Sustainable tourism is a malleable concept that needs to be operationalized for successful implementation. Policies based on firm conceptualizations are needed in order to put sustainable tourism into practice. The present research develops a conceptual model to support sustainable tourism policy making. It brings together, into a single model, knowledge from diverse literature sources and structures it as a system of interrelated components using a holistic, adaptive, and complex systems' approach. In building the model it is the interrelationships of the elements that shape it and underline its contribution as something more than a listing of policy considerations. This comprehensive representation of interrelationships should help policy makers to navigate through the complexities of sustainable tourism and to make more knowledgeable decisions.


he role of municipalities to foster renewable energy generation has been recently recognized and pointed out. First, their involvement comes from the fact that strategic planning at a local level is necessary due to the site-specific nature of renewable sources. Second, in the last years, the role of citizens has turned out to be a critical issue as demonstrated, for instance, by the NIMBY syndrome, suggesting local governments' participation in the process, since they can benefit by a closer connection to inhabitants. Third, the point of view of local governments, who are the institutional actors more directly involved, can help to better estimate both technical and non-technical barriers for the growth of renewable energy. Starting from the analysis of a small urban area, Corinaldo, located in Central Italy, whose electricity production from renewable sources is able to cover about 70% of the entire municipal electricity use, the present paper aims at identifying renewable energy strategies for small urban areas that can be suitable for big cities and metropolitan regions as well. First, the main energy strategies carried out by the municipality under study have been identified; second, the main barriers and measures to a much higher renewable energy penetration have been discussed. This analysis has been conducted with the aid of a specific tool, EnergyPlan, developed by the Aalborg University to evaluate energy alternatives based on renewable energy systems. Finally, general findings suitable for fostering renewable energy penetration have been pointed out. In particular, results show that the higher percentage of renewable energy on the total energy demand, which generally characterizes small urban areas, mainly derives - other than from the obvious reason related to the area dimension - from the closer connection between the local governance and citizens, able to improve communication and succeed in delivering important messages.


BACKGROUND: Chest injuries are associated with mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and require multimodal pain management strategies, including regional anesthesia (RA). We conducted a survey to determine the current practices of physicians working in ICUs regarding RA for the management of chest trauma in patients with multiple traumas. METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent to medical doctors (n = 1230) working in French ICUs, using the Société Française d'Anesthésie Réanimation (SFAR) mailing list of its members. The questionnaire addressed 3 categories: general characteristics, practical aspects of RA, and indications and contraindications. RESULTS: Among the 333 respondents (response rate = 27%), 78% and 40% of 156 respondents declared that they would consider using thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPB), respectively. The main benefits declared for performing RA were the ability to have effective analgesia, a more effective cough, and early rehabilitation. For 70% of the respondents, trauma patients with a theoretical indication of RA did not receive TEA or TPB for the following reasons: the ICU had no experience of RA (62%), no anesthesiologist-intensivist working in the ICU (46%), contraindications (27%), ignorance of the SFAR guidelines (19%), and no RA protocol available (13%). In this survey, 95% of the respondents thought the prognosis of trauma patients could be influenced by the use of RA. CONCLUSIONS: While TEA and TPB are underused because of several limitations related to the patterns of injuries in multitrauma patients, lack of both experience and confidence in combination with the absence of available protocols appear to be the major restraining factors, even if physicians are aware that patients' outcomes could be improved by RA. These results suggest the need to strengthen initial training and provide continuing education about RA in the ICU.


Maintenance of skeletal muscle structure and function requires efficient and precise metabolic control. Autophagy plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis of diverse tissues by recycling cellular constituents, particularly under conditions of caloric restriction, thereby normalizing cellular metabolism. Here we show that histone deacetylases (HDACs) 1 and 2 control skeletal muscle homeostasis and autophagy flux in mice. Skeletal muscle-specific deletion of both HDAC1 and HDAC2 results in perinatal lethality of a subset of mice, accompanied by mitochondrial abnormalities and sarcomere degeneration. Mutant mice that survive the first day of life develop a progressive myopathy characterized by muscle degeneration and regeneration, and abnormal metabolism resulting from a blockade to autophagy. HDAC1 and HDAC2 regulate skeletal muscle autophagy by mediating the induction of autophagic gene expression and the formation of autophagosomes, such that myofibers of mice lacking these HDACs accumulate toxic autophagic intermediates. Strikingly, feeding HDAC1/2 mutant mice a high-fat diet from the weaning age releases the block in autophagy and prevents myopathy in adult mice. These findings reveal an unprecedented and essential role for HDAC1 and HDAC2 in maintenance of skeletal muscle structure and function and show that, at least in some pathological conditions, myopathy may be mitigated by dietary modifications.


Effective-index approach is applied for modeling of channel plasmon polaritons (CPPs) propagating in rectangular grooves (trenches) and triangular (V-shaped) grooves in gold, accounting for the main features of CPP guiding and elucidating its underlying physics. The effective indexes of CPP modes along with the corresponding propagation lengths are calculated for different configurations and wavelengths while varying the groove depth. The results obtained allow one to identify the parameter range for realizing the single-mode CPP guiding featuring subwavelength confinement and moderate propagation loss at telecom wavelengths.


This work is concerned with sampling and computation of rare events in molecular systems. In particular, we present new methods for sampling the canonical ensemble corresponding to the Boltzmann-Gibbs probability measure. We combine an equation for controlling the kinetic energy of the system with a random noise to derive a highly degenerate diffusion (i.e. a diffusion equation where diffusion happens only along one or few degrees of freedom of the system). Next the concept of hypoellipticity is used to show that the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation of the highly degenerate diffusion is well-posed, hence we prove that the solution of the highly degenerate diffusion is ergodic with respect to the Boltzmann-Gibbs measure. We find that the new method is more efficient for computation of dynamical averages such as autocorrelation functions than the commonly used Langevin dynamics, especially in systems with many degrees of freedom. Finally we study the computation of free energy using an adaptive method which is based on the adaptive biasing force technique.


Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the status of P&P practices of secondary school athletic trainers. Methods: Following an online informed consent confirmation, participants completed a Policies and Procedures Status questionnaire, including demographics. This was distributed to certified athletic trainers currently employed in the secondary school setting in the United States. The survey consisted of 49 questions about the status of P&Ps using one of the following responses: the practice is in operation and it appears in written form; the practice is in operation but does not appear in written form; the practice is not in operation but does appear in written form; and the practice is not in operation and it does not appear in written form. This study utilized descriptive statistics, consisting of means, frequencies, and percentages, to report results that described the current status of policies and procedures Results: There was a total of 232 participants. 72.6% of secondary school athletic trainers had existing P&P manuals and 37.9% reported the P&P manual existed when they acquired the position. 31.9% who did not have an existing P&P manual upon starting their position never developed a manual. 45.7% of all P&Ps were reported to exist in both written and operational form and 25.9% reported having neither written nor operational forms of P&Ps. 54.5% used the BOC Guiding Principles for AT Policy and Procedure Development and 45.2% used the BOC Facility Principles document. Conclusion: The results revealed almost half of participants reported the risk management practices in the P&P manual were in operational and written form. P&Ps that have been described in NATA Position Statements were more likely to be in both written and operational form when compared to those that were not. Secondary school athletic trainers may have limited guidance and training in risk management, with even less guidance on resources specifically for developing and reviewing P&Ps. Author Bio(s) Micaela Dunbar-Gaynor, MS, ATC, EMT is a post-graduate student in Livonia, Michigan. Ericka P. Zimmerman, EdD, LAT, ATC is an Associate Professor and School Director for the School of Health Sciences at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Victor Liberi, MS, LAT, ATC is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. This manuscript is available in Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ijahsp/vol18/iss2/6


Based on original research in the archives of Uzbekistan, this book surveys the early modern commercial relations between India and Central Asia and examines the emergence, economic function, social organization, and decline of an Indian merchant diaspora. This diaspora consisted of tens of thousands of Indian merchant-moneylenders living in communities dispersed across Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, the Caucasus and much of Russia. The book illustrates how these diaspora merchants utilized their position as agents of heavily capitalized, caste-based Indian family firms to finance transregional trade and complex systems of rural credit and industrial production. It concludes with an analysis of the Russian colonial administration's policies toward the Indian merchants, and explains how these policies brought about the decline of the diaspora in Central Asia.


A method that uses a Zeeman laser in conjunction with a Glan-Thompson analyzer to image an object in a turbid medium is proposed. A heterodyne signal is generated only when the scattering photons are partially polarized, and the spatial coherence is not seriously degraded after the signal propagates in the turbid medium. A system combining polarization discrimination with optical coherence detection to image the object in a scattering medium is successfully demonstrated. The medium is a solution of polystyrene microspheres measuring 1.072 mum in diameter suspended in distilled water contained in a 10-mm-thick quartz cuvette. The advantages of this optical system, including better selectivity of the weak partially polarized scattering photons and better imaging ability in higher-scattering media, are discussed.


To clarify the taxonomic status of Gymnura crebripunctata and Gymnura marmorata, the extent of morphological and nucleotide variation between these nominal species was examined using multivariate morphological and mitochondrial DNA comparisons of the same characters with congeneric species. Discriminant analysis of 21 morphometric variables from four species (G. crebripunctata, G. marmorata, Gymnura micrura and Gymnura poecilura) successfully distinguished species groupings. Classification success of eastern Pacific species improved further when specimens were grouped by species and sex. Discriminant analysis of size-corrected data generated species assignments that were consistently accurate in separating the two species (100% jackknifed assignment success). Nasal curtain length was identified as the character which contributed the most to discrimination of the two species. Sexual dimorphism was evident in several characters that have previously been relied upon to distinguish G. crebripunctata from G. marmorata. A previously unreported feature, the absence of a tail spine in G. crebripunctata, provides an improved method of field identification between these species. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses based on 698 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene indicate that G. crebripunctata and G. marmorata form highly divergent lineages, supporting their validity as distinct species. The closely related batoid Aetoplatea zonura clustered within the Gymnura clade, indicating that it may not represent a valid genus. Strong population structuring (overall Phi(ST) = 0.81, P < 0.01) was evident between G. marmorata from the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula and the Gulf of California, supporting the designation of distinct management units in these regions.


Complaints about spiralling serials costs, lack of service from large commercial publishers, and the inability to meet the information needs of researchers are not new. Over the past few years, however, we have begun to see new models develop that better serve the information needs academics as both authors and readers. The internet is now being used in ways other than just to provide electronic facsimiles of print journals accessed using the traditional subscription models. Authors can now self-archive their own work making it available to millions and new open access journals extend this by providing a peer-review service to ensure quality control.


Hybrid processes coupling the use of powder activated carbon (PAC) with membrane filtration for drinking water production are emerging as promising alternatives to conventional technologies due to their enhanced control of dissolved contaminants. The quantification of biomass colonizing PAC is crucial for modeling, designing control strategies and improving the overall performance of these processes. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of several common methods developed for colonized granular activated carbon (GAC) to PAC. Six analytical methods (based on the measurement of proteins, polysaccharides, heterotrophic plate counts, potential glucose respiration, bacterial ATP and a potential acetate uptake rate, which is proposed herein) were compared. The results showed that the rates of glucose respiration and of acetate consumption could be used interchangeably. Proteins were also an interesting alternative for on-site measurements. It was concluded that biological PAC-based processes sustained a level of heterotrophic activity similar to or greater than that observed in GAC biofilters.


Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder seen in dermatology and primary care offices today with significant associated morbidity. The pathogenesis of acne is complex and multifactorial, and there continues to be an influx of new information to increase our understanding of this chronic disease. Recent advances in acne pathogenesis will be discussed, including theories regarding the sequence of events in acne formation, the functions of P. acnes, TLR involvement and role of the sebaceous gland and factors influencing sebum production.


A method is presented to construct computer-generated holograms from objects composed of line segments. In reconstruction, lines of finite lengths are displayed in three dimensions. These lines are analytically deduced from cylindrical and conical waves. It is possible to reconstruct lines of arbitrary orientation (inclined up to 85° to the hologram plane).


Adobe Flash began as a simple animation tool and grew into a multimedia platform that offered a generation of creators and innovators an astonishing range of opportunities to develop and distribute new kinds of digital content. For the better part of a decade, Flash was the de facto standard for dynamic online media, empowering amateur and professional developers to shape the future of the interactive Web. In this book, Anastasia Salter and John Murray trace the evolution of Flash into one of the engines of participatory culture. Salter and Murray investigate Flash as both a fundamental force that shaped perceptions of the web and a key technology that enabled innovative interactive experiences and new forms of gaming. They examine a series of works that exemplify Flash's role in shaping the experience and expectations of web multimedia. Topics include Flash as a platform for developing animation (and the "Flashimation" aesthetic); its capacities for scripting and interactive design; games and genres enabled by the reconstruction of the browser as a games portal; forms and genres of media art that use Flash; and Flash's stance on openness and standards--including its platform-defining battle over the ability to participate in Apple's own proprietary platforms. Flash's exit from the mobile environment in 2011 led some to declare that Flash was dead. But, as Salter and Murray show, not only does Flash live, but its role as a definitive cross-platform tool continues to influence web experience.


Within the context of an exploration of the recent financial geographies literature, which laments the lack of attention paid to the dynamics and impacts of financial globalisation in Latin America and the global South, this paper examines the links between exclusion from formal financial services provision for low-income sectors across Latin America and the unstable nature of regional financial services architecture and economies. The paper examines a range of issues, including control of the financial services infrastructure by foreign corporations, the role of regional elites and (as importantly) the decision making processes of the poor themselves. This contextual analysis is employed to investigate the premise that the future sustainability of Latin American economies and societies more than ever depends on what efforts are made to develop the extension of financial services provision for the excluded and in so doing broaden the complexity, increase the heterogeneity and enhance the stability of the region's economies. To this end, the paper outlines the technical and non-technical barriers to banking the unbanked in the region within the context of an engagement with the dynamics of the radical changes in the international financial services sector that have impacted upon the region over recent years.


Strategic performance management (SPM) has become an important vehicle for business management in today's turbulent business environment. SPM has in recent years attracted much research interest from the side of both scientists and policy-makers. This interest is warranted because of the fundamental transformations (e.g. increased competition, changes in the regulatory environment, the impact of technology, growing globalization, shifts in customer behaviour and expectations) in industrial systems created a challenging business environment, which prompted firms to call for insight into their business activities and operational performance at all times. The growing importance of these changes has further intensified the need for alternative strategic control and performance measures to allow businesses to stay competitive and profitable. The performance measures should provide a complete picture of a firm's progress towards the achievement of its mission and goals. The study addresses the need for an efficient SPM and operational Performance Measurement System (PMS) for assessing business performance to cope with continous changing business circumstances, to develop systematic strategic tools/approaches that shape and measure a firm's capability for continuous competitiveness, to innovate and renew themselves business-oriented climate, which potentially determine the success of the firms. Both the popular and scientific literature indicate that there is evidence that SPM is now implemented (in use) in approximately 70% of medium-to-large firms in the US and Europe, as well as in many governmental departments. There is however, much unjustified belief in the assumed potential offered by the implementation of SPM in Dutch firms. Most studies are anecdotal, case studies, speculative and less based upon empirical facts or solid business management theory. Much work has been carried out on the design and deployment of SPM, but relatively little attention has been paid on the impact of SPM on firms' results. The paper aims to investigate on an empirical basis whether SPM yield the benefits and/or disbenefits, as predicted by the literature, for Dutch firms. And to provide an insight into the reasons behind the implementation of SPM, as predicted by the literature, because each of the reasons for implementing SPM should yield particular benefits or disbenefits. The overarching analysis framework of this paper is based on SPM, because particular attention is paid to the lessons from the strategic performance management literature for measuring the successes (and failures) of Dutch firms. Much empirical studies provide mixed evidence on the strategic benefits from the implementation of SPM. Various literature sources, case studies and practical experience show that firms that have implemented SPM obtain better financial and non-financial results, and improve more their overall quality than competitors or comparable firms that are less SPM-driven over a longer period of time. But, other literature sources reported that SPM has failed through incorrect identification of non-financial indicators, poorly defines metrics to address the requirements of all the stakeholders, wrong and too little or much measurements, use the metrics ineffectively, no clear existence of the link between nonfinancial and the expected financial results and no clear interactions (correlation(s)) among the benefits, disbenefits and reasons behind the implementation of SPM. The research will deploy sophisticated statistical tools (exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis) to assess systematically the business activities success and (and failures) after implementing SPM in practice.


During brain development, various types of neuronal populations are produced from different progenitor pools to produce neuronal diversity that is sufficient to establish functional neuronal circuits. However, the molecular mechanisms that specify the identity of each progenitor pool remain obscure. Here, we show that Wnt signaling is essential for the specification of the identity of posterior progenitor pools in the Drosophila visual center. In the medulla, the largest component of the visual center, different types of neurons are produced from two progenitor pools: the outer proliferation center (OPC) and glial precursor cells (GPCs; also known as tips of the OPC). We found that OPC-type neurons are produced from the GPCs at the expense of GPC-type neurons when Wnt signaling is suppressed in the GPCs. In contrast, GPC-type neurons are ectopically induced when Wnt signaling is ectopically activated in the OPC. These results suggest that Wnt signaling is necessary and sufficient for the specification of the progenitor pool identity. We also found that Homothorax (Hth), which is temporally expressed in the OPC, is ectopically induced in the GPCs by suppression of Wnt signaling and that ectopic induction of Hth phenocopies the suppression of Wnt signaling in the GPCs. Thus, Wnt signaling is involved in regionalization of the fly visual center through the specification of the progenitor pool located posterior to the medulla by suppressing Hth expression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain consists of considerably diverse neurons of different origins. In mammalian brain, excitatory and inhibitory neurons derive from the dorsal and ventral telencephalon, respectively. Multiple progenitor pools also contribute to the neuronal diversity in fly brain. However, it has been unclear how differences between these progenitor pools are established. Here, we show that Wnt signaling, an evolutionarily conserved signaling, is involved in the process that establishes the differences between these progenitor pools. Because β-catenin signaling, which is under the control of Wnt ligands, specifies progenitor pool identity in the developing mammalian thalamus, Wnt signaling-mediated specification of progenitor pool identity may be conserved in insect and mammalian brains.


The many sigh at bureaucracy of service of public in Indonesia show existence of indica-tion that service of public still be looked into very ugly, condition of said that if less pay attention towill cause decline theness competitiveness for public organization. Public organization which don'thave competitiveness mean the organization of indigent apply change demand or challenge epoch.in reality still be met by public organization which indigent fulfill progressively public demandcritical and multifarious, result trust of society to public organization progressively decline wherepublic no longer feel proud to the public existence of organization about his. for the purpose up forthe side of bureaucracy have started to think of how strategy to be being done to increase servicewhich with quality. one of strategy guarantying public get service which in desiring him it is throughapplying of service charter or citizen charter.


Methods to assess the impact of global warming on the temperature regime of a single site are explored with reference to Coimbra in Portugal. The basis of the analysis is information taken from a climate change simulation performed with a state-of-the-art general circulation model (the Hadley Centre model). First, it is shown that the model is unable to reproduce accurately the statistics of daily maximum and minimum temperature at the site. Second, using a re-analysis data set, downscaling models are developed to predict site temperature from large-scale free atmosphere variables derived from the sea level pressure and 500 hPa geopotential height fields. In particular, the relative per- formances of linear models and non-linear artificial neural networks are compared using a set of rigor- ous validation techniques. It is shown that even a simple configuration of a 2-layer non-linear neural network significantly improves on the performance of a linear model. Finally, the non-linear neural network model is initialised with general circulation model output to construct scenarios of daily tem- perature at the present day (1970-79) and for a future decade (2090-99). These scenarios are analysed with special attention to the comparison of the frequencies of heat waves (days with maximum tem- perature greater than 35°C) and cold spells (days with minimum temperature below 5°C).


Because of the huge importance data has for the modern business environment, data security is one of the main concerns leaders have, no matter the sector of activity they operate in. Modern learning environments try to leverage technological assets in order to address the current educational needs. Using the modern technology is bringing huge benefits for organizations in terms of minimized costs, rapid deployment, increased adaptability and reliability, rapid and flexible access to services but increases the exposure of organization's data to malicious actors. Data classification, in the context of information security, is the classification of data based on its level of sensitivity and the impact to the organization if that data will be compromised. The classification of data helps determine what baseline security controls are appropriate for safeguarding that data. By grouping data in a limited set of "classes" that have similar compliance and security requirements, we have the basis to prioritize security investment and to apply common risk-appropriate controls to data across an organization. Without it, each data type might have its own set of handling requirements and it would become impossible to manage and communicate effectively. Classical schemes rely on humans to analyse information and categorize it. This approach has a series of limitations which hamper their effectiveness, negatively impacts the organization security environment and lowers employee efficiency. This article analyses the possibility of using classification algorithms running on automated machines integrated in the organization business environment to implement data classification schemes. Organizations need to realize that data classification does not equate data security.


Ensemble filter algorithms can be implemented in a generic way
such that they can be applied with various models with only a minimum amount of recoding.
This is possible due to the fact that ensemble filters can operate
on abstract state vectors and require only limited information about
the numerical model and the observational data used for a data assimilation application.
To build an assimilation system, the analysis step of a filter
algorithm needs to be connected to the numerical model. Furthermore,
ensemble integrations have to be enabled. The Parallel Data Assimilation Framework PDAF has been developed to
provide these features: It is a generic framework that allows to
extend a numerical model with a filter to build an ensemble data
assimilation system with minimal changes to the model code. PDAF also provides a
selection of common ensemble
Kalman filter algorithms. As the computational cost of ensemble data
assimilation is a multiple of that of a pure forward model, the
framework and the filter algorithms are parallelized and support
parallelized models. Thus, data assimilation with high-dimensional
numerical models is feasible. PDAF is coded in Fortran and
available as free software (http://pdaf.awi.de). We discuss the
features of PDAF and the parallel computing performance of data
assimilation systems based on PDAF on the example of data assimilation
with the finite element ocean model FEOM.


Background Lower extremity alignment (LEA) measures have been linked to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. High deceleration movements have been implicated in non-contact ACL injury mechanisms; and, evidence suggests that greater anterior tibial translation (ATT) may occur in healthy knees that demonstrate greater laxity compared to a stiff knee. Objective To determine the relationship between LEA measures, KT1000 anterior laxity values and ATT during landings using biplane fluoroscopy. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Controlled laboratory setting. Subjects had a sport participation history at the high school or college level. Participants 16 healthy adults (10 females; 6 males). Assessment of risk factors KT1000 values and seven measures of LEA (pelvic angle, hip anteversion, Q-angle, genu recurvatum, tibial torsion, navicular drop and rear foot angle) were measured. Main outcome measurements Subjects performed a drop-landing (40 cm) while being filmed using a high speed, biplane fluoroscopy system. Initial, peak and excursions for ATT were calculated and regression analysis used to determine the relationships. Results KT1000 values were positively correlated with peak ATT values for group (r=0.89) and both genders (males, r=0.97; females, r=0.93) (p=<0.0001). Navicular drop was also significantly correlated to maximal ATT (r=0.56) (p<0.05). No other LEA was significantly correlated with initial, peak or range of ATT (all p>0.05). Conclusion A strong relationship was observed between passive anterior knee laxity measured via KT1000 and ATT experienced during a landing activity in otherwise healthy persons. Navicular drop was significantly correlated with ATT during landing and is a relationship that warrants further investigation as it relates to ACL injury. Anterior knee laxity measured via the KT1000 should be considered in non-contact ACL injury risk assessment for all athletes.


The Brule Dwellers of Ascension Parish are descendants of Canary Island immigrants who came to Louisiana in the late 1700s. A few residents in and around the Ascension Parish area still speak an archaic dialect of Spanish which is at the brink of linguistic extinction. Because the Brule dialect is in the final stages of what is commonly known as "language death", the case of Brule Spanish presents an exciting opportunity to investigate commonly held assumptions regarding the structural changes often associated with vestigial languages. Its relative isolation from other dialects of Spanish for over two hundred years serves as a sort of linguistic "time capsule" which provides information that is relevant to critical outstanding issues in Hispanic dialectology and historical linguistics. In addition to examining these issues, documenting the specific characteristics of Brule Spanish, and comparing Brule Spanish with other modern Spanish dialects, this book presents a very accessible introduction to the field of language death.


Photophysical and structural properties of a Cu(I) diimine complex with very strong steric hindrance, [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) (dppS = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline disulfonic acid disodium salt), are investigated by optical and X-ray transient absorption (OTA and XTA) spectroscopy. The bulky phenylsulfonic acid groups at 2,9 positions of phenanthroline ligands force the ground state and the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state to adopt a flattened pseudo-tetrahedral coordination geometry in which the solvent access to the copper center is completely blocked. We analyzed the MLCT state dynamics and structures as well as those of the charge separated state resulting from the interfacial electron injection from the MLCT state to TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The OTA results show the absence of the sub-picosecond component previously assigned as the time constant for flattening, while the two observed time constants are assigned to a relatively slow intersystem crossing (ISC) rate (∼13.8 ps) and a decay rate (100 ns) of the [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) MLCT state in water. These results correlate well with the XTA studies that resolved a flattened tetrahedral Cu(i) coordination geometry in the ground state. Probing the (3)MLCT state structure with XTA establishes that the (3)MLCT state has the same oxidation state as the copper center in [Cu(II)(dppS)2](2+) and the Cu-N distance is reduced by 0.06 Å compared to that of the ground state, accompanied by a rotation of phenyl rings located at 2,9 positions of phenanthroline. The structural dynamics of the photoinduced charge transfer process in the [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+)/TiO2 hybrid is also investigated, which suggests a more restricted environment for the complex upon binding to TiO2 NPs. Moreover, the Cu-N bond length of the oxidized state of [Cu(I)(dppS)2](+) after electron injection to TiO2 NPs shortens by 0.05 Å compared to that in the ground state. The interpretation of these observed structural changes associated with excited and charge separated states will be discussed. These results not only set an example for applying XTA in capturing the intermediate structure of metal complex/semiconductor NP hybrids but also provide guidance for designing efficient Cu(I) diimine complexes with optimized structures for application in solar-to-electricity conversion.


We connect in a grid-enabled pipeline an ontology-based environment for proteomics spectra management with a machine learning platform for unbiased predictive analysis. We exploit two existing software platforms (MS-Analyzer and BioDCV), the emerging proteomics standards, and the middleware and computing resources of the EGEE Biomed VO grid infrastructure. In the setup, BioDCV is accessed by the MS-Analyzer workflow as a Web service, thus providing a complete grid environment for proteomics data analysis. Predictive classification studies on MALDI-TOF data based on this environment are presented.


Interest in the use of intelligent packaging systems for food products has increased in recent years. Intelligent packaging systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged foods to give information regarding the quality of the packaged food during transport and storage. The potential of HEC/PANI film as pH indicator and pH sensor were evaluated. HEC/PANI film was prepared by solution blending and casting method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that there was no chemical interaction between HEC and PANI. The film properties were retained chemically. The electrical conductivity increment from 1.14×105 to 2.2 ×105 S/cm was observed when PANI was incorporated into the HEC film matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the electrical conductance network of PANI was formed in HEC/PANI film. The electrical sensitivity of the film has been studied with I-V characterization. The changes in color and current of HEC/PANI film on interaction to pH buffer 1-14 shows its suitability as pH indicator and pH sensor for food.


Abstract The double-differential cross sections of (p,xn) reactions induced on lead targets with incident proton energies of 590, 800, and 1500 MeV has been investigated by using a quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) model. The simulation results are compared with the measured data and are in good agreement. It is clear that the QMD model is a useful approach for intermediate proton-induced reactions.


The organizational structures of web contents and electronic information resources must adapt to the demands of a growing volume of information and user requirements. Otherwise the information society will be threatened by disinformation. The biomedical sciences are especially vulnerable in this regard, since they are strongly oriented toward text-based knowledge sources. Here sustainable improvement can only be achieved by using a comprehensive, integrated approach that not only includes data management but also specifically incorporates the editorial processes, including structuring information sources and publication. The technical resources needed to effectively master these tasks are already available in the form of the data standards and tools of the Semantic Web. They include Rich Site Summaries (RSS), which have become an established means of distributing and syndicating conventional news messages and blogs. They can also provide access to the contents of the previously mentioned information sources, which are conventionally classified as 'deep web' content.


ABSTRACT As Waters notes, the role-play is not traditionally used as a teaching technique in law schools. Educators utilise role-play in many disciplines, including health, business, psychology, economics and literature; yet apart from clinical settings or for teaching practical legal skills, the role-play seems to be underutilised in legal education. An empirical study of 67 law students from the University of Western Australia (UWA) Law School set out to investigate the utility of the role-play as a device for instilling confidence in students and assisting them to prepare for professional practice. Although the classroom and class size were large and teaching took place in a lecture theatre, the role-play worked effectively. Students reported greater knowledge, understanding, confidence and skill with conducting themselves in a professional practice context. The study shows the need to embrace the role-play as an experiential learning technique that can work as effectively in an intensive, large-class setting as it does in smaller or clinical classrooms. The study revealed that the role-play technique worked very well and that the role-play is a versatile and very much "alive" pedagogical technique of value to any law school.


Severe weakness of the neck extensor muscles has been observed in neuromuscular pathologies, such as motor neurone disease (MND). This condition reduces the ability to perform daily activities and communicate, leading to the adoption of a cervical orthosis. However, commercially available devices are designed to immobilize the neck, which makes them uncomfortable and strenuous to wear for a long time. The lack of a device specifically designed for those patients led to the development of the Sheffield Support Snood (SSS) which enables to adjust the support given to the head, according to the task performed and to the disease progression. The following step toward the SSS commercialisation and adoption was an objective evaluation of its performance and the assessment with the end users, which was the aim of this thesis. To this purpose, an experimental protocol designed to quantitatively assess neck mobility when wearing cervical orthoses, has been developed. This protocol and the associated signal processing techniques proved to be suitable for the assessment of neck mobility through the measurement of head movements, both in laboratory and clinical settings. After having quantitatively assessed head movement limitation in MND patients, filling an existing gap in the current literature, the effects of the SSS were tested. Compared to controls, patients presented an overall impaired ability to perform head movements in terms of reduced velocity (mean values between 27% and 41% lower in movements performed reaching the maximum range of motion and between 34% and 48% lower in movements performed reaching the maximum angular velocity), reduced smoothness (mean values between 21% and 44% lower in movements performed reaching the maximum range of motion) and increased presence of coupled movements (mean values between 37% and 58% higher in movements performed reaching the maximum range of motion and between 44% and 53% in movements performed reaching the maximum angular velocity). The SSS was effective in facilitating the head movements in MND patients. Among those 9 individuals that were fitted with anterior or anterior plus lateral supports 5 of them had a reduced presence on coupled movements in at least one of the movements performed. However, a proper fitting of the orthosis appeared crucial and in the future it should be based on a quantitative approach similar to the one developed in this thesis. This study paved the way for improvements in the SSS design and for future quantitative assessment of the characteristics of motor control and movement strategies in MND patients and of how these change when using a device aiming at compensating for functional impairments.


Raw greywater, as an alternative water source, was used in concrete production with an aim to save the freshwater sources. Therefore, the variations of compressive strength, the most important and impact causing property of the concrete as regards to its quality and service, were assessed. Greywater was collected from a household where blackwater and greywater were separately disposed of. Total 162-cylinder specimens were cast by using the collected greywater and freshwater (municipally supplied tap water). The specimens were tested for compressive strength after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. The investigation was carried out considering several experimental conditions: difference in the quality of water in the casting phase, curing phase and casting-curing phase and, also in types of coarse aggregates. A total of 28 water quality parameters (physical, chemical and biological) were tested for both greywater and freshwater. Some tests (turbidity, salinity, solids, organic matter, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc) exhibited higher (about 2 to as high as 1800 times) and a few others (dissolved oxygen, chloride and iron) showed lower values (about 5 to 8 times) for greywater in comparison to freshwater were decreased. The compressive strength of concrete decreased by about 20 % when greywater was used in the castingcuring phase. Whereas, this reduction was found to be only up to 4 % when greywater was used in the casting phase. Raw greywater could be used in concrete for some specified structures considering its lower strengths as found in this study. But in such cases, the impact of the greywater on other important characteristics of concrete and the consequent changes in the phase-structural parameters of the material also need to be clarified through further research.


ABSTRACT More than 100 years after the studies of G. Seguenza, sediment samples from the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) were examined in order to study their ostracod faunas. Two new species, Anchistrocheles seguenzai n. sp. and Phlyctocythere sicula n. sp., were found, both in thanatocoenoses from the Bathyal zone, at a depth of 545 m. Anchistrocheles seguenzai n. sp. is distinguishable from A. tenera (Breman, 1975), the only living species of the genus in Recent Mediterranean, and from the other species of the genus because of the more reniform-subquadrangular outline of its carapace and the different height/length ratio values. In the same way, Phlyctocythere sicula n. sp. can be distinguished from P. pellucida (Müller, 1894) the only living species of the genus in Recent Mediterranean, because of its more rounded outline, less marked caudal process which is more obtuse and more shifted to the median side of the posterior end, the inflated postero-ventral area, the more acute anterior margin and the narrower marginal zone and vestibula. The stratigraphic and geographic distribution of some species of both genera is indicated.


Economics: the dismal science. But surely this insults the messenger who brings the bad news. Economic method is not dismal, unless the mere sight of mathematics and statistics makes you depressed. Economics tries to reveal the costs in time, money, and energy of all of life's enterprises; it refuses to permit dreamers to ignore scarcity. But if resources really are scarce, are we better off ignoring the truth? This question is of greater importance for progressives than conservatives. While conservatives can oppose government regulatory and spending programs "on principle," a credible progressive movement must weigh the costs as well as the benefits of reform. It is, then, odd and unfortunate that law and economics is often associated with a set of conservative' and, to many, morally dismal ideologies that have no intrinsic connection to the economic analysis of legal problems. This Comment urges the development of a reformist law and economics,2 closely linked to administrative


Molecular imprinting of morphine and the endogenous neuropeptide [Leu5]enkephalin (Leu-enkephalin) in methacrylic acid-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate copolymers is described. Such molecular imprints possess the capacity to mimic the binding activity of opioid receptors. The recognition properties of the resultant imprints were analyzed by radioactive ligand binding analysis. We demonstrate that imprinted polymers also show high binding affinity and selectivity in aqueous buffers. This is a major breakthrough for molecular imprinting technology, since the binding reaction occurs under conditions relevant to biological systems. The antimorphine imprints showed high binding affinity for morphine, with Kd values as low as 10(-7) M, and levels of selectivity similar to those of antibodies. Preparation of imprints against Leu-enkephalin was greatly facilitated by the use of the anilide derivative rather than the free peptide as the print molecule, due to improved solubility in the polymerization mixture. Free Leu-enkephalin was efficiently recognized by this polymer (Kd values as low as 10(-7) M were observed). Four tetra- and pentapeptides, with unrelated amino acid sequences, were not bound. The imprints showed only weak affinity for two D-amino acid-containing analogues of Leu-enkephalin. Enantioselective recognition of the L-enantiomer of phenylalanylglycine anilide, a truncated analogue of the N-terminal end of enkephalin, was observed.


The biological effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) are primarily mediated via its high affinity receptor-TrkA. In the present study, we examined the effect of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) upon the expression of TrkA in neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the spinal cord of Lewis rats during the acute (14 days postimmunization) and chronic (12 months postimmunization) phases of the disease. In the normal spinal cord, both of mature and aged rats, we found TrkA immunoreaction (TrkA-IR) in the motoneurons of the Rexed lamina IX and in both oligo- and astroglia cells. In the acute phase of the disease, we found a reduction of TrkA immunoreactivity in motoneurons and its up-regulation in oligodendroglia, mainly in the white matter. We also confirmed our previous findings concerning the up-regulation of TrkA-IR in astroglia. Both neuronal and non-neuronal changes of TrkA immunoreactivity had a transient character: they were not seen in the chronic phase of the disease. Our results suggest that both neuronal and glial TrkA expression changes depend on inflammation. Moreover, our data indicate that, during the acute phase of EAE, the glial cells become more receptive to NGF, pointing to glia as an important target for pharmacological manipulations, particularly for exogenously administered NGF.


This paper focuses on the role of Grammar in Communicative Competence and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Communication skills are best facilitated through CLT and it is an approach to language teaching, how learners learn from a language and the kind of classroom activities that best facilitate learning and the roles of teachers and learners in a classroom. The goal of CLT is communicative competence by not only applying grammatical rules of a language to form correct sentences, but also to know how, when and where to use these sentences and especially to whom. Grammar is the foundation for communication, which helps in the understanding the meaning and intent of a message. Recent national and international events make it clear that our country lacks quality of communication which has an impact in understanding our fellow citizens.


The aims of this study were: (1) to produce composite coatings by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying with steel matrix reinforced by cermets (a) Cr3C2–20%Ni and (b) TiC–20%NiMo, manufactured by mechanically activated synthesis (MAS); (2) to synthesize in situ a carbide reinforcement for iron matrix from a mixture of titanium and carbon during HVOF reactive thermal spraying (RTS); (3) to compare the wear resistance of produced coatings. As a reference, HVOF sprayed coatings from commercial Cr3C2–25%NiCr (Amperit 588.074) and AISI 316L were utilized. Study of microstructure revealed the inhomogeneity of the Cr-based MAS coating; the Ti-based MAS coating had typical carbide granular structure, and the Ti-based RTS coating possessed elongated structures of TiC. The X-ray diffraction revealed two main phases in the Cr-based MAS coating: Cr3C2 and austenite, and two phases in the Ti-based coatings: TiC and austenite. Among the studied coatings, the Cr-based MAS coating demonstrated the highest low-force hardness (490 HV0.3). During the abrasive rubber wheel test (ASTM G65), the Ti-based MAS coating showed the best wear resistance, followed by Cr3C2–25%NiCr and Ti-based RTS coating. In the abrasive–erosive test (GOST 23.201-78), the Ti-based MAS coating was 44% better than Cr3C2–25%NiCr coating. The Ti-based RTS coating was 11% more wear resistant than the reference Cr3C2–25%NiCr coating.


Traditionally, learners obtain information from newspapers, books, encyclopedias and magazines, i.e. printed media. This traditional mode of acquiring information should continue, but the learning experience can be greatly enhanced and enriched by using social media or Web 2.0 technologies. Examples of such technologies include collaborative projects (e.g., Wikis), blogs and microblogs (e.g., Twitter), content communities (e.g., YouTube), social networking sites (e.g., Facebook), virtual game worlds (e.g., World of Warcraft) and virtual social worlds (e.g. Second Life). The use of social media in enhancing and enriching reading could be guided by social interaction learning principles that encourage active learning through the interaction of learners with capable individuals, software and educational material over social networks.
There are concerns regarding the use of social media, such as addiction to online games, music and live chatting, as well as teacher-student online relationships. While social media technologies can improve a learner's educational experience substantially, the danger is that overindulgence by learners can lead to dependence, fixation or even addiction, to the point where the learner finds it difficult to function without these technologies. Furthermore, some of the experiences from social media may be of little educational value if the technology is used without a learning theory to guide it.
This article aims to contribute to the scholarly debate on how social media technologies can be used constructively to enhance and enrich the reading skills of the various learners with access to these technologies. Arguments for and against the use of social media technologies in schools will be discussed and critiqued. Furthermore, the authors suggest how teachers, parents and social network providers should be socially accountable for learners' technology use.


Social networks representing the pattern of social interactions - who talks to or who observes whom- play a crucial role as a medium for the spread of information, ideas, diseases, products. Someone in the population may struck with an infection or may adopt a new technology, and it can then either die out quickly or spread throughout the population, depending possibly on the location of the initial appearance, the structure of the network - for instance, how dense it is. The dynamics of adoption -the extent to which individuals are in uenced by their neighbours, the impact of "word of-mouth" communication- also plays a role in determining the speed of diffusion. Given the large range of contexts in which social learning is important, it is not surprising that researchers from various disciplines have studied processes of diffusion from a variety of perspectives.


Cinema has played a role in caste politics in India. Its role ranges from special arrangement to consume the film to working in films based on caste based demarcated jobs. Films have always been in a constant struggle to eradicate eas well as to maintain the boundaries between the dominant and the dominated. Clothing is one such element which acts to represent the formation of a community's image in people's minds. The representation politics with the fabric worn in films becomes the clash between dress codes. These are symbolic conflicts played on the screen between social and cultural norms that possess the potential to alter identity and its structures of reality. This paper will be dealing with the analysis of three films by Pa. Ranjith: Attakathi (Cardboard Knife)(2012), Madras(2014) and Kabali(2016); to understand the representational politics involving the Dalit community with the help of costumes that the characters adorn in the films. Semiotics as an approach has been applied to understand the representation of Dalit identity reflected through clothing practices.


Approximately 4800 municipal bond issuers defaulted on interest or principal payments during the Great Depression. Although municipal bond defaults have been quite rare over the last 70 years, some commentators have suggested that another large wave of municipal bond defaults will occur in the near future. This paper assesses the likelihood of such a credit event by analyzing the Depression experience. It also reviews techniques used to gauge default risk for municipal bonds and analogous asset classes, with an eye toward determining which methods are most effective.Statistical analysis relies upon a list of Depression-era city defaults collected by the author from contemporary bond manuals, trade publications and other historical sources. This list is used in conjunction with a database of municipal fiscal data compiled from historical censuses of local governments. This data set provides a collection of exogenous financial variables that may be predictive of default. Econometric analysis is performed on the data set with the goal of building a logistic regression model that can be used to estimate default probabilities for current municipal bond issuers. The paper also includes a discussion of the Depression-era municipal bond environment and its relevance (or lack thereof) to the current situation.


This paper presents a methodology for the analysis of low temperature creep of titanium alloys in order to establish design limitations due to the effect of creep. The creep data on a titanimum Ti-6A1-2Cb-1Ta-0.8Mo are used in the analysis. A creep equation is formulated to determine the allowable stresses so that creep at ambient temperatures can be kept within an acceptable limit during the service life of engineering structures or instruments. Microcreep which is important to design of precision instruments is included in the discussion also.


What has been labelled the digital media revolution is now more than ten years old, but a best practice framework to teach transmedia platforms is yet to be developed. Social media and its role in tertiary education has been extensively researched across multiple disciplines, for example marketing (Constantinides & Zinck Stagno, 2011), journalism (Hirst & Treadwell, 2011) and hospitality (Fortune, Spielman, & Pangelinan, 2011), with a focus on fostering student engagement (Rutherford, 2010) and the notion of digital media platforms as interactive study support tools (Saw, Abbott, Donaghey, & McDonald, 2013; Silius et al., 2010; Wolf, 2010). However, there is little empirical research or conceptual guidelines capturing the challenges and opportunities for pedagogy presented by the continuously changing media landscape, despite the recognition that the higher education workforce is struggling to adapt to these significant changes (Fortune et al., 2011; Manca & Ranieri, 2016). Whilst the millennial generation are often assumed to be digital natives, there is a distinct difference between using technology, understanding technology, and utilising it appropriately in a professional context. Hence, this paper critically investigates communication students' engagement with new technologies (in particular social media platforms) and learning in a transmedia environment. This study is the beginning of a longitudinal project, which aims to develop a comprehensive pedagogical best practice framework to teach transmedia concepts in real-time.


Image enhancement through a turbid medium by use of polarization gating methods in a microscopic imaging system is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A Monte Carlo simulation model based on Mie theory and geometric optics is adopted to calculate, for use with polarization gating and pinhole gating methods, image resolution of a sharp edge embedded in a turbid medium consisting of polystyrene beads. Both theoretical and experimental results show that polarization gating methods, particularly the differential polarization gating method, can be efficient in suppressing scattered photons, thus leading to image enhancement. In addition, a theoretical comparison of polarization gating and pinhole gating methods, based on the trade-off between resolution and signal strength, reveals that polarization gating methods are superior to the pinhole gating method when signal strength is weak.


Recent actions by agents of the Russian Federation (Russia) in connection with the Greenpeace vessel ARCTIC SUNRISE (IMO: 7382902, Flag: Netherlands) in the Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone raise a number of issues under international law. From the information publicly available at this time, it appears that Russia has disregarded several of its international obligations in order to force environmental activists to end peaceful protests. On Wednesday, 18 September 2013, activists from the ARCTIC SUNRISE staged a protest at the oil rig PRIRAZLOMNAYA, which is located in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Russian Federation. The activists and vessel were forced away from the area by Russian agents who fired a several weapons, including automatic firearms in the vicinity of inflatable boats used by the Greenpeace activists. Said inflatable boats were also rammed and slashed. On Thursday, 19 September 2013, the ARCTIC SUNRISE was taken over by armed Russian agents inside Russia's EEZ. The crew was detained. Russia's actions with regard to the ARCTIC SUNRISE are incompatible with the international law of the sea as codified in the Law of the Sea Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and possibly other international treaties. It appears that Russia has violated the human rights of the crew members as well as rights of the flag State (Netherlands) and of the crew members' respective home States. In order to comply with international law, Russia has to ensure the speedy release of the vessel and its crew.


Ground-water recharge estimates for selected locations in the eastern half of the United States were obtained by Darcian and chloride-tracer methods and compared using statistical analyses. Recharge estimates derived from unsaturated-zone (RUZC) and saturated-zone (RSZC) chloride mass balance methods are less variable (interquartile ranges or IQRs are 9.5 and 16.1 cm/yr, respectively) and more strongly correlated with climatic, hydrologic, land use, and sediment variables than Darcian estimates (IQR = 22.8 cm/yr). The unit-gradient Darcian estimates are a nonlinear function of moisture content and also reflect the uncertainty of pedotransfer functions used to estimate hydraulic parameters. Significance level is <0.001 for nearly all explanatory variables having correlations with RUZC of < 0.3 or >0.3. Estimates of RSZC were evaluated using analysis of variance, multiple comparison tests, and an exploratory nonlinear regression (NLR) model. Recharge generally is greater in coastal plain surficial aquifers, fractured crystalline rocks, and carbonate rocks, or in areas with high sand content. Westernmost portions of the study area have low recharge, receive somewhat less precipitation, and contain fine-grained sediment. The NLR model simulates water input to the land surface followed by transport to ground water, depending on factors that either promote or inhibit water infiltration. The model explains a moderate amount of variation in the data set (coefficient of determination = 0.61). Model sensitivity analysis indicates that mean annual runoff, air temperature, and precipitation, and an index of ground-water exfiltration potential most influence estimates of recharge at sampled sites in the region. Soil characteristics and land use have less influence on the recharge estimates, but nonetheless are significant in the NLR model. a 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


Streaming video is increasingly recognized as a most effective tool within the field of contemporary and future education. The Austrian SMILE project (SMILE = Streaming Media for Interactive Learning Experience) aims at the enhancement of foreign language learning by making use of the streaming video technology. The SMILE approach with synchronized slides accompanying a video clip combines language training with a better understanding of technical processes. The main component of the SMILE software is video clips, each of which comes along with a series of interactive training units, lesson plan and vocabulary. The authenticity of pronunciation and intonation is guaranteed by well-trained native speakers. The learners will benefit from the opportunity to work according to their individual capacity. The makers of this e-learning software have taken into account state of the art technology, didactics and methodology. The program may either be used for secondary or tertiary education in a blended learning environment or as a distance learning device. We will demonstrate its employment as a means of language teaching with the focus on the technical terminology for a selected topic of molecular biology (DNA profile).


Abstract. A heat flow model was used to simulate both past and future ground temperatures of mountain permafrost in Southern Norway. A reconstructed air temperature series back to 1860 was used to evaluate the permafrost evolution since the end of the Little Ice Age in the region. The impact of a changing climate on discontinuous mountain permafrost until 2100 is predicted by using downscaled temperatures from an ensemble of downscaled climate models for the A1B scenario. From 13 borehole locations two consecutive years of ground temperature, air temperature and snow cover data are available for model calibration and validation. The boreholes are located at different elevations and in substrates having different thermal properties. With an increase of air temperature of ~+1.5 °C over 1860–2010 and an additional warming of +2.8 °C towards 2100 in air temperature, we simulate the evolution of ground temperatures for the borehole locations. According to model results, the active-layer thickness has increased since 1860 by about 0.5–5 m and >10 m for the sites Juvvass and Tron, respectively. The simulations also suggest that at an elevation of about 1900 m a.s.l. permafrost will degrade until the end of this century with a likelihood of 55–75% given the chosen A1B scenario.


From the author of "Globalization and its Discontents", Joseph Stiglitz's "The Roaring Nineties: Why We're Paying the Price for the Greediest Decade in History" blows the whistle on the devastation wrought by the free market mania of the nineties. This is the explosive story of how capitalism US-style got its comeuppance: how excessive deregulation, government pandering to big business and exorbitant CEO salaries all fed the bubble that burst so dramatically amid corporate scandal and anti-globalization protest. As chief economic advisor to the president at the time, Stiglitz exposes the inside of what went wrong, but also reveals how Bush's administration is now making things worse - much worse - for the economy, the US and the rest of the world. Stiglitz takes us one step further, showing how a more balanced approach to the market and government can lead not only to a better economy, but a better society. "A searing critique of Dubyanomics ...the nobel laureate who took on the IMF is now turning his guns on the American president. Stiglitz knows when to pick a fight". ("Observer"). "One of the most important economic and political thinkers of our time". ("Independent on Sunday"). "Stiglitz has become a hero to the anti-globalization movement". ("Economist"). "An iconic figure...Stiglitz's book will encourage those who wish to halt the partial Americanization that has already taken place in Europe". ("Daily Telegraph"). Joseph Stiglitz was Chief Economist at the World Bank until January 2000. He is currently University Professor of the Columbia Business School and Chair of the Management Board and Director of Graduate Summer Programs, Brooks World Poverty Institute, University of Manchester. He won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2001 and is the author of the best-selling "Globalization and Its Discontents", "Making Globalization Work", "Freefall" and "The Price of Inequality", all published by Penguin.


In this paper, we highlight several historical developments in the neuroscience of ethics as well as recent advances that forecast the experimental research to come. We argue, in particular, that our understanding of the moral brain will benefit from the further use of a formal, mathematical approach to the construction and testing of alternative theories, such as that found in the field of neuroeconomics. The use of economic modeling to understand the psychological processes underlying distributional preferences and charitable giving is reviewed to illustrate this potential. We also consider some obstacles to such an approach, notably the challenge of capturing substantive moral values within a mathematical model.


The Design and Technology National Curriculum is built upon the whole process of the subject and therefore must be assessed in the same holistic way . This article traces the development of such an assessment scheme for Year 7 pupils in an independent girls ' school . It highlights the various diff i culties involved in selecting criteria which match the age, ability and experience of the pupils when they enter the secondary school . The article concludes that teachers can ass i st their pupils to become capable in design and technology by developing their own assessment criteria, as long as they understand what is meant by the term 'capability' .


Abstract The birdseye grain of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) can showcase the potential of figured wood in sustainable forestry. This poorly understood but valuable grain abnormality commands such a premium that its presence alone can influence timber management. Good forestry and logging practices can help assure that quality birdseye maple logs are not relegated to low-value uses. Birdseye specialty markets have also developed, creating opportunities for pieces of small or irregular dimensions. Even though few have the same promise as birdseye maple, figured grains are found in virtually every tree species, thus increasing the potential for other high-value niche markets. However, the relative rarity and slow formation of figured grains threaten their sustainability, until more research on their genetics, propagation, and silviculture becomes available.


This paper attempts to understand the difficulties experienced by adolescents in communicating about different issues of their life with their parents. To recognise these issues data was collected by two methods; personal survey and by conducting a focused group discussion in Surat city. The data was analysed and important issues affecting the life of an adolescent were identified. Some suggestions have also been made for improving the communication between adolescents and their parents.


Multi-document summarisation is the process of producing a single summary of a collection of related documents. Much of the current work on multi-document text summarisation is concerned with the English language; relevant resources are numerous and readily available. These resources include human generated (gold-standard) and automatic summaries. Arabic multi-document summarisation is still in its infancy. One of the obstacles to progress is the limited availability of Arabic resources to support this research. When we started our research there were no publicly available Arabic multi-document gold-standard summaries, which are needed to automatically evaluate system generated summaries. The Document Understanding Conference (DUC) and Text Analysis Conference (TAC) at that time provided resources such as gold-standard extractive and abstractive summaries (both human and system generated) that were only available in English. Our aim was to push forward the state-of-the-art in Arabic multi-document summarisation. This required advancements in at least two areas. The first area was the creation of Arabic test collections. The second area was concerned with the actual summarisation process to find methods that improve the quality of Arabic summaries. To address both points we created single and multi-document Arabic test collections both automatically and manually using a commonly used English dataset and by having human participants. We developed extractive language dependent and language independent single and multi-document summarisers, both for Arabic and English. In our work we provided state-of-the-art approaches for Arabic multi-document summarisation. We succeeded in including Arabic in one of the leading summarisation conferences the Text Analysis Conference (TAC). Researchers on Arabic multi-document summarisation now have resources and tools that can be used to advance the research in this field.


The generation and GAC enforcement of a large number of weak nogoods in Symmetry Breaking During Search (SBDS) is costly and often not worthwhile in terms of prunings. In this paper, we propose weak-nogood consistency (WNC) for nogoods and a lazy propagator for SBDS (and its variants) using watched literal technology. We give formal results on the strength and relatively low space and time complexities of the lazy propagator. Nogoods collected for each symmetry are increasing. We further define generalized weak-incNGs consistency (GWIC) for a conjunction of increasing nogoods, and give a lazy propagator for the incNGs global constraint. We prove GWIC on a conjunction is equivalent to WNC on individual nogoods, and give the space and time complexities. Various lazy versions of SBDS and its variants are implemented. We give experimentation to demonstrate the efficiency of the lazy versions as compared to state of the art symmetry breaking methods.


In recent times, the concept of 'intangible heritage' has gained credence within the
international heritage community, reflecting wider concerns relating to the cultural
impact of global economic, technological and political forces. For many, intangible
heritage represents a vital living mediation of the material past (i.e. tangible heritage)
which deepens its significance and meaning-conferring qualities.
This thesis explores how in recent times, the intangible heritage became 'separated'
from the tangible heritage in such a way as to bring about ideological division within
the field of heritage preservation and a sense of discontinuity with the past –
particularly relating to the practice of restoration and its patrimony of expertise. The
thesis argues that this has been attributable to an 'institutionalised' conception of
heritage based essentially on a historiography of materials located in the ideological
site of the museum – the repository where tangible heritage is housed, organised,
interpreted, conserved, restored and displayed in such ways as to confer meaning
upon the material world.
By drawing extensively upon evidence from the literature and engaging the
conservation-restoration field, the thesis develops discussion around the emergence
(and subsequent institutionalisation) of a relatively recent scientific paradigm of
practice – 'scientific restoration' – largely shaped by this 'museological' vision of
heritage. It also considers how the work of Cesare Brandi came to be instrumental in
the formulation of this vision but argues that such conceptions have been predicated
upon a misappropriation of his ideas and a misreading of historical heritage
preservation ideologies that has done much to contribute to tensions evident within
the heritage community. To this end, the thesis aims to redress this historical impasse
by reconsidering the function of restoration – especially in terms of what is added to
the historical document – and reconciling the competing claims of the tangible and
intangible by developing the concept of 'authentic process'.


This report is the final report of the INTERREG IVB project NEW BRIDGES 'Strengthening the Quality of Life through the Improved Management of Urban Rural Interaction'. The report applies the concepts of quality of life and urban-rural interaction to regional development processes in the Baltic Sea Region. As thematic focus quality of life was operationalized through three key elements: residential preferences, mobility & accessibility and the provision of services. The report shows how these key elements were reflected and addressed within the geographic scope of seven city-regions. While tracing the project activities from challenges to pilot actions, the report provides an insight into the stakeholder involvement approaches including its evaluation. Finally the report puts forward potentials and challenges that occur when applying two complex concepts to regional development. In addition to this report, 'Planning Together for Better Quality of Life - Guide for Integrated Management of Urban Rural Interaction', which included policy recommendations to the EU, national and macro-regional levels, as well as the complimentary methodological package 'NEW BRIDGES Online Toolkit', was published and can be downloaded from www.urbanrural.net.


Kerry Segrave. Foreign Films in America. McFarland, 2004. 253 pages; $38.50. Decline in Mortality Prior to World War I, more foreign films were seen on the American movie screen than anything produced domestically. Following the Great War, the tide was reversed. As Kerry Segrave informs the reader, "The struggle for foreign film producers to increase their screen presence in the United States has been ongoing for close to a century." (1) So what led to such a dire reversal of fortunes? To answer this question, Segrave examines a variety of means Hollywood utilized to keep foreign competition out and maintain control over its own oligopolistic cartel. The book also examines the various ways foreign film producers tried to overcome these barriers, only to find themselves in the same situation some ninety years later. During the pre-World War I years, foreign films dominated screen time in America. Indeed by 1907, two-thirds of all screenplays being show in American Houses were European. Companies like Lumiere and Pathe Freres led the way in the export of films to America. It was at this time that American motion picture and media interests such as Edison and Biograph began experimenting with ways to gain control over the domestic market. As Segrave notes, a number of attempted cartels rose and fell during the early years. By 1922, a strong cartel finally emerged-The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA)-which still exerts strong control over the industry yet today. By the time the MPPDA had formed, foreign film imports had already decreased significantly. Like so many European industries that had to rebuild after the devastation of World War I, the film industry was no exception. It was during this immediate post-war era, that Hollywood quickly moved to expand production and devise ways to exclude the foreign product from American shores. One mode of attack against foreign films after 1918 was to charge them with being immoral. Movie reviews of the time, which helped foster public perception, led to charges that foreign films were responsible for the decline in morality in motion pictures. According to the author, "such claims fell disproportionately on foreign films, even to the extent of blaming them for the existence of the entire situation" (18). To be sure, Segrave insists that a disproportionate level of criticism was placed at the doorstep of overseas films. With the establishment of the MPPDA and the emergence of American film in the domestic market, the industry became determined that foreign pictures must never have any significant presence in the American cinema. Ironically by 1927, the prewar "flow of films" from Europe to America, had been almost completely reversed. In that year, just 5% of the movies shown in France were native productions, 80% were American. Britain also found itself heavily involved in the screening of American films in that country. When nations such as the U.K began passing film quota laws, U.S. producers would buy foreign features to satisfy the laws of the other nation-but with no intent of ever screening them in America. The European film producers soon began to complain about the poor distribution and showing of their films. Hollywood responded to the issue by charging that imports were of poor quality and would not attract American audiences. Segrave admits that it was true that American audiences did not attend these films, but it was more due to the fact that the public "rarely had the option of going or not going to foreign films since they were almost never an offer" (47). These trends continued into World War II, when the exhibition of foreign film would suffer an even further setback. Somewhat surprisingly, there was a rapid resurgence in European filmmaking after the Second World War. The British led the way. In Chapter 4, "A Rank Attack, 1946-1949" Segrave focuses on J. Arthur Rank and his attempt to penetrate the American market. …


Structural change approaches, also called policy, systems, and environmental change approaches, have been increasingly promoted and adopted by public ealth agencies in the past decade. These interventions require attention to multilevel, complex and contextual influences on individual and community health outcomes, requiring a sound theoretical framework that links the many processes and outcomes over time. The Model Communities program of Cook County, Illinois Communities Putting Prevention to Work program employed a theory of change (ToC) framework to inform the evaluations' design and execution. The main objective of this study was to apply findings from the longitudinal multiple case study evaluation to develop an adapted ToC. We conducted 97 key informant interviews across three waves, with a focus on Model Communities program participants', Communities Putting Prevention to Work staff, and technical assistance providers' experiences over time. Four analysts organized and coded the data using qualitative software; exploratory functions and data matrices were employed throughout three waves of analysis. Adaptations to the ToC included the addition of a construct, "change readiness," as well as refinements to constructs: organizational capacity (human capital, technical assistance, informal and formal leadership), local partnerships, and the importance of sustainability. The findings offer a data-informed theoretical framework that may be considered for use in evaluations of structural change interventions in complex and diverse counties.


The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Entry of European Refugees Regulation (EERR) introduced in 1939 in order to stem the uncontrolled influx of Jewish refugees entering the International Settlement of Shanghai (in existence from 1863-1941). The Settlement's executive organ-the Shanghai Municipal Council- could exercise border controls on the Settlement's territory through this regulation. Since controlling borders is part of the territorial rights reserved to a sovereign state, the question this paper addresses is whether the EERR had a legal basis flowing from the treaties formed between western powers and China that lead to the creation of the International Settlement, the so-called Unequal Treaties and the Land Regulations being focused on in particular. First of all, an introduction and explanation of the International Settlement's relation with the aforementioned treaties is. Next, a legal basis for the EERR is searched for in the Land Regulations, because it was the basis for most of the Municipal Council's competences, including limited adjudicative powers. The conclusion made is that the Regulation did not provide the Council competence to introduce or enforce the EERR. After this, whether the EERR was in conflict with Chinese national law is determined. Due to China being in the midst of multiple chaotic power struggles at the time, the author concludes that determining what constituted a valid legal source goes beyond the scope of the paper. Therefore, this issue remains not entirely conclusive. Finally, the essay goes beyond the lex specialis of the Settlement to the lex generalis found in the case law of the Permanent Court of International Justice. Two aspects are considered. Firstly, whether the International Settlement was a sovereign entity independent from China. The essay argues that the Settlement was not independent, because Chinese sovereign rights permeated the constitutional documents of the Settlement. Secondly, if the high level of independence the Chinese informally allowed the Settlement to enjoy constituted rights the Settlement could claim under customary international law. The conclusion reached is that no such rights could be claimed, because the situation did not satisfy the requirements required by the Court.


Finding new materials for copper/low-k interconnects is critical to the continuing development of computer chips. While copper/low-k interconnects have served well, allowing for the creation of Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) devices which combine over a billion transistors onto a single chip, the increased resistance and RC-delay at the smaller scale has become a significant factor affecting chip performance.Advanced Interconnects for ULSI Technology is dedicated to the materials and methods which might be suitable replacements. It covers a broad range of topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and application of new materials for nano-interconnects, and discusses:Interconnect functions, characterisations, electrical properties and wiring requirements Low-k materials: fundamentals, advances and mechanical properties Conductive layers and barriers Integration and reliability including mechanical reliability, electromigration and electrical breakdown New approaches including 3D, optical, wireless interchip, and carbon-based interconnects Intended for postgraduate students and researchers, in academia and industry, this book provides a critical overview of the enabling technology at the heart of the future development of computer chips.


Cortical neurons continuously transform sets of incoming spike trains into output spike trains. This input-output transformation is referred to as single-neuron computation and constitutes one of the most fundamental process in the brain. A deep understanding of single-neuron dynamics is therefore required to study how neural circuits support complex behaviors such as sensory perception, learning and memory. The results presented in this thesis focus on single-neuron computation. In particular, I address the question of how and why cortical neurons adapt their coding strategies to the statistical properties of their inputs. A new spiking model and a new fitting procedure are introduced that enable reliable nonparametric feature extraction from in vitro intracellular recordings. By applying this method to a new set of data from L5 pyramidal neurons, I found that cortical neurons adapt their firing rate over multiple timescales, ranging from tens of milliseconds to tens of second. This behavior results from two cellular processes, which are triggered by the emission of individual action potentials and decay according to a power-law. An analysis performed on in vivo intracellular recordings further indicates that power-law adaptation is near-optimally tuned to efficiently encode natural inputs received by single neurons in biologically relevant situations. These results shade light on the functional role of spike-frequency adaptation in the cortex. The second part of this thesis focuses on the long-standing question of whether cortical neurons act as temporal integrators or coincidence detectors. According to standard theories relying on simplified spiking models, cortical neurons are expected to feature both coding strategies, depending on the statistical properties of their inputs. A model-based analysis performed on a second set of in vitro recordings demonstrates that the spike initiation dynamics implements a complex form of adaptation to make cortical neurons act as coincidence detectors, regardless of the input statistics. This result indicates that cortical neurons are well-suited to support a temporal code in which the relevant information is carried by the precise timing of spikes. The spiking model introduced in this thesis was not designed to study a particular aspect of single-neuron computation and achieves good performances in predicting the spiking activity of different neuronal types. The proposed method for parameter estimation is efficient and only requires a limited amount of data. If applied on large datasets, the mathematical framework presented in this thesis could therefore lead to automated high-throughput single-neuron characterization.


Background and Objectives: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) have a 2- to 7-fold risk of developing a neoplasm compared to general population. Bladder urothelial neoplasms in this cohort has an incidence of 0.4–2%. Many reports describe a more aggressive behavior. The objective of this study is to describe oncologic characteristics of bladder urothelial neoplasms in RTRs and to evaluate its recurrence, progression, and survival rates. Methods: A retrospective multicentered study was performed evaluating all de novo bladder urothelial neoplasms cases in RTRs from 1988 to 2014. Descriptive statistical analysis and evaluation of recurrence, progression, and survival rates were performed. Results: A total of 28 de novo bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) were identified (incidence rate 0.64%). Cancer-specific survival rates were 100, 75, and 70% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Age at diagnosis superior to 60 years was found to be a statistically significant variable for recurrence risk. Progression rate was 14%. Presence of CIS was significantly associated with progression. All cancer-specific deaths were in the high-risk group and all were progressions from non-muscle invasive to muscle invasive bladder cancer. Conclusions: Bladder urothelial neoplasms following renal transplant is associated with a trend toward worst prognosis. Early aggressive treatments, such as early radical cystectomy, might be advisable to reduce cancer-specific deaths.


This paper examines the impact of biofuel expansion on grain utilization and distribution at the state and cropping district level as most of grain producers and handlers are directly influenced by the local changes. We conducted a survey to understand the utilization and flows of corn, ethanol and its co-products, such as dried distillers grains (DDG) in Iowa. Results suggest that the rapidly expanding ethanol industry has a significant impact on corn utilization in Iowa. Comparing to the earlier survey results, ethanol plants drew a considerable amount of corn away from traditional destination markets, such as feeders or export markets. A major portion of corn supplies came from in-state sources, while the sales of Iowa ethanol and DDG were dominated by out-of-state buyers.


Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is an emerging disease worldwide because of the rise of pediatric obesity in both western and poorer countries. It is important that pediatricians and pediatric neurologists fully appreciate PTCS, so that timely and correct diagnoses can minimize permanent visual impairment in both young and adolescent children. Prepubertal PTCS is often secondary to different causes and comorbidities, in contrast to the adult PTCS that is usually primary (idiopathic). Additionally, studying clinical characteristics of PTCS in the pediatric age group offers new possibilities to understand the disease by comparing manifestations at various developmental ages versus adults. This special issue focuses on PTCS pathophysiology particularly. Significantly, the actual molecular physiology basis for the elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure is unknown. Therefore, researchers should consider placing top priority on elucidating biochemical and functional mechanisms that lead to elevated CSF pressurewith its consequent papilledema and optic nerve damage. Recent research perspectives shed new light on possible mechanisms that underlie PTCS. Encouraging leads implicate endocrine-metabolic derangements as a contributing factor to impaired CSF dynamics. In addition, the research area of bioenergetic-hormonal mechanisms, involving choroid plexus and other transport interfaces, holds promise for providing fresh insights on the molecular etiology of PTCS. Pediatric PTCS follows different childhood conditions and pathologies, for example, nephrologic, rheumatologic, and infectious states. Accordingly, this special issue emphasizes the involvement of several pediatric subspecialties for clinically assessing children with PTCS. Pediatric specialists in neurology, nephrology, and endocrinology have all made important contributions to this issue on PTCS in young children and teenagers. It is becoming increasingly evident that prepubertal and adolescent patients should be differentiated in terms of howpediatric PTCS is displayed according to clinical criteria. Adolescence, with its hormonal surges and weight gains, is characterized by a PTCS state closer to adulthood than prepuberty. Such differences may shed light on the role of hormones and metabolites in promoting PTCS in obese versus nonobese individuals. A multidisciplinary approach to PTCS is required across different medical specialties. Thus, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and neurosurgeons have valuable roles in clinically assessing and managing children with PTCS. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging technology and spectral domain optical computed tomography, aswell asmore effective use of ultrasonography, are at the forefront in enabling more effective diagnoses of young patients with PTCS. A greater use of genetic analyses and familial genotypes, combined with a deeper probing of metabolic-hormonal states, will add new dimensions to the diagnosis and management of PTCS. Clearly, there is a great pharmacologic need for newagents to stabilize or eliminate PTCS in children as well as in adults. Acetazolamide and corticosteroids have been the mainstay for PTCS pharmacotherapy for several decades. However, these agents have limited efficacy and a wide array of undesirable side effects. Before new therapeutic agents can be identified, however, pharmacologic targets need to be identified. Several potential targets are addressed in these studies on PTCS: (1) choroid plexus formation of fluid (possible hypersecretion), (2) arachnoid under-reabsorption of CSF (due to increased resistance to outflow), (3) cerebral edema (reduced brain compliance), and (4) elevated cerebral venous pressure. Fluid dynamicmodels that integrate these four pathophysiologic factors need to be developed in both clinical and experimental settings. Acquiring such information will


African-Americans' analysis of, and interest in, foreign affairs represents a rich and dynamic legacy, and this work provides a cutting edge insight into this neglected aspect of US foreign affairs. In addition to extending the parameters of US foreign policy literature to include race and ethnicity, the book documents case-specific analyses of the evolutionary development of the African American foreign affairs network (AAFAN). Whilst the examination of race in regard to the construction of US foreign policy is significant, this book also provides a cross disciplinary approach which utilises historical and political science methods to paint a more realistic appraisal of US foreign policy. Including analysis of original archival evidence, this theoretically informed work seeks to transcend the standard mono-disciplinary approach which overestimates the separation between domestic and foreign affairs. The unique approach of this work will add an important dimension to a newly emerging field and will be of interest to scholars in ethnic and racial studies, American politics, US foreign policy and US history.