The exponential rate of development in science and technology in recent decades has had a profound social impact. In particular, computing and the Internet have indelibly altered the world's social, economic, and intellectual landscapes. The Information Age has transformed leisure, employment, business, and financial systems, and modified historical approaches to organizing and executing political and social action. A concomitant revolution in communications has blurred the boundaries that historically demarcated work from play; for many people today, including academics, employment and leisure are remote and wireless.So, how has escalating scientific and technological change affected the health and quality of life of people in marginalized communities? How is evolving and sometimes conflicting knowledge put into practice, particularly by people living with chronic illness or at risk of blood-borne viral infections? What harm reduction practices and treatment strategies are currently recommended or could be recommended, and why? Reflecting on these questions, the organizers of the 11th HIV, Hepatitis and Related Diseases conference, which was hosted by Australia's National Centre in HIV Social Research during its twentieth anniversary, devised the theme evolving knowledge and practice to promote analysis of progress in scientific knowledge, biomedical technologies, and research methods. The conference theme invited presenters to explore how communities at risk of HIV and/or hepatitis C make sense of and negotiate developments in the production of knowledge and technologies. We were interested in highlighting the potential impact of such developments on people's everyday sexual, drug use, and health management practices. We also invited consideration of how researchers, educators, policy makers, health professionals, and lawyers respond to new scientific advances, innovative theory, and improved models of best practice in the prevention of blood-borne viruses like HIV and viral hepatitis, and sexually transmissible infections. The research articles selected for this special issue of Contemporary Drug Problems are drawn largely from those presentations at the conference that explored contemporary understandings of injecting drug use, hepatitis C prevention, and treatment. Two extra articles were commissioned in order to cover a range of methodological, theoretical, and empirical topics.Each year in Australia there are approximately 10,000 new hepatitis C infections with around 90% of these occurring among people who inject drugs (MACASHH, 2006). Hepatitis C prevention in 2010 remains a significant challenge given the population prevalence of the virus, the natural history of infection, a legislative framework of drug prohibition, and the not uncommon phenomenon of hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination. Similarly, despite improvements over the past decade in the efficacy of treatment to suppress infection, strategies aimed at increasing hepatitis C treatment uptake have had little impact. Today in Australia, our health system is confronting an epidemic of hepatitis C-related liver disease.This collection of articles highlights the multidisciplinary nature of social research on hepatitis C and illicit drug use, with contributions from anthropology, sociology, epidemiology, and social psychology. The guest editorial team aimed to showcase rigorous and innovative research that we believe represents an evolution in knowledge and practice in these areas. For example, the article by Paquette, Bryant, and De Wit is unique in this issue because it advances our understanding of the research processes that allow us to study hepatitis C and injecting drug use in Australia. The authors show how the relatively new method of respondent-driven sampling can be used successfully in an Australian setting to recruit people who inject drugs (PWID); however, as they argue, the capacity of respondent-driven sampling to produce population estimates remains unclear. …


Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that higher circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk and improved survival. However, the influence of vitamin D status on disease progression and patient survival remains largely unknown for patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. Experimental Design: We prospectively collected blood samples in 1,041 patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer participating in a randomized phase III clinical trial of first-line chemotherapy plus biologic therapy. We examined the association of baseline plasma 25(OH)D levels with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for prognostic factors and confounders. Results: At study entry, 63% of patients were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL) and 31% were vitamin D insufficient (20–<30 ng/mL). Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with an improvement in OS and PFS (Ptrend = 0.0009 and 0.03, respectively). Compared with patients in the bottom quintile of 25(OH)D (≤10.8 ng/mL), those in the top quintile (≥24.1 ng/mL) had a multivariable-adjusted HR of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53–0.83) for OS and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.66–1.00) for PFS. The improved survival associated with higher 25(OH)D levels was consistent across patient subgroups of prognostic patient and tumor characteristics. Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, higher plasma 25(OH)D levels were associated with improved OS and PFS. Clinical trials assessing the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in patients with colorectal cancer are warranted.


Free-living flatworms, such as the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, are extensively used as model organisms to study stem cells and regeneration. The majority of studies in planarians so far focused on broadly conserved genes. However, investigating what makes these animals different might be equally informative for understanding its biology. Here, we present a re-analysis of neoblast and germline transcriptional signatures in the flatworm M. lignano and combine it with the whole-animal electron microscopy atlas (nanotomy) as a reference platform for ultrastructural studies in M. lignano. We show that germline-enriched genes have a high fraction of flatworm-specific genes and identify Mlig-sperm1 gene as a member of a novel gene family conserved only in free-living flatworms and essential for producing healthy spermatozoa. This work demonstrates that investigation of flatworm-specific genes is crucial for understanding flatworm biology and establishes a basis for future research in this direction in M. lignano.


Bacterial aggregation and adhesion are ruled by specific and nonspecific adhesion mechanisms. In the case of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) the biochemistry of adhesion has been previously studied and s-layer proteins have been identified. However, physic-chemical mechanisms which ruled the aggregation and adhesion phenomena able to change through the time under different pH conditions have not been completely elucidated.
The non-specific adhesion mechanisms (hydrophobicity, zeta potential and morphology) of Lp299v auto-aggregates over time (24 h) at different pH levels (from 5.0 to 9.0) on starvation were described. Auto-aggregation resulted in greater dependency on time. The Lp299v cell surface showed a higher level of affinity with chloroform than n-hexadecane, while the zeta potential was a negative charge in all cases. Size and shape parameters were found to be dependent on time and pH. A strong Pearson correlation (0.991) was observed between circularity and auto-aggregation. In conclusion, Lp299v's nonspecific adhesion mechanism was found to be more related to time than pH levels, indicating that Van der Waals and hydrophobic forces and shape parameters have the potential to dominate the autoaggregation of Lp299v. However, the predictive model presented shows that lower pH may promote auto-aggregation and thus facilitate the colonization at the upper level of the digestive system.


Abstract

Objective – This systematic review sought to identify evidence for best practice to support the development of information literacy and academic skills of first year undergraduate health science students.

Methods – A range of electronic databases were searched and hand searches conducted. Initial results were screened using explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify 53 relevant articles. Data on study design, student cohort, support strategy, and learning outcomes were extracted from each article. Quality of individual studies was considered and described narratively. Articles were classified and findings synthesized according to the mode of delivery of the intervention (Embedded, Integrated, or Adjunct) and classification of the study's learning evaluation outcome (Organizational change, Behaviour, Learning, or Reaction).

Results – Studies included in this review provide information on academic skills and information literacy support strategies offered to over 12,000 first year health science students. Courses targeted were varied but most commonly involved nursing, followed by psychology. Embedded strategies were adopted in 21 studies with Integrated and Adjunct strategies covered in 14 and 16 studies respectively. Across all modes of delivery, intervention formats included face-to-face, peer mentoring, online, and print based approaches, either solely or in combination. Most studies provided some outcomes at a level higher than student reaction to the intervention. Overall, irrespective of mode of delivery, positive learning outcomes were generally reported. Typically, findings of individual studies were confounded by the absence of suitable control groups, students self-selecting support and analysis of outcomes not accounting for these issues. As a result, there is very little unbiased, evaluative evidence for the best approach to supporting students. Nonetheless, our findings did identify poor student uptake of strategies when they are not interwoven into the curriculum, even when students were encouraged to attend on the basis that they had been identified at academic risk.

Conclusions – The majority of studies included have reported positive learning outcomes following the implementation of academic skills and information literacy support strategies, irrespective of their mode of delivery (Embedded, Integrated, or Adjunct). Clear, rigorous evidence that embedded strategies offer superior learning outcomes compared to other delivery modes is lacking. However, because of poor student uptake of strategies offered outside curricula, embedded modes of academic and information literacy support are recommended for first year health science courses.


The stability analysis of the adaptation process, performed by the filtered-x least mean square algorithm on weights of active noise controllers, has not been fully investigated. The main contribution of this paper is conducting a theoretical stability analysis for this process without utilizing commonly used simplifying assumptions regarding the secondary electro-acoustic channel. The core of this analysis is based on the root locus theory. The general rules for constructing the root locus plot of the adaptation process are derived by obtaining root locus parameters, including start points, end points, asymptote lines, and breakaway points. The conducted analysis leads to the derivation of a general upper-bound for the adaptation step-size beyond which the mean weight vector of the active noise controller becomes unstable. Also, this analysis yields the optimum step-size for which the adaptive active noise controller has its fastest dynamic performance. The proposed upper-bound and optimum values apply to general secondary electro-acoustic channels, unlike the commonly used ones which apply to only pure delay channels. The results are found to agree very well with those obtained from numerical analyses and computer simulation experiments.


Counterexample-guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR) is a method for incrementally computing abstractions of transition systems. We propose a CEGAR algorithm for computing abstraction heuristics for optimal classical planning. Starting from a coarse abstraction of the planning task, we iteratively compute an optimal abstract solution, check if and why it fails for the concrete planning task and refine the abstraction so that the same failure cannot occur in future iterations. A key ingredient of our approach is a novel class of abstractions for classical planning tasks that admits efficient and very fine-grained refinement. Since a single abstraction usually cannot capture enough details of the planning task, we also introduce two methods for producing diverse sets of heuristics within this framework, one based on goal atoms, the other based on landmarks. In order to sum their heuristic estimates admissibly we introduce a new cost partitioning algorithm called saturated cost partitioning. We show that the resulting heuristics outperform other state-of-the-art abstraction heuristics in many benchmark domains.


ABSTRACT In the Fontainebleau Sand (Oligocene), superposed lenses of sandstone result from a silicification process controlled by the watertable during the recent geomorphologic evolution of the landscape. The most outstanding feature of these silicified bodies is the contrast they show between the very hard, tightly cemented sandstone and the loose and permeable embedding sand. This pattern raises the question of the growth mechanism of the lenses. The lenses are composed of tightly quartz-cemented sandstone with well-developed quartz overgrowths. Cathodoluminescence of the sandstones shows detrital grains with subeuhedral quartz overgrowths and isopachous quartz rims surrounding the detrital grains or the overgrowths. The isopachous rims suggest amorphous or poorly ordered silica deposits that later recrystallized into quartz. The syntaxial overgrowths and the silica deposits alternate in a sequential way on a centimeter scale and reflect variations in the physicochemical characteristics of the feeding groundwater. The mechanism of the silica deposition is probably complex and can only be hypothesized. Whatever the mechanism, it appears from the arrangement of the sandstone layers that silica precipitation occurred near the watertable and at the interface between regional groundwater and local recharge water. Silica precipitation along an interface may explain the sharp boundary between cemented sandstone and loose sand. The cementation was modeled with the coupled reaction-transport code METIS. The model was constrained with permeability values, hydraulic gradient, and dissolved silica contents measured in the Fontainebleau Sand. The simulation reproduced the characteristics and morphologies shown by the sandstone lenses in the field. It shows the importance of a high groundwater flow rate to provide the silica necessary for cementation of the sandstones in a time span compatible with the geological constraints. The conventionally accepted kinetics of quartz precipitation did not result in simulating cementation of the sandstone lenses in a geologically reasonable time frame. To overcome this constraint, it was necessary to increase the kinetic reaction rate about 1,000 times, which agrees with the amorphous silica deposits observed in the Fontainebleau Sandstones.


This paper contributes to a pedagogy of antiracist art education by offering strategies to disrupt white supremacy and the "white savior complex" in the classroom. I begin by discussing students' commonly held internalizations of white supremacy. I next outline my experience teaching Marlon Riggs' documentary Ethnic Notions (1986) to introduce a history of racist image production including minstrelsy and racist archetypes like Uncle Tom, Sambo, Mammy, Coon, and the Savage in antebellum, postbellum, and colonial contexts. Next, I use a close reading of two recent examples to illustrate how these anti-black tropes continue to inform contemporary visual culture. The first example is a philanthropic commercial for the "Christian Children's Fund" that utilizes the most problematic aspects of the white savior in colonialist aesthetics. In the second example, I analyze a comedic skit from Saturday Night Live (SNL) that acts as a critical response to the commercial. A satirical take on the white savior trope, the skit is both an alternative to and subversion of the history of racist and imperialist imagery. With a historically informed knowledge of how imagery is used to uphold white supremacy, we can make direct connections between histories of racialized imagery and the art world and build lessons for an antiracist pedagogy.


This paper reports on an evaluation undertaken of the potential impact of a Network for Educators: the Pathways for Learning, Anywhere, Anytime (PLANE) website. The evaluation was undertaken in New South Wales, Australia with teachers in Government, Catholic and Independent schools in both rural and suburban areas. The benefits and challenges associated with supporting teachers' information and communication technologies (ICT) skills via a professional learning network platform are highlighted. Results of the study indicate that a well-designed online platform could potentially provide a space for teachers to learn to integrate ICT in their teaching with and from each other within a learning community.


Identifying herbaceous species and their composition at forest road edges and skid trails is an urgent task to prevent changes of natural and native composition of species and invasion of exotic species. The present study aimed to evaluate the herbaceous species cover grown on the forest road surface, cut and fill slopes and skid trail surface and their comparison with inside forest in order to investigate the effects of road construction in the 2nd district of Asalem Nav forest in Guilan province, north of Iran. For this purpose, a total of 30 randomly placed 1×1 m plots were established along the 1000-m transects within each habitat (150 plots in total). The differences between averages of groups were tested using ANOVA test for data with normal distribution and Kruskal Walis test was used for data with abnormal distribution. According to results, due to soil disturbance after road construction, the herbaceous cover of roadside road and skid trail surfaces had higher crown coverage than natural forest. This results varied among habitats and invasive species appeared in the main composition of herbaceous cover of studied habitats.


Abstract. Atmospheric particles were sampled at T1 supersite during MILAGRO campaign, in March 2006. T1 was located at the north of Mexico City (MC). Aerosol sampling was done by placing copper grids for Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) on the last five of an 8-stage MOUDI cascade impactor. Samples were obtained at different periods to observe possible variations on morphology. Absorption and scattering coefficients, as well as particle concentrations (0.01–3 μm aerodynamic diameter) were measured simultaneously using a PSAP absorption photometer, a portable integrating nephelometer, and a CPC particle counter. Particle images were acquired at different magnifications using a CM 200 Phillips TEM-EDAX system, and then calculated the border-based fractal dimension. Also, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the elemental composition of particles. The morphology of atmospheric particles for two aerodynamic diameters (0.18 and 1.8 μm) was compared using border-based fractal dimension to relate it to the other particle properties, because T1-generated particles have optical, morphological and chemical properties different from those transported by the MC plume. Particles sampled under MC pollution influence showed not much variability, suggesting that more spherical particles (border-based fractal dimension close to 1.0) are more common in larger sizes ( d 50 = 1.8 μm), which may be attributed to aerosol aging and secondary aerosol formation. Between 06:00 and 09:00 a.m., smaller particles ( d 50 = 0.18 μm) had more irregular shapes resulting in higher border-based fractal dimensions (1.2–1.3) for samples with more local influence. EDS analysis in d 50 = 0.18 μm particles showed high contents of carbonaceous material, Si, Fe, K, and Co. Perhaps, this indicates an impact from industrial and vehicle emissions on atmospheric particles at T1.


I. The antiphonal duets of Cichladusa guttata (Turdidae, Aves) are often accompanied by spectacular wing movements. We have analysed the display, timing, coordination and function of this behaviour using sound films, audio and video recordings of free living and captured birds (Figs 1, 2). 2. The vocal duet contribution of the members of a pair appear well coordinated in timing, normally with no overlap of notes. Specific types of duet notes of the male or the female can release wing beats in the male (response time: 380 ± 80 msec.), but not vice versa. Additionally, note utterance can trigger the wing beat start (reaction time 30 ± 15 msec.) in the same bird, which is normally the male (Figs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). 3. Wing beat performance is also affected by two further variables: "duet activity" and "wing beat periodicity". The duet activity which changes relatively slowly can be estimated from parameters of the behaviour (vocal density, vocal power, etc.). Auditory stimulation with conspecifics songs raises duet activity and thereby facilitates wing movements. This does not affect the "component of wing beat periodicity", which has a cycle length of 540 msec. (Fig. 3; Tab. i). 4. Normally, both wings are moved synchroneously. Experiments with restricted space on one side of a songster showed that wing beats can be blocked unilaterally. While a space restricted wing remained unmoved the other wing operated in full coordination to the duet program. 5. Due to the different affectations wing "escort" is optional. It occurs regularly, but, with high flexibility. When the variables promoting wing beats result in high values, high wing beats occur, when the values are low, low or no wing beats are observed (Fig. 9). 6. (Wing beats are supposed to support the general function described for the vocal duet contributions.) Specific functions discussed for the non-vocal contributions are: focussing and directing of attention (spectacular display via an additional signal channel; avoidance of habituation (optional and flexible occurrence) ; preventing distance signalling from disturbances in the acoustic channel (noise produced by birds singing simultaneously) ; distance measurement by identification of phase shifting between vocal and non-vocal behavioural rhythms.


An accurate and up-to-date diagnostic model is critical for economic aircraft engine operation. However, for many commercial airline fleets, monitoring and diagnosing engine faults is often left to human operators due to lack of effective modeling. Individuals must manually interpret engine performance parameters and this results in inconsistent evaluation and the potential for error. A recent work has been performed to capture the knowledge of diagnostic engineers and apply fuzzy logic to engine fault classification. The developed fuzzy model is capable of capturing various engine fault signatures based on expert experience, and it provides accurate diagnosis by assessing the similarity between those fault signatures and observed trends in sensor data. The major drawback with this approach is the manual knowledge extraction and model maintenance process. Manual model tuning is not only labor intensive, but it also brings another source of inconsistency to the overall system performance. In this paper, we will present a hybrid approach to augment the existing expert knowledge-based diagnostic model with automatic learning capability using a genetic algorithm. The proposed approach not only allows for automatic model tuning, but also enables the diagnostic model to adapt throughout the engine service life as operating conditions change.


Determination of the most suitable cutting regimes for satisfying different dimensional, quality and productivity characteristics while ensuring cutting with the lowest cost is of great importance. In this paper, an attempt has been made to propose comprehensive mathematical model for CO2 laser cutting cost estimation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the laser cutting process and analysis of number of proposed cost cutting calculation models, influence chart for CO2 laser cutting cost was built upon which the mathematical model was developed. Apart from the previous models, emphasis has been given to assist gas consumption calculation since it represents a considerable percentage share in cost. The calculation of assist gas consumption was based considering technical specifications, recommendations and limitations of the considered CO2 laser cutting machine. The possible application of the proposed model for laser cost calculation in the case of a number of various engineering materials was discussed.


This study compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), saline solution (SS), povidone-iodine (PI), and lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) through expression of growth factors in a rat model of wound healing. Six experimental groups were established, each containing 8 rats: a healthy group with no incision wounds, an incision-control group, an incision and TENS group, an incision and SS group, an incision and PI group, and an incision and lavender oil group. Experiments continued for 5 days, after which the skin in the excision area was removed. Tissue concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tissue expressions of EGF, PDGF-A, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 were determined using immunohistochemistry. Wound closure progressed more rapidly in the TENS and lavender oil groups than in the control and other study groups. In particular, PDGF-A expressions in the dermis and EGF expression in the epidermis were significantly intense in the TENS group (P < 0.05). In addition, ELISA levels of growth factors such as PDGF-A and EGF were significantly higher in TENS group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These immunohistochemical and ELISA results suggest that TENS may improve wound healing through increasing growth factors in the dermis and epidermis more than other topical applications.


Many real animals employ camouflage using either their natural appearance or by adapting their behaviour. We explore the effect on large scale animat agent populations when camouflage behaviour is an available option for predators. We find that individuals who adopt this behaviour are relatively successful in obtaining prey and thus prolonging their lives against threat of dying of hunger. Consequently in our simulation model predators have a longer life and a greater statistical chance of passing on this trait. However there is an interesting consequence for the overall system, whereby over-successful predation drives the coupled system of predators and prey downwards to lower population levels than without the camouflage trait.


International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 29-42, 2013. To date, most waterskiing research has been on recreational waterskiers from the USA. Our aim was to determine if the tournament waterskiing population in the UK had the same injury patterns as these previously studied populations. We hypothesised that the number of injuries, body parts injured and type of injury would vary by gender, event and competitive level. An online questionnaire was distributed to all British Water Ski Federation (BWSF) tournament licence holders. There were 90 participants: 24 female and 66 male (mean age 37 ± 15). Chi- squared and Fishers Exact Test was used to analyse the data. Forty-five skiers reported 71 injuries. The most common body part injured was back/trunk (38.8%); the most common type of injury was strain/sprain (64.6%). There was no association between gender and incidence of injury, however males had significantly more strains and sprains than females. Skiers in the lower competitive levels reported significantly more falls than the higher-level skiers. Slalom skiers reported the most injuries (76.8%), with 23.2% of injures in jump and none in trick. A high percentage of strains and sprains highlight the need for more specific physical conditioning. Longitudinal studies are needed to make causal links between injury factors.


Two newly developed narrow bandgap polymers containing benzobis(thiadiazole) (BBT) have been synthesized using the Stille coupling reaction. The polymers showed absorption in the near infrared region due to strong charge-transfer interactions in the donor-acceptor (D-A) units, suggesting a rigid planarized structure. Although both the HOMO-LUMO levels of the polymers lie close to the work function of gold electrodes, a BBT-quaterthiophene polymer showed only p-type semiconducting behavior. In addition, the dominant charge-carrier type is holes even in BBT-thiazole-thiophene polymers, which consists mainly of acceptor units, and indicates that the thiophene ring in these polymers has a strong influence on the charge transport properties. Keyword: Organic thin-film transistors, benzobis(thiadiazole), donor-acceptor, conjugated polymer


AIM
To investigate the effect of vitamin supplements on homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease.

METHODS
Vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and fasting plasma homocysteine levels were measured in 51 consecutive adults with celiac disease [median (range) age 56 (18-63) years; 40% men, 26 (51%) had villous atrophy, and 25 (49%) used B-vitamin supplements] and 50 healthy control individuals matched for age and sex. Finally, the C677T polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) was evaluated in 46 patients with celiac disease and all control individuals.

RESULTS
Patients with celiac disease and using vitamin supplements had higher serum vitamin B6 (P = 0.003), folate (P < 0.001), and vitamin B12 (P = 0.012) levels than patients who did not or healthy controls (P = 0.035, P < 0.001, P = 0.007, for vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12, respectively). Lower plasma homocysteine levels were found in patients using vitamin supplements than in patients who did not (P = 0.001) or healthy controls (P = 0.003). However, vitamin B6 and folate, not vitamin B12, were significantly and independently associated with homocysteine levels. Twenty-four (48%) of 50 controls and 23 (50%) of 46 patients with celiac disease carried the MTHFR thermolabile variant T-allele (P = 0.89).

CONCLUSION
Homocysteine levels are dependent on Marsh classification and the regular use of B-vitamin supplements is effective in reduction of homocysteine levels in patients with celiac disease and should be considered in disease management.


This work develops a low-power and low-voltage differential Gm-C filter structure that effectively achieves selfcommon-mode control (SCC), including DC stabilization and common-mode (CM) rejection, without employing extra control circuitry. The structure relies upon an incorporation of voltageinverting amplifiers to make it inherently contain no CM positive feedback loops for DC stabilization, and to enable splitting of the core transconductors into pairs for CM signal rejection. A DC CM stability analysis reveals that stabilization of the SCC structure can be reached without any dedicated CM control circuitry. An analytical comparison on power consumption of a high-order lowpass Gm-C filter implemented using an inverter-basedtransconductor for the SCC structure and the same transconductor with a CM control network (the Nauta's technique) for the conventional structure indicates theoreticaloverhead power saving by over 50%. Furthermore, an evenhigher overhead power saving at over 70Ên be achieved in the complex SCC Gm-C filter because no additional invertingamplifiers are required to eliminate CM positive feedback loops in the crossing transconductors for complexification. The impact of the inverting amplifiers on the noise and frequency characteristics as well as the compensation technique are outlined to enable design optimization. The SCC filter was verified via extensive simulations of a 5th-order 1.1-MHz elliptic complex filter in a 0.18-m CMOS process. As compared to the conventional filter counterpart with similar SNR (~63dB) and inband/out-of-band SFDRs (~52dB/56dB), the proposed structure yields an overhead power saving by 70% with an improved figure-of-merit over 40% under a 1-V supply.


We propose to modify a type of ant algorithm called Population based Ant Colony Optimization (P-ACO) to allow implementation on an FPGA architecture. Ant algorithms are adapted from the natural behavior of ants and used to find good solutions to combinatorial optimization problems. General layout on the FPGA and algorithmic description are covered The most notable achievements featured in this paper are a runtime reduction and including the approximation of the heuristic function by a small set of favored decisions which changes over time.


Mention hog farms and what immediately comes to mind are the odors from lagoons and production houses. Recently, swine odors have caused quite a stink among hog farmers and their neighbors-so much so that they have been the subject of a governor's blue ribbon commission study. Now, thanks to NC State University engineering professors and a taste and smell expert at Duke University, help is on the way to find a solution to the problem of odors in pork production. The team of researchers is developing a biofiltration system to help farmers monitor and control the odors produced by hog farm operations.


By examining history-social science learning standards in the state of California, an argument is made that schools should be concerned about more than narrowly defined academic achievement goals. Instead, a review of those standards suggests that schools are responsible for helping to foster democratic citizenship that grows out of a strong American identity. An argument is made that character and civic education offer rich resources for addressing goals of democratic citizenship. However, this argument is qualified by the necessity of informed and sustained principal leadership so that strong programs take hold and grow. The conclusion is drawn that schools can foster democratic citizenship if there are modifications to the standards that call for more active civic practice, policies that allow good principals to stay in place, and greater policy level articulation and support of education for American identity and democratic citizenship.


Today risk management plays a vital role in business. Each firm, whether big or small, makes an effort to manage risk more effectively. Risk management is very important in the financial system, especially in banks. Billions of Euros are spent each year on the financial reporting of banks. Banks should implement effective solutions in risk management to mitigate their risks. Great financial debate that originated in the 1990s is reportedly linked to errors that occurred in the banking sector due to poor risk management. It should be noted that today technology plays a key role in risk management and it has already had a positive effect on the financial industry. Analysis of risk and its management has become significant in the Kosovo economy since the post-war period. The nature of the banking business is threatened by risks because more financial products are becoming complicated. The main role of banks is intermediation between those who have resources and those seeking them. Banks face various risks at the corporate level, such as operational, liquidity, legal, credit, and market risks; thus, these risks should be converted into a composite measure. This research aims to determine practices and effects of risk management in the banking sector. Relevant data were collected from banks through questionnaires and telephone interviews; analysis has been conducted using statistical tools. This study will engage both the quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. Dependent variables will be separated from independent variables, and regression analysis will be used to analyse the quantitative data.


The first English-language monograph that describes seasonal and permanent Late Bronze Age settlements in the Russian steppes, this is the final report of the Samara Valley Project, a US-Russian archaeological investigation conducted between 1995 and 2002. It explores the changing organization and subsistence resources of pastoral steppe economies from the Eneolithic (4500 BC) through the Late Bronze Age (1900–1200 BC) across a steppe-and-river valley landscape in the middle Volga region, with particular attention to the role of agriculture during the unusual episode of sedentary, settled pastoralism that spread across the Eurasian steppes with the Srubnaya and Andronovo cultures (1900–1200 BC). Three astonishing discoveries were made by the SVP archaeologists: agriculture played no role in the LBA diet across the region, a surprise given the settled residential pattern; a unique winter ritual was practiced at Krasnosamarskoe involving dog and wolf sacrifices, possibly related to male initiation ceremonies; and overlapping spheres of obligation, cooperation, and affiliation operated at different scales to integrate groups defined by politics, economics, and ritual behaviors.


A spatial data management and analysis frame is required for global problem application. Global Discrete Grid (GDG) has seamless, excellent hierarchy characteristics. GDG has been used for spatial data management, indexing and cartographic generalization. However, most GDGs are unequal-area. To extend GDG application ranges in spatial modelling and statistical analysis, the method for constructing hierarchical and equal-area GDG is discussed in this paper. The detail steps to build GDG based on inscribe polyhedron is presented. The method of transferring polyhedron surface grids onto sphere surface is described. The ratio of max, min length of grid edges and grid angle is acquired. Length ratio converges to1.7 and angle ratio converges to 3.0. The result indicates that there exists difference in length and grid angle and the ratios of them are convergent.


Most population studies of pulsars have hitherto focused on the disc of the Galaxy, the Galactic centre, globular clusters, and nearby galaxies. It is expected that pulsars, by virtue of their natal kicks, are also to be found in the Galactic halo. We investigate the possible population of canonical (i.e. non-recycled) radio pulsars in the halo, estimating the number of such pulsars, and the fraction that is detectable via single pulse and periodicity searches. Additionally, we explore the distributions of flux densities and dispersion measures (DMs) of this population. We also consider the effects of different velocity models and the evolution of inclination angle and magnetic field on our results. We show that ∼33  % of all pulsars beaming towards the Earth are in the halo but the fraction reduces to ∼1.5  % if we let the inclination angle and the magnetic field evolve as a falling exponential. Moreover, the fraction that is detectable is significantly limited by the sensitivity of surveys. This population would be most effectively probed by surveys using time-domain periodicity search algorithms. The current non-detections of pulsars in the halo can be explained if we assume that the inclination angle and magnetic field of pulsars evolve with time. We also highlight a possible confusion between bright pulses from halo pulsars and fast radio bursts with low DMs where further follow-up is warranted.


In recent several years, motivated by the need to reduce radiation doses in CT exams, all of the major CT manufacturers have commercialized different iterative image reconstruction techniques and these innovative techniques were used in clinical routines with increasing popularity. However, due to the intrinsic nonlinearity of these new techniques, the well accepted quantitative image quality assessment metrics such as spatial resolution and contrast to noise ratio are not sufficient to provide the needed quantitative metrics for assessing image quality and for guiding the CT scan protocol optimization. This symposium aims at providing a thorough update to AAPM community on what we have understood in the past for linear CT imaging system, what are the new challenges and opportunities offered by the nonlinear iterative image reconstruction, and what would be the future directions in quantitative image quality assessment that the AAPM community can work together to address the challenges and to adapt the nonlinear image reconstruction methods to routine clinical practice to improve patient care. Three invited speakers will lead the discussions in this symposium. Dr. Ke Li from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be presenting the new challenges introduced in model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) method with a focus on how the nonlinear nature of the MBIR reconstruction poses challenges in quantitative image quality metrics such as spatial resolution, noise power spectrum, and the limitations of CNR in protocol optimization which eventually leads to the need of task-based detectability index as the metric. Dr. Shuai Leng from Mayo Clinic will then present how the CNR metric is insufficient for nonlinear reconstruction algorithms, and how task based model observers can be used to more accurately quantify image quality, and to optimize imaging system and scanning protocols for nonlinear iterative image reconstruction algorithms based on specific imaging task. Practical considerations regarding the application of task based image quality metrics will also be discussed. Dr. Ehsan Samei from Duke University will start the symposium by summarizing a to-be-released AAPM Task Group report (TG 233: Performance Evaluation of Computed Tomography Systems). He will cover what has been understood and accepted for linear CT imaging system, what are the new challenges in CT image quality assessment introduced by the nonlinear iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques, and summarize both taskneutral and task-based metrologies developed in TG 233 to partially address these challenges, and foresee additional challenges in the future.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Understand the challenges in quantitative image quality assessment introduced by nonlinear iterative reconstruction techniques 2. Understand the challenges and methods in noise performance assessment for nonlinear iterative reconstruction techniques 3. Understand the challenges and methods in in spatial resolution assessment for nonlinear iterative reconstruction techniques 4. Understand the challenges and methods in in task-based observer performance assessment for nonlinear iterative reconstruction techniques Funding support received from NIH and DOD; Funding support received from GE Healthcare; Funding support received from Siemens AX; Patent royalties received from GE Healthcare; S. Leng, R01 EB071095; U01 EB017185; E. Samei, Research grant, Siemens; Research grant, GE; K. Li, Funding from NIH, DOD and AAPM.


Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of protective helmets (i.e., football, lacrosse, and ice hockey helmets) on vision and sensory performance. Design Experimental cross-over study. Setting Clinical research centre. Subjects A convenience sample of 24 healthy college-aged males who played American football (n=14), lacrosse (n=5), or ice hockey (n=5) at a minimum of a high school level. Intervention Participants completed vision and sensory performance assessments under two counterbalanced conditions: helmeted and unhelmeted. Outcome measures The Senaptec Sensory Station assesses visual clarity (LogMAR), contrast sensitivity (logarithm of contrast sensitivity), depth perception (arcsec), near-far quickness (# cycles complete), target capture (threshold response time), perception span (# correct responses), multiple object tracking (tracking capacity), eye-hand coordination (average response time), go/no go (correct minus incorrect hits), and hand reaction time (average reaction time). The overall helmet effect and helmet-by-sport interactions were assessed. Results Participants performed 40.7ms slower on eye-hand coordination (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −66.64, −14.83; p<0.01) and 3.4 points lower on go/no go (95% CI: 1.56, 5.32; p<0.01) when wearing a helmet. Hockey helmets significantly affected visual clarity (95% CI: −0.3701, −0.0883; p=0.01) and hand reaction time (95% CI: −38.67, −9.73; p<0.01), but football and lacrosse helmets did not. Conclusions Vision and sensory performance was negatively impacted by wearing a helmet. This inability to see and respond to visual stimuli could have implications for athlete safety and performance, and should be explored further in other at-risk populations such as youth and female athletes. Competing interests Kramer: None. Wasserman: None. Teel: None. Mihalik: Dr. Mihalik has an equity interest in Senaptec LLC Keywords: Concussion, Injury prevention, Vision, Helmet, Facemask


Foamy bloat causes large economic losses in beef and dairy grazing systems based on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Dry matter (DM) disappearance at initial stages of rumen fermentation is associated with bloat. The National Institute for Agricultural Technology, Argentina, developed a cultivar of alfalfa (Carmina) with low initial ruminal DM disappearance (LIRD). To study the bloat reduction potential of Carmina, a grazing trial using steers was conducted. The trial was repeated in 10 periods using the cultivar Barbara as control. Bloat frequency and severity were estimated by direct observation of each animal after the start of grazing. Just before grazing, forage samples were taken so as to characterize agronomic properties and chemical composition of the pasture. Cultivars were not different in crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin concentration (248, 317, 239, and 58 g kg -1 DM, respectively). Overall, Carmina reduced bloat occurrence (P < 0.01) by 25.2% compared to Barbara, but presented a lower forage DM yield per hectare and a slight more advanced maturity stage (cultivars were grazed from early to mid-bud). Selection for LIRD was an effective way to reduce bloat risk.


Abstract We studied the sizes and shapes of magnetite nanocrystals produced by several types of uncultured magnetotactic bacteria to understand whether their size distributions can be used for identifying the biogenic origin of magnetite crystals in geological samples. The two-dimensional projections of the crystals were measured on transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, and features of crystalsize and shape-factor distributions (CSD and SFD, respectively) were analyzed. In agreement with previous results, most magnetite CSD curves are asymmetric and negatively skewed; however, one magnetotactic strain produced particles that have a normal size distribution. A statistical analysis of CSDs and SFDs (both from this and previous studies) reveals similarities among magnetite from magnetotactic strains from various locations. In particular, crystals in a cultured marine strain (MC-2) were indistinguishable from magnetite from a freshwater strain. We tested whether CSDs of distinct magnetosome types can be recovered from the shape and size data of all particles combined in samples that contain several types of magnetosomes; such samples can be used as models for rocks that contain magnetite nanocrystals of unknown and, presumably, various origins. If the SFDs of the distinct magnetosome types occurring in the same sample differ, the CSDs of individual magnetosome types can be retrieved from bulk data. In such cases the characteristic shape of the size distribution can be used for identifying magnetite as originating from magnetotactic bacteria


In 2005, Federated Department Stores, which does business as Macy's and Bloomingdales, acquired May Company Department Stores for $17 billion. Federal antitrust regulators took no action against this merger and in fact released an unprecedented statement explaining the decision to permit the merger. State antitrust regulators demanded that Federated sell approximately 20% of the former May stores, including branches of L.S. Ayres, Marshall Field, Lord & Taylor, Filenes, Hecht and Strawbridge & Clothier. In the fall of 2006, Federated sold the remaining Lord & Taylor stores to a private investment group. Substantially all of the stores remaining with Federated were converted to the Macy's nameplate; a few were converted to Bloomingdales. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) decision that this merger did not substantially lessen competition under the Clayton Act raises important questions. First, the FTC suggested there was no antitrust product market comprised of conventional department stores, or middle-market department stores. Numerous retail studies, the department stores' own market studies and the common sense experience of most consumers suggest otherwise. Second, FTC's unusual public statement listed reasons that the merger would not substantially lessen competition. Many of these reasons do not stand up to closer scrutiny. Third, through an empirical study created for this article that compares prices before and after the merger, Federated appears to have significantly raised prices throughout the United States. For these reasons, it is likely that the Federated/May merger did in fact substantially lessen competition in the conventional department store market.


"Celebrate" by Pippa Middleton is a fully illustrated and beautifully designed book packed with recipes, crafts and inspirational ideas. Beginning with autumn and ending with summer, "Celebrate" is a one-stop guide to entertaining throughout the British year. It contains a myriad of personal tips, favourite recipes and useful decorating ideas. Practical but full of fun, it guides readers through the planning stages to the events themselves, from Christmas and Easter to a show-stopping New Year's Eve and from children's parties, family birthdays, lazy weekend brunches and picnics on the beach to a quiet supper at home with friends. In "Celebrate", Pippa Middleton provides easy and affordable ideas for a successful celebration and offers charming and little-known facts and historical anecdotes for each occasion. The result is a cornucopia of information that is fascinating, inspiring and wonderfully accessible.


This interdisciplinary handbook provides extensive information about research in medieval studies and its most important results over the last decades. The handbook is a reference work which enables the readers to quickly and purposely gain insight into the important research discussions and to inform themselves about the current status of research in the field. The handbook consists of four parts. The first, large section offers articles on all of the main disciplines and discussions of the field. The second section presents articles on the key concepts of modern medieval studies and the debates therein. The third section is a lexicon of the most important text genres of the Middle Ages. The fourth section provides an international bio-bibliographical lexicon of the most prominent medievalists in all disciplines. A comprehensive bibliography rounds off the compendium. The result is a reference work which exhaustively documents the current status of research in medieval studies and brings the disciplines and experts of the field together.


Attaining student understanding and motivation for learning is the main challenge of virtual learning environments (VLEs). Educational games easily obtain the student's attention, which is reinforced by an emotional link established between the game and the learner with a high level of interactivity. This research aims to enhance the human computer interaction (HCI) of a VLE through the addition of specific features present in the architectures of serious and commercial video games. The Olympia architecture, which enables the combination of VLEs or serious games with intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs), is introduced. A new generation of learning environments that synthesise the features of both learning environments can be created. Olympia was evaluated in a particular case study focused on teaching introductory Physics to 20 undergraduate students at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City Campus. A traditional VLE and an enhanced VLE were implemented. The differences between both environments are in their affective feedback, graphics rendering and game mechanics modules. Probabilistic relational models, i.e. Bayesian Networks, were deployed to infer student knowledge. Weighted hypothesis testing was used in evaluating the effectiveness of Olympia. Results show that students learn in a similar way with both learning environments, although they feel more motivated whilst interacting with the enhanced VLE. Olympia is an effective guideline for the creation of intelligent VLEs. Future work will focus on repeating the experiment on a larger population, creating educational games and enhancing the student model.


Intercivilizational conflict has prospered in public and academic discourse since Samuel P. Huntington's 1993 essay, "The Clash of Civilizations?" which gave new currency to a far older theme. It spread independent wings as fundamentalist Islam, and the fear thereof, peaked on and after September 11, 2001. This article offers several points of order. It examines the historical semantics of both "culture" and "civilization," tracing the conceptual tension between them in the history of European thought. Along the way, it dwells on philosophers, social theorists and novelists from the eighteenth century to the present. It then proposes a reconsideration of the early 19th-century distinction between culture and civilization, associating the merits and tensions of distinctiveness with the former and allotting universal values to the latter. Finally, it considers contemporary problems weighing on the useful distinction between - and desirable cohabitation of - cultural pluralism and civil universalism.


Recording and reconstruction of the polarization state of the object beam is achieved by using dyed red plastic as a holographic material. Holographic characteristics are presented of dyed red plastic involving beam powers ranging between 3 and 120 mW/cm2 and exposure times in the order of minutes. It is also shown that the resulting modulation becomes photostationary under continuous exposure.


One of the eternal problems of mankind is that of love and hate. Why and how does it happen that we love this one of our fellow-men, feel safe in his affection, expect satisfactions of our needs from him and are attracted to him, while we hate and avoid other? Ever since the publication of Freud's first works one of the main objects of psycho-analytic research has been the study of these powerful currents of the human mind. Dr. Michael Balint contributed several important papers on this subject, and Primary Love and Psychoanalytic Technique is a collection of his material from 1930 to 1952.The first half of this volume is a collection of all his papers on this topic. The first, "Psycho-Sexual Parallels to the Fundamental Law of Biogenetics", is an attempt to trace the development of the erotic instincts from their earliest biological beginnings in unicellular organisms to their highest manifestations in human beings. Other papers deal with the problems of "Genital Love". "Transference of Emotions", of "Love and Hate" and so on. Dr. Blaint shows that the complexities of human love and hate can be better understood if they are considered as derivatives of a very primitive relation such as exists between mother and child, or between two lovers, and which he describes as "primitive love".Perhaps the most important field of research where this peculiar form of human relation can be studied is the psycho-analytical situation, the relation between the patient and his analyst. This relation is the central problem of psycho-analytic technique and Dr. Balint's ideas make many old problems appear in a new light, but also give rise to many intriguing new ones. It is well known that theories about the true nature of the infantile mind, about the development of a child's sentiments towards his early love objects, and the theories of psycho-analytic technique are closely inter-related. The second half of this volume contains Dr. Balint's contributions to this topic; they include, among others, papers on "Character Analysis"," Strength of the Ego"," Transference and Counter-transference", and Termination of Analysis".


A large number of prospective climate scenarios rely on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies to limit global warming below 2 °C. To date, however, a comprehensive understanding of the overall life-cycle environmental impacts of CDR technologies is missing. We present a critical review on conducted Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of a comprehensive set of CDR technologies: afforestation and reforestation, biochar, soil carbon sequestration, enhanced weathering, ocean fertilisation, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and direct air carbon capture and storage. One of the key observations is that emissions avoided due to substitution of certain processes (due to system expansion in LCA) can be easily misinterpreted as negative emissions, i.e. as carbon removal from the atmosphere. Based on the observed inconsistencies and shortcomings, we recommend to interpret available CDR LCA results with caution. To improve the understanding of environmental implications of CDR deployment, we recommend (1) to conduct LCAs with multiple environmental impact categories, (2) to consider the temporal aspect of emissions in biomass-related CDR technologies, (3) to focus on so far overlooked CDR technologies, (4) to be as transparent as possible regarding methodological choices, (5) to capture environmental side-effects, and (6) to distinguish between 'avoided emissions' and 'negative emissions' – only negative emissions correspond to permanent removal from the atmosphere. We conclude that more comprehensive and rigorous LCAs are needed to help inform the design of CDR technology portfolios and to aid in anticipatory governance.


The reproductive ability of male animal is dependent to a great extent on the effective functions of the genital glands. The present study was carried on the pelvic urethra of 32 sexually mature male donkeys. 5µm sections were prepared from the samples and stained with different stains to show the different structures of the pelvic urethra. Scanning electron microscopic studies were performed on the lumen of the pelvic urethra to show the different shape of the urethral gland opening on the surface layer of the lamina epithelialis of the pelvic urethra. The pelvic urethra of donkey is formed of prostatic and membranous parts. The lamina epithelialis of the pelvic urethra varied at its different regions. The urethral glands were observed along the entire length of the pelvic urethra within the lamina propria-submucosa. They were mostly of the branched tubulo-alveolar glands lined by high cuboidal or pyramidal-shaped epithelial cells. The activity of the urethral glands in donkey varied throughout the year. It was more pronounced during spring, which was manifested by increased epithelial height, decreased nuclear/cell ratio, decreasing interstitial connective tissue/glandular tissue ratio and increased cellular secretory activity. This activity decreased gradually during the summer and autumn to reach its minimal level during winter.


This year continues the chain of years with unusual harvest conditions driven by rapid weather changes in the latter part of the growing season. In mid August, crops were significantly ahead of schedule in terms of maturity. Heat and moisture in May and June accelerated the pace of development, to the point that signs of maturity were evident by the 15th of August. Rains followed by above average temperatures began over Labor Day weekend, and have been repeated nearly every weekend to date. The forecast for the weekend of October 7 is more of the same – very heavy rains with intermittent warm, sunny and high humidity periods. The 2018 crop is now at a point where the wet conditions are affecting quality. Disciplines Agricultural Science | Agriculture This article is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cropnews/2501 2/28/2019 Crop Quality Hurt by Rains | Integrated Crop Management https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/10/crop-quality-hurt-rains 1/5 Integrated Crop Management Crop Quality Hurt by Rains October 8, 2018 This year continues the chain of years with unusual harvest conditions driven by rapid weather changes in the latter part of the growing season. In mid August, crops were significantly ahead of schedule in terms of maturity. Heat and moisture in May and June accelerated the pace of development, to the point that signs of maturity were evident by the 15th of August. Rains followed by above average temperatures began over Labor Day weekend, and have been repeated nearly every weekend to date. The forecast for the weekend of October 7 is more of the same – very heavy rains with intermittent warm, sunny and high humidity periods. The 2018 crop is now at a point where the wet conditions are affecting quality. In some areas, flooded streams inundated mature crops. Please see this ICM News article written on September 27, for guidance in handling these crops. Corn moisture contents vary widely but field mold is showing up. Most field molds grow on corn after blacklayer; rapid drydown normally prevents significant further problems. Fields should be scouted for molds because some species have the potential to produce mycotoxins. Those fields should be harvested as quickly as possible, and dried rapidly without a long period of wet holding. Field molds normally do not grow in storage after drying but wet holding and slow drying can cause growth and toxin increases before the corn is dry. The lower temperature and air drying systems will have difficulty in the weather conditions predicted to continue for the next 10 days. Run bin dryers as warm as manufacturer recommendations allow, and try to fill bins in stages to reduce depth and increase drying rates in individual bins. Rotating fills may require documentation for crop insurance purposes, to identify grain traceable to specific fields. Good descriptions and photographs of field molds, mycotoxins and their impacts are available at https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/library, in the training modules section. 2/28/2019 Crop Quality Hurt by Rains | Integrated Crop Management https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/10/crop-quality-hurt-rains 2/5 CPN-2001 Corn Ear rots CPN 2002 Corn Mycotoxin FAQs CPN 2003 Corn Grain sampling and mycotoxin testing CPN 2004 Storing mycotoxin-affected grain A two-part narrated presentation on mycotoxin effects on animals and on handling and management for toxin-affected grain is available on the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative website. A recommended scouting/sampling procedure for mold identification is given below: Check at least 100 ears selected from throughout the field. If more than 10 percent of plants have an ear rot, harvest the field early. Dry and cool harvested corn quickly. Test moldy grain for mycotoxins before feeding to livestock This year, the highest risks for mycotoxins are for vomitoxin (DON) in northern and SW Iowa, and for some aflatoxin in SE Iowa (where drought conditions prevailed until after Labor Day). Photo on left: Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxin) on an ear, Photo on right: Giberella (vomitoxin) on an ear The longer the wet weather persists the more risk of mold and toxins that there will be. The moderately warm temperatures forecast for the next 10 days will accentuate mold growth. Moldy grain does not automatically contain mycotoxins; some species are not toxigenic, and not all toxigenic species always produce toxins. This is why end users (ethanol plants, feed mills, wet mills) will be screening composite samples of early harvest deliveries to determine if there are concerns. The often-present "polka dots" from 2/28/2019 Crop Quality Hurt by Rains | Integrated Crop Management https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/10/crop-quality-hurt-rains 3/5 Cladosporium are an example of field mold, that will grade damaged but that does not produce a toxin. Stalk strength is low; there will be increasing amounts of downed or broken stalks. Harvest downed corn first regardless of moisture content because mold growth is accelerated, and drydown rates are reduced. Consider cleaning this corn if possible because the larger mass of material through the combine will create more airflow clogging fines and foreign material. It is always recommended to remove the center of bins before long term storage. That need will be greater this year. General corn quality is average at best, as indicated by test weights. The kernel fill was not as complete as last year; dry corn test weights probably will be around 54-56 lb/bu. This still meets grade standards but expect a shorter storage life than last year. Because of reduced fill and kernel size, protein contents will probably be below the 7.5% long term average. The critical management actions this year will be rapid drying without long holding periods and cooling as quickly as possible to preserve future storage life. Always, actions right at harvest are the most crucial in determining future quality the following spring and summer. The table below shows the time-moisture and temperature relationship for safe storage. 2/28/2019 Crop Quality Hurt by Rains | Integrated Crop Management https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/10/crop-quality-hurt-rains 4/5 Both temperature and moisture content are important in grain preservation, but often temperature control is the most immediately important if drying capacity is limited. Soybeans experience fewer in field mold problems than corn, because field moistures are normally low (<13%). However, if the soak-dry cycles continue with more heavy rain, expect pod splitting and eventually grey colored beans. Freeze-thaw cycles would further accentuate the splitting but currently there are no forecasts for frost in the near future. Do not try to store field molded soybeans; the oil will become rancid and continued deterioration is likely. The grey beans will grade damage in the market, but likely will get worse in storage. Aerate them for cooling, then market them as soon as possible. The same needs for removing the center core of bins and dropping the temperature as rapidly as possible apply to soybeans as corn. Notice in the storage time table above that soybeans spoil at a rate equal to 2% points wetter corn. Soybeans are normally 13-14% or less in the field. Soybeans are often stored in unaerated bins or buildings; this removes both the cooling and drying capability of aerated bins. Wet fields and warm temperatures may require special handling to be sure that beans in unaerated bins are cool and dry. None of these wet-conditions problems affect grain yield; that was established earlier in the growing season. The predicted high yields and corresponding long term storage will make at-harvest management very important this year. Future ICM articles will update 2/28/2019 Crop Quality Hurt by Rains | Integrated Crop Management https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2018/10/crop-quality-hurt-rains 5/5 these issues, and identify long term storage management needs as weather conditions develop. Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on October 8, 2018. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed. Category: Grain Handling and Storage Crops: Corn Soybean Tags: grain storage mold wet conditions Authors: Charles Hurburgh Professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dr. Charles R. Hurburgh, Charlie to most everyone, is a native Iowan from Rockwell City (Iowa, USA). He continues to operate the family farm, and is a professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. He has a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctoral degree fr... Alison Robertson Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology Dr. Alison Robertson is an associate professor of plant pathology and microbiology. She provides extension education on the diagnosis and management of corn and soybean diseases. Her research interests include Pythium seedling disease of corn and soybean and Goss's wilt. Dr. Robertson receiv...


The emergence of hybrid ownership structures and their OFDI activities is a critical but under-investigated phenomenon. We proffer that 'state-directed emerging economies' (SDEEs) - a unique typology of emerging economies – are largely driving the emergence of hybrid ownership structures. The direct and continuous government involvement in SDEE markets and the perception this economic system creates across a variety of host countries, present the dual hurdle of liability of "origin" and liability of foreignness in the OFDI of SDEEs firms. Our study proposes ownership hybridization (i.e. mixing state and private ownership) in the home market, as a mechanism through which SDEE firms counteract these unique institutional challenges in foreign investments. We argue that through hybridization, SDEEs firms benefit from the unique resources brought into the mixture by the different ownership logics and synergistically strengthen their ability to overcome institutional challenges in foreign investments. Nevertheless, benefits of hybridization are likely to vary in magnitude in relation to the degree of hybridization, suggesting an optimal blend of state and private ownership in a hybrid firm. In addition, we propose that hybridization effects are also contingent on top executives and their political connection, that engender resource and legitimacy implications. Our approach differs from existing studies that view home and host country institutional challenges in isolation. Rather, we recognize the inter-related effect of these institutional challenges and propose ownership hybridization as a strategy that simultaneously counteracts both.


On 29 June 2002, a M D 4.5 earthquake occurred 4.6 km south of Mount Hood, Oregon. More than 200 small aftershocks ( M D ≤3.8) occurred between 29 June and 15 August 2002, by which time seismicity returned to background levels. We analyze well-constrained earthquakes from the summer 2002 sequence near Mount Hood, recorded by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (pnsn), and well-constrained, small earthquakes ( M D ≤3.5) recorded by the pnsn between 1986 and 2002. We apply waveform cross-correlation to selected events, establish a one-dimensional P -wave velocity model, and relocate the entire catalog by using the double-difference algorithm of Waldhauser and Ellsworth (2000). We find that earthquakes before 2002 occur in four distinct clusters: (A) a well-defined linear feature, striking N15E, about 5 km south of the summit, (B) a linear feature, trending northwest–southeast a few kilometers south of group A, (C) a few tight clusters located about 9 km south-southwest of the summit, and (D) a small cluster beneath the summit. Earthquakes in group D do not appear to lie on a fault and may relate to volcanic activity. However, almost all earthquakes in the 2002 swarm occur in group A, south of the summit, at depths similar to earthquakes from previous swarms. First-motion fault-plane solutions from the mainshock and largest aftershocks have normal mechanisms, and solutions from well-constrained aftershocks have normal to oblique normal mechanisms. This is consistent with the apparent strike of the feature south of Mount Hood's summit and is similar to focal mechanisms of older earthquakes in group A. b - and p -values for the summer 2002 earthquakes resemble a tectonic mainshock-aftershock sequence. We interpret these earthquakes as the northernmost example of Basin-and-Range seismicity yet recorded and conclude that the Mount Hood earthquakes do not yet suggest potential for volcanic unrest.


We propose a new technique for optical-network protection called failure-independent path-protecting (FIPP) p-cycles. The method is based on an extension of p-cycle concepts to retain the property of full preconnection of protection paths, while adding the property of end-to-end failure-independent path-protection switching against either span or node failures. An issue with applying the popular method of shared-backup path protection (SBPP) to an optical network is that spare channels for the backup path must be cross connected on the fly upon failure. It takes time and signaling to make the required cross connections, but more importantly, until all connections are made, it is not actually known if the backup optical path will have adequate transmission integrity. Thus, speed and optical-path integrity are important reasons to try to have backup paths fully preconnected before failure. With fully preconnected protection, not only can very fast restoration be attained, but the optical-path engineering can also be assured prior to failure. Regular p-cycles are fully preconnected, but are not end-to-end path-protecting structures. SBPP is capacity efficient and failure independent-failures only need to be detected at the end nodes and the end nodes activate and switch over to one predefined backup route for each working path-but the backup paths are not preconnected. FIPP p-cycles support the same failure-independent end-node-activated switching of SBPP, but with the fully preconnected protection-path property of p-cycles. As a fully preconnected and path-oriented scheme, FIPP p-cycles are, therefore, potentially more attractive for optical networks than SBPP. Results confirm that FIPP p-cycle network designs will exhibit capacity efficiency that is characteristic of path-oriented schemes and may be as capacity efficient as SBPP, but more conclusive comparisons on larger scale networks await further study.


Aim: Numerous flaps have been described for the reconstruction of complicated defects of the fingertip. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience on flaps that can be used in emergency settings, and analyze the outcomes of these procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 81 patients, who presented to the emergency unit with complicated fingertip defects between 2009 and 2014 and in whom replantation was deemed unsuitable due to various reasons including crush or avulsion type of injury mechanism, absence of the amputated part, or unrepairable vascular injury in the amputate, was carried out. Results: Eighty-nine flaps were performed in 81 patients. The defects were repaired with V-Y advancement flaps in 57% (45 patients – 51 fingers) of the defects, kite flap in 15% (13 patients – 13 fingers), cross-finger flap in 12% (11 patients – 11 fingers), Kutler flap in 6% (4 patients – 5 fingers), digital artery perforator flap in 6% (4 patients – 5 fingers), and thenar flap in 4% (4 patients – 4 fingers) of the injuries. One patient operated with the digital artery perforator flap, and one other operated with the kite flap, developed partial flap necroses. There were no other complications. Conclusion: Functional and esthetic restoration of soft tissues in the fingers is possible with the use of appropriate flaps and meticulous surgical technique.


Rich in metal oxides, fly ash has tremendous potential to be utilized as a coating material on structural and engineering components. Fly ash is basically a solid waste generated in huge quantities from coal fired thermal power stations during the combustion of coal. This work aims at developing and characterizing a new class of such coatings made of fly ash by a novel technique like plasma spraying. Plasma spray technology has the advantage of being able to process various low-grade-oreminerals to obtain valueadded products and also to deposit ceramics, metals and a combination of these, generating near-homogenous coatings with the desired microstructure on a range of substrates. In the present investigation, coatings are developed on aluminumsubstrates usingmixtures of fly ash pre-mixed with aluminum powder in different weight proportions at various plasma torch power levels ranging from9 to 18 kWDC. The coatings are characterized in terms of micro-hardness, interface adhesion strength and deposition efficiency. Maximumadhesion strength of about 35MPa is recorded with coatings deposited at 12 kW power level. It is noticed that the quality and properties are significantly affected by the operating power level of the plasma. This work establishes fly ash as a potential coating material, suitable for possible tribological applications.


This article focuses on the material and discursive constructions of nature and children in the city. While dominant representations and idealizations of nature and childhood depend on the binary logic of the nature/culture and rural/urban divide, there is also a simplification and romanticization of nature in children's geographies and a lack of children and their spaces in urban political ecology. We argue that children and nature in cities need to be removed from a binary model of being and attended to in more nuanced ways in urban political ecology and children's geographies. In this regard, we suggest that both nature and children in cities need to be queered. We need to ask how the production of urban spaces (re)creates particular romantic and idealized relations with natures that reify the binaries between nature/culture, and male/female through a heteronormative framework. The purpose of this article is to bring the critical nature-society theories of urban political ecology into conversation with work in children's geographies that explores the 'nature' of childhood, and in doing so queer the relationship between children and nature. Drawing on research on queer ecologies, and queered childhoods, we aim to provide a framework to rethink and queer both nature and children in cities.


One of the unseen costs in college education is the high freshman year dropout rate experienced in most twoand four-year colleges. Although there has been a significant body of literature discussing retention programs, the overall retention rate has not changed very much over the last century. Recently, several universities have expended considerable resources to ameliorate freshman-year attrition rates. A new approach, which is student-centered and requires fewer resources than many retention programs, has been pioneered at SUNY Morrisville. This approach, described herein, is a Study Team Seminar Course (STSC) based on the concept of teaching students how to form effective study teams with the support of a facilitator. The main goal of the program is to foster student connections that are necessary for retention, while the students build skills that will improve their chance of academic success. The program, which was piloted in the Fall of 2002 for gatekeeper courses in mathematics and physics, was tuned and reoffered in the Spring of 2003. Improved grades, increased class-participation, and improved group development skills and study skills, as reported by surveys of students, faculty, and staff, are the preliminary results of the program. Along with the detailed STSC description, a review of the current retention research and the educational philosophies and models used to design the course is included. Based upon the qualitative results from the pilot and first full-scale offering, improvements that will be made in the future are described.


DyStar is a multinational organization and world leader of dyestuffs and chemical manufacturing. As the world's largest supplier of textile dyes, it offers a broad range of products and has increasingly positioned the company and its products as sustainable solutions. In 2017, DyStar launched the Cadira® Denim, an indigo dye that uses a closed-loop technology and reduces environmental and social impact substantially. Adoption of the technology in China has been slow in comparison to other geographic markets such as Turkey. The case highlights the challenges of sustainable technology adoption from supplier perspective in a highly fragmented and complex supply chain context. It provides material for class discussion and learning from different theoretical perspectives, including economic, strategic and organizational perspectives, as well considering the Chinese cultural and institutional environment.


Since the inception of the 'War on Terrorism' the absolute prohibition on refoulement under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights has been the subject of intense criticism by some European states. The United Kingdom, in particular, has argued that the principle of non-refoulement under Article 3 (i.e. that a state may not transfer an individual (regardless of the danger they may pose) to any state where there is a "real risk" of subjection to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment) is inappropriate when applied to suspected terrorists considered to pose a dangerous threat to the safety and welfare of the community as a whole. In addition, numerous European states have begun to deport individuals suspected of terrorist involvement to states with notorious reputations for ill-treatment on the basis of Diplomatic Assurances. In Saadi v Italy - the case considered in this short note - the European Court of Human Rights firmly reasserted the absolute nature of Article 3 and held that the pre-2001 test of no-refoulement was not subject to alteration or 'balancing' on the basis of the perceived dangerousness of the individual concerned. This case note, forthcoming in final form in the American Journal of International Law, outlines the Article 3 decision in the case and contrasts the rigour of the Strasbourg jurisprudence on this matter with the US Supreme Court's decision regarding transfer to the Iraqi government in Munaf v Geren (2008), considering whether this disparity might result in any operational difficulties in circumstances - such as Iraq and Afghanistan - where United States and United Kingdom forces are collaborating in military operations.


BACKGROUND
Posts and cores are often required for restoration of pulpless teeth and to provide retention and resistance for a complete crown, but conventional posts may increase the root fracture.

OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to compare the root fracture resistance of extracted teeth treated with different fibers reinforced with composite posts and treated teeth with conventional post and core systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Root canal therapy was performed for 50 mandibular first premolars. The coronal portion of each tooth was amputated, and five post and core systems (cast, polyethylene woven, glass, carbon, and quartz fiber posts) were compared. Acrylic resin blocks were used for mounting, using a layer of elastomeric impression material covering the roots. The load was applied axially and measured with a universal testing machine.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Significantly, cast posts and cores had a higher failure threshold including teeth fracture; whereas, fiber posts failure was due to core fracture, with or without fractures in coronal portion of posts. Difference in FRC posts did not provide any significant difference in the load failure and the mode of fracture.


Introduction : Lassa fever outbreaks have occurred in Nigeria since the 1969 till date. This is in spite of the fact that the reservoir and modes of transmission have been known for all these years. This review aimed at describing the epidemiology and determinants of the Lassa fever outbreaks in Nigeria from 1969 to 2017 and the public health response to these outbreaks. Method : The guidelines for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used to conduct the review between May 2017 and January, 2018. We searched PubMed, Science direct, WHO library databases and Google Scholar for articles published from 1970 till January 2018. Other relevant websites such as those of the World Health Organization, Nigeria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were searched for Lassa fever outbreak reports. Results : Twenty-six articles and reports were included in the final review. These described twenty-one outbreaks involving 5442 suspect cases, 768 confirmed cases and 631 deaths from suspected or confirmed Lassa fever. Thirty-two states and the Federal Capital Territory have ever recorded outbreaks of Lassa fever. Lassa fever cases now occur in various states in Nigeria all year round with dry season peaks. Nosocomial transmission has remained a consistent determinant. Public health responses have changed over time starting from predominantly case management in initial outbreaks to a centrally coordinated response supporting states and institutions over the years. Conclusion ; Lassa fever outbreaks have increased in frequency and geographic spread with case fatality ratio remaining unacceptably high. The same determinants have persisted with nosocomial transmission a consistent factor. Public health response has consistently improved with the last two years showing the most coordinated response. We recommend that the definition of Lassa fever in the Nigerian Integrated Disease Surveillance and Notification System (IDSR) be revised to reflect the current reality to ensure better Lassa fever control. Key words : Lassa fever, Outbreak, Viral haemorrhagic fevers, Nigeria.


This article seeks to add new empirical evidence, from a late-industrialising standpoint, to the literature related to the way in which Research and Technology Institutes (RTIs) contribute to building up a National System of Innovation (NSI). This study is based on a sample of 11 RTIs in Brazil that are dedicated to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The framework for capabilities identifies three dimensions: technical, organisational and human resources. Links between RTIs and other organisations of the innovation system (e.g., universities, technical centres, laboratories and firms) are examined here as key sources to build up such capabilities. Over the past few years, the capabilities of the sampled RTIs have not been confined to basic levels. Several RTIs have progressively upgraded their capabilities to carry out innovative activities. This contributes to building up an NSI in Brazil. Links between RTIs and other innovation system organisations vary from informal, human resource based and formal (e.g., joint research). Our findings contradict some current arguments that point to a pervasive deterioration of innovation systems in countries like Brazil, following the policy changes from the 1990s and the intensification of globalisation.


Objectives: Within the context of Health-Related Quality of Life studies, it was necessary to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the SF-12 Health Survey version 2. The aim of this study was to investigate the factorial structure, convergent validity and reliability of this instrument in a healthy Iranian sample, following translation and establishment of content and face validity. Method: In this cross-sectional study the translated instrument was administered together with the Sense of Coherence Scale and Health Index in a convenience sample of healthy people (n = 289) aged 17 to 76 years old between June and September 2006. A test-retest was conducted one month later. Results: Content Validity Index for Scale (85.6%) and face validity of the instrument were acceptable. The results of Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling by four models verified the existing two-factor structure, a physical and a mental component summary. All models exceeded the goodness of fit indices and showed a resemblance with the original instrument, except for models 3 and 4 (allowing cross-loadings). Although in these two models the General Health item and scale was loaded to the mental component rather than the physical component, construct validity of the instrument was confirmed. Also, physical and mental component summaries were significantly (p < 0.001) correlated to the Sense of Coherence Scale (r = 0.27, r = 0.68) and Health Index (r = 0.49, r = 0.67). Cronbach's alpha values and the intra-class correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.70 and ≥ 0.60, respectively. Conclusion: The Iranian SF-12 Health Survey version 2 was a psychometrically sound instrument, implying that it is suitable for use with large-scale surveys in Iranian population, both in clinical and rehabilitation settings or at a public level.


In this work, results obtained by the WMAP satellite are analyzed by invoking established practices for signal acquisition and processing in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dynamic range, image reconstruction, signal to noise, resolution, contrast, and reproducibility are specifically discussed. WMAP images do not meet accepted standards in medical imaging research. WMAP images are obtained by attempting to remove a galactic foreground contamination which is 1,000 times more intense than the desired signal. Unlike water suppression in biological NMR, this is accomplished without the ability to affect the signal at the source and without a priori knowledge. Resulting WMAP images have an exceedingly low signal to noise (maximum 1–2) and are heavily governed by data processing. Final WMAP internal linear combination (ILC) images are made from 12 section images. Each of these, in turn, is processed using a separate linear combination of data. The WMAP team extracts cosmological implications from their data, while ignoring that the ILC coefficients do not remain constant from year to year. In contrast to standard practices in medicine, difference images utilized to test reproducibility are presented at substantially reduced resolution. ILC images are not presented for year two and three. Rather, year-1 data is signal averaged in a combined 3-year data set. Proper tests of reproducibility require viewing separate yearly ILC images. Fluctuations in the WMAP images arise from the inability to remove the galactic foreground, and in the significant yearly variations in the foreground itself. Variations in the map outside the galactic plane are significant, preventing any cosmological analysis due to yearly changes. This occurs despite the masking of more than 300 image locations. It will be advanced that any "signal" observed by WMAP is the result of foreground effects, not only from our galaxy, but indeed yearly variations from every galaxy in the Universe. Contrary to published analysis, the argument suggests there are only questionable findings in the anisotropy images, other than those related to image processing, yearly galactic variability, and point sources. Concerns are also raised relative to the validity of assigning brightness temperatures in this setting.


Nanotechnology is now recognized as one of the most promising areas for technological
development in the 21st century. In materials research, the development of
polymer nanocomposites is rapidly emerging as a multidisciplinary research activity
whose results could widen the applications of polymers to the benefit of many different
industries. Nanocomposites are a new class of composites that are particle-filled
polymers for which at least one dimension of the dispersed particle is in the nanometer
range. In the related area polymer/clay nanocomposites have attracted considerable
interest because they often exhibit remarkable property improvements when
compared to virgin polymer or conventional micro- and macro- composites.
The present work addresses the toughening and reinforcement of thermoplastics via
a novel method which allows us to achieve micro- and nanocomposites. In this work
two matrices are used: amorphous polystyrene (PS) and semi-crystalline polyoxymethylene
(POM). Polyurethane (PU) was selected as the toughening agent for POM
and used in its latex form. It is noteworthy that the mean size of rubber latices is
closely matched with that of conventional toughening agents, impact modifiers.
Boehmite alumina and sodium fluorohectorite (FH) were used as reinforcements.
One of the criteria for selecting these fillers was that they are water swellable/
dispersible and thus their nanoscale dispersion can be achieved also in aqueous
polymer latex. A systematic study was performed on how to adapt discontinuousand
continuous manufacturing techniques for the related nanocomposites.
The dispersion of nanofillers was characterized by transmission, scanning electron
and atomic force microcopy (TEM, SEM and AFM respectively), X-ray diffraction
(XRD) techniques, and discussed. The crystallization of POM was studied by means
of differential scanning calorimetry and polarized light optical microscopy (DSC and
PLM, respectively). The mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the composites
were determined in uniaxial tensile, dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis
(DMTA), short-time creep tests, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
PS composites were produced first by a discontinuous manufacturing technique,
whereby FH or alumina was incorporated in the PS matrix by melt blending with and
without latex precompounding of PS latex with the nanofiller. It was found that direct melt mixing (DM) of the nanofillers with PS resulted in micro-, whereas the latex mediated
pre-compounding (masterbatch technique, MB) in nanocomposites. FH was
not intercalated by PS when prepared by DM. On the other hand, FH was well dispersed
(mostly intercalated) in PS via the PS latex-mediated predispersion of FH following
the MB route. The nanocomposites produced by MB outperformed the DM
compounded microcomposites in respect to properties like stiffness, strength and
ductility based on dynamic-mechanical and static tensile tests. It was found that the
resistance to creep (summarized in master curves) of the nanocomposites were improved
compared to those of the microcomposites. Master curves (creep compliance
vs. time), constructed based on isothermal creep tests performed at different temperatures,
showed that the nanofiller reinforcement affects mostly the initial creep
compliance.
Next, ternary composites composed of POM, PU and boehmite alumina were produced
by melt blending with and without latex precompounding. Latex precompounding
served for the predispersion of the alumina particles. The related MB was produced
by mixing the PU latex with water dispersible boehmite alumina. The composites
produced by the MB technique outperformed the DM compounded composites in
respect to most of the thermal and mechanical characteristics.
Toughened and/or reinforced PS- and POM-based composites have been successfully
produced by a continuous extrusion technique, too. This technique resulted in
good dispersion of both nanofillers (boehmite) and impact modifier (PU). Compared
to the microcomposites obtained by conventional DM, the nanofiller dispersion became
finer and uniform when using the water-mediated predispersion. The resulting
structure markedly affected the mechanical properties (stiffness and creep resistance)
of the corresponding composites. The impact resistance of POM was highly
enhanced by the addition of PU rubber when manufactured by the continuous extrusion
manufacturing technique. This was traced to the dispersed PU particle size being
in the range required from conventional, impact modifiers.


In many astrophysically relevant situations, radiation-reaction forces acting upon a charge cannot be ignored, and the question of the location and stability of circular orbits in such a regime arises. The motion of a point charge with radiation reaction in flat spacetime is described by the Lorenz–Dirac (LD) equation, while in curved spacetime it is described by the DeWitt–Brehme (DWB) equation containing the Ricci term and a tail term. We show that for the motion of elementary particles in vacuum metrics, the DWB equation can be reduced to the covariant form of the LD equation, which we use here. Generically, the LD equation is plagued by runaway solutions, so we discuss computational ways of avoiding this problem when constructing numerical solutions. We also use the first iteration of the covariant LD equation, which is the covariant Landau–Lifshitz equation, comparing the results of these two approaches and showing the smallness of the third-order Schott term in the ultrarelativistic case. We calculate the corresponding energy and angular momentum loss of a particle and study the damping of charged particle oscillations around an equilibrium radius. We find that, depending on the orientation of the Lorentz force, the oscillating charged particle either spirals down to the black hole or stabilizes the circular orbit by decaying its oscillations. The latter case leads to the interesting new result of the particle orbit shifting outwards from the black hole. We also discuss the astrophysical relevance of the presented approach and provide estimates of the main parameters of the model.