The performance of departments has been largely neglected in previous studies of subject choice in secondary schools. This is a significant omission because analysis at departmental level enables a fuller assessment of the effects of competition and specialisation on pupil performance. This paper examines relationships between both absolute and value-added measures of departmental performance and the likelihood of students being entered for examination in a subject. It examines these relationships with reference to four option subjects: French, German, Geography and History. It utilises data from an Economic and Social Research Council-funded study which examined trends and patterns in departmental effectiveness using a sample of 664 schools which participated in the Yellis monitoring system for a minimum of five years during the period 1995-2002.


Switching rate between cooperating and non‐cooperating genotypes is a crucial social evolution factor, often neglected by game theory‐inspired theoretical and experimental frameworks. We show that the evolution of alleles increasing the mutation or phenotypic switching rates toward cooperation is in itself a social dilemma. Although cooperative offspring are often unlikely to reproduce, due to high cost of cooperation, they can be seen both as a living public good and a part of the extended parental phenotype. The competition between individuals that generate cooperators and ones that do not is often more relevant than the competition between cooperators and non‐cooperators. The dilemma of second‐order cooperation we describe relates directly to eusociality, but can be also interpreted as a division of labor or a soma‐germline distinction. The results of our simulations shine a new light on what Darwin had already termed a "special difficulty" of evolutionary theory and describe a novel type of cooperation dynamics.


Human Taenia solium cysticercosis is a major cause of epilepsy in developing countries, and porcine infection causes widespread economic losses because of infested pork. Recently, the use of oxfendazole (OFZ) for porcine cysticercosis provided, for the first time, an effective, single-dose treatment. We performed a controlled study to determine the time required between treatment with a single dose of OFZ and the death of cysticerci to define its applicability as preslaughter treatment or as a field control measure. Twenty naturally infected pigs were included in this study. Sixteen received a single dose (30 mg/kg) of OFZ, and were killed in groups of four at one, two, four, and 12 weeks after treatment. Four untreated controls were killed at week 12. No adverse reactions to OFZ were noted. A clear decrease in viability and number of cysts was evident after the first week after therapy, but even at week 4 some viable cysticerci were found in all samples. Twelve weeks after treatment, all meat appeared clear and only minuscule scars remained, except in one animal that had viable brain cysts. This study confirms the efficacy of a single dose of 30 mg/kg of OFZ for porcine cysticercosis but demonstrates that preslaughter treatment of pigs with OFZ will not be useful in controlling cysticercosis. The inclusion of porcine treatment with OFZ in mass cysticercosis control programs is, however, highly promising because it is a simple, effective, inexpensive, and potentially sustainable method for decreasing the porcine reservoir of cysticercosis in disease-endemic countries.


Originally published in English in 1980, Rhetoric as Philosophy has been out of print for some time. The reviews of that English edition attest to the importance of Ernesto Grassi's work. By going back to the Italian humanist tradition and aspects of earlier Greek and Latin thought, Ernesto Grassi develops a conception of rhetoric as the basis of philosophy. Grassi explores the sense in which the first principles of rational thought come from the metaphorical power of the word. He finds the basis for his conception in the last great thinker of the Italian humanist tradition, Giambattista Vico (1668-1744). He concentrates on Vico's understanding of imagination and the sense of human ingenuity contained in metaphor. For Grassi, rhetorical activity is the essence and inner life of thought when connected to the metaphorical power of the word.


In a seminal work, Jordan, Kinderlehrer and Otto proved that the Fokker- Planck equation can be described as a gradient flow of the free energy functional in the Wasserstein space, bringing this way the statistical mechanics point of view on the diffusion phenomenon to the foreground. The aim of this thesis is to show that it is possible to retrieve this natural coupling of functional and metric, by studying the large deviations of particle models. More specically, for the case where the ambient space is the real line, it is proved that the free energy functional can be retrieved as an asymptotic Gamma-limit ( ! 0) of the rate function of a large deviation principle, minus the square of the Wasserstein distance (normalized by time). Furthermore, for a special case where both measures in the denition of the rate function are Gaussians, its value and the rate of convergence are being calculated explicitly.


In the scenario of depleting fossil fuels, finding new energy technologies and conserving conventional energy resources have become essential to sustain modern civilization. While renewable energies are on the rise, considerable interest has been turned also to reduce energy consumption of conventional devices and appliances, which are often not yet optimized for this purpose. Modern nanotechnology provides a platform to build such devices by using nanomaterials showing exceptional physico-chemical properties. In particular, carbon materials (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene etc.), which show high thermal and electrical conductivity, aspect ratio, shear strength and chemical/mechanical resistance, are quite promising for a wide range of applications. However, the problem of solubility often hampers their handling and industrial utilization. These limitations can be mitigated by functionalizing carbon nanostructures, either covalently or non covalently, with organic or inorganic compounds. The exo- and endohedral functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with organic/inorganic moieties to produce luminescent materials with desired properties are the main focus of this doctoral work. These hybrids have been thoroughly designed and characterized with chemical, microscopic and photophysical analyses. All the materials based on carbon nanostructures described in this thesis are innovative examples of photoactive and luminescent hybrids, and their morphological and photophysical properties help understanding the nature of interactions between the active units. This may prompt the design and fabrication of new functional materials for applications in the fields of optoelectronics and photovoltaics.


We propose a new algorithm for minimizing regularized empirical loss: Stochastic Dual Newton Ascent (SDNA). Our method is dual in nature: in each iteration we update a random subset of the dual variables. However, unlike existing methods such as stochastic dual coordinate ascent, SDNA is capable of utilizing all local curvature information contained in the examples, which leads to striking improvements in both theory and practice -- sometimes by orders of magnitude. In the special case when an L2-regularizer is used in the primal, the dual problem is a concave quadratic maximization problem plus a separable term. In this regime, SDNA in each step solves a proximal subproblem involving a random principal submatrix of the Hessian of the quadratic function; whence the name of the method.


Abstract The studies included 2 water bodies in Cracow (Kraków), 6 water bodies in the commune of Zabierzów (Cracow County) and 4 in the commune of Niepołomice (Wieliczka County). The studies were carried out in June 2018 and May 2019. The ways on management of the water bodies were compared. Problems related to revitalization were identified. One of these problems is the preservation of biodiversity. In some cases revitalization reduces biodiversity. This can happen due to the liquidation or limitation of the reed bed zone. Such a situation was observed in the water bodied of Zelków and Karniowice (com. Zabierzów). Both have ornamental functions now. Removal of most of reed does not disturb mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), but makes it impossible to nest for other birds such as moorhen (Galinula chloropus). Moorhens were observed in two former fish ponds in Staniątki (com. Niepołomice) and in the pond of the Kaczeńcowa street. In one of them revitalization caused the diminishing of the water area, but did not change the character of the water body. Bird species were recorded at water bodies.


Background The clinical benefit for depression of an interactive computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral program on CD-ROM, the Wellness Workshop (WW), was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Method A total of 191 individuals referred by primary-care physicians were randomly assigned to a control group, where physician-directed treatment as usual (TAU) was provided, or to a treatment group, where TAU was supplemented with the WW CD-ROM, delivered by mail (WW+TAU). Data were collected at baseline, at 6 weeks' post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up assessment. Participants were given a strong incentive by a reimbursement of $75 for completion of each assessment. Measures included symptom ratings obtained via structured clinical diagnostic interviews, as well as a battery of self-report questionnaires on symptoms specifically targeted by the intervention. Results Analysis of results demonstrated evidence for skill acquisition for improving dysfunctional thinking and reducing anxiety. Among those who met diagnostic criteria for depression, WW+TAU participants were three times more likely to remit at 6 weeks' post-test than TAU participants. Conclusions The evidence supports the conclusion that the WW intervention added benefit to traditional care for depression. No placebo comparison group was included and the WW+TAU participants received slightly more attention (a supportive telephone contact, ⩽5 min from a psychologist 2 weeks after receiving the program). Overall, the findings add support to the accumulating evidence for the potential clinical benefit of computer-assisted behavioral health interventions.


State-of-the-art electronic structure methods have been applied to the simplest prototype of aromatic π−π interactions, the benzene dimer. By comparison to results with a large aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, we demonstrate that more modest basis sets such as aug-cc-pVDZ are sufficient for geometry optimizations of intermolecular parameters at the second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) level. However, basis sets even larger than aug-cc-pVTZ are important for accurate binding energies. The complete basis set MP2 binding energies, estimated by explicitly correlated MP2−R12/A techniques, are significantly larger in magnitude than previous estimates. When corrected for higher-order correlation effects via coupled cluster with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CCSD(T)], the binding energies De (D0) for the sandwich, T-shaped, and parallel-displaced configurations are found to be 1.8 (2.0), 2.7 (2.4), and 2.8 (2.7) kcal mol-1, respectively.


The study investigates the features of motivational factors in Public and Private sector of higher educational institutions based on the case of International Black Sea University, Sokhumi State University and Akaki Tsereteli State University for further recommendations, and major emphasis on the differences between public and private Universities Staff motivational constructs in higher educational institutions. Staff motivation is very essential for the growth, development, and success of higher educational Institutions. Motivated staff are more productive, happy and highly committed to their job.Staff motivation promotes workplace harmony and increased employee performance. Motivation specifically does not only encourage productive performance but also shows employees how much the organization cares.The Goal of the study is to indicate staff motivation by the several work-related factors and evaluate satisfaction of employees with the working culture of the university, get the recommendations from employees about the improvement of Top Management's current strategy and interpret the data gathered from the survey from different perspectives.


With the rapid progress of the economy, heating in winter is widespread in the eastern area of China. According to the exterior-protected structure of buildings in Nanjing, the hourly and dynamic load of energy consumption during the time of heating in winter is simulated and calculated in the paper. Through calculations, the energy consumption of the different windows, walls and roofs is gained. By analyzing the results of these calculations, the conclusion that using a single frame-double plastic steel window can save energy by 37.68% is reached. As part of the economical efficiency analysis, an investment payback period is analyzed using the methods of static state and dynamic state. The analysis shows that by using single frame-double plastic steel window, the investment payback period is about 7 years.


The synthesis and structural characterization of a family of barium thiolates and selenolates is described. The thiolates were synthesized by metallation of thiols, the selenolates by reductive insertion of the metal into the selenium-selenium bond of diorganodiselenides. Both reaction sequences were carried out by using barium metal dissolved in ammonia; this afforded barium thiolates and selenolates in good yield and purity. The structural principles displayed in the target compounds span a wide range of solid-state formulations, including monomeric and dimeric species, and separated ion triples, namely [Ba(thf)4(SMes*)2] (1; Mes* = 2,4,6-tBU3C6H2), [Ba(thf)4(SeMes*)2] (2), [Ba([18]crown-6)(hmpa)2][(SeMes*)2] (3), the dimeric [(Ba(py)3(thf)(SeTrip)2)2] (4; py = pyridine, Trip = 2,4.6-iPr3C6H2), and [Ba([18]crown-6)(SeTrip)2] (5). The full range of association modes is completed by [Ba([18]crown-6)(hmpa)SMes*][SMes*] (6) communicated earlier by this group. In the solid state, this compound displays an intermediate ion coordination mode: one anion is bound to the metal, while the second one is unassociated. Together these compounds provide structural information about all three different association modes for alkaline earth metal derivatives. This collection of structural data allows important conclusions about the influence of solvation and ligation on structural trends.


Owing to the large forest area and style of living during the pre-independent era most of the Sarawak ethnic natives' traditional food were created, prepared and cooked using the natural resources from the forest. The vast natives' traditional food treasures however are believed to have gradually altered due the waves of modernization. This study empirically investigates the level of alterations of Sarawak ethnic natives' food and it impact to the young generation practices. Three Sarawak major ethnic natives' group of Iban, Melanau and Orang Ulu were self administered surveyed and results revealed that modernization somewhat altered the preparation, equipments, ingredients and the processing methods which slightly affect the uniqueness of ethnic natives' food identity and cultures. The emergence of technological advancement in cooking equipments and utensils, social advancement through economic factors, educational level and lifestyle directly contribute to the alteration processes hence lessening the ability of young generation in preparing their ethnic native food.


A problem when making recommendations based on the aggregated behavior of many users (collaborative recommendation) is to explain the rationale behind the recommendation. Our work investigates the alternative approach of visualizing the collaborative data, leaving it to the user to decide on a course of action, i.e. create the recommendation. A prototype system was built and evaluated in a joint project with the international transport and travel service company Stena Line. A user study showed that displaying statistics on other traveler's ticket bookings indeed functioned as recommendations.


Plato's method of hypothesis is initiated in the Meno, is featured in the Phaedo and the Republic, and is further developed in the Theaetetus. His method of collection and division is mentioned in the Republic, is featured in the Phaedrus,and is elaborated with modifications in the Sophist and the Statesman. Both methods aim at definitions in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions. In the course of these developments, the former method is shown to be weak in its treatment of sufficient conditions, and the latter is shown to be comparably weak in its treatment of necessary conditions. A third method, which avoids these difficulties, is introduced in the first part of the Parmenides and is applied in connection with the eight hypotheses that follow. This application yields a demonstration of serious shortcomings both in historical Eleaticism and in the Eleatically-inspired theory of Forms in the Phaedo and the Republic, along with a demonstration of comparative strengths in historical Pythagoreanism and in the Pythagorean- inspiried theory of Forms in the Statesman and the Philebus.


This document addresses the role of what is termed "general education" in the present university system. The teaching of the liberal arts is of primary importance in order to preserve an accurate knowledge of the past. If universities do not satisfy this need, the population will be easy targets for business and political communities peddling an imagined past in order to get people to buy or believe something. The university fosters disconnectedness by stressing innovation and practicality, especially at the undergraduate level where subjects are over specialized, departments within schools are isolated, and students are encouraged, if not required, to hem themselves in with artificial boundF.ries and to conceive of themselves and their possibilities in diminished fashion. The document describes The reform movement in general education that began in the 1970s as a reclamation project, an attempt to bring into some balance a curriculum that had been all but totally devoured by majors is outlined. The students' greatest deficiency is ignorance of their history and culture. This.ignorance of history can cause serious problems because a generation of citizens has been raised conditioned to make political decisions divorced from knowledge, analysis, or reflection about what might be the wisest or best course. Intimately connected to, and existing simultaneously with the loss of history is the loss of sensitivity to language. Only through language can people overcome the disconnectedness so predominant in the education system. (DK) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** WHAT PASSES FOR THE NEW Michael Wenzl Cal Poly State University


Policy gradient methods are widely used for control in reinforcement learning, particularly for the continuous action setting. There have been a host of theoretically sound algorithms proposed for the on-policy setting, due to the existence of the policy gradient theorem which provides a simplified form for the gradient. In off-policy learning, however, where the behaviour policy is not necessarily attempting to learn and follow the optimal policy for the given task, the existence of such a theorem has been elusive. In this work, we solve this open problem by providing the first off-policy policy gradient theorem. The key to the derivation is the use of $emphatic$ $weightings$. We develop a new actor-critic algorithm$\unicode{x2014}$called Actor Critic with Emphatic weightings (ACE)$\unicode{x2014}$that approximates the simplified gradients provided by the theorem. We demonstrate in a simple counterexample that previous off-policy policy gradient methods$\unicode{x2014}$particularly OffPAC and DPG$\unicode{x2014}$converge to the wrong solution whereas ACE finds the optimal solution.


The discussions about International Investment Law (IIL) are slowly catching up with the discussions about international trade law in two respects: the first is the social science, especially economic, enrichment of the legal discourse, the second is the discussion on fragmentation of international investment law, that is 'investment and…' issues. The topic of this book is a fragmentation issue, namely "investment and sustainable development (SD)". This article addresses this topic in two specific ways: firstly, it draws on diverse economic insights to analyze the problem trying to give meaningful insights to treaty negotiators and interpreters and, secondly, it concentrates on the contribution of flexibility clauses in solving 'investment and…' issues by proposing 'smart' flexibility clauses. The big problem to solve for treaty-designers and adjudicators is to separate opportunistic behavior of states from legitimate policies for SD of host states being pursued by them. This article contributes a procedural and substantive check-list to separate opportunistic behavior of states from good faith regulation which, in my view, should be allowed. In other words, the article is about smart flexibility mechanisms. In order to develop a frame for solving this problem, this article draws on the economic theories of contract theory (as a basic frame) and political economy theory (for fine-tuning) in order to understand when a host state's behavior has to be sanctioned and when not. It will then take stock of what kind of flexibility clauses exist in IIAs de lege lata in order to ask whether those clauses allow for a systematic distinction between opportunistic behavior and good faith behavior of states. This part highlights methodological and substantive tools which may be used in order to make this distinction easier. The last part concludes with a view on SD and investment treaties.


In this thesis the problem of designing a fast multiclass object detector based on cascade architecture is considered. A classifier cascade is a sequence of simple to complex sub-classifiers where each stage either rejects the input or pass it to the next stage. Since most of the non-target inputs get rejected with the simple sub- classifiers in the early stages of the cascade, the overall classification will be fast. Since cascade sub- classifier are usually trained with Boosting algorithms, the thesis starts with proposing TaylorBoost which explains Boosting algorithms as iterative descent algorithms for minimizing Taylor expansion of risk of classification in function space. In the rest of this thesis TaylorBoost is used to derive appropriate Boosting algorithms based on the requirements of the problems. The main challenge in designing a classifier cascade is to tune speed-accuracy trade-off, e.g. more complex early stages in the cascade may increase accuracy but degrades speed of classification significantly. To address this issue, this thesis proposes a new Boosting algorithm, FCBoost, for designing a classifier cascade by minimizing a Lagrangian risk that jointly accounts for classification accuracy and speed of classification. While FCBoost enables designing cascade detectors for single class of objects, designing detectors for multiple objects is still problematic. This is because each of the object detectors has to be trained independently which results in many redundant computational complexity. To address this issue, the thesis next proposes a new multiclass Boosting framework, MCBoost. Combining FCBoost and MCBoost, makes it possible to learn detector cascade for detecting multiple objects. The remaining challenge is that in a multiclass cascade, early stages should implement binary target vs. non-target detectors of high simplicity and false-positive rate, and late stages should be multiclass classifiers of high accuracy and complexity to distinguish between target classes. The thesis proposes a method to manipulate cost of classification in MCBoost based on cascade false-positive rate to address this issue. Experiments on the problems of multi-view car detection and simultaneous detection of multiple traffic signs show that the proposed detector is faster and more accurate than previous approaches


Fish contain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's), vitamins and other micronutrients. However, fish and seafood rank among foods highly associated with food borne disease outbreaks especially in poor hygienic conditions while handling or processing foods. The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors associated with fish contamination, levels of microbial contamination and molecular profiles of bacterial isolates. In addition, antimicrobial response patterns were also determined against commonly used antibiotics. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered randomly to individual fish handlers while fish products (raw fish, samosa, sausage, cake, skewer, hot dog, fried fish, fish balls, fingers and burger) were randomly sampled from fish vendors. Microbial load was determined using serial dilutions and the load determined by pour plates. The bacteria were enumerated and sub-cultured to obtain pure cultures on Nutrient media. Bacterial morphologies were determined and confirmed by biochemical characterization using citrate utilization, methyl red, SIM, urease, indole and carbohydrate fermentation tests. Total genomic bacterial DNA was extracted using boiling extraction method and 16S rRNA gene was amplified using PCR while the amplifications were confirmed using gel electrophoresis. The amplified products were then directly sequenced using Sanger method in both directions using the same primers as in the PCR amplification. KirbyBauer agar diffusion method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility test. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Tukey's HSD test at 5 % significance level (SAS version 9.0). The generated sequences of 16S rRNA gene were analyzed and edited using Finch-Tv software Ver. 1.4.0. Data analysis was carried out using SAS software Ver. 9.4. There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) and interaction (p = 0.037) of average bacteria count obtained from different fish products and markets. Fish treatment resulted to a significant difference (p = 0.001) total CFUs. Based on morphological characteristics, a total of 64 morphogroups were obtained. Based on molecular characterization, most of the identified bacterial isolates belonged to Bacillus sp. Other identified bacterial isolates comprised of B2SmCTM1, which was identified as Klebsiella michiganensis, isolate C1FCTM1 identified as Salmonella enterica, isolates F3WTRM5, M10SmCTM1 and M10SaCRM5 identified as Escherichia coli. In addition, isolates J6BCTM5, L10WTTM5 and J6WTTM5 were concluded to be Staphylococcus xylosus. The study revealed that respondents were aware that high temperatures promoted bacterial growth thus majority (68 %) refrigerated their fish products. The storage of fish products in display units and shelves without ice may justify high levels of contamination experienced in the region. Fish and fish products sold in various markets in Kirinyaga county-exhibited varied bacterial contamination with fish samosas having the highest bacterial count. There was a significant difference in the action of tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin and penicillin against the bacterial isolates (P = 0.001). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antibiotic based on antimicrobial response patterns of the selected bacterial isolates while penicillin was the least effective antibiotic. Extensive empowerment of the fish handlers and hoteliers on the proper handling of the raw fish and fish products to minimize the instances of microbial contamination should be promoted.


This paper proposes a cognitive-pragmatic alternative to the traditional, speech-acttheoretic, account of the notion of commitment. The perspective adopted here questions the relevance of addressing actual commitment as a speaker category and shifts the focus of the discussion from properties of speaker commitment to processes ofcommitment attribution. Using a relevance-theoretic framework, it will be suggested that inferring commitment in ordinary, cooperative, communication is part of the processes by which hearers derive speaker meaning, and that the degree of reliability that a hearer may expect to attain in attributing commitment to a speaker correlates with the degree of certainty associated to the derivation of explicatures and implicatures from an utterance.


Background: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to human diseases. Most common diseases are influenced by a large number of genetic and environmental factors, most of which individually have only a modest effect on the disease. Though genetic contributions are relatively well characterized for some monogenetic diseases, there has been no effort at curating the extensive list of environmental etiological factors. Results: From a comprehensive search of the MeSH annotation of MEDLINE articles, we identified 3,342 environmental etiological factors associated with 3,159 diseases. We also identified 1,100 genes associated with 1,034 complex diseases from the NIH Genetic Association Database (GAD), a database of genetic association studies. 863 diseases have both genetic and environmental etiological factors available. Integrating genetic and environmental factors results in the "etiome", which we define as the comprehensive compendium of disease etiology. Clustering of environmental factors may alert clinicians of the risks of added exposures, or synergy in interventions to alter these factors. Clustering of both genetic and environmental etiological factors puts genes in the context of environment in a quantitative manner. Conclusion: In this paper, we obtained a comprehensive list of associations between disease and environmental factors using MeSH annotation of MEDLINE articles. It serves as a summary of current knowledge between etiological factors and diseases. By combining the environmental etiological factors and genetic factors from GAD, we computed the "etiome" profile for 863 diseases. Comparing diseases across these profiles may have utility for clinical medicine, basic science research, and population-based science.


DESCRIPTION The book that bridges the chasm between communication and understanding in negotiations For years Peter Nixon worked with people from all walks of life, teaching them the art of negotiation. But it soon became apparent that the issue was not negotiation itself, but dialogue between parties. We have become experts at sending information—via email, text message, Internet, TV, and other forms of media, communicating, but not engaging, in an active dialogue defined by collaborative thinking.


The harvester termite is regarded as one of the most serious pests of natural pasture in the inland areas of South Africa. In the Central Orange Free State, complete resting of the natural pasture for three years, resulted in a significant increase in the basal cover in spite of the presence of the termites. There was also a marked decrease in the plant injury. Virtually all the damage to plants was done during winter. For example, more damage was done during June, 1965 than in the preceding seven months together. A positive correlation was demonstrated between plant injury and the number of foraging holes while there was a negative correlation between basal cover and plant injury. Spraying small plots with Dieldrin to keep them termite free resulted in no significant increase in yield compared with unsprayed control plots. It is concluded that the damage done by harvester termites in South Africa is often over-emphasised.


Abstract
The fact that vocabulum appears with far more frequency in
Tacitus9 texts than in any other author except for the encyclopaedists
argues for his idiosyncratic usage of the term. This article
argues that imperial discourse, nearly identical in structure
and expression to that of the Republic but divorced from Republican
connotations, provided an empty site where Roman fantasies of
self-definition took strong hold, and that Tacitus uses vocabulum
to indicate words and concepts that illustrate this process,
particularly with reference to representations of the foreign
and the past. Such a discourse was congenial for the concentration
of power in the hands of one person, as it no longer expressed
the conflicting desires of a community engaged in public affairs,
but collectivized the public desire for an image of Roman superiority.
Thus Germany and the old Republican past were easily mythologized
as what Rome desired to be, but feared it was not. Tacitus9 use
of vocabulum highlights the words in imperial discourse that
betray the gap in the political unconscious between Romans9 idea
of themselves as masters of the Empire and as slaves to one ruler.
Nor does he position himself as an outside observer of this process,
but creates an experience of it for the reader through gaps and
inconsistencies within his narrative.


This study compares positive and negative message framing, and examines how product type and the consumer's regulatory focus moderate ad effectiveness. We conducted a 2 (message framing: positive vs. negative) × 2 (product type: hedonic vs. utilitarian) × 2 (regulatory focus: promotion focus vs. prevention focus) between-subjects experiment in which we measured individual differences in regulatory focus. The results indicate that, regardless of product type, ads with positively framed messages are more effective than those with negatively framed messages for promotion-focused consumers. However, for prevention-focused consumers, positively framed messages are more effective than negatively framed ones when the advertised product is utilitarian. By contrast, negatively framed messages are more effective than positively framed ones for such consumers when the advertised product is hedonic. Therefore, marketers can more effectively target consumers by matching the framing of the message with the advertised product.


The AITANEET BROTHERHOOD ASSN., a Lebanese-American hometown society, was formed in 1927 by a group of natives from Aitaneet in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The association has aided needy Lebanese and Syrians in Cleveland and in the village of Aitaneet, helping to build schools and other facilities there. Founder and first president of the organization was JAMIL KAIM; also among the founding members were James Abood, Ernest Sabath, Mufleh Nahra, George Bird, and Tom Abood. The organization grew quickly; by 1935 it had 140 members and a junior group active in sports. By 1955 it was estimated that 700 immigrants from Aitaneet had made Cleveland their home. In 1995 the association offered educational scholarships, relief for the needy, and continued support to churches in Aitaneet and the Bekaa Valley. Membership remained a constant 700. Roger Abood, son of founder James Abood, served as president and Emile Daher was treasurer. See also IMMIGRATION AND MIGRATION.


Earlier work on scheduling by autonomous systems has demonstrated that schedules in the form of simple temporal networks, with intervals of values for possible event-times, can be made "dispatchable", i.e., executable incrementally in real time with guarantees against failure due to unfortunate event-time selections. These schedules can be built prior to execution by an automated Planner/ Scheduler based on the Heuristic Scheduling Testbed System (HSTS). the present work we show how the property of dispatchabflity can be extended to networks that include constraints for consumable resources. We first describe conditions under which a component of the network composed of resource constraints will support dispatchability. Then we show how a network can be produced during planning that supports dispatchabflity while allowing flexible resource use. This work indicates that flexible handling of consumable resources can be safely extended to the execution layer to provide more effective deployment of these resources.


We describe a heuristics-based system for automatic measurement of syntactic complexity using the revised Developmental Level (D-Level) scale (Rosenberg & Abbeduto 1987; Covington et al. 2006). The system takes a raw sentence as input and assigns it to an appropriate developmental level on the scale. The system is designed with child language acquisition and psycholinguistic research in mind, and is therefore developed and evaluated using both written data from the Penn Treebank (Marcus et al. 1993) and spoken child language acquisition data from the CHILDES database (MacWhinney 2000). Experiment results show that the model achieves an accuracy of 94.0% and 93.2% on unseen test data from the Penn Treebank and the CHILDES database respectively. We illustrate how the system is used in an example application to investigate the correlation of average D-Level score and speaker age.


Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is an important re-emerging vector-borne zoonotic disease of the 21st century which is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality due to pediatric viral encephalitis in Asian populations. India and China together report 95% of the disease burden where it is also an important cause of acute encephalitis syndrome. JE is a neglected tropical disease which disproportionately afflicts poor and economically disadvantaged populations in rural regions of low and middle-income countries which often lack well-equipped tertiary care centers for the management of JE cases presenting with central nervous system manifestations and related complications. JE has large animal reservoirs among pigs and water birds which renders JE elimination difficult. Hence, current strategy for JE prevention and control pursues a combined approach inclusive of expansion of JE vaccination coverage in endemic regions, vector control, and surveillance. Unfortunately, the lack of public health infrastructure, economic resources, and lack of political commitment has resulted in most endemic countries in the developing world failing to take adequate steps for achieving these recommended measures for JE control, especially with regard to developing surveillance capacities and reference laboratories for the diagnosis of JE. Moreover, the threat of JE has increased in recent years due to factors such as climate change and lack of economic development in several endemic zones even as the disease has begun affecting adult populations. Evidence from surveillance data in some countries also suggests that increase in vaccination coverage for JE does not necessarily correlate with decline in JE disease burden. Ultimately, JE is likely to persist as a major public health problem in the developing world and impede their economic development unless it receives adequate attention from the global health community.


To be useful, adding epistasis to a prediction model must increase predictive power. The objectives of this study were to determine i) using partial least squares (PLS) techniques, whether the ability to predict performance can be increased by including epistasis in a prediction model; ii) whether relaxing the probability of preselecting a marker or interaction to include in the PLS analysis from 0.001 to 0.01 to 0.05 would increase predictive power; and iii) whether the proportion of variability accounted for could be raised to a level useful in breeding. Data for protein, oil, starch, and grain yield were obtained from 500 S 2 lines from the crosses of Illinois High Oil × Illinois Low Oil and of Illinois High Protein × Illinois Low Protein corn (Zea mays L.) strains. Lines per se and testcrosses were evaluated for oil, protein, and starch, and only testcrosses for grain yield. Adding epistasis to a model signifi cantly increased predictive power, as did increasing the probability level for inclusion of signifi cant markers and epistatic effects in the PLS analysis from 0.001 to 0.01 to 0.05. With epistasis in the model and P = 0.05, correlations of predicted and observed means were high enough to suggest they could be useful in breeding.


In this paper, a Multi-agent System (MAS) is presented for providing clinical decision support to healthcare practitioners in rural or remote areas of India for young infants or children up to the age of 5 years. The government is unable to appoint child specialists in rural areas because of inadequate number of available pediatricians. It leads to a high Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). In such a scenario, software agents provide a realistic solution. The agent-based prototype has been developed that involves a knowledge component called an Intelligent Pediatric Assistant (IPA); and User Agents (UA) along with their Graphical User Interfaces (GUI). The GUI of UA provides the interface to the healthcare practitioner for submitting sign-symptoms and displaying the expert opinion as suggested by IPA. Depending upon the observations, the IPA decides the diagnosis and the treatment plan. The UA and IPA form client-server architecture for knowledge sharing.


Representationso f childbirth in fifteenth-century devotional and historical manuscripts are invariably depicted as postpartum confinement scenes in a domestic interior. These images appear to show a `gendered space' in which women care for each other and men are marginalized. Neglected by medieval art historians, such pictures have been uncritically used by historians of obstetric and social history to prove that childbirth was the one time when medieval women exercised power and control in an otherwise patriarchal society. However, as with all historical evidence, these images do not offer us unmediated access to the past.

This thesis brings these domestic postpartum pictures of childbirth to the centre of an art historical enquiry by undertaking a survey of this iconography in some fifty
fifteenth-century manuscripts and incunables. Since the occurrence of this generic iconography cannot be consistently associated with female spectators, it has been
necessary to reassess in what way they might be en/gendered: how they were received by their original viewers (male and female) and how we can bring them into meaning as sources for reconstructing the lives of medieval women. To avoid equating these images with reality and reducing the female sex at large to the maternal function, I develop a methodology to show how the social viewing positions occupied by certain spectators would have rendered them sensitive to images of maternity and childbirth. Specifically, I argue that the images of childbirth in a group of fifteenth-century Books of Hours made for male and female members of the houses of Anjou and Brittany would have been seen with a `situational eye' that was informed by the requirements of patriarchal, aristocratic families, and by the dangers surrounding childbirth. My thesis demonstrates that this
situational eye can be extended beyond the field of art history to show how other sources from fifteenth-century childbearing such as charms, lying-in, and churching, can be
brought into meaning for the women whose social position required them to conceive and give birth to male heirs.


Modern ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors require a complex interferometer configuration with multiple coupled optical cavities. Since achieving the resonances of the arm cavities is the most challenging among the lock acquisition processes, the scheme called arm length stabilization (ALS) had been employed for lock acquisition of the arm cavities. We designed a new type of the ALS, which is compatible with the interferometers having long arms like the next generation GW detectors. The features of the new ALS are that the control configuration is simpler than those of previous ones and that it is not necessary to lay optical fibers for the ALS along the kilometer-long arms of the detector. Along with simulations of its noise performance, an experimental test of the new ALS was performed utilizing a single arm cavity of KAGRA. This paper presents the first results of the test where we demonstrated that lock acquisition of the arm cavity was achieved using the new ALS and residual noise was measured to be $8.2\,\mathrm{Hz}$ in units of frequency, which is smaller than the linewidth of the arm cavity and thus low enough to lock the full interferometer of KAGRA in a repeatable and reliable manner.


This study presents the current state and main challenges for the development of the waste -to-energy (WtE)industry in the countries of the Danube Strategy Region (DSR). Waste-to-energy systems constitute a broad range of technologies for converting various types of waste either directly into electricity or heat or into a fuel for subsequent use. These technologies, furthermore, are dependent on complementary systems and services, in particular waste management. WtE is thus a complex topic overlapping with other prominent issues, such as sustainability, resource security, and the circular economy. The study provides a general overview of WtE technologies and associated systems, presents a cursory look at relevant EU legislation and statistics, details the main challenges facing the development of WtE projects, outlines the situation in the DSR countries, and, finally, presents a case study of a selected successful project.


This dissertation presents a framework for 3D reconstruction and scene analysis, using a set of range images. The motivation for developing this framework came from the needs to reconstruct the surfaces of small mechanical parts in reverse engineering tasks, build a virtual environment of indoor and outdoor scenes, and understand 3D images. The input of the framework is a set of range images of an object or a scene captured by range scanners. The output is a triangulated surface that can be segmented into meaningful parts. A textured surface can be reconstructed if color images are provided. The framework consists of surface smoothing, registration, integration, and segmentation. Surface smoothing eliminates the noise present in raw measurements from range scanners. This research proposes area-decreasing flow that is theoretically identical to the mean curvature flow. Using area-decreasing flow, there is no need to estimate the curvature value and an optimal step size of the flow can be obtained. Crease edges and sharp corners are preserved by an adaptive scheme. Surface registration aligns measurements from different viewpoints in a common coordinate system. This research proposes a new surface representation scheme named point fingerprint. Surfaces are registered by finding corresponding point pairs in an overlapping region based on fingerprint comparison. Surface integration merges registered surface patches into a whole surface. This rev search employs an implicit surface-based integration technique. The proposed algorithm can generate watertight models by space carving or filling the holes based on volumetric interpolation. Textures from different views are integrated inside a volumetric grid. Surface segmentation is useful to decompose CAD models in reverse engineering tasks and help object recognition in a 3D scene. This research proposes a watershedbased surface mesh segmentation approach. The new algorithm accurately segments the plateaus by geodesic erosion using fast marching method. The performance of the framework is presented using both synthetic and real world data from different range scanners. The dissertation concludes by summarizing the development of the framework and then suggests future research topics.


PrestoPRIME is a European project aiming at digital preservation of audiovisual files. In our scenarios we can observe a combination of lifecycles related to content, systems, services, and organisations involved both in the media and technical businesses. Taking as reference the OAIS model, we followed the principle of keeping everything under control, from all perspectives: configuration, resource management, data integrity, content quality and metadata handling. As a result, in the future users will have the opportunity to find and re-use high quality audiovisual material. Project outcomes include tools for simulating and modelling the use of resources and for service governance, software for content quality assessment, services for metadata mapping, techniques for content tracking, model and services supporting the management of exploitation rights. The reference software implementation provides a framework for integrating external tools.


Objective: To assess for lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) on cranial ultrasound (cUS) scans of very preterm infants: incidence and aetiology, evolution during neonatal period, association with clinical parameters, and MRI equivalent. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary neonatal referral centre. Patients: Very preterm infants (<32 weeks) underwent sequential cUS throughout the neonatal period and MRI around term age. cUS were evaluated for LSV and other changes, and MRI for changes in signal and myelination in deep grey matter. LSV was divided into early-onset (⩽7 postnatal days) and late-onset (>7 postnatal days). Perinatal clinical parameters were collected for all infants and compared between groups. Results: In 22/111 (20%) infants LSV was detected: early-onset in 5 and late-onset in 17. LSV mostly presented some weeks after birth and persisted for several months. There were no associations between LSV and other changes on cUS or deep grey matter changes on MRI. Infants with late-onset LSV were younger and smaller at birth than infants with early-onset LSV. Postmenstrual age at first detection was comparable for both LSV groups. There were no associations between LSV and perinatal clinical parameters, but infants with LSV had less episodes of hypotension than infants without LSV. Conclusions: LSV is a frequent finding on cUS in very preterm infants, but does not show on MRI. The postmenstrual age, rather than gestational and postnatal age, seems important in LSV development. LSV is not associated with clinical parameters. When encountered in otherwise healthy preterm infants, LSV is probably a benign temporary phenomenon.


ABSTRACT Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic and pneumonic plagues, has undergone detailed study at the molecular level. To further investigate the genomic diversity among this group and to help characterize lineages of the plague organism that have no sequenced members, we present here the genomes of two isolates of the "classical" antiqua biovar, strains Antiqua and Nepal516. The genomes of Antiqua and Nepal516 are 4.7 Mb and 4.5 Mb and encode 4,138 and 3,956 open reading frames, respectively. Though both strains belong to one of the three classical biovars, they represent separate lineages defined by recent phylogenetic studies. We compare all five currently sequenced Y. pestis genomes and the corresponding features in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. There are strain-specific rearrangements, insertions, deletions, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and a unique distribution of insertion sequences. We found 453 single nucleotide polymorphisms in protein-coding regions, which were used to assess the evolutionary relationships of these Y. pestis strains. Gene reduction analysis revealed that the gene deletion processes are under selective pressure, and many of the inactivations are probably related to the organism's interaction with its host environment. The results presented here clearly demonstrate the differences between the two biovar antiqua lineages and support the notion that grouping Y. pestis strains based strictly on the classical definition of biovars (predicated upon two biochemical assays) does not accurately reflect the phylogenetic relationships within this species. A comparison of four virulent Y. pestis strains with the human-avirulent strain 91001 provides further insight into the genetic basis of virulence to humans.


Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power is the next level in Tai Chi Chuan training. This book is written especially for those who have learned the form, begun Pushing Hands, and now want to develop and refine their Tai Chi skills.Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power focuses on the martial essence of Tai Chi Chuan, an aspect many other books ignore. This book explores in depth the subject of Jing (internal martial power), general Tai Chi theory, and the application of Chi in the Tai Chi form. Because Jing training is essential to martial Tai Chi, this work is a valuable reference that no serious practitioner should be without.A comprehensive training plan for Jing (power) development.Understand the difference between true Jing (internal power) and Li (muscular power).Learn how to accumulate Chi and Jing in the Tai Chi postures.Discover the essential role your mind plays in Tai Chi and Jing practice.Includes a special selection of Tai Chi poems (the place the ancient masters hid their theory), translated and with commentary by Dr. Yang.


With the rapid growth and success of internet, our lives have changed in all aspects we interact, learn and work. Demand for experienced and proficient labor is increasing day by day in today's globalised world. Nowadays, almost all organizations along with governments are delivering their services over and through internet. For the growth and success of e-Governance- effectiveness and efficiency of the government are the main criteria.
This paper aims to bring forth the ICT integration in governance. ICT increases the speed of delivery and distribution of services which in turn benefits customers to access services anytime from any place. ICT aids to the availability and implementation of those practices in the field of e-Governance, which ultimately helps customers. It also helps to contribute in the economic growth especially to the developing countries


This paper presents a computational study of logic devices built from single-domain Co/Pt nanomagnets, where magnetic properties of the dots are engineered by an inhomogenous focused ion beam (FIB) irradiation. We develop a micromagnetic model for such Co/Pt dots and show that their reversal behavior and coupling to neighboring dots can be precisely engineered by the dose and spatial distribution of the irradiation. We demonstrate that magnetic logic circuits and nonvolatile memory devices with attractive performance figures can be built from asymmetrically irradiated dots.


Anoxia of the heart causes failure of contraction before any irreversible injury occurs; the mechanism by which anoxia blocks cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is unknown. Studies in whole muscle are confounded by heterogeneity; however, achieving the low oxygen tensions required to study anoxia in a single myocyte during electrophysiological recording has been a barrier in experimental design. Guided by calculations of oxygen transport, we developed a system to insulate myocytes in an open dish from oxygen by a laminar counterflowing argon column, permitting free access to the cell by microelectrodes while maintaining a PO2 less than 0.02 torr (1 torr = 133 Pa). In the absence of glucose, the amplitude of stimulated contraction of anoxic ventricular myocytes fell to zero over 2 min after a lag period attributable to the consumption of endogenous glycogen. The cytosolic calcium concentration transient, measured by indo-1 fluorescence, fell to zero simultaneously with contraction. After the twitch had failed, microinjection of caffeine around the cell still caused a large calcium release and contraction, indicating that sarcoplasmic reticular calcium stores were not depleted. Twitch failure was accompanied by shortening and then failure of the action potential; under voltage clamp, large outward currents, reversing at the resting potential, developed during contractile failure. After failure of action potential-mediated contraction, voltage-clamp depolarization, with a large command voltage to compensate for the series-resistance error due to outward currents, restored normal twitch contraction. We conclude that anoxic contractile failure in the rat myocyte is due to alteration of the action potential and the distal pathways of excitation-contraction coupling remain essentially intact.


The successful electricity grid integration of solar energy into day-ahead markets requires at least hourly
resolved 48 h forecasts. Technologies as photovoltaics and non-concentrating solar thermal technologies
make use of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) forecasts, while all concentrating technologies both from
the photovoltaic and the thermal sector require direct normal irradiances (DNI). The European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has recently changed towards providing direct as well as
global irradiances. Additionally, theMACC (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition & Climate) near-real time
services provide daily analysis and forecasts of aerosol properties in preparation of the upcoming European
Copernicus programme. The operational ECMWF/IFS (Integrated Forecast System) forecast system will
in the medium term profit from the Copernicus service aerosol forecasts. Therefore, within the MACC-II
project specific experiment runs were performed allowing for the assessment of the performance gain of these
potential future capabilities. Also the potential impact of providing forecasts with hourly output resolution
compared to three-hourly resolved forecasts is investigated. The inclusion of the new aerosol climatology in
October 2003 improved both the GHI and DNI forecasts remarkably, while the change towards a new radiation
scheme in 2007 only had minor and partly even unfavourable impacts on the performance indicators. For GHI,
larger RMSE (root mean square error) values are found for broken/overcast conditions than for scattered
cloud fields. For DNI, the findings are opposite with larger RMSE values for scattered clouds compared
to overcast/broken cloud situations. The introduction of direct irradiances as an output parameter in the
operational IFS version has not resulted in a general performance improvement with respect to biases and
RMSE compared to the widely used Skartveit et al. (1998) global to direct irradiance conversion scheme.
Cloudy situations and especially thin ice cloud cases are forecasted much better with respect to biases and
RMSE, but large biases are introduced in clear sky cases. When applying the MACC aerosol scheme to
include aerosol direct effects, an improvement especially in DNI biases is found for cloud free cases as
expected. However, a performance decrease is found for water cloud cases. It is assumed that this is caused
by the lack of an explicit modelling of cloud-aerosol interactions, while other meteorological forcings for
cloud processes like the temperature field are modified by the aerosols.


This review is presented as a common foundation for scientists interested in nanoparticles, their origin, activity, and biological toxicity. It is written with the goal of rationalizing and informing public health concerns related to this sometimes-strange new science of "nano," while raising awareness of nanomaterials' toxicity among scientists and manufacturers handling them. We show that humans have always been exposed to tiny particles via dust storms, volcanic ash, and other natural processes, and that our bodily systems are well adapted to protect us from these potentially harmful intruders. The reticuloendothelial system, in particular, actively neutralizes and eliminates foreign matter in the body, including viruses and nonbiological particles. Particles originating from human activities have existed for millennia, e.g., smoke from combustion and lint from garments, but the recent development of industry and combustion-based engine transportation has profoundly increased anthropogenic particulate pollution. Significantly, technological advancement has also changed the character of particulate pollution, increasing the proportion of nanometer-sized particles-"nanoparticles"-and expanding the variety of chemical compositions. Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between particulate air pollution levels, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and mortality. Adverse effects of nanoparticles on human health depend on individual factors such as genetics and existing disease, as well as exposure, and nanoparticle chemistry, size, shape, agglomeration state, and electromagnetic properties. Animal and human studies show that inhaled nanoparticles are less efficiently removed than larger particles by the macrophage clearance mechanisms in the lungs, causing lung damage, and that nanoparticles can translocate through the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems to many tissues and organs, including the brain. The key to understanding the toxicity of nanoparticles is that their minute size, smaller than cells and cellular organelles, allows them to penetrate these basic biological structures, disrupting their normal function. Examples of toxic effects include tissue inflammation, and altered cellular redox balance toward oxidation, causing abnormal function or cell death. The manipulation of matter at the scale of atoms, "nanotechnology," is creating many new materials with characteristics not always easily predicted from current knowledge. Within the nearly limitless diversity of these materials, some happen to be toxic to biological systems, others are relatively benign, while others confer health benefits. Some of these materials have desirable characteristics for industrial applications, as nanostructured materials often exhibit beneficial properties, from UV absorbance in sunscreen to oil-less lubrication of motors. A rational science-based approach is needed to minimize harm caused by these materials, while supporting continued study and appropriate industrial development. As current knowledge of the toxicology of "bulk" materials may not suffice in reliably predicting toxic forms of nanoparticles, ongoing and expanded study of "nanotoxicity" will be necessary. For nanotechnologies with clearly associated health risks, intelligent design of materials and devices is needed to derive the benefits of these new technologies while limiting adverse health impacts. Human exposure to toxic nanoparticles can be reduced through identifying creation-exposure pathways of toxins, a study that may someday soon unravel the mysteries of diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Reduction in fossil fuel combustion would have a large impact on global human exposure to nanoparticles, as would limiting deforestation and desertification. While nanotoxicity is a relatively new concept to science, this review reveals the result of life's long history of evolution in the presence of nanoparticles, and how the human body, in particular, has adapted to defend itself against nanoparticulate intruders.


For the accurate prediction of the performances of saturated synchronous machines, the saturation characteristics in both the direct and quadrature axes are needed. The d-axis saturation characteristic of a synchronous machine can be measured easily by the open-circuit test with the machine excited from its field winding. On the other hand, the q-axis saturation characteristic of a synchronous machine cannot be measured applying a similar easy, simple method and, as a result, these characteristics are usually not experimentally measured and are not available. In this paper, three possible experimental methods for determining the q-axis saturation characteristics of both cylindrical-rotor and salient-pole synchronous machines are presented. The merits and demerits of these experimental methods are discussed from the point of view of their complexity and their accuracy. Comparisons between the measured q-axis saturation characteristics obtained by these experimental methods are made for a cylindrical-rotor machine and two salient-pole machines. Moreover, the various sources of errors, which may affect the accuracy of determining the q-axis saturation characteristics by these methods, are investigated


Fast evolving of e-learning technology has inspired teachers to adopt Learning Management System (LMS) as a platform for distance learning activities. LMS is a system used to plan, create, implements and assesses certain learning objective and majority of LMSes are web-based. Dozens of LMS product existence, either commercial or open source has provide wide choices for teachers in selecting the best LMS that suits their need. Since commercial LMSes are costly and not many teachers are willing to spend to have it, open source LMSes has become the credible substitutes to these commercial LMSes. However, based on the observation, whenever open source LMS is mentioned MOODLE will appear in most of the teachers mind.
Implication of this, teachers often find themselves altering their needs to suit the LMS, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the only choice preferred by them. Selecting the appropriate LMS should starts with identifying the learning objectives and strategies in order to find the suitable open source LMS that will suit initial and subsequent requirements.
Therefore, this paper intends to propose a framework or guideline in selecting appropriate open source products. The framework was developed based on experience, research and literature review done. This paper will also introduce some potential open source LMSes and its features that might be helpful in identifying the potential open source LMS that suits our learning objectives requirement. The features are identified by exploring the respective LMS's test site.


Small-scale renewable energy technologies can be Grassroots Innovations (GI) towards sustainable development. But developing grassroots initiatives is not an easy process. Through the lens of the Capability Approach, we look at an energy-based experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Under this approach, and conceiving GI as processes where peoples' real options expand, we explore the social, environmental and personal conversion factors that are limiting the development of GI in the Ecuadorian energy field. The study reveals that energy-based GI initiatives in Ecuador are constrained by power relationships between local and national energy actors, complex geographical conditions of the rural communities and the specific skills need it to lead the initiatives. We discuss the limitations of alternative ways of doing energy planning oriented to challenge traditional logics of energy, territory and society relationships.


Among the eight currently recognized genera and approximately 40 species belonging to the brachyuran crab family Grapsidae, the complete larval development has only been known for three species of Metopograpsus. In the present study, we investigated the larval development of Geograpsus lividus originating from Jamaica and reared under controlled conditions in the laboratory. It consists of 8 zoeal stages and the megalopa, representing the longest recorded developmental pathway for any brachyuran. Although longer developments with more than 10 zoeal stages had been suggested for some species, based on specimens collected from the plankton, these were never confirmed by laboratory culture. In the present communication, the morphological and meristic characters of the larval stages of G. lividus are described and illustrated. The larvae share most characters established for the family Grapsidae. The two last zoeal stages, however, show some new features, which do not correspond with the typical setation pattern known from grapsid species with only 5 zoeal stages. These were found in the number of natatory setae on the exopods of the maxillipeds, and in the setation of the basis of the first maxilliped. Other characters, which had previously only been described for zoeae of Pachygrapsus and Planes, were observed also in G. lividus and could be common features for the Grapsidae. Moreover, the larvae of G. lividus present a spinulation on the lateral and rostral spines of the cephalotorax. This character is recorded for the first time in grapsid crabs. A comparison of these observations is made with those based on late zoeal stages of species belonging to closely related families, where similar characters have been documented.


This thesis discusses the new relationships established between the State, the market and civil society through the study of a municipal decentralised community nurseries programme implemented in poor neighbourhoods of Montevideo. A country with a strong centralist tradition, Uruguay has lived in the last decade a process of 'participative decentralisation' in its capital city, initiated by the left-wing coalition government of the Municipality of Montevideo. The different elements that might account for the effectiveness of this participative programme are analysed in this research. The decline of centralised State models, burgeoning decentralisation policies and the emergence of new actors and interests have dramatically altered the context of social policy in the last decade. Participation and empowerment have been top of the agenda of policy-makers and academics. This has stimulated the debate over democratisation and civil society, particularly in Latin America. Here, the State has had a traditionally strong embeddedness in society, and the debate over State reform has coupled with a marked economic crisis prompted in great part by the effects of the liberalisation and stabilisation policies enforced during the 1980s. The findings of this research (obtained through observation, questionnaires and interviews) show that effective and democratic decentralisation policies require a redistribution of power through participative channels. Relying on the ideas of an 'economy of solidarity', this thesis argues that the boundaries of private, public and political domains of action are challenged by the creation and strengthening of social organisation. Findings point to the importance of enhancing links of mutual trust and solidarity to generate reciprocity and create stronger local organisations with a well developed internal management capacity. The claim is made that together with an 'endowment' of coherent and dependable public institutions, which allow power distribution and local self- development, this leads to synergistic relationships and effective negotiation within and between State and non State actors. The effectiveness of the Nuestros Ninos community nurseries programme seemed thus to depend mainly on its decentralised and participative design and on the trust and reciprocity links established within the community and with the municipal officers. However, it was found that better use could be made of its decentralised structure and that more efforts should be placed on strengthening the neighbour management associations of the nurseries as well as the relationships between these associations and the nursery staff.


In this paper, a novel self-mixing grating interferometer (SMGI) with dual laser diodes (LDs) is proposed for 2-D dynamic displacement measurement. The light beams emitted from the LDs are incident onto a reflection grating with ±1st order auto-collimation diffraction angles and then diffracted back into the lasers, respectively, which can cause self-mixing interference effect in each LD. Theoretical analysis on the SMGI signals corresponding to 2-D displacement is presented and verified with the experimental observations. Measurement results of 2-D dynamic displacement demonstrate that the proposed system can achieve the measurement resolution better than 10 nm. The proposed SMGI sensing system has the advantages of high stability, compact mechanical structure, and relatively straightforward operation.


Objectives: In the present study, we assess whether illusory sensations of movement can be elicited in patients with right brain damage (RBD). Methods: Ten RBD patients (three with disorders of bodily representations) were asked to report whether movements of their right hand induced any illusory somatic or motor sensations. Inquiries on anomalous sensation of movement of the left hand were carried out while subjects: 1) observed the moving hand in a mirror propped vertically along the parasagittal plane; 2) looked directly at the moving hand; 3) looked at the still hand; 4) kept their eyes closed. Twelve healthy subjects served as controls. Results: Movement of the right hand induced a very clear sensation of movement of the left, contralesional hand in two patients affected by body image disorders. Remarkably, this occurred mainly while subjects were looking in the mirror, that is, when conflicts between visual, somatic, and motor information were maximal. In no condition did control subjects report any consistent anomalous evoked movement or sensation. Conclusions: Illusory movements of the left, plegic hand contingent upon sensorimotor conflicts can be evoked in brain damaged patients with body image disorders.


In order to investigate the effect of phase composition in the silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) zeolites on their catalytic performance for the dimethyl ether (DME) to olefin (DTO) reaction, four well crystalline SAPO zeolites with different SAPO-18/34 ratios were synthesized hydrothermally by using a mixed template of diethylamine (DEA) and N,N′-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA). The effects of the composition of the mixed template on the physicochemical properties of the zeolites were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, XRF, FT-IR and NH3-TPD techniques. The results revealed that the phase composition, morphology, particle size, chemical composition and surface acidity of the zeolites were greatly affected by the template composition. Catalytic tests showed that both SAPO-18 and SAPO-34 presented relatively faster coking rates compared with that of SAPO-18/34 intergrowth zeolites, and pure SAPO-18 with the smallest crystallite size and weakest acidity exhibited the highest amount of coke deposition. The DME conversion and product distribution were similar over all catalysts, but the selectivities of light olefins showed a strong correlation to the cage size. That is, the catalysts with a higher content of slightly wider AEI cages favor the formation of propylene and butylene, and catalysts with a higher content of relatively narrower CHA cages benefit the formation of ethylene.


A number of significant changes have occurred in our public schools in recent years. These changes include shifting federal program priorities, adoption of state curriculum standards, and the implementation of site-based decision-making. These changes come at a time when schools are experiencing significant changes in the ethnic and socioeconomic composition of their student body and when many families are struggling to meet challenges arising from poverty or job requirements. Attention has been given to the impact these changes are having on teachers, parents, and students. Little attention has been given, however, to the impact these changes are having on principals. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of a principal's worklife in an achieving urban elementary school with a large number of at-risk students. The study examined one principal's methods of dealing with everyday problems associated with leading in a school that serves children of color and 98% of the students meet low-income criteria (i.e., they qualify for free or reduced-price lunch). Over the past five years, second grade students showed increases in reading beyond those achieved by minority students in the school division. Attendance rates over the past five years show improvement. Interviews, observations, and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Bass & Avolio, 1995) were used to collect data. From these data, a case study was written. The report of case study findings describes the worklife of the principal, school characteristics, and school outcomes. Conclusions drawn from the case study indicate that the worklife of the principal has similarities to the worklife of other elementary principals. However, due to school characteristics and external factors elementary iii principals serving in urban schools with a large number of at-risk students can expect an escalated level of intensity and demand on a daily basis. Findings of this study have relevance for urban elementary school principals desiring to increase achievement. Further, findings suggest that urban elementary schools serving a large number of at-risk students can achieve successful outcomes. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Completing this project was one of the most demanding challenges I have ever pursued. This work provided countless opportunities for personal reflection and growth. I would be remiss if a moment was not taken to thank the many individuals who made my vision of this project a reality. I owe my stamina, love for children, respect for education, and a strong work ethic to the example of my parents. I would also …


This research work was conducted to investigate and understand better
the characteristics of magnesium based ferrites. Magnesium-based ferrites were
chosen due to one of their vital characteristics, that is high electrical resistivity,
which can make them better materials at higher operating frequencies. Besides,
they have a lower production cost and no environmental effect. Therefore,
perhaps, they can be a better substitute to the existing technological ferrites and
consequently replacing them. In order to achieve these goals, a wide-scope
experimental investigation was conducted . The samples were prepared by the
oxide ceramic processing method, involving dry mixing and solid state reactions.
The experimental investigation covered the effects of compositional variations in
magnesium-based ferrites with iron deficiency, excess zinc, iron deficiency with
excess zinc, magnesium-zinc ion exchange and magnesium-iron ion exchange.
Additional experimental work was also carried out to study the effects, on
microstructure, of the grinding time, pre-sintering temperature, sintering
temperature and sintering time. It was found that, in general, iron deficiency and
excess zinc was beneficial to obtaining good magnetic properties. For the
magnesium-zinc and magnesium-iron ion exchange, there existed particular
compositions which yielded optimum magnetic properties.


It is well known by now that population ageing threatens the sustainability of fiscal policies in many countries. Although a number of policy options are available to address the problem, the uncertainty surrounding the future development of the population complicates matters. This paper analyses the economic, intergenerational and welfare effects of several alternative taxation policies that can be used to close the fiscal sustainability gap: immediate tax smoothing, delayed tax smoothing and balanced budget policies. A distinction is made between a consumption tax and a labour income tax. In addition, the influence of demographic uncertainty on the results of these policies is analysed from a number of perspectives. Simulated population shocks show the effect of demographic volatility on macroeconomic and fiscal variables. Stochastic simulations are presented to produce probabilistic bounds for the future development of the economic outcomes and to analyse the issue of optimal fiscal policy under uncertainty.


CONTEXT
Short-term strict immobilization of the arm using a cast enhances recovery of muscle function after eccentric exercise.

OBJECTIVE
To determine if placing one arm in a sling ("light" immobilization) for 4 days after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexor muscles would reduce muscle soreness and enhance recovery compared with the exercised but not immobilized contralateral arm.

DESIGN
Subjects performed 10 sets of 6 maximal isokinetic (90 degrees x s(-1)) eccentric actions of the elbow flexors of each arm on a Cybex dynamometer, separated by 2 weeks.

SETTING
University laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Ten healthy subjects (5 men and 5 women) with no history of upper arm injury or resistance training.

INTERVENTION(S)
One randomly assigned arm was placed in a sling for 4 days after the 30-minute postexercise measurement to secure the elbow joint at 90 degrees ; the contralateral arm received no treatment. The subject removed the sling when showering and sleeping and during postexercise measurements.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
We used an activity monitor to record upper arm activity before and after immobilization. We also compared changes in maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness during 7 days postexercise between arms with a 2-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS
Eccentric exercise resulted in large losses in both isometric and isokinetic maximal voluntary contraction forces (approximately 40%), reduced range of motion (approximately 20%), increased arm circumference (approximately 10 mm), elevated plasma creatine kinase activity (approximately 2000 IU x L(-1)), and development of delayed-onset muscle soreness. No significant differences were noted between conditions for any measure except upper arm circumference, which increased significantly less for the immobilization than the control arm at 7 days postexercise (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS
Light immobilization had no effect on enhancing recovery of muscle function and delayed-onset muscle soreness after eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage.


The upcoming 5G networks, among other technological advances, bring Network Function Virtualization (NFV) capabilities enabling deployment of application service intelligence on their Next Generation Core (NGC). Application specific logic is packaged into Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) so that their instantiation and deployment can be done at any node of the NGC, with their management and orchestration being maintained by the 5G infrastructure. While the number of instances of each VNF and their placement inside the NGC network are managed by the 5G infrastructure, such management cannot be optimal without application context. In this paper, we propose a 5G oriented system architecture for a next generation augmented virtuality tele-immersive two-player video game application. In the presented video game, the players compete in a capture the flag race in an innovative game movement control setting which uses motion capture technology to allow the players to interact with the game via their body posture and hand gestures. On the top of this, real-time 3D-Reconstruction technology is utilized to create 3D avatars of the players and embed them inside the game environment. Apart from the players, the application also supports real-time spectating of the game action by a considerable amount of spectators that join the live game via client software designed for desktop PCs, smartphones and tablets, connected through mobile or fixed access networks. To distribute the 3D traffic to such a number of consumers that have different device capabilities and are located at varying geographical locations while offering the highest possible Quality of Experience (QoE), is a challenging task. One of the contemporary ways to address this problem is via adaptive streaming. To realize this concept, realtime 3D-Media Transcoders need to be employed. The proposed system architecture considers packaging the aforementioned 3D-Media Transcoders as VNFs that can be deployed on 5G infrastructure. In the paper, it is shown that such an architecture can decrease costs for a given level of offered QoE, with evident benefits for the game service's shareholders. While the application type presented in this paper is fixed, the proposed system architecture can be adopted by other applications of similar context with similar benefits gained from the flexible deployment of virtualised applications in 5G networks.


ABSTRACT The Upper Cambrian Lamotte Sandstone of Missouri is a time-transgressive marine orthoquartzite sandstone containing arkose sandstones and conglomerates in its lower part. In the outcrop area in southeastern Missouri, minor feldspathic quartzose sandstones occur throughout the formation and dolomitic and glauconitic sandstones occur at and near the top. The Lamotte Sandstone and its equivalents were deposited on a peneplaned Precambrian surface which sloped to the east-northeast in Missouri and to the south in southern Wisconsin and Minnesota. The sandstone thickens from less than 100 ft in western Missouri to 400-500 ft in eastern Missouri. Cross-bedding data obtained on the outcrop area show that the currents which deposited the orthoquartzites flowed to the south, whereas those whic deposited most of the arkoses flowed to the north. These arkoses were derived from the tourmaline-poor igneous rocks of the adjacent St. Francois Mountains. Feldspathic quartzose sandstones were formed by reworking of arkosic detritus and mixing with well-rounded quartz sand. The orthoquartzite sandstones are a mixture of minor first cycle and dominant "second cycle" components. The non-opaque heavy mineral suite of the orthoquartzites is composed of well-rounded zircon and tourmaline, the latter exhibiting some abraded overgrowths, and only minor amount of angular heavy minerals. Well-rounded quartz is abundant and a few grains have abraded overgrowths. Tourmaline-bearing Precambrian sandstones in the Lake Superior region were probably the principal sources. Other Precambrian rocks in hat area and in Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota dakota may have supplied additional detritus.


Enzyme engineering has allowed not only the de novo creation of active sites catalysing known biological reactions with rates close to diffusion limits, but also the generation of abiological sites performing new-to-nature reactions. However, the catalytic advantages of engineering multiple active sites into a single protein scaffold are yet to be established. Here, we report on proteins with two active sites of biological and/or abiological origin, for improved natural and non-natural catalysis. The approach increased the catalytic properties, such as enzyme efficiency, substrate scope, stereoselectivity and optimal temperature window, of an esterase containing two biological sites. Then, one of the active sites was metamorphosed into a metal-complex chemocatalytic site for oxidation and Friedel–Crafts alkylation reactions, facilitating synergistic chemo- and biocatalysis in a single protein. The transformations of 1-naphthyl acetate into 1,4-naphthoquinone (conversion approx. 100%) and vinyl crotonate and benzene into 3-phenylbutyric acid (≥83%; e.e. >99.9%) were achieved in one pot with this artificial multifunctional metalloenzyme. Enzyme engineering is opening up new chemistries. Here, the authors report enzymes engineered to contain two biological active sites — also showing that one site can be converted to a metal-complex catalyst — and demonstrate the utility of such dual sites in a range of catalytic processes.


By Ingunn Kristjansdottir Oveny University of the Pacific 2019 Physical activity is an important health-related behavior, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (MVPA) daily (CDC, 2015). However, worldwide, many children do not reach those requirements and health problems associated with physical inactivity are becoming more prevalent (CDC, 2015; World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). Recently, a few studies have conducted an intervention analysis to evaluate implications for function-based interventions to increase physical activity (Larson, Normand, Morley, & Miller, 2014; Zerger, Normand, Boga, & Patel, 2016). However, intervention analyses, indicate an overall decrease in levels of MVPA. This limitation could hinder further improvements of function-based interventions to increase physical activity, and is thus important to investigate. The current study partially replicated Zerger et al. (2016), and investigated the effects of alternating FA test conditions and repeated presentation of single condition exposure on maintenance of levels of MVPA in children. Additionally, the current study also evaluated the effectiveness of a more intermittent contingent schedules of reinforcement (i.e., fixed-interval limited-hold schedule) during intervention conditions. Results suggest it might be beneficial for caretakers and parents to deliver reinforcement in the form of social reinforcement to increase MVPA in preschool children. Additionally, the data suggest to promote MVPA, a more


The debate over development and democracy is a highly charged one, because the two concepts are open to such divergent interpretation. In recent years, while academics were discovering globalisation, the major international financial institutions have been championing a particular version of the democracy-development debate centred upon the notion of governance. They contend that democratisation and institutional reforms must occur before or alongside economic development. This article argues that their vision of governance is highly normative and simplifies reality for ideological purposes. This revolves around a particular reading of liberal political economy which sees political institutions as neutral arbiters and civil society as a space of freedom for plural voices. These formulations are implicitly spatial since they see political space as divided neatly into the international, national and local and thereby ignore the multiple power flows between these sites. The article concludes by trying to reformulate some of these concerns around the idea of the developmental state and progressive democracy.


Issues of energy conservation and energy efficiency are always on the agenda in the context of both economic growth and recession, and today becomes one of the priority guidelines in the development of industrial enterprises in Russia. The implementation of contemporary management technologies and measures related to power supply allows reducing significantly energy costs, thereby increasing the real profit of the company.The article deals with the development of mechanisms for the implementation of an energy management system in industrial enterprises. The authors substantiate urgency of an energy management system formation at the enterprise that creates the framework for the integration of energy efficiency issues into the overall concept of enterprise management. Moreover, the authors suggest several recommendations for the practical implementation of energy management.The article also analyzes successful examples of implementation of contemporary energy management technologies such as benchmarking, outsourcing, monitoring, crowdsourcing, and coaching.


Soil characteristics in certain regions may favor the growth of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), leading to regional differences in epidemiology. Laboratory abnormalities classically have reflected the disseminated nature of the disease with profound anemia out of proportion to neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, and elevated transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. Either because of improved diagnosis or concurrent antiretroviral therapy, these laboratory abnormalities may be less common among patients with disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) diagnosed in the present day than among those diagnosed earlier in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS epidemic. One study has suggested that interferon (IFN)-ү release assays, which do not cross-react with MAC, may be useful to make the distinction between nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis. If highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is ineffective, due to HIV multidrug resistance, for example, or CD4 lymphocyte improvement is delayed in a particular individual, MAC prophylaxis is still an important adjunct to care and is cost-effective. Dyspnea on initial presentation and presence of coexisting lung disease have been associated with increased mortality among patients with MAC pulmonary disease. In studies conducted for a course of clarithromycin monotherapy and a course of azithromycin monotherapy, gastrointestinal side effects were common, and changes in hearing were not infrequent. These two studies strongly suggested that clarithromycin and azithromycin have clinical utility for treatment of pulmonary MAC. DMAC is almost exclusively seen in patients with latestage AIDS and can be treated with the combination of either clarithromycin or azithromycin in combination with ethambutol, with or without rifabutin or a fluoroquinolone.


Thawing Arctic permafrost causes massive fluvial and erosional releases of dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC) to coastal waters. Here we investigate how different sources and degradation of remobilized terrestrial carbon may affect large‐scale carbon cycling, by comparing molecular and dual‐isotope composition of waterborne high molecular weight DOC (>1 kD, aka colloidal OC), POC, and sedimentary OC (SOC) across the East Siberian Arctic Shelves. Lignin phenol fingerprints demonstrate a longitudinal trend in relative contribution of terrestrial sources to coastal OC. Wax lipids and cutins were not detected in colloidal organic carbon (COC), in contrast to POC and SOC, suggesting that different terrestrial carbon pools partition into different aquatic carrier phases. The Δ14C signal suggests overwhelmingly contemporary sources for COC, while POC and SOC are dominated by old C from Ice Complex Deposit (ICD) permafrost. Monte Carlo source apportionment (δ13C, Δ14C) constrained that COC was dominated by terrestrial OC from topsoil permafrost (65%) and marine plankton (25%) with smaller contribution ICD and other older permafrost stocks (9%). This distribution is likely a result of inherent compositional matrix differences, possibly driven by organomineral associations. Modern OC found suspended in the surface water may be more exposed to degradation, in contrast to older OC that preferentially settles to the seafloor where it may be degraded on a longer timescale. The different sources which partition into DOC, POC, and SOC appear to have vastly different fates along the Eurasian Arctic coastal margin and may possibly respond on different timescales to climate change.


As part of the FORMES summer 2008 experiment, an Aerodyne compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (cToF-AMS) was deployed at an urban background site in Marseille to investigate the sources and aging of organic aerosols (OA). France's second largest city and the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille, provides a locale that is influenced by significant urban industrialized emissions and an active photochemistry with very high ozone concentrations. Particle mass spectra were analyzed by positive matrix factorization (PMF2) and the results were in very good agreement with previous apportionments obtained using a chemical mass balance (CMB) approach coupled to organic markers and metals (El Haddad et al., 2011a). AMS/PMF2 was able to identify for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the organic aerosol emitted by industrial processes. Even with significant industries in the region, industrial OA was estimated to contribute only ~ 5% of the total OA mass. Both source apportionment techniques suggest that oxygenated OA (OOA) constitutes the major fraction, contributing ~ 80% of OA mass. A novel approach combining AMS/PMF2 data with 14C measurements was applied to identify and quantify the fossil and non-fossil precursors of this fraction and to explicitly assess the related uncertainties. Results show with high statistical confidence that, despite extensive urban and industrial emissions, OOA is overwhelmingly non-fossil, formed via the oxidation of biogenic precursors, including monoterpenes. AMS/PMF2 results strongly suggest that the variability observed in the OOA chemical composition is mainly driven in our case by the aerosol photochemical age. This paper presents the impact of photochemistry on the increase of OOA oxygenation levels, formation of humic-like substances (HULIS) and the evolution of α-pinene SOA (secondary OA) components.


This paper examines the empirical behavior of monthly secondary spreads from eighteen emerging market economies located in Asia, East Europe and Latin America from October 1997 to September 2002, a particularly turbulent period. A succession of events affected these economies such as the Asian crisis, the Russian default, the Brazilian devaluation, the Ecuadorian default, the Turkish crisis and the Argentine default. Our empirical estimations allow us to construct taxonomy of these crises. First, the Russian default and the Turkish crisis correspond to episodes of global reduction of portfolio flows to emerging sovereign debt markets. Second, the Brazilian devaluation was fundamentally an abatement of portfolio flows to Latin America and East Europe (except for Russia). Third, the Asian crisis and the Ecuadorian default were consistent with a rebalancing of portfolios in emerging markets. Fourth, although the Argentine crisis shares some similarities with the former crises, it is unique in the sense that it was fully anticipated long before it happened. Finally, in light of these results, policy-makers in emerging markets should be keenly aware of the possibility that their country might be hit by a crisis so structural reforms should also include policies that help to protect the country from these unruly episodes.