In the recent times, great developments have taken place in the field of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Modern ossicular prosthesis, middle ear implants, cochlear implants and BAHA have given a solution to hearing loss especially sensori-neural hearing loss. The sinus endoscope has gone beyond the confines of paranasal sinuses and has made visualisation of anterior skull base surgery possible. Thus enabling ENT surgeon to operate pituitary tumour and aggressive benign tumours like angiofibroma with intracranial extent. Head and neck surgery is a happening field and I have seen many youngsters wanting to take this field. Transoral laser surgery via microlaryngoscopy and transoral robotic surgery have evolved and day is not so far when robotic surgery will be available at many centers. With advent of recent advanced radiation techniques like IMRT, IGRT and bio-radiation, laryngeal preservation is possible today. In arena of research, molecular markers and personalized medicine, whereby treatment can be tailored according to patient's genetic makeup, is farfetched dream but I am sure that will be available soon. Research and dissipation of attained knowledge is the keystone for progress and better future. With these goals in mind, I feel elated to release the first issue of our journal "International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery". Our aim is to provide a platform for researchers and clinicians to present their work and help them to share their knowledge across the globe. We also want to encourage the young minds to publish their projects and dissertations. Our journal is an international, indexed and peer reviewed journal. We have resorted to open access policy for the benefits of users and readers. The success of any journal is by contribution of colleagues and experts, so kindly give constant support and feedback to improve it's quality.


BACKGROUND: Empathy is regarded as a fundamental personal attribute for in-training and in-practice doctors. Several factors may play a significant role to facilitate or prevent the ability of doctors' empathy toward their patients. The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationship of empathy with personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience) among undergraduate medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on a correlational, cross-sectional design and was conducted from January 2020 to April 2020. The sample consisted of 301 undergraduate medical students studying in different medical colleges situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Personal information form, the big-five personality inventory, and the interpersonal reactivity index scales were administered. Obtained data were analyzed by applying several methods such as mean, standard deviation, Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that personality dimensions accounted for 10–19% of the variance in scores of empathy sub-dimensions of perspective-taking, empathetic concern, fantasy, and personal distress. Agreeableness was found to be associated with empathetic concern and perspective-taking. Openness to experience was found to be significantly related to perspective-taking and fantasy, whereas extraversion was negatively associated with perspective-taking. Neuroticism had an association with personal distress, empathetic concern, and fantasy. Additionally, no gender difference was observed and students with people-oriented specialty preferences showed significantly higher scores on empathy sub-domains than technology-oriented students. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that personality dimensions play a notable role to predict empathetic behaviors among Saudi undergraduate medical students. This study would help to design individualized strategies by incorporating personality dimensions in the training program to enhance empathetic behavior among medical students.


An enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Gonozyme [Abbott Laboratories]) for gonococcal antigen was assessed for the rapid diagnosis of gonorrhea. Patients attending two sexually transmitted disease clinics were tested by EIA and culture on Thayer-Martin medium. EIA was highly effective in detecting gonococcal infection among symptomatic men, with 70 of 75 (93.3%) culture-positive men having positive tests and no false-positive reactions. The performance of the test was not as good in detecting cervical gonorrhea; the best result obtained was a sensitivity of 87% (33 of 38) for EIA compared with culture. EIA false-positives occurred at a relatively low rate for women, with the test having a specificity of ca. 97%. The test clearly is capable of detecting gonococcal antigen in cervical and urethral specimens, but its role in routine diagnosis is not clear. Its performance seems equal to that of the Gram stain for men, but it seems to be less sensitive than culture for cervical gonorrhea--a drawback in high-risk populations. The low false-positive rate could be an important issue in screening low-prevalence populations.


Until recently, caustic water treatment was not used in high-pressure electric utility drum boilers in the United States because of concern over caustic gouging. Meanwhile, it was being used successfully in other countries. Many U.S. electric utilities have now converted their drum boilers to caustic treatment. This article describes the basics of caustic treatment and presents two case histories of successful use in the United States.


Introduction 1. Media 1.1 Print 1.2 Radio 1.3 Television 1.4 Digital Media 1.5 Social Networks 1.6 Opinion Makers 1.7 Sources 2. Organisations 2.1 Trade Unions 2.2 Journalist Associations 2.3 News Agencies 2.4 Audience measurement organisations 2.5 Sources 3. Policies 3.1 Media legislation 3.2 Accountability systems 3.3 Regulatory authorities 3.4 Sources 4. Education 4.1 Universities and schools 4.2 Professional development 4.3 Sources 5. Conclusions 5.1 Conclusion 5.2 References


We identify and experimentally demonstrate a physical scenario whereby high-peak-power mid-infrared (mid-IR) pulses can be compressed as a part of their free-beam spatiotemporal evolution within the regions of anomalous dispersion in air to yield few-cycle subterawatt field waveforms. Unlike filamentation-assisted pulse compression, the pulse-compression scenario identified in this work does not involve any noticeable ionization of air, enabling a whole-beam self-compression of mid-IR laser pulses without ionization-induced loss. Ultrashort high-peak-power 3.9 μm laser pulses are shown to exhibit such self-compression dynamics when exposed to the dispersion anomaly of air induced by the asymmetric-stretch rovibrational band of carbon dioxide. Even though the group-velocity dispersion cannot be even defined as a single constant for the entire bandwidth of mid-IR laser pulses used in experiments, with all soliton transients shattered by high-order dispersion, 100–200 GW, 100 fs, 3.9 μm laser pulses can be compressed in this regime to 35 fs subterawatt field waveforms.


Simple Summary Thermography is a non-invasive method for measuring surface temperatures. Due to its ease of use, it may be a convenient way of identifying hypo/hyperthermic areas under a saddle that may be related to saddle pressures. A thermal camera quantified temperatures at specific locations (left/right) of the thoracic region at three-time points; a Pliance (Novel) pressure mat determined the mean/peak saddle pressures (kPa) during a period of exercise. Differences between saddle widths in the cranial/caudal mean and peak saddle pressures were found. The maximum thermal temperatures increased post lunge and post ridden compared to the baseline. No difference between post lunge and post ridden exercise were found. The thermal activity does not appear to be representative of increased saddle pressure values. The sole use of thermal imaging for saddle fitting should be applied with caution. Abstract Thermography is a non-invasive method for measuring surface temperatures and may be a convenient way of identifying hypo/hyperthermic areas under a saddle that may be related to saddle pressures. A thermal camera quantified minimum/maximum/mean temperatures at specific locations (left/right) of the thoracic region at three-time points: (1) baseline; (2) post lunging; (3) post ridden exercise in eight non-lame sports horses ridden by the same rider. A Pliance (Novel) pressure mat determined the mean/peak saddle pressures (kPa) in the cranial and caudal regions. General linear mixed models with the horse as the random factor investigated the time point (fixed factor: baseline; lunge; ridden) and saddle fit (fixed factor: correct; wide; narrow) on thermal parameters with Bonferroni post hoc comparison. The saddle pressure data (grouped: saddle width) were assessed with an ANOVA and Tukey post hoc comparison (p ≤ 0.05). Differences between the saddle widths in the cranial/caudal mean (p = 0.05) and peak saddle pressures (p = 0.01) were found. The maximum temperatures increased post lunge (p ≤ 0.0001) and post ridden (p ≤ 0.0001) compared to the baseline. No difference between post lunge and post ridden exercise (all p ≥ 0.51) was found. The thermal activity does not appear to be representative of increased saddle pressure values. The sole use of thermal imaging for saddle fitting should be applied with caution.


ABSTRACT Errorless learning (EL) is an approach in which errors are eliminated or reduced as much as possible while learning of new information or skills. In contrast, during trial-and-error − or errorful − learning (TEL) errors are not reduced and are often even promoted. There is a complex and conflicting pattern of evidence whether EL or TEL may result in better memory performance. One major confound in the extant literature is that most EL studies have not controlled for the number of errors made during TEL, resulting in a large variability in the amount of errors committed. This variability likely explains why studies on the cognitive underpinnings of EL and TEL have produced mixed findings. In this study, a novel object-location learning task was employed to examine EL and TEL in 30 healthy young adults. The number of errors was systematically manipulated, allowing us to investigate the impact of frequency of errors on learning outcome. The results showed that recall from memory was significantly better during EL. However, the number of errors made during TEL did not influence the performance in young adults. Altogether, our novel paradigm is promising for measuring EL and TEL, allowing for more accurate analyses to understand the impact of error frequency on a person's learning ability and style.


Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and psychological symptoms such as mood disability, breast tenderness, food craving, fatigue, and depression. Fluoxetine and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) usually are being administered for these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of saffron plant in terms of its anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects compared to fluoxetine. Materials and Method: This study was a three-blind clinical trial that was carried out on working women and their relatives. Firstly, 164 patients with the premenstrual syndrome were selected, and they were randomly divided into two 82-person groups, including those who received fluoxetine and those who received saffron. Next, both groups were treated for two months. The data were collected in two stages through a self-designed questionnaire (on day 5 of menstrual cycle) and validated questionnaires of PRISM and Beck at the end of the period. Results: It was indicated that similar to fluoxetine, the use of saffron in PMS reduced the symptoms such as abdominal bloating, depression, and mood swing, but the latter could better relieve the breast and abdominal pain than fluoxetine. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of medicinal herbs such as saffron could be effective in reducing the symptoms and they might cause fewer side effects than chemical drugs.


Tourism is considered an important factor that generates a feeling of satisfaction and wellbeing and contributes to subjective wellbeing and quality of life. The magnificent nature and cross-cultural understanding that tourists have never experienced bring a wider perspective to tourists. In addition, tourism development generates economic growth by increasing foreign exchange income and creating employment opportunities. The rapid growth of tourism has led to the challenge of overtourism as well as conflicts between tourists and residents over the inconvenience caused to residents and the damage caused to the cultural environment due to the cultural differences between the two groups. This phenomenon is relatively more evident at the popular tourist destinations and has aggravated as the number of tourists has grown. This research aims to define the state of overtourism at famous tourist destinations in Japan and classify the level of overtourism based on social media data, primarily from Twitter. As Kyoto is suffering from overtourism, we conduct a comparative study of four other tourist destinations with Kyoto and explore the state of overtourism based on positive and negative expressions collected during January 8 to April 18, 2020. The results show the degree of overtourism for tourism destinations can be classified by the ratio of positive and negative expressions in tweets.


The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to sediment accumulation rates in Stormwater Management ponds. For the purpose of this study almost fifty municipalities in Ontario were contacted and in collaboration with five of those municipalities this study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and sent to municipalities through email and followup with in-person meetings were conducted. After collecting data and analyzing various characteristics of sediment accumulation rates in SWM ponds, a database was developed to systematically record the relevant information. Additional information on pond properties and drainage areas was sought through a questionnaire and meeting with stormwater managers, and supplemented with historic information. Data collected and used in the study was anonymized in all resulting publications. The calculated accumulated rates from the provided data were compared against the values extracted from the literature review. The developed approach will serve in the
development of data-driven modelling approach in SWM ponds.


Objective: This study determined the prevalence of food label reading and understanding among the Malaysian adults, types of labels being read and factors associated with not reading labels. Methods: Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey 2014 was a cross-sectional and applied a multistage stratified cluster sampling of living quarters. A total of 4044 adults aged 18-59 years were randomly chosen in selected households to represent the Malaysian adult's population. Data collection was carried out between March to June 2014. Trained data collectors conducted interview using a validated food label questionnaire to obtain information on whether the respondents read labels (every time they bought or received food) and types of information being read. Complex sample analysis was applied to describe the findings. Result: A total of 2992 respondents (1382 men and 1610 women) answered the questionnaire. About 55.0% of the respondents reported never read labels, sometimes read labels was 22.0% and always read labels was 23.0%. Male sex, lower education, being single (not married/divorced/ widow/widower) and normal weight respondents were significantly less likely to read food label information. Among those who read labels, the expiry date was the most common label information being read (91.8%), followed by the precautionary statement (65.9%). Nutrient information being read was carbohydrate and sugar (21.5%), fat (20.0%) and total energy (14.4%). Nonworking respondents and primary school attainers were significantly less likely not to understand label information. Conclusion: Only half of Malaysian adults read the label when buying or receiving food. Expiry date was the most frequently read information and the prevalence of reading the nutrient information was low. These findings provide useful evidence for the health authorities to plan for nutrition intervention programs in order to increase the food label usage among the relevant target groups.


Most of the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods are struggling among the number of sensors, the accuracy in damage detection and the requirement of a model. This paper explores the possibility of using a Bayesian probabilistic approach for damage imaging utilizing dynamic response at a few vibration nodes. In addition, the computational model in the Bayesian framework is replaced with a surrogate model based on perturbative solutions. This paper tries to propose a vibration-based SHM method which is suitable for real-time monitoring, requires a small number of industrial sensors, not rely on a high-fidelity FE model and can be applied for damage assessment of location and severity. In the present paper, several case studies demonstrate the advantage and feasibility of the proposed method.


Introduction: Essential oils are considered a potential alternative to synthetic drugs in the management of diseases such as peptic ulcer (PU) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study is concerned with comparing the therapeutic effects of Cuminum cyminum L, Carum carvi L, and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils on PU and UC models induced by ethanol. Methods: Rats were divided into 10 groups; control groups were treated with saline and experimental groups with 500 mg/kg body weight of C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oil. Curative effects were determined by measuring tissue oxidative markers, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the inflammatory marker prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), stomach pepsin (PEP), and colon alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Biochemical and histological examinations were done on stomach and colon tissues. Results: The current study proved the anti-ulcer effects of C. cyminum, C. carvi, and T. vulgaris essential oils. They improved the oxidative and inflammatory markers in both stomach and colon tissues and modulated stomach PEP and colon ALP activities. T. vulgaris essential oil modulated GSH and MDA levels resulting in a significant elevation in GSH levels by 120.43% and 99.46% and a significant reduction in MDA levels by 20.05% and 24.1% in PU and UC models, respectively. C. carvi essential oil was the most effective in restoring PGE2 by 71.51% compared to UC group. Results were confirmed by the morphological and histopathological changes. Conclusion: C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oils might be used in the management of acute PU and UC.


Three copper(II) complexes of the (R,R)-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-aminobenzylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand, namely [Cu(N L)], [Cu(N LH)]+ and [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ , were prepared and structurally characterized. In [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ the copper ion lies in an octahedral geometry with the aniline groups coordinated in equatorial positions. In [Cu(N L)] the anilines are deprotonated (anilido moieties) and coordinated to an almost square-planar metal ion. Complex [Cu(N L)] displays two oxidation waves at E1/2ox, 1 =-0.14 V and E1/2ox, 2 =0.36 V vs. Fc+ /Fc in CH2 Cl2 . Complex [Cu(N LH2 )]2+ displays an irreversible oxidation wave at high potential (1.21 V), but shows a readily accessible and reversible metal-centered reduction at E1/2red =-0.67 V (CuII /CuI redox couple). Oxidation of [Cu(N L)] by AgSbF6 produces [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ), which was isolated as single crystals. X-ray structure analysis discloses a contraction of the coordination sphere by 0.05 Å upon oxidation, supporting a metal-centered process. Complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) displays an intense NIR band at 1260 nm corresponding to an anilido-to-copper(III) charge transfer transition. This compound slowly evolves in CH2 Cl2 solution towards [Cu(N LH)](SbF6 ), which is a copper(II) complex comprised of both anilido and aniline groups coordinated to the metal center. The copper(III) complex [Cu(N L)](SbF6 ) is an efficient catalyst for benzyl alcohol oxidation, with 236 TON in 24 h at 298 K, without additives other than oxygen and a base.


Scheduling algorithm plays an important role in the high rate service of WCDMA and future wireless. In this paper, a deprived code division generalized processor sharing fair scheduler (DCDGPS) is proposed for WCDMA system. The key of the algorithm is that traffic rate allows to dynamical adjusting according to the weight and traffic load. In some cases, the most urgent data may deprive other non-urgent data transmission channels which also transmit data at the same time, in order not to lost data. Simulation results show that the DCDGPS is effective scheme in comparison with other previously proposed scheduling algorithms, since it considers the fair of the packet loss.


Inclusive Education (IE) for persons with disabilities has been the subject of growing attention for nearly three decades in Vietnam. Various programs have been introduced to meet the needs of persons with disabilities by the government, community, schools and other stakeholders. What has yet to be addressed is how to sustain IE for persons with disabilities for the next coming time in Vietnam? Although there has not been any research that is related directly to the issue and concept of sustainability for persons with disabilities in Vietnam, some authors have mentioned separately assessment, therapy, education and teaching in inclusive settings to meet the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. The goal of the present discussion is to draw a picture of IE in Vietnam in comparison to international contexts, then recommends six principles and three solutions to sustain the development of IE for persons with disabilities, which are in line with the current innovations in general education in the country.


Digestive tract cancer is a big threat to human and capsule endoscopy (CE) is a relatively new technology to detect the diseases in the small bowel. Since polyp is an important symptom of digestive cancer it is important to detect them by computerized methods. In this work, we comparatively investigate computer aided detection for polyps by machine learning based methods that are built upon color textural features. Four textural features, wavelet based features, color wavelet covariance, rotation invariant uniform local binary pattern and complete local binary pattern, are utilized to characterize the textural features in CE images, and performance of them are extensively studied in three different color spaces, that is, RGB, HSI and Lab color spaces.


Intelligent data acquisition and instrumentation systems established by the incorporation of microprocessor technology require high-speed analog to digital conversion of multiple-channel input signals. Sophisticated data systems or subsystems are enabled by the microprocessor software flexibility to establish adaptive input data procedures. These adaptive procedures are enhanced by versatile interface circuitry which is software controlled.


This report concentrates on the VC funds industry within life sciences, identifies major issues and trends in the VC funds market, examines areas that attract venture capitalists in the US right now, and presents reasons behind their investment choices. Data used in this report were mainly gathered through interviews in California and come from six case companies that all invest in life sciences. Data collection focused on their investment preferences, stage of investments, and exit strategies.


In this work we apply machine learning algorithms on network traffic data for accurate identification of IoT devices connected to a network. To train and evaluate the classifier, we collected and labeled network traffic data from nine distinct IoT devices, and PCs and smartphones. Using supervised learning, we trained a multi-stage meta classifier; in the first stage, the classifier can distinguish between traffic generated by IoT and non-IoT devices. In the second stage, each IoT device is associated a specific IoT device class. The overall IoT classification accuracy of our model is 99.281+.


Increasing numbers of medical students participate in international electives. However, this recent trend has yet to be examined in non-Western high-income countries such as Japan. The aim of this study is to assess recent trends in Japan, and to suggest ways in which those trends might be influenced. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of responses to an 8-item questionnaire sent in August 2019 to 82 medical schools in Japan is reported. The responses were received in September 2019. Narrative responses were obtained regarding rationales for exchange programs, participant feedback, and challenges encountered. Responses were translated into English and categorized into themes. Of 82 Japanese medical schools, 56 (68%) responded to the questionnaire. Both the number of incoming and outgoing exchange students had increased steadily over the preceding 3-year period. The leading destinations for Japanese students were the United States (30%), other Asian (36%), and European countries (24%). Narrative responses reveal different rationales from those reported by medical schools in Western high-income countries. Only a few Japanese students chose low or middle-income countries as their destinations, as opposed to the trend seen in Western high-income countries. The reported challenges encountered by the exchange programs may provide insights for improvement. Exchanges have been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The results can serve as pre-pandemic baseline data and should promote further international collaboration for medical education under current circumstances.


Abstract This paper focuses on the assessment of whiteness indices (WI) changes that occurred in white polyester fabrics according to different fabric layers. Yellowness indices (YI) were also assessed with the WI of fabric samples. White polyester fabrics having different constructional parameters were used, the results showed that WI of polyester fabrics increased up to a certain layer of fabric depending on constructional parameters and compactness of fabric. After a certain layer, WI of fabrics remained almost constant or steeply decreased. YI changed in good relation with whiteness changes. The results showed that the suitable number of fabric layer could be determined for WI measurements according to the compactness and to the structural parameters of the fabric samples. The suitable choice of the fabric layers for whiteness measurement depended on fabric constructional properties and could be made by considering the certain layer number, which could be obtained at the point of the maximum value of whiteness.


This study is intended to make a tool which can identify how consumers consume by presenting a concept of "consumption style"and by developing the scale to measure it. In order to study the scope and meaning of consumption for modem consumers, "the meaning of consumption" was theoretically considered. Based on it, the concept and perspective of 'consumption style' was formed and then the scale for measuring it was developed. To develop the scale, the scale was formed by extracting questions through a literature survey, and verifying validity through experts' opinion. Then, the final scale was developed by conducting a questionnaire survey for consumers. A preliminary 150- item scale was developed through a literature review. 1000 consumers responded to an online survey using the preliminary scale. This research was made with the intention of not only supplying the academic data on the consumer's "consumption style" but also understanding the consumer's basic behavior patterns. Then A series of tests, such as test-retest, item-to-total correlation, Cronbach's reliability coefficient and factor analysis, were conducted using the survey data. The final scale with 68-items was constructed in the end. The "consumption style" Scale for Consumers consisted of 4 factors.


We present four cases of massive unilateral lumbar facet joint hypertrophy in an otherwise morphologically normal spine. All presented with a combination of low back pain and symptoms of entrapment of a single lumbar nerve root. The abnormality is best visualised by CT scanning and the results of surgical decompression by partial undercutting facetectomy are favourable.


Complications in out-patient gastroscopy were evaluated retrospectively in 995 examinations performed in 625 patients. At the examination seven complications were registered in the gastroscopy record. Two complications: perforation of the stomach and cardiac arrhythmia, required hospitalisation. None of the complications was lethal. Inquiries to the referring general practitioners revealed 5 cases where the gastroscopy had led to consultations because of minor complaints after the examination. Considering all complaints as complications the frequency of complications in out-patient gastroscopy was 1.2%.


Technology-based instruction provided during the covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of teachers' technology integration knowledge. This study examines the impact of a technology-based course offered remotely during the covid-19 pandemic on preservice teachers' technology integration knowledge development. It provides a new way to conceptualize and measure preservice teachers' technology integration knowledge growth in context. Multilevel modeling analysis was conducted to analyze the data gathered from 53 preservice teachers over two-time points through a validated Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) survey. The results demonstrated a significant increase in all TPACK domains. Participants' main TPACK knowledge domains were more stable than their integrated knowledge domains. It was also found that the technological knowledge (TK) domain played a more significant role in explaining the development of teachers' TPACK. TK is critical for developing pre-service teachers' TPACK integrated knowledge domains, which can explain why some preservice teachers achieve a high level of Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) and Technological Pedagogical knowledge (TPK) at each time point while others do not. The findings and their implications provide guidance for the development of preservice teachers' technological knowledge that facilitates technology-supported learning environments.


Since it is the most natural way for people to search a specific melody in large music database, query by humming/singing is attracting more and more researcherspsila attention in the field of content-based music information retrieval. In this task, note-based and frame-based similarity measures are two commonly used methods. However, in previous works, researchers always focus on one of the two methods alone. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme taking advantage of two different similarity measurements to improve not only the retrieval accuracy but also the retrieving speed. First, Earth Moverpsilas Distance (EMD), which is note-based and much faster, is adopted to eliminate most unlikely candidate. Then, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), which is frame-based and more accurate, is executed on these surviving candidates. Finally, fusion strategies of these two similarity measurements are employed to improve the performance of whole system. Experiments show our approach can achieve 92.9% accuracy on the database used in MIREX 2006 QBH contest, which is better than those systems participated in that task.


Continuous advances in network technologies challenge network architects in their attempt to foresee what new technologies deserve resources and investments, what existing infrastructure to keep, and their interplay during migration processes. Moreover, topics like energy efficiency, disaster resilience, or SDN/NFV are being intensively considered and investigated during the last years. As a result, R&D efforts have led to a number of solutions. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for operators to reproduce such results on their networks, maybe due to divergent philosophies between commercial planning tools used in the industry and academic tools. A paradigm shift to an open-source view of network planning could emphasize the power of peer-review and transparency to promote innovation at an accelerated pace and lower cost. This tutorial would focus on Net2Plan (http://www.net2plan.com), an open-source tool developed by the authors, and actively used in several courses (>200 students) and research projects since 2012. Built on top of a technology-agnostic multilayer network representation, Net2Plan is designed to assist users in the evaluation of built-in or original user-developed planning algorithms. In addition, users can analyze their designs using either reports or a simulation tool for in-operation scenarios like network resilience, connection-admission-control, time-varying traffic resource allocation, or even combinations of them. Besides, Net2Plan permits applying algorithms to orchestrate OpenFlow-enabled networks interacting with the northbound interface of OpenDaylight. Throughout the tutorial, attendees would have the opportunity to learn about the main features of Net2Plan, also discovering some of its applications. At the end of this tutorial, attendees would be guided through an intensive hands-on case study based on an IP-over-WDM network, e.g., including network dimensioning using built-in or user-developed algorithms, WDM line engineering (e.g., EDFA placement, impairment computations), automatic availability calculation under different failure patterns, and automatic simulation of the effects of time-varying traffic and assessment of energy-efficient switch-off techniques.


Extravasation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) from a malpositioned umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is a rare cause of ascites in neonates. The gross appearance of the aspirated peritoneal fluid may mimic congenital chylous ascites, delaying an accurate diagnosis of the causative source. UVC malpositioning is associated with complications of various organs as related to the position of the UVC tip. TPN from laterally positioned UVC tips may penetrate into the liver and provoke hepatic damage with subsequent peritoneal fluid accumulation. Factors including biochemical characteristics of the peritoneal fluid, radiographic findings with specific attention to the location of the UVC tip, and clinical timing of ascites presentation have been associated with TPN extravasation from UVCs. This report presents a case of a preterm neonate with intraperitoneal extravasation of TPN and associated hepatic hemorrhage due to a malpositioned UVC while highlighting the cumulative clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings that should prompt consideration of this complication as the cause of ascites in neonates.


Abstract Despite relatively high maturation rate of in vitro matured oocytes in the dromedary camel, however, blastocyst production is very low after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Herein, the influences of oocyte collection method (follicular aspiration vs slicing; Experiment I), the addition of Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to the maturation medium (Experiment II) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte were investigated. Although the nuclear maturation did not differ regardless of collecting method, follicular aspiration led to lower degeneration rates than those in controls (P < 0.05). The percentages of oocytes at MII were greater in the presence of IGF-1 than in its absence (71.9% vs 48.4%, respectively, P<0.05). Additionally, the percentages of degenerated oocytes were higher in the control group compared to oocytes cultured in the presence of IGF-I (23.6% vs 10.4%, respectively, P<0.05). IGF-I treatment improved the quality of MII matured oocytes as evidenced by the decrease of cathepsin B (CTSB) activity, a marker of poor quality oocytes, when compared to control ones (P < 0.05). In conclusion, follicular aspiration decreased the degeneration rate; however, it had no effect on completion of maturation. IGF-I enhanced the IVM of oocyte and decreased degeneration rate.


Metal-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications. Current popular organic hole conductors for highly efficient PSCs bring cost and stability issues, which hinder the commercialization of the PSCs. Hole-conductor-free PSCs are attracting great interest because they eliminate the adverse effects of organic hole conductors by transporting holes in the perovskite itself. In this article, we summarize recent progress in conventional, inverted, and printable mesoscopic hole-conductor-free PSCs. Specifically, we emphasize the stunning stability and scale-up manufacturing of printable hole-conductor-free PSCs, discussing their potential from laboratory to market. The causes for hole-conductor-free PSCs' current low efficiency are also discussed, and are primarily ascribed to energy-level alignment and interface recombination. We believe that the efficiencies of hole-conductor-free PSCs can be enhanced to be comparable with hole-conductor-containing PSCs by interface modification and material design.


Lifetime reproductive success and timing of reproduction are key components of life–history evolution. To understand the evolution of reproductive schedules, it is important to use a measure of fitness that is sensitive both to reproductive quantity and reproductive timing. There is a contradiction between the theory, which mainly focuses on the rate measures of fitness (r and λ), and empirical studies, which mainly use lifetime reproductive success (LRS), or some of its correlates, as a fitness measure. We measured phenotypic selection on age–specific fertilities in three pre–modern human populations using individually estimated finite rate of increase, er (λ). We found that λ and lifetime reproductive success ranked individuals differently according to their fitness: for example, a female giving birth to four children at a young age may actually have a higher fitness than a female giving birth to six children at a greater age. Increase in fertility at the young age classes (15–19 years) was favoured by selection, but the intensity of selection on fertility was higher in the older age classes (20–30 years), where the variance in fertility was highest. Hence, variation in fertility in the older age classes (20–30) was actually responsible for most of the observed variation in fitness among the individuals. Additionally, more than 90% of variation in fitness (λ) was attributable to individual differences in LRS, whereas only about 5% of all variation in fitness was due to differences in the reproductive schedule. The rate–sensitive fitness measure did not significantly challenge the importance of total fertility as a component of fitness in humans. However, the rate–sensitive measure clearly allowed more accurate estimation of individual fitness, which may be important for answering some more specific questions.


Di-tert-butyltin oxide, ((t)Bu(2)SnO)(3), reacts with R(2)SnCl(2) to give mixed distannoxanes [(t)Bu(2)(Cl)SnOSn(Cl)R(2)](2) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et; 3, R = (i)Pr; 4, (n)Bu) whereas di-tert-butyltin hydroxide chloride, [(t)Bu(2)Sn(OH)Cl](2), reacts with [(n)Bu(2)SnO](n) to give the chlorohydroxydistannoxane [(t)Bu(2)(OH)SnOSn(Cl)(n)Bu(2)](2), 5; the dimeric nature of these tetraorganodistannoxanes was confirmed by crystal structure determinations of 1 and 4. Although stable in the solid state, compounds 1-4 rearrange to give a number of distannoxanes in solution. Addition of R(2)SnCl(2) (R = Me, (i)Pr, (n)Bu) to solutions of 1, 3, and 4, respectively, causes displacement of (t)Bu(2)SnCl(2) with concomitant formation of [((t)Bu(2)SnCl(2))(R(2)SnO)(2)(R(2)SnCl(2))] and [(R(2)SnCl(2))(R(2)SnO)(2)(R(2)SnCl(2))]. Thus 1-4 can be regarded as (R(2)SnO)(2) units which are stabilized by two (t)Bu(2)SnCl(2) molecules. NMR data indicate that reaction between ((t)Bu(2)SnO)(3) and (t)Bu(2)SnCl(2) gives rise to an equilibrium involving linear [(t)Bu(2)Sn(Cl)OSn(Cl)(t)Bu(2)] and the novel three-quarter ladder compound [(t)Bu(2)SnCl(2)][(t)Bu(2)SnO](2). Formation of trinuclear tin species is also evident from electrospray mass spectrometric studies.


The main objective of this research was identifying of physiological mechanisms providing the link between attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) and depression. As potential mediators were separated irrational beliefs, anxiety thoughts and emotion regulation strategies. The research was conducted in Sombor, and the sample consisted of 231 adults in non-clinical populations (134 women). Their mean age was 39 years. Results indicate that the relationship between dimensions of attachment and depression is not direct, but governed by cognitiveaffective regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, rational beliefs, health concerns and catastrophizing as emotion-regulation strategies act as mediators in establishing the relationship between dimensions of attachment-avoidance and depressive states. In the case of full mediation, relationship between dimensions of anxiety and depression is established through three mediators: health concerns, refocusing and catastrophizing.


Many Living Theory papers are jointly authored and written with a voice that uses the collective pronoun 'We'. By what process can separate, isolated 'I's claim to become a composite 'We'? This paper discusses the process by which its authors – two initially separate authoring voices – came to feel able to claim that they can speak as a believable and authentic 'We'. The process of that merging develops around the concept of a 'goodquality conversation'. The authors come from two radically different cultural traditions which they describe as the 'oralate' culture of South Africa that predominated before the spread of 19th century colonialism (JG) and the 'literate' culture of Western Europe that developed from the 17th century Enlightenment (PM). Starting with the production of intersecting autobiographical accounts, they form their 'We' by progressively helping each other to 'get on the inside' of each other's culture. In Living Theory terms, this is the process of each author's educational influence on the other. Engaging with de Santos' (1997) ideas of intercultural translation and with Jousse (1997) they seek "...discoveries [that] consist in the bringing together of ideas susceptible to being connected, which have hitherto been isolated" (p.49) to create a shared form of knowledge." Coming together to speak as 'We' also involves the identification of shared values and their expression in each of the author's separate lived contexts. These shared values lead them to identify a commonality within the tenets of Ubuntu – a person is a person through other persons – on which they base questions that have relevance for the future flourishing of Humanity.


Abstract The crystal structure of synthetic konyaite, Na2Mg(SO4)2·5H2O, a = 5.7690(8), b = 23.951(3), c = 8.0460(11) Å, β = 95.425(2)°, V = 1106.8(3) Å3, space group P21/c, Z = 4, was solved using singlecrystal X-ray diffraction. Hydrogen atom positions were determined and the structure solution was refined to R1 = 3.31% and wR2 = 6.28% for the 2167 measured independent reflections. Three distinct cation sites host the Mg and Na atoms in distorted octahedra and eight-coordinated polyhedra. The coordination polyhedra share edges to form compact sheets oriented perpendicular to b and linked to one another by hydrogen bonds. This results in a {010} tabular habit. A comparison of this structure is made to that of blödite [Na2Mg(SO4)2·4H2O], the dehydration product of konyaite. Konyaite is discussed within the context of the Na2O-MgO-SO4-H2O system. This study is part of ongoing investigations into the dehydration mechanisms and phase stability of this system.


To examine the effectiveness of a 7-weeks neurofeedback training programme to improve increased range of alpha band and abnormal anxiety in patients with panic disorder. Randomized controlled trial, conducted at a psychiatric clinic in Southern China. Participants were randomly assigned to a neurofeedback training (n = 10) and a control group (n = 8). The neurofeedback group received a 20-session training to improve abnormal anxiety, but the control group received only routine care with no neurofeedback. Using a two-way MANOVA, the changes in mean abnormal anxiety were significantly higher in the neurofeedback group than in the control group. Furthermore, the changes in mean increased range of alpha band were significantly higher in the neurofeedback group than in the control group. An intervention involving neurofeedback significantly improved abnormal anxiety in crowded places and public places.


The rapid diffusion and use of new ideas are critical for advancing and realizing the value of innovation. This paper explores the impact of demographic characteristics of innovators and potential adopters on the adoption of important new scientific ideas through networks. Using rich, population-level data on the biomedical researchers and their networks, natural language processing, and a novel two-way fixed effects strategy, we find that new ideas introduced by female scientists are under-utilized, which can be explain by two factors. First, female innovators are not as well-connected in networks; second, even at a short network distances, researchers (especially men) are less likely to adopt women's ideas. Ideas from underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities are also less widely used.


Background: As a growing paradigm of health research, trainee collaboratives can influence clinical practice through the generation of cost-effective multicentre audit and research projects. The aims of the present article are to outline and discuss the establishment of a multidisciplinary collaborative in the context of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Methods: The Cleft Multidisciplinary Collaborative (CMC) was formed in April 2016 under the overarching supervision of the National Institute for Health Research. Membership of the CMC is open to all members of the CL/P multidisciplinary team, who are encouraged to submit ideas for new research projects which will benefit clinical practice. Results: To date, 48 clinical participants are involved in the CMC. These participants represent all 17 cleft teams from the UK and encompass a wide range of disciplines. The CMC has undertaken two major projects thus far. The first involved collection of phenotype data to support a national cohort study. The second, still in progress, is a systematic review investigating factors associated with outcomes for velopharyngeal competence following cleft palate repair. Conclusions: The concept of a multidisciplinary collaborative in CL/P has been demonstrated, through the generation of a UK-wide network of committed clinicians and researchers, and the effective delivery of two large research projects. As the CMC gathers momentum, it hopes to attract funding to support its activities, to promote more involvement from the allied health and nursing professions, to encourage a more ingrained research culture within the CL/P community, and to promote the wider ambition of a global collaborative.


In this work, we implemented a messaging system called MONAC, by which users can disseminate Twitter messages via smartphone-based DTN. MONAC is implemented on an overlay network middleware called PIAX. We extended PIAX to enable DTN with dynamic selection of available underlay network and seamless authentication for SNS account of cloud. By these mechanisms, messages can be disseminated via DTN on heterogeneous underlay networks without falsification and user ID frauds.


We explore the consequences of treating the multiple, non-market benefits associated with improvements in ecosystem health and the market economy from which damage to these ecosystems stems as an integrated system. We find that willingness to pay measures of use-based ecosystem services are impacted by the changes in demand for complementary market goods. Demand for these goods shifts due to the introduction of pollution regulations that deliver improvements in ecosystem services. As a result, partial equilibrium estimates of these use values may be measured with substantial error if they fail to account for the general equilibrium adjustments caused by the regulation. We also find that the basic physical/biological connections between the resources underlying use and non-use values for ecosystems may have important implications for the measurement of these values.


This paper examines the well-known problem of line detection, but where the lines are wider than one pixel. The motivation behind the paper is the extraction of road information from high resolution photogrammetry and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data. Wide lines cause varying problems during detection. The HOUGH or RADON transform approaches do not find the road centrelines accurately; diagonals of the thick lines are found instead whilst other methods also tend to be error prone. Our approach convolves a raw, pixelated, binary road classification with a complex-valued disk. The technique provides three separate pieces of information about the road or thick line: the centreline, the direction and the width of the road at any point along the centreline. The road centreline can be detected from the position of the peak of the magnitude image resulting from the complex convolution. Road width can also be estimated from the magnitude peak whilst the direction of the road may be obtained from the phase image.


Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is defined by a persistent elevation in pulmonary artery pressure with normal left-sided pressures. It is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance due to increased vascular tone and structural remodeling of pulmonary vessels. PAH is a quite rare condition, thus considering the rarity, subtle presentation, and diagnostic dilemma commonly posed by this disease, underdiagnosis and underreporting are probably widespread. In order to reach a diagnosis the use of echocardiography, right-heart catheterization and the six-minute walk test is essential. As far as therapy is concerned, the patient should be supported by oxygen, diuretics, anticoagulants, digoxin and suggest life-style changes. After diagnosing the condition ca-blockers should be administered to those who respond positively in acute vasodilation test. Other agents used, target the endothelin pathway (ET-1 blockers such as bosentan), the NO pathway (sildenafil, inhaled NO, L-arginine) and the prostacyclin pathway (prostacyclin analogues). In some cases surgical treatment is essential (atrial septestomy, pulmonary endarterectomy, lung and heart transplantation). Finally, future therapies include administration of VIP and SSRIs. The goals of evaluating pulmonary hypertension are detection, definition of severity and the nature of the hemodynamic lesion and its consequences, diagnosis of causal or associated conditions, and determination of optimal therapy.


Introduction : The Implantation of Tracheo bronchial stents is a recognised treatment option in the management of airway disease. However, stent related side effects and complications are still an unresolved issue and are object of intense investigation. Research is currently focusing on the delivery mechanism and on biomaterials. Aims : We evaluate the clinical result and effectiveness of the Silmet stent for treatment of benign or malignant bronchial disease. Methods : Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 21 consecutive patients. Each patient implanted were underwent to clinical monitoring, according to our protocol, consisting in endoscopic and microbiological testing at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the procedure. For the evaluation of mucus plugging we used our 4 points endoscopic scoring: 0 = no secretions; 1 = moderate amount of secretions easily removable by suction; 2 = severe amount of secretions removable using a biopsy forceps, mucolytic agents instillations or other devices in addition to the suction; 3 = complete stent obstruction or deposit of thick and non-removable secretions. Results : at the end of follow-up we recorded a single death which was not respiratory related. In one patient under chemiotherapy we observed dislocation of the stent after significant tumor mass regression. No patient developed airways stenosis or trauma, airway wall damage or major complications. Nineteen patients had endoscopic score 0 and two patients score 1 in the last visit. One patient had a mild not obstructing granuloma. Conclusions : these new Silmet stent have proved effective and free of severe complications in the treatment of tracheo-bronchial stenosis.


This paper estimates the incidence (all ages) of spinal cord neurological impairment (SCI; traumatic and non-traumatic) in New Zealand and describes pre-SCI characteristics and early post-SCI outcomes for participants (16–64 years) in this longitudinal study. Demographic and clinical data on all people admitted to New Zealand's two spinal units (mid-2007 to mid-2009) were included for the estimate of incidence. Participants in this longitudinal study were asked at first interview about pre-SCI socio-demographic, health and behavioural characteristics, and about post-SCI symptoms, general health status (EQ-5D) and disability (WHODAS 12-item). Age-adjusted incidence rates (95% CI) for European, Māori, Pacific and 'Other' ethnicities were 29 (24–34), 46 (30–64), 70 (40–100) and 16 (9–22) per million, respectively. Interviews with 118 (73%) participants (16–64 years), occurred 6.5 months post-SCI. Most reported bother with symptoms, and problems with health status and disability. Compared with Europeans, the incidence of SCI is high among Māori and particularly high among Pacific people. Six months after SCI, proximate to discharge from the spinal units, considerable symptomatic, general health and disability burden was borne by people with SCI.


Protein oligomeric state characterization is a prerequisite for its structural and functional studies. Many methods are currently used in wet labs for this characterization including native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Native-PAGE), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), light scattering (LS), and analytical ultracentrifugation. These methods are sometimes carried out qualitatively or semi-quantitatively to give only imprecise information. In addition to these techniques, solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and native mass spectrometry (Native-MS) are also capable of analyzing protein oligomeric states. In order to compare results of SEC to results from these last two techniques, we studied the oligomeric states of two proteins, the monomeric protein TGIF1-HD and the dimeric protein SP_0782. Our research results indicated that SEC and NMR can be used to estimate the molecular weight of the dominant oligomer, and also to roughly estimate the relative contents of additional oligomeric forms. Native-MS was able to complementary quantitative assessment of the amounts of each oligomeric state based on their mass to charge ( m / z ) ratio for many proteins.


This thesis analyzes the geography and history of public-private school choice, with particular concern to race, in a historically significant area where the first legal steps were taken to end segregation in public schools. The purpose is to identify how legacies of segregation have affected and continue to affect public-private school choice in area high schools today, examine which socioeconomic factors appear to most affect this choice, and determine the extent to which public schools in the study area reflect the racial demographic characteristics of their surrounding communities. To accomplish this, inquiry into the history of school segregation in the South, the emergence of private "segregation academies" during the era of integration, as well as contemporary trends in school choice are explored. Racial enrollment statistics from public and private schools are also compared to that of their attendance zones and surrounding areas. This research found that legacies of segregation likely continue to influence public-private school choice today, and that race and income also appear to be the socioeconomic factors that most affect whether families in the study area choose public or private school for their high school-aged children. It was also found that a significant disparity exists in the study area when comparing the racial demographic composition of private schools, public schools, and their surrounding communities.


The commonly encountered pediatric orthopedic leg problems include Blount's disease, Legg–Calvé–Perthes Disease (LCPD), Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) and Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD). Combinations of genetic and environmental factors often play a role in their occurrence. The diagnosis is usually clinical and the treatment plan is divided into medical and surgical options. Medical therapy constitutes conservative measures, whereas surgery is more useful in cases of SCFE. In all other cases, surgery is done optionally. All of the disorders carry a good prognosis if the treatment is vigilantly started on a priority basis.


Background

Immune factors are found to be involved in the pathophysiological process of ischemic stroke. However, the clinical role of the immune system in stroke remains unclear. Our study was designed to investigate the correlation between immunocytes (T cell, B cell, NK cell), complements and stroke severity.
Methods

236 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were included in our study and divided to mild, moderate and severe groups according to NHISS score at stroke onset. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess short-term prognosis 3 months after stroke. We also collected clinical data and test circulating T cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, B cells, NK cells, C3, C4, complement factor B (CFB) of each patient.
Results

We found NK cell(p = 0. 015), CFB (p = 0. 007), C3 (p = 0. 035) were significantly elevated in groups with higher NHISS score. CD4 + T cell (p = 0. 009), T cell (p = 0. 001) were decreased in groups with higher NHISS score. In multivariate logistic regression, CFB and C3 were independently associated with severity of stroke. CD4 + T cell, NK cell, T cell were independently associated with severe ischemic stroke. NK cell (p = 0.049), CFB (p = 0.035), C4 (p = 0.028) are were significantly higher in groups with higher mRS score. In binary analyses, CFB (p = 0.009, OR: 1.056, 95%CI: 1.014–1.099), C4 (p = 0.011, OR: 134.444, 95%CI: 3.115-5803.504) were independently associated with prognosis at 3 months after stroke adjusting onset.
Conclusions

Elevated circulating CFB was correlated with both severe symptom at stroke onset and worse prognosis. It indicates that CFB may be a predictor of stroke severity and prognosis. Reduced T cell counts, elevated C3 and NK cell were associated with severe symptom at stroke onset. C4 was associated with short-term prognosis.


FISHERIES SCIENCEOn page [297][1], researchers offer intriguing evidence that, contrary to common belief, weakfish do indeed have a strong homing instinct. The finding, based on a study of chemical isotopes bound up in the fishes' tiny ear bones, suggests that many marine fish populations may be more complex than once envisioned. The research could also prompt fisheries managers to rethink how they regulate catches and help conservationists design more effective marine reserves.

 [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/291/5502/297


The characteristics of the Oroville, California earthquake sequence of 1975 are presented. Historically, the Oroville area is one of low seismicity; the largest earthquake in the region occurred with a magnitude (ML) 5.7 in 1940 some 50 km north of Oroville. The first foreshock of the sequence occurred on June 28, 1975. Twnety-one foreshocks (ML ≧ 1.6), the largest of magnitude 4.7, preceded the magnitude 5.7 main shock of August 1. All foreshocks and aftershocks of ML ≧ 3.0 were located using seismographs operated by the University of California at Berkeley, USGS, and the California Department of Water Resources. The aftershock region covers an area approximately 14 by 10 km southeast of the city of Oroville. The depth distribution of the earthquakes indicates a west dipping fault plane. The b value of 0.61 shows the sequence to be rich in larger magnitude aftershocks. Similar b values have been determined for other aftershock sequences in California, such as a sequence near Coalinga in August 1975. The aftershock occurrence rate follows an Omori relation with n(t∞t−0.70. Apparent variability in the earthquake mechanisms of the series makes interpretation of composite fault-plane solutions difficult, but the data indicate normal faulting striking NNW and a west dip of about 30°–40°, the Sierra Nevada moving up with respect to the Great Valley.


Knowledge of the global solar radiation (GSR) at a place is necessary in selecting the suitable site for implementing solar energy projects. For under-developed and developing countries, there is a very low spatial density of meteorological stations equipped for radiation observation. Hence, the numerical methods become a useful alternative. Here, measured data of geographical and meteorological (geo-met) parameters of 90 stations across Asian countries is used to develop siteindependent GSR estimation models. These parameters are longitude ( ), latitude ( ), mean sea level (MSL) and daily averages of maximum air temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), percentage relative humidity (%RH), temperature difference ( T) & ratio of minimum to maximum temperature (Tmin/ Tmax). Apart from the above data, data from 5 other stations is used for model validation. Root mean square error (RMSE) is used to assess the quality of the GSR estimates. 6 new models considering different combinations of geo-met parameters as variables are proposed. Observed RMSE ranges from 3.3% to 4.4%. With the test data, new model M-3 (with & %RH as variables) gives RMSE of 2.9% and the simplest model M-5 (with MSL, , , & %RH as variables) gives a RMSE of 1.87%.


4 characteristics of aromatic plants as garden design elements are described:"aromatic beauty" of plants is not limited by vision;aroma of plants has the capacity of adjusting mental and physical state of viewers;aroma of plants is able to sterilize and purify the environment;aroma of plants helps form the artistic conception of gardens.There are 4 major types of aromatic plants:aromatic flower plants,aromatic foliage plants,aromatic fruit plants and others.Representative plants of each type are given to discuss application modes of aromatic plants,specifically,aromatic plant as main landscape,aromatic plant as decorative landscape,aromatic plant for health care,indoor combination of aromatic plant,aromatic plant as dress and personal adornment.Concrete application techniques and attentions are introduced.


The performance of random reference correlators is examined in terms of sample rate and signal-to-noise ratio. A method to improve the performance is suggested that requires three-level quantization. Comparisons are made using weakly correlated jointly Gaussian processes as inputs to the correlator and independent samples in each channel.


The aim of the study proposed and carried out by the authors was to assess the impact of using platinum as a catalyst carrier in the fuel injector diesel engine with the direct fuel injection for emissions of toxic substances in the exhaust gases into the atmosphere and specific fuel consumption. Experimental studies were carried out on a test bench equipped with a 359 engine and a hydraulic brake with complete measurement apparatus. During the tests the engine worked by external speed characteristics. The analysis of the study showed that it is possible to reduce emissions of toxic compounds into the environment and to reduce specific fuel consumption through the use of catalytic coatings in the diesel engine fuel injector.


Forty rescued common palm civets were anesthetized. Twenty animals received intramuscular injections of alfaxalone 5 mg/kg and medetomidine 0.05 mg/kg (A-M group), whereas twenty animals received 5 mg/kg of tiletamine and zolazepam (T-Z group). The A-M group was reversed with atipamazole 0.25 mg/kg. There were no significant differences in the time from anesthetic injection to induction and intubation between the A-M and T-Z groups. The time from the injection of reversal in the A-M group and the time from cessation of isoflurane in the T-Z group to extubation, first response to recovery and ambulation were longer (P<0.05) in the T-Z group. The T-Z group recorded lower (P<0.05) rectal temperatures compared to the A-M group. This study showed that both drug combinations can be used effectively for the immobilization of civets. The A-M combination provided better anesthetic depth, but with higher incidence of bradycardia and hypoxemia. The recovery time was reduced significantly as atipamezole was used as a reversal agent in the A-M combination.


Part Two consists of 4 case studies: the French surrender in 1940, the Italian surrender in 1943, and the German and Japanese surrenders in 1945. Dr. Kecskemeti does an excellent job of analyzing the component factors which produced each decision. The stories are told with intelligence, with an understanding of the subtleties as well as the gross aspects of the events, and with a firm grounding in source materials. Relating concrete studies to general theoretical principles is always a difficult task and can never be carried off with complete success. There are always too many complicating parameters. But Kecskemeti makes an excellent effort.


Virtual Reality (VR) for multiple users is a new technology which is increasingly used for diverse purposes such as distributed collaborative work, visualization, and entertainment. Despite this, little is yet known about what kind of social interaction the technology generates. The aim of this thesis is twofold: to contribute to the technological development of well-functioning multi-user VR systems and similar communication technologies, and to make a contribution to the multi-disciplinary research field by proposing an integrated approach for future studies of social interaction in Shared Virtual Environments (SVEs). The thesis consists of five studies which analyze different aspects of interaction in SVEs. The first study investigated how different VR systems influence the subjective perception of presence, co-presence, collaboration, task contribution and task performance, when carrying out a collaborative task in a SVE. The second study investigated whether, in an Internet-based SVE, language minorities are usually accepted or rejected by the language majority and how different social conditions affect the outcome of the language encounters. The third study is an analysis of status differences and stratification in SVEs. The fourth study investigated how the communication process in a SVE varies depending on which type of technical system is used. The fifth study explored how players of a massively multi-player online role-playing game socialize on- and offline and how the social interaction is influenced by social and technical factors. The five empirical studies contribute towards an understanding of the technical and social factors which influence interaction in SVEs. The studies support the overall aim of the thesis in that they make suggestions for technology development and design and for further studies of multi-user VR and other communication technologies. The thesis also provides broader insights into some of the problems that accompany new communication technologies and suggests solutions to some of these.


For scanning x‐ray microprobes, the angle of the incident beam is required to be stable to better than one microradian during the course of an experiment. This is a very stringent requirement, even more so for micro‐XAS measurements when the monochromator energy has to be scanned over hundreds of eV. At the same time, the horizontal emittance of the electron source at most synchrotron facilities is much too large to provide coherent illumination of the microfocusing optics. A beamline design is proposed here that makes use of the large horizontal emittance to provide a very stable beam for the operation of a BioNanoprobe, while also increases the coherence to ensure diffraction‐limited resolution in the horizontal direction.


Explicit numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation are more efficient than those obtained by commonly used implicit approaches. They are more practical, especially for a system with higher spatial dimensions. To that end, we introduce a generalization of an explicit three-level method to obtain solutions with spatial and temporal errors of the order of O[(Δx)^{2r}] and O[(Δt)^{2M+3}], where Δx and Δt are the spatial and temporal grid elements, and r and M are positive integers. Sample calculations illustrate the efficacy and stability of the algorithm.


Background In-utero MRI (iuMRI) has shown promise as an adjunct to ultrasound but the comparative diagnostic performance has been poorly defi ned. We aimed to assess whether the diagnostic accuracy and confi dence of the prenatal diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities is improved with iuMRI and assess the clinical impact and patient acceptability of iuMRI. Methods We did a multicentre, prospective, cohort study in the UK, at 16 fetal medicine centres, of pregnant women aged 16 years or older whose fetus had a brain abnormality detected by ultrasound at a gestational age of 18 weeks or more, had no contraindications to iuMRI, and consented to enter the study. Women carrying a fetus suspected of having a brain anomaly on ultrasound had iuMRI done within 14 days of ultrasound. The fi ndings were reviewed by two independent panels and used to estimate diagnostic accuracy and confi dence by comparison with outcome diagnoses. Changes in diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management brought about by iuMRI and patient acceptability were assessed. Findings Participants were recruited between July 29, 2011, and Aug 31, 2014. The cohort was subdivided by gestation into the 18 weeks to less than 24 weeks fetus cohort (n=369) and into the 24 weeks or older fetus cohort (n=201). Diagnostic accuracy was improved by 23% (95% CI 18–27) in the 18 weeks to less than 24 weeks group and 29% (23–36) in the 24 weeks and older group (p<0·0001 for both groups). The overall diagnostic accuracy was 68% for ultrasound and 93% for iuMRI (diff erence 25%, 95% CI 21–29). Dominant diagnoses were reported with high confi dence on ultrasound in 465 (82%) of 570 cases compared with 544 (95%) of 570 cases on iuMRI. IuMRI provided additional diagnostic information in 387 (49%) of 783 cases, changed prognostic information in at least 157 (20%), and led to changes in clinical management in more than one in three cases. IuMRI also had high patient acceptability with at least 95% of women saying they would have an iuMRI study if a future pregnancy were complicated by a fetal brain abnormality. Interpretation iuMRI improves diagnostic accuracy and confi dence for fetal brain anomalies and leads to management changes in a high proportion of cases. This fi nding, along with the high patient acceptability, leads us to propose that any fetus with a suspected brain abnormality on ultrasound should have iuMRI to better inform counselling and management decisions.


This study examined the effects of metabolic transformation of the common dietary flavonoid, quercetin, on its ability to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from neutrophil-mediated modification. Quercetin was shown to be effective in protecting LDL against neutrophil-mediated modification at physiological concentrations (1 microM) and appears to act by inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO)-catalyzed oxidation (IC(50) = 1.0 microM). Quercetin was also shown to protect against radical-induced [2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride] oxidation (IC(50) = 1.5 microM). Studies of structure-activity relationships showed that methylation at the 3'-position or glucuronidation at the 3-position did not significantly affect inhibition by quercetin of the MPO activity, but conjugations at both positions significantly reduce its activity. Our results suggest that the common dietary flavonoid, quercetin, and some of its major in vivo metabolites are potential inhibitors of MPO at physiological concentrations. Dietary flavonoids that could modify MPO activity could protect lipoproteins from damage in chronic inflammatory states such as cardiovascular disease.


The present paper briefly describes the space frame element and the fundamental strategies in computational elastic bifurcation theory of geometrically nonlinear, single load parameter conservative elastic spatial structures. A method for large deformation(rotation) analysis of space frame is based on an eulerian formulation, which takes into consideration the effects of large joint translations and rotations with finite deformation(rotation). The local member force-deformation relationships are based on the beam-column approach, and the change in member chord lengths caused by axial strain and flexural bowing are taken into account. and the derived geometric stiffness matrix is unsymmetric because of the fact that finite rotations are not commutative under addition. To detect the singular point such as bifurcation point, an iterative pin-pointing algorithm is proposed. And the path switching mode for bifurcation path is based on the non-negative eigen-value and it's corresponding eigen-vector. Some numerical examples for bifurcation analysis are carried out for a plane frame, plane circular arch and space dome structures are described.


Anaplasma marginale was seen by electron microscopy within the cytoplasm of Aedes albopictus cells in culture. Anaplasma marginale was seen in free bovine RBC as well as in RBC phagocytized by Ae albopictus cells. Some A marginale organisms, both intracellular and extracellular, remained intact for as long as 60 days in culture, and Anaplasma inclusion appendages were seen in free-lysed RBC and in lysed RBC phagocytized by Ae albopictus cells. Although some A marginale organisms had deteriorated by day 60, the structure of most A marginale organisms did not change appreciably from that in its natural bovine host. Reproduction of A marginale was not seen.


Background: Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a dismal outcome in children without Down syndrome. Refractory or relapsed disease accounts for treatment failure in most cases. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is recommended as post-remission therapy, although some patients have been cured with intensive chemotherapy alone. Genetic and genomic abnormalities are common in AMKL, but their prognostic significance is not known. In this study, we analyzed AMKL using high-throughput sequencing in addition to conventional morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetic, and molecular (MICM) approaches. Methods: From February 2015 to April 2019, 19 cases of AMKL in non-Down syndrome patients were diagnosed according to conventional methods in our center. All patients, except one, were treated using a low-dose chemotherapy (LDC) regimen (cytarabine 10 mg/m2, subcutaneously every 12 h, 20 doses; mitoxantrone 5 mg/m2 days 1, 3 and 5, and G-CSF 5µ/kg subcutaneous, daily, 10 doses) for induction remission followed by four courses of intensive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as post-remission consolidation[1]. Patients were treated with consolidation chemotherapy if parents refused HSCT. High-throughput mutational sequencing of leukemia cells obtained at diagnosis was performed. The average sequencing depth was 500-1000× and analyses were performed using mGATK, SAMTools, SIFT, PolyPhen2, LRT, and MutatioinTaster methods. Results: The average age at diagnosis of AMKL of the nine boys and 10 girls was 19.7 months (7-53 months). Eighty-four percent of the cases were younger than 2 years of age. The 19 patients with AMKL represent 10% of cases diagnosed with AML during the study period. The median initial white blood cell (WBC) count was 13×109/L(2.38-126×109/L)and the average blasts at initial bone marrow (BM) was 54.5% (13-85%). In all cases of AMKL, more than 25% of cells were positive for CD41. Sixty-three percent of patients had recurrent fusion genes, including NUP98-KDM5A, HOXA11-AS/ANGPT1, CBFA2T3-GLIS2, KMT2A-MLLT3, RBM15-MKL1. Also, we identified PICALM-MLL10, TNIP1-CSF1R, NUP98-TAF3, and CBFA2T3-GLIS1 fusion genes which had not been previously reported in AMKL. EVI-1 expression was evaluated in all cases and was overexpressed in two cases. Forty-seven percent of patients showed at least single-gene mutations, including JAK2, MPL, KRAS, NRAS, TP53, NTRK3, MYO16, PDGFB, FLT3, and others. The response rate after remission induction I (IND-I) were 84.2% with 63.1% (12/19) attaining complete remission (CR) and 21.1% (4/19) partial remission (PR). After IND-II, the CR, PR, and no response (NR) rates was 68.4%, 10.5%, and 21.1%, respectively. Four patients (21.1%) were refractory to induction chemotherapy. Seven patients (36.8%) relapsed, three during consolidation chemotherapy courses, and four after transplantation (Table 1). Currently, 75% (6/8) patients who received chemotherapy only for consolidation were alive (median follow-up time 27 months). Eleven patients underwent allo-HSCT, and 8 patients are alive, including 6 cases living without evidence of disease. Four patients relapsed after allo-HSCT, and two of them have died. One additional patient died of transplantation related mortality. The 4-year OS, RFS, and EFS in this cohort were 62.4%±13.9%, 54.1±13.0% and 40.5±11.5%, respectively (Figure 1).Conclusion: Non-Down syndrome AMKL is genetically heterogeneous with recurrent and new fusion genes. Patients treated with LDC for induction followed by intensive chemotherapy or HSCT for consolidation have outcome comparable to those treated with intensive induction regimens. New treatment strategies are needed to improve the outcome of pediatric AMKL.
 Figure 1

 No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Objective: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) re sensitive biomarkers of cardiac contractile dysfunction. Several studies have reported that plasma BNP levels are increased in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function. Methods:Study subjects with electrocardiographic evidence of at least one episode of AF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 50% on echocardiography were enrolled. Subjects were excluded if they had a history of heart failure, hyperthyroidism, or renal dysfunction. Plasma N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) levels were determined with the automated Roche NT-proBNP assay and transthoracic echocardiography was routinely performed. The demographic characters, cardiovascular risk factors, complicated diseases, and medications were collected. Results: A totall of 116 patients (67 men, mean age 65. 6±11. 8 years) with paroxysmal (n = 53) or persistent AF (n =63) were enrolled. Median levels of NT-pro-BNP were significantly elevated in subjects with persistent AF as compared with paroxysmal AF subjects (1018. 0 ng/L vs. 137. 9 ng/L, P 0. 001). In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the type of AF, patient age and LAD independently predicted plasma NT-pro-BNP levels in the study subjects. Conclusion :The type of AF, the patient age and LAD are independent predictors of plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function.


Despite the growing interest and use of virtual reality (VR) in American homes, there is a notable gap in empirical studies that examine VR and children. This study identifies two important research concepts in children's research that have been studied across many types of media 1) reality distinction and 2) presence, and applies them to studying VR experiences. Taking a qualitative approach, 6 to 8-year-old children (N=29) participated in a VR experience as an extension of the children's television show called Dino Dana. During the child's VR experience where they swam in a pool with dinosaurs, we recorded a computer capture of what the child sees within the VR experience; and a video recording of the child in the VR headset and their behaviors during the VR experience. In addition, children responded to questions before and after their VR experience. We observed several behaviors of how children attempted to test and assess the reality of VR (e.g. holding their breath). Through interviews, we also found that children had certain presence experiences within VR that challenged their understanding of reality, where the dinosaurs were treated as real and evoked social presence. This study builds on our understanding of how VR might impact on young children and their perception of VR experiences, which have important implications for VR researchers, designers, and consumers.


This article evaluates civil liability for financial institutions that provide material support to terrorist organizations. Part I of this article analyzes the development of the ATA and related legislation proscribing material support to terrorist groups, highlighting the evolving statutory construction by looking to the body of case law surrounding lawsuits against the terrorist support network. Part II examines the issue of terrorist financing generally, taking into consideration the challenges facing financial institutions. Finally, Part III analyzes the term "financial services" in the context of material support prohibitions, referencing the ongoing litigation against financial institutions under the ATA. Using the lawsuit filed on behalf of Daniel Pearl as a case study, this article concludes that a broad interpretation of the statute is not only in line with the legislative intent of the ATA, but is also the only way in which it can be effective in halting terrorist financing.


The authors report a case of repeated brain metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a 70-year-old male, who had underwent liver segmentectomy for HCC 5 years earlier. He developed intracerebral hemorrhage in the right parietal region, which was considered to be intratumoral because the metastatic tumor was detected in the same region. Total removal of the tumor and hepatic artery embolization followed by ethanol injection for recurrent HCC were performed. One month later, a metastatic tumor was discovered in the upper vermis and was totally removed. Both metastatic brain tumors were histologically verified as Edmondson grade 2 HCC. Four months later, multiple metastases to the left frontal region and the upper vermis occurred, and he died of pneumonia. Brain metastasis from HCC is rare; nine such cases have been reported in the literature, of which eight cases developed intracranial hemorrhage as in the present case.


Culture has a significant impact on driving behaviour and can play an important role in driving safety. The adaptation of traffic-related psychological instruments, developed elsewhere in new national contexts, should consider the cultural context. This paper validates the multidimensional driving style inventory (MDSI) with two cultural samples consisting of 215 Chinese drivers and 240 British drivers. A factor analysis of the driving style yielded evidence that both datasets present some variations from the original version of the instruments in the factorial structure. The analysis of the UK sample is comparable to the previous MDSI by indicating six driving styles, namely, anxious, risky and dissociative, high-velocity and angry, patient, careful, and distress-reduction. The analysis of the Chinese participants' dataset showed its factorial structure with 40 items of the 44 original items divided over six styles. A new dimension, namely, an inattentive driving style, appeared in the Chinese sample. These differences raise the need to validate and adapt such instruments to consider cultural specificities. Implications were also derived for driver and road safety enhancement solutions through driver behaviour applications.


The JRC as Community Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed (CRL-GMFF), established by Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, in collaboration with the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL), has carried out a collaborative study to assess the performance of a quantitative event-specific method to detect and quantify the MON 88913 transformation event in cotton DNA (unique identifier MON-88913-8). The collaborative trial was conducted according to internationally accepted guidelines (1, .


Substance abuse such as alcohol consumption and smoking serve as profound indicators for Tuberculosis (TB). Tribes in rural India are the vulnerable population for various diseases and substance abuse is more prevalent among them. Very few studies have been conducted to find the substance abuse and its association with TB among tribes in Kerala. Hence, we sought to understand the prevalence of substance abuse among tribes, and its association with chest symptomatic cases and cases with history of TB. This study aimed to identify the predictors of negative social behaviours among tribes and their association with chest symptomatic cases and history of TB. It was part of a collaborative research program to estimate the burden of TB amongst tribal groups, by ICMR, NIRT, Chennai and SRM University, Kancheepuram and Population Research Centre, Kerala conducted in 2018. This article presents the prevalence of substance abuse (tobacco and alcohol) among tribes, and its association with chest symptomatic cases and cases with history of TB. The study also tried to find out the predictors of substance use among tribes. Among 2609 tribes interviewed, 14.6% were smokers, 47 percent were used smokeless tobacco and 29% were consumed alcohol and only 20 respondents reported using drugs. Significant association of chest symptoms and TB history status with district, category of tribe, age, education, marital status, and nutrition are observed in the study. Chest symptomatic cases and those who had the history of TB had a highly significant association with use of smokeless tobacco and smoking. However, the study could not find a significant difference between those consuming alcohols. The predictors of substance abuse were found to be in higher age groups, low education, being in the low socio-economic profile and in the low BMI. To attain health goals like zero TB, control of substance use is an essential component especially among tribal communities. This study highlights the importance of education and better living conditions in reducing negative health behaviours among tribes.


Introduced the history background, instruction process, think idea of architect, main style and its success in art of the Firenze Cathedral, and used culture critique modern to criticize it. It concludes Firenze Cathedral's faction and style by science way, and analyzes the design idea and detail treatment. At last, it summarizes the high art prize of the Cathedral.


Background/Aims: Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a risk for acute renal failure and delayed graft function in renal transplantation and cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether propofol could attenuate renal IRI and explore related mechanism. Methods: Male rat right kidney was removed, left kidney was subjected to IRI. Propofol was intravenously injected into rats before ischemia. The kidney morphology and renal function were analyzed. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cl-caspase-3, GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: IR rats with propofol pretreatment had better renal function and less tubular apoptosis than untreated IR rats. Propofol pretreated IR rats had lower Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and less cleaved caspase-3. The protein expression levels of GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 decreased significantly in propofol pretreated IR rats. In vitro cell model showed that propofol significantly increased the viability of NRK-52E cells that were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of propofol on the expression regulation of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, GRP78, CHOP was consistent in both in vitro and in vivo models. Conclusion: Experimental results suggest that propofol prevents renal IRI via inhibiting oxidative stress.


The input output analysis reflects the production-consumption relationship between the economic production sector in a country's economy and widely applied as an analytical technique of economic analysis in both developed and developing countries. At the same time, this technique is the macroeconomic analysis tool for identifying sectoral economic relations in the industry by production and consumption dimensions. For this study, input-output tables for Kazakhstan for the period of 2006-2013 were used. Tables consist of the same content and number of sectors and the sources of economic growth for the given period was calculated by Syrquin Decomposition model. Syrquin Model is a demand-side approach, which decomposes economic growth into four main sources: domestic demand expansion, export expansion, import substitution and technological change. Also, the study investigates the source of production increase occurred in any economic production sectors. Within this framework, the results will be obtained for aggregated main 8 sectors and whole the economy. Admittedly, the results will give insight into the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies implemented in Kazakhstan. This aspect of the research results is expected to contribute to the creation of a more rational economic policy.


In this paper, new pulsewidth modulation (PWM) techniques for the two-leg, four-leg and three-leg two-phase inverter are proposed instead of conventional complex techniques, which is applied to adjustable speed control of two-phase induction motor. First, the PWM technique for two-leg two-phase inverter is proposed on the basis of the sinusoidal PWM technique. Second, the PWM for four-leg two-phase inverter is proposed on the basis of the double carrier wave. Third, the PWM technique for three-leg two-phase inverter is proposed assuming that three-leg two-phase inverter is the equivalent circuit for " four-leg two-phase inverter with the coupled two windings" . Simulation and experimental results are provided to illustrate the proposed two techniques.


Purpose
In this paper, the prior research on virtual teams was reviewed to assess the state of the literature. The purpose of this paper is to determine why individuals prefer working in virtual teams (also termed liquid workers and part-time workers). Previous researchers have focussed on the benefits that organizations receive if they hire liquid workers, but to date, no research has been conducted to determine the perspective of these liquid workers. The various definitions of virtual teams are discussed and an integrative definition is proposed that suggests all teams may be defined in terms of their extent of virtualness.

Design/methodology approach
A systematic review of the literature on virtual teams was conducted. The data were collected from 12 informants. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings
Six main themes were identified, namely, pliability, opportunities, increased earnings, vigour, family and transportation.

Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted in a three-metropolitan city in India and warrants being extended to rural and international settings to gain additional insights and confirmation of the research findings.

Practical implications
It is suggested that organizations who recruit liquid workers will be in a position for substantial cost savings; this is because organizations usually make payment of liquid workers' wages on an hourly basis. This will help the organizations to schedule the number of working hours depending on their needs.

Originality/value
The current study is novel as there is a paucity of research in identifying the factors behind working in the virtual community in India. This study presents the first research of its kind to the best knowledge of the author, and the findings will be valuable for companies who are looking for cost savings.


Free radical-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in adverse tissue changes in a number of diseases. In view of the role of oxidative processes in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), in this study, we investigated the oxidant and antioxidant status of plasma in patients with NIDDM and the effect of vitamin E (800 IU/day) supplementation on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense system, fructosamine levels and insulin action. Thirty controls and 40 NIDDM patients were studied. In controls and patients, plasma lipids, vitamin E, lipid peroxide, total thiols (t-SH), superoxide peroxidase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in the basal state and after vitamin E (800 IU/d) supplementation for a month. All lipids and lipid fractions in plasma were significantly decreased, whereas the HDL-C level was changed in diabetic patients supplemented with vitamin E when compared with baseline values. Vitamin E administration also significantly reduced fasting glucose and fructosamine levels, whereas increased significantly reduced fasting glucose and fructosamine levels, whereas increased significantly plasma C-peptide and insulin levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). Following vitamin E supplementation, TBARs levels were found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the baseline value NIDDM patients are. On the other hand, activities of GPx and SOD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than baseline values. A similar trend was observed for total thiols contents, but in this case, the increase was not significant. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that vitamin E improved beta-cell function and increased plasma insulin and C-peptide levels, possibly by inducing the antioxidant capacity of the organism and/or reducing the peripheral resistance in NIDDM. Long-term studies are needed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of vitamin E on treatment/prevention of NIDDM.


Interpersonal language style shifting in dialogues is an interesting and almost instinctive ability of human. Understanding interpersonal relationship from language content is also a crucial step toward further understanding dialogues. Previous work mainly focuses on relation extraction between named entities in texts or within a single dialogue session. In this paper, we propose the task of relation classification of interlocutors based on their dialogues. We crawled movie scripts from IMSDb, and annotated the relation label for each session according to 13 pre-defined relationships. The annotated dataset DDRel consists of 6,300 dyadic dialogue sessions between 694 pairs of speakers with 53,126 utterances in total. We also construct session-level and pair-level relation classification tasks with widely-accepted baselines. The experimental results show that both tasks are challenging for existing models and the dataset will be useful for future research.


In recent months the newspapers and the airwaves have been full of charges, denials, and countercharges concerning the treatment of Jews in the Soviet-bloc countries. At the same time there has been an almost total absence of dispassionate analysis of the Jewish problem in the USSR--or even, for that matter, of recognition that there is such a problem. Enemies of the Soviet Union have contended that the Soviet leadership is using the Jews as pawns in the Cold War; friends of the Soviet Union have tended to counter with the charge of malicious anti-Soviet lies and propaganda. But there is a very real Jewish problem in the USSR.This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.


The Internet is a collection of computer networks; it is the most important networking environment in the world, it used for information interchanges in virtual network. Wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX etc, can suggest more suitable and cooler way for information interchanges in virtual network. The most well-known ongoing wireless city projects are counting Wireless Philadelphia, Google Wi-Fi Mountain View, Wireless Taipei City, and San Francisco Tech Connect project. Web has limits of interactivity and presentation. The Web's client-server architecture blocks information exchange. Furthermore, most Web applications are only intended for conservative computers, not for mobile handheld devices. In period of information exchange on the Web, the new Web 2.0 is suggested. Web 2.0 refers to a perceived or planned second generation of Internet-based services, such as public networking sites, wikis, communication tools, which highlight online teamwork and sharing among users. A virtual network or online community is a collection of people that may or may not chiefly or originally connect or interact via the Internet. Virtual network have also become an additional form of communication amid people who know each other in actual life. Today, virtual network can be used insecurely for a diversity of social collections interacting via the Internet. It does not unavoidably mean that there is a solid bond between the members. The validation methods like internal validity, external validity and Reliability for this research and how it affects these methods for our research. We also use interview method has been considered for this research.