There is growing concern over childrens privacy in today's technological world. However, most of the research on children's privacy focuses on third party threats, such as commercial websites. Little work has been done on children's privacy in their relationship with their parents, and specifically, privacy from their parents. This article attempts to instigate a discussion on this timely issue. For most adults, the place where our privacy is most protected is the home. For children, however, having privacy in their home is far from a certainty, and it is becoming ever less so. While it is true that parents have always been able to invade their children's privacy by going through their schoolbags, reading their personal diaries and the like, nowadays children and youth are seen as at risk from online predators, pedophiles, cyberbullies and other online dangers. Whereas "good parents" may have traditionally been encouraged to trust their children, today they are encouraged to safeguard their children, including by invading their privacy. Monitoring has become associated with good parenting, and the surveillance of children has been framed in a language of safety, protection, and care. Today's children are the most watched over generation in memory. Children express concern about their parents' snooping and see it as an invasion of their intimate and social lives. Nonetheless, children's privacy is overlooked and given scant consideration, if any. In this article we identify and address the difficulties in recognizing children's privacy within the family unit. The first difficulty is that the privacy discourse has so far been developed almost exclusively in reference to adults and is applied only awkwardly to the rights of children. Where children are concerned, privacy is considered to be dangerous and inherently associated with risk. We demonstrate that theories of privacy can be adapted to include children and point to the value and significance of privacy for children. The other difficulty in recognizing a "privacy problem" for children in their homes and family relationships concerns the nature of the parent-child relationship, as well as the general tension between the privacy of the family as a relational entity and the privacy of its individual members. Looking critically at the prevailing legal situation in both American jurisprudence and in international documents in which privacy is dominant for adults but less so for children, and even less so for children vis-a-vis their parents, this Article suggests a balanced individual children's right for privacy from their parents, which offers solutions to parent-child privacy conflicts both in the traditional "offline" world and the digital online world. We call for a clear recognition of children's individual right to privacy that is separate from, and may even operate against their parents. At the same time, however, we acknowledge that this right should be qualified to some extent according to the child's age and evolving capacities.


This paper proposes an evaluation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) performance in the mapping of disaster-struck areas. Sendai city in Japan, which was struck by the Tohoku earthquake/tsunami disaster in 2011, was mapped using multi-heterogeneous UAV. Normal mapping and searching missions are challenging as human resources are limited, and rescue teams are always needed to participate in disaster response mission. Mapping data and UAV performance evaluation will help rescuers to access and commence rescue operations in disaster-affected areas more effectively. Herein, flight plan designs are based on the information recorded after the disaster and on the mapping capabilities of the UAVs. The numerical and statistical results of the mapping missions were validated by executing the missions on real-time flight experiments in a simulator and analyzing the flight logs of the UAVs. After considering many factors and elements that affect the outcomes of the mapping mission, the authors provide a significant amount of useful data relevant to real UAV modules in the market. All flight plans were verified both manually and in a hardware-in-the-loop simulator developed by the authors. Most of the existing simulators support only a single UAV feature and have limited functionalities such as the ability to run different models on multiple UAVs. The simulator demonstrated the mapping and fine-tuned flight plans on an imported map of the disaster. As revealed in the experiments, the presented results and performance evaluations can effectively distribute different UAV models in post-disaster mapping missions.


Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection causes liver disease, affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. In most individuals acute HCV infection is asymptomatic prior to the development of persistent infection in approximately 80% of infected individuals leading to life-long infection. This results in active inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver, in some cases developing into hepatocellular carcinoma. In the remaining 20% of infected patients, spontaneous clearance of the virus is believed to be due to a broad, multi-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell response. Despite the advent of new direct acting antivirals which cure a high proportion of treated patients, many patients will not be cured or will not be treated due to the high cost of therapy. Therefore it is important to investigate immunotherapeutic strategies to combat persistent HCV infection. This thesis focuses primarily on immunotherapeutic methods involving the use of dendritic cells (DC), natural immune sentinels, to illicit an HCV specific immune response. Chapter 3 investigated the anti-HCV immune responses of 6 persistently infected HCV positive patients after administration of autologous monocyte derived DC pulsed with lipopeptides which represent HLA-A2 restricted CTL epitopes. The results of this study showed that the patients developed transient HCV specific responses including responses to HCV peptides not contained within the vaccine. Chapters 4 investigated the use of RNA to endogenously express entire HCV proteins in dendritic cells, using a murine DC cell line as a surrogate to assess different transfection protocols, before application in human monocyte derived DC. Ultimately, although effective protocols for the transfection of the murine cell line were developed, these were inefficient in human monocyte derived DC, highlighting the difficulty in working with these cells. However, the findings of this chapter led to the development of the hypothesis that cells expressing HCV antigens, which are made necrotic, would be powerful immunogens. In chapter 5 the technology explored in chapter 4 was used to transfect the murine DC cell line with an RNA construct encoding the HCV NS3 protein. These cells were then made necrotic and injected into mice. This led to high, specific responses to NS3, highlighting the effective adjuvant activity of necrotic cells. In order to apply this strategy in humans, an appropriate vector to express HCV proteins in monocyte derived DC was required. Consequently, in chapter 6 an effective method involving the pre-treatment of DC with the detergent, polybrene, prior to adenoviral transduction was found to be effective and resulted in high transfection efficiencies. Further experiments in Chapter 6 developed a GMP-like protocol to generate recombinant adenoviruses for large scale applications. Finally in chapter 7, the results of a dose escalation study of HCV antigen- positive, monocyte derived necrotic DC, administered to persistently infected HCV positive patients is presented. Minimal transient HCV-specific immune responses were observed throughout the monitoring period. In summary this thesis presents work resulting in the development of an effective and efficient method of transducing monocyte derived DC with a recombinant adenovirus using lower multiplicities of infection than reported previously by others, the development of a method for the manufacture and purification of recombinant adenoviruses for clinical scale production to GMP standard, and the results from two first in man studies utilising monocyte derived DC for the treatment of HCV.


[1] The impact of retrieved total precipitable water (TPW) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) infrared (IR), MODIS near-infrared (NIR), and the combined Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)-IR and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-Microwave channels on simulations of Hurricane Emily was assessed and compared using the Weather Research and Forecasting model and its three-dimensional variation data assimilation (3D-Var) system. After assimilating MODIS IR TPW, the model clearly better reproduced storm tracking, intensity, and the 10 m wind field, while the improvement was limited or nil when assimilating either MODIS NIR TPW or AIRS TPW. After the data assimilation of MODIS IR TPW, a positive moisture increment was present to the east of the simulated storm in 3D-Var analysis (i.e., initial conditions). The positive TPW increment enhanced a convective cloud, which was also observed by satellites. The convective cloud effectively modulated the height and wind fields, resulting in a weakening of the vertical wind shear (VWS) over the region. The weak VWS band was then advected to the north of the storm, preventing the storm from attaching to the strong VWS zone located between 20°N and 30°N. There was no such positive moisture increment, convective cloud, or weak VWS band occurring to the east of the simulated storm in the other data assimilation experiments. This explains why the simulated storm intensified with assimilation of MODIS IR TPW but not for the other experiments.


Failure restoration at the IP layer in IP-over-WDM networks requires to map the IP topology on the WDM topology in such a way that a failure at the WDM layer leaves the IP topology connected. Such a mapping is called survivable. Finding a survivable mapping is known to be NP-complete, making it impossible in practice to assess the existence or absence of such a mapping for large networks, (i) we first introduce a new concept of piecewise survivability, which makes the problem much easier in practice (although still NP-complete), and allows us to formally prove that a given survivable mapping does or does not exist, (ii) secondly, we show how to trace the vulnerable areas in the topology, and how to strengthen them to enable a survivable mapping, (iii) thirdly, we give an efficient and scalable algorithm that finds a survivable mapping. In contrast to the heuristics proposed in the literature to date, our algorithm exhibits a number of provable properties (e.g., it guarantees the piecewise survivability) that are crucial for (i) and (ii)


In the 50 years that separated Warrior from Dreadnought there occurred a revolution in warship design quite unparalleled in naval history; a period that began with the fully-rigged broadside ironclads and ended with the emergence of the great battleships and battlecruisers that were to fight in the First World War.The author explains how ninetheenth-century designers responded to developments in engine technology, armour protection and armament in their attempts to develop the best possible fighting ships. He details the development of more efficient engines that brought about the demise of the sailing warship, and the competition between armour and armament, with every increase in the power of guns stimulating the development of ever more sophisticated methods of protection. Importantly, he explains that the Victorian Royal Navy, far from being the reactionary body it is so often depicted as, was, in fact, at the forefront of technological change, for example in the employment of torpedoes and the development of countermeasures to them.Full accounts are given of the significant naval events and battles of the period, making the book a fine narrative history as well as a brilliant work of warship reference. D K BROWN was a distinguished naval architect who retired in 1988 as Deputy Chief Naval Architect of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors. He published widely on the subject of warship design and built a reputation as a clear and brilliant commentator on the development of the ships of the Royal Navy. He died in 2008.


The study investigated the involvement of primary and secondary schools in waste management through recycling and composting, and the perceptions of teachers and pupils with regard to waste management. It also investigated the local municipality's attitude towards using schools to inculcate the culture of own waste management. It further investigated some of KwaZuluNatal's recycling industries/agents' attitudes toward using schools as "mini" depots for collection of recyclable materials. It was found that according to teachers perceptions most of the primary schools are engaged in waste management practices through recycling and composting, while secondary schools are less involved in waste management practices through recycling and composting. The results revealed that 53% of primary schools are involved in recycling projects, while only 10% of secondary schools are involved. It was also found that both primary and secondary school teachers are willing for their schools to be involved in waste management practices. Primary school pupils are more enthusiastic in collection of recyclable materials and composting projects as means of waste management as compared to secondary school pupils who are less interested. The results further revealed that there are no educational programmes that are initiated by the Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi Municipality to inculcate the culture of waste management among the school pupils. There are a few industries that collect recyclable materials from schools in Greater Edendale by putting paper banks in some of the schools. It was also found that the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association has an educational programme for waste management with some of the schools in Greater Edendale. This programme is called Environmental Award System for Youth (EASY), whereby schools receive awards for activities that they are involved in to manage waste. It is recommended that organisations such as the Greater Edendale Environmental Network be encouraged to establish educational programmes to help motivate and make pupils aware of the value of waste management. Recycling industries should also target primary and secondary schools for collection of recyclable materials, rather than only focusing on tertiary institutions. If this is done children will gradually become aware of the concept and value of recycling. Through the involvement of schools in waste management the public can be educated more to the role of responsible waste disposal and management.


The purpose with this master's thesis, with Scania CV AB in Sodertalje as job initiator, has been to develop three different passenger seat concepts with focus on modularisation, functionality and production. The different concepts are: a foldable passenger seat, which is possible to fold away completely, a bench for two passengers, and a resting seat for resting during breaks when the vehicle is parked.The main tools used during the search for concept solutions have been brainstorming, morphological analyses, and evaluation matrixes. Prototypes have been made in order to visualise the ideas but also for the possibility to test them in a real truck cabin and by that find advantages but also flaws. Final product specifications has been made and with that guidelines for a continued development work.Experiences gained during this thesis work has been that by using ergonomic data and theories, well thought through designs, and standardised interfaces a good result can be achieved, which fulfils the demands and wishes placed on the future product.


The majority of products that are launched today are extensions of a brand. These extensions are often launched as line extensions where the new product is developed within an existing product category. The use of line extensions has affected customer's evaluations and purchase decisions, and the factors impacting these are important to consider. The purpose of this thesis was therefore to further explore the customer perception of line extension and how it affects the brand image. Focus groups were used in our empirical research, among our findings we discovered that successful line extensions provides variety and fulfil a customer need, line extensions easily tend to fail if they are too dissimilar from the rest of the brand's products. The brand image can be strengthened through marketing and promotion of the line extension. The thesis is supposed to contribute and function as a guide for further research in the area.


Each reference is followed by a list of 'features' for use in feature-card indexing. Words in capital letters require feature cards of their own; words in small letters refer to substances, including drugs, and diseases which should usually be coded by means of trigraphs. The technique of feature-card indexing is described and discussed by McClelland, R.M.A. and Mapleson, W. W. (1966). 'Anaesthesia', 21 1. Reprints of their paper, together with copies of the Cardiff Vocabulary of Feature Words used here and an editorial comment can be obtained from H. E. Warne Ltd, 90 East Hill, St Austell, Cornwall, England at a price of one guinea. Readers desiring reprints of 'Anaesthetic Literature' should send a postal order or cheque for seven shillings and sixpence payable to 'Anaesthesia' (not to the Association). This entitles them to two copies of the reprint for four consecutive issues. Address orders to 'Anaesthesia', H . E. Warm Ltd, 90 East Hill, St Austell, Cornwall, England.


Hebrews Between Cultures: Group Portraits and National Literature, by Meir Sternberg. Indiana Studies in Biblical Literature. Bloomington/Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1998. Pp. xxiii + 730. $59.95 (cloth). Having gratefully grappled years ago with Meir Sternberg's magisterial The Poetics of Biblical Narrative (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1985), the length of which matched the scope of its subject, I could barely imagine how the inquiry of the book under review, the referent of the thirty-odd appearances of the term "Hebrews" in the Hebrew Bible, could generate a tome of seventy pages, much less seven hundred. I ought to have known better. After working through this difficult volume twice (made more difficult by its prose style), I can testify that the seeming narrowness of the subject affords Sternberg the opportunity not only for engaging in even deeper analysis than in The Poetics but also for exploring the wide-ranging implications of the subject for biblical poetics and comparative cultural studies. The heart of this study is the workings of the "Hebrewgram," Sternberg's shorthand for the grammar, or poetics, of the biblical deployment of the ethnicon "Hebrew." Neither a synonym for "Israelite" (what Sternberg terms the "unicultural" explanation) nor the biblical form of the extrabiblical sociopolitical designation Hab/piru (the "crosscultural" solution), the word "Hebrew" signals foreign or foreign-like discourse about Israelites. This ironclad truth is expressed as the "Law of Intercultural (De)nomination," a complex of four patterns into one of which each appearance of the term falls: (1) "Hebrew" in the voice of a foreign speaker to express his superiority to and derision of an Israelite; (2) "Hebrew" used by an Israelite conversing with a foreigner in order to be perceived as sharing the foreigner's derisive perspective and thus assuming the role of an underdog; (3) "Hebrew" used by the narrator quoting the hidden, unarticulated perspective of foreigners; and (4) "Hebrew" used both in narrative and slave law as a "rhetoric of deterrence" against Israelites who would assume a foreign-like superiority or Hebrew-like inferiority with respect to their fellow Israelites. So stated, the Hebrewgram appears straightforward enough. But through the demonstration and analysis of these patterns Sternberg develops a poetics of intercultural rhetoric that runs canon-long and distinguishes biblical from extrabiblical discourses of cultural identity. Cracking the code governing the seemingly nonstandard and limited deployment of "Hebrew" turns out to be the linchpin for understanding the Bible's uniquely sophisticated rendering of national consciousness. Critical to Sternberg's argument is the identification of the "Hebrewers," those foreigners who employ the term against Israelites or in whose presence Israelites do, such as Hamites (Egyptians and Philistines mainly but also Jonah's sailors, for instance). The opposition between Shem and Ham set in Genesis 9 works itself out in the sexual predation of Ham's descendants from Pharaoh and Abimelech toward Sarah and Rebekah to Potiphar's wife, and in the slaver mentality attributed to both main groups. On linguistic ("Hebrew," "uncircumcised"), sociopolitical (sexual assault to enslavement), ethnological (Egyptians as a master race), and geographical (Hebrews as unwelcome settlers in Hamland) axes, the aforementioned law governs the representation of the relationship between Israelites and Hamites but does not apply to other foreigners. On the contrary, Sternberg argues that the non-Hamite nokhri ("foreigner") in general cannot be stereotyped as Other, because the Bible paints foreigners in many shades and gives even Hamites their own voices and consciousness. Sander Gilman's "high-level theorizing" about stereotypes comes in for especial attack (pp. 171-81) as an example of "package-dealing," opposed to the "Proteus Principle" that characterizes biblical representation in Sternberg's view. …


Subglacial stick-slip motion speeds erosion by hydrofracturing and in other ways,
			as determined from analysis of the growing body of field data. Microearthquake monitoring commonly
			detects subglacial earthquakes, likely mostly from stick-slip motion of debris-laden ice over
			bedrock. Source parameters show that many quakes cause enough motion to greatly lower water
			pressure in cavities on the lee sides of bedrock steps. We calculate that the resulting expansion
			of higher-pressure water in nearby cracks promotes hydrofracturing, with even relatively small
			cracks growing unstably under thick glaciers and all cracks growing faster than for aseismic
			behavior. This mechanism also helps generate the step-like topography favoring block plucking.
			This stick-slip glacier-erosion hypothesis suggests that the erosion rate will increase with
			ice thickness as well as basal shear stress, ice-flow velocity, and water supply.


West Nile Virus (WNV), RNA virus is a member of the flaviviridae family that causes flu like symptoms in infected individuals, however in 1-2% cases, it causes severe neurological diseases such as encephalitis. There is no antiviral or vaccine approved so far to prevent WNV disease, therefore research to understand immune pathology is very important. Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR) are proteins that are expressed by cells to detect virus infection and play an important role in the innate immune system. When a PRR such as Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) and Nod-Like Receptors (NLR) detects a replicating virus, signals are sent out to warn the body and other neighboring cells that there is a foreign presence within the body. These signals include production of antiviral cytokines and interferons (IFN) that recruit the leukocytes to help fight off the infection. However, it has been discovered that different viruses produce unique cell signals that may act as either a positive and/or negative regulator of the cytokine production and the effectiveness of the immune system. My lab works on understanding the function of two novel innate immune molecules, NLRC5 (a member of NLR family) and TREM-1 (amplifier of inflammation). Therefore, this project will involve WNV infection of mouse immune cells from wild-type mouse and mouse deficient with NLRC5 and TREM-1 and compare specific innate immune markers using real-time RT-PCRs. At the end of my training, I will gain understanding of the research conducted in infectious disease area and will also learn several important techniques.


Chicago is famous for its role in fostering modern architecture. Now Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang Architects, is giving the epithet "Chicago School" a new meaning. Her recently completed 82-story Aqua residential tower is already an icon of the Chicago skyline and has been universally hailed as a masterwork for the young firm. Reveal presents an in-depth look at the firm's unique work and working process through drawings, diagrams, sketches, and photographs that illuminate the evolution of each of the book's eight featured projects, both public and private, and ranging in size from exhibition to high-rise.


The problem of a rectangular footing or a strip footing on a nonhomogeneous elastic half space is studied in this paper. The medium is assumed to be isotropic with a variable shear modulus G(z) = G 0 + mz and a constant Poisson's ratio equal to 1/3. An important feature of this model is that either the Winkler foundation or the elastic homogeneous half space can be made special cases by letting G 0 or m equal zero, respectively. In order to investigate the necessary conditions for a footing to be considered rigid, both rigid and flexible footings have been studied. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the effects of various parameters over the contact pressure and deflection.


The aim of this research is to adapt the Revised Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (R-MARS; Plake & Parker, 1982) to Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. The research was conducted on 372 pre- service teachers. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that this scale yielded 2 factors, as original form and that the model was well fit. Internal consistency coefficient of the scale was .93 and test-retest reliability coefficient was .91. Also, corrected item-total correlations ranged .30 to .80. Thus, R- MARS can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in education and psychology. Summary


A bottom-up methodology to fabricate a nanostructured material by Au nanoclusters on 6H-SiC surface is illustrated. Furthermore, a methodology to control its structural properties by thermal-induced self-organization of the Au nanoclusters is demonstrated. To this aim, the self-organization kinetic mechanisms of Au nanoclusters on SiC surface were experimentally studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and theoretically modelled by a ripening process. The fabricated nanostructured materials were used to probe, by local conductive atomic force microscopy analyses, the electrical properties of nano-Schottky contact Au nanocluster/SiC. Strong efforts were dedicated to correlate the structural and electrical characteristics: the main observation was the Schottky barrier height dependence of the nano-Schottky contact on the cluster size. Such behavior was interpreted considering the physics of few electron quantum dots merged with the concepts of ballistic transport and thermoionic emission finding a satisfying agreement between the theoretical prediction and the experimental data. The fabricated Au nanocluster/SiC nanocontact is suggested as a prototype of nano-Schottky diode integrable in complex nanoelectronic circuits.


SUMMARY A growing body of evidence suggests that the most common type of dementia in schizophrenia differs from Alzheimer's disease in its clinical features, natural course, neuropathology, neuroanatomical substrates and prognosis. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the risk of developing cognitive impairment and its progression in early-onset schizophrenia differ compared with late- or very-late-onset schizophrenia. The diagnosis and management of dementia in schizophrenia is challenging for both general adult and old age psychiatrists. This article reviews the evidence base regarding dementia in schizophrenia. It discusses the diagnosis of dementia in schizophrenia, its management and prognosis, and identifies some future research opportunities.


Cephalotaxus wilsoniana Hay, is endemic to Taiwan. This study was performed morphologically and anatomically to investigate reproduction in this species for the purpose of conservation. The duration from reproductive bud formation to fertilization in C. wilsoniana lasts about one year and five months. Buds are initiated in late January and differentiate into one vegetative bud and 3 female cones in late February. A female cone is constructed with 4 pairs of decussate opposite bracts. A small ridge-like secondary axis sits on the axil of each bract. Two ovules are borne on both sides of each secondary axis. A lysogenous pollen chamber begins to be formed from the degenerative tissues on the top end of the nucellus in early March. In late March the megasporogenous tissue is differentiated in the core center of the nucellus, and the micropyle closes gradually after pollination. By late July, pollen tubes have developed in the pollen chamber, and the megaspore mother cell appears. Then the functional megaspore becomes active in mid-October. The 8 free nucleate macrogametophyte appears in late December. From January to late March of the following year, the elliptical cyst-like female gametophyte keeps growing through continuous divisions of its free nuclei. The cyst layer of protoplast thickens in early April. In mid-April, cell walls begin to form among free nuclei. The archegonia are initiated in late April. Pollen tubes extend their tips to the macrogametophyte in early May, and each tube with 2 spermatozoids reaches a mature archegonium with an egg needed to perform fertilization in late May. Generally, only 1-(3) ovules in each cone can become mature.


In this thesis the results of a two-season experiment using the Juster scale to elicit subjective probability estimates of raw wool purchases at auction in New Zealand for five discrete classes of wool are presented. The approach, which involves estimating the rate of purchase of a commodity at various prices, represents a radically different method of estimating demand slopes and price elasticities. Over sixteen four weekly periods during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 wool seasons, a panel of eleven buyers from wool exporting firms in New Zealand were interviewed to obtain four weekly raw wool auction purchase forecasts. The results suggest that the use of a purchase probability scale to develop derived demand schedules for raw wool is possible. An average aggregate price elasticity of demand estimate of 4.4 was generated for 1991-92 and 4.6 for 1992-93. These values tend to be a little higher than those generated using an econometric approach and possibly reflect the nature of the wool market (i.e. falling prices and oversupply) . and the higher 'information' content associated with the data generated through a survey instrument. It is shown that the panel's forecasts of aggregate woolpurchases were reasonably accurate with an under-estimation of 8.3% and 12.9% respectively for 1991-92 and 1992-93. There was consistem under-estimation of aggregate purchases in the fine and fine-medium groups and consistent over-estimation of aggregate purchases in the coarse group. It is quite evident that the ability to forecast purchases within particular micron groups is fraught with difficulty due to the substitutability of wool types between the margins. Overall, the errors tended to fall over the study period reflecting, in part, a growing confidence by the respondents in the use of the survey instrument. All analysis of the qualitative data concurrently collected with the probability survey revealed a great degree of uncertainty and error in variables thought to be 'controllable '. The conclusion is reached that a great deal of the error in the results using the experimental survey instrument is a function more of uncontrollable external factors, rather than of the survey process.


External Ventricular Drain (EVD) insertion is a common neurosurgical procedure. EVD-related infection (ERI) is a major complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish a national ERI rate in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland and determine key factors influencing the infection risk. A prospective multi-centre cohort study of EVD insertions in 21 neurosurgical units was performed over 6 months. The primary outcome measure was 30-day ERI. A Cox Regression Model was used for multivariate analysis to calculate Hazard Ratios (HR). Results A total of 495 EVD catheters were inserted into 452 patients with EVDs remaining in-situ for 4700 days (median 8 days; interquartile range 4-13). Of the catheters inserted, 188 (38%) were antibiotic-impregnated, 161 (32.5%) were plain and 146 (29.5%) were silver-bearing. A total of 46 ERIs occurred giving an infection risk of 9.3%. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that factors independently associated with increased infection risk included duration of EVD placement for ≥ 8 days [HR=2.47 (1.12-5.45); p=0.03], regular sampling (daily sampling [HR=4.73 (1.28-17.42), p=0.02] and alternate day sampling [HR=5.28 (2.25-12.38); p<0.01]). There was no association between catheter type or tunnelling distance and ERI. In the UK and Ireland, the ERI rate was 9.3% during the study period. The study demonstrated that EVDs left in situ for ≥ 8 days and those sampled more frequently were associated with a higher risk of infection. Importantly, the study showed no significant difference in ERI risk between different catheter types.


The FDA is attempting to respond to complaints about its procedures for approving medical devices. Those complaints come at the agency from different angles. Medical device companies say that if the FDA doesn't speed up the process, foreign competitors will win the innovation race and hospitals in the U.S. will see patients go overseas for cutting-edge treatments that domestic hospitals can't offer. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), on the other hand, has issued repeated reports criticizing the FDA's approval process for various shortcomings that, hypothetically, could endanger patients who might receive a faulty implantable device, for example.

Stephen Ferguson, Chairman of the Board of Cook Group, Inc., a holding company for manufacturers of many diagnostic and interventional devices, says:

"There is a real concern that without improvement in the current regulatory system, the role of the United States as the leader in medical innovation will continue to decline and [will] result in the migration of patients seeking medical intervention abroad where innovation is thriving and available."

Diana Zuckerman, PhD, President of the National Research Center for Women & Families in Washington, D.C., takes the opposing view. She says there are far too many recalls of medical devices. Between 2005 and 2009, there were 3,510 voluntary recalls, an average of just over 700 per year. The majority—nearly 83%—were classified by the FDA as Class II recalls. A Class II recall means that the use of, or exposure to, these devices could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or that the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Class I recalls are the most serious type, constituting only 4% of the total.

Dr. Zuckerman explains: "The bottom line is that even 'moderate-risk' recalled devices can sometimes result in death during surgery and certainly add billions to Medicare costs when they result in additional surgery and hospitalizations from the complications of defective devices."

Because of perceived problems with the approval process, the GAO put the FDA's review program on the federal government's "high risk" list in 2009, where it has stayed, as the GAO has issued successive critical reports, mostly about the extent of recalls. The FDA responded by forming some internal review groups that made recommendations. In 2011, the agency announced that it was implementing these recommendations.

To respond to complaints from industry about the plodding pace of new device review, the FDA is promoting an "innovation pathway." The agency held a public meeting on that topic in March. Its initial plan was to pick a couple of medical devices each year for expedited review; however, AdvaMed, the medical device trade group, argues that the FDA already has such a pathway—its Product Development Protocol review.

Janet Trunzo, Executive Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at AdvaMed, says:

The proposed Innovation Initiative contains many good ideas, such as early and consistent interaction and the focus on cooperative effort, which ultimately should be applied across the board to all devices to get safe and effective products developed and reviewed quickly. The FDA has a number of tools to achieve these objectives already available, and it should use them more broadly and effectively.

Minnie Baylor-Henry, worldwide Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices and Diagnostics, notes that the agency has designated a brain-controlled robotic prosthetic arm as the first device to enter this innovation pathway. She agrees it is a radically different and revolutionary medical device and ought to be accorded an expedited review. She adds, however:

"Significantly redesigning a marketed device to allow it to be used safely and effectively at home can be an innovative breakthrough."

She also says that the FDA should not focus exclusively on "technologically radical" developments.

The approval of new medical devices is not the only pressing issue facing the FDA—so is the classification of old devices. Since 1976, the FDA has been slowly classifying the 140 categories of devices that were on the market before that year, when Congress passed the Medical Device Amendments of 1976. That legislation, which amended the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, required the FDA to categorize all medical devices as Class I, II, or III, with III representing the most potentially dangerous class, including, for example, implantable devices. Manufacturers of new Class III devices can submit a Pre-market Approval (PMA) application for an innovative device, in which case a clinical trial or similar study is required. Alternatively, a premarket notification states that the new device is similar to one that is already on the market. In this situation, detailed scientific information about safety and efficacy is not required—nor is it typically required for "new" Class I or II devices.

The 140 categories of devices are referred to as "pre-amendment" devices. Only 26 categories remain to be classified, but they include some widely used devices that, if identified as Class III, would have to be the subject of first-time clinical trials. Examples include automated external defibrillators, implantable hip joints, and electroconvulsive therapy devices that are used to treat depression. Manufacturers of these medical devices have hinted that they cannot afford clinical trials and would stop manufacturing the product if the FDA considered the devices to be Class III. However, patient advocacy groups counter that some of these devices are dangerous and should be banned or should at least be subject to restrictions imposed on hospitals where they are used.


Abstract In this study, the uncertainties associated with through-diffusion, the steady-state method used for determination of the pore diffusion coefficient (Dp), were analysed and evaluated. The diffusion of strontium through the sample of compacted bentonite was studied to evaluate various sources of uncertainties and compare their contribution with uncertainty of Dp. Different diffusion experiment arrangements were used to test the effect of solution accessibility to the filter membranes. Three main general factors influencing the uncertainty of Dp at given conditions were identified: (a) the compacted sample preparation and its physical properties; (b) the properties of the diffusion cell; and (c) the strontium concentration analyses. Some of the identified sources can be treated as fixed with limited extent (e.g. the deformation of components of the diffusion cell), but some sources must be treated as variable with wide extent depending on the experimental conditions (e.g. the physical properties of the compacted bentonite sample – moisture, density, porosity). The variable uncertainty sources have to be taken into account, especially in repeatability and reproducibility tests. It was concluded that each of the diffusion cells with compacted bentonite sample represents a unique diffusion system. It is preferable to present the results of diffusion experiments as a range of values rather than as one average value with an uncertainty.


Rubus anglocandicans is the most widespread and abundant blackberry species within the European blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) aggregate in Western Australia (WA). European blackberry is also one of the 32 Weeds of National Significance in Australia. A disease recorded as 'blackberry decline' was first observed in some blackberry sites in WA in 2006. A disease survey was conducted in the Manjimup-Pemberton region along the Warren and Donnelly River catchments in WA between 2010 and 2012. Phytophthora amnicola, P. bilorbang, P. cryptogea, P. inundata, P. litoralis, P. multivora, P. taxon personii, P. thermophila and a P. thermophila × amnicola hybrid were recovered from declining and adjacent decline-free sites, as well as from streams and rivers. Phytophthora cinnamomi was isolated from dying Banksia and Eucalyptus species from two non-decline sites. Of these species, P. bilorbang and P. cryptogea were more pathogenic than the others in under-bark inoculations using excised stems (primocanes), in planta primocane inoculations in blackberry growing wild in native forest stands, and in glasshouse pot trials. It was concluded that blackberry decline is a complex syndrome and Phytophthora species, in particular P. bilorbang and P. cryptogea, together with temporary inundation, are major biotic and abiotic factors contributing to blackberry decline.


Analysis of Mathematical Fiction with Geometric Themes Jennifer Rebecca Shloming Analysis of mathematical fiction with geometric themes is a study that connects the genre of mathematical fiction with informal learning. This study provides an analysis of 26 sources that include novels and short stories of mathematical fiction with regard to plot, geometric theme, cultural theme, and presentation. The authors' mathematical backgrounds are presented as they relate to both geometric and cultural themes. These backgrounds range from having little mathematical training to advance graduate work culminating in a Ph.D. in mathematics. This thesis demonstrated that regardless of background, the authors could write a mathematical fiction novel or short story with a dominant geometric theme. The authors' pedagogical approaches to delivering the geometric themes are also discussed. Applications from this study involve a pedagogical component that can be used in a classroom setting. All the sources analyzed in this study are fictional, but the geometric content is factual. Six categories of geometric topics were analyzed: plane geometry, solid geometry, projective geometry, axiomatics, topology, and the historical foundations of geometry. Geometry textbooks aligned with these categories were discussed with regard to mathematical fiction and formal learning. Cultural patterns were also analyzed for each source of mathematical fiction. There were also an analysis of the integration of cultural and geometric themes in the 26 sources of mathematical fiction; some of the cultural patterns discussed are gender bias, art, music, academia, mysticism, and social issues. On the basis of this discussion, recommendations for future studies involving the use of mathematical fiction were made.


Abstract. In this paper we investigate how the residuals in bundle adjustment can be split into a composition of simple functions. According to the chain rule, the Jacobian (linearisation) of the residual can be formed as a product of the Jacobians of the individual steps. When implemented, this enables a modularisation of the computation of the bundle adjustment residuals and Jacobians where each component has limited responsibility. This enables simple replacement of components to e.g. implement different projection or rotation models by exchanging a module. The technique has previously been used to implement bundle adjustment in the open-source package DBAT (Börlin and Grussenmeyer, 2013) based on the Photogrammetric and Computer Vision interpretations of Brown (1971) lens distortion model. In this paper, we applied the technique to investigate how affine distortions can be used to model the projection of a tilt-shift lens. Two extended distortion models were implemented to test the hypothesis that the ordering of the affine and lens distortion steps can be changed to reduce the size of the residuals of a tilt-shift lens calibration. Results on synthetic data confirm that the ordering of the affine and lens distortion steps matter and is detectable by DBAT. However, when applied to a real camera calibration data set of a tilt-shift lens, no difference between the extended models was seen. This suggests that the tested hypothesis is false and that other effects need to be modelled to better explain the projection. The relatively low implementation effort that was needed to generate the models suggest that the technique can be used to investigate other novel projection models in photogrammetry, including modelling changes in the 3D geometry to better understand the tilt-shift lens.


As low-power electronics and miniaturization conspire to populate the world with emerging devices, one appealing approach is to power these multi-core/many-core-based devices with energy harvested from various environments. Of the most important issues concerning these devices is how to effectively allocate power budget among the cores competing for power, which is formulated as one specific type of power-performance optimization problem in this paper. We attempt to solve this problem by proposing an Adaptive Power Allocation Technique (APAT) that uses a dynamic programming network. Our goal here is to maximize the overall system performance, taking into account a unique yet challenging fact that, available power budget might have to undergo a significant change when a renewable energy source is scavenging. APAT has a linear time complexity and low hardware overhead. Experiments have confirmed that APAT can reduce 20 ~ 30% of execution time compared to other state-of-the-art power allocation algorithms. In addition, as APAT is quite insensitive to the changing rate of the power, lending itself well for power management in many-core systems powered by energy-harvesting sources.


The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) has been one of the most vibrant research fields in ecology and environmental sciences over the past two decades. Hundreds of experiments have now manipulated species diversity to test its effects on a wide range of ecosystem properties. Methods that partition the effect of functional complementarity between species from that of selection for species with particular traits have been instrumental in clarifying the results of these experiments and in resolving debates about potential underlying mechanisms (Loreau and Hector 2001, Cardinale et al. 2007). Relatively few studies, however, have sought to disentangle the actual biological mechanisms at work in the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning. Yet theory shows that different coexistence mechanisms can lead to different BEF relationships (Mouquet et al. 2002). Understanding the mechanisms that drive the functional consequences of biodiversity and their connections with those that determine the maintenance of biodiversity is key to making BEF research more predictive and more relevant to natural, non-experimentally manipulated ecosystems (Loreau 2010). The recent theoretical study by Carroll, Cardinale, and Nisbet (2011; hereafter CCN) makes a valuable contribution toward the goal of linking the maintenance of diversity and its functional consequences. CCN use MacArthur's (1972) classical consumer


Discoloration of drinking water is a worldwide phenomenon caused by accumulation and subsequent remobilization of particulate matter in distribution systems (DWDSs). It contributes to a substantial fraction of customer complaints to water utilities. Accurate discoloration risk predictions could improve system operation by allowing for more effective programs on cleaning and prevention actions and field measurements, but are challenged by incomplete understanding on the origins and properties of particles and a complex and not fully understood interplay of processes in distribution networks. In this paper, we assess and describe relevant hydraulic processes that govern particle transport in turbulent pipe flow, including gravitational settling, bed-load transport, and particle entrainment into suspension. We assess which transport mechanisms are dominant for a range of bulk flow velocities, particle diameters, and particle mass densities, which includes common conditions for DWDS in The Netherlands, U.K., and Australia. Our analysis shows that the theoretically predicted particle settling velocity and threshold shear stresses for incipient particle motion are in the same range, but more variable than, previous estimates from lab experiments, field measurements, and modeling. The presented material will be used in the future development of a numerical modeling tool to determine and predict the spatial distribution of particulate material and discoloration risk in DWDSs. Our approach is aimed at understanding specific causalities and processes, which can complement data-driven approaches.


This article draws on the personal experience of two lecturers delivering the academic programme of the Probation Qualification Framework to students employed by a number of different Probation Trusts. It considers the current qualifying arrangements and identifies a number of issues that have come to the fore over the first three years of implementation. Specifically, it establishes the importance of all stakeholders, students, the employing Trust and NOMS understanding what is of fundamental importance for work-based distance learning study. The changing composition and characteristics of the student body and the ways in which new developments in professional knowledge are included in the curriculum are explored with particular focus on the new group of graduate entrants at Part 3. The authors remain committed to the belief that those who work in the criminal justice system of England and Wales, supporting change and rehabilitation with a complex and vulnerable client group must have a nationally recognised qualification which includes both employer responsibility for quality practice based learning and a Higher Education award.


The idea for this paper emerged from a recent qualitative investigation which examined the ways in which six Australian primary teachers conceptualised geography and geography teaching (Preston, 2014b). A finding of this research was a strong correlation between the breadth of geographical understandings and the years of experience and age of participants. For early career teachers, conceptions of geography were narrowly confined to information-oriented perceptions. Whereas, the two teachers, with more than 30 years in primary schools, portrayed much more complex understandings. Their conceptions depicted geography as process-oriented and in relational terms, that is, understandings of geography that recognise the interactions and interdependence of people and environments (Bradbeer, Healey, and Kneale, 2004). Both these experienced teachers were also committed to place-based, inquiry approaches to geography teaching and had been using place-based methodologies long before it became a new movement in education (Morgan, 2009, p. 521). This prompted me to question why geography education seldom features in discourses of place-based education and to contemplate the oft-cited argument (at least in the United States) that the recent focus on curriculum standards is incompatible with locally responsive curriculum (Jennings, Swidler, and Koliba, 2005). In order to answer these questions, I explore the intersections and divergences between place-based education and geography education in the Australian context. Drawing on Smith's (2002) and Gruenewald's (2003) conception of place-based education, and the new Australian geography curriculum document, I argue that primary geography education has strong synergies with place-based education methodologies and aims. I further suggest that a geographical perspective can augment place-based education to enrich and broaden students' understandings of the complex interactions between and within places. This argument is balanced with a critical examination of the practice of geography education acknowledging that the tradition of fieldwork might benefit from place-based education approaches that enable more embodied, socially engaged interactions with places. Thus, I contend, place-based education and geography education are mutually supportive and each can extend the other. The paper concludes with a reflection on the challenges in Australia in preparing primary teachers for the implementation of the new (place-based) geography curriculum.


The purpose of the study is to observe the effect of the level of luminance on the emotional evaluation (positive, negative, neutral) in electroencephalography (EEG) records. EEG records of 31 healthy volunteers were used in the study. Features were obtained from these records by using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) method. As a result of the analysis of the features, it was observed that the increase in luminance level during emotional evaluation reflected to the EEG activity and there was a difference that could be observed between the responses given by the brain to bright images with increased luminance levels and the responses given by the brain to original images using the angle difference between the principle components. In addition, the emotional evaluation states and the electrode regions in which this difference is apparent clearly are also examined. It is thought that the results of the research can include in the methods an important parameter such as luminance in the related electrophysiology studies.


Leptin acutely stimulates skeletal muscle fatty acid (FA) metabolism in lean rodents and humans. This stimulatory effect is eliminated following the feeding of high-fat diets in rodents as well as in obese humans. The mechanism(s) responsible for the development of skeletal muscle leptin resistance is unknown; however, a role for increased suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) inhibition of the leptin receptor has been demonstrated in other rodent tissues. Furthermore, whether exercise intervention is an effective strategy to prevent or attenuate the development of skeletal muscle leptin resistance has not been investigated. Toward this end, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats (175-190 g; approximately 2-3 mo of age) were fed control or high-fat (60% kcal) diets for 4 wk and either remained sedentary or were treadmill trained. In control diet-fed animals that remained sedentary (CS) or were endurance trained (CT), leptin stimulated FA oxidation (CS +32 +/- 15%, CT +30 +/- 17%; P < 0.05), suppressed triacylglycerol (TAG) esterification (CS -17 +/- 7%, CT -24 +/- 8%; P < 0.05), and reduced the esterification-to-oxidation ratio (CS -19 +/- 13%, CT -29 +/- 10%; P < 0.001) in soleus muscle. High-fat feeding induced leptin resistance in the soleus of sedentary rats (FS), whereas endurance exercise training (FT) restored the ability of leptin to suppress TAG esterification (-19 +/- 9%, P = 0.038). Training did not completely restore the ability of leptin to stimulate FA oxidation. High-fat diets stimulated SOCS3 mRNA expression irrespective of training status (FS +451 +/- 120%, P = 0.024; FT +381 +/- 141%, P = 0.023). Thus the development of skeletal muscle leptin resistance appears to involve an increase in SOCS3 mRNA expression. Endurance training was generally effective in preventing the development of leptin resistance, although this did not appear to require a decrease in SOCS3 expression. Future studies should examine changes in the actual protein content of SOCS3 in muscle and establish whether aerobic exercise is also effective in treating leptin resistance in humans.


Multimedia documents are composed of multiple file format combinations, such as image and text, image and sound, or image, text and sound. The type of multimedia document determines the form of analysis for knowledge architecture design and retrieval methods. Over the last few decades, theories of text analysis have been proposed and applied effectively. In recent years, theories of image and sound analysis have been proposed to work with text retrieval systems and progressed quickly due in part to rapid progress in computer processing speed. Retrieval of multimedia documents formerly was divided into the categories of image and text, and image and sound. While standard retrieval process begins from text only, methods are developing that allow the retrieval process to be accomplished simultaneously using text and image. Although image processing for feature extraction and text processing for term extractions are well understood, there are no prior methods that can combine these two features into a single data structure. This dissertation will introduce a common representation format for multimedia documents (CRFMD) composed of both images and text. For image and text analysis, two techniques are used: the Lorenz Information Measurement and the Word Code. A new process named Jeong's Transform is demonstrated for extraction of text and image features, combining the two previous measurements to form a single data structure. Finally, this single data measurements to form a single data structure. Finally, this single data structure is analyzed by using multi-dimensional scaling. This allows multimedia objects to be represented on a two-dimensional graph as vectors. The distance between vectors represents the magnitude of the difference between multimedia documents. This study shows that image classification on a given test set is dramatically improved when text features are encoded together with image features. This effect appears to hold true even when the available text is diffused and is not uniform with the image features. This retrieval system works by representing a multimedia document as a single data structure. CRFMD is applicable to other areas of multimedia document retrieval and processing, such as medical image retrieval, World Wide Web searching, and museum collection retrieval.


The Kastoria-Nestorion region, which belongs to the Tertiary MesoHellenic Trough (MHT), is a low relief NW-SE trending intermountainous basin filled with Tertiary molasse-type sedimentary rocks and nowadays drained by the Aliakmnonas River and its tributaries. In the present work, the large fault zones in the region and the general fault pattern are defined, mapped and described with the aid of satellite images. In addition, a large number of fault-slip data from the mesoscale exposed faults has been recorded, in order to better understand the faulting geometry and kinematics of the region. The stress-inversion analysis of these fault-slip data in comparison with earthquake faultplane solution information permits us to define the stress regimes imposed to the region from the Late Tertiary up to the present and to correlate them with the late orogenic and post-orogenic deformation of the Hellenic orogen. In particular, five stress regimes have been defined from which the former two (D1 and D2) are related to the late collisional processes between the Apulia and Eurasia plates, the next two events (D3 and D4) are related to the present-day Hellenic subduction zone, whereas the last D5 event which is the active deformation of the region appears as an intra-continental or intra-plate deformation more related with the Adria-Eurasia ongoing convergence rather with the Hellenic subduction zone.


The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program was designed as a 20-year study of pavement performance. The LTPP program consists of two programs: (1) General Pavement Studies (GPS) that use in-service test sections in either their original design phase or in their first overlay phase and (2) Specific Pavement Studies (SPS) that investigate the effect of specific design features on pavement performance. A major data collection effort at these test sections is the collection of longitudinal profile data along the wheel paths, which is performed annually. This report describes an investigation that was carried out to study the change in roughness at the test sections using the profile data. At the time this analysis was carried out, profile data were generally available for 4 years in the database. This report describes: (1) investigation of time-sequence roughness data collected at GPS test sections to study trends in development of roughness, (2) comparison between International Roughness Index and Ride Number, (3) development of models to predict changes in roughness, (4) investigation of roughness characteristics of new flexible and rigid pavements built for the SPS program, (5) investigation of roughness characteristics of flexible and rigid pavements that were subjected to different rehabilitation strategies under the SPS program, and (6) recommendations for quality assurance and profiling frequency for the test sections.


We present Castor, a secure code-update protocol for sensor networks that exploits symmetric cryptoystems. Through a synergistic combination of a one-way hash-chain, two one-way key-chains with the delayed disclosure of symmetric keys, and multiple message authentication codes (MACs), Castor enables untrusted sensor nodes to verify an update's authenticity and guarantees that no correct node will ever install or forward a compromised part of a code-update image. We describe an implementation of Castor that hardens the TinyOS-based update protocol, Deluge, against node compromise. We experimentally compare Castor's computational and communication costs with those of Deluge and with those of a contemporary secure update protocol, Sluice, that uses asymmetric cryptosystems (digital signatures) instead. Our results demonstrate that Castor incurs reasonable overheads as compared to Deluge, and lower resource usage as well as lower end-to-end update latency as compared to Sluice.


It is generally acknowledged that humans have an egocentric bias; processing self-related stimuli in a specialised, preferential manner. The self-bias has been studied within cognitive domains such as memory, attention and perception; but never across cognitive domains in order to assess whether self-biases are a product of a common bias, or independent. This has relevance for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder: certain self-biases are reduced in those with autism, but the pattern of results is not consistent across different cognitive domains. Self-bias was measured across the attentional and perceptual domains on two well-established tasks: the attentional blink (attention) and shape-label matching (perception) tasks. Processing of each participant's own name was compared to processing of the name of another individual very familiar to the participant (to control for familiarity), and the name of an unfamiliar other. In the attentional domain, the attentional blink for the participant's own name was reduced compared to that for the name of a familiar or unfamiliar other. In the perceptual domain, participants showed stronger associations between their own name and a geometric shape than between the other classes of names and associated shapes. Thus, strong evidence of a self-bias, independent of familiarity, was found on both tasks. However, across two experiments, the magnitude of the self-bias on the attentional blink and shape-label matching tasks was not correlated, supporting the idea that self-biases across cognitive domains are distinct. Furthermore, in contrast with extant models, neither type of self-bias was predicted by autistic traits.


Cystatin C is a cysteine protease inhibitor that is produced by nearly all human cells. The serum level of cystatin C is a stronger predictor of the renal outcome and the risk of cardiovascular events than the creatinine level. The resistive index (RI) on renal Doppler ultrasonography is a good indicator of vascular resistance as well as the renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether serum cystatin C is associated with signs of vascular dysfunction, such as the renal RI. We measured the serum cystatin C levels in 101 CKD patients and investigated the relationships between cystatin C and markers of vascular dysfunction, including the renal RI, ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), and cardiac function. The renal RI was significantly correlated with the serum cystatin C level (p < 0.0001, r = 0.6920). The serum cystatin C level was found to be a significant determinant of the renal RI (p < 0.0001), but not the baPWV, in a multivariate regression analysis. The multivariate odds ratio of the serum cystatin C level for a renal RI of more than 0.66 was statistically significant (2.92, p = 0.0106). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve comparing the sensitivity and specificity of cystatin C for predicting an RI of more than 0.66 was 0.882 (cutoff value: 2.04 mg/L). In conclusion, the serum cystatin C level is an independent biomarker associated with the renal RI in patients with CKD.


In this paper, firstly we propose two new concepts concerning the notion of key escrow encryption schemes: provable partiality and independency. Roughly speaking we say that a scheme has provable partiality if existing polynomial time algorithm for recovering the secret knowing escrowed information implies a polynomial time algorithm that can solve a well-known intractable problem. In addition, we say that a scheme is independent if the secret key and the escrowed information are independent. Finally, we propose a new verifiable partial key escrow, which has both of above criteria. The new scheme use McCurley encryption scheme as underlying scheme.


We consider the choice of explanatory variables in multivariate linear regression. Our approach balances prediction accuracy against costs attached to variables:in a multivariate version of a decision theory approach pioneered by Lindley (1968). We also employ a non-conjugate proper prior distribution for the parameters of the regression model, extending the standard normal-inverse Wishart by adding a component of error which is unexplainable by any number of predictor variables, thus avoiding the determinism identified by Dawid (1988). Simulated annealing and fast updating algorithms are used to search for good subsets when there are very many regressors. The technique is illustrated on a near infrared spectroscopy example involving 39 observations and 300 explanatory variables. This demonstrates the effectiveness of multivariate regression as opposed to separate univariate regressions. It also emphasises that within a Bayesian framework more variables than observations can be utilised.


Aim/Purpose: While there are studies that examine the experience of LGB or international students, we are not aware of any study that examines both intersectionalities. In this study, we attempt to be the first to examine the experiences of international LGB students and the resources they utilize on campuses.

Background: This research provides an understanding of how this population of students interact with the campus environment, how they perceive the campus climate, and what impact their interaction and perceptions have on their performance and overall outcomes.

Methodology: This narrative qualitative research study was guided by the unifying model of sexual identity development and the model of multiple dimensions of identity. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with eleven participants from two states to attain a deeper insight and perspective on the experiences of LGB International students.

Contribution: With this population of students being understudied in the larger body of literature, the result of this research will allow for institutional staff and future researchers to gain additional insight into the experiences and outcomes of international students that identify as a member of the LGB community.

Findings: The respondents indicated a mixture of experiences based on their sexual orientation and national identity. Emerging themes for RQ1 were Fear, Isolation, and Openness. Respondents expressed the utilization of a wide variety of resources from campus based on online resources. Emerging themes for RQ2 were Campus Based Resources, Online Resources, and Negative Experiences.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Based on these findings, institutions of higher education can promote the resources available to students within these populations. Institutions should be intentional in supporting the spiritual and religious needs of international LGBTQIA students to aid in the holistic development of their students.

Recommendation for Researchers: It is recommended for researchers to explore how international students who identify as LGBTQIA students experience community colleges.

Future Research: Future research should explore how staff, administrators, and faculty attempt to support students from regions of the world that are very conservative as they recruit students from those regions.


Rufous treecreepers (Climacteris rufa) are common in southern jarrah forests of Western Australia, but nothing has been recorded of their ecology in the region. I investigated the foraging and nesting ecology of the species in the southern jarrah forests from January 1994 to April 1996. Rufous treecreepers foraged exclusively on two eucalypt species, jarrah and marri, and foraged on trees that were significantly larger and taller than random. Foraging on the ground, logs and fallen trees was relatively infrequent. Nest hollows were also located exclusively in jarrah and marri trees that were significantly larger and taller than random. The important foraging and nesting resources for the species in the southern jarrah forest appear to be large mature and overmature eucalypts. Anthropogenic impacts in the region, primarily logging, should aim to retain these resources in affected areas to improve the survival prospects of the species. When compared with studies in wandoo woodlands, the results of the present study indicate that the conservation of ground-layer habitat is likely to be of less importance in the jarrah forest. These habitat differences indicate that site-specific information is critical if the management and conservation of individual species is to be effective.


Many Asians migrated to Kenya in the late 19th century. Some of these Asians have been running successful entrepreneurship ventures, some of which are over a century old. The study investigated whether there are any differences in the approach to entrepreneurship between the businessmen of Asian origin and those of African origin. A questionnaire was administered to 80 entrepreneurs of Asian origin and 75 of African origin doing businesses in two major Kenyan cities, Nairobi and Kisumu. The Asian origin entrepreneurs were more into manufacturing businesses, more exposed to challenges, and had global education and a higher element of being next generation entrepreneurs than those of African origin. African origin Entrepreneurs were more likely to initiate businesses on their own, enjoyed community support and enrolled for more technical training, but were more risk averse. This article revolves around the theme of how socioeconomic evolution affects the way businesses are conducted.


ABSTRACT Estimates of peak flood discharges are most often based on stage measurements, and the discharge is determined indirectly from the extrapolation of a rating-curve. It is possible to improve the extrapolation of the rating-curve by hydraulic modeling, such as scale or numerical models. In this paper, we discuss a case study for a streamflow gauging station in a mountainous river in Norway. A computational fluid dynamics model is used as part of a hybrid modeling study to study the flow at this gauging station with challenging geometry and flow and derive a reliable rating-curve. The numerical model produces stage-discharge data with comparable accuracy to the scale model. Analysis of the results of the hybrid modeling shows that the original location of stage measurements is not suitable for field measurements or for modeling the rating curve. Based on the modeling, an alternative point of measurement with better flow conditions at high flows is identified. The results and findings highlight the importance of 3-dimensional flow at the site during floods and shows how computational fluid dynamics can be used to provide stage-discharge data for rating curves and provide additional insight in hybrid modeling.


Background and Aim: Recent studies revealed a novel association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and bone health status in healthy male populations. The present study aimed to validate this association and provide new information on the relationship between TSH levels and calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) in men. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 681 men with complete data of calcaneal SOS, body anthropometry, serum TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Results: All subjects had FT3 and FT4 levels within the in-house reference range and 13 subjects had lower than normal TSH levels. The results revealed that the SOS value of subjects was significantly associated with TSH after multiple adjustments (p<0.05). When subjects were divided into quintiles according to their TSH levels, the difference of SOS between men with low-normal TSH and high-normal TSH contributed significantly to the association between TSH and bone health status (p<0.05). The significance of the association persisted with the inclusion and exclusion of subclinical hyperthyroid subjects. Conclusions: There was a significant association between TSH levels and bone health status in men as assessed by quantitative ultrasound. This age-independent association between TSH and SOS might explain some of the individual variation of bone health status in men.


Once a humanitarian disaster receives coverage in the global media, the international community usually mobilises to reduce the most severe consequences. However people in Chad are experiencing endemic crises that are detached from speci! c triggers, and they are not receiving any international assistance to help relieve the hardships they face. " is study involves 111 migrant households from central Chad that, as a result of war and drought, have lost everything and now have to live in squatter areas of N'Djamena and Mongo, facing uncertainty and threats while negotiating their livelihoods. Qualitative and quantitative methods have been combined in this study to reveal the intriguing story of their daily lives in the face of complex and endemic crises. Anthropometric and health data were generated to determine the nutritional status of mothers and their children under ! ve. Life histories, in-depth interviews and participatory observation allowed the researchers to capture the negotiation strategies they use to access food and shelter, their experiences of food insecurity and sanitary vulnerability, and the consequences these have on daily life. Results indicate that 62% of households were female headed, there were high rates of acute (40-50%) and chronic (35-40%) malnutrition and 46% of the mothers were underweight and anaemic. Infant mortality rates were also high at 30%-42% and 97% of the children had had incomplete or no vaccinations. No households had access to clean water, sanitation or public-health services. Endemic corruption and abuse by the authorities were identi! ed as major sources of day-to-day insecurity. " ese migrants were not expecting any improvement in their livelihoods in the foreseeable future and saw these miserable conditions as normal.


Abstract Objective: Obesity, a global epidemic and risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases, has become a public health concern in South Africa, especially in the elderly. This study investigated the trend of development of obesity in a group of urban elderly individuals from 2007-2011. Design: This was a cross-sectional or cohort design. Setting and subjects: The study took place in Sharpeville, Gauteng, on 208 purposively selected elderly individuals aged 60-104 years. Outcome measures: Measurements included anthropometric variables, i.e. weight, height and waist circumference, measured biennially from 2007-2011 using standard techniques. Collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences®, version 20.0. Descriptive analysis was performed for the variables, as well as Student's t-test, analysis of variance, correlation analysis and bivariate logistic regression. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of the elderly participants ranged from 30.7 kg/m2 in 2007 to 31.1 kg/m2 in 2011, with a slight decrease in 2009 (29.5 kg/m2) in the women, and a reduction from 27.2 kg/m2 to 24.2 kg/m2 in the men. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 72.9% in 2007 to 83.3% in the women, whereas it decreased from 66.7% to 42.8% in the men. The prevalence of central obesity fluctuated in the women (it decreased from 84.5% in 2007 to 72.0% in 2009, and then increased to 87.0% in 2011), while it decreased consistently in the men from 46.2% in 2007 to 28.6% in 2011. Overweight and obese elderly individuals (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were more likely to be centrally obese than those with a BMI < 25 kg/m2. Conclusion: The trend of obesity was consistently high in the study population from 2007-2011. However, a significant difference in the prevalence of total and central obesity was not noted, although it apparently increased in the women and decreased in the men. Appropriate and timely intervention is urgently required.


The recent decline in the Federal Reserve's check volumes has received a lot of attention. Although switching to electronic payments methods and electronic check-processing has been credited for much of that decline, some of it could be caused by changes following bank mergers involving Federal Reserve customer banks. This paper evaluates the effect of bank mergers on Federal Reserve check-processing volumes. ; Using inflow-outflow and regression methods, we find that mergers between two or more Reserve Bank customers have resulted in volume losses, especially during the first quarter following the merger. On average, the estimated cumulative loss of volume during the first five post-merger quarters was 2.6 million checks. While the overall number of checks in the United States has declined during the past few years, the Federal Reserve has lost additional check-processing volume because of bank mergers.


The title of this article is derived from a statement by Von Hagen to the effect that Roman roads gave to the world "a shared law". One may well ask what this shared law is and how it came about. Per definition a "shared law" would be a legal system adhered to jointly by various peoples and countries.
In this article I will attempt to explain how it came about that the legal system of Rome came to be shared with her conquered peoples. In doing so I will discuss various means of communication in the Roman world : first, and most importantly, I will pay attention to the magnificent network of Roman roads; secondly, I will discuss the state post (cursus publicus); thirdly I will concentrate on imperial legislation; and fourthly codification will be considered. By means of the roads and the postal system, Rome was able to communicate and circulate Roman law to the whole of the Roman Empire. This was done in various ways: for example, emperors, governors, administrators, jurists, teachers and imperial messengers all travelled along these roads and by performing their duties, Roman law was carried to the furthest ends of the Empire.


The present article examines flows and stocks of Stockholm Convention regulated pollutants, commercial penta‐ and octabrominated diphenyl ether (cPentaBDE, cOctaBDE), on a city level. The goals are to (1) identify sources, pathways, and sinks of these compounds in the city of Vienna, (2) determine the fractions that reach final sinks, and (3) develop recommendations for waste management to ensure their minimum recycling and maximum transfer to appropriate final sinks. By means of substance flow analysis (SFA) and scenario analysis, it was found that the key flows of cPentaBDE stem from construction materials. Therefore, end‐of‐life (EOL) plastic materials used for construction must be separated and properly treated, for example, in a state‐of‐the‐art municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator. In the case of cOctaBDE, the main flows are waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and, possibly, vehicles. Most EOL vehicles are exported from Vienna and pose a continental, rather than a local, problem. According to the modeling, approximately 73% of cOctaBDE reached the final sink MSW incinerator, and 17% returned back to consumption by recycling. Secondary plastics, made from WEEE, may thus contain significant amounts of cOctaBDE; however, uncertainties are high. According to uncertainty analysis, the major cause is the lack of reliable values regarding cOctaBDE concentrations in European WEEE categories 3 and 4, including cathode ray tube monitors for computers and televisions. We recommend establishing a new, goal‐oriented data set by additional analyses of waste constituents and plastic recycling samples, as well as establishing reliable mass balances of polybrominated diphenyl ethers' flows and stocks by means of SFA.


This paper proposes a real-time acoustic channel equalization method that uses an adaptive multichannel linear prediction technique. In general, multichannel equalization algorithms can eliminate reverberation if they meet the following specific conditions including: the co-primeness between channels and sufficient filter length. It also requires the characteristic of correct channel information, however, it is difficult to estimate accurate acoustic channels in a practical system. The proposed method utilizes a theoretically perfect channel equalization algorithm and considers problems that may arise in the actual system. Linear-predictive multi-input equalization (LIME) is also an appropriate attempt at blind dereverberation by assuring the theoretical basis. However, a huge computational cost is incurred by calculating the large dimensions of a covariance matrix and its inversion. The proposed equalizer is developed as a multichannel linear prediction (MLP) oriented structure with a new formula that is optimized to time-varying acoustical room environments. Moreover, experimental results show that the proposed method works well even if the channel characteristics of each microphone are similar. The results of experiments using various room impulse response (RIR) models, including both the synthesized and real room environments, show that the proposed method is superior to conventional methods.


Social support influences health and well-being. Research findings show that social support positively influences pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe and explore perceived social support of pregnant women and determine if social support is associated with degrees of rurality, i.e., urban, rural and remote rural. The sample was comprised of 60 pregnant women in their second and third trimester who resided in the Intermountain region. Perceived social support self-report surveys (PRQ85Part 2) were distributed and completed by women at two urban clinics and one hospital located in Montana. Perceived social support scores were calculated for each participant, with a possible range from 25-175; higher scores indicated greater perceived social support. The mean perceived social support score for the sample was 152.9. Scores were highest among those who were married, Caucasian, had a higher level of education, had a higher annual income, and who indicated their primary source of support as spouse. Scores were also highest for those in their third trimester with complications of the current pregnancy. Scores were lowest for those who indicated living in a remote rural setting and highest for those from a rural setting. When stratified by degrees of rurality, findings reflected those of the entire sample except the remote rural group, which had lower scores with a higher annual income and were in their third trimester. Possible explanations for these findings are supported by Cohen's stress buffering model of social support and rural nursing theory. These results may help nurses and other healthcare providers offer a more holistic approach to meeting unique health care needs of pregnant women in rural communities. Of significance here is recognizing social support as important to health care during pregnancy, a specific period of time when health promotion and prevention are of critical importance.


Master decision modeling and analytics through realistic examples, intuitive explanations, and tested Excel templates. Business Analytics with Management Science has been designed to help students, practitioners and managers use business analytics to improve decision-making systems. Unlike previous books, it emphasizes the application of practical management science techniques in business analytics. Drawing on 20+ years of teaching and consulting experience, Dr. Arben Asllani introduces decision analytics through realistic examples and intuitive explanations not complex formulae and theoretical definitions. Throughout, Asllani helps practitioners focus more on the crucial input-output aspects of decision making and less upon internal model complexities that can usually be "delegated" to software.


First results of a dispersion modelling study in the city of Zurich are presented. Surface pollutant concentrations (yearly averages) at several monitoring stations were modelled using the Danish OML–Multi operational model and compared with observations. For this purpose a detailed SO2 and NOx emission inventory for the year 1990 was constructed. The results show an average overestimation of the observed NOx concentrations of about 35% and an average overestimation of the observed SO2 concentrations of almost 50% at 24 sites distributed all over the area of investigation.


For certain new technologies such as subsea processing systems reliability, compactness and easy maintainability are the most important factors to be considered while designing. This is because installation and retrieval costs increase with the increase in the size of the equipment. Failure of such equipments will cause huge production losses leading to enormous financial losses. However to have a better understanding of how reliable a component is, it is most appropriate to express it quantitatively. Methods to predict the reliability of equipment have been suggested however they all require historical data to be fed as input to conduct the analysis. When dealing with new technologies these historical datas are nearly absent. The objective of this thesis is to propose a method for estimating the failure rate of such new technologies with special focus on subsea processing systems. A literature study was carried out on the various reliability datas such as OREDA, MIL-HDBK-217, FIDES and NSWC. The key features of each of the reliability data handbooks were identified. Also the various methods used for estimating the failure rates were discussed especially for FIDES and NSWC. A literature review of the various subsea processing systems was also carried out and a final focus was made on subsea multiphase helico-axial pump. A bayesian approach was chosen for the new proposed approach. The suggested approach consists of six steps where the analysis starts with a failure mode and effect analysis of the chosen new technology, helico-axial subsea pump in our case. Using the results from the failure mode and effect analysis and literature reviews an influence diagram is developed for the helico-axial pump. The probabilities of the priors and the conditional probabilities are assigned based reliability data handbooks and literature reviews. The importance of each of the failure modes is identified. Finally the failure of the pump is calculated by multiplying the failure rate of each of the failure modes with its calculated importance. The total failure rate of the pump is obtained by adding the modified failure rates. Using this method it was seen that the failure rate of the helico-axial pump with the given current design has a failure rate which is less than that of a centrifugal pump which is required to operate for a period of six years with one failure. Finally recommendations for further work have also been included at the final part of this report.


Neuroendocrine tumors are unique and rare tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells. Large cell neuroendocrine tumors have been found in almost every organ such as gastrointestinal tract, bronchopulmonary, pancreas, uterine cervix, urinary bladder and salivary gland, but primary sites in gastrointestinal tract and lung are the most frequent. These neoplasms show neuroendocrine differentiation in organizational structure, which requires further confirmation with immunohistochemistry or electron microscope. In immunohistochemistry staining, pure neuroendocrine areas are diffusely stained positive for synaptophysin (Syn), chromogranin (CgA) and CD56.At least two neuroendocrine markers (Syn, CgA or CD56) must be diffusely stained positive to establish a diagnosis for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. We studied a rare case of large cell neuroendocrine tumor that was originated from the ileocecal junction and showed CgA, Syn and CD56 triple-negative. The tumor, however, showed typical morphologic and immunohistochemical features of neuroendocrine differentiation; it also exhibited well differentiation and a significant peritumoral lymphoid reaction. Furthermore, we also found the intracytoplasmic neurosecretory granules through the electron micrograph examination.


This study describes the composition and metabolic potential of a lignocellulosic biomass degrading community that decays poplar wood chips under anaerobic conditions. We examined the community that developed on poplar biomass in a non-aerated bioreactor over the course of a year, with no microbial inoculation other than the naturally occurring organisms on the woody material. The composition of this community contrasts in important ways with biomass-degrading communities associated with higher organisms, which have evolved over millions of years into a symbiotic relationship. Both mammalian and insect hosts provide partial size reduction, chemical treatments (low or high pH environments), and complex enzymatic 'secretomes' that improve microbial access to cell wall polymers. We hypothesized that in order to efficiently degrade coarse untreated biomass, a spontaneously assembled free-living community must both employ alternative strategies, such as enzymatic lignin depolymerization, for accessing hemicellulose and cellulose and have a much broader metabolic potential than host-associated communities. This would suggest that such a community would make a valuable resource for finding new catalytic functions involved in biomass decomposition and gaining new insight into the poorly understood process of anaerobic lignin depolymerization. Therefore, in addition to determining the major players in this community, our work specifically aimed at identifying functions potentially involved in the depolymerization of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin, and to assign specific roles to the prevalent community members in the collaborative process of biomass decomposition. A bacterium similar to Magnetospirillum was identified among the dominant community members, which could play a key role in the anaerobic breakdown of aromatic compounds. We suggest that these compounds are released from the lignin fraction in poplar hardwood during the decay process, which would point to lignin-modification or depolymerization under anaerobic conditions.


The quantification of spatial and temporal movement patterns of coral reef sharks is im- portant to understand their role in reef communities and to aid the design of conservation strategies for this predatory guild. We observed 4 species of reef sharks aggregating in an inshore bay in the north of Western Australia for over 2 yr, using acoustic telemetry and visual censuses to examine how they par- titioned this site in space and time. We fitted 58 sharks with acoustic transmitters: Carcharhinus melanopterus (36), C. amblyrhynchos (11), Negaprion acutidens (7) and Triaenodon obesus (4). Aggre- gations consisted primarily of C. melanopterus, although C. amblyrhynchos and N. acu tidens were of- ten present. We observed aggregations by visual census in summer (maximum of 44 sharks). Detec- tions were highest during warmer months (Sep to Mar) for all species, although some individuals showed year-round residency. C. melanopterus, C. amblyrhynchos and N. acutidens had strong diel patterns of attendance at the aggregation site. Peak daily detections occurred from 13:00 to 14:00 h local time for C. melanopterus and C. amblyrhynchos; juvenile C. melanopterus and N. acutidens peaked at 05:00 and 10:00 h, respectively. There was considerable spatial overlap of core areas of use (50% kernel density estimates) at the northern end of the bay by all species; the southern end was used primarily by C. melanopterus and N. acutidens. Aggregations of C. mela nop terus and C. am- blyrhynchos consisted mainly of adult females, some of them pregnant. Courtship behaviour in C. melanopterus and T. obesus suggests that these aggregations are related to reproduction. All species displayed inter-annual site fidelity. The long-term presence of juvenile C. melanopterus and N. acuti- dens also suggests that this bay provides suitable conditions for younger age classes.


This paper presents a method that is capable of robustly estimating gait phase of a human walking using the motion of a sparse cloud of feature points extracted using a standard feature tracker. We first learn statistical motion models of the trajectories we would expect to observe for each of the main limbs. By comparing the motion of the tracked features to our models and integrating over all features we create a state probability matrix that represents the likelihood of being at a particular phase as a function of time. By using dynamic programming and allowing only likely phase transitions to occur between consecutive frames, an optimal solution can be found that estimates the gait phase for each frame. This work demonstrates that despite the sparsity and noise contained in the tracking data, the information encapsulated in the motion of these points is sufficient to extract gait phase to a high level of accuracy. Presented results demonstrate our system is robust to changes in height of the walker, gait frequency and individual gait characteristics.


Ciclesonide is a novel and effective inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma that is converted into the active metabolite C21-desisobutyryl-ciclesonide (des-CIC) in the lung. The objectives of this analysis were to characterize covariate effects on des-CIC pharmacokinetics (PK) and circadian cortisol release. In addition, the effect of systemic des-CIC exposure on circadian cortisol release was also evaluated. Data from 12 phase I and 3 phase III studies in adults and 2 phase III studies in children (ex-actuator dose of ciclesonide: 40-2880 μg) were pooled. There were 635 subjects in the analysis with 5238 and 4470 observations recorded for concentrations of des-CIC and cortisol, respectively. The des-CIC PK was described using a 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and no clinically relevant differences in des-CIC PK due to body weight, race, asthma severity, or gender. The mean PK parameters estimates of apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution were 302 L/h and 1310 L, respectively. A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption, an endogenous "predose" cortisol concentration at dose interval and a lag time based on a fixed, hypothetical cortisol dosing time of 10:00 PM could adequately characterize the circadian rhythm of endogenous cortisol release. The potential effect of des-CIC on the circadian rhythm of endogenous cortisol release was evaluated using dose and AUC as covariates and applying the Emax model. Less than 1% of all observed des-CIC concentrations were higher than the EC50 for cortisol suppression, indicating negligible changes in cortisol concentrations at therapeutically relevant doses.


"A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture may be assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background" (Pollock/Van Reken 2001, p. 19).