Medicinal plants or herbs belonging to different traditional medicinal systems have been used as therapeutic agents for curing a number of diseases and infections. Hence, the application of such traditionally known medicinal plants and its phytoconstituents have increased considerably even in modern medicines. Bixa orellana L. — an Indian medicinal plant which belongs to the family Bixaceae is an Ayurvedic herb used since ancient times. This review aims to highlight the ethnopharmacology, pharmacological and cosmeceutical uses of B. orellana not only from scientific literature but also from patent documents. The prior art review of the phytoconstituents shows that B. orellana contains a wide variety of biologically active compounds such as bixin, norbixin, β-carotene, lutein, tocotrienol, tocopherols, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, etc. Pharmacological review revealed that this plant is useful as anti-inflammatory, anti-asthma, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, hepatoprotective, antifungal, anticancer agent. This review also highlights the year wise patent filing trends and the major assignees active in filing patents in this area. Such a review will provide useful insights for further biological or clinical investigations of the bioactive or active fractions from the plant.


The following comparison of Naturalness theory and Markedness theory contrasts naturalness scales and markedness relations and the distinct notions of value in the two theories in order to focus on recent advances in the identification of rules of naturalness syntax and markedness syntax. It is shown that whereas naturalness theory offers little basis for accounts of variation and change, key notions in markedness theory play a central role both in accounts of synchronic variation and in explanations of the initiation and actualization of change. In a concluding comparison of the two theories it is argued that Markedness theory in essential respects subsumes Naturalness theory. This explains why many linguists find the two theories kindred, and it suggests that the future will see their unification.


We propose new mechanisms that can be used by a demand response aggregator to flexibly shift the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) to times where cheap but intermittent renewable energy is in high supply. Here, it is important to consider the constraints and preferences of EV owners, while eliminating the scope for strategic behaviour. To achieve this, we propose, for the first time, a generic class of incentive mechanisms for settings with both varying marginal electricity costs and multi-dimensional preferences. We show these are dominant strategy incentive compatible, i.e., EV owners are incentivised to report their constraints and preferences truthfully. We also detail a specific instance of this class, show that it achieves ≈ 98% of the optimal in realistic scenarios and demonstrate how it can be adapted to trade off efficiency with profit.


Objective: To estimate the potential impact of an HIV/AIDS Vaccine in Kenya. Design: The Kenyan HIV/AIDS epidemic was modeled using the most current data from national sources including epidemiology and behavioral surveillance. The model's baseline projection was validated against adult HIV prevalence at antenatal clinics and general population surveys. The model was used to analyze the effects of scaling up current prevention programs and adding potential HIV vaccines with varying levels of effectiveness and coverage. Results: Even with full scale-up of currently available prevention, care and treatment programs, new infections will continue to burden Kenya. The introduction of a partially effective AIDS vaccine could significantly alter the trajectory of the epidemic. Conclusion: The game changing impact that an AIDS vaccine could have on the AIDS epidemic in Kenya under-scores the importance of sustaining political support and financial investment to accelerate HIV/AIDS vaccine research and development.


The author conducted a content analysis of papers submitted to the journal, Communications in Information Literacy, from the years 2007-2013. The purpose was to investigate and report on the overall quality characteristics of a statistically significant sample of papers submitted to a single-topic, open access, library and information science (LIS) journal. Characteristics of manuscript submissions, authorship, reviewer evaluations, and editorial decisions were illuminated to provide context; particular emphasis was given to the analysis of major criticisms found in reviewer evaluations of rejected papers. Overall results were compared to previously published research. The findings suggest a trend in favor of collaborative authorship, and a possible trend toward a more practice-based literature. The findings also suggest a possible deterioration in some of the skills that are required of LIS authors relative to the preparation of scholarly papers. The author discusses potential implications for authors and the disciplinary literature, recommends directions for future research, and where possible, provides recommendations for the benefit of the greater community of LIS scholars.


We use molecular dynamics simulations to compare the conformational structure and dynamics of a 21-base pair RNA sequence initially constructed according to the canonical A-RNA and A'-RNA forms in the presence of counterions and explicit water. Our study aims to add a dynamical perspective to the solid-state structural information that has been derived from X-ray data for these two characteristic forms of RNA. Analysis of the three main structural descriptors commonly used to differentiate between the two forms of RNA namely major groove width, inclination and the number of base pairs in a helical twist over a 30 ns simulation period reveals a flexible structure in aqueous solution with fluctuations in the values of these structural parameters encompassing the range between the two crystal forms and more. This provides evidence to suggest that the identification of distinct A-RNA and A'-RNA structures, while relevant in the crystalline form, may not be generally relevant in the context of RNA in the aqueous phase. The apparent structural flexibility observed in our simulations is likely to bear ramifications for the interactions of RNA with biological molecules (e.g. proteins) and non-biological molecules (e.g. non-viral gene delivery vectors).


Distributed optimization methods for large-scale machine learning suffer from a communication bottleneck. It is difficult to reduce this bottleneck while still efficiently and accurately aggregating partial work from different machines. In this paper, we present a novel generalization of the recent communication-efficient primal-dual framework (COCOA) for distributed optimization. Our framework, COCOA+, allows for additive combination of local updates to the global parameters at each iteration, whereas previous schemes with convergence guarantees only allow conservative averaging. We give stronger (primal-dual) convergence rate guarantees for both COCOA as well as our new variants, and generalize the theory for both methods to cover non-smooth convex loss functions. We provide an extensive experimental comparison that shows the markedly improved performance of COCOA+ on several real-world distributed datasets, especially when scaling up the number of machines.


The combined effect of climate change and the urban heat island phenomenon is likely to reduce the space heating needs and cold-related mortality risk of urban populations in mid latitude countries during winter; however, it is also expected to increase overheating and heat-related deaths during summer. Identifying the determinant factors for energy demand and thermal comfort across a city is hence a key requirement for energy efficient retrofit and public health strategies. The aim of this thesis was to assess the relative impact of urban warming, built form and fabric characteristics on domestic energy use and overheating risk across a major city, using London as a case study. Two housing stock models were developed: a heat demand model based on steady-state energy use calculation techniques and a multiple linear regression overheating risk meta-model of an existing dynamic thermal simulation program. Input data was derived from existing Geographic Information System databases, national housing surveys and local urban air temperature models. The heat demand model successfully reproduced the ranking of urban areas based on their actual gas consumption (R² = 0.817) in a case study area containing 8.6% of London's dwelling stock. The heat island was found to decrease the average annual domestic heating load by 14% in these urban areas compared to a rural reference site. It was shown that the overheating meta-model can replicate the output of the thermal simulation program (R² = 0.763). It was indicated that highly exposed dwelling types, such as top floor flats and bungalows, as well as internally insulated buildings are likely to present an indoor overheating problem during periods of hot weather. However, the agreement between modelled overheating levels and monitored data collected in 101 London homes in summer 2009 was relatively weak, thus highlighting the modifying role of occupant controlled ventilation for indoor thermal conditions.


The introduction of shared autonomous vehicles into the transport system is suggested to bring significant impacts on traffic conditions, road safety and emissions, as well as overall reshaping travel behaviour. Compared with a private autonomous vehicle, a shared automated vehicle (SAV) is associated with different willingness-to-adopt and willingness-to-pay characteristics. An important aspect of future SAV adoption is the presence of other passengers in the SAV—often people unknown to the cotravellers. This study presents a cross-country exploration of user preferences and WTP calculations regarding mode choice between a private non-autonomous vehicle, and private and shared autonomous vehicles. To explore user preferences, the study launched a survey in seven European countries, including a stated-preference experiment of user choices. To model and quantify the effect of travel mode attributes and socio-demographic characteristics, the study employs a mixed logit model. The model results were the basis for calculating willingness-to-pay values for all countries and travel modes, and provide insight into the significant heterogeneous, gender-wise effect of cotravellers in the choice to use an SAV. The study results highlight the importance of analysis of the effect of SAV attributes and shared-ride conditions on the future acceptance and adoption rates of such services.


Major joint surgery (elective hip or knee replacement, or hip fracture) carries a high risk of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. DVT prophylaxis has become an essential part of routine management, since several preventive methods, including low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and oral anticoagulants, are effective and safe in major joint surgery. Clinically important questions remain about the best way to use LMWHs for DVT prevention. The need for preoperative dosing, whether to give LMWHs once or twice daily, and the most suitable duration of prophylaxis remain issues of debate. Reports of local bleeding after spinal or epidural anaesthesia/analgesia in orthopaedic surgery patients given LMWH may make anaesthetists more reluctant to combine regional anaesthesia with LMWH prophylaxis, especially if a preoperative dose is required. The worldwide trend towards early transfer of postoperative patients from hospital to a convalescent facility or home has increased the need for formal recommendations about the optimal duration of prophylaxis. Ever shorter hospital admissions after elective surgery mean that prophylaxis given only in hospital may not be sufficient.


A native of Ireland, Garvey travelled abroad to Italy before settling in England. He was active in the Royal Academy, first exhibiting in 1769 and later becoming a member in 1783. He worked both in oil and watercolor, his subjects being chiefly views of Italy, Ireland and England. His work is described by Strickland as 'poor'. (Dictionary of Irish Artists, p 399)


Ordinarily, in photographic recording, the shutter is opened for a finite time which can be described by a rectangular shutter function (= flux as a function of time). Such a shutter function, in connection with linear image motion, creates a degradation due to motion blur. If the shutter modulates the flux by a function cos2 (t2), a recording is obtained that has the properties of an incoherent one-dimensional hologram. Hence, compensation of motion blur is achieved by reconstructing a sharp image from the hologram. This method can be modified in order to cope with harmonic vibrational or random translational motion.


Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes are very serious diseases with the latter having been suggested to cause the former. We prepared super-hard rice bread blended with black rice bran (SRBBB), which contained a high amount of resistant starch that showed strong inhibitory activities against β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase even after heating. Black rice bran showed greater β-secretase inhibitory activity (3.6-fold) than Koshihikari rice. The bran contained more oleic acid and anthocyanin, meaning that it is potentially a biofunctional food with a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, aged mice, which were fed a SRBBB diet for four weeks, showed lower amyloid β 40 peptide in the blood than mice fed a commercial diet (p < 0.01). Additionally, their initial blood glucose levels (BGLs) after 12 weeks of being fed SRBBB were significantly lower than those in the control group. Taken together, our results indicate SRBBB shows promise for inhibiting not only amyloid β production, but also abrupt increases in postprandial BGLs. Graphical abstract Characterization of amyloid β-40 protein species with ELISA method.


The heartwarming story behind J.K. Rowling's rise to fame--and the answers to Harry Potter fans' most burning questions! Harry Potter is loved throughout the world, and so is his creator. Joanne Kathleen (J.K.) Rowling is a true wizard, a woman who has the ability to recall vividly her days as a child and capture those wild, wonderful, difficult times--an ability that helps make her creation, Harry Potter, seem so real. In this revealing book, fans of the Harry Potter series will get to see their favorite author as they never have before. From a child with a wonderful imagination who didn't quite fit in, to a single mother with almost overwhelming responsibilities, J.K. Rowling and her story provide a wonderful chance for adults and children to enjoy a heartwarming, magical story. . . together. Inside are the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions: * Where did the idea for the Harry Potter series come from? * How the birth of her third child impacted her life * What's the latest on the top secret writing projects that will follow HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS? * What re Joanne's feelings about the Harry Potter saga finally ending? *Which of the characters does J.K most identify with? *What is J.K. Rowling's simple rule about writing? *And much more!


Introduction: 99m Tc–Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) as evaluation of pediatric genitourinary abnormalities has an important role in pediatric nuclear medicine. The aim of this study was to estimate organs absorbed dose for children injected by 99m Tc DMSA using MIRDOSE software and hybrid planar/SPECT method. Methods: After injection of 99m Tc-DMSA, ten children with genitourinary abnormalities underwent 3-5 planar scans and single SPECT scan (at 1 to 20 h post injection). Also for anatomical reference of patients' organs, MRI scans were performed for each patient. A hybrid planar/SPECT method was used to plot time activity curves for obtain source organs cumulated activity and then to calculate obserbed doses of organs MIRDOSE software was used. Results: Mean absorbed dose due to 99m Tc-DMSA in pediatric for kidneys (200 ± 160), adrenals (15.1 ± 9.5), urinary bladder wall (14.7 ± 9.8), spleen (12.7 ± 7.8), gonads (12.4 ± 11.2), pancreas (10.5 ± 6.2), gall bladder wall (9.8 ± 5.7) , , , , , micro Sivert per MegaBequrel, respectively. Also, the mean effective doses was 10.01 ± 6.03 µSv/MBq. Conclusion: The difference between the radiation doses received by the various organs of the patients caused by different amounts of radiopharmaceutical uptake in organs for different patients . Image quantities practical method using planar/SPECT hybrid method can be utilized with acceptable accuracy in determination of cumulative activity.


Previous evidence supports the concept that increased oxidative stress may play an important role in MetS (metabolic syndrome)-related manifestations. Dietary fat quality has been proposed to be critical in oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of the MetS. In the present study, we investigated whether oxidative stress parameters are affected by diets with different fat quantity and quality during the postprandial state in subjects with the MetS. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four isoenergetic diets distinct in fat quantity and quality for 12 weeks: a high-saturated-fatty-acid (HSFA) diet, a high-mono-unsaturated-fatty-acid (HMUFA) diet and two low-fat/high-complex carbohydrate diets [supplemented with 1.24 g/day of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LFHCC n-3) or with 1 g/day of sunflower oil high in oleic acid (LFHCC) as placebo]. The HMUFA diet enhanced postprandial GSH (reduced glutathione) levels and the GSH/GSSH (oxidized glutathione) ratio, compared with the other three diets. In addition, after the HMUFA-rich diet postprandial lipid peroxide levels, protein carbonyl concentrations, SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity and plasma H2O2 levels were lower compared with subjects adhering to the HSFA-rich diet. Both LFHCC diets had an intermediate effect relative to the HMUFA and HSFA diets. In conclusion, our data support the notion that the HMUFA diet improves postprandial oxidative stress in patients with the MetS. These findings suggest that the postprandial state is important for understanding the possible cardioprotective effects associated with mono-unsaturated dietary fat, particularly in subjects with the MetS.


It is generally recognized that macropore flow may occur in unsaturated soil and that this should be taken into account when modelling flow of water and solutes in soil. The objective of the present study was to examine the water pressure potential conditions at which macropore flow may occur and to elucidate the nature of macropore flow. A laboratory setup consisting of a sand column 20 cm in diameter and 20 cm high with outlet into a 50 cm long glass tube was used. The outlet characteristics of the glass tube was either free to the atmosphere or the glass tube terminated in gravel. The tube diameters used were 3, 4, and 6 mm while the water application rates used were 1.2, 2.2, 12, and 18.5 mm h −1 . Experiments covering 26 combinations of tube diameter, water application rate and outlet characteristics were conducted. Water entered the macropores at a water pressure potential in the overlying sand more or less equivalent to the water entry pressure potential of the macropore according to capillary theory. The nature of flow in the macropore was for the tubes of 3 mm and 4 mm in diameter predominantly pulse flow while film flow was more likely to occur in the tube of 6 mm in diameter. During pulse flow events a pressure potential gradient was consistently created in the sand column, the pressure potential decreasing to -20 cm to -30 cm corresponding approximately to the air entry pressure potential of the sand. The pulse flow events occurred repeatedly during the infiltration as long as water application was continued. When film flow occurred after a pulse flow event, the film flow continued at a water pressure potential less than -20 cm in the sand close to the opening of the artificial macropore.


To make its research easily available to a broad audience, the Center for Philosophy and Public Policy publishes a quarterly newsletter: QQ-Report from the Center for Philosophy and Public Policy. Named after the abbreviation for "questions," QQ summarizes and supplements Center books and working papers and features other selected work on public policy questions. Arti~ des in QQ are intended to advance philosophically informed debate on current policy choices ; the views presented are not necessarily those of the Center or its sponsors.


Abstract: This study is based on "stakeholder theory" in order to explain the concept of corporate social responsibility. To examine the social responsibility areas of business organizations, "The Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility" model developed by Carroll (1991) was used in this study. According to this model, entire range of business responsibilities can be considered in four groups: economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic. Within the framework of Carroll's corporate social responsibility (CSR) Pyramid, the aim of this study is to illustrate priorities in Corporate Social Responsibility Report of the leading companies in Turkey. In this context, 48 companies from Borsa Istanbul
(BIST) Corporate Governance Index were selected as the sample of the study. Qualitative research approach was used in the study. The data obtained from the annual reports, sustainability reports and corporate governance compliance reports of these 48 companies were subjected to content analysis. According to the findings, economic and legal responsibilities were found to have priority for shareholders, customers and employees stakeholder groups in terms of corporate social responsibility levels. While philanthropic responsibility was found to have priority for community stakeholder group, economic responsibility is important for suppliers stakeholder group. Legal responsibility, on the other hand, is important for environment stakeholder group. In general, economic and legal responsibilities have priorities in all stakeholder groups other than community stakeholder group.


The water hammer caused by pump failure in a long-distance pressurized pipe system generally poses a severe threat to the safety of the whole system. The maximum pressure drop at the pump end of the discharge line is significant for the safety assessment of the pipelines. In this study, the characteristics of the pump-stopping water hammer and its propagation in the pipelines are analyzed. The formula for predicting the maximum pressure drop is deduced based on the Method of Characteristics and the complete characteristics of the pumps. The application conditions of the formula and the solution procedures are presented as well. In addition, two engineering cases are introduced and the results calculated by the formula are compared with those resulting from the numerical simulation, and the agreement is satisfactory. The formula presented in this study is of simple form, practical and of high precision, and can provide a theoretical basis for the water hammer protection scheme of a long-distance water supply project.


OVERVIEW Addressing resource-constrained customers in emerging markets presents business opportunities beyond local market borders. Multinational corporations can leverage innovations developed for emerging markets to serve customer needs unsatisfied by traditional offerings in developed markets. Little research explores the drivers in the transfer of innovations from emerging to developed markets, a process referred to as reverse innovation. Applying an explorative approach to data drawn from in-depth interviews, archival inquiries, and a manager workshop involving companies from multiple countries and industries, this study derives a comprehensive conceptualization of reverse innovation, proposes a process-oriented approach to reverse innovation, and defines three categories of drivers: structural, cultural, and resource-related. Managing these diverse drivers will enable multinational companies to invert the innovation-flow paradigm successfully.


As a high speed rotating device, a modern turbocharger rotor is commonly supported by floating ring bearings (FRBs), owing to their cost effectiveness for mass production and good damping performance. Thanks to the rapid growth of the power of the modern computer, rotordynamic analysis of turbocharger rotor-bearing systems becomes feasible, and it is closely related to the healthy operation and noise generation of turbochargers. The work in this thesis is concerned with the nonlinear rotordynamic modelling, simulation and analysis in the rotor-FRB system of turbochargers. The conventional linear eigenvalue analysis is shown first in a gradually deepening manner to provide a deeper insight into the results from nonlinear simulations and reported experimental results. It is subsequently found the onset of first two nonlinear jumps can be effectively predicted by the linearized FRB model, although the rotordynamic characteristics at higher rotor speeds can hardly be linearly predicted. The desired oil-film forces for nonlinear simulations are calculated from a newly proposed analytical method, which is extended from the Capone's journal bearing model. Stationary simulations under the perfectly balanced condition show two major subsynchronous components throughout the considered speed range, while the inclusion of in-phase unbalance places a considerable effect on the rotor response at relatively low
speed and delays the occurrence of oil-film instability. However, at higher rotor speeds, the lower subsynchronous component can still establish the dominance. The engine induced vibrations are also considered, and it is seen the rotor response over the lower end of the speed range will be considerably affected, whereas, at higher rotor speeds, the engine induced vibrations can be suppressed by the dominant lower subsynchronous vibrations. Through carrying out many run-up and run-down simulations, the FRB outer clearance is
found to be a critical parameter of the rotordynamic performance of the investigated TC rotor-FRB system, since distinct frequency maps are obtained with varying FRB outer
clearances. The nonlinear effects of unbalance are also investigated, and it is observed the rotor response can be considerably affected by the amount and distribution of the imposed unbalance.


Vocational training systems in middle-income countries are going to face multiple challenges in the post-COVID era, notably, challenges related to (1) automation; (2) the transition to a green economy, and (3) demographic pressures. Of these, automation - linked to the burgeoning 'fourth industrial revolution' that is set to transform the global economy - represents the most serious challenge and is the only one of the three challenges discussed in any depth in this paper. Whilst estimates of the likely scale of automation in the coming years and decades vary widely, it appears likely that waves of automation will lead to a dramatic decline in many kinds of jobs that largely involve routine, repetitive tasks. These trends pre-date COVID-19, but the disruption caused by the pandemic provides an opportunity to prepare for these challenges by implementing vocational training system reforms as part of the Build Back Better agenda. Reforms to vocational training systems will be crucial to ensuring middle-income countries respond appropriately to accelerating labour market changes. However, they should only form a limited part of that response and need to be integrated with a wide range of other policy measures. Vocational training reform will need to occur in the context of major reforms to basic education in order to ensure that all workers are equipped with the cross-cutting cognitive and socio-emotional skills they will require to perform hard-to-automate tasks and to be able to learn and adapt rapidly in a changing economy. Middle-income countries will also likely need to progressively expand social protection schemes in order to provide a safety net for workers that struggle to adapt to changing labour market requirements.


Context. The link between the duration of GRBs and the nature of their progenitors remains disputed. Short bursts (with durations of less than ∼2 s) are less frequently observed, technically more difficult to localize, and exhibit significantly fainter afterglows. Aims. It is of critical importance to establish whether the burst duration can reliably distinguish the different GRB population models of collapsars and compact stellar mergers. The Swift GRB 090426 provides an unique opportunity to address this question. Its duration (T90 = 1.28 s) places GRB 090426 firmly in the short burst population, while the high redshift (z = 2.609), host galaxy properties, and prompt emission spectral characteristics are more similar to those of long-duration GRBs. Methods. On the basis of data obtained with the Tautenburg 2 m telescope (Germany) and the 7-channel imager GROND (La Silla, Chile), we compiled the most finely sampled light curve available for a short burst optical/NIR afterglow. The light curve was then analysed in a standard fashion. GROND and XRT data were used to determine the broad-band spectral energy distribution of the afterglow across more than three orders of magnitude. Results. Our data show that a light curve break exists at 0.4 days, which is followed by a steep decay. This light curve decay is achromatic in the optical/NIR bands, and interpreted as a post-jet break phase. The X-ray data do not disagree with this interpretation. Conclusions. The half-opening angle of the suspected jet as well as the luminosity of the optical afterglow provide additional evidence that GRB 090426 is probably linked to the death of a massive star rather than to the merger of two compact objects.


ABSTRACT In this article results are presented from a study that analyses the acquisition of citizenship competencies from the perspective of students and tutors of mid-level professional training in the cities of Concepcion and Barcelona. The objectives are to analyze the acquisition of citizenship competencies of the students in professional training, to identify differences between the acquisition of citizenship competencies in the cities of Concepcion and Barcelona, as well as to establish relations between citizenship competencies and the working world. To this end, schools that offer this training and specialization in the secondary and tertiary sectors were considered. Fifty-seven participants (29 students and 28 tutors) were interviewed in a semi-structured manner, which enabled the interviewees' appreciations about citizenship competencies in this context to be heard. The appreciations of the students are positive and similar in both contexts, this in coherence with the approaches of the curriculum of professional formation, which incorporates citizenship training in a transverse and implicit way, as well as in the subjects of the general plan, specifically in the subject of History and Social Sciences in the case of Chile. At the same time, competencies for citizenship are directly related to the working world, favoring positively the insertion of students in the labor market and allowing them to reinforce these skills in this same scenario.


Given the increasing interest in the association between exposure to air pollution and adverse health outcomes, the development of models that provide accurate spatio-temporal predictions of air pollution concentrations at small spatial scales is of great importance when assessing potential health effects of air pollution. The methodology presented here has been developed as part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air), a prospective cohort study funded by the US EPA to investigate the relationship between chronic exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular disease. We present a spatio-temporal framework that models and predicts ambient air pollution by combining data from several different monitoring networks with the output from deterministic air pollution model(s). The model can accommodate arbitrarily missing observations and allows for a complex spatio-temporal correlation structure. We apply the model to predict long-term average concentrations of gaseous oxides of nitrogen (NOx) ─ one of the primary pollutants of interest in the MESA Air study ─ during a ten year period in the Los Angeles area, based on measurements from the EPA Air Quality System and MESA Air monitoring. The measurements are augmented by a spatio-temporal covariate based on the output from a source dispersion model for traffic related air pollution (Caline3QHC) and the model is evaluated using cross-validation. The predictive ability of the model is good with cross-validated R2 of approximately 0.7 at subject sites. The incorporation of a dispersion model output into the overall prediction model was feasible, but the particular implementation of Caline3QHC used here did not improve predictions in a model that also includes road information. However, excluding the road information the inclusion of model output improves predictions and we find some evidence that the source dispersion model can replace road covariates. The model presented in this paper has been implemented in an R package, SpatioTemporal, which will be available on CRAN shortly. (Less)


Background: Rhinovirus (RV) is associated with asthma exacerbations in longitudinal studies, but the role in patients with acute severe asthma who require admission to a hospital emergency room remains to be fully defined. The cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 may be elevated or suppressed by viral infections and contribute to a worsening of airway inflammation in asthmatics. Objectives: We assessed the association of RV with acute severe asthma and nasal IL-10 and IL-12. Methods: Patients admitted to a hospital emergency asthma service had nasal aspirates (NAs) taken and peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured on admission and again 7, 28 and 56 days after admission. RV was sought in all NAs using a validated polymerase chain reaction assay and IL-10 and IL-12 were measured on admission and after 56 days in a subgroup of 22 asthmatics and 6 normal controls. Results: Thirty-seven asthmatics with a reduced PEF (% predicted) of 50.4 ± 2.5% (mean ± SEM) on admission were studied. RV was detected in NAs of 13 patients (35%) on admission, in 6 of the 13 patients after 7 days (16%), in 1 patient after 28 and 56 days and was absent in controls. IL-10 was not increased on admission or after 56 days. Measurements of IL-12 were raised on admission compared to 56 days later in asthmatics with RV detectable (p = 0.04). In asthmatics without RV, nasal IL-12 levels were correlated with PEF measurements over this period (r = 0.5, p < 0.05). Conclusions: A temporal relationship between the presence of nasal RV and emergency room admission for acute severe asthma was found in one third of patients. Low levels of IL-10 during RV infections could contribute to unopposed synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines whilst increases in IL-12 may amplify nasal and endobronchial inflammation.


Energy relations between the European Union (EU) and Russia have come under increasing strain in recent years, not least due to a series of interruptions in the supply of natural gas to the EU. Tensions are further compounded by Russia's recent withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty and the fact that agreement on a successor to the over ten year old Partnership and Cooperation Agreement remains outstanding. Through an extensive consultation among keystakeholders involved, the paper provides a thorough analysis of the current status of EU-Russia energy relations and their major challenges. Departing from a brief chronological analysis that dates from the early 1990s until today, the paper identifies four key outstanding issues which are subsequently analysed in greater detail: (i) reciprocity in market access; (ii) the bilateral and international framework that forms the basis of legal ties between the two powers; (iii) coherence in external energy relations; and (iv) what role the Lisbon Treaty plays in this regard and whether there is a need for a new specific external energy treaty to guide the Union's external efforts vis-à-vis Russia. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations on each set of challenges.


This study conceptualises and evidences the role of the emotions in the language of teaching and learning. It fills a gap in educational theory which had arisen from the fact that although there is considerable evidence to show that the emotional state of learners influences their achievement in schools, there has up to now been no way of understanding the how emotions actually affect the mechanisms of classroom discourse.

The study presents the following argument:

It reviews the different research perspectives which can contribute to our understanding of the role of the emotions in the language of teaching and learning. It assesses the strengths of these perspectives and identifies the common ground between them. It then assesses their limitations (in terms of the aims of this study). This points the way for new theory to develop. It looks at the interdependent nature of the relationship between cognitive and emotional development. Understanding the limitations of these perspectives along with an appreciation of this interdependency enables a development of Vygotskian theory ( the theory which underpins all the perspectives examined) in order that the role of the emotions in the language of teaching and learning may be understood.

Vygotskian and neo-Vygotskian concepts are then reinterpreted and expanded in order that the role of the emotions can be shown. It is argued that the zone of proximal development is better seen as three dimensional model, where cognition, culture and emotion create each other. This is shown by highlighting the emotional dimension of internalisation, self-regulation and scaffolding, and showing how this emotional dimension is interdependent &om the cognitive dimension in these concepts.

Viewing the ZPD in this way allows a fuller appreciation of the relationship between social context and individual in development. It also makes it a more practically applicable model, as is shown when the emotional dimensions of various aspects of classroom discourse are examined and illustrated from practice. This is done by reconceptualising the concepts of action and behaviour and by showing, through the development of theory with reference to practical examples, that the emotional dimension of the language of teaching and learning is an influential factor in the nature of classroom discourse and academic achievement.

Finally the implications of this reconceptualisation are considered. These include the argument that this study allows a more psychosocial perspective on classroom events to be developed than has been possible up to now


Ž. We extend Kreps' 1979 analysis of preference for flexibility, reinterpreted by Kreps Ž. 1992 as a model of unforeseen contingencies. We enrich the choice set, consequently obtaining uniqueness results that were not possible in Kreps' model. We consider several representations and allow the agent to prefer commitment in some contingencies. In the representations, the agent acts as if she had coherent beliefs about a set of possible future Ž. ex post preferences, each of which is an expected-utility preference. We show that this set of ex post preferences, called the subjectie state space, is essentially unique given the restriction that all ex post preferences are expected-utility preferences and is minimal even without this restriction. Because the subjective state space is identified, the way ex post utilities are aggregated into an ex ante ranking is also essentially unique. Hence when a representation that is additive across states exists, the additivity is meaningful in the sense that all representations are intrinsically additive. Uniqueness enables us to show that the size of the subjective state space provides a measure of the agent's uncertainty about future contingencies and that the way the states are aggregated indicates whether these contingencies lead to a desire for flexibility or commitment.


The setting of a fast-paced emergency department (ED) or psychiatric emergency service makes it especially difficult to sensitively elicit and address an individual patient's needs and concerns. When considering the myriad differences in culture that come into play between a patient and a psychiatrist or other mental health care clinician, optimal diagnosis and treatment can be even more challenging, as the cases described here illustrate. The important influence of culture cannot be stressed enough. Taking the time to understand "where the patient is coming from" can prevent an already stressful, highly emotionally charged situation from becoming even more convoluted.


Photoacoustic tomography is expected to impact biology and medicine broadly by providing multiscale in vivo functional and molecular imaging of structures ranging from subcellular organelles to organs, enabling a noninvasive look at subcutaneous tissue at a deep level. Lihong Wang holds the Gene K. Beare Distinguished Professorship of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, and is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biomedical Optics. Wang was awarded the 2015 Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award for his pioneering technical contributions and visionary leadership in the development and application of photoacoustic tomography, photoacoustic microscopy, and photon transport modeling.


The Royal College of Surgeons has said only surgeons should provide cosmetic surgery and that non-surgical cosmetic treatments should be carried out only by doctors, dentists, and nurses who have had appropriate training. Currently, procedures such as laser treatment or injections of botulinum toxin or intradermal filler can be administered by anyone.

The college has produced new guidelines, Professional Standards for Cosmetic Practice,1 in the wake of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) in 2010,2 which exposed a lack of consistent professional standards in the field of cosmetic practice.

Norman Williams, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: "We have serious concerns that not all those who offer cosmetic procedures are adequately qualified or that patients are getting accurate information prior to treatment."

Most cosmetic procedures are performed outside the NHS. In 2011, 43 000 cosmetic surgical procedures were done by members of the British Association of Aesthetic …


Some sulfoquinovosylacylglycerols (SQAG) have been shown to be potent DNA polymerase inhibitors, and to have strong antitumor activity in vivo. In this study, we investigated the mode of action of SQAG with regard to the interaction with the tumor cell surface. Of the SQAG used, the monoacyl forms (SQMG) with C18-, C18:1- or C16-fatty acids (SQMG-alphaC18, -alphaC18:1 or -alphaC16) effectively inhibited cell proliferation of a human adenocarcinoma cell line, DLD-1, but SQMG-alphaC14 and the diacyl forms (SQDG) did not. Analysis of the interaction of SQMG-alphaC18 and -alphaC18:1 on three oligosaccharides of cell surface, sLe(A), Le(X), and SM3, by flow cytometry demonstrated that the most effective interaction was observed on sLe(A). DLD-1 cells bound to SQMG-alphaC18:1-coated plates, and this binding was inhibited by monoclonal antibody against sLe(A) or SM3. However, these cells did not bind to SQMG-alphaC14-coated plates. Moreover the cytotoxic effects of SQMG-alphaC18, -alphaC18:1 on DLD-1 cells was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies against sLe(A) or SM3. Our results suggested that the interaction of SQMGs and sLe(A) plays an important role in suppression of the DLD-1 cell proliferation.


Agriculture's impact on the environment is a complex research problem. A challenge to future economic research is to account for the interrelationship between agricultural production activities, soil productivity, erosion, and water quality. It will become increasingly important to determine not only the economic consequences, but also the environmental effectiveness of alternative policies aimed at improving resource use and quality. The application of biophysical simulation models to environmental quality problems provides a means to better understand the complex interaction between agricultural production and environmental quality.


Right now, there is real excitement across the broad area of materials science research, as the quality of the work improves and the potential for new levels of impact becomes more tangible. Furthermore, access to more powerful characterisation tools enables new materials to be more fully and rapidly profiled. Enhanced characterisation coupled with improved ability to control and manipulate material structure from the atomic/molecular level presents unparalleled opportunities for researchers. New modelling techniques can establish correlations between theory and practice, while innovative approaches to molecular self-assembly and 3D printing allows full control over the spatial arrangement of materials from the molecular to the macro scale. A clearer understanding of surface and interfacial behaviour will be essential to underpin fundamental breakthroughs that in turn produce truly disruptive technologies. Stimuli-responsive materials that exhibit changes in optical (colour, absorbance, fluorescence, reflectivity), electrical/electrochemical (resistance, redox behaviour), chemical (binding-release) or physical (dielectric constant, viscosity, rigidity, volume) characteristics are opening up new concepts in so-called 4D-materials science, in which the 4th dimension is the ability to change materials characteristics over time in a controlled manner using external stimuli.
These tremendous advances in materials science will provide the foundations for entirely new concepts in sensing – concepts that draw inspiration from biological sources and models, enabling the creation of autonomous devices that are able to monitor and manage their own condition, as well as that of their surrounding environment. New capabilities such as programmed motility, switchable selective uptake and release of molecular agents, self-maintenance/repair, and remote reporting will be commonplace, and ultimately, the ability to self-assemble, replicate, and disassemble will enable these devices to manifest many of the features of biological entities. Assembling these capabilities into new platforms based on bioinspired concepts could open the way to devices with performance specifications well beyond the current state of the art. For example, smart implantable devices capable of sensing, reporting and responding to changes in an individual's health status, and that can function reliably within the body for many years, could dramatically improve the quality of life for many millions of people suffering from chronic conditions.
Achieving this goal is arguably one of the most important global challenges for modern science. In this lecture I will explore how some of these features, albeit still at a relatively primitive stage of development, are already beginning to move from concept to demonstration. In particular, I will focus on the important role of light as a means to enable and control stimuli-responsive materials, and discuss how these might provide initial building blocks for creating these futuristic devices and platforms.


Los Angeles, this is your life. This book tells how LA came to be what it is today. From the first known photograph taken in Los Angeles to its most recent sprawling vistas, this photographic tribute to the City of Angels is first of its kind to survey in depth the full range of the city's photographic history. Exploring the cultural, political, industrial, and sociological history via the work of myriad photographers, the book examines the city's critical developments ranging from the real estate booms of the 1880s to the uncontrolled urban sprawl of the late 20th century. With over 600 images, the city is shown emerging from a desert wasteland to a horticultural Eden courtesy of imported water. Poignant events that captured the attention of the world, notably two Olympics, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, and the Rodney King riots, reveal a city of many dimensions. The entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood, and its celebrities are showcased along with notable Los Angeles personalities, architects, artists, and events. Many of the pop cultural movements which started in Los Angeles, such as surfing, health food fads, and hot rods, are included, as are the cities notorious crimes and criminals. Focusing on one of the most photographed and familiar cities of the world, this book unveils a new dimension of its visual history with hundreds of freshly discovered images including those of Julius Shulman, Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Claxton, Weegee, and many more. Culled from major historical archives, museums, private collectors, and universities, the images are bolstered by insightful texts by renowned California historian Kevin Starr and Los Angeles literature expert David Ulin.


PURPOSE
Development of a versatile detector system primarily designed for online range monitoring of proton beams generated via the novel technique of particle acceleration from high-power, short-pulse lasers to be used in bio-medical applications.

METHODS
While so far mostly offline diagnostics tools are used in this context, we aim at developing a technique based on the position-sensitive detection of prompt gamma rays emitted from nuclear reactions between the proton beam and the biological sample. For this purpose, we develop a Compton camera capable to track not only the Compton scattered primary photon, but also the secondary Compton electron.

RESULTS
Extensive simulation studies resulted in an optimized design of the Compton camera based on a LaBr3 (Ce) scintillation crystal (50×50×30 mm3 block crystal, read out by a multi-anode PMT) acting as absorber, preceded by a stack of 6 double-sided silicon strip detectors as scatterers (500 μm thick, 128 strips/side, pitch 390 μm). From the design simulations an angular resolution of <= 2° (at 2-6 MeV) and a source image reconstruction efficiency of 10-3 -10-3 (at 1-5 MeV) can be expected. The LaBr3 crystal has been characterized with laboratory sources, resulting in a time resolution of 540 ps and a position-dependent energy resolution (best in the central region). Using a collimated source the point-spread function was determined from the pixelated light distribution, yield a (preliminary and by software optimization improving) spatial resolution of < 3mm.

CONCLUSION
The Compton camera based approach for prompt-γ detection from nuclear interactions of therapeutic ion beams offers very promising perspectives for online range monitoring. An arrangement of several camera modules could even be used in a γ-PET mode to additionally detect delayed annihilation radiation from positron emitters in the irradiation interrupts (with improved performance in the presence of an additional third (prompt) γ (as e.g. in 10 C, 14 O). Funding support via German Science Foundation: DFG Cluster of Excellence MAP (Munich Centre for Advanced Photonics).


The issue of effective management accounting systems, and especially the resource allocation procedures, have attracted considerable interest among higher education institutions in recent years. Relevant previous research indicates that several universities adopt different approaches to the resource allocation problem, employing models and procedures that reflect their organisational arrangements and their internal socio – political dynamics. We argue that while studying accounting processes in their organisational context, the role of trust should also be considered carefully. In particular, it is very important to consider the attitudes of the individuals involved and interacting within organisational processes, and especially the trust between them, which plays an important role to the overall good governance of these processes. In our study, the role of interpersonal trust in an old Scottish University resource allocation process is examined. The study indicates that trust is a very necessary insight to the facilitation of social structures of accountability that enhance a better governance of the resource allocation process.


This paper explores the politics of representing events in the world in the form of data points, data sets, or data associations. Data collection involves an act of seeing and recording something that was previously hidden and possibly unnamed. The incidences included in a data set are not random or unrelated but stand for coherent, classifiable phenomena in the world. Moreover, for data to have an impact on law and policy, such information must be seen as actionable, that is, the aggregated data must show people both something they can perceive and something that demands interrogation, explanation, or resolution. Actionable data problematize the taken-for-granted order of society by pointing to questions or imbalances that can be corrected or rectified, or simply better understood, through systematic compilations of occurrences, frequencies, distributions, or correlations. The paper describes and analyzes three different modes of authorized seeing that render data on global environmental phenomena such as climate change both visible and actionable. It argues that the political force of environmental data compilations derives from the divergent epistemological standpoints and expert practices associated with producing views from nowhere, everywhere, and somewhere.


OBJECTIVE:: We aimed to compare the diagnostic utility of T1-weighted (T1w) and STIR MRI sequences in early spondyloarthritis (SpA) using a standardized approach to the evaluation of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) and to test whether systematic calibration of readers directed at recognition of abnormalities on T1w MRI would enhance diagnostic utility. METHODS:: Six readers independently assessed T1w and STIR MRI scans of the SIJ from 187 subjects: 75 AS and 27 preradiographic IBP patients; 26 mechanical back pain and 59 healthy volunteer controls aged </=45 years. The exercise was repeated 6 months later on a random selection of 30 AS patients and 34 controls after calibration directed at lesions visible on T1w MRI. Specific MRI lesions were recorded according to standardized definitions. In addition to deciding on the presence/absence of SpA readers were asked which MRI sequence and which type of lesion was the primary basis for their diagnostic conclusion. RESULTS:: Structural lesions were detected in 98% of AS and in 64% of IBP patients. A diagnosis of SpA was based on T1w or combined T1w/STIR sequences in 82% of AS and 41% of IBP patients. Calibration enhanced diagnostic utility of MRI in the majority of readers, especially those considered less experienced; mean (of 6 readers) pre-calibration likelihood ratio (LR) (+/-) was 14.5/0.08 and post-calibration was 22.2/0.02. CONCLUSION:: Recognition of structural lesions on T1w MRI contributes significantly to its diagnostic utility in early SpA. Rheumatologist training directed at detection of lesions visible on T1w MRI enhances diagnostic utility.


Introduction There is no known aetiology for up to half of all nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) cases. We sought to characterise the bacterial communities in men with (NGU+) and without (NGU-) NGU among men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW), to determine if the urethral microbiota is associated with NGU status. Methods From December 2014 to December 2015, urine samples were collected from 49 MSM (23 NGU+; 26 NGU-) and 48 MSW (21 NGU+; 27 NGU-) attending the Seattle STD Clinic. NGU was defined as urethral symptoms and/or visible discharge, and >5 PMNs per high powered field. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) were detected by transcription mediated amplification (TMA). The urethral microbiota was characterised using broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR with deep sequencing. Bacterial diversity was calculated using the Shannon index. Results Mean urethral bacterial diversity in NGU+ MSM (0.82) was lower than in NGU- MSM (1.48), Streptococcus (n=7), Corynebacterium (n=5), Haemophilus (n=3), Mycoplasma (n=3), and Lactobacillus iners (n=2). Urethral microbiotas with dominant taxa were more common in NGU+ MSM (95.7%), while NGU+ MSW (61.9%) had microbiotas characterised by the presence of several vaginal bacteria. Among NGU- men, 53.8% MSM and 48.1% MSW had microbiotas with dominant taxa, including Streptococcus (n=19), L. iners (n=5), and Gardnerella vaginalis (n=4). Conclusion The urethral microbiota in NGU is heterogeneous. NGU- MSM had more diverse urethral bacterial communities than NGU+ MSM, and presence of vaginal bacteria in MSW suggests sharing or acquisition from female partners. Future longitudinal studies may help inform if key bacteria predict incident NGU.


The instantaneous formation of mechanically stable cerium vanadium oxide gels starting from soluble polyoxovanadates is reported together with initial application studies. Upon addition of phosphoric acid to solutions containing a vanadium oxide source (e.g. (nBu4N)4[V4O12]) and Ce3+, instantaneous formation (reaction time <1 s) of a vanadium oxide gel is observed. The gel shows unique mechanical and thermal stabilities (up to ∼180 °C). High permeability of the gel is observed, allowing its use for long-term acid delivery into aqueous media or for the adsorption of organic aromatic dye pollutants from solution. A range of spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques provide insight into the gel formation and the gel composition: an intertwined 3D matrix of nanowires (d ∼ 10 nm) containing cerium, vanadium oxide and phosphate is identified as an inorganic matrix which enables the formation of the mechanically stable gel.


The purpose of the article is to identify the epidemiological and clinical features of disseminated sclerosis (DS) in Perm region. Material and methods: Data have been analyzed in 932 patients with DS. Among them there were 607 women (65%) and 325 men (35%). The age of patients with DS varied from 17 to 68 years, in average 44,5±4,5years. All the patients have experienced comprehensive clinical and neurological study, MRI study of brain and spinal cord. Calculation of prevalence and incidence has been conducted among 100,000 people. Results: The prevalence of DS in Perm region on January 1, 2011 amounted to 35.1 cases perthe population of 100,000 people, which can be attributed to our region to the zone of medium risk of DS developing. The growth of incidence of DS in Perm region has been revealed. It has been determined that in 1997 the incidence of DS averaged 3.2. Risk factors have been identified. Conclusion: The data on the prevalence and incidence of disseminated sclerosis help improve the quality of treatment and preventive care for patients with disseminated sclerosis.


The so-called $f(X)$ hybrid metric-Palatini gravity, where $X=R+T$, with $T$ the stress-energy trace and $R$ the Ricci scalar, presents a unique viable generalization of the $f(R)$ theories within the metric-affine formalism. In this paper, the cosmology of the $f(X)$ theories is studied using the dynamical system approach. The method consists of formulating the propagation equation in terms of suitable (expansion-normalized) variables as an autonomous system. The fixed points of the system then represent exact cosmological solutions described by power law or de Sitter expansion. The formalism is applied to two classes of $f(X)$ models, revealing both standard cosmological fixed points and new accelerating solutions that can be attractors in the phase space. In addition, the fixed point with vanishing expansion rate is considered with special care in order to characterize the stability of Einstein static spaces and bouncing solutions.


Neither Northerners are willing to invest in a South they perceive as unwilling to undertake necessary structural reforms, nor are Southerners willing to invest in their countries in a climate of austerity and policy uncertainty imposed, in their view, by the North. This results in a vicious cycle of mistrust. However, as the author argues, big steps in the direction of reforms may provide just enough thrust to break out of this vicious cycle, propel southern countries - and especially Greece - to a much happier future, and promote the chances for more balanced economic performance in North and South.


This examination of end-of-life decision making offers a broader perspective than that found in the extensive existing literature on this topic by offering a cross-national comparison. Experts from twelve countries analyze death-related issues and policies in their respective nations, discussing such topics as health care costs, advance directives or wills, pain management, and cultural, social, and religious factors. The countries selected for study -- Brazil, China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States -- represent a mix of East and West, developed and developing nations seldom considered together in analyses of these issues. This is the first systematic attempt to analyze end-of-life issues in many of these countries; the chapters on China, Kenya (of special significance because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa) and Turkey break new ground.Each author reports on various factors in end-of-life decisions: estimated costs of dying, including health care costs; the proportion of deaths occurring in hospitals, in hospices, and at home; the prevalence and variety of advance directives; the mix of high technology and palliative care; the cut-off point for aggressive care and the legal definition of death; government policies on end-of-life decisions, assisted suicide, and euthanasia; and cultural, social, and religious influences. The findings show that there are great differences among countries even in the way these issues are framed. Scholars, policymakers, and medical practitioners can all benefit from the extensive information in these essays on how different nations are dealing with death-related issues.


Objective: To identify the relationship between socioeconomic status, health system development and the incidence, prevalence and mortality of tuberculosis in Asia and the Pacific. Methods: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of tuberculosis and 20 variables of socioeconomic, health system and biological–behavioral issues were included in the study involving all 46 countries of the Asian Development Bank region (2007 data). Both univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used. Results: The worst three tuberculosis affected countries were Cambodia, India and Indonesia, while the least affected was Australia. Tuberculosis incidence, prevalence and mortality rate were higher in countries with lower human development index, corruption perception index, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and countries with more people under minimum food supplements. Among the health system variables, total health expenditure per capita, governmental health expenditure per capita, hospital beds, and access to improved water and sanitation were strongly associated with tuberculosis. Conclusions: Socioeconomic determinants and health system development have significant effect on the control of tuberculosis in Asia and the Pacific region. The study has some policy implications by means of lowering the corruption and improving the sanitation.


The purpose of the study was to investigate and analyze the relationships among four research variables: participation motivation, event attachment, sponsor's brand image and participants' behavioral intention. This study used on-site convenience sampling. Survey questionnaires were administered to 297 people who had personally participated in the Fubon Taipei International Marathon. The study then used structural equation modeling to run path analysis. The results showed that: (1) participation motivation had an effect on event attachment and sponsor's brand image, (2) event attachment had an effect on participants' behavioral intention, and (3) sponsor's brand image had an effect on participants' behavioral intention. The study found that participation motivation influenced event attachment directly and influenced behavioral intention indirectly. The total effect of the attachment-behavioral intention path was greater than the total effect of the brand image-behavioral intention path. It is suggested that only longterm sponsorship of charity sport events would create the event attachment necessary to influence customers' behavioral intention.


Through original quantitative research we show that persons convicted of killing a white victim and sentenced to death are more likely to be executed than persons convicted and sentenced to death for killing a black victim. Previous research documents numerous forms of arbitrariness and racial disparity in the administration of the modern death penalty, but focuses exclusively on the charging and sentencing patterns of prosecutors and juries. Previous research also reveals that implicit bias operates within the institutions tasked with seeking and obtaining sentences of death. Our original research shows that the problem of disparate racial outcomes is actually exacerbated through the work of our most trusted check on the death penalty, appellate courts. Building on David Baldus's storied dataset from Georgia, we demonstrate that the racial disparities he discovered in the penultimate stage of the case – death sentences – were amplified in the ultimate stage of the case – executions. Combining both phases reveals a stunning pattern: the execution rate is roughly 17 times greater in white victim cases than black victim cases. Although Baldus could not have known how the cases would unfold post-sentencing, our findings indicate that the racial disparities described in McCleskey v Kemp (1987) underestimated the extent of the death penalty's arbitrariness problem.


ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effect of various marinades and their concentrations, as well as various cooking procedures, on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation in cooked beef. The PAH levels in meat were determined, based on the saponification of lipids by methanolic/potassium hydroxide solution, followed by liquid–liquid extraction and QuEChERS method. Pan frying caused lower levels of BaP (1.39 versus 1.62 µg/kg) and PAH4 (5.58 versus 5.73 µg/kg) in beef meat than barbecuing. For sage and thyme extracts prepared at 0.5 to 2.0 °Brix, a significant decrease in the PAH levels of barbecued meat samples was achieved compared to the controls. The levels of PAHs in the samples containing the commercial marinating material were found to be higher than those in the non-marinated control. The BaP and PAH4 levels found in the meat samples marinated with sage and thyme extracts, were below the EU maximum levels. However, BaP was the highest for Control 2 (2.26 µg/kg), and exceeded the EU maximum limit of 2 mg/kg for BaP in heat-treated meat and meat products. The results show a reducing effect of sage and thyme extracts that are normally used during marinating of meat, on the formation of PAH compounds. Consequently, the extracts of sage and thyme, could be used in the commercial marinating material to reduce the level of PAH compounds formed in meat during cooking.


Summarising the striking advances of the last two decades, this reliable introduction to modern astronomical polarimetry provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques, models and research methods. Focusing on optical and near-infrared wavelengths, each detailed, up-to-date chapter addresses a different facet of recent innovations, including new instrumentation, techniques and theories; new methods based on laboratory studies, enabling the modelling of polarimetric characteristics for a wide variety of astronomical objects; emerging fields of polarimetric exploration, including proto-planetary and debris discs, icy satellites, transneptunian objects, exoplanets, and the search for extraterrestrial life; and unique results produced by space telescopes, and polarimeters aboard exploratory spacecraft. With contributions from an international team of accomplished researchers, this is an ideal resource for astronomers and researchers working in astrophysics, earth sciences, and remote sensing keen to learn more about this valuable diagnostic tool. The book is dedicated to the memory of renowned polarimetrist Tom Gehrels.


This document describes a protocol intended to detect faults in the
bidirectional path between two forwarding engines, including
interfaces, data link(s), and to the extent possible the forwarding
engines themselves, with potentially very low latency. It operates
independently of media, data protocols, and routing protocols.
[STANDARDS-TRACK]


We develop a functional analytical framework for a linear peridynamic model of a spring network system in any space dimension. Various properties of the peridynamic operators are examined for general micromodulus functions. These properties are utilized to establish the well-posedness of both the stationary peridynamic model and the Cauchy problem of the time dependent peridynamic model. The connections to the classical elastic models are also provided. Mathematics Subject Classification. 45A05, 46N20, 74B99.


Abstract. Detection And Tracking of Moving Objects (DATMO) is essential and necessary for mobile mapping system to generate clean and accurate point clouds maps since dynamic targets in real-world scenarios will deteriorate the performance of whole system. In this research, a robust LiDAR-SLAM system is presented incorporated with a real-time dynamic objects removal module to improve the accuracy of 6 DOF pose estimation and precision of maps. The key idea of the proposed method is to efficiently cluster the sparse point clouds of moving objects and then track them independently so as to relieve their influence on the odometry and mapping results. In the back-end, in order to further refine the point clouds maps, a valid probabilistic map fusion method is performed based on the free-space theory. We have evaluated our system on the dataset collected from daily crowded environments full of moving objects, providing competitive results with the state-of-the-art system both on the pose estimation and point cloud mapping.


We propose a new queueing mechanism for coded networks with stochastic arrivals and/or lossy links. In this context, earlier work introduced the notion of "virtual queues" which represent the backlog in degrees of freedom. For instance, the work by Ho and Viswanathan defined the achievable rate region for which the virtual queue size is stabilized, using intra-session coding. The queueing scheme that we propose here forms a natural bridge between the virtual queue size and the physical queue size, and thus extends their result to the stability of the physical queues as well. Specifically, we show that the amount of memory used at the transmit buffer in our scheme is upper bounded by the total backlog in the number of linearly independent degrees of freedom. Moreover, our scheme gives an online algorithm for queue update and coding, in the sense that the coding does not happen block by block, but in a streaming manner. The main idea in our scheme is to ensure that the information stored at the sender excludes any knowledge that is common to all receivers. This requires the transmitting node to track the states of knowledge of its receivers. Therefore, if the links are lossy, some form of feedback may be necessary.


We propose a semiparametric procedure for estimating high dimensional sparse inverse covariance matrix. Our method, named ALICE, is applicable to the elliptical family. Computationally, we develop an efficient dual inexact iterative projection (${\rm D_2}$P) algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Theoretically, we prove that the ALICE estimator achieves the parametric rate of convergence in both parameter estimation and model selection. Moreover, ALICE calibrates regularizations when estimating each column of the inverse covariance matrix. So it not only is asymptotically tuning free, but also achieves an improved finite sample performance. We present numerical simulations to support our theory, and a real data example to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimator.


Motion-synthesis problems arise in the creation of physically realistic animations involving autonomous characters. Trpically characters are required to perform goal tasks, subject to physical law and other constraints on their motion. Witkin and Kass (1988) dubbed this class of problems Spacetime Constraints (SC) and presented results for specific problems involving an articulated figure. Their approach was based on a procedure for the local optimization of an initial approximate trajectory supplied by the user. Unfortunately, SC problems are typically multimodal and discontinuous, and the number of decision alternatives available at each time step can be exponential in the number of degrees of freedom in the system. Thus, constructing even coarse trajectories for subsequent optimization can be difficult. We present an algorithm that constructs such trajectories de novo, without directive input from the user. Rather than use a time-series representation, which might be appropriate for local optimization, our algorithm uses a stimulus-response model. Locomotive skills appropriate for the given articulated figure are acquired through repeated testing of (simulated) reality. Our initial implementation, which chooses stimulus-response parameters using a parallel genetic algorithm, succeeds in finding good, novel solutions for a test suite of SC problems involving unbranched 2-D linkages.


This thesis explores policy variation in local government. 'Me main purpose of the research is twofold; to examine the methodological issues in the analysis of policy variation in local government; and to further our understanding of Korean local government, which has been undergoing sweeping changes in recent years. In the first half of this thesis the distinction between output and process approaches is examined and reformulated in theoretical and methodological terms. Output studies are reclassified into four modes of explanation: socioeconomic analysis, political studies, urban hierarchy theory and incrementalism. A general model based on British literature is established for a process approach consisting of three dimensions: political leadership, administrative process and social inputs. The second half of the study examines local social policy-making in Korea with the aim of assessing the working of the newly-launched Korean local government system. A two-stage method is developed in the research design. In the first stage, an output analysis is carried out in order to identify how the outputs of local social policies vary and to what extent this variation is related to policy environments. In the second stage, the dynamics of the policy process are explored using a case study approach. This shows HOW political factors are associated with policy variation in local government. This study indicates in theory how the research question itself has predetermined not only the methods but also the findings of empirical studies. In the methodological dimension, six differences are noted between the output and process approaches. This study concludes by calling for more attention to innovation in the management side of Korean local government.


What would the impact be of clinical practice guidelines on malpractice litigation? Would the organizations developing and implementing such guidelines run any risk of being held liable? These are the two most obvious legal questions raised by the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines, but there are many other potential areas of interaction. One could examine, for instance, the impact such guidelines would have on the criminal liability of physicians or on legal actions arising from a violation of the codes of professional ethics that have the force of law. One could also consider whether practice guidelines would constitute an illegal form of restraint of trade, as has been argued in the United States.' These issues cannot be covered in a short, introductory paper, but examination of the relation between practice guidelines and civil liability should suffice to illustrate the basic conclusion: the medical profession can strongly influence the content of the legal standard of care, but that standard is ultimately set by the courts or the legislator. Thus, the medical profession alone cannot determine the content of legal norms.


ABSTRACT This essay uses documentary evidence to reveal Leonora Blanche "Nora" Lang's elision from the history of children's literature: Lang was actually responsible for the popular Fairy Book series (1889–1913) for which her husband Andrew Lang is now so well known. Accordingly, the essay examines the extraordinary commercial cachet of what Michel Foucault would call Andrew Lang's "author function." It considers the connections between the marginalization of Nora Lang's editorial, translational, and creative labour in favour of her husband's anthropological reputation and the academic tradition inaugurated by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (1812) that frames "authentic" female storytelling voices with (and thereby subordinates these to) the learned commentary of male editors.


Background: Diabetes remains an incurable disease and as the search for a cure continues, the need to minimise complications and enhance the quality of life of patients is essential. A key UK policy initiative in the management of diabetes is empowerment through education. However, implementation of policy in the context of healthcare delivery in general may be challenging at times and the provision and uptake of diabetes education is not an exception.
Aims: This thesis aims to examine the barriers and enhancing factors that are associated with the uptake of structured patient education for patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: The study used a sequential mixed methods approach. The data were collected using a focus group and face-to-face individual interviews of multiprofessionals delivering the education, a questionnaire/survey of patients and individual face-to-face interviews of referring practitioners working in GP
surgeries within a PCT.
Findings: Factors influencing non-attendance at diabetes education centres relate to barriers associated with the patients, practitioners and government regulations. The patients were affected by their healthcare beliefs and personal circumstances such as work patterns, childcare problems, forgetfulness, bad weather and ill health. The practitioners' barriers were mainly around patient versus practitioner communication, inter-professional collaboration and administrative protocols. The barriers associated with the government directives relate to government regulations and funding issues. In contrast to barriers, the predictors of attendance are personal motivation, individual perceptions and beliefs coupled with the guidance given by the practitioners. Whilst it may be difficult to avoid non-attendance completely, positive steps to reduce nonattendance include enhanced communication, a positive pay-for-performance system and adequate support to develop a positive attitude towards diabetes education.
Conclusion: The results indicate that barriers to attendance are multifactorial and complex; therefore, response to improve uptake requires diverse interventions.


Ten years after the publication of Educating Lawyers, a growing number of American law schools are taking initiative to better support their students in the formation of professional identity. There is widespread recognition that success in these efforts requires an element of "purposefulness" on the part of law faculty and staff. Experiences, environments, and pedagogies that actually work for professional identity formation must be crafted and promoted with intentionality. Bringing the requisite purposefulness to the effort, however, will take a mindset about the education of a lawyer that will be new to many in legal education. This article explores that mindset and the habits of the mind that will best serve law schools as they move forward in this area. Schools need not abandon prevailing approaches to the cognitive and skills dimensions of a law student's education that Educating Lawyers called the first and second apprenticeships, respectively. But when it comes to the third apprenticeship of professional identity and sense of purpose, a reorientation in thinking about law students, their law school, and the educational process is necessary. That change in the way of thinking can be invigorating and empowering, revealing opportunities with time, talent, space, and experiences that have been underexplored by American legal education.


A calculation of Earth's ocean crustal budget for the past 150 m.y. reveals a 50% to 75% increase in ocean crust formation rate between 120 and 80 Ma. This "pulse" in ocean crust production is seen both in spreading-rate increases from ocean ridges and in the age distribution of oceanic plateaus. It is primarily a Pacific Ocean phenomenon with an abrupt onset, and peak production rates occurred between 120 and 100 Ma. The pulse decreased in intensity from 100 to 80 Ma, and at 80 Ma rates dropped significantly. There was a continued decrease from 80 to 30 Ma with a secondary peak near the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary at 65 Ma. For the past 30 m.y., ocean crust has formed at a nearly steady rate. Because the pulse is seen primarily in Pacific oceanic plateau and ridge production, and coincides with the long Cretaceous interval of normal magnetic polarity, I interpret it as a "superplume" that originated at about 125 Ma near the core/mantle boundary, rose by convection through the entire mantle, and erupted beneath the mid-Cretaceous Pacific basin. The present-day South Pacific "superswell" under Tahiti is probably the nearly exhausted remnant of the original upwelling. How this superplume stopped magnetic field reversals for 41 m.y. is a matter of speculation, but it probably involved significant alteration of the temperature structure at the core/mantle boundary and the convective behavior of the outer core.


An overview of the ELSA (European large SIMD array) project, which uses a two-level strategy to achieve defect tolerance for wafer-scale architectures implemented in silicon, is presented. The target architecture is a 2-D array of processing elements for low-level image processing. An array is divided into subarrays called chips. At the chip level, defect tolerance is proved by an extra column of PEs (processing element) and bypassing techniques. At the wafer level, a double-rail connection network is used to construct a target array of defect-free chips that is as large and as fast as possible. Its main advantage is being independent of chip defects, as it is controlled from the I/O pads. An algorithm for constructing an optimized two-dimensional array on a wafer containing a given number of defect-free PEs and connections, a method to program the switches for the target architecture found by the algorithm, and software for programming the switches using laser cuts are discussed.<<ETX>>


Characterization of local minima draws much attention in theoretical studies of deep learning. In this study, we investigate the distribution of parameters in an over-parametrized finite neural network trained by ridge regularized empirical square risk minimization (RERM). We develop a new theory of ridgelet transform, a wavelet-like integral transform that provides a powerful and general framework for the theoretical study of neural networks involving not only the ReLU but general activation functions. We show that the distribution of the parameters converges to a spectrum of the ridgelet transform. This result provides a new insight into the characterization of the local minima of neural networks, and the theoretical background of an inductive bias theory based on lazy regimes. We confirm the visual resemblance between the parameter distribution trained by SGD, and the ridgelet spectrum calculated by numerical integration through numerical experiments with finite models.


In this work heteroepitaxial stabilization with nanoscale control of the magnetic Co2FeO4 phase at 250 °C is reported. Ultrasmooth and pure Co2FeO4 thin films (5–25 nm) with no phase segregation are obtained on perovskite SrTiO3 single crystal (100) and (110) oriented substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD). High resolution structural and chemical analyses confirm the formation of the Co‐rich spinel metastable phase. The magneto‐crystalline anisotropy of the Co2FeO4 phase is not modified by stress anisotropy because the films are fully relaxed. Additionally, high coervice fields, 15 kOe, and high saturation of magnetization, 3.3 μB per formula unit (at 10 K), are preserved down to 10 nm. Therefore, the properties of the ALD‐Co2FeO4 films offer many possibilities for future applications in sensors, actuators, microelectronics, and spintronics. In addition, these results are promising for the use of ALD compared to the existing thin‐film deposition techniques to stabilize epitaxial multicomponent materials with nanoscale control on a wide variety of substrates for which the processing temperature is a major drawback.


We consider an alternative use of simulation in the context of using the Likelihood-Ratio statistic to test non-nested models. To date simulation has been used to estimate the Kullback-Leibler measure of closeness between two densities, which in turn 'mean adjusts' the Likelihood-Ratio statistic. Given that this adjustment is still based upon asymptotic arguments, an alternative procedure is to utilise bootstrap procedures to construct the empirical density. To our knowledge this study represents the first comparison of the properties of bootstrap and simulation-based tests applied to non-nested tests. More specifically, the design of experiments allows us to comment on the relative performance of these two testing frameworks across models with varying degrees of nonlinearity. In this respect although the primary focus of the paper is upon the relative evaluation of simulation and bootstrap-based nonnested procedures in testing across a class of nonlinear threshold models, the inclusion of a similar analysis of the more standard linear/log-linear models provides a point of comparison.


While collegiate fraternity and sorority hazing are well documented problems that receive prominent attention, hazing at the high school level is also a serious issue. Across the nation, media headlines offer a continual reminder that high school hazing is not a phenomenon of the past. As high school principals seek ways to discourage and eliminate incidents of high school hazing, it may be useful to examine a model that was implemented after a nationally covered, major hazing incident that occurred at a large Upper Midwestern high school. The case study analyzes the incident at the time and a follow-up study of the school several years later. A restorative justice program was designed and successfully implemented to address both the hazing incident and a school and community culture of acceptance and encouragement. A follow-up study conducted 7 years after the original incident suggested that the behaviors and the culture had changed.


Rhizoctonia blight (RB), incited by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, is a common disease of cool-season turfgrasses. This 2-year field study was conducted to determine the influence of N source, N application timing, and fungicide treatment on RB severity in 'Caravelle' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Ringer Lawn Restore (Ringer), a slow-release N source, was compared to water-soluble urea. Nitrogen was applied according to either a spring (March, May, June, and September) or fall (September, October, November, and May) schedule. Plots received either N only or N plus the fungicide iprodione (3.1 kg a.i./ha applied at 21-day intervals). RB was reduced with fall-applied Ringer compared to spring-applied urea in both years in fungicide-free plots. Nitrogen generally enhanced foliar mycelium growth and RB during the initial infection periods (i.e., late June to late July). By mid- to late August there were extremely high levels of blighting among all fungicide-free treatments. Nitrogen source and N application time had no effect on the level of blighting in iprodione-treated plots. During early disease outbreaks, iprodione did not always prevent foliar mycelium from appearing, but it did protect turf from severe RB. Iprodione reduced blighting, but the level of disease suppression and resulting turfgrass quality provided on the extended spray interval was not acceptable for high-quality golf course fairways. Chemical name used : 3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-(1-methylethyl)-2,4-dioxo-1-imidazolidine carboxamide (iprodione).


This study examined the prospects of Korean reunification. The study explores how the factors of integration affect North and South Korea after the country was divided into the two sides despite its millennium of unity. A sample of both North and South Korean newspapers covering a 47-year period of Korean reunificational efforts were analyzed as a major source of data to discover if there is any evidence of Korean national will to integrate among Koreans in the two countries. Content analysis is a major method of this research. The most obvious findings of this study are that the newspapers in North Korea did not show any significant change in their tones or attitudes throughout 47-year period studied. The North Korean regime which controls what is published in the papers is still fiercely ideological and hostile toward South Korea. The South Korean papers, on the other hand, showed marked changes in their tones and attitudes toward reunification during this period. Korean reunification remains a matter of time because the political development of South Korea, combined with remarkable economic progress, can surely heal the broken unity and national will among Koreans. The enormous financial burden to rebuild the North Korean economy which will fall upon South Koreans is a major challenge. The road to Korean reunification and the future of reunified Korea depend upon the willingness, wisdom, patience, freedom and courage of the South Koreans to assume the tremendous burden to rebuild North Korea and to strengthen diplomatic relations with the United States as well as neighboring countries to develop more positive inter-Korean relations based upon their cultural, social and economic contacts, cooperations and transactions between the two sides. If Koreans have such willingness, wisdom, patience and courage to accomplish their freedom and hope of unity, the divided Korean peninsula will be reunified and will become one nation again.


In the past two decades, pioneering research has rekindled interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, ibogaine, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Indigenous communities have used them for centuries, and researchers studied them in the i9gos and '6cs. However, most psychedelics were banned in the '7os, when President Nixon launched the U.S. war on drugs. Fifty years later, rising rates of mental illness, substance use, and suicide are prompting researchers to revisit psychedelics, and some have gained permission to study them in limited quantities. Clinical trials are producing promising results, creating enthusiasm for commercializing and patenting psychedelics. This Essay analyzes the ethical, legal, and social implications of patenting these controversial substances. Patents on psychedelics raise unique concerns associated with their unusual qualities, history, and regulation. Because they were criminalized for decades, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) lacks personnel with expertise in the field, rendering more questionable the quality of its evaluation of psychedelic patents. Moreover, because Indigenous communities pioneered many aspects of modern psychedelic therapies, their patenting by Western corporations may promote biopiracy, the exploitation of Indigenous knowledge without compensation. Importantly, control of psychedelics by a small number of companies may stifle innovation and reduce access to these therapies. The Essay presents proposals to reduce the risk of biopiracy and the issuance of unwarranted psychedelic patents. Potential solutions include the implementation of psychedelic patent pledges, the creation of psychedelic prior art repositories, and the tightening of patentability requirements for novel drug therapies. The Essay concludes that ultimately, due to their importance to the advancement of science and public health, it may be appropriate to view psychedelics as tools of scientific discovery, eligible only for limited patent protection.


Water gives cement grout its mobility, but the water needed for mobility exceeds hydration requirements substantially in most applications. If this excess water is allowed to collect and remain in pockets, it can impair the production of 100% grout filling and may permit long-term deterioration. Construction expedients to minimise the problem has been developed over years of experience. Some aspects of these do not appear to be widely known (bleeding methods) and others (water-cement ratios), although discussed, have received little presentation in the context of cement grouting. This paper reviews the issue. Tests are described, and case histories quoted.


Underpinned by the nation-wide Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) project, this practice illustration presents a design framework to respond to the challenges of scaling and sustaining a large design-based research project. The framework, known as STEM Practices Framework, is informed by work within the Learning Sciences which suggests that the interplay between project innovation and the wider educational reform priorities are critical to the sustainability and scalability of projects. The ELSA project responded to this by developing processes of developmental evaluation to parallel the design based research of the project. Emerging from that process was a design proposition that the object of the project, and the entire STEM education agenda, is not simply to improve educational practice, but to shift educational purpose. Specifically, the paper argues that STEM Practices represents a qualitative shift in purpose from the content bound traditions of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education towards developing a greater capacity to use practices in diverse STEM contexts. The STEM Practices Framework described here was developed to support educators and developers to implement the project innovations built on this understanding. The framework is in two parts: (1) an adaptation of Kemmis et al.'s (2014) practice architectures approach and the practice architectures that support and constrain those practices. (2) A heuristic for working with STEM practices in large scale implementation.


Conflict has been a common feature throughout the world in its long history. Pakistan is no exception to such undesirable incidences and has faced conflicts in one form or the other since its independence. In 2009 Pakistan Army launched an operation against the rebellions in Swat and about 2.5 million of people became refugees and migrated to the neighboring safe places. The study was undertaken with the objective to determinants of assets losses during conflict and the rehabilitation strategies of the people in Swat area. Stratified random sampling method was used to collect the data. Data was collected from two different types of conflict affected areas through structure questionnaire. The study revealed that conflict reduced the average number of livestock by 26 percent in the fully affected sample areas and 19 percent in the partially affected sample areas. Monthly income from the sale of livestock products decreased by 54% in the fully affected sample areas and 16.5% in the partially affected areas whereas the average annual income from the sale of live animals decreased by 62% in the fully affected and 5.5% in the partially affected tehsils. The number of horticultural trees declined by 34% and 3.3% on the average in the fully and partially affected sample areas due to unavailability of inputs and lack of proper care. Operational land holdings decreased by 5.5% and farm employment decreased by 6.45%. There was a significant difference in assets losses during conflict subject to education level, farming experience and number of adult male family members. As a rehabilitation strategy male migration to work abroad was increased by 50 and 100 percent in the fully and partially affected tehsils respectively.Key words: Conflict, Swat, household assets, livestock losses, trees losses.


Half mythical, heroic and sagacious, the emperor Vikramaditya is widely regarded as India's greatest monarch. This collection of stories tells of the ruler's fabled encounter with a vetala, a genie who inhabits the body of a corpse. The emperor begs the spirit for his help against a mighty necromancer and is told in return twenty-four tales, each of which presents a situation he might face as a king and culminates in a riddle that he must solve. With each answer, Vikramaditya displays his deep wisdom, proving himself to be the ideal monarch and winning, in the twenty-fifth tale, the guidance he needs from the vetala to destroy his powerful enemy. Written down in medieval times but inspired by an oral tradition stretching back centuries, these wise and witty tales rank amongst the great masterpieces of Sanskrit literature.