Legal scholars have recently turned their attention to "religious legal theory," asking what various religious traditions have to say about law and legal practices. While some traditions - such as Islam or Judaism - have well-developed legal traditions, understanding what less juristic faiths have to say about law is more difficult. This article seeks to contribute to this discussion by asking how Mormonism might be used to think about legal questions. Lacking a formal theological or juristic tradition, the article argues that one may nevertheless turn to Mormon practices for insights. Using the adjudication of civil disputes in nineteenth-century church courts as an example, this article develops Mormon theories of property and contract.


Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa) causes kiwifruit bacterial canker and also bud rot, which destroys developing flower buds and can become a severe problem, particularly in green-fleshed cultivars. The effects of weather and inoculum factors on bud-rot development were investigated. Experiments were conducted on two green kiwifruit cultivars: Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa 'Hayward' and A. chinensis var. chinensis × A. chinensis var. deliciosa 'Zesh004' (known as Green14), at four sites for two consecutive years. Temperature and rainfall were recorded from bud burst to flowering and bud-rot incidence was monitored from approximately two weeks after flower bud appearance until flowering. Correlations between weather parameters and final bud-rot incidence, and between initial bud-rot and final bud-rot incidence were investigated. There was no significant association between temperature and final bud-rot incidence, but total rainfall and number of days of rain were positively correlated with final bud-rot incidence. Initial bud-rot incidence showed the strongest correlation with final bud-rot incidence and appeared to be the main factor that contributed to bud-rot.


This outstanding book focuses on how economics can contribute to the design, implementation and appraisal of legal systems that create the 'right' incentives for environmental protection. The sixteen original and specially commissioned contributions – written by some of the leading names in their field – span many of the important areas of contemporary interest and employ case study material combined with theoretical, empirical and experimental research.


An experience common to smartphone users is the difficulty in accessing services in crowded scenarios, such as a rock concert or a football match. In these cases, to (partially) mitigate frustration, users generically claim that network congestion is occurring, and try again and again to access the network with their smartphones: the result is that user frustration and network congestion reinforce each other! This paper investigates the root causes of poor performance of cellular networks in crowded environments and shows that the commonly adopted random access procedure can prevent full utilization of wireless resources. We develop a simple yet accurate analytical model to analyze why attempting random access to wireless resources can become a problem even when access congestion avoidance is enforced, e.g., with the Access Class Barring technique. The model we propose suggests that cluster-based network access, leveraging device-to-device communications, significantly alleviates access problems. Moreover, it sheds light on scalability laws that govern network utilization and quality of experience, in terms of cell capacity, number of access channels, and cluster size.


We document empirically the determinants of the observed recovery rates on defaulted securities in the United States over the period 1982–1999. The recovery rates are measured using the prices of defaulted securities at the time of default and at the time of emergence from default or from bankruptcy. In addition to seniority and security of the defaulted securities, industry conditions at the time of default are found to be robust and important determinants of the recovery rates. In particular, recovery in a distressed state of the industry (median annual stock return for the industry firms being less than −30%) is lower than the recovery in a healthy state of the industry by 10 to 20 cents on a dollar depending on the measure of recovery employed. The determinants of recovery rates appear to be different from the firm-specific determinants of default risk of the firm. Our results underscore the existence of substantial variability in recoveries, in the cross-section of securities as well as in the time-series, and suggest that in order to capture recovery risk, the credit risk models require an industry factor in addition to the factor representing the firm value.


This study documents the musical career and teaching methodology of one of Ireland's leading choral conductors, Ethna Barror (1915 ) and explores the factors contributing to her success as a conductor, with particular reference to her choir, The Lindsay Singers. The study is informed by life history methodology, focusing on interviews with Barror which were conducted over an extended period of time. The research also includes interviews with some of Barror's peers and choir members. This data is supported by documentary material relating to the Lindsay Singers performances, achievements and awards, and the repertoire they performed. The research is also informed by personal documents and correspondence provided by Barror. The study identifies Barror's success in the field of choral conducting as a product of her musical abilities and her unique personality. It reveals how Barror's methods and techniques evolved through her experience of conducting choirs, and as a result of her ongoing evaluation of her own performance and rehearsal activity. Barror herself points to factors which she considers have contributed to her success and these include: enthusiasm for her work, discipline, imagination, technique, musicality and flexibility in performance. She refers to rhythm, diction, blend, intonation and interpretation as some of the key elements contributing to the quality of her renowned choral sound. The comments of Barror's peers and choir members highlight, not only her musical expertise and achievement, but also the personal and leadership qualities she brings to her work. The implications of the research outcomes for choral conductors and choral conductor education are explored, and suggestions made for further research.


1. Chronic saline loading and prior induction of acute renal failure are manoeuvres which have been reported to protect against the development of acute renal failure. The underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of these protective manoeuvres on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proximal and distal tubular function in the glycerol-induced model of acute renal failure. 2. Acute renal failure was induced (50% glycerol, 10 ml/kg body wt. intramuscularly) in three groups of rats: group 1, water drinking; group 2, saline loaded (1% NaCl as drinking fluid for 5 weeks); group 3, rechallenged 7–15 days after a first dose of glycerol, when blood urea nitrogen levels had returned to normal. Control animals in group 3 received only the first glycerol injection, then, like the controls in groups 1 and 2, they were given 0.9% NaCl solution (10 ml/kg body wt. intramuscularly). All animals were then studied 24 h after glycerol or saline injection. 3. Glycerol caused a significant fall in GFR in all three groups (78% group 1; 64% group 2; 59% group 3); blood urea nitrogen levels rose significantly. Saline-loaded animals with acute renal failure (group 2) exhibited glycosuria with normal blood-sugar levels and a striking depression in maximal tubular glucose reabsorption. The capacity to reabsorb HCO − 3 was depressed both before and during HCO − 3 loading. Distal acidification as assessed by the urine to blood gradient of P co 2 (U—B P co 2 ) was normal during HCO − 3 loading (urine pH 7.8). The presence of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis demonstrated that these animals developed proximal renal tubular acidosis. Glycerol-reinjected rats with acute renal failure (group 3) reabsorbed glucose and HCO − 3 normally and exhibited normal distal tubule acidification. 4. We conclude from these data that a prior episode of acute renal failure protects proximal tubules against a second glycerol challenge, whereas chronic saline loading is without this protective effect. Both the underlying mechanism for this tubular cell resistance (against a second glycerol challenge) and the role of proximal tubular function in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure remain unclear.


Experiences with the implementation of the cell tree dynamic access method for spatial databases are reported, and the results of an experimental performance comparison with the R-tree of A. Guttman (1984) and with the R-tree of T. Sellis et al. (1987) are given. Cell tree design and implementation are discussed. Although the cell tree often requires more storage space and more CPU time to answer a search query, it usually obtains the results with a lower number of disk accesses than the two rival structures. >


Purpose: Sensitive detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTC) could revolutionize the approach to patients with early-stage and metastatic cancer. The current methodologies have significant limitations, including limited capture efficiency and ability to characterize captured cells. Here, we report the development of a novel parylene membrane filter-based portable microdevice for size-based isolation with high recovery rate and direct on-chip characterization of captured CTC from human peripheral blood. Experimental Design: We evaluated the sensitivity and efficiency of CTC capture in a model system using blood samples from healthy donors spiked with tumor cell lines. Fifty-nine model system samples were tested to determine the recovery rate of the microdevice. Moreover, 10 model system samples and 57 blood samples from cancer patients were subjected to both membrane microfilter device and CellSearch platform enumeration for direct comparison. Results: Using the model system, the microdevice achieved >90% recovery with probability of 95% recovering at least one cell when five are seeded in 7.5 mL of blood. CTCs were identified in 51 of 57 patients using the microdevice, compared with only 26 patients with the CellSearch method. When CTCs were detected by both methods, greater numbers were recovered by the microfilter device in all but five patients. Conclusions: This filter-based microdevice is both a capture and analysis platform, capable of multiplexed imaging and genetic analysis. The microdevice presented here has the potential to enable routine CTC analysis in the clinical setting for the effective management of cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 16(20); 5011–8. ©2010 AACR.


Background :  The StructureMorph project rests on the premise that future publishing platforms will converge multiple applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and game engines, and multiple paradigms of computing, such as desktop computing and high-performance computing. Convergent platforms will also present design challenges for scholars. Analysis: In this contribution, one response to these challenges is presented: the Complex Object. Complex Objects are 4D models that alter their shape and surface appearance in response to user interaction, and changes in world time. They also to mimic the behaviours of 2D polygons as configured in geographic information systems, graphically linking attribute data with spatial locales. Conclusion and implications: This article discusses the concept of the Complex Object and describes the software and workflow devised to support its creation.


In this paper, we propose a trust-based message propagation and evaluation framework to support the effective evaluation of information sent by peers and the immediate control of false information in a VANET. More specifically, our trust-based message propagation collects peers trust opinions about a message sent by a peer (message sender) during the propagation of the message. We improve on an existing cluster-based data routing mechanism by employing a secure and efficient identity-based aggregation scheme for the aggregation and propagation of the senders message and the trust opinions. These trust opinions weighted by the trustworthiness of the peers modeled using a combination of role-based and experience-based trust metrics are used by cluster leaders to compute a ma jority opinion about the senders message, in order to proactively detect false information. Malicious messages are dropped and controlled to a local minimum without further affecting other peers. Our trust-based message evaluation allows each peer to evaluate the trustworthiness of the message by also taking into account other peers trust opinions about the message and the peer-to-peer trust of these peers. The result of the evaluation derives an effective action decision for the peer. We evaluate our framework in simulations of real life traffic scenarios by employing real maps with vehicle entities following traffic rules and road limits. Some entities involved in the simulations are possibly malicious and may send false information to mislead others or spread spam messages to jam the network. Experimental results demonstrate that our framework signicantly improves network scalability by reducing the utilization of wireless bandwidth caused by a large number of malicious messages. Our system is also demonstrated to be effective in mitigating against malicious messages and protecting peers from being affected. Thus, our framework is particularly valuable in the deployment of VANETs by achieving a high level of scalability and effectiveness.


PAGE.PRINT.POST: 50 years of Artists Books curated by Debbie Hill and Geoff Wallis, offers a rare insight and overview of the development, range and ambition of the Artists Book over half a century. Featuring books, postal art and other 'alternative spaces' from the 1960s to the 1980s, the exhibition presents a range of significant works from a host of private and public collections in Australia and the UK.

The exhibition includes a large selection of books by Australian artists, together with remarkable and rare publications by pioneers Ed Ruscha and Dieter Rot, members of Fluxus and the Conceptual art movement, and feminists May Stevens, Nan Becker and Nancy Holt.

A broad range of Artists Books and postal art by contemporary artists, including Nicholas Jones, Deanna Hitti, Angela Cavalieri, Gracia and Louise, Deborah Klein, David Dellafiora, Sarah Bodman, Tom Sowden and Guy Begbie, has also been presented.


The literature on political dynasties in democracies usually considers them as a homogenous group and points out their negative effects. By contrast, we argue that they may differ according to their origin and that democratic dynasties â??â?? those whose founder was a defender of democratic ideals â??â?? show stronger support for democracy. This claim is backed by an analysis of the vote by the French parliament on July 10, 1940, of an enabling act granting full power to Marshal Philippe PA©tain, thereby ending the Third Republic. Using newly collected data from the biographies of the members of the then parliament, we observe that members of a democratic dynasty were more likely, by a margin of between 7.6 and 9.0 percentage points, to oppose the act than were members of other political dynasties or elected representatives belonging to no political dynasty. We report suggestive evidence showing that the effect of democratic dynasties was possibly driven by internalized democratic norms and beliefs.


The Trevor Anderson lecture takes its name from the fi rst psychiatrist to serve Peter Mac, Dr Trevor Anderson. The inaugural lecture was given in 2005. Dr Trevor Anderson AM (awarded for service to psychiatry and to the visually impaired, and for service to veterans and their families) was a young doctor and newly married man when he went to the Vietnam War in 1969. On the very day that man landed on the moon, Trevor was wounded in action resulting in the total loss of his sight. He returned to Australia and continued his medical career and focused on psychiatry, with a particular interest in PTSD which he observed during his time in Vietnam. He went on to become the fi rst psychiatrist working at Peter Mac, for the fi rst 12 years in a totally honorary capacity and ended up giving more than 30 years dedicated service to Peter Mac – that's half the life of the hospital! He served on committees that oversaw Lifeline and Vietnam Veteran's Counselling Service and advised the Minister of Veteran's Affairs. He served on the Board of Management of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and a member of the Victorian Psychological Council (precursor of the Psychologists Registration Board). He supervised and taught a wide range of health professionals at Peter Mac and elsewhere. Known by his peers and patients as a great listener, Trevor was always able to arrive at an eloquent and sensible solution or opinion. Trevor's own capacity to courageously adapt to adversity was a huge source of support to many patients, particularly those confronted with cancer. Sadly, Trevor himself developed pancreatic cancer and died in 2004. Trevor is survived by his wife, Janice, and his 4 children. As a mark of how much Peter Mac meant to Trevor, Janice attends each lecture.


ABSTRACT:This essay compares two novel forms that are separated by more than 250 years: Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews, published in 1742, and Philippa Burne's hypertext fiction "24 Hours with Someone You Know," copyrighted in 1996. Using narratological, pragmatic, and cognitive tools and theories, the confrontation of the two distant texts aims to highlight that while "the ethics of the telling" is congruent with the "ethics of the told" in both stories (), the texts differ in the pragmatic positioning of their audiences and the freedom that they seem to grant readers, thereby emphasizing the evolution of the author-reader relationship across centuries and media. The article shows to what extent digital fiction can be said to invite the active participation of the reader via the computer mouse/cursor. Meanwhile it exposes a paradox: although Joseph Andrews is a highly author-controlled narrative, guiding the reader's ethical interpretation of what is told, it seems to leave more "space" for the actual reader, while Burne's participatory framework, conveyed through a second-person pronoun that blurs the line between implied and actual audience, requires some "forced participation" () via the "virtual performatives" that hyperlinks represent. Finally, the specificity of "you" digital fiction as opposed to its print counterpart is theorized in two contrasted models of audience.


Oilfield wastewater or produced water is a complex mixture contains oil, organic and inorganic matter and other compounds dissolved in water that ranges from fresh to brine. Discharging produced water pollute soil surface and underground water and create environment hassle. The objective of this study is to investigate and summarize the novel method of fluidization processes, used for the treatment of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater. Characteristics of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater from different field and various methods for treating these wastewaters are discussed. Oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater are strongly acidic (pH 3-4), have a high chemical oxygen demand (1200-2600 mg/L), high polyphenol content (23 mg/L) and are highly variable. Primary attention is focused on the fluidization treatment of oilfield produced water and oil refinery wastewater, mainly by inverse fluidization. Finally, areas where further research and attention are required are identified.


The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider reports the first measurement of inclusive jet production in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$~=~200 GeV. Jets are reconstructed with the anti-k$_{T}$ algorithm using charged tracks with pseudo--rapidity $|\eta|<1.0$ and transverse momentum $0.2<p_{T}<30$ GeV/$c$, with jet resolution parameter $R$~=~0.2, 0.3, and 0.4. The large background yield uncorrelated with the jet signal is observed to be dominated by statistical phase space, consistent with a previous coincidence measurement. This background is suppressed by requiring a high transverse-momentum (high-$p_T$) leading hadron in accepted jet candidates. The bias imposed by this requirement is assessed, and the $p_T$-region in which the bias is small is identified. Inclusive charged-particle jet distributions are reported in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions for $5<p_{T,jet}^{ch}<25$ GeV/$c$ and $5<p_{T,jet}^{ch}<30$ GeV/$c$, respectively. The charged-particle jet inclusive yield is suppressed for central Au+Au collisions, compared to both the peripheral Au+Au yield from this measurement and to the $pp$ yield calculated using the PYTHIA event generator. The magnitude of the suppression is consistent with that of inclusive hadron production at high $p_T$, and that of semi-inclusive recoil jet yield when expressed in terms of energy loss due to medium-induced energy transport. Comparison of inclusive charged-particle jet yields for different values of $R$ exhibits no significant evidence for medium-induced broadening of the transverse jet profile for $R<0.4$ in central Au+Au collisions. The measured distributions are consistent with theoretical model calculations that incorporate jet quenching.


While behavior learning has made impressive progress in recent times, it lags behind computer vision and natural language processing due to its inability to leverage large, human-generated datasets. Human behaviors have wide variance, multiple modes, and human demonstrations typically do not come with reward labels. These properties limit the applicability of current methods in Offline RL and Behavioral Cloning to learn from large, pre-collected datasets. In this work, we present Behavior Transformer (BeT), a new technique to model unlabeled demonstration data with multiple modes. BeT retrofits standard transformer architectures with action discretization coupled with a multi-task action correction inspired by offset prediction in object detection. This allows us to leverage the multi-modal modeling ability of modern transformers to predict multi-modal continuous actions. We experimentally evaluate BeT on a variety of robotic manipulation and self-driving behavior datasets. We show that BeT significantly improves over prior state-of-the-art work on solving demonstrated tasks while capturing the major modes present in the pre-collected datasets. Finally, through an extensive ablation study, we analyze the importance of every crucial component in BeT. Videos of behavior generated by BeT are available at https://notmahi.github.io/bet


ABSTRACT Science education research has recommended cooperative inquiry based science in the primary science context for more than two decades but after more than 20 years, student achievement in science has not substantially improved. This study, through direct observation and analysis, investigated content-related student interactions in an authentic inquiry based primary science class setting. Thirty-one upper primary students were videotaped working in cooperative inquiry based science activities. Cooperative talk and negotiation of the science content was analysed to identify any high-level group interactions. The data show that while all groups have incidences of high-level content-related group interactions, the frequency and duration of these interactions were limited. No specific pattern of preceding events was identified and no episodes of high-level content-related group interactions were immediately preceded by the teacher's interactions with the groups. This in situ study demonstrated that even without any kind of scaffolding, specific skills in knowing how to implement cooperative inquiry based science, high-level content-related group interactions did occur very briefly. Support for teachers to develop their knowledge and skills in facilitating cooperative inquiry based science learning is warranted to ensure that high-level content-related group interactions and the associated conceptual learning are not left to chance in science classrooms.


Abstract. Can differential land-subsidence significantly alter river flooding dynamics, and thus flood risk in flood prone areas? Many studies show how the lowering of the coastal areas is closely related to an increase in the flood-hazard due to more important tidal flooding and see level rise. The literature on the relationship between differential land-subsidence and possible alterations to riverine flood-hazard of inland areas is still sparse, although several geographical areas characterized by significant land-subsidence rates during the last 50 years experienced intensification in both inundation magnitude and frequency. We investigate the possible impact of a significant differential ground lowering on flood hazard over a 77 km2 area around the city of Ravenna, in Italy. The rate of land-subsidence in the study area, naturally in the order of a few mm year−1, dramatically increased up to 110 mm year−1 after World War II, primarily due to groundwater pumping and gas production platforms. The result was a cumulative drop that locally exceeds 1.5 m. Using a recent digital elevation model (res. 5 m) and literature data on land-subsidence, we constructed a ground elevation model over the study area in 1897 and we characterized either the current and the historical DEM with or without road embankments and land-reclamation channels in their current configuration. We then considered these four different topographic models and a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model to simulate and compare the inundation dynamics associated with a levee failure scenario along embankment system of the river Montone, which flows eastward in the southern portion of the study area. For each topographic model, we quantified the flood hazard in terms of maximum water depth (h) and we compared the actual effects on flood-hazard dynamics of differential land-subsidence relative to those associated with other man-made topographic alterations, which resulted to be much more significant.


One of the main important resources for higher education is a Learning Management System (LMS), which has shown an enhancement of students' progress with high quality learning outcomes worldwide. Many e-learning tools exist, each one has its own weaknesses and strongest points to the online learning process. This number increases continuously, and the existing tools are being updated, redeveloped, and upgraded. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive comparative analysis between existing e-learning management systems. Unlike other relevant studies that have narrow scope either in terms of the number of tools or the number of comparative features, this work considers top twenty, highly recommended tools, both open source and commercial. Furthermore, more than twenty evaluation features were used carefully to fulfil students' and instructors' current needs. The results of this study have shown that Moodle outperforms the others and it is considered as the best free open source tool for educational purposes. It supports more than 100 different languages and provides its services to more than tens of millions of customers worldwide. Besides to Moodle, Chamilo, TotaraLearn, Open edX and Sakai have more built-in features that provide services to educational institutions. Also, this study showed that Docebo, SkyPrep, ProProfs, SAP Litmos, Moodle, TotaraLearn, Open edX and Opigno systems have more built-in security mechanisms such as antispam, antivirus, IP Blocker, data protection and complex password enforcement. Most considered systems have gamification features except Schoology, ATutor, Sakai, and Ilias, and most commercial systems can offer 24/7 customer care services, except Edmodo and Telnet, whereas open source tools offer this service on specific time slots except Opigno, Ilias, TotaraLearn, Chamilo, and Canvas where the service is offered 24/7.


The objective of the present study is to define mass distribution laws for a bundle of trees using the methods of statistical simulation modeling in order to calculate chokerless skidding tractors lift capacity. For that purpose a statistical simulation
model has been developed to generate forest taxation data necessary for complete
filling of skidding tractor grapple. The following samples have been obtained from
the regions of the European North of Russia based on the model: masses of bundles
of trees that can be placed in grapple and values of vertical component of
normal load applied to skidding tractor grapple. Minimum values for masses of
bundles may vary in the range of 40–87% from the average value. Maximum values
may vary in the range of 8–55% from the average value. The difference between
the maximum and minimum masses of bundle values increased with increasing the
capacity grapple and decreased with increasing the distance from the butt to
grapple. We have determined the dependence of bundle mass variation and values
of vertical component of normal load applied to skidding tractor grapple on
capacity grapple for the regions of the European North of Russia. The studies
have allowed determining recommended values for chokerless skidding tractors lift
capacity. The analysis of specifications of various models of skidding tractors
has shown that clambunk skidders have deficient marginal lift capacity.


We first discuss the notion of social entrepreneurship and how it extends beyond its geopolitical confines. This includes the various definitions of being a social entrepreneur, mission, opportunities and challenges. While the field of social entrepreneurship is moving forward globally, there still lacks a measure of social entrepreneurship. We test an 11-item measure of social entrepreneurship using a sample of social entrepreneurs and general entrepreneurs in order to examine the reliability and validity of a new measure of social entrepreneurship. We find support for the convergent and divergent validity of the instrument as well as differences between social entrepreneurs and general entrepreneurs. We also find very good levels of internal consistency for the scale. Implications for future research are discussed.


Among the millions of Europeans that entered the United States through Ellis Island, at the beginning of the XXth Century, were 10,000 Valencians (nearly 50% of the male population) from the county of la Marina Alta in the province of Alicante, Spain. This extraordinary and unrecognized migration phenomenon, which occurred between 1912 and 1920, is the focus of Valencians to New York.

Besides the reasons behind this impressive emigration, the first part deals with what it was like to obtain the needed documents and tickets, to travel on a transatlantic ship, to enter the U.S. through Ellis Island, to live and work hard at their destinations (Lower East Side, N.Y.; Bridgeport, Shelton, New Britain, Waterbury, Conn.), as well as the consequences of this circular migration. The empirical study of the second part is based on the data found in the Ellis Island archives. In the Appendix, thanks to the on-line passenger and ship databases provided by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc., are found the names and personal details, the towns of origin and destination, and the ships and ports of departure, of 2500 Valencian emigrants of the 33 towns of la Marina Alta.


An important contribution of AI to Robotics is the model-centred approach, whereby competent robot behaviour stems from automated reasoning in models of the world which can be changed to suit different environments, physical capabilities and tasks. However models need to capture diverse (and often application-dependent) aspects of the robot's environment and capabilities. They must also have good computational properties, as robots need to reason while they act in response to perceived context. In this article, we investigate the use of a meta-CSP-based technique to interleave reasoning in diverse knowledge types. We reify the approach through a robotic waiter case study, for which a particular selection of spatial, temporal, resource and action KR formalisms is made. Using this case study, we discuss general principles pertaining to the selection of appropriate KR formalisms and jointly reasoning about them. The resulting integration is evaluated both formally and experimentally on real and simulated robotic platforms.


Preparation for the role of therapist can occur on both professional and personal levels. Research has found that therapists are at risk for occupationally related psychological problems. It follows that self-care may be a useful complement to the professional training of future therapists. The present study examined the effects of one approach to self-care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), for therapists in training. Using a prospective, cohort-controlled design, the study found participants in the MBSR program reported significant declines in stress, negative affect, rumination, state and trait anxiety, and significant increases in positive affect and self-compassion. Further, MBSR participation was associated with increases in mindfulness, and this enhancement was related to several of the beneficial effects of MBSR participation. Discussion highlights the potential for future research addressing the mental health needs of therapists and therapist trainees.


Commercial magnetic sensors based on the Hall effect are usually encapsulated in non-hermetic plastic packages. These plastic packages are known to swell in high humidity conditions due to moisture absorption. This swelling will modify the stress seen by the Hall sensor, causing the Hall sensitivity to be altered due to the piezo-Hall effect. The sensitivity drift, which is random in nature, may become the long-term stability limiting factor in high-end sensors. The objective of this work is to characterize in depth the sensitivity change due to moisture absorption and to review and implement two Hall sensitivity compensation methods.


ABSTRACT Face, understood as public image, exerts critical influence on interpersonal communication. Incorporating insight from cultural neuroscience, a number of potential mismatches with regard to facework are revealed when methodologies originated from the West are applied in a different context. This paper examines culturally appropriate face strategies in cooperative learning among Vietnamese learners. Our results show that discussion outcomes increase when self-face and other-face are confirmed and group-face is mildly confronted in form of intergroup competition. The paper indicates that educational methods underpinned by fundamental psychological assumptions based on Western values should be adjusted to be culturally appropriate for contexts in which it is applied.


This study examined the geographic aspects of literature involving the visualization of bibliographic data published by authors residing in the contiguous United States. ArcGIS was used to visualize networks of cited-citing publications and co-authors for 102 publications based on first author institutional affiliation. Spatial statistics and other tools within ArcGIS were used to explore the clustering of research activity and test the "death of distance" hypothesis among co-authors. Both the "producers" and "consumers" of the scholarly output were found to be clustered. Visual inspection of the thematic maps found research activity concentrated in the following cities: Bloomington, IN, Philadelphia, PA, Sandia, NM, Stillwater, OK, and Tucson, AZ. Over half of the co-authorship (60%) occurred among authors within the same ZIP code. The cited-citing publication network and co-author network maps shared a characteristic pattern indicating that many producers and consumers also co-authored with each other. While the number of co-authored publications in the field of visualization of bibliographic data increased from 1995–2009, the average co-author distance remained unchanged over that period.


Since 1995, China and Ethiopia have gradually forged close relations. On both sides, the establishment of this partnership was motivated as much by diplomatic, strategic, and even ideological considerations as by economic ones. For Beijing, economic and trade cooperation with Addis Ababa is a means rather than an end in itself. For Ethiopia, however, partnership with China mainly serves the internal political and economic purposes of the regime that has been in place since 1991, under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi for 20 years and, since his death in August 2012, under his successor Hailemariam Desalegn. The relationship is characteristic of the special but asymmetrical links Beijing has sought to establish with countries of the South that are strategically important but economically backward. It also illustrates the attraction the "Chinese model" of development holds in Africa and elsewhere.


The work of G. D. Hobson on the history of bookbinding, in particular English medieval and Renaissance bindings, is well known. His studies on Romanesque English bookbinding marked a pioneer effort to trace the development of the art of binding in early medieval England, and remain the fundamental introduction to the subject. Similarly, his celebrated study of blind-stamped panels in the English Renaissance book-trade has become a classic. The author's interests also extended to French bindings, and his work on Parisian bookbinding in the first quarter of the sixteenth century is of great importance; it is reprinted here with a number of his other studies on Grolier bindings. The collection of these articles in one volume, with an introduction by A.R.A. Hobson, represents not only a valuable introduction to the work of one of the major authorities on English bookbinding, but also a compendium of some of the most outstanding contributions to the subject.


The fact that many enzymes have broad substrate specificity has been a property, of fundamental importance for the widespread applications of enzymes in synthetic chemistry. Many enzymes can, in addition, catalyze completely different reactions compared to their natural ones. The possibility of using molecular biology techniques to control Such catalytic plasticity of enzymes in order to establish completely new reaction specificity in the active site is the topic for this review. The examples are subdivided according to six different approaches used (i - vi) for engineering of the reaction specificity. The first approach (i) is the random method of directed evolution to achieve new reaction specificity. Other approaches involve strategies where tire reaction specificity of a known enzyme is implemented into another, closely related, enzyme by substituting key amino acid residues selected either by (ii) sequence or (iii) structural overlap of the two enzymes. Yet other approaches involve substitution of key amino acid residues to introduce new reaction specificity without comparing with a template enzyme (iv) and the introduction of a complete catalytic machinery (v). The final approach is the introduction of an active site into a non-catalytic protein (vi). These six different approaches for altering the reaction chemistry of enzymes each represent a powerful tool for controlling the catalytic plasticity or enzymes. The prospect for these altered enzymes as catalysts in synthetic chemistry is very large although examples of practical use are rare and still challenging. The progress in the area of altering enzyme reaction specificity will result in a Continued development towards the goal of creating tailor-made enzymes for synthetic chemistry.


- In the present research, efforts are made to develop the properties of PMMA resin that used for upper and lower prosthesis complete denture, by addition four different types of nanoparticles powders, which are fly ash, fly dust, zirconia and aluminum that added with different ratios of volume fractions of (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03) to poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), cold cured resin (castavaria) is the new fluid resin (pour type) as a matrix. The nano composite and hybrid nano composite for prosthetic dentures specimens, preparation was done by using (Hand Lay-Up) method as six groups which includes: the first three groups consists of PMMA resin reinforced by fly ash , fly dust and ZrO2 nanoparticles respectively, the second three groups consists of three types of hybrid nano composites, which includes ((PMMA:X% fly ash) - (1%Al + 3%ZrO2)), ((PMMA:X% fly dust) -(1% Al + 3%ZrO2)) and ((PMMA:nZrO2) - (1% fly ash+ 3% fly dust)) respectively. As well as, the effect of moisture and UV was taking into consideration in this study. The compression test results shows that the values of compressive strength, compressive elastic modulus, and compressive strength under the effect of accelerated weathering (moisture and UV radiation) increased with the addition of nano powders (fly ash, fly dust, zirconia and aluminum). As well as, the results showed that the maximum values of compressive strength reach to (286.25MPa) for (PMMA + 2%nZrO2) nano composite. In addition, the results showed that the compressive elastic modulus reach to the maximum value (25.4166GPa) in the nano composite material (PMMA + 2%nZrO2). Moreover, the results showed that the compressive strength under the effect of accelerated weathering (moisture and UV radiation) reach to the maximum value to (315MPa) for the nano composite (PMMA + 3%nZrO2).


This paper examines the effect of the uptick rule (including the bid test applicable to NASDAQ stocks) of short sale regulations on stock prices and short selling activities immediately after negative earnings surprises that occurred during the period of May to November 2005. It compares price paths and short selling activities of stocks restricted by the uptick rule with stocks that were exempted from the rule as a result of the SEC's Pilot Program. The study has not found any evidence that prices of stocks subject to the rule declined at a slower speed than prices of exempted stocks at times of stress. The two groups of stocks had similar levels of short sale volumes despite the rule's prohibition on short selling at minus or zero-minus ticks. For NYSE and AMEX stocks, our study shows that market short orders whose immediate executions were barred by the uptick rule found execution opportunities against the upcoming buy orders within 15 minutes after their conversion into limit orders at the legally shortable price. For NASDAQ stocks, our study shows that up bids occurred with high frequency after negative earnings surprises and jointly with price improvements they offered generous execution opportunities to short sale orders.


This paper articulates the fundamental theory of consciousness used in the Independent Core Observer Model (ICOM) research program and the consciousness measures as applied to ICOM systems and their uses in context including defining of the basic assumptions for the ICOM Theory of Consciousness (ICOMTC) and associated related consciousness theories (CTM, IIT, GWT etc.) that the ICOMTC is built upon. The paper defines the contextual experience of ICOM based systems in terms of a given instances subjective experience as objectively measured and the qualitative measure of Qualia in ICOM based systems


Abstract The need to transform the structure and morphology of South African cities remained high on the policy agenda of all three spheres of government in South Africa since 1994. The influence of a range of spatial policies and planning instruments aimed at achieving more compact urban structures and higher densities are evaluated through the application of a range of density indicators and models. A number of defining characteristics and distinct variations of density models applicable to South African cities are identified and compared to the profile of some international cities. The results confirm modest increases in densities and changes to urban form, as envisaged by spatial policies and plans. The observed patterns and changes suggest an emerging trend of more decentralized urban structures in South Africa.


The primary aim of the thesis is to assess whether ethical governance of Science and Technology is feasible as a global approach, using the example of nanotechnology.

The thesis firstly compares ethical issues identified by stakeholders in China and the EU relating to the rapid introduction of a potentially transformative technology, namely nanotechnology. Part One of this thesis explores how the 'narratives' of nanotechnology differ in each region, particularly given their different bioethics contexts, and examines how specific concerns translate into policymaking.

In questioning whether Eastern and Western approaches to nanotechnology governance can be aligned, one can observe that Europe is increasingly cooperating and competing with China. Such new interdependences between global actors require new global approaches to S&T policy, including ethical governance.

Part Two of this thesis explores the concept of 'global ethics' and discusses the feasibility of a global approach. Given criticism of both universalism and relativism, it is often argued that a universal approach that takes sufficient account of local context cannot be developed.

On the assumption that global ethics are achieved by global actors, this thesis looks at global agency.

The thesis connects discourse ethics and participatory Technology Assessment (pTA), arguing that a version of Habermasian discourse ethics can provide a theoretical framework for dialogue between West and East. Discourse ethics has developed around Habermas's argument that social order depends on our capacity to recognize, through rational discourse, the intersubjective validity of different views. Habermas asks the basic question of global ethics, of how different views (particularly of social order) can be universally recognized and agreed, perhaps within an 'ideal community' of communication, one that may be global.

The thesis adds to Habermas's discourse model, utilising virtue ethics as well as the work of, for example, Taylor, Beck, Korsgaard and others on identity formation. It is argued that the significant factor in global ethics is the formation of the agent's moral identity, the formation of which requires one to go beyond one's context, to achieve an intercultural personhood. Habermas (as do Taylor, Beck and others) suggests identity as a dual concept, reflecting an interdependence of society and one's inner self. This would mean that one can understand the cultural biases inherent in any act of communication, while acting autonomously of such bias.

If such a model of dual identity/agency can be applied to the intercultural dialogue on the governance of nanotechnology between East and West, it could potentially provide a new tool or model within pTA.


The essays in this volume discuss narrative strategies employed by international writers when dealing with rape and sexual violence, whether in fiction, poetry, memoir, or drama. In developing these new feminist readings of rape narratives, the contributors aim to incorporate arguments about trauma and resistance in order to establish new dimensions of healing. This book makes a vital contribution to the fields of literary studies and feminism, since while other volumes have focused on retroactive portrayals of rape in literature, to date none has focused entirely on the subversive work that is being done to retheorize sexual violence. Split into four sections, the volume considers sexual violence from a number of different angles. 'Subverting the Story' considers how the characters of the victim and rapist might be subverted in narratives of sexual violence. In 'Metaphors for Resistance,' the essays explore how writers approach the subject of rape obliquely using metaphors to represent their suffering and pain. The controversy of not speaking about sexual violence is the focus of 'The Protest of Silence,' while 'The Question of the Visual' considers the problems of making sexual violence visible in the poetic image, in film and on stage. These four sections cover an impressive range of world writing which includes curriculum staples like Toni Morrison, Sarah Kane, Sandra Cisneros, Yvonne Vera, and Sharon Olds.


The four-component Hantzsch condensation reaction of dimedone, ethyl acetoacetate, ammonium acetate and various aromatic aldehyde in presence of sulfonated cellulose as a green and highly efficient catalyst in dicationic ionic liquid (C4[mim]2[Br-])to affords polyhydroquinoline derivatives in good to excellent yields. This reaction has been carried out in presence of (0.16 g) of sulfonated cellulose and 2-3 ml of dicationic ionic liquid at room temperature. The described novel synthesis method proposes several advantages of short reaction times, high yields, mild condition, high melting point, simplicity and easy workup compared to the traditional method of synthesis.


Mice carrying a targeted mutation in the gene for the myogenic factor Myf-5 fail to form major parts of the ribs, which leads to an unstable thorax and perinatal death. Here, we report that somites of Myf-5-deficient mice lack the expression of FGF-4 and FGF-6 while TGF beta-2 is expressed normally. Early sclerotomal markers, such as Pax-1 reveal no substantial reduction of sclerotome size. At E11.5 the condensing mesenchyme of the rib anlagen is considerably reduced in size in Myf-5 mutant mice. This may be caused by the lack of Myf-5-positive, FGF-expressing cells which normally are in close contact with the lateral sclerotome generating the rib progenitors. The potential role of FGFs and TGF beta on sclerotome formation is demonstrated in micromass cultures of early somites. Combinations of FGF-4 or FGF-6 with TGF beta-2 potentiate chondrogenesis suggesting that these growth factors emanating from early myotomal and dermomyotomal cells may have instructive or permissive effects on differentiation or outgrowth of sclerotomal cells.


Currently, internal IT organizations use outsourcing and offshore arrangements to achieve cost savings and gain access to new capabilities. It was found that suppliers' personnel at the operational level can face challenges with internalizing their operations based on the agreed outsourcing practices and transferred responsibilities. This study gives voice to the supplier and studies the impact of offshore outsourcing operation development activities. The internal IT unit from Nokia Devices selectively outsourced global IT service activities and responsibilities to the IT supplier. The outsourced activities were implemented by offshore centers in India and China. It was found that the global selective outsourcing environment (GSOE) did not provide a solution to all of their expectations, and new unexpected challenges occurred. Several practices, communication and information sharing, and behavior-related lessons learned items were identified. It was found that the GSOE operation needs to be developed and implemented in an agile and incremental manner, instead of a singular implementation approach. Also, the globally distributed teams' group dynamics critically impacted on the teams' ability to work. The lessons learned items and recommendations can be utilized by other companies during their mode-of-operation development.


Given the requirements of increased data rate and massive connectivity in the Internet-of-things (IoT) applications of the fifth-generation communication systems (5G), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) was shown to be capable of supporting more users than OMA. As a further potential enhancement, the faster-than-Nyquist (FTN) signaling is also capable of increasing the symbol rate. Since NOMA and FTN signaling impose non-orthogonalities from different perspectives, it is possible to achieve further increased spectral efficiency by exploiting both. Hence we investigate the FTN-NOMA uplink in the context of random access. Although random access schemes reduce the signaling overheads as well as latency, they require the base station to identify active users before performing data detection. As both inter-symbol and inter-user interferences exist, performing optimal detection requires a prohibitively high complexity. Moreover, in typical mobile communication environments, the channel envelope of users fluctuates violently, which imposes challenges on the receiver design. To tackle this problem, we propose a joint user activity tracking and data detection algorithm based on the factor graph framework, which relies on a sophisticated amalgam of expectation maximization (EM) and hybrid message passing algorithms. The complexity of the algorithm advocated only increases linearly with the number of active users. Our simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in tracking user activity and detecting data symbols in dynamic random access systems.


We describe here a new method for transferring genes into cells of the neural tube and neural crest of early avian embryos in vivo. Using the marker gene lacZ as an example, we infected dissected neural tubes from Hamburger‐Hamilton stage 12–13 quail embryos with a replication‐defective retrovirus carrying lacZ during a 2 hr period of exposure to the virus in culture. Infected neural tubes were then grafted into uninfected host chicken embryos in ovo and, after continued development for several days, the chimeric embryos were processed for β‐galactosidase histochemistry to identify the progeny of infected cells. We show that virus‐infected neural tubes grafted isotopically into the trunk region of host embryos gave rise to cells of both the spinal cord and neural crest. Infected neural crest cells localized within dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic ganglia, peripheral nerves, and within the skin, where they were likely to give rise to melanocytes. These data are consistent with those using other cell marking techniques applied to the neural crest, indicating that retrovirus infection in culture, grafting, and β‐galactosidase expression has a neutral effect on neural crest cell migration and localization. These results indicate the heterospecific grafting of early avian tissues infected with retroviruses carrying foreign genes may be an effective strategy for testing the biological role of various gene products during development. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Novel magnetite-ammonium bisphosphonate graft ionic copolymer nanocomplexes (MGICs) have been developed for potential drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging, and hyperthermia applications. The complexes displayed relatively uniform sizes with narrow size distributions upon self-assembly in aqueous media, and their sizes were stable under simulated physiological conditions for at least 7 days. The anticancer drugs, cisplatin and carboplatin, were loaded into the complexes, and sustained release of both drugs was observed. The transverse NMR relaxivities (r2s) of the complexes were 244 s−1 (mM Fe)−1 which is fast compared to either the commercial T2-weighted MRI agent Feridex IV® or our previously reported magnetite-block ionomer complexes. Phantom MRI images of the complexes demonstrated excellent negative contrast effects of such complexes. Thus, the bisphosphonate-bearing MGICs could be promising candidates for dual drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, the bisphosphonate MGICs generate heat under an alternating magnetic field of 30 kA·m−1 at 206 kHz. The temperature of the MGIC dispersion in deionized water increased from 37 to 41°C after exposure to the magnetic field for 10 minutes, corresponding to a specific absorption rate of 77.0 W·g−1. This suggests their potential as hyperthermia treatment agents as well as the possibility of temperature-dependent drug release, making MGICs more versatile in potential drug delivery applications.


Satellite telemetry studies of seabirds are now common and have revealed impressive flight capabilities and extensive distributions at sea. Linking seabird movements with environmental conditions over vast expanses of the world's open ocean, however, remains difficult. Seabirds of the Order Procellariiformes (e.g., petrels, albatrosses, and shearwaters) depend largely on wind and wave energy for efficient flight. We present a new method for quantifying the movements of far-ranging seabirds in relation to ocean winds measured by the SeaWinds scatterometer onboard the QuikSCAT satellite. We apply vector correlation to evaluate how the trajectories (ground speed and direction) for five procellariiform seabirds outfitted with satellite transmitters are related to ocean winds. Individual seabirds (Sooty Shearwater, Pink-footed Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, and Black-footed Albatross) all traveled predominantly with oblique, isotropic crossing to quartering tail-winds (i.e., 105° to 165° in relation to birds' trajectory). Entire track line trajectories were significantly correlated with co-located winds. Greatest correlations along 8-day path segments were related to wind patterns during birds' directed, long-range migration (Sooty Shearwater) and movements associated with mega-scale meteorological phenomena, including Pacific Basin anticyclones (Hawaiian Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel) and eastwardpropagating north Pacific cyclones (Black-footed Albatross). We suggest that vector correlation can be used to quantify movements for any marine vertebrate when tracking and environmental data (winds or currents) are of sufficient quality and sample size. Vector correlation coefficients can then be used to assess populationor species-specific variability and used to test specific hypotheses related to how animal movements are associated with fluid environments.


The present paper, which is intended for a diverse audience of evaluation researchers, applied social scientists, and research funders, provides a broad overview of the conceptual and statistical issues involved in using multisite randomized trials to learn about and from variation in program effects across individuals, across policy-relevant and theoretically relevant subgroups of individuals, and across program sites. Learning about variation in program effects involves detecting and quantifying this variation. Learning from variation in program effects involves studying the factors which predict or explain it. The paper is divided into four sections, plus a brief final discussion. The first section introduces the concepts and issues involved. Section 2 focuses on detecting and quantifying variation in effects of program assignment, which are often referred to as effects of intent to treat (ITT). Section 3 extends the discussion to variation in effects of program participation, which are often referred to as a complier average causal effect (CACE) or a local average treatment effect (LATE). Section 4 considers moderators of program effects (individual-level or site-level factors that influence the sign and magnitude of these effects) and mediators of program effects (individual-level or site-level "mechanisms" by which these effects are produced).


Once again, the US nursing workforce is facing a severe shortage of professionals. Retiring nurses, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, technology, and the expanding role of the RN have increased the need for nurses. In Nebraska, nearly 4,000 RNs will are needed by 2020 to address this shortage. Because the opportunities for employment for high schoolers who are considering career choices are so broad, reaching out to diverse high school students to attract them to nursing is essential. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that many high schoolers, as well as high school counselors, are not aware of the role that RNs play in the US health care system. To address the need to reach out to high school students from diverse backgrounds, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing (UNMC CON) developed a summer camp for students in the Northern Division Campus located in Norfolk. Funded by Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), the Generation Link to Learn Grant (LTL) links high schoolers from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to nurse mentors, nursing student mentors, and adult relatives/guardians so that students have role models of success as they consider a career in nursing. During the two-day summer camp, campers actively learn about the role of the RN in today's health care arena. Activities serve to excite campers as they experience various aspects of the nurse's role for future success in a college of nursing program of study. In addition, interactions with nursing students help the high school summer camper understand educational expectations that are a normal part of learning the RN role. This paper discusses structure, process, and outcome factors that are essential for the creation of a successful high school summer camp for educationally disadvantaged learners who are interested in a career in nursing.


The genus Masdevallia is one of 28 genera in subtribe Pleurothallidinae, with approximately 500 species distributed from southern Mexico to southern Brazil Masdevallia species are characterized by coriaceous leaves borne on short ramicauls. The inflorescence emerges with an annulus a considerable distance below the abscission layer of the leaf; and the sepals are variously connate and commonly have tails. The taxonomy of Masdevallia is mainly based on floral structures. Although revisions of several sections of Masdevallia have been published during the last century, the delimitation of infrageneric taxa is still problematic, due to the lack of clear morphological synapomorphies. The naturalness and relationships of the subgenera, sections and subsections of Masdevallia was not previously examined in a phylogenetic context. The aims of this study are to 1) address the subgeneric and sectional relationships in Masdevallia with molecular data, 2) to correlate molecular with morphological data in order to establish morphological synapomorphies for clades well supported by molecular data and, 3) to correlate molecular with geographical data in order to evaluate the possible speciation histories and processes. Macro-morphological and micro–morphological character data were collected for 85 species of Masdevallia. These data were subjected to a maximum parsimony analysis. Maximum parsimony analyses and Bayesian analyses were also performed with sequences of the non-coding internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA for 104 species. Maximum parsimony analyses of combined data were also performed. In the phylogenetic analysis of the genus Masdevallia based on morphological data, most groups are not supported by many characters. The lack of resolution obtained in this analysis suggests that detailed classifications at the infrageneric level are not well supported by morphological evidence. The phylogenetic relationships of the genus Masdevallia and of several groups within the genus are well resolved using ITS sequences.The strict consensus tree of the combined data was partly congruent with the ITS topology. The resulting phylogenetic tree obtained by maximum parsimony analyses of nuclear rDNA ITS sequences indicates that the genus Masdevallia is a well-supported monophyletic group. The infrageneric classification of the genus Masdevallia is only in part supported by the analysis of molecular data. Of the 11 subgenera of Masdevallia considered in this study, three forms strongly supported monophyletic groups in the analysis: subgenera Cucullatia, Meleagris and Fissia; the monospecific subgenera Teagueia, Scabripes and Volvula are of course monophyletic as well. Subgenera Masdevallia, Pygmaeia and Polyantha are not monophyletic. Subgenera Nidificia and Amanda form a clade with almost no internal resolution. Four major clades were resolved within Masdevallia. Clade A included Luerella pelecaniceps, which is endemic to Panama, at an altitude of 800 to 1 000 m above the sea level, and M. erinacea, which is found throughout the whole geographical range. Clade B included subgenus Pygmaeia section Zahlbrucknerae, subgenus Masdevallia sections Triotosiphon, Reichenbachianae, Minutae, Coriaceae, and Dentatae, subgenus Polyantha sections Alaticaules and Polyanthae, M. chimboensis and M. mentosa. A synapomorphy of this group is a verrucose (to papillose) epichile. Species of this group are found throughout the whole geographical as well as altitudinal range. Clade C grouped subgenus Pygmaeia sections Amaluzae and Aphanes, subgenus Masdevallia section Masdevallia, section Durae, section Racemosae, M. caudivolvula, M. macrura, M. hoeijeri, and M. bicornis. Lateral sepals connate without the formation of a broad mentum or a secondary mentum with the column-foot are characteristic for most species of clade C. Species of this group are restricted to the southern part of the geographical range, with most species found at higher elevations. Clade D grouped subgenera Teagueia, Cucullatia, Nidificia, Amanda, Fissia, Meleagris, and Dracula xenos. Synapomorphies of the species grouped in this clade are the arcuate sepaline tubes and the featureless disc of the lip. Species of clade D grow mainly in the Andes, at an altitude of 450 to 3 100 m above sea level.
The characters that have been used as rapid identifiers for diagnosing subgenera, sections and subsections within Masdevallia were plotted on one of the most parsimonious trees. The cross section of the peduncle, the anthesis of the flowers, the type of floral bract, the ovary smooth or with some external features such as crests or papillae, the grade of connation between the sepals, and the presence or absence of a division in the lip appear to be good synapomorphies for major clades in Masdevallia. Long tail-like appendages at the apex of the sepals appear to have evolved repeatedly in parallel and appear not to be phylogenetically informative.


The photoresponse of graphene has recently received considerable attention. The main mechanisms yielding a finite dc response to an oscillating radiation field which have been investigated include responses of photovoltaic, photothermoelectric, and bolometric origin. In this article, we present a fully analytical theory of a photoresponse mechanism which is based on the excitation of plasma waves in a gated graphene sheet. By employing the theory of relativistic hydrodynamics, we demonstrate that plasma-wave photodetection is substantially influenced by the massless Dirac fermion character of carriers in graphene, and that the efficiency of photodetection can be improved with respect to that of ordinary parabolic-band electron fluids in semiconductor heterostructures.


ALMOST 800 horse owners completed a survey commissioned by the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo) asking about their plans for dealing with the death or euthanasia of their horse and for disposing of its body. The survey, which ran throughout February and March, also included questions to assess whether owners understood their legal obligations regarding their horses, the food chain and passports. It was split into two parts – the first part was answered by owners who had had previous experience of the death or euthanasia of a horse; the second part was answered by all owners regardless of their experiences. The NFSCo reports that, overall, 73 per cent of those responding to the survey had previously had to dispose of a horse that had died or been euthanased. Of these, 64 per cent had opted for their animal to be euthanased by injection administered by a veterinary surgeon. The most common reason for selecting a particular method of euthanasia was welfare, with 38 per cent of respondents citing this. Only 6 per cent of respondents said that cost was a factor in their decision, and almost a quarter took the decision on the basis of advice from their vet. According to the NFSCo, only five of the 576 people who answered a question in the first section of the survey about whether their horse was intended for the food chain said that this was the case. Six of eight people who answered the question 'Were you aware of any restrictions which might have prevented your horse from answering the food chain?' indicated that they were aware of the restrictions. Regarding disposal, 38 per cent of respondents had their horse's body taken by a collector, 31 per cent had their horse cremated, 15 per cent buried the body and 15 per cent had it taken by the local hunt. Almost 60 per cent of the owners responding in the first part of the survey did not follow the appropriate legal process of returning the passport of the dead horse to the issuing authority, the NFSCo reports. It says that 53 per cent reported that they kept it after the horse died, 4 per cent destroyed it and 2 per cent gave it to the disposal representative. Responses to the second part of the survey showed that 84 per cent of owners had a plan for what to do if they needed to have their horse or pony euthanased. 'While it is reassuring that a high number have given the matter some thought, owners should be encouraged to consider their options and plan in advance what they should do, in case they are faced with the situation,' the NFSCo says. Most respondents (67 per cent) said they would prefer their animal to be euthanased by an injection administered by their veterinary surgeon. More than threequarters of respondents selected a method with veterinary involvement. Responses in this part of the survey also suggested that 98 per cent of owners did not intend for their horse to enter the food chain, with only 12 owners saying that they did intend their horse to enter the food chain. Thirteen owners responded to a question about their awareness of restrictions on horses entering the food chain: 10 indicated that they were aware of them. The NFSCo suggests that the results of the survey indicate that horse owners would welcome more advice on the options open to them when dealing with the death of a horse or pony and the disposal of its body. It adds that the responses suggest that owners 'have little faith in the purpose or effectiveness of the horse passport system' and that, with only 40 per cent of responding owners intending to return their horse's passport to the issuing authority, the deaths of almost 60 per cent of the equine population may be going unrecorded. Comments made by owners responding to the survey suggested that many wanted to keep a passport for sentimental reasons and did not trust the issuing organisation to return the document. Michael Seals, chairman of the NFSCo, commented: 'No-one likes to think they might have to deal with their horse's death but owners should know what the options are. It is better to make a plan and never use it than be faced with making decisions when you're in an emotional and stressful situation, when you perhaps haven't considered all the options.' He added: 'The survey also highlights some gaps in knowledge about horse passports and we'll share this information with passport issuing organisations so all of us in the animal health and welfare sector can make sure owners are better informed and improve the efficiency of the system.'


Young-earth creationists rightly consider that Neanderthals were human, but are divided on various issues, mainly because of the opposing views of Jack Cuozzo, author of Buried Alive! and Marvin Lubenow, author of Bones of Contention. These differences include Neanderthal lifespan, causes of the Neanderthal distinctive morphology, why the Neanderthals disappeared, length of Neanderthal children's maturation time, whether we can place Neanderthals in biblical history, and the related issue of whether Homo erectus was human. In addition, Neanderthals are implicated in matters that include the Babel dispersion, earth's breakup, DNA, patterns of world population, the Ice Age, archaeology and historical timeline.


Rolling contact is experienced by a large number of components in mechanical designs. Examples include roller bearings and ink distribution rollers in the printing industry. Rolling contact results in surface wear. It is however possible to reduce rolling contact wear rates and surface fatigue by performing a surface modification such as powdered metal coating [35]. Powder coating methods such as Laser cladding and Plasma coating are two application processes that are completely different in method and therefore create different coating microstructures and bonding mechanisms between the coating and substrate. The aim of the research was to investigate the comparative rolling contact performance of two coating processes and two separate metal powder compositions. The coatings were applied to British standard En 9 steel test specimens. En 9 was selected due to its popular use in the manufacture of shafts, cylinders and rollers. Under rolling contact, material is removed from the surface as a result of wear and surface fatigue. Through testing and evaluation, the performance of the coating application processes were evaluated relative to one another and relative to the uncoated steel under rolling contact. The performance of the coating compositions were also evaluated against one another for a given coating application process. Results used to determine the performance of the coatings and coating processes were, the number of cycles to failure and the wear rates of the coated surface. Microstructure pictures of the coated surface were taken prior to testing and following testing. The pictures were used to qualitatively determine the effects of the rolling contact on the surfaces. Through the study of rolling contact, an explanation of the stresses induced in the contact area and the position of the maximum values were determined. The boundaries for the deformation regimes were identified through the understanding of the position of first yield and the shakedown limit under rolling contact. The theories of rolling contact fatigue are covered briefly as part of a better understanding of the failure mechanism however the experimentation is largely comparative based.


INTRODUCTION Due to globalization, the business world has been completely transformed over the past thirty years. The economy is now more international with shares being traded between citizens of different countries on a daily basis. With the internationalization of industry and the economy there is a need for increased regulation from the governments of all countries involved. It is important to understand globalization to be a good business person in the world today. First, it is important to have a good understanding of the definition of globalization from several different business sources. Also, it is necessary to review the history of globalization so that it can be understood how we got to where we are today. Furthermore, there are several different trends that are occurring in the business world due to increased globalization. Professionals have different perspectives on how globalization has affected business today. Many scholars question whether or not globalization is positive or negative, especially for developing nations. These professionals feel that globalization brings both pros and cons to the world as a whole. Finally, business people should use this gained knowledge of globalization and apply it to future situations in the business environment. A clear definition of globalization is important before beginning. Globalization is the increasing integration and interdependence among countries resulting from the modern flow of people, trade, finance and ideas from one nation to another. The World Bank, a strong supporter of globalization, defines it as, "the growing integration of economies and societies around the world." (Mukherjee, 2008). Globalization became an increasingly used term with technological innovations-most significantly the World Wide Web or Internet- that made financial transactions and recordkeeping of international shipments quicker and easier. As improved communication networks brought far-flung businesses together, it also brought different cultures together expanding the concept of globalization which now intersects the media, ideas, politics, the arts and other social artifacts across the planet. Globalization has expanded beyond its economic roots and has proliferated into human rights, the environment and even national security. Although these new initiatives do not look similar to the ones we are used to seeing the difference is that today's agreements come equipped with their own governance structures. This has led to an astonishing shift of policy-making prerogatives from individual nation-states to a host of new, higher level political institutions. This is a cause for celebration the notion that political institutions have come together to grow in size, importance and boldness is today's conventional wisdom. HISTORY OF GLOBALIZATION Globalization began as soon as the world began to become connected at the beginning of human history. Trading began centuries ago when European explorers began trading on their voyages overseas. Trade opened up and countries began trading gems, spices, silk, gold and silver. Eventually trading companies in each country were formed and international trade began. International trade steadily increased up until World War 1. The beginning of World War 1 ended the first big boom of globalization for trade and international investment. After this time the Suez Canal opened up along with new railroads which decreased the transportation time between Europe and Asia (Mukherjee, 2008). This increased the amount of trade that was taking place, which increased the competition between countries to participate in international trade. During this time trade was centered near England and those countries that had excess resources, land, and capital. In the 19th Century the United States made a transition to the center of international trade with the U.S. share of manufactured goods increasing from 30% in 1840 to near 60% in 1913 (Mukherjee, 2008) However, the United States began to migrate toward being the center of trade, but their progress was hindered by the Great Depression and World War II. …


Cities are frequently viewed as passive participants to state and national efforts to solve the toughest urban problems. But the evidence suggests otherwise. Cities are actively devising innovative policy solutions and they have the potential to do even more. In "How Cities Will Save the World: Urban Innovation in the Face of Population Flows, Climate Change, and Economic Inequality" (Routledge, 2016), of which this work is the Introduction, a collection of authors examine current threats to communities across the U.S. and the globe. They draw on first-hand experience with, and accounts of, the crises already precipitated by climate change, population shifts, and economic inequality. This volume is distinguished, however, by its central objective of traveling beyond a description of problems and a discussion of their serious implications. Each of the thirteen chapters frame specific recommendations and guidance on the range of core capacities and interventions that 21st century cities would be prudent to consider in mapping their immediate and future responses to these critical problems. "How Cities Will Save the World" brings together authors with frontline experience in the fields of city redevelopment, urban infrastructure, healthcare, planning, immigration, historic preservation, and local government administration. They not only offer their ground level view of threats caused by climate change, population shifts, and economic inequality, but they provide solution-driven narratives identifying promising innovations to help cities tackle this century's greatest adversities.


This paper presents the analysis and optimization of a 1 meter single-layer curved contoured beam reflectarray in Ku-band. The curved reflectarray is designed to radiate a contoured beam over a European coverage in both transmit and receive frequency bands for dual linear polarization. For the analysis of the curved reflectarray, the spectral domain method of moments assuming local periodicity is used, and its accuracy is verified by comparisons with full-wave method of moments simulations. For the optimization, a direct optimization approach where all the array elements are simultaneously optimized is used. The optimized curved reflectarray is compared to the shaped reflector, and the comparison shows that the performance of the curved reflectarray is identical to that of the shaped reflector.


The parasite Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of the most severe form of human malaria. During its intraerythocytic life cycle, P. falciparum transports red blood cell contents to its acidic organelle, known as the food vacuole, where a series of proteases degrade a majority of the host hemoglobin. Two metalloaminopeptidases, PfAPP and PfA-M1, have been previously localized to the food vacuole (in addition to distinct secondary locations for each), implicating them in the final stages of hemoglobin catabolism. Prior genetic work has determined these enzymes are necessary for efficient parasite proliferation, highlighting them as potential anti-malarial drug targets. This study presents the biochemical basis for the catalytic roles of these two enzymes in the hemoglobin degradation pathway. PfAPP, an aminopeptidase P homolog, is specific for hydrolyzing the N-termini of peptides containing penultimate prolines. PfA-M1 is a member of the expansive M1 family of proteases and exhibits a broad specificity towards substrates. The two enzymes are ubiquitous, found in organisms across all kingdoms of life. Their presence in an acidic environment is unique for aminopeptidase P proteins and rare for M1 homologs. Our immunolocalization results have confirmed the dual distribution of these two enzymes in the parasite. Vacuolar targeting was found to be associated with the Plasmodium specific N-terminal extension found in the PfA-M1 sequence by yellow fluorescent protein fusion studies. Kinetic analysis of recombinant forms of PfAPP and PfA-M1 revealed both enzymes are stable and catalytically efficient in the substrate rich, acidic environment of the parasite food vacuole. In addition, mutagenic exploration of the PfA-M1 active site has determined a residue important in dictating substrate specificity among homologs of the same family. These results provide insight into the parasite's functional recruitment of these enzymes to deal with the final stages of hemoglobin catabolism and necessary considerations for inhibitor design.


We assess the resources needed to identify a reversible quantum gate among a finite set of alternatives, including in our analysis both deterministic and probabilistic strategies. Among the probabilistic strategies, we consider unambiguous gate discrimination—where errors are not tolerated but inconclusive outcomes are allowed—and we prove that parallel strategies are sufficient to unambiguously identify the unknown gate with minimum number of queries. This result is used to provide upper and lower bounds on the query complexity and on the minimum ancilla dimension. In addition, we introduce the notion of generalized t-designs, which includes unitary t-designs and group representations as special cases. For gates forming a generalized t-design we give an explicit expression for the maximum probability of correct gate identification and we prove that there is no gap between the performances of deterministic strategies and those of probabilistic strategies. Hence, evaluating of the query complexity of perfect deterministic discrimination is reduced to the easier problem of evaluating the query complexity of unambiguous discrimination. Finally, we consider discrimination strategies where the use of ancillas is forbidden, providing upper bounds on the number of additional queries needed to make up for the lack of entanglement with the ancillas.


ABSTRACT An extensive study of teichoic acid biosynthesis in the model organism Bacillus subtilis has established teichoic acid polymers as essential components of the gram-positive cell wall. However, similar studies pertaining to therapeutically relevant organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are scarce. In this study we have carried out a meticulous examination of the dispensability of teichoic acid biosynthetic enzymes in S. aureus. By use of an allelic replacement methodology, we examined all facets of teichoic acid assembly, including intracellular polymer production and export. Using this approach we confirmed that the first-acting enzyme (TarO) was dispensable for growth, in contrast to dispensability studies in B. subtilis. Upon further characterization, we demonstrated that later-acting gene products (TarB, TarD, TarF, TarIJ, and TarH) responsible for polymer formation and export were essential for viability. We resolved this paradox by demonstrating that all of the apparently indispensable genes became dispensable in a tarO null genetic background. This work suggests a lethal gain-of-function mechanism where lesions beyond the initial step in wall teichoic acid biosynthesis render S. aureus nonviable. This discovery poses questions regarding the conventional understanding of essential gene sets, garnered through single-gene knockout experiments in bacteria and higher organisms, and points to a novel drug development strategy targeting late steps in teichoic acid synthesis for the infectious pathogen S. aureus.


The IETF has developed solutions that promote a healthy IPv4 and IPv6 co-existence. The happy eyeballs algorithm for instance, provides recommendations to application developers to help prevent bad user experience in situations where IPv6 connectivity is broken. This document describes a metric used to measure the effects of the happy eyeballs algorithm. The insights uncovered by analysing the data from multiple locations is discussed.


Recommender systems have been widely studied in the literature as they have real world impacts in many E-commerce platforms and social networks. Most previous systems are based on the user-item recommendation matrix, which contains users' history recommendation activities on items. In this paper, we propose a novel predictive collaborative filtering approach that exploits both the partially observed user-item recommendation matrix and the item-based side information to produce top-N recommender systems. The proposed approach automatically identifies the most interesting items for each user from his or her non-recommended item pool by aggregating over his or her recommended items via a low-rank coefficient matrix. Moreover, it also simultaneously builds linear regression models from the item-based side information such as item reviews to predict the item recommendation scores for the users. The proposed approach is formulated as a rank constrained joint minimization problem with integrated least squares losses, for which an efficient analytical solution can be derived. To evaluate the proposed learning technique, empirical evaluations on five recommendation tasks are conducted. The experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach comparing to the competing methods.


Introduction: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their caregivers present symptoms of anxiety and depression that impact negatively on their quality of life. There are no studies using the dyad perspective in analyzing such effects on COPD dyads. Aims: To assess the effects of anxiety and depression on mental and physical quality of life in COPD dyads using Actor-Partner interdependence Model (APIM). Methods: We used a cross-sectional design. Eighty dyads were recruited in two outpatient clinics in Italy. Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to assess depression, anxiety and quality of life respectively. The structural equation modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation was used to analyze the data. Results: Actor effects of depression and anxiety on mental SF-12 (MCS) were identified for both patients and caregivers. Depression presented partner effect only from caregivers to patients' MCS, whereas anxiety presented partner effects for both patients and caregivers. Actor effect of depression on physical SF-12 (PCS) was observed for patients, while an actor effect of anxiety for caregivers was identified. No partner effects of anxiety and depression were identified on PCS. Conclusions: The results suggest that caregiver's psychological distress can influence patient's mental quality of life. Therefore, to improve quality of life of patients healthcare professionals should assess and treat the anxiety and depression not only in COPD patients but also in their caregivers.


The discipline of law and economics deals with wide-ranging topics, from competition and environmental policy to crime control, and has been instrumental in determining how an economy performs. Yet its success has fallen short of its potential. The discipline's shortcomings are nowhere as visible as in developing economies, where a common refrain is how the law looks good on paper but does not get implemented. This paper articulates a methodological flaw that underlies much of contemporary law and economics, and argues that there is an intimate connection between human beliefs and expectations, on the one hand, and the effectiveness of the law, on the other. I propose a new approach to law and economics that is rooted in game theory and rectifies the flaw. It is argued that this approach can open up new areas of research and be marshalled to address some of the more pressing policy challenges of our time.


1960 to 1980 doubling (21% to 41%) of black children in one-parent families emerged from 1940-to-1970 urbanization converging population toward urbanized blacks' historically stable high rate, not post-1960 welfare liberalization or deindustrialization. Urban and rural child socializations structured different Jim Crow Era black family formations. Agrarian economic enclaves socialized conformity to Jim Crow and two-parent families; urban enclaves rebellion, male joblessness, and destabilized families. Proxying urban/rural residence at age 16 for socialization location, logistic regressions on sixties census data confirm the hypothesis. Racialized urban socialization negatively affected two-parent family formation and poverty status of blacks but not whites.


The essay analyzes the political-poetic vision of Latin America formulated in the literary, autobiographical, and essayist works of the black U.S.-American writer Langston Hughes. Hughes was not only one of the most outstanding and prolific artists of the Harlem Renaissance but also the one most interested Latin America and most closely engaging with Latin American artists, intellectuals, and "ordinary" people. He lived in Mexico for some time, paid several visits to Cuba, and wrote about these experiences in his two volumes of autobiography as well as in various poems and essays. Focusing in particular on his encounters with the black and indigenous populations of the two countries, these texts articulate a vision of an Afro-diasporic and leftist political consciousness. Latin America emerges here as a "continent of color," a hemisphere especially shaped by the experiences of peoples of non-European descent. Hughes's engagement with the black and indigenous cultures of Latin America further forms part of the writer's larger vision of a global "world of color" that he sets against the hegemony of European and Euro-American thought.


Giving patients with cancer a choice in where they want to die including the choice to die at home if they so wish, underpin the recent UK government policies and is embedded in the End of Life Care Programme. However, this presents increasing challenges for the informal carers particularly with an increasingly aging population. Despite the policy initiatives, there remain a persistent number of patients with cancer who had chosen to die at home being admitted to hospital in the last days and hours of life. A qualitative study using two focus group interviews with community nurses (district nurses and community specialist palliative care nurses) was undertaken across two primary care trusts in the north-west of England. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The results indicated that informal carer burden was a key reason for prompting hospital admission. Recommendations for the development of a carer assessment tool with appropriate supportive interventions are made.


Most networks and databases that humans have to deal with contain large, albeit finite number of units. Their structure, for maintaining functional consistency of the components, is essentially not random and calls for a precise quantitative description of relations between nodes (or data units) and all network components. This book is an introduction, for both graduate students and newcomers to the field, to the theory of graphs and random walks on such graphs. The methods based on random walks and diffusions for exploring the structure of finite connected graphs and databases are reviewed (Markov chain analysis). This provides the necessary basis for consistently discussing a number of applications such diverse as electric resistance networks, estimation of land prices, urban planning, linguistic databases, music, and gene expression regulatory networks.


In this essay, I offer a brief contextualisation of ecocriticism amongst other critical 'isms', followed by an introduction to a theoretical framework that of biosemiotics--which I suggest may prove fruitful to ecocritical and ecophenomenological theorisations. This involves a limited discussion of Peircean semiotics and the semiotic theories (including biosemiotics itself) which both flow from it and also join it to general evolutionary systems theories. I focus, in particular, on Peirce's discussion of inferential logic, and especially on his logic of abductive reasoning. Finally I ask what biosemiotic understandings might have to add to earlier critical ways of seeing, and try to begin to offer the beginnings of an answer via a brief consideration of two essays--one on romanticism and one on realism. I ANOTHER 'ISM'? At first men will not fully realise what it is that moves them, and will express and explain themselves inadequately. There will be a general agitation of thought, and an action of mind upon mind. There will be a time of confusion, when conceptions and misconceptions are in conflict, and it is uncertain whether anything is to come of the idea at all, or which view of it is to get the start of others ... After a while some definite teaching emerges; and as time proceeds, one view will be modified or expanded by another, and then combined with a third; till the idea in which they centre, will be to each mind what at first it was only to all together. John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1845), ch. I, sect. I) (1) If the foundation of formal associations is a good guide to the conceptual thickening and realisation of an idea whose quickening was felt considerably earlier, ecocriticism is properly born with the foundation of the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment (ASLE), first in the USA and then in the UK (and subsequently worldwide). Both the US and UK ASLEs were born in the same 'moment' of schism, starting in the early 1990s, which produced political and cultural crises of confidence in radical progressive thought and practice generally, and also the gradual strengthening of various anti-Enlightenment fundamentalisms. In this conjuncture, not only was confidence in critiques of global capitalist domination severely dented (was there really 'no alternative'?) but the confidence of twenty odd years of cultural criticism was undermined also. At least part of the reason for this latter is not hard to fathom, since many, if not most, of the critical developments associated with 'theory' had been, themselves, critical of many of the philosophical assumptions (not least about the nature of human reason and language) underpinning Enlightenment thought. Following a series of theoretical developments starting in the 1960s, all more or less concerned with language, identity and difference, and which drew on a Saussurean or post-Saussurean paradigm, ecocriticism, emerging in the 1990s, at first seemed just another critical 'ism' to add to all those which had preceded it. To those who found themselves attracted to this new way of thinking about culture and cultural artefacts, it seemed obvious that the dangers revealed by ecological science needed to find a new voice in cultural criticism. Thus began the project of rereading the texts of literature, art, philosophy, history and science with an eye to their treatments of what David Abram has called the human and 'more-than-human' world. (2) This seemed like a timely project of ecoliteracy, but it has not been welcomed in an unqualified way, not least because it seems, to those critics who have been reared on the idea that human language has no capacity to mediate reality, to represent a dangerously untheoretical realism which takes scientific claims to truth too uncritically. To others (and sometimes to the same critics), ecocriticism's early preoccupations with romanticism, nature and wilderness writing, and poetry, and to some kind of 'reverence' for the human experience of numinosity in nature, seem indicative of another kind of conservatism. …