The forests of the Eastern United States are diverse and provide many products and amenities for people living in the area and beyond. Eastern temperate forests play an important role in determining water yield and quality. They have the potential to sequester large quantities of carbon and influence air quality, and thus climate. Our standard of living is very much linked to the health and productivity of forests. Forests cover approximately 41 percent of the Eastern United States, on average, but vary considerably at the State level, ranging from 6 percent in Iowa to 89 percent in Maine (Smith and others 2004).


Through a simple modeling exercise, three mechanisms have been identified, each operating at a different timescale, that may govern carbon dynamics in Arctic tundra regions and partially explain observed CO2 flux variability. At short timescales the biosphere reacts to meteorological forcing. Drier conditions are associated with aerobic soil decomposition, a large CO2efflux, and a net ecosystem loss of carbon. Cooler and moister conditions favor slower anaerobic decomposition in soils, good growing conditions, and terrestrial carbon sequestration. At intermediate timescales, periods of terrestrial carbon loss are directly linked to periods of carbon sequestration by the ability of the ecosystem to retain labile nitrogen. Labile nitrogen released to the soil during periods when the tundra is a source of carbon (soil respiration > net primary productivity) is retained within the ecosystem and accessed during periods when carbon sequestration is favored (net primary productivity > soil respiration). Finally, the ability of vegetation to respond to long‐term changes in soil nutrient status via changes in leaf nitrogen and leaf area index modulates this dynamic at intermediate to long timescales.


What We Talk About When We Talk About Love is Carver's most famous collection of short stories and remains one of the most influential pieces of modern literature to date. But the original, unedited manuscript, Beginners - published here for the first time, was almost fifty per cent longer than the published collection. This restored version of Carver's stories reveals what was previously unsaid, filling in the narrative silences that have both inspired and mystified readers for so long. Beginners is a fascinating insight into the aesthetic of a literary great and, in the questions it raises, may just spark off one of the great cultural debates of our times.


The experiment was conducted to determine the quality and quantity of semen of buck Bligon fed elephant grass supplemented with blood meal. The experiment was carried out in Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Nine bucks Bligon age 8 to 12 months were used in the experiment. The experimental animals were devided into three groups of feed treatment, i.e group 1 (R0); elephant grass (60%) + corn meal (15%) + rice bran (15%) + soybean cake (10%), group 2 (R1); elephant grass (60%) + corn meal (15%) + rice bran (15%) + soybean cake (5%) + blood meal (5%), group 3 (R2); elephant grass (60%) + corn meal (15%) + rice bran (15%) + blood meal (10%). The experiment was carried out for 3 months. Semen collection using artificial vagina was done two times a week for four weeks. The variables measured were semen volume, semen pH, sperm motility, sperm consentration, sperm viability, and sperm abnormality. The experiment data were statisticaly analyzed using completely randomized design using statistical analysis and then continued with Duncan test to analyze the differences between means. The results showed that the suplementation of blood meal significantly increased (P≤0.01) semen volume. Semen volume for R0 was 0.42 ml lower than R1 0.82 ml and R2 0.69 ml whereas R1 and R2 differed significantly (P≤0.05). The treatments have significant effect (P≤0.01) on sperm motility. The highest sperm motility value was at treatment R1 which was 84.17% followed by R2 81.67% and the lowest was R0 65.00%. The effect of treatment on sperm concentration also significant (P≤0.01). Sperm concentration of R1 was 5,537.67 million cell/ml semen and R2 was 4,415.33 million cell/ml semen which were higher than R0 (3,081.00 million cell/ml semen). Viability was significantly affected (P≤0.01) by the treatments. Viability value at treatment R0 was 69.88% and for treatment R1 and R2 were 91.25% and 87.63% respectively, the values differed significantly (P≤0.05). The effect of treatment on pH semen and sperm abnormality was not significant. Feed containing blood meal, corn meal, rice bran, and soybean could increase the quality and quantity buck Bligon semen. The improvement of local goat livestock productivity could be done by giving blood meal as an alternative of protein source for feed supplement, particularly at areas having low quality feed. (Key words : Goat, Semen quality, Blood meal)


Administration of recombinant human interleukin 7 (rh)IL-7 to mice has been reported by our group to increase the exportation of myeloid progenitors (colony-forming unit [CFU]-c and CFU-granulocyte erythroid megakarocyte macrophage) from the bone marrow to peripheral organs (blood, spleen[s], and liver). We now report that IL-7 also stimulates a sixfold increase in the number of more primitive CFU-S day 8 (CFU-S8) and day 12 (CFU-S12) in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of mice treated with rhIL-7 for 7 d. Moreover, > 90% of lethally irradiated recipient mice that received PBL from rhIL-7-treated donor mice have survived for > 6 mo whereas none of the recipient mice that received an equal number of PBL from diluent-treated donors survived. Flow cytometry analysis at 3 and 6 mo after transplantation revealed complete trilineage (T, B, and myelomonocytic cell) repopulation of bone marrow, thymus, and spleen by blood-borne stem/progenitor cells obtained from rhIL-7-treated donor mice. Thus, IL-7 may prove valuable for mobilizing pluripotent stem cells with long-term repopulating activity from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood for the purpose of gene modification and/or autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.


Wheat is the world"s most widely cultivated cereal. By 2050, global demand for wheat is projected to increase by 60%. In the CWANA region which ICARDA is tasked to serve, wheat is the basic staple and food security crop, contributing over 60% of people"s daily calorific and protein needs. Due to the large proportion of subsistence farmers, wheat production also has a major impact on household food security. Despite this, the productivity of wheat in the region is very low (less than 2.5 t/ha) due largely to the major abiotic (drought, cold, heat, salinity) and biotic (stripe rust, leaf rust, stem rust and Hessian fly) stresses encountered. Most countries in the region are net importers of wheat for human consumption, with regional demand predicted to continue rising. Egypt alone currently imports 9 million tons annually. The situation is further complicated by food production shortfalls associated with climate change which can cause food crises, civil unrest and even migration. The wheat breeding program at ICARDA has developed high yielding and heat tolerant wheat genotypes which have been tested and released as cultivars by many countries in the CWANA region. Out-scaling and intensification of wheat cultivars combined with other improved crop management practices have been carried out by ICARDA in partnership with the national programs in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen resulting with an average increase of wheat production by 28%. The result clearly indicates that development and utilization of climate smart wheat technologies including high yielding and stress tolerant cultivars; integrated crop management systems; establishment of conducive policies and infrastructures are crucial to increase productivity and ensure food and nutrition security. KEYWORDS


Personalised ABSTRACT Background: Communication of personalised melanoma genomic risk information may improve melanoma prevention behaviours. Methods: We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of communicating personalised genomic risk of melanoma to the public, and its preliminary impact on behaviours and psychosocial outcomes. 118 people aged 22-69 years provided a saliva sample and were randomised to the control (non-personalised educational materials), or intervention (personalised booklet presenting melanoma genomic risk as absolute and relative risks and a risk category based on variants in 21 genes, telephone-based genetic counselling, and non-personalised educational materials). Intention-to-treat analyses overall and by risk category were conducted using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline values. Results: Consent to participate was 41%, 99% were successfully genotyped, 92% completed 3-month follow-up. Intervention participants reported high satisfaction with the personalised booklet (mean=8.6, SD=1.6; on a 0-10 scale) and genetic counselling (mean=8.1, SD=2.2). No significant behavioural effects at 3-months follow-up were identified between intervention and control groups overall: objectively-measured standard erythemal doses per day (-16%, 95% confidence interval (CI): -43%, 24%), sun protection index (0.05, 95% CI: -0.07, 0.18). There was increased confidence identifying melanoma at 3-months (0.40, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.69). Stratified by risk category, effect sizes for intentional tanning and some individual sun protection items appeared stronger for the average-risk group. There were no appreciable group differences in skin cancer related worry or psychological distress. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of providing personalised genomic risk of melanoma to the public. Impact: Genomic risk information has potential as a melanoma prevention strategy.


The application of 3D digital technologies in the archaeological research expands more and more during the last decades. 3D recording, visualisation, representation and reconstruction of archaeological sites, monuments and artefacts become almost a common trend in the archaeological work. Moreover, CAD reconstructions, 3D simulation, computer animation and other uses of computer systems change the traditional workflow. The archaeological experience, though, recognizes these tools more for the general public in order to offer a visualisation of the target object than as a mechanism that can offer new possibilities for the research itself. The focus of this article is to explore the opportunities given to the research field of archaeology by 3D technologies. Specifically the article will look into technologies regarding the 3D recording, processing, visualisation and representation of archaeological data. Through the use of specific case studies we will investigate how applications can contribute to the understanding first and the interpretation later on of a certain archaeological object. Issues such as the types of questions and problems that can be faced and answered with these 3D technologies will be raised and discussed. The possibility to get an expansion of the archaeological research in new aspects, as it happens with other technological tools (e.g. databases), will be also examined. In addition to these, the disadvantages and limitations of the application of these 3D technologies in the archaeological field will be also looked at, in order to accomplish a more complete view of its usage.


Sensor networks are frequently deployed in physically insecure environments and capture sensitive data, making security a paramount challenge. Cryptographic techniques, such as encryption and hashing, are useful in addressing these concerns. However, the use of these schemes greatly increases the energy consumption of sensor nodes and thus shortens their lifetime. To address this challenge, we propose encompression (encryption + compression) as a strategy to achieve low-energy secure data transmission in sensor networks. Our proposal combines, for the first time, compressive sensing (CS), a powerful and general approach for exploiting sparsity of sensor data, with encryption and integrity checking of the compressively sensed data. While encompression can be realized using any compression technique, CS is particularly well suited since it can be realized with a very low computational and energy footprint that is compatible with the constraints of sensor nodes. We present an evaluation of a hardware implementation of encompression, wherein the CS, encryption, and integrity checking algorithms are realized using a 65-nm CMOS technology. We also present a system-level evaluation of encompression by realizing it in software on a commercial embedded sensor platform and measuring the energy consumption. The evaluation of encompression in hardware shows that, with the use of a reasonable compression ratio of 6-10X, encompression results in an energy reduction of 55-65% over a hardware implementation of encryption and integrity checking alone. The system-level evaluation demonstrates that the energy of an application that captures, encompresses, and transmits data is reduced by upto 78% using encompression vs. traditional encryption and integrity checking. Our results also demonstrate that the total sensor node energy consumption with encompression may even be less than the case where neither cryptography nor compression is employed (for a compression ratio of 10_, this "energy bonus" can be upto 14%). These results suggest that the use of CS may be a gamechanger in enabling state-of-the-art cryptography to be employed in highly energy-constrained sensor networks.


Objective: Insect immune system has a potent arsenal of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that cooperate to clear microbial invasions. Here we aimed to explore the immune response of Musca domestica larvae when bacterially challenged and pick up induced antibacterial genes. These genes can be used in the production of novel antibiotics to compensate for the increasing demand of antibiotics in the era of resistant bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: Hemolymph and whole body of third instar larvae were collected at 2-h intervals for 24 h postinfection. Integer and pure total RNA were transcribed into cDNA. Differential display technique was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Ten reproducible bacterial-induced bands were sequenced. Sequenced DNA fragments were deposited in GenBank under KM205630 and Hl205631 accession numbers. Results: Sequence analyses indicated that two DNA fragments designated as MdDipWB and MdDipHL were identified as diptericin-related sequences, for which single open reading frame (orf) encoding 99 and 80 amino acids were detected, respectively. Signal peptide was predicted only for MdDipWB. Meanwhile, prosequence was predicted only for MdDipHL. Calculated molecular masses of mature MdDipWB and MdDipHL were 8.8 and 6.97 Kilo Daltons (KDa), respectively. Propeptides of MdDipWB and MdDipHL were more stable than mature peptides. Comparing MdDipWB and MdDipHL nucleotide sequences, 26 substitutions and 4 deletions were observed in MdDipWB. Despite the 90% identity between MdDipWB and MdDipHL nucleotide sequences, no significant similarity was observed between their deduced amino acids. Nucleotide and deduced amino acids of MdDipWB and MdDipHL created significant similarity with other diptericins isolated from M. domestica. On comparing amino acid sequences of our putative polypeptides to their corresponding sequences, overexpression of many specific amino acid residues was observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that MdDipWB and MdDipHL are two isoforms of the same gene.


Complete removal, as opposed to only partial removal, of all macroscopic tumor tissue is associated with longer survival for most of the brain tumours. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that can contribute to increase the degree of tumour being removed by the surgeon, and thereby indirectly contribute to increased survival. Ultrasound may also contribute to safer surgery and less risk for neurological damage. However, this requires that the ultrasound images are able to depict the tumour in an adequate manner, throughout the whole operation.The studies included in the thesis investigate whether or not ultrasound is able to adequately depict the transition between tumour and normal brain. In two studies we have used 3D ultrasound and a navigated biopsy forceps to collect biopsies in the peripheral tumor in order to compare ultrasound image findings and histology.The results of the biopsy studies show that there is a high correspondence between histology and ultrasound findings, for biopsies sampled prior to start of resection. However, the quality of the ultrasound images is affected by the progress of the surgery. Ultrasound image volumes acquired before start of resection show a realistic delineation of the solid tumour. The images from 3D ultrasound volumes acquired during and at the end of surgery are somewhat more difficult to interpret for the surgeon. The surgery itself introduces more noise and interference in the ultrasound images, making the images less specific in separating normal tissue from tumour. The reasons for the increased noise are discussed, and it is suggested how the noise can be identified and reduced.In three other studies ultrasound data has been processed off-line to estimate strain in the brain tissue. The aim was to investigate whether or not processing of ultrasound data could detect different elasticity in tumor tissue and normal brain, and if so, check if this could differentiate between tumor and normal brain. The work led to the first article, of our knowledge, demonstrating that it is possible to image brain tumors using ultrasonic elastograms, i.e. images depicting strain in the tissue. The pulsation of the arteries during a cardiac cycle impose movements of the surrounding brain tissue, and this was found to cause sufficient deformation to allow generation of strain images. Furthermore, the results showed that the degree of strain is significantly less in tumor tissue than in normal brain tissue. Analysis of image contrast, showed that the strain images have significantly higher contrast between tumor and normal brain than conventional ultrasound images. Ultrasound imaging of strain has thereby the inherent potential to differentiate better between pathological and normal brain tissue than conventional ultrasound. The results suggest that ultrasound elastography methods should be further developed for intraoperative use. This could complement the future use of ultrasound imaging in neurosurgery.


Offshore wind energy towers are dynamically loaded by waves and wind. Pile foundations provide stiffness and damping and should be properly calculated. A combined finite-element boundary-element method for the dynamic interaction of flexible structures and the soil has been developed. The flexible structures such as single piles or complete wind energy towers are modeled by the finite element method whereas the homogeneous or layered soil is modeled by the boundary element method which uses the Green's functions for interior loads in the layered half-space to establish the dynamic stiffness matrix of the soil. Soils with a stiffness that is continuously increasing with depth can be modeled as multi-layer soils with step-wise increasing stiffness. The effects of different parameters such as the stiffness of the soil, the axial and bending stiffness of the pile, and the radius of the cylindrical contact area will be analysed for the different components of excitation (vertical, horizontal, rotation and coupling). The results can be determined as specific power laws which are different for the different load cases and for the different soil models (Winkler support, homogeneous continuum, continuum with increasing stiffness). The dynamic effect of radiation damping will be analysed by the frequency-dependent compliance functions. A clear layering of the soil can cause noticeable changes in the dynamic compliances as reductions of the stiffness and the damping in certain frequency ranges (below and around layer resonance frequencies). The distribution of the displacements along the pile help to explain the observed laws. An example of an offshore wind energy tower has been modeled and calculated for wind, wave and weight loads. The resonances of the tower are usually limited by the radiation damping which is strongest for a soft soil.


OBJECTIVE
To document the frequency of conversations about alternative medicine during primary care consultations for back pain in diverse settings.

DESIGN
"Exit interview" type patient survey.

SETTINGS
General practices in Seattle, Washington; rural Israel; and Birmingham, England.

PATIENTS
A convenience sample of 218 adults completing a doctor visit for back pain.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Frequencies of doctor-patient discussions of alternative medicine.

RESULTS
Alternative medicine was discussed in a minority of visits (US site 40%, Israel site 37%, UK site 14%, p < 0.05). At each site, patients initiated at least half of the discussions. Users were five to six times more likely to discuss alternative medicine with their doctor than non-users (p < 0.05 for comparison at each site). The percentage of patients who used alternative medicine but left the consultation without discussing it was similar at all sites (US site 17%, Israel site 23%, UK site 15%).

CONCLUSIONS
Discussions of alternative medicine occurred in a minority of consultations for back pain although the rate varied considerably by site. Discussions were initiated primarily by patients who use it.


The last ten years has involved significant growth and development in the learning analytics community. One of the developments to recently emerge as a recognized special interest group in Learning Analytics is the sub-field of Multimodal Learning Analytics (MmLA). In this paper we consider a future trajectory for MmLA that intersects with the cross-cutting 21st century skill of collaboration. Teaching collaboration is seldom the focus of formal, or informal learning experiences, as students and teachers rarely receive feedback on their collaboration process. Instead, feedback is normally reduced to an outcome measure, or requires a level of human analysis that is intractable at scale. We see a unique opportunity for MmLA to promote collaboration literacy, and for collaboration literacy to be a common space in which to grow MmLA. Concretly, MmLA can provide the theoretical and technological innovations needed to create tools that support the evaluation, assessment and development of collaborative skills. As a first step in this direction, this paper presents a framework for collaboration literacy that consists of four levels of increasing complexity. We describe examples of current work in the first three levels of the framework, and situate the fourth level as an aspirational goal for the field of MmLA. We also discuss some of the key challenges that need to be solved to facilitate increased adoption of a collaboration literacy feedback tool, and MmLA more broadly. Ultimately, we argue that the development of such a tool could be instrumental in introducing new ways for building collaboration literacy.


The Électricité de France nuclear park consists of 58 pressurized water nuclear reactors. To ensure their good performance and safety, ex-core neutron shielding studies are regularly performed. For example, neutron flux calculations in ex-core ionization chambers and pressure vessel neutron fluence studies are carried out. In the first case, ex-core ionization chambers are neutron detectors located in the reactor pit, around the reactor vessel. They are dedicated to reactor operation and core protection. In the second case, the calculation of the fast fluence (for energy >1 MeV) in the pressure vessel is used to determine its fracture toughness and integrity. To improve the fluence computations, new efficient parametric methods are under development. For these two problems, Monte Carlo transport codes such as TRIPOLI-4® allow us to perform simulations in realistic complex three-dimensional geometries and to produce reference results. The aim of the present paper is to present together the theoretical background of our approach based on the continuous-energy Green's functions computation and storage to perform both vessel neutron fluence and ex-core chamber responses. The normalized source contribution or importance factor formalism using Green's functions computation is also described, with its associated statistical uncertainty calculation. Application examples to realistic nuclear plant configurations are given.


Explaining the output of a complicated machine learning model like a deep neural network (DNN) is a central challenge in machine learning. Several proposed local explanation methods address this issue by identifying what dimensions of a single input are most responsible for a DNN's output. The goal of this work is to assess the sensitivity of local explanations to DNN parameter values. Somewhat surprisingly, we find that DNNs with randomly-initialized weights produce explanations that are both visually and quantitatively similar to those produced by DNNs with learned weights. Our conjecture is that this phenomenon occurs because these explanations are dominated by the lower level features of a DNN, and that a DNN's architecture provides a strong prior which significantly affects the representations learned at these lower layers.


In this paper, we consider the problem of exploring an unknown environment with a team of robots. As in single-robot exploration the goal is to minimize the overall exploration time. The key problem to be solved in the context of multiple robots is to choose appropriate target points for the individual robots so that they simultaneously explore different regions of the environment. We present an approach for the coordination of multiple robots, which simultaneously takes into account the cost of reaching a target point and its utility. Whenever a target point is assigned to a specific robot, the utility of the unexplored area visible from this target position is reduced. In this way, different target locations are assigned to the individual robots. We furthermore describe how our algorithm can be extended to situations in which the communication range of the robots is limited. Our technique has been implemented and tested extensively in real-world experiments and simulation runs. The results demonstrate that our technique effectively distributes the robots over the environment and allows them to quickly accomplish their mission.


A global overview on architecture seen through the history of the last 100 years. The emphasis of the 2014 Biennale is on architectural history. Each country will be asked to narrate its own one over the last one hundred years in relation to the idea of modernity, whether it was accepted or rejected. One hundred years ago it was possible to talk about national architecture but this is no longer the case. Why have we reached a situation in which we all build the same things? In 1914 we could meaningfully speak about Chinese, Swiss, or Indian architecture. One hundred years later, under the pressure of many factors-war, various political regimes, multiple conditions of development, architectural movements, individual talents, chance, personal paths and technological developments-architecture that was once specific and local has become interchangeable and global. National identity seems to have been sacrificed on the altar of modernity. This is the real issue that everyone invited to the Biennale is called on to address.


This paper builds towards the argument that pedestrian traffic in the city can be successfully simulated with agent-based computational models if pedestrians' movement patterns are appropriately studied first. Furthermore, such simulation models, when finely calibrated and supported by onsite observations, allow planners to evaluate different urban design scenarios.We present a pilot study carried out in the centre of Tallinn, and discuss a way of how pedestrian movement simulations can be conceived. In the pilot study we recorded some 120 traces of pedestrians' movement and developed a prototype of an agent-based computational model to simulate this movement. Additionally we investigated the possibility of including solar analysis into the computational model. Already this short exercise offered us some interesting insights into how certain spatial qualities and features can drive pedestrian traffic making urban walkers to verge off the shortest routes. The pilot study was carried out in the context of the High Street project [1] for turning the centre of Tallinn into more pedestrian friendly area by redesigning urban space, calming vehicular traffic and creating new opportunities for businesses to flourish.


THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RELIGIOUSLY TAILORED COUPLE COUNSELING By Joshua N. Hook, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology Large numbers of couples seek treatment from religious counselors who integrate religion and spirituality (R/S) into counseling. The present dissertation reviewed the literature examining the effectiveness of R/S counseling. Several R/S treatments were helpful in treating psychological problems. There was little evidence that R/S treatments outperformed secular treatments. In Study 1, a nationwide survey was conducted that examined the beliefs of Christian counselors about integrating R/S into couple counseling. Christian counselors (N = 630) completed measures of religious commitment, experience in couple counseling, attitudes toward using religious techniques in couple counseling, and the use of theory in couple counseling. Counselors were highly religious, and religious commitment was a positive predictor of viewing religious techniques as appropriate. Christian couple counseling was popular and widely practiced, although there was wide variation in the number of couples seen per counselor. Counselors were influenced by both secular and Christian theories of couple counseling. There were several differences between professional, pastoral, and lay counselors, indicating that each subgroup be treated separately rather than grouped together. In Study 2, the nature of Christian couple counseling was described and the effectiveness of Christian couple counseling was examined using a longitudinal study. Counselors (N = 20) completed a measure of religious commitment, and clients (N = 60) completed measures of religious commitment, the use of religious and secular techniques in counseling, relationship satisfaction, working alliance with the counselor, and satisfaction with counseling at three time points during counseling. Religious techniques were common in couple counseling, and most were used in about 50% of the sessions. The religious commitment of counselors was a positive predictor of the number of religious techniques used in counseling. Clients attending Christian couple counseling reported increases in relationship satisfaction and working alliance with the counselor over time, and reported high levels of satisfaction with counseling. Working alliance with the counselor was a positive predictor of both relationship satisfaction and satisfaction with counseling. A close match in religious commitment between counselor and client did not predict greater improvement in relationship satisfaction, but it did predict a stronger working alliance throughout counseling.


In Nepal, rural water systems (RWS) are classified by practitioners as single-use domestic water systems (SUS) or multiple-use water systems (MUS). In the rural hills of Nepal, subsistence farming communities typically use RWS to support income-generating productive activities that can enhance rural livelihoods. However, there is limited research on the extent of existing productive activity and the factors enabling these activities. This paper examines the extent of water-related productive activities and the factors driving these activities based on a study, undertaken between October 2017 to June 2018, of 202 households served from five single-use domestic water systems and five multiple use water systems in the mid-hills of Nepal. The research found that a majority (94%) of these households engaged in two or more productive activities including growing vegetables and horticulture crops, raising livestock, and producing biogas and Rakshi (locally-produced alcohol), regardless of the system design, i.e., SUS vs. MUS. Around 90% of the households were engaged in productive activities that contributed to over 10% of their mean annual household income ($4,375). Since the SUS vs. MUS classification was not found to be a significant determinant of the extent of productive activity, the households were reclassified as having high or low levels of productive activity based on the quantity of water used for these activities and the associated earned income. A multinomial logistic regression model was developed to measure the relative significance of various predictors of high productive activity households. Five dominant predictors were identified: households that farm as a primary occupation, use productive technologies, are motivated to pursue productive activities, have received water-related productive activity training, and have received external support related to productive activities. Whereas MUS are designed for productive activity, nearly every household in SUS communities was involved in productive activities making them 'de-facto' MUS. These results challenge the current approach to rural water provision that views SUS and MUS as functionally different services.


Background: Acute glycometabolic derangement in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been reported with discrepant prognostic results. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic impact of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, reflecting long-term glycometabolic disturbance, in a population of patients without known diabetes mellitus. Methods: We examined 601 consecutive prospective patients diagnosed with AMI and unknown diabetes mellitus. We analysed metabolic function as a stratified variable using three groups of patients according to HbA1c: Group 1 (< 5.5%): 222 patients (37%); Group 2 (5.5 to 6.4%): 337 patients (56%); Group 3 (>6.4%): 42 patients (7%). Association between HbA1c groups and classic cardiovascular risk factor and in-hospital outcomes were assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: In-hospital mortality was 5% (32/601 patients). Higher HbA1c was associated with poor glycometabolic control, older patients, obesity, hypertension, Killip's class>1, increased heart rate, initial bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation and higher mortality during follow-up. In a multivariate adjusted risk, in-hospital mortality was associated with age (odds ratio (OR)= 1.056; 1–1.1; p=0.006), Killip's class>1 (OR=2.4; 1–6.1; p=0.05) and HbA1c (OR=1.5; 1.15–1.9; p=0.002). Hypertension (OR=0.39; 0.18–0.87; p=0.022) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (OR=0.28; 0.12– 0.69; p=0.005) were protective factors. Conclusions: HbA1c is an important risk marker in the absence of a history of diabetes mellitus in patients with AMI. The optimal management strategy in these patients may contribute to decreased in-hospital mortality.


A key challenge of automated planning, including "safe planning," is the requirement of a domain expert to provide the background knowledge, including some set of safety constraints. To alleviate the infeasibility of acquiring complete and correct knowledge from human experts in many complex, real-world domains, this paper investigates a technique for automated extraction of safety constraints by observing a user demonstration trace. In particular, we describe a new framework based on maximum likelihood learning for generating constraints on the concepts and properties in a domain ontology for a planning domain. Then, we describe a generalization of this framework that involves Bayesian learning of such constraints. To illustrate the advantages of our framework, we provide and discuss examples on a real test application for Airspace Control Order (ACO) planning, a benchmark application in the DARPA Integrated Learning Program.


Introductions: Problem based learning (PBL)  is an innovative approach of teaching learning methodology in which, instead of traditional lectures, students are divided in small groups and provided with a problem which they try to solve. It has been used in different medical schools, around the world, for over 50 years. In Nepal, the use of PBL methodology is gradually increasing. Methods: Three experts on PBL content and process provided interactive lectures, hands-on exercises and plenary discussion sessions. Effectiveness of the workshop was assessed by validated retro pre questionnaire at the end of the workshop. Paired t-tests were used to test the differences between before and after scores on knowledge, application and opinion on PBL. Effect size was also calculated to determine the size of the difference between before and after the workshop. Results: The PBL training was effective as it increased knowledge, application and opinion on PBL of most of the participants. The workshop benefitted the most to the experienced male basic sciences faculty. However, clinical sciences faculty were skeptical of its application and their opinion of PBL did not change much whereas nursing faculty had some reservation on their opinion about PBL only. Conclusions: As PBL is implemented during the basic sciences years only, the concerned faculty benefitted the most from the workshop. Further such trainings are advocated to increase the pool of trained tutors for effective implementation of the PBL. Keywords: faculty training, Kathmandu University, Lumbini Medical College, Nepal, PBL problem-based learning,


Due to the pro and cons polemics around the issue of pornography, an act was
brought about, i.e., the Act number 44 of 2008 on Pornography, which was seemingly
served as the answer to end that ongoing polemics. This was seen to be an invalid
democracy concerning the debates were not ended yet, but the draft of the act on
pornography was soon ratified and immediately imposed. The rationale of debates
rooted in the assumption of the existing patriarchal culture saw that this pornography
act would create such a worsening societal condition of women in particular, socially
and legally. This means that the implication gives the contrary result in that there
will be no reassurance of legal protection for women in particular and people in
general who would be more discriminated than the previous condition. This condition
had become the background of some groups within society in refusing the
Pornography Act by proposing an appeal for a judicial review to the Supreme Court
of Constitution (MK). LBH APIK (Law Firm of Indonesian Women Association for
Justice) was one of the organizations, which proposed that judicial review. It was one
of organization that persuaded people not to stop criticizing the act since it was
proposed as draft.
The objective of this research was to find out how far was the role of LBH
APIK Jakarta in its involvement in pornography act's judicial review process. This
research applied library research methodology, combined with some first-hand
information through interviews in qualitative tradition. Most data were gathered from
books, journals, handbook, papers, internet sources and dictionary.
This research concludes that LBH APIK proposed arguments for proposing
that judicial review by testing articles stated in the act that contradicts the principals
of 1945 Constitution such as: Article 1 section 1; Article 4 No 1 and 2; Article 10;
Article 20; and Article 23. In addition, the implementation of the Pornography Act
resulted in the increasing discriminatory acts towards women in particular. Among
other examples is the absence of specific procedure of law.


Author(s): Mims, NA; Eckman, T; Goldman, C | Abstract: Electric energy efficiency resources save energy and may reduce peak demand. Historically, quantification of energy efficiency benefits has largely focused on the economic value of energy savings during the first year and lifetime of the installed measures. Due in part to the lack of publicly available research on end-use load shapes (i.e., the hourly or seasonal timing of electricity savings) and energy savings shapes, consideration of the impact of energy efficiency on peak demand reduction (i.e., capacity savings) has been more limited. End-use load research and the hourly valuation of efficiency savings are used for a variety of electricity planning functions, including load forecasting, demand-side management and evaluation, capacity and demand response planning, long-term resource planning, renewable energy integration, assessing potential grid modernization investments, establishing rates and pricing, and customer service. This study reviews existing literature on the time-varying value of energy efficiency savings, provides examples in four geographically diverse locations of how consideration of the time-varying value of efficiency savings impacts the calculation of power system benefits, and identifies future research needs to enhance the consideration of the time-varying value of energy efficiency in cost-effectiveness screening analysis. Findings from this study include: -The time-varying value of individual energy efficiency measures varies across the locations studied because of the physical and operational characteristics of the individual utility system (e.g., summer or winter peaking, load factor, reserve margin) as well as the time periods during which savings from measures occur. -Across the four locations studied, some of the largest capacity benefits from energy efficiency are derived from the deferral of transmission and distribution system infrastructure upgrades. However, the deferred cost of such upgrades also exhibited the greatest range in value of all the components of avoided costs across the locations studied. -Of the five energy efficiency measures studied, those targeting residential air conditioning in summer-peaking electric systems have the most significant added value when the total time-varying value is considered. -The increased use of rooftop solar systems, storage, and demand response, and the addition of electric vehicles and other major new electricity-consuming end uses are anticipated to significantly alter the load shape of many utility systems in the future. Data used to estimate the impact of energy efficiency measures on electric system peak demands will need to be updated periodically to accurately reflect the value of savings as system load shapes change. -Publicly available components of electric system costs avoided through energy efficiency are not uniform across states and utilities. Inclusion or exclusion of these components and differences in their value affect estimates of the time-varying value of energy efficiency. -Publicly available data on end-use load and energy savings shapes are limited, are concentrated regionally, and should be expanded.


With regard to sustainability it is often referred to the "Hydrogen Economy" as an alternative to cover the energy needs by using hydrogen as a fuel source. The goal of this project is to study the production of hydrogen by using the formic acid decomposition and production cycle. The decomposition of formic acid yielding hydrogen and CO2 might be interesting in view of reducing the CO2 emissions by CO2 capture and storage (CCS). The hydrogen fuel can be used in a fuel cell or engine to generate electricity.


achieve improved biodiversity and social outcomes compared to clearcutting and other
traditional silvicultural systems. VR was initially developed in the Pacific Northwest (PNW)
of USA and Canada, where it is applied in a broad variety of forest types, ages and land
tenures. VR has recently been implemented in wet old-growth forests in Tasmania, and there
is scope for broader implementation in both Tasmania and mainland Australia. Hence,
insights from the PNW about operational experience, research, adaptive management, and
efforts to improve relationships between timber industry and environmental groups are of
broad relevance to forest management in Australia.
This report covers three main topics. Chapter 2 presents the results from surveys of twelve
organizations that are currently implementing VR across western USA and Canada. These
surveys explored motivations for using VR, variation in implementation, adaptive
management and monitoring, and perceived success of the system. Chapter 3 of the report
discusses research and formalized adaptive management programs relating to improving
conservation outcomes from silvicultural practices. This includes descriptions of some of the
large silvicultural trials investigating biodiversity and silvicultural outcomes of VR and
clearcutting. Two emerging areas of research are discussed: the importance of early-seral
forests for biodiversity, and the role of 'forest influence' in facilitating recolonisation of
harvested areas by biodiversity from nearby mature forest. Chapter 4 provides examples of
successful collaborations that have settled long-term conflicts between timber industry and
environmental groups, resulting in improved conservation outcomes and continued timber
production.
The development and implementation of VR in the PNW has been an excellent example of
adaptive management. Although the desire for improved social acceptability was often a
primary driver for using VR along with the desire for improved ecological outcomes,
organizations clearly embraced the ecological objectives of the system. There was a lot of
variability in VR implementation across the region. The system was used in a wide variety of
forest types, including old-growth, second and third-growth forests; and a variety of land
tenures including those managed by industrial companies on both public and private lands,
State governments, small private ownerships and First Nations people.
Most organizations used one or more of the three main harvesting patterns: aggregated
retention where uncut forest is left in groups, dispersed retention where scattered trees are
retained, and mixed retention which combines the previous two approaches at the one site.
Aggregated retention and mixed retention were most widely used. This related to a
combination of operational, social and ecological factors. Research trials are showing that
aggregates are able to maintain a broader variety of species than are dispersed trees, although
some species are advantaged by the more uniform distribution of trees with dispersed
retention. Windthrow monitoring has shown that with the exception of some wind-firm
species, windthrow is reduced with aggregated retention. Large aggregates are less prone to
windthrow than small ones. Organizations using VR were adapting their practices in response
to operational experience and the results of research and monitoring. Those organizations with
direct links to research trials appeared to be making the most informed changes. Good training
programs, strong leadership and organizational cultures supportive of ecologically sustainable
forestry practices were important to success. Using VR had generally achieved the social and
ecological objectives, and organizations were planning on continued implementation.
However there was uncertainty over long-term ecological outcomes, emphasising the need for
long-term biodiversity research.


The evolution of coastal systems during the Holocene resulted from complex interactions and temporal shifts in the relative contribution of sea-level changes, climate change, and sedimentary processes. Along the Red Sea Coast, a 0.5–2 m highstand of sea level at 5 ka can be directly attributed to far-field effects resulting from the reduction in land ice following the last glacial maximum. At the ancient Egyptian harbor of Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, the site of the world9s oldest archaeological evidence of long-distance seafaring, stratigraphic and geomorphologic evidence has been identified for this highstand. Here, wadi sediment input, enhanced by a period of wetter climate of the African Humid Period (early to mid- Holocene), forced the closure of coastal embayments, despite ongoing, relatively rapid sea-level rise. A stable, shallow bay persisted at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis as a result of coincidental aridization and a highstand of sea level during the mid-Holocene. This bay served as the primary harbor for ancient Egyptian trade along the Red Sea coast. During the late Holocene, shoreline progradation was dominated by sea-level fall, driven by isostatic processes. These results demonstrate the interplay of various global (sea level), regional (climate, sea level), and local (sedimentation, bathymetry) controls on the coastal evolution of the Red Sea and how these controls dictated the response of a complex civilization. Furthermore, they highlight the crucial role played by sedimentation in governing coastal response to changing sea levels.


This paper will discuss the use of numerals in experimental music notation,
investigating how they signify more than just a mathematical object but help to
convey particular attitudes towards performance to the interpreter. One facet of
certain strands in experimental composition is that of the music existing 'in and of
itself' (Manfred Werder): no external agent is represented through the compositional
process, and much care is taken to convey this phenomenological approach to
sound production within the musical score. Many of these pieces rely on simple
counting processes, following number patterns and the use of repetition to generate
material; what becomes apparent about the way these pieces are notated, is that
all text instructions are stated initially, thereby leaving the main body of the score as
numerical schemata only. How does this 'numeral-only' approach affect the strategy
of the performer? Does the abstract nature of individual numbers communicate
something extra-mathematical to the reader, something that would bring about a
particular approach to performance?
The varied use of numerals in scores will be discussed; Christian Wolff's score for Edges
places a '3' amongst many contrasting other symbols, in a seemingly provocative
act for the 3 to be interpreted in a range ways. A list of numbers (something I have
explored in some of my own compositions) indicates a single continuum through
which to carefully proceed, and the grid of numbers, such as that found in Phill
Niblock's Five More String Quartets and Michael Pisaro's pi, ensures the performer
immediately perceives each single numeral's position amongst the others, removing
any unique individual characteristics.
Pisaro has described the 'necessary complement' between precision of number and
indeterminacy of language in notation (Pisaro, 2009: 36). The paper will investigate
this notion further, examining the relationship between text instructions with varying
levels of indeterminacy and ambiguity, supporting a numeral-only score.
The role of the performer is discussed, building upon pianist Philip Thomas's 'noninterventionist'
model for performance. This approach exists 'without reference
to any external stylistic code' so as to 'focus upon the production of sound within
the parameters of the score' (Thomas, 2009: 91). This model is applied to various
numerical-based scores, and along with a study of relevant recordings, the
non-interventionist ideal is propounded with regard to the use of numerals as
communication of intention.
The younger generation are represented by Taylan Susam, Joseph Kudirka and John
Lely, and the paper explores whether there is any notable progressive lineage in the
manner in which numerals as carriers of content in-and-of-themselves are employed
by younger composers. The relationship between indeterminacy of language and
the heightened accuracy offered by numerals is explored further within their music,
and the friction between the two concepts emerging from these scores provides
an avenue for both performative and compositional research, opening up various
creative possibilities for the future.


Climate change impacts are not uniform across the Arctic region because interacting factors causes large variations in local ecosystem change. Extreme climatic events and population cycles of herbivores occur simultaneously against a background of gradual climate warming trends and can redirect ecosystem change along routes that are difficult to predict. Here, we present the results from sub‐Arctic heath vegetation and its belowground micro‐arthropod community in response to the two main drivers of vegetation damage in this region: extreme winter warming events and subsequent outbreaks of the defoliating autumnal moth caterpillar (Epirrita autumnata). Evergreen dwarf shrub biomass decreased (30%) following extreme winter warming events and again by moth caterpillar grazing. Deciduous shrubs that were previously exposed to an extreme winter warming event were not affected by the moth caterpillar grazing, while those that were not exposed to warming events (control plots) showed reduced (23%) biomass from grazing. Cryptogam cover increased irrespective of grazing or winter warming events. Micro‐arthropods declined (46%) following winter warming but did not respond to changes in plant community. Extreme winter warming and caterpillar grazing suppressed the CO2 fluxes of the ecosystem. Evergreen dwarf shrubs are disadvantaged in a future sub‐Arctic with more stochastic climatic and biotic events. Given that summer warming may further benefit deciduous over evergreen shrubs, event and trend climate change may both act against evergreen shrubs and the ecosystem functions they provide. This is of particular concern given that Arctic heath vegetation is typically dominated by evergreen shrubs. Other components of the vegetation showed variable responses to abiotic and biotic events, and their interaction indicates that sub‐Arctic vegetation response to multiple pressures is not easy to predict from single‐factor responses. Therefore, while biotic and climatic events may have clear impacts, more work is needed to understand their net effect on Arctic ecosystems.


This paper reviews library literature on cataloging and classification published in 2005-06. It covers pertinent literature in the following areas: the future of cataloging; Functional Requirement for Bibliographic Records (FRBR); metadata and its applications and relation to Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC); cataloging tools and standards; authority control; and recruitment, training, and the changing role of catalogers. ********** The literature published in 2005 and 2006 devoted to cataloging and classification reveals a profession in transition. The future of the catalog and cataloging in the Web environment was the focus of severn important discussions, presentations, white papers, reports, conferences, and articles. Another topic attracting attention was the emerging new cataloging standard, Resource Description and Access (RDA). The great importance of the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) was emphasized in a number of scholarly publications. Classification schemas, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC), continued as a topic in library literature. Other areas of interest included metadata, Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) and the flexibility of Extensible Markup Language (XML), authority control, recruitment, training, and the changing role of catalogers. Research Method A preliminary review of literature on cataloging and classification published in 2005 and 2006 was conducted in two library online databases: Library Literature and Information Science Full Text, and Library, Information Science, and Technology Abstract with Full Text. Other resources, such as the Web-based resources Google Scholar, Google Print, and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat, print library journals, and book reviews in library journals related to cataloging and classification, were also consulted. These resources were searched by keywords or subject headings, or both. The search strategy was limited to journal articles and books in English, and to 2005 through 2006 dates of publication. The search produced a great number of citations (238 items). To deal with the volume of material and the range of topics covered, the author created a spreadsheet of topics derived from the preliminary literature search and the author's knowledge of the current trends in cataloging and classification. The author organized the topics into the following groups: future of cataloging, classification, Library of Congress (LC) series decision, authority control, FRBR, Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules 2nd ed., 2001 revision (AACB2), RDA, subject headings, DDC, recruitment, training, education, cataloging standards, ISBN13, and metadata. Resulting citations were then entered under each heading in the spreadsheet. Citations under each topic were reviewed to determine if the sources of the publication were scholarly and peer reviewed. In limited cases, the author included non-peer--reviewed sources because they provided valuable and relevant information. Some topics, such as the LC decision about series and ISBN13, were not included because of insufficient scholarly literature. The author read and analyzed the articles and wrote brief reviews for each item. Some articles fell outside the scope of this review and were excluded. The focus of this paper is on substantive contributions to the literature. In a few cases, less significant resources are referenced to provide a context for important themes covered during 2005 and 2006. Some articles may have been omitted unintentionally, for which the author apologizes. The Future of the Catalog and Cataloging The future of libraries in general and of cataloging in particular has been the focus of much of the research in recent years. Speculation about the directions that cataloging is taking, as well as suggestions for ways to revitalize and enhance the catalog and retool the cataloging workforce, filled the pages of many articles and reports in 2005 and 2006. …


We consider a programming language that can manipulate both classical and quantum information. Our language is type-safe and designed for variational quantum programming, which is a hybrid classical-quantum computational paradigm. The classical subsystem of the language is the Probabilistic FixPoint Calculus (PFPC), which is a lambda calculus with mixed-variance recursive types, term recursion and probabilistic choice. The quantum subsystem is a first-order linear type system that can manipulate quantum information. The two subsystems are related by mixed classical/quantum terms that specify how classical probabilistic effects are induced by quantum measurements, and conversely, how classical (probabilistic) programs can influence the quantum dynamics. We also describe a sound and computationally adequate denotational semantics for the language. Classical probabilistic effects are interpreted using a recently-described commutative probabilistic monad on DCPO. Quantum effects and resources are interpreted in a category of von Neumann algebras that we show is enriched over (continuous) domains. This strong sense of enrichment allows us to develop novel semantic methods that we use to interpret the relationship between the quantum and classical probabilistic effects. By doing so we provide a very detailed denotational analysis that relates domain-theoretic models of classical probabilistic programming to models of quantum programming.


As Britain's second largest aquifer, the Sherwood Sandstone is confronted by the threat of high nitrate concentrations caused by intensive agricultural activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the response of groundwater nitrate concentration in a public supply well to land-use change, discussing the effect of land-use change in tackling agricultural nitrate pollution in the aquifer. Six land-use scenarios were examined in predictive simulations of groundwater nitrate concentration. Groundwater flow modelling (MODFLOW) and mass transport modelling (MT3DMS), incorporating results from an export coefficient model, were used to predict groundwater nitrate concentration in the public supply well by 2025. Results from the quantitative comparison of scenarios revealed that the greatest decrease in nitrate concentration (35%) by 2025 in the public supply well was associated with the entire target zone being covered with forest, whereas a decrease dependent on the application of best agricultural practice achieved no more than a 20% reduction. It is concluded that the modelling framework constructed in this study is a useful tool for assessment of the impact of changes in land use and management on groundwater nitrate concentration in public supply wells.


Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is a serious disease responsible for high morbidity in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Norway, Scotland and New Brunswick, Canada. Recent attempts to identify different strains of ISA virus (ISAV) based on nucleotide sequence variation have shown that the Norwegian and Scottish samples are similar to one another but markedly different from New Brunswick samples. These data may suggest the presence of different strains on each side of the Atlantic but no functional difference has been found with either strain. We describe the first identification and characterisation of ISAV in Atlantic salmon from Nova Scotia, Canada. Further, salmon infected with the Nova Scotia ISAV do not show typical ISAV pathology or mortality. Sequencing of this new strain showed it to possess greater similarity to ISAV from Norway and Scotland than to ISAV from New Brunswick. These findings are discussed in terms of a possible origin of the Nova Scotia ISAV strain and the existence of an avirulent ISAV strain. The impact of current strain variation studies on our knowledge of ISAV is also discussed.


ABSTRACT The distribution of wildlife informs conservation planning. In marine systems, spatial information for seabirds is acquired primarily using vessel-based at-sea survey, aerial survey or animal-borne tracking devices. Many factors contribute to geographic biases in marine spatial research and we use a structured database search to review global patterns resulting from these biases. Although survey effort has been substantial, many large marine sectors were poorly represented. Poor representation often coincided spatially with hotspots of seabird species richness or areas experiencing high cumulative human impact, particularly in southern hemisphere and equatorial regions. Therefore, future seabird research priorities should reflect high species-richness areas including the south-west Pacific, particularly waters surrounding New Zealand. Furthermore, under-represented areas of Asia, and the Atlantic coasts of South America and Africa require greater research effort because of high cumulative human impacts in these areas. National gross domestic product (GDP) was positively related to the number of papers a country produced (determined by the first author's address). This is indicative of constraints imposed by inherent costs of marine research. We recommend international collaboration between scientists from high-GDP nations with those in developing countries to address this. Further uptake of platforms of opportunity may also reduce this imbalance.


Recent large federal budget surpluses have spurred debate on how best to use the money. Some see surpluses as an opportunity to pay down the federal debt, to expand programs to meet such social needs as health care and education, or to secure the future of Social Security. Others propose returning some of the money to taxpayers by cutting federal income taxes, an option championed by President Bush that has widespread support in Congress.


Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) can cause significant morbidity and mortality in previously healthy, non-HIV-infected patients, with all-cause mortality as high as 29% at 1 year.1 Clinical deterioration following microbiological control often results from a postinfectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS). This syndrome may often result in intracranial hypertension (IH) and/or hydrocephalus (HCP).2 Ventricular shunting can provide sustained relief from IH/HCP and improve neurological outcomes.3 However, persistent neurological sequelae, which occur in a subset of patients, may lead to shunt revisions and poor long-term outcomes.3 Corticosteroids have been proposed to improve outcomes in selected, relatively immunocompetent patients with CM, but are often avoided due to presumed immunosuppressive effects.4 5 Paradoxically, the use of corticosteroids during initial therapy of other patient populations such as HIV-associated CM has been found to result in worse overall outcomes.4 We hypothesised that corticosteroid salvage therapy (CST) may have specific utility in previously healthy patients with PIIRS following microbiological control with persistent neurological sequelae and report our experience in a cohort of patients who have already undergone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.

Previously healthy patients who were evaluated and treated for cryptococcal meningitis between 2011 and 2016 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were identified. Informed consent to participate in clinical research was obtained from all patients (NIH protocol 93-I-0106). We limited assessment to a relatively uniform population of patients who had previously undergone CSF …


This article analyses the Government's approach to using Local Strategic Partnerships in Neighbourhood Renewal. The Government claims to have established a policy framework that combines co-ordination and co-governance. However, it appears that there is an unbalanced approach to supporting these two aspects. Co-ordination is supported strongly through funding, target setting and the accreditation process, while co-governance has only weak funding and accreditation processes to ensure its success. The authors conclude that the Government is keen to keep control over the levers of regeneration and is therefore more than slightly ambiguous over its espoused aim of encouraging co-governance.


Partially buried giant drifts are located in the southern-most sector of the Argentine continental margin. They are characterised as giant, asymmetrical elongated, mounded contourite drifts, and are described by bathymetric and multichannel seismic reflection data. Based on their position, morphology and internal characteristics, it has been deduced that thees giant-drifts were generated by Antarctic Bottom Deep Water, from the Eocene-Oligocene boundary until the middle Miocene. However, after a major palaeoceanographic change in the mid-to-late Miocene a new oceanographic scenario was established which fossilised these giant drifts. These giant drifts show strong seismic evidence of hydrates and free gas that are ripe for energy resources exploration, thus demonstrating the economic potential of contourite deposits in deep marine environments.


The delay datatype was introduced by Capretta (Logical Methods in Computer Science, 1(2), article 1, 2005) as a means to deal with partial functions (as in computability theory) in Martin-Löf type theory. The delay datatype is a monad. It is often desirable to consider two delayed computations equal, if they terminate with equal values, whenever one of them terminates. The equivalence relation underlying this identification is called weak bisimilarity. In type theory, one commonly replaces quotients with setoids. In this approach, the delay datatype quotiented by weak bisimilarity is still a monad–a constructive alternative to the maybe monad. In this paper, we consider the alternative approach of Hofmann (Extensional Constructs in Intensional Type Theory, Springer, London, 1997) of extending type theory with inductive-like quotient types. In this setting, it is difficult to define the intended monad multiplication for the quotiented datatype. We give a solution where we postulate some principles, crucially proposition extensionality and the (semi-classical) axiom of countable choice. With the aid of these principles, we also prove that the quotiented delay datatype delivers free ω-complete pointed partial orders (ωcppos). Altenkirch et al. (Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 10203, Springer, Heidelberg, 534–549, 2017) demonstrated that, in homotopy type theory, a certain higher inductive–inductive type is the free ωcppo on a type X essentially by definition; this allowed them to obtain a monad of free ωcppos without recourse to a choice principle. We notice that, by a similar construction, a simpler ordinary higher inductive type gives the free countably complete join semilattice on the unit type 1. This type suffices for constructing a monad, which is isomorphic to the one of Altenkirch et al. We have fully formalized our results in the Agda dependently typed programming language.


Many proteins in alive organisms have a domain structure providing them the possibility to reversible unfolding, which seems to play an essential role in those processes occurring in tissues which are controlled by mechanical cellular tension. In this work the atomic force microscopy was applied to investigate the mechanical properties of the single molecules of fibronectin, a protein participating in the important mechanical processes in extracellular matrix. The results showed that the conditions of mechanical stretching influence not only the force required to unfolding of a domain but also the increase in protein contour length induced by such unfolding event. Two mean values of the increase in length (called shortly the unfolding length) L-1 and L-2, were obtained and ascribed to unfolding of either the whole fibronectin domain of type III (L-2) or its fragment (L-1). Both unfolding lengths revealed similar dependence on the stretching conditions. This experimental observation of increase in unfolding length with increasing loading rate was successfully described with a combination of two theoretical models (Bell model and the worm-like-chain model), previously used separately in the analysis of protein unfolding. The general mechanical property of fibronectin domains was emphasized and proposed as a potential determinant of the cellular adhesion


Twin-roll strip casting is a concerned technology for economically producing magnesium alloys sheets. In this paper, numerical simulation of the twin-roll strip casting of an AZ61 magnesium alloy was carried out and the optimal process parameters were obtained. Then, under the conditions obtained through simulation, AZ61 strips of good surface quality were successfully manufactured. The microstructure of the alloy by twin-rolled strip casting is obvious refined compared with that by conventional casting.


Exoskeleton robots are electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically actuated devices that externally support the bones and cartilage of the human body while trying to mimic the human movement capabilities and augment muscle power. The lower extremity exoskeleton device may support specific human joints such as hip, knee, and ankle, or provide support to carry and balance the weight of the full upper body. Their assistive functionality for physically-abled and disabled humans is demanded in medical, industrial, military, safety applications, and other related fields. The vision of humans walking with an exoskeleton without external support is the prospect of the robotics and artificial intelligence working groups. This paper presents a survey on the design and control of lower extremity exoskeletons for bipedal walking. First, a historical view on the development of walking exoskeletons is presented and various lower body exoskeleton designs are categorized in different application areas. Then, these designs are studied from design, modeling, and control viewpoints. Finally, a discussion on future research directions is provided.


Indoor and outdoor measurements of formaldehyde and the aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene and o-xylene (BTEX) were conducted at six offices in a suburban area in Giza, Egypt, during the winter 2003-04 season. The mean indoor level of formaldehyde was 59.79ppb in offices where there was no smoking and 85.01ppb in offices where people smoked. The highest mean level of formalde-hyde in offices without smoking was in a new office, 90ppb, and the lowest, 36.16ppb, was in an old office. During the period of study, in 13.33%, 20% and 16.67% of samples from non-smoking, smoking and total offices, respectively, the level of formaldehyde exceeded the ASHRAE standard of 0.1ppm. The mean indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene and o-xylene were 4.32, 25.06, 3.60, 9.14 and 4.38ppb, respectively, in the six offices. The mean indoor levels in non-smoking offices were lower, and in offices with smoking, higher than the overall mean. The highest mean levels of BTEX in non-smoking offices were found in a new office, whereas the lowest concentrations were recorded in an old office. Significant positive correlations were found between the indoor concentrations of BTEX inside the six offices, except benzene in non-smoking offices. Benzene had only weak positive correlations with these compounds.


Organic solar cells appear as a promising technology within photovoltaic field owing to their low-cost fabrication and their great flexibility enabling a widespread distribution. For now, they are still at the prototype stage due to their limited efficiency and lifetimes. Many efforts were realized in designing new materials as they are involved in every steps of the photovoltaic process and thus they dictate the cell efficiency. Along this thesis, two series of electron-donating semi-conductors were designed and synthesized. The first series consist in three oligomers containing three diketopyrrolopyrrole units, a well-studied chromophore. Those oligomers absorb up to the near infra-red region, a very interesting feature for light harvesting. Through the engineering of electron-rich spacers, various twists were generated in the oligomers backbone. The oligomer showing a coplanar conformation appears to be the most crystalline and thus exhibits the best charge transport properties with a hole mobility of 10-3 cm².V-1.s-1.iiiHowever, bulk heterojunction organic solar cells, this high crystallinity results in an unfavorable morphology and a PCE inferior to 1%. As for the second series, the four small molecules combined 3,3'-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(indolin-2-one) (EBI), an electron deficient unit, and various electron-rich units such as thiophene (EBI-T), benzofuran (EBI-BF) and bithiophene (EBI-2T). Among EBI derivatives, EBI-BF demonstrated the highest hole mobility of 0.021 cm².V-1.s-1 in field effect transistors due to its coplanar conformation. Meanwhile, in bulk heterojunction solar cells, the highest PCE of 1.92% was obtained with EBI-2T:PC61BM blend owing to a more appropriate morphology and the broadest absorption spectrum of EBI-2T.


Fighting infectious diseases, particularly viral infections, is a demanding task for human health. Targeting the pathogens or targeting the host are different strategies, but with an identical purpose, i.e., to curb the pathogen's spreading and cure the illness. It appears that targeting a host to increase tolerance against pathogens can be of substantial advantage and is a strategy used in evolution. Practically, it has a broader protective spectrum than that of only targeting the specific pathogens, which differ in terms of susceptibility. Methods for host targeting applied in one pandemic can even be effective for upcoming pandemics with different pathogens. This is even more urgent if we consider the possible concomitance of two respiratory diseases with potential multi-organ afflictions such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal flu. Melatonin is a molecule that can enhance the host's tolerance against pathogen invasions. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities, melatonin has the capacity to reduce the severity and mortality of deadly virus infections including COVID-19. Melatonin is synthesized and functions in mitochondria, which play a critical role in viral infections. Not surprisingly, melatonin synthesis can become a target of viral strategies that manipulate the mitochondrial status. For example, a viral infection can switch energy metabolism from respiration to widely anaerobic glycolysis even if plenty of oxygen is available (the Warburg effect) when the host cell cannot generate acetyl-coenzyme A, a metabolite required for melatonin biosynthesis. Under some conditions, including aging, gender, predisposed health conditions, already compromised mitochondria, when exposed to further viral challenges, lose their capacity for producing sufficient amounts of melatonin. This leads to a reduced support of mitochondrial functions and makes these individuals more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Thus, the maintenance of mitochondrial function by melatonin supplementation can be expected to generate beneficial effects on the outcome of viral infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19.


We have used images and spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to examine the host galaxies of 519 nearby supernovae (SN). The colors at the sites of the explosions, as well as chemical abundances, and specific star formation rates (SFRs) of the host galaxies provide circumstantial evidence on the origin of each SN type. We examine separately SN II, SN IIn, SN IIb, SN Ib, SN Ic, and SN Ic with broad lines (SN Ic-BL). For host galaxies that have multiple spectroscopic fibers, we select the fiber with host radial offset most similar to that of the SN. Type Ic SN explode at small host offsets, and their hosts have exceptionally strongly star-forming, metal-rich, and dusty stellar populations near their centers. The SN Ic-BL and SN IIb explode in exceptionally blue locations, and, in our sample, we find that the host spectra for SN Ic-BL show lower average oxygen abundances than those for SN Ic. SN IIb host fiber spectra are also more metal-poor than those for SN Ib, although a significant difference exists for only one of two strong-line diagnostics. SN Ic-BL host galaxy emission lines show strong central specific SFRs. In contrast, we find no strong evidence for different environments for SN IIn compared to the sites of SN II. Because our SN sample is constructed from a variety of sources, there is always a risk that sampling methods can produce misleading results. We have separated the SN discovered by targeted surveys from those discovered by galaxy-impartial searches to examine these questions and show that our results do not depend sensitively on the discovery technique.


The spindle- and kinetochore-associated (Ska) complex is essential for normal anaphase onset in mitosis. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of Ska1 binds microtubules and was proposed to facilitate kinetochore movement on depolymerizing spindle microtubules. Here, we show that Ska complex recruits protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to kinetochores. This recruitment requires the Ska1 CTD, which binds PP1 in vitro and in human HeLa cells. Ska1 lacking its CTD fused to a PP1-binding peptide or fused directly to PP1 rescues mitotic defects caused by Ska1 depletion. Ska1 fusion to catalytically dead PP1 mutant does not rescue and shows dominant negative effects. Thus, the Ska complex, specifically the Ska1 CTD, recruits PP1 to kinetochores to oppose spindle checkpoint signaling kinases and promote anaphase onset. Microtubule binding by Ska, rather than acting in force production for chromosome movement, may instead serve to promote PP1 recruitment to kinetochores fully attached to spindle microtubules at metaphase. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12902.001


This guide contains advice from 200 magnates and "entrepreneurs" such as Ben Cohen (Ben and Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream), Fred Smith (Federal Express), Jay Pritzker (Hyatt Hotels) and Harold Geneen (ITT). Going beyond mere biography, the author draws from each interviewee's experiences to develop targeted lessons in entrepreneurship. Topics covered include: idea generation ("begin with a dream"), fear of failure ("myths that stop you"), risk-taking ("the trap of the attractive track"), business development ("chase the dream, not the rainbow") and special considerations for women entrepreneurs. This book should appeal to both fledgling and current entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, bankers, accountants, lawyers and everyone who needs to understand entrepreneurs to deal with them better.


In this dissertation, we look at two types of graphs that can be placed on a commutative ring: the zero-divisor graph and the ideal-based zero-divisor graph. A zero-divisor graph is a graph whose vertices are the nonzero zero-divisors of a ring and two vertices are connected by an edge if and only if their product is 0. We classify, up to isomorphism, all commutative rings without identity that have a zero-divisor graph on 14 or fewer vertices. An ideal-based zero-divisor graph is a generalization of the zero-divisor graph where for a ring R and ideal I the vertices are {x ∈ R \ I | there exists y ∈ R \ I such that xy ∈ I}, and two vertices are connected by an edge if and only if their product is in I. We consider cut-sets in the ideal-based zero-divisor graph. A cut-set is a set of vertices that when they and their incident edges are removed from the graph, separate the graph into several connected components. We will describe all cut-sets in the ideal-based zero-divisor graph for commutative rings with identity. We also give some additional results about two other graphical structures, as well as include a classification of realizable zero-divisor graphs that have a specified girth and diameter for commutative rings with and without identity.


The original focus of the research for this thesis was concentrated on establishing strategies to detect chromosome imbalance as well as exploring the phenomenon of mosaicism and its underlying mechanisms in human preimplantation embryos. High levels of chromosomal mosaicism have been detected in human preimplantation embryos mostly by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) but also by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) and karyotyping. Mosaicism could arise through several mechanisms including abnormal cell divisions (mitotic non-disjunction or anaphase lag), failure of cytokinesis or endoreduplication. The FISH procedure has been criticised, as it is prone to failure. Two separate studies were developed and carried out in order to detect the level of mosaicism in embryos. In the first study a FISH protocol for the use of two different probes per chromosome was developed. The aim was to gain information on mechanisms leading to aneuploidy mosaicism and its true incidence. Three colour FISH was performed in three sequential rounds. In the first and second round different probes were used for chromosomes 1, 11, 18. In the third round probes were used for chromosomes X, Y and 18. Each FISH procedure included a control slide to assess FISH efficiency in all rounds of FISH. Two groups of embryos were spread on day 5 of development embryos grown in cleavage media throughout and embryos transferred to blastocyst media after day 3. A total of 21 embryos were analysed in each Group. The FISH results revealed one uniformly diploid and 20 mosaic embryos for Group I and 2 uniformly diploid and 19 mosaic embryos for Group II. Use of 2 different probes per chromosome was able to detect FISH artefacts and failure of hybridisation. Post- zygotic chromosome loss was the predominant mechanism leading to aneuploidy mosaicism for both groups, followed by chromosome gain, with only a few examples of mitotic non-disjunction. The relatively high percentage of tetraploidy in the blastocyst medium group was considered to reflect normal embryonic development. The use of CGH was investigated as an alternative strategy to detect the true level of mosaicism in the whole genome. The second part of the research for this thesis involved assessing the efficiency of CGH, improving the protocol for optimised use on single cells, and its application to human embryonic material. Results suggested that CGH is a laborious and technically demanding technique however, can provide extra information when used as a research tool. CGH was combined with FISH in order to assess chromosomal abnormalities in day 3 and day 5 embryos respectively. CGH was employed in 1-2 biopsied cells from a day 3 embryo, which was grown up to day 5 and further analysed by multi-colour FISH. The aim of this study was to observe the full chromosomal status of 1 -2 blastomeres biopsied at the cleavage stage (day 3) of development followed by FISH analysis of the rest of the embryo on day 5. This would allow the assessment of abnormalities in day 3 embryos by a full karyotype and then confirm whether the abnormality persists until day 5 using FISH for the chromosome(s) involved. In summary 30 embryos were fully analysed and only 3 (10%) were uniformly normal, while the rest were mosaic or chaotic. CGH was able to provide results in 83.3% of the embryos subjected to analysis. FISH and CGH showed either agreeing or complimentary results for all embryos analysed. The predominant mechanism of aneuploidy mosaicism was whole chromosome loss. Furthermore, partial aneuploidy was also detected, with partial chromosome loss being the principal mechanism. In the final part of the thesis the development of PGD protocols for a single gene disorder, namely DM, were devised using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Two PGD protocols were devised and employed clinically in two patients undergoing PGD for DM using fluorescent PCR. Due to the extensive workup needed to develop the specific PCR protocols for each patient, a universal-like protocol was researched. Such a protocol would involve production of a sufficient amount of DNA through whole genome amplification techniques i.e. DOP-PCR from a single cell to carry out subsequent analysis with F-PCR markers as well whole chromosome analysis using CGH. DOP-PCR amplified DNA was subjected to amplification of five markers that would have been used during a PGD workup for DM and also subjected to CGH analysis. Initially genomic DNA was tested which produced high fidelity of amplification. Single cell DNA was then utilised in order to assess the amplification rate, allele dropout (ADO) and contamination levels. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).


Abstract Contemporary France is a prolific arena for post-fascist actors, parties, and movements. Self-proclaimed alternative news outlets and publishing houses serve as forums for information and mobilisation, through various strategies, to resist an alleged onslaught by the enemies of the nation and its people: multiculturalism, feminism, political correctness, political corruption, and civilisational decay. In this article, I explore uncivility as a discursive logic within the French post-fascist media-ecology, focusing on the conspicuous use of irony and discursive displacement. More specifically, I discuss how sardonic irony as an uncivil discursive strategy is employed to navigate the legal boundaries of free speech and how discursive displacement, coupled with irony, is used as an affective identificatory technique in post-fascist discourse.


Extracted from text ... BUDGET 2006 SPECIAL
FINANCE MINISTER Trevor
Manuel has delivered what is a
record 10th Budget speech to
Parliament on 15 February 2006,
accompanied by the usual Manuel
brand of humour, multiple languages,
and the proverbial "sting
in the tail", and as usual, he did not
disappoint.
tions, and the introduction of the
tax amnesty for small business.
There was also an announcement
on the introduction of a pilot project
for companies to file their
income tax returns electronically.
However, the average individual
taxpayer does not really care
about things that affect business.
Nor does he care too much that ..


This essay associates the deep abiding influence of Rabbi Heschel on Christians with his unique expression of an incarnational religious imagination, appealing to all Christians with a "Catholic heart." In this view, the opposing worldview to dualism, life is experienced sacramentally, God is experienced immanently and religious symbols are experienced as deeply efficacious. The essay focuses especially on the incarnational trait of associating mystical experience and contemplative prayer with prophetic action and reveals how this link is nurtured and cultivated by Heschel and by his friend, Thomas Merton.


Fire Your BossAnd Hire Yourself.Impossible? Not according to nationally bestselling author Stephen M. Pollan. As he says in this new and empowering book, "You don't have to accept your current work situation. You can be in control of your job and your stream of income, so you're never again subject to the whims, prejudices, moods, or circumstances of your so-called boss."In today's difficult work environment, gone are the days of finding satisfaction through your job, gone is the time when your job was secure, and gone are the days when your employer cared about you. This new environment requires new rules, and Pollan has provided surprisingly fresh and intriguing methods for finding "success" on the job.Pollan's bold and unique message begins with the idea that you must "fire your boss." By this he means you can no longer rely on your manager or your company for economic security. Instead, you must put yourself in charge of your working life. In this thought-provoking and counterintuitive career guide, Pollan presents a seven-step program and a series of exercises that give you the confidence, power, and will to achieve the life of your dreams.Once you have changed your mind-set and learned the new rules of the game, you can start the process of moving to a richer, more enriching, and more enjoyable life. And the best part about it? Your boss will love you for it.


Introduction: Internal bleaching is a treatment option for wightening endodontically treated discolored teeth. Cervical resorption is one of the side effects of this method. The aim of this study was to compare the sealing ability of resin composite and light-cured resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) as intra-orifice barriers in internal bleaching. Materials &Methods: In this study, 34 single-canal anterior teeth were used. All samples were endodontically prepared and divided into two experimental groups (n=12) and two control groups (n=5). In the experimental groups, Gutta-percha was removed up to 3 mm below the cemento enamel junction (CEJ). RMGI and composite resin was placed over gutta-percha in the experimental groups up to the level of CEJ. After 24-hours incubation period, the bleaching agent (a mixture of sodium perborate and 30% hydrogen peroxide) was placed in the access cavities. The gnehcaelg agents were replaced every 3 days over 9 days. Then, the access cavity was filled with 2% methylene blue for 48 hours. All samples were longitudinally sectioned and the dye penetration range was evaluated using stereomicroscope. Data was statistically analyzed by using T-student test and variance analysis. Results: The microleakage in RMGI group was 0.945mm and in composite resin group was 0.641mm. Statistically, no significant difference was observed in microleakage between the experimental groups (p=0.121). Conclusion: Both materials can be applied as the intra-orifice barriers for internal bleaching.


The membrane fouling index, widely used in the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane industry, is developed mainly to assess the fouling potential of particulate matter. However, the fouling potential by organic matter should also be accurately evaluated as the productivity loss by organic fouling is often more severe than particle fouling, despite its low concentration in feed water. This study was performed to investigate the influence of organic characteristics and feed water solution chemistry on the membrane fouling index, such as the silt density index (SDI). The results showed that the feed solution chemistry (i.e. pH, ionic strength and hardness) affected the SDI values of organic rich feed water to some degree. In addition, Aldrich humic acid (AHA) exhibited higher fouling potential by SDI than Suwannee river humic acid (SRHA), emphasising the importance of organic properties. Lastly, it is shown that although SDI values measured were the same, the degree of NOM fouling was significantly different for the membranes with different surface properties.


In order to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of a bcc Fe/Co (001) multilayer, we have performed electronic structure calculations employing the total energy full-potential linear muffin tin orbital method. The magnetic moments of the layers are calculated. Based on these results, the magnetization profiles and the microscopic origin of the enhancement of Fe moments in the multilayers of the same Co content but with different interface qualities are reported. Large enhancement of magnetic moment is observed in the Fe monolayer located at the interface, and an even greater increase is obtained for the multilayer with one monolayer of intermixing between Fe and Co layers. The Co atoms were found to have similar magnetic moments in the bulk and at the interface.


The report presented in this paper forms a baseline for further reports on drought and its impact on Rural development in Kenya, It is therefore deliberately wide ranging and data is presented to highlight the major areas of concern which will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent reports, Specifically the reports attempts to identify the relationship between drought, underproductivi:y, food shortage and famine, It also attempts to estimate the cost of famine to the nation and to the rural communities, The theoretical section is our first attempt to develop the conceptual tools for understanding the farmer's situation and how he and any assisting change agents attempt to cope with drought. Some of the Governments programmes to alleviffte this problem arc discussed critically and suggestions for revitalizing these programs presented. The report concludes with a long list of recommendations mainly to generate constructive discussion rather than evoke dispair as is usual when one reads about suffering and the manifold problems of rural development. The report should be evaluated against the background empirical fact that more than 4 million Kenyans are constantly threatened by drought and environmentally derived stress. Any suggestions therefore should be practical, feasible or conceptually aim at expanding our vision,


The reported work experimentally investigates a method of more effective contactless mechanical frequency up-conversion that is based on multi-magnet plucking of a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester. Several moving excitation magnets are used to produce a periodic impulse train, which during a single plucking event consecutively deflects and then releases the cantilevered transducer to freely oscillate, thereby enabling enhanced micro-power generation performance. It was established that the proposed method is effective if a couple conditions are met. First, the transducer must be impulsively excited to produce resonant transient responses, which occurs when the ramping time of the magnetic impulse is close to the transducer rise time (defined as a quarter of the natural period). Second, the gap between the moving excitation magnets must be tuned to ensure that the impulse train period is as close to the natural period as possible. Measurements indicate that, in comparison to the conventional single-magnet plucking case, the consecutive excitation with three moving magnets leads to nearly six-fold (seven-fold) increase in average power output and total generated energy during the in-plane (out-of-plane) plucking regime.


Standard programming models do not provide direct ways of managing secret or untrusted data. This is a problem because programmers must use ad hoc methods to ensure that secrets are not leaked and, conversely, that tainted data is not used to make critical decisions. This dissertation advocates integrating cryptography and language-based analyses in order to build programming environments for declarative information security, in which high-level specifications of confidentiality and integrity constraints are automatically enforced in hostile execution environments.
This dissertation describes Aura, a family of programing languages which integrate functional programming, access control via authorization logic, automatic audit logging, and confidentially via encryption. Aura's programming model marries an expressive, principled way to specify security policies with a practical policy-enforcement methodology that is well suited for auditing access grants and protecting secrets.
Aura security policies are expressed as propositions in an authorization logic. Such logics are suitable for discussing delegation, permission, and other security-relevant concepts. Aura's (dependent) type system cleanly integrates standard data types, like integers, with proofs of authorizationlogic propositions; this lets programs manipulate authorization proofs just like ordinary values. In addition, security-relevant implementation details—like the creation of audit trails or the cryptographic representation of language constructs—can be handled automatically with little or no programmer intervention.


Colour image segmentation based on the hue component presents some problems due to the physical process of image formation. One of that problems is colour clipping, which appear when at least one of the sensor components is saturated. We have designed a system, that works for a trained set of colours, to recover the chromatic information of those pixels on which colour has been clipped. The chromatic correction method is based on the fact that hue and saturation are invariant to the uniform scaling of the three RGB components. The proposed method has been validated by means of a specific colour image processing board that has allowed its execution in real time. We show experimental results of the application of our method.