Description: Equine exercise physiology is an area that has been subject to major scientific advances over the last 30 years, largely due to the increased availability of high–speed treadmills and techniques for recording physiological function during exercise. Despite the scientific advances, many riders and trainers are still using little more than experience and intuition to train their horses. The aim of this book is to sort the fact from the fiction for the benefit of those involved in training, managing or working with horses, and to provide an up–to–date summary of the state of play in equine exercise physiology. Scientific theories are explained from first principles, with the assumption that the reader has no previous scientific background. The book is designed to save competitors and trainers a lot of time and effort trying to extract information in piecemeal fashion from a host of reference sources. For the first time, everything you need to know about exercising and training horses is here in one text.-The first book to be aimed specifically at equine science/studies degree students-Will also be useful to veterinary students-A manual–type approach makes this book portable and easy to use Contents: Foreword.


Nitrogen (N) deposition and phosphorus (P) deposition due to pollution and land‐use change are dramatically altering biogeochemical cycles. These altered nutrient inputs affect plant communities by generally increasing dominance and reducing diversity, as well as altering community variability (heterogeneity). Less well studied are the effects of changes in community variability on ecosystem functions, such as productivity, or the stability of those functions. Here, we use a twelve‐year nutrient addition experiment in tallgrass prairie to determine the variability in community responses to N and P additions and link these responses to ecosystem productivity and stability. We added two levels of N and four levels of P in a fully factorial design to 25‐m2 plots in native tallgrass prairie in north‐eastern Kansas, USA. Each year percentage cover of each species was measured in June and August in a 1‐m2 subplot of each plot, and annual net primary productivity was measured in two 0.1‐m2 subplots in each plot at the end of each growing season. The addition of N and P together increased plant community variability across space (i.e. the replicates were significantly more different from each other in the N + P treatments than they were in the control treatment). We also found that the variability of the plant community within a single plot through time increased with the addition of N alone and N and P together. The highest level of both spatial and temporal variability occurred in plots with the highest level of nutrient addition (10 g m−2 of both N and P). While we found no linkage between spatial variability of community composition and the spatial stability of productivity, the temporal stability of productivity decreased with increasing temporal plant community variability. Additionally, the ability to predict the productivity response to growing season precipitation, a key environmental variable, also decreased under higher temporal community variability. Synthesis. Using a 12‐year nutrient addition experiment, we found that nutrient addition leads to both spatial and temporal community variability in mesic tallgrass prairie. The changes in community variability through time were directly related to ecosystem stability. While overall shifts in community structure in response to nutrient additions are important, the change in variability of local communities has significant implications for our ability to predict how patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem function will respond to a rapidly changing world.


Qualifying a realist interpretation, this essay argues that the dialectical involvement of the state as an individual with its external relations exposes international politics as a matter of both anarchy and war, and mutual recognition and practical morality among states in Hegel's theory of international relations. With the absolute distinction between internal community and external anarchy removed, Hegel's account of civil society becomes relevant to his theory of international relations. Both as an analogy and concretely, it provides indications for a partial transcendence of sovereign statehood and international anarchy by institutionalised co-operation and political (self-)regulation in a transnationalising civil society.


(ABSTRACT) During the last decade, the wireless communications industry has grown rapidly. Driven by market demand, service providers are continuously looking for better systems. The main focus of continued research has been to increase the quality of services and system capacity. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular system had been proposed for use as a new standard for cellular telephone systems. A great deal of research has been conducted to develop receiver structures useful for CDMA systems. Traditional receivers such as the correlation and RAKE receivers are vulnerable to the near-far problem, i.e., the problem encountered when one received signal power is stronger than another. This problem is common in mobile environments. For single-user receivers, adaptive filtering techniques can be employed to alleviate multiple access interference and the near-far problem. In this thesis, an adaptive filter receiver is implemented on the FPGA-based configurable computing platform called GigaOps G900. By using FPGAs, designers can implement special-purpose signal processing architectures using specialized data paths, optimized sequencing, and pipelining while still providing some flexibility. This results in better overall system performance, resource utilization, and reduced power consumption. iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank Professor Peter M. Athanas for being my advisor, and for his guidance and support throughout my graduate studies. I would also like to thank Professors Mark T. Jones and Jeffrey H. Reed for being on my committee and supplying corrections and comments to this thesis. I am deeply grateful for all the help I have received during the course of this thesis at Virginia Tech. A special thanks is owed to John Davies and Nitin Mangalvedhe for their work and support of this thesis. I would like to thank for their support over the past two years. This thesis is dedicated to my parents and my wife for their endless support and encouragement.


We study theoretically the light scattering from metal wires of arbitrary cross section, with emphasis on the occurrence of plasmon resonances. We make use of the rigorous formulation of the Green's theorem surface integral equations of the electromagnetic wave scattering, written for an arbitrary number of scatterers described in parametric form. We have investigated the scattering cross sections for nanowires of various shapes (circle, triangles, rectangles, and stars), either isolated or interacting. The relationship between the cross sectional shape and the spectral dependence of the plasmon resonances is studied, including the impact of nanoparticle coupling in the case of interacting scatterers. Near-field intensity maps are also shown that shed light on the plasmon resonance features and the occurrence of local field enhancements.


Purpose: This article aims to shed more light on seemingly contradicting labour market outcomes of lesbians: they were found to have similar unemployment rates as straight women but their unemployment spells are significantly shorter. No such contradiction is observed for gays who seem to have on average a higher unemployment rate and longer unemployment spells compared to straight men. Design/methodology/approach: The main hypothesis is that lesbian and gay employees spend ceteris paribus shorter time working for a given employer (employer tenure) than comparable straight people. This hypothesis is tested on EU Labour Force Survey data using multi-level regression model. Findings: Consistently with the predictions, lesbians and gays were found to have significantly shorter employer tenure than their straight counterparts. These differences remained significant after controlling for individual, workplace and occupational characteristics. The results suggest that shorter employer tenure of lesbians and (possibly) gays is driven by labour demand factors. Originality/value: To author's knowledge this is the first large-scale quantitative study that compares the employer tenure between lesbians, gays and comparable heterosexuals. The study provides additional insight into mechanisms that lead to (lack of) differentials in unemployment probability between these groups.


The recently published crystal structure of the external domains of αVβ3 confirms the prediction that the aminoterminal portion of αV, which shares 40% homology with αIIb, folds into a β-propeller structure and that the 4 calcium-binding domains are positioned on the bottom of the propeller. To gain insight into the role of the calcium-binding domains in αIIb biogenesis, we characterized mutations in the second and third calcium-binding domains of αIIb in 2 patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia. One patient inherited a Val298Phe mutation in the second domain, and the other patient inherited an Ile374Thr mutation in the third domain. Mammalian cell expression studies were performed with normal and mutant αIIb and β3 cDNA constructs. By flow cytometry, expression of αIIb Val298Phe/β3 in transfected cells was 28% of control, and expression of αIIbIle374Thr/β3 was 11% of control. Pulse-chase analyses showed that both mutant pro-αIIb subunits are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and degraded. Mutagenesis studies of the Val298 and Ile374 residues showed that these highly conserved, branch-chained hydrophobic residues are essential at these positions and that biogenesis and expression of αIIbβ3 is dramatically affected by structural variations in these regions of the calcium-binding domains. Energy calculations derived from a new model of the αIIb β-propeller indicate that these mutations interfere with calcium binding. These data suggest that the αIIb calcium-binding domains play a key structural role in the β-propeller, and that the structural integrity of the calcium-binding domains is critical for integrin biogenesis.


The coupling between topography, waves and currents in the surf zone may self-organize to produce the formation of shore-transverse or shore-oblique sand bars on an otherwise alongshore uniform beach. In the absence of shore-parallel bars, this has been shown by previous studies of linear stability analysis, but is now extended to the finite-amplitude regime. To this end, a nonlinear model coupling wave transformation and breaking, a shallow-water equations solver, sediment transport and bed updating is developed. The sediment flux consists of a stirring factor multiplied by the depth-averaged current plus a downslope correction. It is found that the cross-shore profile of the ratio of stirring factor to water depth together with the wave incidence angle primarily determine the shape and the type of bars, either transverse or oblique to the shore. In the latter case, they can open an acute angle against the current (up-current oriented) or with the current (down-current oriented). At the initial stages of development, both the intensity of the instability which is responsible for the formation of the bars and the damping due to downslope transport grow at a similar rate with bar amplitude, the former being somewhat stronger. As bars keep on growing, their finite-amplitude shape either enhances downslope transport or weakens the instability mechanism so that an equilibrium between both opposing tendencies occurs, leading to a final saturated amplitude. The overall shape of the saturated bars in plan view is similar to that of the small-amplitude ones. However, the final spacings may be up to a factor of 2 larger and final celerities can also be about a factor of 2 smaller or larger. In the case of alongshore migrating bars, the asymmetry of the longshore sections, the lee being steeper than the stoss, is well reproduced. Complex dynamics with merging and splitting of individual bars sometimes occur. Finally, in the case of shore-normal incidence the rip currents in the troughs between the bars are jet-like while the onshore return flow is wider and weaker as is observed in nature.


Savings play a crucial role in faciliating investment in income-generating activities and the pathway out of poverty for low-income households in developing settings. Yet, there is little evidence of successful programmes that increase savings, particularly those that are simultaneously cost effective, scaleable and address gender inequalities. This paper examines the impact of the Government of Zambia's Child Grant Programme (CGP), an unconditional cash transfer targeted to women in households with young children, on women's savings and participation in non-farm enterprises.Findings show that the CGP enabled poor women to save more cash and that the impact is larger for women who had lower decision-making power at baseline. The results support the proposition that cash transfers have the potential for long-term sustainable improvements in women's financial position and household well-being by promoting savings and facilitating productive investments among low-income rural households.


The progress in Query-focused Multi-Document Summarization (QMDS) has been limited by the lack of sufficient largescale high-quality training datasets. We present two QMDS training datasets, which we construct using two data augmentation methods: (1) transferring the commonly used single-document CNN/Daily Mail summarization dataset to create the QMDSCNN dataset, and (2) mining search-query logs to create the QMDSIR dataset. These two datasets have complementary properties, i.e., QMDSCNN has real summaries but queries are simulated, while QMDSIR has real queries but simulated summaries. To cover both these real summary and query aspects, we build abstractive end-to-end neural network models on the combined datasets that yield new state-of-the-art transfer results on DUC datasets. We also introduce new hierarchical encoders that enable a more efficient encoding of the query together with multiple documents. Empirical results demonstrate that our data augmentation and encoding methods outperform baseline models on automatic metrics, as well as on human evaluations along multiple attributes.


The performance of very shallow geothermal systems (VSGs), interesting the first 2 m of depth from ground level, is strongly correlated to the kind of sediment locally available. These systems are attractive due to their low installation costs, less legal constraints, easy maintenance and possibility for technical improvements. The Improving Thermal Efficiency of horizontal ground heat exchangers Project (ITER) aims to understand how to enhance the heat transfer of the sediments surrounding the pipes and to depict the VSGs behavior in extreme thermal situations. In this regard, five helices were installed horizontally surrounded by five different backfilling materials under the same climatic conditions and tested under different operation modes. The field test monitoring concerned: (a) monthly measurement of thermal conductivity and moisture content on surface; (b) continuous recording of air and ground temperature (inside and outside each helix); (c) continuous climatological and ground volumetric water content (VWC) data acquisition. The interactions between soils, VSGs, environment and climate are presented here, focusing on the differences and similarities between the behavior of the helix and surrounding material, especially when the heat pump is running in heating mode for a very long time, forcing the ground temperature to drop below 0 °C.


The spin-crossover (SCO) compounds [Fe(Htrz)3](BF4)2·H2O (SCO-1) and [Fe(Htrz)2trz]BF4 (SCO-2) (Htrz = 1,2,4-triazole) were embedded in the pores of mesostructured silica MCM-41 to yield SCO@MCM composites as evidenced by electron microscopy, gas sorption studies, powder X-ray diffractometry, atomic absorption and infrared spectrometry. Studies of the temperature-induced spin crossover behavior of the composites by temperature-variable 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic and differential scanning calorimetry measurements and optical reflectivity indicate that the spin transition of the composites was significantly shifted for SCO-1@MCM to higher temperature in comparison to bulk SCO-1 compounds while the shift for SCO-2 was negligible. These shifts in the transition temperature for SCO-1@MCM [versus bulk SCO-1] amounted to T↑c = 371/376 K [282/291 K] and T↓c = 340/345 K [276/286 K] (magnetic/optical reflectivity data) with a broadening of the hysteresis by 25–26 K relative to bulk SCO-1 (varying slightly with the used method). The significant difference in the SCO behavior of the similar materials SCO-1 and SCO-2 when embedded in the MCM-41 matrix is assigned to the hydration of the SCO-1@MCM material. Water is apparently crucial in transmitting the confinement pressure or matrix effect on the spin transition when the SCO compound is embedded between the pore walls.


The matricellular protein osteopontin (OPN, Spp-1) is widely associated with cancer aggressiveness when produced by tumor cells, but its impact is uncertain when produced by leukocytes in the context of the tumor stroma. In a broad study using Spp1(-/-) mice along with gene silencing in tumor cells, we obtained evidence of distinct and common activities of OPN when produced by tumor or host cells in a spontaneously metastatic model of breast cancer. Different cellular localization of OPN is associated with its distinct activities, being mainly secreted in tumor cells while intracellular in myeloid cells. OPN produced by tumor cells supported their survival in the blood stream, whereas both tumor- and host-derived OPN, particularly from myeloid cells, rendered the metastatic site more immunosuppressive. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expanded with tumor progression at both primary and lung metastatic sites. Of the expanded monocytic and granulocytic cell populations of MDSCs, the monocytic subset was the predominant source of OPN. In Spp1(-/-) mice, the inhibition of lung metastases correlated with the expansion of granulocyte-oriented MDSCs. Notably, monocytic MDSCs in Spp1(-/-) mice were less suppressive than their wild-type counterparts due to lower expression of arginase-1, IL6, and phospho-Stat3. Moreover, fewer regulatory T cells accumulated at the metastatic site in Spp1(-/-) mice. Our data find correlation with lung metastases of human mammary carcinomas that are associated with myeloid cells expressing OPN. Overall, our results unveiled novel functions for OPN in shaping local immunosuppression in the lung metastatic niche.


The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of localization, which comes from homotopy theory, in the context of finite simple groups. We give an easy criterion for a finite simple group to be a localization of some simple subgroup and we apply it in various cases. Iterating this process allows us to connect many simple groups by a sequence of localizations. We prove that all sporadic simple groups (except possibly the Monster) and several groups of Lie type are connected to alternating groups. The question remains open whether or not there are several connected components within the family of finite simple groups. In some cases, we also consider automorphism groups and universal covering groups and we show that a localization of a finite simple group may not be simple.


Questions about people's perceptions of politicians or other political actors are of central interest in a wide variety of research areas. But measuring these perceptions is difficult in part because respondents may use survey response scales in different ways. In a classic article, Aldrich and McKelvey (1977) introduce a method adjusting for such differential item functioning by assuming that all respondents perceive political stimuli identically. I propose a modeling approach built on the Aldrich and McKelvey framework but incorporating anchoring vignettes. This approach allows for scale use adjustments without assuming that all respondents perceive a given politician identically. I apply this model to data on Americans' perceptions of parties, elected officials, and other political actors, showing that, contrary to previous arguments, most variation in ideology ratings is due not to differing scale use, but to differences in underlying perceptions. Specifically, while perceptions of Republican politicians and the Republican party show no significant differences by respondent partisanship, Democratic and Republican respondents differ strongly in their perceptions of the ideology of Democratic political actors as well as the Supreme Court.


ABSTRACT The global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is expected to increase continuously over the next century. However, little is known about the responses of soil bacterial communities to elevated CO2 in terrestrial ecosystems. This study aimed to partition the relative influences of CO2, nitrogen (N), and the spatial factor (different sampling plots) on soil bacterial communities at the free-air CO2 enrichment research site in Duke Forest, North Carolina, by two independent techniques: an entirely sequencing-based approach and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Multivariate regression tree analysis demonstrated that the spatial factor could explain more than 70% of the variation in soil bacterial diversity and 20% of the variation in community structure, while CO2 or N treatment explains less than 3% of the variation. For the effects of soil environmental heterogeneity, the diversity estimates were distinguished mainly by the total soil N and C/N ratio. Bacterial diversity estimates were positively correlated with total soil N and negatively correlated with C/N ratio. There was no correlation between the overall bacterial community structures and the soil properties investigated. This study contributes to the information about the effects of elevated CO2 and soil fertility on soil bacterial communities and the environmental factors shaping the distribution patterns of bacterial community diversity and structure in temperate forest soils.


The use of Artificial Neural Networks ( ANN s) to control autonomous robots has been quite extensively studied. Also, in recent years researchers have begun to investigate the notion of programming such robots using visual programming languages based on various programming and robot control models. Some of this work has focused on developing visual programming-bydemonstration ( PBD ) systems. Here we extend the latter approach by proposing a visual PBD environment for autonomous robots based on ANN s. Within this environment, sensor-to-motor rules, called sensorimotor maps, are programmed by employing ANN s to match sensor outputs to actuator inputs. The goal is to create a programming environment in which the end-user is not required to have any knowledge of the underlying control model, ANN programming in this case. In this regard, the current proposal appears more promising than previous attempts using the subsumption model


An established iceberg module, ICB, is used interactively with the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) ocean model in a new implementation, NEMO–ICB (v1.0). A 30-year hindcast (1976–2005) simulation with an eddy-permitting (0.25°) global configuration of NEMO–ICB is undertaken to evaluate the influence of icebergs on sea ice, hydrography, mixed layer depths (MLDs), and ocean currents, through comparison with a control simulation in which the equivalent iceberg mass flux is applied as coastal runoff, a common forcing in ocean models. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), drift and melting of icebergs are in balance after around 5 years, whereas the equilibration timescale for the Northern Hemisphere (NH) is 15–20 years. Iceberg drift patterns, and Southern Ocean iceberg mass, compare favourably with available observations. Freshwater forcing due to iceberg melting is most pronounced very locally, in the coastal zone around much of Antarctica, where it often exceeds in magnitude and opposes the negative freshwater fluxes associated with sea ice freezing. However, at most locations in the polar Southern Ocean, the annual-mean freshwater flux due to icebergs, if present, is typically an order of magnitude smaller than the contribution of sea ice melting and precipitation. A notable exception is the southwest Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, where iceberg melting reaches around 50% of net precipitation over a large area. Including icebergs in place of coastal runoff, sea ice concentration and thickness are notably decreased at most locations around Antarctica, by up to ~ 20% in the eastern Weddell Sea, with more limited increases, of up to ~ 10% in the Bellingshausen Sea. Antarctic sea ice mass decreases by 2.9%, overall. As a consequence of changes in net freshwater forcing and sea ice, salinity and temperature distributions are also substantially altered. Surface salinity increases by ~ 0.1 psu around much of Antarctica, due to suppressed coastal runoff, with extensive freshening at depth, extending to the greatest depths in the polar Southern Ocean where discernible effects on both salinity and temperature reach 2500 m in the Weddell Sea by the last pentad of the simulation. Substantial physical and dynamical responses to icebergs, throughout the global ocean, are explained by rapid propagation of density anomalies from high-to-low latitudes. Complementary to the baseline model used here, three prototype modifications to NEMO–ICB are also introduced and discussed.


The need to make sure autonomous systems behave ethically is increasing with these systems becoming part of our society. Although there is no consensus to which actions an autonomous system should always be ethically obliged, preventing harm to people is an intuitive first candidate for a principle of behaviour. Do not hurt a human or allow a human to be hurt by your inaction is Asimov's First Law of robotics. We consider the challenges that the implementation of this Law will incur. To unearth these challenges we constructed a simulation of a First Robot Law abiding agent and an accident prone Human. We used a classic two-dimensional grid environment and explored to which extent an agent can be programmed, using standard artificial intelligence methods, to prevent a human from making dangerous actions. We outline the drawbacks of using the Asimov's First Law of robotics as an underlying ethical theory the governs an autonomous system's behaviour.


Next Generation Passive Optical Networks-2 (NG-PON2) are being considered to upgrade the current PON technology to meet the ever increasing bandwidth requirements of the end users while optimizing the network operators' investment. Reliability performance of NG-PON2 is very important due to the extended reach and, consequently, large number of served customers per PON segment. On the other hand, the use of more complex and hence more failure prone components than in the current PON systems may degrade reliability performance of the network. Thus designing reliable NG-PON2 architectures is of a paramount importance. Moreover, for appropriately evaluating network reliability performance, new models are required. For example, the commonly used reliability parameter, i.e., connection availability, defined as the percentage of time for which a connection remains operable, doesn't reflect the network wide reliability performance. The network operators are often more concerned about a single failure affecting a large number of customers than many uncorrelated failures disconnecting fewer customers while leading to the same average failure time. With this view, we introduce a new parameter for reliability performance evaluation, referred to as the failure impact. In this paper, we propose several reliable architectures for two important NG-PON2 candidates: wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) PON and time and wavelength division multiplexed (TWDM) PON. Furthermore, we evaluate protection coverage, availability, failure impact and cost of the proposed schemes in order to identify the most efficient protection architecture.


Formative assessment is the process by which teachers and students gather evidence of learning and then use this to adapt the way they teach and learn in the classroom. In this paper we describe a design research project in which we integrated formative assessment into mathematics classroom materials. We outline two examples of formative assessment lessons, one concept-based and the other problem-solving, highlighting the important roles within them of pre-assessment, formative feedback questions and sample work for students to critique


The jurisprudence that has developed in the last twenty-five years under Batson v. Kentucky may be fairly described as indeterminate, unprincipled, and generally ineffective. Scholarly literature points to a variety of reasons for this state of affairs. This Article focuses on one source of the problem — the lack of clarity in the law concerning the evidentiary framework (methodology) needed for a reliable analysis of statistical evidence in Batson cases. United States Supreme Court decisions beginning with Miller-El v. Cockrell (2003) and continuing through Miller-El v. Dretke (2005), Johnson v. California (2005), and Snyder v. Louisiana (2008) clarified a number of issues related to the use of statistical evidence and laid the foundation for the development of a more rigorous and principled methodology for use in Batson cases. In that regard, this line of cases may be usefully compared to the Supreme Court's Title VII decisions in the 1970s, which laid the foundation for the development of an exhaustive body of evidentiary and methodological law that informs the use of statistical evidence in employment cases. In this Article, we first consider the issues, rulings, and likely impact of the Miller-El line of cases. We then discuss research developed in connection with a recent capital case with complicated Batson issues to both illustrate and build on that foundation in an effort to provide useful guidance for future policymakers and litigants. In the next part, Part II, we provide background information on Batson and the evidentiary issues this paper seeks to address. Part III then introduces the Supreme Court cases that form the centerpiece of our analysis and considers, again, the contribution these cases make to the appropriate use of statistical analysis in Batson claims. This part presents a preliminary evaluation of how some courts have applied the Supreme Court's guidance in these areas. Part IV focuses on the case of Commonwealth v. Harold Wilson, a capital case from Pennsylvania in which the defendant successfully litigated a complex Batson claim using statistical evidence. The evidence presented in this case can serve as a model of how to present statistical evidence of discrimination in jury selection. The conclusion appears in Part V.


How to estimate regional economic development level is important for solving regional inequality problems. Most of previous studies on regional economic development are based on the statistics collected typically in administrative units. This paper has analyzed the defects of traditional studies, and attempted to research regional economic development problems with 10-year DMSP/OLS nighttime light satellite imagery as a new data source. For exploring the relationship between DMSP/OLS nighttime light data and GDP, different types of curve fitting regression models have been tried, the Cubic model has shown the best performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.803. Based on this positive correlation, we have estimated provincial economic development level of China using DMSP/OLS nighttime light data. The research results have indicated that the DMSP/OLS nighttime light data can well reveal provincial economic development levels.


In the last few years the construction industry has attempted to adopt a less adversarial approach to contracting. The increased use of forms of contract such as the NEC demonstrates a willingness for the parties engaged in projects to act in a spirit of co-operation and partnering. This attempt to reduce conflict has also meant that clients, contractors and subcontractors have become more willing, with the encouragement of government and legislation to adopt alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
This dissertation aims to review one mode of ADR, mediation, and assess the drivers and barriers for its use, advantages and disadvantages as compared to other forms of ADR and to look at the drivers and barriers to its use in industry.
The review will also look at the role the courts of England and Wales have had and continue to have in encouraging parties in dispute to consider ADR and particularly mediation before embarking on litigation. The review will emphasise the view that those with experience of mediation consider that for many cases of dispute the use of mediation ought to continue to be encouraged and can lead to parties saving time and cost in resolving disputes.


The present study was conducted to evaluate clinicophysiological and biochemical effects of dexmedetomidine and its combination with ketamine and ropivacaine for tube cystostomy in urolithic buffalo calves. The study was conducted on 15 male buffalo calves of 3 to 4 months of age having the body weight of 40 to 50 kg which were suffering from urinary obstruction for 2 to 4 days. The animals were divided into three groups viz. D, DK and RDK on the basis of anesthetic agent(s) used. In Group D-dexmedetomidine 7.5 μg/kg, in Group DK- dexmedetomidine and ketamine 3.75 μg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively, and in Group RDK-ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine and ketamine 0.15 mg/kg, 2.5 μg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively, were administered subarachnoidally at lumbosacral space. In all the groups the onset of analgesia, extent and depth of analgesia at tail, perineum, inguinal region, thigh, digits, anterior flank, posterior flank, lower abdomen and thorax were recorded up to 90 minutes. The clinical examination revealed earliest onset of analgesia inGroup DK followed by Group RDK and Group D. However, duration of analgesia was similar in all the groups. Motor incoordination was recorded earlier in DK and RDK groups. Recovery time was shortest in dexmedetomidine (128.80±5.11 minutes) alone. Heart rate and respiratory rate decreased in all the groups. Rectal temperature decreased significantly in all the groups. Plasma glucose increased significantly in all the groups. However, plasma urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine values did not change significantly. It was concluded that RDK group provides better extent and depth of subarachnoid analgesia than D and DK with only transient and minor changes in physiological and biochemical parameters and therefore, could be used safely for tube cystostomy in urolithic buffalo calves.


Background: The injection of water droplets into industrial gas turbines is now commonplace and is central to several proposed advanced cycles. These cycles benefit from the subsequent reduction in compressor work, the increase in turbine work, and (in the case of recuperated cycles) reduction in compressor delivery temperature, which all act to increase the efficiency and power output. An investigation is presented here into the effect such water droplets will have on the operating point and flow characteristics of an aeroderivative gas turbine cycle. Method of Approach: The paper first describes the development of a computer program to study the effects of water injection in multispool industrial gas turbines. The program can operate in two modes: the first uses predetermined nondimensional wet compressor maps to match the components and is instructive and fast but limited in scope; the second uses the compressor geometries as input and calculates the wet compressor operating conditions as and when required. As a result, it is more computationally demanding, but can cope with a wider range of circumstances. In both cases the compressor characteristics are calculated from a mean-line analysis using suitable loss, deviation and blockage models, coupled with Lagrangianstyle droplet evaporation calculations. The program has been applied to a three-spool machine to address issues such as the effects of water injection on power output and overall efficiency, and the off-design nature of the compressor operation. Results: Preliminary results calculated on this basis show similar trends to predictions for single-shaft machines, namely that air mass flow rates and pressure ratios are increased by water injection, and that early stages of the compressor are shifted towards choke and rear stages towards stall. The LP compressor in particular operates at severely off-design conditions. Conclusions: The predicted overall performance of the three-spool machine shows a substantial power boost and a marginal increase in thermal efficiency.


Copper oxide nanocatalyst was synthesized by green chemistry approach using Eichhornia crassipes leaf extract. The photocatalytic activities of copper oxide nanocatalyst was evaluated using the photocatalytic degradation of Vat Red 13 under the irradiation of UV light. The maximum photocatalytic activity of the copper oxide photocatalyst was observed at 60 min of irradiation for a catalyst dose of 4 mg at pH 6.6. The degradation of Vat Red 13 was confirmed by comparison of UV and FT-IR studies of the dye solution and copper oxide nanocatalyst treated dye solution.


On the death of Dan Urman in 2004, his colleagues set about completing his unfinished manuscripts, including this volume: Rafid on the Golan (its ruins remain in a demilitarized zone controlled by United Nations forces), one of Dan UrmanAes last archaeological projects. He succeeded in completing the chapters detailing the survey of the houses in the village, carried out during the years 1968-1970. The houses were measured, photographed, and an overall map was drawn, which included all houses, alleys, footpaths, public areas and water reservoirs. The survey team realized that Rafid was an unusual archaeological resource that preserved scores of ancient buildings still standing from foundation to the rafters, constructed of basalt. Dan Urman saw in the survey of Rafid and in the scientific material collected within its framework the highest achievement of the Golan survey: the intact buildings built of decorated basalt could, in his opinion, serve as a model of the building style prevalent in the Roman and Byzantine periods - not only on the Golan, but also on the Korazim and Issachar plateaus. Because of the long time that elapsed between the survey and the preparation of the material for publication, it was necessary to find a Golan expert, who would complete lacunae in the manuscript and present with the rich archaeological material from Rafid also the general background and new research on the Golan and the region bordering on it. Dr. Moshe Hartal from Israel Antiquities Authority, who worked in the original survey team with Dan Urman agreed to work on the manuscript and added the following chapters: The geographical setting, the architectural decorations, the Hauran-style architecture and a synthesis of the history of Rafid in the various historical periods.


We report on the observations of an electron vortex magnetic hole corresponding to a new type of coherent structure in the turbulent magnetosheath plasma using the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission data. The magnetic hole is characterized by a magnetic depression, a density peak, a total electron temperature increase (with a parallel temperature decrease but a perpendicular temperature increase), and strong currents carried by the electrons. The current has a dip in the core region and a peak in the outer region of the magnetic hole. The estimated size of the magnetic hole is about 0.23 ρi (∼30 ρe) in the quasi-circular cross-section perpendicular to its axis, where ρi and ρe are respectively the proton and electron gyroradius. There are no clear enhancements seen in high-energy electron fluxes. However, there is an enhancement in the perpendicular electron fluxes at 90° pitch angle inside the magnetic hole, implying that the electrons are trapped within it. The variations of the electron velocity components Vem and Ven suggest that an electron vortex is formed by trapping electrons inside the magnetic hole in the cross-section in the M–N plane. These observations demonstrate the existence of a new type of coherent structures behaving as an electron vortex magnetic hole in turbulent space plasmas as predicted by recent kinetic simulations.


Public accounting was one product of the forces that transformed the United States in the late 19th century. The country moved from a primarily rural and agricultural society to one that was urban and industrial. Although the increased importance of Wall Street was a new force, the Main Street bankers in every town and hamlet were equally important as small businesses turned to their bankers for credit. These changes created a more complex social order, requiring the specialized knowledge of new professions. One emerging profession was public accounting, whose members, like the characters in Frank Baum's contemporary classic, The Wizard of Oz, were in search of the yellow brick road to personal fulfillment. But in the accountants' case, the search involved the acquisition of income and status by winning acceptance for their auditing, management consulting and, later, taxation services. THE PIONEERING PERIOD The focal point of the efforts to organize the profession of public accounting was in New York City. Here, two rival organizations competed to create a framework for professional governance. First, there was the Institute of Accounts, an organization founded in 1882 that brought together public accountants, bookkeepers and businessmen interested in accounting. The membership was further unified by a nationalistic outlook supporting the post-Civil War reconciliation of the North and the South. Its leaders included Union Colonel Charles E. Sprague, an accounting theoretician and president of the Union Dime Savings Bank, and Major Henry Harney, formerly of Baltimore, who had served in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The rival American Association of Public Accountants (AAPA), founded in 1887, emulated the traditions of the British profession of chartered accountancy. Its founders included Edwin Guthrie, a chartered accountant, Frank Broaker, a correspondent for several British accounting firms, and Richard Stevens, whose family had founded the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Both organizations issued certificates of proficiency to their members. As early as 1884, the Institute of Accounts issued certificates based on passing an examination. The AAPA, the forerunner of the American Institute of CPAs, began issuing certificates in 1887 on the basis of experience. However, this early certification was limited because the organizations could not restrict practice by nonmembers. Legislation was needed to control the growing ranks of practitioners. It was Henry Harney and Charles Sprague who wrote the original CPA bill that was submitted to the New York legislature. It was introduced in February 1895 but failed to emerge from a House committee and was defeated in the Senate. At the same time, another bill was being circulated by the AAPA. In March 1895, members of the rival organizations met to negotiate the differences between the two bills; the nationalistic bill from the Institute of Accounts was selected with one alteration: The provision requiring CPAs to be U.S. citizens was changed to allow individuals who planned to become citizens to be CPAs. Thus the British-dominated AAPA supported the Institute bill. In 1896, Frank Broaker led the profession's lobbying interests, and the bill passed by almost unanimous vote. It was signed by the governor on April 17, 1896. This law had a grandfathering provision allowing experienced practitioners to become CPAs without taking an examination. In 1897, the first state CPA society, was established in New York under the charismatic leadership of Charles Waldo Haskins, a descendant of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Within four years of the New York CPA law, Pennsylvania, Maryland and California passed similar legislation. By 1921, with passage of the New Mexico law, the professionalization of public accounting had spread throughout the nation. In 1905, the AAPA merged with the Federation of Societies of Public Accountants in the United States (a loose connection of state accounting organizations) and kept the AAPA name; many CPAs viewed the merger as the first step in obtaining uniform national standards for the profession. …


There are plenty of products out there for making information accessible to all users, but how can administrators and managers determine which are the most practical and economical for their particular library? Mates, former director of the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, strips away the technical jargon and introduces dozens of the latest options, including hardware, software, and peripherals. This guide will help readers Choose the products that are best for their organization, with the help of the evaluative commentary, lists of suppliers, and additional resources included Set up work stations and train staff on how to use assistive-technology such as screen readers, Braille displays, keyboard options, listening devices, and more Meet compliance with regulatory agencies while benefiting every member of the community This sensitively written and practical guidebook will be an indispensable resource for ensuring that a library's offerings are accessible to everyone.


We propose a neural network-based approach that computes a stable and generalizing metric (LSiM) to compare data from a variety of numerical simulation sources. We focus on scalar time-dependent 2D data that commonly arises from motion and transport-based partial differential equations (PDEs). Our method employs a Siamese network architecture that is motivated by the mathematical properties of a metric. We leverage a controllable data generation setup with PDE solvers to create increasingly different outputs from a reference simulation in a controlled environment. A central component of our learned metric is a specialized loss function that introduces knowledge about the correlation between single data samples into the training process. To demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms existing metrics for vector spaces and other learned, image-based metrics, we evaluate the different methods on a large range of test data. Additionally, we analyze generalization benefits of an adjustable training data difficulty and demonstrate the robustness of LSiM via an evaluation on three real-world data sets.


1. Reasons for inquiry: The tests were undertaken to find the effect of turbulence in the air stream upon the lift and drag forces measured on models in the four-foot wind tunnel at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 2. Range of investigation: Maximum lifts and minimum drags were measured on Gottingen-387 and R.A.F.-15 airfoils, minimum drag on a streamlined strut, and the static pressure gradients for different conditions of turbulence. 3. Results and further developments: The results show that the scale of the turbulence (as defined in this report) has a marked effect upon the measured forces on models tested in the tunnel as well as on the pressure gradient, and it is recommended that further investigation of the phenomena be made with the aid of smoke and small wind vanes.


There have been numerous efforts to generate freely available climatic datasets for use in species distribution models, the most popular being the global climatic dataset known as WorldClim. The availability of such datasets is invaluable to scientists as many studies are performed in remote areas where no weather stations are found. However, many users do not critically assess the suitability of these datasets for their applications, and errors associated with global datasets are often assumed to be negligible. Understanding what a climate dataset can or cannot deliver requires the user to have a working knowledge of what the basic spatial climate-forcing factors are at the scale of his/her study, and to have a good understanding of the uncertainty in the dataset. In geographic studies, uncertainty is often described by the degree of error (uncertainty), or degree of accuracy (certainty) in data, and thematic uncertainty refers to the uncertainty in measures made for each variable, whereas temporal uncertainty refers to the uncertainty in time period represented by each variable. Here, we used climatic data from weather stations to investigate the climate-forcing factors in southern Kenya, and then used this weather station data to investigate the uncertainty in the WorldClim dataset. Results indicated that the nineteen core Worldclim variables, known as bioclimatic variables, accurately depicted the local variations in climate in the study area. However, whereas the monthly and seasonal temperature variables represented the same time period in different locations, the same was not true for the monthly and seasonal precipitation variables. The onset of rains is a key biological indicator, and scientists studying phenomena tied to the onset of rains need to keep in mind the temporal variations represented in the WorldClim dataset.


The synthesis of a novel heterocubane [RSnE]4 was successful for E = As, while for E = P differing behaviour was observed. Aryl-substituted chlorostannylenes were treated with salts of heavy cyanate homologues PCO- and AsCO-. The reaction with AsCO- salts afforded primarily [TerSnAs]4 (Ter = 2,6-dimesitylphenyl). In contrast, the reaction of TerSnCl with NaPCO proceeded considerably less cleanly affording a mixture of products. The main product was putatively a neutral [Ter4Sn4P4] compound, however, it is not a cubane. A variety of by-products of this reaction could be characterised crystallographically.


Introduction: Most dialysis patients have reduced aerobic power and muscle strength that often presents challenges in tolerating even the many activities required for daily living. As the American National Kidney Association recommends hemodialysis patients should be offered programs of exercise of 30 minutes per day our aim was to seek evidence for the merits of a structured exercise program for 17 patients in a small regional acute Western Australian hospital dialysis unit Method: This study examined the effects of a program of intradialytic foot pedal exercises on patients' blood pressure, phosphate levels, satisfaction and Health related quality of life. Participation was recorded and categorised according to duration and consistency of pedalling. Blood pressure and serum phosphate were measured prior to haemodialysis, on commencement of the study and then at 4 weekly intervals. SF-12 scores were collected prior to commencement and on completion of the program. Results: Participation in the exercise varied considerably, with few patients able to achieve consistent pedalling for 30 mins or more by week three. Participation decreased from 100% in week one to 61% in week 12. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated there were no significant changes in either serum phosphate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure or satisfaction. Paired t tests undertaken for pre and post SF12 scores, and physical and mental component summaries, also showed no significant changes. Conclusions: Although there was considerable variability across the group in the degree to which patients completed the recommended program of exercise, in general, it was not well tolerated. The major outcomes of the study lie in enhanced engagement between staff and patients, resulting in increased teaching opportunities and an increased awareness of the importance of some level of exercise or other activity.


ABSTRACT A broad literature focused on the effectiveness of tertiary education. In classical models, a performance indicator is regressed on a set of characteristics of the individuals and fixed effects at the institution level. The FE coefficients are interpreted as the pure value added of the universities. The innovative contribution of the present paper resides in the use of Bayesian network (BN) analysis to assess the effectiveness of tertiary education. The results of an empirical study focused on Italian universities are discussed, to present the use of BN as a decision support tool for policy-making purposes.


This paper presents some experimental results about Position Mooring (PM) system applied to the barge ship. In PM operation, the station keeping in surge, sway of vessel is provided by the mooring system. In this paper, a system consisting of a barge vessel and mooring lines is mathematically modeled. The position and orientation of the vessel are controlled by changing the tensions of the mooring lines. The PID and robust control strategies are applied to evaluate the efficiency of proposed system. Experimental results of each control strategy are presented and discussed.


Extracted from text ... Richard Cornwell is a senior research fellow at the
Institute for Security
Studies, Pretoria.
Brian Kagoro is the
co-ordinator of the
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
John Makumbe is the
chairman of Transparency International, Zimbabwe.
John Robertson is from Robertson Economic Information Services, Harare.
Professor Patrick Bond is with the
Graduate School of Public and
Development Management, University of the
Witwatersrand.
Dr Edward Lahiff is with the
Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies,
University of the
Western Cape.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
On 27 November 2002 the
African Security Analysis Programme hosted a
day-long seminar entitled 'Zimbabwe in turmoil'. The principal idea ..


Biosensor platforms are powerful analytical devices capable of revolutionising medical diagnostics by providing highly accessible and effective diagnosis at the point-of-care stage. In this work, a high-performance electrochemical-based biosensing platform was developed using graphene/titanium dioxide (G/TiO2) nanocomposite. The graphene employed in the G/TiO2 electrode material was synthesised via a sonochemical liquid phase exfoliation method, eradicating the use of harsh chemicals and high temperature conditions. The simple and low temperature hydrothermal synthesis of the G/TiO2 nanocomposite also ensured the affordability and scalability of the process. Modifying electrodes with the as-synthesised nanocomposite resulted in enhanced electrochemical performances compared to bare electrodes and graphene-modified electrodes. As hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the most common by-products of biological metabolic reactions, a non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor platform was developed to investigate the potential of G/TiO2 nanocomposite in biosensing applications. The resulting H2O2 sensor exhibited high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 56.89 nM. Subsequently, a versatile biosensor platform was constructed using 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (PSE) as the biolinker. The performances of both graphene and G/TiO2 based immunosensing platforms were evaluated for the detection of Dengue virus antibodies (DENV IgG). For the first time, a consensus envelope glycoprotein domain III (cEDIII) of dengue virus was employed as the biorecognition element for improved selectivity towards DENV IgG, even when challenged against the structurally similar Zika virus antibodies (ZIKV IgG). Moreover, the cEDIII protein was obtained via a novel plant-based molecular pharming approach which offers remarkable scalability and safety. Both graphene and G/TiO2 platforms showed promising results in dengue sensing with good sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, the feasibility of the immunosensing platforms in real sample was investigated through the detection of dengue antibodies in mouse serum samples, where both platforms successfully discriminated positive samples from the negative control, suggesting the potential of the immunosensor platforms in replacing conventional diagnostic methods. The G/TiO2-based immunosensor displayed superior sensing performance compared to the graphene-based platform, with wider linear working range (62.5 pg/mL to 2 ng/mL) and lower limit of detection (LOD) of 2.81 pg/mL. Finally, the biocompatibility enhancement effect provided by the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles onto graphene was studied via cytotoxicity assessments and comparison study on both graphene and G/TiO2 nanocomposites. Results showed that the cytotoxicity of the nanomaterials is exposure time and dose-dependent, in which higher concentrations and prolonged incubation periods lead to higher magnitude of losses in cell viability. In general, G/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited lesser cytotoxic effects on both cell lines compared to graphene with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of greater than 500 µg/ml and around 25 µg/ml for MRC5 cells and HaCaT cells, respectively, at 24-hour time-point. The satisfactory biocompatibility of G/TiO2 nanocomposites indicated its potential in various delicate biomedical applications such as in-vivo biosensing where the attribute is highly required.


A thrips insect Caliothrips sp. (Thysanoptera: Panchaetothripinae) from persimmon fruit (Ebenaceae: Diospyros sp.) from an unknown origin, possibly Asia, was intercepted in a passenger bag in November 2012 at the Peace Arch Border Crossing from Canada to Blaine, WA, by a USDA-APHIS-PPQ port inspector. Nematodes were attached to the abdomen of the female insect and sent to us in saline. Seven nematodes (five females, two males) were measured and these and others were processed for permanent slides. An adult female and a female juvenile were prepared for PCR. Morphologically these nematodes belonged to the Trichodorus sparsus group, and the 28S rDNA D2-D3 sequence showed greatest similarity to Trichodorus paragiennensis (94%) and T. giennensis (93%), with greatest morphological similarity to the latter species. Among other morphological differences, the innermost uterus width is wider than in related species. Trichodorus spp. are normally found in soil, so this is the first population seen in the atypical habitat of an insect. Morphological and molecular characteristics of Trichodorus sp. are presented, but a putative new species name is not currently advisable because of relatively poor condition of specimens. Ecological associations are also discussed.


A development of new strategies against telomerase-associated disorders, such as dyskeratosis congenita, aplastic anemia or cancer, relies on a detailed understand-ing of telomerase life cycle and the multiple layers of its regulation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a prime model to study telomerase function and it has already revealed many conserved pathways for telomerase biology. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge of the regulatory pathways that control telomerase function in budding yeast. In particular, we discuss the cell cycle-dependent assembly of telomerase and its recruitment to telomeres. We also focus on the mechanisms that target telomerase to short telomeres. Finally, we discuss possible pathways that inhibit telomerase function at DNA double-strand breaks, thus limiting deleterious de novo telomere addition events.


The imperial cult in the Roman provinces is a major subject in current scholarly works on religion in the Roman world. Scholars so far have perhaps undervalued an interesting aspect: not only was the emperor himself worshipped, but also the various qualities of the emperors were objects of worship (e.g. 'Pietas Augusti', 'Providentia Augusta'). The latter are often regarded as merely subordinate to the 'main' imperial cult. Yet, qualities had a rich past in Greek religion as well as in the Roman political tradition. This paper aims to examine how events throughout the empire were interpreted through the worship of imperial qualities in Roman Greece. Did the emperor himself give the example by honouring an imperial quality in Rome or can we speak of a more provincial practice? If the latter is more valid, did Roman officials, associated with the imperial rule, introduce 'Roman' ideals and combine them with traditional Greek beliefs? Or, alternatively, was it the initiative of Greek inhabitants, who wished to approach the emperor by exploiting ancient concepts? The following imperial qualities are discussed; the imperial 'Hygieia', 'Dikaiosyne', 'Providentia', 'Aequitas', 'Quies', 'Nemesis', 'Tutela' and 'Tyche'. These various Augustan qualities were mainly celebrated in response to events in Rome (e.g. the sickness of an emperor led to the public honouring of 'Sebaste Hygieia' in Athens), within the borders of the Empire (a military campaign caused the dedication to 'Nemesis Augusta' by an ex-soldier in Corinth) or within the cities themselves. Moreover, the flexible character of the imperial qualities is also demonstrated by the fact that dedications to such qualities occasionally honoured the ability of the emperor to bestow benefits (e.g. 'Tutela Aug.'). In this way, a glance upon the imperial qualities in Roman Greece offers us a fruitful reconstruction of the perceptions the provincials formed on the person of the princeps and the latter's rule.


It is clear that there are there are many facets of contemporary society that need to take some responsibility for the changes necessary to mitigate the accumulative and on-going damage suffered by the environment. From individual consumers, through to government and global organisations, there are actions that can be taken to promote positive alternatives to our current model of a throwaway society.
This presentation describes a critical product design for a common domestic appliance that embodies design strategies to promote product lifetime extension as a way to reduce the environmental impact of mainstream consumerism. With a focus on maintenance, repair and upgradability, these products sit outside of the constraints of commercial viability and instead aim to offer genuine solutions that can contribute to the future design of more sustainable products.
Drawing on a body of work and a range of research methods that include consumer interviews, surveys that aim to understand public attitudes to maintenance/repair and interviews with manufactures this project demonstrates ways in which designers and manufacturers can develop products which encourage longer term ownership.
Extending the lifespan of products implies that the very physical presence of the object will need to endure over a longer period, transgressing fashion and trends. This work examines consumers motivations to keep products for longer employing materials and manufacturing processes with inherent qualities known to build greater attachment between the user and objects.
These critical design proposals demonstrate that common consumer products can be designed to last a lifetime and beyond, promoting new modes of ownership and more sustainable consumption.


With growing pressure on the construction industry to be more resource efficient, to reduce waste and to lower embodied carbon, material reuse strategies are critical to meet targets, especially for steel. Indeed, steel recycling is an energy and carbon intensive process, offering only approximately 50% energy savings [1] and 75% [2, 3] over new production, while steel reuse eliminates both. Unfortunately, there are many barriers preventing steel reuse happening at a large scale. Indeed, only 7% of heavy structural sections and tubes are currently reused compared to 93% which are recycled in the UK. Using information collected during interviews with actors across the supply chain in the UK, we could establish the cost of steel reuse. We found that steel reuse is only slightly more expensive than new steel when considering all additional costs. This paper presents case studies which were described to us during interviews or which we found in the literature where steel reuse was successful. We tried to analyse where savings were found to make it viable. Finally, we propose three main strategies to enable steel reuse at scale.


From September 2015 through September 2017, the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College conducted a cross-sectional study that asked, "What makes K-12 public school educators choose to use a museum as part of their curriculum?" At the time of this research, no qualitative studies— either regional or national—could be found on this subject. Studies addressing the "how" and the "what" involved in museum-school collaborations had been published, but none looked at the "why" that motivated such partnerships. This mixed-method, regional study reflects perspectives of teachers and administrators on the museum-school collaboration dynamic after the introduction of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. It employed focus groups, online questionnaires, and personal interviews of 140 teachers and administrators working in Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison counties in New York State. Additionally, four peer academic museums were interviewed to determine best practices in the field of museum education in relation to the research topic. Two pilot programs were implemented at the Wellin Museum in response to the first year of data findings. Ninety-five percent of respondents reported finding value in using a museum as part of their curriculum, yet 41% had never done so. Issues of time, cost, and defensibility were widely reported by teachers as detractors to museum-school collaborations. Administrators suggested programming that could be embedded in the curriculum, creating lasting partnerships that could be budgeted for and pre-scheduled annually. Professional development offerings, accommodation of large groups for tours, and in-school programming were also reportedly important to administrators. The study determined that although the tenets of the Common Core curriculum necessary for successful museum-school collaborations are being offered readily by museums, that fact may not always be communicated clearly to K-12 educators. By using terminology that teachers and administrators recognize, museums can increase the ease of use and defensibility of their programming, thus increasing museum-school collaborations. 3 Reasserting Arts Education in K-12 Curriculum Photo: Janelle Rodriguez


Three key issues should be addressed to enable universities to deliver engineers who have a solid documented laboratory experience enabling them to design goods and services complying with the requirements of a sustainable society. First, introduce learning objectives of engineering instructional laboratories in courses including laboratory components. Second, implement individual student assessment. Third, introduce free access to online experimental resources as a supplement to the equipment in traditional laboratories. Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) in Sweden and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have created online laboratory workbenches for electrical experiments that mimic traditional ones by combining virtual and physical reality. Online workbenches not only supplement traditional ones, but they can also be used for low-cost individual assessment. BTH has started a project disseminating the BTH workbench concept, The Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR) Open Laboratory Platform, and invites other universities to set up replicas and participate in further development and standardization. Further, online workbenches offer additional learning possibilities. UniSA has started a project where students located in different countries can perform experiments together as a way to enhance the participants' intercultural competence. This paper discusses online laboratory workbenches and their role in an engineering education appropriate for a sustainable society.


Infections caused by the small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) of sheep (maedi visna virus) and goats (caprine arthritis encephalitis virus) are a serious economical threat to small ruminant farming, particularly in the more intensive settings like dairy farms. Revenue is ultimately negatively influenced by decreased milk production, reduced birth rates and bodyweight and trade limitations [5] [c.f. 12] [21]. Chronically infected animals have a poor body condition and may display progressive dyspnoea, painful arthritis and indurative mastitis, factors that markedly affect animal welfare. However, in wellmanaged flocks overt disease is hardly seen because affected animals are culled in an early stage of this perniciously progressive disease, hence the only sign is an increased replacement rate. The infection spreads lactogenically from dam to progeny through colostrum and/or milk and horizontally on one hand via the natural close contact between the dam and her progeny [c.f. 12] [28] and on the other hand between flock members via direct and indirect contacts [10] [c.f. 12]. Vertical – prenatal - transmission is generally considered to be of low or no importance. Infections are microscopically characterised by lymphoid infiltrations and inflammatory lesions in the lungs, udder, carpal joints and central nervous system [c.f. 12] [31]. There is no cure for this usually slowly progressive disease. Identification of infected individuals by laboratory testing and strict farm and animal sanitary management are cornerstones of control programs and the only tools available for reducing the prevalence of infection. Caution with respect to the reliability of laboratory testing for SRLV infections is augmented by the growing knowledge of the RNA viral genomes and their expression products. Immense genetic heterogeneity hampers protein as well as viral genome based tests. Due to suboptimal laboratory tests that generate false-negative results, an early diagnosis is easily missed and the infection will spread. This reduces the farmers' support for control programs, which was already under pressure because of the costs involved, the low direct market returns, and the 'invisibility' of the long-term returns. Improvement of the diagnostic tools combined with improved test strategies will enable early detection of infection. Moreover, the use of milk samples instead of blood, particularly of bulk milk samples for antibody detection as well as the molecular biological detection of SRLV infections could lead to considerable cost reduction. The small ruminant lentiviruses, as a group of the genus Lentivirus belonging to the Retroviridae family, will need continuous attention because they are prone to diagnostic test escape as a result of their rapid evolving genomes [c.f. 12] [43] with consequences at the genomic and epitope level [22]. Thus, the use of complementary tests is currently required and molecular-epidemiological surveillance is a prerequisite.


Despite the prevalence of stepfamilies in society, little is known about the mental well-being of (step)parents in stepfamilies. Following 1,561 men and women over time using NLSY79 data, we examined the association of children and parent depressive symptoms in post-divorce relationships (i.e., cohabitation and remarriage). Results from logistic regression revealed that having a new biological child while a stepchild was present in the home was associated with large odds of high depressive symptoms. Having a new biological child in the first year of a new relationship had a very low likelihood of depressive symptoms, and those who waited were at increased risk of symptoms with each additional year of waiting. Findings suggested that various parent-child relationships and the timing of having a new child together play important roles in the mental adjustment of adults to a new stepfamily.


Like any major religion, Daoism has a complex history and multiple branches, but among its most persistent elements are secluded mountain paradises populated both by divinities and by human beings. Ideas regarding the means of access to these transcendent abodes have been less consistent: Should Daoist adepts strive to be virtuous, or should they labor to "restore" themselves through esoteric, elite magic? A provocative answer to this question was given by the poet Tao Qian (a.d.  365–427), who sided with Daoism's most ancient authority by suggesting that Daoist harmony could not be achieved through mere individual study but, rather, could be found only in an uncorrupted social fabric, in his case defined as a humble lost village. This utopian vision, brought to life in the poem Peach Blossom Spring, not only rejected the esoteric values of the Daoist elite but also called into question imperial hegemonic structures in general. The fact that the poem's rustic utopian enclave was understood in these terms by generations of Chinese scholars and artists is revealed by the contrasting architectural forms used to represent these alternative concepts of the Daoist ideal: the palace and the village, the garden of leisure and the working farm.


The present study explored the friendship characteristics of Korean and American college students. Participants (41 Koreans and 87 Americans) described their friends using a questionnaire (Friendship Quality Questionnaire) and an interview. Because of the inadequacy of the interview coding system, the interview data were not analyzed. Analysis of the FQQ supported the hypothesis that Koreans exhibit higher exclusivity than Americans, but no other country effects emerged. Both U.S. and Korean women reported more intimate disclosure than men. Friendship characteristics of Korea and u.s. students were conceptualized using concepts such as Individualism and Collectivism, Confucianism, and the Korean term "cheong" (affection). Discussion focused on methodological challenges (i.e., sampling, measurement, and multi-method assessment) and limitations of current theoretical perspectives as these apply to the present study and cross-cultural research in general.


The transcription factor NF-κB has critical functions in control of immune and inflammatory responses (see STKE Review by Rothwarf and Karin). The required strict control of NF-κB transcriptional activity is mediated in part by inhibitory IκB proteins. When the IκB proteins are degraded, NF-κB activity is increased. IκB proteins appear to act in multiple ways to hold NF-κB activity in check. When it interacts with NF-κB, IκBα appears to hide the nuclear localization sequence of the NF-κB Rel subunit and also to inhibit DNA binding by NF-κB. IκBα also moves between the cytoplasm and nucleus through the actions of a nuclear localization sequence and a nuclear export sequence that interacts with the importin protein CRM1. Such nuclear export may also carry NF-κB-IκB complexes out of the nucleus and contribute to transcriptional control. Tam and Sen now report that the regulatory properties appear to differ in various IκB family members. In particular, they show that IκBβ and IκBϵ do not shuttle out of the nucleus by CRM1-dependent transport. The authors suggest that, rather than facilitating nuclear export of NF-κB, IκBβ and IκBϵ function primarily by sequestration of NF-κB in the cytoplasm. W. F. Tam, R. Sen, IκB family members function by different mechanisms. J. Biol. Chem. 276, 7701-7704 (2001). [Abstract] [Full Text]


Mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) is perhaps the most widely used of cellular assays. MLC has been used clinically for donor selection, predominantly for bone marrow transplantation. In contrast to MLC, which measures a bulk response, limiting dilution assay (LDA) is a quantitative tool. Mycoplasma contains the thymine kinase enzyme, which interferes with nucleic and amino acid metabolism and subsequently with DNA replication in the contaminated cell culture. In solid-organ transplantation, the histological analysis of allograft biopsies remains the "gold standard" for diagnosing rejection. Since the ultimate goal is the early detection of activated cells infiltrating the allograft and not in vitro priming, it also deals with methods that minimize the possibility of priming against the donor antigens in vitro. Several of the assays outlined in this chapter are being implemented in the clinical laboratory. Researchers compared helper and cytotoxic antirecipient T-cell frequencies in recipients who had received unrelated-donor bone marrow. They found that the helper T lymphocytes (HTLp) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLp) assays provided similar predictive information for outcome. The HTLp method is more rapid and less labor-intensive and, thus, may be more useful for donor selection in unrelated-donor bone marrow transplantation. A recent multicenter study evaluated the Cylex ImmuKnow assay for the measurement of immune response in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. The long-term goals of using the cellular assays described in this chapter are to assess accurately the changing immuno-logical statuses of transplant recipients, predict long-term graft outcome, and provide the immune response information needed to individualize immunosuppression therapy.


Primary (syn-growth) fluid inclusions in synthetic diamonds, produced within the field of their thermodynamic stability in a high-pressure split-sphere apparatus using the temperature gradient method, have been studied by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Inclusions in tabular diamond crystals contain CH 4 +other higher-molecular hydrocarbons, whereas inclusions in octahedral and dodecahedral diamonds contain only CH 4 . All inclusions in octahedral and dodecahedral diamonds contain graphite, which covers the walls of vacuoles as an opaque film. The formation of this film is most likely associated with precipitation of carbon from fluid on cooling. The obtained results emphasize the possible role of hydrocarbons in the process of diamond crystallization.


Multiple cellular transcription factors have been shown to interact with the upstream region of the adenovirus-2 EIIa-late promoter. One of these factors recognises each of the three CCAAT motifs present in the EIIL promoter at positions -72, -135 and -229, as well as the CCAAT elements in the rat albumin and herpes virus thymidine kinase promoters. A mutation known to reduce thymidine kinase promoter activity in vivo and in vitro abolishes binding of the factor, termed CCAAT recognition factor (CRF), which appears to be distinct from previously identified CCAAT factors. In addition, another protein, termed upstream factor II (USFII), shares binding sites at position -110 in the EIIL promoter and in the c-fos enhancer adjacent to the serum regulatable element. The recognition site for USFII is also found in the c-fos promoter and in the adenovirus early region EIV and EIIa-early promoters. An Sp1 recognition site has also been identified at position -41, and the binding sites for Sp1, USFII and CRF are all required for efficient EIIa-late promoter function. Finally, an additional factor recognising the consensus GGGGGGNT has been detected.


Abstract At the Y-12 National Security Complex, triage-style assessments are used to identify persons potentially exposed to high doses from criticality accident radiations using portable instruments by assessing the presence of activated sodium atoms in a person's blood. Historically, simple handheld Geiger-Mueller (G-M) probes were used for these purposes although it was recognized that since these instruments contain no information on incident photon energy, it was impossible to differentiate between photons emitted by contamination on the potentially exposed worker from activation of sodium in the person's blood. This work examines the use of a portable gamma spectrometer for assessing blood sodium activation. Irradiations of a representative phantom were performed using two neutron source configurations (unmoderated and polyethylene-moderated 252Cf), and measurements were made using the spectrometer and a G-M detector following irradiation. Detection limits in terms of personnel neutron dose are given for two neutron fields representing metal and solution criticality spectra. Both G-M and spectrometer results indicate a low minimum detectable neutron dose indicating that both instruments are useful as an emergency response instrument. The spectrometer has the added benefit of discriminating between surface contamination and blood sodium activation.


Web 2.0 tools are websites that are interactive, allowing users not only to read information but also to create products and interact with others. These tools offer new opportunities for designing instruction for heightened student engagement, particularly with "digital natives." Yet often faculty are unaware of what these tools can do, are uncertain of how to use them, and leery of the time required to design instruction incorporating them. This paper is a very practical introduction to using common Web 2.0 tools including wikis, blogs, and social bookmarking sites. Sample assignments developed and used by the author or described in the literature are described. These assignments are adaptable for use in a variety of disciplines. Wikis are very useful for group work. Blogs can be used effectively for journals and independent studies. Social bookmarking can enhance organization and sharing of professional web resources. Specific tips for setting up and working with the sites are given as well as recommended resources including handouts and videos that introduce the sites. Other types of Web 2.0/social networking sites with promise for use in higher education, such as multimedia production sites, are briefly described and specific sites recommended. Faculty members are encouraged to start with one simple assignment and then expand.


Objectives: To assess the long-term effectiveness of stapedotomies performed on patients with otosclerosis and preoperative small air-bone gaps (ABGs). Methods: Retrospective study comparing the 10-year postoperative hearing outcomes after primary stapedotomies in patients with small (≤20 dB) and large ABGs (> 20 dB). Ninety out of 175 stapedotomies (22 and 68 in the small and large ABG groups, respectively) were monitored with long-term follow-ups. Results: Ten years after the operation, hearing measurements were similar for both groups, although a significant decline of bone conduction thresholds was evident (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). An improvement of ≥10 dB in the postoperative ABG (clinical improvement) was achieved only in the large ABG group. Conclusions: Even though long-term hearing levels will evolve similarly in patients with ≤20 and > 20 dB preoperative ABGs, the lack of clinical improvement found in the small ABG group is not in favor of an early surgery.


This essay is an idiosyncratic introduction to analogy and metaphor. It was previously posted in two parts respectively at the Ratio Juris and The Literary Table blogs by way of an introduction to my online bibliography at Ratio Juris for analogy and metaphor. The notes immediately follow each essay, and a list of "references and further reading" is appended to the end of the paper. The section on analogy is intended in part to provoke the interest of legal theorists, while the second half, on metaphor, is aimed at a broader audience although I hope it too will be of interest to legal theorists and philosophers of law. Both pieces no doubt betray their origins in blog posts, hence they are considerably less than polished, but comments to date were generous enough for me to make the inference that they deserve to be made more widely available.


Abstract We outline the strategy and constraints adopted for the design of medium-power lead-alloy–cooled actinide-burning reactors that strive for a lower cost than accelerator-driven systems and for robust safety. Reduced cost is pursued through the use of (1) a modular design and maximum power rating to capitalize on an economy of scale within the constraints imposed by modularity, (2) a very compact and simple supercritical-CO2 power cycle, and (3) simplifications of the primary system allowed by the use of lead coolant. Excellent safety is pursued by adopting the integral fast reactor approach of achieving a self-controllable reactor that responds to all key abnormal occurrences, including anticipated transients without scrams, by a safe shutdown without exceeding core integrity limits. The three concepts developed are the fertile-free actinide burner for incineration of all transuranics from light water reactor (LWR) spent fuel, the fertile-free minor actinide (MA) burner for preferential burning of MAs working in tandem with LWRs or gas-cooled thermal reactors, and the actinide burner with thorium fuel aimed also at reducing the electricity generation costs through longer-cycle operation.


Introduction Sustainable development is necessary in today's increasingly competitive environment and the Maya Rainforest in Central America is no exception. With inclusion of the host community, ecotourism is viewed as a sustainable path for development in ecologically sensitive areas (Cusick, McClure & Cox 2010) however, should not be minimized as a small subset of a niche market but of wider social significance (Honey 2002). With ecotourism demonstrating great promise to many regions of the world, opportunities for the Maya Rain Forest in Central America exist that prevent this area from being marginalized to a one dimensional industry. With diversification and differentiation, the Maya Rainforest can develop their ecotourism market to provide stability from a boom and bust economy especially with the potential for nature based resources (Wight 1993). Garcia-Frapolli et al. (2007) calls this the multiple use approach, meaning that eco-sensitive areas are inclined to nature based resources. The natural resources and rich cultural history provide the ideal setting for ecotourism development which would, in the long run, provide a more stable economic base than the current industries of farming and logging. A similar approach to the development of environmentally sensitive tourism was implemented in the European Alpine Convention which was promoted in 1991 (Alpine Convention 2008). Regardless of the completely different environment, a number of common themes emerge when thinking about resources in the Alpine and Mayan forest areas. One of the main objectives of the Alpine Convention is to recognize nature based tourism as one of the most important sources of income in the Alpine regions. The main objectives are strengthening the competitiveness of ecological (close-to-nature) tourism and promoting concepts aiming at cooperation between the tourist industry, agriculture, forestry and handicrafts. However as it seems in the case of the Maya Rain Forest areas there were steps taken towards more sustainable and ecologically sensitive tourism but more on a declarative level. With this declaration several issues must be addressed, and specific steps must be taken in order for ecotourism to become a positive and effective solution to the areas economic challenges. A Growing Market: Ecotourism While there are a number of diverse definitions of ecotourism some of the shared concepts include the components of ecotourism as being conservation oriented, nature based, and centered on learning (Donohoe, Needham 2006; Fennell 1999/2001; Orams 2001). Similarly the ecotourist may be equally diverse in definition however, the motivational or psycho-social traits are becoming more important in ecotourist typologies (Nowaczek, Smale 2010). The potential ecotourist is even more broadly defined than the actual ecotourist (Wight 2001) and may be less unique than previous literature originally assumed (Ryan, Hughes, Chirgwin 2000). In recent studies of the profiles of tourist from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Germany there was obvious evidence that the modern European tourist is inclined toward nature based tourist products and is ecologically sensitive (Juvan et al. 2007; Kurez et al. 2007; Ovsenik et al. 2007). However, they also want to engage in recreational and sporting activities, learn about and participate in local cultures, and seek new destinations (Boo 1990; Inskeep 1991; Richards, Wilson 2004). Ecotourism is the travel to natural areas that both conserve the culture and the environment while sustaining the well-being of the local inhabitants (Laarman, Durst 1987; Kusler, 1991; Lindberg, 1991; Fennell 1999;). Sustainable tourism offers destinations the opportunity to capitalize on their natural attractions and to gain all the economic benefits that tourism has to offer without destroying the resources that they are based upon (Cater 1993; Juvan, Ovsenik 2008). …


With our planet's environment facing increasing threat of irreparable damage, academics, practitioners, and policy-makers are becoming more focused on the incentives of individuals, corporations, and governments to act in the interests of the environment. Since the environment is a public good, private incentives may be misaligned. Hence, game theory provides an ideal tool to examine environmental problems. In this paper, we review the existing game-theoretic approach to the environmental behaviour of corporations and governments. The literature reveals that, at the corporate level, environmental incentives are driven by market forces (the existence of 'green' consumers and investors), and regulation. Hence, game-theoretic approaches within the industrial organisation field are particularly appropriate. At the global level, where governments make international environmental agreements (IEAs), the situation resembles a prisoner's dilemma, where each nation is tempted to break the IEA, and 'free-ride' on the other nations' abatement efforts. After reviewing the literature, we make our own contributions, at both the corporate and global levels. At the corporate level, we develop a benchmark monopoly model of corporate environmental behaviour. We then compare our results with those of Fairchild's (2008) duopoly model, and Bagnoli and Watts (2003) oligopoly model. This provides an insight into the inter-relationship between market structure, consumers' environmental preferences, and corporate environmental behaviour. Next, we develop a behavioural game theoretic approach to global environmental agreements, in order to determine whether psychological factors, such as empathy, guilt and anger, can mitigate governmental free-riding, and sustain IEAs. Finally, we discuss future research, specifically noting that a gap in the literature should be filled by developing a model that combines corporate and global environmental incentives. © 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.


The atmospheric Ar/N 2 ratio is expected to be useful as a tracer of air-sea heat exchange, but this application has been hindered in part due to sampling artifacts. Here we show that the variability in δ(Ar/N 2 ) due to thermal fractionation at the inlet can be on the order of 40-80 per meg, and we introduce the use of an aspirated solar shield that successfully minimizes such fractionation. The data collected using this new inlet have a mean diurnal cycle of 1.0 per meg or less, suggesting that any residual thermal fractionation effect is reduced to this level.


BACKGROUND
Chronic neck pain affects 50% - 85% of people who have experienced an acute episode. This transition and the persistence of chronic complaints are believed to be mediated by brain alterations among different central mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to systematically review and critically appraise the current existing evidence regarding structural and functional brain alterations in patients with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and idiopathic neck pain (INP). Additionally, associations between brain alterations and clinical symptoms reported in neck pain patients were evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.

METHODS
The present systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched. First, the obtained articles were screened based on title and abstract. Secondly, the screening was based on the full text. Risk of bias in included studies was investigated.

RESULTS
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Alterations in brain morphology and function, including perfusion, neurotransmission, and blood oxygenation level dependent-signal, were demonstrated in chronic neck pain patients. There is some to moderate evidence for both structural and functional brain alterations in patients with chronic neck pain. In contrast, no evidence for structural brain alterations in acute neck pain patients was found.

LIMITATIONS
Only 12 articles were included, which allows only cautious conclusions to be drawn.

CONCLUSION
Brain alterations were observed in both patients with chronic WAD and chronic INP. Furthermore, more evidence exists for brain alterations in chronic WAD, and different underlying mechanisms might be present in both pathologies. In addition, pain and disability were correlated with the observed brain alterations. Accordingly, morphological and functional brain alterations should be further investigated in patients with chronic WAD and chronic INP with newer and more sensitive techniques, and associative clinical measurements seem indispensable in future research.


Background: Ischemic stroke recovery is poor in diabetic mellitus (DM). Vanadium compounds (vanadium) relieve DM signs, but their influences on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) are inconclusive. Herein, the intensity of I/RI was inspected in vanadium-treated DM rats. Methods: Rats made diabetic with a single intravenous dose of streptozocin (39 mg/kg). Normal and DM rats used water or vanadyl solution for 45 days. Under isoflurane anesthesia, right middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed for 60 minutes and 12 hours reperfusion. Ischemic rats were divided into untreated-control normal (ICN) and diabetic (ICD), vanadium-treated normal (IVTN) and diabetic (IVTD) groups (n=14 each). After neurological deficit score (NDS) test, the rats were sacrificed and their brain removed and stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) to measure cerebral infarct volume (CIV, mm3) or Evans blue extravasation (EBE, μg/g wet-tissue). Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (SPSS software, version 21.0) and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Blood glucose (BG, mg/dL) was similar in ICN and IVTN, elevated in IVTD and ICD (245±6 vs. 344±2, P<0.001). The increased CIV in ICN and IVTN was similar (48±2 and 34±5), very high in ICD but lower in IVTD (249±37 vs. 110±16, P<0.001). EBE was absent in non-lesioned hemispheres, similarly increased in lesioned hemispheres of ICN and IVTN (14±1 and 13±1). EBE in IVTD was significantly lower than ICD (21±2 vs. 33±5, P=0.01). Conclusion: I/RI was moderate in normoglycemia and did not change with vanadium. Hyperglycemia robustly intensified I/RI. Vanadium ameliorated hyperglycemia and reduced I/RI. Nonetheless, more investigations are required to link the mechanisms of vanadium on DM and stroke injuries.


Introduction Local, state, and national health policy makers require information on the economic burden of oral disease and the cost-effectiveness of oral health programs to set policies and allocate resources. In this study, we estimate the cost savings associated with community water fluoridation programs (CWFPs) in Colorado and potential cost savings if Colorado communities without fluoridation programs or naturally high fluoride levels were to implement CWFPs. Methods We developed an economic model to compare the costs associated with CWFPs with treatment savings achieved through averted tooth decay. Treatment savings included those associated with direct medical costs and indirect nonmedical costs (i.e., patient time spent on dental visit). We estimated program costs and treatment savings for each water system in Colorado in 2003 dollars. We obtained parameter estimates from published studies, national surveys, and other sources. We calculated net costs for Colorado water systems with existing CWFPs and potential net costs for systems without CWFPs. The analysis includes data for 172 public water systems in Colorado that serve populations of 1000 individuals or more. We used second-order Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the inherent uncertainty of the model assumptions on the results and report the 95% credible range from the simulation model. Results We estimated that Colorado CWFPs were associated with annual savings of $148.9 million (credible range, $115.1 million to $187.2 million) in 2003, or an average of $60.78 per person (credible range, $46.97 to $76.41). We estimated that Colorado would save an additional $46.6 million (credible range, $36.0 to $58.6 million) annually if CWFPs were implemented in the 52 water systems without such programs and for which fluoridation is recommended. Conclusion Colorado realizes significant annual savings from CWFPs; additional savings and reductions in morbidity could be achieved if fluoridation programs were implemented in other areas.


This paper presents the results from a survey on the attitudes toward reverse mortgages of homeowners aged 45 and over in the Netherlands. We find that there is substantial potential interest in reverse mortgages, especially for the purpose of being able to live more comfortably and not worry about money until death, or to be able to spend a large sum of money upon retirement on hobbies, home improvements or traveling. A similar study has been done for Italy, where results differ from those related to the Netherland. For Italian households a reverse mortgage is primarily seen as a last resort. We use two different frames for suggestions on the use of the loan – own consumption versus bequest - and find that the latter significantly raises interest in reverse mortgages of people with a bequest wish. We interpret this as evidence that people are unaware of the potential of reverse mortgages to optimize the timing of bequests. Women are less interested, while demand is highest among those around retirement age, depends positively on the ratio of housing wealth over income and on the perceived riskiness of future pensions, and negatively on the expected replacement ratio. We find a counterintuitive result for bequest timing, as people are more interested if the age difference with the oldest child is larger.