Rye, B.L. A taxonomic review of Dicrastylis sect. Corymbosae (Lamiaceae: Chloantheae), incorporating Mallophora as a new synonym. Nuytsia 15(3): 445-455 (2005). Following a recent recommendation to conserve the name Dicrastylis Drumm. ex Harv. over Mallophora Endl., the two species previously included in the latter genus are here transferred to Dicrastylis sect. Corymbosae Munir. To achieve this, two new combinations, Dicrastylis globiflora (Endl.) Rye and D. rugosifolia (Munir) Rye, are made. The circumscription of Dicrastylis sect. Corymbosae is further altered by the removal of D. nicholasii F. Muell., and D. glauca is reduced to a synonym of D. corymbosa. A review of the section is presented. It is now comprised of five white-flowered species with cymes condensed into corymbosely arranged clusters, and is restricted to the south-west of Western Australia.


The large time and length scales and, not least, the vast number of particles involved in industrial-scale simulations inflate the computational costs of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) excessively. Coarse grain models can help to lower the computational demands significantly. However, for effects that intrinsically depend on particle size, coarse grain models fail to correctly predict the behaviour of the granular system. To solve this problem we have developed a new technique based on the efficient combination of fine-scale and coarse grain DEM models. The method is designed to capture the details of the granular system in spatially confined sub-regions while keeping the computational benefits of the coarse grain model where a lower resolution is sufficient. To this end, our method establishes two-way coupling between resolved and coarse grain parts of the system by volumetric passing of boundary conditions. Even more, multiple levels of coarse-graining may be combined to achieve an optimal balance between accuracy and speedup. This approach enables us to reach large time and length scales while retaining specifics of crucial regions. Furthermore, the presented model can be extended to coupled CFD-DEM simulations, where the resolution of the CFD mesh may be changed adaptively as well.


Opioids, barbiturates and volatile organic substances are the most common drugs used in Poland by addicts. In the literature there are no data concerning efficiency of vestibular organs of addicted persons examined during abstinence period. 74 drug addicts and 50 healthy persons were subjected to ENG examinations (spontaneous nystagmus, positional ny gaze ny, eye-tracking test, optokinetic test, rotatory test and caloric test were evaluated). ENG showed abnormal records in all tests performed in the addicted persons. This study has revealed that addicts have insufficiency of vestibular organs, which is probably a result of central lesions.


BACKGROUND
Keller Army Community Hospital, a 12-bed community hospital located in the Hudson Valley of New York State, within the pandemic epicenter anticipated the surge of critically ill patients, which would overwhelm local resources during the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the globe. In this facility, there were no Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and resources were mobilized in order to create a negative pressure Corona Virus Unit (CVU) consisting of seven ICU beds and two step-down beds. Although the creation of the CVU decreased the non-COVID inpatient capacity to five beds, the hospital also formulated a plan to expand overall bed capacity from 12 inpatient beds to 45 beds within 24 hours.

OBJECTIVE
To create a ICU embedded within a CVU and implement a three day curriculum to prepare four mixed teams of critical care and non-critical care staff nurses to manage critically ill patients with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS
Nursing leaders and hospital education staff developed a critical care curriculum utilizing Elsevier didactic, the DoD COVID-19 Practice Guide, and hands-on training for 34 nurses.1,2 Nurses had varied scope of practice levels from licensed practical nurses to advance practice nurses, with diverse critical care expertise to non-critical care nursing staff from the primary care medical home (PCMH), all of which participated in the cross-leveling to the CVU unit during the pandemic response. Educational elements included PPE donning and doffing, mechanical ventilation, central venous catheter maintenance, arterial catheter management, hemodynamics, and critical care pharmacotherapy. A medical model skills station with common critical care equipment such as ventilators allowed for instantaneous feedback and 13 hands-on skills training.

RESULTS
A fully functional ICU and CVU was created with thirty-four nurses who completed training within seven days with a didactic completing rate of 94.65 % and 100% hands-on skills. The program endures with monthly tailored re-fresher training to improve efficiency and maintain critical competencies. The team maintained operational readiness through the surge and remain resolute for the next surge.

CONCLUSIONS
On-going program execution and evaluation continues to develop new staff members due to permanent change of station, recent on-boarding, or because of evidence based clinical guideline changes. Training has continued, but shifted to include normal inpatient operations over the summer of 2020. Re-fresher classes covering the treatment and care of COVID patients continue with the anticipation of a second wave surge of COVID-19 cases emerges this fall based on epidemiology predictions.


Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising candidates used for superthin emissive displays with high resolution, high brightness, and wide color gamut, but the CsPbI3 nanocrystal (NC) based ones usually have an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of less than 20%, which needs further enhancement to minimize the gap between their counterparts. Herein, we propose to improve optical properties of the CsPbI3:Sr emissive layer (EML) by inserting an additional potassium iodide (KI) passivation layer between the hole transport layer and EML to increase the film quality, photoluminescence quantum yield, and thermal stability of the EML. The KI layer can also increase the carrier mobility to balance the charge injection in PeLEDs, leading to a reduction in Auger recombination and Joule heating. An interesting deep-red-emitting PeLED (λem = 687 nm) with a record EQE of 21.8% and a lifetime T50 of 69 min is obtained by applying the additional KI passivation layer. Moreover, a flexible PeLED consisting of the KI layer is also demonstrated to have a record EQE of 12.7%. These results indicate that the use of a functional KI layer is a feasible way to develop high-performance electroluminescent devices.


Objective: To evaluate the biochemical and histopathological effects of diclofenac and ketoprofen administration on bone regeneration in a calvarial defect model in rats. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 108 Wistar rats that were randomly distributed in three groups, to which an osteotomy of 6 mm in diameter was performed in the calvaria. Group A (control) was given saline solution; Group B received ketoprofen 2 mg/kg and Group C received diclofenac 2 mg/kg. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally every 12 hours for 3 days. Bone regeneration was evaluated by biochemical (alkaline phosphatase and serum calcium) and histopathological (osteocyte and osteoblast cell count) characteristics at 15 and 30 days. Results: In the biochemical evaluation, alkaline phosphatase levels in the ketoprofen group were significantly lower compared to the diclofenac group at 15 and 30 days (p= 0.015 and p= 0.001; respectively). However, serum calcium levels did not show the difference between the study groups at 15 and 30 days (p= 0.42 and p= 0.81; respectively). In the histopathological analysis, the count of osteoblasts and osteocytes was significantly lower in the ketoprofen group compared to the diclofenac group at 15 and 30 days (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The administration of ketoprofen has negative biochemical and histopathological effects of greater intensity on bone regeneration compared to the administration of diclofenac.

Keywords
Bone regeneration; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; Diclofenac; Ketoprofen; Rats.


V555 Ori is a T Tauri star, whose 1.5 mag brightening was published as a Gaia science alert in 2017. We carried out optical and near-infrared photometric, and optical spectroscopic observations to understand the light variations. The light curves show that V555 Ori was faint before 2017, entered a high state for about a year, and returned to the faint state by mid-2018. In addition to the long-term flux evolution, quasi-periodic brightness oscillations were also evident, with a period of about 5 days. At optical wavelengths both the long-term and short-term variations exhibited colourless changes, while in the near-infrared they were consistent with changing extinction. We explain the brightness variations as the consequence of changing extinction. The object has a low accretion rate whose variation in itself would not be enough to reproduce the optical flux changes. This behaviour makes V555 Ori similar to the pre-main sequence star AA Tau, where the light changes are interpreted as periodic eclipses of the star by a rotating inner disc warp. The brightness maximum of V555 Ori was a moderately obscured (AV =2.3 mag) state, while the extinction in the low state was AV =6.4 mag. We found that while the Gaia alert hinted at an accretion burst, V555 Ori is a standard dipper, similar to the prototype AA Tau. However, unlike in AA Tau, the periodic behaviour was also detectable in the faint phase, implying that the inner disc warp remained stable in both the high and low states of the system.


Superconducting magnets made of high-Tc superconductors are promising for industrial applications. It is well known that REBa2Cu3O7-x superconductors prepared by melt processes have a high critical current density, Jc, at 77 K and high magnetic fields. The materials are very promising for high magnetic field applications as a superconducting permanent/bulk magnet with liquid-nitrogen refrigeration. Light rare-earth (LRE) BaCuO bulks, compared with REBaCuO bulks, exhibit a larger Jc in high magnetic fields and a much improved irreversibility field, Hirr, at 77 K. In this study, we discuss technical issues of a high-Tc superconducting bulk magnet, namely the aspects of the melt processing for bulk superconductors, their characteristic superconducting properties and mechanical properties, and trapped field properties of a superconducting bulk magnet. One of the possible applications is a superconducting bulk magnet for the magnetically levitated (Maglev) train in the future.


We report a low cost, disposable polymer microfluidic sample preparation device to perform rapid concentration of bacteria from liquid samples using enhanced evaporation targeted at downstream detection using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The device is composed of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) liquid sample flow layer, a reusable metal airflow layer, and a porous PTFE (Teflon™) membrane sandwiched in between the liquid and air layers. The concentration capacity of the device was successfully demonstrated with fluorescently tagged Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recovery concentration was above 85% for all initial concentrations lower than 1 × 10(4) CFU mL(-1). In the lowest initial concentration cases, 100 µL initial volumes of bacteria solution at 100 CFU mL(-1) were concentrated into 500 nL droplets with greater than 90% efficiency in 15 min. Subsequent tests with SERS on clinically relevant Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) after concentration in this device proved more than 100-fold enhancement in SERS signal intensity compared to the signal obtained from the unconcentrated sample. The concentration device is straightforward to design and use, and as such could be used in conjunction with a number of detection technologies.


This experiment was conducted to increase the resistance of tiger barb (Capoeta tetrazona ) against environmental stress by
feeding brackish water Gammarus sp. Powder as supplementary diet in three levels (25%, 50% and 75%) and three replicates
pe group compared to control group for 60 days. fishes was fed with 4 diet treatment containea of: 100% artificial diet
(control group), 25% brakish water gammarus and 75% artificial diet, 50% brakish water gammarus and 50% artificial diet
and 75% brackish water gammarus and 25% artifical diet. At the end of experiment, the group that was fed with 25%
brackish water gammarus powder and 75% artificial food in exposed to pH=3/8, temperature=15c and deficiency of oxygen
hat a significant higher for survival than other groups. At the results obtained, it can be suggested that using of 25% brackish
water Gammarus powder with artificial diet SFT00 for rainbow trout is suitable for production of highly quality ornamental
tiger fish.


[1] Seasonal variations of the mass flux between the stratosphere and troposphere are investigated using a Lagrangian framework. Monthly three-dimensional trajectories are calculated for 1996 and 1997 from the United Kingdom Meteorological Office assimilated data. Mass exchange shows nearly the same annual variations as previous Eulerian studies: (1) the northern net downward flux across the extratropical tropopause shows a primary maximum in late spring and early summer and secondary in winter, which is consistent with observational measurements, (2) the southern net downward flux has a peak only in winter, and (3) the extratropical and tropical air exchange across the upper boundary of the middleworld exhibits a pronounced annual variation with a wintertime maximum and summertime minimum. The occurrence of the largest downward flux over the western edges of the Pacific and Atlantic and near the Mediterranean suggests that tropopause folding and baroclinic disturbances in midlatitude storm tracks are the primary agent for the intrusion of stratospheric air into the troposphere. Tropical upward transport occurs in association with the monsoon anticyclones, and the greatest diabatic injection into the tropical stratosphere takes place over the summer hemisphere subtropics according to the seasonal variation of the Hadley circulation. Comparison of the Lagrangian flux estimate across the 100-hPa surface with the estimate by the downward control mechanism using the residual mean meridional circulation shows reasonable correspondence.


Background: The amount of teaching of dental implants between individual dental schools is variable. The General Dental Council expects dentists, dental therapists and hygienists (DH/Ts) to be competent at maintaining peri-implant health. With more implants being placed and a rising incidence of peri-implantitis, dentists and DH/Ts will be exposed to the issue of implant maintenance.
Objective: This study aims to assess the current status of dental implant teaching within dental undergraduate and dental hygiene and therapy schools (DHTS) in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland; the confidence levels of DH/Ts within Wales regarding the management of peri-implant health and their opinions about implant education and current implant practice amongst university and hospital restorative dental specialists in the UK and Ireland.
Materials and Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to (i) 18 dental undergraduate schools and 23 DHTS in the UK and Ireland (ii) 257 DH/Ts within Wales and (iii) 150 university and hospital restorative dental specialists in the UK and Ireland.
Summary: All responding dental undergraduate schools and DHTS provided implant training for their students. There was significant improvement in the amount of implant education across dental undergraduate schools since previous surveys however direct clinical experience remained low in restoring (31%) and placing (6%) dental implants. The majority of DHTS provided direct clinical experience in peri-implant maintenance although not every student received this experience. In 64% of schools, students gained clinical experience in the management of peri-implantitis. The main barriers to developing the implant programme for dental undergraduate schools and DHTS were funding and lack of suitable cases. Results from the survey of DH/Ts within Wales indicated that dental implant care was within the remit of
XI I
service for 92% of respondents. A high proportion of DH/Ts in Wales did not feel entirely confident in carrying out procedures relating to peri-implant maintenance and only 27% felt confident in clinically assessing dental implants. The majority (83%) felt that postgraduate training in peri-implant maintenance should be obligatory. Out of the sample of university and hospital restorative dental specialists that responded, 70% indicated that they provided implant treatment and there was a significant variation in the amount of implant treatment provided. 79% worked with oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons as an implant team. There was general agreement by specialists on the factors that may contra-indicate implant placement. Irradiation and smoking were considered the most important medical factors in patient selection for implant placement whilst untreated periodontitis and poor oral hygiene were the most important dental factors. In conclusion, there has been an increase in the amount of implant education across DHTS and dental undergraduate schools however there remains the concern that the level of education does not satisfactorily address the needs required for general practice.


In 2013, the Italian government reinforced a screening mechanism to detect mafia-connected firms and ensure that their applications for subsidies over 150,000 euros are unsuccessful. We exploit this discontinuity to test whether (and how many) firms self-select below the threshold to avoid the screening after the law was strengthened. We find a large increase in subsidies just below the threshold and after the approval of the law, suggesting that about 3.8% of firms applying for subsidies reduced rent seeking to avoid police screening. In line with this interpretation, sorting is larger in mafia-affected cities and firms sorting at the 150,000 euros threshold display typical features of criminal firms. These findings shed light on (i) the extent to which mafia-connected firms misappropriate public funds; (ii) their strategic behavior in avoiding anti-corruption policies; (iii) the effectiveness of the new law at screening mafia-related firms out of the application process; (iv) the leverages policymakers can use to identify crime displacement.


Using heterozygosity for bw mutations, the frequency of somatic mosaicism has been studied in Drosophila melanogaster flies, homozygous for radiosensitive mutation, rad(2)201G1, and in those not carrying the mutation. Data obtained for control and after irradiation of larvae with 150, 450 and 750 R showed that homozygotes for the rad(2)201G1 were characterized by elevated levels of both spontaneous and induced mosaicism.


ABSTRACT Many different techniques have been used to increase response rates to surveys._In this study, Federal Express overnight service was used to test the effectiveness of express mail in stimulating response to a mail survey of 132 physicians. The sample was randomly, split into two groups. One group received the initial 'mailing by Federal Express while the other group received the survey by regular first class mail. The average cost per complete survey for Federal Express was $27.07, and for first class mail $21.63. Although Federal Express was more expensive, the results showed that the Federal Express mailing achieved a higher response rate and that people responded faster to the survey delivered by Federal Express.


BACKGROUND
The increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is an independent determinant of cardiovascular events in long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recently, statins have shown anti-inflammatory properties in addition to their lipid-lowering effect.

METHODS
We designed a 6-month, prospective, randomized, controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin in reducing serum CRP levels in long-term HD patients. Patients on HD therapy for at least 6 months, with autologous vascular access, were included. Patients presenting with illnesses and/or use of drugs that may affect CRP levels were excluded. After randomization, group A included 16 patients treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/d orally), and group B included 17 patients treated with placebo. Body mass index, Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate, mean blood pressure, and levels of hemoglobin, serum CRP, albumin, creatinine, lipids, and enzymes were recorded at baseline and after 6 months.

RESULTS
Qualitative/quantitative parameters were homogeneous between the groups at baseline. In group A, median serum CRP levels decreased from 9 mg/L (range, 5 to 22 mg/L) at baseline to 5 mg/L (range, 3 to 16 mg/L) after 6 months (P = 0.004). In group B, values were 8 mg/L (range, 4 to 14 mg/L) at baseline and 7 mg/L (range, 3 to 17 mg/L) after 6 months (P = 0.98). Serum CRP levels were lower in group A than group B at month-4 (5 mg/L; range, 3 to 11 mg/L versus 7 mg/L; range, 3 to 10 mg/L, respectively; P = 0.054) and month-6 evaluations (5 mg/L; range, 3 to 16 mg/L versus 7 mg/L; range, 3 to 17 mg/L, respectively; P = 0.060). After 6 months, only in group A was there a significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels (P = 0.041) and a significant increase in serum albumin levels (P = 0.004). Enzyme levels were stable during the study in both groups.

CONCLUSION
Administration of atorvastatin is safe in patients on long-term HD therapy and, in addition to its beneficial effects on lipid levels, induces a significant decrease in serum CRP levels, with a consequential increase in serum albumin levels.


It is well known that shock is one of the main complications occurring during early stage of severe burn, and presently, ischemic/hypoxic damage of tissues and organs is still hard to be prevented by various fluid resuscitation regimens. Findings in recent years demonstrated that postburn cardiac damage occurs promptly and much earlier than any other organs. Application of measures to ameliorate cardiac damage may improve organ blood flow in liver, kidney, and intestines, and mitigate organ damage concomitant with fluid resuscitation according to Parkland formula. These facts suggest that cardiac damage occurring promptly at early stage of severe burn is one of the important factors leading to ischemia/hypoxia of tissues and organs, therefore,new resuscitation regimen including "volume replacement" plus "dynamic support" may conduct to more effective burn shock resuscitation, and reduce organ complications as a result of either insufficient or over fluid infusion.


One important part of a hardware/software (HW/SW) codesign system is the scheduler, which is needed in order to determine if a given HW/SW partitioning is suitable for a given application. In this paper, we employ a dataflow model for scheduling a computation including conditional branches on a loosely coupled heterogeneous multiprocessor system. The goal is to minimize the worst-case makespan while satisfying constraints implied by data dependencies and exclusive resource usage. We present a formal model which allows multiple schedule optimizations and a new efficient heuristic approach based on genetic algorithms and list scheduling.


A successful automated program proof is, in software verification, the ultimate triumph. In practice, however, the road to such success is paved with many failed proof attempts. Unlike a failed test, which provides concrete evidence of an actual bug in the program, a failed proof leaves the programmer in the dark. Can we instead learn something useful from it? The work reported here takes advantage of the rich information that some automatic provers internally collect about the program when attempting a proof. If the proof fails, the Proof2Test tool presented in this article uses the counterexample generated by the prover (specifically, the SMT solver underlying the Boogie tool used in the AutoProof system to perform correctness proofs of contract‐equipped Eiffel programs) to produce a failed test, which provides the programmer with immediately exploitable information to correct the program. The discussion presents Proof2Test and the application of the ideas and tool to a collection of representative examples.


We have developed a personal computer-based system designed for automated metabolic profiling of urinary organic acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and data interpretation for organic acidemia screening. For the automated profiling, we compiled retention indices, two target ions and their intensity ratio for 126 urinary metabolites. Metabolites above the cut-off values were flagged as abnormal compounds. The data interpretation was based on combination of the flagged metabolites. Diagnostic or index metabolites were categorized into three groups, "AND," "OR" and "NO," and compiled for each disorder to improve the specificity of the diagnosis. Groups "AND" and "OR" comprised essential and optional compounds, respectively, which and both to reach a specific diagnosis. Group "NO" comprised metabolites that must be absent to make a definite diagnosis. We tested this system by analyzing urine specimens from 48 patients previously diagnosed as having organic acidemias. In all cases, the diagnostic metabolites were identified and each correct diagnosis could be found among the possible diseases suggested by the system. Hence, with this simplified automated system, more people will be able to participate extensively in any screening programs using GC/MS.


Since the origins of formal foreign language teaching, literature has always played an important role. Currently, modern language teaching trends suggest starting foreign language learning as early as possible; thus, the use of children's literature in foreign language teaching is undergoing a revolution. This situation encouraged us to examine the use of children's literature and the attitude of foreign language teachers to it. This article focuses on primary and secondary school English language teachers in a western county of Ukraine (N = 118). The results of the qualitative research revealed that the teachers' general attitude to the use of children's literature is positive; they are aware of their advantages but still avoid using these materials. Most teachers do not apply children's literature in their foreign language teaching because the school curriculum is too congested and fast-paced, they do not have access to appropriate authentic children's literature, or they were not taught how to utilize authentic children's literature during their university years. Results suggest that teachers should be encouraged to use children's literature, though there is no universal solution. The first suggestion is for schools themselves to support teachers, but it would be a significant step forward if this approach were also to be taken in in-service training.


Chloracne is commonly observed in people exposed to dioxins, yet the mechanism of toxicity is not well understood. The pathology of chloracne is characterized by hyperkeratinization of the interfollicular squamous epithelium, hyperproliferation and hyperkeratinization of hair follicle cells as well as a metaplastic response of the ductular sebum secreting sebaceous glands. In vitro studies using normal human epidermal keratinocytes to model interfollicular human epidermis demonstrate a 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated acceleration of differentiation and increase in gene expression of several prodifferentiation genes, including filaggrin (FLG). Here, we demonstrated that the TCDD-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) bound a small fragment of DNA upstream of the transcriptional start sites of the FLG gene, containing one of two candidate xenobiotic response elements (XREs). Reporter assays using the promoter region of FLG containing the two putative XREs indicated that the increase in this messenger RNA (mRNA) was due to TCDD-mediated enhanced transcription, which was lost when both XREs were mutated. As FLG is part of the human epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) found on chromosome 1, we measured mRNAs from an additional 18 EDC genes for their regulation by TCDD. Of these genes, 14 were increased by TCDD. Immunoblot assays demonstrated that the proteins of FLG as well as that of another prodifferentiation gene, small proline rich protein 2, were increased by TCDD. In utero exposure to TCDD accelerated the formation of the epidermal barrier in the developing mouse fetus by approximately 1 day. These results indicate that the epidermal permeability barrier is a functional target of the TCDD-activated AHR.


The authors report how self-aligned pnp devices with basewidths close to 50 nm have been fabricated using a preamorphizing Ge implant prior to the As base implant. They investigated the sensitivity of pnp performance to collector epi thickness, base width and the energy of the base implant, culminating in the achievement of devices with f/sub T/ as high as 38 GHz. ECL (emitter coupled logic) ring oscillators built with these pnp devices have delays as small as 35 ps per stage, demonstrating that the device parasitics have been successfully minimized. Both the f/sub T/ of 38 GHz and the 35 ps ECL delay represent new records for pnp devices, showing a performance level comparable to that of current high-performance npn technologies.<<ETX>>


Routers are key building blocks in networks. They need to cope with high data rates in the range of multiple gigabit per second that are flowing through them. Therefore, specifically performance critical functions should be implemented in dedicated hardware units in order to speed up the forwarding task. These units can be embedded within regular workstations or into dedicated router architectures. In our project we address one of the most performance critical components of a router, the routing table and its access and search mechanisms. Earlier work has shown that this is more critical w h respect to the resulting performance than IP processing itself. A simple but efficient organization of the routing table using binary trees and off-the-shelf SRAMs is presented together with a suited search algorithm.


Abstract The first aim of this article is to evaluate fifteen different South African nut products subsumed under the product category SITC 0577 in order to determine which has the highest export potential. This is achieved by compiling a composite index comprising three sub-indices: South Africa's current export performance, world markets, and production indices. Macadamia nuts are identified as the nut product category with the highest export potential. The second aim is to select a potential target market for macadamia nuts. Based on an analysis of market attractiveness indicators, Germany is selected as the target market for South African macadamia nuts. The third aim is to develop a market profile, outlining market characteristics and requirements for entry into the German market for South African macadamia nut exporters, in order to enhance the exports of South African macadamia nuts to Germany. This is achieved by providing exporters of the product identified with the market information required to maximise exports.


Resources and communication information for CS 142, Section 4, Introduction to Computer Programming taught by William Lund during the Fall 2014 Semester.


Table olives (Olea europaea) traditionally are hand harvested when green in color and before physiological maturity is attained. Hand harvesting accounts for the grower's main production costs. Several mechanical harvesting methods have been previously tested. However, tree configuration and fruit injury are major constraints to the adoption of mechanical harvesting. In prior work with a canopy shaker, promising results were attained after critical machine components were reconfigured. In this study, stereo video analysis based on two high-speed cameras operating during the harvesting process were used to identify the sources of fruit damage due to canopy-harvester interaction. Damage was subjectively evaluated after harvest. Fruit mechanically harvested had 35% more bruising and three times as many fruit with broken skin as that of hand-harvested fruit. The main source of fruit damaged in the canopy was the strike-impact of fruit by harvester rods. Implementation of softer padding materials were effective in mitigating fruit injury caused by the impact of rods and hard surfaces. Canopy acceleration was correlated with fruit damage, thus restricting improvements needed for fruit removal efficiency through increased tine frequency.


The aim of this paper is to dig out the fundamental structure that underlies Husserl's description of two basic aspects of the alterity to the self, namely the world and the Other. This structure is a referential and indicating scheme: the problem of reference and indication lies at the base of the constitution of the things in the world, where the front-side refers to the rear-side, and in the experience of another human being, where his body is always already referring to mine. This structure poses a number of serious problems for the phenomenological project as such, most notably in its claim of founding a scientific philosophy: it is difficult to understand how we can ground a pure phenomenological philosophy on the alterity of the Other and on the alterity of the world if this very alterity is based on an "impure" (mediated) element, an element which Husserl himself ruled out of his conception since every Gegebenheit must be Selbstgegebenheit.


A key assumption in efforts to implement and improve cross-government public reporting systems is that legislators will make use of the performance information to enhance accountability and improve program and policy effectiveness. This five-year study is an assessment of expectations and actual uses of annual performance reports by elected decision-makers in British Columbia, Canada. Our findings from three anonymous surveys indicate that while the legislators had high initial expectations, actual usage—measured in two follow-up surveys—showed substantial drops from expectations. Our findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence that there may be a paradox at the core of the public performance reporting movement: public reporting of targeted performance measures, although it may improve symbolic accountability, undermines the usefulness of the reported performance information for performance management. These findings have implications for jurisdictions using whole of government performance measurement and reporting systems for these dual purposes.


Late in the early deposition of sediments in Canyon field, a series of glacio-eustatically controlled sea level lowstands resulted in a carbonate buildup seaward of the Horseshoe Atoll in Howard County, Texas. The resulting satellite reef tract consists of fringing boundstone; high-energy shelf grainstones; lower energy shelf packstones and wackestones; and thin, highstand, black shales and mudstones. The original extent and thickness of deposits were extensively modified during karstification coincident with successive sea level lowstands. The resulting paleotopographic landforms appear to be similar to tower karst features of Puerto Rico. During the beginning of each sea level highstand, the paleoterrain was modified by erosion. The basinal foreshelf conglomerates resulting from initial highstand erosion contain dipping strata that commonly can be detected by the dipmeter tool. The mechanism for the formation of these strata may be depositional or the result of diagenetic alteration of the rock fabric in the burial environment. Using dipmeter data, an uneconomic producer has been offset by one of the better producing wells in the field.


Research in natural language generation promises significant advances in the ways in which we can make available the contents of underlying information sources. Most work in the field relies on the existence of carefully constructed artificial intelligence knowledge bases; however the reality is that most information currently stored on computers is not represented in this format. We describe some work in progress where we attempt to generate large numbers of texts automatically from existing underlying databases. We focus in particular on the automatic generation of descriptions of objects stored in a museum database, highlighting the difficulties that arise in using a real data source, and pointing to some possible solutions.


Background: Self-esteem in children and adolescents with deviances in function and appearance has been studied with diverse results. The effect of cleft lip/ and palate on mental health, self-esteem and social interaction were studied in the context of reconstructive surgery. Comparing parents' and children's' self-esteem reports was also of interest. Exploring these differences could help the understanding of future mental health in patients with CL/P and their need for reconstructive surgery.
Methods: A descriptive study within an in-patient setting, Plastic Surgery Clinic, Uppsala University Hospital. Twenty-six CL/P patients between 13 and 19 years of age and their parents answered a specific condition questionnaire specially adapted for this study and Beck's Youth Inventories the day before reconstructive surgery.
Results: Mental health was affected while self-esteem was on a median-high level for this CL/P group. Parents rated their children to have higher self-esteem as they grew older. However, females reported a diminished level from primary to secondary school age. Attention on CLP was high. Twenty-three adolescents, or 85 % of resondents, wanted to change their appearance,
Conclusion: Mental health was affected by CL/P, especially for those children that had been bullied. Specifically, the wish to change appearance was associated with high level of anxiety and depression . The specific condition questionnaires proved to be more informative than the standardized measure regarding self-esteem under development for the sake of differentiating between parent-adolescent estimation of self-estee


Physiologic observations were made on eight patients following repair of atrial septal defect or total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. A pattern of changes in cardiac output and atrial pressures during the first 3 postoperative days was noted. Cardiac output was abnormally low in some patients with obstructive pulmonary vascular disease or low atrial pressures. Transfusion of whole blood was effective in elevating cardiac output in the operating room and after operation. Left atrial pressure was higher than right atrial pressure in the operating room. Postoperatively left and right atrial pressures tended to become equal in some patients, and the levels were slightly elevated. Heart rate did not seem to be directly related to cardiac output. Ventilation was adequate with regard to elimination of carbon dioxide. Arterial oxygen saturation was maintained at 93 per cent or more by the use of oxygen-enriched mixtures. The difference in arteriovenous oxygen content was inversely related to cardiac output. Acidemia was present 2 to 4 hours after operation, but in general the pH of arterial blood had returned to normal by day 2. Some mechanisms possibly related to the observations are discussed.


Micro-grid is suitable for popular utilization of distributed renewable energy generations. It can save grid-connected photovoltaic inverter and some rectifiers for DC loads when connecting photovoltaic generation to local loads by DC micro-grid, and the energy use efficiency increases dramatically. This paper proposed a multiple hierarchical DC micro-grid based on photovoltaic generations. The photovoltaic generations dispersed in different building roofs can be mutual backups while contacting them through DC micro-grid, and the energy storage devices have an easy access to connect in different forms, improving the system reliability and reducing the construction cost.


Last year, we reported a new mechanism of DNA replication in mammals. It occurs inside mitochondria and entails the use of processed transcripts, termed bootlaces, which hybridize with the displaced parental strand as the replication fork advances. Here we discuss possible reasons why such an unusual mechanism of DNA replication might have evolved. The bootlace mechanism can minimize the occurrence and impact of single‐strand breaks that would otherwise threaten genome stability. Furthermore, by providing an implicit mismatch recognition system, it should limit the occurrence of replication‐dependent deletions and insertions, and defend against invading elements. Such a mechanism may also limit attempts to manipulate the mammalian mitochondrial genome.


Lignin as a by-product of the pulping process is less widely used for worth materials. In this study, the utilization of lignin by-product of the soda delignification process of coconut coir converted to the activated carbon by a simple precipitation method followed by the carbonization at various temperatures is presented. The by-product liquor of the soda delignification process having a pH of 13.4 was neutralized by dropping of hydrochloric acid solution to achieve the pH solution of 4 resulting in the lignin precipitation. The precipitated was washed, filtered, and dried. The dried lignin was then carbonized under a nitrogen atmosphere at various temperatures of 500, 700, and 900 °C. The dried lignin and carbonized samples were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyzer, to examine their morphology, X-Ray diffraction pattern, chemical bonding interaction, and surface area-pore size distribution, respectively. The characterization results showed that the functional groups of lignin mostly disappeared gradually with the increase of temperature approached the graphite spectrum. The XRD patterns confirmed that the carbonized lignin particles were amorphous and assigned as graphitic. All samples had a pore size of 3–4 nm classified as mesoporous particles. This study has shown that the carbonization lignin at a temperature of 700 °C had the highest surface area (i.e. 642.5 m 2 /g) in which corresponds to the highest specific capacitance (i.e. 28.84 F/g).


The host-microbiome supraorganism appears to have coevolved and the unperturbed microbial component of the dyad renders host health sustainable. This coevolution has likely shaped evolving phenotypes in all life forms on this predominantly microbial planet. The microbiota seems to exert effects on the next generation from gestation, via maternal microbiota and immune responses. The microbiota ecosystems develop, restricted to their epithelial niches by the host immune system, concomitantly with the host chronological development, providing early modulation of physiological host development and functions for nutrition, immunity and resistance to pathogens at all ages. Here, we review the role of the microbiome in human development, including evolutionary considerations, and the maternal/fetal relationships, contributions to nutrition and growth. We also discuss what constitutes a healthy microbiota, how antimicrobial modern practices are impacting the human microbiota, the associations between microbiota perturbations, host responses and diseases rocketing in urban societies and potential for future restoration.


New information is being acquired and disseminated about eating disorders, particularly in terms of integrating the roles of genes and environment, and new treatment approaches. Although evidence indicates that genes are not more important in the aetiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) than bulimia nervosa, Western culture does appear to be more important in the aetiology of bulimia nervosa than AN. Pathological fear conditioning offers a very useful and experimentally testable theory of the aetiology of AN. New evidence suggests that an enhanced, 'transdiagnostic' form of cognitive behavioural therapy is highly effective in eating disorder patients suitable for out-patient treatment. Patients who are homozygotic for the short (s) allele of the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene promoter region appear to be more resistant to multimodal treatment.


In this note we introduce a hierarchy of phase spaces for static friction, which give a graphical way to systematically quantify the directional dependence in static friction via subregions of the phase spaces. We experimentally plot these subregions to obtain phenomenological descriptions for static friction in various examples where the macroscopic shape of the object affects the frictional response. The phase spaces have the universal property that for any experiment in which a given object is put on a substrate fashioned from a chosen material with a specified nature of contact, the frictional behaviour can be read off from a uniquely determined classifying map on the control space of the experiment which takes values in the appropriate phase space.


Arrival times, amplitudes, and periods of the seismic phases SKS and SKKS have been investigated for shallow, intermediate, and deep earthquakes recorded at Pasadena and Huancayo, Peru. New observed time-distance curves are constructed for depths of <60, 100, 200, and 600 kilometers. Travel times for the core have been calculated from shallow-shock time data. Slight modification of wave velocity just inside the core and of travel times within the core are suggested. Calculated travel times of SKS, SKKS, and SKKKS are in good agreement with observations.

Energy parameters determined from observed amplitude/period ratios are found in only fair agreement with those calculated from theory. Observed energies are too large for most of the phase components and depths considered. The horizontal components of SKKS over the whole distance range, and of SKS at Δ ≦ 100° for all depths, yield observed energies less than those predicted by theory. Both discrepancies are at least qualitatively explained by a proposed nonspherical distribution of shear strain about the fault source, and by abnormal absorption in the outer 700 kilometers of the core. Anomalous observed energies, as functions of epicentral location, are also accounted for by the proposed nonspherical distribution of energy.


Threats to Americans' health-including chronic disease, emerging infectious disease, and bioterrorism-are present and growing, and the public health system is responsible for addressing these challenges. Public health systems in the United States are built on an infrastructure of workforce, information systems, and organizational capacity; in each of these areas, however, serious deficits have been well documented. Here we draw on two 2003 Institute of Medicine reports and present evidence for current threats and the weakness of our public health infrastructure. We describe major initiatives to systematically assess, invest in, rebuild, and evaluate workforce competency, information systems, and organizational capacity through public policy making, practical initiatives, and practice-oriented research. These initiatives are based on applied science and a shared federal-state approach to public accountability. We conclude that a newly strengthened public health infrastructure must be sustained in the future through a balancing of the values inherent in the federal system.


PJPPS is an international scholarly referred research journal published quarterly. The journal aims to publish original and high quality peer reviewed research and review articles, short communications, letter to editor, technical reports, book reviews and case reports containing significant results across all fields of pharmacy and related aspects. Emphasizing a substantial advance in their field the journal seeks work that presents innovative techniques that offer promising results for future research. The benefits of publishing with the PJPPS include the open access to articles freely available online, meticulous peer review and levelheaded publication time without compromising quality.


The historical development of Reichert spirals is breifly reviewed prior to describing models developed specifically for the treatment of coal fines. Results obtained from laboratory tests and field trials of pre-production prototypes are presented. Comparisons are provided both between different tests and between test results and the ideal performance defined by washability data using a graphical technique. Production model spiral test data and partition curves for a variety of types of feed are presented. Possible application areas are discussed, including tailings scavenging, flotation substitution and fine coal dump retreatment


The goals of treatment with pancreatic extracts in patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis are twofold: pain relief and control of maldigestion caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Experience with the use of pancreatic enzymes for analgesic purposes suggests that the less severe the pain, the greater the analgesic effect of these enzymes. However, the number of trials, as well as the number of patients treated, is fairly small and more studies in larger patient populations are needed. The use of pancreatic enzymes for maldigestion owing to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency which is secondary to chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, cystic fibrosis, or GI bypass surgery incurs several problems. These problems are primarily caused by gastric inactivation of the enzymes, low enzyme activity of many commercial preparations and/or poor patient compliance. Treatment with conventional enzyme products (powdered extracts, enteric-coated tablets or capsules) has been disappointing. At best, results were inconsistent, showing a high degree of individual variation. The introduction of enzyme preparations in the form of pH-sensitive enteric-coated microspheres in hard gelatin capsules represents a significant advance. These microspheres are superior to conventional enzyme preparations in improving the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency, particularly steatorrhea, where low doses of microspheres are as effective as large doses of conventional enzyme preparations. Steatorrhea, however, is rarely completely resolved. In cases refractory to therapy, treatment with the combination of pH-sensitive enteric-coated microspheres and H2-antagonists or prostaglandins has met with some success.


We report the realization of ytterbium magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the dipole-allowed (1)So - P-1(1) transition at 398.9 nm. The MOT is loaded by a slowed atomic beam produced by a Zeeman slower. All seven stable isotopes of Yb atoms could be trapped separately at different laser detuning values. Over 10(7) Yb-174 atoms are collected in the MOT, whereas the atom number of fermionic isotope Yb-171 is roughly 2.3 x 10(6) clue to a lower abundance. Without the Zeeman slower, the trapped atom numbers are one order of magnitude lower. Both the even and odd isotopes are recognized as excellent candidates of optical clock transition, so the cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms by the blue MOT is an important step for building an optical clock.


In most global optimization problems, finding a global optimum point in the whole multi-dimensional search space implies a high computational burden. We present a new approach called subdividing labeling genetic algorithm (SLGA) for continuous nonlinear optimization problems. SLGA applies mutation and crossover operators on a subdivided search space where an integer label is defined on a polytope built on a n-dimensional space. After calculating the fitness of each point composing the polytope, SLGA implements a mutation operator to generate offspring and computes an integer label for the population of the polytope. Then, after completely labeling the polytope, a crossover operator is implemented so as to approach the optimum point by reducing the search space. In this regard, new population is generated by subdividing the search space and further implementing the mutation operator. SLGA has been used to optimize the De Jong functions, as well as nonlinear constrained and unconstrained problems with discrete, continuous and mixed variables. It has also been compared with other well-known algorithms. Experimental results show that the SLGA method has good performance and reduces the number of generations within the solution space, which enhances its convergence capability.


Charles de Beys is a comic author whose L'Hospital des fous (1636), about an eloping couple who seek refuge in a lunatic asylum, was reworked and published in 1653 as Les Illustres fous. It has long been accepted that the modifications to this play were essentially minor; however, the character of the hospital's director, or concierge, becomes the play's principal figure in the revised version. As well as having a greatly expanded role, the concierge is depicted in a more sinister, and even tyrannical, light in the 1653 comedy. The difference in emphasis between the two versions may be explained by Beys's own experience during the intervening period: in the mid-1630s he was incarcerated in the Bastille for several months by order of Cardinal Richelieu on suspicion of having authored the Miliade, a satirical poem attacking the prelate. The second drama becomes not so much a comedy depicting the folly of lovers through the escapades of outsiders who are temporarily institutionalized as a subtle commentary on the potential misuse of such places to lock away those deemed unsuitable for political reasons. This reading is supported by examining the ironic subtext that underpins Beys's sonnets dedicated to Richelieu, as well as the second play's dedicace.


We are using selective breeding to develop lines of mice which differ maximally in their responses to nicotine, and independent lines of mice which differ maximally in their responses to cocaine. The foundation population was the genetically heterogeneous HS mice. On day 1, baseline (saline injected) activity of each mouse was measured in an automated Y-maze over 3 minutes. On day 2, animals were tested for sensitivity to nicotine (0.75 mg/kg) in the same apparatus. A residual score, calculated from the regression of nicotine scores on saline scores for the whole population, was calculated for each animal. The most severely affected mice (lowest residual scores) were mated to form duplicate Nicotine-Depressed lines; the most stimulated mice (highest residual scores) were mated to form duplicate Nicotine-Activated lines. A random sampling of individuals was chosen without regard to residual scores for production of duplicate Control lines. Duplicate lines of mice activated and depressed by cocaine are being produced in an analogous fashion using 50 mg/kg cocaine as the test dose. Successful selective breeding for a drug-related trait provides clear evidence of a heritable component for that trait. These selected lines of mice will ultimately be used to study hypotheses involving genetic control of response to these drugs.


To develop novel cathode materials with high electrical performances for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) and optimize the preparation process, perovskite-type oxides Pr1-x-ySrxCayCo1-zFezO3-δ (x=0.1, 0.2; y=0.1, 0.2; z=0.2, 0.3, 0.4; denoted as PSCCF-81182, PSCCF-72173 and PSCCF-62264) were prepared by solid state reaction. The formation process, phase structure and microstructure of the prepared samples were measured using TG-DTA, FT/IR, XRD and SEM techniques. The mixed conductivity of the samples was measured using DC four-terminal method in the range of 150-950 °C. Chemical state of the elements was measured by XPS experiments. The results show that the prepared samples PSCCF-81182, PSCCF-72173 and PSCCF-62264 exhibit a single phase with cubic perovskite structure after sintered at 1200 °C for 6 h. The mixed conductivity of the samples increases with temperature up to a maximum value, and then decreases. At lower temperature, the conductivity follows small polaron hopping mechanism. The negative temperature dependence occurring at higher temperature is due to the creation of oxygen vacancies for charge balance. At intermediate temperature (600-800 °C), the mixed conductivity values of the prepared samples are all much higher than 100 S•cm-1,and can meet the demand of cathode materials for IT-SOFC. XPS tests show that Co and Fe elements in PSCCF-72173 are all of + 3 and + 4 valence. Absorbed oxygen can also be found from the XPS patterns, which is related to the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the perovskite-type oxides.


Sharing medical data with researchers, economists, policy makers, administrators and other secondary viewers, immediately summons for consideration the dichotomy between the recipient's needs and disclosure risk. Finding the optimal balance between the suppression of details within the data needed to maintain confidentiality on the one hand, and the specificity required by the recipient in order for the data to remain useful on the other hand, is quite difficult. We present a new computational technique based on stepwise consideration of all sub-combinations of sensitive fields. This technique can be used within the Datafly or m-Argus architectures to help achieve optimal disclosure and we show that doing so provides more specific data than Datafly would normally release and improves the confidentiality of results from m-Argus.


Plants dispersed to remote islands may leave their usual pollinators behind. They are faced with extinction, inbreeding, or acceptance of other pollen vectors, possibly of the 'generalist' type. There are few specialized pollinator-plant relations on Aldabra. Two species, the sunbird Nectarinia sovimanga and the cetoniid beetle Mausoleopsis aldabrensis, visit many plant species. The latter was observed visiting flowers of 58% of those species observed in flower on Aldabra in early 1974. It was apparently indifferent to distributional origin of the species, flower colour, flower morphology or whether the plants were native or introduced. It exhibited a high degree of constancy to a plant species in a foraging flight. The parallels between this beetle and the carpenter bee Xylocopa darwinii on the Galapagos Islands are pointed out. The importance of such a generalist pollinator to the chances of establishment of new immigrants to islands, and to the breeding systems of island plants in general, are discussed.


This article compares the colonial and contemporary canvas of the hegemonic discourse of White Western writers and their portrayal of Malaysia and her people. The first half of the discussion will focus on the figurative elements of classical colonialist discourse through an exploration of The Soul of Malaya (1931) a text written by Henri Fauconnier, a French planter of Colonial Malaya. Here, cultural hegemony is revealed mostly through the employment of the Manichean allegory, of what we see as "ideological allegory". The second half of the discussion adopts a more linguistic oriented framework, as it reveals patterns in linguistic selection in the novel, Borneo Fire (1995) by contemporary white writer, William Riviere. This latter is what we term "ideological stylistics". The main objective of the article is to compare the underlying ideological constructs of the discursive landscape of the two texts and to determine whether white western superiority manifested in the discourse of the contemporary text has evolved from that seen in its colonial predecessor. The paper concludes that time changes little in terms of the location of the other, for despite its being published in 1995, the discourse of Borneo Fire has not moved away from the approach and conventions of the colonial text, The Soul of Malaya.


The placenta is a vital organ for fetal development, providing the fetus with nutrients, oxygen, and other important factors. Placenta is rich in blood vessels. Abnormal placental vascular function and blood circulation may lead to insufficient blood supply to the fetus in the uterus, leading to serious consequences such as pregnancy complications, fetal distress and even stillbirth. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common complications of pregnancy. Recent studies report that pregnancy complications are often accompanied by changes in placental vascular structure and function. What are the physiological characteristics of human placental blood vessels? What are the pathological changes in the state of PIH and GDM? What are the relationships between these pathological changes and the occurrence of these pregnancy complications? Answers to these questions not only increase the understanding of placental vascular characteristics, but also provide important information for revealing the pathological mechanism of PIH and GDM. This article will summarize the research on the pathological changes of placental blood vessels in PIH and GDM, hoping to further unravel the physiological and pathological characteristics of placental blood vessels in the state of PIH and GDM, provide information for guiding clinical treatment for PIH and GDM.


Five species of Clusiidae (Diptera), Craspedochaeta biseta (Hendel), hendelia plumosa (Sasakawa), Heteromeringia sexramifera Sueyoshi, Phylloclusia yambarensis sp. n., and Sobarocephala uncinata Sueyoshi, were collected from log emergence traps installed in a subtropical forest of Japan from February 2006 to February 2008. Craspedochaeta biseta (Hendel) was newly recorded in Japan. Wood debris was gathered from 1–22 year old secondary stands managed by the improvement cutting of natural forest (ICNF) and unmanaged stands, and categorized by stage of decay and size, and then enveloped in fine net bags (emergence trap). In total, 84 clusiid adults were obtained. Most were reared from wood debris in an advanced stage of decay and from 2 year old or older managed and unmanaged forest stands, although P. yambarensis was reared from wood debris in an early stage of decay and from 1 year old forests after cuttings. Log emergence traps effectively sample clusiids, taking both sexes in approximately equal numbers. Specimens collected by this trap may resolve the difficulty in identifying male and female specimens of several clusiid species that show sexual dimorphism.


This experimental work demonstrates the use of a NASA designed, real time Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP) measurement system which will be used to judge proposed improvements in cycle efficiency of a rotary combustion engine. This is the first self-contained instrument that is capable of making real time measurements of IMEP in a rotary engine. Previous methods used require data recording and later processing using a digital computer. The unique features of this instrumentation include its ability to measure IMEP on a cycle by cycle, real time basis and the elimination of the need to differentiate the volume function in real time. Measurements at two engine speeds (2000 and 3000 RPM) and a full range of loads are presented, although the instrument was designed to operate to speeds of 9000 RPM.


Early warning systems are an important means of improving the efficiency of disaster response and preparedness. However, in its analysis of the technological aspects of the infrastructure, the literature has failed to carry out an investigation of early warning process. This paper has sought to take a step toward understanding this issue by carrying out a qualitative analysis of the early warning process in disaster management. This has involved participatory observations and conducting interviews with practitioners from the National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN). The results have shown that this research area is a promising way of increasing efficiency and reducing the response time to warnings. This might be achieved by conducting a process analysis, which could provide evidence and information about bottlenecks or investigate the misuse of information systems or tasks by the players involved.


The effects of compressed CO(2) in sodium bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (AOT)/decane reversed micellar solution on the stability of the micelles, interface, and micelle/micelle interactions were studied. It was demonstrated that the compressed gas could increase the solubilization of water in this system. The formation of the stabilized one-phase microemulsion was confirmed by conductivity measurements. A shift in percolation threshold to higher temperature was observed after compressed gas was added. The gyration radius (R(g)) of the reverse micelles was determined using SAXS. R(g) increases with the addition of water, while it decreases appreciably with increasing pressure of compressed gas at fixed W(0). These results were interpreted in terms of an increase of the rigidity of the interface layer and a decrease of the interdroplet attraction. The results of this work provide useful information to get insight into the mechanism of cosurfactants to stabilize reverse micelles.


This thesis describes a measurement of the average proper decay time of the B±c mesons, the ground state of bottom and charm quark bound states. The lifetime measurement is carried out in the decay modes B±c -> J/ψ+e±+X and B±c -> J/ψ+μ±+X, where the J/ψ decays as J/ψ -> μ+μ- and the X are unmeasured particles such as νe or νμ. The data are collect by the CDF II detector which measures the properties of particles created in sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV proton/antiproton collisions delivered by the Fermilab Tevatron. This measurement uses ~fb-1 of integrated luminosity. The measured average proper decay time of B±c mesons, τ = 0.475+0.053-0.049(stat.)±0.018(syst.) ps, is competitive with the most precise measurements in the world and confirms previous measurements and theoretical predictions.


USB key represents one of the smallest computing platforms today. With the development of USB key chips, more and more security features will be supported by USB key. Network security middleware is a Java and HTTP-based development framework on USB key. Developers can develop and on line load network security-related programs on this framework. End users can use this USB key to establish secure network connections. In our design, USB key became an active secure device on network. Design and implementation of this middleware is given in this paper. At first, the software architecture and security features of this middleware are discussed in detail, which includes how to implement HTTP server, CGI, security proxy etc. on USB key. Secondly, application scenarios and security analysis of mutual authentication between Web server and client on this middleware are given. At last, advantages of this middleware and what to do further are given in conclusion and future work.


OBJECTIVE
To analyse retrospectively 10 patients with postpulmonectomy empyema.

METHODS
Ten patients (9 men, 1 woman, aged 48 to 69 years) with postpulmonectomy empyema treated over a 12 year period (1991--2002) were analysed. Nine of the patients had pulmonectomy for lung carcinoma and one--for pulmonary abscess. All postpulmonectomy empyemas were managed in two stages--an open-window thoracostomy for curing the infective process in the empyema cavity and then closure of the bronchopleural fistulas and obliteration of the cavity. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) was successfully used by the authors for sterilization and debridement of the cavity, and finally to insert two thoracic drains for the cavity lavage. The obliteration of the empyema cavity was achieved by a vascular muscle flap transposition from the thoracic muscles. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was used in 6 patients. The pectoralis major muscle flap was used in 4 patients. Additionally, a thoracoplasty was performed in the patients with pectoralis major muscle flap transposition.

RESULTS
Eight patients (80%) were discharged from hospital without complications, and two patients died (20%).

CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the study results and the literature review the authors conclude that the applied therapy yields good results in the treatment of postpulmonectomy empyema.


This study is part of a larger project which aims at studying the re-ignition behaviour of charring solid fuels under fire conditions. The main objective of this part of the work was to investigate the role of material porosity on the re-ignition characteristics of the fuel. For this purpose, experiments were carried out on a set of surrogate ceramic samples to de-couple the pyrolysis and combustion processes from those associated with heat transfer. The surrogate samples were made out of magnesia silica ceramic with porosity levels of 72.9%, 53.5%, and 35%. Experiments were conducted in a modified cone calorimeter over a range of heat fluxes between 40 to 60 kW/m 2 . The re-ignition delay was found to be significantly affected by the material porosity. The higher the porosity, the longer the re-ignition delay time. For samples having the same porosity level, the re-ignition delay time was primarily a function of sample thickness and the external heat flux. Thicker samples generally showed shorter reignition delays. The results of this study will be used in future work to quantify the impact of porosity on the re-ignition behaviour of real samples.


This report describes a pregnant woman with common bile duct stones whose colic was successfully treated by prolonged continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine. A 32-year-old woman in the 26th week pregnancy complained of severe abdominal pain due to common bile duct stones. We adopted ropivacaine for infusion into the epidural space using patient controlled analgesia system considering fetoplacental circulation. We administered the solution successfully for 3 weeks, but we observed that the effectiveness of ropivacaine became reduced. This suggests that tachyphilaxis to ropivacaine might have developed by its long-term infusion.


The multimode fiber (MMF) is a proper choice for short range optical fiber connections. Several applications need cost effective solutions. These connections can apply MMFs, however, the transmission parameters are degraded by the fiber modal dispersion. Therefore any efficient method to compensate modal dispersion is very important. In this paper mode filtering technique is introduced for that purpose. Two types of mode filters are proposed and tested by simulations and measurements. By the application of mode filters significant improvement is achieved in the transmission of QPSK and QPSK-OFDM signals. E.g. in case of a 500m long multimode fiber link transmitting signals with 500Mb/s bit rate the error vector magnitude (EVM) is improved from 40% to 5%.


Drosophila suzukii, Matsumura, is a relatively new pest in the United States attacking a variety of fruit crops. Studies were conducted to develop a standardized, economical trap for monitoring. Laboratory bioassays found that flies were attracted to dark colours ranging from red to black. Similarly, fly catches in 237‐ml plastic 'spice' jars with ten 0.48‐cm holes and baited with apple cider vinegar were significantly higher in jars with red or black than white caps. The use of an alternating set of three, horizontal red, black and red bands ('Zorro' trap) significantly increased fly catches compared with the use of all‐red or all‐black strips. This increase was associated with a significantly higher proportion of flies first landing on the side near the openings of the trap instead of on the cap with the 'Zorro' trap compared with the other traps. Laboratory data were used to develop a predictive model to define total fly capture as a function of trap colour/colour pattern, cumulative area of entry holes and the length of the trapping portion of the trap. Total fly catches by the 'Zorro' trap were compared with other red and clear plastic traps in five field trials conducted in several cultivated and uncultivated sites. Comparisons included a commercial red‐capped 200‐ml trap with two 0.63‐cm holes, an all‐red spice jar with ten 0.48‐cm holes and clear and red 473‐ml and clear 946‐ml plastic cups with six or ten 0.48‐ or 0.63‐cm holes. The model was successfully validated, suggesting that performance of cup traps can be predicted based on a few characteristics. The current 'Zorro' trap did not catch most of the flies among trap designs, but showed some advantages, including the durability and potential to recycle the plastic, small size, commercial availability and its greater selectivity for D. suzukii than the other traps tested.


ABSTRACT As the graduate recruitment market becomes increasingly competitive, gaining insight into the types of activity valued by students and employers to enhance employability is crucial to shape the employability agenda. This article reports on the findings of an innovative empirical study, designed to answer the research question, "What are the perceptions of alumni and employers of the impact of clinical legal education (CLE) on employability?". This research makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge and academic practice from its novel conclusions and through capturing and articulating stakeholder voices that are underrepresented in the literature, namely alumni from less privileged backgrounds studying at a post-1992 university and employers who recruit and employ graduates with CLE experiences. From analysis of 22 semi-structured interviews, the data revealed that the alumni lacked confidence prior to engaging with CLE and evidenced for the first time that CLE enhanced employability by increasing confidence and inculcating a professional identity. This article makes recommendations and reveals a bespoke employability model to be used with CLE students to instruct them on the impact of CLE on employability. The model can be used to enrich the student experience through clear signposting of the benefits and purpose of CLE from an employability perspective.


Objective: To detect the variability in the expression of cell cycle genes such as Cyclin D1,CDK4 p21,p27 and p57 associated with cytotoxicity of Human epidermoid carcinoma cells using qPCR. Methods: The synthesis silver nanoparticles and chitosan coated silver nanoparticles was done by chemical reduction method using polyvinyalpyrolidone (PVP) as surfactant and glucose as reducing agent. The cell proliferation assay was performed using MTS assay. Gene expression analysis was performed using Eppendorf Realplex 2 PCR systems. Results: The lowest concentration of 1mg of Chitosan-AgNPs with 25μg/ml concentration showed 35% reduction in the A431 cell line growth. Significantly increased expression of p21, p27, p57, CCND1 and CD4 gene was observed among 1mg of Chitosan-AgNPs with 25μg/ml concentrations indicating potential apoptotic activity at the lowest concentration of Chitosan-AgNPs on A431 cells. Conclusions: The effect of AgNPs inducing apoptosis/growth arrest at low concentrations (1mg-25μg/ml) has been more effective while coating the nanoparticle with chitosan. The potential apoptotic properties of Chitosan-AgNPs are evident by the significant up regulation of the cell cycle genes when treated with low concentration of Chitosan-AgNPs.


Little is known about the presence of trophic factors in the hypothalamus and the role they may play in regulating the functional development of hypothalamic neurons. We have investigated the ability of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) to affect the release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), the neuropeptide that controls reproductive development. We have also determined whether the genes encoding EGF and TGF-alpha are expressed in the prepubertal female hypothalamus. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA utilizing a single-stranded EGF cDNA probe failed to reveal the presence of EGF mRNA in either the hypothalamus or the cerebral cortex at any age studied (fetal day 18 to postnatal day 36). In contrast, both a complementary RNA probe and a double-stranded TGF-alpha cDNA recognized in these regions a 4.5-kilobase (kb) mRNA species identical to TGF-alpha mRNA. The abundance of TGF-alpha mRNA was 3-4 times greater in the hypothalamus than in the cerebral cortex. Both EGF and TGF-alpha (2-100 ng/ml) elicited a dose-related increase in LHRH release from the median eminence of juvenile rats in vitro. They also enhanced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. The transforming growth factors TGF-beta 1 and -beta 2 were ineffective. Only a high dose of basic fibroblast growth factor was able to increase LHRH and PGE2 release. Blockade of the EGF receptor transduction mechanism with RG 50864, a selective inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity, prevented the effect of both EGF and TGF-alpha on LHRH and PGE2 release but failed to inhibit the stimulatory effect of PGE2 on LHRH release. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis abolished the effect of TGF-alpha on LHRH, indicating that PGE2 mediates TGF-alpha-induced LHRH release. The results indicate that the effect of EGF and TGF-alpha on LHRH release is mediated by the EGF/TGF-alpha receptor and suggest that TGF-alpha rather than EGF may be the physiological ligand for this interaction. Since in the central nervous system most EGF/TGF-alpha receptors are located on glial cells, the results also raise the possibility that--at the median eminence--TGF-alpha action may involve a glial-neuronal interaction, a mechanism by which the trophic factor first stimulates PGE2 release from glial cells, and then PGE2 elicits LHRH from the neuronal terminals.


In 7 dogs renal arterial embolization was performed using the Seldinger technique and an inflatable Swan Ganz balloon catheter. Methyl methacrylate and butyl-2-cyanoacrylate were injected. 6 months later, the tissue concentration of Cefazolin was measured in the embolized and contralateral kidneys and in serum 2 h after a short infusion of 1 h Cefazolin. The concentrations in serum and homogenized kidney tissue were determined by means of the agar gel diffusion method. Angiography showed no vessels in the embolized kidneys. Histologically there was total atrophy of the tissue, especially of the tubular system. The mean tissue level of Cefazolin in the embolized kidney was 70% of serum. The tissue concentration was always above 10 micrograms/g. This concentration is high enough to inhibit nearly all strains of E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella and a large part of Proteus mirabilis, whereas nearly all gram-positive bacteria are inhibited at a lower concentration. The value and necessity of antibiotic therapy in embolized kidney cancer is discussed.


Schempp, McCullick and Mason (2006) suggested gaining hands-on experience is the key element of coach development and the process of becoming a professional expert in the field. Cushion, Armour, and Jones (2003) also recommend the opportunity to observe more experienced coaches as a key experience in novice coach's development. At the collegiate level in the U.S., a model similar to scholastic teacher training is the foundation for academic-based coaching education programs that seek to combine classroom-based education with experiential learning. In these programs student coaches are generally required to participate in field internship experiences in order to develop a strong art- and science-based approach to coaching. This internship experience is one of great importance, especially since expert coaches have identified having a quality mentor relationship early in their career as essential to their development as a coach (Nash & Sproule, 2009).


Tropical island ecosystems appear to be especially vulnerable to invasive species as indicated by the often high numbers and percentages of exotic species on oceanic and continental islands. Here I reexamine hypotheses offered to account for the apparently high invasibility of tropical islands and suggest a simple synthesis based on resource availability, propagule supply, and relative competitive abilities of exotic and island species. This review suggests that fundamentally two interacting processes-high net resource availability and poor ability of native species to preempt those resources-make island communities vulnerable to the establishment and spread of alien species. In addition, historically high rates of introduction have provided opportunity in the form of a diverse and abundant propagule rain of exotic species. The combination produces a scenario that is not an optimistic one for island ecosystems. It suggests that these native ecosystems on islands are particularly vulnerable to naturalizing exotics growing on their borders, and that while disturbance from a variety of causes, including pigs, fire, grazing, and natural dieback of the canopy dominants, increases the opportunities for exotic incursions, even intact forests are not immune. Unless these forests are aggressively managed and alien propagule pressure reduced, they will be highly modified by expanding exotic plant populations. Tropical islands are an effective early warning system of the impacts that successive waves of exotic species invasions may cause to isolated ecosystems. As mainland natural areas become fragmented, degraded and depauperate, they acquire many of the ecological attributes of islands, including limited habitat area, missing functional groups, declining species diversity, and disturbed habitats. A better understanding of invasions on islands may improve our attempts to protect both mainland and island ecosystems from the impacts of exotic species.


Background Patients (pts) with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have fears related to their disease that can negatively impact health-related quality of life and compromise treatment adherence. Objectives To develop and validate a patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire to explore fears related to CIRDs using the Fears Assessment in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (FAIR) Scale. Methods The preliminary questionnaire included 44 items (23 related to fears) most frequently cited by pts in a qualitative study of 50 French pts.1 Each item was formulated as an affirmative sentence and scored from 0 (completely disagree) to 10 (totally agree). Item scores were summed to provide a total score. The questionnaire was finalised and validated. Pts diagnosed with RA (EULAR/ACR criteria) or axSpA (ASAS criteria), recruited during routine visits by 100 participating rheumatologists across France, completed the preliminary questionnaire, HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression) and AHI (Arthritis Helplessness Index) scores. Redundant items (inter-item correlation coefficient >0.65) were eliminated. For the others, internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and the factorial structure of the scale (principal component analysis) were assessed. Pts were classified according to their level of fears (cluster analysis) and corresponding score thresholds were determined (ROC analysis). The final questionnaire was independently translated into English and back into French twice, with reconciliation of the translated texts. Results 672 pts were included: 432 RA pts (mean±SD disease duration was 13.1±11.4 years, DAS28[ESR] was 2.6±1.2, 77.3% were taking biologics) and 240 axSpA pts (disease duration was 13.8±10.6 years, BASDAI was 3.3±2.2, 72.7% were taking biologics). The final FAIR Scale included 10 questions (Table) with total scores ranging 0–100. Mean±SD scores were 51.2±25.4 in RA and 60.5±22.9 in axSpA. Three pt groups were identified, characterised by high, moderate and low level of fears (17.2%, 41.1% and 41.7% of the population, respectively). The corresponding thresholds of the total score were 77 and 51, respectively. Fear scores were correlated with HAD scores for anxiety (r=0.47) and depression (r=0.40) and with the AHI (r=0.50). Conclusions The FAIR Scale is a 10-question PRO to evaluate disease-related fears in CIRD pts. In this pt population, 17.2% had high fear scores, contrasting with a disease that is often well-controlled. The FAIR Scale was associated with psychological distress. This psychometrically-validated and easy to use questionnaire could be used to improve pt-physician dialogue in CIRDs and also be of value in clinical studies. Further validation in other populations is needed. References Berenbaum F. PloS One 2014; 9(12):e114350. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge Costello Medical Consulting, funded by UCB Pharma, for editorial assistance. This study was funded by UCB Pharma and Arthritis Foundation Olivier Courtin. Disclosure of Interest L. Gossec Grant/research support from: UCB Pharma, Lilly, Consultant for: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, UCB, P. Chauvin: None declared, C. Hudry: None declared, G. Cukierman Employee of: UCB Pharma, V. Saulot: None declared, F. Russo-Marie: None declared, T. de Chalus Employee of: UCB Pharma, J. M. Joubert Employee of: UCB Pharma, A. Saraux Consultant for: UCB Pharma, F. Berenbaum: None declared


We implement and evaluate a recently introduced method to compute uniform interpolants for ontologies specified in the description logic ALC. The aim of uniform interpolation is to reformulate an ontology such that it only uses a specified set of symbols, while preserving consequences that involve these symbols. Uniform interpolation is useful to applications in ontology engineering and modular ontologies. It is known that uniform interpolants of ontologies in ALC cannot always be presented in a finite way, and that their size can in the worst case be triple exponential in the size of the original ontology. These properties leave the question on how practical computing uniform interpolants is. The aim of this paper is to approach this question by implementing our recently presented method that always computes a finite representation of the uniform interpolant – either by using fixpoint logics or by extending the signature – and by undertaking an experimental evaluation of the method on a larger set of real-life ontologies.


Flexible flatfoot in children has been thought to be either an anatomic variant related to ligamentous laxity or a precursor to a painful problem with the foot in adulthood that should be vigorously treated during early childhood. Children (N = 129) ages 1 to 6 years who had flexible flat feet in this study were assigned prospectively to treatment with corrective shoes, heel-cups, or a "custom-molded plastic insert," or were assigned as controls. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination (heel valgus, poor arch formation) and radiographic criteria. The children were followed for an average of 3 years; mean age upon entry into the study was approximately 2 years.


A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the physical activity levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) at Cheras Health Clinic in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 132 subjects (62 men and 70 women) aged 30 years and above participated in this study. Data was collected using an interview based questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic and health profile information. Physical activity was assessed using a shortened version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric measurements and body fat were also taken. Glycaemic status, that is, HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2 hours post-prandial (2-HPP) were obtained from medical records. Results showed that the mean age of the patients was 51.9 + 5.8 years. The majority of patients had poor glycaemic control based on HbA1c (70.7%), FBS (71.9%) and 2HPP (85.4%). Patients who were unmarried and aged(60 years and above had a lower physical activity level (p< 0.05). In the older age group, low physical activity was associated with poor glycaemic control (p< 0.05). Patients in the moderate and high physical activity level were motivated to perform physical activity so as to be healthy (68.1%). Low physical activity level among patients was due to lack of time (54.5%) and lack of energy (21.2%). In conclusion, physical activity levels of the patients were unsatisfactory and associated with poor glycaemic control, especially in the elderly. There is a need to encourage diabetic patients to undertake regular physical activity in order to achieve optimal glycaemic control.


Experimental animal models of the two forms of toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reviewed: a murine model of staphylococcal-induced epidermolysis and a hamster model of graft-versus-host disease. In the former, a protein exotoxin, epidermolysin, has been purified and characterized. The exotoxin has a molecular weight of approximately 30,000 and causes a split beneath the granular layer. It is effective at 3 times 10(-12) moles. Epidermolysin does not require an intact complement system for its action since B10D2 mice deficient in C5 or mice injected with the decomplementing agent in cobra venom factor were susceptible to its epidermolytic effects. Neither are immunocompetent thymocytes required for the action of the toxin since hairless, athymic adult (nu/nu) mice are susceptible. A few reports of epidermolysis due to an exotoxin of group I Staphylococcus aureus have appeared. This toxin is antigenically different from the exotoxin of group II organisms. A model of drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis has been described in hamsters, but the toxic principle released from sensitized lymphoid cells has not yet been characterized.


Students returning to school to earn advanced degrees frequently experience difficulty accessing and retrieving information necessary to complete assignments. The authors describe the need, the development process, and the outcome of the partnership between nursing faculty and librarians to provide a customized library tutorial for online registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing students.


Abstract Teachers have reported that students enjoy growing plants but that logistical constraints such as limited space and inadequate lighting make it difficult to incorporate living plants into their classrooms. We present a method that takes familiar materials from the students' world — trading-card holders — and uses them to make interactive, cost-effective "plant pouches" that can function as living microscope slides. Students grow plants in card holders and are able to observe both the roots and shoots for several weeks, including making observations with a compound or dissecting microscope. The plant pouches require minimal space or resources, and the system is flexible enough to accommodate different types of plants and is amenable to experimentation.


In the project IoT for Supervision and Control of Water Systems (IoT.H2O) the potential of the Internet of Things concept for operating pump systems is investigated. As a result of the project, a pump test rig which can be controlled by an open source IoT platform was developed. Because of COVID 19 students are currently not able to access the test rig in their laboratory class. In the paper, a virtual pump test rig is presented. The model of the test rig is based on the physical IoT pump test rig and consists of models for pump, control valve, piping system and electric motor. By modeling the electric motor, the operating behavior of the pump becomes much more realistic since effects of inertia can be included. The communication of the IoT platform with the model is based on the MQTT protocol and is identical to the real rig. The test rig can be operated with any web browser through a dashboard. On the dashboard, the operating frequency of the electric motor, the control valve position, the static head of the system and the tank pressure before the pump can be set with predefined control widgets which are already available in the IoT platform. Also, through buttons, measurements of speed, static pressure and torque are possible. The data can be downloaded after the measurements are taken.
 In different assignments, the students, can measure the head and efficiency curves and system curves and compare speed control and throttle control. Also, different types of pumps can be assessed easily by exchanging the pump curves in the model.
 A big advantage of the virtual lab tests is that the students can run the tests by themselves and obtain their own data. Before, the tests were only run in groups because of time constraints. Based on the laboratory class, they are able to assess the behavior of pumps in systems and to design pump systems efficiently. Also, they are introduced to the concept of IoT.


Perceptual image hashing methods are often applied in various objectives, such as image retrieval, finding duplicate or near-duplicate images, and finding similar images from large-scale image content. The main challenge in image hashing techniques is robust feature extraction, which generates the same or similar hashes in images that are visually identical. In this article, we present a short review of the state-of-the-art traditional perceptual hashing and deep learning-based perceptual hashing methods, identifying the best approaches.


In low-income countries, rapid urbanization adds pressure to already stressed water and sanitation systems that are critical to the health of communities. Drainage networks, designed for stormwater but commonly used for disposing of waste, are rarely covered completely, allowing residents to easily come into contact with their contents. This study used spatial mapping, documentation of physical drain characteristics, microbiological analysis of drain samples, and behavioral observation to comprehensively examine drains as a route of exposure to fecal contamination in four low-income neighborhoods in Accra, Ghana. A stochastic model of six likely exposure scenarios was constructed to estimate children's exposure to drain water. Regardless of the age of the child, any exposure scenario considered resulted in exposure to a high level of fecal contamination. Fecal contamination levels in drains were high (Escherichia coli: geometric mean (GM), 8.60 cfu log(10)/100 mL; coliphage: GM, 5.56 pfu log(10)/100 mL), and did not differ by neighborhood or physical drain characteristics, indicating that frequency of contact with drains, and not drain type or location, drives exposure risk. To mitigate health risks associated with this exposure, drains should be covered, with priority given to large concrete and small to medium dirt-lined drains that children were most commonly observed entering.


Write caches using fast, non-volatile storage are now widely used in modern storage controllers since they enable hiding latency on writes. Effective algorithms for write cache management are extremely important since (i) in RAID-5, due to read-modify-write and parity updates, each write may cause up to four separate disk seeks while a read miss causes only a single disk seek; and (ii) typically, write cache size is much smaller than the read cache size - a proportion of 1 : 16 is typical.
 A write caching policy must decide: what data to destage. On one hand, to exploit temporal locality, we would like to destage data that is least likely to be re-written soon with the goal of minimizing the total number of destages. This is normally achieved using a caching algorithm such as LRW (least recently written). However, a read cache has a very small uniform cost of replacing any data in the cache, whereas the cost of destaging depends on the state of the disk heads. Hence, on the other hand, to exploit spatial locality, we would like to destage writes so as to minimize the average cost of each destage. This can be achieved by using a disk scheduling algorithm such as CSCAN, that destages data in the ascending order of the logical addresses, at the higher level of the write cache in a storage controller. Observe that LRW and CSCAN focus, respectively, on exploiting either temporal or spatial locality, but not both simultaneously. We propose a new algorithm, namely, Wise Ordering for Writes (WOW), for write cache management that effectively combines and balances temporal and spatial locality.
 Our experimental set-up consisted of an IBM xSeries 345 dual processor server running Linux that is driving a (software) RAID-5 or RAID-10 array using a workload akin to Storage Performance Council's widely adopted SPC-1 benchmark. In a cache-sensitive configuration on RAID-5, WOW delivers peak throughput that is 129% higher than CSCAN and 9% higher than LRW. In a cache-insensitive configuration on RAID-5, WOW and CSCAN deliver peak throughput that is 50% higher than LRW. For a random write workload with nearly 100% misses, on RAID-10, with a cache size of 64K, 4KB pages (256MB), WOW and CSCAN deliver peak throughput that is 200% higher than LRW. In summary, WOW has better or comparable peak throughput to the best of CSCAN and LRW across a wide gamut of write cache sizes and workload configurations. In addition, even at lower throughputs, WOW has lower average response times than CSCAN and LRW.


— Combinatorial optimization happens when there are two or more objectives to be optimized in solving a problem. The DNA words or oligonucleotides designing are one of a multiobjective combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, the designations implied minimizations of H-measure, similarity, hairpin and continuity functions subjected to a predefine range of melting temperature and GC-content. A novel multi-swarm optimization approach is introduced to design a library of DNA strands. This approach is called vector evaluated differential evolution particle swarm optimization (VEDEPSO). The results obtained from the VEDEPSO algorithm is evaluated using Pareto dominance technique. A list of selected non-dominated solutions is shown as the final results from the research.