The application of the EBSD technique with an SEM provides a new approach to the analysis of variations of the recrystallization texture in the thickness direction of ultra-low carbon sheet steels rolled in the ferrite region. A nonuniform recrystallization texture through the thickness is formed due to the additional shear strain introduced by frictional force between the rolls and the material in sheet steel rolled with a friction coefficient over 0.15, //ND recrystallized grains being formed near the surface, and //ND and //ND recrystallized grains being formed at the mid plane. On the other hand, //ND recrystallized grains are not formed preferentially near the surface, and //ND and //ND recrystallized grains are formed uniformly throughout the thickness in sheet steel rolled with a friction coefficient under 0.15. Orientation imaging also reveals differences related to the tolerance of //ND recrystallized grains around the //ND axis in sheet steel rolled without lubrication, in that //ND grains with a small tolerance form at the 1/10 plane from the surface and //ND grains with larger tolerances form at thickness locations from the 1/10 plane toward the surface and center. The r-value depends on the friction coefficient and increases significantly as the friction coefficient decreases under 0.15, resulting in high r-values over 1.2. This change in the r-value with the friction coefficient corresponds to the distribution of the recrystallization texture through the thickness. Orientation imaging allows a more visual and intuitive understanding of the nonuniformity of the recrystallization texture than conventional methods such as optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurement.


A constructivist approach to learning calls into question the adequacy o f norm-referenced, multiple-choice tests for assessing student learning. The authors describe one strategy for dealing with this problem. On any given day, an outsider could walk into this public elementary school and observe students actively engaged in learning. Students might be working in cooperative groups, studying independently, participating in discussions, presenting a portfolio of their work, or listening to a short teacher- or peer-led lesson. A reading or writing workshop might be in progress. Students of different ages would be working together in the same classroom. Parents would be assisting students, and teachers would be guiding learning in myriad ways. A scenario typical of many classrooms? Perhaps. As more teachers model instructional practice that reflects recent research on learning and as more states move to performance-based assessments, the nature of teaching, learning, and assessment is gradually changing. Still, this scenario would rarely be typical of an entire school. The coherent curricular, teaching, and learning philosophy common to this school originated 10 years ago as a separate program within the school. The developmentally based program, designed to give students more responsibility for their learning, has expanded over the decade to include the entire school. Despite the rich learning environment and despite teachers' assertions that students routinely demonstrate their knowledge and skills, this school's median achievement test scores declined steadily for three years. Concerns about the declining scores led the teachers and principal to enlist our services for a classroom-based research study. Together we investigated a way of preparing students for standardized tests that would maintain the integrity of the school's curriculum and its methods of learning. This approach, a series of interactive workshops for children, was successful in three ways. Teachers learned, children gained confidence and skills, and test scores improved significantly. Yet responses to the improved test scores were mixed. Elation was tempered by suspicion that the results were too good; whispers of cheating escalated to allegations of test-rigging, a charge lodged by a group opposed to the teaching practices of the school. In the midst of feeling good about the children's improved self-confidence and performance, we found ourselves wondering, "Why bother?" As we searched for answers to this question, we remembered a response to a question a student asked Annette Kolodny. Kolodny, now a dean and faculty member at the University of Arizona, talked about the responsibility an education imposes and asked rhetorically, "If you are not responsible for your knowledge, what on earth have we been educating you for?" Our renewed commitment to "bother" emerged from our belief that teachers need to use their knowledge of assessment in the service of children's learning. Although assessment entails much more than administering norm-referenced tests, knowledge of this form of assessment is critical and begins with an understanding of the uses and misuses of norm-referenced test scores. It broadens to an understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in designing test-preparation interventions that protect the integrity of the tests and honor the integrity of curriculum, pedagogy, and children. Armed with this knowledge and the awareness that these types of tests are prevalent in children's lives, it is difficult to imagine anything less than a commitment to act. This article explores a successful intervention that bridged a "thinking curriculum" and a traditional form of assessment and led one group of teachers to act. Becoming Responsible For Our Knowledge Norm-referenced, standardized tests, trusted by many as reliable and valid measures of student achievement, have been a routine part of American students' school experiences since the mid-1900s. …


Our understanding of the redshift z > 3 galaxy population relies largely on samples selected using the popular "dropout" technique, typically consisting of UV-bright galaxies with blue colors and prominent Lyman breaks. As it is currently unknown if these galaxies are representative of the massive galaxy population, we here use the FourStar Galaxy Evolution (ZFOURGE) survey to create a stellar mass-limited sample at z = 3–4. Uniquely, ZFOURGE uses deep near-infrared medium-bandwidth filters to derive accurate photometric redshifts and stellar population properties. The mass-complete sample consists of 57 galaxies with log M >10.6, reaching below M⋆ at z = 3–4. On average, the massive z = 3–4 galaxies are extremely faint in the observed optical with median (rest-frame M1700 = −18.05 ± 0.37). They lie far below the UV luminosity–stellar mass relation for Lyman break galaxies and are about ∼100 × fainter at the same mass. The massive galaxies are red (R − Ks AB = 3.9 ± 0.2; rest-frame UV-slope β = −0.2 ± 0.3) likely from dust or old stellar ages. We classify the galaxy spectral energy distributions by their rest-frame U−V and V−J colors and find a diverse population: % of the massive galaxies are quiescent, % are dusty star-forming galaxies, and only % resemble luminous blue star-forming Lyman break galaxies. This study clearly demonstrates an inherent diversity among massive galaxies at higher redshift than previously known. Furthermore, we uncover a reservoir of dusty star-forming galaxies with 4 × lower specific star-formation rates compared to submillimeter-selected starbursts at z > 3. With 5 × higher numbers, the dusty galaxies may represent a more typical mode of star formation compared to submillimeter-bright starbursts.


It is now common in Europe and Japan to consider the United States rhe economic model to emulate. With their economies continuing along the road of prolonged stagnation, mainstream commentators in Europe and Japan are busily seeking out the causes of their economies' malaise by comparing their micro-structures with those of the United States. Even tile recent savage downturn in the United States seems unlikely to alter tins trend. In Europe, just as in Japan, prestigious commentators incessantly extol America's comparative advantages: the flexibility of its labor market and its individualist (as opposed to corporatist) entrepreneurial culture (which, we are told, is deeply entrenched in the collective U.S. mind). Such narratives have become the foundation of mainstream explanations of the relative dynamism of the U.S. economy, in contrast to the unwieldy miracle economies of yesteryear.This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.


Matrix Extracellular Phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is a member of a family of proteins called small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) which play key roles in biomineralisation. Altered MEPE expression is associated with several phosphate and bone-mineral metabolic disorders such as oncogenic osteomalacia and hypophosphatemic rickets. Despite this, it remains undetermined what impact MEPE has on the growth plate; the cartilage anlagen from which endochondral ossification, the process responsible for linear bone growth, occurs. The work of this thesis has characterised the ATDC5 cell line and the metatarsal organ culture as useful in vitro models of endochondral ossification. These will prove vital in the pursuit of underpinning the molecular mechanisms involved in endochondral bone growth. These models form the basis of the further studies in this thesis examining the role of MEPE within this highly orchestrated process. Before such role can be defined, this thesis details the spatial and temporal localisation patterns of MEPE in 10-dayand 4-week-old murine growth plates. More specifically, MEPE protein and mRNA were preferentially expressed by the hypertrophic chondrocytes as shown by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation respectively. Microdissection of the murine growth plate confirmed this. Localisation of the cleavage product of MEPE, a 2.2kDa acidic serineand aspirate-rich motif (ASARM) peptide, followed a similar pattern of expression. The localisation of MEPE to sites of mineralisation serves to strengthen its potential role in chondrocyte matrix mineralisation. This thesis identified this role in both mineralising ATDC5 cells and the metatarsal organ culture. The ASARM peptide was found to be the functional component of MEPE and this function was dependent upon its post-translational phosphorylation. Phosphorylated (p)ASARM peptides significantly inhibited chondrocyte matrix mineralisation without altering the proliferation or differentiation of the chondrocyte cells, or their ability to produce an extracellular matrix. mRNA analysis by qPCR indicted a feedback system by which the pASARM peptide functions to allow the release of further ASARM peptides. Moreover, the pASARM peptide inhibited mRNA expression of markers of vascular angiogenesis highlighting a novel mechanism by which they may inhibit chondrocyte matrix mineralisation. This thesis also determines the regulatory cross-talk between the chondrocytes of the murine growth plate, with the most abundant bone cell type, the osteocyte. This cross-talk inhibits chondrocyte matrix mineralisation and is attributed to sclerostin, an osteocyte-specific secretory protein. Furthermore, it is shown that sclerostin acts through the MEPE-ASARM axis to regulate chondrocyte matrix mineralisation and thus endochondral ossification. The work described herein has characterised and validated in vitro models of growth plate chondrocyte matrix mineralisation and has used these to identify the role of MEPE within chondrocyte matrix mineralisation.


The objective of this research was to characterize the mechanical properties and study the microstructures of the friction stir welded joints to obtain the optimum process conditions that would result in the desired microstructure and properties for sheet metal formed structures. The joints were tested for mechanical properties such as tensile strength, ductility and formability and the microstructure was studied under optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrograph (EDS). Tests were conducted on a Cincinnati Milling machine which was generously donated by the Boeing Company which was transformed in to a friction stir welding machine by designing and manufacturing the required fixtures. The experiments were designed using response surface methodology (RSM) as the design of experiments, a L9 array was designed and the joints fabricated were tested for their mechanical properties and the microstructure was studied to obtain the optimal process conditions. The optimal conditions were identified for friction stir welding of AA 2024-T3, AA 7075-T6 and a combination of both the alloys.


The paper reports on a Value-Based Water Education (VBWE) project implemented to develop a new water-use ethic in
Ghana and some other African cities. The overall goal of the project is to facilitate changes in behaviour and personal
attitudes among water consumers and to promote better understanding of the environment in a water context. The project
implementation strategies among others include collaborative adaptation of existing educational material (curriculum) to
incorporate VBWE, training of formal and non-formal educators to form a core of trainers in VBWE; and integration of
universal values with those of early childhood peer group values. The project had organized workshops, prepared an action
plan, trained teachers, developed a teaching manual, carried out internal monitoring and on-the-job training of teachers.
Lessons from the project included the realization that all the project implementers should have a basic understanding of
human values; education is a process and regular monitoring is imperative for project success. The project will expand
to cover all schools in Ghana, integrate the VBWE into the school curriculum, establish water classrooms, conduct water
audits and water quality education in the schools.


OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect Cissus quadrangularis plant petroleum ether extract on the development of long bones during the intra-uterine developmental stage in rats. METHODS Pregnant rats (n=12) were randomly assigned into either a control group (n=6) or a Cissus quadrangularis treatment (n=6) group. Pregnant rats in the Cissus quadrangularis group were treated with Cissus quadrangularis petroleum ether extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight from gestation day 9 until delivery. The animals in the control group received an equal volume of saline. Newborn pups were collected from both groups for alizarin red S - alcian blue staining to differentiate ossified and unossified cartilage. The ossified cartilage (bone) was morphometrically analyzed using Scion image software. RESULTS Morphometric analysis revealed that the percentage of the total length of ossified cartilage (bone) in pups born to treated dams was significantly higher (P<0.001– 0.0001) than that of the control group. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that maternal administration of Cissus quadrangularis petroleum ether extract during pregnancy can stimulate the development of fetal bone growth during the intra-uterine developmental period.


A 15-item two-tier multiple-choice diagnostic instrument was developed to evaluate secondary students' ability to describe and explain seven types of chemical reactions using macroscopic, submicroscopic and symbolic representations. A mixed qualitative and quantitative case study was conducted over four years involving 787 Years 9 and 10 students (15 to 16 years old). The instrument was administered to sixty-five Year 9 students after nine months of instruction to evaluate their use of multiple levels of representation. Analysis of the students' responses demonstrated acceptable reliability of the instrument, a wide range of difficulty indices and acceptable discrimination indices for 12 of the items. The teaching program proved to be successful in that in most instances students were able to describe and explain the observed changes in terms of the atoms, molecules and ions that were involved in the chemical reactions using appropriate symbols, formulas, and chemical and ionic equations. Nevertheless, despite the emphasis on multiple levels of representation during instruction, 14 conceptions were identified that indicated confusion between macroscopic and submicroscopic representations, a tendency to extrapolate bulk macroscopic properties of substances to the submicroscopic level, and limited understanding of the symbolic representational system. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2007, 8 (3), 293-307.]


Two most promising known non-traditional blast furnace technologies can be used to minimize the coke rate: 1) the tuyere injection of the hot reducing gases with removal of CO2 from the top gas and 100% oxygen blast; 2) injection of 300-400 kg pulverized coal/thm (PCI-technology). The injection of hot reducing gases (HRG) is limited by the heat balance of the entire Iron & Steel Works since the blast furnace gas will not be supplied to other works in sufficient quantity. The combustion and gasification of significant amount of coal and liquation of coal ash in the tuyere's raceway are the limitations for the PCI-technology. Lack of resources, low-ash coal for pulverized coal injection—PCI (pulverized coal full—PCF) requires solutions to technical problems of the use of high-ash coals, in particular, partial and full gasification of fuel before entering the tuyere area of BF. Injection of the products of coal gasification (PCG) instead of PCI into the blast furnace tuyeres eliminates these limitations. The advantages of this technology in comparison with traditional PCI injection are as follows: increase in coal rate and decrease in coke consumption; possibility of low grade coals usage; elimination of fine coal grinding; gas desulphurization in the course of coal gasification and the possibility of coal ash fluxing and being removed from the process. The special compact coal gasifiers attached to the blast furnaces tuyeres were developed and tested at industrial scale. The estimated decrease in coke consumption from 565 kg/thm to 305 kg/thm with injection of 300 kg/thm of coal gasification products and 105 kg/thm of oxygen was specified with respect to operation of blast furnaces at Zaporozgstal Iron & Steel Works (90 years of the last century). The study by using a multi-zone mathematical model showed that the temperature-concentration and phase fields of the charge and the gas flow in the furnace change under the influence of the same tendencies that are seen with the injection of pulverized-coal fuel (PCF). The fact that the amount of coal which can be injected could be increased significantly by subjecting it to preliminary gasification and fluidizing the ash in tuyere-mounted gasifiers means that the targeted savings of coke could be realized by replacing coke with either high-grade coals (in the form of PCF) or low-grade coals (in the form of CGPs). In this case, for the best variants of the technology the ratio of the equivalents for the replacement of coke by coal is close to the ratio of the contents of nonvolatile carbon in the high- and low-grade coals (0.65 in the present case). The application of the developed technology for blast furnaces with burden composition of BF-5 "Severstal" and BF-9 AMKR will allow further decrease in coke rate to the minimal level of 180-200 kg/thm. The payback period of capital investments for this technology is estimated in the range of one year.


The objective of this project is to produce one or more microorganisms capable of removing the organic and inorganic sulfur in coal. The original specific technical objectives of the project were to: Clone and characterize the genes encoding the enzymes of the ``4S`` pathway (sulfoxide/sulfone/sulfonate/sulfate) for release of organic sulfur from coal; return multiple copies of genes to the original host to enhance the biodesulfurization activity of that organism; transfer this pathway into a fast-growing chemolithotropic bacterium; conduct a batch-mode optimization/analysis of scale-up variables.


Background Elderly people with paranoid symptoms are a taxing group for medical and social services, but studies of the prevalence of these symptoms in the general elderly population are rare. This study aimed to estimate the community prevalence and to identify some associated variables. Method A community sample of 1420 elderly people, was extensively examined by nurses and physicians. Results Paranoid ideation was found in 6.3% of the sample. The prevalence in people with cognitive dysfunction (n=381, 12.1%) was higher than in those without (n=1039, 2.6%). Once cognitive impairment had been controlled the associated variables were: being divorced, being female, having depressive symptoms, using psychotropic drugs, having no friends or visitors, using community care and being an immigrant. Conclusion Paranoid symptoms in this elderly population were associated most strongly with cognitive impairment. Other associated variables pointed to a higher level of social isolation than others in the community.


Reason(s) for writing and research problem(s): To point out the symbiotic relationship and the role of terrorism as a support instrument in carrying out genocide in form of spreading fear and forcing movement or expelling the population from a certain territory. Aims of the paper (scientific and/or social): This paper seeks to find a connection between terrorism and genocide, phenomena which have a common denominator – violence, destruction and massive loss of lives. Methodology/Design: The author uses analysis – synthesis, and deductive – inductive processes. Research/paper limitations: One of the differences is in the target population –victims of terrorism do not necessarily belong to a single nation or a nationality, whereas genocide, by definition, aims at such groups. Results/Findings: The detailed analysis of the problem is further enriched by the author's deliberate emphasis of 'obvious errors' which prevented from developing a wholesome scientific definition. General conclusion: The paper brings out a conclusion that terrorism and genocide have a common denominator in political goals, and both use violence and destruction. Research/paper validity: The author discusses difficulties in defining terrorism, holding that the key obstacle is removed if one abides by the rules of the logical scientific definition of a phenomenon.


In this paper we address the question of 'what next after poststructuralism' through a reassessment of area studies. In a narrative of our own involvement with place-oriented research and institutions, we examine the traditional position of area studies in geography and anthropology and its reevaluation by poststructuralist scholars in a number of disciplines. We argue that both prestructuralist and poststructuralist treatments of areas are oriented by a narrative of capitalist development; at the same time, we recognize that traditional area studies has a deep interest in noncapitalist economic practices and relations. It is therefore a resource for those of us who want to create a discourse of economic diversity as a contribution to a politics of economic innovation. The latter half of the paper presents an extended example of reading for economic difference drawn from fieldwork in the oil-palm sector in Papua New Guinea. We conclude with a 'post-poststructuralist' reflection on geographic field research. From our evolving perspective, the fieldwork practices that are the principal research methods of area studies constitute a relatively untheorized form of academic politics, creating differences in thought (and thus in the world) via new interpenetrations of concepts and 'matter'.


In Eastern Cham, the modern reflexes of Classical Cham disyllables exhibit variation between sesquisyllabic and monosyllabic word shapes, which suggests that the language is becoming increasingly monosyllabic. This apparent change in progress has been attributed to contact with monosyllabic Vietnamese, but a variationist study of formal colloquial speech based on interviews conducted with 42 native speakers sheds doubt on this claim. I propose that the variation in word shapes is actually due to the quasi-diglossia found in Eastern Cham communities. It seems that the variation in word shapes can be explained by the subjects' attitudes towards the two varieties of their own language and that these attitudes are in turn shaped by the relative prestige of Cham and Vietnamese languages and cultures.


. Portugal is one of the European countries with higher spatial and population freeway network coverage. The sharp growth of this network in the last years instigates the use of methods of analysis and the evaluation of their quality of service in terms of the traffic performance, typically performed through internationally accepted methodologies, namely that presented in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). Lately, the use of microscopic traffic simulation models has been increasingly widespread. These models simulate the individual movement of the vehicles, allowing to perform traffic analysis. The main target of this study was to verify the possibility of using microsimulation as an auxiliary tool in the adaptation of the methodology by HCM 2000 to Portugal. For this purpose, were used the microscopic simulators AIMSUN and VISSIM for the simulation of the traffic circulation in the A5 Portuguese freeway. The results allowed the analysis of the influence of the main geometric and traffic factors involved in the methodology by HCM 2000. In conclusion, the study presents the main advantages and limitations of the microsimulators AIMSUN and VISSIM in modelling the traffic circulation in Portuguese freeways. The main limitation is that these microsimulators are not able to simulate explicitly some of the factors considered in the HCM 2000 methodology, which invalidates their direct use as a tool in the quantification of those effects and, consequently, makes the direct adaptation of this methodology to Portugal impracticable.


DOI: 10.14254/2071789X.2018/11-4/9 ABSTRACT. The concept of supply chain management is a ubiquitous subject in both theoretical and practical analyses. Studies on the implementation of Supply Chain Management by Small and Medium Enterprises are relatively rare and their scope is limited to selected aspects. Hence, the aim of this article is to analyze the implementation of Supply Chain Management concept by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The research sample consists of Small and Medium Enterprises of Poland and Romania. The research tool was a survey questionnaire, which was divided into the part identifying the respondents and the substantive part concerning Supply Chain Management (SCM). Likert's five-level scale was used to evaluate the SCM concept application in small and medium entities, which measured the average level of the evaluation of factors in various SCM areas. The results of the study show similar involvement in the implementation of the concept, although there are significant differences in the selected areas, such as cost reduction and concentration on end customers. The research carried out in this paper has evaluated the SCM concept in SMEs measuring the average level in an evaluation of factors concerning different SCM areas. They are identified on the basis similarities and differences in the approach to SCM concept in Polish and Romanian enterprises.


In this paper a single-shot digital holographic set-up with two orthogonally polarized reference beams is proposed to achieve rapid acquisition of Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect images. Principles of the method and the background theory for dynamic state of polarization measurement by use of digital holography are presented. This system has no mechanically moving elements or active elements for polarization control and modulation. An object beam is combined with two reference beams at different off-axis angles and is guided to a detector. Then two complex fields (interference terms) representing two orthogonal polarizations are recorded in a single frame simultaneously. Thereafter the complex fields are numerically reconstructed and carrier frequency calibration is done to remove aberrations introduced in multiplexed digital holographic recordings. From the numerical values of amplitude and phase, a real time quantitative analysis of the polarization state is possible by use of Jones vectors. The technique is demonstrated on a magnetic sample that is a lithographically patterned magnetic microstructure consisting of thin permalloy parallel stripes.


A transmission electron microscope (TEM) study of quartz grains strongly implies that the Alamo breccia of southern Nevada resulted indirectly from a Late Devonian hypervelocity impact event. The Alamo breccia is perhaps the most voluminous marine carbonate megabreccia exposed on land. It covers ≈4,000 km2, averages ≈70 m thick, and contains more than 250 km3 of carbonate-platform debris that was deposited by a giant submarine slide. The breccia is a single bed with the characteristics of a chaotic debrite at the base evolving upward to a graded turbidite at the top. The bed is anomalous, compared to other marine megabreccias, because over a large area it is intercalated with cyclic shallow-water carbonate-platform rocks, rather than with deep-water turbidites as expected. Thin sections of peculiar quartz grains, recovered from insoluble residues of the breccia, show one to six sets of imperfect parallel lamellae and other defects suggesting shock tamorphism. When studied by TEM, the grains clearly display planar deformation features (PDFs) and other defects from a high-pressure shock wave. Straight and narrow planar microstructures consist of a high density of dislocations mostly parallel to crystal habit plane {1012}, but {1013}, {1011}, and {1121} orientations were also detected. The PDFs appear identical to those in quartz grains associated with well-known impact structures such as Manicouagan and Manson. We conclude that energy from an impact triggered the epiplatform slide and the consequent sedimentary processes that formed the Alamo breccia.


There is a word that is beginning to be more and more important for society and companies, and this word is "community." In today's virtual social networks, people seek to replicate their real world society—they need a virtual community too. And mere community is not enough; they also need activities, and this is the point where companies link in to promote their goods and facilities. To do this they use the next stage of customer relationship management, the fulfilment of social needs. We live in an age of social shopping; communities are everywhere and everyone shares information. Until now, classic CRM systems have run from static databases. Now, however, contrary social CRM systems perform two-way communication, starting a conversation with customers and encouraging them to voice their opinions, which are constantly changing on social media, and building a dynamic database while they communicate with customers through response-reactions. Does this new strategy bring a whole new world to companies, or is it only another channel in the development CRM?


Dispositional anxiety is a stable personality trait that is a key risk factor for internalizing disorders, and understanding the neural correlates of trait anxiety may help us better understand the development of these disorders. Abnormal cortical folding is thought to reflect differences in cortical connectivity occurring during brain development. Therefore, assessing gyrification may advance understanding of cortical development and organization associated with trait anxiety. Previous literature has revealed structural abnormalities in trait anxiety and related disorders, but no study to our knowledge has examined gyrification in trait anxiety. We utilized a relatively novel measure, the local gyrification index (LGI), to explore differences in gyrification as a function of trait anxiety. We obtained structural MRI scans using a 3T magnetic resonance scanner on 113 young adults. Results indicated a negative correlation between trait anxiety and LGI in the left superior parietal cortex, specifically the precuneus, reflecting less cortical complexity among those high on trait anxiety. Our findings suggest that aberrations in cortical gyrification in a key region of the default mode network is a correlate of trait anxiety and may reflect disrupted local parietal connectivity.


Тhe subject of the study are the assets of the company that are not recognized under the traditional accounting statement (intellectual capital, IC), including those related to the company using the results of research (R&D) which make a significant contribution to its value. The aim of this paper is to analyze the contribution of intangible assets in the performance and value of the company. The object of the study is an international company in the sector of e-commerce. The company's intellectual capital was estimated using Tobin's q ratio, VAIC and the cost capitalization method. Tobin's q of the company was higher than one (3.59), which indicates the presence of a significant intellectual capital. Research with the VAIC method showed that the largest contribution to the overall index is made by the component associated with human capital (HCE). The growth rate of HCE showed that each year the company gets an almost two-fold return on investment in such capital. Using the method of capitalization of R & D expenditures, we performed a recalculation of the key performance indicators, taking into account the impact on them of intangible assets, such as return on equity and total capital profitability of activity, asset turnover. Capitalisation of research has a positive effect on the basic parameters, although only slightly. It was found that current accounting standards do not identify many of the key components of IC. There is a large percentage of those costs in the structure of the intellectual capital of the company, which make up a large share of the company's investments, but cannot be capitalized in connection with the requirements of the existing accounting standards. This complicates the task of managing these assets, and of adequately assessing the company for investors. INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL; INTAGIBLE ASSETS; MARKET CAPITALIZATION; TOBIN'S Q; COMPANY PERFORMANCE; COSTS CAPITALIZATION.


The beta-cell secretory protein synthetic machinery is dedicated to insulin production, and recent reports suggest that both proinsulin misfolding and accompanying beta-cell oxidative stress could be common features in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the critical role of insulin in organismal homeostasis, the precise network of interactions from early proinsulin synthesis and folding in the ER, to its subsequent trafficking through the secretory pathway, remain poorly defined. In the present study we utilized a human proinsulin-specific monoclonal antibody for affinity purification mass spectrometry, to yield unbiased profiling of the proinsulin interactome in human islets. The data reveal that human proinsulin interacts with a network of ER folding factors (including chaperones: e.g. ERDJ5, ERDJ3, GRP94, and BiP; and oxidoreductases: e.g. QSOX1, DUOX2, and PRDX4) that are remarkably conserved across both genders and 3 ethnicities. Knockdown of one of the most prominent hits, peroxiredoxin-4 (PRDX4) in MIN6 beta-cells, rendered proinsulin more susceptible to misfolding. Additionally, oxidant exposure in human islets enhanced proinsulin:BiP interactions with augmented proinsulin misfolding. Finally, oxidant exposure in human islets also led to sulfonylation of PRDX4, a modification known to inactivate peroxiredoxins. Interestingly, we observed significantly higher levels of sulfonylated (inactive) PRDX4 in islets from patients with T2D compared to that of normal islets. Taken together, these data provide a detailed reference map of the human proinsulin interaction network and suggest critical unrecognized areas for study in insulin biosynthesis, beta cell function, and T2D.


Male animals of many species deploy conditional reproductive strategies that contain distinct alternative phenotypes. Such facultatively expressed male tactics are assumed to be due to a single developmental threshold mechanism switching between the expression of two alternative phenotypes. However, we discovered a clade of dung beetles that commonly expresses two threshold mechanisms, resulting in three alternative phenotypes (male trimorphism). Once recognized, we found trimorphism in other beetle families that involves different types of male weapons. Evidence that insects assumed to be dimorphic can express three facultative male forms suggests that we need to adjust how we think about animal mating systems and the evolution of conditional strategies.


The performance of mobile multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) systems is determined both by the instantaneous channel characteristics and by the rate of change of those characteristics. The local environment and operating frequency affect the spatial channel response, which impacts the ability of the system to sustain data throughput, while the dynamics of the channel response impact the accuracy of the available channel state information, limiting the supportable packet length. Measured MIMO data from two frequencies in the UHF band are characterised and used to investigate the dependence of system performance on the changing spatial channel responses. It is demonstrated that to maximise average throughput, taking into account retransmissions because of packet failures, a trade-off is required among the data rate, training overhead and packet length, which depends on both the operating frequency and the local environment. This work emphasises the importance both of adaptation in MIMO communication systems and of considering realistic channel conditions in their design and evaluation.


Genome engineering is just about its dawn of golden age. New and exciting tools are arising and piling up to its arsenal. After TALENs and Zing-finger a new and lot worthy tool is coming to add up. The newest addition is the CRISPR system. A system that firstly discovered at the Streptococcus thermophilus and its natural role is the sequence-specific adaptive immunity against foreign DNA in bacteria. In the present report, CRISPR Cas9, type II system, is used in an attempt to knock out the HPRT1 gene expressed in lymphocytes as a proof of concept. HAT medium in combination with Thioguanine is used as a selection medium enabling a quick and simple read-out screening method. To verify that a successful editing event took place in the mammalian cells, a detection DNA cleavage kit is used in combination with an enzymatic assay.


The Serving LeaderFive Powerful Actions to Transform Your Team, Business, and Community, 10th Anniversary Edition, Revised and ExpandedIt's people who make organizations great, so how can leaders best help their people achieve that greatness? As Ken Jennings and John Stahl-Wert show in this new edition of their bestseller, you can't just demand greatness—you have to inspire it. The most effective leaders don't just stand in front of their people, they stand behind them too. As one of the characters in the book notes, "You qualify to be first by putting other people first." This concept sounds paradoxical, but it leads to extraordinary outcomes—and The Serving Leader shows precisely how and why.While Jennings and Stahl-Wertuse a compelling fictional story to outline the basics of Serving Leadership, all the characters in it are based on real people, the organizations depicted are based on real organizations—and the results they achieved are what really happened. This edition features a new foreword by Ken Blanchard, a new introduction, and a new chapter checking back in with Mike, the main character, to see what he has learned in the twelve years since he embraced Serving LeadershipOn one level this is the most practical guide available to implementing Serving Leadership; on a deeper level, it is a book about the personal journey of growth that real leadership requires. Great organizations are great because they're filled with people who freely choose to do their very best. It's a maddeningly simple concept yet stunningly hard to execute. Jennings and Stahl-Wert show leaders how to earn that kind of commitment.


When President Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, he used the same pen that President Eisenhower used to sign legislation for the Interstate Highway system into law. It was a fitting analogy. In the same way that the interstate road system was expected to open up interstate commerce, the Internet system was expected to open up electronic commerce. In signing the 1996 legislation into law, President Clinton and Congress were updating the regulatory and legislative framework to adapt it to the new realities and opportunities provided by the Internet. The legislation noted that broadband access to the Internet was critical to the continued economic vitality of the United States. In contrast to the success of the Interstate Highway system, however, broadband adoption in the United States has lagged behind that of other developed nations. Against this backdrop, in National Cable & Telecommunications Ass'n v. Brand X Internet Services, the Supreme Court held that, under the Telecommunications Act, cable modem providers are not required to provide access to other Internet Service Providers (ISPs), despite the fact that local telephone providers had been required to provide access to third party Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) providers. As a result, the goal of increased broadband adoption now falls squarely on the unfettered administrative choices made by the FCC. [...] This note examines the administrative law implications of the Brand X decision. First, this note reviews the history and legal context framing the decision. Then, this note examines the decision itself from a textual, historical, and policy perspective. It is concluded that, while agencies offer welcome expertise for resolving complex questions, deference to agency expertise should not trump Congressional guidance to the contrary."


Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world after lung cancer and the most common cancer among women. Most of the women exhibit interindividual variation to cytotoxic therapy. It may be due to the genetic polymorphism of genes involved in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics pathways of drugs. Various studies implicated the role of p53 gene polymorphism in the sensitivity of apoptosis. Objective: The objective of the study was to know the effect of p53 tumor suppressor gene 72 codon polymorphism on response in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: A total of 170 patients were enrolled for the study. The median age of the patient group was 50 year (23-60). The majority of patients were post-menopausal (61%). Most of the patients were node positive and also found to have grade II tumor. Hormone receptor positivity of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor were 48%, 37%, and 60%. The genotype of 72 G>C codon polymorphism was done by real time-polymerase chain reaction The frequencies of wild homozygous variant GG, heterozygous variant GC, and mutant homozygous variant CC were found to be 42%, 43%, and 15% respectively. 145 patients were assessed for response of which 133 patients were found be responders and 12 patients were found be non-responders. The genotype frequency of P5379G>A variant were significantly different between patients having a complete and partial response in the recessive genetic model (RR=0.2972, C.I=0.078-1.122, P=0.03.). However there was no association of genotypes with progression-free survival and overall survival. Conclusion: This study concludes that p53 gene polymorphism partially may have a role in predicting the response in breast cancer patients. Key words: p53 tumor suppressor gene, Single nucleotide polymorphism, Anthracyclines, Tumor response, Pathological response.


Aluminium possesses a standard electrode potential which is more negative than that of steel (-1.66 V vs. NHE), which makes it potentially suitable as an anode for cathodic protection systems[1,2]. However, when aluminium is exposed to air or aqueous environments, the formation of a passive oxide layer on the surface inhibits the anodic properties of aluminium[1,3]. In order to maintain an active surface, aluminium can be alloyed with various elements such as Zn, In, Mg, Ti and others, which maintain an active surface by preventing the formation of a passive oxide layer, thus enhancing its ability to galvanically protect[4]. Hence aluminium alloy coatings act not only as a physical barrier between the substrate and the environment, but may also protect the substrate sacrificially[5].Thermally sprayed aluminium alloy coatings are widely used for the corrosion protection of steel substrates[6]. The process has the ability to deposit thick coatings, ranging from 40 to 500 µm, deposit a diverse range of materials and the ability to perform coating repairs in-situ[7].
The main objective of the current work was to investigate the performance of commercially available Al and Zn-Al coatings and compare these to a range of new Al-Zn-In coatings which are being developed for use on steel substrates. In order to evaluate the coating performance, the coatings were exposed to a 5% w/v NaCl environment for 1000 h in an ASTM B117 salt spray corrosion test. Masked and unmasked coating samples were used during the test for visual and corrosion product examination. The corrosion product obtained after 500 and 1000 hours test run was analysed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). In conjunction with accelerated environmental tests, electrochemical corrosion testing methods including Zero Resistance Ammetry (ZRA), Cathodic Polarisation (CP) and Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR) monitoring techniques were used in order to understand the mechanism of the corrosion protection and the effect of alloying elements. To correlate the effect of spray parameters on coating morphology, SEM, EDX and optical microscopy was used.
The project ultimately aims to develop an understanding of the microstructure, composition and wear resistance of novel aluminium alloy coatings, relate this to the performance of the coatings in different environments and use this knowledge to optimise the alloy composition and spray parameters.

References
1. Gudic.S, Smoljko.I, Kliskic.M, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 505, 2010, 54.
2. Carroll. W.M, Breslin. B.N, Corrosion Science 33(7), 1992, 1161
3. Mathiyarasu. J, Nehru. L.C, Subramaniam, P, Palaniswamy.N, Rengaswamy.N.S, Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials 48 (5),2001, 324
4. Barbucci.A, Cerisola.G, Bruzzone.G, Saccone .A, Electrochimica Acta, 42(15), 1997,23695. Schweitzer A.P, 'Fundamentals of Metallic Corrosion', CRC Press 2007 (2nd ed.)
6. Krokhmal'nyj A.M, Fiziko-khimicheskaya mekhanika materialov, 29 ,1993, 37-417. Gabe .D.R, 'Principles of Metal Surface Treatment and Protection', Pergamon Press 1972 (1st ed.)


The World Commission on Dams (WCD) was a global environmental governance forum that worked between 1998 and 2000 to try to resolve long‐standing controversies between supporters and opponents of large dams. Its objectives were to assess the development effectiveness of large dams and to develop best practice guidelines for large dam construction and management, based on an extensive review of scientific evidence and wide‐ranging stakeholder consultation. This paper reviews literature discussing the WCD, to understand its influence on the debate on large dams and beyond. We find that its influence is debated within four main contexts: (a) interpretations of stakeholder responses to the WCD report and recommendations; (b) the persistence of the kinds of impacts of large dams that gave rise to the Commission's work; (c) the different visions for appropriate follow‐up strategies; and (d) insights from the WCD experience in the context of global environmental governance. Within these four contexts, we identify diverse opinions and directions of post‐WCD development and sources of disagreement on its merits and legacy, ranging from calls for its full implementation to dismissal and opposition. Commentators also differ in their assessment of whether the WCD sparked truly novel insights and propositions for dam decision‐making or whether it simply represented one among many other elements in the broader debate on dams. Most commonly, the WCD's work is cited in the context of persistent negative social and environmental impacts of dams: neither the impacts nor the controversy over large dams have ended.


Italy and Spain are often labeled by the literature on comparative welfare as "familistic" welfare systems. Although it is not possible to find a unified criteria which defines and specifies what is meant by "familism" as a feature of a given welfare state model, generally speaking the term refers to the key role that the family plays in the overarching architecture of the welfare system, acting as the main provider of care and welfare for children and dependent individuals. This article will reflect on these questions by critically revising the framing of Southern European welfare states as "familistic" in the comparative welfare and care regimes literature. We will then look at trends of female labour force participation in Italy and Spain over the last two decades (1990-2010) in terms of the intensity of women's participation in the labour market and their prevailing pattern of participation for both countries. We will look at activity, employment and unemployment according to age, education level, civil status and number of children; and patterns of participation by looking at permanency in employment and type of contract (part-time/full-time and fixed-term). The idea here is to analyse the extent to which Italy and Spain have (or have not) made the transition from a 'male breadwinner model' (where women remain outside paid employment) towards a more diversified pattern of family formation with regards the labour market participation of women. The purpose will also be that of stressing divergences between these two countries in their evolution of their female labour force that may question their assumed similarities.


Assion G.F. Lawson from the Centre d'application agropastoral de Kovie, Lome, Togo has written to express his frustration relating to the different currencies in which the books featured on pages 14 and 15 of Spore are sold.

'We find it very difficult to obtain books which have to be paid for in foreign exchange. The cost can double by the time the bank charges have been paid, even if the transaction is allowed in the first place. I know from experience that I will not be able to order books, even if the price is reasonable. Would it not be possible to look into this and suggest a way of paying that avoids this problem? Obviously CTA cannot send out books willy nilly but it is very frustrating to read about books that we know would be useful to us and yet be unable to obtain them.'

Spore: Lack of foreign exchange and the non-convertibility of money are major obstacles to the dissemination of publications and, therefore, access to information. CTA distributes publications of many different kinds to ACP readers but our limited budget means, of course, that we cannot help everyone to the extent they would wish.

UNESCO has established a system of coupons which are designed to overcome foreign exchange problems. The coupons have a US dollar value and can be used for publications (including periodicals), audio-visual and scientific materials. In practice, you buy coupons in your local currency and these have a dollar value (at the UN rate). You can then pay for books or other educational or scientific materials with the coupons. The publisher, bookshop or other recipient exchanges the coupons, through UNESCO, for their monetary value. We do not have space here to give you all the details but we suggest that you write to UNESCO Coupons Office, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris, France and they will be able to supply you with further information and an address from where you can purchase coupons in your own country or region.


In this paper we discuss the asymptotic properties of the most commonly used variant of the backpropagation algorithm in which network weights are trained by means of a local gradient descent on examples drawn randomly from a fixed training set, and the learning rate of the gradient updates is held constant (simple backpropagation). Using stochastic approximation results, we show that for 0 this training process approaches a batch training. Further, we show that for small one can approximate simple backpropagation by the sum of a batch training process and a gaussian diffusion, which is the unique solution to a linear stochastic differential equation. Using this approximation we indicate the reasons why simple backpropagation is less likely to get stuck in local minima than the batch training process and demonstrate this empirically on a number of examples.


Abstract This study aimed to determine the factors that affect students' preferences regarding tutorial modes. A learning-habit inclinations questionnaire (LHIQ) was constructed and administered to 288 students. Factor analysis revealed four factors: "time management," "ease of access" to learning materials, "positive aspects of interaction" and "negative aspects of interaction." Seven satellite-based synchronous tutorials were delivered to 92 students in a Research Methods course. The following semester, 73 other students taking the same course received the same seven tutorials with the same tutor but in a mixed mode of delivery: three similar satellite-based synchronous tutorials and four satellite-based asynchronous videocassettes containing the recorded tutorials of the previous semester. Attitudes toward different components of the learning environments were measured and the LHIQ was administered. Results revealed that preferences of tutorial mode were determined by students' learning-habit inclinations: Those who prefer the satellite-based synchronous tutorials have stronger views toward the positive aspects of interactions and score lower on the need for autonomy and access to learning materials than those who prefer the satellite-based asynchronous tutorials. Methodological (lessons on field research), theoretical (significance of learning styles in effective teaching and learning), and practical (flexibility in teaching practices) implications are discussed.


A description of the fitness, physical activity of lifestyle, and some aspects of health status and attitudes in a population of male factory workers aged 35-60 is presented as the first part of a report on a study of morbidity in this population. A total of 1394 subjects were included, undergoing medical examination, fitness testing by bicycle ergometry, assessment of body fat, and interview questionnaire. The inter-relation of fitness, body composition, habitual exertion, health risk factors, and attitudes to exercise are discussed. Fitness levels are compared with those reported in other studies and discussed in terms of capacity for walking and running and in relation to criteria for health benefit. In these two latter respects fitness appears to be inadequate among the great majority of those tested, although it is comparable with that reported by several other recent studies. Fitness is associated with physical activity of leisure but not that of work. Only relatively strenuous physical activity in leisure time appears to be related to fitness, and is only participated in by some 28% of the sample. Cycling has the strongest association with fitness of all the physical activity variables. Blood pressure and percentage body fat are also associated, inversely, with fitness, the latter not unexpectedly because of the weight related measure of fitness.


We study the impact of supply-side and demand-side pesticide regulations on the adoption of health technologies and health outcomes in Bangladesh. We use a unique dataset that spans the chain from where farmers obtain information and which precautionary tools (i.e., masks, gloves) they use to subsequent health outcomes after spraying. In contrast to previous studies, we find that information from pesticide sellers increases the adoption of precautionary tools and subsequently improves health outcomes.We also find that there is substantial social learning from peers that act as key knowledge multipliers.


The aim of the present study was to identify the effect of a basketball unit of work that modifies the height of the hoop on the shooting effectiveness, the shooting decision-making process, and the ball possessions ending with a shot. The study was a cuasiexperiment with control and experimental groups measured pre and post intervention. The basketball unit of work was composed of 10 lessons that were applied to a sample of 74 students (14 years old). Control group received the lessons with the regular height of the basket (3.05m) and the experimental group received the lessons with variations in the height of the basket according to each task. The evaluation task was a 3 vs. 3 game situation. The results showed that experimental group increased the number of shots, the shooting effectiveness, as well as the decision-making process related to shooting action. The results enhance the need to modify and adapt the basketball height to the tasks and exercises specificity, and then to improve the shooting efficiency and effectiveness.


The origin of the principles constituting the doctrine of vetustas can be traced back to the Digest. It would be wrong, it is submitted, to regard it as a fully-fledged doctrine in Roman law. The doctrine was developed in European countries under the influence of canon law and particularly through the works of the Pandectists. According to the basic principles of vetustas the public obtains a right to make use of some "public servitude" such as a road or aquaduct on account of usage by the public of such facility since time immemorial. "Time immemorial" in the classic sense means since a moment in time that is unknown to any living person. It is permissible to produce hearsay evidence in terms of which people who are still alive testify that their forbears already made use of the facility or construction. There are many older South African cases in which the principles of immemorial user or immemorial custom have been applied, often without referring to old authorities or even mentioning vetustas. However, in later cases the principles of vetustas as such were spelled out and applied. The South African courts relaxed the rule a bit by accepting that a right has indeed been exercised since time immemorial if it is proved that the usage has been in existence for more than thirty years and no evidence rebutting the presumption that is created in the process can be adduced. Vetustas, although showing similarities with prescription, should not be confused or placed on an equal footing with servitutes created through prescription, because there are important differences, as is pointed out in the article.
Vetustas is not the type of doctrine that attracts the attention of the courts too often. Very recently, however, a case was reported in which vetustas was applied. The decision is The Langebaan Ratepayers' and Residents' Association v Dormell Properties 391 (Pty) Ltd 2013 (1) SA 37 (WCC). The court found in this case that the public obtained a right to use a certain road through use since time immemorial. This article fairly comprehensively deals with the decision in this case and the background to the dispute.


This poster describes a reinterpretation of Samuel Beckett's theatrical text Play for virtual reality (VR). It is an aesthetic reflection on practice that follows up an a technical project description submitted to ISMAR 2017 [O'Dwyer et al. 2017]. Actors are captured in a green screen environment using free-viewpoint video (FVV) techniques, and the scene is built in a game engine, complete with binaural spatial audio and six degrees of freedom of movement. The project explores how ludic qualities in the original text help elicit the conversational and interactive specificities of the digital medium. The work affirms the potential for interactive narrative in VR, opens new experiences of the text, and highlights the reorganisation of the author-audience dynamic.


This report synthesizes the country studies on PES schemes in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – that were prepared for a regional review – to compare the various schemes, to assess their current status, implementation processes and lessons learned, and to draw policy recommendations relevant to REDD+. A summary discussion of the definitions of PES is provided, given that the definitional issue is raised in the individual reports. That discussion is used to present a comprehensive framework of the key design features of PES, which is then used to outline the features of the PES schemes in the four country studies before presenting a comparison of their key features and issues. Then, the key lessons learnt from the country studies and this review, as well as the policy recommendations relevant to REDD+, are derived.The countries are almost on a continuum in terms of actors implementing PES schemes, from Vietnam with a national, government-implemented scheme, to Cambodia where the government seems to be uninterested in PES, and NGOs are therefore the only implementers. The environmental services (ES) for which the schemes have been developed are quite clearly defined, but less clear is the extent (i.e. amount) that is targeted. The potential beneficiaries of the schemes are relatively clear from the country reports, but less certain is whether there are real, objective benefits for some of the identified beneficiaries. The provision of benefits to the ES providers is unlikely to occur, or simply be viable, unless resource use or property rights are attributed to them. A related concern is that the costs of providing the ES services have not been assessed by any of the schemes. The monitoring and compliance system, information system and contracting of ES providers have only been implemented (in part) in Vietnam's scheme.


In this paper, we draw on Actor–Network Theories (ANT) to explore how material components functioned to create gateways and barriers to a virtual learning network in the context of a professional development module in higher education. Students were practitioners engaged in family learning in different professional roles and contexts. The data comprised postings in the Google+ community, email correspondence, meeting notes, feedback submitted at the final workshop and post-module evaluation forms. Our analysis revealed a complex set of interactions, and suggests multiple ways human actors story their encounters with non-human components and the effects these have on the learning experience. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a more holistic understanding of the components and dynamics of social learning networks in the virtual world and consider the implications for the design of online learning for continuous professional development (CPD). Keywords:  professional education and training; learning communities; higher education; Actor–Network Theories (Published: 14 August 2015) Citation:  Research in Learning Technology 2015,  23 : 26677 -  http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.26677


The human cerebral cortex consists of approximately 1010 neurons that are organized into a complex network of local circuits and long-range connections. During the past years there has been an increasing interest from the neuro-scientific community towards the study of this network, referred to as the human connectome. Due to its ability to probe the tissue microstructure in vivo and non invasively, diffusion MRI has revealed to be a helpful tool for the analysis of brain axonal pathways at the millimeter scale. Whereas the neuronal level remains unreachable, diffusion MRI enables the mapping of a low-resolution estimate of the human connectome, which should give a new breath to the study of normal or pathologic neuroanatomy. After a short introduction on diffusion MRI and tractography, the process by which fiber tracts are reconstructed from the diffusion images, we present a methodology allowing the creation of normalized whole-brain structural connection matrices derived from tractography and representing the human connectome. Based on the developed framework we then investigate the potential of front propagation algorithms in tractography. We compare their performance with classical tractography approaches on several well-known associative fiber pathways, and we discuss their advantages and limitations. Several solutions are proposed in order to evaluate and validate the connectome-related methodology. We develop a method to estimate the respective contributions of diffusion contrast versus other effects to a tractography result. Using this methodology, we show that whereas we can have a strong confidence in mid- and long-range connections, short-range connectivity has to be interpreted with care. Next, we demonstrate the strong relationship between the structural connectivity obtained from diffusion MR tractography and the functional connectivity measured with functional MRI. Then, we compare the performance of several diffusion MRI techniques through connectome-based measurements. We find that diffusion spectrum imaging is more sensitive and therefore enhances the results of tractography. Finally, we present two network-oriented applications. We use the human connectome to reveal the small-world architecture of the brain, a very efficient network topology in terms of wiring and power supply. We identify the cortical areas that belong to the core of structural connectivity. We show that these regions also belong to the default mode network, a set of dynamically coupled brain regions that are found to be more highly activated at rest. As a conclusion, we emphasize the potential of human connectome mapping for clinical applications and pathological studies.


The River Clyde flows from the outlet of Lake Crescent in the Central Highlands, via the townships of Bothwell and Hamilton, to the Derwent River. The catchment has experienced extensive clearing, especially in its middle and lower sections, and is subject to varying intensity of landuse. Grazing production is supplemented by irrigation, frequently involving flood irrigation of pasture, and water management is seen as a critical aspect of agricultural production in a catchment which frequently experiences very dry summers. As a consequence, water management, particularly with regard to storage and releases from the Lake Sorell-Crescent system, has been in place since the mid-1800s and has been intensive for over 50 years. The magnitude and seasonal pattern of baseflows (flows between major flood events) in the Clyde are largely dictated by managed lake releases and downstream abstractions during the majority of the year. An environmental flow assessment was conducted for the River Clyde during the development of the River Clyde Water Management Plan (DPIWE 2004). This document summarises the work conducted and the main results. The study was conducted iteratively while both the River Clyde and the Lakes Sorell and Crescent WMPs were being developed, due to the need for integration of the environmental water requirement assessment for the river with that of the Lake Sorell and Clyde system, in its headwaters. The final result was therefore a trade-off between water management implications for the
lake and river environments.


Metal halide perovskite absorber materials are about to emerge as a high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. At the same time, they are suitable for high-throughput manufacturing characterized by a low energy input and abundant low-cost materials. However, a further optimization of their efficiency, stability and reliability demands a more detailed optoelectronic characterization and understanding of losses including their evolution with time. In this work, we analyze perovskite solar cells with different architectures (planar, mesoporous, HTL-free), employing temperature dependent measurements (current–voltage, light intensity, electroluminescence) of the ideality factor to identify dominating recombination processes that limit the open-circuit voltage (Voc). We find that in thoroughly-optimized, high-Voc (≈1.2 V) devices recombination prevails through defects in the perovskite. On the other hand, irreversible degradation at elevated temperature is caused by the introduction of broad tail states originating from an external source (e.g. metal electrode). Light-soaking is another effect decreasing performance, though reversibly. Based on FTPS measurements, this degradation is attributed to the generation of surface defects becoming a new source of non-radiative recombination. We conclude that improving long-term stability needs to focus on adjacent layers, whereas a further optimization of efficiency of top-performing devices requires understanding of the defect physics of the nanocrystalline perovskite absorber. Finally, our work provides guidelines for the design of further dedicated studies to correctly interpret the diode ideality factor and decrease recombination losses.


This chapter discusses the relevance of ports for economic development and next identifies port governance as a critical determinant of a well-functioning port industry. While in the past decades privately owned terminal operating companies have emerged and contributed to more efficient supply chains, in most ports a government-owned port authority continues to play a key role. However, there is a widespread understanding that the governance structure and capabilities of the port authority often are not adequate. This chapter discusses the emergence of a governance model in which the port authority operates as a landlord port development company, within an appropriate regulatory framework. The characteristics and economic rationale of this emerging governance model are discussed in detail, and key issues in the transition towards this model are discussed.


The smart manufacturing industry relies on technology and automation based services to improve the outcome of reducing human intervention and manual errors. The development of industrial automation solutions using the Internet of Things (IoT) offers a wide range of computing and visualization solutions in a decentralized and pervasive manner. This manuscript introduces a Collaborative Computing Framework (CCF) in a view to improving the performance of the smart industries. Considering the facts of less human intervention and controlled manufacturing processes, CCF relies on harmonized scheduling between different industrial units. The operating schedules of the various functional industrial units are streamlined using this framework, along with the support of boosted tree classifiers. This streamlining provides better computing and task scheduling by exploiting the chained rapport between different functional units. Unambiguously, the production and logistics operation of the smart manufacturing schedules are analyzed using the computing framework to reduce task backlogs. The definite constraint identification and normalization using the classification process helps to minimize latency and re-schedules by 13.41%, 10.89%, and 19.08%, 11.11% respectively for different tasks and their schedules. From the logistics performance assessment, it is seen that the proposed CCF retains less cost factor and delayed instances.


We describe the experimental realization of a dynamical optical trap for atoms: the Rotating Off-resonant Dipole Optical (RODiO) Trap. A blue detuned circularly scanned laser beam creates a time averaged ;;box" for the atoms. We characterized this novel confinement technique by varying the trapping geometry and the laser beam parameters. Our observations agree well with a numerical model.


The purpose of this study was to investigate the mathematical experience while children roleplay
in a spaceship and a fruit-store. The subjects were the children involved in the roleplaying
area during their free-choice activity period. The kindergarten was located in Seoul,
Korea and the class consisted of 15 five-year-olds. Data was collected three times a week for
four weeks. Role-playing happened during the free-choice activity and it took about 50-60
minutes each time. I collected the data in three different ways: field notes, audio recordings,
and video recordings. Data was analyzed according to five mathematical concepts: number
and operation, space and shape, measurement, pattern and data analysis and probability.
Based on the results of this study, children mainly experienced and developed mathematical
concepts of 'number and operation', 'space and shape' and 'measurement' while role-playing
in a spaceship and a fruit store.


With continuous advancements and an increase in user popularity, data mining technologies serve as an invaluable resource for researchers across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. In this comprehensive guide, author and research scientist Kalev Leetaru introduces the approaches, strategies, and methodologies of current data mining techniques, offering insights for new and experienced users alike. Designed as an instructive reference to computer-based analysis approaches, each chapter of this resource explains a set of core concepts and analytical data mining strategies, along with detailed examples and steps relating to current data mining practices. Every technique is considered with regard to context, theory of operation and methodological concerns, and focuses on the capabilities and strengths relating to these technologies. In addressing critical methodologies and approaches to automated analytical techniques, this work provides an essential overview to a broad innovative field.


This paper describes the use of pH and calcium ion electrodes for investigating factors affecting the heat stability of UHT milk with added calcium chloride. Calcium chloride was added to raw milk to manipulate ionic calcium and pH to within the range that may be typically encountered in raw milk of different compositions and microbial quality. Addition of only 5 mM calcium chloride was sufficient to induce considerable changes in pH, ionic calcium and ethanol stability and alter its stability to UHT treatment. There was a strong relationship between pH decrease and increase in ionic calcium when pH was reduced, whether by addition of calcium chloride or by acidification. Calcium chloride addition was found to increase sediment formation in UHT treated milk. However, sediment could be reduced by addition of stabilizers. Those most effective were ones which decreased ionic calcium and increased pH, such as trisodium citrate and disodium hydrogen phosphate. Sediment formation following UHT treatment was only slight for milk samples whose ethanol stability was greater than 80%.


Abstract Jaguars (Panthera onca) often prey on livestock, resulting in conflicts with humans. To date, kill rates and predation patterns by jaguars have not been well documented. We studied the foraging ecology of jaguars in an area with both livestock and native prey and documented kill rates, characteristics of prey killed, patterns of predation, and the influence of prey size on the duration at kill sites and the time interval between kills. Between October 2001 and April 2004 we monitored 10 jaguars equipped with global positioning system (GPS) collars. We collected 11,787 GPS locations and identified 1,105 clusters of locations as sites of concentrated use (e.g., kill sites, bed sites, and dens). Of these, we found prey remains at 415 kill sites and documented 438 prey items. Kills were composed of 31.7% cattle (9.8% adults and 21.9% calves), 24.4% caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare), 21.0% peccaries (mostly Tayassu pecari), 4.1% feral hogs (Sus scrofa), 3.9% marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), 3.2% giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), 2.0% capybaras (Hydrochoeris hydrochaeris), 1.6% brocket deer (Mazama americana and M. gouazoubira), and other avian, mammalian, and reptilian species. Individual jaguars differed in the proportion of each species they killed and the proportion of native prey versus cattle. Although all 10 cats killed cattle, 5 killed a high proportion of cattle (>35% of kills), and 3 killed few cattle (<15%). Males (27%) and females (35%) killed cattle in similar proportions. In contrast, male jaguars killed a higher proportion of peccaries than did females, and female jaguars killed more caiman than did males. The mean kill rate for all jaguars was 4.3 days ± 4.4 SD between known consecutive kills. The time interval to the next subsequent kill by jaguars increased with increasing prey size. Jaguars also increased the length of time at a carcass as prey size increased. Jaguar kill rates on peccaries steadily increased over the 4-year study. In contrast, kill rates on cattle decreased during the same period. Rainfall, and subsequent water levels on the Pantanal, was the main driver of seasonal kill rates by jaguars on cattle and caiman. As water levels increased, predation on caiman increased as caiman became more distributed throughout the landscape. Conversely, as water levels fell, caiman became less plentiful, and cattle were moved out into pastures thereby increasing their availability to more jaguars.


One approach to model checking software is based on the abstract-check-refine paradigm: build an abstract model, then check the desired property, and if the check fails, refine the model and start over. We introduce the concept of lazy abstraction to integrate and optimize the three phases of the abstract-check-refine loop. Lazy abstraction continuously builds and refines a single abstract model on demand, driven by the model checker, so that different parts of the model may exhibit different degrees of precision, namely just enough to verify the desired property. We present an algorithm for model checking safety properties using lazy abstraction and describe an implementation of the algorithm applied to C programs. We also provide sufficient conditions for the termination of the method.


An unprecedented selective C(α)–C(β) bond cleavage of simple saturated aryl ketones was developed. The corresponding α-ketoamides, ubiquitous structural units in a variety of natural products, were constructed from copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C–C bond cleavage and amidation of ketones with amines under air. And this reaction featured simple starting materials and a broad substrate scope. Moreover, no obvious limitation was observed in terms of a gram-scale application. In addition, a plausible reaction pathway was proposed based on mechanism studies.


The relation between the clustering properties of luminous matter in the form of galaxies and the underlying dark matter distribution is of fundamental importance for the interpretation of ongoing and upcoming galaxy surveys. The so-called local bias model, where galaxy density is a function of local matter density, is frequently discussed as a means to infer the matter power spectrum or correlation function from the measured galaxy correlation. However, gravitational evolution generates a term quadratic in the tidal tensor and thus nonlocal in the Eulerian density field, even if this term is absent in the initial conditions (Lagrangian space). Because the term is quadratic, it contributes as a loop correction to the power spectrum, so the standard linear bias picture still applies on very large scales; however, it contributes at leading order to the bispectrum for which it is significant on all scales. Such a term could also be present in Lagrangian space if halo formation were influenced by the tidal field. We measure the corresponding coupling strengths from the matter-matter-halo bispectrum in numerical simulations and find a nonvanishing coefficient for the tidal tensor term. We find no scale dependence of the inferred bias parameters up to k∼0.1h  Mpc−1 and that the tidal effect is increasing with halo mass. While the local Lagrangian bias picture is a better description of our results than the local Eulerian bias picture, our results suggest that there might be a tidal tensor bias already in the initial conditions. We also find that the coefficients of the quadratic density term deviate quite strongly from the theoretical predictions based on the spherical collapse model and a universal mass function. Both quadratic density and tidal tensor bias terms must be included in the modeling of galaxy clustering of current and future surveys if one wants to achieve the high precision cosmology promise of these data sets.


Psycholinguistic evidence has established the complementary nature of the verbal and non-verbal aspects of human expression. We present our findings in the detection of these cites in interaction. We use the psycholinguistic device known as the 'catchment' as the locus of integration of gesture, speech and gaze components. We videotape conversation elicitation experiments in which subjects convey complex spatial plans to an interlocutor using a calibrated three-camera setup. We extract the gestural motion of both hands, gaze direction, and voiced units in the discourse and compare these with transcripts generated by expert microanalysis of the video. Our results show the complementary nature of these communicative modalities. Where there is ambiguity in the structure of one modality (such as in haptologies or owing to noise in the audio signal), other modalities provide evidence for correct segmentation.


Accomplice liability makes someone guilty of a crime he never committed, so long as he helped or influenced the perpetrator and did so with the required mens rea. Just what that mens rea should be has been contested for more than a century. Here I consider three major approaches and find them all wanting. I propose rejecting their common (but rarely questioned) assumption that what matters is the helper's mental state toward the perpetrator's commission of an offense. I suggest considering instead his stance toward the perpetrator's intention to act: a helper is an accomplice, on this view, if he (a) intends to see to it that the principal form or keep his own plan to commit an offense and (b) does not intend or expect that plan's frustration. This standard better justifies imposing accomplice liability. It more precisely picks out those helpers culpable for the perpetrator's very offense. And this parity of guilt is the best -- perhaps the only good -- basis for imposing the same liability on accomplice and principal, in a system so retribution-driven as to choose to do so at all.


Background: The natural compounds have been researched extensively as an alternative to the conventional chemotherapy and radiation. Stilbene derivatives appear as a group of therapeutics which deserves special attention. The present study was designed to analyze the effects of stilbene derivatives on drug resistant human leukemic cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the apoptotic effect of stilbene derivatives in various concentrations on leukemic cells (LC) with and without resistant phenotype. Methods: Human acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell lines (HL60, HL60/MX1, HL60/MX2) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines (CEM/C1, CCRF-CEM) were studied. T-resveratrol, piceatannol, rhaponticin, deoxyrhaponticin, pterostilbene were used to stimulate apoptosis. Mitoxantrone (MIT) was applied to induce drug resistance. Results: t-Resveratrol (RES), deoxyrhaponticin (D-RHAP), rhaponticin (RHAP), pterostilbene (PTER), and piceatannol (PIC) influenced viability and induced apoptosis in all investigated cell lines. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that RES, PIC, RHAP, D-RHAP, and PTER are essential therapeutic compounds with anticancer activity exhibited by induction of apoptosis in leukemic cells with and without resistant phenotype. Stilbene-induced apoptosis in HL60/MX1, HL60/MX2, CEM/C1, and CCRF-CEM leukemia cell lines have been presented in very few studies so far and our research is an important contribution to the investigation of these substances.


Moringa oleifera is a tree native to a number of Asian, African, and Central American countries and has been used in traditional medicine for an assortment of medicinal uses for centuries. Due to bioactive compounds within Moringa leaves, it is believed that Moringa leaf extract may possess cancer-selective antiproliferative properties. Previous research has been conducted in regards to this topic, but poor experimental design due to lack of necessary controls limits the legitimacy of anticancer claims. While previous research has shown that Moringa leaf extract has the potential to kill cancer cells, the research fails to demonstrate the effects of Moringa leaf extract on healthy cells. In order for anticancer claims to be sufficient and yield the possibility of a future cancer treatment, Moringa leaf extract must not harm non-cancerous cells. This is essential in order to be considered a cancer-selective killing agent. The current study was designed using tissue type pairs including both cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. These cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of Moringa leaf extracts. After 48 hours, cell proliferation was measured with CellTiter 96 Aqueous NonRadioactive Cell Proliferation Assay, and statistical analyses were completed. Results showed that the Moringa leaf extract had no statistically significant effect on either of the breast cell lines, cancerous or non-cancerous. However, the results suggest there is a statistically significant difference in cell proliferation between the lung cell lines. Low concentrations increased cell proliferation in the healthy lung cells while having no significant effect on the cancerous lung cells. The effects reversed at higher concentrations. This could be due to the difference in cell responses between cancerous lung cells and healthy lung cells. Microscopy findings provided qualitative results that helped determine the method of cell death occurring by cells treated with Moringa leaf extract. Ideally, an effective cancer treatment would cause cancerous cells to die by apoptosis, rather than necrosis. However, the findings suggest necrosis is the primary mode of death occurring in the cancerous lung cells, while the cancerous breast cells showed no signs of cell death. This research contradicts previous findings that Moringa leaf extract is a cancer killing agent; therefore, more research should be completed to understand these new findings.


The hydrodynamics of fluidization in a vertically orientated annulus, manufactured from Perspex tubes, was measured optically. Air was used for the fluidization of sieved river sand using multiple air injectors orientated tangentially to the annulus walls. Instead of achieving the desired induced rotation of the fluid bed, jet formation and spouted bed behaviour at superficial gas velocities above the minimum fluidization velocity was observed. To study the hydrodynamic behaviour of the annular fluidized bed in more detail, a representative 2D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. It was concluded that although the 2D CFD model could be used as a first estimate, the hydrodynamics of the annular fluidized bed should rather be more accurately modelled in 3D.


The Jatiluhur Dam in Indonesia, completed in 1965, is an innovative design consisting of rockfill embankment with a clay core and a vertical cylindrical Intake Spillway. Within the Intake base is a torus-shaped powerhouse. The entire structure is embedded in the upstream face of the embankment. The purpose of the project is to provide water storage for irrigation and the public water supply of the Indonesian Capital, Jakarta, plus modest power production. However, because of serious differential settlement that is greatly aggravated by reservoir drawdown, the usable storage has been severely curtailed. Recent studies show that the dam safety is deficient. Corrective measures are now being designed to restore the usable storage and increase safety.


Germinal center (GC) reactions are central features of T cell-driven B cell responses, and the site where antibody (Ab) producing cells and memory B cells are generated. Within GCs, a range of complex cellular and molecular events occur which are critical for the generation of high affinity Abs. These processes require exquisite regulation not only to ensure the production of desired Abs, but to minimize unwanted autoreactive or low affinity Abs. To assess whether T regulatory cells (Treg) participate in the control of GC responses, immunized mice were treated with either an anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) mAb or an anti-CD25 mAb to disrupt Treg activity. In both groups of treated mice, the GC B cell pool was significantly larger compared with control treated animals, with switched GC B cells composing an abnormally high proportion of the response. With these results indicating Tregs influence on GC dynamics, experiments were conducted to determine if Tregs were located in the GC, which subset of Treg was involved and by which mechanisms were their functions being effected. Within the spleens of immunized mice, CXCR5 + CCR7-Tregs were documented by flow cytometry and Foxp3 + cells were found within GCs using immunohistology. Studies demonstrated administration of either anti-TGF-β or anti-IL-10R blocking mAb to likewise result in dysregulated GCs, suggesting that generation of inducible Tregs is important in controlling the GC response. Blockade of two Treg methods of suppression, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and CTLA-4, also resulted in disrupted GCs, indicating the possible use of them for suppression by Treg. Collectively, these findings indicate that Tregs contribute to the overall size and quality of the humoral response by controlling homeostasis within GCs. ii To my Family, Friends and all " de Trinis to de bone " iii Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.


In order to improve the safety of Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), it is required to know the behavior of the plant when an accident occurred as can be seen at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Especially, it is important to estimate the behavior of molten core jet in the lower part of the reactor pressure vessel at a severe accident. In the BWR lower plenum, the flow characteristics of molten core jet are affected by many complicated structures, such as control rod guide tubes, instrument guide tubes and core support plate. However, it is difficult to evaluate these effects on molten core jet experimentally. Therefore, we considered that multi-phase computational fluid dynamics approach is the best way to estimate the effects on molten core jet by complicated structure. The objective of this study is to develop the evaluation method for the flow characteristic of molten core jet including the effects of the complicated structures in the lower plenum. So we are developing a simulation method to estimate the behavior of molten core jet falling down through the core support plate to the lower plenum of the BWR. The simulation method is based on interface tracking method code TPFIT (Two Phase Flow simulation code with Interface Tracking). To verify and validate the applicability of the developed method in detail, it is necessary to obtain the experimental data that can be compared with detailed numerical results by the TPFIT. Thus, the authors are carrying out experimental works by use of multi-phase flow visualization technique. In the experiments, time series of interface shapes are observed by high speed camera and velocity profiles in/out of the jet are measured by the PIV method. In this paper, we carried out analysis of the multi-channel experiment using the analytical method based on the TPFIT. Specifically, predicted results including interface shape and velocity profile in and out simulated molten material were compared with measured results. In the results, predicted results agreed with measured results qualitatively.Copyright © 2014 by ASME


This Essay analyzes local climate regulation in San Bernardino County as a window into the complexities of defining a local scale in an interconnected world. As a purely territorial matter, U.S. cities and counties differ substantially in their size, the physical geography that they encompass, and the needs of their population. Structurally, they remain administrative subunits of states with significant autonomy. Finally, their substantive decisionmaking requires them to engage with a wide range of actors at different scales as they make decisions about multiscalar problems. These layered interactions suggest that a law and geography analysis of San Bernardino County might help to capture the nuances of appropriate and effective local policymaking with respect to climate change. Although law defines the boundaries of San Bernardino in specific ways, the interaction among legal and socio-political spaces reveals a more complex terrain. As local actors span a wide range of geographic and legal scales, urban and rural environments, and the relationships they each entail, supposedly local climate regulation involves multiple territories at different levels of government. More specifically, the Essay explores the dynamics between place and space, and their construction of scale, to provide insights into the boundaries of this "local" territory. Part II describes the overlapping regulatory authorities and sociolegal spaces that converge in San Bernardino County as it addresses the problem of climate change. Part III examines those overlaps through a law and geography lens - specifically geographic network theory and bottom-up networking - to explore the scale of the local climate efforts in the County. The Essay concludes with reflections upon the broader consequences of the dispute for how we conceptualize the "local" and its role in climate regulation.


A theoretical and numerical study of the optical near field in both metallic and dielectric nanocylinders close to a dielectric surface is presented. To establish a procedure of control and analysis, we address the resonant excitation of the particle eigenmodes, either through propagating (homogeneous) or evanescent (inhomogeneous) plane-wave incidence, and compare with off-resonance cases, including the effects of multiple scattering between the particle and the flat interface. The analysis is carried out by comparing the near-field distributions with the far-field scattering efficiencies and the behavior of the corresponding Mie coefficients.


A new parameterization of snow water equivalent (SWE) based on snow depth (HS) has been developed from observations made in northern Sweden. When applying previous SWE parameterization from the Alps on observations from northern Sweden, the SWE values are systematically 20% lower. The new SWE parameterization is derived from a snow layer density regression model using snow layer hardness and snow particle size. The model was evaluated with a detailed field reference dataset, and then applied to the long-term Abisko Scientific Research Station stratigraphic snowpack dataset. The model enables a regional adjustment of snow layer density values for northern Swedish conditions. The snow layer density model provides an accurate estimation of snow bulk density used to derive the SWE parameterization based solely on HS. Snow depth observations are made on a daily basis; by applying our new parameterization, daily values of SWE can be obtained for northern Scandinavian conditions, which can be used, for example, for hydropower production planning and risk assessments.


Academic writing is kind of writing in which the writers of an academic community try to inform their colleagues about their findings. When they want to write for their communities they should know how to write for. This issue can be outlined by recognizing the underlying features of a particular community and discipline. Recognizing the features is possible through the phenomenon called Meta-discourse. Meta-discourse refers to the aspects of text structure which goes beyond the subject matter and shows the presence of the author, involves linguistic elements which writers use to contribute the acceptability and understandability of the content of the text. Considering the important role of meta-discourse in academic writing, this descriptive study attempts to discover the meaning of meta-discourse and its two main categories, i.e. textual meta-discourse and interpersonal meta-discourse, based on the taxonomy developed by Hyland (1998a). Finally the researcher proposes some of the main issues relating the presence of meta-discourse in texts.


Real-world visual scenes display consistent first- and second-order statistical regularities to which visual neural representations may be perceptually matched, but these lower-order regularities stem from constraints on image power spectra, which appear to carry much less perceptual information than image phase spectra. Natural scenes are shown also to display consistent higher-order statistical regularities, and an analysis of these regularities in terms of fourth-order spectra shows that they are strongly dependent on spatial frequency. These findings have important consequences for the design of a visual system that aims to maximize sparseness in neural representations.