Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) and blackeye cowpea mosaic potyvirus (BlCMV) interact synergistically in dually infected plants to cause cowpea stunt disease (1,2). During a July 1996 survey of cowpea stunt-affected fields in the Arkansas River valley, several wild bean (Strophostyles helvola L. Elliott) plants expressing mosaic symptoms were observed and collected. Sap was extracted from symptomatic leaves and used as inoculum to conduct a host range study. Virus symptoms diagnostic for BlCMV, CMV, or cowpea stunt were observed 6 to 8 days post-inoculation on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata cv. Coronet, while chlorotic lesions and mild systemic mosaic symptoms developed on Nicotiana benthamiana. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) conducted on extracts from symptomatic cowpea and N. benthamiana 14 days after inoculation verified the presence of CMV and BlCMV in single and mixed infections. Additional symptomatic wild bean plants were collected from the same site in October 1996. ELISAs and Ouchterlony gel diffusion assays confirmed the presence of CMV and BlCMV, as well as soybean mosaic potyvirus (SMV), cowpea chlorotic mottle bromovirus, and alfalfa mosaic virus (AlMV) in symptomatic wild bean plants. While some of the collected plants were infected with only one virus, others had combined infections of CMV and BlCMV or these two viruses with AlMV. Interestingly, AlMV isolated from wild bean caused symptoms on greenhouse-grown cowpeas that were as severe or more severe than those caused by the cowpea stunt synergy, often resulting in plant death within 8 to 10 days after inoculation. The SMV from wild bean did not induce symptoms on cowpea and was not detected in extracts from inoculated cowpea plants by Ouchterlony gel diffusion assays, but was able to systemically infect soybean (Glycine max L.) cvs. Bragg and Lee. Another virus known to infect cowpea, southern bean mosaic sobemovirus, was not detected in any of the samples tested. To our knowledge, this is the first report that wild bean can serve as an alternate host for cowpea stunt-causing viruses in single and mixed infections. In addition, these data suggest that AlMV may pose a threat to Arkansas-grown cowpeas. References: (1) E. J. Anderson et al. Ark. Farm Res. 43:14, 1994. (2) G. Pio-Ribeiro et al. Phytopathology 68:1260, 1978.


This paper investigates the power minimization problem for the user terminals by application offloading in multi-cell multi-user OFDMA mobile cloud computing networks where some practical constraints such as backhaul capacity limitation, interference level on each channel and maximum tolerable delay as user's quality of service is taken into account. Furthermore, the mixed integer nonlinear problem is converted into a convex form using D.C. approximation. Moreover, to solve the optimization problem, we have proposed joint power allocation and decision making (J-PAD) algorithm which can make offloading decision and allocate power at the same time. Simulation results illustrate that by utilizing the J-PAD algorithm, in comparison with baselines, considerable power saving could be achieved e.g. about 30% for delays more than 100 ms.


The Federal Communications Commission has recently proposed a wide assortment of regulations for both wireline and wireless providers that may affect the investment decisions of firms. A number of recent studies conclude that employment, both in and outside the communications industry, is highly responsive to capital expenditures by communications firms. Consequently, it is argued that, depending on the response of firms to regulatory interventions, public policy may have significant positive – or negative – employment effects. In this BULLETIN, we present a new approach to measuring employment effects by estimating an "employment multiplier" using advanced time-series econometrics. Statistical testing indicates a causal relationship between capital expenditures and jobs in the Information sector. A 10% negative shock to expenditures in the Information sector results in an average loss of about 130,000 information-sector jobs per year in the ensuing five years. Including indirect jobs, these job losses could be as high as 327,600 jobs. Our econometrically estimated employment effects are 40% greater than many earlier studies on this topic. The estimated employment multiplier is 10 Information sector jobs for each million in expenditure, and perhaps 24 jobs per-million across the entire economy. Lost earnings over a five-year period are estimated to be $100 billion. Moreover, we demonstrate that communications jobs are not typical jobs – these jobs (i) have median earnings 45% higher than the typical private-sector job; (ii) have proven relatively resilient to recessionary forces; and (iii) have a union membership rate over twice the national average, a statistic some policymakers will consider significant when evaluating regulatory policies that threaten investment incentives.


We report here the discovery of a fancy interaction between cesium iodide (CsI) and methylamine (CH3NH2) due to the presence of the hydrogen bond. The formed CsI·xCH3NH2 is a liquid phase, which facilitates the large scale fabrication of highly uniform cesium-containing perovskite films with strong (110) preferred orientation by the CH3NH2 gas healing process. With this method, at most 10% nonpolar Cs cations could fully dope into the crystal lattice and extremely enhance the interaction of the inorganic framework with a more symmetrical PbI6 octahedron, resulting in obvious improvement in moisture stability under continuous illumination.


ABSTRACT Objectives To examine post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and well-being in older adults under quarantine. Methods A systematic review of CINAHL, Ovid EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 was conducted. Keywords included coronavirus, epidemic, quarantine, stress, mental health, and similar terms. Included studies enrolled participants under quarantine, quantitatively measured mental health or well-being, and characterized outcomes by age. Results Of 894 initial results, 20 studies met the criteria and were included. Studies comprise 106,553 participants from eight countries, ages 6–100, two epidemics (COVID-19, SARS), and 27 assessment tools. One study found greater distress in older adults relative to younger adults, one found no significant differences, and 18 found lower negative outcomes in older participants in at least one metric. Conclusions Older adults in this review generally have lower stress and less negative emotions under quarantine than younger adults. It is unknown how this compares to pre-pandemic measures. More representative and longitudinal studies are needed to measure the impact of quarantine on the mental health of older adults. Clinical implications As existing scales may not capture the full extent of pandemic psychological effects on older adults, clinicians must vigilantly monitor older adults' mental health.


An EF 3 tornado created a 63‐km path through urban and forested areas of western Massachusetts, U.S.A., on 1 June 2011. We collected ash, birch, maple, oak and pine logs from the tornado blowdown, once per year, over a 3‐year period and split these into firewood sized pieces. Firewood was then placed into rearing barrels and insects were collected for 1 year. An estimated 38 121 beetles from 42 species of Buprestidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae: Scolytinae were reared from firewood over the 3‐year period. The most abundant species collected included Hylesinus aculeatus Say (85% of total), Xyleborinus attenuatus (Blandford) (3.9%) and Monarthrum mali (Fitch) (3.6%). The largest abundance of insects was found from ash in 2012 and 2014, and from maple in 2013. Species richness was highest in oak in 2012 and 2013, and in birch and pine in 2014. Four species of exotic xyleborines [Cyclorhipidion pelliculosum (Eichhoff), X. attenuatus, Xyleborinus saxesenii and Xylosandrus germanus (Bladford)] were reared out of every firewood genus and accounted for a large proportion of the Scolytinae captured. Potential new host associations include the Cerambycidae Astylopsis macula (Say) in red pine, the Scolytinae Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch) in hardwoods, and M. mali, X. attenuatus and X. saxesenii in ash. Firewood harvested from a large scale disturbance in northeastern hardwood forests produced large numbers of insects, even 3 years after the disturbance.


Adequate control of post-operative pain is very essential to reduce discomfort and early recovery after surgery. Role of adjuvant drugs along with conventional analgesic drugs have gained popularity in recent years, out of which MgSO4 is one of them. Objectives: To compare mean duration of postoperative analgesia between perioperative infusion of magnesium sulfate versus placebo in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Nishtar Medical University/Hospital Multan. Period: March-2018 to Dec-2018. Material and Methods: A total number of 100 patients admitted for upper abdominal surgery in the Department of Surgery, Nishtar Hospital Multan were included in this analysis. Group A received 50 mg/kg i/v of MgSO4 in 0.9% N/S at induction and 15 mg/kg MgS04 per hour, 6 hours postoperatively. While group B received 100 ml of 0.9% N/S at induction and 500 ml of 0.9% N/S 6 hours postoperatively. Post-op pain score was noted at 01 and 06 hours after surgery. Time for requirement of first rescue analgesia was also noted. Results: Mean post-op pain (VAS score) after 01 hour of surgery was 2.7+0.43 in MgSO4 group versus 4.1+0.82 in control group (p-value <0.001). VAS score after 06 hours was 1.9+0.31 in MgSO4 group versus 2.3+0.63 in control (p-value <0.001). Time of first rescue analgesia was prolonged in MgSO4 group; 105.9+12.7 minutes versus 67.8+15.3 minutes in control group with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate increases the duration of postoperative analgesia and can be used as an adjunct since this molecule is inexpensive, relatively harmless, and the biological basis for its potential anti-nociceptive effect is promising.


A novel adaptive inverse control (AIC) scheme is presented to facilitate on-line controller design of unknown nonlinear dynamic systems. The scheme is based on a control oriented model known as the U-model. The use of U-model alleviates the computational complexity of on-line nonlinear controller design that arises when using other modelling frame works such as NARMAX model. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is illustrated by utilizing a laboratory scale nonlinear heating process as a test system.


Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is one of the efficient machine learning techniques, which has been successfully employed in wide variety of applications. The performance of ANFIS depends on the selection of the number and shape of membership functions as these two factors influence the most on computational complexity and accuracy of the designed ANFIS-based model. Mostly, an expert knowledge is required in this regard. However, there is an immense need of an investigative study for helping researchers make better decision on the number and shape of membership functions for thier ANFIS models. Hence, this study examines the role of four popular shapes of membership functions on the performance of ANFIS while solving various classification problems. According to experiments, Gaussian membership function demonstrated higher degree of accuracy with lesser computational complexity as compared to the counterparts.


Within the context of the research project 'HIER! Production in Air-Conditioned Facilities', financed by the Hessian Ministry of the Environment, Power, Agriculture, and Consumer Rights (HMUELV), the Department for Sustainable Products and Processes at the University of Kassel is developing simulation modules for the energetic evaluation of production systems. For this purpose, the development of a node model facilitates research into the thermal properties of machines and products. With a focus on energy storage, the study demonstrates a variety of applications for this model, using the example of a cold-storage facility and a plastics processing plant for the reduction of the primary energy requirement from the process to the factory.


The temporal dynamics and effects of burning, mowing, and N fertilization on microbial biomass (MBM) in tallgrass prairie were studied in a field experiment established in 1986. Microbial C (MC) and microbial N (MN), determined by the fumigation-incubation procedure during the growing seasons of 1989 through 1991, averaged 217 mg C kg and 32.6 mg N kg, respectively, for the 0to 30-cm depth. Accumulation of litter and greater production of roots near the surface resulted in stratification of MBM. Seasonally, MBM was higher in early spring, decreased with the initiation of plant growth, and then recovered by late summer or early fall. Decreases of MN between March and July coincided with plant N uptake. The increase of MC and decrease of MN during the 3 yr of the study were related to increased plant production. Burning had a short-term and variable effect on MC. Burning tended to reduce MC during dry years and increase it in normal to wet years. Mowing and raking decreased MC and MN, probably because of reduced root biomass and removal of standing vegetation. Nitrogen addition resulted in higher MN and tended to reduce MC, possibly by modifying the composition of the microbial population. Microbial biomass seems to play a critical role in conserving N in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. View complete article To view this complete article, insert Disc 5 then click button8


Abstract The threat of herbicide-resistant weed species, such as Palmer amaranth, has driven the development of robust weed management programs that rely on more than chemicals for weed control. Previous research has shown that zero-tolerance weed thresholds, cover crops, deep tillage, and diverse herbicide programs are effective strategies for controlling Palmer amaranth. Unfortunately, research investigating the integration of all four of these weed management strategies in a system is lacking. To better leverage these integrated weed management strategies in cotton production systems, a long-term study was initiated in fall 2018 near Marianna, AR, with zero tolerance, deep tillage, a cereal rye cover crop, and either a dicamba or non-dicamba in-crop herbicide program as factors. Results found that total Palmer amaranth emergence was reduced 76% as the result of deep tillage in 2019 and, in the absence of a zero-tolerance strategy, 73% in 2020. In the absence of a zero-tolerance strategy, the combination of a non–cover crop strategy and dicamba herbicide program decreased total Palmer amaranth emergence by 73%, while the combination of a cover crop strategy and dicamba herbicide program decreased total Palmer amaranth emergence by 78% compared to the combination of a cover crop and non-dicamba herbicide program. Under a zero-tolerance strategy in 2019, tillage reduced cotton yield by 12% and partial returns by US$370 ha-1. In 2020, tillage reduced cotton yield by 14% and partial returns of US$371 ha-1 under a non-zero-tolerance strategy, while a 12% yield reduction and a US$260 ha-1 decrease in partial returns were observed under a zero-tolerance strategy. In 2019, the non-dicamba program resulted in greater partial returns than the dicamba in-crop program because of greater yield and lower program costs. However, in 2020, partial returns were greater for the dicamba in-crop herbicide program owing to greater yields achieved by this program. Nomenclature: dicamba; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.


CONTEXT
Pancreas divisum is a congenital anomaly in which the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts do not communicate.

CASE REPORT
Autopsy case of pancreas divisum with a history of heavy consumption of alcohol was presented. Pancreatography via the major duodenal papilla showed a short ventral pancreatic duct of 1 cm in length, and hypoplasia of the ventral pancreas was suspected. As large cysts were confined to the dorsal pancreas, isolated dorsal pancreatitis was also suspected. At autopsy, extensive fibrosis was detected in both the ventral and dorsal pancreas. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that PP-rich islets were scattered in the fibrotic area between the ventral pancreatic parenchyma and the neck of the pancreas, suggesting that this fibrotic area originated from the ventral pancreas. These facts suggest that the short ventral pancreatic duct was not induced by hypoplasia of the ventral pancreas but was shortened secondarily by the alcohol-induced fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS
In pancreas divisum, a short ventral pancreatic duct resulting from secondary factors may be confused with that originating from hypoplasia of the ventral pancreas.


Depredation of artificial ground nests was examined in tropical savanna in northern Australia to assess potential predation pressures on nests of the partridge pigeon (Geophaps smithii), a declining tropical granivore. Predation rates were examined at two sites, Kakadu National Park (which supported a relatively high density of partridge pigeons) and Berry Springs (which had greater habitat fragmentation and comparatively low partridge pigeon density). The effects of distance from road, understorey structure, topography and nest-microsite concealment on nest predation rates were examined. Artificial-nest predation rates were greater at 150 m from roads than <1 m from the roadside. Predation rates did not vary with understorey structure, topography, or level of nest concealment. There was marked variation between sites, with predation levels at Kakadu more than double those recorded for Berry Springs. Discerning predator identity, or even the size of a predator, from marks left in clay eggs proved difficult and was possible for ~35% of predation events. Of these, 42% of predation events involved predators of a size we considered too small to take a natural partridge pigeon nest. We suggest that extrapolation from artificial to natural ground-nest predation rates be undertaken with caution for landscapes such as Australia's tropical savanna, which supports a high diversity and abundance of small potential predators of artificial nests. There was no evidence of predation by birds, and the methodology proved inadequate for identifying predation by feral cats (Felis catus).


Background Community-based health interventions are increasingly viewed as models of care that can bridge healthcare gaps experienced by underserved communities in the United States (US). With this study, we sought to assess the impact of such interventions, as implemented through the US HealthRise program, on hypertension and diabetes among underserved communities in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Rice Counties, Minnesota. Methods and findings HealthRise patient data from June 2016 to October 2018 were assessed relative to comparison patients in a difference-in-difference analysis, quantifying program impact on reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hemoglobin A1c, as well as meeting clinical targets (< 140 mmHg for hypertension, < 8% Al1c for diabetes), beyond routine care. For hypertension, HealthRise participation was associated with SBP reductions in Rice (6.9 mmHg [95% confidence interval: 0.9-12.9]) and higher clinical target achievement in Hennepin (27.3 percentage-points [9.8-44.9]) and Rice (17.1 percentage-points [0.9 to 33.3]). For diabetes, HealthRise was associated with A1c decreases in Ramsey (1.3 [0.4-2.2]). Qualitative data showed the value of home visits alongside clinic-based services; however, challenges remained, including community health worker retention and program sustainability. Conclusions HealthRise participation had positive effects on improving hypertension and diabetes outcomes at some sites. While community-based health programs can help bridge healthcare gaps, they alone cannot fully address structural inequalities experienced by many underserved communities.


Developing and integrating advanced image sensors with novel algorithms in camera systems is prevalent with the increasing demand for computational photography and imaging on mobile platforms. However, the lack of high-quality data for research and the rare opportunity for in-depth exchange of views from industry and academia constrain the development of mobile intelligent photography and imaging (MIPI). To bridge the gap, we introduce the first MIPI challenge including five tracks focusing on novel image sensors and imaging algorithms. In this paper, RGB+ToF Depth Completion, one of the five tracks, working on the fusion of RGB sensor and ToF sensor (with spot illumination) is introduced. The participants were provided with a new dataset called TetrasRGBD, which contains 18k pairs of high-quality synthetic RGB+Depth training data and 2.3k pairs of testing data from mixed sources. All the data are collected in an indoor scenario. We require that the running time of all methods should be real-time on desktop GPUs. The final results are evaluated using objective metrics and Mean Opinion Score (MOS) subjectively. A detailed description of all models developed in this challenge is provided in this paper. More details of this challenge and the link to the dataset can be found at https://github.com/mipi-challenge/MIPI2022.


The nature of water in hydrous silica has been investigated by measuring the hydrogen isotopic composition of successive increments of water evolved under vacuum during
heating of the silica to 1000°C. Water increments evolved from Monterey diatomite are progressively enriched in deuterium up to 87°C, behaving isotopically like free, structurally nonessential water subjected to distillation. Between 87° and 218°C successive water increments have constant δD values, suggesting a bound water component. Above 218°C water with relatively lower δD values is outgassed, and this water is interpreted as hydroxyl.
Isotope exchange experiments at 25°C and 100°C in which the silica is exposed to D enriched water and analyzed as above suggest at least 5 types of water in Monterey diatomite. (1) At least 2 wt.% water occurs as adsorbed or mechanically trapped H_2O which cannot be completely pumped away at 25°C and exchanges readily with D-enriched water. (2) Approximately 3.6 wt.% occurs as H_2O in sites protected from interaction with external water at 23°C, but exchanges isotopically at 100°C. (3) Approximately 0.2 wt.%
occurs as surface hydroxyls which exchange at 23°C. (4) Approximately 1.3 wt.% occurs as nonsurface hydroxyls which exchange at l00°C. (5) Approximately 0.9 wt.% water exists
as nonsurface hydroxyls which exchange slowly, if at all, with waters external to the silica. The nonessential and easily exchangeable water fraction of diatomite cannot be readily separated from other water in the silica. However, water evolved above 700°C may be derived from hydroxyl groups which have preserved a geologically useful isotopic record. Applications of this analytical procedure to other hydrous minerals may help to refine the stoichiometry of various water components in these minerals.


. To answer the need for an efficient and robust geothermal simulation tool going beyond existing code capabilities in terms of geological and physical complexity, we have started to develop a parallel geothermal simulator based on unstructured meshes. The model takes into account complex geology including fault and fracture networks acting as major heat and mass transfer corridors and complex physics coupling the mass and energy conservations to the thermodynamic equilibrium between the gas and liquid phases. The objective of this Cemracs project was to focus on well modeling which is a key missing ingredient in our current simulator in order to perform realistic geothermal studies both in terms of monitoring and in terms of history matching. The well is discretized by a set of edges of the mesh in order to represent efficiently slanted or multi-branch wells on unstructured meshes. The connection with the 3D matrix and the 2D fracture network at each node of the well is accounted for using Peaceman's approach. The non-isothermal flow model inside the well is based on the usual single unknown approach assuming the hydrostatic and thermodynamical equilibrium inside the well. The parallelization of the well model is implemented in such a way that the assembly of the Jacobian at each Newton step and the computation of the pressure drops inside the well can be done locally on each process without MPI communications.


Synthesis and integration of macroscopic and microscopic findings on the pathogenesis of breast cancer and metastasis with recent cellular and molecular research on these topics provides a modern re-evaluation of the disease, which is relevant to clinical efforts and further research. At a microscopic level, tumors are not merely aggregates of malignant cells but are maladjusted living entities, which recruit host stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, etc. with which they intermingle and interact. The result is the formation of an expanding, distorted but recognizable caricature of the histology of the organ from which they are derived, which destroys adjacent normal tissue. The acquisition of metastatic capability endows the tumor with unique powers to parasitize other organs of the living host, with which it shares near complete genetic identity. This exceptional situation renders the parasitic cells almost invisible to host defences and poses a grave threat to host survival. The disseminated cancer cells present to the host defences very much the same problem that a guerilla army presents to orthodox military forces, because the disorderly tumor cells are difficult to distinguish from normal ones and are distributed in small units, in a large terrain. Recent evidence of disturbed molecular interactions between the colonizing and host populations offers the idea that one might be able to deploy classical counter-insurgency concepts based upon the dual approach, firstly of denying support from the indigenous population, by using drugs and secondly, of infiltrating the cells from within, using targeted genetic vectors. Both of these therapeutic approaches are not yet within our grasp, but we have recognized the nature of the adversary and will eventually be able to design tools to undermine its drive and progress.


The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of a study we conducted with our former special education student teachers during their first and second years of teaching. We investigated these beginning special educators' problems of practice and the influence of the school context on teachers' abilities to solve their problems. The results indicated that novice special educators were troubled by issues related to instruction and curriculum, understanding the system, mainstreaming and inclusion, and exhaustion. The results also indicated that these teachers received little support from their general education colleagues or administrators; most of their support came from other special educators. Implications for teacher education are discussed.


ABSTRACT This article explores collective and individual perspectives on preschool mathematics within a professional development programme. All seven teachers at one Swedish preschool participated in a one-year research-based professional development programme. At the beginning and then again at the end of the programme, the teachers collectively wrote down their goals for mathematics teaching at the preschool. In the article, these goals will be compared to three teachers' individual writings during the year. This comparison indicates that the professional development of these teachers may have been collective, but not joint, as the collectively written goals seem to imply slightly different things for the individual teachers. Thus, what may look like collective goals for the teaching of mathematics at one preschool may in fact imply quite large differences in the mathematics teaching of individual teachers. If collective professional development programmes are to have an impact, differences between teachers need to be made visible and, as a next step, be the basis for the development of professional language as well as evaluation and planning of preschool mathematics and further professional development.


A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the assay of two antihistamines, astemizole and loratadine, is described. The determination was based on the formation of charge-transfer complexes between chloranilic acid as a p-acceptor and the studied drugs as n-donors in acetonitrile solvent. The spectra, various experimental parameters, composition and formation constant of the complexes were studied. The formation constant (K) values of CT complex with astemizole were 0.9x10 3 and 1.06x10 3 calculated from Benesi-Hildebrand plot and from Turner and Anderson plot, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for loratadine were 4.50x10 3 and 4.19x10 3 , respectively. The charge-transfer complexes formed were found to absorb at 520 nm. Beer' s law was obeyed in the concentration range 10-120 and 15-210 µg ml-1 for astemizole and loratadine respectively. The apparent molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity values were 1.78x10 3 and 0.96x10 3 l mol-1 cm-1 and 257.62 and 396.61 ng cm-2 , for astemizole and loratadine, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification for astemizole were 1.05 and 3.51 µg ml-1 , respectively; the corresponding values for loratadine were 2.21 and 7.39 µg ml-1 respectively. The method was applied to the determination of the studied drugs in several of their commercial preparations and the results were statistically validated. Excipients used as additives in commercial formulations did not interfere in the proposed procedure.


Cartilaginous metaplasia is rare in primary central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms and has not been described in the histone 3 (H3) gene (H3) with a substitution of lysine to methionine (H3 K27M mutant) diffuse midline glioma before. Here, we report a case of H3 K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma with cartilaginous metaplasia in a 56‐year‐old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a ring‐enhanced lesion located in the medulla oblongata and extended superiorly into the fourth ventricle. The tumor was macroscopically completely resected. Histologically, the tumor was composed of a gliomatous component and a well‐differentiated cartilaginous component. Microvascular proliferation and necrosis were noted. According to immunohistochemical staining, glial cells were diffusely and strongly positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 (Olig2), H3 K27M, and S‐100 protein but negative for H3K27me3. The chondrocytes also were positive for GFAP and S‐100 protein. The H3 K27M mutation was confirmed by sequencing in both the gliomatous and cartilaginous components, suggesting a common origin from the same progenitor cells. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27M mutation with widespread cartilaginous metaplasia, corresponding to WHO grade IV. This is an extremely rare H3 K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma with cartilaginous metaplasia, and reporting this unusual case adds to the understanding of this tumor type.


The improved interoperability and business agility of business systems based on Service-Oriented Architecture SOA) has created an increased demand for the reengineering and migration of legacy software systems. The wide range of current migration techniques for legacy systems in different implementations technologies does not address important aspects of service granularity, which affect service reusability, governance, maintainability and cohesion. This paper proposes a novel framework for the effective identification of the key services in legacy code. The approach focuses on defining the right services based on standardized modelling languages (UML and BPMN). This framework provides effective guidelines for optimal service granularity for a wide range of possible service types.


Positive blood cultures are the gold standard for the neonatal sepsis. Most infections in the neonates are caused by bacteria and a few by viruses. As the baby passes through the birth canal of the mother during delivery the child swallows or breathes the birth canal fluid, bacteria or virus enter into their blood or lungs. This study was done to identify the aerobic bacteria causing sepsis in neonates and their susceptibility patterns along with CBC parameters in Navodaya Medical College Hospital, Raichur. All the blood cultures obtained from the neonatal ward during the period of one year [from 30th July 2021 to 30th July 2022] were analysed their antibiotic susceptibility was recorded. CBC was done in the Department of Pathology using cell counter and smear study. The positivity of blood cultures was 42% [84/200] Most bacteremic episodes were caused by one type of organism and polymicrobial growth was noticed in 8.4 % [10/ 84]. 64.2 % infections [54/84] were found to be due to Staphylococci and 27.4 % [23 /200] isolates showed Gram negative infections. Gram negative isolates showed lesser degree of susceptibility to the antibiotics. The TLC were found to be significantly lower than the normal babies.


The goal of this study is to identify, classify, explore, and understand decision-making complexity elements in major infrastructure projects (MIPs). This article puts forward systematic definitions of decision making, decision-making quality, and decision-making complexity. Based on literature reviews and an in-depth case analysis of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), a comprehensive framework of decision-making complexity is developed, which divides the elements into six dimensions: technical, social, financial, legal, organizational, and time. The links between different dimensions are also illustrated. This article is expected to deepen our current understanding of decision-making complexity and to provide a fundamental point of reference in the front-end phase of MIPs.


Strong designated verifier signature scheme is a concept in which a user (signer) can issue a digital signature for a special receiver; i.e. signature is produced in such way that only intended verifier can check the validity of produced signature. Of course, this type of signature scheme should be such that no third party is able to validate the signature. In other words, the related designated verifier cannot assign the issued signature to another third party. This article proposes a new ID-based strong designated verifier signature scheme which has provable security in the ROM (Random Oracle Model) and BDH assumption. The proposed scheme satisfies the all security requirements of an ID-based strong designated verifier signature scheme. In addition, we propose some usage scenarios for the proposed schemes in different applications in the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing era.


Fractional calculus has been found to be a great asset in finding fractional dimension in chaos theory, in viscoelasticity diffusion, in random optimal search etc. Various techniques have been proposed to solve differential equations of fractional order. In this paper, the Laplace-Homotopy Analysis Method (LHAM) is applied to obtain approximate analytic solutions of the nonlinear Rosenau-Hyman Korteweg-de Vries (KdV), K(2, 2), and Burgers' equations of fractional order with initial conditions. The solutions of these equations are calculated in the form of convergent series. The solutions obtained converge to the exact solution when α = 1, showing the reliability of LHAM.


The aim of the study was to study the leadership characteristics of young and adult basketball players. To achieve this goal Leadership Questionnaire, developed by Northouse, was used. The results showed that leadership styles in adult basketball players are expressed to a greater extent than in young basketball players. Adult basketball players are more likely to have directive leadership, support leadership and participatory leadership.


The authors have reported a laboratory study with two main themes: (1) an assessment of various waste products as substitutes for lime in amended biosolids (sewage sludge); and (2) the correspondence between undrained shear strength, su, deduced by shear-vane and triaxial compression (TC) tests. This discussion concerns itself with the second theme in which the authors, having studied strain rate (_ e) effects for a very soft site-specific material (su 1⁄4 3–5 kPa) in TC tests, concluded that suvane > sutriaxial by a factor (F) of 1.8 and 1.6 for biosolids and 20% lime-amended biosolids, respectively. Specifically, these F-values were deduced by the authors from a time to failure (tf) of ∼5 s observed for suvane 1⁄4 6–10 kPa using a Geonor handheld shear-vane apparatus, compared with tf 1⁄4 60 min for 75-mm diameter by 150-mm long specimens sheared at _ e 1⁄4 ∼0.33%=min in TC under a confining pressure (σ3) of 100 kPa. However, the factor F is not exclusively governed by relative differences in _ e between shear-vane and TC tests. The different apparatuses approach the estimation of strength in different ways, with torsional-shear failure occurring around a cylindrical surface in vane shear compared with general ductile bulging in TC. The deduced strength value is material specific and depends, among other factors, on its consistency (water content), degree of saturation (gas voids content), specimen boundary conditions, and applied confinement pressure in addition to scale effects concerning the specimen size in TC to the size and aspect ratio of the cruciform vane. For example, the vane specimens prepared and tested in PVC tubes by the authors would have only experienced lateral confinement (i.e., applied vertical stress was 0 kPa). Hence, the mean confining pressure applied in the authors' vane tests was ∼0 kPa compared with ∼100 kPa for the sutriaxial data used in deducing the values of F reported in Eqs. (5) and (6) of the original paper. These confinement pressures would correspond to overburden depths in a biosolids monofill of 0 and ∼9.1 m, based on the reported in situ bulk unit weight of 1.1 t=m. Furthermore, aging effects on test specimens that are allowed to stand and cure (undisturbed and at constant composition) over an extended period before strength testing cause a strength gain (thixotropy). In the case of unamended biosolids (i.e., for pH < 11), internal reactions also occur, including chemical changes of the solids and pore fluid; biodegradation of organics, and accumulation of biogas produced by ongoing microbial activity. The slow but steady rate of biogas accumulation over the course of long-duration tests progressively reduces the degree of specimen saturation and also the effective confining pressure, with the latter calculated as the applied confining pressure minus the pore fluid pressure (O'Kelly 2006). This is accentuated under the undrained condition in the reported TC tests, for which the test specimen was fully enclosed by a rubber membrane. Consequently, the pore fluid pressure increases with elapsed time between setting up the specimen in the test apparatus and the moment at which shear failure occurs under TC, thereby reducing the mobilized strength (O'Kelly 2005a). Another consideration is that the shear-vane test might not be performed under a truly undrained condition for test material of slurry or very soft consistency on account of some flow of material occurring outward from between the blades and around the cruciform vane (Landva 1980) rather than the development of a purely cylindrical failure surface enclosing the vane, with suvane calculations based on the latter scenario. Next, some data is presented of remolded undrained shear strength (sur) for freshly prepared unamended biosolids with a degree of saturation of 94.1–97.4%, which was tested in both vane shear and TC. This biosolids material was comprised of ∼70% volatile solids by dry mass, a specific gravity of 1.55 (similar to values reported by the authors), and Atterberg liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) values of 314% and 53%, respectively. The physiomechanical and chemical properties of this biosolids material have been reported in full elsewhere (O'Kelly 2005a, b, 2006, 2008). The drive motor of the laboratory vane apparatus rotated the vane-head at an angular rotation of 9°=min, thereby transmitting a known torque through a calibrated spring to the 12.7 × 12.7 mm cruciform vane, which was embedded in the test specimen. 38-mm diameter by 76-mm long specimens were sheared undrained in singleand multistage TC tests (British Standards Institution 1990) using _ e 1⁄4 1.6%=min, with standard corrections applied to the mobilized deviator stress for the reinforcing effect of the specimen membrane. Water content (w) has been expressed in terms of liquidity index (IL) [Eq. (1)], with IL values of unity and zero corresponding to the LL and PL conditions, respectively:


Usually LCDs (liquid crystal displays) have brightness and contrast controls. Because the optimal image quality depends on the choice of these controls, it becomes necessary to know how different combinations of the brightness and contrast levels influence the image quality. The image quality of a color display depends on both resolution and color reproduction. The resolution is determined by the spot size and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the displayed image. Better resolution requires smaller spot size and higher SNR. The color reproduction is determined by the constant-channel chromaticity, the reproducible color gamut, and the luminance level of the white point. The faithful color reproduction needs the satisfaction of chromaticity constancy, large color gamut, and high luminance. Because the brightness and contrast controls affect the luminance and chromaticity of the background screen and signal screen, the resolution and color reproduction depend on their settings. Using a color LCD, we studied the optimized combination of brightness and contrast control to display the image with high resolution and faithful color reproduction.


Caring relationships are part of people's daily lives and a factor generating inequalities in democracies, although they are scarcely discussed in Political Science and virtually absent from Brazilian Political Science. The configuration of those relationships is critical for the possibilities of access to resources and political participation, as well as for assuring individuals' physical and psychological integrity. Even though women's responsibility for housework - in which I include caring for others, especially the most vulnerable - is a central aspect in existing asymmetries, commodified forms of care are also an important element in class inequalities. This article proposes a shift from the liberal notion of responsibility towards the issue of unequal accountability. It analyzes sexual division of labor and the different forms of dependence that are part of everyday life, placing care as a fundamental issue for democracy and justice.


Identification of antigens is important for vaccine production. We tested extraction protocols using cetyltrimethylammonium tosylate (CTAT) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) to formulate surfactant vesicles (SVs) containing components from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Carbohydrate and protein assays demonstrated that protein and carbohydrates were incorporated into the vesicle leaflet. Depending on the extraction protocol utilized, 100–400 µg of protein/mL of SVs solution was obtained. Gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining demonstrated that SV extracts contained lipooligosaccharide and a subset of bacterial proteins and lipoproteins. Western blotting and mass spectral analysis indicated that the majority of the proteins were derived from the outer membrane. Mass spectrometric and bioinformatics analysis of SVs identified 29 membrane proteins, including porin and opacity-associated protein. Proteins embedded in the SVs leaflet could be degraded by the addition of trypsin or proteinase K. Our data showed that the incorporation of CTAT and SDBS into vesicles eliminated their toxicity as measured by a THP-1 killing assay. Incorporation of gonococcal cell surface components into SVs reduced toxicity as compared to the whole cell extracts, as measured by cytokine induction, while retaining the immunogenicity. This process constitutes a general method for extracting bacterial surface components and identification of antigens that might be included in vaccines.


Soft computing is a consortium of methodologies, which deal with various kinds of inaccuracies and uncertainties contained in real-world problems. In this paper soft computing is discussed from the viewpoint of a combination of characteristic features unique to fuzzy, neural, and evolutionary computing. This paper is intended to describe particularly the knowledge acquisition from inaccurate and uncertain data and to point out the areas where soft computing can become a breakthrough technology.


We present a general framework for the minimization of a function which is parametrized by a set of covariance matrices over a constraint set. Since all covariance matrices have to obey the property of being positive semidefinite, this characteristic has to be reflected in the constraint set. In addition, the sum of all traces of the covariance matrices shall be upper bounded. Using a preconditioned gradient descent algorithm, we derive an orthogonal projection onto this constraint set in an easy to follow monolithic way such that it directly results from the definition of the projection. Interestingly, this projection allows for a descriptive water-spilling interpretation in the style of the well-known water-filling algorithm. Two possible applications are investigated: the sum mean-square-error minimization and the weighted sum-rate maximization for the MIMO broadcast channel. Simulations finally reveal the excellent performance of the proposed framework.


Background: The aim of this study is to determine the predictive value of ultrasonography for results of local steroid injection in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted during a 1-year period in outpatient clinics of rehabilitation and physical medicine including 35 patients with moderate and severe CTS who receive ultrasonography-guided local steroid injection. The Boston self-assessment questionnaire and electrodiagnosis parameters were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after therapy. We also recorded the baseline ultrasonography parameters to determine the predictors of outcome. Results: The sensory severity score and functional status scale along with electrodiagnosis parameters decreased significantly at 1 month (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged after 3 months. Volar bulging was negatively associated with sensory nerve action potential latency (r = −0.392; P = 0.020). Cross-sectional area (CSA) of maximal swelling (MS; r = 0.409; P = 0.015), CSA at 2-cm of MS (r = 0.563; P < 0.001), and CSA at 12-cm of MS (r = 0.521; P = 0.001) correlated positively with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude while maximal swelling/12-cm MS ratio (r = −0.439; P = 0.008) and maximal swelling/2-cm MS ratio (r = −0.342; P = 0.045) correlated negatively. CSA at 12-cm of MS also correlated positively with CMAP amplitude nerve conduction velocity (r = 0.436; P = 0.010). Conclusion: Volar bulging, CSA of maximal swelling, CSA of MS at 2-cm, and CSA of MS at 12-cm are among the ultrasonographic predictors of response to local steroid injection in patients with CTS.


In the process of cooperative design, we often need to discuss or modify a project generated by traditional CAD software, but there are many limitations in current cooperative design tools, such as White Board Tool and Shared Tool. Considering these limitations, we put forward the concept of Application Cooperation Tool. The tool, a domain-depending one, aims to provide an environment for a group to discuss or modify a project generated by traditional application software. It not only keeps down the original functions of the traditional software but also supports the cooperative work. However, the development of application cooperation tools is a difficult and time-consuming job. During the process of developing application cooperation tools ACPBrush and ACAutoCAD98 we discovered some common features which exist in all kinds of CAD software, such as the analyzing of event-stream and the re-acting of the event. On the basis of those general rules we plan to develop a tool, which can modify traditional CAD software to a cooperation-based design tool. The paper discusses the methods used in it, the structure and components of the tool, and relative problems.


The Sino-US trade war began from late 2017 has had large influence on the global economy. After US imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports for illegal unfair trade practice in 2018, China also launched retaliatory tariff to fight back. This study is mainly focus on the automobile and parts industry, which is one of the significant industries influenced by this trade war. Except analyzing the US manufactures, Germany, Korean and Japanese exporters who gain tariff relief are also included to establish a comparison with US firms in this research to analyze how net weight (kg), trade values ($) and unit price ($) be affected due to the changes in trade tariff. In addition, firm level data from those four countries are also used to show the fluctuation of sales of both imported and domestic produced foreign brand vehicles. From the result, although significance is shown that the China's retaliatory tariff do have influence on US automobile and parts exports, the coefficient is positive which did not meet my original expectation. However, the analysis on other countries (German, Japan and Korea) shows that the relief in tariffs help to increase export quantities and values. Finally, the firm level data analysis shows that imported vehicles experienced a generally decreasing trend as more and more companies established foreign-affiliated firms and move their manufacturers into domestic China to better serve the Chinese market.


The decade of the 1970's saw the creation of three educational support services which expanded the scope and the quality of the RSD educational program. The creation of the positions of Reading Resource Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Library-Media Coordinator, was an outgrowth of existing services in the office of the principal and librarian. Each new service has attained its own unique identity by expanding and supplementing but not replacing existing services.These three educational support services work cooperatively as well as with other school services in addressing the theme of the 1980 Symposium: "How to Use Better What You Already Have."Better utilization is the product of a system which provides a total, optimal educational environment. Our ability to make our support services accessible, functional, dependable, and adaptive to our program needs is a function of communicating, organizing, facilitating, guiding, and structuring information and resources. The most unique feature of our program is how our cooperative, interactive efforts jointly provide a better educational environment. Whatever examples exist of exemplary media usage derive from our being able to provide our people the widest possible range of options and information for them to draw upon. Instructional materials and equipment are identified and acquired in concert with curriculum requirements and priorities; and in concert with the reading, language, and academic abilities of our students.


This study aims to investigate problem-solving with dataset (PSWD) as a computational thinking learning implementation as reflected in academic publications. Specifically, the purpose is to specify the scope of PSWD, which overlaps with the data literacy, thinking with data, big data literacy, and data-based thinking concepts in the literature. Subaims of the study are to identify the conceptual structure of PSWD based on definitions in academic publications and to classify the reasons given in the literature to show the need for PSWD. For the purposes to investigate PSWD conceptually, to classify the reasons given for the need for PSWD, the obtained 54 publications were analyzed via content analysis. Moreover, this study investigates the most frequently suggested or used teaching strategies (in terms of instructional methods, instructional tools, and grade level) for PSWD in the literature. The frequencies of used words in selected publications referring instructional methods, instructional tools, and grade levels were shown in the findings of study. The importance of the study stems from its focus on a new approach to computational thinking instructional implementation.


Engineering suitable redox molecules In a flow battery, catholyte and anolyte are stored in separate tanks, and pumps are used to circulate the fluids into a stack with electrodes separated by a thin membrane. Such batteries are ideal for large-scale grid storage applications; however, suitable redox molecules are currently limited. Feng et al. used "molecular engineering" to modify an inexpensive precursor (9-fluorenone) as the basis for an organic-based redox flow battery (see the Perspective by Hu and Liu). The authors tested a series of variant molecules in a redox flow battery in which the reactions involve reversible ketone hydrogenation and dehydrogenation in an aqueous electrolyte. These reactions have advantageous features, including two-electron redox and operation in air and at elevated temperatures (50°C), that are more suitable for real-world applications. Science, abd9795, this issue p. 836; see also abi5911, p. 788 Molecular engineering enables reversible ketone hydrogenation and dehydrogenation for redox flow batteries. Aqueous redox flow batteries with organic active materials offer an environmentally benign, tunable, and safe route to large-scale energy storage. Development has been limited to a small palette of organics that are aqueous soluble and tend to display the necessary redox reversibility within the water stability window. We show how molecular engineering of fluorenone enables the alcohol electro-oxidation needed for reversible ketone hydrogenation and dehydrogenation at room temperature without the use of a catalyst. Flow batteries based on these fluorenone derivative anolytes operate efficiently and exhibit stable long-term cycling at ambient and mildly increased temperatures in a nondemanding environment. These results expand the palette to include reversible ketone to alcohol conversion but also suggest the potential for identifying other atypical organic redox couple candidates.


Although there has been considerable interest in and research on comorbidity of diagnosed mental disorders among children and adolescents, little is known about comorbidity of the characteristics of emotional disturbance (ED) as defined by the federal definition of that category of educational disability. In this study, we examined comorbidity of the five federal definition characteristics among students already identified as having ED. Each of these characteristics of ED was measured with the Scale for Assessing Emotional Disturbance, a standardized, norm-referenced instrument completed by educators. The effects of setting different criteria for deviance on these characteristics were explored through the use of two different cutoff criteria. Results were obtained for comorbidity overall and for comorbidity by sex, race and ethnic group, grade level in school, and educational placement of the students. The extent of comorbidity of ED characteristics was shown to be related to the criterion for deviance and to each of the student variables. Implications for practice and research are suggested.


This article examines the conditions under which members of academic Internet discussion groups (IDGs) are motivated to provide help and answers to colleagues during group discussions on the Internet. It presents a simple microeconomic model that specifies mechanisms by which the embeddedness of IDGs in academic social networks provides incentives for active participation of members during group discussions. According to the reputation model, the sending of public email messages is a means for the researcher to gain reputation in the academic community. Hypotheses of the models are tested with the help of data on the observed communication behaviour of researchers in 49 academic IDGs. The results provide some support for the hypotheses of the model. Most important, they show that the embeddedness of academic IDGs in social networks stimulates the active participation in online discussions. The findings contribute to filling an important gap. They help understand how offline networks influence online communication by showing which characteristics of offline networks have what impact. Conclusions are drawn for the social design of online groups.


The teaching media namely e-AV Biology, was developed with the main features of video lessons in supporting the students' learning process. Some video lessons describe the production process of Bio-fuel or Renewable Energy on the field of Biotechnology Industrial, which is one of the subjects that students and teachers find it difficult to learn and explain. The design and development of a Courseware for Biology in senior high schools in Indonesia is described in this paper. The context of Biology education in Indonesia shows that the students' motivation in learning this subject is considered low. Moreover, students have difficulties in learning Biology and have no interest in the lesson due to the subject irrelevant with the daily experiences, and Biology teachers in Indonesia were still using the monotonous teaching method, teachers are the focal point of learning in the classroom. The methodology used in this study was quasi experimental research. There were two groups involved in this experiment, namely: T0 and T1. The first group (T0) was assigned as the control group and the second group (T1) was assigned to the experiment group. Two objectives were identified, firstly to design and develop the e-AV Biology Courseware that can be used as a teaching medium. Secondly, it examined the impact on students' perception and perceived effectiveness of high and low academic achievement when the e-AV Biology Courseware is used. The findings of study indicated that the eAV Biology Courseware was able to help students to understand more about the Biology subject compared to the conventional ways of teaching. The students who learn Biology using the e-AV Biology Courseware have more interest, better perception and perceived effectiveness toward the subject. Most of the students who participated in this experiment responded positively and suggested that the video lesson should be added to their Biology subject in their schools. The study suggested two key contributions to the Senior High Schools across Indonesia and to Indonesian educators, particularly teaching Biology. The first contribution was the design and development of an e-Learning Courseware for Indonesian senior high schools. Next, the provision of the e-AV Biology Courseware as a medium, it can be used by educators in the teaching and learning process.


In this paper, we characterize the spacelike, the timelike and the null rectifying curves in the Minkowski 3-space in terms of centrodes. In particular, we show that the spacelike and timelike rectifying curves are the extremal curves for which the corresponding function takes its extremal value. On the other hand, we also show that the null rectifying curves are not the extremal curves and give some interesting geometric properties of such curves. AMS Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 53C50, 53C40


Background The impact of osteoarthritis (OA) on individuals and how they use therapies is still relatively under-studied and offers opportunities to improve current therapeutic strategies. Objectives To understand the impact of OA on important activities such as employment and to explore how individuals are treated and how they use their therapies. Methods An on-line survey of randomly selected people with self-reported OA from a large UK research panel. Results 4,043 people were invited with 2001 respondents (49% response rate, 56% women, mean age 65 years). Impact: 52% reported that OA had a large impact on their lives, and 58% reported making adjustments to their life because of OA. Walking and exercise had been reduced or stopped by half the respondents. 15% had taken early retirement, on average 7.8 years earlier than planned. The average increased cost per annum per person due to OA was about £500. Treatment: Almost 40% of respondents reported their OA treatment as not very/not at all effective. Nearly half (48%) would not seek medical help until their pain was frequently unbearable, with women more likely to wait for such symptoms than men (53% women vs 40% men). After OA diagnosis, 18% do not consult their primary care doctor again, with a further 41% not visiting regularly. In consultations, only half reported a discussion on pain, and a third discussed OA impact; fewer reported discussing their fears (21%) or goals of management (15%) – over half (59%) felt they had not agreed a care-plan with their doctor. Doctors were seen as the major source of information (53%), with search engines (38%) and friends/family (19%) other sources. Awareness of self-management was generally much higher than take-up eg 64% were aware that increasing exercise was important while only 36% did this; most (87%) who increased exercise found it beneficial. 62% were prescribed oral OA medication, with topical therapies (47%), physiotherapy (38%) and steroid injections (28%) the commonest therapies used. Over-the-counter medications had been used by 25%, a third without their doctor's knowledge. Half used their medications every day, while 20% of those whose treatment was not effective reported irregular use of painkillers though without advice to do so. The majority (71%) reported varying degrees of persistent pain despite taking all prescribed medication. Over half had future concerns related to mobility (60%), maintaining independence (52%) and coping with everyday practical activities (51%). Conclusions OA has significant economic impact on individuals, especially related to employment. Many people did not seek help until symptoms were severe, and primary care doctors were still seen as the leading source of information on OA, although most did not develop a care plan with their patients. Self-management strategies were under-utilised, though effective when employed. Current treatment strategies still leave most people in pain with significant fears for the future. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


A computational formulation is presented for the low frequency single-cell finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling of a perfectly electric conducting (PEC) sphere. The approach is based on the fact that the scattered field from electrically small objects can be expressed in terms of an electric and magnetic dipole. These dipoles can be decomposed with respect to the dipole moments that can be defined along the discrete field components that comprise the cell wherein the PEC sphere is inscribed. The dipole moment components couple to each other, and this mechanism is quantified by a quasi analytical coupled dipole approximation (CDA). The quasi-analyticity requires to substitute the involved dyadic Green's function (DGF) terms, in the CDA formula, by their numerically computed, FDTD compatible, equivalents. The material properties of the equivalent electric and magnetic spheres are derived using the quasi-analytical CDA that leads to expressions that resemble the Claussius-Mossotti mixing formula. The theoretically derived results are supported by numerical simulations.


The study deals with the influence of persistent hepatitis B virus infection on immediate and end results of chemotherapy for breast cancer with bony metastases. The infection was shown to be associated with lower complete and partial remission rates, lower 3-year survival rate and higher rate of combination chemotherapy toxic effects such as nausea, vomiting and increased activity of aminotransferases.


In the cities of the Global South, slum settlements are growing in size and number, but their locations and characteristics are often missing in official statistics and maps. Although several studies have focused on detecting slums from satellite images, only a few captured their variations. This study addresses this gap using an integrated approach that can identify a slums' degree of deprivation in terms of socio-economic variability in Bangalore, India using image features derived from very high resolution (VHR) satellite images. To characterize deprivation, we use multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and quantify deprivation with a data-driven index of multiple deprivation (DIMD). We take advantage of spatial features learned by a convolutional neural network (CNN) from VHR satellite images to predict the DIMD. To deal with a small training dataset of only 121 samples with known DIMD values, insufficient to train a deep CNN, we conduct a two-step transfer learning approach using 1461 delineated slum boundaries as follows. First, a CNN is trained using these samples to classify slums and formal areas. The trained network is then fine-tuned using the 121 samples to directly predict the DIMD. The best prediction is obtained by using an ensemble non-linear regression model, combining the results of the CNN and models based on hand-crafted and geographic information system (GIS) features, with R2 of 0.75. Our findings show that using the proposed two-step transfer learning approach, a deep CNN can be trained with a limited number of samples to predict the slums' degree of deprivation. This demonstrates that the CNN-based approach can capture variations of deprivation in VHR images, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic situation of slums in Bangalore.


We are developing soft, flexible micromanipulators such as micro- tweezers for the handling and manipulation of biological species including cells and surgical tools for minimal invasive surgery. Our aim is to produce tools with minimal dimensions of 100 μm to 1 mm in size, which is 1-2 orders of magnitude smaller than existing technology. However, the displacement of the current developed micromanipulator remains limited due to the low ionic conductivity of the materials. Here, we present developed methods for the fabrication of conjugated polymer trilayer structure which exhibit potential to high stretchability/flexibility as well as a good adhesion between the three different layers. The outcomes of this study contribute to the realisation of low-foot print devices articulated with electroactive polymer actuators for which the physical interface with the power source has been a significant challenge limiting their application. Here, we present a new flexible trilayer structure, which will allow the fabrication of metal-free soft microactuators.


Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, offshore wind turbines have become significant contributors to energy production. The offshore wind turbines are subjected to severe environmental loads like wind, wave, and current. The combined effect of these loads induces significant vibrations in the structure, which may cause economic loss and reduce the power production capacity. Thus, the structure is designed to have a small response under environmental load, but it also increases the cost. Another alternative to reduce the structure's response is implementing structural control devices. MR dampers are semi-active devices widely used in controlling onshore structures because of their adaptability to various loads. Since the environmental loads on the wind turbine have a wide range of spectral content, semi-active control is best suited due to their adaptability. The force generated by the MR damper is enormous for small input energy, and thus it is an attractive option for adaptive structural control in civil structures. Several semi-active control algorithms are available in the literature for nonlinear MR dampers. The semi-active algorithm obtains the optimal control force of the linearized system and smartly switches off the MR damper according to the system requirement. The offshore structure is nonlinear, so a nonlinear control algorithm is expected to have advantage over other techniques. One of the commonly used nonlinear control algorithms is the backstepping method. This method involves a systematic development of the Lyapunov function for a given nonlinear system. The nonlinearity in the MR damper arises due to the hysteretic property of the MR fluid. Many phenomenological models are studied in the literature to capture MR dampers' nonlinearities effectively. Bouc wen model is one such model that is widely used for modeling MR dampers.The backstepping controller requires full state feedback to produce the control signal but measuring many variables is difficult in real-time. Some controllers do not require an accurate structure model, and the control action is based on the measured response. This paper uses the feed-forward neural network controller (NNC) to control nonlinear dynamic systems. The controller is trained using the displacement time histories of the structure to predict the MR damper voltage. The NNC is trained with the output from the backstepping controller for various environmental conditions. In this study, a fixed offshore wind turbine in a water depth of 64.5m is controlled using NNC and backstepping controllers. Further, the control efficiency of the NNC is compared for different load cases.


This paper explores the role of narratives in organizational inquiry and knowledge work. Following the tenets of the phenomenological method, the paper digs into the 'life world' of organizations in order to capture the taken for granted stream of everyday routines, interaction, and events that constitute both individual and social practices. An empirical case study examines the narrative-based processes of sensemaking and knowledge acquisition in the setting of a traditional pressing plant at Fiat Auto, Italy. The focus of analysis is on how a best performing team engages in the resolution of disruptive occurrences on the shop floor. Through the deconstruction of narratives underlying problem-solving activities, the case identifies a distinctive mode of investigation conceptualized as 'detective stories'. The detective's method highlights the interplay between time and narrative in shaping the interconnected processes of organizational knowledge creation, utilization, and institutionalization. More generally, the findings of the paper stress the importance of conjectural knowledge and common-sensical wisdom in the everyday life of organizations. Copyright 2003 Blackwell Science Asia Pty. Ltd..


This study aims to explain the ideological confrontation, the role of intellectual figures, and the formative role text of Penembak Misterius by Seno Gumira Ajidarma uses sociology of literature as the approach of the study with the specialized implementation of hegemony theory by Antonio Gramsci. The results of this study are as follows. First, the ideological confrontation in Penembak Misterius aims at denying the absolute authority of the New Order's formal ideology, namely militarism, development, capitalism, authoritarianism, hedonism, and radicalism. Second, the role of intellectual figures in Penembak Misterius is played to criticize capitalism, materialism, hedonism, developments, national urbanization, also criticizing New Order government officials, the mysterious shooting policy, and at the same time criticizes violence and human rights violations for children. Third, the formative role of the Penembak Misterius text acts as an interrogative text based on the practice of critical memory. It does not only serve as a documentation of historical events but also intends to link the historical events as an emancipation effort.


ImaBiotech investigated the metabolism of IDH-mutant gliomas by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) to characterize the model and identify potential therapeutic targets. This work was performed on collected PDX (Patient-derived xenografts) with IDH wild type (IDHwt) and mutant (IDHm) tumors implemented in mouse cranium and grown until first appearance of neurologic signals before collection of the brains and sectioning. The investigation on types and subtypes of tumors was driven by a targeted approach for following key molecular features in oncology but also a differential approach via statistical analysis to reveal unique features for each tumor and their impact on different biological pathways including the energetic balance, the oxidation stress pathway but also the lipid composition and the neurotransmitter alterations.


The 13 th Malaysian General Election held on 5 May, 2013 witnessed the revival of the student movement in Malaysia. Civil society activism had been on the wane for more than 40 years as the student movement had been shackled by the Universities and College Universities Act or AUKU (Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti), which brought student movement activism under the control and subject of AUKU. The student movement managed to gain some latitude from AUKU in 2012 when it was amended, paving the way for students to participate more actively in the 2013 General Election. The true motive of the student movement was in fact not the gaining of political power, but to regain the universities' autonomy that had been lost in the 1970s. For this purpose the student movement, under their new organisation, Gerakan Mahasiswa 13 (GM13), launched several street demonstrations to exert pressure on the ruling government. This movement launched its manifesto in order to bring the attention of the ruling government to its demands. In the 13 th General Election, the student movement played two major roles: firstly acting as a pressure group and secondly, disseminating information.


Complexes between DNA[3][1] and substituted iso- and terephthalanilides occur in dilute aqueous solution and are measured by spectrophotometric methods. There appears to be no specificity among DNA preparations from different sources or different phthalanilides with regard to the stoichiometry of the interaction. The DNA-phthalanilide complex is less affected by heating and cooling than DNA alone. Most of the phthalanilide-DNA complexes examined are partially dissociable at moderate (0.01 m) salt concentrations and completely dissociable in 8 m urea. Poly-l-lysine also causes a dissociation of the complex. However, 1 congener, 4′,4″-bis( N ′-methylamidino)terephthalanilide, forms a complex with DNA which is stable in 0.1 m CaCl2 or 0.155 m NaCl.

In general, the phthalanilide-DNA complex appears to be the result of weak ionic forces, with the exception of 4′,4″-bis( N ′-methylamidino)terephthalanilide. Hydrogen bonding and perhaps hydrophobic bonding are also thought to play a lesser role in the formation of phthalanilide-DNA complexes. The disposition of DNA as a helix or random coil may also affect the interaction.

The interaction between DNA and the phthalanilides in vitro does not appear to be correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of this class of compounds in the treatment of mouse leukemia, although it has not been ruled out as a possible primary site of action in vivo .

 [1]: #fn-3


Pressure tubes are critical components of the CANDU reactors and other pressurized heavy water type reactors, as they contain the nuclear fuel and the coolant. Manufacturing flaws, as well as defects developed during the in-service operation, can lead to coolant leakage and can potentially damage the reactor. The current inspection process of these flaws is based on manually analyzing ultrasonic data received from multiple probes during planned, statutory outages. Recent advances on ultrasonic inspection tools enable the provision of high resolution data of significantly large volumes. This is highlighting the need for an efficient autonomous signal analysis process. Typically, the automation of ultrasonic inspection data analysis is approached by knowledge-based or supervised data-driven methods. This work proposes an unsupervised datadriven framework that requires no explicit rules, nor individually labeled signals. The framework follows a two-stage clustering procedure that utilizes the DBSCAN density-based clustering algorithm and aims to provide decision support for the assessment of potential defects in a robust and consistent way. Nevertheless, verified defect dimensions are essential in order to assess the results and train the framework for unseen defects. Initial results of the implementation are presented and discussed, with the method showing promise as a means of assessing ultrasonic inspection data.


In the context of the nearly-free-electron model, the authors apply a full non-local model pseudopotential theory to investigate the temperature dependence of the electronic magnetic susceptibility for liquid lithium and sodium. In contrast to previous and recent theoretical calculations, they adopt the accurate generalized non-local model pseudopotential of Li et al. to simulate self-consistently the liquid structure factors of both metals. Within the nearly-free-electron theory, they find that the ion-potential alone is not sufficient to explain the temperature trend of the electronic magnetic susceptibility. Nonetheless, by seriously considering the many-body electron-electron exchange correlation and analysing its temperature exchange they are able to understand certain features of the susceptibility as observed in recent experiments. The limitation of their theoretical model will also be indicated.


Here we provide an illustrated and annotated checklist of brachyuran crabs associated with shallow water marine habitats (nearshore rubble and subtidal) in Barbados, West Indies (13.1939°N, 59.5432°W). Twenty-one (21) survey sites in nearshore rubble and shallow subtidal habitats were surveyed between October 2018 to September 2021. Nearshore rubble habitats were surveyed at low tide during the day and night periods. Shallow nearshore subtidal habitats were surveyed every 9-12 days from February to October 2019 using crab traps placed ~ 4 m deep on sandy and rocky bottoms. A total of 1,640 specimens were recorded, belonging to nine (9) superfamilies, 14 families, 34 genera, and 44 species. The genera Charybdis De Haan, 1833, Pitho Bell, 1835, Thoe Bell, 1835, and Uhlias Stimpson, 1871 are here reported for the first time for Barbados. Thirteen (13) species are first records for Barbados, thus extending their geographic range. The most abundant and widespread species collected was Mithraculus coryphe Herbst, 1801, which accounted for 35% (N = 570) of the specimens, occurring in both nearshore rubble and subtidal habitats.


The case of a primary cutaneous pleomorphic large cell lymphoma occurring in a twenty-one-year-old woman who presented with a blue-reddish nodule on her left cheek of three months' duration is presented. The tumor consisted of pleomorphic blast cells showing high mitotic activity. On immunohistochemical examination, the majority of the tumor cells expressed CD 3 (Leu-4), CD 4 (Leu-3), HLA-DR CD 30 (Ki-1/Ber-H 2), and CD 25 (IL2 receptor). Twenty-two months after excision of the tumor there is no detectable systemic spread of the lymphoma. This case provides further evidence for recent observations that primary cutaneous Ki-1-positive large cell lymphomas without lymph node involvement may have a favorable prognosis after local treatment despite showing histologic pattern of malignancy.


This historical glimpse into one particular corner of the South African war, the gunshot wounds suffered by soldier and succoured by surgeon, purposes to show that despite initial misgivings about the expected ugliness of the wounds which were to be caused by the Mauser and Lee-Metford projectiles on the battlefield, according to the ballistic experts, they turned out to be of remarkably benign nature to the astonishment of all military surgeons who had to do with them, and, in historical review, might be regarded as unique.


The aim of the article is to analyze the conceptual system neo-functionalist sociology, central to which are the ideas of Jeffrey Alexander. One of the main qualities of this project is its multidimensional scope and the attempts to link theoretical considerations with the substantive analyses. The multidimensional character of the project connects Alexander's neo-functionalism with the works of authors like P. Colomy, R. Munch and provides the grounds for social theorizing that is attentive to the processes of differentiation, which generate changes in social, cultural and personality systems.


Objective The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on simulation-based training of cataract surgery. Available literature was evaluated and projections on how current findings could be applied to cataract surgery training were summarised. The quality of included literature was also assessed. Methods and analysis The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles pertaining to simulation training in cataract surgery on 18 November 2019. Selected articles were qualitatively analysed. Results A total of 165 articles were identified out of which 10 met inclusion criteria. Four studies reported construct validity of the EyeSi simulator. Six studies demonstrated improved surgical outcomes corresponding to training on the simulator. Quality assessment of included studies was satisfactory. Conclusion Current studies on simulation training in cataract surgery all point towards it being an effective training tool with low risk of study biases confounding this conclusion. As technology improves, surgical training must embrace and incorporate simulation technology in training.


Herein we report on enhanced organic solar cell performance through the incorporation of cathode interfacial layers consisting of self-organized porphyrin nanostructures with a face-on configuration. In particular, a water/methanol-soluble porphyrin molecule, the free base meso-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin chloride, is employed as a novel cathode interlayer in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics. It is demonstrated that the self-organization of this porphyrin compound into aggregates in which molecules adopt a face-to-face orientation parallel to the organic semiconducting substrate induces a large local interfacial electric field that results in a significant enhancement of exciton dissociation. Consequently, enhanced photocurrent and open circuit voltage were obtained resulting in overall device efficiency improvement in organic photovoltaics based on bulk heterojunction mixtures of different polymeric donors and fullerene acceptors, regardless of the specific combination of donor–acceptor employed. To highlight the impact of molecular orientation a second porphyrin compound, the Zn-metallated meso-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin chloride, was also studied and it was found that it forms aggregates with an edge-to-edge molecular configuration inducing a smaller increase in the device performance.


The empirical exploration of the construct of happiness has offered several conceptual inputs regarding its operationalization, nomological network and its process nature. It has also provided a number of theoretical explanations of happiness and techniques of fostering happiness. While recognizing such contributions, the present article goes beyond these parameters and identifies neural correlates of human happiness. Drawing on the contemporary brain imaging studies, the article delineates the role of middle prefrontal cortex, the left and right middle frontal gyruses (LMFG and rMFG). It is accentuated that the ratio of left to right activity in the MFG marks a brain signature for happiness. In this context, the role of amygdala and hippocampus is also discussed. Finally, a number of lifestyle changes are recommended for promoting sustainable happiness.


Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is awidely used engineering technique for designing, identifying and eliminating theknown and/or potential failures, problems, and errors and so on from system to other parts. The evaluating of FMEA parameters is challenging point because it's importantfor managers to know the real risk in their systems. In this study,we used fuzzy TODIM for evaluating the potential failure modes in our system respect to factors of FMEA,which is known as; Severity(S); Occurrence (O); and detect ability (D).The final result was combined with fuzzy time function which helps to predict systems in future and solving problems in our system and it could help to avoid potential future failure modes in our systems.


Participants were 36 adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who completed a summer treatment program. Self-report measures included the IOWA Conners Inattention/Overactivity and Oppositional/Defiant subscales, peer and staff interaction ratings, and a daily guess if the placebo or methylphenidate was given during a double-blind medication trial. Self-reports were reliable, and some of the self-report measures distinguished between placebo and methylphenidate conditions. However, the self-report measures exhibited weak correlations with observed frequencies of negative behavior and did not make a unique contribution beyond what was reported by adults. This study replicates previous findings that adolescents may be poor sources of information about ADHD symptoms, but adolescents receiving treatment for ADHD may be able to provide valid self-reports about negative social behavior.


The non-penaeid prawns, with the average annual catch of 57 000-tonnes, formed 3.7% of the
tora) marine fish protluclion in India. Maharashtra contributed nearly 78%, followed by Gujarat (11.45%),
and Andhra Pradesh (4.68%). In IMaharashtra, Acetes indicus with the average annual catch of 24 275
tonnes in 1980-82, was the most abundant species. It fortned 74.4% of the Acefes- landings and 51.2%
of the total non-penaeid prawn catch. In Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh Aceies spp. formed 41 and
48.74% of the non-penaeid prawn catch respectively.
Stock assessment of A. indicus was done for Maharashtra using length-based methods. The von
Bertalanffy growth parameters, La and K for the species are 31.1 mm and 39.65 mm, and 3.19 and
3.22 for males and females respectively. The high instantaneous natural mortality coefficient (M) —
10.87 for the males and 8.22 for the females — are attributed to the short lifespan and the lower trophic
position of the species. The total instantaneous mortality coefficient (Z) is 13.43 and 10.62, and the
exploitation rate is 0.19 and 0.23 for the males and females respectively. The MSY and the mean
bioiiiass for the species are 52 000 tonnes and 6 736.7 tonnes respectively. To reach the MSY, effort
will have to be increased by a factor of 24, which however does not seem to be possible, as A. indicus
is a by-catch in the Jol net, the target fish being Bombay duck. Since the Bombay duck fishery is facing
overfishing problem it is advised not to increase the effort of dol nets for the further exploitation of A.
indicus.


Protease‐activated receptors are a family of four GPCRs (PAR1–PAR4) with a number of unique attributes. Nearly two and a half decades after the discovery of the first PAR, an antagonist targeting this receptor has been approved for human use. The first‐in‐class PAR1 antagonist, vorapaxar, was approved for use in the USA in 2014 for the prevention of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with peripheral arterial disease. These recent developments indicate the clinical potential of manipulating PAR function. While much work has been aimed at uncovering the function of PAR1 and, to a lesser extent, PAR2, comparatively little is known regarding the pharmacology and physiology of PAR3 and PAR4. Recent studies have begun to develop the pharmacological and genetic tools required to study PAR4 function in detail, and there is now emerging evidence for the function of PAR4 in disease settings. In this review, we detail the discovery, structure, pharmacology, physiological significance and therapeutic potential of PAR4.


The shift toward evidence-based practices in addictions and behavioral health care is long overdue. For too long practitioners in the behavioral health field have been led by what they think works rather than by evidence-based practices. Fifty percent of chemically dependent clients drop out of treatment prematurely. It is difficult to utilize an evidence-based practice unless clients are engaged in treatment first. This article outlines 15 strategies for engaging difficult-to-reach, multiproblem clients with substance use disorders.


Graph searching involves a team of mobile agents (called searchers or pursuers or cops) that aims at cap- turing a set of escaping agents (called evaders or fugitives or robbers) that hide in a network modeled by a graph. There are many variants of graph searching studied in the literature, often referred to as a pursuit- evasion game or cops and robbers game. These variants are either application driven, i.e. motivated by problems in practice, or are inspired by foundational issues in Computer Science, Discrete Mathematics, and Artificial Intelligence. Thus many researchers from different areas of Mathematics, Computer Science and Operations Research are interested in quite similar problems around graph searching.


Visual odometry and SLAM methods have a large variety of applications in domains such as augmented reality or robotics. Complementing vision sensors with inertial measurements tremendously improves tracking accuracy and robustness, and thus has spawned large interest in the development of visual-inertial (VI) odometry approaches. In this paper, we propose the TUM VI benchmark, a novel dataset with a diverse set of sequences in different scenes for evaluating VI odometry. It provides camera images with 1024×1024 resolution at 20 Hz, high dynamic range and photometric calibration. An IMU measures accelerations and angular velocities on 3 axes at 200 Hz, while the cameras and IMU sensors are time-synchronized in hardware. For trajectory evaluation, we also provide accurate pose ground truth from a motion capture system at high frequency (120 Hz) at the start and end of the sequences which we accurately aligned with the camera and IMU measurements. The full dataset with raw and calibrated data is publicly available. We also evaluate state-of-the-art VI odometry approaches on our dataset.


Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain (5895m), is a large, young (<1.6Ma) stratovolcano at the southern end of the East African Rift, in northern Tanzania. Consisting of three distinct volcanic centres, Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo, Shira contains the highest proportion of mafic rocks. Shira samples are strongly silica under-saturated rocks, ranging from picro-basalt, to nephelinite and hawaiite (Mg numbers (Mg #) ranging from 77.2-35.5). Phenocrysts constitute up to 55% of some samples, and include aluminous augite (often containing abundant fluid and/or melt inclusions), olivine (Fo92-Fo49), plagioclase (An75-An42), nepheline (Ne77-Ne68), magnesiochromite and ulvospinel. Groups identified on the basis of phenocryst assemblages and textures correlate with location. East Shira Hill samples contain olivine and clinopyroxene phenocrysts + microphenocrysts of plagioclase (Group 1), or plagioclase and clinopyroxene phenocrysts + microphenocrysts of olivine (Group 2). Samples with high Mg #'s contain abundant cumulate clinopyroxene and olivine (Fo92-Fo85). Group 3 samples (Shira Ridge) contain nepheline phenocrysts and Group 4 samples (Platzkegel) have distinct intergranular textures. Chondrite normalised REE patterns are steep, with light REE-enrichment up to 400x chondrite. Spider diagrams, normalised to OIB for primitive Shira samples have strong K depletions and Pb enrichments.

The source of the Shira volcanic rocks is most likely an amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite, in which amphibole remains residual. Similarities in spider diagram patterns and trace element ratios suggest a source similar to average OIB. The Shira volcanic centre is a polygenetic volcano, in which multiple small volume, low degree (4-10%) partial melts from a metasomatised subcontinental lithospheric mantle follow pre-existing structural weaknesses, before ponding in the lithosphere. Evolution of these small volume melts is dominated by shallow fractional crystallisation of clinopyroxene, olivine±spinel, with plagioclase also fractionating from Group 4 (Platzkegel) samples. A magma mixing origin is suggested for some samples and supported by complex zonation patterns in major and trace element chemistry of clinopyroxene phenocrysts as well as linear mixing arrays. The Shira volcanic centre has since ceased activity, and collapsed to form the present day Shira Ridge and caldera before being overlain by various Kibo and parasitic lavas to the east and northwest of the Shira region.


Field experiments was conducted in kharif 2016 at the Instructional Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raigarh (C.G.), to find out the effect of different levels of zinc (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg Zn SO4 ha-1) on yield, economics and Zn uptake by rice. The results revealed that the rice responded significantly to graded doses of zinc application. The highest grain (4.85 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.58 t ha-1) was recorded at 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 which was 50.62 % and 20.73 % greater than control, respectively. The highest zinc concentration (22.50 mg kg-1, 46.40 mg kg-1) and uptake (109.12 g ha-1, 305.97 g ha-1) in grain and straw were recorded at 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1. The highest apparent zinc recovery(2.48 %) was recorded at lower level of zinc application. However. increasing levels of Zn increased available Zn (1.42 mg kg-1) in post harvest soil was noted at 30 kg Zn SO4 ha-1. All growth and yield parameters were performed better under 25 kg Zn SO4 ha-1. Net returns (Rs.38065.00 ha-1) and B: C ratios (2.10) were recorded highest with 25 kg Zn SO4 ha-1.


Deep learning approaches have achieved unprecedented performance in visual recognition tasks such as object detection and pose estimation. However, state-of-the-art models have millions of parameters represented as floats which make them computationally expensive and constrain their deployment on hardware such as mobile phones and IoT nodes. Most commonly, activations of deep neural networks tend to be sparse thus proving that models are over parametrized with redundant neurons. Model compression techniques, such as pruning and quantization, have recently shown promising results by improving model complexity with little loss in performance. In this work, we extended pruning, a compression technique that discards unnecessary model connections, and weight sharing techniques for the task of object detection. With our approach, we are able to compress a state-of-the-art object detection model by 30.0% without a loss in performance. We also show that our compressed model can be easily initialized with existing pre-trained weights, and thus is able to fully utilize published state-of-the-art model zoos.


Introduction: Coccydynia is a common syndrome characterized by pain localized to the tailbone that radiates into the lower sacrum and perinium. Coccydynia affects female patients more frequently than male patients. It occurs more commonly after direct trauma from fall directly onto the coccyx. The pain is caused commonly by the strain of sacrococcygeal ligament or fracture of the coccyx and less commonly secondary to arthritis. Conservative treatment of coccydynia include simple analgesics and foam donut to prevent irritation to sacrococcygeal ligament. If pain persist, usually ganglion impar block and radiofrequency are alterative options. There are no strong evidence to support coccygectomy.
Case Report: A 40-year-old presented with coccygeal pain for more than six months. The patient was seen at the pain clinic in Prince Sultan Military Medical City after failure of conservative and multiple steroid injections followed by radiofrequency therapy. We discussed with the patient a trial of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the sacrococcygeal ligament under fluoroscopic guidance with full details endorsed to the patient including the risks and benefits of the procedures and informed consent signed before the injection. Pain severity score was taken before and about one month after each injection. The patient received a total of three PRP injections.
Result: The patient reported about 30%, 70%, and 85% pain reduction after the first, second, and third injection, respectively. At six months, the patient continued to experience the same level of reduced pain without the use of regular pain medications.
Conclusion: PRP can be considered as an option for the treatment of patients with refractory coccydynia.


A soap stamping and tableting machine comprising a printing die/pattern inscriptioner, cutting blade, conveyor belt, and two electric motors was developed and tested. Performance test analysis conducted showed that the machine operated with an optimal stamping/tableting capacity of 10205 soap tablets per hour with an efficiency of 98.8% when its conveying and stamping/tableting units were powered with 2HP and 4HP electric motors respectively. All materials used in the fabrication of this machine were sourced locally, and the estimated cost for producing one unit of the machine is ninety five thousand six hundred and fifty naira (N95,650). The machine reduced drudgery and tedium in small scale soap making and also enhanced mass production and profit.