This study reported on the optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis condition of edible bird's nest (EBN) using Protamex® to obtain maximum degree of hydrolysis degree (DH). Besides, the proximate analyses of soaked cleaned raw EBN and its lyophilized hydrolysate powder prepared under optimum condition (suggested in this study) were also compared. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed using a threelevel face-centered Central Composite Design (CCD) at four different parameters, namely temperature (40-60C), concentration of Protamex® (0.5-1.5%), pH (5.5-9.5) and hydrolysis time (2-6 hr). It was found that a quadratic fit could explain the effect of these four variables on the DH of EBN. The optimum condition was obtained at temperature 59.9°C, pH of 6.3, Protamex concentration of 2% and hydrolysis time of 5.4 hr. The DH achieved under this optimum condition (33.88%) was close to the predicted DH (34.11%). It was found that the lyophilized EBN hydrolysate powder prepared under the optimum condition gave similar protein and carbohydrate content, but lower fat content and higher ash content as compared to cleaned raw EBN.


By means of fuzzy set theory as well as Takagi-Sugeno and Mamdani fuzzy controller, this paper presents the investigation of a Resort Management System implemented by a combination of a T-S model and a Mamdani model. It demonstrates the procedure of the specific premise parameters identification and consequence parameters identification performed by regression knowledge in the T-S model, and the process of the fuzzification, the rule base creation and the defuzzification with COG technique in the Mamdani model. Therefore, an aggregation between T-S controller and Mamdani controller applied in the field of management by a novel angle is illustrated, which, as a result, devotes an improved management system that shares great convenience in the control process when combined with mathematics. Moreover, a modification of the conventional Takagi-Sugeno and Mamdani controller is demonstrated in conjunction with fuzzy operations t-norms and OWA by adjusting the -value, which is used in the calculation of final outputs in the T-S model and the computation of rule consequences in the Mamdani model. The algebraic intersection, bounded intersection as well as the -parameter t-norm are the t-norms which are going to be introduced. Besides, we have tested that t-norms generate the same alpha values when the membership degrees meet the boundary with the value of 1 or 0 while OWA can still yield a well-balanced result different from the one computing by minimum operation. Nevertheless both t-norms and OWA are able to shift the alpha-value in a well-adjusted way when the membership degrees lie in the interval [0,1]. A tendency has been shown that alpha-value tends to decrease by means of t-norms and OWA operations and consequently, the final outputs appear to be reduced.


Humans and animals adapt their leg impedance during running for both internal (e.g., loading) and external (e.g., surface) changes. To date, the mechanical complexity of designing usefully robust tunable passive compliance into legs has precluded their implementation on practical running robots. This work describes the design of novel, structure-controlled stiffness legs for a hexapedal running robot to enable runtime modification of leg stiffness in a small, lightweight, and rugged package. As part of this investigation, we also study the effect of varying leg stiffness on the performance of a dynamical running robot. For more information: Kod*Lab


We study the stochastic behavior of a single self-exciting model neuron with additive noise, a system that has bistable stochastic dynamics. We use Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations to obtain analytical expressions for the stationary distribution of activities and for the crossing rate between two stable states. We adjust the parameters in these expressions to fit observed histograms of neural activity, thus obtaining what we call an effective single neuron for a given network. We construct an effective single neuron from an activity histogram of a representative hidden neuron in a recurrent learning network. We also compare our result with an effective single neuron previously obtained analytically through the adiabatic elimination approximation.


Over the last few decades, as many companies have released low-cost commercialized 3D sensors, vision-based 3D sensing has been more accessible and ubiquitous. As a result, the range of applications for 3D-sensing technology has been extended to medicine, entertainment, and manufacturing, as well as other industries. However, unlike with well-controlled industries such as manufacturing factories, commercial sensors and resolutions are not yet accurate enough to be applied in unstructured environments, such as construction sites. For example, to inspect the inside of large infrastructures such as steel bridges, robots need high-accuracy 3D maps for inspection and path planning, and robot sensors should be robust enough to withstand harsh weather. To achieve the goal of scanning and inspecting surrounding environments, the 3D imaging system needs to reconstruct 3D images with high accuracy, high speed, and robustness to noise.The first challenge in realizing a high-accuracy 3D imaging system in unstructured environments is noise in captured images. To improve the robustness of 3D images, we developed a computational framework by using geometric constraints for high-accuracy 3D sensing with only two-frequency patterns. A previously existing two-frequency phase unwrapping method has a limitation in accuracy because the scaling factor, which is calculated by the difference in fringe width between low-frequency and high-frequency patterns, significantly amplifies the noise signal. The framework suggested to use the relationship of optical devices for 3D sensing inversely. We can dramatically decrease the scaling factor required to reconstruct 3D images. Without additional patterns, we can measure the geometry of objects within a certain depth range accurately.The second challenge is mainly caused by the dynamic motion of moving platforms. If the sampling rate of 3D sensing is low, it is difficult for robots to localize the platform, generate 3D maps for surrounding environment, and make a right decision in planning a path or inspecting sites based on the information. To increase the speed of 3D sensing, we can reduce the number of patterns used for generating one 3D image. The number of patterns is an important factor in determining the speed of 3D reconstruction because a camera captures the patterns sequentially, which means that the number of patterns is proportional to the time taken to capture a set of images for one 3D image. We developed a method to reduce the number of patterns by using geometric constraints. In addition, by integrating texture image of the object with a phase-coding method, we used a total of five binary patterns to get absolute phase map for 3D reconstruction. By doing experiments with a high-speed camera, the sensing system captures 2D images at 3,333 Hz, and 3D images at 667 Hz.Although the speed of 3D sensing has increased through reducing the number of patterns, the system has fundamental limitations in speed and spectrum of light. The system typically includes at least one Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector because of its accuracy and flexibility. However, the mechanism of the DLP projector, which flips a set of micro mirrors inside the projector for determining whether each pixel is turned on or off, slows down the speed of 3D sensing. To overcome the speed limitation, we designed a custom-made mechanical projector that rotates a wheel with evenly spaced spokes. By using the rotating wheel, the projector generates fringe patterns for phase retrieval, which is the same as that which the DLP projector generates. With the mechanism, we realize a speed of up to 10 kHz for 3D sensing. In addition, we can overcome another limitation the DLP projector has, which is a limited spectrum of light. The micro mirrors can reflect only a specific light spectrum, and the light emitter inside the projector is not replaceable. The mechanical projector places the source of light independently, so, a broad-light spectrum—including visible, infrared (IR), near infrared (NIR), and ultra-violet light—can be used for 3D sensing.In summary, this dissertation research has contributed methods for realizing high-accuracy and high-speed 3D shape measurement: (1) using geometric constraints in phase-retrieval procedures to reduce noise on the captured images; (2) reducing the number of images for one 3D image to realize high-speed 3D shape measurement; and (3) developing a new type of projector to avoid the limitations in light spectrum and achieve high-speed 3D data. These contributions enable engineers, workers, and even robots to monitor unstructured environments with 3D sensor accurately and quickly analyze the situations they face in the fields of infrastructure maintenance, homeland security, and construction.


The effects of salinity on the yield and chemical composition of tomato (Lycopersicon
esculentum Mill.) fruits produced in soilless culture under protected environment were
investigated. Two experiments were carried out at Hydroponic Complex, Crop Science
Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Increasing salinity (EC) from 2 m~cm-('control) to 6 m~cm-l'i nearly reduced total
yield, size, firmness and water content of tomato fruits, and dry weights of roots and
shoots of plants. The incidence of blossom end rot (BER) was higher at high salinity
level as a consequence of deficiency of Ca content, which was found to decrease with
increasing salinity levels. On the contrary, high salinity conditions resulted in increasing
total soluble solids, carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, sucrose), titratable acidity and
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) concentrations and dry matter content of tomato fruits. The
redness (a*) values gradually increased with increasing salinity level from ECs 3 to 6
m~m-', whereas the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values decreased. These
observations indicated that it is possible to obtain a good quality tomato fruits with
acceptable yield reduction at EC 4.5 m~cm-I.
Salinity affected both shelf life of tomato fruits stored at ambient temperature (2 1°C) or
in cool condition (15°C) with relative humidity (RH) between 48-66% and 91-92%,
respectively. There was a negative relationship between salinity and fruit shelf life,
probably due to an increase in polyglacturonase activity, which enhances softening and
hence causes shorter shelf life.
In another experiment, both high (6 m~cm- 'a)n d moderate (3 mscm-') salinities were
applied at different growth stages of plants development. Saline irrigation at EC 3
m~cm- during late developmental stages (onset of ripening) improved the quality of the
fruits with acceptable yield reduction (fresh weight, number and size of fruits). In
general, maintaining the proper ECs 3 and 4.5 mscm-' appplied at onset of ripening and
flowering stages, respectively resulted to in an acceptable yield reductions and high
quality products.


This study explored the empirical and theoretical evidence on the therapeutic alliance (TA) which is currently said to be the best predictor of therapeutic outcome irrespective of the therapeutic approach. Despite the fact that many TA studies have been undertaken on clients' perspectives, therapists, and observers on behalf of clients, for over 30 years, there is still a lack of clarity and agreement on a precise TA definition. At a time when therapists face some politically-driven changes that requires evidence on practice, this means on the therapist's part, there is an even greater need for increased understanding on what intricacies are involved in the TA, including therapists' perspectives on how the TA is measured to support evidence. Accounts are drawn from participants from various schools of training (psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling). Collectively, these views helped in the construction of a new 'therapist awareness therapeutic alliance scale' tested through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology was employed. The study is discussed within the context of counselling psychology philosophy and an integrative theoretical framework on practice.

Results: The TA factor structure reflected many relational elements attributed to a well known working alliance model on shared goals, tasks and an attachment bond. However, in this study, three latent factors were identified, attributed to therapists' skills: 1) relationship-building, 2) managing the process, and 3) the relational bond. Relationship-building and managing the process featured significantly higher than the relational bond in developing and maintaining the TA, indicating the TA to be more task-related. Significant findings suggest the new measure could assist practice.

Conclusion: As the driving force in therapy, the TA has implications in training (prepractice) throughout the therapeutic process, and for reflective purposes in clinical supervision regarding best practice and continued professional development (CPD). This study has shown that more emphasis is needed on therapists' skills, in relationship building and managing how they develop and maintain the TA to protect clients, prior to, and at all points of therapy. Implications on practice are addressed and future suggestions on TA research to support practice are recommended.


The subject of this bachelor assignment is the designing of a product suitable to reduce nuisance caused by rainwater. The client is Velda BV, a company specialized in pond accessories. Velda is an innovative company and market leader in the Benelux. Besides developing their own products, Velda trades products produced by thirds. The main focus of their product range is water experience and pond maintenance.
Rainwater nuisance is a growing problem, especially in urban environments. The big amount of hardened surfaces in these environments is often seen as one of the main causes of the problem, as hardened surfaces take away the possibility for rainwater to infiltrate in the ground surface. The objective of the project is therefore to develop a conceptual product that reduces this problem, up to a stage that it is ready for the first evaluation of the product-feasibility by producers. This includes any 3D-models of designed parts and a full definition of the products form, parts, design and construction.
During the project a systematic approach is used to reach the described objective. This approach consists in the first place of analysis of the problem itself, the target group, the product environment, the market and of Velda's design policy. Then a program of requirements is set up based on the results of the performed analysis. The designed product has to meet these requirements. Next comes the idea-generation, in which many possible solutions are sketched. These ideas are evaluated and translated to four detailed concepts. In this phase there is also paid attention to possible production methods and cost analysis. The program of requirements is then used to determine which concept fits the requirements best. This concept is then optimized to ensure that all requirements are met in the best possible way.
The analysis describes that the target group are garden owners in urban environments. A survey shows that these people are aware of the growing problem of rainwater nuisance, and that they are possibly interested in effective products to reduce this problem. Also products that enable users to cope with rainwater in a sustainable way are found to be interesting. These results among others have led to a program of requirements, in which for example effectiveness of the final result is important. It is also important that the consumer price can be no more than €99, and that the product fits in the Velda product range.
The four concepts that are designed after the analysis and the idea generation are based on three mechanisms: buffering, infiltration and re-use of rainwater. The concept chosen based on the program of requirements is a product that uses buffering of rainwater and infiltration to reduce rainwater nuisance. These principles are applied in a consumer product, and designed in a form that fits in the Velda product range.
In the optimization most attention is paid to reducing costs and applying the Velda design language. One specific part of the product continued to be relatively expensive, even when several different options were reviewed. Ultimately a much cheaper solution for this part was found, but the price was still rather high. This resulted in a consumer price that did not meet the requirements. The problem was overcome by decreasing Velda's price margins. Also a prototype of the product was built and a
basic product test was performed. This test provided a proof of principle. Also several stress simulations of different product parts were performed, to evaluate deformation caused by external forces that can be expected by normal product-use. These simulations showed that the parts perform sufficiently.
The final conclusion is that the objective of the project is met. A fully defined product is designed and it mostly meets the program of requirements. However, there are several elements that could use improvement. The first element is the earlier discussed part that appeared to be expensive. The final solution for this part might not be the perfect solution. Therefore it is advisable to review new options for this part. Also a more extended product test is advisable, to retrieve more information about the product functionality. Considering different ground-types would be a good addition for example. Finally it is advisable to perform detailed research of the cost price. If consumers appear to be prepared to pay more for this product than found in the analysis, the product could be improved within the boundaries of this new cost price.


Binding of a bacterial second messenger to an adaptor protein directs the movement of a human pathogenic bacterium. Directing the movement of a pathogen The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly resistant to antibiotic treatment when it forms biofilms on surfaces, such as in lungs or on medical equipment. The formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms requires both random and directed migration, and the bacterial messenger cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is critical for all of these processes. Xu et al. (see also Orr and Lee) found that binding of c-di-GMP to the adaptor protein MapZ suppressed frequent changes in direction (which enables constant adjustment to changing conditions), attachment to surfaces, and biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that the MapZ-associated chemotaxis pathway could be targeted to prevent the chronic and hard-to-treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa. The bacterial messenger cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) binds to various effectors, the most common of which are single-domain PilZ proteins. These c-di-GMP effectors control various cellular functions and multicellular behaviors at the transcriptional or posttranslational level. We found that MapZ (methyltransferase-associated PilZ; formerly known as PA4608), a single-domain PilZ protein from the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, directly interacted with the methyltransferase CheR1 and that this interaction was enhanced by c-di-GMP. In vitro assays indicated that, in the presence of c-di-GMP, MapZ inhibited CheR1 from methylating the chemoreceptor PctA, which would be expected to increase its affinity for chemoattractants and promote chemotaxis. MapZ localized to the poles of P. aeruginosa cells, where the flagellar motor and other chemotactic proteins, including PctA and CheR1, are also located. P. aeruginosa cells exhibit a random walk behavior by frequently switching the direction of flagellar rotation in a uniform solution. We showed that binding of c-di-GMP to MapZ decreased the frequency of flagellar motor switching and that MapZ was essential for generating the heterogeneous motility typical of P. aeruginosa cell populations and for efficient surface attachment during biofilm formation. Collectively, the studies revealed that c-di-GMP affects flagellar motor output by regulating the methylation of chemoreceptors through a single-domain PilZ adaptor protein.


Giuseppe Verdi's opera Macbeth (1865), based on Shakespeare's play of the same name, is
considered one of the prime nineteenth century adaptations of a Shakespeare text. With its
high degree of fidelity to the source text, as well as the rich and intense score that exemplifies
his musical language, Verdi's Macbeth set a benchmark of what a 'successful' operatic
adaptation of Macbeth might look like. The degree of success of later adaptations of Macbeth
is often compared – fairly or unfairly – retrospectively with Verdi's Macbeth. This thesis is
an investigation into three post-Verdi adaptations of Shakespeare's Macbeth by Lawrance
Collingwood, Paul McIntyre, and Luke Styles, aiming to show how each composer has
adapted the story of Macbeth for the musical-dramatic stage, and how they have utilised the
twentieth century resources available to them, thus setting them apart from Verdi's opera.
Through analysis of some aspects of the operas, three perspectives on adapting Macbeth into
opera will be explored, with further discussion of the composers' individual approaches to
text-setting that show how such approaches give the story new meaning.


Many of the steel building are made up with orthodox sections of steels which are designed and built by conventional approaches. This directs to weighty or too expensive structures. Tubular steel is the best possible alternatives to the conventional with their comparatively better specifications. Dead weight is tending to be decreased for many structural members so it is clear that because of the tube section, it helps in reducing overall economy. This is regarding the economy, load carrying capacity of all members and their relative safety measures. Economy is the main goal of the present work including comparison of conventional structures with tubular structure for given conditions. Results show that up to 15 to 25% saving in expense is accomplished by using tubular sections. Analysis of shed's elements was carried out by Staad Pro V8i computer software, with manually applying Indian Standards. Several excel sheets for various structural elements like Purlin, Roof Truss, compression member, Tension member etc. were carried out using Microsoft office excel. Lastly estimation sheet is prepared for each Conventional Roof Truss section as well as Tubular roof truss section.


Medical imaging technology has been used since the 1990s to make claims about how adolescent brains are different to adult brains. In turn these differences have been used to explain what are said to be typical patterns of adolescent behaviour like risk taking, sensation seeking and intense peer interaction. This article critically assesses the scientific basis of the claims that link observations about adolescent brains to adolescent behaviour via a critical review of the current literature. It argues that use of visual evidence to support claims about structural or functional differences from adolescent brains relies on naïve epistemic assumptions. It argues that there is currently no evidence to warrant claims that there are typical predictable differences in brain structure or function among adolescents or to suggest that adolescent behaviour is different from adult behaviour. The science of adolescent brains is testimony more to the continuing appeal of scientism and its promotion of biological reductionism than to careful and reflexive scientific practice.


Detailed hydraulic conductivity estimation is a difficult problem as the number of direct measurements available at a typical field site is relatively few and sparse. A common approach to estimate hydraulic conductivity is to combine direct hydraulic conductivity measurements with secondary measurements such as hydraulic head and tracer concentrations in an inverse modeling approach. Even with secondary measurements this may constitute an underdetermined (or over-parameterized) inverse problem giving rise to 'non-unique' and incorrect estimates. One approach to reduce over-parameterization is to estimate hydraulic conductivity at a few carefully chosen points called 'pilot points' (i.e. reduction in parameter space). This paper develops a D-optimality based criterion method (DBM) for pilot point selection and tests its effectiveness for estimating hydraulic conductivity fields using several synthetic cases. Results show that the selected pilot points using this approach lead to a more accurate hydraulic conductivity characterization than either random or sequential pilot point location selection methods.


We present a comprehensive revision of the pholcid spider collection of M.A. Gonzalez-Sponga, who between 1998 and 2011 described 22 new genera and 51 new species of Pholcidae from Venezuela. In addition, we treat the pholcid material collected during three expeditions to Venezuela conducted between 2002 and 2020. Of Gonzalez-Sponga's pholcid taxa we recognize three genera and 24 species as valid. We describe 43 new species (all from males and females) in one new and 13 previously described genera; four genera are newly recorded for Venezuela. We describe the previously unknown females of 15 species, present new records for 46 previously described species, synonymize one genus and one species, and correct numerous minor errors in previous publications on Venezuelan pholcids. At the generic level, the Venezuelan pholcid fauna now appears fairly well known, but available data on distribution and endemism suggest that many species remain undiscovered and undescribed. Despite the obvious gaps, our data are congruent with previous studies on other taxa that have the highest levels of endemism in the Venezuelan Andes, the Coastal Ranges, and the Guyana Highlands. The Falcon Region in particular shows a complex mosaic of biogeographic relationships with other regions. We provide new biological data on numerous species. We document the first cases of evolutionary microhabitat shifts in the genera Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893 and Priscula Simon, 1893. We document several cases of close congeners sharing localities, usually in slightly to conspicuously different microhabitats, sometimes apparently in identical microhabitats. We document several cases of color polymorphism, mostly intersexual, in Metagonia conica (Simon, 1893) both intersexual and among males. We document further cases of two rare phenomena in Pholcidae: use of specific non-silken structures for retreats (in Pisaboa Huber, 2000) and egg parasitism (in Priscula).


A taxpayer who receives an assessment from the SARS Commissioner with which they do not agree, is entitled to lodge an objection against that assessment, and Chapter 9 of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 ('TAA') regulates procedures relating thereto. Taxpayers also need to be mindful of the rules governing objection and appeal promulgated under Section 103 of the TAA, which sets out in greater detail the steps to be followed in the objection and appeal process.


The Artery of Percheron, a rare anatomical variant of brain vascularisation, arises from the posterior cerebral artery. Occlusion of this artery leads to bilateral paramedian thalamic infarct leads to dysfunction of central nervous system. Incidence of bilateral thalamic infarct secondary to occlusion of artery of Percheron is unknown because of its rarity. Here we report a case of 35 year old female presented with altered state of consciousness and the underlying cause was occlusion of Artery of Percheron which leads to bilateral thalamic infarct detected on MRI scanning. It showed hyperintensities on T2W1 and FLAIR, and hypointensity on T1W1, restricted to bilateral ventromedial thalami showing corresponding area of high signal intensity on diffusion weighted images and hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient images indicating diffusion restriction, suggestive of infarct. On further investigation magnetic resonance arteriogram (MRA) of the brain demonstrated a single common artery arising from the left P1 segment which divided into two branches distally supplying bilateral thalami. Patient became alright after 2 weeks of medical line of treatment.


Background There is growing research support for the use of mindfulness training (MT) in schools, but almost no high-quality evidence about different training models for people wishing to teach mindfulness in this setting. Effective dissemination of MT relies on the development of scalable training routes. Objective To compare 4 training routes for school teachers wishing to deliver MT differing in intensity and potential scalability, considering teaching competency, training acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. Methods Schools were randomized to an existing route comprising an 8-session instructor-led personal mindfulness course, combined with 4-day MT program training, or 1 of 3 more scalable, lower intensity, alternatives: an instructor-led personal mindfulness course combined with 1-day MT program training, a self-taught personal mindfulness course (delivered through a course book) combined with 4-day MT program training, and a self-taught personal mindfulness course combined with 1-day MT program training. Results Attrition from training was substantial across all routes. The instructor-led course was more effective than the self-taught course in increasing teachers' personal mindfulness skills. Even the most intensive (existing) training route brought only 29% of the teachers commencing training, and 56% of those completing the study protocol, to the required minimum competency threshold (an advanced beginner rating on an adapted version of the Mindfulness-based Interventions Teaching Assessment Criteria). The differences in levels of competency achieved by existing training compared with the more scalable alternatives were modest, with economic evaluation suggesting that the existing route was both more expensive and more effective than lower intensity alternatives, but with no statistically significant differences between routes. Conclusions This research questions the move toward abbreviating teacher training to increase scalability and suggests instead that many teachers require additional support to ensure competency from first delivery of MT in the classroom.


Quantification of black carbon (BC), carbonaceous material of pyrogenic origin, has typically required either chemical or thermal oxidation methods for isolation from heterogeneous matrices, such as sediment or soil. The benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method involves chemical oxidation of aromatic structures, such as those in BC, into BPCAs. We revised the BPCA method with the intent to quantify BC in marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC). As part of this work, we evaluated the mechanism and yield of the method using nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and six BC reference materials. After 8 h of oxidation at 180°C, the average carbon yield was 26 ± 7% C and was not correlated to the molecular weight of the PAH oxidized. The majority of observed BPCAs were nitrated, which has serious implications for the quantification of BC. Smaller PAHs favor the formation of less substituted BPCAs, whereas larger PAHs, such as coronene, favor the formation of more fully substituted BPCAs. Time‐course experiments revealed variations of BPCA distributions over time, favoring less substituted BPCAs with longer oxidation times, whereas the carbon yield exhibited little variation. No decarboxylation of fully substituted mellitic acid (B6CA) was observed during time course experiments. Using the model compound anthracene, a potential internal standard, we propose a mechanism for the oxidation reaction based on time‐course experiment data. Quantification of BC in reference materials revealed that this revision of the BPCA method is significantly more efficient than previous versions and is effective for quantifying both char and soot BC.


The problem of wastewater is increasing as we face tighter regulations in limiting parameters for discharge into sewers or surface waters. At the same time, the challenge is also how to upgrade existing technology and identify new appropriate technologies for purification of industrial wastewater for re-use. The optimal solution, which can give the appropriate quality of purified water at acceptable operating costs also is not straightforward. However, increasing environmental legislative demands combined with increased fresh water consumption can facilitate implementation of emerging technologies which at the current state are not fully mature.
Forward Osmosis (FO) is one such recent achievement which is considered as a promising membrane process and potentially a sustainable alternative to reverse osmosis (RO) process for wastewater reclamation and sea/brackish water desalination.
However, there are many limiting parameters (e.g. membrane fouling, draw solutions) in FO process that needs to be studied and improved. To reduce the membrane fouling in FO, many improvements were attempted, e.g. synthesis of different membrane materials, fabrication of membrane modules, membrane coating etc.
One of the novelties in membrane development research field is biomimetic membranes incorporate in separation processes. They employ natural proteins known as AQPs (aqpourins) to regulate the flow of water, providing increased permeability and near-perfect solute rejection. Membrane surface characteristics were measured on virgin, used and cleane membrane in order to confirm the resistance to different types of industrial wastewater and sewage.


A poset has the non-messing-up property if it has two covering sets of disjoint saturated chains so that for any labeling of the poset, sorting the labels along one set of chains and then sorting the labels along the other set yields a linear extension of the poset. The linear extension yielded by thus twice sorting a labeled non-messing-up poset may be independent of which sort was performed first. Here we characterize such sort-invariant labelings for convex subposets of a cylinder. They are completely determined by avoidance of a particular subpattern: a diamond of four elements whose smallest two labels appear at opposite points.


The paper studies the use of emission taxes and feed-in subsidies for the regulation of a monopoly that can produce the same good with a technology that employs a polluting input and a clean technology. The second-best tax and subsidy are calculated solving a two-stage policy game between the regulator and the monopoly with the regulator acting as the leader of the game. We find that the second-best tax rate is the Pigouvian tax. The tax implements the efficient level of the dirty output but does not affect the total output. On the other hand, the subsidy leads to the monopoly to reduce the dirty output but also to increase the total output. This increase in total output may yield a larger net social welfare when the subsidy is used provided that the marginal cost of clean output is not very high, as a linear-quadratic specification of the model confirms. Finally, it is showed that the combination of an emission tax with a feed-in subsidy induces the firm to choose the efficient outputs, but in this case the first-best tax must be lower than the Pigouvian tax. Thus, the findings of this paper support the idea that feed-in subsidies open the possibility for improving the regulation of a polluting firm with market power.


We investigate the technological dimension of productivity, presenting an empirical methodology based on mixture models to disentangle the labor productivity differences associated with the firm's choice of technology (BTFP) and those related to the firm's ability to exploit the adopted technology (WTFP). The estimation endogenously determines the number of technologies (in the sector) and degree of technology sharing across firms (i.e., for each firm, the probability of using a given technology). By using comparable data for about 35,000 firms worldwide distributed across 22 (two-digit) sectors, we show BTFP to be at least as important as WTFP in explaining the labor productivity gaps across firms. Intra-sectoral and inter-sectoral heterogeneity is substantial and, even in sectors in which BTFP dominates on average, we find a considerable number of firms for which labor productivity is mostly determined by the ability to use the adopted technology. Hence, dissecting the labor productivity gaps is crucial to achieving more targeted innovation policies. The estimated number of technologies ranges from one (in only three industries) to five, being three in most cases. The suggested estimation strategy takes simultaneity into account. The BTFP measure is unaffected by omitted price bias. The presence of BTFP dispersion can be associated with the action of frictions preventing firms from switching to superior and more productive technologies. Eliminating BTFP does not eliminate misallocation.


Implementation and adherence to screening recommendations of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) clinical practice guidelines are associated with earlier diagnosis and treatment. Standardized T2D screening helps ensure consistency of care and decrease unnecessary testing by targeting those at greatest risk for developing the disease. The aim of this quality improvement pilot project was to facilitate standardized T2D screening of inmates within a correctional system. The number and frequency of selected preexisting major T2D risk factors identified within a sample of inmates diagnosed during incarceration were described. A clinical panel reviewed these data and identified the guideline that best addressed T2D risk in the sample. Implementation of guideline screening recommendations as a prospective quality improvement study in a broader sample was proposed prior to considering statewide application.


Abstract Objective California Assembly Bill 1535 awarded $US 15 million to California public schools to promote, develop and sustain instructional school gardens through the California Instructional School Garden Program (CISGP). The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of the CISGP at assisting schools in implementing, maintaining and sustaining an academic school garden programme, determine how schools utilized the funding they received and assess the impact of the California state budget crisis on the CISGP. Design A mid-term evaluation was used to assess the degree to which schools achieved their instructional garden-related goals. Setting California. Subjects Only schools that applied for the CIGSP grant as part of a school district and also provided a contact email and had a unique contact person were included in the study (n 3103, 80·6 %). Results In general, many schools reported not achieving their predicted goals with regard to the CISGP grant. Only 39·4 % of schools reported accomplishing all of their garden-related goals. Over one-third (37·8 %) of schools reported that their school gardens were negatively affected by the California budget deficit. Conclusions The difference between predicted and actual utilization of the CISGP grants may be due to a combination of the effects of budget shortfall and insufficiency of the grant award amount.


This thesis is called "Citation needed – the perceived credibility of Wikipedia among higheducation students". The purpose of this thesis is to discover the opinions about the credibilityof Wikipedia among high education students. The assumption is that students are aware ofbeing source criticizing and do not directly cite Wikipedia in academic works.The main research question is: what are the views of the perceived credibility of theinformation on Wikipedia among high education students?The theoretical framework is made out of previous research specific related to Wikipediabut also theories around memory creation, assessment of sources and credibility.The method used is qualitative, with semi-structured interviews. The material consists ofinterviews with nine participants. Their answers are transcribed and presented in themes andthen analyzed.The main results are that the perceived credibility of the information on Wikipedia amongthe students is that it is fairly credible and their views of the encyclopedia are that it is fastupdated and neutral. They also believe that Wikipedia isn't for academic usage so in allaspects the students do not make a thoroughly assessment of the encyclopedia's credibility.Further implications are that Wikipedia would be ruined if anyone tried to make itacademic. Wikipedia fulfills an educational tool for the public even though it is not alwayscorrect. It is important to be reminded that Wikipedia contains errors but no other source iscompletely flawless either. In that sense it would be smarter to start a new encyclopedia, ifthere is such a need, perhaps open for professors only and would in the end only containvetted information, however mostly/only in academic fields.The length of the thesis is 56 pages in total and approximately 21 000 words.Keywords: Wikipedia, encyclopedias, source criticism, credibility, Nationalencyclopedin,students, in-depth interviews.


It is widely recognized that physical environments directly affect human physiological and mental well-being. Noise, a recognized environmental stressor, contributes to poor patient satisfaction and is known to disrupt patient sleep. This study investigated the relationship of sources of noise to sleep disruption in three units of a large urban hospital. A volunteer sample of 61 discharged patients completed a survey asking about the sleep disruptive nature of 33 (25 noise related and 8 non-noise related) environmental factors. The results revealed that a total of 17 factors were found to be sleep-disruptive by at least one-third of the patients (11 noise-related and 6 not associated with noise). Beeping of the IV pump, intercom paging within the room and activities associated with a nurse entering the room were ranked the highest among noise-related factors. Comfort of the bed and nursing/medical interventions were the two factors with most responses in the non-noise category. Based on these findings a set of design recommendations was developed that hospitals might adopt to eliminate the source of a noise, reduce its occurrence, or lessen its volume. Two key design recommendations consist of incorporating all private patient rooms and decentralizing nurses' stations. These conditions hold the potential for reducing the noise generated by staff conversations and excessive traffic by providing all essential elements of care within near proximity of the patient room and eliminating noise generated within the room by the presence and care associated with another patient. Additional recommendations include relatively specific design changes such as replacing sound indicators with light-indicators on medical equipment, reducing staff bedside checks by providing visual access into patient's room from the corridor and using floor finishes with sound absorbing qualities and walls with sound attenuation materials. Design recommendations were developed for each harmful stressor identified by at least one-third of the respondents and were organized by the location of the source (bedside, room, and corridor). Recommendations include a list of possible solutions to prevent or reduce the noise at its source, and also to provide a space capable of preventing the transmission of sound once it is generated. Additional recommendations were made as related to the behavioral/operational factors and non-noise factors such as the patient bed, pillows, temperature and lighting. Overall the study found that noise is a factor which negatively affects patient sleep. The presence of noise can be reduced with a well-informed design approach.


In the last century, many mobile pastoralists have transitioned to more sedentary lifestyles. Mobile people can be both pushed into a more settled existence by environmental or political forces, or pulled by new economic opportunities. While researchers have examined the causes and consequences of growing sedentarization, few contemporary studies have examined the patterns of settlement among mobile groups who are shifting to sedentary lifestyles and how these patterns may be related to socio-economic outcomes. This research examines settlement site selection by using GIS and remote sensing techniques to quantify settlement patterns in four Maasai villages in northern Tanzania, exploring the environmental and infrastructure correlates of settlement locations. A subset of these geographic variables is used with social survey data for 111 Maasai households in the study site to test the hypothesis that settlement location impacts livelihood strategies and economic outcomes by creating and constraining access to important resources and infrastructure. Landscape level evaluation of settlement patterns show that certain soil types limit occupation and the potential for agricultural expansion in 30% of the study area. Settlement density and existing agriculture are also clustered in certain parts of the landscape. The spatial models support the hypothesis that proximity to roads and village centers plays an important role in shaping overall settlement patterns. However, models that combine these factors with environmental and geophysical elements show improved explanatory performance, suggesting that competing factors are at play in influencing settlement patterns. Spatial models also indicate that agricultural development may be limiting land available for settlement in some parts of the study area. Results of the household level outcomes are more ambiguous, with few relationships between geographic variables and household livestock holdings, land under cultivation, annual income. Rather, these factors are influenced largely by demographic variables such as household size, age of the household head, and asset allocation. However, there appears to be less income diversity in households more distant from permanent water sources. GENERAL AUDIENCE ABSTRACT Around the world, many people who traditionally have moved from place to place on a seasonal or annual basis have become much more settled, often no longer moving at all. These formally mobile people can be both pushed into a more settled existence by environmental or political forces, or drawn by new opportunities presented by being more settled. While researchers have studied the reasons for these changes and how being more settled affects people, not many studies have examined the patterns of settlement of people who are becoming more settled or how these patterns may be related to how people do economically once they become settled. This study is focused on settlement patterns in four Maasai villages in northern Tanzania. The study used geographic information systems and data collected by satellites to map the location of Maasai households, called bomas, in the four villages, and the environmental characteristic of where people do and do not live on the landscape. This study also looked at measures of income and economic activity for 111 households to see if the location of a household on the landscape effects people's economic choices and outcomes. This study found that certain environmental factors in the area do influence where people live, particularly soils types and climate, but did not find that where people live has strong influence on how they do economically.


This review addresses critical issues in the selection of semen donors who are very fertile. Traditional semen parameters have been employed and are still used to assess pre- and post-freeze samples in order to discriminate between donors of high and low fecundity. The most predictive factor is the number of motile spermatozoa per straw and the number of motile spermatozoa inseminated. Nevertheless, no absolute standards for fertile samples can be derived from the basic semen examination. The employment of sperm function testing such as the hamster penetration test or computerized motility analysis has been shown to enhance moderately the prediction of fertility of semen samples however, further studies are necessary to determine if these improvements are clinically useful. The need to determine with a high degree of confidence the fecundity of donor semen is enhanced by limitations in the number of pregnancies allowed per donor. The recent publication of league tables in the UK has put extra pressure in clinics to use highly fertile donors. Spermatozoa are also cryostored for patients prior to cancer treatment. With the development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection every sample produced by cancer patients can be stored irrespective of the quality. However, several factors need to be elucidated to maximize the fertility of those patients. The establishment of regional centres in Europe will be a good starting point to deal with many of the issues raised in this review.


International Committee of Medical Journal Editors(ICMJE), previously known as Vancouver Group, is aselected group of editors from leading international medicaljournals like New England Journal of Medicine, TheLancet, British Medical Journal, Journal of AmericanMedical Association etc. ICMJE is working hard for theimprovement of published medical research and hasdeveloped Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts (URM)submitted to biomedical journals which are regularlyupdated and are adopted by majority of medical journalsacross the globe1. Besides developing guidelinesfor authors regarding preparation and submission ofmanuscripts, ICMJE is deeply concerned with the issuesrelated to publication ethics like authorship, contributorship,editorship, peer review, conflicts of interest, privacy,confidentiality and protection of human subjects andanimals in research.A major issue in publishing medical research is thepublication bias2. The researchers and editors are moreinterested in publishing the studies with positive results,published more frequently and quickly than trials withnegative outcomes3. Selective publication is unscientificand unethical as the hidden results may alter the clinicalevidence and the clinical practice. To confront the publicationbias, Simes RJ4 proposed to establish an internationalregistry of clinical trials where the objectives andendpoints of every clinical trial may be recorded in theregister. In September 2004, ICMJE proposed a comprehensivetrials registration policy as a possible solutionto the publication bias5. This policy was implementedin July 2005 on 12 member journals of ICMJE and registrationin a public trial registry was made a prequisite forpublication of all clinical trials.For registration purposes, ICMJE is endorsing theWorld Health Organization (WHO) definition of a clinicaltrial as "any research study that prospectively assignshuman participants or groups of humans to one or morehealth-related interventions to evaluate the effects onhealth outcomes"6. Health-related interventions includedrugs, surgical and radiological procedures, devices, behavioraltreatments, dietary interventions etc. All clinicaltrials meeting the above mentioned definition (includingphase I to phase IV trials) are required to be registeredat or before the enrollment of patients in the trial. Howeverpurely observational studies are exempted from registration7.World Medical Association Declaration ofHelsinki also stressed upon registering every clinical trialin a publically accessible database before recruitmentof the first subject8. The database where standardizedinformation about administration and scientific contentsof clinical trials are stored is called as Clinical trial register.The clinical trial register is maintained by clinical trialsregistry which is responsible for ensuring the validityand accuracy of the trial information and disseminationof these information to health care decision making authorities6.To ensure that all clinical trials are not only registeredbut are publically available and clearly identifiable,WHO has established International Clinical Trials RegistryPlatform (ICTRP)9. To facilitate the unambiguous identificationof clinical trials, every trial is allotted a uniqueUniversal Trial Number (UTN) which is not a registrationnumber but it identifies the individual trial and is used inthe trial protocol and all the communications about thetrial. WHO Registry Network for prospective trial registriesfacilitates the exchange of information and workingrelationship among all the registries. The WHO RegistryNetwork has laid down specific criteria based on content,quality and validity, accessibility, unique identification,technical capacity and administration for the trialsregistries. Depending upon the eligibility criteria, trialsare categorized as Primary Registries, Partner Registriesand Registries working with the ICTRP towards becomingPrimary Registries. Primary Registries meet all thecriteria of ICTRP and are run by nonprofit organizations10.ICMJE does not favour any particular registry and all PrimaryRegistries designated by WHO ICTRP are acceptableto ICMJE7. Clinicaltrials.gov developed in the year2000 is the first and the largest clinical trials registry inthe world11,12.Unfortunately there is no trial registration authorityin Pakistan and many local researchers get their trialsregistered with international registries before publishingtheir research in international journals of repute. Due tonon-availability of national trial registry, Pakistani journalsare experiencing problems in accepting articles withoutUTNs. The regulatory authorities of health care, medicaleducation and medical research in Pakistan like PakistanMedical & Dental Council (PMDC), Higher EducationCommission (HEC), College of Physicians and surgeonsPakistan (CPSP) and Pakistan Medical ResearchCouncil (PMRC) need to take an initiative to establish astandard trial registry which should meet the WHO criteriaof primary registries. When Iran13, India14 and SriLanka15 can establish their own trial registries and getthem recognized from WHO as primary registries, whynot Pakistan can do it?KMUJ 2012; Vol. 4, No. 2: 36-37 37CKCKCKCKREFERENCES1. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors(ICMJE): Journals Following Uniform Requirementsfor Manuscripts. http://www.icmje.org/journals.htmlaccessed on March 23, 2012.2. Simes RJ. Publication bias: the case for an internationalregistry of clinical trials. J Clin Oncol 1986; 4:1529-41.3. Hopewell S, Loudon K, Clarke MJ, Oxman AD,Dickersin K. Publication bias in clinical trials due tostatistical significance or direction of trial results.Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009 Jan 21; (1):MR000006.4. Simes RJ. Confronting publication bias: A cohort designfor meta-analysis. Stat Med 1987; 6(1): 11-29.5. Clinical Trial Registration: A Statement from the InternationalCommittee of Medical Journal Editors. Editorial.2004. Available on: http://www.icmje.org/clin_trial.pdf accessed on March 23, 2012.6. World Health Organization: Frequently Asked Questions.http://www.who.int/ictrp/faq/en/index.html#faq3accessed on March 23, 2012.7. Clinical Trial Registration: Looking Back and MovingAhead. Editorial June 2007. Available on: http://www.icmje.org/update_june07.html accessed onMarch 23, 2012.8. World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki -Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving HumanSubjects. October 2008. Available on: http://www.wma.net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/17c.pdf accessed on March 23, 2012.9. World Health Organization. International Clinical TrialsRegistry Platform. Available at http://www.who.int/ictrp/about/details/en/index.html10. World Health Organization: About Registries. http://www.who.int/ictrp/network/primary/en/index.html accessedon March 23, 2012.11. McCray AT, Ide NC. Design and implementation of anational clinical trials registry. J Am Med Inform Assoc2000; 7(3): 313-23.12. National Institutes of Health LaunchesClinicalTrials.gov Results Database. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/news/expanded_clinicaltrials.htmlaccessed on March 23, 2012.13. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) Available at.http://www.irct.ir/14. Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) Available at http://www.ctri.in/15. Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (SLCTR). Availableat http://www.slctr.lk/  Dr. Akhtar SherinManaging EditorKhyber Medical University Journal (KMUJ)Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical SciencesDHQ Teaching Hospital, KDA Kohat, PakistanEmail: firstname.lastname@example.com; email@example.com


In 1997 the new Labour government in the UK inherited a situation where nearly one in 5 children lived in a household where no adult worked and around one in 3 lived in relative poverty. Children had replaced pensioners as the poorest group in society. The incoming government set about an ambitious set of reforms deigned to reduce poverty and worklessness amongst families with children. This policy reform agenda contained some features akin to the welfare reform process being undertaken in the US since 1996. But with one fundamental difference, that welfare payments to jobless families rose rapidly and there is no time restriction in access to these payments. This paper describes the key features of the welfare reform process and documents the reforms to welfare payments and in particular contrasts them with the US system. The results show that the reformed UK welfare support system, taxes and benefits, for children is more generous to low-income families with children but less for better off families. So the UK system is more progressive among families with children. The paper goes on to look at the emerging evidence of the impact of the UK policy reform process on poverty and welfare dependence. JEL Classification: H53, I38


Beam search is the most popular inference algorithm for decoding neural sequence models. Unlike greedy search, beam search allows for non-greedy local decisions that can potentially lead to a sequence with a higher overall probability. However, work on a number of applications has found that the quality of the highest probability hypothesis found by beam search degrades with large beam widths. We perform an empirical study of the behavior of beam search across three sequence synthesis tasks. We find that increasing the beam width leads to sequences that are disproportionately based on early, very low probability tokens that are followed by a sequence of tokens with higher (conditional) probability. We show that, empirically, such sequences are more likely to have a lower evaluation score than lower probability sequences without this pattern. Using the notion of search discrepancies from heuristic search, we hypothesize that large discrepancies are the cause of the performance degradation. We show that this hypothesis generalizes the previous ones in machine translation and image captioning. To validate our hypothesis, we show that constraining beam search to avoid large discrepancies eliminates the performance degradation.


Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit many unique optical properties, and show great promise as fluorescent markers in molecular, cellular and in vivo imaging. In this thematic issue, a major concern is their cytotoxicity. Among various Cd-free alternatives, InP-based QDs without highly toxic heavy metal elements have received the most attention. This article first focuses on the synthetic control of oil-soluble InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs, exhibiting strong dual emissions, namely, visible excitonic emission and near-infrared (NIR) surface defect emission. Next, the organic-to-aqueous phase transfer of the dual emissive QDs was explored systematically. It was found that the dual emissions are relatively stable against the water transfer strategies used here; among them, aqueous dual emissive QDs obtained by wrapping oil-soluble QDs with a poly(acrylic acid)-octylamine (PAA-based) amphiphilic polymer (or modified with the cRGD peptide) exhibit enhanced NIR emission. Finally, using in vitro cell and in vivo small animal optical imaging techniques, the bioactivities of the cRGD-modified amphiphilic polymer-wrapped QDs were also investigated. The results confirm that single-wavelength excitation with strong dual emissions ranging from 550 to >1000 nm will endow the InP-based QDs with the capability for biomedical optical imaging across different spatial scales, as a promising alternative for Cd- and Pb-based QDs.


We introduce POROS that is a new solution for proof of data reliability. In addition to the integrity of the data outsourced to a cloud storage system, proof of data reliability assures the customers that the cloud storage provider (CSP) has provisioned sufficient amounts of redundant information along with original data segments to be able to guarantee the maintenance of the data in the face of corruption. In spite of meeting a basic service requirement, the placement of the data repair capability at the CSP raises a challenging issue with respect to the design of a proof of data reliability scheme. Existing schemes like Proof of Data Possession (PDP) and Proof of Retrievability (PoR) fall short of providing proof of data reliability to customers, since those schemes are not designed to audit the redundancy mechanisms of the CSP. Thus, in addition to verifying the possession of the original data segments, a proof of data reliability scheme must also assure that sufficient redundancy information is kept at storage. Thanks to some combination of PDP with time constrained operations, POROS guarantees that a rationale CSP would not compute redundancy information on demand upon proof of data reliability requests but instead would store it at rest. As a result of bestowing the CSP with the repair function, POROS allows for the automatic maintenance of data by the storage provider without any interaction with the customers.


Problem statement: The question of the research is: what are the types of images and their correlated conditions of apparition in Deleuze's ideas? Research method: The research method is qualitative content analysis. Research objective: The purposes of the article are to clarify two types of image, the conditions of their apparition as well as to determine the type of image of a painting in accordance with its conditions. It is assumed that determining the conditions of their apparition helps to determine its type. So, to clarify the types of images, the conditions of their apparition are studied. A painting by a contemporary Iranian artist has been reexamined for explanation of the issue. Conclusion: For Deleuze, there are two types of images: the movement-image and timeimage. Movement-image is comprised of perception-image, action -image and affectionimage. Time-image is also composed of recollection-image, dream-image, the thoughtimage also crystal-image. The first type of image focuses on moving, controlling and reflecting, absorbing the effects of things, depending on particular actions. In modern period the time-image is the basis of the genesis of pure time. The time-image is the type of image with a coalescence of virtual and real images formed by the axis of time on the basis of the genuine relations of forces and their affects. It is formed by the spontaneous activity of diagram through the indiscernible and indeterminate zones that is impossibility. the research path shows the condition of apparition of painting as image, like "Untitled" that are based on color-force, color-space, color-light, and time according to color relations. These conditions, show the arrangement of the coalescence of the actual image of the human being around the artist with the virtual image of ascension to emphasize the status of the contemporary man.The final image as time-image brings about the possibility to think about the new meaning to the concept of man.


Antibiotic resistant bacteria are found in most environments, especially in highly anthropized waters. A direct correlation between human activities ( e.g.,  pollution) and spread and persistence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance genes (ARGs) within the resident bacterial communities appears more and more obvious. Furthermore, the threat posed for human health by the presence of ARB and ARGs in these environments is enhanced by the risk of horizontal gene transfer of resistance genes to human pathogens. Although the knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistances in waters is increasing, the understanding of the driving factors determining the selection for antibiotic resistance in the environment is still scarce. Antibiotic pollution is generally coupled with contamination by heavy metals (HMs) and other chemicals, which can also promote the development of resistance mechanisms, often through co-selecting for multiple resistances. The co-selection of heavy metal resistance genes and ARGs in waters, sediments, and soils, increases the complexity of the ecological role of ARGs, and reduces the effectiveness of control actions. In this mini-review we present the state-of-the-art of the research on antibiotic- and HM-resistance and their connection in the environment, with a focus on HM pollution and aquatic environments. We review the spread and the persistence of HMs and/or ARB, and how it influences their respective gene co-selection. In the last chapter, we propose Lake Orta, a system characterized by an intensive HM pollution followed by a successful restoration of the chemistry of the water column, as a study-site to evaluate the spread and selection of HMs and antibiotic resistances in heavily disturbed environments.


Robust control of non-linear systems with disturbances and uncertainties is addressed in this study using disturbance observer-based control (DOBC) technique. In this framework, the `disturbance` is a generalised concept, which may include external disturbances, unmodelled dynamics and system parameter perturbations. The existing DOBC methods were only applicable for the case where disturbances and uncertainties satisfy so-called matching condition, that is, they enter the system in the same channel as the control inputs. By appropriately designing a disturbance compensation gain vector in the composite control law, a non-linear disturbance observer-based robust control method is proposed in this study to attenuate the mismatched disturbances and the influence of parameter variations from system output channels. The proposed method is applied to a missile system with non-linear dynamics in the presence of various uncertainties and external disturbances. Simulation shows that, compared with the widely used non-linear dynamic inversion control (NDIC) and NDIC plus integral action methods, the proposed method provides much better disturbance attenuation ability and stronger robustness against various parameter variations.


In this paper we analyse different strategies used by Italian organic farmers to create value from credence food production. More specifically, we consider the following strategies: participation in policy support programmes (i.e. rural development measures and agro‐environmental schemes), direct marketing (i.e. short‐chains, on‐farm businesses, agro‐tourism), on‐farm processing and being a member of a marketing and/or processing cooperative. We use data from the 2006 Italian FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) related to 981 organic farmers. To estimate the factors affecting farmers' strategies and to evaluate them simultaneously we implement a multivariate probit model (MVP). The results could be helpful to implement guidelines for public and private intervention in the next CAP programming period. Allowing for differences in farmers' goals and their impact on the choice of farming method and strategies is important in a modern competitive scenario.


We discuss the nature of electron-correlation effects in carbon nanorings and nanobelts using an analysis tool known as fractional occupation number weighted electron density (ρFOD) and the RAS-SF method, revealing for the first time significant differences in static correlation effects depending on how the rings (i.e. chemical units) are fused and/or connected until closing the loop. We choose to study in detail linear and cyclic oligoacene molecules of increasing size, and relate the emerging differences with the difficulties for the synthesis of the latter due to their radicaloid character. We finally explore how minor structural modifications of the cyclic forms can alter these results, showing the potential use of these systems as molecular templates for the growth of well-shaped carbon nanotubes as well as the usefulness of theoretical tools for molecular design.


Objective A cohort of people (n = 86) was examined in the first few months after insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) diagnosis to evaluate the effect of hyperglycemia on nerve conduction velocities and latencies. Research Design and Methods Unselected cases with IDDM, who were 6–29 yr of age, were identified at diagnosis from a large, geographically defined area of southern Wisconsin. Peripheral nerve conduction was measured on a sample from this cohort. Results Peroneal nerve conduction velocity was significantly inversely related to glycosylated hemoglobin (P <0.05, age and height adjusted). All other nerve conduction velocities and latencies (median motor, median sensory, and sural) showed the same tendency, but the associations were not statistically significant. Twenty-four-hour urine C-peptide and duration of diabetes (3–11 mo) were not consistently related to nerve conduction parameters after controlling for age and height. Conclusions These findings suggest that as early as 5–6 mo after diabetes diagnosis, and at a time frequently characterized by partial remission of IDDM, hyperglycemia has a role in the acute slowing of nerve conduction velocity. Other factors such as residual endogenous insulin production do not appear to influence these early changes.


Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, manifests as increasing memory loss and cognitive decline. Tau phosphorylation and aggregation are strongly linked to neurodegeneration, as well as associated with chronic neuroinflammatory processes. The anti-inflammation effects of natural products have led to wide recognition of their potential for use in treating and preventing AD. This study investigated whether eupatin, a polymethoxyflavonoid found in Artemisia species, has inhibitory effects on neuroinflammation and tau phosphorylation. We treated mouse macrophages and microglia cells with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) to activate inflammatory signals, and we treated neuronal cells with a protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor, okadaic acid (OA), or transfection with pRK5-EGFP-Tau P301L plasmid to induce tau phosphorylation. The results indicated that eupatin significantly reduced the LPS-induced protein expression and phosphorylation of p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase as well as downstream products interleukin 6 and nitrite, respectively. Furthermore, eupatin markedly inhibited the expression of phospho-tau in response to OA treatment and plasmid transfection. We discovered that this inhibition was achieved through the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and molecular docking results suggested that eupatin can sufficiently bind to the GSK3β active site. Our results demonstrate that eupatin has neuroprotective effects, making it suitable for AD treatment.


Of four types of Kaplansky algebras, type-2 and type-4 algebras have previously unobserved Z/2-gradings: nonlinear in roots. A method assigning a simple Lie superalgebra to every Z/2-graded simple Lie algebra in characteristic 2 is illustrated by seven new series. Type-2 algebras and one of the two type-4 algebras are demystified as nontrivial deforms (the results of deformations) of the alternate Hamiltonian algebras. The type-1 Kaplansky algebra is recognized as the derived of the nonalternate version of the Hamiltonian Lie algebra, the one that preserves a tensorial 2-form. Deforms corresponding to nontrivial cohomology classes can be isomorphic to the initial algebra, e.g., we confirm Grishkov's implicit claim and explicitly describe the Jurman algebra as such a semitrivial deform of the derived of the alternate Hamiltonian Lie algebra. This paper helps to sharpen the formulation of a conjecture describing all simple finite-dimensional Lie algebras over any algebraically closed field of nonzero characteristic and supports a conjecture of Dzhumadildaev and Kostrikin stating that all simple finite-dimensional modular Lie algebras are either of standard type or deforms thereof. In characteristic 2, we give sufficient conditions for the known deformations to be semitrivial.


This paper investigates the connectivity in one-dimensional ad hoc wireless networks with a forbidden zone. We derive the probability of the wireless networks which are composed of exactly m clusters by means of the methods of combinatorics and probability. The probability of connectivity, i.e. $m = 1$, can be obtained as a special case. Further, we explain how the transmission range of node affects the connectivity of the wireless network.


We describe and apply a point model of the joint evolution of tidal landforms and biota which incorporates the dynamics of intertidal vegetation; benthic microbial assemblages; erosional, depositional, and sediment exchange processes; wind-wave dynamics, and relative sea level change. Alternative stable states and punctuated equilibria emerge, characterized by possible sudden transitions of the system state, governed by vegetation type, disturbances of the benthic biofilm, sediment availability, and marine transgressions or regressions. Multiple stable states are suggested to result from the interplay of erosion, deposition, and biostabilization, providing a simple explanation for the ubiquitous presence of the typical landforms observed in tidal environments worldwide. The main properties of accessible equilibrium states prove robust with respect to specific modeling assumptions and are thus identified as characteristic dynamical features of tidal systems. Halophytic vegetation emerges as a key stabilizing factor through wave dissipation, rather than a major trapping agent, because the total inorganic deposition flux is found to be largely independent of standing biomass under common supply-limited conditions. The organic sediment production associated with halophytic vegetation represents a major contributor to the overall deposition flux, thus critically affecting the ability of salt marshes to keep up with high rates of relative sea level rise. The type and number of available equilibria and the possible shifts among them are jointly driven and controlled by the available suspended sediment, the rate of relative sea level change, and vegetation and microphytobenthos colonization. The explicit description of biotic and abiotic processes thus emerges as a key requirement for realistic and predictive models of the evolution of a tidal system as a whole. The analysis of such coupled processes finally indicates that hysteretic switches between stable states arise because of differences in the threshold values of relative sea level rise inducing transitions from vegetated to unvegetated equilibria and vice versa.


SNUGLITE(Seoul National University GNSS Laboratory Satellite) is 2U-size Low Earth Orbit (LEO) CubeSat (U-class spacecraft). Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) of CubeSat is designed to maintain its attitude at the Earth pointing. For determining satellite's attitude, Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) algorithm were applied. Specifically, multiple sensors - dual frequency GPS receiver, 3-axis gyroscope, magnetometer and sun sensors - were used with models Jet Propulsion Laboratory sun reference Development Ephemeris (JPL DE405) and International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF12). Moreover, 3-axis magnetorquer was used as a single actuator. Generally, the verification of ADCS algorithm starts from software-in-the-loop simulation (SILS) developed and verified in software tools such as MATLAB. After verification of SILS, Processor-in-the-Loop simulation (PILS) is required to verify the ADCS algorithm implementing in the processor of On Board Computer (OBC) in C-language. Finally, satellite's ADCS algorithm is needed to be verified experimentally by hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) in the space-like environment under a ground-based setting using a massive simulator. Most of satellite attitude HILS is composed of sensors such as air-bearings, Helmholtz coil, and array sun sensors. In this paper, to verify ADCS algorithm in HILS, the precise attitude estimation, modeling and calibration of sensors (magnetometer, gyroscope and coarse sun sensor) are presented. In addition, a low-cost single-axis HILS verification method is proposed using simple testbed hanging CubeSat with a wire. By using the Earth's magnetic field on the ground and the light from Halogen lamp, the space environment has been implemented on the ground in order to verify attitude determination and control performance in a single axis. In conclusion, the results of the HILS ensure that the performance of the proposed algorithm meets the estimation and the control requirements of the SNUGLITE.


Establishment of hospital accreditation programs is increasingly growing across numerous developing nations. Such initiatives aim to improve quality of care. However, such establishments, mainly incentivized by successful and famous accreditation plans in developed countries, usually suffer from lack of necessary arrangements which, in turn, result in undesired consequences. Indeed, the first priority for such nations, including Iran, is not establishment of accreditation programs, yet strict licensing plans.


This research aims to measure and evaluate the level of illuminance quality in architecture studio room in relation to the achievement of standard performance and minimum visual comfortableness that should be fulfilled. This study also explores the effect of both illumination quality and quantity to the students physical and psychological performance in conducting visual activities in the architecture studio room. This evaluation will also evaluate the deviation between perception of brightness of users and data measurement by using device related to the achievement of illumination standard of the room. This research is conducted with mix method of quantitative and perceptional with correlational method. The study used empirical data and information from students as the object of research through questionnaire survey and actual data by measurement using luxmeter device to measure the quantity of luminance in the studio room. The data collected indicates that the performance of visual activities that should be achieved require a quite high illuminance quality considering the long duration and continuous activities. This research also explores the importance of determination of visual standard based on the variation of activities compared with the determination of space definition to ensure that all visual activities can be done with optimum performance. The findings indicated that perception of brightness and the adequateness of lighting level in determining visual requirements are two different things in which the adequateness of illuminance level is numerical standard that is determined based on visual observation. The determination of illumination adequacy which is made based on individual perception of brightness may lead to various visual performance standard that may potentially cause illuminance deficiency and as a result may cause various symptoms of eyes fatigues that lead to the decrease of visual performance. Keywords: luminance quality, perception of brightness, continuous visual performance, Architecture studio room


Muslims in Bangladesh are polarised and disunited, including among Islamist groups, who are supposed to be the symbol of Muslim Unity. Shaikh Azizur Rahman Nesarabadi (1915-2008) was a pioneering figure who propelled the theory and practise of uniting the people of Bangladesh. According to him, ittihad mal Ikhtelaf (Unity in Diversity) is the only solution to existent disunity. This paper analyses his discourse and his role in the politics and society of Bangladesh by textual analysis of primary and secondary data. After analysing Unity in Diversity itself, we provide a short biographical sketch of Shaikh Azizur Rahman, showing his exposure to both Shariah and Sufi education, and their impacts on his thought. The paper then focuses on his ideas on four stages of unity and analyses them in light of contemporary social realities in Bangladesh and the Muslim world. This paper concludes that Shaikh Nesarabadi's thought and theory on unity depend upon three elements: moderation and mutual respect, focus on common interest, and the Tawhidic paradigm. These comprise the framework for Muslim unity whose adoption by Muslims can fulfil the command of Allah to enable the Ummah to resume a leading role in the world as a champion of justice.


In D 1 3 there are thirty-two inscriptions with a Roman numeral and nine with a Latin word for a number. The distinction is not apparent in modern translations, but even a non-Latinist can see it in Mommsen's Latin text. But the use of numerals was forbidden by Deo Auctore 13 and heavily punished by Omnem 8 and Tanta 22. Presumably these fragments were excerpted before Deo Auctore was promulgated and were left unchanged by oversight. The word "codex" frequently refers to the Digest, not the first Code of 529, at least seven and probably eight times out of twelve in Deo Auctore. In Deo Auctore 3, the modern translations are wrong. "Our codex" means the Digest and the documents are Deo Auctore 4 and following, and the collection of fragments with a Roman numeral in D 1 3. It appears that this was a proposal by Tribonian to Justinian and Theodora, supported by draft instructions to the compilers and a specimen title of fragments. There is a complete new translation of Deo Auctore at the end of this article.


Ladder diagram language (LD) is a common programming language in industry to develop control algorithms of discrete event systems (DESs). Besides, it is one of the five programming languages supported by the International Electrotechnical Commission through the IEC-61131-3 standard. On the other hand, Petri net (PN) theory is both a graphical and mathematical tool used to model discrete event systems, particularly in this study, control lines used in industrial algorithms. Control algorithms in LD are generally developed based on the experience of control system programmers. Therefore, it is still a relevant problem how to formalize the current and new control algorithms. In this chapter, are analyzed lines in LD used more frequently in control algorithms. Additionally, an element-to-element transformation methodology from a LD program to a PN model is proposed.


A formalized description of the process of forming and processing spectral patterns in multispectral optoelectronic observation systems is given. The spectral radiance factors are given for various objects, along with the results of calculations of the recognition criterion for various observation conditions. A preliminary analysis has been carried out of the possibilities of correlation-extremal recognition of terrestrial industrial installations on the basis of the multispectral data that have been obtained. © 2004 Optical Society of America


While some prehistoric sites - notably the painted caves at Lascaux in France and at Altamira in northern Spain - are familiar, many more such places are almost unknown. In fact, remains left by prehistoric men and women are far more numerous and have been found over a much greater territory - including Eurasia, Africa, Australia and the Americas - than most people are aware. These remains include paintings and engravings in caves and rock shelters, but also decorated tools, weapons, statuettes, personal ornaments and even musical instruments made of stone, ivory, antler, shell, bone and fired clay. In "Prehistoric Art", anthropologist Randall White presents a global survey, starting with the first explosion of imagery that occurred approximately 40,000 years ago but also including the creations of essentially "prehistoric" peoples living as recently as the early 20th century. Drawing on up-to-date research, White places these discoveries in context and discusses possible uses and meanings for the objects and images.


High frequency continuous-time circuits and built-in-self-test using CMOS RMS detector (December 2005) Radhika Venkatasubramanian Chair of Advisory Committee: Jose Silva-Martinez The expanding wireless market has resulted in complex integrated transceivers that involve RF, analog and mixed-signal circuits, resulting in expensive and complicated testing. The most important challenges that test engineering faces today are (1) providing a fast and accurate fault-diagnosis and performance characterization so as to accelerate the time-to-market and (2) providing an inexpensive test strategy that can be integrated with the design so as to aid the high-volume manufacturing process. The first part of the research focuses on the design of an RMS detector for built-in-self-test (BIST) of an RF integrated transceiver that can directly provide information at various test points in the design. A cascode low noise amplifier (LNA) has been chosen as the device under test (DUT). A compact (< 0.031 mm2) RF RMS detector with negligible input capacitance (< 13 fF) has been implemented in 0.35 ÂÂμm CMOS technology along with the DUT. Experimental results are currently being assimilated and compared with the simulation results. Frequency limitations were encountered during the testing process due to unexpected increase in the value of the N-well resistors. All other problems faced during the testing, as well as the results obtained so far, are presented in this thesis. In the second part of the research, the use of the RMS detector for BIST has been extended to a continuous-time high-frequency boost-filter. The proposed HF RMS detector has been implemented along with a 24 dB 350 MHz boost filter as the DUT on 0.35 ÂÂμm CMOS technology. The HF RMS detector occupies 0.07 mm2 and has an input capacitance of 7 fF. The HF RMS detector has a dynamic range greater than 24 dB starting from -38 dBm of input power. The bandwidth and boost of the filter have been accurately estimated in simulation using the HF RMS detector. The sensitivity of an intermediate band pass node of the filter has also been monitored to predict the filter's sensitivity to Q errors. The final part of the research describes the design of a single-ended to differential converter for use in a broadband transceiver operating from 50-850 MHz. This circuit is used as the second stage in the transceiver after the LNA. The design has been simulated on a 0.35 um CMOS process and has a power consumption of 13.5 mW and less than 8 dB of noise figure over the entire band. It is capable of driving a 500fF load with less than 1dB of gain ripple over the entire band (50-850 MHz).


The Sixth framework programme for research and technological development is structured in three main blocks of activities. 'Focusing and Integrating Community Research', 'Structuring the European Research Area, and 'Strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area'. The 'Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices' is one of the thematic priorities laid down in the 'Focusing and Integrating Community Research' programme of FP6. The priority thematic areas (seven in total) of the 'Focusing and Integrating Community Research' represent the bulk of expenditure under the Sixth framework programme 2002-2006. Nanotechnologies represent a new approach to materials science and engineering. Europe enjoys a strong position in the nanosciences but this position needs to be translated into a real competitive advantage for European industry. The transformation of industry towards high-added value organisations necessitates real integrated approaches, either 'vertical', combining materials sciences, nanotechnologies and production technologies, as well as other technologies based e.g. on information technologies or biotechnologies, or 'horizontal', combining multi-sectoral interests. European production industry as a whole needs to move from resource-based towards knowledge-based, more environmentfriendly approaches, from quantity to quality, from mass produced single-use products to manufactured-on-demand multi-use, upgradable product-services and from 'material and tangible' to 'intangible' value-added products, processes and services. These changes are associated with radical shifts in industrial structures, involving a stronger presence of innovative enterprises, with capabilities in networks and mastering new hybrid technologies. Framework programme FP6 Previous programme FP5-LIFE QUALITY Successor programme FP7-NMP Programme funding EUR 1 429 million Official Journal Reference L294/ of 2002-10-29 Legislative Reference 2002/834/EC of 2002-09-30 Page 1 of 5 Research and Innovation Subdivision The Community activities carried out under this thematic area cover the following: A) Nanotechnologies and nanosciences B) Knowledge-based multifunctional materials C) New Production Processes and Devices D) Integration of nanotechnologies, new materials, and new production technologies for more cost and eco-effective sectoral applications E) Cross-priorities actions and links to other research actions A) Nanotechnologies and nanosciences The objective is twofold: to promote the creation of an RTD-intensive European nanotechnology-enabled industry, and to promote the uptake of nanotechnologies in existing industrial sectors. Research may be long-term and high risk, but will be oriented towards industrial application and/or co-ordination of efforts at EU level. An active policy of encouraging industrial companies and SMEs, including start-ups, will be pursued and strong industry/research interactions in consortia undertaking projects will be promoted.. 1. Long-term interdisciplinary research into understanding phenomena, mastering processes and developing research tools The aim is to expand the generic underlying knowledge base of application oriented nano-science and nanotechnology, and to develop leading edge research tools and techniques. 2. Nanobiotechnologies The aim is to support research into the integration of biological and non-biological entities, opening new horizons in many applications for processing and for medical and environmental analysis systems. 3. Nanometre-scale engineering techniques to create materials and components The aim is to to develop novel functional and structural materials of superior performance for industry, by controlling their nano-structure. This will include technologies for their production and processing. 4. Development of handling and control devices and instruments The aim is to develop efficient instrumentation for measurement, analysis and manufacture at the nano-scale. A guiding target for handling and controlling nanostructures should be a feature size or resolution of the order of 10nm. 5. Applications in areas such as health, chemistry, energy, optics and the environment The objective is to foster the potential of nanotechnologies in breakthrough applications through the integration of research developments in materials and technological devices in an industrial context. B) Knowledge-based multifunctional materials New, high knowledge-content materials, providing new functionalities and improved performance, will be critical drivers of innovation in technologies, devices and systems, benefiting sustainable development and competitiveness. Breakthroughs will come not only from the new materials developed but also from new processing, overall product design and from the new approaches taken for example using renewable materials or interface design. To assure Europe's strong positions in emerging technology markets, the various actors need to be mobilised through leading edge RTD partnerships, including high risk research and through integration between research on materials and industrial applications. 1. Development of fundamental knowledge The aim is to understand complex physico-chemical and biological phenomena relevant to the mastering and processing of intelligent materials with the help of experimental, theoretical and modelling tools. This will provide the basis for synthesising larger complex or self-assembling structures with defined physical, chemical or biological characteristics. Page 2 of 5 Research and Innovation 2. Technologies associated with the production, transformation and processing of knowledge-based multifunctional materials The aim is to improve the sustainable processing of multifunctional materials which can contribute to clear benefits in the fabrication of industrial products. These novel materials, serving multisectorial applications should incorporate in-built characteristics to be exploited under predetermined circumstances as well as enhanced bulk properties or barrier and surface characteristics for higher performance. 3. Engineering support for materials development The aim is to bridge the gap from 'knowledge production' to 'knowledge use', thus overcoming the EU industry's weaknesses in the integration of materials and manufacturing. This will be achieved by the development of new tools enabling the production of new materials in a context of sustainable competitiveness. C) New Production Processes and Devices The overall aim is to support the transformation of European industry towards a knowledge-based and added value industry for improved competitiveness and sustainability. This requires the development of new production concepts that radically change the way manufacturers design, build and support products, processes and services. 1. Development of new processes and flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems The aim is to encourage industry's transition towards more knowledge-based production and systems organisation and to considering production from a more holistic perspective, encompassing not only hardware and software, but also people and the way in which they learn and share knowledge. 2. Systems research and hazard control The aim is to contribute to an improved sustainability of industrial systems and a substantial and measurable reduction in environmental and health impact, through new industrial approaches, as well as enhancement of resource efficiency and reduction in consumption of primary resources. 3. Optimising the life-cycle of industrial systems, products and services As products and production systems are increasingly life-cycle, quality and service-oriented, the requirements of intelligence, energy-saving, cost-effectiveness, safety and cleanliness, present key challenges for new industrial and consumption approaches based on eco-efficiency. This objective must allow the development of new concepts for production, products, processes and organizational innovation. D) Integration of nanotechnologies, new materials, and new production technologies for more cost and eco-effective sectoral applications Nanotechnologies, materials science and advanced technologies have become very important, both in terms of improving the quality of life of all people and of creating wealth through novel knowledge-based and sustainable products and processes. The goal is to foster breakthrough applications through the integration of multi-disciplinary research developments in an industrial context. Research effort should help explore new concepts, expected to support the technological and reference basis for the EU Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP). E) Cross-priorities actions and links to other research actions Links between the 'Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices' and the thematic priority 6 "Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems" exist. The research activities carried out within this thematic priority area will include exploratory research at the leading edge of knowledge on subjects closely related to one or more topics within it. Two complementary approaches will be used: one receptive and open the other proactive. Page 3 of 5 Research and Innovation Subjects Economic Aspects Biotechnology Evaluation Electronics and Microelectronics Scientific Research Measurement Methods Mathematics and Statistics Last updated on 2014-03-05 Retrieved on 2019-08-16 Implementation The Commission is responsible for the implementation of the specific programme. It draws up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities as well as the timetable for implementation. The work programme takes account of relevant research activities carried out by the member states,


Allowing shear walls to rock is one way of protecting structures from earthquake damage, or at least minimising this damage. Walls allowed to rock must have the ability to resist both overturning moment, and lateral forces. While resistance to overturning is typically provided by self-weight, post-tensioned cables, and/or damping devices acting as hold-downs, a particular challenge is to provide adequate resistance to lateral forces, which will not interfere with, nor disturb the function of the devices chosen to resist overturning. During an earthquake, there will typically be high contact forces between the shear keys and shear walls. Friction induced by these contact forces can add to the moment resistance against overturning – often in an unpredictable way. While supplemental moment resistance could be considered a desirable outcome in the case of non-rocking walls; in the case of rocking walls, their load limiting ability could be compromised. A new shear key concept, that is both simple and economical, is proposed and implemented at the bottom centre of an experimental timber wall that is allowed to rock. Under loading, the shear key performed as intended, providing adequate lateral resistance, while at the same time allowing the wall to rock in the intended manner.