Maximizing the log-likelihood is a crucial aspect of learning latent variable models, and variational inference (VI) stands as the commonly adopted method. However, VI can encounter challenges in achieving a high log-likelihood when dealing with complicated posterior distributions. In response to this limitation, we introduce a novel variational importance sampling (VIS) approach that directly estimates and maximizes the log-likelihood. VIS leverages the optimal proposal distribution, achieved by minimizing the forward $\chi^2$ divergence, to enhance log-likelihood estimation. We apply VIS to various popular latent variable models, including mixture models, variational auto-encoders, and partially observable generalized linear models. Results demonstrate that our approach consistently outperforms state-of-the-art baselines, both in terms of log-likelihood and model parameter estimation.


FDA approved macitentan (Opsumit, Actelion Pharmaceuticals) to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a chronic, progressive and debilitating disease that can lead to death or lung transplantation.


In the new era towards a globalised economy, countries worldwide are confronting each other in implementing an international economic policy to support each other's overall balance in their government policies through the exchange rate as one of its policies. The issues of forward premium puzzle in the foreign exchange market remains unsolved despite tremendous efforts have been made by researchers using various econometric methods for the last two and a half decades. The objective of the present study is to investigate the weak and semi-strong efficiency of the foreign exchange market in the OECD countries. The data from period 2000 to 2007 were analysed using cointegration test (Johansen, 1998) and found that the forex market in the OECD countries is inefficient.


There have been many studies about efficiency of amendments for heavy metal stabilization through chemical assessment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of several soil amendments (lime, agric-lime, dolomite, steel slag, fly ash and acid mine drainage sludge) on heavy metals stabilization through not only chemical but also biological assessments (phytotoxicity test) in abandoned mining area soil. In order to achieve the goal, we conducted preliminary screening experiment targeting 12 types of crop plants such as radish, young radish, chinese cabbage, winter grown cabbage, cabbage, bok choy, chicory, crown daisy, carrot, chives, spinach, and spring onion. The results of inhibition rates of early plant growth in metal-contaminated soil against non-contaminated soil and the correlations between inhibitions items showed that the bok choy was appropriate specie with respect to confirm the effect of several amendments. Several amendment treatments on contaminated soil brought about the changes in the root and shoot elongation of bok choy after 1 week. Agric-lime, dolomite and steel slag treatments showed the great efficiency of reducing on mobility of heavy metals using chemical assessment. But in contrary, these treatments resulted in the reduction of root and shoot elongation and only AMD sludge increased that of elongation, significantly. When considering both chemical and biological assessments, AMD sludge could be recommended the compatible amendment for target contaminated soil. In conclusion, biological assessment was also important aspect of decision of successful soil remediation.


__________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ i Abstract Increasing resistance to chemical insecticides in field populations of tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, has motivated research on alternative control measures. Biological control with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can be an alternative, particularly against larval instars. In foliar application, EPNs encounter many factors that affect their survival and efficacy adversely. This thesis has investigated: (1) the efficacy of some commercial EPNs against different stages of Tuta absoluta (larvae, pupae and adults) in Petri dish, leaf and soil bioassays, (2) factors affecting EPNs on tomato leaves and (3) impact of some organic and non-organic adjuvants on efficacy of EPNs at 75 ± 10 % and 45 ± 10 % RH. Results showed high adult and larval mortality of Tuta absoluta using Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in dish and leaf bioassays in optimum conditions (> 90 % RH). S. feltiae was the most virulent species, followed by S. carpocapsae then H. bacteriophora. Larval susceptibility increased throughout larval development. Pupae in contrast were less susceptible to nematode infection. In soil, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae were significantly more virulent than H. bacteriophora against fourth larval instar when they drop to pupate in the soil and against adults when they are emerging from pupae. All factors studied (relative humidity, temperature, repeat application, method of application and time for EPNs to enter a leaf) affected the efficacy of EPNs to some extent, but relative humidity (RH) was the most important factor. EPNs' efficacy and survival decreased as RH declined. The addition of Barricade II and xanthan gum to aqueous suspensions of S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae resulted in increasing their efficacy and survival. What is more, they reduced the loss of nematodes into the soil in run-off by depositing them on the leaf and they assured even distribution of nematodes in the spray tank by preventing them from settling down. Moreover, Barricade II (1.5 %) reduced the time required by S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae to enter a leaf. Barricade II is the candidate adjuvant to be used with S. feltiae for foliar application against T. absoluta. Dedication ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ii Dedication I would like to dedicate this work to my parents, my wife, daughter (Jenna) and my siblings ـتدلاوو يدـلاو ىـلا لـمعلا اذـه يدـهأ جوزو ي تـ تنباو ي ـ ي نج( ـ )ى خأو ـ خأو يتو ـ يتاو Acknowledgment ___________________________________________________________________________________


The mechanism of current conduction through particulates compressed between two parallel metal electrodes is investigated« The analysis assumes the absence of any surface conduction over the particles« It is shown that the overall electrical characteristics are determined by the characteristics of the individual contacts of the particles themselves, their bulk resistivity aid the mode of compaction« Silica glass and borosilicate glass are chosen to represent typical characteristics of electronic and ionic conducting, high resistivity materials« After investigating their bulk characteristics in high electric fields, the characteristics of the different types of contacts are examined experimentally by the use of scaled up models of the contacts« The glass-glass contacts and glass-metal contacts all show non linear voltage-current characteristics« This is attributed to the existence of high electric fields which reduce the bulk resistivity of the glass and induce charge transfer across the small airgaps near the points of contact« With metal-borosilicate contacts, the current is time dependent« The current increase for negative electrode polarity is attributed to excess electrons entering the glass, and the decrease in current with the opposite polarity is attributed to the depletion of mobile ionic carrier density« Some analytical results of the e f fect ive res i s t iv i ty of regular and random compactions of spherical particles are obtained, and the e f f ec t of mixtures of particle size are investigated qualitatively« A general equation f or the e f fec t ive res is t iv i ty of a particulate solid i s derived. The two glasses are ground into a powder, compressed between two parallel metal plates, and their overall e lectr ical characteristics measured« These are explained in terms of the characteristics of the scaled up models of the contacts, the res is t iv i ty and the mode of compaction. To i l lustrate the work, a set of f ly-ash characteristics are interpreted in terms of the theory developed in this thesis . oomEms Page PREFACE li ABSTRACT iv CONTENTS vl 1.0 INTRODUCTION l^l Introduction 1 l.l.l Detailed Outline of Thesis 1^1.2 Original Contribution of Thesis 1.2 Philosophy of Approach 7 1.2.1 Relationship to Electrostatic Precipitators 1.2.2 Manner of Current Injection 1.2«3 General Considerations 1.2.4 Material 1.3 Survey 14 1.3.1 Conduction Mechanism 1^3»2 Measuring Techniques 2.0 THEORY OF CONTACTS 2.


Background: Long-acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole was found to be efficacious in schizophrenia. In common clinical practice, the use of LAIs is often restricted to chronic patients with frequent relapses and poor adherence. Recently, some investigators advanced the idea of early LAI use also in young people with schizophrenia at their first psychotic episode (FEP). Objective: Our study aimed to assess the effect of LAI aripiprazole once monthly (AOM) in the treatment of FEP in patients aged 18–26 years. Methods: We included 50 patients with DSM-5 schizophrenia as assessed with SCID, and used the Clinical Global Impressions Scale-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess symptom severity and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) to assess quality of life (QoL) and global health perception at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the first AOM injection. Results: AOM was associated with a progressive improvement, compared to baseline, of both positive (p < 0.001) and negative (p < 0.001) symptoms and in general psychopathology (p < 0.001) and decrease in global severity (p < 0.001). We also observed progressive improvement in QoL and social and personal functioning. Treatment adherence was 78% at study endpoint. Our results support that AOM may improve psychotic symptoms, QoL and social functioning in young FEP patients. Further studies should compare AOM to its oral formulation in the treatment of young patients with schizophrenia at the outset of their illness.


Can government culture evolve under a promising new law? There is no natural constituency for evidence-based policy. It should, by rights, be the public who wants the most from their government (and their public funds). But the public, like most politicians, is often not aware of the ins and outs of evaluation methods and evidence. Think tanks and academics have long filled this gap and will likely continue to play key roles. But legislation signed into law in early 2019 could transform the way U.S. government officials design programs by introducing more scientific evidence into the process. On the basis of recommendations of the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking (1), this Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (2) ("Evidence Act") could help usher in a cultural shift toward evidence-based policy, and in so doing shed new light on many policy challenges, including welfare, crime prevention, drug abuse, and inequality [e.g., (3)]. This act received broad support from Congress (4), suggesting that many legislators are beginning to see the value of making sure the programs that they fund deliver on their promise, and of making the policy-making process more transparent. But the act is just a foundation, not the full building. Getting from this act to more effective policy outcomes means getting departments and agencies to buy into a new culture where rigorous evaluation matters more in designing and funding programs.


Aquatic environments are the recipients of many sources of environmental stress that trigger both local and global changes. To evaluate the associated risks to organisms and ecosystems more sensitive and accurate strategies are required. The analysis of the microbiome is one of the most promising candidates for environmental diagnosis of aquatic systems. Culture‐independent interconnected meta‐omic approaches are being increasing used to fill the gaps that classical microbial approaches cannot resolve. Here, we provide a prospective view of the increasing application of these high‐throughput molecular technologies to evaluate the structure and functional activity of microbial communities in response to changes and disturbances in the environment, mostly of anthropogenic origin. Some relevant topics are reviewed, such as: (i) the use of microorganisms for water quality assessment, highlighting the incidence of antimicrobial resistance as an increasingly serious threat to global public health; (ii) the crucial role of microorganisms and their complex relationships with the ongoing climate change, and other stress threats; (iii) the responses of the environmental microbiome to extreme pollution conditions, such as acid mine drainage or oil spills. Moreover, protists and viruses, due to their huge impacts on the structure of microbial communities, are emerging candidates for the assessment of aquatic environmental health.


We aimed at testing the cortical representation of complex natural sounds within auditory cortex by conducting 2 human magnetoencephalography experiments. To this end, we employed an adaptation paradigm and presented subjects with pairs of complex stimuli, namely, animal vocalizations and spectrally matched noise. In Experiment 1, we presented stimulus pairs of same or different animal vocalizations and same or different noise. Our results suggest a 2-step process of adaptation effects: first, we observed a general item-unspecific reduction of the N1m peak amplitude at 100 ms, followed by an item-specific amplitude reduction of the P2m component at 200 ms after stimulus onset for both animal vocalizations and noise. Multiple dipole source modeling revealed the right lateral Heschl's gyrus and the bilateral superior temporal gyrus as sites of adaptation. In Experiment 2, we tested for cross-adaptation between animal vocalizations and spectrally matched noise sounds, by presenting pairs of an animal vocalization and its corresponding or a different noise sound. We observed cross-adaptation effects for the P2m component within bilateral superior temporal gyrus. Thus, our results suggest selectivity of the evoked magnetic field at 200 ms after stimulus onset in nonprimary auditory cortex for the spectral fine structure of complex sounds rather than their temporal dynamics.


A field study was carried out to assess the impact of installing a desktop task/ambient conditioning (TAC) system at 42 selected workstations within three San Francisco office buildings occupied by a large financial institution. In this study, field measurements, including subjective surveys and physical monitoring, were performed both before and after the TAC system installation to evaluate the impact of the TAC system on occupant satisfaction and thermal comfort, as well as the thermal environments within the office buildings. For comparative purposes within each building, a control group, consisting of workers who did not receive a desktop TAC unit, was studied concurrently. During the follow-up field tests, performed three months after the TAC system installation, measurements were repeated under three different room temperature setpoint conditions (normal, set-up, and set-down) to investigate the ability of the occupants to use the desktop TAC units to control their local environment in response to a wider range of ambient temperatures. Survey results show that among the six building assessment categories investigated, installation of the desktop TAC system provided the largest increases in overall occupant satisfaction for thermal quality, acoustical quality, and air quality. In terms of specific environmental factors, increased occupant satisfaction levels among the TAC group were strongly significant in comparison to changes within the control group for both temperature and temperature control. A large majority of the workers in the control group indicated a preference for higher air movement at operative temperatures of 73°F (23°C) and above. The percentage preferring higher air movement within the TAC group was significantly lower. Workers in the TAC group had the ability to use their TAC units to adjust the air movement in their workstations in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Over the range of operative temperatures covered by this field study, air movement preference and thermal sensation votes by workers in the control group indicated that they were more than twice as sensitive to changes in temperature as those in the TAC group.


The adoption of the "nine-star pharmacist" concept by the International Pharmaceutical Federation has transformed the pharmacy practice from a drug and quality control-focused profession to a multifaceted field. However, there is still inequitable pharmacist distribution among career sectors. Also, alarming is the exceeding interest in a specific pharmacy field. Hence, it is crucial to assess pharmacy students' attitudes and preferences toward various pharmaceutical sectors. This descriptive research determined the career preference of 4th- year Pharmacy students of a Private College for Academic year 2021- 2022. It also determined the factors that influence their choice. Data analysis was done using frequency, percentage, mean, Standard Deviation, and Kruskal-Wallis in SPSS. Results revealed that most graduating prefer community pharmacy as their career choice. It also highlighted that experience of the curriculum course, training, influence of family & friends, and knowledge of the career opportunities in various pharmacy fields are factors that influence their career choice. Lastly, career preference alone is not a sufficient indicator to measure influence on choice of pharmacy graduates, and other variables for demographic profiling should be included. Moreover, a support program in the pharmacy curriculum for systematic delivery of information and skills pertinent to effective development of competent professional pharmacists is encouraged.


Transplantation of 8 x 10(6) C57BL/6-Nu+/Nu+ (nude) bone marrow cells into C3H/HeJ recipients after conditioning with 8 Gy of total body irradiation has resulted in a markedly higher rate of graft rejection or graft failure compared to that found in recipients of normal C57BL/6 or C57BL/6-Bg+/Bg+ (beige) T-cell-depleted bone marrow. Mixing experiments using different numbers of nude bone marrow cells with or without mature thymocytes (unagglutinated by peanut agglutinin) revealed that engraftment of allogeneic T-cell-depleted bone marrow is T-cell dependent. To ensure engraftment, a large inoculum of nude bone marrow must be supplemented with a trace number of donor T cells, whereas a small bone marrow dose from nude donors requires a much larger number of T cells for engraftment. Marked enhancement of donor type chimerism was also found when F1 thymocytes were added to nude bone marrow cells, indicating that the enhancement of bone marrow engraftment by T cells is not only mediated by alloreactivity against residual host cells but may rather be generated by growth factors, the release of which may require specific interactions between T cells and stem cells or between T cells and bone marrow stroma cells.


Several studies have shown that conversational interviewing (CI) reduces response bias for complex survey questions relative to standardized interviewing. However, no studies have addressed concerns about whether CI increases intra‐interviewer correlations (IICs) in the responses collected, which could negatively impact the overall quality of survey estimates. The paper reports the results of an experimental investigation addressing this question in a national face‐to‐face survey. We find that CI improves response quality, as in previous studies, without substantially or frequently increasing IICs. Furthermore, any slight increases in the IICs do not offset the reduced bias in survey estimates engendered by CI.


Abstract In connection with the synthesis directed toward 25-hydroxycholesterol,1/ and other cholestane derivatives hydroxylated in the side chain, the research was undertaken in order to find the most effective method for the preparation of pregn-17/20/-en-21-oic acid derivatives.2/ In the present communication we would like to report the observation that contrary to the literature data, such pregnenoic acid derivatives can be conveniently obtained in very good yields by the Wittig-Horner reaction of 17-ketoandrostane derivatives and estrone with trialkyl phosphonoacetates when alcohols or DME are used as the reaction medium. In the previous reports the following statements have been made: 1/ the Wittig-Horner reaction of steroidal 17-ketones with trialkyl phosphonoacetates is compleetely inhibited as a result of the steric shielding of the carbonyl group3a, 2/ this reaction gives very low yields3b/, 3/ in the case of 17-ketoanderostane derivatives this reaction requires drastic conditions and is complet...


Disaster is nature's worst event that can happen anytime and anywhere. It creates unfathomable destruction to everything. This study aimed to analyse and explore the disaster knowledge and household preparations of individuals in selected communities located in Central Luzon, Philippines. The study used a descriptive research design with the survey as the primary data gathering tool. One hundred thirty (130) respondents took part in the survey from two identified communities in Central Luzon using purposive sampling technique. This study also adopted and modified a research instrument which was subjected to validity and reliability test. The researcher subjected the data gathered with the following statistical tools: weighted mean, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson-r with the help of SPSS 20. The study then generated the following findings (1) the respondents were knowledgeable about disasters and the households were prepared in time of a disaster. In addition, there was a significant difference in the disaster knowledge respondents when grouped according to the community. Also, there exists a relationship between the community of the respondents and their disaster knowledge. Furthermore, a moderate and direct relationship also exists between disaster knowledge and household preparations. Based on the findings the researcher provided a suggestion for an enhanced community disaster education program.


. We study the model for holographic dark energy in a spatially closed universe, generalizing the proposal in hep-th/0403127 for a flat universe. We provide independent arguments for the choice of the parameter c = 1 in the holographic dark energy model. On the one hand, c cannot be less than 1, to avoid violating the second law of thermodynamics. On the other hand, observation suggests c to be very close to 1; it is hard to justify a small deviation of c from 1 if c > 1.


A study was conducted to evaluate selected properties of three different chemical protective clothing materials that are being considered for use by Dupont's DeLisle Site in Pass Christian, Mississippi for titanium chloride and related chemical service. Two of the materials represented new product offerings based on unique PTFE/fabric (HSF) laminates, while the third was a PVC/Nomex material currently used in chemical protective clothing at the Dupont DeLisle Site. The two PTFE/fabric laminates were further distinguished by the film thickness and type of surface finish. A number of tests were performed to measure permeation resistance against specific chemicals of interest: physical property testing to assess material strength and specialized tests to determine how the materials hold up to different environmental challenges (high temperature, cold temperature, and flame exposure). The study demonstrated how a series of test methods established by Committee F23 can be used to evaluate the material choices effectively for a specific set of chemical and physical exposure conditions.


Abstract : Reducing the incidence of transparency changeouts due to craze of the outer acrylic ply requires knowledge of stress levels in in-service aircraft transparencies. Laboratory and field craze data may then be correlated to predict craze onset. Experiments conducted during the first phase of this study verified that the strain gage-hole drilling method, with calibration modification, can measure biaxial stress states in laminated transparencies with an error of less than 10% for stresses over 500 psi. A device to apply this method to full-scale transparencies was then designed and fabricated. In the second phase, stresses due to three mechanisms (residual stress, installation, and cabin pressurizing) in full-scale transparencies were measured. For comparison purposes and to identify the contribution of particular mechanisms to the total stress state, the sectioning method was also used. The measurements made on full-scale transparencies removed from service due to craze indicate residual stresses are too low to cause crazing in a 'uniform' environment (one free from wide temperature variation and extended contact with crazing agents). Stresses due to transparency installation and cabin pressurizing were also low relative to the maximum principal stress criteria used in this study. Recommendations include examination of other craze criteria, examination of other stress inducing mechanisms such as moisture desorption from the surface, and examination of cyclic loading and chemical exposure on craze.


Non-destructive testing for rock bolts in this study considers loads typical of anchors in practical engineering. The non-destructive testing experiment has been conducted for bolts under various load levels with variation characteristics of the dynamic testing signal and analyzed based on the stress wave reflection method. This research indicates that reflection signals of the fixed end section are relatively strong while reflection signals of the bottom section are relatively weak, regardless of bolt bearing loads, due to the effect of transmission, reflection and attenuation of the stress wave. The dynamic signal features obvious cycles in addition to the comparatively regular waveform in no-load cases as, with increasing load, dynamic signals become increasingly unstable while mechanical properties change in the anchor rod, anchor medium and the interface. The combination method of wavelet decomposition and multi-scale is applied to the test signal analysis to improve readability and accuracy of the signal. This research indicates that wavelet analysis interacts with non-stationary signals effectively, creating a solution for the reducing signal-noise ratio caused by the load. Obviously, it can also additionally read out the reflected signal of the bottom section, thereby improving the accuracy of anchoring quality interpretation.


A growing number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are adopting the collateral-free credit programs by anchoring them with their social development programs aimed at improved program effectiveness and sustainability. Drawing upon a sample of 3,564 targeted poor households covered by five small NGOs in rural Bangladesh, this study finds that the NGO credit-members as well as those who reside in the NGO program area are higher adopters of child immunization than those in the non-program area. Similarly, the study found that infant and child mortality is lower among the NGO credit members than among the non-members and that under five-year deaths of children progressively decline with the increase in the doses of vaccines. Implications of these findings are discussed in the study.


Purpose: To assess the p53 protein expression in pterygial tissue and to review all immunohistochemical studies on pterygium from Medline to evaluate the roles of age, gender, race, p53 antibody, cutoff levels of immunohistochemical analysis, parts of pterygium, p53 gene mutation spectrum, and primary or recurrent pterygium on the p53 staining results. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 127 pterygial specimens and 18 normal conjunctival samples. All 8 immunohistochemical studies on p53 expression in pterygium from Medline were reviewed. Results: Among the 127 pterygial samples, there were 29 specimens (22.8%) positive for p53 expression. There was no significant difference between the p53-positive and p53-negative groups with respect to age or gender. Conclusion: The positive rate of p53 staining in 8 immunohistochemical studies was 7.9%, 36.8%, 37.5%, 38.1%, 50%, 53.8%, 60%, and 100%, respectively. p53 protein antibody, cutoff level, race, and p53 gene mutational spectra all affect the results on the p53 staining. Different parts of pterygium and gender merit further evaluation in their role on p53 staining result.


Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are regarding as the optimum complement for Li-ion batteries along with the rapid development of stationary energy storage systems. In order to meet the commercial demands of cathodes for NIBs, O3-type Cu containing layered oxide Na0.90Cu0.22Fe0.30Mn0.48O2 with good comprehensive performance and low-cost element components is very promising for the practical use. However, only part of the Cu3+/Cu2+ redox couple participated in the redox reaction, thus impairing the specific capacity of the cathode materials. Herein, Mg2+-doped O3-Na0.90Mg0.08Cu0.22Fe0.30Mn0.40O2 layered oxide without Mn3+ was synthesized successfully, which exhibited improved reversible specific capacity of 118 mAh/g in the voltage range of 2.4–4.0 V at 0.2 C, corresponding to the intercalation/deintercalation of 0.47 Na+ (0.1 more than that of Na0.90Cu0.22Fe0.30Mn0.48O2). This work demonstrates an important strategy to obtain advanced layered oxide cathodes for NIBs.


AbstractThis paper investigates Abelard's first argument against the 'material essence' realist view on universals in the Logica 'Ingredientibus'. It analyses three different interpretations of the argument, those of Alain de Libera, Peter King and Martin Tweedale. Much depends on the (for this section, single) manuscript reading 'iam corpus' in a crucial passage. The paper argues against the manuscript reading (endorsed by some scholars) and in favour of the emendation 'non corpus' suggested by the editor, Bernhard Geyer. The emended reading is supported by comparison with similar arguments of Abelard and his school found in published and unpublished sources.


Introduction to Applied Geophysics covers the fundamental methods of exploration geophysics in a depth and style both challenging and appropriate to undergraduates. Because of the increasing opportunities for students to conduct field experiments, the authors focus on methods, examples, illustrations, applications, and problem sets that emphasize shallow exploration of the Earth's surface. The textbook includes chapters on refraction seismology, electrical resistivity methods, gravity, magnetic surveying, and electromagnetic methods, including ground conductivity measurements and ground-penetrating radar. Geologic, engineering, and environmental applications are emphasized throughout. For each geophysical method, the theory and its application in exploring a given target in introduced. Each chapter includes a brief discussion of the applicable instruments, field operations, data collection and reduction, and limitations on interpretation. The textbook is supported by an extensive package of software. This edition from Cambridge University Press is a re-issue of the W.W. Norton edition, first published in 2006.


We report a case of chromoblastomycosis caused by Fonsecaea nubica, which was successfully treated by long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser combined with terbinafine. A 60-year-old man was admitted for the presence of a 30 mm×40 mm erythematous plaque on the dorsum of his right hand for about 10 months without any subjective symptoms. Both microscopic examination and tissue biopsy of the lesion showed characteristic sclerotic bodies of chromoblastomycosis. Lesion tissue culture on SDA at 26 ℃ for 2 weeks resulted in a black colony, and slide culture identified the isolate as Fonsecaea species. ITS sequence analysis of the isolate showed a 99% homology with F. nubica strain KX078407. The in vitro susceptibility of the isolate to 9 antifungal agents was determined using the microdilution method according to the guidelines of CLSI M38-A2 protocol, and terbinafine showed the lowest MIC (0.125 μg/ml). We subsequently established a Wistar rat model of chromoblastomycosis using the clinical isolate F. nubica and treated the rats with long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser (pulse width of 3.0 ms, fluence of 24 J/cm2, spot size of 3 mm, frequency of 4 Hz, repeated 3 times at an interval of 30 s) twice a week for a total of 8 sessions. Although the laser treatment alone was not able to eliminate the fungi, histopathological examination showed the aggregation of numerous lymphocytes in the local affected tissue, indicating an immune response that consequently facilitate the regression of the lesion. The patient was successfully treated by long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser once a week combined with terbinafine (0.25 /bid) for 8 weeks, and follow-up for 20 months did not reveal any signs of recurrence.


One of the major challenges facing the nursing profession is the globalization of nursing education, research, and practice. The word diversity is derived from the Latin word divertere meaning being different or having differences. Diversity in nursing practice means providing competent care to clients from different cultures, conducting research in multi-cultural settings, and implementing educational programs to diverse populations. Key principles and practices that provide a framework for diverse relationships in nursing practice, research, and education must be driven by a professional commitment in building a global community that is inclusive, respectful, and dedicated to global health care for all. Through international collaborations and individual and collective partnerships, nurses can build bridges between and among national health care systems, strengthen the international health care infrastructure, broaden health care delivery systems, and improve the quality of health care for all.


An improved endochronic nonlinear triaxial constitutive relation for concrete is developed: (I)ln addition to plastic strain increments proportional to stress tensor, fracturing strain increments proportional to strain tensor are used to model strain-softening; (2)the plastic and fracturing inelastic strain increments are characterized by different intrinsic times; (3)degradation of the elastic shear modulus is determincd by the intrinsic time for the fracturing strain increments, and degradation of the bulk modulus is related to that of the shear modulus using BudianskiO'Connell's expressions for the elastic moduli of randomly microcracked material; (4)jump-kinematic hardening, in which the center of th"e loading surface jumps into the current stress and strain point whenever loading reverses to unloading or vice versa. is introduced. The thcory also exhibits hydrostatic pressure sensitivity. inelastic dilatancy, initial shear compaction in triaxial loading, and inelastic strain due to hydrostatic pressure. REFERENCE: Bazant. Zdenek P., and Shieh. Ching-Long, "Hysteretic Fracturing Endochronic Theory for Concrete." Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. EMS, Proe. Pllper 15781, October, 1980, pp. 929-950 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------,---_. 728 AUGUST 1981 EM4 IhS'TERF.IU: FRA(-TlIRIN(; ENDOCIIRONI(" TIIF.OIH· ron ('ONCREII-: III


Today, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) come up with different abilities. One of them is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system. The ACC system is a continuation of research on cruise control (CC) system, which integrates spacing control with the existing velocity control on the CC system. The vehicles with an ACC system guarantee traffic safety while at the same time ensure a well-driving sense. Many studies have demonstrated numerous control techniques applied as ACC controllers to accomplish uncertainty and perturbation issues. Nevertheless, most of the existing papers assumed the model vehicle dynamics as a linear time-invariant (LTI) system while designing the ACC controller. This paper proposed an ACC controller using the gain scheduling technique to deal with the model vehicle dynamics as a linear parameter varying (LPV) system. The passenger vehicle's mass varies during ACC operation depending on how many passengers or loads on the vehicle's trunks. Later, the vehicle's mass is estimated by recursive least square (RLS) with a forgetting factor. Then, the disk margin is utilized to provide the high-level robustness at each operating or "frozen" point. The robustness performance will be analyzed using the worst-case gain metric while the uncertainty is modeled by integral quadratic constraints (IQC). The LPV system behavior, such as the rate vehicle's mass, is also considered in the analysis. The effectiveness algorithm is validated through joint simulation between Matlab/Simulink and PreScan. The last, the comparison performance between gain scheduling and fixed gain ACC controller is evaluated.


The paper explores possible influences that recent developments in the field of a branch of AI called Automated Discovery Systems might have upon some aspects of the old debate between Francis Bacon's inductivism and Karl Popper's falsificationism. Francis Bacon advocates mechanical induction as the legitimate, infallible method of science, and Karl Popper proposes his famous falsificationist view, according to which science proceeds by subsequent conjectures and refutations, and the question about where scientific hypotheses come from neither needs, nor is capable of, logical analysis. The traditional method of discussing such methodological debates relies on the analysis of various historical examples of discoveries in order to see how well the two models of scientific method account for them.
A British philosopher of science and historian of mathematics, Donald Gillies, argues, after some analysis of historical cases of discovery, that Baconian induction had been used in science very rarely, or not at all, although the situation has changed with the advent of a branch of AI called machine learning systems. I think that Gillies's line of argument can be generalized. Thanks to Machine Discovery Systems, philosophers of science have at their disposal a new tool for empirically testing their philosophical hypotheses: the measure of success or failure of philosophical conceptions about science is how well computer discovery systems that incorporate them in their heuristic principles perform in making scientific discoveries.
Accordingly, in the paper I make an attempt to answer which of the two philosophical conceptions of scientific method is better vindicated in view of the successes and failures of systems developed within three major research programs in the field: machine learning systems in the Turing tradition, normative theory of scientific discovery formulated by Herbert Simon's group, and the program called HHNT, proposed by J. Holland, K. Holyoak, R. Nisbett, and P. Thagard.
I agree with Donald Gillies that Baconian induction incorporating, to some extent, Popper's ideas of falsifying and rejecting hypotheses really did become part of scientific method. It is used in rules of inference of machine learning systems producing hitherto unknown scientific laws. These laws, however, are very low-level statistical rules describing specific phenomena and it can be questioned whether they deserve the name of full-fledged scientific laws.
In Simon's tradition, mechanical induction, contrary to the critics of that program, including Gillies himself, is used by systems that discover the hidden structure of matter or formulate complicated models of processes. Those systems use theorypoor methods which are quite distinct from high-level theoretical methods that were actually used by human discoverers in the field. Moreover, those systems generate models of the hidden micro-structure in purely mechanical manner, but then, in using heuristics to cut down on complexity by reducing the search as early as possible, they reject inadequate models in accord with Popper's methodology.
The HHNT program is still under development and, as yet, it lacks practical success in terms of working systems making quantitative and not only qualitative discoveries, but it aims at cognitive, conceptual analysis and computer implementations, using inductive methods, of extremely complicated processes involved in autonomous reasoning of a cognitive system making scientific discovery, also that of theoretical character.


Background Short-term to midterm data are available on arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using bioabsorbable tacks or suture anchors. It remains unknown whether these techniques can equal the success of open Bankart repair in the long term. Purpose To assess the long-term outcome of arthroscopic Bankart repair using bioabsorbable tacks in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Treatment outcomes were determined prospectively according to the Rowe score and retrospectively according to the Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Included in this study were 18 consecutive patients with a mean age of 26.8 years (range, 16-62 years) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair using bioabsorbable tacks for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. The study group consisted of 14 male and 4 female patients. The mean follow-up was 8.7 years (range, 7.0-9.8 years). Results One patient had recurrent dislocations requiring further surgery, for an overall failure rate of 5.6%. An additional patient had 1 traumatic subluxation episode within the first postoperative year that did not recur. According to the Rowe score, which increased to 90.3 (17.8) from 32.8 (8.3) points preoperatively, 15 patients (83.3%) achieved a good or excellent result. The mean Constant score was 91.3 (SD, 6.9) points, and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 92.1 (SD, 6.9) points postoperatively. A return to the preinjury level of sports competition was reported by 64% of patients. No signs of synovitis occurred in any patient postoperatively. Conclusion Arthroscopic Bankart repair for the treatment of recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability repair using bioabsorbable tacks offers reliable results with respect to failure rate, range of motion, and shoulder function during a minimum follow- up of 7.0 years. In contrast to previous reports on arthroscopic Bankart repair, results did not deteriorate during follow-up.


Getting phonons to hang around The ideal platform for quantumcomputing and quantum-sensing applications is likely to be a hybrid system that combines the best features of different components. Superconducting circuits are relatively advanced, and finding components that can control and manipulate the microwaves will be essential. MacCabe et al. explored the use of high-quality microresonators in which the acoustic environment could be engineered such that the phonon lifetime could be extended to more than 1 second. Operating at microwave frequencies of 5 gigahertz, these quantum acoustic-dynamic devices could be coupled with superconducting circuits. —ISO Science, this issue p. 840


The nitrosoguanidinate complex [Ni{NH═C(NMe2)NN(O)}2] (1) was cocrystallized with I2 and sym-trifluorotriiodobenzene (FIB) to give associates 1·2I2 and 1·2FIB. Structures of these solid species were studied by XRD followed by topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader's approach (QTAIM) at the M06/DZP-DKH level of theory and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Our results along with inspection of XRD (CCDC) data, accompanied by the theoretical calculations, allowed the identification of three types of Ni···I contacts. The Ni···I semicoordination of the electrophilic nickel(II) center with electron belt of I2 was observed in 1·2I2, the metal-involving halogen bonding between the nucleophilic nickel(II)-dz2 center and σ-hole of iodine center was recognized and confirmed theoretically in the structure of [FeNi(CN)4(IPz)(H2O)]n (IPz = 4-N-coordinated 2-I-pyrazine), whereas the arrangement of FIB in 1·2FIB provides a boundary case between the semicoordination and the halogen Ni···I bondings. In 1·2I2 and 1·2FIB, noncovalent interactions were studied by variable temperature XRD detecting the expansion of noncovalent contacts with preservation of covalent bond lengths upon the temperature increase from 100 to 300 K. The nature and energies of all identified types of the Ni···I noncovalent interactions in the obtained (1·2I2 and 1·2FIB) and in the previously reported ([FeNi(CN)4(IPz)(H2O)]n, [NiL2](I3)2·2I2 (L = o-phenylene-bis(dimethylphosphine), [NiL]I2 (L = 1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane), Ni(en)2]n[AgI2]2n (en = ethylenediamine), and [NiL](ClO4) (L = 4-iodo-2-((2-(2-(2-pyridyl)ethylsulfanyl)ethylimino)methyl)-phenolate)) structures were studied theoretically. The estimated strengths of these Ni···I noncovalent contacts vary from 1.6 to 4.1 kcal/mol and, as expected, become weaker on heating. This work is the first emphasizing electrophilic-nucleophilic dualism of any metal center toward noncovalent interactions.


Twin Pieces for the Piano. Marion Leitch Wozencraft. [G. Schirmer, Inc. Price 60 cents]. A supplementary booklet for beginners using black keys and simple chord positions. The melodies although of only five finger range are bits of melody, and although the stepwise finger reactions are called for, the use of black keys simplifies the necessary coirdination. Harmonically the dominant seventh chord, although it develops a haniid position of great potential value, occurs very frequently. Each piece is a solo by itself but those on opposite pages may be played as duets. -Susan T. Canfield


Abstract Background Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2B6 have previously been associated with a 10-fold range in trough plasma efavirenz concentrations, but associations between these SNPs and efavirenz (EFV)-mediated viral suppression and tolerability remain unclear. Methods We evaluated three SNPs in CYP2B6 (rs3745274, rs28399499, and rs4803419, Illumina OmniExpress) among HIV-infected Ugandans observed in a cohort study every 3–4 months from 2005–2015. Genotypes from these SNPs were used to group participants into previously described pharmacokinetic strata: extensive (EXT), intermediate (INT), and slow metabolizers (Figure 1). The primary outcomes were viral suppression, defined by an undetectable viral load in the first measurement a minimum of three months after ART initiation, and incident depression in the first two years, defined by a mean score >1.75 on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. We fitted standard and generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression models for viral suppression and depression, respectively. Models were adjusted for clinical and demographic covariates that reached a significance of P < 0.25 in unadjusted models. Results Among 103 participants with genotyping, there were no differences in pre-ART viral load or depression by metabolism strata (P > 0.5). Minor allele frequencies for rs3745274, rs28399499, and rs4803419 were 33%, 7%, and 4%, respectively. Approximately 79%, 78%, and 94% of participants were suppressed at their first viral load measurement in the extensive, intermediate, and slow metabolizer strata, respectively (Figure 2; P = 0.35). In adjusted models, metabolism strata were not associated with viral suppression (AORINT 0.81, 95% CI 0.26–2.56; AORSLOW 3.92, 95% CI 0.39–39.40) or with depression (AORINT 1.95, 95% CI 0.75–5.09; AORSLOW 0.72, 95% CI 0.17–3.02; Table). Conclusion We did not identify an association between efavirenz-metabolizing polymorphisms and viral suppression or depression in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals initiating ART in southwestern Uganda. Future work should reassess these relationships with larger samples and longer-term outcomes and explore additional polymorphisms that may be associated with efavirenz metabolism in this population. Disclosures P. Hunt, Merck: Consultant, Consulting fee; Gilead: Consultant, Consulting fee; Viiv: Consultant, Consulting fee


The characteristics of students are different, so teachers need to accommodate this diversity to achieve the desired learning outcomes. One of the successes to be achieved in education is to create quality human resources by having creativity that is triggered by solving problems using problem-based learning models. The research objective was to measure the level of creativity of class X students of SMAN 2 Semarang after receiving learning with a differentiated learning method through problem based learning. The research was conducted in March 2023 at SMAN 2 Semarang, the research subjects were class X-4, which consisted of 36 students. This research is included in the quantitative descriptive method using various product assessment instruments or product differentiation, limiting the assessment of content assessment. The data analysis technique uses descriptive percentages to find out the categories of students' creativity levels. Based on the results of the data, it was found that the level of creativity of students who had the most frequency was Very High which consisted of 5 groups with scores of 94 and 100. This shows that problem-based learning with various presentation presentation products can increase student creativity.


Research has demonstrated that behavior specificity is a salient characteristic of teacher praise efficacy. Praise variety may also be an important characteristic to reinforce desired student behavior based on research about the quality of reinforcers. In this study, we used an alternating treatments design to examine the effects of varied and non-varied behavior-specific praise (BSP) on two first-grade students' on-task behaviors in U.S. general education classrooms. Visual and statistical analyses suggest both varied and non-varied BSP increased on-task behavior, with varied BSP resulting in marginally higher levels of on-task behavior. There was no functional relationship between varied and non-varied BSP conditions. Findings from this study contribute to teacher praise literature as the first to empirically investigate the effects of praise variety on student behavior. We discuss the implications of this preliminary research and encourage future inquiry into additional characteristics of praise.


The incidence of dementia is increasing at an alarming rate, and has become a major public health concern. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. In addition to classical neuropathological features such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), accumulation of activated immune cells has been documented in the AD brain, suggesting a contribution of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. Besides cognitive deterioration, non-cognitive symptoms, such as agitation, aggression, depression and psychosis, are often observed in demented patients, including those with AD, and these neuropsychological symptoms place a heavy burden on caregivers. These symptoms often exhibit sudden onset and tend to fluctuate over time, and in many cases, they are triggered by an infection in peripheral organs, suggesting that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these non-cognitive symptoms. However, there is no mechanistic explanation for the relationship between inflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Observations from experimental mouse models indicate that alteration of brain blood vessels, especially blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, may contribute to the relationship. The current review summarizes the results from recent studies on the relationship between inflammation and AD, while focusing on cerebrovascular alterations, which might provide an insight into the pathogenesis of cognitive/non-cognitive symptoms in AD patients and suggest a basis for the development of new therapeutic treatments for these conditions.


The problems of defining features, services, and feature interactions in telecommunication systems are discussed. Several ways of classifying feature interactions are surveyed. Existing approaches for solving the feature-interaction problem are reviewed. It is seen that no full approach exists; they are all partial solutions. The approaches are divided into three classes: avoidance, detection, and resolution. Avoidance looks at ways to prevent undesired feature interactions. Detection assumes that feature interactions will be present, and determines methods for identifying and locating them. Resolution assumes that feature interactions will be present and detected, and looks at mechanisms for minimizing their potential adverse effects.<<ETX>>


Abstract:"I truly enjoy my work. Room for goodness, for humor, and happy endings can be found in children's books. It is immensely revitalizing and pleasant to spend a little bit of time every day in a friendly world of my own creation."


T-cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice is closely associated with natural killer T (NKT)-cell deficiency. To determine whether intrinsic defects of the T-cell lineage contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease and NKT cell deficiency, we reconstituted the T-cell compartment in NOD.scid or BALB.scid mice with T-cells from NOD, nonobese diabetes-resistant (NOR), or AKR thymic precursor cells and examined the development of the NKT cell population. NKT cells developed well from AKR thymic precursor cells but not from other precursor cells in both recipient strains. Insulitis and diabetes developed only in the NOD.scid recipients of NOD or NOR precursor cells. When thymic precursor cells of beta2-microglobulin gene-deficient AKR mice, which have a deficient NKT population, were introduced into NOD.scid recipients, both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell populations developed and the recipient mice developed insulitis and diabetes. We conclude that NKT cells originate from a T-cell-committed thymic precursor population and that the deficiency in the NKT cell population in NOD mice results from intrinsic defects within the T-cell lineage and plays a major role in the development of autoimmune diabetes in the presence of both the NOD thymus and antigen-presenting cells.


As Oryza sativa (rice) seeds represent food for over three billion people worldwide, the identification of genes that enhance grain size and composition is much desired. Past reports have indicated that Arabidopsis thaliana acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) are important in seed development but did not affect seed size. Herein, rice OsACBP2 was demonstrated not only to play a role in seed development and germination, but also to influence grain size. OsACBP2 mRNA accumulated in embryos and endosperm of germinating seeds in qRT-PCR analysis, while β-glucuronidase (GUS) assays on OsACBP2pro::GUS rice transformants showed GUS expression in embryos, as well as the scutellum and aleurone layer of germinating seeds. Deletion analysis of the OsACBP2 5'-flanking region revealed five copies of the seed cis-element, Skn-I-like motif (-1486/-1482, -956/-952, -939/-935, -826/-822, and -766/-762), and the removal of any adversely affected expression in seeds, thereby providing a molecular basis for OsACBP2 expression in seeds. When OsACBP2 function was investigated using osacbp2 mutants and transgenic rice overexpressing OsACBP2 (OsACBP2-OE), osacbp2 was retarded in germination, while OsACBP2-OEs performed better than the wild-type and vector-transformed controls, in germination, seedling growth, grain size, and grain weight. Transmission electron microscopy of OsACBP2-OE mature seeds revealed an accumulation of oil bodies in the scutellum cells, while confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated oil accumulation in OsACBP2-OE aleurone tissues. Correspondingly, OsACBP2-OE seeds showed gain in triacylglycerols and long-chain fatty acids over the vector-transformed control. As dietary rice bran contains beneficial bioactive components, OsACBP2 appears to be a promising candidate for enriching seed nutritional value. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


A number of thin biocomposites through wet lying methods were prepared from old corrugated boards with blends of luffa fibres (LF) and yarn waste (YW) at 15 and 30%. Mechanical, optical, printability and sound absorption properties of manufactured materials were determined. Addition of both LF and YW improved the brightness of control sheets, but unfortunately significantly reduced the burst and tensile indexes. Sound absorption values were found to be improved by both LF and YW parallel to the increase in the air permeability. Thermal stabilities of prepared sheets were also slightly improved by LF and YW as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, addition of LF and WY were noted to increase both the changes in print density and tone values of resultant materials. It is concluded that LF and YW could be better utilized with recycled cellulose fibres in producing some insulation and packaging materials.

 Key words: Recycling, print density, sound absorption, insulation, luffa fibres, waste textiles.


Bimaristans are a building type which emerged in the Islamic world equivalent to nowadays hospitals. Most of the Islamic architecture studies focus on mosques, then mausoleums. This makes the research field open for more studies on building types like baths, wekalat, etc. Bimaristans remain within the scope of structures that need more studies through comparatives and analytical analyses. This paper introduces comparative analysis between bimaristans in Cairo and Aleppo, with particular focus on those constructed during the Mamluk's era. This comparison highlights the points of similarity between the concepts that influenced the designers by that time with respect to their different locations, surrounding context and historical background. Such factors caused to make distinguished differences that gave each location its unique identity. This research depends on inductive-deductive methodology; inductive by reading and explaining the architectural drawings of both case-studies, and deductive from the theories and researches that justifies the reasons lied behind the end architectural product. Consequently, analyses the comparative results. The study provides architects and scholars with a clear image about the unique private identity of each zone, although they stand on the same believes using analytical analyses of bimaristans. Hence, contemporary architects in the Arab world can recognize the spiritual concepts behind the architectural and planning dimensions of bimaristans' discrete design, that they may use or re-use to regenerate new forms that reflect their local identity and satisfy local cultural needs. Also, the study clarifies the role of local artists in articulating such concepts using carved geometrical reliefs, in addition to the documentation role of decorating relieved texts on those structures.


Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is usually associated with outbreaks and sporadic cases of severe infantile diarrhoea in the developing world, and less commonly with sporadic cases in developed countries. Very little evidence indicates that EPEC is a food‐borne pathogen for adults. In a previous study, two groups of adult travellers became ill, and eae+ E. coli of serogroup O111 was isolated from affected individuals and epidemiologically linked to food consumption. Here the strain responsible was further investigated and characterized as an unusual atypical EPEC. PCR analysis of the designated type isolate showed the presence of the rorf1 and espB genes of the LEE pathogenicity island, which was inserted at the chromosomal selC locus. The isolate was negative for the enteroaggregative E. coli EAST‐1 toxin present in other strains of EPEC associated with food‐borne outbreaks. The strain adhered sparsely to HEp‐2 cell monolayers in a diffuse manner, but fluorescent actin staining demonstrated that it was capable of inducing polymerization of actin at the sites of bacterial attachment. Strain P2583 is the first EAST‐negative EPEC to be confirmed as a cause of outbreaks of infection in adults following the consumption of contaminated food or water.


Broadstripe edgeemitting semiconductor lasers ha ve been used to obtain propagationinvariant (nondiffracting) light beams with powers and diameters of the central ray acceptable for optical manipulation and tweezing. The results of investigations of the propagation of Bessel beams generated from broadstripe lasers with spectrally selective resonator show that the spatial homogeneity of emission plays a much greater role than the temporal coherence in the formation of Bessel beams. The main factors limiting the length of nondiffracting beam propagation (without distortion of the central ray) are the astigmatism and multimode character of laser radiation.


Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) created for assessing the usual intake of foods and nutrients in the prevailing season in Western Mali. Design: Intake of foods and nutrients over the week preceding the interview was measured with a 69-item QFFQ. Intakes were compared with intakes as measured with 2-day combined weighed and recalled diet records. Setting: A rural village in Western Mali, West Africa. Subjects: Twenty-seven men and 48 women (15–59 years of age) representing 18 households. Results: Spearman rank correlations between intake of food groups from the QFFQ and the diet record ranged from 0.09 (meat/fish) to 0.58 (tea/coffee). Median coefficient was 0.37. Median Spearman correlation coefficient for nutrient intake was 0.40. Men had higher median correlation coefficients than did women. The proportion of subjects being classified into the same quartile of food intake was on median 33%, while a median of 7% was misclassified into extreme quartiles. Correct classification into the same quartile for intake of nutrients was on median 34% while a median of 4% was grossly misclassified. Intakes of most food groups and nutrients as measured by the QFFQ were higher than those measured by the diet records. However, while men had higher estimated intakes for foods eaten in-between meals, women in general had higher intake of foods eaten in the main meals. Conclusion: This QFFQ can be used for comparing the intake of foods and nutrients between groups within this study population. It therefore represents a useful tool in the surveillance of food intake in the population, both in identifying vulnerable groups and for tracking food intake over time. The differences between men and women in overestimating food intake need to be taken into account when using the method.


Efforts to improve the design process in new product development often take the form of new information technologies, and they have had varying degrees of success. This paper considers the modern technologies of design and their impact on creativity. The analysis considers such design issues as problem structure, engineering knowledge, expert systems, ideation and the social context of technologies that affect their adoption and use. There exists a general bias toward the goals of effective coordination over enhanced creativity in the systems supporting design. Suggestions for research and practice are discussed.


A well was constructed with cadmium telluride detectors and used at room temperature to detect 27.4 keV x-rays from 125I for the purpose of determining the concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in human plasma. Concentrations were in good agreement with that earlier determined using a NaI well. For individual detectors approximately 1 to 2 cm2 in area and operating near 0°C, detector resolutions as low as 3 keV (FWHM) were obtained.


The study examines the relationship between coping strategies and smoking and alcohol consumption among athletes, recreational athletes and non-athlete individuals.
The factors examined were measured by a validated questionnaire version of Folkman-Lazarus (1980) (Ways of coping) (16 items) and asked about the smoking and alcohol consumption patterns of the respondents. The total sample number was 813 people, of whom 341 were athletes, 292 were recreational and 180 were non-athletes. 54.4% of the sample is female and 45.6% is male. In my research, I focused on mapping intrapersonal coping strategies among athletes, recreational athletes, and the non-athlete individuals, and explored gender differences. Furthermore, how smoking and alcohol consumption appear as a negative coping strategy in the measured sample.
As a method besides descriptive statistics the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify normality, and the hypotheses were tested with non-parameterized test (Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney).
For coping strategies I found a significant difference among the non-, recreational and competitive athletes, and there is a significant difference between genders as well.
In the case of cognitive restructurings, there was a significant difference in favor of sports and recreational athletes versus non-athletes, while in problem analysis and passive coping I found a significant difference in favor of women compared to men.
Significant differences were also found in the case of psychoactive substance use. Among the three groups, as the intensity of sport increases, the number of smokers decreases. In the case of smoking, a significant difference was found in the coping strategies referring to reduction of the stress in the whole sample. In the case of alcohol consumption, in coping strategies were found significant differences between stress reduction, problem analysis and passive coping.
JEL CODE: M21, O21
ARTICLE IN PRESS!


Twenty-two interactive simulations that require students to follow a step-by-step procedure were prepared for use in material and energy balances, thermodynamics, and separations courses. For each step, students input an answer and then the correct answer is displayed; hints are provided for most steps. To develop mastery, students can re-start the simulation with different values of the parameters. The simulations are available on the LearnChemE website (http://www.learncheme.com/quiz-yourself/step-by-step-simulations).


Gender microaggressions are normative messages that communicate harmful stereotypes or attitudes towards women. Research suggests that being the target of microaggresions may contribute to negative mental and physical health outcomes. The current study examined how gender microaggressions affect emotional and physiological reactivity as well as performance on a working memory task. Results indicated condition (i.e., control vs. sexual objectification microaggression vs. denial of sexism microaggression) did not have a significant affect on reactivity or performance. Issues of population bias and essentialism may have played an important role in study findings. Future directions are discussed.


Social scientists often want to analyze data that contains sensitive personal information that must remain private. However, common techniques for data sharing that attempt to preserve privacy either bring great privacy risks or great loss of information. A long literature has shown that anonymization techniques for data releases are generally open to reidentification attacks. Aggregated information can reduce but not prevent this risk, while also reducing the utility of the data to researchers. Even publishing statistical estimates without releasing the data cannot guarantee that no sensitive personal information has been leaked. Differential Privacy, deriving from roots in cryptography, is one formal, mathematical conception of privacy preservation. It brings provable guarantees that any reported result does not reveal information about any one single individual. In this paper we detail the construction of a secure curator interface, by which researchers can have access to privatized statistical results from their queries without gaining any access to the underlying raw data. We introduce differential privacy and the construction of differentially private summary statistics. We then present new algorithms for releasing differentially private estimates of causal effects and the generation of differentially private covariance matrices from which any least squares regression may be estimated. We demonstrate the application of these methods through our curator interface.


Wireless computing, as a way of providing mobile services, has been growing steadily during the past few years. While wireless communications offer organizations and users many benefits such as portability, flexibility, increased productivity, and lower installation costs; on the other hand, risks inherent and exacerbated by wireless connectivity are widely reported, wherein networks are open to intruders who may cause unwanted consequences to an organization's information resources. Hence, understanding these risks will help protect against unforeseen threats, delays and costs. This paper aims at the development of a taxonomy for wireless computing risks. Six levels are identified including risks associated with the users, mobile devices, wireless networks, wireless applications, the Internet and the corporate gateway. The findings show that there is a need for systematic studies on wireless risk assessment and management. The implications of these findings for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.


Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) not just can be used for bioethanol production but may be potentially used in phytoremediation for the removal of heavy metal pollutants. Two Jerusalem artichoke cultivars, N2 and N5, were subjected to six cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1) to investigate Cd tolerance and accumulation. After 21 days of growth, the effects of Cd on growth, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration and malondialdehyde content were evaluated. Most growth parameters were reduced under Cd stress. The two Jerusalem artichoke cultivars had relatively high Cd tolerance and accumulation capacity (> 100 mg kg−1), with N5 being more tolerant and having higher Cd accumulation than N2. Roots accumulated more Cd than stems and leaves. The bioconcentration factors (far higher than 1) and translocation factors (lower than 1) decreased with an increase in Cd applied. The results suggested that Jerusalem artichoke could be grown at relatively high Cd loads, and N5 could be an excellent candidate for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.


Abnormalities of FHIT, a candidate tumor suppressor gene located at 3pl4.2, have been found frequently in multiple tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To determine the role of FHIT in tongue cancers, Fhit expression was determined by immunohistochemistry studies in tissue samples from 41 patients with stages II-IV squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue. All of the patients underwent curative surgical treatment with a median of 83 months of follow-up care. We found that 28 (68%) of the 41 tumor specimens demonstrated a lack of or significantly decreased staining for Fhit. Fhit expression tended to be stronger in well-differentiated tumor areas than it was in poorly differentiated areas, although this trend was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between Fhit expression and a patient's age or sex or the histological grade or clinical stage of disease. As expected, clinical stage and nodal involvement correlated with prognosis. Interestingly, patients whose tumors demonstrated low levels of or no Fhit expression had a significantly shorter time of disease-free survival than those whose tumors had high Fhit expression (P = 0.035, by log-rank test). This prognostic value of Fhit was independent of other clinical parameters, including stage of disease and nodal status. We conclude that Fhit plays an important role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and that loss of Fhit expression may be an independent prognostic indicator for clinical outcome in patients with this tumor type.


Affected individuals can develop features of this condition anytime from infancy to late adulthood. When the condition appears in infancy, the first sign is usually the presence of tiny grains of reddish-brown material in the baby's diaper caused by the passing of stones. Later, recurrent kidney and urinary tract stones can lead to problems with kidney function beginning as early as midto late childhood. Approximately half of individuals with APRT deficiency first experience signs and symptoms of the condition in adulthood. The first features in affected adults are usually kidney stones and related urinary problems. Other signs and symptoms of APRT deficiency caused by kidney and urinary tract stones include fever, urinary tract infection, blood in the urine (hematuria), abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.


Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is well known for its important function in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence. However, the molecular mechanism underlining this function remains obscure. Endoglin (Eng), a type III receptor for the TGF-β superfamily, has been shown to selectively mark long-term HSCs; however, its necessity in adult HSCs is unknown due to embryonic lethality. Using conditional deletion of Eng combined with serial transplantation, we show that this TGF-β receptor is critical to maintain the HSC pool. Transplantation of Eng-deleted whole bone marrow or purified HSCs into lethally irradiated mice results in a profound engraftment defect in tertiary and quaternary recipients. Cell cycle analysis of primary grafts revealed decreased frequency of HSCs in G0, suggesting that lack of Eng impairs reentry of HSCs to quiescence. Using cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) to evaluate the activity of signaling pathways in individual HSCs, we find that Eng is required within the Lin-Sca+Kit+-CD48- CD150+ fraction for canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling, as indicated by decreased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the p38 MAPK-activated protein kinase 2, respectively. These findings support an essential role for Eng in positively modulating TGF-β signaling to ensure maintenance of HSC quiescence.


An Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is an electrical device that disconnects protected circuit whenever it detects unbalance current between the phase conductor and the neutral conductor. Such an unbalance is sometimes caused by current leakage through the body of a person who is grounded when accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit. A lethal shock can result from these conditions. ELCB are designed to disconnect this fault fast enough to mitigate the harm caused by such shocks. Currently, there is no Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) with auto re-closer features in the market. The current ELCB that available in the market is a manual type and cannot differentiate between temporary disturbances and permanent faults. It's means that, if a disturbance or fault occurs on the protected area (house or shop), the protection system will force ELCB to trip. One of the drawbacks of the common ELCB is that, it's can't turn on the power supply back to the normal operation condition although only a short disturbance occurs. Such disturbance is lightning strike on the transmission line in the distribution site near to the protected area. To turn the power back to normal operation, consumers need to do that manually. To overcome this problem, Auto Re-closer Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (AR-ELCB) has been developed. This thesis presents the development of AR-ELCB. This device was designed to differentiate between permanent fault and short disturbances (lightning).


High-speed turbulent critical deflagration waves before detonation onset in H2–air mixture propagated into a square cross section channel, which was assembled of optional rigid rough, rigid smooth, or flexible walls. The corresponding propagation characteristic and the influence of the wall boundaries on the propagation were investigated via high-speed shadowgraph and a high-frequency pressure sampling system. As a comprehensive supplement to the different walls effect investigation, the effect of porous absorbing walls on the detonation propagation was also investigated via smoke foils and the high-frequency pressure sampling system. Results are as follows. In the critical deflagration stage, the leading shock and the closely following turbulent flame front travel at a speed of nearly half the CJ detonation velocity. In the preheated zone, a zonary flame arises from the overlapping part of the boundary layer and the pressure waves, and then merges into the mainstream flame. Among these wall boundary conditions, the rigid rough wall plays a most positive role in the formation of the zonary flame and thus accelerates the transition of the deflagration to detonation (DDT), which is due to the boost of the boundary layer growth and the pressure wave reflection. Even though the flexible wall is not conducive to the pressure wave reflection, it brings out a faster boundary layer growth, which plays a more significant role in the zonary flame formation. Additionally, the porous absorbing wall absorbs the transverse wave and yields detonation decay and velocity deficit. After the absorbing wall, below some low initial pressure conditions, no re-initiation occurs and the deflagration propagates in critical deflagration for a relatively long distance.


The American cultural imaginary is hungry for death, and thus representations of death are prominently repeated and serialized in US literature and media. Stella Castelli shows how American culture fetishizes death as part of a repetition compulsion which stems from the inability of language to satisfactorily grasp death. Taking an intermedial approach, she investigates the forms and tropes born from this preoccupation with death and conceptualizes its imagination alongside an appetite which manifests as repetitive encoding. These metaphors of food consumption provide a hermeneutic framing for analyzing representations of death across American literature and media.


Abstract: Growth in Digital signal processing technology gives positives influences in human
life. One of the branch of science that gives significant influence is digital speech processing. It
can be expand into some applications that make human life easier. Digital speech processing is
appropriate to speech recognition.
Speech recognition is used to arrange the movement of remote control car. The remote control
car will move according to our speech. This final project is closely related with speech
recognition. The LPC (Linear Predictive Coding) method will extract the speech signal
features and HMM (Hidden Markov Model) to modelling the speech signal are used. It is done
by comparing model from extracting feature that is available in HMM modelling. Models will
be used in the speech recognition process, if the models have highest level of conformity.
The experiment has been done in two conditions, i.e ideal condition in room wih low noise
level and unideal condition in room with noise. Result of the experiment from the whole sistem
performace at ideal condition is 97,71% for people that have been inputed in the database, and
95,42% for people which have not been inputed in the database. Result of the experiment of
database say it regulary is 97,14%. Result of the experiment of database at unideal condition is
54,28% for inputing word at noisy area, result of the experiment of database for inputing word
at high frequency from siren voice is 98,57% and result of the experiment of inputing similar
word with database is 97,6%
Key Words : speech recognition, LPC, HMM..


In recent years, many methods for image compression have proposed, especially JPEG and MPEG have achieved high compression ratio, but these methods can not restore images completely. In these methods image data are reduced in spatial frequency domain according to human eye property. In this study, we have developed a new method to reduce image data especially in noises of image using a neural network. An advantage of this method is to preserve the quality of image by reducing the noise which is independent of original image data.


Abstract Variations in the mid-troposphere circulation associated with the Southern Oscillation (SO) are investigated and documented using mean monthly 700 mb height data for the period 1951–79. The SO was defined by a Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) consisting of the difference in normalized mean monthly sea-level pressures at Tahiti and Darwin. Results for all four seasons are presented in the form of lagged, as well as contemporaneous, correlations and composites of height anomalies obtained separately for high and low SOI values. Different SO teleconnection patterns are observed for each season. Strongest SO signals appear in the winter with SOI leading the height field by one to two seasons. The time lead may he useful in prognostic applications. The correlation in the summer is negligible. The winter teleconnection pattern over the North Pacific-North America-North Atlantic sector is similar to that shown by Bjerknes and others. Patterns for other seasons are also presented. The statistical signifi...


We discuss the Ashtekar formalism from the point of view of twelve dimensions. We first focus on the 2 + 10 spacetime signature and then we consider the transition 2 + 10 → (2 + 2) + (0 + 8). We argue that both sectors 2 + 2 and 0 + 8, which are exceptional signatures, can be analyzed from the point of view of a self-dual action associated with the Ashtekar formalism.


The present study was conducted during the two consecutive seasons 2018 and 2019 on "Crimson Seedless" table grapes to mitigate the excessive ProTon concentration by some cytokinin use. The following treatments were used: control, thidiazuron at 50ppm (TDZ), abscisic acid at 250ppm (ABA) preceded by TDZ at 50ppm, ABA at 500ppm preceded by TDZ at 50ppm, benzyl adenine at 50ppm (6-BA), ABA at 250ppm preceded
by 6-BA at 50ppm, ABA at 500ppm preceded by 6-BA at 50ppm, ABA at 250ppm and ABA at 500ppm.Treatment of TDZ and 6-BA were applied at berry set while ABA treatment was applied at 10-15% berry coloration. The results showed that pre-harvest application of TDZ or 6-BA increased cluster weight, 100 berry weight, pedicel weight, berry acidity, berry and leaves chlorophylls and decreased berry coloration, TSS, total sugars. The
application of ABA at 10-15% berry coloration enhanced berry anthocyanin content, TSS, Total sugars and lowered acidity and chlorophyll. The present study recommended using either TDZ or 6-BA at 50ppm followed by ProTon at 500ppm to mitigate the excessive ProTon concentration on "Crimson Seedless" grapes.


The protective relationship of the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by active contraction of the hamstring musculature has been known and understood by sports orthopedists and physical therapists for many years. Rehabilitation programs for patients with torn ACLs as well as those treated with ligament reconstruction have always stressed hamstring strengthening. Research in this area during the past decade has begun to define the proprioceptive mechanism that governs this relationship as well as the actual recording of dynamic muscle firing patterns in pre- and postoperative subjects. Laboratory studies suggest that altered hamstring activity may help these subjects compensate for a knee that is lax because of ACL damage.


Fluctuating asymmetry of bilateral meristic traits is one of the simple methods to calculate phenotype variation and discover the stability of fish development. The aims of this research are analyzing quantitative information about the level of asymmetry of Black Nile Tilapia and Red Nile Tilapia in Kabat Banyuwangi Fish Hatchery Center (BBI) as reference breeding program at Kabat Banyuwangi Fish Hatchery Center. The length of Black Nile Tilapia and Red Nile Tilapia was 50 – 150 gram with 100 samples of fish for each strain so the total is 200 samples of fish. Bilateral meristic traits that have been observed was the number of soft pectoral fins, the number of soft ventral fins, the number of scales on the lateral line, and the first-gill filter of Nile Tilapia. The results show that the highest value of the fluctuating asymmetry of number (FAn) and the fluctuating asymmetry of magnitude (FAm) are 0.65 and 1.38 for Black Nile Tilapia and 0.6 and 1.04 for Red Nile Tilapia. However, the lowest value of FAn and FAm are in soft ventral fins which are 0.22 and 0.22 for Black Nile Tilapia and 0.37 and 0.37 for Red Nile Tilapia.


This volume describes the traditional vocal and instrumental music of the Lao-speaking people living in Northeast Thailand. Beginning with a description of the cultural and historical contexts of this music, Miller continues with an overview of Northeast Thai music, its instruments, concepts, and certain proto-musical genres. Individual chapters deal separately with the non-technical aspects, including the history, texts, economics, and performance practices of both kaen playing and mawlum singing. Another chapter discusses all technical matters concerning the vocal genres, including the tonal nature of the Lao language, the relationship between melody and linguistic tone, scales, rhythm and meter, form, and tempo. The final two chapters deal specifically with the kaen--a bamboo mouth organ with 6, 14, 16, or 18 tubes, each with a free-reed. This volume is generously illustrated with musical examples transcribed from field recordings made in Northeast Thailand, numerous photographs, and line drawings. Miller concludes with a series of translations of texts from musical examples; an extensive glossary which includes two forms of romanization, the Thai spelling, and a brief description; and, finally, a bibliography, discography, and index.


Incoherent noise attenuation remains a challenging problem in seismic data processing. While many tools are successful at removing noise, this often comes at the expense of some signal. We seek the ideal noise attenuator– one that is effective, practical, and above all safe. Multichannel Singular Spectrum Analysis (MSSA) is a step in this direction. MSSA exploits the spatial redundancy of data by expressing a frequency slice as a structured matrix. This matrix is then projected onto its low rank subspace, thereby removing incoherent energy. The maximum rank of a frequency slice increases as a product of the spatial dimension half-lengths, making the rank constraint more powerful in higher dimensions; although this power comes at a significant increase in computational cost. In this article we address several considerations that make MSSA an effective noise attenuation algorithm. We first introduce the algorithm and outline an efficient matrix-free implementation of MSSA that exploits the redundancy of multi-level Hankel structures. Finally, we discuss the unique ability of MSSA to automatically estimate the signal to noise ratio (SNR) as a function of time, space and frequency and illustrate this ability on a dataset from northeast BC.


Pronunciation is one of the more difficult aspects in teaching and learning Chinese and Cantonese as a second language. This paper suggests a modular approach in designing pronunciation training through eLearning. This paper discusses two models in computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) modules, namely the accuracy model and the fluency mode. This paper also presents Pre-test-Intervention-Post-test experimental research, which is intended to evaluate these modules. This research uses experimental research to examine how the configurations of linguistic knowledge teaching and language skills practice affect the effectiveness of learning Cantonese as a second language. 摘要: 掌握正確發音一直是華語二語和粵語二語教學的教學重點。本 文建議以電子教學模塊概念設計電腦輔助發音訓練模型。本次研究用 了"前測-介入-後測實驗"去評估兩套電腦輔助發音訓練模型:發音準 確度模型和流暢度模型的可用性。並且查考語言知識教學和語言技能 練習的排列和佈局對粵語二語學習的影響。


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Evidence on the effectiveness of physical therapy for the management of chronic spine disorders is limited. The purpose of this study was to use a large current database, the National Spine Network database, to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy in the management of chronic spine disorders.

SUBJECTS
The participants were people who had spine problems lasting 3 months or longer and who were seen for an initial visit and a follow-up visit (N=4,479) at 1 of 17 US spine centers.

METHODS
A propensity score approach was used to create a matched sample of participants who received physical therapy (intervention group) and participants who did not receive physical therapy (control group). The 2 groups were similar with regard to more than 50 baseline characteristics. Outcomes were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS
Both the intervention and control groups improved between the initial and the follow-up visits on ODI scores and on SF-36 physical function, role physical, and bodily pain scores. Although the amount of improvement in the outcome measures was significantly greater for the intervention group than for the control group, the differences were small (3-5 points). When the subgroup of participants who had the greatest propensity for receiving physical therapy was examined, differences in the amount of improvement between the intervention and control groups were larger (5-13 points).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Physical therapy was effective in the management of chronic spine disorders in participants with the greatest propensity for receiving physical therapy. When the entire sample was considered, differences in the amount of improvement between the intervention and control groups were not clinically relevant.


During 1993–2000 the conservation status of forest buffalo Syncerus caffer was investigated in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park region, northern Congo. Data from dung counts collected during a number of ecological reconnaissance surveys in and around the National Park showed that the preferred buffalo habitat was open canopy swamps and forest clearings associated with watercourses. Buffalo abundance was very low in terra firma forest more than 250 m from water, and signs were restricted to large elephant trails connecting watercourses and clearings. The clumped distribution of the buffalo appeared to be a result of the highly patchy distribution of their food resources. In terra firma forest preferred food species were poorly represented, whereas in open swamp and sedge clearings they were more abundant. Low overall numbers, highly patchy distribution, small group size, and low effort-high return for hunters, including sport hunters, mean that buffalo must be considered a conservation priority in this environment.