This case study examined interpersonal communication in sport in the form of verbal aggression among elite athletes in the Australian Football League (AFL). It focused on the experience and motivation of athletes who use athlete-to-athlete verbal aggression and the responses of athletes who have been the targets of verbal aggression during games. In addition, the reasons athletes have for not engaging in verbal aggression were also examined. Purposive sampling procedures produced a select sample of elite male athletes known for their aggressive approach to playing Australian football. Qualitative methods and deductive analysis procedures, informed by J.H. Kerr's categories of sport aggression, were used to interpret the interview data. Meaningful insights into verbal aggression in the AFL were obtained. Based on the underlying motivation, interview transcript descriptions of incidents were identified as examples of power, thrill, and anger verbal aggression.


Reality monitoring refers to the process of discriminating between internally and externally generated information. Two different tasks have often been used to assess this ability: (a) memory for perceived versus imagined stimuli; and (b) memory for participant- versus experimenter-performed operations. However, it is not known whether these two reality monitoring tasks share neural substrates. The present study involved use of a within-subjects functional magnetic resonance imaging design to examine common and distinct brain mechanisms associated with the two reality monitoring conditions. The sole difference between the two lay in greater activation in the medial anterior prefrontal cortex when recollecting whether the participant or the experimenter had carried out an operation during prior encoding as compared to recollecting whether an item had been perceived or imagined. This region has previously been linked with attending to mental states. Task differences were also reflected in the nature of functional connectivity relationships between the medial anterior and right lateral prefrontal cortex: There was a stronger correlation in activity between the two regions during recollection of self/experimenter context. This indicates a role for the medial anterior prefrontal cortex in the monitoring of retrieved information relating to internal or external aspects of context. Finally, given the importance of reality monitoring to understanding psychotic symptoms, brain activity was related to measures of proneness to psychosis and schizotypal traits. The observation of significant correlations between reduced medial anterior prefrontal signal and scores on such measures corroborates these theoretical links.


This study presents a structural-geological map illustrating the tectonic contact between the Stilo-Pazzano Phyllite Unit and the Mammola Paragneiss Unit. Their juxaposition is exposed in the Paleozoic upper continental crust cropping out in the southern Serre Massif. Since the geometry of the contact has never been defined before, a detailed geological survey has been carried out in the Levadio stream area, i.e. one of the most promising areas to constrain the tectono-magmatic setting of the Hercynian upper continental crust exposed in Calabria. A structural-geological map, at a scale 1:10,000, has been constructed, including also Upper Carboniferousgranodiorites, belonging to the Serre batholith, and Lower Permian felsic dykes, both useful time markers to constrain the minimum age for the juxtaposition of the Stilo-Pazzano Phyllite and Mammola Paragneiss units wall rocks. According to petrographic and structural observations, the attempt to discriminate on the geological map the main deformation events has been made also by the use of tracing distinct fold-axial-planes, each referring to the related contractional deformation event. This approach makes the geological map intuitive for the relative timing of the deformational events affecting the Stilo-Pazzano Phyllite and Mammola Paragneiss units. The geological mapping of the Levadio stream area shows that the post-Visean – pre-Upper Carboniferous tectonics was characterized by a main extensional event, that was responsible for the juxtaposition of the Mammola Paragneiss Unit (below) and the Stilo-Pazzano Phyllite Unit (above) under greenschist facies conditions. Three subsequent, progressively weaker contractional deformation events occurred in response to the late Hercynian emplacement and incremental growth of the Serre batholith.


A fully electronically conjugated phthalocyanine–perylenemonoimidebenzimidazole system, ZnPc–PMIBI 2, where the conjugation goes through the imide position of the perylene has been synthesized. The preparation was made possible by the condensation of a new unsymmetrically substituted diaminophthalocyanine, ZnPc(NH2)2, with a perylene monoanhydride monoimide. Both the experimental and the computational (DFT) results indicate that ZnPc–PMIBI exhibits significant intramolecular electronic interactions. The lifetime of the charge-separated (CS) state was extended to 0.26 ms, corresponding to the longest value ever reported for a covalent phthalocyanine–peryleneimide system in solution, and is attributed to the synergy of an extremely low CS energy, lower than the triplet energy of each chromophore, together with the coupling between both units, allowing fast charge separation.


This technical note concerns control applications over lossy data networks. Sensor data is transmitted to an estimation-control unit over a network and control commands are issued to subsystems over the same network. Sensor and control packets may be randomly lost according to a Bernoulli process. In this context, the discrete-time linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) optimal control problem is considered. In Schenato , a complete analysis was carried out for the case that sensor measurements and control inputs are delivered into a single packet to the estimator and to the actuators respectively. Here, a nontrivial generalization for MIMO systems is presented under the assumption that each sensor and each actuator exchange data with the control unit in an independent way by using their own data packet (no aggregation). In such a framework, it is shown that the separation principle still holds in the case where packet arrivals are acknowledged by the receiver. Moreover, the optimal LQG control is a linear function of the state that explicitly depends on the loss probabilities of the actuator channels. Such a dependence is not present in the single channel case considered in mean-square. In the infinite horizon case, stability conditions on the packet arrival probabilities are provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).


Until now context free grammars (CFG) have been used mainly for the design of programming languages. There have been several studies, which demonstrate the relationship between learning theory and number theory. This paper presents protocols, which use context free languages for an authentication protocol using one-time authentication information. This authentication information can be used for the generation of one-time passwords. This paper also analyses of the difficulty of guessing strings in such a language. The paper further discusses structured and unstructured techniques for generating strings, which is a part of ongoing work. We present here our approach and some of our early results.


This book discusses an innovative approach to nursing practice. Solution-focused nursing is a practical philosophy which emphasizes change at three levels: the client, nursing and society. It teaches three important principles: to be cautious of dominant paradigms, to focus not only on problems but solutions too, and to work with and for clients rather than on them. Solution-Focused Nursing challenges common assumptions about care and provides a framework for nursing that is not just technical, but psychosocial too. [Book Synopsis]


The story of the Plantagenet dynasty is the story of one of the pivotal ages in English history. Attitudes and outlooks were formed with regard to a vast array of profoundly important issues. Such fundamental issues as the relationship between church and state, the nature of government/governance, the interaction of social and economic classes, and ultimately the idea of what it means to be English were all shaped to a great degree by the events of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.


One of the central principles of copyright law is that an author may prevent others from using her expression but not her ideas. Known as the idea/expression dichotomy, this is how copyright law gives authors an incentive to create new works while ensuring that the public may continue to use and build on the ideas underlying those works. In practice, however, distinguishing expression from idea often proves quite difficult, and nowhere is this difficulty more apparent than in cases involving fictional facts. Fictional facts are the building blocks that make up a work of fiction. Seen from the author's perspective, they are unique creations that define the plot, characters, and setting of the work and are therefore deserving of protection. To the audience, however, these same fictional facts are the work's abstract ideas and should be available for anyone to repurpose. Several important copyright decisions from the past fifteen years have centered on fictional facts, including disputes over a Star Trek viewers' guide, a book of Seinfeld trivia, and, more recently, a Harry Potter encyclopedia. Yet little has been written on the doctrinal problems that fictional facts present or possible solutions that courts might implement.To begin, this article offers an overview of how fictional facts are typically used and why both authors and audiences believe they are worth fighting over. It then explores the status of fictional facts under current copyright law. One decision in particular, Castle Rock Entertainment, Inc. v. Carol Publishing Group, Inc., made a lasting impact when the Second Circuit improperly introduced originality into its analysis of the idea/expression dichotomy. The article concludes with a proposal for a fictional-fact-specific infringement test that tries to balance author incentive and the public interest. In contrast to fair use, which provides an affirmative defense to infringement claims, this revised test considers whether copying fictional facts constitutes infringement in the first place.


Making a Child's World Whole Again Explaining death to a child is one of the most difficult tasks a parent or other relative can face. "The Grieving Child" offers practical, compassionate advice for helping a child cope with the death of a parent or other loved one. Parents of children from preschool age to the teen years will find much-needed guidance, covering: Helping a child visit the seriously ill or dying Using language appropriate to a child's age level Selecting useful books about death Handling especially difficult situations, including murder and suicide Deciding whether a child should attend a funeral With a new chapter devoted to the special issues of the bereaved toddler, "The Grieving Child" provides invaluable suggestions for dealing with a child's emotional responses (including anger, guilt, and depression) and helping a child adjust to a new life."


The central sector (NW England and Scottish borders) of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet exhibits a palimpsest glacial geological and geomorphological signature characteristic of multi-phase ice flow and ice-marginal fluctuations. Despite its influential position at the heart of the British-Irish Ice Sheet, sourced from major ice dispersal centres of the northern Pennines, Lake District and Southern Uplands, and drained via fast-flowing outlets such as the Irish Sea Ice Stream, the region remains poorly constrained, both temporally and in terms of ice-flow dynamics. The principle goal of this thesis was therefore to reconstruct the palaeoglaciology of the central sector of the British-Irish Ice Sheet during the last glacial cycle, focusing on: (1) ice-flow dynamics with respect to palaeo-ice divides, ice-dispersal centres, flow trajectories and flow phasing; (2) the relative chronology of ice flows during advance and decay of the ice sheet; and (3) evidence for ice stream activity either within or sourced from the study area.
The thesis adopted a dual approach involving both geomorphological mapping and sedimentological analysis. A 5 m resolution NEXTMap DEM was used to map over 9,000 individual landforms including subglacial lineations, hummocky terrain, moraines, meltwater channels, eskers and glaciofluvial sediment accumulations. Subglacial lineations were subdivided into discrete flow sets demarcating distinctive flow phases, and a relative chronology produced from cross-cutting relationships. Thirteen field sites, concentrated in the Solway Lowlands, supported by data collected from over 200 boreholes enabled detailed stratigraphic and sedimentological analysis to be carried out. This included stratigraphic logging, the collection of macrofabrics, particle size and geochemistry analysis on till matrixes, clast lithological counts, varve analysis and microstructural (thin sections) data.
Results from this study have demonstrated that the central sector of the ice sheet was characterised by repeated ice-flow switches, initiation and termination of ice streams, drawdown into ice streams, repeated ice-marginal fluctuations (the Scottish and Blackhall Wood Re-advances) and the production of large volumes of meltwater, often impounded to form ice-dammed lakes. Six main stages of ice flow have been recognised in the region, of which stage I is thought to indicate the period of maximum ice expansion, while stages II-VI record the deglacial history. A pre-stage I event is also discussed and can be reconciled with the initial expansion of ice out of upland dispersal centres. Stage I was characterised by ice flowing eastwards across the country through major topographic lows of the Stainmore and Tyne gaps. The Tyne Gap was occupied by a topographic ice stream, which was heavily influenced by the changing dominances of both Lake District and Southern Upland ice-dispersal centres. Migration of ice divides back towards upland dispersal centres during stage II resulted in the flow of ice through the Stainmore Gap being cut-off, while the northern edge of the Tyne Gap ice stream was breached by a SE ice flow down the N Tyne Valley. Despite the maintenance of the Irish Sea Ice Stream off the western coast of Cumbria throughout stage III, the Tyne Gap and Solway Lowlands underwent widespread deglaciation. Meltwater from the Tyne Gap was routed into Glacial-Lake Wear via a major proglacial drainage network in the South Tyne Valley, while the natural basin of the Solway Lowlands also ponded-up (Glacial-Lake Blackhall Wood) as drainage became impeded by the Irish Sea Ice Stream. The overall pattern of retreat was reversed during the Blackhall Wood Re-advance (stage IV), during which ice was vigorously drawn down into the Irish Sea Ice Stream. Stage V was characterised by the continued retreat of ice out of the central sector of the British-Irish Ice Sheet; with the vast amounts of meltwater generated impounded in ice-marginal lake systems (Glacial-Lake Carlisle), or routed through meltwater channel networks or evolving glacier karst (Brampton kame belt). The landforms of the Brampton kame belt can be reconciled with ice stagnation on the reverse slope of the Tyne Gap, and is thought to have formed one component of a much larger, time-transgressive drainage network involving the Pennine escarpment and Tyne Gap meltwater channel systems. The final recognised stage in the glacial history of the region was the Scottish Re-advance, a brief incursion of ice, sourced from the Southern Uplands, onto the fringe of the Solway Lowlands. A large glacial lake is identified to have formed at the ice front, dammed against ice in the Irish Sea basin and delimited by a large deltaic complex at Holme St. Cuthbert.


This paper analyzes social group formation when agents are subject to peer effects within groups increasing human capital and instantaneous utility. When agents are heterogeneous on two dimensions, ability and social skills, and monetary payments are not feasible the model predicts segregation at the top and at the bottom of the attribute space and bunching for heterogeneous intermediate types. Groups may be heterogeneous in taste types and more heterogeneous types are more likely to participate. The equilibrium allocation does not induce cost-efficient human capital accumulation. Introducing ability tracking may produce beneficial results despite decreasing differences in human capital production.


1 Introduction When did biologists accept Charles Darwin's theory of evolution? One might argue that his theory, in its original form, was never accepted by more than a handful of biologists. The theory that was accepted in the twentieth century was based on a different understanding of natural selection, of the variations on which it acts, and on the source of those variations. Nevertheless, by 1970, Darwin was given credit for proposing a theory that was essentially correct when the necessary corrections were made. In particular, biologists came to believe that natural selection acting on small mutations, combined with Mendelian principles of heredity, is the major cause of evolutionary adaptation. Additional factors, such as genetic drift, geographical isolation, polyploidy, and so forth, may be involved in some cases (especially in speciation) and at some levels, but they would accomplish little by themselves. As modified in the twentieth century, Darwin's theory, sometimes (misleadingly) called neo-Danvinism,1 is generally believed by historians of biology to have been established in the 1940s. It was the core of an "evolutionary synthesis," which brought together previously separate disciplines such as genetics, zoology, botany, and paleontology into a unified science of biology. At the same time, it could be considered a constriction rather than a synthesis, because it excluded many possible causes of evolution (Provine 1988). There is now a growing scholarly literature on the history of this synthesis.2 Why did biologists accept the modern version of Darwin's theory? I discuss in this book the reception by evolutionists and other biologists of what I will call the natural selection hypothesis (NSH): the hypothesis that natural selection, with an ample supply of variation in heritable characters, is not only the major process involved in evolution (with the help of geographical isolation or polyploidy in some cases), but also that Lamarckian effects, random genetic drift, and macromutations have essentially no evolutionary significance. The NSH was accepted by a bare majority of evolutionary biologists for only a short time (in the 1950s and 1960s). In particular I ask, what were the reasons they gave for adopting that hypothesis and for rejecting the argument that drift plays a significant role in evolution? Although I have generally used the concepts and terminology of evolutionary biologists in the time period under discussion, these concepts and terms may be confusing to a modern reader. Thus, John Endler argues that natural selection should be considered a process rather than a cause. It does not "act" - rather, it is the result of heritable differences and occurs when variation among individuals arises due to mutation or other causes.3 This study is part of a program to compare the reasons why scientists in different fields accept (or in some cases reject) proposed new theories. Is it true that "the reception of neo-Darwinism was colored by prevailing empiricist currents of thought" (Depew and Weber 1985b, 240)? If so, what specific empirical evidence was most persuasive? What weight did scientists give to the confirmation of predictions, supposedly the essential desideratum of the hypothetico-deductive scientific method, and according to Karl Popper, the basis of the criterion for demarcating science from pseudoscience?4 That question is especially appropriate in the case of evolutionary biology, since Popper s own critique of Darwinism provoked a long-running debate among philosophers and biologists about whether biological theories should be expected to make testable predictions, and whether more generally, the methodological standards for biology should be different from those of the physical sciences. The creation of "philosophy of biology " - as distinct from traditional "philosophy of science," allegedly biased toward physics-resulted in part from this debate. …


This paper models fiscal sustainability in Indonesia using the measure of liabilities-to-asset ratio (LAR), a simple measure of a country's balanced-sheet. It uses the approach of conditional Value-at-Risk (VaR), assuming normal or t distributions, to define the risky level. The conditional standard deviation in the conditional VaR is modelled using a univariate Generalized Autoregressive Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) family model. The conditional mean equation is modelled using a simple autoregressive equation. Using quarterly data from 1990 to 2014, the paper finds that the autoregressive term significantly influences the conditional mean of LAR. It also finds that both ARCH and GARCH terms significantly influence the conditional variance. Applying the conditional variance to calculate conditional VaR with 95% confidence level, and comparing the result with the actual LAR, it finds that there are no violations occurred during the period of estimation. This means that the fiscal sustainability in Indonesia is deemed safe. The violation occurs using the confidence level of 90% only. Keywords: Fiscal sustainability, liabilities-to-asset ratio, univariate GARCH, conditional Value-at-Risk JEL Classifications: H62, H63, H81


A hologram of a specially designed multivergence target which displays real and virtual objects (numbers) simultaneously has been used to test the vision of various spectacle corrected subjects. Through the hologram, the subjects see standard '60-meter' numbers that have different amounts of blur. It is found that there is a difference between myopes and hyperopes in the amount of positive blur with which they can recognize numbers seen through the hologram and this difference is statistically significant. A similar study was then conducted in white light illumination using the '60-meter' numbers of a standard test chart at 6 meter distance and positive lenses to provide the blur at the eye. This study showed no difference between the refractive groups. Our results indicate that hyperopes may be relaxing their accommodation more than myopes in viewing through the hologram.


Learning performance assessment using learning portfolios or Web log data is essential in the Web-based learning field, owing to the rapid growth of e-learning systems globally and lack of assisted authoring tools for Web-based learning performance assessment. The traditional summative evaluation by performing examinations or feedback forms can be employed to evaluate the learning performance for both traditional classroom learning and Web-based learning environments. However, summative evaluation only considers final learning outcomes without considering learning processes of learners. This means that the interactively controlled learning based on the immediate feedback of learning performance cannot be performed in a Web-based learning system. Based on the reasons mentioned earlier, this study presents a data-mining-based learning performance assessment scheme by combining four computational intelligence theories, i.e., gray relational analysis (GRA), K-means clustering scheme, fuzzy association rule mining, and fuzzy inference, in order to identify the learning performance assessment rules using the gathered Web-based learning portfolios of an individual learner. Experimental results indicated that the evaluation results of the proposed scheme are very close to those of summative assessment results. In other words, this scheme can help teachers assess the learning performance of the individual learner precisely utilizing only the learning portfolios in a Web-based learning environment. Therefore, teachers can devote themselves to teaching and designing courseware since they save a lot of time in evaluating learning performance. More significantly, teachers could understand the factors influencing learning performance in a Web-based learning environment according to the obtained interpretable learning performance assessment rules. Besides, teachers can also tune teaching strategies for learners with various learning performances. This result also provides useful information to Web-based learning systems to perform personalized learning mechanisms for individual learners.


There are an abundance of studies on examining the pre-adoption use and impact of information technology on organizations. In recent years, post adoption studies that relate to technology usage after it has been adopted, have started to appear in various research outlets but its scope remains limited. A great majority of these studies examined the post adoption related issues from technical perspective. This paper is an attempt to draw more attention to post adoption stage from a management perspective, and to define and present an initial set of factors that are likely to be involved in achieving business process innovation at the post adoption stage. In this paper, we present and explain antecedents of business process innovation having its basis in innovation dynamics literature. In sum, academics and practitioner contributions and implications by this research is also highlighted.


PURPOSE
Recently, several groups have begun investigating methods to generate synthetic CT images from MRI images to facilitate MRI-based radiation treatment planning. The goal of this work was to determine the feasibility of a novel approach for generating synthetic CT images using MR relaxometry guidance.

METHODS
MR relaxometry images of the head and pelvis were acquired on three volunteers using a Siemens 3T scanner. Rapid T1 mapping was performed by linear least squares fitting of the Ernst model to multiple flip angle (2, 5, 10, 15 deg) images acquired with a 3D FLASH sequence and corrected for B1+ inhomogeneities using a custom, 3D actual flip angle imaging (AFI) sequence. Rapid T2* mapping was performed by linear least squares fitting of eight echo time (2.9-29.1 ms) images acquired with a 3D FLASH sequence. Vendor-provided 3D distortion correction was applied to all images to correct for gradient nonlinearity distortions. Tissue classification was performed based on published values of T1 and T2* at 3T. Electron densities (EDs), obtained from ICRU Report 46, were assigned to the segmented structures. Synthetic CT images were generated by combining the segmented ED structures and applying an inverted CT-ED conversion table from a clinical radiation treatment planning system.

RESULTS
Total scan time for the MR relaxometry and AFI images was approximately ten minutes. T1 maps generated with B1+ correction demonstrated high uniformity compared to T1 maps obtained without correction. The combination of T1 and T2* maps was necessary to classify tissues in the head and pelvis regions. Synthetic CT images were successfully generated and transferred onto a radiation treatment planning system.

CONCLUSION
Generation of synthetic CT images for MRI-based radiation treatment planning using MR relaxometry-guidance is feasible. Further investigations will compare synthetic CT images generated using the proposed approach to actual CT images in patients.


The growth of the Internet and the explosion of digital communication technologies in the 1990s have given rise to the importance of digital multimedia in the American economy. We define multimedia as the transmission of content through a combination of text, graphics, pictures, sound, animation, video, and hyperlinks, resulting in communication that is multisensory and potentially interactive. Multimedia has had an impact on Internet marketing, the music and motion picture industries, the education industry, and healthcare. It is therefore relevant to marketing and information systems and would seem to have a place in business curricula. The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of teaching digital multimedia in a business discipline. A review of multimedia offerings in higher education indicates that the concepts, technical aspects, and creation of digital multimedia are taught variously in computer science, the creative arts, communication, or psychology but are largely absent from the domain of business disciplines. We report on our experiences teaching a three-credit, 15-week, junior/senior-level Digital Multimedia course under the Computer Information Systems heading. Topics associated with the course include conceptual understanding of digital multimedia, business and legal issues surrounding digital multimedia, and technical underpinnings and skills in the creation of multimedia. A key component of the course is a semester-long team project on a topic selected by each group of students. Challenges in teaching the course include cost of hardware, software, and facilities; containment of the scope of topics; differing expectations of students entering the course; and availability of support materials.


ABSTRACT To understand the potential role of forest products in household livelihoods, a study of the woodcraft industry in Zimbabwe was initiated. The woodcraft industry has increased steadily since the late 1980s. The factors driving the upsurge in the woodcraft industry are (a) the increased demand by tourists and (b) the need by rural households to find cash income sources. The structural adjustment programme, with one of its emphases being the decontrol of the currency, has probably played a key role in driving the rise in woodcraft production. Although all markets have a committee and all have some basic rules governing their operations, few of the rules are strictly enforced. There is also a lack of enforcement of the national legislation that governs the use of the tree resources. The local traditional rules governing resource use from the commons are also not strong. Given the problems in the national legislation and in the local rules, it is difficult to see how the resource can be managed on a sustainable basis. It appears that the benefits from the industry may not be substantial, given the lack of interest in the market from outsiders and the various elites who could monopolise the trade given the lack of enforcement structures in place. In communal areas, where deforestation is advanced, the selective use of certain species for carving is likely to drive the species to local extinction. The carvers are likely to switch to different tree species in order to maintain their production levels.


Background: The role of anesthesia as an elicitor of mast cell (MC) mediator release symptoms in mastocytosis is poorly investigated. Objective: To determine the frequency and type of MC mediator release symptoms during anesthetic procedures in mastocytosis patients. Methods: Medical records were reviewed regarding the anesthetic techniques for 501 mastocytosis patients (459 adults and 42 children; 95 and 5% with systemic involvement, respectively) who were subjected to 676 and 50 anesthetic techniques, respectively. General, sedation, epidural, and local anesthetic techniques were used in 66 (10%), 67 (10%), 76 (11%), and 515 (76%) adult patients and in 24 (48%), 8 (16%), 2 (4%), and 25 (50%) pediatric patients. Results: The frequency of perioperative MC mediator-related symptoms and anaphylaxis was 2 and 0.4% in the adult series and 4 and 2% among children. In the adult series, this frequency was significantly higher in patients who previously presented with anaphylaxis (p = 0.03), underwent major surgeries (p < 0.001) and general anesthesia (p = 0.02), and were not given prophylactic antimediator therapy (PAT) 1 h before the anesthesia (H1/H2 antihistamines and benzodiacepines; p = 0.002).Hypersensitivity and/or allergy to the involved drugs and latex allergy were ruled out in all but one symptomatic case; when PAT was given and sedation was added, some cases later tolerated the same anesthetic drugs. Conclusion: The frequency of perioperative anaphylaxis appears to be higher in mastocytosis patients than in the general population. Mastocytosis should not be a contraindication for anesthesia since PAT and adequate anesthetic management using the drugs with the safest profile appears to be effective in preventing/controlling MC mediator-associated symptoms.


At present, recultivation of abandoned open-pit mines is an important environmental task. The determination of the amount of soil required is indispensable for the preparation of the investment's expenditure plans. The conventional method of the area's accurate geodetic survey takes expertise and much time. The accuracy of the obtained result strongly depends on the experience of the specialist and the number of surveys. A good quality 3D digital elevation model (DEM) can be made of aerial photographs taken by small sized drones (wingspan of 1-3 m and take-off mass of 2-5 kg). The survey may take 20-40 minutes/1-10 km depending on the size of the area. During the presented experiments the amount of soil required was determined for the recultivation of a closed gravel mine based on aerial photos taken by drones after the successful 3D reconstruction of numerous artificial surface formations. In the experiments which were carried out calculations have been made on many covering surfaces of different design demonstrating the flexibility of the procedure. The procedure can be used not only for the volume calculation of mines but also for the inspection of restoration. Key-Words: UAV, drone, 3D surface model, photogrammetry, environmental protection, mine recultivation


Background

The question as to whether childhood obesity should be considered a child protection issue has divided commentators, with many questioning whether a child should be removed from parents who do not seek to reduce their child's weight, where significant obesity is identified. This divide is reflected in the social work profession where there is resistance to a role focused on bodily surveillance, whilst also acknowledging the need to investigate neglect where evidence exists of a clear parental failure to manage a child's diet, health and fitness. Similar divisions exist in the medical profession and debates are taking place in Australia and the US but with little research to inform policy and practice. In the UK, practice varies with a consideration of obesity being incorporated in some multi-agency child protection procedures but with no mention in others and little research to explain variations. In the absence of evidence the most influential guidance remains a paper by Viner et al (2010), which concludes:
• Childhood obesity alone is not a child protection issue
• Failure to reduce overweight alone is not a child protection concern
• Consistent failure to change lifestyle and engage with outside support indicates neglect, particularly in younger children
• Obesity may be part of wider concerns about neglect or emotional abuse
• Assessment should include systemic (family and environmental) factors
It is this framework which is both widely quoted and incorporated into the child protection procedures of some local authorities but there appears to be no research which has tested its usefulness or applicability in practice.
This research project was funded by NIHR CLAHRC YH and was conducted by staff from The Department of Social Work, Social Care and Community Studies and Centre for Health and Social Care Research at Sheffield Hallam University, Doncaster MBC, Rotherham MBC and School of Human and Health Sciences Huddersfield University. Ethical approval was provided by Sheffield Hallam University and research governance from Doncaster MBC. A project advisory group was set up from health and social care professionals which met virtually at the outset of the project, to guide the direction of the research, interviewing content and protocol, and to inform sampling.
Aims and Objectives

The research aimed to understand whether childhood obesity is a child protection concern and had three objectives:
• To explore the current and past practice of staff working within child protection and obesity services regarding child protection and obesity
• To explore staff perceptions of childhood obesity as a child protection issue using interview and focus group methods
• To explore the use of the Viner et al (2010) framework for action to understand child protection concerns for children who are obese.

Design and Methods

The research project conducted semi-structured interviews (N23) and facilitated focus groups (N3, N24) involving key stake holders from social care, health and education services. The professional roles of participants ranged from professionals involved in early help and family support, through to investigation and middle and senior management. Doncaster Council (DC) supported the recruitment of participants, through dissemination of information leaflets, email contact and the provision of interview facilities. All of the interviews and focus groups were undertaken in Doncaster in South Yorkshire, however the research was by no means an evaluation of current or past practice within the authority and participants were able to reflect on their experiences across geographic areas and professional roles and responsibilities. Framework Analysis methods were used to generate categories, codes and themes that capture the experiences, views and perceptions of the participants. The research team took a collective approach to the analytical process in order to develop the thematic framework.

Findings

The framework comprised of seven key themes:
Obesity: The short and long term impacts that obesity may have on a young person's physical and psychosocial health were acknowledged. Social factors relating to culture and poverty were also seen as contributing factors. Parental attitudes and perceptions were seen as playing a key role in recognising and responding to childhood obesity. The clinical nature of assessing and identifying obesity is complicated for non-health professionals.

Thresholds: For child protection services to undertake work, requests need to meet a severity threshold for interventions to occur. Thresholds were nuanced and complex and could act as inhibitors to providing services. The threshold operated not only as a line that had to be crossed in order for a referral to be accepted by social services but also in respect of individual practitioner thresholds regarding personal views and values regarding obesity, different agency thresholds, referrals for different services within an agency and also between agencies.
Child Protection: Respondents were divided as to whether child obesity was a child protection concern. For some the impact of obesity on long and short term outcomes for children made obesity unequivocally a child protection concern, yet for others excess weight itself was not sufficient. Where there was more common ground was in respect of the links between obesity and parental neglect. This could be in the form of associated factors such as failure to attend school or mental health issues but also for many respondents a failure on the part of families to engage with support plans and services offered. Those services were seen as a continuum of intervention levels from universal to statutory with child protection and legal interventions part of that continuum rather than a separate entity. A child protection approach could act as a catalyst for families to take up support as well as a gateway to more financially expensive and intensive support offers.
Viner Framework: The Viner framework was developed as a means of understanding and working with child obesity as a child protection issue. Almost all participants had no awareness of the Viner framework. Overall the framework was welcomed as a useful tool, with the caveat that over reliance on a framework can lead to over simple assessment. The framework was not seen as overcoming problems inherent in measuring and identifying obesity, and not identifying the association of obesity with sexual abuse.
Good Practice: Good practice was seen as beginning with a holistic understanding of obesity and its impact followed by a multi-agency approach including health, school and social care. Direct work with the whole family is given prominence in achieving change, both within and without a child protection context. Family involvement in the development and implementation of that work in a way that empowers but does not stigmatise was identified as a goal. Parental education was seen as important as part of a preventative approach and in sustaining change.
Challenges for Practice: Challenges to practice included structural issues such as a lack of funding for preventative services and a scarcity of targeted services for disadvantaged groups. Psycho-social barriers to families accepting support were identified such as poverty impacting upon individual behaviour. Multi–agency working was a source of frustration with a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. Direct work with families was central but could be contentious. Challenges included the potential reinforcement of unhealthy eating patterns and the need to balance risk management with building trust and relationships in order to bring about change.
Suggestions for Future: Suggestions included training on obesity and service availability, and providing a framework and procedures to guide practice. Evidence on short and long-term outcome measurements was identified as a deficit. More research and dissemination of findings on outcomes and what works regarding interventions is required.
Conclusions
This research has offered a unique insight into current multi-agency practice in respect of child obesity and child protection. Whether obesity alone can be a child protection concern is contested. Families who fail to recognise that child obesity is harmful to children and the failure of families to engage in support services was thought to potentially constitute neglect. When making judgements about child obesity and levels of harm, personal views about obesity and value judgements regarding parenting and children were as important, if not more so, than factual knowledge. These views come to the fore explicitly in threshold judgements and subsequent referral behaviour regarding identifying and acting on potential and actual significant harm. The services offered to and accepted by service users in respect of child obesity are both influenced by and a consequence of those threshold judgements.

Training regarding the identification, assessment and implications of child obesity was required. Given an acknowledgement of a multidisciplinary approach to child obesity assessment and service delivery being most effective, multidisciplinary training could also be most useful. Many would welcome a framework and procedures to guide, but not dictate, practice where child obesity may constitute significant harm and become a child protection concern.
Direct obesity focussed work with children and families is seen as key to bringing about change whether through universal services, family support or child protection statutory interventions. More research is required on the short and long-term effectiveness, outcomes and financial viability of those interventions to guide strategic and front line service delivery.


A Method to Compute Three Dimensional Magnetospheric Equilibria with Dipole Tilt and its Application in Estimating Magnetic Flux Tube Volume by Liheng Zheng In this thesis we describe a new version of a magneto-friction model, which was developed for computing the magnetospheric equilibrium that includes an arbitrary Earth's dipole tilt and interplanetary magnetic field. We also describe the algorithms of this new friction code that trace magnetic field lines, locate the neutral sheet, and identify the magnetopause. In addition, we present a generalized theory for calculating magnetic flux tube volume in the magnetotail, in an attempt to generalize the Wolf [2006] empirical formula, and describe a method for estimating flux tube volume from measurements at geosynchronous orbit. This new method has been tested against various equilibrated magnetospheres generated by the new friction code. Although still incomplete, the method exhibits promising features, and is to be completed in the future.


This paper focuses on finding the causes, effects, and deterrence and prevention of corporate fraud in the financial institution of Ghana. In particular, we examine the effects of fraud on a firm's financial performance. A cross sectional model was used to find the effects of financial institutions fraud on financial performance. It was revealed that fraud has a significant negative effects on financial performance i.e. Return on Assets of financial institutions in Ghana. However, structured questionnaires were also used to find out the perception of Accountants, Auditors, and management on the main causes of banking fraud and deterrence and prevention methods in curbing the menace. It was revealed that weaker internal control, inadequate training and fraud policies, failed documents, and proper remuneration are the strong arsenal that causes fraud in financial institutions of Ghana. Moreover, organizational use of password protection, good remuneration, employee's background checks, and adequate fraud training were perceived as the most deterrence and prevention method in fighting fraud in financial institutions. Our results have practical implication for management, accountants, auditors, and all stakeholders in financial institutions on the effects of fraud on firms financial performance and in mounting fool proof methods in curbing this canker and reducing it to its bearest minimum. The study contributes deterrence and prevention methods aimed at improving its effectiveness in reducing fraud in Ghana and West Africa.


Recent years have seen marked developments in deep neural networks (DNNs) stemming from advances in hardware and increasingly large datasets. DNNs are now routinely used in domains including computer vision and language processing. At their core, DNNs rely heavily on multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations making them well-suited for the highly parallel computational abilities of GPUs. GPUs, however, are von Neumann in architecture and physically separate memory blocks from computational blocks. This exacts an unavoidable time and energy cost associated with data transport known as the von-Neumann bottleneck. While incremental advances in digital hardware accelerators mitigating the von Neumann bottleneck will continue, we explore the potentially game-changing advantages of non-von Neumann architectures that perform MAC operations within the memory. This is achieved using a crossbar array of analog memory as shown in Fig. 1, which serves as the basis of our analog DNN hardware accelerators, and is amenable to both DNN training and forward inference [1], [2]. Recent work from our group has shown analog DNN hardware accelerators capable of 280× speedup in per area throughput while also providing 100× increase in energy efficiency over state-of-the-art GPUs [3].


ABSTRACT We document global phylogenetic pattern in the pupillid land snail genus Vertigo by analyses of nDNA (ITS1 and ITS2) and mtDNA (CytB and 16S) sequence from 424 individuals representing 91 putative specific and subspecific Vertigo taxa. nDNA and mtDNA data were separately subjected to neighbor-joining, minimum evolution, maximum likelihood and Bayesian reconstruction methods, with conclusions being drawn from shared topological structures. Six highly supported, reciprocally monophyletic subgeneric level clades were identified: Vertigo, Alaea, Boreovertigo new subgenus, Isthmia, Staurodon and Vertilla. 88 species or subspecies were also confirmed, nine of which are new and formally described herein: V. beringiana, V. chiricahuensis, V. chytryi, V. genesioides, V. kodamai, V. kurilensis, V. lilljeborgi vinlandica, V. pimuensis and V. pisewensis. Thirteen taxa were synonymized: V. arthuri basidens, V. arthuri hubrichti, V. arthuri paradoxa (= V. arthuri); V. allyniana (= V. modesta); V. andrusiana (= V. columbiana); V. conecuhensis (= V. alabamensis); V. dedecora tamagonari (= V. dedecora); V. elatior, V. idahoensis (= V. ventricosa); V. eogea (= V. ovata); V. modesta insculpta (= V. modesta concinnula), V. modesta microphasma, V. modesta sculptilis (= V. modesta castanea). Qualitative observations of conchological features, ecological preferences and geographic coverage were conducted for each subgenus and genetically supported species or subspecies-level taxon. These demonstrated that: (1) a suite of diagnostic shell features usually exists to demarcate each species-level taxon; (2) shell features were incapable of defining genetically validated subgenera; (3) all subgenera had transcontinental ranges; (4) ⅓ of all species possess continental or trans-continental ranges, with very few having range extents < 1,000 km; (5) all subgenera and fully ⅔ of global Vertigo species and subspecies are found in North America, more than 2.5 times the number found in central and eastern Asia, the second most diverse region. This is similar to several other molluscan groups, such as the polygyrid land snails and unionid bivalves for which North America is the global biodiversity hotspot.


This study examines the relationship between college students' developmental level of identity formation and their choice to make intentional changes in behavior. Specifically, it examines whether there is a relationship between the level of identity development of college students according to Chickering's model, measured by the Erwin Identity Scale (EIS), and the level of Readiness for Change concerning alcohol use following the Stages of Change Model by Prochaska and DiClemente. Correlational analyses in the form of multivariate regression is used to examine relationships between the various assessment measures. This helped answer the research questions: Is there a relationship between identity formation developmental levels and Readiness for Change, and do the subscales from the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) relate individually to any of the subscales of the EIS? The results of the multiple regression analysis conducted with the Recognition subscale of the SOCRATES as the dependent variable and the three subscales of the EIS as the predictors indicated that two of the EIS subscales, Sexual Identity and Comfort about Body and Appearance had a significant relationship to Recognition. The EIS subscale of Confidence showed no significant relationship to Recognition. The possibilities of linking developmental level and issues around changing the drinking behavior of college students open up a way of evaluating college students', which could alter the counselors' approach to which interventions they would choose. Since the choice of intervention is imperative to the success of the counseling process, the college students' level of identity formation may be related to Readiness for Change, and that by identifying students' identity level and COLLEGE STUDENT IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS FOR CHANGE 5 matching the identity level with counseling approaches, counselors may be more effective in helping students make changes in potentially harmful drinking practices. COLLEGE STUDENT IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS FOR CHANGE 6 Table of


[1] A three-dimensional hydrodynamic and sediment transport model was used to study the relative impact of (1) vegetation, (2) micro-topography, and (3) water level fluctuations on the spatial flow and sedimentation patterns in a tidal marsh landscape during single inundation events. The model incorporates three-dimensional (3-D) effects of vegetation on the flow (drag and turbulence). After extensive calibration and validation against field data, the model showed that the 3-D vegetation structure is determinant for the flow and sedimentation patterns. As long as the water level is below the top of the vegetation, differences in flow resistance between vegetated and unvegetated areas result in faster flow routing over unvegetated areas, so that vegetated areas are flooded from unvegetated areas, with flow directions more or less perpendicular to the vegetation edge. At the vegetation edge, flow velocities are reduced and sediments are rapidly trapped. In contrast, in between vegetated areas, flow velocities are enhanced, resulting in reduced sedimentation or erosion. As the water level overtops the vegetation, the flow paths described above change to more large-scale sheet flow crossing both vegetated and unvegetated areas. As a result, sedimentation patterns are then spatially more homogeneous. Our results suggest that the presence of a vegetation cover is the key factor controlling the long-term geomorphic development of tidal marsh landforms, leading to the formation of (1) unvegetated tidal channels and (2) vegetated platforms with a levee-basin topography in between these channels.


Introduction: Emerging evidence demonstrates that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a promising target for cancer therapy. Bortezomib (Velcade) exhibits great efficacy against multiple myeloma (MM) since the first clinical application. However, there are still several limitations associated with the use of bortezomib, including severe toxicities. To overcome bortezomib's shortcomings and to improve its safety profile, several second-generation proteasome inhibitors, for example, carfilzomib, ixazomib, oprozomib and marizomib, have been developed and currently tested in various clinical trials. Areas covered: A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. The activity and safety profiling of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of various cancers were reviewed. Expert opinion: Bortezomib, as a single or in combination therapy, demonstrates efficacy against MM or other hematological malignancies in clinical settings. However, it encounters two major problems, the acquired resistance and the severe side effects. Future direction in bortezomib-based therapy should focus on how to increase or retain its efficacy but improve its safety profile through, for example, rational combination therapies. Second-generation proteasome inhibitors have shown benefits in both overcoming bortezomib resistance and reducing related side effects, although these encouraging results should be further confirmed in a larger clinic population.


This article deals with two texts written during the process of transition in South Africa, using them to explore the cultural and ethical complexity of that process. Both Njabulo Ndebele's "The cry of Winnie Mandela" and Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela's "A human being died that night" deal with controversial public figures, Winnie Mandela and Eugene de Kock respectively, whose role in South African history has made them part of the national iconography. Ndebele and Gobodo-Madikizela employ narrative techniques that expose and exploit faultlines in the popular representations of these figures. The two texts offer radical ways of understanding the communal and individual suffering caused by apartheid, challenging readers to respond to the past in ways that will promote healing rather than perpetuate a spirit of revenge. The part played by official histories is implicitly questioned and the role of individual stories is shown to be crucial. Forgiveness and reconciliation are seen as dependent on an awareness of the complex circumstances and the humanity of those who are labelled as offenders. This requirement applies especially to the case of "A human being died that night", a text that insists that the overt acknowledgement of the humanity of people like Eugene de Kock is an important way of healing South African society.


This Masters of Design research has contributed to product design innovation within the strong wool industry. This design research was conducted in the context of an industry partnership with Wool Fresh. This entrepreneurial venture was initiated by Darrius Glover, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Boston, USA. Darrius constructed a research based design team to develop and establish an innovative textile within the gym bag market. Three Masters of Design students combined their expertise from the areas of industrial, spatial and fashion to provide an interdisciplinary approach to design. Their research was conducted in parallel with textile scientists and engineers at AgResearch and Texus Fibre, New Zealand. This interaction between scientific innovation and design established the theoretical framework for this research. The project progressed through three key phases; the development of the Wool Fresh textile, the integration of Wool Fresh into a bag and the associated branding. Wool fibres naturally absorb and regulate odour, moisture and bacteria. The Wool Fresh nonwoven textile was developed by AgResearch to enhance these properties. This advanced textile is antibacterial and reduces the odour and moisture in sports apparel. The textile innovation is the primary component of the Wool Fresh bag by Llana. Designed for sophisticated, style focused women the bag eases the transition from workout to workplace. As a vessel for the Wool Fresh innovation, Llana enters the market on the fringe of product design and high end fashion. The commercial aim of Wool Fresh is to provide an alternative application for strong wool and make its benefits available to a wider audience. The viability of the Wool Fresh Bag will be tested in the ensuing months when the results of this research are publicised. If successful, this will ensure the longevity of Llana as a sub brand of Wool Fresh. Read More


We present a new algorithm based on the iterative spectral fitting technique for direct retrieval of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) vertical columns from hyperspectral satellite measurements, and a new spatial technique for separating the stratospheric and tropospheric contributions to the total NO2 vertical columns. This direct vertical column fitting (DVCF) algorithm allows more complete treatment of underlying algorithm physics compared to the differential optical absorption spectroscopy technique and enables more accurate accounting for the effects of spectral and altitude variations in NO2 measurement sensitivities. This DVCF algorithm and the stratosphere‐troposphere separation scheme are applied to ultraviolet measurements from the Nadir Mapper of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) on the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership spacecraft. The first results demonstrate the potential of OMPS for sensitive global monitoring of tropospheric NO2. Comparisons show good agreement with Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) tropospheric NO2 data and that OMPS data have sufficient quality to continue and extend OMI NO2 data records.


Optical neural-network circuit to recognize BPSK labels for photonic label routing is proposed, whose neuron consists of optical amplitude amplifiers and phase shifters as weighting connections, a combiner and a nonlinear threshold device for an activation function. The parameters of these weighting connections are learned with back-propagation of teacher signals. The performance of the neural network circuits as recognition of two to four bit BPSK labels is clarified by computer simulation. For routing application, classification of routing labels into several groups corresponding to the output ports of the router is also discussed and is successfully simulated.


ABSTRACT Introduction Since the developmentof combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated mortality and the incidence of HIV-associated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has decreased. However, in the United States, an increase in non-HIV-associated kidney diseases within the HIV-positive population is expected. Areas Covered In this review, the authors highlight the risk factors for kidney disease within an HIV-positive population and provide the current recommendations for risk stratification and for the monitoring of its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as, treatment. The article is based on literature searches using PubMed, Medline and SCOPUS. Expert opinion The authors recommend clinicians (1) be aware of early cART initiation to prevent and treat HIV-associated kidney diseases, (2) be aware of cART side effects and discriminate those that may become more nephrotoxic than others and require dose-adjustment in the setting of eGFR ≤ 30ml/min/1.73m2, (3) follow KDIGO guidelines regarding screening and monitoring for CKD with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, (4) manage other co-infections and comorbidities, (5) consider changing cART if drug induced toxicity is established with apparent eGFR decline of ≥ 10ml/min/1.73m2 or rising creatinine (≥0.5mg/dl) during drug–drug interactions, and (6) strongly consider kidney transplant in appropriately selected individuals with end stage kidney failure.


Research into student experience in Higher Education has largely focused on students' role as learners. However, the student experience encompasses a much wider range of behaviours and beliefs than can be captured through a focus on teaching and learning alone. I report the findings of a research project which explored student experience in the music department of a British red-brick university. Music presents a particularly interesting case study given the presence of extra-curricular musical activities, the opportunity for social interaction between staff and students outside the formal context of the lecture or seminar room, and perceptions of Western art music as a form of 'middle-class' culture. Analysis of survey and interview data reveals the centrality of musical performance activities, and in particular the development of a performer identity, to students' experience of belonging and achievement. The influence of students' socio-economic background is also considered: social class was largely invisible to respondents within the departmental context, possibly because it is an invisible norm, within larger contemporary discourses in which social class is equated with financial difference rather than cultural difference. However, the research revealed an association between socio-economic background, term-time employment and academic achievement. The implications of these findings for teaching and learning in music in Higher Education are considered.


In this paper, we develop a geometry-inspired methodology for generating systematic and structured Grassmannian constellations with large cardinalities. In the proposed methodology we begin with a small close-to-optimal "parent" Grassmann constellation. Each point in this constellation is augmented with a number of "children" points, which are generated along a set of geodesics emanating from that point. These geodesics are chosen to ensure close-to-maximal spacing. In particular, the directions of the geodesics and the distance that each "children" point is moved are chosen to maximize the pairwise Frobenius distance between the resulting constellation points. Although finding these directions directly seems difficult, by embedding the Grassmann manifold on a sphere of larger dimension, we were able to develop structures that are not only simple to generate but that also yield constellations that, under certain conditions, satisfy the maximum distance criterion and lie within a decaying gap from a tight upper bound. Numerical results suggest that the performance of the new constellations is comparable to that of the ones generated directly and significantly better than the performance of the ones generated using the exponential map.


The rotation model for the opening of the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean predicts stratigraphic links between the Alaskan North Slope and the Canadian Arctic islands. The Katakturuk Dolomite is a 2080-m-thick Neo protero zoic carbonate succession exposed in the northeastern Brooks Range of Arctic Alaska. These strata have previously been correlated with the pre– 723 Ma Shaler Supergroup of the Amundson Basin. Herein we report new composite δ 13 C profi les and detrital zircon ages that test this connection. We go further and use stratigraphic markers and a compilation of δ 13 C chemostratigraphy from around the world, tied to U-Pb ages, to derive an age model for deposition of the Katakturuk Dolomite. In particular, we report the identifi cation of ca. 760 Ma detrital zircons in strata underlying the Katakturuk Dolomite. Moreover, a diamictite present at the base of the Katakturuk Dolomite is capped by a dark-colored limestone with peculiar roll-up structures. Chemostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy suggest this is an earlyCryogenian glacial diamictite-cap carbonate couplet and that deposition of the Katakturuk Dolomite spanned much of the late Neoproterozoic. Approximately 500 m above the diamictite, a micropeloidal dolomite, with idiosyncratic textures that are characteristic of basal Ediacaran cap carbonates, such as tubestone stromatolites, giant wave ripples, and decameters of pseudo morphosed former aragonite crystal fans, rests on a silicifi ed surface. Chemostratigraphic correlations also indicate a large increase in sedimentation rate in the upper ~1 km of the Katakturuk Dolomite and in the overlying lower Nanook Limestone. We suggest that the accompanying increase in accommodation space, along with the presence of two low-angle unconformities within these strata, are the product of late Ediacaran rifting along the southern margin of the North Slope subterrane. There are no strata present in the Amundson Basin that are potentially correlative with the late Neoproterozoic Katakturuk Dolomite, as the Cambrian Saline River Formation rests on the ca. 723 Ma Natkusiak Formation. Detrital zircon geochronology, chemostratigraphic correlations, and the style of sedimentation are inconsistent with both a Canadian Arctic origin of the North Slope subterrane and a simple rotation model for the origin of the Arctic Ocean. If the rotation model is to be retained, the exotic North Slope subterrane must have accreted to northwest Laurentia in the Early to Middle Devonian.


This study identifies the reasons for low producer prices of rice that have not covered its production costs for many years in Madagascar. The following points will be discussed: the farmers' marketing conditions and the rural rice market structure, including the functions of each intervening trader preceding rice distribution in urban centers. The study also assesses current functions of the agricultural farmer cooperative: an organization expected to enable the establishment of fair trade in the domestic rice market. The data come from interviews conducted with 120 farmers, 20 traders, and the survey of the overall cooperative associations in two prefectures and main rice suppliers of the capital city. The analysis reveals that farmers were often compelled to sell their products largely to the nearby village assemblers who are under the commission of large traders located in urban cities. Despite the fact that farmers do not maintain bargaining power for a variety of reasons, there have been no rural organizations, such as agricultural farmer cooperatives, established to support them in many areas. The few agricultural farmer cooperatives that have been introduced recently maintain only limited market power because they are ill-suited to deal with the farmers' conditions. The results suggest that the major issues which may deserve more attention are: the emergence and furtherance of a cooperative movement which fits the local conditions, the enforcement of market rules, and the establishment of marketing institutions that ensure fair trade.


Abstract. Data from the High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) instrument on NASA's Aura satellite are used to investigate the relative numerical variability of observed gravity wave packets as a function of both horizontal and vertical wavenumber, with support from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on TIMED. We see that these distributions are dominated by large vertical and small horizontal wavenumbers, and have a similar spectral form at all heights and latitudes, albeit with important differences. By dividing our observed wavenumber distribution into particular subspecies of waves, we demonstrate that these distributions exhibit significant temporal and spatial variability, and that small-scale variability associated with particular geophysical phenomena such as the monsoon arises due to variations in specific parts of the observed spectrum. We further show that the well-known Andes/Antarctic Peninsula gravity wave hotspot during southern winter, home to some of the largest wave fluxes on the planet, is made up of relatively few waves, but with a significantly increased flux per wave due to their spectral characteristics. These results have implications for the modelling of gravity wave phenomena.


Extensive research and practical implementation concerning the value of natural resources has thus far been conducted when one considers for example wildlife-, eco- and cultural tourism, however many of these values originate from industry and government perspective. This paper proposes the investment of minimal and sustainable resources in creating superior values from a customers' perspective when visiting a national park. It proposes case studies in the Grand Canyon National Park (US), the Grampians National Park (OZ) and the Swiss National Park (CH) to highlight the significance of particular values of park visitors and how these values can be enhanced by using minimal resources to create superior value. A series of propositions and research process can be practically applied so as to further progress the research agenda relating to perceived value in sustainable tourism.


The production of three gauge bosons in high-energy collisions - in particular in view of a next-linear collider with center of mass energies in the TeV range - offers an unique opportunity to probe the Standard Model (SM) of today's particle physics. In this thesis we pay particular attention to the electroweak sector of the theory. We investigate the gauge structure {i. e. possible deviations from the SM predictions of gauge boson self-interactions manifest e. g. in anomalous quartic gauge boson couplings and Radiation zeros) as well as electroweak radiative corrections in order to improve theoretical predictions for SM processes. Quartic gauge boson couplings can be regarded as a direct window on the sector of electroweak symmetry breaking. We have studied the impact of three such anomalous couplings on the processes e+e(^-) → WWγ, ZZγ and Zγγ at LEP2 and a future linear collider. In certain high-energy scattering processes involving charged particles and the emission of one or more photons, the scattering amplitude vanishes for particular configurations of the final state particles. The fact that gauge symmetry is a vital ingredient for the cancellation to occur means that radiation zeros can be used to probe physics beyond the standard model. For example anomalous electroweak gauge boson couplings destroy the delicate cancellation necessary for the zero to occur. We have studied the process qq → WWγ. To match the expected experimental precision at future linear colliders, improved theoretical predictions beyond next-to-leading order are required. By choosing an appropriate gauge, we have developed a formalism to calculate such corrections for arbitrary electroweak processes. As an example we consider here the processes e(^+)e → f f and e(^+)e(^-) → W(^+)(_T)W(^-)(_T), W(^+)(_L)W(^-)(_L) and study the perturbative structure of the electroweak Sudakov logarithms by means of an explicit two-loop calculation. In this way we investigate how the Standard Model, with its mass gap between the photon and Z boson in the neutral sector, compares to unbroken theories like QED and QCD. We observe that the two-loop corrections are consistent with an exponentiation of the one-loop corrections. In this sense the Standard Model behaves like an unbroken theory at high energies.


Monitoring is a central element in the implementation of national REDD+ and may be essential in providing the data needed to support benefit distribution. We discuss the options for benefit sharing systems in terms of technical feasibility and political acceptability in respect of equity considerations, and the kind of data that would be needed for the different options. We contrast output-based distribution systems, in which rewards are distributed according to performance measured in terms of carbon impacts, with input-based systems in which performance is measured in term of compliance with prescribed REDD+ activities. Output-based systems, which would require regular community carbon inventories to produce Tier 3 data locally, face various challenges particularly for the case of assessing avoided deforestation, and they may not be perceived as equitable. Input-based systems would require data on activities undertaken rather than change in stocks; this information could come from community-acquired data. We also consider how community monitored data could support national forest monitoring systems and the further development of national REDD+.


Abstract In this article we show how specific family business logic shapes managerial practices. Based on empirical material from 20 case studies of family ownership governance, our study identifies seven core characteristics of family ownership logic. These include active, visible and persistent ownership with few owners, relatively stable strategic development encompassing multiple ownership goals, autonomy towards capital markets, and a strong identification and emotional bonding with the business. By considering the family business context, we find managerial practices that are prevalent in the majority of businesses around the world and that have implications for ownership research. It is concluded that by taking the logic of ownership into consideration when studying family businesses, researchers in this field can contribute to the growing literature on sociocultural and behavioural factors in corporate governance relations.


This paper studies the control rights allocated to partners within R&D alliances formed in the bio-pharmaceutical industry. More in particular, it focuses on the allocation of intellectual property control rights as seen from the perspective of the firm that is the main source of the technology that is developed or used within the alliance. The empirical analysis considers three main conditions that are expected to affect the allocation of control rights. The first condition refers to the impact of inter-firm asymmetries within alliances, i.e. asymmetries in innovative capabilities. The second condition relates to the scope of alliances in terms of both their focus on different stages of the innovation process and their breadth as indicated by the number of technology applications. The third condition refers to the exclusivity of contracts that limit the options for firms to engage in relevant alternative activities with third parties. The main findings indicate that conditions such as inter-firm asymmetries, in particular asymmetries in innovative capabilities, the technology scope of alliances, and the exclusivity in alliance partnering play a decisive role in the allocation of intellectual property control rights in R&D alliances.


The determination of the secondary structure topology is a critical step in deriving the atomic structure from the protein density map obtained from electron cryo-microscopy technique. This step often relies on the matching of two sources of information. One source comes from the secondary structures detected from the protein density map at the medium resolution, such as 5-10 Å. The other source comes from the predicted secondary structures from the amino acid sequence. Due to the uncertainty in either source of information, a pool of possible secondary structure positions has to be sampled in order to include the true answer. A naïve way to find the native topology is to exhaustively map the pool of possible secondary structures detected in the density map with the pool of the secondary structures predicted from the sequence and search for the topology with the lowest cost. This paper studies the question that is how to reduce the computation of the mapping when the uncertainty of the secondary structure predictions is considered. We present a method that combines the concept of dynamic graph with our previous work of using constrained shortest path to identify the topology of the secondary structures. We show a reduction of about 34.55% time as comparison to the naïve way of handling the inaccuracies. To our knowledge, this is the 1st computationally effective exact algorithm to identify the optimal topology of the secondary structures when the inaccuracy of the predicted data is considered.


Abstract : For our purposes, machine perception is defined as the ability of a computer-based training system to sense the behavior and affective state (e.g. mood or emotions) of trainees and interpret whether they are engaged, bored, frustrated, confused or even hostile during the training process. This paper puts forward the notion that the maturation of machine perception of trainee affect is critically important to optimizing learning for individuals and teams in embedded virtual simulations and other isolated training environments. Embedded training applications within operational platforms (e.g. tanks, aircraft, ships and individual Warfighting systems) continue to be explored today in many NATO countries (e.g. United States, Germany and the Netherlands). The lack of human tutors within operational platforms limits the understanding of each trainee's affective state and the completeness of the trainee model, the representation of the trainee's state within intelligent tutoring systems. Tutor technology is currently not sufficiently mature to provide accurate, portable, affordable, passive and effective sensing and interpretation of the trainee's affective state and limits the adaptability and effectiveness of the instruction in today's embedded training systems. This paper rationalizes the need for machine perception of affect in future embedded virtual simulations.


"At some point we have to face the certain reality: despite all the good the world seems to offer, true happiness can only be found in one thing: shopping" (Ally McBeal, 1997 as cited in Wagner, 2007). In today's society, shopping is positioned as a major source of happiness and a signal of status and success. Messages in popular media not only condone the excessive acquisition of materials possessions but promotes it. Indeed, there is a great deal of pressure to think that "we are what we have." Most individuals have appropriate defense mechanisms to resist this pressure, however, there are others that do not. Life experiences and personal characteristics, when combined with sociocultural factors, can lead these individuals to the excessive consumption of products in the hopes of achieving a desired sense of self, avoiding negative feelings or emotions, or compensating for perceived internal deficiencies. Indeed, buying behavior becomes a response to the desire to exert control over one's life. Paradoxically, these individuals develop and maintain such behavior to the extent that it ends up controlling them (Cardella, 2010; Eccles, 2002). These consumers, known in the literature as compulsive buyers, are the focus of this dissertation. Compulsive buying behavior (CBB) is conceptualized as a compulsive behavior in which the individual uses shopping as a compensation mechanism due to feelings of emptiness or as an escape from unpleasant situations or negative feelings (Neuner, Raab, & Reisch, 2005; O'Guinn & Faber, 1989). Research suggest that these consumers tend to prefer appearance-related products when engaging in the behavior. However, little is known about the reasons why compulsive buyers prefer such items. To this end, the purpose of this dissertation was to develop an in-depth understanding of the compulsive buying experience. Further, this study addresses gaps within the consumer research literature specifically regarding the preference among compulsive buyers for appearance-related products (ARPs) by examining the experiences of as well as the overall shopping and buying process among six women who are compulsive clothing buyers. Three objectives were developed to address the purpose of this dissertation: (1) to examine the behaviors that comprise compulsive buying, (2) to investigate the role of appearance-related products relative to these behaviors, and (3) to explore the meanings compulsive clothing buyers assign to appearance-related items. A phenomenological approach to inquiry was used to accomplish the objectives and overall purpose of this dissertation. A combination of in-depth interviews and personal journals formed the basis of the data collection. Six women between the ages of 32 and 55 years old comprised the sample. Three levels of interpretation were developed based on the data collected. Personal Narratives constituted the first level of interpretation. Among the areas covered in each narrative are: participants' personal background and family situation, early experiences with shopping and buying, moment of realization, motivations and triggers to engage in the behavior, product preference, thoughts about shopping and buying, and the importance of shopping and buying in her life. A thematic interpretation grounded on commonalities and differences across participants' experiences formed the second level of interpretation. Four conceptual areas – The Person, The Process, The Product, and The Path to Recovery – frame the themes that surfaced to link each participant's experiences with those of the group. In the first conceptual area, The Person, participants' lived experiences with CCB are examined and their understandings of the behavior, triggers and motivations to engage, moments of realization and major struggles are identified. In the second conceptual area, The Process, the process of shopping and buying compulsively for appearance-related items as explained by the participants is explored. The third conceptual area, The Product, presents a deeper examination of participants' preference for appearance-related products. In the fourth and last conceptual area, The Path to Recovery, consequences of CCB as experienced by participants and their paths to recovery are explored. The third level of interpretation, Theoretical Considerations, was then developed to theorize about the role of appearance-related products on compulsive buying and how these items impact participants' sense of self. Findings indicate that compulsive buyers prefer ARPs over other consumer goods due to their physical attributes, the way these items make them feel, and the fact that these products allow individuals to fix/alter who they are, communicate who they are, fill a gap in their lives and/or take control over an aspect of their lives. Findings support previous research suggesting that CBB is a result of the interplay between psychological and sociocultural factors (e.g., DeSarbo & Edwards, 1996; Mueller, Mitchell, Marino, et al., 2010, O'Guinn & Faber, 1989), but offers situational factors as significant triggers of the behavior. Specifically, findings point to two triggers that have received little to no attention in the consumer behavior literature: fashion blogs and retail promotions. Findings also point to tensions participants experience at different stages of the shopping and buying process, whether before, during or after. These tensions would benefit from further exploration, especially through the Dialogical Self Theory. The ability to fantasize was also found to play a significant role on participants' CCB. Finally, results suggest that associations between the terms "shopping" and "therapy" must be limited, as these associations impede the recognition of the behavior as a disorder and therefore deny the seriousness of CBB.


An optical frequency-domain interference microscope with a liquid-crystal Fabry-Perot interferometer as an optical frequency-scan device was developed for microscopic three-dimensional shape measurements. The proposed system can perform absolute measurement of the discontinuous surface profile of a microscopic object without use of mechanically moving components such as a piezoelectric transducer or a grating spectrometer. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the validity of the principle.


The rationale for conducting project evaluations is to find out how successful the operations are in achieving the desired results. This assessment is more easily said than done. It is impossible to unequivocally determine the effects of seeding on the hailfall from a single convective cell. However, hail suppression projects can be justified if seeding produces a tendency toward reduced damage. Statistical evaluations are intended to identify and quantify such tendencies, but physical measurements of the clouds and precipitation also are desirable. The statistical evaluation of any program can be strengthened by such physical measurements, so that a physical basis (explanation) of the observed effects can be established. In some projects, the sponsors have funded the deployment of a seeding aircraft equipped with microphysical instrumentation to make measurements before and after treatment. These measurements provide physical evidence of how seeding alters the cloud microstructure (Sanchez et al. 1998; Krauss 1999). Although these measurements are not made of every treated cloud, sponsors gain confidence in the seeding system, and scientists evaluating the program get some direct physical measurements of cloud characteristics and responses to treatment. In this chapter, some of the available means for evaluation are presented. All project sponsors are strongly urged to include some evaluation procedures in their program design.


Abstract Users' demands for multigroup transport calculations are wide and diverse, encompassing routine, rough, and fast calculations as well as very precise simulations. For these reasons, the use of accurate and efficient multigroup cross-section libraries is needed. In this work, we present an adaptive energy mesh constructor (AEMC) that builds a multigroup mesh from predefined requisites of precision and calculation time. For a given self-shielding model and number of groups, AEMC looks for the optimal bounds of a multigroup mesh that minimizes the errors of the multigroup transport solutions for a predefined set of infinite homogeneous medium problems. We have applied this methodology to define two energy meshes for fast sodium reactor applications: a 600-group mesh associated with an extension of the Livolant-Jeanpierre self-shielding method and a 1200-group mesh based on subgroup self-shielding. Tests in homogeneous media prove that the multigroup solutions are almost equivalent to Monte Carlo simulations. Simplified one-dimensional transport calculations confirm the accuracy of the 1200-group mesh and show that this mesh provides a precision similar to that obtained with the well-validated 1968-group ECCO mesh. The same tests reveal that the 600-group mesh optimized for subgroup self-shielding offers a good compromise between simulation time and precision.


According to the National Science Standards, science educators have been calling for the inclusion of inquiry-based approaches in science classrooms as a reform for science instruction. Teachers' reluctance to implement inquiry-based approaches may be attributed to the different interpretations of the underpinning theory. Any efforts to help teachers implement effective teaching approaches, therefore, should not target merely additive skills; rather, such efforts should foster fundamental changes of beliefs, knowledge, and habits of practice that teachers deeply hold. This study is a part of a bigger project known as the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) Partnership Professional Development Project, conducted at Iowa State University in association with the Iowa Department of Education to help improve science teaching. The aim of the project is to help in service science teachers understand and apply a studentoriented instructional approach, using the SWH. The framework of the SWH emphasizes the role of classroom dialogical discussion in students' learning. The role of the teacher when implementing constructivist approaches represented in a student-oriented instruction, differs markedly from traditional approaches, and hence there is a need to study the changes in teaching practice when using this specific tool. The methodological framework of this study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Interpretative case studies for 18 science teachers are presented. A triangulation strategy was used to provide support for the qualitative findings using three different data collection approaches: observation, questionnaire, and interviews. Quantitative data in the form of student performance on higher order conceptual questions and total test scores were collected. Teachers varied in their implementation of the SWH. Three criteria were constructed to define teachers' levels of implementation: epistemological belief, pedagogical practice, and teacher content knowledge. Different components were included within each criterion, with three scales used to rank each teacher's implementation within each criterion. The study is pointing to the importance of assisting science teachers with effective pedagogical strategies if there is to be an impact on students' performance on tests. This project was undertaken with partnerships between schools, Area Educational Agencies, and the University. Such partnerships need to be built to promote successful change to science teaching.


The existence of remarkable depths of drift beneath the flat carse lands of the lower Devon valley has been known for many years, the discovery being associated with mining operations in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire coalfield. Rockhead in places lies over 300 ft. below sea level, and the form of the sub-drift surface as revealed by boring led H. M. Cadell (1913) to suppose that a buried river channel underlay the present valley, linking with a similar channel beneath the Forth (Fig. 1). The form and extent of a feature which allows drift deposits to reach over 300 ft. below O.D. are of importance not only in connection with mining operations, but also from the geomorphological point of view, in so far as they reveal something of the nature and mode of origin of the feature. Evidence available in 1913 did not permit the exact position and full extent of the channel to be plotted, but the greatly increased information now available has made it possible to produce the accompanying map of the sub-drift surface (Fig. 2). It is considered that this map is sufficiently detailed to allow the probable origin of the buried channel to be fully discussed. The Devon buried channel, as it was described by Cadell, underlies the present river in its westward course at the foot of the Ochil scarp from Dollar to Menstrie, and is excavated entirely in strata of Carboniferous age. Its sides appear to be continuous on the north with the steep slopes This 250-word extract was created in the absence of an abstract


Microbial infections of antibiotic-resistant strains cause serious diseases and have a significant impact on public health worldwide, so novel antimicrobial drugs are urgently needed. Insect venoms, a rich source of bioactive components containing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are attractive candidates for new therapeutic agents against microbes. Recently, a novel peptide, P1, identified from the venom of the Australian jumper ant Myrmecia pilosula, showed potent antimicrobial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, but its structure-function relationship is unknown. Here, we used biochemical and biophysical techniques coupled with computational simulations to explore the mode of action of P1 interaction with dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles as a model membrane system. Our circular dichroism (CD) and NMR studies revealed an amphipathic α-helical structure for P1 upon interaction with DPC micelles. A paramagnetic relaxation enhancement approach revealed that P1 orients its α-helix segment (F6-G14) into DPC micelles. In addition, the α-helix segment could be essential for membrane permeabilization and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the arginine residues R8, R11, and R15 significantly contribute to helix formation and membrane-binding affinity. The lysine residue K19 of the C-terminus functionally guides P1 to interact with DPC micelles in the early interaction stage. Our study provides insights into the mode of action of P1, which is valuable in modifying and developing potent AMPs as antibiotic drugs.


Abstract Several authors, including Stephen Law in this journal, have argued that the case for an evil God is (about) as strong as for a good God. In this article I take up the challenge on behalf of theists who, like Richard Swinburne, argue for an agent of unrestricted power and knowledge as the ultimate explanation of all contingent truths. I shall argue that an evil God is much less probable than a good one. I do so by (1) distinguishing the analogical predication of 'good' or 'evil' of God from the literal predication, (2) interpreting 'acting in a morally good way' to mean 'acting like a good consequentialist', and (3) relying on an axiarchist thesis about agency that is congenial to theists and perhaps even presupposed by theism.


This article discusses discrimination as a form of invisible structural power, and how, if it is not addressed, it can undermine efforts to promote the social inclusion of Romani people in the Western Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe. We argue that there is a need for development practitioners working in Western European aid agencies to be reflective about our own positionality and practice. Through processes of individual and group reflection, aid professionals can become more aware of the operation of invisible power. In the Roma context, this means recognising antigypsyism as historically constructed racism. In this article, we show how invisible power impacts on the lives of Roma people, on social institutions and on the sense of self and position among those who work for 'Roma inclusion'. We also briefly sketch a process of critical pedagogy that we are working on with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) that aims to surface invisible power and bring discrimination into the foreground.