Background:

Reduced training hours, over-crowded operating rooms, and lack of focus on non-technical skills are severely affecting surgical training. In specialities such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, there is an increasing need for innovation in training. On the other hand, despite the application of technological advancements including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), twenty-eight to forty percent of novice trainees are not confident in performing major surgery. The current research aims to address these challenges by finding a suitable way to develop an evidence-based immersive virtual reality (iVR) experience. Further, the research investigates the impact of this solution on the learning and confidence of trainees.

This research introduces VR Surgery, an iVR experience, to address the gaps in the knowledge. VR Surgery is the first multi-sensory, holistic surgical training experience demonstrating Le Fort I osteotomy, a type of maxillofacial surgery, using Oculus Rift and Leap Motion devices. This research demonstrates the design, development and evaluation of VR Surgery and provides a way for future studies on the use of immersive technologies for surgical education.

Methods:

A design science research approach was followed to identify the problem, build the solution in collaboration with expert surgeons and evaluate it. Using a combination of multimedia, VR Surgery enables trainee surgeons to experience a realistic operating room environment, and interact with the patient's anatomy while watching the surgery in a close-up stereoscopic 3D view.

Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the UK evaluated VR Surgery for Face and Content validity. Surgeons commented on the content, usability and applicability of VR Surgery to surgical training. Further, to investigate the impact of VR Surgery on the perceived self-confidence of trainees, a single-blinded, parallel, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was performed. Surgical trainees (95) from seven dental schools took part in one of the first experiments to test the role of iVR on self-confidence. Experimental group participants learnt about the Le Fort I procedure using VR Surgery on an Oculus Rift. The control group used similar content in a standard PowerPoint presentation. The primary outcome measures were the self-assessment scores of trainees' confidence as measured on a Likert scale and objective assessment based on the knowledge.

Outcomes:

The expert surgeons agreed with the validity of VR Surgery. The participants of the RCT were randomly divided into the experimental (51) and control (44) groups. Trainees had a mean age of 27∙14, and they were 45∙3% female students and 50∙5% male students. A repeated measures multivariate ANOVA was applied to the data to assess the overall impact of receiving the VR surgery intervention over conventional means on the confidence of trainees. Experimental group participants showed higher perceived self-confidence levels compared to those in the control group (p=0∙034, =0∙05). Novices in the first year of their training showed the highest improvement in their confidence, compared to those in the second and third year.

Interpretation:

Surgical trainees improve their knowledge and self-confidence levels after using an iVR training experience. The study proves that virtual reality applications such as VR Surgery have a substantial potential to bridge the differences in the quality of global surgical training. This research provides a framework for future researchers who use mixed reality for healthcare.


After the determination of the right to private ownership as the basis of Lithuania's economy, the meaning of securities as a property has significantly grown. Thus more and more often the need to levy execution to securities of debtor arises. The legal regulation of this issue has not been widely analysed. However, the practice shows that several problems exist in this area. It is not clear, for example, the bailiff of which bailiff's office has to levy execution to securities. The valid rules of execution process are hardly applicable to the arrest of intangible property. The problem arises how to preserve the value of arrested shares until realisation, while not violating the non–proprietary rights of the debtor as a shareholder. Those and several other problems related to the levying of execution to securities are dealt with in this article.


ABSTRACT In the past decade, an explosion of data has taken place in Chinese cities due to widespread use of mobile Internet devices, Web 2.0 applications, and the development of the "Wired City." With advances in data storage and high-performance computing, big/open urban data have opened up important avenues for urban studies, planning practice, and commercial consultancy. Urban researchers and planners are eager to make use of these abundant, sophisticated, and dynamic data to deepen their understanding on urban form and functions. However, in practice, access to such urban data is limited in China due to institutional constraints on data distribution and data holders' hesitation to share data. And this hampers urban analytics. To draw reliable conclusions about the workings of complex urban systems, efficient and effective interoperation of multisource urban datasets is needed. Also, dealing with the heterogeneity between datasets is an equally critical challenge, especially for urban planners and government officers. They would derive value from data analytics, but have little data processing experience. To address these issues, we initiated SinoGrids (Plan Xu Xiake), a crowdsourcing platform that standardizes (or "downscales") microscale urban data in China to facilitate its sharing and interoperation. To assess the performance evaluation of SinoGrids, we propose field-testing with actual urban data and their potential users. Digital desert, a son project of SinoGrids is also included.


In the present study mathematical representation was used to predict the reaction kinetics of the n-octane aromatization which tested with three types of catalysts by adding (Ge, Cs, and Re ) in order to improves the catalytic properties (enhanced the activity) of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst for n-octane aromatization. The aromatization process carried out in the range of reaction temperature varying from (425 to 500 °C) and weight hour space velocity varied from (0.6 to 1.2 hr) with hydrogen as the carrier gas at atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the higher conversion of n-octane aromatization increased with temperature increasing but at temperature higher than (500 °C) hydrocracking reaction is promoted. Whereas the effect of weight hourly space velocity has shown inverse impact on conversion. On the other hand the yield of aromatic increase especially benzene and toluene which produce as secondary products from the hydrogenolysis of A8 for three types of catalysts using in the process under the same operating condition. The simulation results of the model based on proposed kinetic model was compared with the experimental results. The comparison between the predicted and commercially results shows a good agreement with error% between (6.91 – 17.87).


The Koktokay No. 3 pegmatite is the largest Li-Be-Nb-Ta-Cs pegmatitic rare-metal deposit of the Chinese Altai orogenic belt, and is famous for its concentric ring zonation pattern (nine internal zones) and rare-metal reserves. In this paper, we present the results of major and trace element analysis for garnet, tourmaline, and beryl from the outer to inner zones of the No. 3 pegmatite. From previous studies on tourmaline and beryl, potential tracers of the degree of pegmatite evolution could be found by comparing with accepted indicators and evolutionary trends from the outer to inner zones of this pegmatite. The Sc, Y, Li, Ta contents and Y/Ho value of garnet, together with the Ti, Ca, Na, Pb, Bi and REE contents of tourmaline, and the Fe, Ga and Rb concentrations of beryl could be possible tracers of the degree of evolution of pegmatites. The textures and internal structures (homogeneity, oscillatory pattern, heterogeneous rims, replacement structures) of minerals in the pegmatite suggest that the rock underwent (1) rapid undercooling and crystallization after emplacement, resulting in the formation of an unidirectional solidification texture (UST), and then (2) became relatively stable, forming coarse crystals in outer zones, and finally (3) experienced disequilibrium crystallization, leading to the formation of complex internal structures of minerals in the inner zones, mainly caused by exsolution of more fluid and the formation of immiscible melts with different alkali contents. The evolutionary trend and the internal structures of tourmaline and beryl indicate that the formation of the Koktokay No. 3 pegmatite was controlled mainly by fractional crystallization. The convex tetrad effect, non-CHARAC Y/Ho values, and extreme Eu depletion of garnet suggest that immiscibility, which is a significant mechanism during the formation of the No. 3 pegmatite, occurred during emplacement. The differences in composition and internal structures of the minerals between the outer and inner zones of the No. 3 pegmatite suggest that there was an abrupt change, during transition from the melt stage to the melt–fluid stage, resulting from a decompression event, which led to the exsolution of the fluid and initiated the Li-Ta-Cs deposition in the pegmatite.


It has become common to consider "invasive alien species" one among the five most important "direct drivers" of change in biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide. However, the sea snail, Rapana venosa, introduced to the Black Sea is not only an "alien" but also a resource and an animal with particular meanings from a Muslim moral standpoint. I employ a relational ontology approach to discuss how the sea snail's multiplicity interacts with concerns about "biodiversity," notions of nativeness, and material agency in enacting different sea snails and the relations among them. I demonstrate that the biodiversity perspective has had very little impact on enactments of the sea snail and has not absorbed concerns about "alien species."


In recent years, there has been resurging interest in and application of auditory training activities for improving the perception of speech in special clinical populations such as cochlear implant users, adults and children with psychoacoustic auditory processing disorders, and older individuals with compromised cognitive skills so important in everyday communication. Although as the 20th century ended, interest in formal audiologic rehabilitation seemed to fade, the 1st century writings of Archigenes suggest auditory training has long been recognized as a powerful rehabilitative tool for individuals with hearing impairment. This historical perspective on auditory training highlights its waxing and waning over the centuries, its energetic resurgence in recent years, and its exciting future applications. The contributions and influences of 19th century scholars Urbantschitsch, Bezold and Bell, and 20th century scholars Goldstein, Pollack, Beebe, Carhart, Ling, Ross, Erber, and others are discussed in the context of modern day auditory training protocols. The practice of auditory training in the 21st century is considered in terms of the collaborative, interdisciplinary research of neuroscience, cognitive science, and auditory science.


I show how the high profile media story of a pandemic outbreak was a product of active societal agents and forces that fed off each other to shape, generate and exploit crises. Using media articles and interviews with public health leaders, public relations practitioners, and journalists who covered the 2009 H1N1 story in Canada, I combine media and communications studies, cultural studies and science and technology studies to explore how relevant social actors–in this case members of the media and public health officials–constructed the H1N1 pandemic as a public health crisis. I argue that the media used the circumstance of widespread health danger to invigorate their role and importance in the public sphere, to produce what they saw as sound discourse for the public, whom they believed were eager for balanced and objective information. In doing so, the media promoted the idea of their audiences being bound together in bodily risk, and I argue that this tendency encouraged the idea of "biological citizenship" to create value in their news stories. I also contend that public health officials set up critical limitations by failing to recognize the news media as a complex mediator. The media response included strong elements of this failure. Public health and state leaders thought that journalists and their work could be controlled, yet had few tools to constrain the media or transmit a version of their messages. A breakdown in the management of the crisis ensued. Finally, I describe how public health and the media furthered a discourse that an ill and endangered body could be made resilient by a restored nation. This argument came to life with the H1N1 pandemic, when stability hinged on a nationalist frame and the population was invited to find comfort by sharing ways to reduce the global and invisible threat. I conclude by suggesting alternative approaches to the use of the news media in public health work, arguing that the extreme volume and intensity of media coverage during this outbreak should act as the catalyst for new thinking and approaches


The three works analyzed here were published at the culmination of Swedish romanticism. The strange mixture of the high and the low, the sacred and the profane that is typical for them has been an interesting challenge for literary scholars. For instance, in older research one sometimes spoke of poor handwork, or bad taste of the writers or it was explained that these works were a stage between the end of romanticism and the beginning of realism. A common approach in the last years has been to leave such biographical and contextual discussions aside to investigate these semantic tensions as something typical of all forms of literary texts. However, the aim here has been to analyze some of the tension-filled passages in these works for their humor by using the cognitive humor theory of linguistics which describes the phenomenon as a bifurcated logical process – first the creation of discrepancy in the text being followed by the insight that the logical opposites may be related to each other when using the logic of the absurd. This analysis combines the approaches of the cognitive humor theory with the terminology and analytic model of Michael Riffaterre developed in his Semiotics of Poetry (1978), where he shares the theoretical views of the linguists but focuses on literary texts. The results of this analysis are in a second stage related to a contemporary discussion of humor, above all the stand taken by the German writer Jean Paul in his Vorschule der Asthetik (1804) and demonstrated in his novels Titan (1800-1803) and Des Luftschiffers Giannozzo Seebuch (1801). The first step taken in the thesis shows that the tensions in the three chosen texts can be understood as deliberate, that is, as a form of humor, and that it can be said that these three texts share a common aesthetic. In opposition to the view often found in research that the texts are a transition from the romantic to realism the second comparative part of the thesis shows that this humoristic aesthetic in many ways is close to the discussion of humor and of Witz to be found in Jean Pauls Vorschule der Asthetik. A fruitful result of this analysis is the important place Christianity takes in this humoristic aesthetic. This partly opens new fields for research in the functions of allusions in these romantic texts to the Old and New Testaments, but also in the role that emblems and the tradition of devotional literature play in these works. (Less)


John Berger writes: 'The pocket in question is a small pocket of resistance. A pocket is formed when two or more people come together in agreement. The resistance is against the inhumanity of the new world economic order. The people coming together are the reader, me and those the essays are about - Rembrandt, Palaeolithic cave painters, a Romanian peasant, ancient Egyptians, an expert in the loneliness of certain hotel bedrooms, dogs at dusk, a man in a radio station. And unexpectedly, our exchanges strengthen each of us in our conviction that what is happening to the world today is wrong, and that what is often said about it is a lie. I've never written a book with a greater sense of urgency.'


We show that Queyranne's algorithm for minimizing symmetric submodular functions can be used for clustering with a variety of different objective functions. Two specific criteria that we consider in this paper are the single linkage and the minimum description length criteria. The first criterion tries to maximize the minimum distance between elements of different clusters, and is inherently "discriminative". It is known that optimal clusterings into k clusters for any given k in polynomial time for this criterion can be computed. The second criterion seeks to minimize the description length of the clusters given a probabilistic generative model. We show that the optimal partitioning into 2 clusters, and approximate partitioning (guaranteed to be within a factor of 2 of the the optimal) for more clusters can be computed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a tractable algorithm for finding the optimal clustering with respect to the MDL criterion for 2 clusters has been given. Besides the optimality result for the MDL criterion, the chief contribution of this paper is to show that the same algorithm can be used to optimize a broad class of criteria, and hence can be used for many application specific criterion for which efficient algorithm are not known.


This paper presents a new architecture layout for a real-time power system simulator based on a distributed cluster of IBM PC-compatible desktop computers. A real-time network simulator based on a PC cluster can successfully cope with the size requirements of growing power systems and the computational demands of fast transient studies. A powerful product has been developed using off-the-shelf Pentium II 400 MHz workstations with a commercial real-time operating system, standard I/O interfaces, and a multimachine networking scheme. Models based on the standard tool for power systems transients simulations, the EMTP program, optimized for real-time performance assure accurate simulation results.


We argue that a "theory bottleneck" encountered in the 70's and early 80's in attempts to build comprehensive NLU systems led to a fragmentation of NLU research, which still persists. To some extent, this fragmentation represents an appropriate response to the variety and subtlety of remaining problems; but at this point, it also represents a loss of nerve: NLU is an organic phenomenon, and enough has been learned about the vexing problems of the 80's to try to integrate these insights and build more comprehensive theories and extensible implementations. On that premise, we have been building such a comprehensive framework. Its centerpiece is Episodic Logic (EL), a highly expressive knowledge representation well-adapted to the interpretive and inferential needs of general NLU. The logic has been successfully implemented in the EPmoG system, which has been applied to several domains proving EL's practicality: reasoning about small excerpts from the Little Red Riding Hood story, as a natural language interface for the TRAINS planning system at the University of Rochester, and for a message processing application at the Boeing Co. 1 The Organism Awaits: A Manifesto


The Extrapolar SWIFT model is a fast ozone chemistry scheme for interactive calculation of the extrapolar stratospheric ozone layer in coupled general circulation models (GCMs). In contrast to the widely used prescribed ozone, the SWIFT ozone layer interacts with the model dynamics and can respond to atmospheric variability or climatological trends. The Extrapolar SWIFT model employs a repro-modelling approach, in which algebraic functions are used to approximate the numerical output of a full stratospheric chemistry and transport model (ATLAS). The full model solves a coupled chemical differential equation system with 55 initial and boundary conditions (mixing ratio of various chemical species and atmospheric parameters). Hence the rate of change of ozone over 24 h is a function of 55 variables. Using covariances between these variables, we can find linear combinations in order to reduce the parameter space to the following nine basic variables: latitude, pressure altitude, temperature, overhead ozone column and the mixing ratio of ozone and of the ozone-depleting families (Cl y , Br y , NO y and HO y ). We will show that these nine variables are sufficient to characterize the rate of change of ozone. An automated procedure fits a polynomial function of fourth degree to the rate of change of ozone obtained from several simulations with the ATLAS model. One polynomial function is determined per month, which yields the rate of change of ozone over 24 h. A key aspect for the robustness of the Extrapolar SWIFT model is to include a wide range of stratospheric variability in the numerical output of the ATLAS model, also covering atmospheric states that will occur in a future climate (e.g. temperature and meridional circulation changes or reduction of stratospheric chlorine loading). For validation purposes, the Extrapolar SWIFT model has been integrated into the ATLAS model, replacing the full stratospheric chemistry scheme. Simulations with SWIFT in ATLAS have proven that the systematic error is small and does not accumulate during the course of a simulation. In the context of a 10-year simulation, the ozone layer simulated by SWIFT shows a stable annual cycle, with inter-annual variations comparable to the ATLAS model. The application of Extrapolar SWIFT requires the evaluation of polynomial functions with 30–100 terms. Computers can currently calculate such polynomial functions at thousands of model grid points in seconds. SWIFT provides the desired numerical efficiency and computes the ozone layer 10 4 times faster than the chemistry scheme in the ATLAS CTM.


The 1918 influenza pandemic was the deadliest respiratory pandemic of the 20th century and determined the genomic make-up of subsequent human influenza A viruses (IAV). Here, we analyze the first 1918 IAV genomes from Europe and from the first, milder wave of the pandemic. 1918 IAV genomic diversity is consistent with local transmission and frequent long-distance dispersal events and in vitro polymerase characterization suggests potential phenotypic variability. Comparison of first and second wave genomes shows variation at two sites in the nucleoprotein gene associated with resistance to host antiviral response, pointing at a possible adaptation of 1918 IAV to humans. Finally, phylogenetic estimates based on extended molecular clock modelling suggests a pure pandemic descent of seasonal H1N1 IAV as an alternative to the hypothesis of an intrasubtype reassortment origin. One Sentence Summary Much can be learned about past pandemics by uncovering their footprints in medical archives, which we here demonstrate for the 1918 flu pandemic.


The Supreme Court's 2008 decision in Medellin v. Texas appears to represent a formalist turn in the Court's approach to foreign relations cases. The opinion emphasizes text as the key to treaty interpretation and it stresses the importance of the Constitution's specific law-making procedures. But the opinion does not deliver on its formalist promises. Emphasis on treaty text is undermined by the Court's insistence that the text reflects the intentions of the U.S. treaty makers, a questionable proposition with respect to the issue of domestic implementation raised by the case, and one that will raises serious interpretative difficulties down the road. Most significantly, however, the opinion is saddled with an unnecessary and unconvincing application of Justice Jackson's tripartite Youngstown framework. The Court concludes that President's effort to implement the treaty falls within the third category, but the indicia of Congressional intent that the Court relies on are weak, and the analysis works a substantial expansion of category III. Moreover, as the Court frames the issue - one of treaty interpretation - it is unclear why Youngstown should apply at all.


The family division agreement in a deceased estate is part of a vast old Babylonian legal corpus. It prima facie functions as a simple, straightforward agreement between family members. However, the different aspects of the agreement are not fully understood by today's scholars. This article offers some reflection on this specific agreement: the family division agreement in a deceased estate as a complex legal notion. In the article special attention is paid to what this agreement entails by explaining its practical and theoretical mechanisms. Reasons are given for categorising this agreement as a family division agreement deriving from a deceased estate in contrast with other types of division agreements from different estates. For practical reasons the different evolutionary stages in an estate are outlined. In relation to the theoretical mechanisms of the agreement, the relevance and meaning of recordings on objects in ancient Mesopotamia are discussed, with special reference to old Babylonian division agreements. In essence this agreement, as used in ancient Babylonian life, serves as a successful, timeless, estate administration mechanism and tool, to obviate any undesirable consequences of co-ownership of bequeathed property in the old Babylonian city-states.


BACKGROUND
Voice output communication aids (VOCAs) are a key form of aided communication within the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In recent years, rapid developments in technology have resulted in an explosion of devices available commercially, yet little research has been conducted into what people who use VOCAs think about them.

AIMS
The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of communication aid design from the perspective of end users and AAC professionals, with the objective being to inform and influence the design of future devices.

METHODS & PROCEDURES
A two-part study was conducted: interviews were undertaken with people who use VOCAs, and questionnaires were distributed to those who use aided communication and to AAC professionals. Analysis of the interview data was carried out using a qualitative method based on framework analysis, whilst descriptive statistics were generated from the questionnaire data. Interview participants were an opportunity sample of VOCA users within a defined region of the UK. Those recruited were over the age of 12 years and able to engage in the interview process; they were identified through the caseloads of local Speech and Language Therapists specializing in AAC. The questionnaire was marketed to the AAC community throughout the UK. Respondents were self-selecting as those using aided communication, their carers and AAC professionals.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS
Eighteen people participated in the interviews. Questionnaires were completed by 43 people who use aided communication and 68 AAC professionals. The data suggest that current devices are considered to be neither reliable nor durable by users and professionals. Although features given a higher importance ranking are more likely to be perceived as available, a number of important design deficits are identified by users and/or professionals. Simplicity of design (and use) and the desire for devices which support communication that is as fast and spontaneous as possible also emerge as key requirements. Synthesis of the data produced a framework with three main themes covering the range of issues which influence the successful use of a VOCA: specific aspects of the design of a device; the consideration of the wider picture around the person; and the personal context in which someone uses their device.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
Although the original aim of the project was to establish the user requirements of VOCA design, the data indicate that the characteristics of the device cannot be considered in isolation. Those factors uncovered highlight questions about whether the design of communication aids is truly effective in meeting the needs of the people who use them. Based on these data, an initial specification for future device design is proposed.


This paper describes a general approach for dynamic control of stochastic networks based on fluid model analysis, where in broad terms, the stochastic network is approximated by its fluid analog, an associated fluid control problem is solved and, finally, a scheduling rule for the original system is defined by interpreting the fluid control policy. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a general mechanism for translating the solution of the fluid optimal control problem into an implementable discrete-reviewpolicy that achieves asymptotically optimal performance under fluid scaling, and guarantees stability if the traffic intensity is less than one at each station. The proposed policy reviews system status at discrete points in time, and at each such point the controller formulates a processing plan for the next reviewperiod, based on the queue length vector observed, using the optimal control policy of the associated fluid optimization problem. Implementation of such a policy involves enforcement of certain safety stock requirements in order to facilitate the execution of the processing plans and to avoid unplanned server idleness. Finally, putting aside all considerations of system optimality, the following generalization is considered: every initial condition is associated with a feasible fluid trajectory that describes the desired system evolution starting at that point. A discrete-reviewpolicy is described that asymptotically tracks this target specification; that is, it achieves the appropriate target trajectory as its fluid limit.


We have developed a ratiometric time-gated luminescence sensory system for in vivo imaging of hypochlorous acid (HClO) by preparing a dual-emissive nanoarchitecture of europiumand terbiumcomplex-modified silica nanoparticles. The design of this nanoarchitecture is based on our new finding that the strong, long-lived luminescence of the b-diketonate–Eu complex can be rapidly and selectively quenched by HClO. Therefore, the b-diketonate–Eu complex was decorated on the surface of the silica nanoparticles for responding to HClO, while a HClO-insensitive luminescent terbium complex was immobilized in the inner solid core of the nanoparticles to serve as an internal standard. This nanosensing probe combines the advantages of both ratiometric and time-gated detection modes to afford high accuracy and sensitivity. Upon exposure to HClO, the nanoprobe displayed a remarkable luminescence color change from red to green, and the intensity ratio of the green over the red luminescence (I539/I607) showed a rapid, sensitive and selective response to HClO. Additionally, the feasibility of using the nanoprobe for intracellular detection of exogenous and endogenous HClO and for real-time mapping of HClO in small laboratory animals has been demonstrated via ratiometric timegated luminescence imaging microscopy. The results reveal that the constructed nanoarchitecture cloud is a favorable and useful sensing probe for the real-time imaging of HClO in vivo with high specificity and contrast.


Abstract Introduction: In the face of insufficient resources, healthcare providers are forced to constantly analyse and evaluate the financial economy and, within the economic framework, to rationally reduce the costs of their activities. Outsourcing is one of the ways to rationalise costs in healthcare. It concerns both core and ancillary activities. The aim of this study was to present the dynamics of outsourcing development of auxiliary activities of medical entities in Poland. Materials and methods: Analysis was based on the results of surveys conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2018. In 2012, 153 medical entities qualified for analysis, 156 in 2014, and 750 in 2018. The number of entities using outsourcing is presented, together with an indication of the type of services covered by outsourcing, reasons for outsourcing, benefits and drawbacks that the entities have noted, including measurement of financial effectiveness of outsourcing, and monitoring of the outsourcing partner. Results: Medical entities usually outsource waste treatment services, likely due to the difficulty for medical entities to meet the strict requirements set out in the law. The least frequently outsourced service is nutrition, which most likely results from the dissatisfaction of medical entities with the services provided by external companies. Conclusions: Excessive cost of maintaining employees was a common justification for outsourcing. Financial efficiency is the most desirable effect and the most frequent stimulus for medical entities undertaking various types of activities, including outsourcing in the field of auxiliary activities.


We develop a method of finding analytical solutions of the Bogolyubov--de Gennes equations for the excitations of a Bose condensate in the Thomas-Fermi regime in harmonic traps of any asymmetry and introduce a classification of eigenstates. In the case of cylindrical symmetry we emphasize the presence of an accidental degeneracy in the excitation spectrum at certain values of the projection of orbital angular momentum on the symmetry axis and discuss possible consequences of the degeneracy in the context of new signatures of Bose-Einstein condensation.


ABSTRACT This study focuses on the complexity and uniqueness of 45 beginning teachers' professional identity, an important perspective that is usually not an explicit part of induction programmes. Data were collected in four workshops designed to support beginning teachers in reflecting on personal and contextual aspects that influence (the development of) their professional identity. Based on these reflections, portraits of each teacher were constructed. Five overarching identity themes emerged from these portraits: Classroom management, Students learning, Workload, Collaboration and Standing up for oneself. All themes were visualised into a configuration consisting of personal and contextual aspects, arranged according to three foci: focus on oneself, on students, and on team/organisation. The configurations differ in their magnitude but do justice to the unique and complex nature of each teacher. Constructing configurations is a promising way for understanding what really matters in beginning teachers' professional identity development and helping them deepen their reflection.


We investigate CO2 uptake by the ocean with a three dimensional global inverse ocean model. The new approach lies in the calculation of spatially and temporally varying air-sea fluxes by assimilating water column carbon data, avoiding difficulties with changing gas-transfer velocities and their wind-speed dependencies. The model includes biological production near the surface and export particle remineralization below. Production and downward particle fluxes vary monthly following SeaWiFS chlorophyll data. Monthly DIC and DOC values are simulated. Starting air-sea fluxes are from Takahashi (2002).GLODAP DIC data are assimilated using the adjoint method, and CO2 air-sea fluxes are modified by the model until agreement with DIC data is optimal. In the present stage we are able to reduce DIC misfits by around 50%. The optimal air-sea fluxes are similar to those proposed by Takahashi. Differences are in larger flux-amplitudes and in the northern hemisphere.


An efficient pollution management requires the harmonisation of often conflicting economic and environmental aspects. A compromise has to be found, in which social welfare is maximised. The determination of this social optimum has been attempted with different tools, of which the most correct according to neo-classical economics may be the one based on the economic valuation of the externalities of pollution. However, this approach is still controversial, and few decision makers trust the results obtained enough to apply them. But a very powerful alternative exists, which avoids the problem of monetising physical impacts. Multiple-criteria decision making provides methodologies for dealing with impacts in different units, and for incorporating the preferences of decision makers or society as a whole, thus allowing for the determination of social optima under heterogeneous criteria, which is usually the case of pollution management decisions. In this paper, a compromise programming model is presented for the determination of the optimal pollution levels for the electricity industry in Spain for carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and radioactive waste. The preferences of several sectors of society are incorporated explicitly into the model, so that the solution obtained represents the optimal pollution level from a social point of view. Results show that cost minimisation is still the main objective for society, but the simultaneous consideration of the rest of the criteria achieves large pollution reductions at a low cost increment.


In this paper, we study the seemingly paradoxical notion of anonymous authentication: authenticating yourself without revealing your identity. Before studying the technical aspects of anonymous Internet connections and anonymous authentication, we begin with a discussion of privacy and why it is important. Although the necessity of privacy is well accepted in the computer security community, the concrete reasons as to why are often not understood. We will demonstrate that such an understanding is crucial for providing technical solutions that solve the real problems at hand. Given this background, we briefly survey the known technologies for constructing anonymous Internet connections. Finally, we study how it is possible to achieve anonymous authentication (on top of anonymous Internet connections). We present definitions and a number of different protocols with different properties. In addition to the basic problem, we also show how it is possible (in a certain model) to achieve revocable anonymity, and explain why this is of importance.


The article investigates the impact of legal mohilization and judicial decisions on official minority-language education (OMLE) policy in the Canadian provinces outside Quebec, using the "factor-oriented" and "dispute-centered" theories of judicial impact developed by U.S. scholars. The Canadian Supreme Court's decision in Mahe v. Alberta (1990), which broadly interpreted Section 23 of the Charter of Rights to include management and control of OMLE programs and schools, along with federal funding to the provinces to implement OMLE policy, are important to explaining OMLE policy change as predicted by the factor-oriented approach. The dispute-centered approach, on the other hand, helps us understand how the Charter of Rights and judicial decisions shaped the goals and discourse of Francophone groups in the policy process and, more instrumentally, provided opportunity structures that Francophone groups exploited effectively. The article concludes that both approaches to explaining judicial impact could be accommodated within an institutional model of judicial impact that construes institutions as state actors, as sets of rules, and as frameworks of meaning and interpretation. Such an approach would allow for the development of a more comparative model of judicial impact. This article investigates the impact of legal mobilization and judicial decisions on official minority-language education (OMLE) policy in Canada (outside Quebec). This policy area is bound up with broader questions of constitutional accommodation between French- and English-speakers in Canada and "has produced some of the most emotional and politically charged conflicts in Canadian history" (Apps 1985:45).1 A 1991 study of Canadian interest group activists and academics in the education policy field revealed that Mahe v. Alberta (1990)-a Canadian Supreme Court decision that granted management and control rights over education to official minority-language groups-was considered the most important Canadian Charter of Rights judgment delivered by the court since the Charter of Rights was added to Canada's constitution in 1982 (Dolmage 1991). However, a 1992 report by the Official Languages Commissioner complained about the slow and contested implementation of OMLE rights enshrined in Section 23 of the Charter after the Supreme Court's Mahe ruling (Commissioner of Official Languages 1993:18). Does the slow acceptance of the Mahe decision affirm Rosenberg's (1991) assertion that pursuing social change through the courts represents a "hollow hope" for politically disadvantaged groups? Or do we need a different model to understand judicial impact? Surprisingly, given the extensive literature that has developed on the Charter since its entrenchment in Canada's constitution in 1982, there have been only limited and sporadic attempts to describe or explain the effects of legal mobilization and judicial decisions under the Charter. There is certainly no judicial impact literature in Canada equivalent to that in the United States. This article, therefore, draws upon the two dominant approaches to understanding judicial impact that have been developed in the U.S. literature to help explain the impact of judicial decisions on OMLE outside Quebec: the "bottom-up," "dispute-centered" approach and the "top-down," "factor-oriented" approach. The first part of the article presents an overview of these two approaches to predict and explain judicial impact, approaches that have been used to understand school desegregation policy in the United States. School desegregation policy, like OMLE policy in Canada, has involved questions of where and how minorities are educated and implicated broader questions of constitutional accommodation (Apps 1985; Manfredi 1993; Magnet 1995). The Canadian case is simply the mirror image of the American one, where Francophone proponents of policy change are arguing for "separate but equal" educational facilities and administrative structures rather than integrated ones. …


The gel rod, partially polymerized CR-39 [diethylene glycol-bis-(allyl carbonate)], is placed in the atmosphere of trifluoroethyl methacrylate (3FMA) vapor, followed by heat-treatment to yield the GRIN rod. Examining the relationship between the preparation conditions and the optical properties of the GRIN rod, the plastic GRIN rods with a quadratic-index distribution up to their periphery and with higher than 0.36 N.A. were fabricated.


With the proliferation of blockchain projects and applications, cryptocurrency exchanges, which provides exchange services among different types of cryptocurrencies, become pivotal platforms that allow customers to trade digital assets on different blockchains. Because of the anonymity and trustlessness nature of cryptocurrency, one major challenge of crypto-exchanges is asset safety, and all-time amount hacked from crypto-exchanges until 2018 is over $1.5 billion even with carefully maintained secure trading systems. The most critical vulnerability of crypto-exchanges is from the so-called hot wallet, which is used to store a certain portion of the total asset of an exchange and programmatically sign transactions when a withdraw happens. Whenever hackers managed to gain control over the computing infrastructure of the exchange, they usually immediately obtain all the assets in the hot wallet. It is important to develop network security mechanisms. However, the fact is that there is no guarantee that the system can defend all attacks. Thus, accurately controlling the available assets in the hot wallets becomes the key to minimize the risk of running an exchange. However, determining such optimal threshold remains a challenging task because of the complicated dynamics inside exchanges. In this paper, we propose Shoreline, a deep learning-based threshold estimation framework that estimates the optimal threshold of hot wallets from historical wallet activities and dynamic trading networks. We conduct extensive empirical studies on the real trading data from a trading platform and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


Functional materials with high porosity and hierarchical structures are highly demanded for numerous material applications. In this study a magnetic hybrid material derived from wood and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), was synthesized by microwave-assisted thermal decomposition. This novel in situ functionalization approach resulted in a homogeneous distribution of the integrated inorganic component within the entire complex wood cell wall structure, which was previously not achieved. In a detailed investigation based on confocal Raman microscopy imaging, transmission electron microscopy, and optical microscopy the precipitated phase and the resulting hybrid structure were characterized. Magnetic measurements revealed the impact of the anisotropic wood scaffold on the integrated magnetic functionality and confirmed the isotropic superparamagnetic characteristics of the in situ precipitated nanoparticles. Therewith, it is clearly demonstrated, that the anisotropic properties of the obtained hybrid material result from the particle organization in the given spruce wood structure and no alteration of particle properties is induced by the presence of the lignocellulosic material.


The 2018 Kehoe Lecture in Irish History: presented on 15 November 2018 at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London
Professor Senia Paseta argues that our understanding of modern Irish and British politics would be enormously enriched if we recognized two things: that the Irish and British suffrage movements were deeply connected; and that the women's suffrage movement across the United Kingdom was shaped in fundamental ways by the Irish Question from the late nineteenth century and into the twentieth.
As Professor Paseta demonstrates, the women's suffrage movement did not exist in a political vacuum. It interacted with, influenced and was influenced by the other main political questions of the day, and with the main political question of the day - Ireland.
The Kehoe Lecture in Irish History is one of the principal named lectures hosted each year by the Institute of Historical Research, University of London. Inaugurated in 2016, the Kehoe Lecture promotes new research undertaken by leading scholars of Irish history and culture.
Published as part of the IHR Shorts Series by the Institute of Historical Research.


We consider a network design application that is modeled as the two-level network design problem under uncertainty. In this problem, one of the two available technologies can be installed on each edge and all customers of the network need to be served by at least the lower level ( secondary ) technology. The decision maker is confronted with uncertainty regarding the set of primary customers, i.e., the set of nodes that need to be served by the higher level ( primary ) technology. A set of discrete scenarios associated with the possible realizations of primary customers is available. The network is built in two stages. In the first stage the network topology must be determined. One may decide to install the primary technology on some of the edges in the first stage, or one can wait to see which scenario will be realized, in which case, edges with the installed secondary technology may be upgraded, if necessary to primary technology, but at higher recovery cost. The overall goal then is to build a "recoverable robust" spanning tree in the first stage that serves all customers by at least the lower level technology, and that minimizes the first-stage installation cost plus the worst-case cost needed to upgrade the edges of the selected tree, so that the primary customers of each scenario can be served using the primary technology. We discuss the complexity of the problem, provide mixed-integer programming models, and develop a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve it. Our extensive computational experiments demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.


In April 1861, President Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus along the military line between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. This allowed army officers to arrest and indefinitely detain persons who were interfering with military operations in the area. When John Merryman, a wealthy Marylander suspected of burning bridges to prevent the passage of U.S. troops to Washington, was detained in Fort McHenry, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Roger Taney, declared the suspension of habeas corpus unconstitutional and demanded Merryman's immediate release. Lincoln defied Taney's order, offering his own forceful counter-argument for the constitutionality of his actions. Thus the stage was set for one of the most dramatic personal and legal confrontations the country has ever witnessed. The Body of John Merryman is the first book-length examination of this much-misunderstood chapter in American history. Brian McGinty captures the tension and uncertainty that surrounded the early months of the Civil War, explaining how Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus was first and foremost a military action that only subsequently became a crucial constitutional battle. McGinty's narrative brings to life the personalities that drove this uneasy standoff and expands our understanding of the war as a legal--and not just a military, political, and social--conflict. The Body of John Merryman is an extraordinarily readable book that illuminates the contours of one of the most significant cases in American legal history--a case that continues to resonate in our own time.


The Constitution determines that the legislative and executive powers regarding 'regional planning and development', 'urban and rural development', 'provincial planning' and 'municipal planning' are divided among the three spheres of government. Yet the boundaries between these items listed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution are opaque and their precise content is not always apparent. Overlaps, conflicts and uncertainty may occur. In a number of landmark decisions the courts have provided content to these different functional areas. Clarity on what 'municipal planning' comprises leads to more certainty on the content of the other planning areas. Draft legislation such as the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (B14-2012) can also assist in adding substance to a demarcation of these different functional areas. Yet uncertainties still remain, occasioned by constitutional provisions such as sections 100, 139(1) and 155(6)-(7), that permit intervention by national and provincial government in provinces and municipalities respectively, as well as the support and monitoring by provincial government in respect of municipalities. Few clear solutions are immediately apparent. The role of the constitutional principles of co-operative government where uncertainty and conflict exist is examined, especially where no veto of one sphere over another is possible. Principles of interpretation can also assist in delineating the boundaries of the different functional areas. It seems, however, that the courts will find themselves having to address the remaining inconsistencies.


Lending in credit markets requires confidence in the borrowers' ability to repay the debt (principal and interest) in full and on schedule. The current turmoil in U.S. financial markets is the result of a breakdown in that necessary confidence. A number of indicators have pointed to a substantial rise in the cost of credit and a decrease in the flow of credit to the broader economy. Economic policy may be needed to get credit flowing smoothly again and to mitigate the damage incurred by households and non-financial businesses. Three types of policy response exist and are being applied in varying degrees. This report discusses each of these policy responses.


Background and objective: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. One of the ways to decrease the death due to breast cancer is early detection through mammography. This study considered the impact of education based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on teachers using mammography in Bushehr. Materials and methods: The current study was a random clinical trial which included of 120 teachers over 40 years old. The teachers were randomly divided in two groups. The teachers of intervention group received two sessions education based on HBM. Both groups fill out the Champion Questionnaire before, immediately and three months after education. Mammography performance considered before and three months after study in two groups. Results: The comparison of mean scores of constructs between two groups showed significant difference in knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and health motivation (p< 0.05), but there was no significant difference in perceived susceptibility and severity (p> 0.05). Mammography performance increased significantly in the intervention group (p<0.001). Conclu sion: Group education with limited sessions had desirable effect in increasing knowledge of teachers about breast cancer and mammography performance. So, it is recommended to design and perform the group education programs based on HBM for women from different groups. Paper Type: Research Article.


Over 200 cell types exist within the human body, each being different in morphology and function, yet all containing the same genome. Regulation programs acting on the approximately 25.000 genes found in a typical mammalian genome drive the specification of cells during development. Also during later stages of life correct gene expression is required, as defects can lead to diseases such as cancer. To ensure correct spatial and temporal expression of genes different control mechanisms are in place acting on different levels of gene regulation. Gene regulatory information is primarily encoded in the DNA sequence. However, over the past decade also the three dimensional folding of the DNA fiber inside the nucleus has been implicated in regulating gene expression. To investigate this we performed experiments aimed at unraveling the shape of the genome, studying the relationship between genome structure and function and identifying the factors responsible for genome folding. Part of the research conducted focused on the development and adaptation of a novel technology called 'Chromosome Conformation Capture' (3C) to investigate nuclear organization. 3C allows one to interrogate the frequency by which specific DNA fragments contacted each other in nuclear space. When measuring these frequencies for multiple combinations of fragments this technology provides detailed information on the spatial organization of a gene locus. Developing this technology one step further to a technology named '4C', allowed us to investigate the spatial environment of a given DNA fragment by analyzing all the contacting DNA fragments simultaneously. Both 3C and 4C methods were applied on the mouse β-globin locus. In this study, both by using cells carrying conditional CTCF alleles and taking advantage of cells carrying a targeted mutation of a CTCF site within the globin locus, we investigated the role of CTCF in dictating chromatin interactions. This study provides novel insights into the role of CTCF in mediating loop formation. Moreover, the effect of these loops in dictating spatial contacts and in facilitating correct gene expression in the β-globin locus was examined. Next we switch from investigating locus wide conformations, to interrogating the spatial organization of a whole chromosome. The spatial organization of both the active and inactive female mouse X-chromosome was determined. To be able to discriminate between the active and inactive X-chromosome in female mammalian cells we developed an allele specific 4C-seq approach. Based on the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), this method enabled separating the contacts made by the two chromosomes. Moreover, by studying cells depleted for the noncoding RNA Xist, this method was used to elucidate the role of this RNA molecule in dictating chromosome conformation. Overall detailed information is provided concerning the 3C and 4C methods that were used to investigate the spatial organization of DNA inside the nucleus. The studies performed ranged from investigating locus wide to chromosome wide spatial organization. Moreover, the protein CTCF and the noncoding Xist RNA were identified as factors involved in chromatin folding, each acting at a different level of organization, and providing novel insights into the mechanisms by which DNA is organized inside the nucleus of a cell. Keywords Genome organization


LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3A SUMMARY Background. Rodeo is an inherently dangerous competition and the equipment utilized to reduce the risk of injury is not well defined in the existing literature. Methods. A systematic review of the literature published between 1990 and 2018 was conducted and combined with personal and anecdotal reports to review and assess the role that protective equipment plays in mitigating rodeo-related injuries. Results. Studies that reported the use of protective equipment noted that helmets and protective vests prevented minor and severe trauma, though did not comprehensively limit fatal events. There was limited literature describing the usefulness of other supportive equipment used for injuries to the extremities and the neck. In studies surveying competitors, many athletes reported underuse of protective equipment due to perceived image and uncertain effectiveness. Conclusions. Further investigation is required to quantify the impact of protective equipment as it pertains to the incidence of injury in the rodeo population.


In this powerful, but accessible new study, John Bowen draws on a full range of work in social anthropology to present Islam in ways that emphasise its constitutive practices, from praying and learning to judging and political organising. Starting at the heart of Islam - revelation and learning in Arabic lands - Bowen shows how Muslims have adapted Islamic texts and traditions to ideas and conditions in the societies in which they live. Returning to key case studies in Asia, Africa and Western Europe, to explore each major domain of Islamic religious and social life, Bowen also considers the theoretical advances in social anthropology that have come out of the study of Islam. A New Anthropology of Islam is essential reading for all those interested in the study of Islam and for those following new developments in the discipline of anthropology.


We introduce and analyze a particular generalization of the Erdös-Rényi random graph model that is based on adding not only edges but also copies of small graphs onto the nodes of a graph. The resulting model is analytically tractable and can generate random graphs with local structures that are not tree like. First, we introduce the simplest generalization called the triplet model corresponding to the addition of three node subgraphs and investigate some of its key properties. In the undirected model we obtain a random graph with non-zero clustering and assortativity while in the directed case we obtain a graph with triangular motifs. Then, we formulate our model in its full generality by allowing the addition of graphs of arbitrary size and generalize the results obtained for the triplet model.


In winter 2009 a number of physicists met in Paris to discuss the prospect of observing
the CMB B-mode polarization using a novel technique called bolometric interferometry.
This was the first meeting of what would later become the QUBIC
collaboration. In this thesis we discuss the scientific reasons for CMB observation, we
present a detailed explanation of how QUBIC will use bolometric interferometry to
measure CMB polarization and in particular we discuss the author's contribution to
the project. As part of the sub-mm optics research group in the National University of
Ireland Maynooth the author was charged with the design and modeling of the optics
that would focus the beam from the sky onto the bolometric detectors. This thesis
describes various types of re
ecting and refracting optics that were investigated. The
results we present are useful not only for the QUBIC instrument, but for the design
of imaging experiments in general.
Detection of CMB B-mode polarization is one of the supreme goals of modern cosmology.
The faintness of this signal, combined with the interferometric observing technique,
places extreme performance specifications on the QUBIC optics. Fortunately,
as we shall show, there are types of well-known re
ecting and refracting telescopes
that are suitable for QUBIC. In this thesis I propose a design for the quasi-optical
combiner that will perform as required.


In this paper we examine the impact of a web aggregator on firms and consumers in a horizontally differentiated market. When a firm pays a fee to be listed on the aggregator's website, its location and price become observable to e-users (consumers who visit the website). We consider two settings, depending on the possibility for online firms to offer discounts to e-users. In equilibrium, not all firms will go online—some will choose to remain offline. Online firms attract more customers due to the higher level of information, but face a tougher price competition. When the proportion of e-users is relatively low, price discrimination may hurt the firms. Therefore, less of them can afford to go online. The opposite holds when e-users predominate; price discrimination yields a higher number of online firms than uniform pricing. Finally, we evaluate the aggregator's optimal policy regarding the fee and whether to impose uniform pricing or to allow price discrimination. We discover that, unless the proportion of e-users is relatively low, the aggregator induces only a few firms to go online.


In recent years, as the demand for water has increased, groundwater mining has intensified. Data on water use indicate that this trend will continue in the future, and competition is likely to increase for even marginal-quality water in some regions. As a consequence of rapid development of groundwater resources to meet the demand, more field exploration has been conducted and, in the process, many contaminated aquifers have been identified. The extent of groundwater pollution is such that every state in the USA, and almost every country in the world has reported some groundwater contamination. In response to the problem posed by the pollution, a number of groundwater flow/transport and management models have been developed to facilitate analysis and selection of appropriate remedial measures. This paper presents an overview of groundwater modeling, different phases of a remediation action, steps required in groundwater modeling, and an evaluation of the utility of models in the decision- making process.


This study examined the farm level implications of restrictions on glyphosate use. These are likely to be higher weed control costs, poorer levels of weed control, increased incidence of pests, lower yields and loss of benefits associated with no tillage and the adoption of GM HT crops. There is likely to be more use of alternative herbicides and additional use of manual, mechanical, and cultural weed control methods. These changes are expected to increase the annual cost of weed control across the seven countries by between $22/ha and $30/ha. In relation to the environmental impact associated with herbicide use, it is likely to result in a small decrease in the total amount of herbicide active ingredient used across the seven countries (-1% to -11%) although in terms of the associated environmental impact, as measured by the EIQ indicator, the average EIQ load/ha would increase by between 0.4% and 11.6%, highlighting a net poorer environmental outcome.


Umar Ibn al-Farid (b. 576 [hijri date]/1181 CE; d. 632 [hijri date]/1235 is the most venerated mystical poet in Arabic. An accomplished Sufi as well as a respected poet, his poetry blends the two traditions -- classical Arabic poetry and Islamic mysticism -- in a body of work with a distinctly devotional and mystical character.In a major contribution to the critically acclaimed and long lived Classics of Western Spirituality "TM" series, editor Th. Emil Homerin makes available here two of Ibn al-Farid's poems that have long been considered classics of Islamic mystical literature. The Wine Ode, a poem in praise of wine as well as a love poem, can also be seen as an extended meditation on the presence of divine love in the universe. The Poem of the Sufi Way, one of the longest poems ever composed in Arabic, and the most famous one rhyming in "T", begins as a love poem and then explores a number of crucial concerns confronting the seeker on the Sufi path. Both works have been treated for centuries in numerous mystical commentaries. Noteworthy as well in this volume is the addition of the Adorned Proem, a reverential account of Ibn al-Farid's life by his grandson.Individuals interested in the fields of mysticism and spirituality, as well as lovers of poetry, particularly love poetry, will find this to be fascinating reading. It will have great relevance, of course, for scholars and students of Arabic literature, Islam and mysticism.


The author takes as his point of departure several criticisms in reviews of his book II Papa Patriarca d'Occidente? Studio Storico Dottrinale (Bologna, 1993), not so much to reiterate his thesis but to examine more closely a few ecclesiological issues which emerged in the reviews themselves. In particular, he takes up the themes of the ecumenical compass of the councils of the second millennium, of the subsistence of the one Church of Christ in the Catholic Church, and of the identification of the Catholic Church with the universal Church in light of the concept of the Church as communion with its implications for the ecumenical dialogue. In the final section the author offers an evaluation of the proposals made by F.R. Gahbauer to consider thepen-tarchy as a model of Church government.


Background: Although most epidemiological studies do not support a role for alcohol in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer, an increased risk among heavy drinkers cannot be excluded. Methods: In a retrospective cohort based on the Swedish Inpatient Register, we analysed the risk of pancreatic cancer among patients admitted to hospital for alcoholism (n=178 688), alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (n=3500), non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (n=4952), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n=13 553), or non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n=7057) from 1965 to 1994. Follow up through to 1995 was accomplished by linkage to nationwide registers. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) express the relative risks by taking the general Swedish population as reference. To minimise the possible influence of selection bias, we excluded the first year observations. Results: Alcoholics had only a modest 40% excess risk of pancreatic cancer (SIR 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–1.5). Overrepresented smokers among alcoholics might confound a true SIR of unity among alcoholics to approximately 1.4. SIR among alcoholic chronic pancreatitis patients (2.2, 95% CI 0.9–4.5) was considerably lower than that among non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis patients (8.7, 95% CI 6.8–10.9), and decreased with increasing duration of follow up in both groups, indicating that most of the excess might be explained by reversed causation from undiagnosed cancers. Among patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, the increased risk of pancreatic cancer was also moderate (SIR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8) while no significant excess risk was found among non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients (SIR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.2). Conclusions: The excess risk for pancreatic cancer among alcoholics is small and could conceivably be attributed to confounding by smoking.


In the years following the 2004 presidential election, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Internal Revenue Service threatened revoking the tax-exempt status of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena because during a 2004 sermon, a church rector stated that he opposed the Vietnam and Gulf wars and that Jesus would have disapproved of the Bush Administration's preemptive war doctrine. The rector did not tell his parishioners who to support in the 2004 election, however. This threat of revoking an organization's tax-exempt status is just one example of the IRS's recent and unprecedented aggressiveness in seeking out violations of the Internal Revenue Code's prohibition on political intervention by Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Indeed, over a hundred organizations are still under review by the IRS for actions they took in relation to the 2004 presidential campaign. A great number of those under review are religious organizations. Under the IRS's application of the limitation on politicking, these religious organizations are treated in the same manner as other Section 501(c)(3) organizations. This treatment, however, fails to take into account religious organizations' special status under the First Amendment. While some scholars have recognized that Section 501(c)(3)'s limitation on political intervention inhibits religious organizations' exercise of religion, they have failed to recognize that the IRS's application of the limitation implicates both free speech and free exercise concerns, making it constitutionally suspect under Employment Division v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990). This Article challenges scholars' dismissal of a viable First Amendment claim in this context and argues that the IRS regulations applying the Section 501(c)(3) limitation must be more deferential when applied to religious organizations so as not to be vulnerable to invalidation under a Smith hybrid claim.


Internationalization of Higher Education has grown considerably as a topic for several different reasons as for instance, a desire to promote mutual understanding, the migration of skilled workers in a globalized economy, the desire of institutions to generate additional revenues or the need to build a more educated work-force in the home countries which are generally emerging economies (OECD, 2004). Moreover the impact of ASEAN Communities which will be implemented at the end of 2015 supports the development of internationalization of higher education in Thailand to being into a very significant area that should be considered as an important agenda item at the level of ASEAN. This article aims to present the findings of the study on internationalization of higher education from the case studies of Thailand (Assumption University in Thailand) and Malaysia (International Islamic University Malaysia) which are ASEAN member countries. The objectives of this study are: to explore critical components of internationalization in higher education, to identify the factors that effectively enhance the achievement of internationalization in higher education from case studies in Thailand and Malaysia and to create then validate a best practice model of internationalization for higher education in Thailand. This study uses a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative. Data is collected by interviewing key people from the government and case studies in universities of both countries together with questionnaires directed to experts and experienced practitioners relating to internationalization and including focus group of selected experts on higher education and internationalization. This data is then brought together where the findings identified the critical components of internationalization in higher education and the factors that effectively enhance the achievement of internationalization in higher education from case studies in Thailand and Malaysia and after this, then a best practice model of internationalization for higher education in Thailand was created and validated. The model comprises seven key components: the first three components are in the public sector which are government, the Higher Education Commission and the Office of Higher Education Commission, the fourth is higher education institutions which have six quality elements inside, the fifth is international network/partner, the sixth is employers and the seventh is the bodies or agencies related to quality enhancement.


Sample balancing is widely used in applied research to adjust a sample data to achieve better correspondence to Census statistics. The classic Deming-Stephan iterative proportional approach finds the weights of observations by fitting the cross-tables of sample counts to known margins. This work considers a bi-criteria objective for finding weights with maximum possible effective base size. This approach is presented as a ridge regression with the exponential nonlinear parameterization that produces nonnegative weights for sample balancing.


Pulse Arrival Time (PAT) derived from Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmogram (PPG) for cuff-less Blood Pressure (BP) measurement has been a contemporary and widely accepted technique. However, the features extracted for it are conventionally from an isolated pulse of ECG and PPG signals. As a result, the estimated BP is intermittent. Objective: This paper presents feature extraction from each beat of ECG and PPG signals to make BP measurements uninterrupted. These features are extracted by employing Haar transformation to adaptively attenuate measurement noise and improve the fiducial point detection precision. Method: the use of only PAT feature as an independent variable leads to an inaccurate estimation of either Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) or both. We propose the extraction of supplementary features that are highly correlated to physiological parameters. Concurrent data was collected as per the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) guidelines from 171 human subjects belonging to diverse age groups. An Adaptive Window Wavelet Transformation (AWWT) technique based on Haar wavelet transformation has been introduced to segregate pulses. Further, an algorithm based on log-linear regression analysis is developed to process extracted features from each beat to calculate BP. Results: The mean error of 0.43 and 0.20 mmHg, mean absolute error of 4.6 and 2.3 mmHg, and Standard deviation of 6.13 and 3.06 mmHg is achieved for SBP and DBP respectively. Conclusions: The features extracted are highly precise and evaluated BP values are as per the AAMI standards. Clinical Impact: This continuous real-time BP monitoring technique can be useful in the treatment of hypertensive and potential-hypertensive subjects.


Smart energy transition efforts at the municipal level are gaining importance and go far beyond implementing single projects. Decarbonising cities involves complex strategic planning and needs system level thinking and changes. This has been increasingly realised at the municipal level, but challenges remain regarding the tools, involvement of stakeholders and on the development of policies. The focus of the research is on the use of participatory foresight for fostering smart energy transition on a municipal level, the key benefits and success factors that participatory foresight brings, and the replicability of this approach. Within the novel Cities4ZERO framework, an overarching methodology for a smart urban decarbonisation transition, guiding cities through the process of developing the most appropriate strategies, plans, projects, as well as looking for the commitment of key local stakeholders for an effective transition–foresight framework, was developed and tested in five pilot cities. Foresight as applied within the Cities4ZERO framework creates a participatory process which brings stakeholders together to achieve unified scenarios, and a common vision for future urban decarbonisation strategies. The methodology is replicable and increases the quality of strategic energy planning by fostering long-term system thinking.


Reviews have demonstrated large effect sizes when using computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) protocols for treating anxiety, depression and health related concerns. However, the amount of therapist contact per user seems to be the most significant prognostic indicator. Thus, in some ways current online interventions can be viewed primarily as an extension of one-on-one therapy. The present article provides guidelines for targeting this limitation of online psychological interventions. The goal is to mimic the therapeutic relationship using a computer, without having any therapist involved. Consequently, thousands of users would be able to receive treatment simultaneously, reaching a wider audience, which was the initial goal of the online model. The development of a treatment program using file audit data is suggested as an alternative to having an individual therapist for each user. This is done by allowing the 'computer psychologist' to tailor individualised treatments for each user based on their psychological profile. The user is provided with individualised corrective feedback based on a set of prewritten responses to common faulty thoughts. A new paradigm is proposed for online treatment delivery.


Background. The contribution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to a low carbon economy is unclear. Previous reviews emphasise the need to assess the specific factors that determine the environmental impacts of ICTs, but none of them link those factors to the magnitude of the impacts on energy consumption and carbon emissions. Our study aims to fill this evidence gap. Methods/Design. We restrict our analysis to a single application domain, namely e-materialisation, defined as the partial or complete substitution of material products with electronic equivalents. We conduct the first systematic literature review of the direct and higher order impacts of the digitalisation of goods on energy consumption. Results/Synthesis. We identify 31 relevant studies that we sort into five categories, namely: 'e-publications' (e-books, e-magazines and e-journals); 'e-news'; 'e-business'; 'e-music'; and 'e-videos and games'. All but one of the 31 studies use life-cycle analysis and employ a range of product-system configurations, functional units, system boundaries and allocation rules. Confining attention to direct and substitution effects, the studies suggest potential energy savings from e-publications, e-news and e-music, and less potential from e-business and e-videos/games. However, different assumptions for key variables (such as the lifetime and energy efficiency of user devices, the extent to which personal transport is displaced and the number of users of material and digital products) lead to very different estimates—including many where lifecycle energy consumption increases. Most of the studies assume that digital goods substitute for material goods and all of them neglect rebound effects—which suggests that they overestimate energy savings. Discussion. Given the diversity and context-specificity of the available evidence, the optimistic assumptions that are frequently used (e.g. perfect substitution) and the neglect of rebound effects, we cannot conclude that e-materialisation has delivered significant energy savings to date or is likely to do so in the future.


This paper calculated spatial multipliers, flow-on effects and linkages in Indonesian economy that can be used for planning, evaluation and control purposes for both at national and regional development. Using hybrid procedure, inter-island input-output model for Indonesia has been constructed. Spatial multipliers, flow-on effects and spatial linkages were then calculated. The results show that, firstly, all measures of spatial-specific multipliers (output, income and output) indicated that the percentage of multipliers that occurred in the own-region is significantly high. For the island of Sumatra and Java the percentage of output, income and employment multipliers that occurred in the own region were about 90 per cent indicating that the two islands were relatively spatially independent. Only a small proportion of inputs from the rest of the country were required in producing goods and services in those islands. For other three groups of islands, the Kalimantan Island, the islands of Nusa Tenggara and Other islands, the percentage of multiplier effects in own-region ranged from 70 to 80 per cent of total multiplier effects. Secondly, the flow-on effects, by which the net-impact of change in final demand is measured, provides more accurate measures than that of total. On the lists of the ten largest ranking spatial sectors, the same sectors as those in output multipliers also emerged in output flow-on rank order. Finally, the spatial linkage analysis consistently confirms that the island of Sumatra and the island of Java were more independent with weak spatial linkages. A large proportion of multipliers or flow-on effects would occur in the own-region if the changes of final demand occurred in those islands. Focusing economic activities on these islands would increase the economic growth of the country, but at the same time would make the economic distribution among regions worse.


Discovering hierarchical regularities in data is a key problem in interacting with large datasets, modeling cognition, and encoding knowledge. A previous Bayesian solution—Kingman's coalescent—provides a probabilistic model for data represented as a binary tree. Unfortunately, this is inappropriate for data better described by bushier trees. We generalize an existing belief propagation framework of Kingman's coalescent to the beta coalescent, which models a wider range of tree structures. Because of the complex combinatorial search over possible structures, we develop new sampling schemes using sequential Monte Carlo and Dirichlet process mixture models, which render inference efficient and tractable. We present results on synthetic and real data that show the beta coalescent outperforms Kingman's coalescent and is qualitatively better at capturing data in bushy hierarchies.


Network protocols in layered architectures have historically been obtained primarily on an ad-hoc basis. Recent research has shown that network protocols may instead be holistically analyzed and systematically designed as distributed solutions to some global optimization problems in the form of Network Utility Maximization (NUM), providing insight into what they optimize and structures of the network protocol stack. This paper presents a short survey of the recent efforts towards a systematic understanding of 'layering' as 'optimization decomposition', where the overall communication network is modeled by a generalized NUM problem, each layer corresponds to a decomposed subproblem, and the interfaces among layers are quantified as functions of the optimization variables coordinating the sub-problems. Different decompositions lead to alternative layering architectures. We summarize several examples of horizontal decomposition into distributed computation and vertical decomposition into functional modules such as congestion control, routing, scheduling, random access, power control, and coding.


Percolation on complex networks is used both as a model for dynamics on networks, such as network robustness or epidemic spreading, and as a benchmark for our models of networks, where our ability to predict percolation measures our ability to describe the networks themselves. In many applications, correctly identifying the phase transition of percolation on real-world networks is of critical importance. Unfortunately, this phase transition is obfuscated by the finite size of real systems, making it hard to distinguish finite size effects from the inaccuracy of a given approach that fails to capture important structural features. Here, we borrow the perspective of smeared phase transitions and argue that many observed discrepancies are due to the complex structure of real networks rather than to finite size effects only. In fact, several real networks often used as benchmarks feature a smeared phase transition where inhomogeneities in the topological distribution of the order parameter do not vanish in the thermodynamic limit. We find that these smeared transitions are sometimes better described as sequential phase transitions within correlated subsystems. Our results shed light not only on the nature of the percolation transition in complex systems, but also provide two important insights on the numerical and analytical tools we use to study them. First, we propose a measure of local susceptibility to better detect both clean and smeared phase transitions by looking at the topological variability of the order parameter. Second, we highlight a shortcoming in state-of-the-art analytical approaches such as message passing, which can detect smeared transitions but not characterize their nature.


Workplace-based training has been praised for its effectiveness in smoothing the school to work transition. Apprentices have been shown to have lower initial unemployment probabilities as compared to other secondary-school graduates. There are but a handful of studies that can convincingly show that the effect of apprenticeship training on labor market outcomes is causal. This study provides additional support for the argument that workplace-based practical training increases initial employment probabilities. Using a unique individual panel database which includes, among others, extensive controls for individual skills, school attainment and parental background, it is shown that Hungarian students in the lowest, non-college bound vocational training track have about a 1015% higher probability of employment after leaving school, as opposed to graduates of the same track, who carried out their practical training within the school. This effect seems to be stable across industries. The data also shows that apprentices, when employed, earn the same amount of money, but are more likely to receive long-term contracts compared to non-apprentices. Moreover, apprentices who move to another industry, are less likely to receive long-term contracts compared to "stayers", but are more likely to receive long term contracts compared to non-apprentices. These results suggests that it is not the increased specific skills of apprentices, but rather the increased screening and maybe the signaling effect of apprenticeship training that smoothes the school to work transition.


The paper presents the results of studies on the harmonic active and reactive power at nodes of 110 kV and 220 kV networks. The studies were based on the measurements made at the node of 110 kV network supplying power to an aluminum plant and at the node of 220 kV network supplying power to railway traction substation. The supply networks belong to the Unified Energy Systems of Russia. Many other facilities with high-power nonlinear loads receive electric energy from these networks. They make their contribution to the formation of harmonic conditions across the networks. The measurements of currents and voltages were used to calculate active and reactive power for harmonics 2-40. The calculations show that although the considered facilities are the sources of harmonics and generate harmonic power to the supply networks they also receive harmonic power from them. The harmonic active power flows change directions during the measurements. Their values vary in a wide range and can reach several tens of kilowatts. The values of harmonic reactive power also vary in a wide range. They change the direction of the flow and affect the values of voltage, as a rule, at the characteristic harmonics of the nonlinear electrical equipment.


We review a wide variety of programs that support savings by families, in particular by low- and moderate-income families. These programs range from ones that literally compel families to save, to those that make it hard not to save, make it easier to save, provide financial incentives to induce savings, leverage social networks to support savers, and finally, to programs that excite people to saving. These programs involve a number of different stakeholders, including governmental entities, social intermediaries, non-profit organizations, and for-profit firms including financial institutions. They embody a number of different assumptions about incentives, drawing from economics, psychology, and sociology. We describe examples of each program and provide some information on their economics and effectiveness. Our goal is not to identify the "best" program, but rather to lay out the range of innovations to meet the needs of heterogeneous potential savers.


†Background As important components in saline agriculture, halophytes can help to provide food for a growing world population. In addition to being potential crops in their own right, halophytes are also potential sources of salt-resistance genes that might help plant breeders and molecular biologists increase the salt tolerance of conventional crop plants. One especially promising halophyte is Suaeda salsa, a euhalophytic herb that occurs both on inland saline soils and in the intertidal zone. The species produces dimorphic seeds: black seeds are sensitive to salinityand remain dormant in light under high salt concentrations, while brown seeds can germinate under high salinity (e.g. 600 mM NaCl) regardless of light. Consequently, the species is useful for studying the mechanisms by which dimorphic seeds are adapted to saline environments. S. salsa has succulent leaves and is highly salt tolerant (e.g. its optimal NaCl concentration for growth is 200 mM). A series of S. salsa genes related to salt tolerance have been cloned and their functions tested: these include SsNHX1, SsHKT1, SsAPX, SsCAT1, SsP5CS and SsBADH. The species is economically important because its fresh branches have high value as a vegetable, and its seed oil is edible and rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Because it can remove salts and heavy metals from saline soils, S. salsa can also be used in the restoration of salinized or contaminated saline land. †Scope Because of its economic and ecological value in saline agriculture, S. salsa is one of the most important halophytes in China. In this review, the value of S. salsa as a source of food, medicine and forage is discussed. Its uses in the restoration of salinized or contaminated land and as a source of salt-resistance genes are also considered.


Post‐translational modifications in viral capsids are known to fine‐tune and regulate several aspects of the infective life cycle of several viruses in the host. Recombinant viruses that are generated in a specific producer cell line are likely to inherit unique post‐translational modifications during intra‐cellular maturation of its capsid proteins. Data on such post‐translational modifications in the capsid of recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotypes (AAV1‐rh10) is limited. We have employed liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis to characterize post‐translational modifications in AAV1‐rh10 capsid protein. Our analysis revealed a total of 52 post‐translational modifications in AAV2‐AAVrh10 capsids, including ubiquitination (17%), glycosylation (36%), phosphorylation (21%), SUMOylation (13%) and acetylation (11%). While AAV1 had no detectable post‐translational modification, at least four AAV serotypes had >7 post‐translational modifications in their capsid protein. About 82% of these post‐translational modifications are novel. A limited validation of AAV2 capsids by MALDI‐TOF and western blot analysis demonstrated minimal glycosylation and ubiquitination of AAV2 capsids. To further validate this, we disrupted a glycosylation site identified in AAV2 capsid (AAV2‐N253Q), which severely compromised its packaging efficiency (~ 100‐fold vs. AAV2 wild‐type vectors). In order to confirm other post‐translational modifications detected such as SUMOylation, mutagenesis of a SUMOylation site(K258Q) in AAV2 was performed. This mutant vector demonstrated reduced levels of SUMO‐1/2/3 proteins and negligible transduction, 2 weeks after ocular gene transfer. Our study underscores the heterogeneity of post‐translational modifications in AAV vectors. The data presented here, should facilitate further studies to understand the biological relevance of post‐translational modifications in AAV life cycle and the development of novel bioengineered AAV vectors for gene therapy applications.


Analyzing intrusions today is an arduous, largely manual task because system administrators lack the information and tools needed to understand easily the sequence of steps that occurred in an attack. The goal of BackTracker is to identify automatically potential sequences of steps that occurred in an intrusion. Starting with a single detection point (e.g., a suspicious file), BackTracker identifies files and processes that could have affected that detection point and displays chains of events in a dependency graph. We use BackTracker to analyze several real attacks against computers that we set up as honeypots. In each case, BackTracker is able to highlight effectively the entry point used to gain access to the system and the sequence of steps from that entry point to the point at which we noticed the intrusion. The logging required to support BackTracker added 9% overhead in running time and generated 1.2 GB per day of log data for an operating-system intensive workload.


There is a growing concern that minority shareholding (MS) in rival firms may facilitate collusion. To examine this concern, we exploit the fact that leniency programs (LPs) are generally recognized as a shock that destabilizes collusive agreements and study the effect that the introduction of an LP has on horizontal MS acquisitions. Using data from 63 countries over the period 1990-2013, we find a large increase in horizontal MS acquisitions in the year in which an LP is introduced, especially in large rivals. The effect is present however only in countries with an effective antitrust enforcement and low levels of corruption and only when the acquisitions involve stakes of 10%-20%. These results suggest that MS acquisitions may stabilize collusive
agreements that were destabilized by the introduction of the LP.


Purpose: Leadership styles are reviewed and reassessed given recent research that links destructive leadership behaviours exhibited by unscrupulous executives with traits commonly identified as indicators of corporate psychopathy.

Method/approach: A review of the literature describing the various theories dealing with the nature of leadership styles and the rise of interest in corporate psychopathy and destructive leadership.

Implications: This paper offers a psychological perspective for future research which provides both impetus and additional support for further analysis and exploration of such leadership styles in the business environment. One distinct advantage of this extrapolation is the articulation of insights into aspects of decision making by leaders, providing further insight into the formulation of leadership development programs in organisations and courses in business schools training future leaders.


Objectives: This current research work aimed for improvement of the solubility and permeability of poorly permeable Doxorubicin HCl through generating co-crystals. The main goal for the preparation of oral drugs is to decrease the overall cost of healthcare and route of administration is made easy. Methodology: In this study co-crystals of Doxorubicin HCl with Quercetin hydrate and Naringin has been prepared based on ease of hydrogen bond formation. The co-crystal batches of Doxorubicin HCl-Quercetin hydrate in ratio 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 and Doxorubicin HCl-Naringin in ratio 1:1 are prepared by slow solvent evaporation technique. Results and Discussion: The formation of co-crystal was confirmed by PXRD, DSC and FTIR. Doxorubicin HCl with Naringen crystal batch show improved solubility. The dynamic solubility of Doxorubicin HCl-Naringin co-crystal in the ratios 1:1 increased by approximately 9.2-fold as compared to pure drug and Doxorubicin HCl -Quercetin hydrate cocrystal batches.


Abstract. Atmospheric modeling systems require economical methods to solve the non-hydrostatic Euler equations. Two major differences between hydrostatic models and a full non-hydrostatic description lies in the vertical velocity tendency and numerical stiffness associated with sound waves. In this work we introduce a new arbitrary-order vertical discretization entitled the staggered nodal finite-element method (SNFEM). Our method uses a generalized discrete derivative that consistently combines the discontinuous Galerkin and spectral element methods on a staggered grid. Our combined method leverages the accurate wave propagation and conservation properties of spectral elements with staggered methods that eliminate stationary (2Δx) modes. Furthermore, high-order accuracy also eliminates the need for a reference state to maintain hydrostatic balance. In this work we demonstrate the use of high vertical order as a means of improving simulation quality at relatively coarse resolution. We choose a test case suite that spans the range of atmospheric flows from predominantly hydrostatic to nonlinear in the large-eddy regime. Our results show that there is a distinct benefit in using the high-order vertical coordinate at low resolutions with the same robust properties as the low-order alternative.