This paper presents the design, the properties, and the optimization study of a new type of ultrasonic linear motor. Numerical modeling has been carried out and simulations with software have been realized. To avoid performing a large number of simulations, sensitivity analysis has been carried out, in particular using design of experiments. The Doehlert method has been chosen in our study. The results found show that this preoptimization stage allows one to improve the deformation amplitude and to reduce the input parameter variation ranges. Finite element (FE) optimization is then carried out, and results show that the motion amplitudes can be increased compared to the initial design of the motor. Some experiments on prototypes show that the travel range of the motor has been increased while decreasing the applied voltage by a factor of 2.


We investigated the optimum adhesive thickness for athermalizing an elastomeric lens mount in our space optics application. Theoretical results were compared with finite element solutions using two different models; discrete circular pads and discrete circular pads with columns filling the insertion holes reflecting the reality. A noticeable difference between their optimal thicknesses was observed, and physical interpretation revealed the uncertainty of prevailing athermal equations. A pilot sample was made to check our results and thermo-optical stress was assessed using an interferometer after isothermal load. This study presented insight into preliminary design guidance in elastomeric lens mounting.


Objectives: Condurango (Gonolobus condurango) extract is used by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners as a traditional medicine, including homeopathy, mainly for the treatment of syphilis. Condurango bark extract is also known to reduce tumor volume, but the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. Methods: Using a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) as our model, the molecular events behind condurango extract's (CE's) anticancer effect were investigated by using flow cytometry, immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Other included cell types were prostate cancer cells (PC3), transformed liver cells (WRL-68), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results: Condurango extract (CE) was found to be cytotoxic against target cells, and this was significantly deactivated in the presence of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that its action could be mediated through ROS generation. CE caused an increase in the HeLa cell population containing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage at the G zero/Growth 1 (G0/G1) stage. Further, CE increased the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and the fas receptor (FasR) levels both at the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and the protein levels, indicating that CE might have a cytotoxic mechanism of action. CE also triggered a sharp decrease in the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB ) both at the RNA and the protein levels, a possible route to attenuation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and caused an opening of the mitochondrial membrane's permeability transition (MPT) pores, thus enhancing caspase activities. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest possible pathways for CE mediated cytotoxicity in model cancer cells.


Open pit mining operations typically rely upon data from a Fleet Management Systems (FMS) in order to calculate Key Performance Indicators (KPI's). For production and maintenance planning and reporting purposes, these KPI's typically include Mechanical Availability, Physical Availability, Utilization, Production Utilization, Effective Utilization, and Capital Effectiveness, as well as Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). This thesis examined the datasets from FMS's from two different software vendors. For each FMS, haul truck fleet data from a separate mine site was analyzed. Both mine sites had similar haul trucks, and similar fleet sizes. From a qualitative perspective, it was observed that inconsistent labelling (assignment) of activities to time categories is a major impediment to FMS data quality. From a quantitative perspective, it was observed that the datasets from both FMS vendors contained a surprisingly high proportion of very short duration states, which are indicative of either data corruption (software / hardware issues) or human error (operator input issues) – which further compromised data quality. In addition, the datasets exhibited a mismatch (i.e. lack of one-to-one correspondence) between Repair events and Unscheduled Maintenance Down Time states, as well between Functional-Failure events and Production states. A technique for processing FMS data, to yield valid Functional Failure events and valid Repair events was developed, to enable accurate calculation of MTBF and MTTR. A concept for identifying data quality issues in FMS data, based upon an examination of feasible durations for Production states (TBF's) and Unscheduled Maintenance states (TTR's), was developed and implemented through the duration-based filtering of both these categories of state. The sensitivity of the KPI's in question to duration based filtering was thoroughly investigated, for both TBF and TTR filtering, and the consistent trends in the behavior of these KPI's in response to the filtering were demonstrated. These results have direct relevance to continuous improvement processes applied to haul truck fleets.


A Mobile ad hoc network is a collection of wireless nodes, all of which may be mobile, that dynamically create a wireless network amongst them without using any infrastructure. Ad hoc wireless networks come into being solely by peer-to-peer interactions among their constituent mobile nodes, and it is only such interactions that are used to provide the necessary control and administrative functions supporting such networks. Mobile hosts are no longer just end systems; each node must be able to function as a router as well to relay packets generated by other nodes. As the nodes move in and out of range with respect to other nodes, including those that are operating as routers, the resulting topology changes must somehow be communicated to all other nodes as appropriate. In accommodating the communication needs of the user applications, the limited bandwidth of wireless channels and their generally hostile transmission characteristics impose additional constraints on how much administrative and control information may be exchanged, and how often. Ensuring effective routing is one of the greatest challenges for ad hoc networking. As a practice, ad hoc routing protocols make routing decisions based on individual node mobility even for applications such as disaster recovery, battlefield combat, conference room interactions, and collaborative computing etc. that are shown to follow a pattern. In this thesis we propose an algorithm that performs routing based on underlying mobility patterns. A mobility pattern aware routing algorithm is shown to have several distinct advantages such as (a) A more precise view of the entire network topology as the nodes move (b) A more precise view of the location of the individual nodes (c) Ability to predict with reasonably accuracy the future locations of nodes (d) Ability to switch over to an alternate route before a link is disrupted due to node movements. iii Acknowledgements


The movement of nutrients and organisms between habitats provide important spatial subsidies on local and regional scales, resulting in increased primary and secondary production, especially where inputs supplement habitats of relatively low levels of comparable resources. In coastal south-western Australia, the brown kelp, Ecklonia radiata, is produced in large quantities on offshore reefs from where it detaches and passes through neighbouring habitats. This allochthonous resource is present in large quantities in seagrass meadows and thereby potentially influences the trophic dynamics of this habitat, providing an additional food source for grazers to those produced in situ. This study investigated the effects of the large detached kelp on mesograzer trophic dynamics in Posidonia and Amphibolis seagrass meadows. Laboratory choice and no-choice feeding experiments tested whether preferential consumption of the kelp occurred in comparison to autochthonous resources by two locally abundant gastropods, Pyrene bidentata and Cimtharidus lepidus. Results from the feeding experiments demonstrated that both species of gastropod did not preferentially consume fresh or aged kelp, but the rates of consumption were generally similar to locally abundant periphyton and red algae that are epiphytes on seagrass leaves. In comparison, the gastropods consistently avoided consumption of seagrass leaves. Field experiments were conducted at four sites during winter to measure the effects of mesograzer consumption of kelp in different dominant seagrass habitats and at different proximities to reef to encompass a range of landscape-scale effects on seagrass meadows. There were no significant effects of any main factor in the field experiment, due to an apparen~ lack of grazing of the large detached kelp by the mesograzers in the seagrass meadows. High variability influenced the consistency of the results, which may have been a result of cage artefacts, bacterial decomposition, or physical abrasion. Overall, the results suggest that, although seagrass-inhabiting mesograzerS are capable of consuming detached E. radiata, consumption was either absent or not detected, possibly due to the high availability of autochthonous resources in seagrass meadows. Thus, it is possible that this allochthonous food source provides a negligible spatial subsidy to mesograzers in a habitat where comparable food resources are relatively unlimited, matching empirical thought. However, additional studies during different seasons and at different locations are necessary to further investigate these conclusions, to assess if allochthonous resources influence seagrass meadow trophic dynamics when in situ food limitation occurs.


Ingestion of the rat poison N-3-pyridylmethyl-N'-p-nitrophenylurea (PNU) produced ocular toxicity in three humans and in an animal model, the Dutch Belted rabbit. The electroretinogram b wave was especially susceptible to the effects of the rodenticide, and the target tissue appeared to be the retinal pigment epithelium. Injection of PNU itself did not produce ocular toxicity. The poison had to be administered orally. Gentamicin administered orally with PNU prevented the ocular toxicity. Presumably this antibiotic killed those gastrointestinal bacteria responsible for PNU's metabolism into an ocular toxin. L-tryptophan, a known antidote for the lethal effects of PNU, was an antidote for the ocular toxicity when administered orally but not when administered parenterally.


Rural women play significant roles in both food and cash crop production, however, the majority of them lack access to productive resources, including information. To enhance the process of development and to ensure that rural women participate in and benefit from rural development processes, it is important that productive resources such as land, technology and information are made accessible to them. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which rural women access gender and development information. It therefore investigated how the rural information delivery system is organised and operates in order to gain an understanding of the factors which hamper the accessibility of information to the majority of rural women. This understanding will enable rural development planners and information professionals to design and implement information services which are accessible to all members of the rural community. In conducting this study in the Tanga region of Tanzania, a sample of 773 households was drawn from an estimated 155,863 households to acquire a sample of rural women. A structured interview protocol was used to collect data from the rural women. A total of 64 human information providers out of a total of 90 targeted to be included in the study, was interviewed. Data was also collected through document reviews and informal discussion with key informants at regional and district levels as well as through personal observations during field work. The findings of the study indicate that at least 40 percent of rural women are still functionally illiterate and at least 30 percent head rural households. Tt:1e majority of them still live in poverty with limited incomes. On the other hand the information providers are predominantly male, constituting a male/female ratio of 3: 1. The information needs of rural women are practical and strategic in nature. Information providers used are mainly friends and relatives, village leaders, health extension workers and hospitals and clinics. The communications used in information exchange processes are oral in nature with face to face communication being the main channel used. Formal sources of information such as printed and audio-visual sources are rarely used. Furthermore, this study has shown that socio-economic factors impact on levels of access and use of information providers. Information made accessible to women is mainly health information, followed by community affairs which is mainly about community problems discussed at village meetings. Very few women benefit from rural training programmes and information on development projects because these are limited to specific project areas. Information delivered is therefore not adequate to satisfy rural women's needs whereas information accessed is moderately relevant as far as their health information needs are concerned. The main barriers to rural women's access to information include: workload, attitudes of information providers, customs and traditions and non availability of other sources such as printed and audio-visual sources, as well as low income and relatively low education levels of women. This study has identified several weaknesses in the rural information delivery system which need to be addressed. It is therefore recommended that in order to make information readily accessible to the majority of women, there is a need (i) to formulate gender sensitive policies and institute mechanisms for implementation, which should include the training of information providers in gender issues in services-provision; (ii) to make available adequate financial resources to support rural information seryices; (iii) to use a variety of sources of information to cater for ; the heterogenous needs of users; (iv) to have a political will not only to address gender issues but also to sensitize entire rural communities to gender issues.


Purpose: Road transport aspects are becoming increasingly important due to their high impact on economic, environmental and social sustainability. Considering the triple bottom line approach, best practices play a fundamental role within organisations. The purpose of this paper is to analyse several sustainable initiatives in road transport adopted by companies. Design/methodology/approach: The findings were developed and evaluated based on empirical data captured through a survey of 98 professionals involved in logistics and transport activities. Additionally, key literature on transport initiatives was reviewed to supplement the framework for the implementation of best practices in road transport. Findings: The exploratory study shows the importance of each best practice and determines the level of implementation of each initiative, comparing the results among different dealers (retailers, wholesalers, carriers and manufacturers), type of transport fleet and companies' revenues. Research limitations/implications: The sample of 98 companies was based on simple search filters and the group is not wholly representative of all sectors. Respondents were mainly managers from Spain involved in logistics and transport activities. Surveyed companies included manufacturing, retailers, wholesalers and third-party logistics providers. Practical implications: The most common best practices in road transport are identified, including initiatives related to: efficiency, reusability, safety, optimization, emissions, waste and recycling. Initiatives that influence road transport are ranked by their degree of implementation in the companies analysed.  Social implications: Implementation of some of these best practices may help lessen negative impacts of road transport on society and the environment. Originality/value: The study results indicate which practices are most frequently used and their level of implementation depending on companies' roles in the supply chain, revenues and types of transport fleet. By implementing the proposed best practices, companies will adopt sustainable behaviors to improve their transport performance.


This population-based study (N = 908,468) examines the effects of spousal loss on being absent from work due to illness or injury (sickness absence) among employed individuals in Norway. Fixed-effects models capturing antecedent and short- and long-term effects of spousal loss over a 15-year period were estimated to explore gender and age differences in the impact of widowhood. The crisis model, the social-role model, and the life course perspective are discussed. Furthermore, the study calls into question whether parenthood explains the gendered age gradient of the widowhood effect. The results show that the theoretical relevance of the crisis and social-role models is best understood in dialogue with a gendered life course approach. The results show that the crisis response is especially high among young widowers, whereas the recovery period is markedly prolonged among young widows. Parenthood at the time of widowhood explains much of the age difference among widowers and widows.


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Small vessel disease and related stroke and dementia risks are linked to aging and hypertension, but it is unclear whether the pulsatile or steady blood pressure (BP) component is more important for the development of macrostructural hyperintensities and microstructural white matter damage. This was a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank cohort study of community-based adults from 22 UK centers. Linear associations were determined between neuroimaging markers (white matter hyperintensity [WMH] volume and diffusion imaging indices) and mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure (PP), both unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, antihypertensive medication, BP source, and assessment center. In 37 041 participants aged 45 to 82 years (53% female), univariable analyses demonstrated that increases in both BP components were associated with greater WMH volume and white matter injury on diffusion indices, with a larger effect for PP (standardized effect size for WMH: mean arterial BP: 0.182 [95% CIs, 0.170–0.193]; PP: 0.285 [95% CIs, 0.274–0.296]). In multivariable analyses, associations with mean arterial pressure remained similar, but associations with PP diminished, reflecting covariance with age and risk factors (standardized effect size for WMH: mean arterial BP: 0.106 [95% CIs, 0.095–0.117]; PP: 0.011 [95% CIs, −0.001 to 0.023]). The synergistic interaction between PP and age increased the effect of age on WMH and diffusion indices. Both macrostructural and microstructural white matter injury had similar associations with the pulsatile and steady components of hypertension, although PP accentuated the relationship between age and white matter damage.


Proliferation of smart mobile devices and their applications demand Mobile Network
Operators (MNOs) to expand their infrastructure to address coverage and capacity issues.
Cellular networks, with their current in
fl
exible and expensive network infrastructure, are
facing various challenges in ef
fi
ciently handling the exponentially growing traf
fi
c demands
of users. MNOs have started dense deployment of Long Term Evolution (LTE) Heteroge-
neous Networks (HetNets) with various small cells (Femto Base Stations (FBSs), pico, mi-
cro,
 etc.
) under overlaying Macro cells for expanding network coverage and offering higher
data rates. To further augment capacity of cellular networks, Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) are
also being deployed by MNOs. However, dense deployment of small cells increases con-
trol plane complexity in handling Radio Access Network (RAN) tasks like load balancing,
interference management, mobility management and energy savings. In distributed LTE-
RANs, in order to solve RAN control plane tasks ef
fi
ciently, various cells need to exchange
a lot of messages over X2 interface. Moreover, deployment of a lot of small cells can lead
to higher energy consumption. Besides, changing existing solutions or incorporating new
solutions can lead to increase in capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure
(OPEX) of operators. Aforementioned issues raised need of simpli
fi
cation of control and
management tasks and ef
fi
cient usage of radio resources in wireless networks such as LTE
HetNets and IEEE 802.11 based Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). This could be
achieved by adopting novel networking paradigms which could simplify the task of net-
work management and control tasks, and allow faster deployment of newer solutions on
top of existing network hardware equipment by software updates/upgrades. Software De-
fi
ned Networking (SDN) is one such revolutionary paradigm which makes networks more
agile and
fl
exible by separation of data plane and control plane tasks.
In this thesis work, in order to offer seamless mobility in multi-channel enterprise
WLANs environment, a programmable WLAN architecture is used. Speci
fi
cally, a seam-
less load-aware hand-off algorithm is proposed and its performance is evaluated on a Soft-
ware De
fi
ned WLAN (SD-WLAN) testbed. Proposed load-aware hand-off algorithm not
only offers seamless mobility in enterprise WLAN, it also effectively utilizes neighbor APs
for offering load balance in the network. Besides, in order to provide programmable,
fl
exi-
ble and scalable solutions for LTE-RAN, a Software De
fi
ned-LTE-Radio Access Network
(SD-LTE-RAN) framework is proposed using OpenFlow enabled eNodeBs (OFeNBs).
Proposed SD-LTE-RAN framework is implemented in NS-3 simulator with OpenFlow
module and then used for evaluating the performance of various load balance algorithms
and cell switch-off mechanisms.
Exponential growth of mobile traf
fi
c can cause exorbitant load even in LTE networks.
vii
As User Equipments (UEs) are typically associated with a near-by cell (eNB), spatio-
temporal variation in traf
fi
c demands makes the LTE networks suffer from load imbalance
problem. Due to the distributed nature of eNB operation in LTE-RAN, traditional solu-
tions to tackle load imbalance problem could lead to excessive overhead over X2 interface.
Hence, managing densely deployed cells is very challenging in the existing distributed LTE
RAN. In this thesis work, load imbalance issue is addressed by proposing a novel Quality of
Service (QoS) Aware Load Balance (QALB) algorithm on the SD-LTE-RAN framework.
For taking load balance decisions, the QALB algorithm considers loads of neighbor cells,
QoS pro
fi
les of UEs and their expected throughputs
 w.r.t.
 neighbor cells. Unlike existing
load balance algorithms, it does not change handover-offset parameters of cells to avoid
ping pong
 handovers. The QALB runs in linear time in terms of number of cells and UEs,
and hence it is suitable for real-time deployment of LTE networks. In various load bal-
ance experiments conducted in NS-3, proposed QALB algorithm is able to maintain better
QoS data rates (
>
80% of their con
fi
gured Guaranteed Bit Rates (GBRs)) for more than
70% of the cells in the network, while existing load balance solutions are able to do the
same for only 50% of the cells in the network. In overall, the QALB algorithm is able to
decrease the total network overload by 15% compared to existing solutions. We also eval-
uated the QALB algorithm in mobility scenarios and identi
fi
ed that it is able to decrease
average network overload by 10% compared to existing solutions. To evaluate the network
wide fair load distribution, we de
fi
ned Load Balance Index (LBI) using Jain's Fairness In-
dex and found that QALB is also able maintain better LBI compared to existing solutions.
Moreover, control ovehead of QALB and existing load balance algorithms is same on the
proposed framework.
In this thesis work, in order to reduce energy costs of the HetNets, we propose an in-
terference and QoS aware cell switch-off strategy (IQ-CSOS) on the SD-LTE-RAN frame-
work. The IQ-CSOS runs in polynomial time in terms of number of Macros, small cells
and UEs. Unlike existing CSOSs, in selection of cells for switch-off and subsequent han-
dover of their associated UEs to overlaying Macros, IQ-CSOS considers both traf
fi
c load
of small cells and their cross-tier interference effect on the Macros. Hence, IQ-CSOS is
able to provide higher energy savings. In evaluation, unlike existing works, we investi-
gated both network energy costs and QoS satisfaction of sessions during CSOS decisions.
In performance evaluation carried out in NS-3 under various test scenarios, it is observed
that IQ-CSOS is able to provide 50-80% of network energy savings in terms of small cells
energy consumption. Besides, it is able to provide 30% more energy savings compared to
existing CSOSs with marginal affect on QoS in the network. Moreover, control ovehead of
IQ-CSOS and existing CSOSs is same on the proposed framework


Pulmonary vascular development is essential for proper lung development, and its disturbance can lead to neonatal morbidity and mortality, as exemplified in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) appear to be key molecules in physiologic angiogenesis and in certain forms of lung pathology, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Little is known about the qualitative and quantitative expression of HIFs in normal human fetal lung development. Therefore, we investigated the expression of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α, along with their upstream regulators and downstream targets, von Hippel-Lindau protein, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and its receptor, VEGFR-2, in 20 normal human fetal lungs (13.5 weeks in gestation until term) and 5 adult lungs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a positive correlation between HIF-2α and VEGF-A expression and gestational age. Although there appeared to be a decreasing trend in HIF-3α expression during pregnancy, it did not reach statistical significance. Immunohistochemistry for HIF-1α and HIF-2α revealed that HIF-1α is expressed in the epithelium, while HIF-2α is expressed in both interstitium and epithelium. Our data indicate that HIFs, most notably HIF-2α, appear to exert an important role in angiogenesis during human fetal lung development, especially in the last phases of pregnancy, preparing the fetus for extrauterine life. As such, our results form the baseline data for the evaluation and interpretation of abnormal pulmonary vascular development.


This PhD thesis presents the outcome of exploratory research on how transition
experiments can be used as instruments to further sustainable development. A
transition experiment is a specific type of innovation project that is aimed at
exploring radically new ways to meet societal needs, such as the need for energy,
mobility and health care. Transition experiments are a key instrument of the
governance approach Transition Management (TM), which has recently been developed
and applied to influence and direct transitions towards sustainability. This book
presents a conceptual framework for analysing and managing transition experiments
and their potential contribution to sustainability transitions. Central concepts in
this framework are the mechanisms deepening (learning in a specific context),
broadening (linking and repeating in different contexts) and scaling-up (embedding
in established ways of thinking, doing and organising). The framework was developed
in interaction with practitioners in three Dutch sustainability programmes: Learning
for Sustainable Development, Transumo (TRANsition to SUstainable MObility) and the
Transition Programme in Long-term Care.
The practice-oriented concepts and examples that are described in this book could
provide researchers, policy makers, programme managers and project leaders with a
new way of looking at the role of innovation projects in transitions to sustainable
development.


In this paper, we report on a gigabit capacity fiber-wireless system that enables smooth integration between high-speed wireless networks and dense wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM) access networks. By employing a centralized optical frequency comb, both the wireline and the wireless services for each DWDM user can be simultaneously supported. Besides, each baseband channel can be transparently upconverted tomultiple radio-frequency (RF) bands for different wireless standards, which can be flexibly filtered at the end user to select the on-demand RF band, depending on the wireless applications. For demonstration, we transmit a 2.5 Gbit/s signal through the proposed system and successfully achieve a bit-error-rate (BER) performance well below the 7% overhead forward error correction limit of the BER of 2 × 10-3 for both the wireline and the wireless signals in the 60 GHz band after 25 km single-mode fiber plus up to 6 m wireless distance.


Humans have always been the vital components of complex operations, notably including aviation. They remain so even as sophisticated automation systems are introduced, changing – but not eliminating – the role of the human relative to the collective work required to achieve mission performance. Automation designers and certification agencies are interested in methods to predict and model how complex operations can be performed by teams of humans and automated agents. This paper proposes that the combined activities of both human and automation required by a proposed design can best be captured by focusing on modeling the work inherent to a complex operation. As a fundamental first step, the overall concept of operations spanning all the work activities can be examined for its feasibility in nominal and off-nominal conditions. These activities can then also be examined to see whether the demands they place upon the human agents in the system are feasible and facilitate the human's ability to contribute, rather than assuming unreasonable situations such as excessive workload, boredom, incoherent task descriptions, excessive monitoring requirements, etc. Further, trade-offs in distributing these activities across agents (both human and automated) can be evaluated in terms of task-interleaving created by the distribution of activity and in terms of the 'interaction overhead' associated with communication and coordination between agents required for a given distribution. A description of a modeling and simulation framework capable of modeling work is provided along with an analysis framework to evaluate proposed complex operations.


In his autobiography, Chief Justice Earl Warren described Baker v.Carr as "the most important case of [his] tenure on the Court." Following Brown v. Board of Education by eight years, Baker was the second "blockbuster" case of the Warren Court. Warren felt that, if the progeny of Baker had preceded Brown, Brown would have been unnecessary. As with other major Supreme Court cases, Baker featured rhetoric from highly influential justices, two of whom in this case were Justice William Brennan and Justice Felix Frankfurter. Justice Brennan would write the groundbreaking opinion for the Court that would be part of "the critical mass of the Brennan legacy." Justice Frankfurter would write a scathing dissent that would defend the status quo staunchly. Although the case contained various opinions, the opinions of Brennan and Frankfurter were particularly important, especially because of how well they contrasted the respective judicial philosophies of their authors. Brennan's instrumentalist philosophy in the majority opinion looked to use the federal courts to promote justice for urban voters, while Frankfurter's Holmesian philosophy in a lengthy dissent aimed to pass the problem of fair representation along to Congress for resolution. This article takes a retrospective look at how the two differing judicial philosophies of Brennan and Frankfurter, instrumentalist and Holmesian in nature, vied to influence the outcome of Baker v. Carr. To do so, the article initially provides an overview of four major judicial philosophies, including instrumentalism, Holmesianism, formalism, and natural law. Consideration of all four judicial philosophies provides for a more thorough understanding of instrumentalism and Holmesianism. Next, the article offers background on the Baker case. After offering background on the case, the article identifies the various philosophical ingredients at work in the opinions of Brennan and Frankfurter. Finally, the article makes some observations regarding the judicial philosophies at work in the two main opinions in Baker.


With the prospect of further trade liberalisation the question for developing and vulnerable countries of how best to manage the adjustment process consecutive to reform needs clearer answers. This paper discusses the process of adjustment for developing countries, highlighting three motives for policy intervention during this process: equity, efficiency and political economy. Because these motives for intervention will necessarily arise, and also because their interplay - not always negative as complementarities may arise - it is necessary to get maximum clarity about the policy objective behind any adjustment policy. It is likely that the balance of equity, efficiency and political economy motives will be different in developing countries than in more developed ones, and vary across countries, thus calling for careful consideration of the context of each reform. The simple analysis grid suggested in this paper is discussed over the specific dimension of developing countries' characteristics. Examples of what is thought as desirable and less desirable policies are then discussed.


There is an extensive amount of literature utilising the emotional Stroop task (EST) to investigate attentional processes underlying a range of psychological conditions. Relatively fewer studies have specifically examined the impact of different Stroop stimuli presentation methods (i.e., blocked or mixed presentation of words). The aim of this study was to directly investigate this issue using an online version of the task. After an initial practice trial, 117 Psychology students (19 Male, 98 Female) were randomly allocated to either a random or counterbalanced blocked condition. Demographic information and level of psychological distress (K10) were also collected. Results indicated that there were no significant differences between blocked and random conditions on attentional interference. Further analysis indicated that random presentation produced significantly higher levels of response latencies to emotional words in participants with high levels of psychological distress. These data add to the methodological debate surrounding the use of blocked vs. random presentation of Stroop stimuli. Implications of these results for assessing control and clinical groups using the EST are discussed.


Pharminterkom 2013 was hosted on the west coast of Ireland in Doonbeg, in the county of Clare. The venue was a castle, with all the bells and whistles of the modern world incorporated into the history of the old Irish folk.
The meeting was held in the piano room of the main lodge, and started with the country reports of the attending participants, namely Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, England, Ireland and South Africa. Dr Johann Kruger and I represented South Africa. Unfortunately, Johan Bothma was unable to attend. Several new delegates brought fresh ideas and perspectives to the meeting.


Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent dual impairments in Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is little existing research that investigates the problems and complaints that these disorders share. The purpose of this study was to determine what types and levels of visual and attentional deficits that may be evident among polytrauma populations and to establish quantitative profiles of visual attention performance in those with isolated PTSD diagnosis, versus those with comorbidity of PTSD and TBI. We used a lateralized version of the Attention Network Task to measure the speed and accuracy with which subjects can shift attention to locations in the visual field, therefore, measuring hemispheric asymmetries in attentional performance. Overall, we found that TBI patients were slower and less accurate in their attentional performance when compared to PTSD and Control groups. We found that these deficits were worse when TBI patients were presented with spatial cue and no-cue conditions when the stimuli were presented to the left visual field (LVF) and processed by the right hemisphere (RH). We also found substantially higher intra-subject variability of TBI patient responses when compared to PTSD and Control Groups. Our results also indicate that TBI patients who self-report relatively high levels of attention problems in everyday activities performed significantly worse on behavioral measures of attention when orienting to the LVF, indicating a RH deficit.


When making a decision, we draw upon multiple mnemonic resources to inform our behavior and to ideally produce a good outcome. Multiple memory systems guide this process, including a medial temporal lobe (MTL) system and a striatal system. The MTL provides episodic details about specific instances of prior experience, whereas the striatum provides a prediction about possible outcomes based upon a fusion of many prior experiences. While both of these systems are assumed to support decision behavior, extricating their discrete contributions has been challenging. Using neuroimaging and computational reinforcement learning, this study investigated the extent to which the MTL and striatal systems are co-active during single-exposure learning and how these systems each support subsequent behavior. This was done in the context of a single-exposure deterministic decision-making task that separated encoding processes from subsequent decision-making processes. Human subjects learned to associate words with monetary feedback in a single decision experience. They then used that information to make better choices in a subsequent round without feedback. Activity in MTL regions predicted episodic memory accuracy and correlated with subsequent decision accuracy and response times. Additionally, the MTL supported a model-based reinforcement learning process wherein initial decision experiences were used to build a model of the environment that was then used to prospectively formulate future decision outcome predictions. Activity in striatal regions also correlated with subsequent decision accuracy and response times, but did not relate to memory accuracy. The striatum supported a model-free reinforcement learning process wherein predictions about decision outcomes were generated from a retrospective accumulation of prior decision experiences. Together, these results implicate both the MTL and striatum as essential substrates to single-exposure learning, but underscore that these systems operate in fundamentally different ways. The MTL is associated with prospective learning, wherein single instances of prior experience can be leveraged to inform subsequent choice. The striatum, in contrast, is associated with retrospective learning, wherein a history of experience is required to build reliable predictions about subsequent choices. In combination, the MTL system seems to support decision behavior until the striatal system has had enough experience to refine predictions about outcomes.


The sea target detection problem from thermal (IR) images is solved by using statistical classification methods. Background modelling is achieved via principle component analysis (PCA) followed by a two-class Bayes classification step, i.e., target or sea. A wavelet-denoising block is added to the system resulting in a significant increase in the detection performance. K-means clustering is also implemented to explore the target detection accuracy without training. It is concluded that the PCA training provides high detection accuracy while the K-means clustering mostly fails to classify sea targets.


In its Top-20 Security Risks report for 2007, the SANS Institute called brute-force password guessing attacks against SSH, FTP and telnet servers "the most common form of attack to compromise servers facing the Internet." A recent study also suggests that Linux systems may play an important role in the command and control networks for botnets. Defending against brute-force SSH attacks may therefore prove to be a key factor in the effort to disrupt these networks. In this paper, we report on a study of brute-force SSH attacks observed on three very different networks: an Internet-connected small business network, a residential system with a DSL Internet connection, and a university campus network. The similarities observed in the methods used to attack these disparate systems are quite striking. The evidence suggests that many brute-force attacks are based on pre-compiled lists of usernames and passwords, which are widely shared. Analysis of the passwords used in actual malicious traffic suggests that the common understanding of what constitutes a strong password may not be sufficient to protect systems from compromise. Study data are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of techniques designed to defend against these attacks.


Feature Issue on Passive Optical Network Architectures and TechnologiesAn architecture employing a centralized light source and reflective modulator at the customer is proposed and demonstrated for a long-reach, hybrid dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM)-time-division multiplexed (TDM) passive optical network (PON). Impairments to the upstream channel caused by Rayleigh backscattering in the network are mitigated using a dual-feeder-fiber approach in conjunction with a novel detuned filtering and spectral-broadening scheme. The experimental results show that the network, with a total reach of 116km and an upstream bit rate of 10Gbits/s, can support up to 256 customers on each TDM PON. The potential performance improvements obtainable from an optimized architecture are also discussed.


Due to higher resolutions and refresh rates, as well as more photorealistic effects, real-time rendering has become increasingly challenging for video games and emerging virtual reality headsets. To meet this demand, modern graphics hardware and game engines often reduce the computational cost by rendering at a lower resolution and then upsampling to the native resolution. Following the recent advances in image and video superresolution in computer vision, we propose a machine learning approach that is specifically tailored for high-quality upsampling of rendered content in real-time applications. The main insight of our work is that in rendered content, the image pixels are point-sampled, but precise temporal dynamics are available. Our method combines this specific information that is typically available in modern renderers (i.e., depth and dense motion vectors) with a novel temporal network design that takes into account such specifics and is aimed at maximizing video quality while delivering real-time performance. By training on a large synthetic dataset rendered from multiple 3D scenes with recorded camera motion, we demonstrate high fidelity and temporally stable results in real-time, even in the highly challenging 4 × 4 upsampling scenario, significantly outperforming existing superresolution and temporal antialiasing work.


Whether in felling trees for wood, rearing insects for biological control, or culling animals for conservation purposes, efficient management of biological systems requires quantitative analysis of population growth and harvesting policies. Aiming to encourage the exchange of ideas among scientists involved in the management of fisheries, wildlife, forest stands, and pest control, the authors of this work present a general framework for modeling populations that reproduce seasonally and that have age or stage structure as an essential component of management strategy. The book represents the first time that examples from such diverse areas of biological resource management have been brought together in a unified modeling framework using the standard notation of mathematical systems theory. In addition, the authors combine a nonlinear extension of Leslie matrix theory and certain linear elements, thereby permitting interesting analytical results and the creation of compact, realistic simulation models of resource systems.


Abstract:A simultaneous sensitivity analysis assesses how sensitive an inference of a non-zero treatment effect is to an unobserved confounder with a specified relationship to the treatment and response. Gastwirth et al. (1998) develops a method of simultaneous sensitivity analysis that can be used after 1:1 matching; Small et al. (2009) modifies the method so that it can be applied after 1:k and full matching. This paper describes the commands pairsimsens and arsimsens, which implement, respectively, the analyses of Gastwirth et al. (1998) and Small et al. (2009) in Stata. The .ado and .hlp files for the software presented in the paper are provided in a .zip file in the supplementary materials.


Purpose: To investigate whether the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are predictive on treatment response and survival in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Patients and Methods: Serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and obtained before, midway, and 1-month after the end of preoperative radiotherapy treatment. The prognostic significance of serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and their association with other pathological findings for LARC patients were evaluated. Results: Serum levels of MMP-2 or MMP-9 were found to decrease with increasing clinical stage and negative correlation was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in tumor response and survival between the low and high MMP-2 and MMP-9 groups. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were not correlated with local-regional recurrence. Conclusions: We propose that serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 are not predictive on treatment response and survival in LARC patients.


The text-book LLL algorithm can be sped up considerably by replacing the underlying rational arithmetic used for the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalisation by floating-point approximations. We review how this modification has been and is currently implemented, both in theory and in practice. Using floating-point approximations seems to be natural for LLL even from the theoretical point of view: it is the key to reach a bit-complexity which is quadratic with respect to the bit-length of the input vectors entries, without fast integer multiplication. The latter bit-complexity strengthens the connection between LLL and Euclid's gcd algorithm. On the practical side, the LLL implementer may weaken the provable variants in order to further improve their efficiency: we emphasise on these techniques. We also consider the practical behaviour of the floating-point LLL algorithms, in particular their output distribution, their running-time and their numerical behaviour. After 25 years of implementation, many questions motivated by the practical side of LLL remain open.


In a Bayesian linear model, suppose observation y = Hx + n stems from independent inputs x and n which are Gaussian mixture (GM) distributed. With known matrix H, the minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator for x, has analytical form. However, its performance measure, the MMSE itself, has no such closed form. Because existing Bayesian MMSE bounds prove to have limited practical value under these settings, we instead seek analytical bounds for the MMSE, both upper and lower. This paper provides such bounds, and relates them to the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR).


This paper addresses the problem of delivering data packets for highly dynamic mobile ad hoc networks in a reliable and timely manner. Most existing ad hoc routing protocols are susceptible to node mobility, especially for large-scale networks. Driven by this issue, we propose an efficient Position-based Opportunistic Petal Routing (OPR) protocol which takes advantage of the stateless property of geographic routing and the broadcast nature of wireless medium. In the case of communication hole, a Virtual Destination-based Void Handling (VDVH) scheme is further proposed to work together with OPR. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that OPR achieves excellent performance even under high node mobility with acceptable overhead and the new void handling scheme also works well. Index Terms — Geographic routing, opportunistic forwarding, Petal routing, reliable data delivery, void handling, mobile ad


This guide was developed for UTEP's English for Speakers of Other Languages program. This guide will help you navigate the Library resources for ESOL for any level.


Instructor: Richard Branson, with TAs Ernest Shackleton and Cormac McCarthy Course Description: The world will end, is ending, has ended. Nuclear winter, Yellowstone's supervolcano, robot zombies or zombie robots -what do you do now? If you're dead, then nothing except come back and harvest the living. But if you've managed to somehow survive total devastation with at least half of your original limb count, then you have options. This course will teach you to hone those options into life-saving (or -damning) skills.


This thesis studies cycles in commodity markets. Such fluctuations have significant adverse effects on consumers and producers. The properties of commodity price fluctuations are well known. However, there is considerable disagreement about the underlying causes of market fluctuations. Understanding such cycles is essential for policy analysis. We analyze the case of recently deregulated electricity markets, where several authors have expressed a concern that capacity cycles may emerge. The potential occurrence of cycles represents a major threat to electricity security, since there could be periods with insufficient capacity to satisfy demand followed by periods with excess capacity and unsustainably low prices. Traditional economic literature argues that oscillations are caused by external shocks. We explore an alternative explanation that comes from the internal structure of the system. The method is laboratory experiments. To link to the existing literature we start by investigating the simplest economic model of cycles (the Cobweb model) with standard conditions, linear demand, and constant costs. Step by step, we add complexity (and realism) to the simple model. We introduce long lifetimes of production capacity and then we introduce a two period investment lag in addition to long lifetimes. Consistent with previous experiments and the rational expectations hypothesis, we find no evidence of cycles in the basic design and in the capacity lifetime treatment. Average prices are close to Cournot Nash equilibrium with a bias towards competitive prices. In the investment lag treatment, however, variance and autocorrelation analysis indicate cyclical tendencies. In a follow up experiment we introduce a constant price elasticity with dynamic demand adjustment. The experiment gives rise to larger and asymmetric fluctuations similar to observed commodity prices (e.g. sugar and coffee prices). In a third experiment, we increase the frequency of decisions. We observe oscillatory behaviour in investment activity and prices. The cyclical tendency is stronger than in the previous experiments, and the results corroborate assumptions made in previous simulation studies of electricity markets. In a fourth paper, we look at empirical evidence of fluctuations in some electricity markets in South America. While the time-series are not long enough to conclude that there are systematic fluctuations, we observe that both Brazil and Chile have experienced very small reserve margins, electricity supply crises, and considerable shortages of electricity. The likely cause is lack of investments in new generation capacity. Argentina and Colombia have high reserve margins and very low spot prices, largely because of the deep recessions in their respective economies. The thesis contributes to a better understanding of endogenous causes of market fluctuations. This should call for an increased interest in market models that include supply and demand side dynamics. Also, the findings should serve as a motivation to search for alternative stabilising policies in existing markets, particularly in markets where deregulation is considered.


Abstract. Communal oviposition in the Afrotropical blackfly species complex Simulium damnosum Theobald (Diptera: Simuliidae) is mediated by a pheromone emitted by freshly laid eggs. Previously, two compounds (designated peaks A and B) emanating from fresh eggs were shown to be associated with attractiveness to gravid blackflies in bioassay. The present study investigated the role of these compounds by testing the responses of wild‐caught Simulium yahense in Ghana to fractionated hexane extracts of gravid ovaries prepared by gas chromatography (GC). Although the fractions were prepared from Sierra Leonean Simulium leonense, GC analysis of the emissions from fresh S.yahense eggs showed that the volatile blends of both species were similar. When tested in a two‐choice bioassay, 66% of ovipositing blackflies chose the substrate baited with a mixture of the four fractions recombined. In a series of bioassays testing responses to the four individual fractions presented with a control in a multiple‐choice arrangement, only fraction 3 (containing peaks A and B) attracted significantly more ovipositions than the other fractions and control. However, fraction 3 failed to elicit a significant response when presented as the sole attractant with a control in a two‐choice bioassay. It was concluded that fraction3, though mainly responsible for mediating aggregated oviposition by S.yahense, was acting in tandem with additional cues, probably further chemicals, which remain to be isolated and characterized.


The FlowNet demonstrated that optical flow estimation can be cast as a learning problem. However, the state of the art with regard to the quality of the flow has still been defined by traditional methods. Particularly on small displacements and real-world data, FlowNet cannot compete with variational methods. In this paper, we advance the concept of end-to-end learning of optical flow and make it work really well. The large improvements in quality and speed are caused by three major contributions: first, we focus on the training data and show that the schedule of presenting data during training is very important. Second, we develop a stacked architecture that includes warping of the second image with intermediate optical flow. Third, we elaborate on small displacements by introducing a subnetwork specializing on small motions. FlowNet 2.0 is only marginally slower than the original FlowNet but decreases the estimation error by more than 50%. It performs on par with state-of-the-art methods, while running at interactive frame rates. Moreover, we present faster variants that allow optical flow computation at up to 140fps with accuracy matching the original FlowNet.


This paper investigates possible impacts of climate change on the poor communities of the Bangladesh Sundarbans via changes in aquatic salinity and mangrove species. The implications for poor communities are assessed by computing changes in high-value mangrove species for the five sub-districts in the Sundarbans. The results of the impact analysis indicate highly varied patterns of gain and loss across the five sub-districts. Overall, however, the results indicate that salinity-induced mangrove migration will have a strongly regressive impact on the value of timber stocks because of the loss of the highest value timber of Heretiera fomes. In addition, augmented potential for honey production is likely to increase conflicts between humans and wildlife in the region.


The rise of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from obscure beginnings in the 1950s to one of the most important taxes in the world (by revenue collected) is a story worth telling, and Kathryn James does a magnificent job in telling it in her new book. Despite its significance, very little is known about why so many countries have adopted the VAT and, in particular, why different countries adopt the types of VAT that they do. The popular mythology provides that the merits of the VAT have underpinned its global spread; however, this book contends that much scholarship on the VAT confuses the question of why the VAT has risen to dominance with the issue of what makes a good VAT. The book combines policy and legal analysis to propose a new way of understanding the rise of this important revenue instrument so as to better reflect the realities of the VATs that are actually implemented.


The didactic model of remote internships described in this study provides the flexibility needed to support networked learners, i.e. to facilitate the development and subsequent assessment of their competences. The heterogeneity of the participants (students, employers, tutors) in the learning network provides relevant diversity in expert perspectives. In today's (networked) business environment, ever more collaboration takes place through virtual platforms and tools. Learning for Sustainable Development could profit from the opportunities such platforms offer, as part of it. Taken from the Brundtland Report (1987), Sustainable Development is development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". Sustainable Development has a high level of complexity, with its need for integration of socio-political, environmental and economic perspectives, its uncertainty in future and its dedication to an enormous range of levels of scale, acting from local to global. Because of the complexity of the concept, the defining of competences and learning outcomes for Sustainable Development is not easy. Learning for Sustainable Development could be described as obtaining the ability to cross the boundaries between multiple perspectives in interaction with stakeholders and actors in sustainability issues. An authentic example on the Dutch-Flemish Scheldt Estuary debate, described in the present study, shows such different perspectives and how they influence the scientific study of and decision-making on sustainability issues. We argue how learners who have to deal with these kinds of different perspectives will develop their personal competences in an effective way. The didactic model of remote internships that we use, allows learners to work in virtual teams on current, authentic research assignments in contact with their customers: real employers in the professional field. Moreover, the didactic model enables learners to define their own activities according to their personal learning goals matching the external requirements of employer and university. This allows our learners - adult distance students at the formal BSc Environmental Sciences programme (Open Universiteit) - to start from their own unique perspectives, having different prior knowledge, in different learning domains and from different professional experiences. The multiple perspectives show themselves in the practice of virtual cooperation with peers and experts from both the academic and professional community. Thus, the present study explores how an online remote internship model can effectively support competence development in a heterogeneous professional learning network.


RECENTLY, MATTHEW BEDKE (2009) offered an intriguing argument against Intuitive Non-Naturalism in ethics (INN). INN is the conjunction of Ethical Non-Naturalism and Ethical Intuitionism. Ethical Non-Naturalism is the view that ethical facts or properties are non-natural, i.e., non-physical. Ethical Intuitionism is the view that intuition can provide non-inferential, prima facie justification for ethical beliefs. Against INN, Bedke argues that intuitive justification for belief in non-natural ethical facts is subject to a defeater: the "defeater from cosmic coincidence." Though not a proponent of INN myself, I think Bedke's argument faces an important difficulty. Bedke takes seemings or beliefs to be subject to defeat if they satisfy certain criteria. He proposes two in particular. satisfying these criteria is insufficient for defeat, however. Many inductively justified beliefs, for example, satisfy the criteria, yet this does not seem sufficient to generate a defeater against them. Two of Bedke's premises happen to be such beliefs. I begin by discussing Bedke's argument and his proposed criteria. I then show that inductively justified beliefs and related seemings satisfy the criteria. I conclude that satisfying the criteria is insufficient to generate a defeater and that the sufficiency of such criteria would, in any case, render Bedke's argument self-defeating. Assuming Ethical Non-Naturalism for the sake of argument, Bedke argues that intuitive justification for belief in non-natural ethical facts is subject to defeat. Here is a slightly modified version of his argument (p. 190). (1) 1) Suppose Ethical Non-Naturalism is true, i.e., that ethical facts or properties are non-physical. 2) The physical world is causally closed, so physical events and states are fully physically caused. 3) Ethical intuitions are physical events or states. (2) 4) So, ethical intuitions are fully physically caused. (2,3) 5) So, ethical facts or properties do not causally affect ethical intuitions. (1,4) 6) If ethical facts or properties do not causally affect ethical intuitions, it would take a cosmic coincidence for ethical intuitions to accurately track ethical facts and properties. 7) So, it would take a cosmic coincidence for ethical intuitions to accurately track ethical facts and properties. (5,6) 8) If it would take a cosmic coincidence for ethical intuitions to accurately track ethical facts and properties, there is a defeater for these intuitions: the defeater from cosmic coincidence. 9) So, on the hypothesis that Ethical Non-Naturalism is true, there is a defeater for our ethical intuitions. (7,8) (3) According to premise 4, ethical intuitions have fully physical causal histories. Because non-natural ethical facts do not figure in these histories, Bedke claims, it is conceptually possible to have the same history--and so the same intuitions--with different sets of non-natural ethical facts. (4) Given this, Bedke argues, it would be cosmically coincidental if the non-natural ethical facts just happened to fortuitously line up with these intuitions. once we realize this, he claims, any justification our intuitions might have given us for belief in non-natural ethical facts will be defeated. To illustrate, Bedke discusses two non-ethical examples: the case of Andy and the case of Bea (pp. 197-98). On the basis on intuition, Andy believes that each person has a non-natural spirit animal whose species supervenes on the person's character. Bea believes, also on the basis of intuition, that a goblin war rages all around her, though the goblins and their weapons are made up entirely of non-natural stuff. Andy's intuition can be completely explained in terms of sociological and psychological facts. Likewise, Bea's intuition can be completely explained by the fact that she has a brain tumor, the likes of which have similarly affected others. …


Summary The rate of bleeding complications after major orthopedic surgery approximates 2%. It is unclear whether a systematic switch of routine thromboprophylaxis has an impact on the rate of postoperative bleeding complications. We analyzed prospectively recorded postoperative bleeding complications and symptomatic venous thromboembolic events in 8,176 consecutive orthopedic patients at the Schulthess Clinic Zurich during a systematic switch of thromboprophylaxis from nadroparin to enoxaparin in the year 2004. Overall, 3,893 patients received nadroparin in the first nine-month observation period before the switch and 4,283 patients received enoxaparin in the second nine-month observation period after the switch. Overall, 96 (2.5%) patients in the first period and 70 (1.6%) patients in the second period suffered a postoperative bleeding complication requiring surgical revision, puncture, or transfusion (p<0.01). Five objectively confirmed symptomatic venous thromboembolic events during hospitalization in the first period and three events in the second period were recorded. In conclusion, the switch of thromboprophylaxis in a large orthopedic clinic did not cause an increase of postoperative bleeding complications and therefore was accompanied by high patient safety.


Many students find theoretical subjects hard and challenging. Although they may pass modules in the subject, they often fail to attain a deeper, conceptual understanding. coMentor, a virtual learning environment on the WWW was developed to support such conceptual subjects by providing facilities for debate, discussion, groupwork, resource sharing and vicarious learning. The system was evaluated with undergraduates taking a philosophy module. Although there was no unequivocal evidence of gains in final assessment in those using the system, there was evidence of other forms of learning. Students learned from seeing each other's work, from having to 'write' down their ideas and share them with others and they adopted learning styles that were beneficial to learning a theoretical subject matter. Using a Learning Styles Inventory Scale, those using coMentor showed higher levels of deep learning and significantly higher levels of strategic learning than those who used the system little.


This paper analyzes Hurricane Andrew from its beginning as a tropical storm to the powerful force that it later became. The careful monitoring that took place throughout its transformation is described by analyzing, step by step, the meteorological characteristics and hydrological conditions created (namely storm surge depth, central pressure and winds at different locations). Special emphasis is given to the storm's impact on South Florida and to its effects along its path. It also describes how water operational emergency measures were carried out in an organized manner in order to mitigate the effects of the storm event. Special consideration is given to the actions related to the operation of the water network infrastructure and the continued coordination of all decisions both inside the South Florida Water Management District and with private and public agencies and community groups. This paper is one of two that assess and analyze Hurricane Andrew. The second one, Hurricane Andrew in South Florida: Steps to Recovery and Lessons Learned, describes the effects of Andrew including the damages caused to the water network and provides a list of valuable information related to what the District and other agencies have learned from such a experience.


OBJECTIVES To investigate the relation between pacifier use and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). DESIGN Three year population based, case control study with parental interviews for each death and four age matched controls. SETTING Five regions in England (population > 17 million). SUBJECTS 325 infants who had died from SIDS and 1300 control infants. RESULTS Significantly fewer SIDS infants (40%) than controls (51%) used a pacifier for the last/reference sleep (univariate odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46 to 0.83) and the difference increased when controlled for other factors (multivariate OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.77). However, the proportion of infants who had ever used a pacifier for day (66% SIDS v 66% controls) or night sleeps (61% SIDS v 61% controls) was identical. The association of a risk for SIDS infants who routinely used a pacifier but did not do so for the last sleep became non-significant when controlled for socioeconomic status (bivariate OR, 1.39 (0.93 to 2.07)). CONCLUSIONS Further epidemiological evidence and physiological studies are needed before pacifier use can be recommended as a measure to reduce the risk of SIDS. Key messages There was no difference between victims of SIDS and control infants in routine use of a pacifier ("dummy" or "soother") for day or night sleeps The use of a pacifier was associated with a lower prevalence and shorter duration of breast feeding, lower socioeconomic status, and mothers who smoked more heavily There was no association between pacifier use and sleeping position More control infants used a pacifier for the last/reference sleep, giving an apparent "protective" effect against SIDS; the significance of this association increased when controlled for other factors Further epidemiological evidence and physiological studies are needed before we can recommend pacifier use as protective against SIDS


Swarms of Antarctic krill are frequently biased towards certain body sizes, sexes, maturi- ties and physiological states. However, the mechanisms causing such biases remain unclear, with some speculating on differential responses to chemical or visual cues. This study examines the influence of individual state on swimming behaviour and performance, which, in turn, may cause biases in swarm composition. The frequency and strength of pleopod beats as well as the overall swimming capacity of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba were measured using a tethering technique. Individual state was con- sidered in terms of body size, sex, maturity, moult stage and stomach fullness. Significant differences in the rate and strength of pleopod strokes as well as in the overall swimming capacity were found between individuals in different states. Body size had one of the strongest influences, with beat rate decreasing and beat strength increasing with increasing size. The sex and maturity of an individual altered this pattern, with adult females having faster but weaker pleopod beats than males of equivalent size. The difference in swimming style of females may impose a different lifestyle to that of males. Moult stage also had a significant influence on swimming, with moulting/post-moult individuals having significantly lower swimming capacities, making them unlikely to keep pace with intermoult counterparts. Both the rate and the strength of the pleopod beat were significantly lower in satiated compared to unsatiated individuals, which may contribute to the dispersion of swarms during feeding.


Environmental policies may have a negative side effect on employment, often in a specific industry in the short run. Workers in regulated industries can be affected by losses in job-specific human capital. The informal sectors in developing countries are often associated with environmental pollution and thus targeted by such policies. Welfare loss due to this side effect can be problematic in developing countries, since they often lack safeguarding schemes, including unemployment insurance. Inducing workers in informal sectors to change their jobs can mitigate these negative side effects. This study examines efficient methods of inducing informal workers to change jobs. An alternative job is offered to informal workers at a dumpsite in the Philippines and whether changing the scheme of wage payment increases the acceptance of the offer is examined. The impacts of changing payment schemes are evaluated by using a randomized field experiment. The sampled 112 waste pickers each randomly receive one of four offers for an alternative job, and the number of those who accept the offer is observed to evaluate the impact of less frequent payment (i.e., once every three days instead of daily). Piece rates and fixed wages are also compared. Those offered less frequent payment are more likely to accept the job offer compared with those offered daily payment. This preferred payment scheme can mitigate the side effects of environmental policy and workers' self-control problem related to savings, while minimizing moral hazard.


Unipolar depression is a psychiatric condition with a worldwide major impact, which can create dysfunctionality for those affected, with a resonance in psycho-social and economic terms, through the relapses and recurrences that characterize the evolution of this pathology.
 In this context, it is necessary to find a proper therapeutic option, capable not only of inducing remission but also of preventing the occurrence of a new depressive episode.
 Psychological therapy offers the patient the opportunity to access psychological resources and to acquire new abilities to help ease the affection, the perceived stigma of a psychiatric diagnosis, to meet in a resilient way stressful events with depressive potential, furthermore facilitating his social reintegration.
 Studies conducted over the last few years show the effectiveness of psychological treatment both as an adjunct to psychopharmacological treatment and as a monotherapy for mild or moderate depression. Clinical guidelines unanimously support the increased effectiveness of antidepressant medication in combination with psychological intervention.
 This article aims to present the main types of psychological interventions recommended worldwide in unipolar depression by international guidelines, depending on the treatment phase (acute or maintenance), as well as on the intensity of the depressive episode.


Small Mammals Matter? Linking Plant Invasion, Biotic Resistance, and Climate Change in Post-Fire Plant Communities Rory C. O'Connor Department of Biology, BYU Master of Science The introduction and establishment of exotic species can profoundly alter ecosystems. Two exotic species drastically changing the landscape of deserts in western North America are Bromus tectorum L. and Bromus rubens L. Through the buildup of biomass and slow decomposition rates in deserts these two exotic annual grasses can alter fire regimes that change the plant and animal community dynamics in the ecosystems. To better understand the ecological mechanisms that could restrict or alter the patterns of invasive plant establishment we established a replicated full factorial experiment in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. The combinations of factors being manipulated are burned or intact plant communities, and presence or exclusion of small mammals. Generally invasive species establishment is thought to be a result of competitive superiority or lack of natural enemies, but if that is the case then why do not all invasive species establish and become highly abundant in their new ecosystems? To understand why some invasive species establish and others do not we monitored three dominant exotic species from the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert, B. tectorum, Halogeton glomeratus (M. Bieb.) C.A. Mey., and B. rubens. We observed that the presence of small mammals create a biotic resistance to B. tectorum, H. glomeratus, and B. rubens. This pattern was observed in both intact and burned plant communities; however, it was most prevalent in the burned plant communities. The strength of the biotic resistance on these invasive species varied between species and the years sampled. In deserts both plant and small mammal communities are tightly tied to precipitation. We wanted to understand how invasive species establishment is affected by small mammal presence after a fire disturbance, and manipulating total precipitation. Total precipitation was manipulated through three different treatments: 1) drought or 30% reduction of ambient precipitation; 2) ambient precipitation; 3) water addition or an increase of 30% ambient precipitation. We focused on B. rubens establishment in the Mojave Desert as our model organism by monitoring it beneath rain manipulation shelters nested in burned/intact and small mammal presence/absence full factorial plots. What we observed was that again small mammals created a biotic resistance on the density of B. rubens regardless of the burn or precipitation treatments. This biotic resistance also translated into decreasing B. rubens biomass and seed density. Under the drought and ambient precipitation treatments we found that small mammals kept the density and biomass equal but under increased precipitation the efficacy of biotic resistance on B. rubens density and biomass was lessened by the availability of the added water.


Introduction : One of the most important decision for everyone in life is choosing an appropriate education to undertake a profession later in life. This study aims to investigate individual, environmental and professional motivation who enrolled in dentistry courses of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey undertook involving first year dental students who enrolled at Shahid Sadoughi University (SSU) of Medical Sciences and Health Services and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in 2012. The questionnaire included demographic and individuals, environmental and professional motivations of the students. After validating the questionair, it was distributed among the students. Data were entered into SPSS and analysed accordingly. Results: Participation rate was 40% for SSU and 79% for TUMS. SSU students reported continual desire, in individual domain, main university entering exam, in environmental domain and possibilities for postgraduate education nad having own clinic in the professional domain. However, TUMS students were more influenced by continual desire, personal interest and family recommendation, income and possibility to have their own clinic. Conclusion: Itseemes that the most important factors to dentistry by SSU and TUMS first year dental students were environment and professional factors. The significant effect of professional factors suggests that by improving these factors, the motivation of interested students may increase.


Immanuel Kant was one of the most influential philosophers in the whole of Europe, who changed Western thought with his examinations of reason and the nature of reality. In these writings he investigates human progress, civilization, morality and why, to be truly enlightened, we must all have the freedom and courage to use our own intellect. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.


The genome of an individual cellular organism or a DNA virus is best defined as a single example of a set of unique and uniquely placed DNA sequences. Two techniques that have provided detailed bases of comparison among Escherichia coli strains, as well as among those of many other bacterial species, are multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP, also referred to as restriction analysis). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) technique has been particularly useful in epidemiological studies of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Neisseria, and Streptococcus. A major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic recombination processes lies in the great phylogenetic distances crossed (very infrequently, to be sure, but with evolutionarily important effects) in prokaryotic horizontal transfer. Many types of antibiotic resistance are coded by plasmids, and conjugative plasmids facilitate horizontal gene transfer. The rates of horizontal transfer among the various bacteria in the same colon have not been investigated to any important extent; they would be worth knowing. The two sizeable hypervariable regions constitute genomic differentiation both in their site-specific dynamics of horizontal transfer and the resulting distinct local patterns of high variation. It summarizes Woese's view that horizontal transfer preceded vertical transfer and that horizontal transfer was the engine of evolution in supramolecular aggregates, which preceded cells, whose eventual achievement of sufficient complexity led to heredity and Darwinian evolution.


The S matrix for scattering a diagonally incident focused Gaussian beam by an infinitely long circular cylinder is calculated, and the diagonal and off-diagonal elements of the matrix are physically interpreted. In addition, the TE and TM morphology-dependent resonances of the cylinder for plane-wave incidence are examined, and it is found that the cylinder size parameter at resonance increases as the angle of incidence of the plane wave increases. The size parameter increase is explained in terms of the heuristic model of morphology-dependent resonances. The presence of both TE and TM resonances in each of the ∊-polarized and μ-polarized partial-wave scattering amplitudes is discussed. This mixing is interpreted in terms of successive polarization-preserving and cross-polarized total internal reflections of the morphology-dependent-resonance wave inside the cylinder. Finally, some novel properties of morphology-dependent resonances produced by Gaussian-beam incidence are predicted.


Powerful computer clusters are used nowadays to train complex deep neural networks (DNN) on large datasets. Distributed training workloads increasingly become communication bound. For this reason, many lossy compression techniques have been proposed to reduce the volume of transferred data. Unfortunately, it is difficult to argue about the behavior of compression methods, because existing work relies on inconsistent evaluation testbeds and largely ignores the performance impact of practical system configurations. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the most influential compressed communication methods for DNN training, together with an intuitive classification (i.e., quantization, sparsification, hybrid and low-rank). We also propose a unified framework and API that allows for consistent and easy implementation of compressed communication on popular machine learning toolkits. We instantiate our API on TensorFlow and PyTorch, and implement 16 such methods. Finally, we present a thorough quantitative evaluation with a variety of DNNs (convolutional and recurrent), datasets and system configurations. We show that the DNN architecture affects the relative performance among methods. Interestingly, depending on the underlying communication library and computational cost of compression/decompression, we demonstrate that some methods may be impractical.


Bud rot (BR) caused by Phytophthora palmivora and lethal wilt (LW) whose causal agent is unknown, are two diseases currently posing a threat to the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis. Jacq) industry. BR, first reported in 1964, has destroyed more than 85,000 ha. LW, first reported in 1994 in the Llanos Orientales in Colombia, has destroyed more than 5,000 ha. Chlorophyll a fluorescence is useful as a provider of information about the efficiency of the photosynthetic process when plants are subjected to biotic or abiotic stresses. Oil palms affected by BR and LW showed anomalies in the photosynthetic system, manifested by reductions in Fv/FM and ΦPSII. Changes in ΦPSII, variable fluorescence yield (Fv) and maximum fluorescence in light-adapted leaves (FM') were observed from the start of BR infection. The most sensitive and early indicators of LW disease were leaf temperature and basal fluorescence (F0). Fv/F0 significantly changed in diseased palms, indicating problems with movement of electrons through the electron transport chain. Leaf temperature changed in response to both diseases, but variation was greater in LW. We concluded that damage to the photochemical system caused by the diseases affected the processes by which the plant captures and transports energy, causing a physiological imbalance in the plant reflected in the observed variations in chlorophyll a fluorescence and leaf temperature. The two parameters began to change early in the onset of BR and before visual symptoms appeared in LW, which is very important to the management of both diseases, the foundation of which is early detection.


The design of controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) is generally based on experimental approaches without considering an efficient use of the component materials. The present study proposes a general methodology for the design of optimised CLSM that includes the definition of the mechanical requirements through numerical simulations with FEM and an experimental procedure to define the mix by optimising the aggregate skeleton, the content of cement and the use of admixtures and additions. Moreover, the methodology is applied to the backfill of narrow trenches.


The spatio-temporal origin of surviving juvenile Baltic cod Gadus morhua was investigated by coupling age information from otolith microstructure analysis and hydrodynamic modeling, which allowed backtracking of drift routes in time and space. The suitability of hydrodynamic modeling for drift simulations of early life stages of Baltic cod up to the pelagic juvenile stage was validated by comparing model simulations with the catch distribution from a survey targeting pelagic juveniles, and mortality rates and hatch date distributions of pelagic and demersal juveniles were estimated. Hatch dates and hatch locations of juvenile survivors showed distinct patterns which did not agree well with the abundance and spatial distribution of eggs, suggesting marked spatio-temporal differences in larval survival. The good agreement of the spatio-temporal origin of survivors from this field investigation with previous modeling studies on the survival chances of early-stage larvae and with general spatio-temporal patterns of larval prey availability suggests that differences in survival are related to food availability during the early larval stage. Results are discussed in relation to the recruitment process of Baltic cod, in particular with respect to the critical period and match-mismatch hypotheses, and to possible implications for the placement of a Marine Protected Area which was established to ensure undisturbed spawning of Baltic cod.


Abstract The key economic objectives of the current Finnish government are valid only in normal international economic conditions. However, weaker than normal conditions have not been defined. We propose to base such a definition on the expected negative deviation from the euro-area gdp path projected by a statistical model. This implies that the probability of weak economic conditions would be about 20 per cent. Our simulations suggest that a negative deviation of international economic conditions from the normal conditions as defined by us would weaken GDP, employment and public finances in Finland significantly. The employment rate could end up even 2 percentage points smaller than in the baseline.


When molecules which give rise to Raman and fluorescent light scattering are distributed within a small dielectric particle, the signal is affected by the morphology and optical properties of the particle and by the distribution of active molecules within it. This effect is considered to arise from the influence of the particle boundary both upon the internal field at the incident frequency and upon the emissions at the shifted frequency rather than from any alteration of the molecular transitions. This study presents numerical results over a broad range of refractive indexes and for larger size parameters than heretofore. It includes explicit consideration of components polarized in the same plane as the incident field, H(h) and V(nu), as well as the depolarized components V(h) and H(v). Quantitative estimates of the concentration of active species may be in error if these effects are not considered.


Of all the Celtic countries, Scotland has lacked the kind of scholarly attention that has been lavished fruitfully on Wales, Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany. And yet of all of them, Scotland offers the widest range of interfaces with broader work on the cult of saints. The papers presented here cover this territory very effectively...(the book) brings together excellent studies that successfully explore the wide ramifications of the topic. Anyone with an interest in saints' cults will want this book. DAUVIT BROUN, Professor of Scottish History, University of Glasgow. This volume examines the phenomena of the cult of saints and Marian devotion as they were manifested in Scotland, ranging from the early medieval period to the sixteenth century. It combines general surveys of the development of the study of saints in the early and later middle ages with more focused articles on particular subjects, including St Waltheof of Melrose, the obscure early medieval origins of the cult of St Munnu, the short-lived martyr cult of David, duke of Rothsay, and the Scottish saints included in the greatest liturgical compendium produced in late medieval Scotland, the Aberdeen breviary. The way in which Marian devotion permeated late medieval Scottish society is discussed in terms of the church dedications of the twelfth and thirteenth-century aristocracy, the ecclesiastical landscape of Perth, the depiction of Mary in Gaelic poetry, and the pervasive influence of the familial bond between holy mother and son in representations of the Scottish royal family. Dr Steve Boardman is Reader in History, University of Edinburgh; Eila Williamson gained her PhD from the University of Glasgow. Contributors: Helen Birkett, Steve Boardman, Rachel Butter, Thomas Owen Clancy, David Ditchburn, Audrey-Beth Fitch, Mark A. Hall, Matthew H. Hammond, Sim Innes, Alan Macquarrie


This paper analyses the roles of South Africa's senior public servants and the challenges they face in national and provincial departments. 'Senior public service' here refers to the managerial positions from assistant director level. At provincial levels, the study cover only the departments of Health and Education in Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal; at national level, the departments of Health and Public Service and Administration.
The paper examines the roles of these officials (180) and how departmental or ministerial structures affect them, including the influence on these roles by the politicians in their departments or ministries. For this purpose, the literature on comparable executives, covering relationships between government ministers and public servants around the world was helpful. The overall changes occurring in South Africa's public service are important for study, but this paper specifically focuses on only those affecting the senior public servants. It argues that the departmental or ministerial structures affect the roles of the senior public service, and that this possibly determines the nature of change inside the public service. The discussion focuses on the top echelons of the public service to investigate how this group of officials implement South Africa's new public policies.


This collection brings together many of the world's leading sociologists of education to explore and address key issues and concerns within the discipline. The chapters draw upon theory and research to provide new accounts of contemporary educational processes, global trends, and changing and enduring forms of social conflict and social inequality. The research, conducted by leading international scholars in the field, indicates that two complexly interrelated agendas are discernible in the heat and noise of educational change over the past 25 years. The first rests on a clear articulation by the state of its requirements of education. The second promotes at least the appearance of greater autonomy on the part of educational institutions in the delivery of those requirements. The Routledge International Handbook of the Sociology of Education examines the ways in which the sociology of education has responded to these two political agendas, addressing a range of issues which cover three key areas: Perspectives and Theories Social Processes and Practices Inequalities and Resistances The book strongly communicates the vibrancy and diversity of the sociology of education and the nature of 'sociological work' in this field. It will be a primary resource for teachers, as well as a title of major interest to practising sociologists of education.


The yield of crop dry matter is closely dependent upon the
amount of solar radiation intercepted by the crop canopy. This in turn is primarily determined by the amount of leaf area and its persistence. This study was concerned with the influence of environments, nitrogen supply and plant density in controlling apical development and leaf growth and development in barley. Three series of experiments were carried out on sequentially sown spring barley (cv. Claret) to cover the whole range of the natural variation in environmental variables. In the first series of experiments there were 4 sowing dates, 4 levels of nitrogen and plants were grown in perlite in small pots. In the second series there were 3 sowing dates, 4 levels of nitrogen and plants were grown in soil and sand compost in small pots. In the third series of experiments there were 3 plant densities, 2 levels of nitrogen and plants were grown in soil and sand compost in large tanks.
A strong effect of growth media and size of pot on leaf growth was observed. The plants grown in soil had longer leaves and had more tillers than plants grown in perlite. Leaves were even longer when plants were grown in large tanks.
Primordia initiation on the main shoot apex, leaf appearance
and leaf extension were best described as linear function of
thermal time rather than Julian time. Rate of leaf appearance on the main shoot was found to be linearly related to the rate of change of daylength at crop emergence.
Final leaf length depended upon both the rate and duration of leaf extension. However, most of the variation in final leaf length was due mainly to variation in leaf extension rate.
Leaf extension rate increased with nitrogen supply. A
significant quadratic relationship between leaf extension rate and leaf nitrogen content was observed. It is suggested that irrespective of growing conditions leaf extension rate (in mm °Cd-1 ) is most probably controlled by the nitrogen content in the leaf rather than external nitrogen supply.
High temperatures, long days and fast leaf appearance rates
all resulted in shorter leaf extension duration. Of these
variables variation in temperature accounted for the greatest proportion of variation in leaf extension duration.
In general all the plant parameters recorded were affected by nitrogen supply, but the effect was more pronounced in
perlite. There was a smaller response to applied nitrogen in
soil because of the residual nitrogen supplied by the
breakdown of organic matter.
Lamina area and dry weight increased with the position of leaf on the main shoot up to 2 leaf insertions before the flag leaf. The flag leaf was always much smaller than the
subtending leaves. This ontogenetic drift in leaf size was
associated with variations in leaf extension rate and leaf
extension duration of the leaves. Final leaf size was affected by plant density. As density increased the size of the first three leaves was increased but the size of upper leaves was dramatically decreased. As density increased, final leaf number and the position of the largest leaf on the main shoot were decreased.
Nitrogen affected the position of the largest leaf on the main shoot. As nitrogen supply increased the position of longest leaf moved higher up the main stem. This pattern was also modified by sowing date. In sowings made in June, where rate of crop development was fastest, leaf 4 was the first leaf to show response to nitrogen. In sowings made in September, which developed more slowly, leaf 6 was the first leaf to show response to nitrogen. These effects are attributed to effects of internal competition for nitrogen. This suggests that the size of the later leaves is reduced due to lower availability of nitrogen. Early stem extension will also result in greater competition for nitrogen. On this basis one would expect a large response to nitrogen in fast developing crops and this was the pattern observed in these experiments.
For most of the leaf growth parameters recorded in these
experiments there were significant sowing date * nitrogen
supply * leaf position interactions, which have not been
reported in previously published investigations. This
indicates the complex way in which these factors control leaf growth.