The Newcastle cycleways movement (ncm) was formed in 1977 with the aims of creating a safer and more amenable cycling environment. This chapter describes the ncm's direct involvement in bicycle planning. In 1977, the ncm put forward a submission to the New South Wales minister for planning and environment proposing that a comprehensive planning study be carried out on similar lines to the geelong bike plan. The suggestions were accepted by the government and the Newcastle bikeplan study commenced in 1980 and included new research areas suggested by ncm in bicycle safety helmets and visibility/ conspicuity issues. During the study period ncm continued to make substantial contributions including research into the cyclist profile, cyclist strain, conspicuity issues and products. Recommendations were made for new engineering designs and road markings and priority issues were defined in education and enforcement. This chapter also describes in some detail the development of the innovative ncm computer economic model of cycling, which can be used to evaluate the economic potential of a proposed bike plan, and can monitor economic success during implementation. The chapter concludes with a list of ongoing research areas which the ncm regards as essential components of the accident analysis program, which is vital to the development of a bike plan based on the 4 e's, engineering, education, enforcement and encouragement (a).


While cognitive problems have long been associated with ageing, dementia is a relatively new concept. 'The challenge of dementia' shows how our understanding of it was shaped by research in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dementia often first appears as short-term memory failure, but symptoms vary depending on the type and the regions of the brain affected. The hippocampus is often implicated, as are synaptic failures that lead to cell death. Despite a rapidly ageing population, dementia research is underfunded. Research presents challenges for scientists, including obtaining brain samples and addressing the complex processes of neurodegeneration. Dementia does not just affect the elderly.


Background: In this study, we compared the effect of ibuprofen (IB) while incorporating by Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) nanofiber on expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in a mice adhesion model. M aterials and Methods: Using an adhesion model were induced in mice, PLGA-IB and PLGA membranes and IB were sutured between the abdominal wall and peritoneum after surgical operation to reveal the best membrane for prevention of postoperative adhesion bands by comparison of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. R es ults: Compared with other groups, PLGA-IB showed a greater ability to reduce ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. C onclusion: These results suggested that in considering the FDA approved polymers, PLGA-IB could be introduced as a potential candidate for prevention of abdominal post-surgery inflammation and adhesion band formation after surgeries.


ABSTRACT In recent years, the Diplog (FOOTNOTE ®) has been increasingly used to estimate stratigraphic conditions of the formations penetrated by a borehole. In particular, the Diplog can frequently be utilized to predict the trend, direction of thickening, and movement of depositing currents in channel and barrier bar sandstones. Channel sands tend to be more complex than interpretational literature on the Diplog implies. The original Diplog model for a channel sand resembles a distributary channel sand which does give the definitive patterns considered typical. The distributary channel sand of the Louisiana Gulf Coast is usually deposited upon relatively thick shales which are displaced by the thick distributary channel sands. The sands in the distributary channels sink into these shales and show well developed increases in dip with depth on a Diplog record through this section. For channel sands deposited on thinner shales and on more consolidated older rocks, the development of these sands does not exhibit the "normal" pattern, but generally shows a number of small channels which have moved across the valley and created a number of different sand units. Many thick sequences of fluvial sands do not exhibit dip patterns which can be easily identified from the Diplog as being channel type sands. In some of these cases, the use of statistical analysis can help. In many instances, the determination from Diplog of the type of sand in these fluvial sequences will be difficult. Barrier bar sands exhibit a number of different types of cross bedding within the sand unit, depending upon the relative importance of tides, longshore currents, onshore winds and storms in forming and modifying these deposits. The present interpretive techniques for this type of deposit uses differential compaction of the overlying shales as a key to the analysis. The general interpretation of Diplogs for stratigraphic information requires the use of statistical plots. Azimuth frequency plots are especially useful in the analysis of certain stratigraphic anomalies.


The ultra clean sputtering process (UC-process) was newly introduced in the fabrication of CoNiCr and CoCrTa thin film media to establish the new concept of controlling the microstructure and magnetic properties. The relation between cleanness during film deposition process and magnetic properties has been discussed in connection with their microstructure. The UC-process presented enables the control of the fine structure of the thin film media and resulted in excellent magnetic properties. This study demonstrates that the UC-process is very superior to the normal process presently used and plays a dominant role for the thin film media fabrication.


2. Therc did not appear to be any geographically signtficant population variations. That is, HDM may occur in low or high numbers in houses anywhere in Adelaide; 3. Some houses were consistently low in yields of mites from all sites and other houses had low yields from SOme sites and high yields from other sites. One house had high Yields from all sites. The dust-yields were not consistently related to mite-yields. Lowest dust-yielding sites produced low mite-yields in 61% of the samples, compared with 45% of the samples yielding high dust and low mite-yields;


Individual variation in the experience and expression of pleasure may relate to differential patterns of lateral frontal activity. Brain electrical measures have been used to study the asymmetric involvement of lateral frontal cortex in positive emotion, but the excellent time resolution of these measures has not been used to capture second-by-second changes in ongoing emotion until now. The relationship between pleasure and second-by-second lateral frontal activity was examined with the use of hierarchical linear modeling in a sample of 128 children ages 6-10 years. Electroencephalographic activity was recorded during "pop-out toy," a standardized task that elicits pleasure. The task consisted of 3 epochs: an anticipation period sandwiched between 2 play periods. The amount of pleasure expressed during the task predicted the pattern of nonlinear change in lateral frontal activity. Children who expressed increasing amounts of pleasure during the task exhibited increasing left lateral frontal activity during the task, whereas children who expressed contentment exhibited increasing right/decreasing left activity. These findings indicate that task-dependent changes in pleasure relate to dynamic, nonlinear changes in lateral frontal activity as the task unfolds.


Alternative splicing plays important role in brain development, however its global contribution to human neurodevelopmental diseases (NDD) has not been fully investigated. Here, we examined the relationships between full-length splicing isoforms expression in the brain and de novo loss-of-function mutations identified in the patients with NDDs. We analyzed the full-length isoform transcriptome of the developing human brain and observed differentially expressed isoforms and isoform co-expression modules undetectable by gene-level analyses. These isoforms were enriched in loss-of-function mutations and microexons, co-expressed with a unique set of partners, and had higher prenatal expression. We experimentally tested the impact of splice site mutations in five NDD risk genes, including SCN2A, DYRK1A and BTRC, and demonstrated exon skipping. Furthermore, our results suggest that the splice site mutation in BTRC reduces translational efficiency, likely impacting Wnt signaling through impaired degradation of β-catenin. We propose that functional effect of mutations associated with human diseases should be investigated at the isoform-rather than the gene-level resolution. Highlights Differential isoform expression analysis of the human brain transcriptome reveals neurodevelopmental processes and pathways undetectable by differential gene expression analyses. Splicing isoforms impacted by neurodevelopmental disease (NDD) risk mutations exhibit higher prenatal expression, are enriched in microexons and are involved in neuronal-related functions. Isoform co-expression network analysis identifies modules with splicing and synaptic functions that are enriched in NDD mutations. Splice site mutations impacting NDD risk genes cause exon skipping and produce novel isoforms with altered biological properties. Functional impact of mutations should be investigated at the full-length isoform-level rather than the gene-level resolution


Abstract The two main Tethyan sutures of Turkey, the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan and the Intra-Pontide sutures, are reviewed through several well-studied transects crossing the suture regions. Both sutures have formed during the Early Tertiary continental collisions following northward subduction of Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. The İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture is represented along most of its c. 2000 km length by Paleocene and younger thrust, which emplace the upper crustal rocks of the northern continent over that of the southern continent with an intervening tectonic layer of Cretaceous subduction-accretion complexes. These thrusts constitutes a profound stratigraphic, structural, magmatic and metamorphic break, of at least Carboniferous to Palaeocene age and form the main boundary between Laurasia and Gondwana in the Turkish transect. Voluminous subduction-accretion complexes of Triassic and Cretaceous ages occur respectively to the north and south of the suture giving the antithetic subduction polarities during these two periods. This, and evidence for a major accretionary orogeny of Late Triassic age north of the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture suggest that two separate oceanic lithospheres, of Carboniferous to Triassic (Palaeo-Tethys) and of Triassic to Cretaceous ages (Neo-Tethys) respectively have been consumed along the suture. The final continental collision along the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture was slightly diachronous and occurred in the earliest Palaeocene to the west and in the Late Palaeocene to the east. The c. 800 km long Intra-Pontide suture is younger in age and have formed during the Early Eocene and younger continental collisions linked to the opening of the Western Black Sea Basin as an oceanic back-arc basin. At present the North Anatolian Fault, which came into existence in the Late Miocene, follows the course of the older Intra-Pontide suture.


CSin3 is a cohort-based, three-year computer science bachelor's degree program that has increased graduation rates of traditionally underrepresented computer science students. A collaborative effort between a community college and a public university, CSin3 provides a clear pathway for upward socio-economic mobility into the high-paying technology industry. CSin3 students are 90% from traditionally underrepresented groups, 80% first-generation, 32% female, and have a three-year graduation rate of 71%, compared to a 22% four-year graduation rate for traditional computer science students. Upon graduation, CSin3 students score similarly on a standardized exam of computer science knowledge as compared to traditional students who graduate in 4 years or more. The first graduates had a job placement rate of 78% within two months of graduation, including positions at large technology companies like Apple, Salesforce, and Uber. By implementing a cohort-based learning community, a pre-defined course pathway, just-in-time academic and administrative support, comprehensive financial aid, and a focus on 21st century skills, the CSin3 program has demonstrated promising results in addressing the capacity, cost, quality, and diversity challenges present in the technology industry.


Wrestlers of West Java Province had not met the performance sought in the National Sports Week XVIII as they got one gold and two bronze medals. Athletes' performance is affected by three factors; there are physical condition, technique, and mental condition of athlete. Athletes should have a perfect predominant physical component in order to achieve a gold medal. This study aims to know the physical condition of West Java's wrestling athletes in the National Sports Week XVIII. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study using secondary data obtained from Sports Medicine Department of National Sports Committee of Indonesia in Bandung. The data consisted of various predominant physical components, which were muscle strength, endurance, power, and flexibility, as well as cardiorespiratory endurance. The data was compared to National Sports Committee of Indonesia's standards and categorized into less, enough, good, very good, and perfect. Male athletes had several components which were categorized as less and enough; those are abdominal muscle endurance, arm and shoulder muscle endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance; Whereas, female athletes were less and enough in abdominal muscle endurance, limb muscles strength, limb muscles power, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Several predominant physical components of wrestling athletes of West Java Province in National Sports Week XVIII had not met the requirement for good and perfect category and needed to be improved. Generally, athletes will be able to get a gold medal if their predominant physical component achieves the good and perfect category.


The second volume of Bactrian documets from Afghanistan of the 2nd to 9th cents AD. Bactrian, the ancient language of Afghanistan, which was used for administrative purposes by a succession of dynasties from the 2nd to the 9th century CE, was virtually unknown until the discovery during the 1990s of more than 150 documents written on leather, wood and cloth. In these two volumes, Nicholas Sims-Williams has for the first time deciphered and translated the complete corpus of documents, which throw new light on the history and culture of Afghanistan during the eventful period which ended with the coming of Islam. For those who would like to read the original texts, each volume also includes an outline grammatical and a comprehensive glossary. A third volume of photographic plates is in preparation.


A theoretical study is undertaken into the Kerr nonlinear refraction observable in the transparency window in semiconductor heterostructures. Symmetry considerations indicate that the number of nonzero, independent tensor components increases from three to eight for single wavelength third-order nonlinear processes with the usual growth orientation. These are related to the observable phenomena of self-phase-modulation, cross-phase-modulation, and four-wave-mixing of the orthogonal polarization components in the usual waveguide geometry. For a 14:14 GaAs-AlAs superlattice, all eight independent elements are calculated. It is shown that the nonlinear response is highly anisotropic. The modification of the nonlinear coefficients with quantum well intermixing is investigated, with a several-fold reduction in value predicted. This modification could be exploited in some long-standing and novel nonlinear optical experiments.


Abstract We review the principles of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the inactivation of infectious agents by UV, and current applications for the control of microorganisms. In particular, wavelengths between 200 and 280 nm (germicidal UV) affect the double-bond stability of adjacent carbon atoms in molecules including pyrimidines, purines and flavin. Thus, UV inactivation of microorganisms results from the formation of dimers in RNA (uracil and cytosine) and DNA (thymine and cytosine). The classic application of UV irradiation is the inactivation of microorganisms in biological safety cabinets. In the food-processing industry, germicidal UV irradiation has shown potential for the surface disinfection of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. UV treatment of water (potable and wastewater) is increasingly common because the process is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, overdose is not possible, chemical residues or by-products are avoided, and water quality is unaffected. UV has been used to reduce the concentration of airborne microorganisms in limited studies, but the technology will require further development if it is to gain wider application. For bioaerosols, the primary technical challenge is delivery of sufficient UV irradiation to large volumes of air, but the absence of UV inactivation constants for airborne pathogens under a range of environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity) further compounds the problem.


Abstract:Like other spaces of the Enlightenment, the sublime was what Michel de Certeau might have called "a practiced place." Its rhetorical commonplaces, philosophical terrains, and associated physical environments were cultivated, shaped, and framed by human action and habit. But can the sublime—epiphanic, quasi-spiritual, unmasterable, extraordinary—ever really become a habit? Is it possible, even natural, to become habituated to sublimity? Taking as its point of departure the Aristotelian claim that "habit is a second nature," this article explores the counterintuitive relationship between habit and the sublime. It focuses not on that eighteenth-century "cultivar," the natural sublime, but on sonic sublimity, exploring on one hand overwhelming sounds, and on the other a conceptualization of sound itself as a sublime phenomenon stretching beyond audibility to fill all space. As this exploration shows, both the sublime and habit were seen as capable of creating a second nature, and prominent writers connected habit, practice, or repetition to the sublime. Equally, however, there are points of friction between the aesthetic of the sublime and philosophies of habit, especially in the idea that habit dulls or removes sensation. This is a prominent idea in Félix Ravaisson's landmark De l'habitude (1838), a text currently enjoying renewed attention, and one that apparently stems from Enlightenment attempts to explain sensation, consciousness, and freedom. Similar concerns inform the eighteenth-century sublime, yet the logic behind the sublime is at odds with the dulling of sensation. The article closes by touching on the reemergence of "second nature" in contemporary art oriented toward the sublime, and on the revisions of Enlightenment nature this involves.


The Hausdorff distance measures the extent to which each point of a model set lies near some point of an image set and vice versa. Thus, this distance can be used to determine the degree of resemblance between two objects that are superimposed on one another. Efficient algorithms for computing the Hausdorff distance between all possible relative positions of a binary image and a model are presented. The focus is primarily on the case in which the model is only allowed to translate with respect to the image. The techniques are extended to rigid motion. The Hausdorff distance computation differs from many other shape comparison methods in that no correspondence between the model and the image is derived. The method is quite tolerant of small position errors such as those that occur with edge detectors and other feature extraction methods. It is shown that the method extends naturally to the problem of comparing a portion of a model against an image. >


Therapeutic equivalency among different drug products is one of the major issues confronting many clinicians today who are functioning as members of pharmacy and therapeutic committees and state Medicaid programs (SMP). Selection of one of the available slow-release potassium chloride formulations for inclusion in a hospital formulary or SMP exemplifies one of these therapeutic equivalency issues. To evaluate this issue, we studied 20 hypertensive adult patients receiving hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/d to determine if there are significant differences between the administration of 24 mEq of Slow-K given as 8 mEq/tablet tid, and 30 mEq of K-Tab given as a 10 mEq/tablet tid. The study was conducted in a randomized, open-label, crossover design in which the two drug formulations of potassium chloride were compared over two four-week treatment periods. Results from this study indicate that 24 mEq of Slow-K and 30 mEq of K-Tab were equally effective in maintaining serum electrolyte concentrations, blood pressure measurements, and electrocardiogram evaluations within normal limits in all 20 hypertensive patients studied. Furthermore, no adverse effects were noted with either potassium chloride formulation, and patient acceptance, tolerability, and compliance to prescribed dosing regimens were similar for both products. Based on our findings, therefore, we conclude that 24 mEq of Slow-K and 30 mEq of K-Tab given three times daily as 8 mEq and 10 mEq tablets, respectively, are therapeutically equivalent.


The registration of long-strip, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds is a prerequisite for various engineering tasks, including tunnels, bridges, and roads. An artificial target-based registration method is proposed in this paper to automatically calculate registration parameters (i.e., rotation, translation) of scanned pairs without initial estimations. The approach is based on the well-known Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) method and effectively searches the point cloud for corresponding returns from a system of artificial targets. In addition, Closed Constraint Adjustment (CCA) is integrated into the registration method to significantly reduce the accumulative error. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness and feasibility of the proposed approach. It is a promising approach to register automatically long strips with limited external control points with satisfactory precision.


Covalently functionalized, semiconducting double-walled carbon nanotubes exhibit remarkable properties and can outperform their single-walled carbon nanotube counterparts. In order to harness their potential for electronic applications, metallic double-walled carbon nanotubes must be separated from the semiconductors. However, the inner wall is inaccessible to current separation techniques which rely on the surface properties. Here, the first approach to address this challenge through electrical breakdown of metallic double-walled carbon nanotubes, both inner and outer walls, within networks of mixed electronic types is described. The intact semiconductors demonstrate a ∼62% retention of the ON-state conductance in thin film transistors in response to covalent functionalization. The selective elimination of the metallic pathways improves the ON/OFF ratio, by more than 360 times, to as high as 40 700, while simultaneously retaining high ON-state conductance.


The WHO recommends exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) for the first 6 mo of life to decrease the burden of infectious disease. However, some are concerned about the effect of EBF >6 mo on iron status of children in developing countries in which anemia is prevalent. This study examines the risk of anemia in relation to the duration of EBF and maternal anemia in a birth cohort studied between March 1998 and April 2003. All infant birth weights were >or=2.2 kg. All mothers received home-based peer counseling to promote EBF. Infant feeding data were collected weekly. Nurses measured hemoglobin (Hb) values every 3 mo. Hb was measured in 183 infants at 9 mo of age. Anemia at 9 mo was defined as a Hb value <100 g/L. EBF was defined by WHO criteria and ranged in duration from 0 to 31 wk. At 9 mo, Hb (mean +/- SEM) was 114 +/- 0.9 g/L; 23 children (12.5%) had Hb levels <100 g/L. EBF >6 mo, but not EBF 4-6 mo, was associated with increased risk of infant anemia compared with EBF <4 mo (odds ratio=18.4, 95% CI=1.9, 174.0). Maternal anemia was independently (P=0.03) associated with a 3-fold increased risk of infant anemia. These associations were not explained by confounding with other maternal or infant factors. By linear regression, a lower infant Hb at 9 mo was associated with increased EBF duration among mothers who had a history of anemia (beta=-0.07, P=0.003), but not among mothers with no history of anemia. Infants who are exclusively breast-fed for >6 mo in developing countries may be at increased risk of anemia, especially among mothers with a poor iron status; greater attention to this issue is warranted.


This study aimed to show the results from malaria control in the State of Maranhão, based on the state's control plans and on the historical series of malaria records over the period from 1999 to 2007. The evolution of malaria cases was analyzed by comparing the annual incidences of parasitism (total number of cases notified per 1,000 inhabitants) according to geographical area, regional healthcare units and the 46 municipalities included in the plans. Analysis of the results allowed the conclusion that the plans were effective, since the annual incidence went down from 10.1 cases to 1.1 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, i.e. a regression of 89.1%, the largest among all the states in the Amazon region.


The fact that NSS estimates of aggregate household consumer expenditure (HCE) tend to be lower than NAS estimates of private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) has spurred suggestions to pro-rata adjust the NSS-based size distribution on the basis of this difference. Drawing on a joint CSO-NSSO exercise at cross-validation of NAS and NSS, this paper details weaknesses of both types of estimates, but shows that NAS cannot be accepted as a more reliable yardstick for either aggregate consumption expenditure or that on specific commodity groups. This is due to the inherent 'fluidity' of NAS estimates, weaknesses in their underlying database, and the fragility of the rates, ratios and norms used in the commodityflow balance underpinning the PFCE. Despite its shortcomings, it is argued that NSS is preferable because it is based on direct observations relating to the survey period and because, unlike NAS, it avoids recourse to adjustments based on arbitrary assumptions.


Based on the analysis of the current administrative staff of colleges and universities, there is the issue of performance appraisal based on the targeted colleges and universities, who put forward suggestions to solve problems with staff performance appraisal measures: to define a clear purpose and focus of performance appraisal; to conduct a detailed analysis of the accuracy of the positions; performance appraisal to determine the content and standards; designed standards will be detailed examination of the examination table; take a scientific assessment methods; the establishment of effective incentives.


Background Recently endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) T-786C gene promoter polymorphism was considered to be a factor of a high severity of RA [1,2]. It is possible that the eNOS T-786C gene promoter polymorphism can modify the efficacy and safety of treatment in patients with RA, but there is no information on the subject. Objectives To evaluate efficacy of treatment of patients with RA in accordance to the eNOS T-786C gene promoter polymorphism. Methods Patients who were enrolled in the study satisfied follows criteria: MTX 10–15 mg/week during the past 12 weeks, stable oral NSAIDs and corticosteroids (CCS), ≤10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent during the past 2 weeks, DAS28 ≥3.2, >6 tender and swollen joints. We excluded patients with previous biologic agent treatment history. All patients received treatment that included MTX, folic acid, CCS, NSAIDs. We evaluated RA activity (DAS28), number of swollen and tender joints, ESR, CRP, and HAQ before enrollment in the study and at the 12 week. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the ACR 20; 50; 70 at the end of the study. The 12-week study completed 148 patients with RA, 100% female, aged 45.7±8.54 years (mean ± SD), with moderate (DAS28 3.2–5.1; 34.5%) and high disease activity (DAS28 >5.1; 65.5%). Among the patients with RA, seropositive were 81.8% and 84.5% by the RF and the anti-CCP, respectively. Polymorphism of NOS3 T786C gene (rs2070744) was performed by Real-Time PCR. All studied polymorphism satisfied Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association "Ethical principles of medical research involving human subjects" (2000), the requirements of GCP, the applicable national legislation. Results Among patients with RA frequency of the genotypes was as follows: TT – 37.2%, TC – 42.6%, CC – 20.3%. Age, seropositivity and the duration of the disease were not differing in patients with RA, carriers of the different genotypes of eNOS. Though, CC genotype was associated with high disease activity according to DAS28-ESR >5.2 (OR=9.60; 95% CI 2.18–42.2), HAQ >2 (OR =2.38; 95% CI: 0.94–6.02) and extraarticular manifestations (OR =3.26; 95% CI 1.40–7.56). After 12 weeks treatment we estimated, that among patients with TT genotype there were 58.3; 16.7; and 8.3% responders ACR20; ACR50; ACR70, and among patients with CC genotype - 20.0; 10.0; 0.0% (p<0.05). TC heterozygotes patients had lower (by 22–25%, p<0.05) clinical response to the treatment by DAS28 and HAQ than the homozygotes TT. Conclusions eNOS T-786C gene promoter polymorphism influence on the efficacy of the treatment, and CC genotype can be considered as a possible predictor of a low response to the treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. References Breedveld F.C., Weisman M.H., Kavanaugh A.F. et al. (2006) The PREMIER study. Arthr. Reum., 54: 26–37. Gonzalez-Gay M.A., Llorca J., Palomino-Morales R. et al. (2009) Influence of nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms on the risk of cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin. Exp. Rheumatol., 27 (1): 116–119. Disclosure of Interest None declared


A thesis presented to the Department of Languages, College of Arts and Social Sciences, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Arts Degree in Comparative Literature, 2001


'Household' is a word that is simultaneously part of common
language yet is also a technical term used in surveys. Household surveys are the mainstay of microlevel data for developing countries, providing data for more than half
of the Millennium Development Goal indicators. In high income
countries, in addition to census and routine statistics, micro-level data collection includes increasingly complex longitudinal household surveys.


The reactions of ground state Cl((2)P(3/2)) atoms with neopentane and tetramethylsilane have been studied at collision energies of 7.9+/-2.0 and 8.2+/-2.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The nascent HCl(v=0,J) products were probed using resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy combined with velocity map imaging (VMI) to determine the rotational level population distributions, differential cross sections (DCSs), and product translational energy distributions. The outcomes from PHOTOLOC and dual beam methods are compared and are discussed in light of previous studies of the reactions of Cl atoms with other saturated hydrocarbons, including a recent crossed molecular beam and VMI investigation of the reaction of Cl atoms with neopentane [Estillore et al., J. Chem. Phys. 132, 164313 (2010)]. Rotational distributions were observed to be cold, consistent with the reactions proceeding via a transition state with a collinear Cl-H-C moiety. The DCSs for both reactions are forward peaked but show scatter across a broad angular range. Interpretation using a model based on linear dependence of scattering angle on impact parameter indicates that the probability of reaction is approximately constant across all allowed impact parameters. Product translational energy distributions from dual beam experiments have mean values, expressed as fractions of the total available energy, of 0.67 (Cl+neopentane) and 0.64 (Cl+tetramethylsilane) that are consistent with a kinematic model for the reaction in which the translational energy of the reactants is conserved into product translational energy.


Erythrovirus B19 infection is usually benign but may have serious consequences in patients with hemolytic anemia (transient aplastic crisis), immunodeficiency (in whom persistent infection can lead to chronic bone marrow failure with anemia), or who are in the first or second trimester of gestation (spontaneous abortion, hydrops fetalis, and fetal death). Being non-enveloped, B19 resists most inactivation methods and can be transmitted by transfusion. B19 is difficult to cultivate and native virus is usually obtained from viremic blood. As specific antibodies may be absent, and there is no reliable immunological method for antigen detection, hybridization or polymerase chain reaction are needed for detecting viremia. A rapid method, gel hemagglutination (Diamed ID-Parvovirus B19 Antigen Test), can disclose highly viremic donations, whose elimination lessens the viral burden in pooled blood products and may even render them non-infectious. In order to obtain native antigen and to determine the frequency of viremic donors, we applied this test to blood donors in a period of high viral activity in our community. Positive or indeterminate results were re-tested by dot-blot hybridization. We tested 472 donors in 1998 and 831 ones in 1999. One viremic donor was found in 1999. We suggest that in periods of high community viral activity the gel hemagglutination test may be useful in avoiding highly viremic blood being added to plasma pools or directly transfused to patients under risk.


A 11-year-old boy was described who had the characteristic clinical features of the Cornelia de Lange syndrome, which included such symptoms as physical and mental retardation, eyebrows met in the midline, long thin overhanging upper lip, adverted nostrils with depressed nasal bridge, cleft uvula and various anormalies of the extremities. Dental treatment and palatoplasty were carried out under general anesthesia. Abnormal data were not shown in the hematological and serological examinations, and chromosomal abnormalities were not recognized.


Sri Lanka is now at the stage of fertility transition where it is approaching below replacement level fertility. The total fertility rate for 1988-93 was 2.3 children per woman. Fertility was low, even though only 66% of currently married women were practicing contraception. The low fertility despite a contraceptive use rate lower than the 71% needed for replacement level fertility may have been achieved in part due to reliance on induced abortion in large numbers. During 1960-90 Sri Lanka has experienced the highest rate of fertility decline compared with other South Asian countries. Demographic transition occurred according to the pattern of initial declines in the death rate since 1947. Births did not begin to decline until 1960 (from 37 per 1000 in 1960 to 20 per 1000 in 1970). Family planning efforts were expanded during 1968-77 and integrated into maternal and child health programs. The 1972-76 Five Year Plan recognized the importance of family planning in the context of low standards of living and malnutrition, which could decrease health standards and increase infant mortality. Around 1980 cash incentives were given for sterilization acceptors. The government was repeatedly aware of the link between available resources and the demands of an increasing population. The Ministry of Health targeted zero population growth by the year 2050 and a two child family average by the year 2000. Stabilization of population in 2050 at 25 million would be an increase from 18.6 million in 1993. One of the signs of permanent fertility decline was the large declines in fertility during 1975-87 in the older reproductive age groups. By 1987-93 large declines were apparent in older and younger age groups. Family limitation was begun at relatively early ages. The inference from fertility declines during the 1980s recorded in the Demographic and Health Surveys in 1987 and 1993 is that the total fertility rate for 1991-93 was 2.06, which is lower than replacement level fertility of 2.1.


Abstract The Michigan Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Michigan Soil Conservation Service organized a series of 1-day groundwater education workshops throughout Michigan. The workshops were held primarily to educate soil conservation personnel. The effect of the training on participant knowledge and attitude was measured with a quasi-experimental design. Three workshops were evaluated. Only 1 workshop was effective in increasing participants' knowledge of groundwater. All 3 workshops, however, were effective in increasing the pretested participants' knowledge of groundwater. The workshops did not change participants' attitudes toward groundwater conservation, but attitudes were already positive at the outset. The practical recommendation is that a pretest should be incorporated into adult groundwater training to effect immediate results.


In Mexico, the main production area for temporary wheat is located in the High Valleys of Central Mexico, where the linear rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Eriks) has become the main problem in recent years, being much more aggressive than leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks). In order to know the most appropriate stage for the application of fungicides for the control of the disease, four commercial formulations and different protection strategies were used, seeking to expand the knowledge in the control of the linear rust in susceptible varieties and thus improve the production of bread wheat under temporary conditions. The present investigation was carried out during the spring-summer cycle, 2015 using the Nana F2007 variety in the municipality of Terrenate, Tlaxcala, Mexico. The best protection strategy was 2, which corresponds to the application of systemic fungicides 45 days after sowing (dds) and in anthesis (70 dds), which was associated with the highest yield. The fungicides that showed the best control over linear rust were the mixture of Axozistrobina+Propiconazole (QUILT®) and Tebuconazole (Folicur 250EW), with which the highest yield values and statistically similar effects were obtained. The results indicate that it is necessary to apply fungicides to control the disease, otherwise the yield losses could be 53% between strategies and up to 84% without application of fungicide.


Abstract This article aims to analyze the presidential campaign in Serbia (2017). It focuses on the presence of different significant figures from Serbian history and culture in the public sphere. It begins by presenting the pantheon of eminent figures in the history of Serbia. Next, the presidential election and its results are briefly described. Then, the text investigates the question what kind of eminent figures, by whom, and in which context were used in the last Serbian presidential campaign. The conclusion summarizes the specifics of the use of historical characters for political aims in that case.


Swine production is an important business in Brazil with 2.5 million sows, and in this economic sector there is large concentration of workers performing both manual and mechanical tasks exposed to numerous labor risks and accidents. Very few ergonomic studies have been done in Brazilian commercial animal production activities. This research aimed to evaluate the symptoms found by swine production workers, relating them with the worker's age and time involved in specific task. A questionnaire was prepared seeking the evaluation of the working environment as well as the worker's life quality, by analyzing any complaint and/or symptom related or found during the research. Twenty five individuals who worked eight hours daily in commercial swine housing were selected randomly to answer the questionnaire. Ages varied from 16 to 60 years old and related to gender, 68% were male and 32% were female. The research was carried out in a commercial swine production facility in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were registered and organized, and Fishers tests and Odds Ratio were used for statistical analysis in order to evaluate associations between worker's age, duration of employment, and selected symptoms. The results showed that work within swine production in Brazil did not represent a risk for worker health. A positive correlation was found between physical fatigue and young workers, apparently because their muscular development is not adapted to the activity. A negative correlation between physical fatigue and the duration of employment performing a certain function was also found.


From its beginnings two decades ago with the analysis of chromosomal translocation break points, research into the molecular pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has now progressed to the large scale sequencing of candidate genes that might be linked to the pathogenesis of leukemia. Interleukon-15 (IL-15) gene has gained the interest of many oncologist with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) proved to be associated with childhood ALL.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL-15 gene polymorphisms and the risk for adult ALL and whether these polymorphisms are related to the immunophenotype of the disease. This study included 60 subjects classified into 2 groups: 30 patients with adult ALL (ALL group) and 30 healthy subjects of matched age and sex as control group. All subjects were genotyped for rs10519613 and rs35964658 polymorphisms of IL-15 gene using PCR-RFLP technique.Results revealed that there was no statistical difference between ALL group and control group regarding the distribution of the genotypes of both for rs10519613 and rs35964658 polymorphisms however there was 2.1 fold increased risk for ALL in C-allele carriers of rs10519613 polymorphism (OR:2.1 95% CI: 0.45 – 9.84). Concerning immunophenotype of the disease, there was no statistical difference between B-cell type and T-cell type regarding the distribution of the genotypes of the two polymorphisms, however there is 1.2 fold increased risk for B-cell type in G-allele carriers of rs35964658 polymorphism (OR:1.2 95% CI: 0.07 – 19.63).It was concluded that there was no association between both rs10519613 and rs35964658 polymorphisms and neither the risk of ALL nor the immune-phenotype of the disease. Key wards: IL-15, cytokines, genetic polymorphism, ALL


ABSTRACT Topical blockade of the gp41 fusogenic protein of HIV-1 is one possible strategy by which microbicides could prevent HIV transmission, working early against infection, by inhibiting viral entry into host cells. In this study, we examined the potential of gp41 fusion inhibitors (FIs) as candidate anti-HIV microbicides. Preclinical evaluation of four FIs, C34, T20, T1249, and L'644, was performed using cellular and ex vivo genital and colorectal tissue explant models. Increased and sustained activity was detected for L'644, a cholesterol-derivatized version of C34, relative to the other FIs. The higher potency of L'644 was further increased with sustained exposure of cells or tissue to the compound. The activity of L'644 was not affected by biological fluids, and the compound was still active when tissue explants were treated after viral exposure. L'644 was also more active than other FIs against a viral escape mutant resistant to reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), demonstrating the potential of L'644 to be included as part of a multiactive antiretroviral (ARV) combination-based microbicide. These data support the further development of L'644 for microbicide application.


A widely tunable and room-temperature operationable loss filter based on a long-period fibre grating (LPFG) fabricated in a B/Ge codoped fibre is reported. The filter exhibits extremely high temperature sensitivity. A maximum spectral shift of -48.1 nm from 10 to 40°C is achieved, corresponding to a thermal tuning efficiency of 1.6nm/°C. This value is increased by more than one order of magnitude compared with the LPFGs fabricated in standard telecom fibre, and even twice that of a LPFG with sensitivity enhanced by a special polymer.


Objective: This article aimed to identify the main features of older driver casualty crashes, including detailed descriptions of injury outcomes. Methods: Data were obtained from the Transport Accident Commission insurance claims database for 2 groups of drivers: aged 41 to 55 years (middle-aged drivers) and aged 65 years and older (older drivers). Results: In terms of crash circumstances, the majority of crashes involved a collision with another vehicle (70.0% of middle-aged drivers and 68.7% of older drivers). The 2 main maneuvers at the time of crash were driving straight ahead (44.6% of middle-aged drivers and 42.8% of older drivers) and turning right (equivalent of left turn in North America; 15.2% of middle-aged drivers and 17.6% of older drivers). In terms of injury outcomes, older drivers sustained a significantly higher proportion of injuries to the thorax (30.9% compared to 18.5% of middle-aged drivers). Conversely, a significantly higher proportion of middle-aged drivers sustained some form of injury to the neck (30.6% compared to 12.1% of older drivers). Conclusion: These findings highlight the situations that are particularly risky for older drivers and provide important insights for developing solutions to reduce older driver crash and injury risk.


The ichthyofauna of the Río Acahuapa was analyzed sampling 17 sites that included the basin main channel and its tributaries. Fish were collected using dip-nets, seine-nets and electrofishing. Fish standard length and species abundance were recorded. Species origin and salinity tolerance criteria were used to classify fish species. Water physicochemical variables, habitat structure and sampling sites elevation were recorded. A total of 33 fish species were registered, 12.1% are primary, 45.5% are secondary and 42.4% are of marine derivation. Fish species richness declined with increase of elevation (R2=0.55, p=0.0006). Two assemblages of fishes were identified: the first one associated to sites of low elevations (19-184 masl), composed mainly of secondary and marine-estuarine fish species related with high temperature, water velocity, river width, dissolved oxygen and low sand and silt substrate cover; the second one associated to sites of middle and higher elevations (185-519 masl), composed by primary and secondary freshwater fishes related with high pH, logs and rocks substrate cover. In summary, elevation and environmental variables contributed to the composition and distribution of fish in the Río Acahuapa.


Vulvar pain, burning and dyspareunia are challenging complaints that often defy attempts at specific diagnosis. The vulvar vestibule is being recognized increasingly as a site of these symptoms, but the entities found at this location are not recognized widely. The clinical and histologic features of the minor vestibular glands, mucinous cysts, vestibular adenitis and vestibular papillae are given as they appeared in 28 patients.


Background: Ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis causes brain shrinkage and cognitive defects. Results: Exposure to ethanol (0.5% v/v for 72 h) in SH-SY5Y cells induced expression of miR-497 and miR-302b and down-regulated expression of BCL2 and/or cyclin D2. Conclusion: Ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis follows both the mitochondria-mediated and non-mitochondria-mediated pathways. Significance: Our study shows that miRNAs are involved in regulation of ethanol neurotoxicity. In chronic alcoholism, brain shrinkage and cognitive defects because of neuronal death are well established, although the sequence of molecular events has not been fully explored yet. We explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ethanol-induced apoptosis of neuronal cells. Ethanol-sensitive miRNAs in SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, were identified using real-time PCR-based TaqMan low-density arrays. Long-term exposure to ethanol (0.5% v/v for 72 h) produced a maximum increase in expression of miR-497 (474-fold) and miR-302b (322-fold). Similar to SH-SY5Y, long-term exposure to ethanol induced miR-497 and miR-302b in IMR-32, another human neuroblastoma cell line. Using in silico approaches, BCL2 and cyclin D2 (CCND2) were identified as probable target genes of these miRNAs. Cotransfection studies with 3′-UTR of these genes and miRNA mimics have demonstrated that BCL2 is a direct target of miR-497 and that CCND2 is regulated negatively by either miR-302b or miR-497. Overexpression of either miR-497 or miR-302b reduced expression of their identified target genes and increased caspase 3-mediated apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. However, overexpression of only miR-497 increased reactive oxygen species formation, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced cytochrome c release (mitochondria-related events of apoptosis). Moreover, ethanol induced changes in miRNAs, and their target genes were substantially prevented by pre-exposure to GSK-3B inhibitors. In conclusion, our studies have shown that ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis follows both the mitochondria-mediated (miR-497- and BCL2-mediated) and non-mitochondria-mediated (miR-302b- and CCND2-mediated) pathway.


Our goal is to develop an object recognition and motion tracking system to assist in the analysis of data for a project in the psychology and human development department. Fuzzy membership rules provide a viable solution for creating this system. We describe our development of the feature vector, rule extraction, and image segmentation. The usefulness of the system is demonstrated via an analysis of videos of human action collected as part of an on-going collaboration with researchers in the Vanderbilt Psychology and Human Development department. Results are given to show the current progress, and future goals are presented.


We present a reliable on-line handwritten recognition system which recognizes symbols, such as NATO symbols, drawn on a paper maps using a digital pen and a mobile phone. Our user evaluation shows that maximal accuracy can be achieved. Furthermore, our proposed system has low latency running on off-the-shelf mobile phones. The recognition system is part of a research effort providing field soldiers with lightweight computer support.


AbstractLegionella pneumophila has been increasingly recognized as a cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and an important public health problem worldwide. We conducted the present study to assess trends in epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of sporadic community-acquired L. pneumophila pneumonia requiring hospitalization at a university hospital over a 15-year period (1995–2010). Among 3934 nonimmunosuppressed hospitalized patients with CAP, 214 (5.4%) had L. pneumophila pneumonia (16 cases were categorized as travel-associated pneumonia, and 21 were part of small clusters). Since the introduction of the urinary antigen test, the diagnosis of L. pneumophila using this method remained stable over the years (p = 0.42); however, diagnosis by means of seroconversion and culture decreased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).The median age of patients with L. pneumophila pneumonia was 58.2 years (SD 13.8), and 76.4% were male. At least 1 comorbid condition was present in 119 (55.6%) patients with L. pneumophila pneumonia, mainly chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic pulmonary disease. The frequency of older patients (aged >65 yr) and comorbidities among patients with L. pneumophila pneumonia increased over the years (p = 0.06 and p = 0.02, respectively). In addition, 100 (46.9%) patients were classified into high-risk classes according to the Pneumonia Severity Index (groups IV–V). Twenty-four (11.2%) patients with L. pneumophila pneumonia received inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy at hospital admission. Compared with patients who received appropriate empirical antibiotic, patients who received inappropriate therapy more frequently had acute onset of illness (p = 0.004), pleuritic chest pain (p = 0.03), and pleural effusion (p = 0.05). The number of patients who received macrolides decreased over the study period (p < 0.001), whereas the number of patients who received levofloxacin increased (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the outcomes between patients who received erythromycin and clarithromycin. However, compared with macrolide use during hospital admission, levofloxacin therapy was associated with a trend toward a shorter time to reach clinical stability (median, 3 vs. 5 d; p = 0.09) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median, 7 vs. 10 d; p < 0.001).Regarding outcomes, 38 (17.8%) patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and the inhospital case-fatality rate was 6.1% (13 of 214 patients). The frequency of ICU admission (p = 0.34) and the need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.57) remained stable over the study period, but the inhospital case-fatality rate decreased (p = 0.04). In the logistic regression analysis, independent factors associated with severe disease (ICU admission and death) were current/former smoker (odds ratio [OR], 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–8.62), macrolide use (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.03–5.56), initial inappropriate therapy (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.01–8.74), and high-risk Pneumonia Severity Index classes (OR, 9.1; 95% CI, 3.52–23.4).In conclusion, L. pneumophila is a relatively frequent causative pathogen among hospitalized patients with CAP and is associated with high morbidity. The annual number of L. pneumophila cases remained stable over the study period. In recent years, there have been significant changes in diagnosis and treatment, and the inhospital case-fatality rate of L. pneumophila pneumonia has decreased.


We evaluated the monthly distribution of rotavirus diarrhea in a cohort of children 12-24 months of age followed as part of a diarrhea clinical trial in a peri-urban community of Lima. We observed a peak of rotavirus diarrhea in the winter months and a decrease in rotavirus prevalence after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Peru.


There is no doubt that retrieving observed scene features is one of the most interesting and challenging activities in all fields of remote sensing: The successful extraction of scene parameters may not only mean the success of the adopted procedure but also the success of a prediction model, an image product, a sensor project, or even an entire mission. This paper is partly concerned with this. The mission, the sensor, and the products at issue are the TerraSAR-X; the feature retrieval approach is the deterministic model-based approach already tested on E-SAR images and now in phase of improvement and testing on high-resolution TerraSAR-X images. Together with assessing the performances of TerraSAR-X products, this paper deals with a new application which, until now, has not received enough attention even if being worth of it: monitoring of big tanks in suburban or urban areas. Detailed discussion concerning the most suitable product for this kind of application is accompanied by retrieval results carried out on recently acquired TerraSAR-X images.


The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between health provider and private insurance company, which consists of cash flows from the insurance company to the provider and flow of health services from the provider to the customers of the insurance company. This exchange of services and cash flows are recorded and become the subject of agreement between these parties. Given the need to reduce the ever-increasing healthcare costs, promoting prepaid insurance programs is considered a unique solution. The individual characteristics of the method of per capita compensation and its integration in the relationship provider and insurer, reversing the terms of the assumption of financial risk are described in detail, emphasizing on imprinting the conditions of proper operation of insurance programs under capitation reimbursement in their contracts. Furthermore, there is a description of the impact on health status of the population under the current crisis, and the results of the use of health services and the adaptation of the involved (provider, insurance company), affecting respectively the content of contracts. Furthermore, the need to use capitation reimbursement method becomes more imperative as a means to control and reduce the increasing costs that creates excess demand in the context of increased morbidity because of the hard circumstances we are experiencing. In the context of adaptation to current data, and maintaining the profitability of the operation of insurance programs under capitation reimbursement model, the determination of the remuneration of the provider, is the most intractable problem for the provider. Unknown factors, such as rate of use of health services, health status of the insurance portfolio in combination with other factors, such as age, environment work and residence must be counted in determining the remuneration of the provider.


We have conducted a series of studies on communication between nurses and elderly patients in geriatric facilities in Japan. The average speech duration per day for elderly people in nursing homes was roughly 4 minutes. The reason for such a short speech duration was that 76% of the nurses' communication content was composed of "type I" communication ("task oriented" communication) and that "type II" communication ("life-worldly" communication) made up for only 24% of the total. We also analyzed the ways in which "type I" communication constrained spontaneous speech by the elderly whereas "type II" communication tended to promote and encourage it. This article, based on the findings obtained from our research, aims to encourage reconsideration and advancement in the research of nursing communication.


This paper investigates the sum spectral efficiency maximization problem in downlink multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with low-resolution quantizers at an access point (AP) and users. In particular, we consider rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) to enhance spectral efficiency by offering opportunities to boost achievable degrees of freedom. Optimizing RSMA precoders, however, is highly challenging due to the minimum rate constraint when determining the rate of the common stream. The quantization errors coupled with the precoders further make the problem more complicated and difficult to solve. In this paper, we develop a novel RSMA precoding algorithm incorporating quantization errors for maximizing the sum spectral efficiency. To this end, we first obtain an approximate spectral efficiency in a smooth function. Subsequently, we derive the first-order optimality condition in the form of the nonlinear eigenvalue problem (NEP). We propose a computationally efficient algorithm to find the principal eigenvector of the NEP as a sub-optimal solution. Simulation results validate the superior spectral efficiency of the proposed method. The key benefit of using RSMA over spatial division multiple access (SDMA) comes from the ability of the common stream to balance between the channel gain and quantization error in multiuser MIMO systems with different quantization resolutions.


Screening women for syphilis during pregnancy and providing proper treatment are the cornerstones of congenital syphilis prevention. During 2008-2011, 6,221 pregnant women were screened for syphilis using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA) tests at R.L. Jalappa Hospital, Kolar, Karnataka, India. The seroprevalence of syphilis during pregnancy ranged from 0.57% to 0.78% during the study. Of the 35 women with a positive test, 26 (74.28%) were detected at the time of labor and 9 (25.71%) were detected during antenatal care. None of the women detected at the time of labor received penicillin therapy for syphilis. Adverse fetal outcomes due to untreated syphilis during pregnancy were seen in many of the cases. During the study 26 infants (3.69/1,000) were diagnosed with congenital syphilis. Our findings show detection and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy needs to be strengthened in the study area to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis.


We discuss some of the key topological features of a two (1 + 1)-dimensional (2D) self-interacting non-Abelian gauge theory (having no interaction with matter fields) in the framework of superfield formalism. We provide the geometrical interpretation for the Lagrangian density, symmetric energy momentum tensor, topological invariants, etc., by exploiting the on-shell nilpotent BRST-and co-BRST symmetries that emerge after the application of generalized versions of horizontality condition. We show that the above physically interesting quantities of relevance geometrically correspond to translation of some local (but composite) chiral superfields along one of the two independent Grassmannian directions of a four (2 + 2)-dimensional compact supermanifold. 1 Introduction The modern developments in the subject of topological field theories (TFTs) have encompassed in their ever widening horizon a host of diverse and distinct areas of research in theoretical physics and mathematics. In this context, mention can be made of such interesting topics as Chern-Simon theories, topological string theories and matrix models, 2D topological gravity, Morse theory, Donaldson and Jones polynomials, etc. (see, e.g., Ref. [1] and references therein for details). Without going into the subtleties and intricacies , TFTs can be broadly classified into two types. The Witten type TFTs [2] are the ones where the Lagrangian density turns out to be the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) (anti-)commutator. The conserved and nilpotent BRST charge for such a class of TFTs generates a symmetry that is a combination of a topological shift symmetry and some types of local gauge symmetry. On the other hand, the Schwarz type of TFTs [3] are characterized by the existence of a conserved and nilpotent BRST charge that generates only some local gauge type of symmetries for a Lagrangian density that cannot be totally expressed as the BRST (anti-)commutator (see, e.g., Ref. [1] for details). For both types of TFT, there are no energy excitations in the physical sector of the theory because the energy-momentum tensor turns out to be a BRST (anti-)commutator and all the physical states (including the vacuum) of this theory are supposed to be invariant w.r.t. the conserved, nilpotent, metric independent and hermitian BRST charge Q b (i.e. Q b |vac >= 0, Q b |phys >= 0). Recently, in a set of papers [4-7], the free 2D Abelian-and self-interacting non-Abelian gauge theories (without any kind of interaction with matter fields) have been shown to belong to a new class of TFTs because the Lagrangian density of the …


Buprenorphine (BUP) is the preferred treatment for opioid use disorder during pregnancy but can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Norbuprenorphine (NorBUP), an active metabolite of BUP, is implicated in BUP-associated NOWS. We hypothesized that BUP, a low-efficacy agonist of mu opioid receptors, will not antagonize NorBUP, a high-efficacy agonist of mu opioid receptors, in producing NOWS. To test this hypothesis, we treated pregnant Long-Evans rats with BUP (0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mg/kg/day) ± NorBUP (1 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 9 until pup delivery, and tested pups for opioid dependence using our established NOWS model. We used LC-MS-MS to quantify brain concentrations of BUP, NorBUP, and their glucuronide conjugates. BUP had little effect on NorBUP-induced NOWS, with the exception of 1 mg/kg/day BUP significantly increasing NorBUP-induced NOWS by 58% in females. BUP and NorBUP brain concentrations predicted NOWS in multiple linear regression models. Interestingly, NorBUP contributed more to NOWS in females (βNorBUP = 51.34, p = 0.0001) than in males (βNorBUP = 19.21, P = 0.093), while BUP was similar for females (βBUP = 10.62, P = 0.0017) and males (βBUP = 11.38, P = 0.009). We are the first to report that NorBUP induces NOWS in the presence of BUP and that there is sexual divergence in the contribution of NorBUP to BUP-associated NOWS. These findings suggest that females are more susceptible to NorBUP-induced NOWS, and that treatment strategies that reduce prenatal NorBUP exposure may be more effective for females than males. Buprenorphine does not antagonize fetal norbuprenorphine dependence. In females, buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine have an additive effect. Norbuprenorphine contributes to NOWS in females more than in males. The glucuronide of norbuprenorphine accumulates in fetal brain. The glucuronide of buprenorphine does not accumulate in fetal brain.


The study determined optimum inventory levels for various bakery resources using the bread supply chain network in Onitsha City. Structured questionnaires were administered among bakery factories. The optimum design achieved through the optimization model was compared with the existing systems. Analysis of 90 bakeries with a combined capacity of 3960 revealed that total money N 564,408,477.28 is spent on energy annually. Of this amount, 66.75% is expended annually to meet diesel requirements, while firewood and petrol account for 22.57% and 10.66%, respectively. The results of the ABC analysis show that flour ranks as class A with over 78%, followed by sugar at 13%, whilst the remainder of the ingredients constitutes 9%. High operating costs was identified as a major factor militating against the growth of the sector. Consequently, baked bread is expensive and remuneration is very poor, making the industry less attractive. The implementation of optimization practice adds value leading to savings amounting to N 6,957.51, thus enhancing the supply chain competiveness. The annual supply chain performance measured by inventory turnover shows a frequency of 73 inventory turns. Since the bakeries contribute to ensuring food security, these findings, if implemented, will assuage the rising food insecurity in the nation.


ABSTRACT Mercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation, dental amalgams, and skin from cosmetics. In this review, we have discussed the sources of Hg and its potential for causing toxicity in humans. In addition, we also review its bio-chemical cycling in the environment; its systemic, immunotoxic, genotoxic/carcinogenic, and teratogenic health effects; and the dietary influences; as well as the important considerations in risk assessment and management of Hg poisoning have been discussed in detail. Many harmful outcomes have been reported, which will provide more awareness.


This paper presents a decision-maker expert system, referred to as SVM-T3SD (Support Vector Machines for Tricotyledon Theory of System Design) to select a proper IT infrastructure for a Smart Grid. The proposed SVM-T3SD is a policy-driven decision making method combining the SVM, Fuzzy and T3SD concepts. The practical data are taken from the Greater Tehran Electrical Distribution Company (GTEDC) and three alternative IT infrastructures - Spread Spectrum (SS), Distribution Line Carrier (DLC) and Leased Line (LL) - are considered in this study. Conclusively, it is revealed that the method is as effective as previously proposed methods, yet more efficient, due to employing fewer rules to construct the expert system rule-base.


Type III secretion systems are central to the pathogenesis and virulence of many important Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, and elucidation of the secretion mechanism and identification of the secreted substrates are critical to our understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms and developing potential therapeutics. Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture-based mass spectrometry is a quantitative and highly sensitive proteomics tool that we have previously used to successfully analyze the type III secretomes of Citrobacter rodentium and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In this report, stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture was used to analyze the type III secretome of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), an important human pathogen, which, together with enterohemorrhagic E. coli and C. rodentium, represents the family of attaching and effacing bacterial pathogens. We not only confirmed all 25 known EPEC type III-secreted proteins and effectors previously identified by conventional molecular and bioinformatical techniques but also identified several new type III-secreted proteins, including two novel effectors, C_0814/NleJ and LifA, that were shown to be translocated into host cells. LifA is a known virulence factor believed to act as a toxin as well as an adhesin, but its mechanism of secretion and function is not understood. With a predicted molecular mass of 366 kDa, LifA is the largest type III effector identified thus far in any pathogen. We further demonstrated that Efa1, ToxB, and Z4332 (homologs of LifA in enterohemorrhagic E. coli) are also type III effectors. This study has comprehensively characterized the type III secretome of EPEC, expanded the repertoire of type III-secreted effectors for the attaching and effacing pathogens, and provided new insights into the mode of function for LifA/Efa1/ToxB/Z4332, an important family of virulence factors.


Recently, Yang and Tan proposed a certificateless key exchange protocol without pairing, and claimed their scheme satisfies forward secrecy, which means no adversary could derive an already-established session key unless the full user secret keys (including a private key and an ephemeral secret key) of both communication parties are compromised. However, in this paper, we point out their protocol is actually not secure as claimed by presenting an attack launched by an adversary who has learned the private key of one party and the ephemeral secret key of the other, but not the full user secret keys of both parties. Furthermore, to make up this flaw, we also provide an improved protocol in which the private key and the ephemeral secret key are closely intertwined with each other for generating the session key, thus above attack can be efficiently resisted.


Reservoir operation rules play an important role in regions economic development. Meanwhile, hedging policies are mostly applied for municipal, industrial, and irrigation water supplies from reservoirs and it is less used for reservoir operation for hydropower generation. The concept of hedging and rationing factors can be used to maintain the water in a reservoir for the sake of increasing water storage and water head for future use. However, water storage and head are the key factors in operation of reservoir systems for hydropower generation. This study investigates the applicability of seven competing hedging policies including four customary forms of hedging (1PHP, 2PHP, 3PHP, DHP) and three new forms of hedging rules (SOPHP, BSOPHP, SHPHP) for reservoir operation for hydropower generation. The models were constructed in MATLAB R2011b based on the characteristics of the Batang Padang hydropower reservoir system, Malaysia. In order to maximize the output of power generation in operational periods (2003–2009), three optimization algorithms namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), and hybrid PSO-GA were linked to one of the constructed model (1PHP as a test) to find the most effective algorithm. Since the results demonstrated the superiority of the hybrid PSO-GA algorithm compared to either PSO or GA, the hybrid PSO-GA were linked to each constructed model in order to find the optimal decision variables of each model. The proposed methodology was validated using monthly data from 2010–2012. The results showed that there are no significant difference between the output of monthly mean power generation during 2003–2009 and 2010–2012.The results declared that by applying the proposed policies, the output of power generation could increase by 13% with respect to the historical management. Moreover, the discrepancies between mean power generations from highest to lowest months were reduced from 49 MW to 26 MW, which is almost half. This means that hedging policies could efficiently distribute the water-supply and power-supply in the operational period and increase the stability of the system. Among the studied hedging policies, SHPHP is the most convenient policy for hydropower reservoir operation and gave the best result.


Abstract Pragmatics and dialectics are two disciplines which have been amongst the first and most important partners for argument studies in the exploration of the complex realm of communication. Treating argumentation as a construct consisting of premises and conclusion allows for investigating some interesting properties of the phenomenon of reasoning, but does not capture a variety of aspects related to the usage of natural language and dialogical context in which real-life argumentation is typically embedded. This special issue explores some of the fascinating research questions which emerge when we move beyond logic into the territory of the pragmatics and dialectics of argument.


Objective: Allowing patients to access their own electronic health record (EHR) notes through online patient portals has the potential to improve patient-centered care. However, medical jargon, which abounds in EHR notes, has been shown to be a barrier for patient EHR comprehension. Existing knowledge bases that link medical jargon to lay terms or definitions play an important role in alleviating this problem but have low coverage of medical jargon in EHRs. We developed a data-driven approach that mines EHRs to identify and rank medical jargon based on its importance to patients, to support the building of EHR-centric lay language resources.
Methods: We developed an innovative adapted distant supervision (ADS) model based on support vector machines to rank medical jargon from EHRs. For distant supervision, we utilized the open-access, collaborative consumer health vocabulary, a large, publicly available resource that links lay terms to medical jargon. We explored both knowledge-based features from the Unified Medical Language System and distributed word representations learned from unlabeled large corpora. We evaluated the ADS model using physician-identified important medical terms.
Results: Our ADS model significantly surpassed two state-of-the-art automatic term recognition methods, TF*IDF and C-Value, yielding 0.810 ROC-AUC versus 0.710 and 0.667, respectively. Our model identified 10K important medical jargon terms after ranking over 100K candidate terms mined from over 7,500 EHR narratives.
Conclusion: Our work is an important step towards enriching lexical resources that link medical jargon to lay terms/definitions to support patient EHR comprehension. The identified medical jargon terms and their rankings are available upon request.


College of Health Sciences ( STIKes ) Hang Tuah Pekanbaru as the implementation of the learning process for students at the same workplace for its employees , which should be a place where the Smoking Area based health legislation . Therefore since 2011 STIKes Hang Tuah has issued a policy in the form of a circular by the number of letters No. / 09 / STIKes - HTP / IX / 2011/289 / on Smoking Area in STIKes environment Hang Tuah Pekanbaru. This study was conducted to determine No Smoking Area Policy Implementation (KTR) On Student In High School Environmental Health Sciences Hang Tuah Pekanbaru in 2013 .Metode research with cross sectional design was conducted in June-July 2013. Number of samples 350 students. The sampling procedure by using of Proporsional, data collection using of questionnaires and analysis of data conducted by univariate, bivariate chi-square test and multivariate multiple logistic regression. The results showed that  do not comply with policies KTR 236 people (67.4%), variables related to the implementation of policies KTR are knowledge policies KTR (OR: 15.594, 95% CI: 7.530 to 32.292) and social environment (OR: 17.118; 95% CI :9,455-30, 992), a variable that is not related to policy implementation KTR is knowledge on the dangers of smoking and these variables are not counfounding. It is expected that Hang Tuah STIKes Pekanbaru with each study program is in STIKes Hang Tuah Pekanbaru to do reviews and socialization about No Smoking Area to students who still smoke in the environment STIKes HangTuah Pekanbaru


Osteoporosis incidence increases exponentially with age in men and hypogonadism represents a risk factor. Sex steroids levels are correlated to bone mineral density and to fracture prevalence. Most studies demonstrate an improvement in bone mineral density in men with hypogonadism as a result of testosterone therapy. Nevertheless there are no data evaluating the effect of testosterone therapy on fractures in men. Approximately 20% of men older than 60 have a total testosterone level lower than the lower limit of the reference range but there is no true consensus on the definition of hypogonadism in older men. In older men we recommend to treat only if total morning testosterone levels are < 8 nmol/l or even < 6,9 nmol/l on several occasions in the absence of any reversible illness and if there is no contraindication for treatment.


Objective To compare the radiological and functional outcomes and complications of adult spinal deformity patients who underwent a pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) below L2 but categorized according to their construct where either 2-rod or multiple-rod construct is applied. Methods Sixty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria, and were categorized into 3 groups: 2 rods (2R), multiple rods around the PSO (MRP), multiple rods around the PSO and lumbosacral junction (MRL). Demographic data, operative parameters, spinopelvic parameters, functional outcomes, and complications were collected. Results Health-related quality of life scores showed a better outcome at 6 months and last follow-up visits in the MRP and MRL groups which were noted on different domains of Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, 36-item Short Form Health Surve, and Oswestry Disability Index scores (p<0.05). The 3 groups showed similar rates of rod-related complications with no significant difference (p=0.95). And inside each group, distribution of complications between pseudarthrosis with revision and rod fracture without revision was also similar (p=0.99). Conclusion The use of multiple rods across the PSO did not show a better outcome when compared to single rods in terms of incidence and types of mechanical complications. However, better postoperative coronal alignment and health-related quality of life scores in the multiple rods group could be seen demonstrating an improved functional outcome.


Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common disorder in our community. Hypericum perforatumm, is a herb with a long application history in treating depression. A controlled study to evaluate the effects of this herbal medicine in Iran did not exist. Objectives This study aimed to assess the effect of Hypericum perforatom (perforan), in combination with tricyclic antidepressants in MDD treatment. Materials and Methods The present study was a placebo-controlled double blind randomized clinical trial including 40 patients with major depressive disorder who referred to Psychiatric Clinic and Golestan Hospital in 2011. Patients were randomly distributed in 4 blocks with 10 patients in each. 5 out of 10 patients took medicine (group I) and the others received placebo (group II). Results After six weeks, both groups indicated some improvement, there was also a significant degree of recovery in the perforan group (P = 0.04). Conclusions The results of the current study suggested that combinations of St. John's Wort and tricyclic antidepressants compared to tricyclic antidepressants alone had significant effect on mild to moderate depression improvement. According to the numerous side effects of antidepressants, their continuous use was not well tolerated. There is a strong global tendency to use herbal medicines. Hypericum perforatom (St. John's Wort) is one of the best types of unapproved MDD treatments. Also, the most common reason to discontinue antidepressant treatments is their sexual side effects. None of the patients in the two groups had complained about sexual side effects which was consistent with other studies and it was an advantage of using this herbal medicine. Perforan group had improved in quality of sleep and the increase of energy. This improvement had not been reported in previous studies. Sleep problems are common complications of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).


Exact, contact-free, and nondestructive optoelectrical analysis of transparent conductive oxide layers have been discussed within this tripartite publication, in view of solar cell production. In part I and part II, two different nonnumerical theoretical models, the single-layer model and the double-layer model, were introduced. They made an extraction of approximation-free optical and electrical data from ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectra possible. Here, interpolation methods have been discussed, in order to compute efficiently correct and continuous streams of (complex) data. These exact data acquisition models provide deeper insights into the process-parameter dependencies of sputtered aluminum-doped zinc-oxide (ZnO:Al) thin-films upon glass substrates. Therefore, ZnO:Al thin-films were analyzed with respect to geometrical and time-dependent conditions during the sputter process in part I and with respect to gas-law dependencies in part II. Here, the influence of plasma-parameters on the physical values of the sputtered ZnO:Al thin-films has been investigated. Thence, variations of the frequency, f , (the break time, tBr) and the power, P, of the plasma-building electromagnetic fields were analyzed and discussed. Results were compared with those of the well-known Keradec/Swanepoel model. The necessity of taking both spectra-transmission and reflection spectra-into account has been shown. A noncontact, optical conductivity measurement possibility by use of UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy has been provided. Optically measured conductivities, σL, were compared with those, measured electrically with a four tip measurement system.


Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds of pore size within the range of 250-320 μm were produced by solvent casting/ porogen leaching method. Afterwards, they were modified through adsorption of collagen type I and incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) to allow deposition of hydroxyapatite (HAp). The wettability of the scaffolds was measured by sessile drop test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were also performed. SEM evaluation and EDX analysis depicted the presence of HAp deposits and a collagen layer on the pore walls on the surface and in the bulk of the scaffolds. Wettability and water droplets penetration time within the scaffolds decreased considerably after applying modifications. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were cultured on the scaffolds for 28 days and cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation as well as calcium deposition were evaluated. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity results revealed that cells cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) exhibited high proliferation capacity. Cell growth on the scaffolds was slower in comparison to TCPS and did not depend on modification applied. On the other hand, osteogenic differentiation of hMSC as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization results was enhanced on the scaffolds modified with hydroxyapatite and collagen.


Background The NHS Scotland dress code policy was implemented in 2008 with the introduction of a national uniform in 2010. Historically nursing staff within SRH clinics have chosen not to wear a uniform to create a less formal environment. Within the policy it is stated that boards should conduct a full risk assessment to ensure that local policy is appropriate for different categories of staff. Aim To gather opinions from both patients and nursing staff about the impact of the introduction of the national uniform policy within the SRH service. Methods A patient (n=224) and nursing staff (n=13) survey was undertaken over a 10-day period in January 2012. Results The patient survey revealed that a minority (7%) of patients preferred that nursing staff wore their own clothes with the majority (54%) having no preference on staff dress code. The nursing staff surveys revealed that the majority work within a community health centre setting (46.2%) and were moderately happy with wearing a uniform (30.8%). Convenience was identified as a very important factor when choosing to wear a uniform (53.8%). The majority of staff agreed or strongly agreed that wearing a uniform made them more approachable (46.2%) and their role more identifiable to patients (71.6%) but they neither agreed or disagreed that it increased a patient's perception of their competency (46.2%) or enhanced professionalism (30.8%). Discussion Although there was concern that the introduction of uniforms for sexual health nursing staff might interfere with the nurse–patient relationship this has not be realised.


Previously, we have detected the expression of two lipocalin genes (lp1 and lp2) in the olfactory epithelium of the Japanese newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Recombinant proteins of these genes (Cp-Lip1 and Cp-Lip2, respectively) exhibited high affinities to various odorants, suggesting that they work like the odorant binding proteins (OBP). However, the physiological functions of OBP generally remain inconclusive. Here, we examined the effect of Cp-Lip1 on the electrophysiological responses of newt olfactory receptor cells. We observed that the electro-olfactogram induced by the vapor of an odorant with high affinity to Cp-Lip1 appeared to increase in amplitude when a tiny drop of Cp-Lip1 solution was dispersed over the olfactory epithelium. However, the analysis was difficult because of possible interference by intrinsic components in the nasal mucus. We subsequently adopted a mucus-free condition by using suction electrode recordings from isolated olfactory cells, in which impulses were generated by puffs of odorant solution. When various concentration (0 to 5 µM) of Cp-Lip1 was mixed with the stimulus solution of odorants highly affinitive to Cp-Lip1, the impulse frequency increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase by Cp-Lip1 was seen more evidently at lower concentration ranges of stimulus odorants. These results strongly suggest that Cp-Lip1 broadens the sensitivity of the olfactory cells toward the lower concentration of odorants, by which animals can detect very low concentration of odorants.


Introduction: Hybrid catheter/surgical ablation (HyCASA) of AF may be more effective than endocardial (endo) ablation (abl) in pts with history of failed ablation or structural heart disease.

Hypothesis: There may be difference in the many approaches to HyCASA abl.

Methods: In 38 pts with long-standing pers (LSP) (3), pers (25), or parox (10) AF, trans-abdominal HyCASA was performed with epicardial (epi) unipolar RF (nContact VisiTrax, Morrisville, NC). Then in 29 pts with LSP (5), pers (22), or parox (2) AF right trans-thoracic HyCASA was performed with epi bipolar/unipolar RF (AtriCure Fusion, West Chester, OH). Epi isolation of pulmonary veins, posterior LA, and posterior RA was followed by endo abl including completion of epi lesion set, CFAE, and any residual flutter ablation. Any AF > 2 min found by continuous monitoring (ILR or PM/ICD in all pts) after a 3-mo blanking period was considered a recurrence.

Results: Age was 61.8 (9.6, mean+SD); 79% were male. Co-morbidities included HTN (75%), DM (29%), CAD (18%), HF (25%), and obesity (BMI>30) (69%). LA size was 4.9 (0.7) (range: 3.3-6.8) cm; EF was 51.9 (10.2) (range 15-70) %. AF duration was 6.4 (5.7) (range: 0.5-25) yrs. All had failed drug therapy and 46% had failed prior endo abl (1.5 abl/pt). Pts undergoing HyCASA using thoracic/AtriCure approach were more likely pers (93% vs 74%, p=.04). There was no other difference between groups. Hospital length of stay was longer (7.0 vs 3.7 days, p<.001) and there were more bleeding complications (3 vs 0, p=.04) in the thoracic/AtriCure approach. There was no peri-procedural mortality or stroke. At median follow-up of 294 days, success was 72% with the thoracic/AtriCure approach and 53% with the abdominal/nContact approach (p=.10) (Graph).

Conclusions: HyCASA AF ablation with the thoracic/AtriCure compared with the abdominal/nContact approach trends toward better efficacy but has an increased risk for complications and longer hospital length of stay.

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This thesis aims to identify the design guidelines for environmental plans for the facilities for the aged people with a focus on the users` needs and the concept of aging in place. For this purpose major environmental design factors were researched by analyzing spaces and interviewing the managers and supervisor of W nursing home in Jeju Island that was opened in 1980s. Surveyed factors were divided into five categories, and by applying the design guideline theory of age friendly environment and nursing home facilities to them, five municipal composition factors of Kevin Lynch, universal design, environmental behavior model of John Zeisel principles were found. On the other hand, the environmental changes and development process of W nursing home is a showcase that reveals the importance of narrowing the gap in the opinions of the space users, the experts of architecture and administration which is emphasized in the principles of Inquiry by Design of John Zeisel. This research is expected to be used effectively for the researchers who study the space designs for the age-friendly environment.


One way to reduce various problems due to the use of synthetic insecticides is to develop effective and environmentally friendly means of control by using insecticides derived from plants (plant-based insecticides). The aim of this study was to study the storage duration of B. asiatica beetroot (seed) extracts stored at 100C (refrigerator) against mortality of C. paconana pests. The study was conducted at the Center for the Protection and Testing of Food Crops and Horticulture in North Sulawesi Province, for 6 (six) months from November 2018 to May 2019. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 7 (Seven) treatment and 5 (Five) replications . The treatment is the storage time of bitung fruit (seed) extract (0 days, 6 days, 12 days, 18 days, 24 days, 30 days and 36 days). The results showed that the feeding activity and the motion activity of C. pavonana larvae after application with the extract of B. asiatica greatly decreased and eventually died. The results showed a relationship between the fast and long days of storage of B. asiatica extracts and mortality of C. pavonana larvae, the faster the application of B. asiatica extracts, the higher the mortality rate of test insects. B. asiatica extracts stored at 100C (refrigerator) for up to 36 days show mortality above 50%, this proves that the application of extracts stored at 100C (refrigerator) is effective in controlling C. pavonana larvae test insects.


A diverse spectrum of vasculitic syndromes exists including systemic rheumatoid vasculitis (SRV), which sometimes occurs as the first manifestation of severe rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive rheumatoid arthritis.1 So far, no convincing laboratory parameter has been determined for the diagnosis of SRV, which helps in distinguishing rheumatoid vasculitis from other types of small-sized or medium-sized vessel vasculitides. The aim of our study was to estimate the potential diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies among the systemic vasculitides.2

A total of 27 consecutive patients with SRV at vasculitis diagnosis were included in the study;3 27 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without vasculitis, matched for age, sex and disease duration with the SRV group, and 151 patients with primary systemic small vessel vasculitis (PSV) (50 patients with Wegener granulomatosis (WG), 50 patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) …


In the finite element modelling of long-span cable-stayed bridges, there are a lot of uncertainties brought about by the complex structural configuration, material behaviour, boundary conditions, structural connections, etc. In order to reduce the discrepancies between the theoretical finite element model and the actual static and dynamic behaviour, updating is indispensable after establishment of the finite element model to provide a reliable baseline version for further analysis. Traditional sensitivity-based updating methods cannot support updating based on static and dynamic measurement data at the same time. The finite element model is required in every optimization iteration which limits the efficiency greatly. A convenient but accurate Kriging surrogate model for updating of the finite element model of cable-stayed bridge is proposed. First, a simple cable-stayed bridge is used to verify the method and the updating results of Kriging model are compared with those using the response surface model. Results show that Kriging model has higher accuracy than the response surface model. Then the method is utilized to update the model of a long-span cable-stayed bridge in Hong Kong. The natural frequencies are extracted using various methods from the ambient data collected by the Wind and Structural Health Monitoring System installed on the bridge. The maximum deflection records at two specific locations in the load test form the updating objective function. Finally, the fatigue lives of the structure at two cross sections are calculated with the finite element models before and after updating considering the mean stress effect. Results are compared with those calculated from the strain gauge data for verification.


Changing the global approach to smart consumption is a new and serious issue. Intelligent consumption aims to reduce the consumption of resources and energy in order to produce less waste and recycle more consumables, and is the manifestation and symbol of a socially and ethically action that includes personal and public interests. The present study aims to investigate the factors affecting the development of intelligent consumer behavior based on the qualitative-quantitative approach. For this purpose, in the qualitative dimension of the hybrid instrument with seven steps and in the quantitative approach using the Cochran's formula of a sample with a volume (N = 386) and considering the maximum variance, large population and sampling method. Multi-stage clusters were randomly selected. The data collection tool was a structured questionnaire. Experts assessed the validity of this tool and the reliability of its variables was obtained with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and a model for predicting consumer behavior regarding intelligent behavior was presented using structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that the variables of product brand, product trust, product value perception, price appropriateness, product quality, social context and social responsibility had a significant impact on the development of intelligent consumer behavior. The studied variables were able to explain 0.30 of the variance of intelligent consumption behavior. Keywords: Intelligent consumption, consumer behavior, Behavior development structural equations


Following last three years' RAM-SE (Reflection, AOP and Meta-Data for Software Evolution) workshop at the ECOOP conference, the RAM-SE'07 workshop was a successful and popular event. As its name implies, the workshop's focus was on the application of reflective, aspect-oriented and data-mining techniques to the broad field of software evolution. Topics and discussions at the workshop included mechanisms for supporting software evolution, technological limits for software evolution and tools and middleware for software evolution. The workshop's main goal was to bring together researchers working in the field of software evolution with a particular interest in reflection, aspect-oriented programming and meta-data. The workshop was organized as a full day meeting, partly devoted to presentation of submitted position papers and partly devoted to panel discussions about the presented topics and other interesting issues in the field. In this way, the workshop allowed participants to get acquainted with each other's work, and stimulated collaboration.