A retrospective analysis of the clinical and microbiological efficacy and safety of cefoperazone/sulbactam in the treatment of 39 cardiosurgical patients operated under the conditions of artificial circulation is presented. The age of the adult patients (n = 28) varied from 44 to 58 years and that of the pediatric patients varied from 4 months to 6 years. Antibacterial therapy of 26 patients was needed because of postoperative infectious complications, such as nosocomial pneumonia in 22 patients and sepsis in 4 patients. The antibacterial therapy with cefoperazone/sulbactam in 9 patients was performed during the operation because of active infectious endocarditis. In 4 patients there were observed clinical and laboratory signs of infection without the infection foci. The initial empirical therapy with cefoperazone/sulbactam was applied to 14 patients (group 1) and the target-aimed therapy based on the data of the pathogen susceptibility to cefoperazone/sulbactam was used in 6 patients (group 2). 19 patients (group 3) were treated with cefoperazone/sulbactam because of the fail of the previous antibacterial therapy, including the 4th generation cephalosporins and carbapenems as well. Cefoperazone/sulbactam was used in the monotherapy of 15 cases (38%). Cefoperazone/sulbactam showed high efficacy in the treatment of severe nosocomial infections and infectious endocarditis (in combination with vancomycin or linezolid). It amounted to 93, 100 and 79% in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the total of 94%. The results of the microbiological assay were evident of the cefoperazone/sulbactam high activity against the problem gram nagative isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 12), Acinetobacter baumanii (n = 4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 4) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 5). Adverse reactions were stated in 2 patients (5%), 1 case of urticaria requiring discontinuation of the drug use. Many of the patients proved to be colonized by MRS before the therapy with cefoperazone/sulbactam. The high probability of staphylococcal superinfection required combination of cefoperazone/sulbactam with antistaphylococcal agents, such as rifampicin, fusidin, vancomycin, linezolid. The best results were provided by the target-aimed therapy based on the microbiological monitoring.


A method whereby the apical meristem of the fern Dryopteris aristata Druce can be partially isolated from the adjacent lateral organs and tissues is described. This procedure has been adopted as a means of investigating growth and morphogenesis at the shoot apex. The technique involves the severance of the incipient vascular tissue which originates immediately below the apical meristem; the isolated meristem is thus seated on a plug of growing medullary parenchyma. Leaf primordia can be similarly isolated. Meristems treated in this way are capable of growth. They develop into short vasculated shoots bearing leaves. The nutrients sustaining this growth must reach the apical meristem from below by diffusing through medullary parenchyma at the base of the isolated terminal region. Above the parenchymatous region a solenostelic vascular system is present in the new axis; this is in marked contrast to the dictyostelic configuration of the parental shoot below. On the further growth of the isolated meristem leaves are produced and the stele becomes dictyostelic. The new leaves, of which as many as fourteen have been observed after 11 weeks' growth, show the normal phyllotactic arrangement, and this is continuous with that of the main shoot below. The procedure adopted has the effect of removing the physiological dominance of the apical meristem relative to the main shoot; thus numerous large buds develop on the lateral segments of the parental shoot but none on the isolated terminal region. The growth of isolated leaf primordia is very limited. The vascular system develops as a solenostele, foliar gaps are not formed in the region of confluence with the shoot stele, axillary buds are developed, and the leaf apex becomes directed outwards. These several features are in marked contrast to the normal development. The isolated lateral segments are also capable of further growth. The experimental procedure adopted involves the severance of the vascular tissues at various levels. An account is given of new and hitherto unrecorded morphological developments observed in these segments. Interesting features include the formation of large solenostelic buds, the solenostelic development of isolated meristeles, medullation of meristeles and the induction of a polycyclic stelar condition, in one instance by a process of cambium-like activity. These are all in marked contrast to the normal development of the intact shoot. The data which have been obtained are discussed with special reference to the path of translocation of nutrients to the terminal meristem and to leaf primordia, morphogenetic processes at the shoot apex, the factors influencing the differentiation of the vascular system, and theories of shoot formation and constitution. The results of these experiments give no support to phytonic theories but emphasize the difference in potentiality for development between shoot and leaf primordia. In this connexion the factors which determine the shape and system of segmentation of the apical initials of shoot and leaf are seen to require further investigation. The hypotheses that lateral buds are inhibited by substances proceeding from the apical meristem, that the initial differentiation of vascular tissue can be attributed to the basipetal diffusion of a substance or substances from the actively growing apical meristem, and that under conditions of tensile stress incipient vascular tissue undergoes a parenchymatous development, are supported by the data of these experiments. The observations afford a clear indication of the diversity of the morphogenetic activity in the growing region. Nutritional, mechanical and other factors are seen to be important in influencing the distribution of tissues during development. The view entertained by comparative morphologists that the vascular system in ferns is of a highly conservative nature and therefore of great value in phyletic studies is to some extent opposed by the data of these experiments. But notwithstanding the several unusual vascular configurations produced as a result of the experimental treatment, there is eventually a return to the typical vascular arrangements of the normal shoot. There is thus a need for harmonizing the data of the causal and phyletic aspects. The more thoroughly the operation of morphogenetic factors extrinsic to the specific hereditary substance is understood, the more critical will be the selection of criteria of comparison for phyletic purposes.


Relatively little is known of the neuropsychological consequences of isolated frontal-striatal lesions in children. We study the case of an adolescent boy who suffered a stroke in the left hemisphere at the age of 11. In addition to the expected frontal dysfunctions, the patient at first suffered lowered IQ and attention disorder with hyperactivity. Four years after the stroke, only frontal lobe dysfunctions (difficulties in planning, anticipating, responding, generating words, attending, and sequencing with loss of mental flexibility) persisted. The functional recovery might have come about because the right hemisphere striate assumed functions of the left hemisphere. The persistence of frontal dysfunctions favors specialization of the left frontal lobe and the relatively early maturity of this cortical structure.


We report experimental and numerical investigations on the dynamics of the cavitation of bubbles on a solid surface and the interaction between them with the help of controlled cavitation nuclei: hemispherical bubbles are nucleated from hydrophobic microcavities that act as gas traps when the substrate is immersed in water. The expansion of these nuclei is triggered by an impulsive lowering of the liquid pressure. The patterning of the substrate allows us to control the number of bubbles and the distance between them. Each hemispherical bubble experiences the effect of its mirror image. Correspondingly, an isolated hemispherical bubble together with its mirror image behaves like a free spherical bubble, i.e., its dynamics is well described by the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. We employ the setup to study the dynamics of two and more bubbles in a row at controlled and fixed distances from each other. For weak interaction, namely when the maximum size of the bubbles is smaller than the bubble distance, the dynamics of the system is well captured by an extended Rayleigh-Plesset equation, where mutual pressure coupling through sound emission is included. Bubble pairs last longer than an isolated bubble as neighboring bubbles modify the surrounding pressure and screen each other. For strong interaction, obtained by increasing the tensile stress or decreasing the bubble distance, the bubbles eventually flatten and form a liquid film between each other which can rupture, leading to coalescence. The film thinning is inertia dominated. A potential flow boundary integral simulation captures the overall shape evolution of the bubbles, including the formation of jets horizontal to the wall. These horizontal jets are caused by symmetry breaking due to the neighboring bubbles.


The current case reports the service delivery experiences of a trainee practitioner working within elite youth athletics, discussing the experiences and challenges associated with encountering clinical issues and appropriate referrals for the first time. Alongside ongoing clinical support, this case warranted ongoing sport psychology service delivery, during which the trainee adopted an acceptance and commitment therapy approach. Interventions were focused toward the promotion of openness to experience and the identification of value-driven behaviors for sport. Service effectiveness was evaluated via a multimodal method including other professionals in a multidisciplinary support team. Reflections on the service delivery highlight the potentially beneficial or detrimental impacts that practitioner beliefs and values may have, as well as issues regarding role clarity, education, and preparedness for sport psychology trainees encountering clinical issues for the first time.


Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the present condition of drug abuse and its association with depression, self-rated health and health behaviors by job status in Korean adults. Methods: Data were derived from the study on four addiction problem and suicide in 2014. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze patterns of drug abuse according to depression, self-rated health and health behaviors. Results: The prevalence of drug abuse during the past year was 17.1% of the 4,018 subjects. About 3.3 times risk for drug abuse was found among individuals who had high depression scores. The risk of drug abuse was higher among those who were smoking (OR:1.46, 95% CI:1.17~1.83), drinking more frequently (OR:1.30, 95% CI:1.07~1.58), sleeping insufficiently (OR:1.31, 95% CI:1.03~1.67), eating irregularly (OR:1.45, 95% CI:1.19~1.76). Drug abuse problem was detected more seriously among employed than unemployed adults. Conclusion: Health-related behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, sleeping, eating should be considered simultaneously when designing strategies to deal with drug abuse problem, and it is important to understand the interaction between drug abuse and mental health. Furthermore, workplace based intervention can be effective in solving drug abuse problem.


Loess might be identified by two index properties: the granulomere composition and the dry unit weight. These two indices are necessary but not always sufficient for identification of loess. The 0.01–0.05-mm fraction is predominant in typical loess. On the basis of analyses of samples from three continents, it was concluded that the 0.01–0.5-mni fraction deserves the name loessial fraction . Based on the loessial fraction concept, a granulometric classification of loess is proposed. Loess-like deposits possess loessial properties, but to a lesser degree than pure loess. There is a gradual transition from loess to loess-like deposits with loessial characteristics. For this reason, authors of research papers on loess use a multitude of adjectives to describe qualitatively the loess they study. The granulomere composition chosen as the first essential and nonarbitrary characteristic of loess and loess-like formations in this paper provides a definite borderline to delineate loess from loess-like sediments. In addition, the proposed classification of loess and loess-like sediments based on the relative amount of coarse and fine fractions provides a numerical definition of the adjectives clayey and sandy as applied to loess and loess-like deposits. A triangular chart is used to classify loess. This abstract has been accepted for publication at the 27th International Geological Congress, 1984, Moskow.


Objectives. The development of a decompression semiconductor thermoelectric desalinator with ultraviolet radiation. Methods . The design of a decompression semiconductor thermoelectric desalinator with ultraviolet radiation makes it possible to decrease the boiling points of seawater and the obtained fresh water and brine by changing the pressure in the desalinatior thus increasing the device's energy efficiency. Results . The use of the designed decompression semiconductor thermoelectric desalinator with ultraviolet radiation practically reduces the boiling point of seawater, completely eliminating Joule's parasitic heat release. The Peltier thermoelectric effect of heating and cooling is completely preserved, bringing the desalinator efficiency coefficient up to almost 100% and improving its energy-saving characteristics as a whole. Conclusion . A decompression semiconductor thermoelectric desalinator with ultraviolet radiation can be used to produce fresh water and concentrated solutions from any aqueous solutions, as well as to treat wastewater from industrial enterprises with simultaneous bacterial and virus disinfection. The construction materials of the desalination device are environmentally friendly.


The Task Force for diabetes, pre-diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)


Mine fires are becoming a serious issue as the intensity of mining increases, especially in deep mines. Loose coal gob has a hidden ignition location and a high possibility of spontaneous combustion, which makes fire prevention difficult. Therefore, based on the theory of gas seepage and the characteristics of loose coal, a model of air leakage and spontaneous combustion in gob is established in this paper. Using working face #10414 in the Yangliu coal mine as an example, the relationship between the three spontaneous coal combustion (CSC) zones and the three stress zones is analyzed and verified by combining a FLAC3D simulation with field monitoring. In addition, the influence of advancing speed on the CSC is discussed, and suggestions for fire prevention are presented. The results show that the variation in the calorific value of the CSC with increasing degree of looseness of the residual coal in the gob forms an arch‐shape. There is a one‐to‐one relationship between the distribution of the three stress zones and the three CSC zones. In addition, as the advancing speed increases, the contact time between the loose coal body and the air decreases and the possibility of CSC decreases. This study provides a scientific basis for fire prevention and control in mines.


Abstract The authors proposed employee age as moderating the structural stability of altruistic organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) with regard to the influence of context-relevant attitudes and dispositional variables. Analyses of peer ratings of altruistic OCB in a sample of 96 U.S. nurses showed that the contextual variables of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and trust in management were germane for the younger participants. The dispositional variable of moral judgment was a unique predictor of altruistic OCB among the older participants.


Our study objectives were (1) to investigate the selectivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites for tobacco smoke exposure and (2) to determine half-lives of PAH metabolites in smokers. There were 622 participants from the United States (US) and Poland, and of these, 70% were smokers. All subjects provided spot urine samples, and 125 smokers provided blood samples. Urinary PAH metabolite half-lives were determined in 8 smokers. In controlled hospital studies of 18 smokers, the associations between various measures of nicotine intake and urinary excretion of PAH metabolites were investigated. Plasma nicotine was measured by GC. LC-MS/MS was used to measure the plasma levels of cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and urine levels of nicotine and its metabolites, total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and PAH metabolites (2-naphthol, 1-, 2-, and 3-hydroxyfluorenes, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxyphenanthrenes, and 1-hydroxypyrene). Regardless of smoking status, PAH metabolite excretion was higher in Polish subjects than in US subjects (p-values <0.001). 1-Hydroxyfluorene exhibited the greatest difference between smokers and nonsmokers, with a 5-fold difference in Polish subjects and a 25-fold difference in US subjects, followed by 3- and 2-hydroxyfluorenes, 2-naphthol, and 1-hydroxypyrene. The differences for hydroxyphenanthrenes were small or nonsignificant. 1-Hydroxyfluorene had the highest correlation with urine nicotine equivalents (r = 0.77) and urine NNAL (r = 0.64). While the half-lives of PAH metabolites were <10 h in smokers, 1-hydroxyfluorene had the largest ratio of initial to terminal urine concentration (58.4 ± 38.6, mean ± SD) after smoking. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis of PAHs among Polish and US subjects further showed that hydroxyfluorenes are most highly discriminative of smokers from nonsmokers followed by 2-naphthol and 1-hydroxypyrene. In conclusion, hydroxyfluorenes, particularly 1-hydroxyfluorene, and 2-naphthol are more selective of tobacco smoke than 1-hydroxypyrene and hydroxyphenanthrenes. Characterization of hydroxyfluorene and 2-naphthol metabolites in urine may improve the characterization of PAHs from tobacco smoke and related disease risks among smokers and nonsmokers.


Classification shifting is an earnings management tool whereby managers shift operating income up the income statement by discretionarily classifying operating expenses as non-operating expenses. Since classification shifting does not change current-period net income, managers have an incentive to undertake shifting. Most previous studies have focused on earnings management methods in which managers adjust current-period net income. This study, therefore, examines the incentives to apply a different earnings management tool, that is, the arbitrary classification of expenses, in relation to audit quality sampling of companies listed on the South Korean stock market before the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Starting in 2009, some South Korean companies adopted IFRS voluntarily, while all listed companies have been required to adopt IFRS since 2011. IFRS grants significant discretion to managers and thus, does not require the disclosure of operation earnings, making samples from the post-IFRS adoption period inapplicable to this investigation. This study, therefore, conducts a regression analysis on samples from 2002 to 2008. For audit quality, this study treats cases audited by any of the Big Four accounting firms as representative of a high-quality audit. When a Big Four auditor conducts an audit, managers are incentivized to opt for classification shifting as an alternative to an earnings management tool that increases current-period net income. However, an auditor providing a high-quality audit and properly fulfilling its role of monitoring the managers' earnings management can decrease classification shifting. The empirical analysis reveals that companies audited by a Big Four auditor with high audit quality have a higher rate of classification shifting than other companies do. This outcome suggests that when audited by such a firm, managers are likely to choose classification shifting over an earnings management tool that adjusts current-period net income.


According to the standard ISO 10360-2 (2001 Geometrical product specifications (GPS)—acceptance and reverification tests for coordinate measuring machines (CMM)—part 2: CMMs used for measuring size (ISO 10360-2:2001)), we verify the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) performance against the manufacturer specification. There are many types of gauges used for the calibration and verification of CMMs. The step gauges with parallel faces (KOBA, MITUTOYO) are well known gauges to perform this test. Often with these gauges, only the unidirectional measurements are considered which avoids having to deal with a residual error that affects the tip radius compensation. However the ISO 10360-2 standard imposes the use of a bidirectional measurement. Thus, the bidirectional measures must be corrected by the residual constant offset probe. In this paper, we optimize the step gauge measurement and a method is given to mathematically avoid the problem of the constant offset of the tip radius. This method involves measuring the step gauge once and to measure it a second time with a shift of one slot in order to obtain a new set of equations. Uncertainties are also presented.


Abstract We construct Koppelman formulas on Grassmannians for forms with values in any holomorphic line bundle as well as in the tautological vector bundle and its dual. As an application we obtain new explicit proofs of some vanishing theorems of the Bott-Borel-Weil type by solving the corresponding -equation. We also relate the projection part of our formulas to the Bergman kernels associated to the line bundles.


Humans and other primates have memory, and the hippocampus plays a critical role in this process. The neural circuitry is one of the structural foundations for the hippocampus in exerting memory function. To understand the relationship between the hippocampus and memory, we need to understand neural circuits. Past research has identified several classical neural circuits involved in memory. Although there are challenges with the study of hippocampal neural circuits, research on this topic has continued, and some progress has been made. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of hippocampal neural circuit mechanisms and some of the newly discovered factors that affect memory. Substantial progress has been made regarding hippocampal memory circuits and Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unclear whether these novel findings regarding hippocampal memory circuits hold promise for human memory studies. Additional research on this topic is needed.


Three cases of anterior interosseous nerve palsy were diagnosed after internal fixation of fractures of the proximal radius. The suggestion that the nerve was injured at operation by bone-holding forceps was supported by operations on 12 cadaver forearms, in which the nerve was frequently trapped. Care should be taken to place such forceps in a subperiosteal plane.


Background Socio-cultural and gender-based issues influence sexuality of emerging adults. These gender-based issues worsen sexual health outcomes of emerging adults in studies outside Nigeria. Some of these issues are male dominance in sexual relationships, health care providers' bias in attending to sexual health needs of emerging adults and age disparate sexual relationships. Studies have reported that males dominate females in sexual relationship largely in part owing to masculinity tendencies. Also, health care providers view emerging adults as randy when seeking information on sexual and reproductive health care services. Added to these is age disparate sexual relationships. Older men engage in exchanged sex while younger females are unable to negotiate condom. All these speak to gender and social inequality in sexual relationships are largely undocumented in Nigeria. Method This study collected information purposively using a qualitative inquiry. Thirty (30) in-depth interviews (IDIs), six (6) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Eighteen (18) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted across the three main ethnic groups in Nigeria. Result Narratives and interviews showed nuanced discourses of all these gendered issues. Males dominated females in sexual relationships through suppression to negotiate condom, diminished females' individual agency, and engagement in multiple sexual partnerships. Females endured domination of males in sexual relationships to sustain relationships. Also, health providers were biased and indifferent in providing sexual and reproductive health services to emerging adults. This study showed poor socio-economic status makes older men to exploit and take advantage of younger females in sexual relationships. Wide age difference and the notion of fulfilling their side in a paid sexual intercourse made younger females unable to negotiate condom. Conclusion Gender-based issues and socio-cultural norms diminished individual agency of emerging adults, especially females, achieving positive sexuality. Policies that dispel socio-cultural and gendered norms in sexual relationships should be encouraged, including increased awareness on sex education to parents and children, skill acquisitions and empowerment programmes for emerging adults and capacity building of health providers to improve provision of SRH needs of emerging adults.


This pilot study was designed to determine if prior reports of abnormal electroretinograms (ERGs) in autism could be confirmed and, if so, could patterns of family transmission be identified. Abnormal ERG recordings were obtained from six of the 10 subjects tested two of four autistic probands, two of four siblings, and two fathers. No family patterns emerged from our small sample, but the results point to the need to extend this interesting new area or research.


This study is conducted with the aim of determining the effect of Zakat videos assisted online learning in encouraging class VI student learning to improve learning outcomes of Islamic religious education subjects. Experimental design is used in this study utilizing control and experimental groups.iencing parenting problems, 3) having children experiencing developmental delays, 4) willing to follow the training program. The subjects of this study are class VI children with a total of 30 people. Sampling technique used in this study uses non-probability sampling. The data is collected related to learning outcomes using observation and assessment sheets, while data collection related to student motivation uses questionnaires. The tests used in this study include instrument validity and reliability tests, classical assumption tests, homogeneity tests, and hypothesis testing using Two Way Anova parametric statistics. Distance learning assisted by video learning needs to be carried out continuously in order to improve student learning outcomes. So it would be better if distance learning assisted by learning videos moderated with student motivation was carried out massively and creative innovations were given to improve student learning outcomes to the maximum.


Underground spaces are frequently applied in defense areas due to their natural and environmental conditions. Passive defense is a good tool for reducing the possible losses and increasing the efficiency of these structures. By studying the past events, it can be observed that, despite the popular belief, these structures have incurred irreparable damages during the earthquake. To this end, the present paper evaluated the seismic behavior of two specimens of rectangular and oval tunnels applied in passive defense using the plaxis 2D software. These structures were placed under three particular earthquake accelerographs in a dense and loose soil (soil environment of Bandar Abbas), and it was attempted to study the seismic behavior of these tunnels affected by the form of the structure and the soil-structure interaction using this dynamic analysis. The analysis of results showed that the earthquake had a greater impact on rectangular tunnels in loose soil, and the construction of oval tunnels will be more justified in the environment of Bandar Abbas. Keywords: Underground spaces, Passive defense, Earthquake, Soil-structure interaction.


Tobramycin and vancomycin are the most commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of osteomyelitis. A sensitive and rapid method was developed for the analysis of tobramycin and vancomycin in human drainage tissue fluid. The procedure involved a simple liquid-liquid extraction of tobramycin, vancomycin and atenolol (internal standard) and separation by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid water solution and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid acetonitrile solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Detection was performed by positive ion electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode (m/z 468 → 163 transitions for tobramycin; m/z 725 → 144 for vancomycin; m/z 267 → 74 for the internal standard). The retention times of tobramycin, vancomycin, and the internal standard were 0.68, 3.62 and 3.03 min, respectively. The total analysis time was less than 10 min. Excellent linear relationships (correlation coefficient > 0.99) were demonstrated between the area under the peak ratios of tobramycin and vancomycin to the internal standard in the drainage tissue fluid, and the concentration ranges were 1.25-100.00 mg/L and 0.50-150.00 mg/L for tobramycin and vancomycin, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision (coefficient of variation) acceptance criteria for each quality control was ≤ 7.8% and the mean accuracy values were < 5.0% for tobramycin and < 4.0% for vancomycin. All experiments suggested the high-throughput potential of the proposed method. The method was successfully applied to investigate local delivery of tobramycin and vancomycin in four calcaneal osteomyelitis patients who had accepted drug-loaded artificial bone implantation.


The dynamics of laser-produced cavitation bubbles near a solid boundary and its dependence on the distance between bubble and wall are investigated experimentally. It is shown by means of high-speed photography with up to 1 million frames/s that jet and counterjet formation and the development of a ring vortex resulting from the jet flow are general features of the bubble dynamics near solid boundaries. The fluid velocity field in the vicinity of the cavitation bubble is determined with time-resolved particle image velocimetry. A comparison of path lines deduced from successive measurements shows good agreement with the results of numerical calculations by Kucera & Blake (1988). The pressure amplitude, the profile and the energy of the acoustic transients emitted during spherical bubble collapse and the collapse near a rigid boundary are measured with a hydrophone and an optical detection technique. Sound emission is the main damping mechanism in spherical bubble collapse, whereas it plays a minor part in the damping of aspherical collapse. The duration of the acoustic transients is 20-30 ns. The highest pressure amplitudes at the solid boundary have been found for bubbles attached to the boundary. The pressure inside the bubble and at the boundary reaches about 2.5 kbar when the maximum bubble radius is 3.5 mm. The results are discussed with respect to the mechanism of cavitation erosion.


Radiative feedback (RFB) from stars plays a key role in galaxies, but remains poorly understood. We explore this using high-resolution, multifrequency radiation-hydrodynamics (RHD) simulations from the Feedback In Realistic Environments (FIRE) project. We study ultrafaint dwarf through Milky Way mass scales, including H+He photoionization; photoelectric, Lyman Werner, Compton, and dust heating; and single+multiple scattering radiation pressure (RP). We compare distinct numerical algorithms: ray-based LEBRON (exact when optically thin) and moments-based M1 (exact when optically thick). The most important RFB channels on galaxy scales are photoionization heating and single-scattering RP: in all galaxies, most ionizing/far-UV luminosity (∼1/2 of lifetime-integrated bolometric) is absorbed. In dwarfs, the most important effect is photoionization heating from the UV background suppressing accretion. In MW-mass galaxies, metagalactic backgrounds have negligible effects; but local photoionization and single-scattering RP contribute to regulating the galactic star formation efficiency and lowering central densities. Without some RFB (or other 'rapid' FB), resolved GMCs convert too-efficiently into stars, making galaxies dominated by hyperdense, bound star clusters. This makes star formation more violent and 'bursty' when SNe explode in these hyperclustered objects: thus, including RFB 'smoothes' SFHs. These conclusions are robust to RHD methods, but M1 produces somewhat stronger effects. Like in previous FIRE simulations, IR multiple-scattering is rare (negligible in dwarfs, $\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of RP in massive galaxies): absorption occurs primarily in 'normal' GMCs with AV ∼ 1.


To the Editor:

Secondary amyloidosis can develop in a patient with seemingly quiescent giant cell arteritis/polymyalgia rheumatica (GCA/PMR). We describe a patient with clinically quiescent GCA who developed AA amyloidosis of the kidney, resulting in nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure.

A 79-year-old woman presented to the rheumatology service in December 2009 with new-onset unilateral headache and prominence and tenderness of the left temporal artery. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 85 mm/h and C-reactive protein (CRP) was 40.9 mg/l. She fulfilled 4 of the 5 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria for GCA: age > 50 years, new-onset headache, temporal artery abnormality, and ESR > 50 mm/h1. She denied symptoms of PMR but she had anorexia and generalized fatigue that had been persistent for several years. Subsequent investigations for GCA included left-side temporal artery biopsy of 1 cm and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the scalp vessels with contrast. The temporal artery biopsy was negative for evidence of arteritis; however, the MRI showed abnormal enhancement in the superficial temporal artery in the postcontrast images. This finding was felt to be diagnostic of arteritis.

The patient had a 35 pack-years smoking history with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a history of tuberculosis treated in 1951 with residual right-upper lobe traction bronchiectasis, demonstrable on computerized tomography (CT) scan. She experienced on average 1 infectious exacerbation per year and in the intervening period had no baseline sputum production. She also had hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypothyroidism.

She was initially treated for GCA with prednisone 50 mg daily for 3 weeks, with complete resolution …

Address correspondence to Dr. Legault; E-mail: kimberly.legault{at}medportal.ca


Glycinergic synapses play a central role in motor control and pain processing in the central nervous system. Glycine receptors (GlyR) are key players in mediating fast inhibitory neurotransmission at these synapses. While previous high-resolution structural studies have provided insights into the molecular architecture of GlyR, several mechanistic questions pertaining to channel function are still unknown. Here, we present Cryo-EM structures of the full-length GlyR protein reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs that are captured in the unliganded (closed) and glycine-bound (open and desensitized) conformations. A comparison of the three states reveals global conformational changes underlying GlyR channel gating. The functional state assignments were validated by molecular dynamics simulations of the structures incorporated in a lipid bilayer. Observed permeation events are in agreement with the anion selectivity of the channel and the reported single-channel conductance of GlyR. These studies establish the structural basis for gating, selectivity, and single-channel conductance of GlyR in a physiological environment.


In order to make synthetic speech more spontaneous we have introduced various duration control methods, which are based on word language model probability and on pronunciation variant selection algorithms. In former publications we considered the standalone algorithms [1]. In this paper we combine the change of the speaking rate according to the language model probability with an indirect change of the speaking rate. The latter is achieved by a pronunciation variant selection algorithm based on a variant sequence model. To evaluate the quality of the different approaches and to compare them to the canonical synthesis (as the state-of-the-art system), we performed various absolute category rating listening tests. In addition, we conducted the same test with natural speech to provide a further evaluation criterion. The results achieved in this paper show that a suitable sequence of pronunciation variants achieves a significant lower listening effort and a higher mean opinion score (MOS) for both synthetic and natural speech samples compared to the canonical pronunciation.


The morphology and optical properties of zinc oxide fibres with diameters in the nanometre to micrometre range are reported. The PVA/zinc acetate organic/inorganic hybrid nanofibres were successfully prepared by electrospinning using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc acetate. Pure zinc oxide fibres were obtained by high-temperature calcination of the hybrid fibres in air. The nanofibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The photoluminescence spectra under excitation at 325 nm showed an ultraviolet emission at 3.13 eV and a green emission at 2.21 eV. These nanofibres could be used as light emitting devices in nanoscale optoelectronic applications.


This paper concerns engineering systems in naval ships, i.e. propulsion, auxiliary, hull and hotel services. It is not concerned with the engineering of weapons systems themselves. An attempt is made to forecast the requirements and constraints which these engineering systems will have to meet in the 1980s, including operational and functional requirements, technical developments and economic and environmental influences.


ABSTRACT Expressed sequence tagged (EST) microsatellite (SSR) markers were newly developed for Callicarpa subpubescens, a species endemic to the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands of Japan, to investigate gene flow, genetic structure, and evolution of the species. A total of 87,334 contigs derived from de novo sequencing were obtained from which 1,826 primers bordering candidate SSRs were designed. Success of amplification and presence of polymorphisms were tested for each primer pair using two populations of C. subpubescens, and one population of C. parvifolia closely related to C. subpubescens to check cross-species amplification. Twenty-nine of the 48 primer pairs showed clear amplification, with 27 showing polymorphisms in the tested populations. For the 27 polymorphic loci, across the two species, the number of alleles ranged from two to 23 (average = 5.93), and expected heterozygosity per locus were 0.05–0.91 (average = 0.52). Bayesian clustering analysis for C. subpubescens showed that the most likely number of clusters is two, with each population dominated by a unique cluster. These new EST-SSR markers presented here can be used for population genetic study of C. subpubescens and its congener C. parvifolia.


Vermiculite crystals from Santa Olalla, Spain, were first Na exchanged and then intercalated with monomethylammonium (= NH3(CH3)+, MMA) and dimethylammonium (= NH2(CH3)2+, DMA) molecules, respectively, by immersion in 1 M ammonium-chloride solutions at 65°C for 2–3 wk. MMA-and DMA-exchange with vermiculite resulted in crystals with near perfect three-dimensional stacking, suitable for single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Unit cell parameters are: a = 5.353(2) Å, b = 9.273(3) Å, c = 11.950(6) Å, and ß = 98.45(4)° for MMA-exchanged vermiculite and a = 5.351(2) Å, b = 9.268(4) Å, c = 12.423(8) Å, and ß = 98.33(5)° for DMA-exchanged vermiculite. Refinement results are R = 0.059 and wR = 0.073 (MMA-exchanged vermiculite) and R = 0.059 and wR = 0.064 (DMA-exchanged vermiculite). The results are based on structures which show substitutional disorder, and thus the presented models are derived from average structures.There are two distinct sites for the MMA molecule in MMA-exchanged vermiculite. One crystallo-graphically unique MMA is oriented such that the N-C axis of the molecule is perpendicular to the basal oxygen plane, with the N ion offset from the center of the interlayer by 1.04 Å. The other MMA is located such that the N ion is at the center of the interlayer between adjacent 2:1 layers, presumably with the N-C axis of the molecule oriented parallel to the basal oxygen plane. This represents the first known occurrence of an organic molecule located exactly between the two adjacent 2:1 layers. Both sites are located between hexagonal cavities of adjacent layers. DMA molecules in DMA-exchanged vermiculite are located such that the N ion is offset from the central plane in the interlayer by 0.95 A. A static model is proposed with two orientations of DMA to produce a DMA "zigzag" orientation of molecules parallel to the (001) plane. The plane defined by the C-N-C atoms in the molecule is perpendicular to the (001) plane. An alternate model is more dynamic, and it involves the rotation of DMA molecules about one C-N axis.Identical starting material was used in previous studies on tetramethylammonium (TMA)-exchanged vermiculite and tetramethylphosphonium (TMP)-exchanged vermiculite. The effect of onium-ion substitutions on the 2:1 layer shows that the tetrahedral rotation angle, α, is significantly smaller for MMA-and DMA-exchanged vermiculite vs. TMA and TMP-exchanged vermiculite. Tetrahedral and octahedral bond distances of the 2:1 layer of the TMA, TMP, MMA, and DMA-exchanged structures may be explained by the location of the organic cation relative to the basal oxygen atom plane and by the differences in the geometries of the organic molecule. Thus, the 2:1 layer is affected by the interlayer molecule, and the 2:1 layer is not a rigid substrate, but interacts significantly with the onium ions.


However, vandalisation of these lovemaps is an entirely different matter. Vandalisation is normally defined as the wanton or deliberate destruction. Where the love maps exist fully formed, such destruction cannot be deliberate because Money & Lamacz are putting for ward a theory ofvandalism as a non-deliberate act. The authors have not clarified the exact role of psychody namic versus physical or organic factors in their cases. Of the seven cases they report, five have sex-organ anomaly. Thus the cards are already stacked against them. Alas, they ignore the paraphiliac cases who do not have sex-organ or other physical anomalies but still have, in street parlance, †̃¿ kinky sex' or †̃¿ perversions'. Indeed it is a first step in recognising aetiological factors


We developed a new semi-analytic galaxy formation model: Galaxy Assembly with Binary Evolution (GABE). For the first time, we introduce binary evolution into semi-analytic models of galaxy formation by using the Yunnan-II stellar population synthesis model, which includes various binary interactions. When implementing our galaxy formation model onto the merger trees extracted from the Millennium simulation, it can reproduce a large body of observational results. We find that in the local universe, the model including binary evolution reduces the luminosity at optical and infrared wavelengths slightly, but it increases the luminosity at ultraviolet wavelengths significantly, especially in FUV band. The resulting luminosity function does not change very much over SDSS optical bands and infrared band, but the predicted colors are bluer, especially when the FUV band is under consideration. The new model allows us to explore the physics of various high energy events related to the remnants of binary stars, such as type Ia supernovae, short gamma-ray bursts and gravitational wave events, and their relation with host galaxies in a cosmological context.


Abstract : This EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. This EA assesses the potential environmental impacts of implementing the Base General Plan at Schriever AFB, which calls for improving infrastructure and constructing facilities. The Proposed Action would have short-term, but not significant impacts on air quality from construction. The Proposed Action would conform to the State Implementation Plan and would be exempt from further conformity review. Short-term disturbance to geological resources would occur during construction; impacts would not be significant. Impacts to surface water from stormwater runoff would not be significant as a result of project design. No significant impacts were identified for biological resources. Construction equipment and associated traffic would generate short-term increases in noise during normal working hours. Noise increases would be below thresholds for significance. No issues pertaining to environmental justice were identified. There would be no significant impacts to cultural resource, visual resources, socioeconomics, solid waste, or hazardous materials and wastes. In addition to the Proposed Action, alternatives were analyzed in the EA for taking no action and for constructing facilities at a more rapid pace than the General Plan indicates. No impacts were associated with the No Action Alternative, and no significant impacts would be expected for the Accelerated Construction Alternative.


BIORECOVER brings together diverse expertise with the goal of developing a new sustainable and safe process, essentially based on biotechnology, for selective extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs), rare earth elements (REE), magnesium and platinum group metals (pgms). The four-year European Union (EU) H2020 project involves 14 international partners from mining, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, metallurgy, sustainable process development, as well as CRM end-users. Starting from relevant unexploited secondary and primary sources of CRMs, BIORECOVER will develop and integrate three stages for CRM extraction: (a) removal of major impurities present in raw materials; (b) mobilisation of CRMs through use of microorganisms; and (c) development of specific technologies for recovering metals with high selectivity and purity that meet the quality requirements for reuse. Downstream processes will be developed and recovered metals will be assessed by end-users. Modelling and integration of the modular stages and economic and environmental assessment will be done to develop the most effective and sustainable process. This short feature describes the aims and approach, project technologies and intended outputs of the BIORECOVER project.


The high standing-wave ratio (SWR) in a model simulator in the mid-frequency range defined by kh = 2 pi h/delta approx. = 2 pi (where h is the height of the parallel-plate region) is investigated experimentally. It is shown that the isolated deep minimum or notch is due to the mutual cancellation of the imaginary parts of the TM01 and TEM modes. The effects on the SWR and the deep minimum of changes in the magnitude and location of the termination resistance are investigated. Also studied are the introduction of a bifurcating plate, resistive modal filters, and series aprons. It is shown that with the proper adjustment of the last named, the notch can be eliminated and the SWR reduced to near two at discrete frequencies that span the entire mid-frequency range. Since the low-frequency ranges already have low SWRs, the simulator has been made effective over the entire frequency band in the sense that the SWR is low.


The article proposes that Bernard Lonergan's four-point hypothesis linking the four divine relations with four created participations in divine life can join with the theory of history proposed by Lonergan and developed by the author to form the unified field structure and so the starting point of a contemporary systematic theology. The hypothesis allows for a new form of the psychological analogy for the divine processions, one that is related to but distinct from the analogy found in Aquinas and the early Lonergan.


This paper aims at an intrasite spatial analysis of Pincevent (eight habitation units in Niveau IV-2, and three in Habitation I) and several other Late Palaeolithic sites in Europe, by means of a new method, which is based on the use of rings and sectors around the centre of 'domestic hearths'. One conclusion is that the domestic hearths of Pincevent were located in the open air - not inside tents or in tent entrances. At several other sites, e.g. Gonnersdorf and Etiolles, the method allows the demonstration of tents, mostly with diameters of 5-6 m. Furthermore, criteria are given for establishing drop and toss zones as defined by Binford (1983). All analysed units of Pincevent show an asymmetry in tool density in the sense that many more tools are present on one side of the hearth than on the opposite side. The drop zones are located in the richest site-halves. Given these results, it seems possibie to reconstruct the prevailing wind directions during the various habitations; as nowadays, westerly winds prevailed. With the ring method the 'centrifugal effect' can be investigated: the tendency for larger objects to end up farther from the hearth than small objects. All the units of Niveau IV-2 show a marked centrifugal effect. This is illustrated by comparing the ring distributions of the tools with those of the cores. The three units of Habitation I, however, do not show a clear centrifugal effect, and this applies also to several other sites. Differences between various tool types with respect to their ring distributions are investigated, and it is shown that backed bladelets are systematically located closer to the hearth than scrapers, while borers and burins are intermediate in this respect. Explanations for this phenomenon are offered on the basis of functional analyses. Only one habitation unit of Pincevent, R143, deviates from this general pattern; it probably was a 'special-purpose site'. The same applies to Marsangy N19. On the basis of four attributes, which are shown to be statistically related, two different types of sites can be established, independent of the sites' dimensions. This dichotomy is shown most clearly by one of these four attributes, the centrifugal effect: sites of Group Y show a clear centrifugal effect, those of Group X do not. Theunits of Habitation I can be placed in Group X (perhaps hunting camps, or 'special-purpose sites'; occupied by men only?), together with sites such as Marsangy N19 and Bro1. Most of the units of Niveau IV-2 are placed in Group Y (presumably family camps), together with sites such as Oldeholtwolde and Niederbieber. The richest site-halves are tentatively analysed in greater detail, and it is found that at least at some sites of Group Y the two quarters within this half differ in their tool inventories : one quarter shows a higher proportion of backed bladelets, and the other a higher proportion of scrapers. This suggests the presence of at least one man and one woman.


Temporal and distance gait factors, foot-switch contact patterns, ankle/subtalar joint motion, and center of foot pressure distribution have been used to evaluate normal and abnormal foot mechanics. A normal control group and selected patients with well defined pathologic conditions were studied to examine the effectiveness of this method. Biomechanical observations reflect the clinical pathologic condition. Abnormalities involving the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot are most suitable for analyzing center of foot pressure. Ankle and subtalar problems are studied by motion analysis, with the subject walking on different ground conditions.


For the purpose of developing transparent and ultrathin antistatic films, chemically adsorbed monolayers containing poly(ethylene oxide) chains have been prepared on a glass surface by the reaction of a chemically adsorbed chlorosilane derivative with poly(ethylene glycol)s having different average molecular weights. The surface resistivities of the monolayers were found to be about two orders of magnitude lower than that of clean glass at a humidity of 40%.


Provision of occupational health services plays a critical role in employee retention, motivation and job satisfaction. Work related health and safety needs of railway employees in India have not received the due attention. Lack of comprehensive framework for analysis and paucity of scientific literature on the subject is a bottleneck for formulation and implementation of effective policies around the subject. This review paper offers a framework for further consideration of the government. In the first of its kind work, the paper also presents a unique and comprehensive perspective of the responsibilities, contextual factors and emerging priorities with regard to occupational health challenges of railway workers. Opting for a comprehensive occupational health policy, capacity building of key stakeholders, regular supervision, strengthening of information management system and facilitating research and innovation on the subject has the potentiality to pay rich dividends in the long run not only to individual workers but also to the economy and the railway industry.


Cluster headaches are known to be induced by secondary reasons as a proportion of 3-5%. We present here a young patient applied with symptoms of left arm weakness and cluster headache, and he has lower grade glial tumour in the insular area in neuroimaging. With this exceptional case, we wanted to emphasize the importance of insula on pain and autonomic system, and to indicate the necessity to be careful about secondary reasons for the patients applied with cluster headache and additional neurological features.


This paper presents a short-latency Turbo-codes decoder for the third generation mobile communication system. In the decoder, we employed a modified sliding window log-BCJR (SW-log-BCJR) algorithm in which two sliding windows work in parallel. With this algorithm the decoding latency of Turbo-codes decoder is half reduced and the complexity and memory increment is reasonable. Simulation shows that if we properly choose the size of the sliding window length, the performance degradation of the proposed algorithm is within 0.2 dB at BER=10/sup -5/ relative to BCJR algorithm. Turbo decoder using the proposed algorithms is implemented on single-chip Xilinx FPGA and up to 2 Mbps throughput is reached.


This paper aims to do a study of the concept of a perfect human being by taking two corners of the field of characters, Friedrich Williams Nietzsche and Ibn 'Arabi. In this case the two figures convey their thoughts on how to become perfect human beings. Nietzsche who gives a view about humans must be able, strong and be themselves in facing all their problems. Making humans superior in Netzsche's view. On the other hand Ibn Arabi who explained about the nature of being a perfect human being, and humans themselves are a reflection of the formation of a real God on earth. The level in achieving goals as a perfect human being. The categorization of macrocosm and microcosm in looking at differences in "humans".


In recent years, the concept of flexicurity has come to occupy a central place in political and academic debates regarding employment and social policy. It fosters a view in which the need for continuously increasing flexibility is the basic assumption, and the understanding of security increasingly moves from social protection to self-insurance or individual adaptability. Moreover, it rejects the traditional contradictions between flexibility and security, blending the two into a single notion and thus depoliticizing the relationships between capital and labour. This volume provides a critical discussion of the flexicurity concept, the theories upon which it is built and the ideas that it transmits about work, unemployment and social justice. It shows that flexicurity fosters the further individualization of social protection, an increase in precariousness and the further weakening of labour in relation to capital. The authors present a series of alternative theoretical, normative and policy approaches that provide due attention to the collective and political dimension of vulnerability and allow for the development of new societal projects based on alternative values and assumptions.


Software development artifacts-such as model descriptions, diagrammatic languages, abstract (formal) specifications, and source code-are highly interrelated where changes in some of them affect others. Trace dependencies characterize such relationships abstractly. This paper presents an automated approach to generating and validating trace dependencies. It addresses the severe problem that the absence of trace information or the uncertainty of its correctness limits the usefulness of software models during software development. It also automates what is normally a time consuming and costly activity due to the quadratic explosion of potential trace dependencies between development artifacts.


Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the stock price reaction because of dividend reduction (DR) announcements in the Indian equity market, controlling for share repurchases.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample comprises National Stock Exchange (NSE) 500 companies listed in the NSE Ltd. covering a time span from year 2009 to 2019. Using the event study methodology, the authors measure the impact of DR announcements on security prices around the event day. The authors also examine the price response to DRs at the interim stage versus the final stage and identify the factors that drive the decision to reduce dividends at the interim level versus final level.

Findings
The authors find that overall DR announcements negatively impact abnormal returns. Firms that experience stronger adverse price reaction following DR announcements resort to share repurchase in the same year to boost stock prices. The authors find that interim DRs create more negative price reactions than final DRs. Finally, firms experiencing lower levels of prior year earnings, firms with smaller sizes and overvalued firms tend to reduce dividends at the interim level instead of postponing the reduction to the final level.

Originality/value
This paper examines stock price reaction because of DR announcements of Indian firms. The sample comprises firms that reduce dividends with contemporaneous share repurchases as well as firms that reduce dividends without contemporaneous repurchase activity. To the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on substitution effect of dividends with buyback in the context of Indian equity market are rare. Further, investigating the difference in stock price movement because of DRs at the interim level versus the final level is the unique contribution of this paper.


Steady natural convective flow fields were numerically and experimentally characterized for 0.7 Prandtl number fluids having constant, uniformly distributed, internal heat sources. The bounding isothermal walls containing the fluid were considered to be either a sphere or a cylinder of finite height. An instrumented cylinder containing radioactive tritium gas was used to demonstrate experimental and analytical agreement for local temperatures over a range of Grashof numbers. For the spherical geometry, a generalized correlation was obtained for the surface-averaged Nusselt number as a function of a modified Grashof number.


Objective: Corticosteroid phobia is an important factor affecting therapy compliance negatively in daily practice. There is no study on the attitudes of the general population and health care workers on this issue in our country. Our objective was to investigate the information and anxiety levels of parents about topical medications containing corticosteroids, and their effects on treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 300 individuals that consisted of the parents of the patients who were admitted to the pediatric clinics for various health reasons and the health care workers of our hospital were asked to complete a questionnaire on this topic. The items in the questionnaire consisted of questions on whether the parents had previously used cortisone-based ointments on their children, whether they had any concerns regarding the issue, and what side effects, in their opinion, might develop in case the drug was applied on the skin. Results: The anxiety rates were found to be 20.5% (n=41) in the patient's parents group, and 54% (n=54) in the health care workers group. Due to anxiety, 40% of the patient's parents group never applied the treatment, and 24 % of them discontinued the treatment early. As regards the open-ended question on why people felt anxiety about steroids, 79% reported possible side effects, 8.32% hormonal disorder, 4.16% diabetes, 4.16% gaining weight, and 4.16% blemishing of skin. Conclusion: We detected an unnecessary phobia regarding steroids in the general population and even in health care workers with increasing education level and the anxiety affected the treatment process negatively. Thus, we suggest that physicians consider this fact and provide sufficient information to parents prior to treatment to affect the results of the treatment positively.


See also p 704

The Royal College of Physicians, the BMA, the Patients' Association, and the Institute of Health Care Management (among others) have backed the Department of Health's call for doctors to have annual appraisals, for continuing professional development, and for the revalidation of doctors.1 The collective concern of these bodies is to ensure that doctors continue to develop their competence and provide a high standard of care for patients. What evidence is there that these strategies make a difference?

Feedback on performance and objective setting are the two fundamental components of appraisal. The evidence is strong that feedback on individuals' job performance is associated with improvements in performance and reductions in error rates across all employment sectors.2 Moreover, setting goals is associated with improved performance, particularly where the goals are set collaboratively with professionals and where they are specific and challenging (rather than vague or "do your best" goals).2 Training (or continuing professional development) has been shown to improve job performance, quality, and organisational performance and service across employment sectors, and to reduce costs.3 In health care, …


This study attempts to investigate the moderating effect of gender on value-belief-norm relationships. In addition, this study aims to investigate the factors that affect green purchase behavior of cosmetics products. Particularly, this study investigates the causal relationships between values and pro-environmental beliefs, pro-environmental beliefs and personal norms and personal norms and green purchase behavior. An online survey was carried out which yielded 240 usable responses among which 79 responses were obtained from males and 161 from females. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, partial least square (PLS-SEM) approach and multi-group analysis (MGA) technique. Results revealed that all direct relationships were supported by the data. It was also found that gender moderates the relationships between altruistic values and pro-environmental beliefs, pro-environmental beliefs and personal norms and personal norms and green purchase behavior. Nevertheless, gender did not moderate the link between hedonic value and pro-environmental beliefs. This study contributes to the existing literature by considering gender as a moderator, which is comparatively new in the green purchase behavior literature. In addition, this study examines few new linkages: more specifically, incorporating hedonic value in value-belief link and adapting value-belief-norm (VBN) theory in measuring consumers' green purchase behavior.


An understanding of the mechanisms underlying the various stages of transcription is crucial to find solutions to the problems caused by mis-expression of genes that may give rise to a host of human diseases. My thesis research focusses on an analysis of the RNA Polymerase II elongation factor Ell1/Eaf1 in S. pombe. Eleven-nineteen lysine-rich in leukemia (ELL) is encoded by a gene involved in translocations with MLL in leukemia and forms a tight complex with ELL-associated factors (EAF). ELL/EAF is an RNA polymerase II elongation factor that in metazoa can assemble into a larger assembly that also includes P-TEFb and other proteins encoded by genes involved in MLL translocations. This larger assembly, sometimes called SEC, binds to a specific "docking site" in the metazoan Mediator complex. Distantly related ELL- and EAF-like genes were identified in S. pombe that encode Ell1/Eaf1 and can stimulate Pol II elongation in vitro. My thesis addresses two distinct projects, with overlapping motivations:
First, to see whether S. pombe might provide a good model for functional studies of the Mediator and ELL/EAF interaction, I carried out a thorough proteomic analysis of S. pombe Mediator and defined several new subunits. My results were recently published as part of a collaborative structural analysis of S. pombe Mediator.
Second, I used a combination of biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to characterize Ell1/Eaf1 function in fission yeast. Using mass spectrometry, I identified an uncharacterized sequence orphan, SPAC6G9.15c, that associates with both Ell1 and Eaf1 to form a ternary complex that, based on ChIP-seq localizes at genes with high RNA Pol II occupancy. I also performed an SGA screen for genes that genetically interact with ell1, eaf1, and SPAC6G9.15c and identified a set of overlapping genes that interact with all three, as well as others that interact only with ell1.


1. Sulfanilamide derivatives such as sulfadiazine possess high activity compared to quinine in lophurae malaria in ducks when the comparison is based on minimal effective doses. However, these derivatives fail to reduce the parasitemia below 1 to 2% cells parasitized on the sixth day regardless of dosage when tested against an infection having a sixth day peak parasitemia in the controls.

2. The antimalarial action of sulfanilamides, such as sulfadiazine, is slower than that of quinine.

3. 3',5' Dibromosulfanilanilide and 3',5' dichlorosulfanilanilide exhibit a mode of action which differs qualitatively from that of ordinary sulfanilamides.

4. It is advisable to use minimal effective doses as the basis of comparisons of antimalarial activity.


Threshold image intensity for patient vascular models is determined instinctively. In this study, we used the simple method of threshold resolve to evaluate the effect of threshold image intensity level on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of patient-specific cerebral aneurysm. This investigation involved five patients with internal carotid aneurysms collected in retrospect between August 2010 and October 2012. In 3-dimensional rotational angiography with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) image data, we set five straight line probe across the parent of the internal carotid artery and deliberate the average profile curve of the image intensity along this line. To determine the threshold image intensity level objectively, we calculated the threshold coefficient Cthre using this profile curve. The effect of Cthre value on vascular model configuration and the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution of the aneurysm was evaluated. Result shows for the inlet area and volume of the vascular model decreased and WSS increased according to the Cthre value increase. In one stage, the pattern of WSS distribution changed strangely and the threshold image intensity level can result reflective effects on CFD. This finding necessary to advance a further understanding of problems in image segmentation and solving the patient-specific aneurysm problems.


This paper describes the results of a five-year investigation of sand abrasion phenomena in conventional electrical submergible pumps (ESP). The investigation includes a review of the available literature on two body and three body wear processes in the presence of corrosive fluids, and the development of laboratory test methods from which baseline wear rates for conventional pumps can be established. These baseline wear rates are compared with performance data on pumps incorporating special wear resistant features. Preliminary field test results are also presented.


Central American (CA) countries are considered to be part of the developing world. Their small and open economies have historically relied on the production and exports of agricultural products. In the last two decades, even though the share of agriculture in the GPD has declined significantly facing the surge in shares of manufacturing and service sectors, agriculture remains as one of the major economic activities in the CA countries. Agricultural sector employs a large portion of the economically active population and is an important source of income, particularly for rural and unskilled labor force.
Significantly diversified economic performance has been observed among the seven CA countries during the past decades. Among them, Costa Rica and Panama are the most developed in terms of per capita GDP and outperformed the other five countries in various social-economic indicators, whereas Honduras and Nicaragua are the least developed. Identifying the sources contributing to observed differences among the CA countries has important implications for policy makers in their pursuit of economic growth. Therefore, this thesis attempts to examine two important issues for the seven CA countries – economic diversification and its link to economic growth as well as sectoral productivity differences – during the period 1990-2010. We first examine the economic diversification and its possible relation to economic growth. In the second part of the thesis, we then move to analyze the factors leading to differences in the labor productivity of industrial and agriculture sectors.
According to Esanov (2012), economic diversification can be categorized into the product or export diversification. Both these two types of diversification are considered to enhance economic growth. To measure diversification, the trend of GDP composition by sector is used as a measure of product diversification while Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) is calculated to measure export diversification. The empirical results in this study suggest that the diversification strategy in the CA region is country-specific, Costa Rica and Panama experienced significant achievements while the other five countries seem to be lagged. Export diversification has been achieved mostly within the same agricultural sector but not among sectors; CA countries have introduced new export products into their export basket, but those new products mainly come from agricultural sector. In addition, the levels of diversification experienced by the CA countries are significantly lower compared to the developed economies. Based on regression analysis controlling for year and country specific unobserved characteristics, this study provides empirical evidence supporting the positive association of export diversification and per-capita-GDP growth.
In the second part of the thesis, determinants contributing to observed differences in labor productivity between the industrial and agriculture sectors are analyzed through a two-stage regression model. The data collected indicates that, during 1990-2010, the level of labor productivity in the industrial sector has been higher and growing at a greater speed in comparison with the agricultural sector. A systematic review of the literature suggests that this sectoral productivity gap can be explained by variables such as physical capital investment, openness of the economy, foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as education (human capital). To test the hypothesis that those variables have a greater effect in industrial sector than in agricultural sector, which consequently implies a wider gap in labor productivity, a structural equation model is constructed. The specification in our econometric model explicitly considers possible problem of endogenous explanatory variable. The regression results suggest physical capital investments, openness and education are the major drivers to widen up the gap of labor productivity in the industrial and agriculture sectors. As a reasonable proxy for knowledge spilled into the CA countries from the developed countries, FDI is found to have a diminishing effect on productivity differences; it is a determinant of productivity differences at low level of FDI, but it reduces the productivity differences at large enough level of FDI inflow.
Study sectoral labor productivity differences is of special significance in Central America, because these countries have labor-intensive economies and both agricultural and industry sectors together employ a large share of the economically active population. Due to its small share in the world economy, Central America has often been left out in researches on topics related to economic growth. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been previous literature on economic diversification and sectoral productivity differences in the CA countries as a whole. In this regard, this thesis fills in the gap and thus represents a significant complement to literature on the region.


BACKGROUND
Bullying may undermine patient safety in healthcare organizations threatening quality improvement and patient outcomes.

PURPOSE
To explore the associations between the nursing work environment, nurse-reported workplace bullying, and patient outcomes.

METHOD
Cross-sectional analysis of nurse survey data (N = 943). The Practice Environment Scale of the nursing work index was used to measure the work environment, nurse-reported bullying was measured with the short negative acts questionnaire, and single items measured care quality and patient safety grade. Random effects logistic regressions were used to determine associations controlling for individual, employment, and organizational factors.

FINDINGS
Fourty percent of nurses reported experiencing bullying. A higher work environment composite score was significantly associated with a lower risk of bullying (OR = 0.16 [0.12, 0.22], p < .0001). Nurses experiencing bullying were less likely to report good/excellent quality of care (OR = 0.28 [0.18, 0.44], p < .0001) or a favorable patient safety grade (OR = 0.36 [0.25, 0.51], p < .0001).

DISCUSSION
The nursing work environment influences the presence of bullying, which can negatively impact patient outcomes. Improving nurse work environments is one mechanism to better address nurse bullying.


Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is an entity of major clinical impact characterized by chronically exposed necrotic mandibular or maxillary bone. Its clinicopathological characteristics and possible inciting or risk factors are well described in humans but only anecdotally reported in dogs. Treatment modalities and outcome vary depending on the inciting factors involved and the extent and severity of the lesions. The objectives of this study were to retrospectively describe the clinicopathological features of non-radiation-related ONJ in a series of 14 dogs, identify possible inciting or risk factors, and report on the surgical treatment and outcome. For all patients, the medical records were used to collect information regarding signalment, clinical signs, characteristics of the oral, jaw and dental lesions, diagnostic imaging findings, histopathological and microbiological analysis, treatment performed, and outcome. The data collected showed that non-radiation-related ONJ appears to be an infrequent clinical entity but of significant impact in dogs; that a history of systemic antibiotics and dental disease is common among affected dogs; that previous dental extractions are commonly associated with ONJ sites; that using a systematic diagnostic approach is essential for diagnosis; and that thorough surgical debridement combined with a course of oral antibiotics was effective in the described dogs affected by advanced non-radiation-related ONJ.


Abstract. A mobile robot was designed and simulated for the inspection of electrical lines, which seeks to investigate alternatives that have the main necessary characteristics to perform these inspection tasks and implement them in a robot of accessible costs. In the robot design was modeled its mechanical parts in 3D and then previously taken to a virtual simulation software (Vrep), in which the sequence of movements were programmed, to pass obstacles.


Purpose. To compare the ocular hypotensive effect of tafluprost with prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) in glaucoma patients. Methods. 89 primary open-angle glaucoma patients treated with bimatoprost, latanoprost, or travoprost for at least 3 months complaining for ocular discomfort were switched to tafluprost. IOP was assessed at baseline and 3 months after switching the therapy by daily curve. Primary outcome was to compare the mean daily IOP of tafluprost with PGAs. Results. The mean daily IOP was 16 ± 2.1 and 16.6 ± 2.0 mm Hg at baseline and after switching to tafluprost, respectively (P > 0.05). When analysis was carried out between tafluprost and each previous PGAs, the comparison between latanoprost and tafluprost and travoprost and tafluprost did not show any statistically significant difference in mean daily IOP and at each time point. The comparison between bimatoprost and tafluprost showed a statistically significant difference in mean daily IOP (P < 0.05) and at each time point (P < 0.05). Conclusions. After 3 months of switching tafluprost showed an overall IOP lowering effect similar to others PGAs. When each PGA was compared with tafluprost, bimatoprost showed to provide a statistically significant additional IOP lowering effect.


An extremely thermostable xylanase gene, xynB, from hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima MSB8 was successful expressed in Kluyveromyces lactis. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize medium components for production of XynB secreted by the recombinant K. lactis. Secretion level (102 mg/L) and enzyme activity (49 U/ml) of XynB in the optimized medium (yeast extract, lactose, and urea; YLU) were much higher than those (56 mg/L, 16 U/ml) in original medium (yeast extract, lactose, and peptone; YLP). It was also observed that the secretory efficiency of mature XynB was improved by the YLU medium. mRNA levels of 13 characterized secretion-related genes between K. lactis cultured in YLP and YLU were detected using semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. It was found that unfolded protein response (UPR) related genes such as ero1, hac1, and kar2 were up-regulated in K. lactis cultured in YLU. Therefore, nutrient ingredient, especially nitrogen source had a significant influence on the XynB secretory efficiency in the host K. lactis.


Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used against diseases involving increased bone-resorption. Among BPs, nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs) have much stronger anti-bone-resorptive effects than non-nitrogen-containing BPs (non-N-BPs). However, N-BPs carry the risk of inflammatory/necrotic effects, including osteonecrosis of jawbones. When injected into mouse ear-pinnas, N-BPs induce inflammatory/necrotic effects within the ear-pinna. We previously found that (a) the non-N-BPs clodronate and etidronate can reduce such side effects of N-BPs, and (b) phosphonoformate (an inhibitor of the phosphate transporters SLC20 and SLC34) can reduce the inflammatory/necrotic effects of zoledronate (the N-BP with the highest reported risk of side effects). However, it is not clear (i) whether phosphonoformate can reduce the side effects of other N-BPs, too, and (ii) whether other phosphonocarboxylates have such inhibitory effects. Here, using the mouse ear-pinna model, we compared the effects of etidronate, clodronate, and four phosphonocarboxylates on the inflammatory/necrotic effects of N-BPs of the alkyl type (alendronate) or cyclic type (zoledronate and minodronate). Like phosphonoformate, the other three phosphonocarboxylates protected against the inflammatory/necrotic effects of all the N-BPs. The protective potencies were clodronate>etidronate>phosphonoacetate>phosphonoformate>phosphonopropionate>phosphonobutyrate. With a similar order of potencies, these agents reduced the amount of (3)H-alendronate retained within the ear-pinna after its injection therein. The mRNAs of SLC20 and SLC34 were detected in untreated ear-pinnas. These findings suggest that the inhibition of phosphate transporters by phosphonocarboxylates, as well as by etidronate and clodronate, might be a useful preventive strategy against the side effects of both alkyl- and cyclic-type N-BPs.


Vaccinia virus (VV) triggers a mitogenic signal at an early stage of infection. VV-induced proto-oncogene c-fos mRNA with kinetics paralleling that stimulated by serum. The VV virokine, or vaccinia virus growth factor (VGF), was not crucial for c-fosinduction because it was observed upon infection with the virokine-minus mutant VV (VGF−). Furthermore, c-fos expression did not require infectious virus particles, as it occurred even with UV-inactivated VV and was equally induced by the different multiplicities of infection, i.e.1.0, 5.0, and 25.0. c-fos expression was preceded by VV-induced DNA binding activity and was mediated via the cis-acting elements serum response element (SRE), activating protein-1 (AP-1), and cAMP-response element (CRE). VV activated the protein kinases p42MAPK/ERK2 and p44MAPK/ERK1 and the transcription factor ATF1 in a time-dependent manner with kinetics that paralleled those of VV-stimulated DNA-protein complex formation. The mitogenic signal transmission pathways leading to c-fos activation upon VV infection were apparently mediated by the protein kinases MEK, ERK, and PKA. This assumption was based on the findings that: 1) c-fos transcript was down-regulated; 2) the SRE, AP-1, and CRE binding activities were significantly reduced; and 3) the activation of p42MAPK/ERK2, p44MAPK/ERK1, and ATF1 were drastically affected when the viral infections were carried out in the presence of specific protein kinase inhibitor. Moreover, the mutant VV (VGF−) was also able to activate ERK1/2. It is noteworthy that virus multiplication was equally affected by the same kinase inhibitors. Taken together, our data provide evidence that the early mitogenic signal triggered upon VV infection relies upon the activation of the protein kinases MEK, ERK, and PKA, which are needed for both signal transduction and virus multiplication.


The withdrawal of antibiotic growth stimulators as of 1 January 2006 in the European Union countries has forced the search for alternative solutions to improve the health and productivity of poultry. The poultry industry also faces the challenge of developing alternative feeding systems with the restriction or exclusion of coccidiostats. One of them is the use of probiotic strains as feed additives. This study aimed to determine the effect of the use in compound feed of a probiotic containing Bacillus licheniformis on rearing rates and postmortem performance of broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 8012 unsexed broiler chickens of the Ross 308 line divided into four equal groups. The experimental factors were the addition of a probiotic containing Bacillus licheniformis bacteria and the addition of a coccidiostat. The introduction of probiotic bacteria into compound feed did not increase the body weight of birds, in particular, control weights, and at the end of rearing, but it decreased the feed conversion rate (FCR) and mortality. Addition of probiotic in compound feed did not have a significant effect on bird muscle. The mean weight of pectoral muscle between control (C+, C–) and study (C–BL, C+C–BL) groups did not show statistically significant differences; however, the highest mean weight of the evaluated parameter was visible in the C+ group (0. 665) and the lowest in the C–BL group (0. 623). Similarly to the mean weight of the carcass, also in the mean weight of thigh muscles, the lowest statistically significant values were observed in chickens belonging to the C+C–BL group (vs. C–; P <0.05). Based on the obtained results, it can be acknowledged that the probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis in broiler feed can be a good feed additive to replace antibiotics/coccidiostats. This probiotic has a positive effect on the overall health of birds, contributes to better use of nutrients and stimulates growth and development of broiler chickens.


This report documents a review and comparison of Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) deflections, based on different approaches, at a network level. It draws on the work undertaken for Austroads by Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales (RMS) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) in the evaluation and assessment of the TSD for its application in Australasia. The report complements and is in direct response to the State-ofthe-Art review of current TSD practice completed under Austroads Project AT1730 (this project) which drew on information gained from attending the deflection at road traffic speed workshop held in the United Kingdom in June 2012. It also builds on earlier work under project AT1613 which defined six research goals for this area of work, and reported studies conducted on behalf of RMS and TMR.


This study shows that Siemens has assiduously endeavored to achieve business excellence and enhance the company's economic value, and has made considerable efforts to address the issue of sustainable development in various ways. However, the study has also found that much is said than done and there are implementation issues and problems that deserve managers' full attention. A series of recommendations are proposed to broadly address these issues and problems. Managers who have already embarked on, or intend to take, sustainability initiatives will find the study informative and insightful.


Several speech enhancement approaches utilize trained models of clean speech data, such as codebooks, Gaussian mixtures, and hidden Markov models. These models are typically trained on neutral clean speech data, without any emotion. However, in practical scenarios, emotional speech is a common occurrence, which brings into question the suitability of using models trained on neutral speech for enhancement of noisy emotional speech. We investigate this problem using the example of a codebook-based speech enhancement approach, which utilizes trained codebooks of linear prediction parameters. Anger and happiness are used as examples of emotions. Our experiments demonstrate that employing emotion-dependent speech codebooks results in a significant benefit over using emotion-independent codebooks for enhancing emotional noisy speech. We also present results using a Bayesian framework employing both emotiondependent and independent speech codebooks that exhibits a robust behavior when the type of emotion is not known a priori. Index Terms ?? Speech enhancement, codebook, emotional speech


A study was made of 32 cases of single ectopic ureters (without duplication) to assess the abnormalities observed in the corresponding renal parenchyma and to correlate renal status with location of the ectopic uretic opening. Specimens were obtained from 26 nephrectomies and renal dysplasia was found in 22 cases. There was a close relationship between renal anomalies and location of the ureteric opening. The more remote the ectopic orifice from its normal position, the more severe were the associated renal lesions. Dysplasia was always present when the ectopic ureter opened outside the urinary tract (vagina, Gartner's duct, vestibule, seminal tract). Am embryological concept is proposed to explain the association of renal dysplasia with abnormal location of the ureter opening. It is based on the abnormal--premature or late--appearance of the ureteral bud on the Wolffian duct resulting in the abnormal positioning of the bud on the Wolffian duct with the ureter growing into nephrogenic tissue lacking the potential for normal renal development and leading to renal dysplasia.


November 2015 saw the launch of the UK Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare's (FSRH's) vision for sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH).1 This was the culmination of a process that began in 2011, when the FSRH's President, Chris Wilkinson, initiated a process of change. Recognising that the FSRH, as the UK's largest professional membership organisation working in sexual health, needed an overhaul of its governance, structure and function, he commissioned former President, Alison Bigrigg, to review how the Faculty was working and to set out where it should aim to be by 2020. Based on interviews with a wide range of people closely involved in the FSRH and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Bigrigg set out key ambitions for the coming 10 years.2 With 5 years to go until 2020, it seems timely to consider what progress has been made and what challenges remain.

Established in 1993, the founders of what was then called the Faculty of Family Planning, foresaw that 'family planning' was evolving into a more holistic and recognised area of healthcare and that 'SRH', as it later become known, needed its own criteria, skills and requirements for continuing education and further recognition. Predominantly established as an educational body, the FSRH has been at the forefront of the development of training, qualifications, standards and clinical guidance in UK SRH, as well as running events for its members and producing a quarterly academic journal.

Bigrigg's report2 recognised …


An 82-year-old woman presented with a high-grade fever of 40°C and was admitted to our institution for intensive examination and treatment. Noncontrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed low-density masses at segments 5 and 8, suggestive of a liver abscess. On further examination, a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT showed a 30 × 30 mm mass with an enhanced margin at segment 8 in the arterial phase; the contrast agents were washed out in the venous phase. In addition, a 63 × 52 mm mass with a density lower than that of liver parenchyma was observed at segment 8 in the portal phase. On the basis of these findings, either a liver abscess or hepatocellular carcinoma was suspected. To confirm the diagnosis, a fine needle biopsy was scheduled. Histopathological analysis of the biopsied specimens confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was not indicated owing to the patient's age and poor performance status; thus, best supportive care was planned. On day 22 after admission, the patient died of pneumonia. We experienced a case of PHL that was difficult to discriminate from a liver abscess. Imaging alone is insufficient to diagnose PHL; therefore, fine needle biopsy is recommended for a definitive diagnosis.


Objective: This study was conducted in order to determine the breast cancer risk levels among women older than 40, gain the habit of having a mammography which is one of the early screening programs, direct women to mammography, and assess the mammography results. Methods: The study was conducted on female patients older than 40, who were hospitalized in the services of a research and training hospital between 1 February and 1 June 2014, and their relatives (n=409). Appointments were received from Kirsehir Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Training Center for women who completed the data collection form and breast cancer risk assessment form and they were guided in having mammography. Results: As a result of the mammography screening; while normal breast tissues were determined in 42.5% of the women, nodular lumps were determined in 21.8%. Breast cancer risk scores were observed to be higher in women who had personal history of breast cancer and a history of breast cancer in their mothers, had no children, menstruated before the age of 11, had a fat body structure, were in the high risk group according to the breast cancer risk. Discussion: Early diagnosis in breast cancer could be possible through training and informing women on this issue and applying the screening programs. In this study, many women were screened by using mammography, which is a cheap, easily applicable, and easily accessible screening method, and the risk factors were determined.


Introduction. Daily use of different mouthrinses at home or in the dental office can alter the properties of resin hardness. The present study aimed to compare Vickers microhardness (VHN) in vitro of nanohybrid composite resins (NCRs) immersed in mouthrinses. Materials and Methods. In total, 120 discs (10 ⨯ 2 mm) were prepared from three NCR shade A2 (n = 40/group) with FiltekTM Z350 XT (Z350XT), Tetric EvoCeram (TEC), and Polofil NHT (PNHT). The specimens were incubated in artificial saliva (37°C ⨯ 24 hr). Specimens were distributed into four mouthrinses (n = 10/group) of artificial saliva (control), chlorhexidine (CHX 0.12%, pH 5.6), cetylpyridine chloride (CPC 0.075%, pH 5.84), and CHX 0.12% + CPC 0.05% (pH 6.2) (2 times/day, 2' ⨯ 12 hr). The VHN (300 gf/10") was measured after 24 hr, 14, and 21 days. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Results. The results revealed a global effect of the interaction of the mouthrinses ⨯ time between NRC evaluated (

 P
 =
 0.001

 ). Baseline VHN in PNHT and Z350XT was higher than TEC. Within each group of NCR, VHN of CHX + CPC > other mouthrinses (PNHT/14 days; Z350XT/21 days), and >CPC (Z350XT/14 days). In mouthrinses-intragroups, VHN of PNHT and Z350XT decreased at 14 days (CHX, CPC) and was maintained over time in NCR (CHX + CPC). VHN-TEC was similar among groups. Conclusion. Microhardness showed differences due to the interaction of the type of NCR, the composition of the mouthrinses, and time. VHN decreased after 14 days and was more affected in composite resins with lower filler content and in mouthrinses with a lower pH.


Life event sensor is an activity recognition sensor both for measuring electric power and for detecting usage of electronic devices by utilizing high frequency current waveform as a signature of each device. To discuss the feasibility of the sensor, we have constructed a long-term data collection system and installed the system in five occupied houses. Discussion about feasibility of the life event sensor on long-term field data and experimental data on a test bed, which can simulate several conditions of power line, is described in this paper.


This paper deals with mathematical modeling and experimental validation of a fed-batch emulsion copolymerization reactor of styrene and butyl acrylate in the presence of n-C12 mercaptan as a chain transfer agent.. The model is used to predict the global monomers conversion, the average molecular weights, the particle size distribution and the amount of residual monomers. A subset of the most influential parameters of the model is determined using a parameter estimability approach and identified by minimizing the errors between the predicted and measured data. Some parameters are also obtained from literature. The model is then validated by batch and fed-batch experimental measurements.


As climate change in the Nordic region brings an increase in extreme precipitation events, blue-green roofs have emerged as a solution for stormwater management, hereafter referred to as "blue-green roofs". The addition of blue-green layers on a conventional compact roof represents several multi-disciplinary technical challenges and quality risks that must be managed. This paper aims to list and address the key building technical challenges associated with blue-green roofs and to present a framework for managing these risks. Literature and document studies as well as qualitative interviews and expert meetings have been conducted to collect research data on defects in blue-green roofs and causes thereof. A list of nine key challenges has been extracted along with recommendations on how to address them. The recommendations are structured around a framework developed for practical use in building projects. For ease of use, the nine key challenges are presented on a general level, with references to detailed recommendations. The framework is intended to be used to reduce the building technical risks of blue-green roofs, by addressing the most important quality risk elements.