At the beginning of 1964 he noticed he was passing more blood per rectum than he fel he could attribute to his haemorrhoids and ,when the latter were removed the bleeding continued. At a second operation in September 1964 "something the size of a go*bail" was removed from his rectum and he was discharged from gaol on account of this. He returned to civilian life and has since then never engaged in his previous practice, although he was sent back to prison in September 1968; prisoners are now permitted to have tobacco. He did, however, continue to pass blood per rectum at intervals.


Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial plant, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, whose roots are widely used as a cooking spice and flavouring agent across the world and has recently acquired considerable scientific interest due to the richness of phytochemicals. Aim of the study was to explore water relations in plants grown in pots and subject to severe stress conditions and gas exchange, plant growth, and agronomic characteristics of two horseradish accessions grown in open field under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Total and osmotic leaf water potential were significantly reduced by water stress to a similar extent at predawn and middle day. The carbon isotope composition (δ13C) (on average –34.2 and –28.9‰ in leaves and roots, respectively) resulted statistically different among water stress treatments in leaves collected at middle day. In open field, during the vegetative development, plants regulate the foliage expansion depending on rainfall distribution and temperature. When the dry period occurs, plants get rid of several mature leaves that dry completely, and might develop new leaves in the next period, when the air-cools and rainfall increases. During the dry period, horseradish optimised gas exchange during the day by increasing the net CO2 assimilation rate during the early morning (up to 31 μmol CO2 m–2s–1, on average), when the sunlight intensity and the air temperature conditions are more favourable. The species, which rely on an annual rainfall of about 680 mm, produced about 11.5 and 24.3 t/ha of roots from one- and two-year-old plantations, respectively. Regardless of accessions, close relationships were found between the number of leaves and root weight (R2=0.88 and P≤0.01) and diameter (R2=0.82 and P≤0.01). The results advise the importance to know the physiology and agronomic characteristics of horseradish to purposefully apply agronomic practices and strategies to maximise benefits for production and root quality.


This letter presents a method to fabricate high performance three-dimensional (3-D) integrated circuits based on the conventional CMOS SOI technology. The first layer of transistors is fabricated on SOI and the second layer is fabricated on large-grain polysilicon-on-insulator (LPSOI), using oxide as the interlayer dielectric. The LPSOI film is formed by the recrystallization of amorphous silicon through metal induced lateral crystallization (MILC). The grain size obtained by the LPSOI process is much larger than the transistors and the transistor performance is similar to those fabricated on the SOI layer. Three-dimensional (3-D) CMOS inverters have been demonstrated with p-channel devices stacking over the n-channel ones.


Lead chalcogenide colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are potential candidates for applications effective in the near infrared spectral range. Photoanodes were sensitized with PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnS and PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnSe via a simple successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. In the present study, ZnSe was used as an alternative to ZnS. ZnSe was deposited on a TiO2/PbS/CdS/CdSe photoanode, which was more efficient in reducing electron recombination in the QDSSCs. The performance of the QDSSCs was scrutinized using a polysulfide electrolyte and a copper sulfide counter electrode. The PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnSe electrode resulted in enhanced efficiency as compared to the PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnS-sensitized QDs. Red shifts with PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnSe were observed, which were attributed to the combined effect of QDs. This was confirmed via photovoltaic studies and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The PbS/CdS/CdSe/ZnSe electrode exhibits a short circuit current density of 17.53 mA cm2 with an enhanced power to conversion efficiency (η) of 4.15% under 1 Sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2).


ABSTRACT Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that utilize cellular machinery for many aspects of their replication cycles. Enveloped viruses generally rely upon host vesicular trafficking machinery to direct their structural proteins and genomes to sites of virus replication, assembly, and budding. Rab GTPases have been implicated in the replication of many important viral pathogens infecting humans. This review provides a summary of virus-Rab protein interactions, with a particular focus on the role of Rab-related trafficking pathways on late events in the lifecycle of herpesviruses and of HIV-1.


with evaporation), and by the application instead of one or more of the non-porous pegamoid straps, and by placing a dressing tray within the splint under the suspendied leg, it acts as a rpeeptacle for the drippings from the moist dressings. (9) The placing of the straps over the limb very mu(ch factilitates the keeping of an ice-bag in position. (10) The construction of the splinit is suchi that it may be perfectly cleansed. I have had frequent and various u-es for the eplint over a period of three years, and have found it of the greAtest service. It is manufactured by Messrs. James Woolley, Sons, and Co., Limited, Surgical Instrument Makers, of Manchester.


Education, Information, and Improved Health: Evidence from Breast Cancer Screening While it is well known that education strongly predicts health, less is known as to why. One reason might be that education improves health-care decision making. In this paper we attempt to disentangle improved decision making from other effects of education, and to quantify how large an impact it has on both a patient's demand for health services, and that demand's sensitivity to objective risk factors. We do this by estimating a simple structural model of information acquisition and health decisions for data on women's self-reported breast-cancer risk and screening behavior. This allows us to separately identify differences in the ability to process health information and differences in overall demand for health. Our results suggest that the observed education gradient in screening stems from a higher willingness-to-pay for health among the educated, but that the main reason why the educated respond more to risk factors in their screening decision is because they are much better informed about the risk factors they face. JEL Classification: I10, I12, I20, D83


ABSTRACT The evaluation of the contribution of consumption-based carbon (CBCO2) emissions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucially important for the design of sustainable environmental policies. Despite its importance, attention to the discussion of the role of environment-related technologies (ERT) in abating CBCO2 emission is limited. The role of ERT and renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions is investigated in a panel of seven emerging economies during 1990–2016 in the 'Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC)' framework. Cross-sectional dependence test, CIPS unit root test, Westerlund co-integration, and cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributive lag econometric techniques are employed to support the propositions. Findings suggest the supportive role of environment-related technologies in the presence of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions. However, GDP growth is substantially worsening the environment. The findings indicate the need to increase investment in environment-related technologies by the E-7 economies for a sustainable reduction in CB CO2 emissions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT


Anelastic behavior of nanocrystalline Fe-17 wt.%Cr alloy obtained by mechanical alloying was investigated using a multifunctional internal friction apparatus. Internal friction (Q-1) and relative dynamic modulus (f2) have been measured as a function of temperature by free-decay method from room temperature to 400oC for the ball-milled Fe-17 wt.%Cr alloy The specimens with different milling time were examined by XRD to determine the solid solubility of Fe and Cr atoms and detect the lattice strain of the compacted specimen before and after annealing. TEM observation was employed to obtain further information about the morphology and microstructure, especially crystalline size, of the milled Fe and Cr mixture powders. It has been suggested that the anelastic behavior of ball-milled nanocrystalline Fe-17 wt.%Cr alloy origins from the viscoelastic sliding at the interfaces resulting from the thermally-activating process. The damping increasing of the specimen with smaller grain sizes is larger than that of the specimen with larger grain sizes with increasing temperature since the former contains more interfaces. The increase in the relative dynamic modulus is attributed to the structural reordering with the lowering of lattice micro-strain that is produced during milling when temperature is over 300oC.


Six-axis force sensors based on Stewart platform necessitate highly accurate, sensitivity and dynamic response. In response to this need, errors analysis and compensation of the force sensor are essential. In this paper, the measurement error generated by the upper platform deformation is discussed and evaluated. Furthermore, in order to improve the precision, a real-time compensation algorithm is proposed depending on the external force applied on the force sensor. Finally, a numerical simulation example is presented, which indicates that the precision is related to the stiffness of limbs directly and improved obviously by the compensation algorithm.


The tsunami is the biggest threat to countries around the world tectonic plates and the ring of fire, including Indonesia. The impact of economic losses and heavy casualties made the tsunami worth watching out. Ecosystem-based tsunami disaster mitigation efforts are deemed necessary, considering that 2/3 of Indonesia consists of the sea. The coral reef is one of the coastal ecosystems that can reduce tsunami waves by up to 50% before it hits coastal areas. However, the current condition of coral reefs is very alarming due to the actions of irresponsible humans. Collaboration between stakeholders is needed to carry out ecosystem-based tsunami disaster mitigation efforts. Collaborative governance becomes an essential issue in efforts to build and improve services in the public sector by involving all relevant stakeholders. The sectoral ego of the stakeholders is no longer relevant to be maintained because each actor has their strengths and weaknesses. Collaboration between actors framed in a collaboration platform by having a principled engagement, shared motivation, and collective capacity will produce better results.


Purpose - – This paper extends the increasing debates about the role of international experience through mechanisms other than standard expatriation packages, in particular through the use of short-term assignments. It explores the different forms of short-term assignments (project work, commuter assignments, virtual international working and development assignments) and the different sets of positive and negative implications these can have for the company and the individuals concerned. The integration-differentiation debate is reflected here as elsewhere in IHRM, with the company moving towards greater centralization and control of its use of these assignments. Design/methodology/approach - – Since the research is exploratory, we adopted a qualitative approach to get a more in-depth understanding on the realities the corporations and the assignees are facing. The study was implemented through a single case study setting in which the data were collected by interviewing ( Findings - – The present case study provides evidence about the characteristics of short-term assignments as well as the on the management of such assignments. The paper identifies various benefits and challenges involved in the use of short-term assignments both from the perspectives of the company and assignees. Furthermore, the findings support the view that a recent increase in the popularity of short-term assignments has not been matched by the development of HRM policies for such assignments. Research limitations/implications - – As a single case study, limitations in the generalizability of the findings should be kept in mind. More large-scale research evidence is needed around different forms of international assignments beyond standard expatriation in order to fully capture the realities faced by international HRM specialists Practical implications - – The paper identifies many challenges but also benefits of using short-term assignments. The paper reports in-depth findings on HR development needs that organizations face when expanding the use of such assignments. Social implications - – The paper identifies many challenges but also benefits of using short-term assignments. The paper reports in-depth findings on HR development needs that organizations face when expanding the use of such assignments. Originality/value - – Empirical research on short-term assignments is still very limited. In that way the paper provides much needed in-depth evidence on why such assignments are used, what challenges are involved in the use of such assignments and what kinds of HR-development needs are involved.


The traditional treatment for osteoarthritis is with analgesics, NSAIDs and intra-articular steroids. The development of novel analgesics and the reformulation of steroids to enhance local activity both deserve attention. The disease's slow course makes evaluation of new drugs difficult. More sensitive assessments or perhaps human models of accelerated progression are required. Amongst the drugs that might have fundamental action, hyaluronic acid and the so-called 'chondroprotective' agents have attracted recent interest. Their development highlights the difficulty of reconciling adequate dose-ranging pharmacokinetic studies with investigators' enthusiasm for treating a disease that may be subject to a fluctuant course with spontaneous improvement.


BICEP1 is a millimeter-wavelength telescope designed specifically to measure the inflationary B-mode polarization of the cosmic microwave background at degree angular scales. We present results from an analysis of the data acquired during three seasons of observations at the South Pole (2006–2008). This work extends the two-year result published in Chiang et al., with additional data from the third season and relaxed detector-selection criteria. This analysis also introduces a more comprehensive estimation of band power window functions, improved likelihood estimation methods, and a new technique for deprojecting monopole temperature-to-polarization leakage that reduces this class of systematic uncertainty to a negligible level. We present maps of temperature, E- and B-mode polarization, and their associated angular power spectra. The improvement in the map noise level and polarization spectra error bars are consistent with the 52% increase in integration time relative to Chiang et al. We confirm both self-consistency of the polarization data and consistency with the two-year results. We measure the angular power spectra at 21 ⩽ ℓ ⩽ 335 and find that the EE spectrum is consistent with Lambda cold dark matter cosmology, with the first acoustic peak of the EE spectrum now detected at 15σ. The BB spectrum remains consistent with zero. From B-modes only, we constrain the tensor-to-scalar ratio to , or r < 0.70 at 95% confidence level.


Object throwing is an efficient approach for overcoming the kinematic workspace limitations of robots in placement scenarios. Throwing of objects with rigid link robots has been widely studied in literature. Although using robots with spring-like flexible links can significantly increase the throwing distance, existing contributions are very rare. Therefore, we propose an efficient iterative learning control throwing algorithm and apply it to a flexible link robot. A simple rigid link throwing model is used to generate the motor motion. Errors caused by this simplification are corrected by a flexible link throwing model based on the finite element method. As representative scenario a basketball free throw is selected which requires high throwing accuracy. Here, we demonstrate that the controller can be efficiently pre-learned in simulations to reduce real-world training time. Experiments then validate that our learning control method achieves the required free throw accuracy within very few real-world learning iterations.


Nigeria celebrated sixty years of political independence in 2020 despite sustaining an array of gains and losses, especially regarding the nation's inability to manage the several identities it houses and the potential they portend for national integration. Although, having plural identities should provide an opportunity for diversity-induced development, especially having stayed together since the cultural amalgamation 106 years ago (1914-2020), and since the country's independence sixty years ago (1960-2020). This should have provided enough time frame to enable the region to solidify its cultural, lingual, ethnic, and religious differences to move towards national integration. However, the reality is contrasting, wherein peaceful coexistence and respect for rule of law are conspicuously inconsistent. This paper, thus, adopts a descriptive approach to dissect Nigeria's sixty years of independence and the role identity politics has played in instituting national integration. The paper concludes that identity politics is as a result of colonial amalgamation and is indeed the bane of national integration in Nigeria. As a result, it is recommended that the arrangement of Nigeria's governance should be restructured to represent a more united front, where the views, demands, choices, dreams, cultures, and aspirations of all groups are captured through a constitutional conference.


The combination of upward-looking ground-penetrating radar (upGPR), automatic weather station (AWS) and
lysimeter allows for continuous monitoring of bulk volumetric liquid water content (�w) within the snowpack and
direct comparison with measurements of the corresponding outflow. The AWS data can be utilized to calculate
energy fluxes between atmosphere and snowpack at the location of the station. While combining all data sets, we
were able to quantify diurnal and seasonal changes in residual water content and relate modeled energy fluxes to
water outflow. Since upGPR is a non-destructive monitoring technique, it is possible to continuously observe the
snowpack and results are not biased through spatial variability of pit locations. Data analysis conducted for three
consecutive years at the flat test site Weissfluhjoch, Davos, Switzerland showed that diurnal �w variations never
exceeded 2%. Without regard to days with new snow accumulation or refreezing, the diurnal patterns in �w were
very similar, with always daily peaks in the late afternoon (at about 17:00h) at the site. Although �w values varied
during a day up to 2%, the gradients during the season were very small. In 2012, for the whole melting period
(>100 days), increases in �w from day to day were 0.4% liquid water content on average. After the snowpack
has become isothermal, positive energy fluxes result in outflow and increase the residual water content (�r). Our
data showed that as long as potential melt - calculated for the determined energy fluxes - was exceeding measured
outflow, �r values were increasing but only until reaching a certain threshold. For all three years, the thresholds
were similar at about �r=4–5%. Only shortly before full ablation, these thresholds were surpassed. In two sloped
test sites (about 22 degree slope angle) in Boise, Idaho, USA and above Davos, we installed upGPR systems as
well. AWS data and energy-flux calculations for both slopes were extrapolated for the respective aspect and slope
angle. Our data showed that snow stratigraphy highly influences �r in slopes. As long as e.g. crusts ponded the
vertical water flow, residual �w of the whole snowpack was fairly low (<1%) over weeks. Diurnal variations in
�w were in accordance with values observed at the flat site. Once the ponding capabilities of the stratigraphy
disappeared, residual �w values were in a comparable range to the ones of the flat site. The applied measurement
setup is able to monitor continuously the behavior of liquid water in snow and record almost exactly the date when
�r thresholds are reached or surpassed. Data thereof can be used to assimilate model outputs and may help to better
predict water outflow and storage capacities.


Multinucleate soybean protoplasts produced by spontaneous fusion during enzyme digestion of the cell wall initiated cell division after approximately 40 h in culture. The structure of these protoplasts during mitosis and cytokinesis was studied with both light and electron microscopes. Most nuclei did not fuse but divided synchronously. Interphase nuclei was commonly connected by short narrow nuclear bridges. At prophase and metaphase the nuclei appeared typical of those in most higher plants; technical difficulties prevented an adequate examination of protoplasts at anaphase. Telophase was characterized by cytokinesis involving phragmoplast and cell plate formation; however, complete partitioning of the cytoplasm by cell plants was not observed. Numerous coated vesicles were present near to or continuous with the cell plate and plasmalemma. The presence of a few dividing protoplasts with at least double the normal chromosome number suggests that some nuclear fusion occurred prior to mitosis. Very little cell wall material was detected at the margin of the dividing protoplasts.


Abstract: In a mobile communication environment the channel is not time invariant and is slowly varying. This characteristic feature of the channel leads to a phenomenon called Fading. Fading channels induce rapid amplitude fluctuations in the received signal. If they are not compensated for then this will lead to serious performance degradation. In this paper simulations have been conducted to study the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance of a Rayleigh fading channel and it is compared to the BER performance of the AWGN channel.


Prolactin in man appears to form an essential part of the complex of hormones necessary for milk secretion and lactation. Levels of prolactin during pregnancy gradually increase towards term, and remain elevated for up to 6 weeks post partum. The lactogenic effects of prolactin appear to be blocked at the mammary gland by the elevated levels of fetoplacental steroids secreted during pregnancy. The immediate decline in steroid levels at delivery removes this block to prolactin and milk secretion ensues. The amenorrhoea associated with both puerperal lactation and galactorrhoea appears to reflect failure of cyclical discharge of gonadotrophins and anovulation. This appears to be due to peripheral inhibition of steroidogenesis by the elevated levels of prolactin associated with these situations. No consistent changes in circulating levels of prolactin occur during the menstrual cycle, but changes in prolactin levels within the follicular fluid of the developing ovarian follicle indicate a specific and permissive role of prolactin in steroidogenesis.


Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are one of the most threatening mammalian pest species in North America owing to the damage they cause to natural habitats and agroecosystems, and the risk of disease transmission they pose to wildlife, livestock, and humans. The long-term (> 1 year) effects of lethal control efforts on feral swine populations at local scales are largely unknown. Using a panel of molecular markers, we assessed the effects of lethal control efforts on selected populations of feral swine in southern Texas. We collected tissue samples from two sites during removal campaigns, extracted and amplified DNA, and assessed population structure, genetic clustering, and immigration. We removed 145 individuals (9.7 swine per km2) at one site and 204 individuals (6.6 swine per km2) at another site. Fixation indices, Bayesian clustering, and assignment tests based on allele frequencies all produced similar results, indicating little or no differentiation among removals at either site. Localized feral swine removals aimed at reducing damage had no long-term impact on population parameters. Removals occurred at sites in which the swine groups were contiguous with neighboring feral swine family units and groups. This may have resulted in immigration of adjacent, but not genetically distinct, feral swine onto sites following the initial removals. To achieve long-term reduction of damage by feral swine populations, additional information is needed to enable genetic populations and corresponding management units to be defined.


The supply of water, food, and energy in our global economy is highly interlinked. Virtual blue water embedded into internationally traded food crops has therefore been extensively researched in recent years. This study focuses on the often neglected energy needed to supply this blue irrigation water. It provides a globally applicable and spatially explicit approach to the watershed level for water source specific quantification of energy consumption and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of irrigation water supply. The approach is applied to Israel's total domestic and imported food crop supply of 105 crops by additionally including import‐related transportation energy and emissions. Total energy use and related emissions of domestic crop production were much lower (551 GWh/422 kt CO2‐equivalents [CO2e]) than those embedded into crop imports (1639 GWh/649 kt CO2e). Domestic energy and emissions were mainly attributable to the irrigation water supply with artificial water sources (treated domestic wastewater and desalinated water, 84%). Transport accounted for 79% and 66% of virtually imported energy and emissions, respectively. Despite transport, specific GHG emissions (CO2e per ton of crop) were significantly lower for several crops (e.g., olives, almonds, chickpeas) compared to domestic production. This could be attributed to the high share of energy‐intensive artificial water supply in combination with higher irrigation water demands in Israel. In the course of an increasing demand for artificial water supply in arid and semi‐arid regions, our findings point to the importance of including "energy for water" into comparative environmental assessment of crop supply to support decision‐making related to the water–energy–food nexus.


Accumulating foreign exchange reserves, despite their cost and their impacts on other macroeconomics variables, provides some benefits. This paper models such foreign exchange reserves. To measure the adequacy of foreign exchange reserves for import, it uses total reserves-to-import ratio (TRM).The chosen independent variables are gross domestic product growth, exchange rates, opportunity cost, and a dummy variable separating the pre and post 1997 Asian financial crisis. To estimate the risky TRM value, this paper uses conditional Value-at-Risk (VaR), with the help of Glosten-Jagannathan-Runkle (GJR) model to estimate the conditional volatility. The results suggest that all independent variables significantly influence TRM.They also suggest that the short and long run volatilities are evident, with the additional evidence of asymmetric effects of negative and positive past shocks. The VaR, which are calculated assuming both normal and t distributions, provide similar results, namely violations in 2005 and 2008. Keywords: Foreign Exchange Reserve, GJR, Value-at-Risk, Reserves-to-Import Ratio


Simmental and Hereford bulls were individually fed varying levels of the same diet to determine the effects of energy intake after weaning, degree of fatness, and short-term weight change on reproductive characteristics of yearling beef bulls. For 200 d (ending in May), 29 Simmentals were fed an average of 14.6, 19.2 or 23.8 Mcal and 27 Herefords were fed 13.4, 17.5 or 22.2 Mcal metabolizable energy per bull daily. Bulls then were adjusted to a roughage diet for 10 d before grazing brome pasture for 38 d (ending in June). Energy level did not affect motility or sperm morphology of semen collected with an artificial vagina in May and June. High energy levels were not detrimental to bull performance during a 30-min serving-capacity test in May or June. Backfat thickness was not related to semen characteristics or serving capacity. Amount of weight lost from May to June did not affect the semen quality or serving capacity of Herefords. Those Simmental bulls that had a more positive weight change from May to June had a more favorable change in semen quality from May to June (P less than .05) due to lower semen quality in May (P less than .05). The high level of energy was not detrimental to semen characteristics or serving capacity. Some of the Simmental bulls may have been underfed for maximum semen quality at the beginning of the pasture period. Within the normal range of energy fed to beef bulls from weaning to the beginning of the breeding season as yearlings, it may be more likely to underfeed breeds of large mature size than to overfeed British breeds.


We have observed the BL Lac object 1ES2344+514 (z = 0.044) in very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray and near-infrared wavelength bands with TACTIC and MIRO telescopes, respectively. The observations were made from 18th October to 9th December 2004 and 27th October 2005 to 1st January 2006. Detailed analysis of the TACTIC data indicates the absence of a statistically significant gamma-ray signal both in overall data and on a nightly basis from the source direction. We estimate an upper limit of I(≥1.5 TeV) ≤ 3.84 × 10−12 photons cm−2 s−1 at a 3σ confidence level on the integrated γ-ray flux. In addition, we have also compared TACTIC TeV light curves with those of the RXTE ASM (2–12 keV) for the contemporary period and find that there are no statistically significant increases in the signal strengths from the source in both these energy regions. During 2004 IR observations, 1ES2344+514 shows low level (0.06 magnitude) day-to-day variation in both, J and H bands. However, during the 2005 observation epoch, the source brightens up by about 0.41 magnitude from its October 2005 level J magnitude = 12.64 to J = 12.23 on December 6, 2005. It then fades by about 0.2 magnitude during 6 to 10 December, 2005. The variation is seen in both, J and H, bands simultaneously. The light travel time arguments suggest that the emission region size is of the order of 1017 cm.


Sickle cell disease is a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria having the largest absolute numbers of young people living with sickle cell disease. Research in the Global North suggests that young people with sickle cell disease are not well supported at school, whilst research in the Global South focuses on attitudes to the identification of genetic carriers to prevent births of children with sickle cell disease, rather than support of those with the sickle cell disease condition itself. Between 2015 and 2017 a randomized controlled trial based on one hour education session for school teachers, based on information contained in a guide to school policy on sickle cell disease, was conducted with 402 young people with sickle cell disease across 314 schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Young people with sickle cell disease in both intervention group and control groups showed significant decreases in the number of days of school absence and in self-reported indicators of lack of support, and significant increases in self-reported indicators of school support. The results suggest a breakdown of the randomization, probably because the young people with sickle cell disease all reacted positively to researchers taking an interest in their welfare in a context where they would usually be heavily stigmatized and would be inclined to hide their sickle cell disease status from others at school. In conclusion, conditions conducive to conducting successful research on sickle cell disease in this context - increased self-esteem in young people with sickle cell disease, reduction in within-school stigmatizing attitudes, and commitment by policy makers to improve the situation of young people in schools – are the very factors that would improve the experiences of young people living with sickle cell disease at school in Lagos, Nigeria. The fact that positive changes did occur warrants further research on this topic.


Every empirical research into language should not only be based on concrete data but it also has to be verified as scientifically relevant. In all scientific areas, including linguistics, such verification is performed by implementing a selection of statistical test in order to examine the significance, distribution and variation of the obtained research results. The first part of the paper presents the necessary procedures when extracting linguistic data from corpora. The corpus used is of exemplary nature and it is created from Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment (in Russian, English, Serbian and German), in electronic form. The paper further displays the most common quantitative methods used in language analysis, which are all illustrated by clear examples from the small study in this paper, in order to make the complicated statistical calculi understandable and readily useable. In the end, the importance of linguistic statistics in modern language research is further emphasized.


Date Presented 04/06/19
 Psychometric properties of a novel, mobile application-based measure of group playground play sophistication were evaluated using the Rasch partial credit model. The results demonstrate strong evidence for validity and emerging evidence for reliability of this measurement strategy. This type of measurement can advance the role of OTs in universal playground interventions and playground design.
 Primary Author and Speaker: Patricia Grady
 Additional Authors and Speakers: Anita Bundy


Electronic health is vital for enabling improved access to health records, and boosting the quality of the health services provided. In this paper, a framework for an electronic health record system is to be developed for connecting a nation's health care facilities together in a network using cloud computing technology. Cloud computing ensures easy access to health records from anywhere and at any time with easy scalability and prompt on demand availability of resources. A hybrid cloud is to adopted in modeling the system and solutions are proposed for the main challenges faced in any typical electronic health record system.


The diagnosis of louse-borne relapsing fever is commonly made on the basis of the detection of Borrelia spirochetes on Giemsa-stained thin blood films. In the present study, we used acridine orange-coated quantitative buffy coat (QBC) tubes, centrifugation, and fluorescence microscopy to detect Borrelia. Between July and August 1998, we used the QBC technique to diagnose 7 patients with borreliosis who visited a rural clinic in southwest Ethiopia. In laboratory studies that used Borrelia burgdorferi as a model, we detected spirochetes at concentrations as low as 10 organisms/mm3, whereas the number of positive readings assessed by means of stained blood films fell significantly at dilutions below 3,263 organisms/mm3. The greater sensitivity of the QBC technique is important in areas where Borrelia is endemic, as in the Horn of Africa. It may also prove useful in evaluating relapsing fevers in travelers.


Discussions of academic misconduct are often focused upon text and text based plagiarism. The complex issues that surround the origination, adoption, use or incorporation of creative materials are often implicitly, rather than explicitly, ignored. Myths concerning the acceptability and legality of the adoption of material from the web appear common. Circumstances that will not be helpful to students seeking conventional careers or prudent staff wishing to avoid accusations of academic misconduct.

In extreme cases research work has been misrepresented and data fabricated or falsified. This degree of fraud, an intentionally outrageous category of academic misconduct, is not discussed here. However, it should be noted that not only may reputations be abused or unjustifiably enhanced but the scientific record becomes corrupted and the implications, when the research is applied, virtually un-imaginable. (Corbyn, 2009 and Lock, 1996) The conventional peer review process alone cannot prevent misconduct but detection software is now supporting this task. The
presentation of discredited but published papers has become formalised within the scientific record and is now, usually, directly linked to the refuting materials (Fox, 1994; Porter, 1998 and 2010)

This paper discusses some of the issues confronting virtually anybody creating presentations, publishing articles or teaching with materials containing images and other intellectual property. The paper seeks to provide a workable, systematic approach that respects pedagogical tradition and is adaptable to a wide range of
scholarly contexts.


ObjectiveTo evaluate markers of axonal damage in CSF and serum of patients with different subtypes of MS in relation to measures of disease progression on MRI. MethodsIn 51 patients with MS (21 relapsing-remitting, 20 secondary progressive, 10 primary progressive), levels of heavy and light neurofilaments (NfH and NfL) and antibodies to neurofilaments (anti-NfL and -NfH) as well as the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) were analyzed. MRI analysis included T2 hyperintense, T1 hypointense, and gadolinium enhancing lesions and markers of cerebral atrophy (ventricular and parenchymal fractions). ResultsFor the total group, correlations were found between the anti-NfL index and the parenchymal fraction (PF) (r = −0.51, p < 0.001), T2 lesion load (r = 0.41, p < 0.05), ventricular fraction (r = 0.37, p < 0.05), and T1 lesion load (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). For the anti-NfH index, a correlation was found with the PF (r = −0.39, p < 0.05). No correlations were found between the IgG index and MRI measures. ConclusionsIntrathecal production of anti-NfL antibodies may serve as a marker of tissue damage, particularly axonal loss, in MS.


This paper introduces an application of type-2 fuzzy sets in data linguistic summarization. The original approach by Yager (1982) based on representing natural language statements via type-1, i.e., the Zadeh fuzzy sets, is generalized with type-2 fuzzy sets applied as models of linguistically expressed quantities and/or properties of objects. Type-2 sets extend the known summarization procedures by handling fuzzy values stored in databases, and allow to represent a linguistic term via a few different membership functions (e.g., provided by different experts), which makes the method more general and human-consistent. Furthermore, quality measures for type-2 summaries are discussed in order to evaluate the informativeness of the messages generated. Finally, two prototype applications are presented and the success of the new method is discussed.


This is the first study of the life and works of Benedetto Vinaccesi (1666-1719), who, despite his present-day obscurity, was a gifted and, in his day, much-admired Italian composer from the period of Corelli. His significant corpus of works includes operas, oratorios, sonatas, cantatas, and church music of many kinds, and Talbot's description brings to light their striking originality. More importantly, perhaps, since Vinaccesi's music harks back to an earlier generation of Italian composers (Legrenzi, Stradella, Colonna) yet also anticipates the later developments of Albinoni and Vivaldi, it constitutes an unusual amalgam of elements identified today as "middle" and "late" baroque, and Talbot's survey is able to place in focus many neglected aspects of stylistic evolution in the years around 1700. His chronicle of the Vinaccesi family and description of the "citizen" class to which it belonged is invaluable for the light it sheds on the place of the composer in seventeenth-century Italy. He also provides a wealth of other information on the society, institutions, and local history of Italy (especially Brescia and Venice) in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The result is a rounded portrait of an important musician, which also serves to illuminate many aspects of the Italian baroque.


This paper will explore how front-line harm reduction workers govern the space of agency services. In order to study how this is done this writer completed an institutional ethnography to illuminate how power operates in the day-to-day practice of a harm reduction agency. Harm reduction services have been criticized as a site of neoliberal governance through risk-management. This study aims to explore how harm reduction workers perform and understand their role within their agency. This writer interviewed front-line staff members that distribute harm reduction material, asking them about their adherence to their organizational policies and procedures. The policies represented by the text of the signage within agencies was also analyzed. Study results showed that staff members used wilful ignorance to allow people to use drugs on agency premises, provided they did so in a discreet manner. Harm reduction workers also tried to reduce the suffering, and promote the larger political goals of harm reduction, to help people who use drugs.


The Shapley value (SV) and Least core (LC) are classic methods in cooperative game theory for cost/profit sharing problems. Both methods have recently been proposed as a principled solution for data valuation tasks, i.e., quantifying the contribution of individual datum in machine learning. However, both SV and LC suffer computational challenges due to the need for retraining models on combinatorially many data subsets. In this work, we propose to boost the efficiency in computing Shapley value or Least core by learning to estimate the performance of a learning algorithm on unseen data combinations. Theoretically, we derive bounds relating the error in the predicted learning performance to the approximation error in SV and LC. Empirically, we show that the proposed method can significantly improve the accuracy of SV and LC estimation.


Sperry Rand Corporation was formed in 1955 by the merger of Remington Rand and Sperry Gyroscope. Remington Rand was an early entrant in the computer industry through its acquisitions of Engineering Research Associates and Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation. The article describes the major vacuum tube computers and the supporting software developed by Sperry Rand during the later 1950s.


Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (&egr;-ACA) is administered to cardiac surgery patients to reduce blood transfusions. Highly water-soluble drugs, such as &egr;-ACA, often have larger distribution volumes in males than in females. We hypothesized that &egr;-ACA concentrations using this dosing scheme would differ by gender because of differences in body composition and weight-adjusted volumes of distribution. Ten men and 10 women undergoing elective coronary artery surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) received a 50 mg/kg &egr;-ACA initial dose over 20 min and a 25 mg · kg−1 · h−1 &egr;-ACA maintenance infusion for 4 h. The area under the &egr;-ACA arterial concentration versus time curves was compared by using analysis of variance. Measured &egr;-ACA concentrations were smaller than predicted by the published model, but the area under the concentration versus time curves was not significantly different between men and women. Combining the present concentration data with that previously published, our updated two-compartment model included the following estimated population pharmacokinetic values: V1 (11.8 L pre-CPB, 14.9 L during and after CPB), V2 (12.0 L pre-CPB, 15.0 L during and after CPB), Cl1 (0.125 L/min pre-CPB, 0.037 L/min during CPB, 0.156 L/min after CPB), Cl2 (0.155 L/min pre-CPB, 0.013 L/min during CPB, 0.193 L/min after CPB).


Further Education refers to education and training that occurs after second level
schooling but is not part o f the third level system. (Ireland, 1995; Department of
Education and Science, 2004b). It encompasses a complex and diverse range of
provision involving a range o f players. Vocational Education Committees are the main
providers of further education under the remit of the Department of Education and
Science.
Further education is situated within the european and national policy context for adult
education, which demonstrates commitment to lifelong learning and social inclusion.
The White Paper on Adult Education (Ireland, 2000) sets out a number o f priorities that
together promote individual advancement and collective empowerment and promote
an active role for all in shaping the direction of society. But the manner in which
resources are allocated tells another story as the bulk of state funding is provided for
programmes that meet employability and labour market objectives.
This study explored the tensions explored experience by those working with and within
VECs in inserting a social change agenda into further education programmes given the
priority focus on economic competitiveness. It considered this against the
transformative learning espoused by Freire, Mezirow and Habermas. The main research
consisted of one-to-one interviews and a group interview using qualitative interviewing
to draw out peoples' feelings, thoughts and meanings. These were supported by a
review of relevant literature and documents. The main research found a lack of
consensus on concepts and meanings in relation to anything other than meeting labour
market needs. The role of further education, educators and institutions was contested
with respect to other functions such as promoting community action and social change.
In conclusion, it suggests that VEC and community and voluntary interests need to
reflect on their practice and how they can work towards a philosophical vision for
further education that goes beyond meeting the labour market agenda. It especially calls
for the implementation of structures promised in the White Paper on Adult Education to
support the co-ordinated development of policy.


As many countries are about to make changes in the primary school curriculum by introducing computational thinking, new methods and support for teachers is needed in order help them develop and adapt teaching materials. In this paper, technical pitfalls and other considerations for designing teaching materials with the microcontroller BBC micro:bit are presented. The results are based on a series of 21 workshops in different parts of Sweden aiming to investigate what is important to consider when designing teaching materials with the BBC micro:bit for training Swedish primary schools students computational thinking skills. The contribution of the paper are a number of identified considerations that can be helpful for teachers when designing exercises and planning for teaching computational thinking with the BBC micro:bit.


A six electrode direct current plasma arc has been developed for atomic emission spectrochemical analysis. Background emission spectrum is recorded over wavelength range (200–700) nm. The effects of the argon flow rates and different applied currents have been studied on the emission spectra lines of Mg I 285.21 nm and Mg II 280.27 nm. Emission spectroscopy has been used to determine the plasma temperature by using different methods. The electron density has been calculated. The plasma temperatures ranged from about 5850 to 6250 K, and the electron number density varied from 9×1013 cm−3 to 3×1014 cm−3. The detection limits of elements Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg and Mn have been carried out. The presented technique is capable of determining trace element concentrations in the environmental samples. Advantages of this system include being simple, of low cost, stable and also has the ability to be operated for elongated hours.


Unprotected sex among Mexico's young people often leads to unplanned pregnancy and unwanted births as well as risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. From 1999 to 2002, FRONTIERS worked with the nongovernmental organization MEXFAM to test the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of community-, clinic-, and school-based interventions to improve the reproductive health (RH) of youth aged 10–19. Eight cities were selected as intervention sites, and four as control sites. In the intervention sites, researchers worked with coordinators and "multipliers"—local community members such as teachers, community leaders, health-care providers, and peer educators—who taught courses on adolescent RH. In the community intervention, multipliers conducted outreach through events such as plays, sports events, parades, and concerts. In the clinic-based component, providers offered youth-friendly services at their health facilities. Four of the intervention cities also received a school-based intervention. As concluded in this brief, young people in Mexico have a general knowledge of RH, but their weak understanding of reproductive physiology and STIs makes them vulnerable to the consequences of risky behavior. Program managers should strengthen education on adolescent RH for both young people and service providers.


This paper proposes a novel probe for nondestructive testing (NDT) based on eddy currents. The novelty of the probe is in the digital processing algorithms used to extract field information from rough voltage data. The digital signal processing algorithm as well as the working parameters of the NDT probe were experimentally optimized looking for the best compromise between sensitivity and accuracy. Tests carried out on a specimen with known cracks highlight the capability of the probe in correctly identifying the crack location and characteristics.


SUMMARY A study has been made of the coalescence of secondary dispersions in a fibrous bed. The literature pertaining to the formation, hydrodynamic behaviour and methods of separation of droplets less than one hundred micrometres in diameter has been reviewed with particular reference to fibrous bed coalescers. The main operating parameters were identified as inlet drop size distribution, phase ratio, superficial velocity and the thickness and voidage of the bed . A recirculatory rig with interchangeable fibrous bed pads was designed and operated with toluene-water dispersions generated by a combination of centrifugal pumps . Inlet drop sizes were analysed using a Coulter Counter and outlet drops were sized photographically. A novel technique, involving conductivity measur ements at different planes in the bed, was developed to measure hold up distribution. Single phase flow and two phase flow pressure drops were correlated by a Blake-Kozeny type equation. Exit drop size was independent of inlet drop size distribution and phase ratio but a function of superficialvelocity and packing thickness. Average bed hold up was independent of inlet drop size distribution and phase ratio, but decreased with increase in superficial velocity. Hold up was not evenly distributed in the bed, the highest value occurred at the inlet followed by a sharp -2 drop at approximately 1.2 x 10 m. Hold up remained constant throughout the rest of the bed until the exit plane, where it increased. From the results, a mechanism is postulated involving: (a) Capture of the inlet drops followed by interdrop coalescence until an equilibrium value is reached. (b) Equilibrium size droplets flowing as rivulets through the intermediate portion of the bed, and (c) Each rivulet forms droplets at the exit face, which detach by a 'drip point' mechanism.


In this paper we introduce a model for the distance error measured from the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the direct path (DP) in a typical multipath indoor environment. We use the results of our ultra-wideband (UWB) measurement database in a sample office environment. To begin modeling, first we separate the causes of the error into multipath and undetected direct path (UDP), and then we model them separately considering the variation of bandwidth of the system. We show that the behavior of the distance error consists of two parts; one that is from multipath, and the other one from UDP. Both errors can be modeled as Gaussian, so the final distance error is a mixture of two Gaussian distributions. We also related the statistics of the distributions to the bandwidth of the system


Molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) for artemisinin were prepared by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and calix[4]arene bonded on silica particle surface as the functional monomers, tetraethoxysilicane as cross-linker, and artemisinin as template. The MIPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope and SEM. Their adsorption capacities were evaluated by static adsorption experiments. The MIPs showed high adsorption capacity and good selectivity for artemisinin. The maximum adsorption capacity of MIPs for artemisinin was 40.0 mg/g. The imprinting factor and the selective factor of the artemisinin-imprinting polymers was 2.0 and 1.5, respectively. The imprinted film coating onto the silica surface showed a fast kinetics for recognizing and binding templates. Especially, mass transfer reaches the equilibrium within 3.5 h and the adsorption capacity of MIPs for artemisinin reached 120.0 mg/g in supercritical CO2 fluid. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011


The aim of this thesis is to develop an SPH method free of post formulation corrections
with application to the classical Dam-break problem. The analysis has been focused on
the weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) formulation of the fluid
flow.
The discretization and implementation of classical Euler equations has been revised in
order to avoid artificial and unphysical corrections commonly used in literature. Many
other tools are also used to improve accuracy and performance features, such as a new
Kernel Theory to achieve the lowest error and a higher order adaptive time integrator. The
results obtained are encouraging either from the physical reliability or the performance
time. The obtained simulations are fully comparable with the other already existing in
literature, as well as the running time being very promising as it is of order of few hours
in a single CPU machine.


In this paper, Bit Error rate and probability of outage are derived in closed form for plane wave mode over Gamma-Gamma free space optical channel under the influence of pointing errors and different weather conditions. The free-space optical system under study assumes deployment of intensity modulation / direct detection with on-off keying data formats. To evaluate the performance of the system using the derived expressions, two independent optimization algorithms were applied to find optimum system and channel parameters that optimize the performance of the two system metrics, i.e., bit error rate and probability of outage. The optimized system results were shown for different values of channel strength, weather conditions, optimum beamwidths and pointing error jitter variances. For each case, the optimized results are provided as a function of the transmitted power or average received power.


In this master thesis the theory and practical use of modal analysis is explained, giving an introduction to the possibilities of modal analysis. The master thesis starts with a look at wind power and the design of a modern wind turbine. Two models, one for constant wind speed wind turbines and one for variable speed wind turbines, are presented. An example shows how modal analysis can be utilized to evaluate a network's dynamic stability. Simulations are performed on a two-area network where different wind power models are tested and compared. A two-mass model is used to model a constant wind turbine. The model consists of an asynchronous generator, a turbine, and a low speed shaft with a tensional stiffness. The model representing the variable speed wind turbine is based on a DFIG model included in the simulation software. The two-area network consists of two areas connected together through a long line between Bus 5 and Bus 6. Area 1 has two production sources, one placed in Bus 1 and one placed in Bus 2. The second area represents a large network modelled as a very large synchronous generator with a high inertia. The calculations have showed how modal analysis can be used to evaluate a system by using linearized differential equations and how the systems robustness against small disturbances can be altered by changing the systems parameters. Simulations have verified that a two-mass model must be used when modelling a constant speed wind turbine. The inertia of the turbine will greatly influence the model's behaviour and must therefore be included in the model. Eigenvalues analysis performed during different wind speeds have documented that wind power will not become less stable towards small disturbances when operated at low wind speed conditions.


The paper is a case study of how the Luxembourg Agreement of the Mid-Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy may affect the structure of dairy and beef farming in the Republic of Ireland over the period 2002 to 2012. It describes the process used to assess some structural implications of a policy change. The data source for the paper is the Irish National Farm Survey. Prices of inputs and outputs following the policy change are obtained from a dynamic partial equilibrium model of the agricultural sector. Linear Programming is used to calculate the maximum profit on different farm types. Labour allocation on farms is estimated using a logit function. Exit from dairy production is also estimated. Some example results on dairy and beef farms are presented.


The paper introduces a framework that integrates analytical inference into the particle filtering scheme for human body tracking. The analytical inference is provided by body parts detection, and is used to update subsets of state parameters representing the human pose. This reduces the degree of randomness and decreases the required number of particles. This new technique is a significant improvement over the standard particle filtering, with the advantages of performing automatic track initialization, recovering from tracking failures, and reducing the computational load.


The wear and corrosion protective films were synthesized on the LC4 Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy by microarc oxidation (MAO) technique in an alkali-silicate electrolyte. The microstructure and composition profiles were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and the phase structure was performed by X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistance of coated LC4 alloy was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves. The MAO film consists of γ-Al2O3, α-Al2O3 and amorphous SiO2 phases. The film up to 210 μm contains two layers. The Si element from electrolyte enriched in the outer layer film. After microarc oxidation treatment, the microhardness and corrosion resistance of LC4 alloy were improved significantly.


Objective: Phase aberration correction is essential in transcranial histotripsy to compensate for focal distortion caused by the heterogeneity of the intact skull bone. This paper improves the 2-step aberration correction (AC) method that has been previously presented and develops an AC workflow that fits in the clinical environment, in which the computed tomography (CT)-based analytical approach was first implemented, followed by a cavitation-based approach using the shockwaves from the acoustic cavitation emission (ACE). Approach: A 700 kHz, 360-element hemispherical transducer array capable of transmit-and-receive on all channels was used to transcranially generate histotripsy-induced cavitation and acquire ACE shockwaves. For CT-AC, two ray-tracing models were investigated: a forward ray-tracing model (transducer-to-focus) in the open-source software Kranion, and an in-house backward ray-tracing model (focus-to-transducer) accounting for refraction and the sound speed variation in skulls. Co-registration was achieved by aligning the skull CT data to the skull surface map reconstructed using the acoustic pulse-echo method. For ACE-AC, the ACE signals from the collapses of generated bubbles were aligned by cross-correlation to estimate the corresponding time delays. Main results: The performance of the 2-step method was tested with 3 excised human calvariums placed at 2 different locations in the transducer array. Results showed that the 2-step AC achieved 90 ± 7% peak focal pressure compared to the gold standard hydrophone correction. It also reduced the focal shift from 0.84 to 0.30 mm and the focal volume from 10.6 to 2.0 mm3 on average compared to the no AC cases. Significance: The 2-step AC yielded better refocusing compared to either CT-AC or ACE-AC alone and can be implemented in real-time for transcranial histotripsy brain therapy.


Spam is a source of serious concern for both e-mail users and Internet Service Providers (ISP). While prior research has focused on spam content and spam filtering techniques, this study focuses on country-level, macro-environmental conditions that facilitate spamming activity. Adopting a criminological perspective, this study draws upon the deviance-based theories of rational choice and routine activities to analyze the effects of scale, economic, and judicial factors on spamming activity. Analysis of archival data obtained from international organizations suggests that spamming is influenced by scale and economic factors, but not by judicial ones. The study contributes not only to a better understanding of spamming activity but also provides a foundation for future work on other related issues such as privacy and network security.


BACKGROUND
Tourniquets are issued to deployed members of both the United States (U.S. military and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The ease of removing the tourniquet from the pocket of the combat uniform may influence its time to application. The ADF uniform uses buttons to secure the pocket, whereas the U.S. uniform uses a hook and loop fastener system. National differences in training may influence the time to and effectiveness of tourniquet application.

OBJECTIVES
To compare the time taken to retrieve and apply a tourniquet from the pocket of the Australian and the U.S. combat uniform and compare the effectiveness of tourniquet application.

METHODS
Twenty participants from both nations were randomly selected. Participants were timed on their ability to remove a tourniquet from their pockets and then apply it effectively.

RESULTS
The U.S. personnel removed their tourniquets in shorter time (median 2.5 seconds) than Australians (median 5.72 seconds, p < 0.0001). ADF members (mean 41.36 seconds vs. 58.87 seconds, p < 0.037) applied the tourniquet more rapidly once removed from the pocket and trended to apply it more effectively (p = 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS
The closure system of pockets on the combat uniform might influence the time taken to apply a tourniquet. Regular training might also reduce the time taken to apply a tourniquet effectively.


Neat polyamides 11 and 12 lack high strength/high heat resistance and flame retardancy. The incorporation of selected nanoparticles is expected to enhance these properties to a level that is desired and required for performance driven applications. This enhancement may result in additional market opportunities for the polyamide 11 and 12 polymer manufacturers. The objective of this study is to develop polyamide 11 polymer nanocomposites with enhanced thermal, flammability, and mechanical performance for selective laser sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing. Three types of nano-alumnia (X-0 needle, X-25SR, and X-0SR) with different organic treatments were melt-compounded into polyamide 11 in three different weight loadings of the nanoparticles (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%). Injection molded specimens were fabricated for thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties characterization. Although nano-alumina was uniformly dispersed in polyamide 11 and better thermal stability of the nanomodified materials was observed, the desired FR characteristics of the nanomodified polyamide 11 was not achieved. None of the materials passed the desired UL 94 V0 rating.


A notable event in the history of antennas occurred on June 12, 1980, when an S-band microwave radiator was surgically implanted in the brain of a human patient, a young man with glioblastoma multiforme, a common, deadly, infiltrating form of brain cancer. For l-hour periods on the 12th and 14th of June, several watts of microwave energy at 2450 MHz were injected to raise the temperature of the volume of tissue around the radiator a few degrees. A noninterferring temperature sensor, mounted on the antenna, monitored the temperature of the tissue. An overview is provided of this cancer treatment approach.


Macrophage activation is essential for macrophage function; however, the phenotypic profile of macrophages can become dysregulated during pulmonary disease. Two major causes of lower respiratory tract infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). These are problematic as current preventative treatments against these opportunistic pathogens are ineffective for those most vulnerable to infection. Macrophages can undergo apoptosis when infected with S. pneumoniae as part of the innate immune response. This apoptosis-associated bacterial clearance is reduced in alveolar macrophages (AMs) from COPD and HIV patient associated with increased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1.
I hypothesized that macrophages from Mcl-1 over-expressing transgenic mice would display an altered macrophage activation profile which would affect macrophage effector functions after bacterial challenge. Given the prominence of NTHi infection in diseases with defective macrophage function I also predicted NTHi challenge would cause macrophage apoptosis associated killing, which is inhibited by over expression of Mcl-1, similar to previous observations for S. pneumoniae.
Induction of classical and alternative macrophage activation was analysed between wild-type and transgenic Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages (BMDM) and determined in human Monocyte Derived Macrophages (MDM). The effect of macrophage activation on killing of S. pneumoniae, microbicidal production and apoptotic activity was then assessed in both BMDM and MDM models. A transcriptomics study was conducted to understand changes in gene expression between wild-type and transgenic AMs at 16 hours, a critical time point of S. pneumoniae challenge, at the onset of macrophage apoptosis associated killing. Macrophage killing and microbicidal production in MDMs after NTHi challenge were observed and apoptosis and Mcl-1 protein levels were assessed over a 72-hour time course. The effects of macrophage activation on NTHi challenge was also measured.
I found that Mcl-1 did not alter macrophage activation but activation of BMDM and MDM with IFN-γ (M(IFN-γ)) caused enhanced clearance of intracellular bacteria at early and late time points of S. pneumoniae challenge. Furthermore, levels of apoptosis were increased in M(IFN-γ) at 16 hours of S. pneumoniae challenge. Transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and transgenic AMs after 16 hours of challenge revealed induction of a T-cell signature in transgenic samples. Challenge of MDMs with NTHi caused low levels of macrophage apoptosis at 20 hours of challenge which increased at 48 and 72 hours. Levels of Mcl-1 remained high at 16-20 hours then decreased from peak at 20 hours onwards with increasing levels of macrophage apoptosis.
These results demonstrate the importance of IFN-γ production during S. pneumoniae challenge. They also highlight a potential role for T-cell involvement in transgenic macrophages when the apoptotic response is compromised. Finally, they give insights into an unexplored aspect of macrophage immunology after NTHi challenge, showing increased apoptosis at later timepoints of infection. These findings offer useful insights into host innate immunology and may provide groundwork for future therapeutic development.


This study aims to formulate least cost balanced rations by using the linear programming technique for brown eggs layers at the different stages of rearing period using feed ingredients available in the Iraqi local market in order to reduce the cost of eggs production. The feed ingredients used were: local and hybrid corn, first and second class wheat, soybean meal less or higher than 44% crude protein, barley, protein concentrate, wheat bran, limestone, dicalcium phosphate, vitamin mineral mixture, salt, soybean oil. The results indicated that the least cost balanced rations can be obtained by not restricting the level of any of feed ingredients and the rations costs were (163.2, 132.8, 121.8, 141.9, 199.6) U.S.Dollars for the periods (0 – 6, 6 – 12, 12 -18) weeks, (18 weeks – start of production), (production period), respectively. Each of the local and hybrid corn, low protein soybean meal and barley were not used in the optimal rations. Adding constraints and excluding one or both of soybean oil and protein concentrate or including the level of corn caused increasing rations cost. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the constraints of the levels of lysine and methionine were the most nutrients that increased the cost of rations.


The political move in South Africa occurred against a setting of high government deficits. Efforts have been made over the years by the government to reduce fiscal deficit and inflation, liberalize the capital account and the financial system as well as reduce tariffs. The main objective of this study, therefore, is to empirically investigate the effect of public debt on foreign direct investment in South African for the period 1983 – 2013. The study employs a Vector Error Correction Model, which provides both the long run and short run relationships among the variables. The long run results indicate that the relationship between public debt and foreign direct investment, as well as interest rate and foreign direct investment, is positive and statistically significant, while there is an insignificant negative relationship between exchange rate and foreign direct investment. Based on the long run results, the study, thus, recommend that the level of public debt and interest rate should increase so that the level of foreign direct investment can increase in the country. However, the policy of depreciation of rand is considered inappropriate for the economy if the desire is to increase the level of foreign direct investment in the country.


We study the Steiner Tree problem, in which a set of terminal vertices needs to be connected in the cheapest possible way in an edge-weighted graph. This problem has been extensively studied from the viewpoint of approximation and also parameterization. In particular, on one hand Steiner Tree is known to be APX-hard, and W[2]-hard on the other, if parameterized by the number of non-terminals (Steiner vertices) in the optimum solution. In contrast to this we give an efficient parameterized approximation scheme (EPAS), which circumvents both hardness results. Moreover, our methods imply the existence of a polynomial size approximate kernelization scheme (PSAKS) for the assumed parameter.
We further study the parameterized approximability of other variants of Steiner Tree, such as Directed Steiner Tree and Steiner Forest. For neither of these an EPAS is likely to exist for the studied parameter: for Steiner Forest an easy observation shows that the problem is APX-hard, even if the input graph contains no Steiner vertices. For Directed Steiner Tree we prove that computing a constant approximation for this parameter is W[1]-hard. Nevertheless, we show that an EPAS exists for Unweighted Directed Steiner Tree. Also we prove that there is an EPAS and a PSAKS for Steiner Forest if in addition to the number of Steiner vertices, the number of connected components of an optimal solution is considered to be a parameter.


Abstract American interest in and knowledge of religion in India began before Americans imagined Hinduism as a coherent world religion. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, Americans used a variety of terms to describe, represent, and imagine the religious culture of India: Gentoos, Hindoos, religion of the Hindoos, Hindoo religion, Brahmanism, heathenism, and paganism. Each term meant different things to different writers at different times. But there was no Hinduism, a world religion originating in India and comparable to others, in America prior to the late nineteenth century. Americans read and wrote about "Hindoos" and "Hindoo religion," something altogether different from Hindus and Hinduism. This article analyzes two examples of American representations of Hindoo religion before Hinduism. First, it examines American missionary reports about "Hindoo heathenism" written by American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions missionaries and published in American missionary journals in the early nineteenth century. Second, it examines the Unitarian interest in Rammohun Roy and his growing popularity in New England during the 1820s and 1830s. Unitarian interest in Roy and ABCFM missionary reports exemplify the ways Protestant questions and interests shaped the American understanding of religions and the eventual construction of "world religions" such as Hinduism to suit American Protestant concerns.


Objective: To assess the effectiveness data of zaleplon. Data Sources: Primary and review articles were identified by MEDLINE (1985 to August 2000) and via secondary sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. Data Synthesis: Eight studies were identified. Two trials in a nonelderly population investigated the effectiveness of zaleplon and the incidence of withdrawal symptoms. Zaleplon's only significant effect on insomnia was to reduce sleep latency by six to 16 minutes. The tools used in the trials showed that stopping zaleplon after 14–28 days of therapy did not cause significant rebound events. Two recent studies that investigated the use of zaleplon in the elderly produced similar results, although one study showed that stopping zaleplon causes significant rebound events. Three studies determined whether zaleplon caused any hangover effects and concluded that there is a low potential for these effects in a nonelderly population. In healthy nonelderly volunteers, standard doses of zaleplon had no residual effects when taken as little as two hours before the subjects arose. One small-scale study indicated that the abuse potential of zaleplon is similar to that of benzodiazepines. Conclusions: Although zaleplon significantly reduces sleep latency, the effect does not appear to be highly clinically significant. Zaleplon's short half-life does appear to reduce the risk of hangover effects. Until further data become available, zaleplon should be considered to have the same abuse potential as benzodiazepines.


Large diameter UOE pipes are being increasingly used for the construction of offshore pipelines. Since oil discoveries are moving towards ultra deep water areas, collapse resistance is a key factor in the design of the pipelines. It has been demonstrated in previous works that the application of typical coating thermal treatments increases the collapse resistance of the pipes recovering the original strength of the plate. To improve the understanding of these effects, the Tenaris has embarked on a program of both, experimental testing and finite element modeling.Previous phases of this work formulated the basis for model development and described the 2D approach taken to model the various stages of manufacture, from the plate to the final pipe and the collapse test. More recent developments included some modeling enhancements, sensitivity analyses, and comparison of predictions to the results of full scale collapse testing.In the present work, 3D finite element analyses of collapse were performed and compared with the latest collapse and propagation tests performed by Tenaris, where the effect of typical coating thermal treatments was studied and significant increments in the collapse pressure of pipes were obtained. The numerical results show a good agreement with the experimental ones and could predict the increment produced in the collapse pressure by the effect of the thermal treatments. Comparison of the results with the predictions from API RP 1111 and DNV OS-F101 equations was also performed.The outcomes of this study will be employed to further optimize the collapse resistance of subsea linepipe in order to reduce material and offshore installation costs through the increment of the fabrication factor as stated in the DNV OSF101 standard.Copyright © 2012 by ASME


The oxygenase domain of inducible NO synthase (residues 1-498, iNOSox) is the enzyme's catalytic center. Its active form is a homodimer that contains heme and tetrahydrobiopterin (H4biopterin) and binds l-arginine [Ghosh, D. K., & Stuehr, D. J. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 801]. To help identify protein residues involved in prosthetic group and dimeric interaction, we expressed H4biopterin-free iNOSox in Escherichia coli. The iNOSox was 80% dimeric but contained a low-spin heme iron that bound DTT as a sixth ligand. The iNOSox bound H4biopterin or L-arginine with high affinity, which displaced DTT from the heme and caused spectral changes consistent with a closing up of the heme pocket. The H4biopterin-replete iNOSox could catalyze conversion of Nomega-hydroxyarginine to citrulline and NO in a H2O2-supported reaction. Limited trypsinolysis of the H4biopterin-free iNOSox dimer cut the protein at a single site in its N-terminal region (K117). H4biopterin protected against the cleavage whereas l-arginine did not. The resulting 40 kDa protein contained thiol-ligated low-spin heme, was monomeric, catalytically inactive, showed no capacity to bind H4biopterin or l-arginine, and did not dimerize when provided with these molecules, indicating that residues 1-117 were important for iNOSox dimerization and H4biopterin/l-arginine interaction. A deletion mutant missing residues 1-114 was partially dimeric but otherwise identical to the 40 kDa protein regarding its spectral and catalytic properties and inability to respond to l-arginine and H4biopterin, whereas a deletion mutant missing residues 1-65 was equivalent to wild-type iNOSox, narrowing the region of importance to amino acids 66-114. Mutation of a conserved cysteine in this region (C109A) decreased H4biopterin affinity without compromising iNOSox dimeric structure, L-arginine binding, or catalytic function. These results suggest that residues 66-114 of iNOSox are involved in productive H4biopterin interaction and subunit dimerization. H4biopterin binding appears to stabilize the protein structure in this region, and through doing so activates iNOS for NO synthesis.


VALIDATION RISK ACROSS HIERARCHICAL MODELS John B. Young Old Dominion University, 2020 Director: Dr. Barry Ezell Modeling and simulation are applied in a great many methods across a variety of topics. Model developers and users alike have a professional duty to understand the complexities of the tools and methods they are using. Oftentimes, models that have been independently constructed and executed are used to inform one another for an analytic purpose, and the compatibility of the models is not always addressed. In the literature, great attention has been paid to model validation. When using models constructively with one another, analysts must understand the bounds of model validity and ensure that the combination of models does not generate poor information. The literature reveals significant research on model interoperability and model composability. Special analytic cases of composability in multi-resolution modeling have also been examined in the available research. What is not available, however, is the ability to assess models' abilities to inform one another without violating the validation of either model. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop a risk of method to model composability. To develop this method, a macroscopic model simulating large-scale transportation problems will be implemented. An available technique for Model Use Risk Methodology (MURM) will be applied to the macroscopic model to measure its appropriateness for use within its validated space. The model will be decomposed into atomic units of Objects and Processes. Next, a microscopic traffic model will be similarly decomposed into atomic units and be used to inform the macroscopic model. Applying model similarity techniques across the atoms of both models will yield an assessment of their compatibility of one another. The macroscopic model will be reassessed using the MURM. Changes in its risk-of-use score will be compared against the model elements' similarity to derive a relationship between model similarity and its impact upon model use appropriateness.


Peripheral intravenous (PIV) insertion is one of the most common procedures undertaken for pediatric patients requiring short-term infusion therapy. Infiltration, which considered one of the most common complications of PIV insertion, may cause discomfort, pain, inconvenience or delay in treatment due to reinsertion of the IV catheter, or more serious negative consequences, such as tissue ulceration or necrosis. Such complications have not only increased the length of hospital stay and care costs for additional treatments, but also resulted in permanent damage and limitations of physical functions in pediatric patients. Nurses working at the children' hospitals should consider the risk of IV infiltration for children receiving intravenous infusion therapy and make efforts to identify IV infiltration in high-risk children at an early stage to prevent damage. Therefore, this study aimed, firstly, to investigate the risk factors for intravenous infiltration among hospitalized children and, secondly, to develop clinical guidelines for nurses for early recognition, prevention and management of intravenous infiltration. A descriptive correlative research design was used. The study was conducted at pediatric inpatient medical and surgical wards of Children's University Hospital in Mansoura city, Egypt. The participants werehospitalized children (253) from less than one year to 16 years who received peripheral IV insertions.Interview questionnaire sheet was developed by the researcher to collect relevant data. The results indicated that the infiltration rate was 23.3% and it was from stage 1 and 2. Conclusion: the most important risk factors for infiltration were the child weight, previous experiences of insertion of peripheral catheter, dwell time, site of insertion, catheter size, repeated insertion on the same site, infusion of antibiotics and IV fluids. Recommendation:in future studies, it would be important to account for nurse-associated factors in the study design, including, educational status, experience of the nurses, the nurses' potential preference for a particular insertion site or method and catheter insertion skills.


A magnetotail event on 15 September 2001 is analyzed, during which the Cluster spacecraft observed both embedding and bifurcation of the Thin Current Sheet (TCS). It is indicated that the ion anisotropy and nongyrotropy are responsible for those new equilibrium features that represent deviations from the conventional Harris model. Measurements show that an embedded proton TCS manifests a pressure anisotropy with p || > p ⊥ , simultaneously associated with a density embedding; while a bifurcated oxygen ion TCS exhibits a pressure anisotropy mainly with p || p ⊥ and nongrotropy, except at the edges where p || > p ⊥ is the necessary marginal firehose stability condition. The local flapping motion of the TCS was observed, and some particular features such as the solitary wave-like behavior and the kink motion in the plane perpendicular to the Sun-Earth direction were revealed. The present investigation intimates the complexity of equilibria of the magnetotail current sheet and declares the crucial role played by the ion kinetics in the dynamics of TCSs.


Aerosol particle observations are needed to determine the conditions of particle formation and growth in different environments. This research focuses on new particle formation (NPF) events in the hemi-boreal forest environment at the Aukštaitija Integrated Monitoring Station (IMS) (55°26ʹN and 26°04ʹE, 170 m above the sea level). The parameterisation of aerosol particle Nucleation I (3–10 nm), Nucleation II (10–20 nm) and Aitken (20–100 nm) modes was performed, their inputs to the total particle number concentration (PNC) and distribution were assessed. It has been estimated that around 40% of days in spring and 22% in summer were NPF event days. The highest contribution of Nucleation mode I aerosol particles was observed in June, reaching up to 38% of the total PNC values. The mean growth rate (GR) and condensation sink (CS) values at the Aukštaitija IMS in April and May were 2.9 nm·h–1, 1.30·10–3 s–1 and 5.3 nm·h–1, 1.35·10–3 s–1, respectively. The GR and CS values were well in agreement with the results obtained from other hemi-boreal forest sites in the Baltic Sea region.


Considerable health disparities exist that result in both poorer health outcomes and relatively low accessibility of health care for the world's indigenous populations. States and global/international health organizations have prioritized indigenous health. Intercultural health care plays a pivotal role in this prioritization. Recent governmental changes in Bolivia, a country in which two thirds of the population self-identify as indigenous, have resulted in state discourse centered on decolonization and interculturality that advocates indigenous rights as well as economic and popular democracy. Research that focuses on how intercultural policies are practiced on the ground or on how individuals are experiencing these policies is lacking. Using qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews of three individuals living in and around Cochabamba, Bolivia, this thesis explores participants' thoughts and experiences of interculturality, health, and the Bolivian healthcare system. Results are contextualized 1) through a discussion of the intercultural health care literature based on Latin American examples and 2) according to two health behavior theories: Social Cognitive Theory and the Structural-Ecological Model. The results presented here raise concerns about the implementation and effectiveness of intercultural healthcare policies. Participants have noticed very little change as a result of new polices and are skeptical of the motivations driving interculturality. Additional factors, such as substantial financial barriers, impede intercultural health care. Research that investigates how intercultural health care functions on the ground and in practice in Bolivia has repercussions for health policy on a global scale. The research presented here is of public health importance because, if the goal is to improve the health of indigenous peoples worldwide, a more critical consideration of the implementation of intercultural healthcare efforts, of which this thesis is part, is necessary.


This guide is provided by The Euliano Law Library to assist students of LAW-6214 Climate Change (seminar course) in beginning their research.


IT IS estimated that 5,000 lives are saved each year by safety belts. Garrett and Braunstein 1 calculated that there were 35% fewer major, fatal injuries in seat belt wearers than in those who did not wear seat belts. Lindgren and Warg, 2 in Sweden, studied injuries in people wearing diagonal-type belts and they concluded that this type of belt reduced by 60% the number of major injuries that would have occurred without the use of belts. However, there have been an increasing number of reports of injury apparently caused by the seat belt itself. Report of Cases Case1.—A 42-year-old white man was involved in an automobile accident on July 31, 1964. He was wearing a lap-type seat belt. He was initially unconscious. Past medical history was essentially unremarkable, except that the patient had had an appendectomy. Physical examination revealed a well-developed, slightly obese, adult white male, in severe


Summary I present a method for computing reflection angle gathers using time-shift extended least-squares reverse-time migration. The method is aimed at producing image gathers that can be interpreted in terms of angle-dependent reflection coefficients, also under complex overburdens. It is based on a two-step procedure involving an iterative inversion to estimate a time-shift extended representation of the subsurface reflectivity, followed by a transform of this reflectivity to the reflection angle domain. Using a formulation in terms of time-shift extended imaging allows to naturally handle complex wave-field effects like multi-pathing. The main building blocks of the method include an adjoint pair of time-shift extended linearized modelling and imaging operators, an effective time-shift extended-domain preconditioner and a transform from the time-shift domain to the reflection angle domain that properly handles amplitudes. The method is demonstrated on a synthetic data example.


The fate of bycatch species released back into the water is crucial to estimate population status and consequent decisions to implement adequate management measurements for elasmobranchs. The shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris, is an endemic species of the Southwest Atlantic. It is currently listed as 'Vulnerable' both in the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Brazilian red lists. Although this species displays high tolerance to capture and transportation by fishers from the capture site to the fish market, a significant reduction in survival rates is observed during the reproductive period. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine post‐capture and post‐commercial transportation consequences in pregnant females obtained as bycatch from artisanal fisheries in Southern Brazil. Results showed high abortion rates and reduced maternal survival after abortion, with all abortions occurring within 28 h of monitoring in laboratory. Stress plasma markers were also evaluated, to determine the physiological consequences of capture‐induced parturition to pregnant females. Results showed alteration in all markers measured (plasma urea, pH, lactate, phosphorus, and potassium) with values for dead pregnant females being different from non‐pregnant females and those which survived capture and subsequent abortions. The mortality caused by fisheries bycatch may prove difficult to manage, with immediate release and specific handling protocols for pregnant females implemented through environmental education environmental education and fishermen training programs, potential options to maintain adequate maternal survival and recruitment for this species.


Abstract In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the focal adhesion kinase-related tyrosine kinase PYK2/CAKβ is activated by vascular mitogens. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are assumed to mediate mitogenic signals by these agonists, we examined the possible link between ROS and PYK2 in cultured rat VSMCs. Here we present several lines of evidence showing that PYK2 is activated by ROS in VSMCs. The inhibitory effect of an antioxidant, N -acetyl-cysteine, on PYK2 activation by its specific agonists further suggests the pivotal role of PYK2 in vascular remodeling associated with enhanced ROS production.


The chronology of the Aegean Late Bronze Age is a vigorously contested area of archaeological study, with "high" and "low" schemes emerging over the last three decades. The chronological lynchpin for this period is the catastrophic eruption of Thera (Santorini), at a point in the mature Late Minoan (LM) I A ceramic period. Two possible calendrical ranges for this eruption have emerged: c. 1540 - 1500 BC, and c. 1645 - 1628 BC. The latter first gained currency in the 1970s, and the controversy focuses on which range is more probable. This thesis examines the chronology of the Late Minoan (LM), Late Cycladic (L Cyc), Late Helladic (LH) and Late Cypriot (LC) periods in detail and their various relationships with the eruption. Because archaeological methods of dating these sequences, which traditionally place the eruption within the later range, are fluid and open to re-interpretation (in favour of the earlier range), the calendrical date of the eruption is of crucial importance. The scientific arguments, which tend to favour the earlier range, are analysed alongside the archaeological arguments. Finally, the effects of the eruption, and their implications for chronology, are considered. A comprehensive catalogue detailing of all Thera's volcanic deposits from around the region is presented, as is a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) spatial analysis of these deposits which suggests that the volume of the eruption may have been up to five times previous estimates, and almost double the largest previous estimate. In conjunction with this study, a reappraisal of the eruptive rate and intensity of the Minoan event using mathematical differential analysis is presented, to provide an integrated investigation of its impact. It is concluded a) that the eruption was far larger than previous thought, and that b) a calendrical date for the eruption between c. 1540 - 1500 BC is more probable than a date between 1645 - 1628 BC.


This research aims to answer three objectives which are: (1) to identify the
maxims which are flouted by the main characters to create humor in Pink"s
Accepted movie; (2) to describe the forms of humor expressed by the main
characters through maxim flouting in Pink"s Accepted movie; and (3) to explain
the functions of humor expressed by the main characters through maxim flouting
in Pink"s Accepted movie.
This research employed the descriptive qualitative method. The data were
in the form of utterances i.e. words, clauses, phrases, and sentences. The contexts
of the data were dialogues. The source of the data was an American comedy
movie entitled Accepted. The data were collected by watching the movie,
retrieving the movie transcript, checking the suitability between the movie and the
transcript, watching and re-watching the movie to find the relevant data,
identifying the dialogues in the movie which are in accordance with the research
objectives, and recording the data into the data sheet. Furthermore, the researcher
employed some steps in analyzing the data which are: classifying the flouting of
maxims of Cooperative Principle employed by the main characters to create
humor; analyzing the forms and functions of humor which appear through the
flouting of maxims; identifying the errors in the data collection to gain appropriate
data; and drawing conclusions for the research questions. Finally, the data
findings were triangulated by two linguistics students.
There are three findings found in this research. The first finding reveals
that the main characters in Accepted movie employ all types of maxim flouting,
i.e. flouting of maxim of quantity, maxim of quality, maxim of manner and
maxim of relation to create humorous utterances. Meanwhile, flouting of quality
maxim becomes the most frequent way to create humor. The second finding
shows that there are two forms of humor found as the result of maxim flouting
done by the main characters in Accepted movie: jokes and spontaneous
conversational humor. The third finding depicts that the four functions of humor,
i.e social management, decommitment, mediation and defunctionalization, are
employed by the main characters in Accepted movie. Social management becomes
the most employed function since the dialogues were mostly occured in everyday
social interaction.
Key words: humor, maxim flouting, main characters, Accepted movie.


Power gating is a common approach for reducing circuit static power consumption. In FPGAs, resources that dominate static power consumption lie in the routing network. Researchers have proposed several heuristics for clustering multiplexers in routing network into power-gating regions. In this paper, we propose a fundamentally different approach based on K-means clustering, an algorithm commonly used in machine learning. Experimental results on Titan benchmarks and Stratix-IV FPGA architecture show that our proposed clustering algorithms outperform the state of the art. For example, for 32 power-gating regions in FPGA routing switch matrices, we achieve (on average) almost 1.4× higher savings (37.48% vs. 26.94%) in the static power consumption of the FPGA routing resources at lower area overhead than the most efficient heuristic published so far.


Just as the Germans are abandoning 'general and comparative archaeology' up springs the Journal of Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Archaeology ( JIIA) (http://www.jiia.it). An open-access online venture, or one-woman enterprise fronted by Antonella D'Ascoli in Naples, it has been online since 2003 offering articles mainly about classical and Roman archaeology and acting as a repository, for example of articles on Iron Age Iberia from another e-journal, e-Keltoi, Journal of Interdisciplinary Celtic Studies (http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/celtic/ekeltoi), the latter online since 2002. Antonella d'Ascoli has found the open-access adventure 'a titanic enterprise, the solo crossing of a tumultuous ocean'. A browse through the website, not the easiest to use, shows that this is still very much a work in progress, but D'Ascoli must be congratulated on her energy and initiative.