Abstract As a follow-up to earlier investigations into the high-pressure polymerization of ethylene with symmetrically substituted bifunctional peroxides, the suitability of 2,5-dimethylhexane-2-t-butylperoxy-5-perpivalate, a peroxide with different substituents on both O—O groups, has been tested. The polymerization tests were carried out in continuous operation in a stirred autoclave at 1700 bar, 240–285°C, a residence time of 60 s, and an initiator concentration of 3–25 mol ppm in the feed. Conversions of up to 30% were achieved. The specific initiator consumption was 0.2–1 g initiator per kg polyethylene. The density of the polymers obtained was 0.915–0.925 g/mL, their average molecular weight was 40 × 103 to 60 × 103, and their melt flow index was 0.001–100 g/10 min. On the basis of the molecular weight distribution, polydispersities of 4–7 were obtained.


e18502Background: Aberrant expression of NK and T cell antigens (NK/T) in AML blasts is well known.However,their influence on EFS(after standard first line AML induction) & OS has not been well stu...


This work provides a comparison of eight different hydrodynamic damping models for streamlined tail-controlled autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). We use an off-line least-squares method and an adaptive identifier method to approximate damping model coefficients and determine if one damping model is preferred over other models. We evaluate the two methods for estimating the parameters of the models. Our initial results show that both identification methods produce similar results, and thus the adaptive identifier might be preferred for some applications because it does not require angular acceleration. Our results also show that the linear damping model has comparable performance to more complex models but employs fewer parameters. We conclude that the linear damping model is preferred over other models due to its simplicity.


Former political science and policy studies major Chris Neary '06 uses his skills honed on Capitol Hill to aid organizations improving communities in need at the non-profit Cinnaire.


Feeder and branch line tracks with medium rail and poor ballast can be sustained in operating condition with a minimum expenditure of money and manpower. This article discusses the temporary tamping, use of wing ties, importance of hardpan under ties and proper drainage which can maintain marginal track in safe operating condition.


In this work, the long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene/red phosphorus (PP/LGF/RP) flame retardant composites were prepared by melting blend. The effects of thermo-oxidative aging on the mechanical properties, morphologies, and fire resistances of the PP/LGF/RP composites with different thermal exposure time at 140°C were investigated and discussed. The results showed that the crystallinity of PP in the PP/LGF/RP composites decreased and the mechanical properties decreased significantly with increasing the aging time. The scanning electronic microscopy photos indicated that the obvious reticular crack appeared on the surface of PP/LGF/RP composites and larger cracks appeared in local scope with an increase of aging time. The results from energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) proved that RP migrated from the inner to the surface of the composites. And the corresponding temperatures of maximum weight loss rate (Tmax) of the PP/LGF/RP composites remained nearly unchanged, but the initial decomposition temperature (T5%) increased firstly, and then decreased. The flame retardant performances from the UL-94 tests, limiting oxygen index, and cone calorimeter test showed that the thermo-oxidative aging had a little effect on the flammability of the PP/LGF/RP composites. The thermal stability of PP/LGF/RP composites was improved slightly after thermo-oxidative aging. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers


large extent responsible for constructing the very consumer they seek to respond to. Ervine points out that despite changes in the law that ensure that durability is a legal requirement of a good, for a variety of reasons consumers rarely use the legislation to enforce their right to durable goods with the knock on effect that there have been no test cases that can clarify the law (p. 189). Compounding this, Twigg-Flesner notes in a study of warranties that there exists no legal obligation in the UK to repair products under warranty or for a firm to have facilities and capacity to do so with the result that consumers are often given new products when existing ones fail, a policy that is likely to be more energy and resource intensive than repair (p. 295). What is refreshing about these accounts is that rather than seeing consumer preferences as pre-existing they point to the many different ways that consumer behaviours are structured by other actors in the supply chain. As such, warranties, the law, marketing and sales data are here re-cast as performative in that they are seen to enact particular patterns of consumption. Whilst a minority of chapters may be overly individualist in their outlook, the major contributions of the book are to point out the shortcomings of eco-efficient production approaches and to move beyond notions of consumer sovereignty by demonstrating the 'more than' representational nature of various legal, institutional and market devices. In doing so Cooper has brought together a suite of papers that more than adequately restate the importance of considering questions of lifespan in debates on sustainable production and consumption.


Detection of endogenous nucleic acids by cytosolic receptors, dependent on STING, and endosomal sensors, dependent on Unc93b1, can provoke inflammatory responses that contribute to a variety of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. In DNase II–deficient mice, the excessive accrual of undegraded DNA leads to both a STING-dependent inflammatory arthritis and additional Unc93b1-dependent autoimmune manifestations, including splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and autoantibody production. In this study, we use bone marrow chimeras to show that clinical and histological inflammation in the joint depends upon DNase II deficiency in both donor hematopoietic cells and host radioresistant cells. Additional features of autoimmunity in these mice, known to depend on Unc93b1 and therefore endosomal TLRs, also require DNase II deficiency in both donor and host compartments, but only require functional TLRs in the hematopoietic cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate a major role of both stromal and hematopoietic cells in all aspects of DNA-driven autoimmunity. These findings further point to the importance of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors in creating an inflammatory environment that facilitates the development of Unc93b1-dependent autoimmunity.


We investigate the chaos synchronization of two certain chaotic gyros using the backstepping approach. We design a simple controller and verify the stability of the error system by using proper Lyapunov functions. The designed control laws ensure stable controlled and synchronized states for two chaotic nonlinear gyros. Numerical simulations are implemented for illustration and verification of the effectiveness of the backstepping technique.


Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) has seen an incredible interest amongst research community in recent years due to its capability to make the robot truly independent in navigation. In this paper we present a framework for Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) to address the challenge of light intensity in an environment The framework addresses this challenge by introducing image filtering algorithm, together with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm for localization and mapping and A* algorithm for navigation into the VSLAM framework to improve the robustness of the system in a static environment. The methodology used to perform experiment in research is simulation. Experimental results show a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.13m, which is minimal when compared with other SLAM systems from literature. The inclusion of an Image Filtering Algorithm has enabled the VSLAM system to navigate in a noisy environment. Keywords—Navigation, Sensor, Vision, light intensity, mobile robot, Simultaneous Localization and mapping (SLAM)


Since the beginning of 2020, the medical staff caring for patients with rheumatic disorders has been exposed to considerable emotional and physical stress due to the COVID19 pandemic outbreak. Newly-designed circuits were imposed to better manage chronic patient admissions.To assess the level of motivation in healthcare personnel caring for patients with rheumatic disorders and identify determinants that lead to dissatisfaction during the COVID19 spread.A 15-item questionnaire was distributed among medical and paramedical staff looking after chronic rheumatic patients. Motivation factors were included in questions having five preset answers, ranging from "not al all", "to a small extent", "moderately", "to a large extent" and "to a very large extent". The final item was an open-type question, favoring personal suggestions and potential changes in local management.Out of a total of a 124 responders, 82 were doctors with various degrees in training (fellow trainees, specialists in Rheumatology, Head of Department), 37 medical assistants, 3 nurses, a physical therapist, one clinical psychologist. Mean age in the group was 38.3 years old with a strikingly female dominance (87.6%). Within the responders, the financial factor represented by monthly salary or bonuses had no or little impact on work motivation during the pandemic since more than 70% answered with "not al all / to a small extent / moderately". Regarding motivation through working hours, 26.7% responded either "not at all" or "to a small extent", 32.4% were moderately motivated while only 12.4% were more enthusiastic. More than half (53.4%) of the staff stated that motivation was not entirely affected by working conditions in the hospital. Answers were relatively equally divided referring to motivation by safety at their workplace (almost 20% for each statement), and 40.9% suffered some extent of demotivation due to risk of contamination while caring for COVID19 positive patients. 42% of the staff was only moderately motivated by hospital's measure to limit the spread of COVID throughout the personnel. Almost 75% of the healthcare workers were not motivated by news media. Around 54% said that personal motivation was not influenced by a larger work volume and 43% were very much motivated by work relationships with colleagues. 41% of the staff is only moderately satisfied with their work during the COVID outbreak while 18% are not at all satisfied. Finally, the last open-question confirmed that for some the pandemic period was a time to bring healthcare professionals together to a stronger bond. Other responders felt that chronic rheumatic patients were left aside, while caring mostly for COVID19 patients and only limited admissions for life-threatening conditions. Moreover, medical staff suggested that the lack of a more frequent testing throughout the personnel to avoid contamination was demotivating, while still living with families or relatives.Motivation of the personnel is a process with great economic and social impact. This study challenged the level of healthcare staff in difficult times caused by medical crisis. Results of the enquiry showed that financial benefits had no impact on motivation. Harsher working conditions or larger volume did not negatively impact motivation of staff, but the fear of contamination was considerable. Apparently the media influence was not a motivator for medical staff during the outbreak. Medical teams should find their stamina until the end of pandemia.[1]Barati, M, Bashirian, S et al, Factors associated with preventive behaviours of COVID-19 among hospital staff in Iran in 2020: an application of the Protection Motivation Theory, Journal of Hospital Infection 2020.[2]Barati, M, Bashirian, S et al, Factors associated with preventive behaviours of COVID-19 among hospital staff in Iran in 2020: an application of the Protection Motivation Theory, Journal of Hospital Infection 2020.None declared


The H.264 video coding standard derives much of its compression efficiency gain from the use of multiple different macroblock prediction modes for macroblock coding. In general, finding the prediction mode which gives optimal R-D performance for a given macroblock requires the encoder to completely encode the macroblock using all possible prediction modes. This results in a significant increase in encoder computational complexity. In this paper, we present a mode selection framework for H.264 which uses learning theoretic classification algorithms to discern between broad mode classes, based on the evaluation of a simple set of macroblock features. We show that the proposed mode selection framework significantly reduces encoder computational complexity, at the cost of only a small loss in compression performance.


Variations in PBL implementation need to be seen as the norm rather than the exception, since local PBL practice will always diverge from the "original model". In order to understand this phenomenon, this conceptional paper first systematizes variations in PBL implementation at the inter-institutional, intra-institutional, and individual level. Then, variation in PBL implementation is discussed through the lens of translation theory as part of the research tradition of Scandinavian Intuitionalism. Resulting insights are applied to develop guiding questions designed to help leaders and PBL researchers to reflect on PBL implementation processes. Uncharted territories in PBL implementation research are identified, and it is argued that researching PBL implementation can serve as a blueprint to understand educational change dynamics in institutions of higher education.


The stress and defect generation; hence luminescence efficiency of semiconductor materials is correlated. Even severe cracks are formed on the epilayer surface due to stress those impair the photoluminescence property of devices. So the stress effect of GaN epilayer grown on Si(111) is evaluated by different growth approaches and different interlayer's. Epilayer on thinner converted SiC templates is found to increases PL Ex. peak energy with broadening its line width whereas epilayer grown on porously converted GaN layer is found comparatively low PL Ex. peak energy with narrowing its line width. From Raman scattering analysis, it is also observed that the PL Ex. peak is not signifies actual stress level rather its reveals epilayer quality. PL Ex. Peak energy is found to increase with increasing thickness of epilayer grown on converted interlayer on Si substrate.


This paper reports on methods and implementations related to structured feedback of process data to increase the availability of reliable process knowledge in small batch manufacturing environments. The presented approach aims at acquiring process data in computerised numerical controls (CNCs) and simulation environments depending on the respective machining situation in actual machining or derived from simulated machine behaviour to increase data availability, identify systematic effects and improve machine tool models. Based on a characterisation of process data sources and architectures of commercial CNCs, a uniform approach to extend the process chain for CNC manufacturing is presented. It relies on the development of CNC-integrated algorithms, communication interfaces and a STEP-NC-based information model. Approaches to utilise the developed infrastructure for machine tool selection and process parameterisation in small batch manufacturing processes are illustrated. The system is implemented for two different CNCs, one with open NC kernel and another with a comprehensive high-level PLC interface.


Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has been widely recognized as one of the most important technology for low power wireless communication and also used in variety of applications like medical, military, industrial, agricultural and environmental monitoring. Here, our approach resolve the issues like collision in healthcare application. In healthcare applications of WSN, normally, the generated information's like emergency, cardiac attack, accident etc. which are coming from Patient Body Sensor (PBS) and processed by the sink as soon as possible. It is very much essential to avoid congestion and provide immediate solution without delay. As sensor nodes are battery operated so in all routing protocols designed for WSN, energy should be one targeted parameter. Hence, our proposal is designed not only collect the information centrally but also manage using active queue management (AQM) technique. This technique focuses on queue assisted congestion control type and avoids congestion in the routing phase using multipath and also manages the queue in each node when packet reaches by packet loss probability.


Orthogonal tests were conducted,on four levels,over five factors,namely,pre-culture time,tested strain concentration,infection time,co-culture time and antibiotic concentration to obtain an optimum formulation for inducing Flos.Lonicera hairy roots.Results show that the induction rate of hairy roots is up to 54.3% when the OD600 of R1000 is about 0.6~0.8,the axenic plantlet leaves are pre-cultured for 5 days,and the Agrobacterium solution,immersed 4 mins,is diluted to 45 times,co-cultured for 3 days and transferred to culture in 1/2MS medium with 500 mg/L Carb.Hairy roots taken at random from the in vitro culture were tested by PCR to be transgenic.


Using the ISEE-3 radio astronomy experiment data 37 interplanetary (IP) type II bursts have been identified in the period September 1978 to December 1981. These events and the associated phenomena are listed. The events are preceded by intense, soft X ray events with long decay times (LDEs) and type II and/or type IV bursts at meter wavelengths. The meter wavelength type II bursts are usually intense and exhibit herringbone structure. The extension of the herringbone structure into the kilometer wavelength range results in the occurrence of a shock accelerated (SA) event. The majority of the interplanetary type II bursts are associated with energetic particle events. These results support other studies which indicate that energetic solar particles detected at 1 A.U. are generated by shock acceleration. From a preliminary analysis of the available data there appears to be a high correlation with white light coronal transients.


Activity of catalase from astragalus and spirulina were compared. The effects of different temperature, pH values and different concentrations of organic solvents on catalase of astragalus were researched. The best extraction condition of catalase from astragalus and spirulina were studied. The results showed that under the condition of the same quality, there was more catalase extracted from astragalus, and the effect was better. The best extraction condition was that pH value of 7.0, temperature of 30℃ and low concentration of organic solvent was better for extracting the catalase form astragalus. The study provided some reference for using mild and low contaminated biological method to catalyze and degrade H2O2.


The present invention discloses a method and a substrate manufacturing method, display device, to solve the problem of the presence of faults in the formation of the insulating layer on the aluminum electrode substrate insulating layer. The substrate comprising: a first set having an aluminum electrode pattern located on the substrate, further comprising a layer of aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride layer having a second set pattern of the aluminum electrode in the same layer; the first and setting the second set pattern complementary pattern.


Coherent transition radiation (CTR), produced by short electron bunches, is a well-known radiation mechanism which is applied for bunch length monitoring. By analyzing the CTR spectrum it is possible to reconstruct the longitudinal bunch shape. Such a technique is widely used for accelerators with electron beams possessing bunch lengths σz much larger than their transverse beam sizes σx,y (with σx,y,z the rms transverse and longitudinal beam sizes). New developments in the field of accelerator technology allow to produce and accelerate bunches with a duration of less than 1 fs with a "pancake-like" bunch shape, i.e. with σz ≪ σx,y. Diagnostic schemes of this kind of bunches give rise to interesting effects, for example connected with a transverse asymmetry (σx ≠ σy), with a tilting of the bunches (i.e. the bunch axis does not coincide with the velocity direction), and even more. Spectral-angular distributions of coherent backward transition radiation (BTR) were simulated taking into account a possible bunch tilt. It is shown that spectral intensity measurements of coherent BTR emitted in backward direction allow to obtain information about the bunch length.


Corpus linguistics has offered a unique perspective for the study of semantic prosody and the quite controversial practice of lockdown after the COVID-19 has provided researchers with a valuable chance to study the semantic prosody of this word lockdown. Based on the coronavirus corpus, this paper uses a data-driven approach to study the lexical collocation characteristics and semantic prosody of lockdown. The findings are as follows: (1) lockdown tends to collocate with words indicating time, country and region, cause, executive power and influence field. (2) Its semantic prosody as a whole presents a neutral to negative semantic prosody. Semantic prosody is also different in reports from different countries. (3) Based on the diachronic study, the semantic prosody of lockdown changes over time. Keywords: coronavirus corpus, lockdown, semantic prosody


Tables and Figures Preface Western Europe - Overall Issues Professional Sport in Europe: Which Economic Model? by Jean-Francois Bourg Is There a European Model of Sport? by Stefan Szymanski Still Up for Grabs? Maintaining the Sporting and Financial Viability of European Soccer by Bill Gerrard Western Europe - Labor Issues The European and U.S. Sports Labor Markets by Paul D. Staudohar Economic Analysis of the Transfer Market in European Professional Soccer by Jean-Jacques Gouguet and Didier Primault Should the International Mobility of Teenage Talented Players from Developing Countries Bye Regulated? by Wladimir Andreff Western Europe - Competitive Balance Issues Economic Inequalities within and between Professional Football Leagues in Europe: Sporting Consequences and Policy Options by H. F. Moorhouse Buying Success: Relationahips Between Team Performance and Wage Bills in the U.S. and European Sports Leagues by Robert Simmons and David Forrest Revenue Sharing Arrangements and the Survival of Promoted Teams: Empirical Evidence from the European Soccer Leagues by Bernd Frick and Joachim Prinz Western Europe - League Evolution, Broadcasting, and the Stock Market Common Origins, Common Future? A Comparative Analysis of Association and Rugby League Football in the UK by Paul Downward and Ian Jackson Sport and Broadcasting: Comparisons between the USA and Europe by Chris Gratton and Harry Arne Solberg Stock Market Flotation and the Finance and Management of Professional Soccer Clubs in Europe by Stephen Dobson and John Goddard Canadian Professional Football The Professional Football Industry in Canada: Economic and Policy Issues by Neil Longley Southern Hemisphere Rugby Union Professionalization of Southern Hemisphere Rugby Union by P. Dorian Owen and Clayton R. Weatherston Brazilian Football An Overview of Brazilian Football by Antonio Carlos Kfouri Aidar, Clarissa Bueno de Ameida, and Renato Giosa Miralla Japanese and Korean Baseball Japanese and North American Baseball: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Effects of Rule Changes by Akihiko Kawaura and Sumner J. Lacroix Competitive Balance and Attendance in Japanese, Korean, and U.S. Professional Baseball Leagues by Young Hoon Lee Australia Professional Sporting Competitions in Australia by Robert D. MacDonald and Jeff Borland Labour Market Intervention, Revenue Sharing and Competitive Balance in the Australian Football League, 1897-2002 by Ross Booth Australian Professional Team Sports In a State of Flux by Braham Dabscheck Bibliography Index About the Contributors


comedy of what is described. He makes it clear that the book deals with the very particular nature of the creation and production of comedy, and comedy's relatively lowly position in any institutional pecking order. Wry reference is made to the fact that if broadcasters do have desk space for employees, for example, this will be prioritised for news and drama (p. 161). While it is self-evidently beyond the scope of this study to consider in detail working conditions in other television genres, nevertheless it is tempting to speculate that discourses that support a culture of precarious, short-term employment or a willingness to put up with less than ideal conditions in return for the pleasure that creative work brings may prevail elsewhere. Similarly, the debates mobilised around creativity and comedy seem to have broader application to wider conversations around what constitutes creativity outwith television genre demarcations. Indeed, if any criticism can be made of this book it is that of over-delivery. It seems to touch upon more ideas and fruitful lines of inquiry than it is able to realise fully. This dense synthesis of practitioner interviews, institutional context and broader theoretical discussions of creativity within the cultural industries suggests a broader remit than a text of this size could be expected to explore in depth. I found myself wishing that further time and consideration might be dedicated individually to each of these discrete areas and there are topics here that could be further explored in future publications. These are minor concerns, however, in relation to what Creativity in the British Television Comedy Industry represents: a valuable and important contribution to the study and understanding of the production of British television comedy within the contemporary British television comedy industry.


SUBTITLE: IBM HAS REINVENTED ITS SUPPLY CHAIN FOR E-BUSINESS ON DEMAND, A BUSINESS APPROACH THAT INTEGRATES PROCESSES END-TO-END INSIDE THE COMPANY AND ACROSS ITS EXTENDED VALUE CHAIN. IN IBM'S VIEW, ON-DEMAND BUSINESSES CAN RESPOND MORE QUICKLY AND FLEXIBLY TO CUSTOMER DEMANDS, MARKET OPPORTUNITIES, AND COMPETITIVE THREATS. IN TRANSFORMING ITS SUPPLY CHAIN, THE COMPANY LEARNE SOME VALUABLE LESSONS THAT MIGHT HELP OTHERS EMBARKING ON A SIMILAR JOURNEY STAY ON TRACK.


Flaming combustion is dependent upon the production of flammable volatiles that originate from the heating of the fuel materials. The thermal reactions that take place during this heating are determined by the chemical composition of the fuel. A knowledge of fuel chemistry and thermal reactivity can be useful in understanding and predicting fire behavior. Four plant materials were studied because their thermal decomposition curves showed unusually strong peaks from unknown combustible volatiles. The objective was to isolate and identify the chemical source of these volatiles. The tissues were methodically fractionated by following previously published techniques. Effects of each fractionation were carefully monitored by thermogravimetric analysis before and after treatment. Arabinogalactan was identified as the source of 325–350 °C volatiles from western larch (Larixoccidentalis Nutt.) wood. The major component of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) bark that decomposed above 400 °C was sube...


[Objective] To review the experience with the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma. [Methods] 22 case of malignant pheochromocytoma surgically treated were reviewed. [Results] Malignant ones occurred more frequently in the male patients and extraadrenal pheochromocytomas, the malignant one usually exceeded 7.0 cm in diameter and uneven density in the tumor. [Conclusions] Histological findings are not consistent with the tumors′s biological behaviors. Follow-up studies has been mandatory in malignant pheochromocytoma as well as in benign ones. To the case suspected or diagnosed malignant pheochromocytoma, prompt radical extirpation is the best means to achieve a long survival period.


In the preface to Wrestling with the Elephant, the author, Gordon Ritchie, says his book is a 'personal memoir' covering his experiences as a senior member of the Canadian team which negotiated the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and as an adviser in the private sector to companies involved in trade conflicts with the United States. 'It does not pretend,' he says modestly, 'to be the authoritative version of the truth -- whatever that is.'(f.1) So far, so good. The book is meant merely to offer a version of the truth. But his quip -- 'whatever that is' -- is a troubling one because the author poses a question about the reliability of his account of what must be regarded as one of the most far-reaching and significant negotiations in Canadian history.Master pundit Jeffrey Simpson, writing in the Toronto Globe and Mail on 11 October 1997, stated that 'Mr Ritchie's account is likely to be as close to a definitive one as we will get until someone else also intimately involved in the negotiations writes one.' It is also 'a textbook from one mandarins perspective, about how Ottawa worked in the 1970's and 1980's.' If these remarks are to be taken seriously -- I find it hard to do so -- there is indeed cause for concern because we will be left with a picture of a barely competent Canadian team facing a duplicitous and bullying American one. In his review of the book, Michael Hart asks 'will this revisionist account take hold? Has the passage of time made it possible to uproot already firmly implanted ideas?'(f.2) These are good questions.Notwithstanding his disclaimer, Ritchie boldly asserts in his subtitle that Wrestling with the Elephant is The Inside Story of the Canada-U.S. Trade Wars. Note, the Inside Story. His memoir, no doubt, could be styled an inside story; his account of the free-trade negotiations -- the centrepiece of the book -- could then be better understood for what it is. But there is, perhaps, some difficulty even in this more modest title because Ritchie was not inside the negotiating chamber at critical times during the final negotiations and did not discuss his account with those who were. How else to explain his eccentric portrayal of some of the most salient and critical features of the dramatic last-minute breakthroughs which saved the negotiations from the dust-bin of history?It is curious that Ritchie, in the words of the Canadian chief negotiator, Simon Reisman, 'chose not to consult his chief, or other negotiators, as to the accuracy of his account.'(f.3) Reisman's critical review (in which he later commented that 'If you were to read the book, you would think the guy who ran the whole thing was Ritchie and this old fart Reisman was around ...') led to a curious public exchange which again raised questions as to the authoritativeness of Ritchie's memoir. The book's publisher at Macfarlane Walter & Ross wrote a letter of complaint to Time magazine, which, according to a report in the Globe and Mail on 29 October 1997, objected to Reisman's statement that the book contained 'numerous factual errors.'(f.4) 'I also felt obliged to point out' said the publisher, 'that Reisman had threatened legal action against the book. Is it not unusual that Time would allow someone to review the book who has threatened legal action against it?'Ritchie shared his publisher's view. In the same issue of the Globe and Mail he said that 'Reisman was on record as publicly threatening to take legal action, so it was surprising that he would be chosen to review the book, given that he had an agenda' (emphasis added). A journalism professor chimed in: 'If the review is to be a service to the reader, there's no point in giving it to someone who has an axe to grind.' This is meretricious nonsense. Who is more qualified to review Ritchie's book than Ritchie's superior in that negotiation? And if, by extension, everyone who is denigrated and therefore might, so to speak, have an 'agenda' or 'an axe to grind' is disqualified as being parti pris, who is there left in the negotiations to review it? …


In its June 1998 report on the global AIDS epidemic, UNAIDS noted that HIV has more than doubled the adult mortality rate in some countries and is the leading cause of death in many countries in East Africa. Over 80% of AIDS deaths have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, there are an estimated 2.9 million HIV-positive persons, 700,000 of whom were infected in 1997 alone. In Botswana, 25% of adults are HIV-positive. Encouraging, however, are indications that HIV infection rates among younger people are falling in Uganda and Tanzania in response to active AIDS prevention programs. Even in countries where expensive antiretroviral therapies are not feasible, increased access to HIV testing and counseling can promote risk-reduction behaviors.


Progress is presented on the development and implementation of automated data analysis (ADA) software to address the burden in interpreting ultrasonic inspection data for large composite structures. The automated data analysis algorithm is presented in detail, which follows standard procedures for analyzing signals for time-of-flight indications and backwall amplitude dropout. ADA processing results are presented for test specimens that include inserted materials and discontinuities produced under poor manufacturing conditions.


Nowadays, one of the most important criterions in designing of different generations of mobile cellular technology is to handle a large number of heterogeneous devices with high security guarantees. The first significant security issue considered in this field is mutual authentication of the devices and the network and key agreement between them. Hence, various authentication and key agreement (AKA) protocols were proposed for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and future 5G networks. However, each of the protocols suffers from security and non-security problems. This paper proposed a group-based secure lightweight authentication and key agreement (GSL- AKA) protocol for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The proposed protocol has been able to overcome various security attacks suffered the previous protocols and achieves all the security goals. Moreover, the performance analysis of the protocol with existing group based AKA protocols shows that the protocol has better result in term of communication and computational overheads.


An experiment was conducted during Kharif season (July – October) 2021 on crop research farm Department of Soil Science & Agricultural chemistry at SHUATS. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design having three levels of Neem Cake @ 0%, 50%, 100% and three levels of Biofertilizer (Rhizobium) @ 0%, 50% and 100% respectively. The results show that the application of different levels combination of Neem Cake and Biofertilizer increased growth, the yield of cluster bean and improved soil chemical properties. However, some parameters of soil's physical properties decreased. It was recorded from the application of Neem Cake and Biofertilizer (Rhizobium) treatment T9[ NC @ 100% + R @ 100%] maximum Bulk density 1.177 Mg m-3 at 0-15 cm and 1.382 Mg m-3 at 15-30 cm, Particle density 2.145 Mg m-3 at 0-15 cm and 2.410 Mg m-3 at 15-30 cm, % pore space 45.11% at 0-15 cm and 42.66% at 15-30 cm, Water holding Capacity 59.09 % in 0-15 cm and 48.44 % at 15-30 cm, pH 7.25 at 0-15 cm and 7.46 at 15-30 cm, EC 0.260 dSm-1 at 0-15 cm and 0.230 dSm-1 at 15-30 cm, % Organic Carbon 0.615 % at 0-15 cm and 0.464 % at 15-30 cm, Available Nitrogen 215.12 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 286.90 at 15-30 cm kg ha-1, Available Phosphorus 30.72 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 28.35 kg ha-1 at 15-30 cm, Available Potassium 232.55 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 196.10 kg ha-1 at 15-30 cm.


Spectroscopic properties of Sm3+ (1 mol%) ions in 49 PbO–30 GeO2–20 TeO2 glass have been characterized through optical absorption and temperature dependent fluorescence. The spectroscopic parameters such as oscillator strengths (f), Judd–Ofelt (J–O) intensity parameters (Ωλ), spontaneous emission probability (AR), branching ratios (βR) and radiative lifetimes (τR) of various excited levels have been determined from the absorption spectrum by using J–O analysis. From the fluorescence spectra, four emission transitions have been observed from the 4 G5/2 state to the lower lying states 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2 and 6H11/2 upon exciting the sample with a 488 nm line of an argon ion laser. The stimulated emission cross-sections (σe) and branching ratios (βmeas) were estimated from the emission spectra for all emission transitions and decay curve analysis for the 4G5/2 level has also been carried out for different concentrations. Based on these results, the utility of Sm3+ doped lead–germanate–tellurite glasses as laser active materials in the visible region is discussed.


In this letter, a broadband coupler is presented that makes use of a half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) technique using a printed circuit board process. The coupler is realized by a parallel HMSIW line which couples energy by magnetic field. Compared with micro-strip coupler and conventional HMSIW coupler, it has lower loss and better Electromagnetic Compatibility owning to the closed field structure. Compared with SIW coupler, it has smaller size and lower cost owing to the half TE10 model. The coupler is simulated and measured at 8-12 GHz. Measured results show a good agreement with simulation.


A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the rapid and species‐specific diagnosis of mycobacterial infections in paraffin‐embedded clinical specimens was developed using oligonucleotide primers to amplify a fragment of the DNA coding for the ribosomal 16S RNA of mycobacteria. The oligonucleotide primers amplified DNA from all 14 species of mycobacteria tested. By means of a reamplification protocol, as few as one to two mycobacteria could be detected in the presence of human DNA. The method of DNA isolation and amplification was applied on sections of routinely formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues. PCR for the β‐actin gene served as a control for successful DNA isolation. Mycobacterial DNA could be detected in cases of mycobacterial infections. The mycobacterial species was determined by additional sequencing of the PCR fragment. This PCR method may be a powerful tool for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections from histopathological material and for the assessment of those mycobacteria that cannot readily be cultured, such as Mycobacterium leprae.


Turbulent wake of wind turbine reduces the power output of wind farm. The coherent Doppler Lidar is used to visualize the turbulent wake of wind turbine blades to analyze its scale and wind velocity deficit.


Roboticists believe that highly, but not perfectly, realistic human-looking robots elicit negative feelings in humans. This is the so-called 'uncanny valley' response. Most research on the uncanny valley has used the morphing technique and the morphing rates as the objective scale. However, those findings might come from unnatural and/or unexistable appearance of morphed faces. The present study investigated the uncanny valley by measuring participants' impressions of some existing robots whose degree of human likeness was evaluated by Scheffé's paired comparison method, a kansei-engineering approach. The survey demonstrated the uncanny valley like Mori's (1970) hypothetical graph. Furthermore, as the X-axis, 'experience', one of the two independent dimensions in mind perception (Gray, Gray, & Wegner, 2007), showed the pattern of the uncanny valley, but 'agency' did not. These results suggest that robots become unnerving when people ascribe to them experience, rather than agency.


The invention provides a transformer with an excitation reactance adjustable function and belongs to the technical field of electrical equipment. According to the direct-current magnetic saturation adjusting transformer magnetizing current method and the split type exciting winding structure involved in the embodiment, variable voltage, power transmission and excitation reactance adjustable functions of the transformer are effectively fused. Excitation reactance of the transformer replaces a traditional adjustable reactor to carry out power grid sensibility reactive dynamic compensation, the number of devices in a system is reduced, reliability is improved, resources are saved, and operating cost is saved.


Blisk is a new integrated structure of blades and disk actually used in the aero-engine of high thrust-weight ratio. Based on the study of the state-of-the-art of the Blisk manufacturing technology worldwide, a convenient manufacturing process and key technique of 5-axis NC machining are proposed in this paper, Such novelties include analyses of blisk-tunnel feature and partition of manufacturing area, determination of optimal orientation of cutter axis and its refinement, efficient rough-cutting of the tunnel, high-precision shaping, control of Blisk distortion and vibration reduction of cutter and blade. Preliminary results of cutting test verify the validity of the techniques mentioned above.


Do you want to know how to generate SAS code using SAS/Intrnet? This paper describes a web-accessible SAS/Intrnet-based application that generates dynamic SAS code that can be run to create derived data sets with computed variables. The system accesses Oracle Clinical SAS views and features include user selection of the clinical study, data sets and variables to use. The user must specify analysis week definitions, which weeks are included in the baseline period and which week will be used to carry forward the last observation. The output includes a SAS command file with the customized code to create two SAS data sets for clinical efficacy data and ODS HTML output to display the code in the web browser. INTRODUCTION This paper gives an overview of our proof of concept implementation of a SAS/Intrnet-based derived data code generating system in a Unix environment. Our purpose was to minimize some of the tedious, repetitive coding that takes place for most clinical trials. The system is accessed from a web browser. Screens prompt the user for the information necessary to dynamically produce SAS code that, when run, produces two derived data sets with computed variables and a last-observation carry-forward algorithm applied. The application consists of a series of web pages, each generated by SAS/Intrnet, which collect the required information from the user. Each page must pass on required variables to the next page in order to ultimately produce the code that generates the derived data sets. We also discuss several of the problems we had getting the system running. CONCEPTS AND METHODS Many clinical studies we work on use derived or analysis data sets. Derived data sets are SAS data sets built from Oracle Clinical raw data, with derived or computed variables and data imputations, that are ready to be used for further analysis without additional processing. These derived data sets have a common structure across most clinical studies, so this allows us to use common code. Our thought was to dynamically generate this common code base, but using specific information about the clinical study. This should, in theory, save the programmer a significant amount of time and allow the programmer to concentrate on the study-specific calculations, which must be added to the code by hand. Common tasks or data structures that we were able to centralize in a code-generating program include last observation carry-forward (LOCF) processing and creation of variables, such as baseline values, change from baseline values, and percent change from baseline values. Tasks that are specific to the study that cannot be dynamically generated include creating study-specific indicator variables or other data types. Why use SAS/Intrnet and not Perl or some other popular CGI language? While other languages can certainly generate SAS code as output, we needed to access and manipulate the information and data from Oracle Clinicalgenerated SAS views. Access to Oracle Clinical data is easy from SAS, so it made sense to use SAS to do that processing. Also, the processing is faster using SAS/Intrnet to directly manipulate SAS data rather than calling SAS from another programming language and then parsing the SAS output. We realized early on that multiple steps would be necessary because each step provides the user-entered information necessary to display the selection criteria for the next step. This resulted in the need to pass variables between screens using hidden HTML/CGI variables. Because we needed information collected in early screens to be carried forward to the final set of screens, we had to pass that information from screen to screen. Our operating environment was Unix running the Apache web server. Our SAS/Intrnet installation was on the same Unix system. It was not set up with authentication required for access. APPLICATION OVERVIEW In this section we describe each of the web screens created by our SAS/Intrnet application. See Appendix A for screen shots. Login screen. The user runs this program explicitly from the web browser. The remaining screens are generated by SAS/Intrnet. This part of the program was done in Perl with the CGI module and JavaScript. This was necessary because we needed to authenticate the user's username and password with the encrypted Unix password database. It was significantly easier to do this in Perl, using its existing crypt() function, than in SAS, which has no such built-in function. After authenticating the user, Perl creates the first web page, a form to select the study to process. This form will then call SAS/Intrnet using the default connection method to run the first SAS program. Screen 1: Select the Study to process. Here the Oracle Clinical study is selected by the user from a scrolling selection list. This information is needed later to find the corresponding Oracle Clinical views and to select relevant and necessary SAS variables. The study names are collected by piping the output of the Unix commands "ls" and "egrep", to select just the study names desired, from a filename statement into a SAS data set via a data step using the INFILE command (see Listing 1). The "egrep" command selects only file names beginning with an "s" followed by a digit. Listing 1. Using "pipe" to get Oracle Clinical study names filename data_in pipe '/usr/bin/ls -1 /sas_views/oc/ | egrep "^s[0-9]"'; data studies; infile data_in; length study $ 16; input study $; study = substr(study,2); run; A DATA _NULL_ step is used (see Listing 2) to produce the HTML code (with PUT statements), using SAS/Intrnet to dynamically produce an HTML form with a scrolling selection list of study names. Upon selecting a study, the Application Broker is called to bring up the next screen.


Background: Clinical and radiologic studies investigating Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indicate that a possible cause of severe hypoxia is marked ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) mismatch. Published histopathology reports diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) in fatal COVID-19 is indistinguishable from other causes of DAD. We compared lung parenchymal and vascular alterations between COVID-19 and DAD of other etiologies using a multidimensional approach.

Methods: This autopsy cohort consisted of consecutive COVID-19 patients (n=20) and patients with clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome and histologic DAD (n=21; non-COVID-19 viral and non-viral etiologies). Premortem chest CTs were evaluated for mosaic attenuation and vascular changes. Postmortem lung tissues were compared using histopathological, immunohistochemical, transcriptomics and computational analyses. Machine-learning-derived morphometric analysis of microvasculature was performed, with a random forest classifier quantifying vascular congestion (VSCong), in different microscopic compartments.

Findings: On premortem CT, COVID-19 patients showed more mosaic attenuation (p<0·020), and subsegmental dilated vasculature (p=0·003) compared to controls. Histopathology revealed vasculopathic changes including: capillary-congestion and hemangiomatosis-like changes (p=0·043), microthrombi (p=0·026), thromboemboli (p=0·0036), infarcts (p=0·048), and perivascular inflammation(p <0·001). Immunohistochemistry revealed increased CD4+ T-cells(p=0·023), TIM3+ lymphocytes/macrophages (p=0·037/0·019), and PD-1+ cells(p=0·008). Morphometric analysis in COVID-19 revealed significantly higher bronchiolar VS Cong (p <0·0001) and alveolar-septal VSCong (p<0·0001), with larger overall VSCong range (p=0·002). Septal-congestion was associated with a significantly shorter time-to-death from symptom onset (p=0·02).

Interpretation: Severe COVID-19 is characterized by significant vasculopathy and aberrant alveolar septal-congestion, which may be associated with shorter time-to-death. Dilated sublobar vessels and heterogeneously increased septal-congestion may translate to VA/Q mismatch in COVID-19. These findings warrant further investigation in larger multi-institutional autopsy cohorts.

Funding Information: Supported by Internal Sundry, and Vickery-Colvin Award from the Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital.

Declaration of Interests: LPH reports grants from Boehringer Ingelheim and has received personal consulting fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Pliant Therapeutics, and Biogen Idec, all of which are not related to this study. SET have received CDC funding for other COVID-related work which are not related to this study. JAB has received grant support from Zeus Scientific, bioMerieux, Immunetics, the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and the Lyme Disease Biobank Foundation for work not related to this study, and has been a consultant for T2 Biosystems, DiaSorin and Roche Diagnostics, not related to this study. BPL reports royalties from Elsevier, Inc. for his work as an associate textbook editor, not related to this study. MMK has served as a compensated consultant for H3 Biomedicine and AstraZeneca and has received research (institutional) funding from Novartis and loyalty from Elsevier, all of which are not related to this study. The other authors declare no competing interests.

Ethics Approval Statement: Analysis of patient autopsy material was reviewed and approved by the Partners Human Research IRB (Protocol #: 2020P001146).


Magnetic gradient and spectral distribution concepts have been applied to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) flowmetering. This potentially reduces the cost and extends the capability of this method to accurate measurement of flow velocity and velocity distribution from a single sensor point. To a first order, velocity accuracy is independent of the flow density and the method is suitable for measurement of flowing solids as well as liquids and slurries. In favorable cases measures of specific constituents in the flowing materials and the concentration of solids as well as liquids can be simultaneously obtained from the same NMR sensor used for velocity measurement. In these cases, constituent flow, as well as total mass flow can be determined. The basic method and applications are described.


Little evidence exists to support the presence of differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters and ambulation ability between those individuals with traumatic and nontrau matic lower-limb amputation (LLA). We conducted an explor atory study of 81 male Veterans with unilateral amputation to quantify differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters and ambulatory mobility between Veterans with traumatic and nontraumatic LLA. Furthermore, we identified variables that sig nificantly contributed to the explanation of variability in modified 2-min walk test distance. All participants completed the modified 2-min walk test and a spatiotemporal gait analysis using an instrumented walkway during a routine physical ther apy visit. Veterans with nontraumatic LLA walked signifi cantly shorter mean distances during a modified 2-min walk test than Veterans with traumatic LLA. Variables identified as significant contributors to modified 2-min walk test variability were amputated limb stance time, amputated limb step length, and percentage of the gait cycle spent in double support. These findings demonstrate that differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters and ambulatory mobility exist between Veterans with traumatic and nontraumatic LLA and identify important spatiotemporal parameters of gait contributing to this decline. These parameters should be considered as targets for interven tion and future investigation.


We propose an scenario for the formation of DA white dwarfs with very thin He‐buffers. For these stars we explore the possible ocurrence of diffusion‐induced CNO‐flashes in white dwarfs, during their early cooling stage. Then we calculate the consequent white dwarf cooling evolution by means of a consistent treatment of element diffusion and nuclear burning.We find that diffusion induced novas do occur in physically sounding white dwarf models. In particular, we find that these flashes do occur in some low‐mass (M≲0.6 M⊙) and low metallicity (ZZAMS≲0.001) remnants about 106–107 yr after departing from the AGB. We discuss observable predictions of these models, in particular eruption lightcurves and chemical compositions.


The principle of informed consent has received considerable attention in the professional literature of medicine and psychiatry (Faden & Beauchamp, 1994; Martin & Glancy, 1994; Pope & Vasquez, 1991; Rosner & Weinstock, 1990). This attention has focused primarily on consent to surgical and pharmacological intervention. Social workers have joined this intellectual exchange in advocating for informed consent with medical patients on issues such as sterilization for women (Shapiro-Steinberg & Neamatalla, 1979), vasectomy counseling (Smith, 1981), the right to refuse psychiatric treatment (Almeleh & Lurie, 1984), and treatment for people with end-stage renal disease (Macklin, 1984). The art of social work practice is in helping clients develop the potential for choice (Perry, 1981); thus, social workers often have a critical role to play in ensuring that patients have accurate information about their medical condition and treatment alternatives. Although protecting the rights and autonomy of individuals who are seeking treatment from the medical profession is a worthy goal, social workers have devoted less time to considering the complexities of informed consent in their own practices. The client's right to self-determination is a key tenet of social work practice, and informed consent is one way to codify the principle of self-determination in day-to-day practice (Hepworth & Larsen, 1993). Clients have a right to information about the type of social work treatment they are about to receive and the efficacy of that treatment in addressing their particular problem. Social workers have both a legal and an ethical responsibility to provide this information (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 1993; NASW, 1996; Reamer, 1987). Further, social workers have maintained that the interests of individuals must be weighed in relation to the needs of the larger community, and thus the dual role of social workers - individual intervention and social justice - has received considerable attention in the practice literature (Hepworth & Larsen, 1993; Kilpatrick & Holland, 1995). In this dual role, social workers often work in situations in which they have a responsibility to consider the interests not only of the client, but also of significant others in the community. This article focuses on the ethical dilemmas surrounding informed consent in court-mandated practice (for example, including court-ordered assessments with clients facing charges in the criminal justice system, custody and access assessments for divorcing parents, and parenting assessments in child welfare). When assessments are being conducted in any of these areas of practice, social workers are often placed in the role of working for the greater good - for example, balancing the safety of a child with the individual rights of one or both parents, or balancing the risk to society of freeing someone charged with a criminal offense with the rights of the accused. Practice norms would command that in these situations social workers give clear information about the nature of the assessment and the limits of confidentiality in these cases. Social workers are likely to assume that by providing information about the limits to confidentiality, they have met their ethical requirements of informed consent. However, several factors are neglected in this approach. There are three key obstacles to informed consent for court-mandated clients. The first is that the risks and benefits of an assessment for an individual or family cannot always be anticipated in advance. As a result, social workers are often unable to provide full and informed consent. The second issue is the role of the power imbalance between the worker and the client resulting in client vulnerability and the undermining of freedom to consent. Can clients in court-mandated practice grant free consent? The final element is the therapeutic alliance that develops between the social worker and the client during the assessment process. …


This monograph aims to analyze whether the proposed lower bound in Art. 33, § 4o, of Law no. 11.343 / 2006 removes the hideous character of drug trafficking crime. This study is an important, since that is a subject of disagreement in doctrine, as well as between the Brazilian courts, to consider that the Superior Court had issued Precedent no. 512, which has positioned itself in the sense that the special cause for reduction of sentence does not preclude the hideousness of drug trafficking, in contrast, is awaiting judgment by the Federal Supreme Court, the Habeas Corpus no. 118553 on the aforementioned subject. This course conclusion work was divided into three chapters, with the first, titled Heinous Crimes, sought to knowledge about the heinous crimes referred to in Art. 5, item XLII of the Federal Constitution of 1988 and regulated by law no. 8.072/ 1990, as well as all the explanations inherent and necessary for their understanding and criminal type. The second chapter, named Drug Trafficking explored to Law no. 11.343/2006 as well, it was examined in detail, drug trafficking and its privileged way. In the third and final chapter, securitized Privileged-Dire Trafficking, held the jurisprudential analysis of the focus of this work is serviced with renowned scholars opinions, emphasizing, however, the Supreme Court of the positions and the Supreme Court. It was found that there are doctrinal and jurisprudential differences in the heinous nature of the drug trafficking crime, however, it was observed that prevailing understanding of the heinous nature of this criminal offense. However, it is still essential to the final decision of the Brazilian Supreme Court on the subject in order to pacify it.


In this paper, a mathematical optimization approach for green energy portfolio is presented to strike a right balance between risk and profit associated with retailing in power market. This approach emphasizes on the increasing use of renewable resources to overcome conservation concerns to some degrees. Three different uncertainties are considered for electricity price and energy output of wind and solar distributed generation units. In order to model the uncertainties properly, scenario construction schemes, namely Monte Carlo and time series with ARIMA (Auto regressive integrated moving average) are implemented in this paper. Moreover, risk and elasticity analysis are considered simultaneously to enable consumers and retailers to manage their risk and incomes. Two-stage stochastic programming with fixed recourse is used to model the probabilistic space of decision making process in this paper. At the end, numerical results and simulations are presented which demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach in a retail electricity market.


This is a study on language and action that tries to shed light on their conceptual correspondence in terms of embodiment. The linguistic phenomenon of lexical aspect/Aktionsart is studied in connection to joint angles and time. For the purposes of this research, data concerning the usage of a set of Modern Greek verbs were collected and annotated; in addition, motion data were captured for the same verbs. First, the distance between actions and verbs was calculated revealing a strong connection between certain types of language data, lower limb motion, and time: an extended use of the lower limbs is related to longer or repetitive actions while time expresses duration.


Undergoing 60 patients with lungs destructive tuberculosis treat by artificial pneumothorax accompanying with medicine therapy. The direct results were observed in 56 patients, the distant results 54. Closing of disintegration cavity appears to be achieve in 51 patient of 56, by using of artificial pneumothorax (91.0%), as well as interruption of bacteria producing in 48 cases of 52 (92.4%). After long term observing (from 6 month to 8 years) distant results were the next in 54 inspected patients: total clinical effect was achieved in 100% (28 patients) cases in the patients with drug sensitive tuberculosis mycobacteria, in 78.6% (22 patients) cases with multiply drug resistance (MDR) (in total group proportion: in 50 of 56 patients 89.3%). Lethality composed 1.85% (1 womаn).


This research analyzes the total efficiency of the factors from the lemon industry in the state of Colima, México. Non-parametric methodology from data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to evaluate the levels of efficiency with which the companies of this industrial sector operate within determinants: economic performance, government efficiency, and infrastructure. The relative efficiency results show that only 22% of the companies are relatively efficient. The average of the reviewed companies was 0.716296 and 44% of the companies are placed above this category. The results allow us to determine the industries that present greater efficiency, which of those are more competitive, and the indices of variation of their productivity.


Skills competition is an important activity for higher vocational colleges. After analyzing these competition data, it has important educational significance. Taking Heyuan Polytechnic College as an example, the competition data set is collected, based on artificial neural network the prediction model of student skill competition level is established, trained and verified. The experimental results show the model has 99.9% prediction accuracy that can provide higher vocational educators with assistance in guiding competition education work.


In the last few years the interest towards the study of solutions centred on the human being and its wellbeing has grown greatly leading to an ever-increasing cooperation between different disciplines such as bioengineering and biorobotics which, through Design, got finally in touch. Body sensors networks, wearable electronics and smart fabrics are only some of the interesting technologies advancing in the market, but how do designers react in front of the opportunities offered by such solutions? What kind of real possibilities exist to design and conceive new products/services? Transformations affecting economic scenarios on an international level require a prompt update of traditional competitive logics. The nature of innovation changes: the sphere of technologies and forms blends with the sphere of signifies and experiences. In relation to such changes, the need for different educational methods and new design ways of expression, which are able to satisfy the extremely interactive potential of new technologies, becomes evident. Research and didactic activities will become ever more participatory generating new forms of explorative learning. This paper goes over the design process used during the workshop IndossaME: design for a proactive life style at the Politecnico di Milano - Faculty of Design, focused on a learning explorative approach. Through the understanding and the use of technological innovations coming from the research in progress on micro-technologies and smart textiles, designers should be able to catch the opportunity, supported by a method to interpret correctly the requests, and develop design solutions in accordance to significant social issues. The design process, in fact, sees the developing phases follow one after the other with the aim of solving methodologically the objectification of the idea. The text gives directions on the design process, the ergonomics, the usability and psychology for a correct approach in designing with the user, a succession of inspirations for new products and services that can be interesting for new designers because it puts people and their experiences at the core of an innovative approach.


universal threshold value and identical neighboring window size in all wavelet subbands which may result in overly smooth images. To overcome NeighShrink weakness, Z. Dngwen, and C. Wengang[9] proposed SURENeighShrink that search for optimum threshold value and neighboring window size for every subband according to Stein's Unbiased Risk Estimate(SURE) method. It has been shown that the denoising performance of SURENeighShrink is considerably superior to NeighShrink and also outperforms SURE-LET[4] which is one of the best term-wise denoising algorithm that also based on SURE. The main drawback of the SURENeighShrink is its high computation cost when searching for optimum threshold value and neighboring window size for every wavelet subband. In this paper, we proposed an efficient implementation of SURENeighShrink that overcomes its computation complexity. The experimental results show that the proposed denoising algorithm achieves comparable denoising performance over the wide range of images and noise levels. Results also show that the proposed method outperforms NeighShrink considerably.


Yen Minh County is located to the northeast of Ha Giang Province. The North of Yen Minh borders on Van Nam – a province of China, the East is adjacent to MeoVac County, and the southeast borders on Bao Lam County (Cao Bang Province). The county now has placing more and more dominant investments in tourism industry, which is expected to bring the name of county across far the border. Additionally, Ha Giang Province is being more familiar to travelers and tourists and the tourism industry is developing strongly that can bring more chances to outsiders to get to know Yen Minh County. With the rapid growth of economy as well as the competitive in tourism industry, Yen Minh County is facing many opportunities and difficulties for expanding plan to reach to the top of tourism map in Viet Nam.
In this context, the study is written with focus on factors that impact directly to the customer satisfaction of tourism industry in Yen Minh County. The main factor is the service quality of hotels and restaurant which is at the same time is affected by demographic characteristics. To investigate those impacts, quantitative research is applied with three data analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics, reliability analysis of the survey scale, and linear regression for hypothesis testing.


The detection of rapid dynamics in diverse physical systems is traditionally very difficult and strongly dominated by several noise contributions. Laser mode-locking, electron bunches in accelerators, and optical-triggered phases in materials are events that carry important information about the system from which they emerge. By detecting single-shot spectra with high repetition rates over long-time scales, new possibilities and applications to diagnose, control and tailor the spectral dynamics of lasers and electron beams in synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) accelerators open up. This contribution focuses on the latest developments of real-time, single-shot, high-repetition-rate detectors and data acquisition systems, with a special focus on emerging technologies and new possibilities in the diagnostics of rogue optical signals.


Objective: To investigate the psychological status of relatives of hospitalized patients with mental disorders and the related factors to provide reference for deciding interventions.Method: The investigation questionaires and symptom checklist 90(SCL-90) were adminsteresd to the 139 relatives of hospitalized patients and the results were analyzed.Results: 91.3%(127 /138) relatives had psychological problems.There were statisitcally significant differences on somatimization,interpersonal sensitivity,hostility and anxiety of SCL-90 among different age groups(P 0.05,or P 0.01).The relatives of patients with different course of diseases showed significant differences on somatimization,interpersonal sensitivity,anxiety and paranoid ideation of SCL-90(P 0.01).The relatives of patients who discharge voluntarily from the hospital showed higher scores on obsession-compulsion,depression,anxiety and hostility of SCL-90 than the relatives of formally treated patients(P 0.01).Conclusion: The psychological status of relatives of hospitalized patients with mental disorders is in poor condition and also varies with their ages,relations with patients and course of diseases.It is even worse among the relatives of those voluntarily discharged patients.


AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the relevancy of the "motivation-hygiene theory" for a population of principals. A semi-structured interview was used to obtain data from a sample of twenty secondary school principals and twenty elementary school principals. Results indicated that the job-related factors (motivators), achievement and recognition, were significantly mentioned in periods of principals' job satisfactions. Five context-related factors (hygienes), interpersonal relations with subordinates, interpersonal relations with peers, interpersonal relations with supervisors, supervision-technical, and school district policy and administration were found to be significantly mentioned in periods of principals' job satisfactions and dissatisfactions. It was concluded that some of the factors mentioned by principals as contributing to their job satisfactions and dissatisfactions were unidirectional.


Beams and plates are major load carrying members in many engineering applications. For the proper design of such components, accurate yet simple engineering analysis tools are essential. Therefore many engineering-based theories have been developed in literature. There are many types of theories which may be classified into three groups: classical theories, first-order shear deformation theories(FSDT) and higherorder shear deformation theories(HSDT). Among others, the FSDTs have been preferred to as practical design tools because their of capability and simplicity. Many of these have been based on intuitive engineering assumptions, which may provide us a good insight for the proper design of beams and plates. These however may lead to the incorrect prediction of elastic behaviors due to the complexity of modern composite structures. In contrast to these theories, asymptotic models are able to provide the accurate prediction, they however require the recursive solving of linear system equations as well as the asymptotically correct boundary conditions in order to obtain the higher-order solutions. None of them are desirable for engineering applications in practice. Recently there is an effort to derive a simple yet accurate shear deformation theory by taking the advantages of being asymptotically correct and engineering friendly theory. The mixed variational theorem(MVT) is employed to systematically blend the asymptotic stress field and the intuitive displacement field. One of the difficulties encountered in this approach is to select the order of asymptotic stress field, which would strongly affect the accuracy of resulting shear deformable theories. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the order of asymptotic field to the accuracy of resulting shear deformable theories. To this end, a simple isotropic beam model is derived first. With this, one can explicitly trace the intermediate steps of the formulation. It is found that the first order one simply yields a classical theory, the second order makes the correction to the shear deformation, and the third order order one makes the correction to the Poisson's effect due to the transversely distributed loads. Finally the approach established for isotropic structures is extended to anisotropic structures. The results obtained are discussed and compared to those reported in literature.


In this study, we have investigated the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the Rb 2 NaVF 6 compound. We have performed our calculations by the use of first-principle methods based on spin-polarized density functional theory, where the electronic exchange-correlation potential is treated by the generalized gradient approximation GGA- PBEsol coupled with the improved TB-mBJ approach. The calculated structural parameters of Rb 2 NaVF 6 are in good agreement with the available experimental data. Rb 2 NaVF 6 exhibits a half-metallic ferromagnetic feature with a spin polarization of 100 % at the Fermi level and a direct large half-metallic gap of 3.582 eV. The total magnetic moments are 2 μ B . This material is half-metallic ferromagnets, and it can be potential candidates for spintronics applications at a higher temperature.


We present an analysis of charm quark fragmentation at 10.6 GeV, based on a data sample of 103 fb collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB accelerator. We consider fragmentation into the main charmed hadron ground states, namely \DZ, \DP, \Ds and \LC, as well as the excited states \DSZ and \DSP. The fragmentation functions are important to measure as they describe processes at a low energy scale, where calculations in perturbation theory lead to large uncertainties. Fragmentation functions can also be used as input distributions for Monte Carlo generators. Additionally, we determine the average number of these charmed hadrons produced per B decay at the \Ys resonance and measure the distribution of their production angle in \epem annihilation events and in B decays.


Earthquake is becoming a common natural hazard in Indian subcontinent, especially in extra-peninsular Himalayan region. It has a tremendous destructive power which strikes the earth's surface suddenly and sometimes unpredictably. In the present discussion, a generalised idea along with the development of recent state-ofthe-art technology related to the prediction of earthquake has been considered. Mitigating earthquake covers from the monitoring of active fault and monitoring of precursory activities like radon discharge from microcracks; electromagnetic emissions; water level and temperature changes; ground uplift and tilt; changes in ionospheric parameters etc to the unusual behaviour of animals. A grand success is achieved in the long-term prediction of earthquake. However, short term prediction is yet to be attained.


The goal of this work is to investigate the recrystallization reaction in cold wiredrawn industrial copper. We have used a differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray Diffraction techniques. The stored and apparent activation energies have been determined by differential scanning calorimetry under isochronal conditions. The differential scanning calorimetry results have been analyzed using models developed by Kissinger, Ozawa, Boswell, and Starink. In addition, the transformed fraction, as a function of temperature, and some kinetic parameters have been determined. We have found that cold wiredrawn affects some microstructure proprieties of the material, such the increase of stored and apparent activation energies, and dislocation density after deformation.


Let $p$ be a real number greater than one and let $\Gamma$ be a connected graph of bounded degree. We show that the $p$-Royden boundary of $\Gamma$ with the $p$-harmonic boundary removed is a $F_{\sigma}$-set. We also characterize the $p$-harmonic boundary of $\Gamma$ in terms of the intersection of the extreme points of a certain subset of one-sided infinite paths in $\Gamma$.


A medical cold therapy bag comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, an evaporator, a heat exchange water tank, a water pump, a therapy bag and a programmable controller. The refrigerating compressor, the condenser, the expansion mechanism and the evaporator form a refrigerating system; the evaporator is arranged in the heat exchange water tank; a cooling fan and the condenser are matched for cooling; one end of the water pump is communicated with a water outlet of the heat exchange water tank; the other end of the water pump is communicated with a water inlet of the therapy bag; a water outlet of the therapy bag is communicated with a water return port on the heat exchange water tank; and the water pump and the compressor are connected with the programmable controller. As the structure is adopted, the programmable controller is operated, the compressor and the water pump start working, water in the heat exchange water tank is cooled continuously under the action of the evaporator, the cooled water in the heat exchange water tank flows to the therapy bag after the water pump is turned on, water in the therapy bag is heated by a human body and flows back to the heat exchange water tank, and the therapy bag is continuously kept low in temperature by the aid of the circulation. Besides, the water outlet quantity of the water pump can be adjusted, and the purpose of adjusting pressure in the therapy bag is achieved.


Using standard numerical Monte Carlo lattice methods, we study non-universal properties of the phase transition of three-dimensional straight phi(4) theory of a two-component real field phi=(phi(1),phi(2)) with O(2) symmetry. Specifically, we extract the renormalized values of /u and r/u(2) at the phase transition, where the continuum action of the theory is integral d(3)x[1/2/inverted Delta phi/(2) + 1 2r phi(2)+(u/4!)phi(4)]. These values have applications to calculating the phase-transition temperature of dilute or weakly interacting Bose gases (both relativistic and nonrelativistic). In passing, we also provide perturbative calculations of various O(a) lattice-spacing errors in three-dimensional O(N) scalar field theory, where a is the lattice spacing.


For hydride trapping and atomization in a graphite electrothermal atomizer the treatment of a pyrolytic graphite coated electrographite tube with a single, manual application of a mixed trapping reagent of 50 µg of palladium and 50 µg of iridium allows up to 300 complete trapping and atomization cycles. Precision is generally better than 3% and the efficiency of trapping is virtually 100% for As, Se and Bi. The application of this mixed palladium–iridium trapping reagent improves the routine use of this technique and considerably simplifies the hardware and software requirements to provide a fully automatic system.


Gabon is located in central Africa. It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. A sparsely populated country covered at 85 per cent of its territory with forests, Gabon has a population of 1.7 million over a territory of 26,000 square kilometres (km). The population is highly urbanized, with more than four in five Gabonese living in the cities. The capital Libreville and Port-Gentil, the economic capital of the country hosts 59 per cent of the population. The official language of Gabon is French, and the currency used is the CFA.


Four compounds 1 to 4 (folic acid, methotrexate and 2 dyes) were used to interact with folate receptor (FR)α and FRβ. The interaction structures and binding energies of the bound complexes were investigated. In order to analyze the differences between FRα and FRβ complexes, the details of the weak intermolecular interactions were analyzed, and the frontier orbital properties of the FR complexes were studied by a dispersion complemented density functional tight-binding method. By comparing the different interaction properties of the 4 compounds with FRα and FRβ, the basic strategies for design of novel compound targeted with FR subtype were suggested. Further, a novel compound with high selectively with FRα based on compound 3 was designed to illustrate our conclusion. These data should be helpful for the design of novel molecules with extreme discerningly with FRα and FRβ.


Mismatch repair deficiency has been implicated in a no. of diseases, such as cancer, and DNA base mismatches accumulate when
mismatch repair pathways are defective. The metal complex [Rh(bpy)2(chrysi)]3+ has been shown to be selective for DNA base
mismatches due to the sterically expansive chrysi ligand, and there is interest in developing a luminescent analog for diagnosing
mismatch repair deficiencies. The complex [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+ is a light switch for DNA and shows enhanced luminescence in
the presence of DNA defects. In an effort to improve the luminescence response for mismatched over matched DNA, a new
family of ruthenium(II) complexes has been prepd. with sterically expansive ligands and their luminescence responses to DNA
defects have been investigated.


In order to meet the requirements of non-contacting and multi-channel dynamic measuring for blood sample, a dynamic liquid level optical tracking system is designed. The system consists of Atmega128L which serving as central controller, infrared photo-electric detector, stepping motor and transmission mechanism. Experimental data shows that the system has such advantages such as good repeatability, high accuracy, quick response and excellent anti-interference. It can effectively detect and obtain red blood cells to clump rate, analyze erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) curve, and be applicable to the mixed liquid in different liquid media concentration, turbidity and interface detection. Moreover, the system can distinguish concentration, turbidity and interface of different liquid.


Magic lantern projections have been the subject of little serious study and have only merited a few epigraphs in general reference books about the history of the media and communication, or an occasional reference in volumes on art history or contemporary
history. The goal of this article is to elaborate a brief "state of the question" of the magic lantern in order for it to emerge as an object of scientific study in the area of communication studies.


The Space Weather program of the Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) Collaboration was designed to study the variation of the flux of atmospheric secondary particles at ground level produced during the interaction of cosmic rays with the air. This work complements and expands the inference capabilities of the LAGO detection network to identify the influence of solar activity on the particle flux, at places having different geomagnetic rigidity cut‐offs and atmospheric depths. This program is developed through a series of Monte Carlo sequential simulations to compute the intensity spectrum of the various components of the radiation field on the ground. A key feature of these calculations is that we performed detailed radiation transport computations as a function of incident direction, time, altitude, and latitude and longitude. Magnetic rigidity calculations and corrections for geomagnetic field activity are established by using the MAGNETOCOSMICS code, and the estimation of the flux of secondaries at ground level is implemented by using the CORSIKA code; thus, we can examine the local peculiarities in the penumbral regions with a more realistic description of the atmospheric and geomagnetic response in these complex regions of the rigidity space. As an example of our calculation scheme, we report some result on the flux at ground level for two LAGO locations: Bucaramanga, Colombia, and San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, for the geomagnetically active period of May 2005.


An injection catheter, wherein the injection needle or the beam may be moved relative to the catheter shaft or the catheter tip in the catheter shaft secured to the case, the injection needle beam can be moved in the longitudinal direction. To this end, the catheter tip may take various forms, within the needle catheter shaft may take different forms and may be guided in different ways. An operating means for effecting relative movement between the needle and catheter tip, which operating device comprises two components may be controllably relatively movable to thereby extend or retract the injection needle. Operating means including an inlet through drug injection needle.


The ubiquitous yet inaccurate belief in international relations scholarship that cognitive biases and emotion cause only mistakes distorts the field's understanding of the relationship between rationality and psychology in three ways. If psychology explains only mistakes (or deviations from rationality), then (1) rationality must be free of psychology; (2) psychological explanations require rational baselines; and (3) psychology cannot explain accurate judgments. This view of the relationship between rationality and psychology is coherent and logical, but wrong. Although undermining one of these three beliefs is sufficient to undermine the others, I address each belief—or myth—in turn. The point is not that psychological models should replace rational models, but that no single approach has a lock on understanding rationality. In some important contexts (such as in strategic choice) or when using certain concepts (such as trust, identity, justice, or reputation), an explicitly psychological approach to rationality may beat a rationalist one.I thank Deborah Avant, James Caporaso, James Davis, Bryan Jones, Margaret Levi, Peter Liberman, Lisa Martin, Susan Peterson, Jason Scheideman, Jack Snyder, Michael Taylor, two anonymous reviewers, and especially Robert Jervis and Elizabeth Kier for their thoughtful comments and critiques. Jason Scheideman also helped with research assistance.


The current research analysis consumers' rights concerning personal data processing and confidentiality protection within the public communications sector as they are stated in the 2002/58/CE Directive of the European Parliament and Council from 12th of July 2002. The study objectives are: the way that users/ subscribers get informed about their rights in the field of mobile telephony services; the way that mobile telephony services operators inform their users/ subscribers about the subscription included services; the way that mobile telephony services operators inform their uses/ subscribers about the supplementary services that can be demanded; the rights regarding the personal data processing and confidentiality protection that mobile telephony services consumers agree with; the users/subscribers rights most frequently broken. The marketing research used a questionnaire based survey during January - March 2013 on a sample of 85 users/ subscribers from Romania. It has a preliminary character, shaping a further investigation activity with a higher thematic coverage and a smaller error under the limit of 5%. The data gathering method was a questionnaire based interview. Data were analyzed using the SPSS informatics program, version 16.0 for Windows. The following statistical functions were used for validating/invalidating the hypotheses: descriptive statistics, factor analysis and correlation function.


Chicago, July 23, 1906. To the Editor: —As the hay-fever season approaches, physicians are interested in any remedy which promises to give their patients relief. Much has been published during the last three years of the treatment devised by Professor Dunbar, and many physicians have given it an extensive trial, I among the number; but I cannot subscribe to the extravagant statements that have been made in its favor. Three years ago I tried the serum on several patients, but without effect. Year before last I tried the pollantin powder (the dried serum) in a number of cases, and in only one did I get a report that it had done good. At the 1905 meetings of the American Laryngological Association and of the Americal Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, the subject of the treatment of hay-fever by these remedies was under discussion. In each of these meetings there were


This article examines the effect of centrality and of bridging of structural holes in networks related to biopharmaceutical firms' early-stage alliances (ESA) and late-stage alliances (LSA). Rather...


In the Netherlands, there seems to be a relatively large interest in traumatic stress and its consequences. A literature search for publications in the field of psychotrauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Web of Science shows that authors from the Netherlands are among the top seven in the world. Most research comes from the USA, and within Europe with the UK and Germany also being very active. Broadening the search terms does not change the patterns substantially. Correcting for the number of inhabitants as a proxy for the size of academic output, the Netherlands end up on second place, after Israel and shortly followed by Switzerland, Croatia, Norway and Australia. These are all countries with rather different backgrounds that ask for further analyses of the underlying reasons for their interest in the field. (Published: 2 April 2013) Citation: European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2013, 4: 20873 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.20873 This paper is part of the thematic cluster Psychotrauma research in the Netherlands - more papers from this cluster can be found here .


The current state of the world's nuclear arsenal is discussed. Today the world is not a safe place according to the critics because the move towards the development and production of new mini-nukes would blur the distinction between modern conventional weapons and nuclear ones and therefore their deployment would significantly increase the probability that nuclear weapons would be used.


1.1. Background: Intraoral resection of early tongue cancer minimally affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients; however, local recurrence of the tumor requires radical resection and negatively affects QOL as well as patient prognosis. The present study was performed to clarify factors affecting recurrence of tongue cancers undergoing intraoral resection.
1.2. Methods: In total, 174 patients (T1: 105 patients and T2: 69 patients) with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue receiving intraoral resection were enrolled in the study, including 106 male patients and 68 female patients (aged 27-88 years, mean 58 years). Tumor recurrence was observed in 10 of 105 patients with T1 stage cancer (9.5%) and in 6 of 69 patients with T2 stage cancer (8.7%). The clinicopathological factors, including immunohistochemistry for p53, Ki67, and vimentin, were analyzed.
1.3. Results: An infiltration pattern and vimentin expression were associated with tongue cancer recurrence. Specifically, tumors with positive vimentin expression exhibited a higher ratio of endophytic growth, and multivariate analysis revealed that the Ki67 labeling index and vimentin expression were independent factors affecting tumor recurrence.
1.4. Conclusion: The mode of tumor invasion and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as evidenced by vimentin immunohistochemistry, assisted the identification of high-risk patients with tongue cancer undergoing intraoral resection. Intense follow-up with the aid of multimodal therapies after surgery is necessary in this group of high-risk patients.