Although most of us assume that we must either oppose or support gun control, the issue is far more complex: we must decide who can own which guns under what conditions. But to simplify discussion, I will say that those who support most availability and are opposed to most restrictions on guns advocate a "serious right to bear arms," whereas those who oppose greater availability and support more substantial restrictions are "gun control advocates." Those who claim that we have a serious right to bear arms contend that this right is morally fundamental. (2) If advocates are correct, then they have the justificatory upper hand. For were this a fundamental right, it would not be enough to show that society would benefit from controlling access to guns. (3) The arguments for gun control would have to be overwhelming. Yet there is also a hefty cost in claiming that this is a fundamental right: the evidence for the right must meet especially rigorous standards. I argue that the right is not fundamental, but derivative. Each of us has a fundamental right of noninterference: we should be allowed to live our lives as we wish, as long as we do not thereby harm others. That general right derivatively protects personally important activities, and owning guns is, for many people, very important. This intermediate conclusion is still significant because derivative rights also cannot be restricted without good evidence although the evidence need not be as overwhelming as it would have to be to override a fundamental right. Admittedly, there is a serious question whether controlling guns is wise public policy because there are costs associated with making any activity illegal, especially one, like owning guns, in which so many people in the United States desperately wish to engage. However, because guns are inherently dangerous and we have good empirical evidence to suggest that owning them is risky for others, we cannot categorically reject government limits on who can own which guns and under what conditions. Whether gun control is ultimately legitimate depends on the evidence about the risks of owning guns relative to any benefits. Assessing that evidence must occur in two stages. First, we must understand and evaluate the armchair arguments for and against gun control. Armchair arguments are not, as some suppose, peripheral to the debate. Their role is crucial because they are used both to frame and to critique empirical studies. They help us know what to look for and what to ignore, and they give us a perspective from which to evaluate empirical studies. But we cannot stop there. We must also assess those studies. Unfortunately, the information we wish to find is, by its nature, difficult to extract. Because we cannot do formal controlled studies, we must rely on some amalgam of cohort, cross-sectional, and time-series studies. What do those studies show? On the one hand, we do have evidence that the availability of guns does increase violent crime: "The correlation between any-gun prevalence and the overall murder rate is .67, while it is .84 between handgun prevalence and overall murder rate. …


Abstract. Because of their controlled nature, the presence of independent replicates, and their known management history, long-term field experiments are key to the understanding of factors controlling soil carbon. Together with isotope measurements, they provide profound insight into soil carbon dynamics. For soil radiocarbon, an important tracer for understanding these dynamics, experimental variability across replicates is usually not accounted for; hence, a relevant source of uncertainty for quantifying turnover rates is missing. Here, for the first time, radiocarbon measurements of five independent field replicates, and for different layers, of soil from the 66-year-old controlled field experiment ZOFE in Zurich, Switzerland, are used to address this issue. 14C variability was the same across three different treatments and for three different soil layers between the surface and 90 cm depths. On average, experimental variability in 14C content was 12 times the analytical error but still, on a relative basis, smaller than variability in soil carbon concentration. Despite a relative homogeneous variability across the field and along the soil profile, the curved nature of the relationship between radiocarbon content and modelled carbon mean residence time implies that the absolute error of calculated soil carbon turnover time increases with soil depth. In our field experiment findings on topsoil carbon turnover variability would, if applied to subsoil, tend to underweight turnover variability even if experimental variability in the subsoil isotope concentration is the same. Together, experimental variability in radiocarbon is an important component in an overall uncertainty assessment of soil carbon turnover.


Few subjects have generated more moral confusion, and sometimes nonsense, than that of the "rights of nature." Confusion exists in the claims of proponents and opponents, in theological and philosophical ethics, and in the arguments of animal rights advocates and unrepentant anthropocentrists. Significant contributions to the rights debate have, of course, come from all points on the spectrum. However, misconceptions and absurdities have prejudiced the debate. Each contributor to the debate has probably contributed his fair share to the confusion. Even so, the question of the rights of nature cannot be summarily dismissed as the morally irrelevant ponderings of persons beyond the fringe of intellectual respectability. This typical dismissal is a cheap caricature and an ad hominem, not a rational refutation. In fact, something profound is happening in this effort at ethical extension. The rights of nature is the most interesting issue on the frontiers of ethics because it points to the fundamental importance of redefining responsible human relationships with the rest of nature, of which we humans are parts and products.' Fortunately, the rights of nature has become a respectable subject for debate in some philosophical, environmental and, most recently, theological circles. 2 The moral issues in this debate are mind-numbing in their complexity. At present, the main questions seem to be the following. Are moral concepts of


In this research, the catalytic combustion of methane is numerically investigated using an unstructured, implicit, fully coupled finite volume approach. The nonlinear system of equations is solved by Newton's method. The catalytic partial oxidation of methane over a rhodium catalyst in one channel of a coated honeycomb reactor is studied three-dimensionally, and eight gas-phase species (CH4, CO2, H2O, N2, O2, CO, OH and H2) are considered for the simulation. Surface chemistry is modeled by detailed reaction mechanisms including 38 heterogeneous reactions with 20 surface-adsorbed species for the Rh catalyst and 24 heterogeneous reactions with 11 surface-adsorbed species for Pt catalyst. The numerical results are compared with experimental data and good agreement is observed. Effects of the design variables, which include the inlet velocity, methane/oxygen ratio, catalytic wall temperature, and catalyst loading on the cost functions representing methane conversion and hydrogen production are numerically investigated. The sensitivity analysis for the reactor is performed using three different approaches: finite difference, direct differentiation and an adjoint method. Two gradient-based design optimization algorithms are utilized to improve the reactor performance. For additional test cases, the performance of two full scale honeycomb-structured reactors with 49 and 261 channels are investigated. The sensitivity analysis of the full reactor is performed using an adjoint method with four design variables consisting of the inlet velocity, inflow methane concentration, inlet oxygen density and thermal conductivity of the monolith.


In the near surface with unconsolidated soils, shear-wave properties can often be characterised better
and with a higher resolution than compressional-wave properties. To enable imaging ahead of a
tunnel-boring machine, we developed a seismic prediction system with a few shear-wave vibrators
and horizontal receivers. The boring process is interrupted at regular intervals to carry out active
surveys. The vibrators are then pushed against the rock or soil in front of the cutting wheel of the
machine. The design of the vibrators is based on linear synchronous motor technology that can
generate very low frequencies, starting at 5 Hz. These vibrators generate a force in a direction perpendicular
to the tunnel axis. Horizontal receivers measure the particle velocity, mainly due to the
horizontally polarised shear waves. Because imaging with conventional migration methods suffers
from artefacts, caused by the incomplete aperture and inaccuracies in the assumed velocity model,
we use two-dimensional horizontally polarised shear full-waveform inversion to resolve the subsurface
shear properties. The classic cycle-skipping problem, which can make the application of fullwaveform
inversion cumbersome, is avoided by the capacity of the vibrators to generate low frequencies.
In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed seismic system through a
number of synthetic and field experiments.


The studies of insects from archaeological contexts can provide an important supplement of information to reconstruct past events, climate and environments. Furthermore, the list of the species present in an area in the past allows the reconstruction of the entomofauna on that area at that time, that can be different from the nowadays condition, providing information about biodiversity changes. In this work, the results of a funerary archaeoentomological study on samples collected from mummified corpses discovered during the restoration of the crypt of the Sant'Antonio Abate Cathedral of Castelsardo (Sardinia, Italy) are reported. The majority of the sampled specimens were Diptera puparia, whereas only few Lepidoptera cocoons and some Coleoptera fragments were isolated. Among Diptera, Calliphoridae puparia were identified as Phormia regina (Meigen, 1826) and Calliphora vicina, (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) both species typical of the first colonization waves of exposed bodies. Three puparia fragments were also identified as belonging to a Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826, species (Sarcophagidae). Several Muscidae puparia of the species Hydrotaea capensis (Weidmermann, 1818), a late colonizer of bodies, and typical of buried bodies were also collected. The few moth (Lepidoptera) cocoons were identified as belonging to the family Tineidae. This family comprises species feeding on dry tissues and hair typical of the later phases of the human decomposition. Among Coleoptera a single specimen in the family Histeridae, Saprinus semistriatus (Scriba, 1790) and a single elytra, potentially of a species in the family Tenebrionidae, were also collected. Overall, the samples collected indicated an initial colonization of the bodies in an exposed context, mainly in a warm season. This research allows the finding of elements indicating the presence, at least in the past, of P. regina in Sardinia. This species at the moment seems extinct from Sardinia while it is quite common in the continent.


The use of the Web as a corpus and Google as a concordancer, has been regarded as one of the promising areas that has a potential for revolutionizing language pedagogy in general, and second language (L2) writing, in particular. More specifically, it is believed that the functions of Google-Informed Pattern-Hunting (GIPH) and Google-Informed Pattern-Defining (GIPD) can promote natural L2 writing through Discovery Learning (DL) and Data Driven Learning (DDL), however, these advantages have mostly been given lip services than tested with first hand empirical studies, and only more recently some studies have been undertaken in this vein. Focusing on L2, this article explored how and to what extent this great potential of GIPH and GIPD has been recognized by reviewing the related studies, thereby some factors and themes (such as Learning Style, Training, Naturalness, Tidiness, Speed, Number of Retrieval, and Proficiency) have been extracted and elaborated on. However, due to the novelty of the area, the themes are mostly the outcome of researchers' descriptions and interpretations than empirical studies. The inclusion criteria for the present review were studies that focus on the application of the Web as a corpus and Google as a concordance for language learning and L2 writing based on researchers' and learners' evaluation of it. Seven studies included in the present review show that learners' use of GIPH and GIPD champions the promotion of their language learning and L2 writing, providing that proper training and scaffolding are provided. Future studies are also recommended based on the gaps and deficiencies identified in the reviewed researches.


The ongoing debate over health reform at times almost appears like a sporting event, with Democrats and Republicans trying to name winners and losers in passing or repealing legislation. But in my Fiscal Times op-ed this week, I explain why, when it comes to health reform, this winner-take-all mentality misses a major point: government programs, whether well designed or poorly designed, need to work within budget constraints. While such constraints inevitably identify losers relative to an open-ended budget (which, like deficits, can hide the losers), they do lead to far better budget and health policy.


We present a study of the photochemistry of abiotic habitable planets with anoxic CO2–N2 atmospheres. Such worlds are representative of early Earth, Mars, and Venus and analogous exoplanets. Photodissociation of H2O controls the atmospheric photochemistry of these worlds through production of reactive OH, which dominates the removal of atmospheric trace gases. The near-UV (NUV; >200 nm) absorption cross sections of H2O play an outsized role in OH production; these cross sections were heretofore unmeasured at habitable temperatures (<373 K). We present the first measurements of NUV H2O absorption at 292 K and show it to absorb orders of magnitude more than previously assumed. To explore the implications of these new cross sections, we employ a photochemical model; we first intercompare it with two others and resolve past literature disagreement. The enhanced OH production due to these higher cross sections leads to efficient recombination of CO and O2, suppressing both by orders of magnitude relative to past predictions and eliminating the low-outgassing "false-positive" scenario for O2 as a biosignature around solar-type stars. Enhanced [OH] increases rainout of reductants to the surface, relevant to prebiotic chemistry, and may also suppress CH4 and H2; the latter depends on whether burial of reductants is inhibited on the underlying planet, as is argued for abiotic worlds. While we focus on CO2-rich worlds, our results are relevant to anoxic planets in general. Overall, our work advances the state of the art of photochemical models by providing crucial new H2O cross sections and resolving past disagreement in the literature and suggests that detection of spectrally active trace gases like CO in rocky exoplanet atmospheres may be more challenging than previously considered.


Adherence to treatment recommendations following medical care for pediatric conditions is critically important for promoting optimal physical and psychological well-being. While it has been a focus of many studies across pediatric chronic illness populations, there is a dearth of research examining adherence following pediatric unintentional injury. Empirical evidence from studies with pediatric chronic illness samples indicates that youth experience a number of barriers to adherence to medical recommendations. Adherence is especially difficult for adolescents due to the unique challenges of this developmental period. A mixed methods research approach was utilized to gain a holistic understanding of potential psychological barriers to adherence following adolescent injury. Quantitative analyses examined the potential predictive roles of adolescent psychological [i.e., posttraumatic stress (PTSD), depression, quality of life] and relational (i.e., parent PTSD and depression) factors on adherence. Results of analyses were insignificant; thus, qualitative data was collected to deepen the understanding of barriers to adherence. Findings from qualitative data analyses suggested that a number of barriers to adherence to treatment recommendations exist, including: concern of pain medication addiction, competing activities, treatment side effects, health status, desire for autonomy, and symptoms of depression. Results of qualitative analyses also revealed the presence of additional factors that could facilitate adherence to treatment recommendations. Taking into consideration findings from both quantitative and qualitative analyses, adherence may be best conceptualized as a result of a dynamic decision-making process influenced by numerous interacting factors. This study is the first to examine barriers to adherence among adolescents following unintentional injury and provides an initial roadmap for understanding the mechanisms involved in this complex process.


During microbial infection, neutrophils generate microbicidal agents through the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO). Eiserich et al. report that MPO's actions during inflammation extend beyond generating antimicrobial oxidizing species. MPO permeates the mammalian vasculature and alters blood vessel function during acute inflammation by catabolizing nitric oxide (NO). NO is an endothelial-derived blood vessel relaxant that is produced in response to endotoxin. By reducing NO availability, MPO impairs vascular changes produced by infection. This finding may explain the increased susceptibility of humans deficient in MPO to infection. J. P. Eiserich, S. Baldus, M.-L. Brennan, W. Ma, C. Zhang, A. Tousson, L. Castro, A. J. Lusis, W. M. Nauseef, C. R. White, B. A. Freeman, Myeloperoxidase, a leukocyte-derived vascular NO oxidase. Science 296, 2391-2394 (2002). [Abstract] [Full Text]


The cross section for dijet production in proton-proton collisions at √s=7  TeV is presented as a function of ξ˜, a variable that approximates the fractional momentum loss of the scattered proton in single-diffractive events. The analysis is based on an integrated luminosity of 2.7  nb-1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC at low instantaneous luminosities, and uses events with jet transverse momentum of at least 20 GeV. The dijet cross section results are compared to the predictions of diffractive and nondiffractive models. The low-ξ˜ data show a significant contribution from diffractive dijet production, observed for the first time at the LHC. The associated rapidity gap survival probability is estimated.


The intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF) in cosmic voids can be indirectly probed through its effect on electromagnetic cascades initiated by a source of TeV gamma rays, such as blazars, a subclass of active galactic nuclei. Blazars that are sufficiently luminous at TeV energies, "extreme TeV blazars", can produce detectable levels of secondary radiation from inverse Compton scattering of the electrons in the cascade, provided that the IGMF is not too large. We reveiw recent work in the literature which utilizes this idea to derive constraints on the IGMF for three TeV-detected blazars-1ES 0229+200, 1ES 1218+304, and RGB J0710+591, and we also investigate four other hard-spectrum TeV blazars in the same framework. Through a recently developed detailed 3D particle tracking Monte Carlo simulation code, incorporating all major effects of QED and cosmological expansion, we research effects of major uncertainties such as the spectral properties of the source, uncertainty in the intensity of the UV - far IR extragalactic background light (EBL), under-sampled Very High Energy (VHE; energy > 100 GeV) coverage, past history of gamma-ray emission, source vs. observer geometry, and jet AGN Doppler factor. The implications of these effects on the recently reported lower limits of the IGMF are thoroughly examined to conclude that presently available data are compatible with a zero IGMF hypothesis.


This contribution deals with the various verbal morphology in the Italian counterfactual conditionals (the so-called periodo ipotetico dell'irrealta). Starting from the inventory of all the possible combinations with the imperfetto indicativo that appear in these constructions, it will be shown that the variability of the mood and tense forms is not merely a matter of norm, but that there are clear-cut mechanisms which regulate such variability. Specifically, some peculiar combinations often marked as familiar or, simply, non-standard, are not always possible, but are depending on the actionality of the verbs (telic or atelic) being present in the protasis and/or the apodosis.


The agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sector is responsible for approximately 25% of anthropogenic GHG emissions mainly from deforestation and agricultural emissions from livestock, soil and nutrient management. Mitigation from the sector is thus extremely important in meeting emission reduction targets. The sector offers a variety of cost‐competitive mitigation options with most analyses indicating a decline in emissions largely due to decreasing deforestation rates. Sustainability criteria are needed to guide development and implementation of AFOLU mitigation measures with particular focus on multifunctional systems that allow the delivery of multiple services from land. It is striking that almost all of the positive and negative impacts, opportunities and barriers are context specific, precluding generic statements about which AFOLU mitigation measures have the greatest promise at a global scale. This finding underlines the importance of considering each mitigation strategy on a case‐by‐case basis, systemic effects when implementing mitigation options on the national scale, and suggests that policies need to be flexible enough to allow such assessments. National and international agricultural and forest (climate) policies have the potential to alter the opportunity costs of specific land uses in ways that increase opportunities or barriers for attaining climate change mitigation goals. Policies governing practices in agriculture and in forest conservation and management need to account for both effective mitigation and adaptation and can help to orient practices in agriculture and in forestry towards global sharing of innovative technologies for the efficient use of land resources. Different policy instruments, especially economic incentives and regulatory approaches, are currently being applied however, for its successful implementation it is critical to understand how land‐use decisions are made and how new social, political and economic forces in the future will influence this process.


This paper proposes the design of a Proportional Integral (PI) controller using Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) to control the speed of an Induction Motor (IM) fed from wind turbine. The wind turbine plays as a prime mover to a connected DC generator. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is used to get three phase AC voltage from the output of DC generator. The proposed design problem of speed controller is established as an optimization problem. ICA is adopted to search for optimal controller parameters by minimizing the time domain objective function. The behavior of the proposed ICA has been estimated with the behavior of the conventional Zeigler-Nichols (ZN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in order to prove the superior efficiency of the proposed ICA in tuning PI controller. Also, the behavior of the proposed controller has been estimated with respect to the change of speed wind turbine and load torque. Simulation results confirm on the better behavior of the optimized PI controller based on ICA in compare to optimized PI controller based on GA and conventional one over a wide range of operating conditions. Key-Words: Genetic Algorithm, Imperialist Competitive Algorithm, Induction Motor, Integral Time Absolute Error, Speed Control, Wind Turbine.


This paper shows that buildups in firm leverage predict subsequent declines in aggregate regional employment. Using confidential establishment-level data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we exploit regional heterogeneity in leverage buildups by large U.S. publicly listed firms, which are widely spread across U.S. regions. For a given region, our results show that increases in firms' borrowing are associated with "boom-bust" cycles: employment grows in the short run but declines in the medium run. Across regions, our results imply that regions with larger buildups in firm leverage exhibit stronger short-run growth, but also stronger medium-run declines, in aggregate regional employment. We obtain similar results if we condition on national recessions-regions with larger buildups in firm leverage prior to a recession experience larger employment losses during the recession. When comparing regional firm and household leverage growth, we find qualitatively similar patterns for both. Finally, we find that regions whose firm leverage growth comoves more strongly also exhibit stronger comovement in their regional business cycles.


These guidelines set forth a program for conceptual and practical orientation in the design of tunnel linings. They are not intended to be used as a code or collection of specifications. They cover a broad range of subjects including operational criteria, principles for selecting and dimensioning the lining, tunnel construction, geotechnical investigations, the influence of water and observations and instrumentation. Tunnel linings need to be viewed in light of the many functional, construction and geotechnical requirements that dictate how they are developed in practice. These guidelines are written for owners, funding agencies, designers, and contractors.


A number of investigations have been performed in the recent years to analyze the effect of advance maintenance and to see if it is justifiable. These studies gave promising results but were site specific and considered only a short period of shoaling after dredging. Lund considered the above problem as a least-cost replacement problem and determined the optimal dredging cycle for a single reach with a constant shoaling rate. Due to uncertainty in the shoaling rate and the river flow, the scheduling of advance maintenance (AM) is a probabilistic sequential decision process. This paper discusses the application of a modified policy iteration algorithm developed by Tjims to determine the least-cost inspection and maintenance schedule. The method takes into account the dredging cost, cost incurred due to failure, and the cost for inspection in determining an average cost optimal policy.


Contexts are crucial for action recognition in video. Current methods often mine contexts after extracting hierarchical local features and focus on their high-order encodings. This paper instead explores contexts as early as possible and leverages their evolutions for action recognition. In particular, we introduce a novel architecture called deep alternative neural network (DANN) stacking alternative layers. Each alternative layer consists of a volumetric convolutional layer followed by a recurrent layer. The former acts as local feature learner while the latter is used to collect contexts. Compared with feed-forward neural networks, DANN learns contexts of local features from the very beginning. This setting helps to preserve hierarchical context evolutions which we show are essential to recognize similar actions. Besides, we present an adaptive method to determine the temporal size for network input based on optical flow energy, and develop a volumetric pyramid pooling layer to deal with input clips of arbitrary sizes. We demonstrate the advantages of DANN on two benchmarks HMDB51 and UCF101 and report competitive or superior results to the state-of-the-art.


Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is sensitive to oxygen and heat, and can be degraded during unsuitable conditions of cooking and preservation methods of food. The nutritional quality of food may be adversely affected due to transition metal−catalyzed oxidative degradation of ascorbic acid. The effect of Cu(II) complexes formed with protective organic acids widely found in fruits on the autoxidation of ascorbic acid was investigated, where ascorbic acid was quantified with the Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity assay. The Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation at pH 4.5 followed first-order kinetics with respect to ascorbic acid concentration. The rate constants of ascorbic acid oxidation increased with Cu(II) concentration for a fixed level of organic acid. The catalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid was inhibited in the presence of stable Cu(II)-organic acid binary complexes, and accordingly, the inhibitive potency of citric acid (highest) was followed by oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid in this order. The rate-limiting step of ascorbic acid oxidation was the formation of a ternary transition complex between Cu(II), hydrogen ascorbate, and carboxylic acid. The inhibitive activity of Cu(II)-ligand complexes increased as the binary complex stability increased. The presence of fruit acids in foodstuffs may help protect nutritional ascorbic acid values by preventing metal−catalyzed oxidation reactions.


Since 2010, with the creation of the National Cancer Institute, the Argentine Republic has been tackling the battle against cancer as a genuine public health problem. Today in Argentina, there is a "cancer policy" whose pillars are prevention, education, assistance, and research. In this article, we provide information about the incidence and mortality of the tumours most common in adults and children, and details of some epidemiological aspects and advances Argentina has achieved in the battle against cancer in the past decade.


This study aimed to identify changes in the interest of the administration area on issues of environmental management, environmental strategy, environmental performance and strategic environmental assessment (in Portuguese, English or Spanish) by checking the articles with these themes in journals. We carried out a bibliometric study with a quantitative approach, in 44 Brazilian journals classified by the system in 2008 Qualis/CAPES - Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, such as A1, A2, B1 and B2, to the area of Administration, Accounting and Tourism. We surveyed 1203 editions available electronically, between 2000 and 2009, with the identification of 113 articles in 22 journals, citing some of the search terms in the body text. Articles were evaluated using the following parameters: identification of the journal, the occurrence of key terms, date of publication, and authorship. It was identified that only five journals published 54.86% of articles selected: REAd - Electronic Administration Rev. (15.04%), G & P - Production & Management (11.50%), RAP - Rev. of Public Administration (11.50%), CAD - Notebooks EBAPE.BR (9.74%) and PROD - Production (7.08%). The key term 'Environmental Management' was found in title 38 of the articles, is cited as a keyword in 64 and present in the body text 111. Have 'Strategic Environmental Assessment' was only mentioned in two articles in the sample. The years of publication of the articles were higher in 2006 (20) and 2009 (24). Authors who have published more have participated in seven different articles of the sample. It was noted that from 2000 to 2009 there was a good growth of Brazilian magazines and number of published articles that cited the search terms, including special issues on the environmental issue, but with negligible diffusion in Brazilian publications, since it was identified only of key terms in respect of an article for each ten issues examined. It is hoped that this work can contribute, from the quantitative identification of articles, journals and authors that have cited this search query terms (as listing in Annex 1), to set the state of the art and disclose the theoretical foundation's national theme of environmental issues related to management, strategy and organizational performance.


Metrics characterizing the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in wadeable streams in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States were analyzed to explore the relative responses of the metrics to different types of anthropogenic stress. The data used in our study were collected by the US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program from 1993 to 1996. Regression models were developed relating metric values at reference sites to natural sources of variability. These models were then used to predict reference values at test sites. Test site metric observations were scaled by subtracting the predicted reference value and dividing by the standard deviation of residuals at reference sites. Stressor–response relationships for each scaled metric were then estimated using generalized additive models. Metric responses to 4 groups of stressors (nutrient enrichment, habitat degradation, elevated metals concentrations, and elevated ion concentrations) were different. The proportional abundance of tolerant taxa was the most sensitive indicator of nutrient enrichment and habitat degradation, whereas Ephemeroptera richness was the most sensitive indicator of elevated metals or ion concentrations.


In this thesis we explore the fascinating topic of Holography for various systems. The intuitive idea of Holography is that one has at hand two dual descriptions of the physical reality at different number of dimensions much like in the usual holograms, where one projects a three dimensional object onto a two dimensional screen. In the Prologue we provide a self-contained introduction to the basic physical concepts and techniques behind the holographic duality: Large N, Gauge theories and String theory.The first part of the thesis comprises of chapters 2 and 3, where we describe in detail how holography can be applied to realistic condensed matter systems and subsequently analyze in detail the electromagnetic properties of strongly interacting Weyl semimetals via the use of a dual Holographic gravitational model. In particular we study the effect of interactions in the electrical conductivity and we discover some novel effects such as an anomalous magnetic moment stemming from these strong interactions. In the second part of this thesis, chapters 4 and 5, we study the best understood example of Holography - that between Matrix Models and non-critical String Theory - where analytical calculations are possible on both sides of the duality. Our physical motivation is to study Cosmology in two dimensions, through the use of an S1/Z2 orbifold of Euclidean time with a subsequent analytic continuation. In the Matrix Quantum mechanics model the extra spacelike dimension is provided through the matrix eigenvalues and we find that it is possible to describe the initial and final wavefunctions of this toy-Cosmology that capture the presence of a closed string condensate at the beginning and end of time (Big-Bang – Big Crunch). In the third part of the thesis, we revisit Gerard 't Hooft's approach of describing a unitary S-matrix for a black hole that takes into account the backreaction of ingoing particles to the outgoing ones, in the light of 't Hooft's partial wave expansion in spherical harmonics. We use a model of waves scattering in an inverted oscillator potential– that exactly reproduces the unitary black hole S-matrix for all spherical harmonics; each partial wave having a ground state energy that is shifted relative to the s-wave oscillator. Identifying a connection to two dimensional string theory allows us to show that there is an exponential degeneracy in how a given total initial energy may bedistributed among the many partial waves of the four dimensional black hole. This then opens the possibility of a microscopic understanding of the horizon dynamics. In the Epilogue, we conclude with some possible future avenues related to the construction of such a microscopic model.


A hierarchy of questions and answers about the features of distributed computing systems (DCSs) leads to an overall system description that facilitates system comparisons. The taxonomy uses terminology from an object-based model of DCSs and emphasizes the runtime services the DCS provides to applications. It is based on the division of DCS issues into three distinct categories: threads object properties and separation. The threads subtree explores the creation, the number, and the control of threads in the DCS. The object properties subtree explores DCS features that are defined for objects in isolation. The separation subtree explores issues that arise because there are many objects in the DCS. To describe a specific DCS, a taxonomy user traces paths through the hierarchy.<<ETX>>


Abstract The national census is often seen as a site of struggle for minorities seeking recognition and equality. Much less is known about the conditions under which ethnic majorities are galvanized to stake identity claims in the census. This article examines recent trends in New Zealand where an increasing number of people from the dominant New Zealand European group are redefining themselves as ethnic New Zealanders. Drawing from the literature on ethnic boundaries, we theorize the factors underlying the surge in New Zealander identification, and present census data to demonstrate its selective appeal. We also review patterns of national naming in North America and Australia to show that the New Zealander phenomenon reflects a broader shift by settler state majorities to reimagine their identities. The implications for ethnic counting in other contexts are briefly considered.


The authors investigated the magnetic properties of Fe-doped zirconia, ZrO2:Fe, grown by atomic layer deposition, for different concentrations of Fe dopant, a substitutional impurity to Zr. Their growth recipe allows the deposition of films in which the percentage of Fe, x, ranges from diluted (x  ∼ 1–2 at. %) up to high (x ∼ 25 at. %) concentrations. By x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, the authors carefully analyzed the magnetic moments of these dilute magnetic oxides at low temperature (T = 5 K), determining the best dopant range maximizing the magnetic signal. In particular, the authors found that the magnetic signal decreases as the Fe concentration increases. By comparison with ab initio simulations, the authors enlighten the microscopic mechanisms responsible for this peculiar behavior.


In this work, we aim to evaluate the potential of hydrothermal carbonization (also known as wet pyrolysis) as a pretreatment, by evaluating the changes induced in the raw material (cellulose) under varying experimental conditions. Hydrocarbonization processes were performed under different temperature, time and biomass/water ratios following a response surface methodology. The hydrochars obtained were characterized in terms of proximate analysis, behavior towards pyrolysis and combustion, heating value and surface textural and chemical features. The presence of typical hydrocarbonization reactions (dehydration, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, recondensation, etc.) was only possible if a limit temperature (200°C) was used. Under these conditions, proximate analyses changed, the surface chemistry was modified, and the formation of a second lignite-type solid fraction was observed.


The problem of the monophyletic or polyphyletic origin of the Amphibia, with a discussion on the relationships among Anura, Urodela and Apoda. The origin of the Class Amphibia is connected with one of the major events in the evolution of the animal world, viz. the emergence of lancl vertebrates. With the first tetrapods begins the sequence of anagenetic changes which lead to Reptiles, to Mammals and to Man. The rise of the evolutionary novelty represented by a vertebrate capable of successfully living on the land from a piscine ancestor, is one of the rare and meaningful phenomena of the evolutionary process belonging to the kind of anagenetic change which the author has called arogenesis. It is of great importance for students of evolution to know in what way this arogenetic process did take place, and it is specially relevant For this purpose to have a good picture of the phylogenetic pattern of amphibian origin. Two main kinds of theories have been proposed to account for the phylogenetic origin of the Amphibia: monophyletic theories and polyphyletic (diphylctic) theories. The author makes a brief survey of the different polyphyletic views, arriving to the conclusion that none of the various versions of this position is adequately supported by known facts. Holmgren's theory of the origin of the Urodela in the Dipneusta and of the remaining tetrapods in other, Crossopterygian, stock, is based upon inferences on the morphological evolution of the chiridium which are now completely disregarded because of posterior discoveries and discussions regarding the origin of tetrapod limbo. Huene's splitting of the first tetrapods in Urodelidia and Eutetrapoda, each group being of a different origin within a protoamphibian level, was mainly based in Gadow's theory of the evolution of the vertebral column, a theory that cannot be maintained after the thorough critical revaluation of vertebral evolution made by Williams. Additional support for his view was found by Huene in Jarvik's theory of the origin of the Amphibia in two different stocks of Rhipidistians, but this has the same weakness, since the foundations of Jarvik's views have been contradicted by later discoveries in Crossopterygian morphology and systematics, mainly due to Vorobjeva and Thornson. In agreement with the recent conclusions of Szarsky and Parsons & Williams, the author points out that the large amount of basic homologies found in all Amphibia claiming for a monophyletic origin of the class, is in accordance with the lack of anv reliable support For the polyphyletic views. Both facts lead to the conclusion that the {110st probable hypothesis is that all the kn0W11 Amphibia, living and fossil, are the result of a cladogenetic process which begun in a common Rhipiclistian ancestor. Closely connected with the problem of the monophyletic or polyphyletic origin of the Amphibia as a class, is the question of the relationships arnong the three orders of living amphibians: Anura, Urodela and Apoda. The fall of the Gadowian vertebral theory and the rejection of the different polyphyletic views, have their consequences with regard to this problem, since no support is now available for the commonly accepted classification that refers the Urodela and the Apoda to a subclass (Lepospondyla) different from the subclass (Apsidospondyla) in which are included the Anura and the Labyrinthodontia. A survey is made of the different characters that seem to connect the three living orders, emphasizing the bearing on this problem of teeth structure, middle ear morphology and the anatomv of the muscle levator bulbi. The author concludes that at the present state of knowledge no conclusive theory may be proposed to account for the relationships among Anura, Urodela and Apoda. It is c1ear for the author that the evidence in favor of the monophyletic origin of the whole class Amphibia is far more conclusive than the evidence which might be argued in support of any attempt to interpret the interrelationships of the living orders of the class, Nevertheless, if it is well kept in mind that any hypothesis postulated to account for the relationships among Anura, Urodela and Apoda, at the present state of knowledge has a low degree of confidence, the author is inclined to maintain that the evidence seems to indicate a common origin for Anura and Urodela, and that the Apoda do not seem to be closely related with any of them, being more probably linked with the Paleozoic Microsaurs. This view would demand a revival of the Haeckelian concept of Lissamphibia, as a group for both Anura and Urodela. Regarding the nature of the protolissamphibian stock, the author points out the relevance of the Branchiosaurs in this connection.


This study investigated the prevalence of snoring and symptoms of sleep breathing-related disorders in the multi-ethnic population of Singapore (3 million people, comprising 75% Chinese, 15% Malay and 7% Indian). A multistaged, area cluster, disproportionate stratified, random sampling of adults aged 20-74 yrs was used to obtain a sample of 2,298 subjects (65% response), with approximately equal numbers of Chinese, Malay and Indian and in each 10 yr age group. An interviewer-administered field questionnaire was used to record symptoms of snoring and breathing disturbances during sleep witnessed by a room-mate and other personal and health-related data. The weighted point estimate (and 95% confidence interval) of the whole population prevalence of snoring was 6.8% (53-83). There were pronounced ethnic differences among Chinese, 6.2% (4.4-8.1); Malay, 8.1% (6.1-10.2) and Indian, 10.9% (85-13.4). The minimum whole population prevalence by the most restricted symptom criteria for defining sleep breathing-related disorder was 0.43% (0.05-0.8%). Similar marked ethnic differences in rates were observed using various symptom criteria. The ethnic differences in sleep breathing symptoms paralleled the differences in body mass index, neck circumference and hypertension, but statistically significant differences remained after adjustment for sex, age and these known associated factors. Marked ethnic differences in snoring and sleep breathing-related disorders were observed in Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore, which were only partly explained by known factors of sex, age and body habitus.


Understanding the resistance of plant communities to invasion is urgent in times of changes in the physical environment due to climate change and changes in the resident communities due to biodiversity loss. Here, we test the interaction between repeated drought or heavy rainfall events and functional diversity of grassland and heath communities on invasibility, measured as the number of plant individuals invading from the matrix vegetation. Invasibility of experimental plant communities was influenced by extreme weather events, although no change in above-ground productivity of the resident communities was observed. Drought decreased invasibility while heavy rainfall increased invasibility, a pattern that is consistent with the fluctuating resource hypothesis. Higher community diversity generally decreased invasibility, which can be explained by a combination of the fluctuating resource hypothesis and niche theory. The effects of the physical environment (extreme weather events) and diversity resistance (community composition) were additive, as they were independent from each other. Differences in the composition of invading species sets were found, and Indicator Species Analysis revealed several invading species with significant affinity to one particular extreme weather event or community composition. This finding supports niche theory and contradicts neutral species assembly. Our data supports theories which predict decreased resistance of plant communities due to both increased climate variability and biodiversity loss. The effects of these two factors, however, appear to be independent from each other.


Generation of arbitrarily complex intensity profiles by using phase-only Fourier-domain pulse shaping has thus far been performed by using optimization algorithms to find the optimal phase profile. We present an alternative method based on the Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) algorithm that converges at least several hundred times faster and is independent of the number of phase points and gray levels. The numerical and experimental performance of the GS algorithm is characterized and compared against a genetic algorithm. An application of amplified GS-synthesized waveforms to large-amplitude coherent phonon generation and destruction is demonstrated.


This paper illustrates how general-purpose simulation and visualization tools primarily designed to study construction operations can be effectively used to model and animate vehicular traffic flows in urban transportation networks. A high-fidelity simulation model and a corresponding 3D visualization describing traffic flow at a busy 3-way signalized intersection are presented. The model and animation demonstrate how simulation and visualization can be used to study vehicle interaction in a transportation network, given data on the expected volume of traffic over intervals of time. The characteristic that distinguishes the presented work is the capability to model and animate vehicular traffic operations with high fidelity using general-purpose discrete event simulation and visualization tools typically used to model and animate construction operations. The focus of the research has been on evaluating the capabilities of state-of-the-art construction simulation and visualization tools in being able to accurately model and animate traffic operations. The presented model simulates several different scenarios and traffic control strategies, and can be a valuable tool in the efficient design of signalized traffic intersections. The solution to the problem is modelled in detail using the simulation tool STROBOSCOPE (MARTINEZ, 1996) and has been animated in 3D using VITASCOPE (Kamat, 2003). The obtained results highlight the potential that general-purpose tools, even if originally designed for specific purposes, can be effective in studying operations involving the interaction of entities in multiple domains such as construction and traffic flow, thereby enabling their use in studying mixed operations such as the effect of roadway construction (e.g. lane closures, slow construction vehicles, etc.) on existing vehicular traffic.


The first twenty minutes of this video are an artwork by Dr Ozolins titled 'Home', 2010, Single channel Video, 20 min loop.

The Journey Home, Part II

Brigita Ozolins is an artist, writer, curator and a lecturer at the Tasmanian School of Art. Last year, she presented an art forum called The Journey Home, a project based on her mother's escape from Latvia to Australia at the end of WWII made possible with the support of the 2008 Inaugural Qantas Contemporary Art Award. She discussed the 2 month residency she had in Riga, the capital of Latvia, and her subsequent attempt to follow her mother's journey through a series of displaced persons' camps in Poland, Germany and Italy. In this forum, Brigita will talk about the work that resulted from her research, which was featured as a solo exhibition in the National Library of Latvia in June this year, and the major disaster that happened in the Library one week after her show opened.


Where the line is drawn between noncitizens who are incorporated into American society and those who are not has changed greatly over time, resulting in the creation of a gray area where certain immigrants fall between those with lawful immigration status and those with no status at all. These individuals are granted "lawful presence" which permits them to remain and work in the United States, but does not provide them with a path to citizenship. The number of people in this ambiguous category continues to grow and may dramatically expand again soon as President Obama recently exerted broad scale executive action in response to Congress' refusal to reform immigration laws. This article looks at the ways immigration law grants lawful presence and the changing responses of the legal system in dealing with this "gap" between status and no-status. The recent exclusion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals from the Affordable Care Act and other essential health insurance programs serves as a case study to demonstrate how inconsistently laws handle this middle category of people today. The consequences of such a narrow division between who receives benefits and who does not is that the gap between status and no-status widens, encouraging state lawmakers to further discriminate against this group. I argue that the struggle over where the line should be drawn to decide which noncitizens should and should not have access to essential rights and benefits is exacerbated by the tension between a progressive President and a conservative Congress. In a system where the Executive branch may confer lawful presence but only Congress can confer lawful status, hundreds of thousands of people are caught in the gap. I conclude by arguing that as the number of people in this gray area continues to grow, courts should lean toward inclusion rather than exclusion of lawfully present noncitizens in resolving this tension in the law.


This work is devoted to the study of the octahedral distortion in the Sm0.6Sr0.4MnO3 composite and its influence on the electromagnetic transport (colossal magnetoresistance CMR). Comparison between the MR of Sm0.6Sr0.4MnO3 whichwas prepared in different Laboratories (Cairo University, CU, and Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, PNPI) was held. In both it was prepared using the same standard solid state reaction. The lattice parameters are the same in both samples. However, there are differences in MR values.At T = 84.4K,MRmeasured at PNPI is 81.7%atmagnetic field; H = 2.4T whileMRmeasured at CU is 90.7%at magnetic field; H = 2T and 96.4%atH = 3T. The tilt angle ofMO6 octaherda for both samples calculated and has different values. This may lead to deviation in the MR values.


Significant progress has been made in the installation and initial operation of several IGCC power plants. At least six IGCC projects are scheduled to enter commercial operation in the USA and in Europe during 1996. Several additional IGCC projects are under construction or under development using many different gasification systems. Gas turbine manufacturers introduced advanced gas turbine technology in 1995, resulting in IGCC efficiency for coal and heavy oil-fired plants of up to 50% (LHV) with plant costs consistent with conventional steam plants. Gas turbine developments specifically aimed at IGCC applications allow the use of environmentally low quality fuels without added impact on the environment.This paper discusses the current operating experience of several of the initial IGCC plants and illustrates the very attractive fuels flexibility with the combined-cycle plants burning naphtha or distillate oils initially with later conversions to IGCC burning lignite, heavy oil or orimulsion. This paper also discusses the heat rate and output performance capabilities of the IGCC with H level gas turbine technology and the resulting impacts on the cost of electricity from IGCC plants.Copyright © 1996 by ASME


Abstract. Earth's surface temperature sensitivity to radiative forcing (RF) by contrail cirrus and the related RF efficacy relative to CO2 are investigated in a one-dimensional idealized model of the atmosphere. The model includes energy transport by shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiation and by mixing in an otherwise fixed reference atmosphere (no other feedbacks). Mixing includes convective adjustment and turbulent diffusion, where the latter is related to the vertical component of mixing by large-scale eddies. The conceptual study shows that the surface temperature sensitivity to given contrail RF depends strongly on the timescales of energy transport by mixing and radiation. The timescales are derived for steady layered heating (ghost forcing) and for a transient contrail cirrus case. The radiative timescales are shortest at the surface and shorter in the troposphere than in the mid-stratosphere. Without mixing, a large part of the energy induced into the upper troposphere by radiation due to contrails or similar disturbances gets lost to space before it can contribute to surface warming. Because of the different radiative forcing at the surface and at top of atmosphere (TOA) and different radiative heating rate profiles in the troposphere, the local surface temperature sensitivity to stratosphere-adjusted RF is larger for SW than for LW contrail forcing. Without mixing, the surface energy budget is more important for surface warming than the TOA budget. Hence, surface warming by contrails is smaller than suggested by the net RF at TOA. For zero mixing, cooling by contrails cannot be excluded. This may in part explain low efficacy values for contrails found in previous global circulation model studies. Possible implications of this study are discussed. Since the results of this study are model dependent, they should be tested with a comprehensive climate model in the future.


This study was undertaken to evaluate preclinical acute and sub-acute toxicity of Aloe rabaiensis leaf methanolic extract (ARLME) on BALB/c mice following OECD guidelines 423 and 407, respectively. In an acute oral toxicity test, ARLME was administered to the mice by oral gavage at a single dose of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight. The mice were observed for toxic signs for 14 days. In sub-acute oral toxicity test, ARLME was administered to the mice by oral gavage at 500, 800 and 1000 mg/Kg body weight daily up to 28th day. At the end of the test, haematological and biochemical analyses of the collected blood sample were carried out as well as gross and microscopic pathology. The control group (F) received a single oral dose of 0.5 mL of 1% DMSO in normal saline. In acute oral toxicity, no treatment-related death or toxic signs at the dosage below 4000 mg/Kg was observed. Nevertheless, at the dosage of 4000 and 5000 mg/Kg, drowsiness and sedation were observed. It was, therefore, revealed that ARLME could be tolerated up to the dose of 3000 mg/Kg body weight and may be classified as category 5. Sub-acute toxicity study at dosage 500 and 800 mg/Kg displayed no adverse changes in the haematological parameter, body weights and histopathological examination. However, at a dosage of 1000 mg/Kg, the serum biochemical aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase increased, and in histopathological examination of liver and kidney, there was a proliferation of bile duct and leucocytes infiltration respectively. Thus, observations from this study indicate that oral administration of ARLME had no adverse toxic effects in BALB/c mice at the dosage below 1000 mg/Kg, hence supports the use of Aloe rabaiensis in drug formulations.

 Key words: Acute toxicity, sub-acute toxicity, Aloe rabaiensis, BALB/c mice.


Hans Kelsen refused to develop a democratic theory of the basic norm. Given that he expounded a strong distinction between law and politics as two separate scientific disciplines he consistently argued against any attempt to politicize legal science and corrupt its object of cognition. As a result, there has been very little discussion of the basic norm in relation to his democratic theory. This article attempts to fill this gap by tracing the relationship between the basic norm and democracy in Kelsen's legal and political writings. More precisely, it maps Kelsen's seminal distinction between autonomy and heteronomy onto his reflections on constitutional making and probes the anti-democratic implications of his theory of the basic norm as they undermine the normative foundations of democratic theory. The article concludes by addressing the question of whether it is possible to articulate a theory of the democratic ground norm, of democratic foundings with a normative content, by proposing the idea of an immanent, performative basic norm as the source of validity of a democratic constitutional order


. The paper presents calibration and e ffi ciency analyses for two di ff erent configurations of a resonant vibration absorber consisting of a spring, a damper and an inerter element. In the two configurations the damper is either in parallel with the spring or with the inerter element. A calibration procedure is described for the idealized single structural mass system, starting from the desired level of dynamic amplification, and leading to explicit formulae for the device parameters. The procedure is then extended to a flexible structure by accounting for flexibility and inertia e ff ects from the non-resonant modes. The calibration procedure is given a unified format for the two absorber types, and the high e ffi ciency – evaluated as the ability to reproduce the selected dynamic amplification level of the resonant mode – is demonstrated.


In vivo measurements of strain in the femur and tibia of Iguana iguana (Linnaeus) and Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin) have indicated three ways in which limb bone loading in these species differs from patterns observed in most birds and mammals: (i) the limb bones of I. iguana and A. mississippiensis experience substantial torsion, (ii) the limb bones of I. iguana and A. mississippiensis have higher safety factors than those of birds or mammals, and (iii) load magnitudes in the limb bones of A. mississippiensis do not decrease uniformly with the use of a more upright posture. To verify these patterns, and to evaluate the ground and muscle forces that produce them, we collected three-dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data from subadult I. iguana and A. mississippiensis using a force platform and high-speed video. The results of these force/kinematic studies generally confirm the loading regimes inferred from in vivo strain measurements. The ground reaction force applies a torsional moment to the femur and tibia in both species; for the femur, this moment augments the moment applied by the caudofemoralis muscle, suggesting large torsional stresses. In most cases, safety factors in bending calculated from force/video data are lower than those determined from strain data, but are as high or higher than the safety factors of bird and mammal limb bones in bending. Finally, correlations between limb posture and calculated stress magnitudes in the femur of I. iguana confirm patterns observed during direct bone strain recordings from A. mississippiensis: in more upright steps, tensile stresses on the anterior cortex decrease, but peak compressive stresses on the dorsal cortex increase. Equilibrium analyses indicate that bone stress increases as posture becomes more upright in saurians because the ankle and knee extensor muscles exert greater forces during upright locomotion. If this pattern of increased bone stress with the use of a more upright posture is typical of taxa using non-parasagittal kinematics, then similar increases in load magnitudes were probably experienced by lineages that underwent evolutionary shifts to a non-sprawling posture. High limb bone safety factors and small body size in these lineages could have helped to accommodate such increases in limb bone stress.


This book presents and applies a novel efficient meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called Colliding Bodies Optimization (CBO) for various optimization problems. The first part of the book introduces the concepts and methods involved, while the second is devoted to the applications. Though optimal design of structures is the main topic, two chapters on optimal analysis and applications in constructional management are also included. This algorithm is based on one-dimensional collisions between bodies, with each agent solution being considered as an object or body with mass. After a collision of two moving bodies with specified masses and velocities, these bodies again separate, with new velocities. This collision causes the agents to move toward better positions in the search space. The main algorithm (CBO) is internally parameter independent, setting it apart from previously developed meta-heuristics. This algorithm is enhanced (ECBO) for more efficient applications in the optimal design of structures. The algorithms are implemented in standard computer programming languages (MATLAB and C++) and two main codes are provided for ease of use


A 13-year analysis of the relationship between gasoline prices and lodging demand found that a 1-percent increase in gasoline prices results in a drop of rooms demand of 1.74 percent. The study, which is based on brand-name hotels in the United States, was done at The Center for Hospitality Research. The researchers examined monthly room-night data from 1988 through 2000 from the Smith Travel Research database. The researchers also factored gross domestic product into their analysis and included a trend factor as an additional control. All room rates were adjusted to year-2000 dollars using the consumer price index (CPI). Examining the effects of gasoline price increases on various lodging segments, the researchers determined that the effects of rising gasoline prices fall most heavily on midscale and economy hotels, with a lesser effect on upscale properties. For example, a 1-percent increase in gas prices would reduce annual economy-hotel demand by 2.89 percent. Midscale properties with F&B would see a demand reduction of 4.12 percent and limited-service midscale properties would have a reduction of 2.89 percent with every 1-percent increase in gasoline prices. The combined effects of hotel location and market segment clarify the effect of gasoline-price increases on hotels operating in various segments in different locations. The effects of gasoline-price changes are magnified in hotels located along highway that is, those that depend chiefly on automobile access. The most gasoline-price-sensitive group comprises midscale and economy hotels located in highway and suburban locations. The following demonstrates that effect. A 1-percent increase in gasoline prices reduces demand for full-service midscale urban hotels by a little over 2 percent, but for highway properties in the same segment, the loss is nearly 4 percent. Ironically, gasoline-price increases are associated with an increase in demand for resorts in midto upscale segments, but resorts in the economy segment see a reduction in demand.


This title covers the most commonly used elements of Internet and Intranet technology and their development. It details the latest developments in research and covers new themes such as IP6, MPLS, and IS-IS routing, as well as explaining the function of standardization committees such as IETF, IEEE, and UIT. The book is illustrated with numerous examples and applications which will help the reader to place protocols in their proper context.


Ten 8- to 10-month-old cattle were each inoculated intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracerebrally, and orally with the scrapie agent to determine whether cattle are susceptible to it. Two inocula, both 10% homogenates of cerebrum, were used. One inoculum was from a sheep used for the second experimental ovine passage of the agent from 4 naturally affected Suffolk sheep. The other inoculum was from a goat used for the first experimental caprine passage of the agent from 2 naturally affected dairy goats living with the Suffolk sheep, the source of their infection. Between 27 and 48 months after inoculation, neurologic disease was observed in 1 of 5 cattle given the sheep brain homogenate and in 2 of 5 given the goat brain homogenate. In all 3 affected cattle, the disease was expressed clinically as increasing difficulty in rising from recumbency, stilted gait of the pelvic limbs, disorientation, and terminal recumbency during a 6- to 10-week course. Neurohistologic changes, though consistent with those of scrapie, were slight and subtle: moderate astrocytosis with sparse rod cells, some neuronal degeneration, a few vacuolated neurons, and scant spongiform change. Clinically and neurohistologically, the experimentally induced disease differed from bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The differences emphasize that such infections in cattle induce diverse responses, presumably depending largely on the strain of the agent. Pathologists should keep this variability in mind when looking for microscopic evidence of a scrapie-like encephalopathy in cattle.


Scadding, J. G. (1974).Thorax, 29, 271-281. Diffuse pulmonary alveolar fibrosis. The problems of diagnostic categorization of diffuse pulmonary alveolar fibrosis are outlined, and attention is drawn to the different implications of categories defined aetiologically and histopathologically. The pattern of pulmonary insufficiency associated with changes of these sorts is described, and the importance of using a terminology of pulmonary insufficiency which refers unequivocally to disorders of function is emphasized. The usage of the word `interstitial' in the context of inflammations of the lung is critically examined. It seems to be used to imply predominant involvement of alveolar walls, which in other contexts would be regarded as `parenchyma'. This unresolved conflict which accepted anatomical usage can be avoided by general acceptance of complementary conventions that `pneumonia' refers to inflammations of the lung characterized by exudation into alveolar spaces leading to consolidation, and `alveolitis' to those affecting predominantly alveolar walls. Some cases of alveolitis, so defined, can be shown to be due to reactions with inhaled organic dusts in the gas-exchanging part of the lungs in specifically sensitized individuals, constituting a group of aetiologically defined categories `extrinsic allergic alveolitis'. A few are due to ingested toxic substances. Many remain of unknown cause and show a strong and early tendency to alveolar wall fibrosis: they constitute a histopathologically defined category `cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis'.


The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of acute thromboembolic arterial occlusion of extremities regarding time, type of presentation and the management plane with subsequent complications after surgery. A retrospective study done on 260 patients were admitted to Al-Sader teaching hospital with signs and symptoms of acute thromboembolic arterial occlusion from January 2005 to January 2012. Patient's age ranged from 20-85 years, 73%of them are above 50 years, males constitute (56%) and females (44%) of the patients. The onset of symptoms was sudden in 70% and gradual in (30%), only 78 patients had history of claudication. The upper limb involved in (26%) and lower limb (74%). Heart was the source of emboli in 70% while peripheral arterial atherosclerosis in 30%. One hundred eighty two patients presented with sudden onset occlusion, patients with clear source of embolism and those with no history of claudication were treated with embolectomy while patients with more gradual onset over 24hours were treated with heparin and the limb status assessed regularly. Of the patients, 46.7% were operated upon within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, 28.6% were operated on later than 24 hours of onset of symptoms, and overall limb salvage was 83%. Amputations were necessary in 27 patients. Complications occurred in 50 patients. Twenty five patients had wound complications, most frequently wound infection. Hospital mortality was 8.2%. Over half of the total numbers of deaths were resulted from myocardial infarction (50%). Seventy eight patients with acute on chronic ischemia were treated conservatively with heparin, 60.3% responded to heparin therapy and showed a good result, 35.9% had amputation & 3.8% died during the course of treatment. In conclusion, the time of presentation is important factor in determining the outcome after surgery regarding limb survival, functional state and even mortality. Late embolectomies, although associated with increased morbidity and mortality can be done as an effective method for saving the limbs providing that the limb is still viable. Patients with acute arterial thrombosis with a viable limb can be treated with anticoagulation alone and the surgical procedure can be deferred.


We show that the negative impact of financial crises on trade is magnified for destinations with longer time-to-ship. A simple model where exporters react to an increase in the probability of default of importers by increasing their export price and decreasing their export volumes to destinations in crisis is consistent with this empirical finding. For longer shipping time, those effects are indeed magnified as the probability of default increases as time passes. Some exporters also decide to stop exporting to the crisis destination, the more so the longer time-to-ship. Using aggregate data from 1950 to 2009, we find that this magnification effect is robust to alternative specifications, samples and inclusion of additional controls, including distance. The firm level predictions are also broadly consistent with French exporter data from 1995 to 2005.


In recent years, ontology for the Product Lifecycle Management domain has raised a lot of interest in research communities, both academic and industrial. It has emerged as a convenient method for supporting the concept of closed lifecycle information loop, which is one of the most important issues of PLM. By modeling relevant aspects collected from all lifecycle stages of a product, within one ontology, a common knowledge structure is created accessible to all actors. Assuming that appropriate mechanisms for updating ontology (or rather, instances that populate it) are provided, ontology becomes a base layer for a knowledge management platform. Useful experience and information from all products' life-cycle stages, can influence designer's decisions and business strategies. The industrial research community has recognized this added value of ontological implementation, and there is an increasing number of developed ontologies for this purpose. Application of ontology contributes to time efficiency by reducing the time required to retrieve information. Furthermore, it allows for the enhancement of design decisions which are supported through additional information at the appropriate moment. Finally, ontology gives an overall perspective on a product's lifecycle, allowing from-the-top optimization. Different domains modeled in ontology, and software platforms that use them as a base layer, become interoperable and convenient to merge. The purpose of ontology as it is today is not to store data, for the most part because there are more efficient data base systems to handle large data amounts. Still, the domain modeled within ontology is composed of structured and un-structured data sets, and ontology itself can give us a top view on relations and dependences between these data sets. In this perspective, it holds a strong similarity to a relational data base, if relations in the data base where defined so that they depicted the real world in the most precise possible manner. In large companies today, handling a growing amount of data generated every day is becoming an increasingly relevant problem. Managing and storing them, although challenging, is still feasible, but holding data without understanding it carries little added value. In an effort to exploit useful information contained in unstructured data sources, a number of decision support systems and enterprise resource planning systems have been developed. They can be very diverse in functionality and efficiency but the one thing that they all have in common is that the user has to be the one making the initiative and defining the queries. This means that the user has to know which information he is looking for, or hoping to extract. As a consequence, the number of relevant correlations and dependencies between different factors of real life captured in the data are left unnoticed, simply because they were not assumed. In the PLM domain, this is particularly present since it involves a number of actors and most of them are interacting only with a small subset of domain concepts. Data mining as a discipline, gives a number of tools for resolving this issue. All of the algorithms are designed to detect correlations, underlying patterns or functions that generated the data. The problem of data mining techniques is that they are still performed mostly manually. Although deterministic steps of data mining procedures can be supported by existing software tools, the others remain an obstac


Exploring coordinated relationships is important for sense making of data in various fields, such as intelligence analysis. To support such investigations, visual analysis tools use biclustering to mine relationships in bipartite graphs and visualize the resulting biclusters with standard graph visualization techniques. Due to overlaps among biclusters, such visualizations can be cluttered (e.g., with many edge crossings), when there are a large number of biclusters. Prior work attempted to resolve this problem by automatically ordering nodes in a bipartite graph. However, visual clutter is still a serious problem, since the number of displayed biclusters remains unchanged. We propose bicluster aggregation as an alternative approach, and have developed two methods of interactively merging biclusters. These interactive bicluster aggregations help organize similar biclusters and reduce the number of displayed biclusters. Initial expert feedback indicates potential usefulness of these techniques in practice.


In this article, we evaluate in detail the role of debt forgiveness in altering the transmission of labor income risk in the absence of catastrophic out-of-pocket "expense shocks" used in the literature on consumer default. The experiments we present can be thought of as: "If we insure the out-of-pocket expenses that constitute expenditure shocks, is there still a role of debt relief as a form of insurance against 'pure labor income risk'?" We address this question by studying a range of specifications for households' attitudes toward the intra- and intertemporal properties of income risk alone. Our main finding is that, absent expense shocks, the ability to default very generally hinders the ability of households to protect themselves against labor income risk. Our findings suggest the scope of shocks that debt forgiveness is providing insurance against may be limited, perhaps principally to relatively catastrophic outcomes.


Understanding the pattern of connectivity among populations is crucial for the development of realistic and spatially explicit population models in marine systems. Here we analysed variation at eight microsatellite loci to assess the genetic structure and to infer patterns of larval dispersal for a brooding coral, Seriatopora hystrix, at an isolated system of reefs in northern Western Australia. Spatial autocorrelation analyses show that populations are locally subdivided, and that the majority of larvae recruit to within 100 m of their natal colony. Further, a combination of F‐ and R‐ statistics showed significant differentiation at larger spatial scales (2–60 km) between sites, and this pattern was clearly not associated with distance. However, Bayesian analysis demonstrated that recruitment has been supplemented by less frequent but recent input of larvae from outside the local area; 2–6% of colonies were excluded from the site at which they were sampled. Individual assignments of these migrants to the most likely populations suggest that the majority of migrants were produced at the only site that was not decimated by a recent and catastrophic coral bleaching event. Furthermore, the only site that recovered to prebleaching levels received most of these immigrants. We conclude that the genetic structure of this brooding coral reflects its highly opportunistic life history, in which prolific, philopatric recruitment is occasionally supplemented by exogenously produced larvae.


The main aim of the paper is to define place of budget law in the system of Russian law as well as boundaries of budget law legal scope. Author tries to justify that budget law is a sub-branch of financial law. It regulates just some groups of relations concerning collecting of budget revenues and implementation of budget expenditures. Conclusions of the paper are based on researches of soviet and modern scientists; court practice is used as well.


Since the start of the 90s, the Spanish power system has experienced unprecedented demand growth. This growth combined with oil price increases, new environmental requirements and regulatory changes have encouraged an incentive to increase Distributed Generation (DG), which involves profound changes to the operation and planning of electricity distribution networks. Networks have stopped being passive elements that transmit electricity and turned into active elements in which control, safety and flexibility have become relevant factors. In this context, the Distribution System Operator (DSO) plays a key role by having to provide flexibility to its distribution networks and integrate all distributed energy resources connected to its network. Therefore, the investment in new network facilities has become a challenge for the distributor having to combine its decisions with the presence of DG. Its networks have stopped having the passive nature they were designed for. This paper seeks to approach a mechanism of guaranteeing power, which we call Reliability Options with Distributed Generation (RODG), focusing on providing the distribution network with an alternative to investing in firm capacity not determined by the rated capacity of distribution facilities but through generator facilities encompassed in the DG concept.


The phenomenon of stress reorientation of hydrides in fuel cladding tubes was studied with the help of a test technique named as the "cladding tube deformation test" (CTDT). Unirradiated Zircaloy-2 (Zry-2) cladding tube specimens charged with 250 ppm of hydrogen were tested. The test consisted of heating specimens to 400°C and then cooling them down to room temperature at cooling rates of 0.7°C/min and 2°C/min. During the cooling phase, a constant tensile load was applied to specimens with the help of two inner cylinder halves. The stress-strain fields developed in the tube specimen were calculated with the help of the finite element method (FEM). Post-testing metallographic observations revealed considerable amount of hydrides oriented radially as a result of loading. Lengths and relative position of all hydride bands were determined through a semi-automatic image processing technique. Mapping of FEM calculated stress field on the metallographic section helped to determine a stress threshold value of 72 MPa. Tests performed with a cooling rate 2°C/min showed a considerably lower extent of hydride reorientation. The above test technique was validated by performing internal pressurization tests using pre-hydrided Zry-2 cladding tubes. The external diameter of the tube was tapered by fine turning in order to exert different uniform hoop stress values on different cross sections of the tube. Internal pressurization tests were performed with a maximum temperature of 400°C and a cooling rate of 0.5°C/min. Post-testing metallographic observations on several cross sections of the specimen revealed a stress reorientation threshold of 65 MPa. Percentage of radially oriented hydrides as well as their lengths increased with the stress level until it reached a plateau. Further tests were carried out with the CTDT technique on specimens with H2 content ranging from 560 ppm to 750 ppm. These results revealed a reorientation stress threshold of around 120 MPa for higher hydrogen content.


Real-world content recommendation marketplaces exhibit certain behaviors and are imposed by constraints that are not always apparent in common static offline data sets. One example that is common in ad marketplaces is swift ad turnover. New ads are introduced and old ads disappear at high rates every day. Another example is ad discontinuity, where existing ads may appear and disappear from the market for non negligible amounts of time due to a variety of reasons (e.g., depletion of budget, pausing by the advertiser, flagging by the system, and more). These behaviors sometimes cause the model's loss surface to change dramatically over short periods of time. To address these behaviors, fresh models are highly important, and to achieve this (and for several other reasons) incremental training on small chunks of past events is often employed. These behaviors and algorithmic optimizations occasionally cause model parameters to grow uncontrollably large, or diverge. In this work present a systematic method to prevent model parameters from diverging by imposing a carefully chosen set of constraints on the model's latent vectors. We then devise a method inspired by primal-dual optimization algorithms to fulfill these constraints in a manner which both aligns well with incremental model training, and does not require any major modifications to the underlying model training algorithm.We analyze, demonstrate, and motivate our method on OFFSET, a collaborative filtering algorithm which drives Verizon Media (VZM) native advertising, which is one of VZM's largest and faster growing businesses, reaching a run-rate of many hundreds of millions USD per year. Finally, we conduct an online experiment which shows a substantial reduction in the number of diverging instances, and a significant improvement to both user experience and revenue.


We propose a simple infinite horizon of repeated elections with two candidates. Furthermore we suppose that the government policy presents some degree of inertia, i.e. a new government cannot completely change the policy implemented by the incumbent. When the policy inertia is strong enough, no party can win the election a consecutive infinite number of times.


ABSTRACT Lactic acid bacteria isolated from unconventional sources are often attractive targets in the quest for obtaining better probiotics. In the present study, 16 members of the genus Lactobacillus, isolated from 3 different sources in western India, viz., plants, fermented foods and beverages, and human feces, were evaluated for their probiotic and bioactive properties. The isolates were closely related to Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and mainly Lactobacillus plantarum. The isolates were tolerant to bile salt, acidic pH and pancreatin, although pancreatin tolerance was generally low. Cellular extracts of several isolates displayed antioxidant activity, while cell-free supernatants displayed antibacterial activity against human pathogens. Antioxidant activity of Lactobacilli of human origin was higher than those from vegetables or fermented foods and beverages. L. plantarum AG40V prevented spoilage of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables and sprouted mung-beans. Lactobacilli from all sources displayed equal probiotic potential and those of human origin displayed superior antioxidant activity over others.


In the last two decades, we have witnessed a growing spread of touchless interfaces, facilitated by higher performances of computational systems, as well as the increased availability of cheaper sensors and devices. Putting the focus on gestural input, several researchers and designers used Kinect-like devices to implement touchless gestural interfaces. The latter extends the possible deployments and usage of public interactive displays. For example, wall-sized displays may become interactive even if they are unreachable by touch. Moreover, billboard-sized displays may be placed in safe cases to avoid vandalism, while still maintaining their interactivity. Finally, people with temporary or permanent physical impairment (e.g. wheelchair users) may still comfortably interact with the display. Here we describe an information provision system allowing for touchless gestural interactions, along with a trial implementation within our University campus to test its effectiveness in a real setting. Our system is intended for use by students, lecturers and staff members, providing a captivating way to access news, lectures information, videos and more. We also report the results of an ongoing user study, defining a set of guidelines for future designs.


The type IX secretion system (T9SS) is a novel protein secretion system, which is found in and confined to the phylum Bacteroidetes. T9SS is involved in the secretion of virulence factors, cell surface adhesins, and complex biopolymer degrading enzymes to the cell surface or extracellular medium. Cytophaga hutchinsonii is a widely distributed bacterium, which is able to efficiently digest cellulose and rapidly glide along the solid surfaces. C. hutchinsonii has a full set of orthologs of T9SS components. However, the functions of most homologous proteins have not been verified. In C. hutchinsonii, CHU_0029 and CHU_2709 are similar in sequence to Flavobacterium johnsoniae T9SS components SprA and SprT, respectively. In this study, the single deletion mutants of chu_0029 (sprA) and chu_2709 (sprT) were obtained using a complex medium with the addition of Ca2+ and Mg2+. Single deletion of sprA or sprT resulted in defects in cellulose utilization and gliding motility. Moreover, the ΔsprA and ΔsprT mutants showed growth defects in Ca2+- and Mg2+-deficient media. The results of ICP-MS test showed that both the whole cell and intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ were dramatically reduced in the ΔsprA and ΔsprT mutants, indicating that SprA and SprT are both important for the assimilation of trace amount of Ca2+. While the assimilation of Mg2+ was not obviously influenced in the ΔsprA and ΔsprT mutants. Through proteomics analysis of the cell surface proteins of the wild type and mutants, we found that the ΔsprA and ΔsprT mutants were defective in secretion of the majority of T9SS substrates. Together, these results indicate that SprA and SprT are both essential components of C. hutchinsonii T9SS, which is required for protein secretion, Ca2+ acquisition, cellulose degradation, and gliding motility in C. hutchinsonii. Our study shed more light on the functions of SprA and SprT in T9SS, and further proved the link between the T9SS and Ca2+ uptake system.


An evolving land governance context compounds the case for practitioners to closely track developments as they unfold. While much research sheds light on key trends, questions remain about approaches for collective bottom-up analysis led by land governance practitioners themselves. This study presents findings from an initiative to test such an approach. Drawing on written submissions made in response to an open call for contributions, the study discusses global trends in land governance over the period 2015–2018. While not a comprehensive review nor a replacement for empirically grounded research, the study highlights some of the developments practitioners grapple with in their work. The findings point to the contrasting local-to-global trends that affect land governance in diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic settings: Growing commercial pressures on land, and shrinking spaces for dissent in many contexts, coexist with new avenues for public participation in land governance processes; while diverse approaches to securing land rights, whether individual or collective, possibly underpinned by new deployments of digital technology, can coexist or compete for policy traction within the same polity. This bottom-up trends analysis broadly correlates with available accounts based on empirical research, while also providing distinctive emphases that reflect the ways practitioners perceive the changing realities they are engaged with.


Policy, media and academic attention to violence in the Sahel region has been widespread since the onset of the Arab Spring and the escalation of violence in Mali in recent months. This research explores the nature, patterns and dynamics of this violence in regional and national comparative perspective, contrasting divergent dynamics of violence both within and across the region. Data is drawn from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Dataset (ACLED), which facilitates analysis of both contemporary and historical patterns. Regional characteristics of Sahelian violence are highlighted, which underscore a relatively low level of violence in the region as a whole, with increases in conflict levels largely driven by the single case of Mali in recent months. Detailed analysis of specific groups and actor types reveals important intra-regional discrepancies which have been largely obscured by characterisations of a regional, trans-national crisis. Together, these observations point to the need to interrogate narratives of regional dynamics which may conceal important national and even sub-national variations and drivers of political violence. stability


Radiative transfer in sea ice is subject to anisotropic, multiple scattering. The impact of anisotropy on the light field under sea ice was found to be substantial and has been quantified. In this study, a large data set of irradiance and radiance measurements under sea ice has been acquired with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in the central Arctic. Measurements are interpreted in the context of numerical radiative transfer calculations, laboratory experiments, and microstructure analysis. The ratio of synchronous measurements of transmitted irradiance to radiance shows a clear deviation from an isotropic under-ice light field. We find that the angular radiance distribution under sea ice is more downward directed than expected for an isotropic light field. This effect can be attributed to the anisotropic scattering coefficient within sea ice. Assuming an isotropic radiance distribution under sea ice leads to significant errors in light-field modeling and the interpretation of radiation measurements. Quantification of the light field geometry is crucial for correct conversion of radiance data acquired by Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and ROVs.


Experiment testing has indicated the potential value of using discarded tires as a construction material for low cost shore and harbor protection. The modular assembly methods and use of available connecting materials are examined for an 18-tire module. Engineering design parameters, material cost, and field tests for both floating tire breakwaters and tire revetments are summarized. Floating tire breakwaters are described and have provided wave attenuation in marinas and small harbors in both salt and freshwater. Descriptions of two tire revetment test sites on the Great Lakes are presented. Limited monitoring efforts have shown that the concept of tire revetment mats seem to hold promise as a low cost approach to certain shore erosion problems.


The institutional design literature is interested in the optimality of particular legal institutions, for example, judicial review of agency actions, corporate federalism, and environmental policy. This Article brings such an analysis to bear on federal securities regulation and argues that we could improve upon the current institutional structure. In particular, the Article proposes that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) be given even more decision-making authority than it currently has under the statutory scheme, effectively authorizing the agency to create disclosure rules for any firm that operates in interstate commerce. At the same time, the Article proposes that we place greater controls on the risk of regulatory error at the SEC by creating a statutory scheme that would place limits on the level of regulatory costs that the agency is permitted to impose on the firms that it regulates. By granting the expert agency more decision-making authority, while at the same time controlling the risk of error inherent in the SEC's complicated regulatory task, the Article argues that we could create an institutional structure that generates disclosure rules that are both smarter and less error-prone. The Article also sketches a possible policy approach along these lines.


What is the unit of analysis in economics? The prevailing orthodoxy in mainstream economic theory is that the individual is the 'ultimate' unit of analysis. The implicit goal of mainstream economics is to root macro-level social structure in the micro-level actions of individuals. But there is a simple problem with this approach: our knowledge of human behavior is hopelessly inadequate for the task at hand. Faced with real-world complexities, economists are forced to make bold (and seldom tested) assumptions about human behavior in order to make models tractable. The result is theory that has little to do with the real world. This dissertation investigates an alternative approach to economics that I call 'economics from the top down'. This approach begins with the following question: what happens when we take the analytical focus off of individuals and put it into social hierarchy? The effect of this analytical shift is that we are forced to deal with the realities of concentrated power. The focus on hierarchy leads to some surprising discoveries. First, I find evidence that hierarchical organization has a biophysical basis. I show that institution size (firms and governments) is strongly correlated with rates of energy consumption, and that the growth of institutions can be interpreted as the growth of social hierarchy. Second, I find that hierarchy plays an important role in shaping income and income distribution. I find that income scales strongly with hierarchical power (defined as the number of subordinates under one's control), and that hierarchical power affects income more strongly than any other factor measured. Lastly, using an empirically informed model of the hierarchical structure of US firms, I find that hierarchy plays a dominant role in shaping the income distribution tail. These results hint that hierarchy can be used to unify the study of economic growth (understood in biophysical terms) and income distribution. I conclude by making the first prediction of how the concentration of hierarchical power should relate to the growth of energy consumption. This prediction sheds new light on the origin of inequality. While this 'top down' approach to economics is in its infancy, the results are encouraging. Focusing on hierarchy gives fresh insight into many of the important questions facing society — insight that cannot be obtained by focusing on individuals.


Intro. to research materials for Chinese fiction and film of the second half of the twentieth century. Students will learn the modern Chinese-speaking world through the mediation of literature and film.