Introduction: Infectious vaginitis is the most common problem among females in our country. It includes Trichomoniasis and Bacterial vaginosis.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and etiology of microbial infections of vagina in women of child bearing age and their therapeutic intervention.
Material and Methods: 100 high vaginal swabs were collected from patients and clinical history was recorded. Trichomonas vaginalis was identified on wet mount. High vaginal swabs were inoculated on selective and differential media. Identification was done by standard method. Clue cells pathognomic of Gardnerella vaginalis were identified on wet mount. For G.vaginalis, vaginal swabs were inoculated on human bilayer media. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by disc diffusion method
Results: Vaginal infections were present in females in 20-39 years of age. Non-pregnant female patients were 88% and pregnant female 12%. Polymicrobial infection was detected in 25 (10%) of cases. T.vaginalis was present in 20% of cases. Bacteria isolated were G.vaginalis 30%, group B Streptococci 20% and group D Streptococci 5%. Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, cephalosporin, clindamycin, and metronidazole were effective against bacterial isolates.
Conclusion: Vaginal infections were present in females in 20-39 years of age. T.vaginalis was present in some of the cases. G.vaginalis was second most common causative agent isolated from high vaginal swabs. Amoxycillin /clavulanic acid, metronidazole, clindamycin and cephalexin were effective against G.vaginalis.


Hybrid concrete can provide high quality, cost effective structural frames in a variety of situations when compared to other, more conventional, solutions such as in-situ concrete and steel frames. The key players in the design and construction supply chain process for hybrid concrete are lead frame contractors and design engineers. The use of hybrid concrete, however, is sometimes not considered by contractors and designers during the initial stages of design. This is often because of a lack of reliable and accessible hybrid concrete cost and production time information. Without this information, contractors and designers may disregard hybrid concrete as a design alternative, potentially omitting the most appropriate solution before it has even been considered.
This paper reports on a collaborative research project in the United Kingdom which has developed HyCon - a prototype design support tool which allows contractors and designers at the conceptual design stage to carry out "what if?" analysis in a virtual reality environment to consider various hybrid concrete alternatives against a range of 'hard' and 'soft' performance criteria. The 'hard' criteria allow contractors and designers to assess initial and whole life cycle cost and production duration implications. The 'soft' criteria encourage the whole project team to assess and prioritise the importance and performance of design alternatives against criteria such as physical form and space.


Precise monitoring of antibiotic residues in aqueous solution is of vital significance for safeguarding the environment and food resources. Herein, a convenient platform was fabricated for the electrochemical assay of ciprofloxacin (CFX) in real milk samples using aminated aptamer and graphene oxide nanogold-functionalized branched polyethyleneimine (GO-PEI-AuNPs) nanocomposite. For the first time, a gold electrode was modified with GO-PEI-AuNPs. The modified surface endowed excellent electrochemical substrates with large surface areas, excellent electron transfer rates, and suitable capabilities to firmly attach high amounts of aptamer. After further modification of substrate with CFX specific aptamer a recognition probe enabling selective and sensitive determination of CFX was realized. All of the aptasensor fabrication steps were surveyed via cyclic voltammetry techniques. The construction and morphology of the GO-PEI-AuNPs composite were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Under optimal conditions, the suggested scaffold can offer an acceptable linear range of 0.001 to 100 μM and a low limit of quantification of 0.001 μM for selective and sensitive monitoring of CFX in real samples. The effectiveness of the apta-assay was confirmed by detection of CFX in pasteurized and local milk samples for which suitable analytical results were achieved. It is expected that the developed substrate can be facilely extended to other aptamer-based multiplex screening platforms in actual food and environmental samples.


Background: Isolated metastasis to the optic nerve (ON) and its sheath from breast cancer (BC) without involvement of other ocular structures is extremely rare. However, it is a pivotal diagnosis to rule out as it is a both sightand life-threatening condition. We report a case of isolated ON sheath metastasis from BC presenting with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Case presentation: A 47-year-old woman with known metastatic BC presented with painless, progressive vision loss in the left eye. Visual acuity was hand movement with ipsilateral relative afferent pupillary defect. Fundal features suggested CRVO. Atypical rapid resolution of these features led to suspect ON metastasis. Magnetic resonance of the brain showed perineural enhancement of the optic nerves. Vision improved with radiotherapy. Conclusion: Isolated ON sheath metastasis from BC is rare and may present with CRVO. High degree of suspicion is warranted in patients with metastatic disease and atypical findings.


Abstract Repatriate turnover is a key challenge for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). While MNEs expect to retain returning employees (i.e. repatriates) and to benefit from new knowledge and experience they bring back from international assignments, a number of studies identify high rates of repatriate turnover intentions. This paper draws insights from social exchange theory and psychological contracts. By using survey data from 221 repatriates from the U.S., the paper presents an empirical study of the antecedents of repatriate turnover. Our findings demonstrate that repatriate perceptions of recognition of foreign experience, involvement, team orientation, and application of knowledge, had a significant impact on turnover intention and this impact was felt through repatriate job engagement i.e. repatriate job engagement significantly mediated the influence of recognition of foreign experience, involvement, team orientation, and application of knowledge on turnover intention. While the study findings contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of the antecedents of repatriate turnover it also informs how MNEs can apply new strategies and initiatives that heighten repatriate retention rates and prevent knowledge slippage and the loss of highly valued people soon after they return from international assignments.


[1] Employing results from a 0.4°, 40-level fully global, coupled ocean–sea ice model, we investigated the role of physical processes emanating from atmosphere, ocean, and ice in the initiation, maintenance, and termination of a sensible heat polynya with a focus on the western Cosmonaut polynya that occurred during May–July 1999. The Cosmonaut polynya first appeared in early May 1999 in the form of an ice-free embayment, transformed into an enclosed polynya on 5–9 July, and disappeared by late July, when the ice from the surrounding regions began to encircle the embayment. Except for the differences in ice concentrations, the time of appearance, size, and shape of the Cosmonaut polynya simulated by the model are in approximate agreement with the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) observations. Between May and July 1999 the Cosmonaut Sea experienced two synoptic storms, both lasting ∼5 days. Followed by the passage of the first storm on 12–19 June, there was a remarkable growth in the size of the embayment by 21 × 103 km2. Associated with this, the sea surface temperature (SST) rose by 0.15°C, the upward heat flux jumped from 5 to 94 W m−2, and a net freshwater flux into the ocean increased by 2 cm d−1. By running the model simulation with a 20% wind speed increase, it is demonstrated that the twofold increase in SST and upward heat flux increased the embayment area by 15 × 103 km2 and decreased the ice concentration by approximately 10% from the control run. A similar, but somewhat weaker wind event that took place on 30 June to 10 July had less influence on the embayment area although the upward heat flux (65 W m−2) was comparable to the first event. By examining the vertical displacement of the −1.6°C isotherm depth prior to, during, and after these two storms, we demonstrate that the impetus provided by these storms was able to raise the −1.6°C isotherm depth by 30 m through wind-driven mixing, making sufficient oceanic heat input from beneath the mixed layer available to prevent freezing and/or delay ice formation while ice in the adjacent regions continued to grow. A sudden shift in the ice drift direction from southwest to northeast (3 July) followed by the second storm, accompanied by large air-sea temperature differences, caused the enclosure of the embayment, subsequent formation of the polynya, and its termination.


Antibody production by normal plasma cells (PCs) against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) can be a major barrier to successful transplantation. We tested four reagents with possible activity against PCs (rituximab, polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib) to determine their ability to cause apoptosis of human bone marrow‐derived PCs and subsequently block IgG secretion in vitro. IVIG, rituximab and rATG all failed to cause apoptosis of PCs and neither rituximab nor rATG blocked antibody production. In contrast, bortezomib treatment led to PC apoptosis and thereby blocked anti‐HLA and antitetanus IgG secretion in vitro. Two patients treated with bortezomib for humoral rejection after allogeneic kidney transplantation demonstrated a transient decrease in bone marrow PCs in vivo and persistent alterations in alloantibody specificities. Total IgG levels were unchanged. We conclude that proteasome activity is important for PC longevity and its inhibition may lead to new techniques of controlling antibody production in vivo.


Using appropriate coloured lights, we show that phytochrome is involved in stoma tal differentiation. This photoperception is located within the whole shoot. This action is also shown for in vitro leaves. The nature of the morphogenetic information is discussed.


Purpose: to describe the phonological systems of monozygotic twins both having phonological disorders and to analyze the gradual development of the speech therapy after applying Modified Maximal Opposition Model in order to investigate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the outset and continuity (maintenance) of phonological disorders. Methods: the initial phonological assessments were compared as well as the target-sounds used in therapeutic plan, and the final phonological assessments at the end of each year of treatment for both monozygotic male twins who were six years and five months of age at the beginning of the research, and diagnosed as having phonological disorders. The boys were treated from August 2002 to December 2004 according to the Modified Maximal Opposition Model. All the material was obtained from the database of a project developed in the speech/language clinic of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Results: great similarities were found in the phonological systems of both subjects in the beginning, during the therapeutic evolution and at the end of the phonological therapy, even though the target sounds were not necessarily the same throughout therapy. The boys acquired the absent and partially acquired sounds, presenting generalization in the various possible situations, confirming the efficiency of the therapeutic model employed. Conclusion: the genetic influence induces the onset and continuity of phonological disorders; nevertheless environmental factors cannot be disregarded.


Issue addressed: Although it is well known that there is a very high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the Torres Strait Islands and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), little has been published on the personal perspectives and situations that the people with diabetes face in daily life, which includes managing their disease. This study provides a baseline of qualitative information so that supportive action from health services and communities
can be better tailored to help people meet their needs for self-management.

Methods: In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted involving a total of 26 men and 41 women living with diabetes in eight communities of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. The data are presented as case studies and thematic analysis illustrating a range of perspectives and experiences in coming to terms with the disease and in efforts to make lifestyle change, specifically related to eating well and moving more.

Results: Broad recommendations are provided on ways to better support people with diabetes that are based on both the data collected and the experience of the Indigenous researchers as health workers and community members.


Abstract The Qolqoleh gold deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), within the NE-SW trending Qolqoleh shear zone. Oligocene granitoids, Cretaceous meta-limestones, schists and metavolcanics are the main lithological units. Chondrite-normalised REE patterns of the ore-hosting metavolcanics indicate REE enrichment relative to hanging wall (chlorite-sericite schist) and footwall (meta-limestone) rocks. The pattern also reflects an enrichment in LREE relative to HREE. It seems that the LREE enrichment is related to the circulation of SO42- and CO2-bearing fluids and regional metamorphism in the Qolqoleh shear zone. Both positive and negative Eu anomalies are observed in shear-zone metavolcanics. These anomalies are related to the degree of plagioclase alteration during gold mineralisation and hydrothermal alteration. In progressing from a metavolcanic protomylonite to an ultramylonite, significant changes occurred in the major/trace element and REE concentration. Utilising an Al-Fe-Ti isocon for the ore-hosting metavolcanics shows that Sc, Y, K, U, P, and M-HREE (except Eu) are relatively unchanged; S, As, Ag, Au, Ca, LOI, Rb and LREE are enriched, and Sr, Ba, Eu, Cr, Co and Ni decrease with an increasing degree of deformation. Based on geochemical features and comparison with other well-known shear zones in the world, the study area is best classified as an Isovolume-Gain (IVG) type shear zone and orogenic type gold mineralisation. Based on the number of phases observed at room temperature and their microthermometric behaviour, three fluid inclusion types have been recognised in quartz-sulphide and quartz-calcite veins: Type I monophase aqueous inclusions, Type II two-phase liquid-vapour (L-V) inclusions which are subdivided into two groups based on the homogenisation temperature (Th): a) L-V inclusions with Th from 205 to 255°C and melting temperature of last ice (Tm) from -3 to -9°C. b) L-V inclusions with higher Th from 335 to 385°C and Tm from -11 to -16°C. Type III three-phase carbonic-liquid inclusions (liquid water-liquid CO2-vapour CO2) with Th of 345-385°C. The mean values of the density of ore-forming fluids, pressure and depth of mineralisation have been calculated to be 0.79-0.96 gr/cm3, 2 kbar and 7 km, respectively. The δ18Owater and δD values of the gold-bearing quartz-sulphide veins vary from 7.2‰ to 8‰ and -40.24‰ to -35.28‰, respectively, which are indicative of an isotopically heavy crustal fluid and likely little involvement of meteoric fluid. The δ18Owater values of the quartz-calcite veins have a range of -5.31‰ to -3.35‰, and the δD values of -95.65‰ to -75.31‰, which are clearly lower than those of early-stage quartz-sulphide-gold veins, and are close to the meteoric water line. Based on comparisons of the D-O isotopic systematics, the Qolqoleh ore-mineralising fluids originated from metamorphic devolatilisation of Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary piles. Devolatilisation of these units occurred either synchronously with, or postdates, the development of penetrative (ductile) structures such as shear zones and during overprinting brittle deformation


Recent studies in smart homes have proposed methods to use a laser pointer for interacting with home devices, which represents a more user-friendly and less expensive home device control environment. However, detecting the laser spot on the original non-filtered images, using standard and non expensive cameras, and considering real home environments with varying conditions, is currently an open problem. In this paper we propose a hybrid technique, combining a classic technique used in image detection processes, such as Template Matching, with an evolutionary learning of a Fuzzy Rule Based Systems for the laser spot detection system in real home environments. This proposal improves the success rate in images without laser spot of the previous classical and non-classical algorithms used for detecting the laser spot in previous works, decreasing the detection of the false offs which could lead to dangerous situations. Experimental results on a real home environment show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


The authors have generalized their experiences with using "Wobenzym" in 140 patients. Schemes of the effective systemic enzyme therapy are proposed for patients of the orthopedic-traumatological profile.


Dynamics of polarization relaxation at the solid–liquid interface is investigated theoretically by using time dependent density functional theory. The time dependence of the building up of solvent polarization next to a newly charged solid surface is calculated by solving both Markovian and non-Markovian equations of motion for density and momentum variables. The initial inhomogeneity of the medium is taken into account and it is calculated by using a weighted density functional theory. Explicit numerical results are obtained for the relaxation of solvent polarization at varying distances from the solid surface and the dynamics of interfacial relaxation is compared with that of the bulk. A slowing down of the rate of relaxation is found for interfacial molecules. However, the relaxation rate changes nonmonotonically with distance from the surface which can be attributed to the layering of solvent molecules in the interfacial region.


Context. Extratidal stars are stellar bodies that end up outside the tidal radius of a cluster as a result of internal processes or external forces acting upon it. The presence and spatial distribution of these stars can give us insights into the past evolution of a cluster inside our Galaxy.
Aims. Previous works suggest that globular clusters, when explored in detail, show evidence of extratidal stars. We aim to search for possible extratidal stars in the Galactic globular clusters NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266 using the photometry and proper motion measurements from Gaia DR2 database.
Methods. The extratidal stars for the clusters were selected on the basis of: their distance from the cluster center, similarity in their proper motions to the cluster population, and their position on the color-magnitude diagram of the clusters. Each cluster was explored in an annulus disk from the tidal radius up to five times the tidal radii. The significance level of the number of selected extratidal stars was determined on the basis of the distribution of Milky Way stars according to the Besançon Galaxy model and Gaia data. To understand the observed extratidal features, the orbits of the clusters were also determined using GravPot16.
Results. Finally, 120, 126, and 107 extratidal candidate stars were found lying outside the tidal radius of the globular clusters NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266, respectively. 70%, 25.4%, and 72.9% of the extratidal stars found are located outside the Jacobi radius of NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266, respectively. The spatial distribution of the extratidal stars belonging to NGC 6397 appears S-like, extending along the curved leading and trailing arms. NGC 2808 has an overdensity of stars in the trailing part of the cluster and NGC 6266 seems to have overdensities of extratidal stars in its eastern and northern sides.
Conclusions. Proper motions and color-magnitude diagrams can be used to identify extratidal candidate stars around GCs. Nonetheless, depending on how different the kinematics and stellar populations of a cluster are compared to the Milky Way field, the fraction of contamination can be larger. All three clusters are found to have extratidal stars outside their tidal radii. For NGC 6397 and NGC 2808, these stars may be the result of a combined effect of the disc shocks and tidal disruptions. For NGC 6266, the distribution of extratidal stars is symmetrical around it, most likely indicating that the cluster has an extended stellar envelope.


State-of-the-art visual odometry algorithms achieve remarkable efficiency and accuracy. Under realistic conditions, however, tracking failures are inevitable and to continue tracking, a recovery strategy is required. In this paper, we propose a relocalization system that enables realtime, 6D pose recovery for wide baselines. Our approach targets specifically resource-constrained hardware such as mobile phones. By exploiting the properties of low-complexity binary feature descriptors, nearest-neighbor search is performed efficiently using Locality Sensitive Hashing. Our method does not require time-consuming offline training of hash tables and it can be applied to any visual odometry system. We provide a thorough evaluation of effectiveness, robustness and runtime on an indoor test sequence with available ground truth poses. We investigate the system parameterization and compare the relocalization performance for the three binary descriptors BRIEF, unscaled BRIEF and ORB. In contrast to previous work on mobile visual odometry, we are able to quickly recover from tracking failures within maps with thousands of 3D feature points.


Abstract : Complex model systems can be difficult to depict using static images. Some phenomena are not apparent when viewed at a single instance in time. Many such things become much clearer, easier to detect and understand when they can be presented as moving, changing, evolving entities. For this reason, a set of tools have been created to help users generate motion picture sequences of systems modeled with BRL-CAD. Raytracing is a fundamental analysis and rendering technique within BRL-CAD. Most users of BRL-CAD are acquainted with the use of the program 'rt' for creating still images. A relative few understand how to utilize its capabilities for generating animation sequences or 'movies.' This paper introduces some of the tools and techniques available for creating animation sequences with 'rt' A basic knowledge of BRL-CAD, the geometry editor 'mged' and image creation using 'rt' is assumed. BRL-CAD, Animation, Video tape recording, Ray tracing.


We propose a stabilizing mechanism for the Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of interacting magnons in ferrimagnets and ferromagnets. By studying the effects of the magnon-magnon interaction on the stability of the magnon BEC in a ferrimagnet and two ferromagnets, we show that the magnon BEC remains stable even in the presence of the magnon-magnon interaction in the ferrimagnet and ferromagnet with a sublattice structure, while it becomes unstable in the ferromagnet without a sublattice structure. This indicates that the existence of a sublattice structure is the key to stabilizing the BEC of interacting magnons, and the difference between the spin alignments of a ferrimagnet and a ferromagnet is irrelevant. Our result can resolve a contradiction between experiment and theory in the magnon BEC of yttrium iron garnet. Our theoretical framework may provide a starting point for understanding the physics of the magnon BEC including the interaction effects.


Web Services is a totally new compute framework. It is another leap after the appearance of middle wait. In GIS, it also needs new distributed compute architecture to solve the interoperability of GIS application. The semantic based GIS Web Services is a good choice. It can obtain the distributed spatial data over the heterogeneity system and can build the dynamic services chain. We bring forward the concepts of semantic GIS Web Service and give a prototype to solve the actual problem in this article.


Access to justice is crucial for a well-ordered society and a functioning economic system. This article focuses on what technology offers as a 'fourth wave' in access to justice, namely a unique range of mechanisms to help meet the extensive legal need in Australia.

The article sets out a number of case studies to illustrate the scope of technological change in civil justice, ranging from specialist delivery of legal information to automation platforms. Evident amongst the possibilities offered by technology are also concerns and challenges for ensuring that access to justice is appropriately realised.

It explores two of the most significant challenges-digital inclusion and algorithmic justice. Two very different potential solutions are then discussed-Black Box Tinkering and human-centered design, referred to contextually as Legal Design.


An immunoglobulin superfamily neuronal adhesion molecule, Contactin, has been implicated in axon guidance of spinal sensory neurons in Xenopus embryos. To identify the guidance signaling molecules that Contactin recognizes in tailbud embryos, an in situ binding assay was performed using recombinant Contactin‐alkaline phosphatase fusion protein (Contactin‐AP) as a probe. In the assay of whole‐mount or sectioned embryos, Contactin‐AP specifically bound to the notochord and its proximal regions. This binding was completely blocked by either digestion of embryo sections with chondroitinase ABC or pretreatment of Contactin‐AP with chondroitin sulfate A. When the spinal cord and the notochord explants were co‐cultured in collagen gel, growing Contactin‐positive spinal axons were repelled by notochord‐derived repulsive activity. This repulsive activity was abolished by the addition of either a monoclonal anti‐Contactin antibody, chondroitin sulfate A or chondroitinase ABC to the culture medium. An antibody that recognizes chondroitin sulfate A and C labeled immunohistochemically the notochord in embryo sections and the collagen gel matrix around the cultured notochord explant. Addition of chondroitinase ABC into the culture eliminated the immunoreactivity in the gel matrix. These results suggest that the notochord‐derived chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan acts as a repulsive signaling molecule that is recognized by Contactin on spinal sensory axons.


Cosmic rays in galaxy clusters are unique probes of energetic processes operating with large-scale structures in the Universe. Precise measurements of cosmic rays in galaxy clusters are essential for improving our understanding of nonthermal components in the intracluster medium (ICM) as well as the accuracy of cluster mass estimates in cosmological analyses. In this paper, we perform a cross-correlation analysis with the extragalactic gamma-ray background and the thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich (tSZ) effect in the cosmic microwave background. The expected cross-correlation signal would contain rich information about the cosmic-ray-induced gamma-ray emission in the most massive galaxy clusters at z ∼ 0 . 1 – 0 . 2 . We analyze the gamma-ray background map with 8 years of data taken by the Large Area Telescope onboard Fermi satellite and the publicly available tSZ map by Planck. We confirm that the measured cross-correlation is consistent with a null detection, and thus it enables us to put the tightest constraint on the acceleration efficiency of cosmic-ray protons at shocks in and around galaxy clusters. We find the acceleration efficiency must be below 5% with a 2 σ confidence level when the hydrostatic mass bias of clusters is assumed to be 30%, and our result is not significantly affected by the assumed value of the hydrostatic mass bias. Our constraint implies that the nonthermal cosmic-ray pressure in the ICM can introduce only a ≲ 3% level of the hydrostatic mass bias, highlighting that cosmic rays alone do not account for the mass bias inferred by the Planck analyses. Finally, we discuss future detectability prospects of cosmic-ray-induced gamma rays from the Perseus cluster for the Cherenkov Telescope Array.


This book surveys the channels through which political ideas and knowledge were conveyed to the English people from the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth I to the Revolution of 1688. Shapiro argues that an assessment of English political culture requires an examination of all means by which this culture was expressed and communicated. While the discussion focuses primarily on genres such as the sermon, newsbook, poetry, and drama, it also considers the role of events and institutions. Shapiro is the first to explore and elucidate the entire web of communication in early modern English political life.


A new digital feedback application for the study of sensitivity characteristics of biological photoreceptors is presented. The voltage response of a cell is controlled by feeding back to the stimulating LED-via the controller-the recorded membrane voltage. The light intensity changes represent the change in the sensitivity of the photoreceptors, revealing the time course of adaptation.<<ETX>>


Background It is believed by western education systems that the first contact should be with the nurse in primary health care. However, it is not the case. Therefore, the researcher attempts to correct this misconception by conceptualising the correct beginning of health seeking behaviour in an indigenous African community, namely African Primal Health Care (APHC). 'Primal' was coined during a colloquium by Dr Mbulawa and Seboka team members; however no formal conceptualisation took place, only operational definition. Due to the study scope, conceptualisation is narrowed to mental health, but this concept is applicable in the broader health context. The research purpose was to contribute to the body of indigenous knowledge systems to advocate towards co-existence of primal health care and mental health care. Aim Formulate APHC within a mental health care context. Objectives To explore philosophical grounding of APHC and describe epistemology of APHC. To analyse and crystallise the exploration to establish understanding within mental health and conceptualise APHC within mental health care to enhance co-existence. Methodology Narrative synthesis, concept analysis (qualitative design). Lekgotla was used as a method of data collection and data were analysed using Leedy and Ormrod's five steps of data analysis. Results APHC is a health care system that existed in Africa prior to the introduction of the western health care system. It is based on the African belief system and practices. The practices come from the community, for the community and are authenticated by the community. APHC uses a holistic approach and the family and community are involved in the healing process.


A compact slot antenna for high-gain ultra wideband applications is presented. The slot is asymmetrically cut in the ground plane and is a combination of two rectangles. A hexagonal patch with two stepped coplanar waveguide-feed is used to excite the slot. The capacitive reactance of the hexagonal patch is neutralized by the inductive reactance created by the asymmetric slot and results into wider impedance matching. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 11.85 GHz (2.9–14.75 GHz). The radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are found to be omni-directional in the H-plane and bi-directional in the E-plane. To enhance the gain of the antenna, a compact three-layer frequency selective surface (FSS) is used as a reflector. The overall thickness of the FSS is 3.5 mm. There is 4–5 dBi improvement in antenna gain after application of the FSS. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement.


Polyfluorinated biphenyls are interesting and promising substrates for many different applications. Unfortunately, all current methods for the syntheses of these compounds only work for a hand full of molecules or only in very special cases. Thus, many of these compounds are still inaccessible to date. Here we report a general strategy for the synthesis of a wide range of highly fluorinated biphenyls. In our studies we investigated crucial parameters, such as different phosphine ligands and the influence of various nucleophiles and electrophiles with different degrees of fluorination. These results extend the scope of the already very versatile Suzuki–Miyaura reaction toward the synthesis of very electron-poor products, making these more readily accessible. The presented methodology is scalable and versatile without the need for elaborate phosphine ligands or Pd-precatalysts.


OBJECTIVE
The review will synthesize current evidence regarding the experiences of nurses who care for people living in shelters following natural hazards and disasters.

INTRODUCTION
Over the last decade, due to climate change and global warming, the damage caused by natural hazards and disasters like hurricanes, floods and heavy rainfall has been steadily growing. Following natural hazards and disasters, many who lose their homes reside in evacuation shelters for prolonged periods. The loss of medical infrastructure in disaster-stricken areas can result in evacuees' health being compromised and the spread of disease and/or infection. Under such circumstances, disaster relief nurses can play a critical role in supporting these victims. This review aims to provide useful information for nurses who are working in disaster shelters.

INCLUSION CRITERIA
The review will include qualitative studies examining experiences of nurses caring for people living in shelters following natural hazards and disasters, published in either English or Japanese. Studies published from 2000 to the present will be considered.

METHODS
The review will follow the meta-aggregation approach developed by JBI. Published and unpublished studies will be searched using major international databases and other relevant databases for gray literature in either English or Japanese. Two reviewers will independently appraise studies and extract qualitative data using the JBI standardized critical appraisal and extraction instruments. Findings from the review will be categorized according to their similarity in meaning and their categories subjected to a meta-synthesis to produce a single comprehensive set of synthesized findings. The final synthesized findings will be graded according to the ConQual approach.


This case study reviews the enactment and implementation of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) in the U.S. Department of Defense. Proponents of reform seized the opportunity to enact reform in the aftermath of 9/11, basing their arguments on national security concerns. However, the policy-making process did not produce a consensus for reform among key stakeholders in the personnel management policy community. Instead, the NSPS angered and alienated the Office of Personnel Management, the public employee unions, and a number of congressional Democrats. Implementation of the NSPS became problematic as Defense Department officials attempted to move quickly and independently to get the new system online, eventually forcing the department to put the system on hold. In the end, Congress imposed limits on its implementation, advocates for the system disappeared, and a new president supported the repeal of NSPS. This case provides useful insights into the formulation of future strategies for personnel management reform.


Brazil has favorable hydrographic and climatic conditions for the development of fish farming. The success of this activity depends on the quality of the water, since it directly influences its productivity. Therefore, in order to verify the microbiological and physico chemical characteristics of the water in the creation of the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) species in fish farming in São Bento, a municipality located in the. State, 16 water samples from six fish farms were evaluated for the physical parameters (Temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, color, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate and nitrite) and microbiological (coliforms and heterotrophic mesophilic bacteria). According to the findings, all samples were contaminated by total and thermotolerant coliforms, 13 (77.15%) were outside the standards recommended by the legislation. As for the mesophilic aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, the mean counts ranged from 30.6 x 102 to 4.7 x 104 CFU / mL. As for the physical-chemical parameters, it was verified that the temperature ranged from 27.4°C to 30°C; PH 5.0 to 8.2; Transparency ranged from 0 to 46 cm; Turbidity from 12 to 1,251 NTU, the color from 0 to 666.50 UH; Dissolved oxygen from 7.1 to 14.7 mg / L; Alkalinity of 17.5 to 412 mg / L; Hardness from 14.6 to 1027.8 mg / L; Nitrate from 1 to 160 mg / L and nitrite from 0.01 to 0.45 mg / L. The findings show that the water of fish farms has inadequate microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics for fish farming.


The Lamb shift in hydrogen spectrum is obtained here in the framework of some weak generalization of the classical Maxwell electrodynamics. It is shown that weakly generalized classical Maxwell electrodynamics can describe the intra-atomic phenomena with the same success as relativistic quantum mechanics can do. Group-theoretical grounds for the description of fermionic states by bosonic system are presented briefly. The advantages of generalized electrodynamics in intra-atomic region in comparison with standard Maxwell electrody- namics are demonstrated on testing example of hydrogen atom. We are able to obtain some results which are impossible in the framework of standard Maxwell electrodynamics. The Sommerfeld-Dirac formula for the fine structure of the hydrogen atom spectrum is obtained on the basis of such Maxwell equations without appealing to the Dirac equa- tion. The Bohr postulates are proved to be the consequences of the equations under consideration. The relationship of the new model with the Dirac theory is investigated. Possible directions of unification of such electrodynamics with gravity are mentioned.


With the ongoing development of multimedia technology, the number of information systems containing image retrieval functions is increasing rapidly. Techniques of colour histogram content-based image retrieval are compared in terms of speed and efficiency, and a modified approach based on a composite colour image histogram processing is introduced. The proposed approach is fast and provides results comparable to those of much slower algorithms. Furthermore, a novel pipelined hardware structure has been designed and implemented on an FPGA, to increase the operation speed and make the technique suitable for real-time applications. The typical clock frequency of this device is 35 MHz and it can perform over 50 comparisons of 640/spl times/480-pixel images per second


This paper discusses predictive transport simulations of the type I ELMy high confinement mode (H-mode) with a theory-motivated edge localized mode (ELM) model based on linear ballooning and peeling mode stability theory. In the model, a total mode amplitude is calculated as a sum of the individual mode amplitudes given by two separate linear differential equations for the ballooning and peeling mode amplitudes. The ballooning and peeling mode growth rates are represented by mutually analogous terms, which differ from zero upon the violation of a critical pressure gradient and an analytical peeling mode stability criterion, respectively. The damping of the modes due to non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects is controlled by a term driving the mode amplitude towards the level of background fluctuations. Coupled to simulations with the JETTO transport code, the model qualitatively reproduces the experimental dynamics of type I ELMy H-mode, including an ELM frequency that increases with the external heating power. The dynamics of individual ELM cycles is studied. Each ELM is usually triggered by a ballooning mode instability. The ballooning phase of the ELM reduces the pressure gradient enough to make the plasma peeling unstable, whereby the ELM continues driven by the peeling mode instability, until the edge current density has been depleted to a stable level. Simulations with current ramp-up and ramp-down are studied as examples of situations in which pure peeling and pure ballooning mode ELMs, respectively, can be obtained. The sensitivity with respect to the ballooning and peeling mode growth rates is investigated. Some consideration is also given to an alternative formulation of the model as well as to a pure peeling model.


This paper presents an optimal power flow (OPF) model which maximizes system security. Loading factor has been chosen as objective function of OPF problem to enhance system security. It is demonstrated that available transfer capability (ATC) is a suitable criterion for evaluation of system security. In addition, this concept is consistent to ISO requirements for system operation. On the other hand, loading factor (LF) is an alternative concept that can evaluate system ATC. Therefore, in this work, the correlation between LF and ATC has been demonstrated. The proposed OPF model formulation has been solved in order to maximize loading factor. By solving this optimization model for normal and contingency conditions, ISO can be ensured about system reliability and security. Finally, the proposed optimal power flow model is applied and tested on the CIGRE 32-bus system for normal and contingency cases.


F ilsafat Ilmu is one of the specific Filsafats that has a strategic position in Indonesia's development of the ilmu paradigm. Filsafat's position in the evolving paradigm of knowledge will be examined in this research. Some of the things that were discussed in this study are listed below. In Indonesia, Filsafat Ilmu is a paradigm and a way of life. At addition, Filsafat Ilmu students in Indonesia's kuliah madrasah are encouraged to read and learn about the school's many books of poetry and prose. Filsafat Ilmu is a discipline of the Indonesian Filsafat that is gaining traction. The purpose of this study is to analyze and decipher the aims and progress of Filsafat Ilmu in Indonesia from the perspective of the paradigm of ilmu and the history of its transmission through Indonesian books and scholarly articles. It is used in the study of Filsafat Ilmu to use a method of research known as kualitatif, which involves analyzing the sources or data from books, journals, documents, and textbooks. Interpretation, heuristics, and philosophical reflection are all forms of analytic methods used. Research shows that Filsafat Ilmu is being developed and taught in line with the current paradigm for Filsafat Ilmu. It is this structure that was built to help grow Filsafat Ilmu, starting with the fundamental understanding of Filsafat's fundamentals all the way down to its core tenets. Orientasi Flsafat Ilmu, a discipline derived from the Filsafat that was developed in Indonesia from a variety of literature, still dominates on the orientation of Filsafat


Unfamiliarity with fistula and graft characteristics can lead to failed punctures, haematomas and sometimes access occlusion. The Custom-made Raster Method provides detailed shunt visualisation and angiographic images by using photo-editing software. Access veins of an individual shunt and an adapted raster are projected on a digital picture of the arm. During angiography the shunt arm is fixated and a digital picture is taken from a fixed vertical angle and distance. Reference points are marked on the shunt arm, which serves as a fixation to draw a raster with coordination points. In this way a picture is created similar to a roadmap with veins. There is complete integration of digital and radiological images by using software programmes Adobe Photoshop + Illustrator or Agfa Web 1000 under Windows XP. All illustrations fit 1:1 by scaling up or down without distortion. Editing with Photoshop gives a precise projection of shunt veins on the real coloured background of the digital photograph. In this projection the grey angiography background is made completely transparent. The system can contain more detailed information in combination with echo (duplex) images of depth and diameter. This visualisation method is a useful tool for multi disciplinary access meetings with intervention radiologists, access surgeons and nephrologists. Access malfunction, aneurysms and stenosis can be projected at the exact location. The system leads to clear and concrete puncture advice. Transfer of access information and communication to other dialysis centres is facilitated.


Summary Henry Culpin was an autodidact geologist and palaeontologist; he was among the first of very few local people to understand and describe the geological outcrops, and fossils within them, around Doncaster, South Yorkshire. During his excursions, Culpin collected many fossil specimens and gifted several to Beechfield House museum, now Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. A large percentage of these specimens are of local origin, collected from Carboniferous coal mine deposits that are no longer accessible. They represent some of the most scientifically and locally important fossils from Doncaster, collected when some of the earliest mine shafts were being sunk in the district. Supplementary material: The entire list of records from the Doncaster Museum accession register is available at: http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18783


The dynamic qualities of computerassisted career guidance instruments create a need for published research which keeps abreast of current issues and trends, and an ensuing need for constant reviewing of such research. As part of my Master of Education in School Guidance and Counselling at the Queensland University of Technology, I am involved in a review of post-1990 literature which relates to the use and benefits of computer-assisted career guidance systems. Of particular interest is SIGI Plus, which is used extensively in the United States of America and more recently in Australia. Correspondence is welcomed from those who can contribute to or are interested in my research.


Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role of business support organisations (BSO) in overcoming barriers to the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, especially in disseminating knowledge on such technologies among cluster firms.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on in-depth interviews conducted in 2021 with representatives of BSO in three manufacturing clusters (furniture, metal and automotive) in the Wielkopolska region in Poland.

Findings
Companies in clusters face important barriers impeding the adoption of I4.0 technologies, in particular, the unawareness of the characteristics and potential of those technologies. BSO might be particularly helpful in overcoming this barrier by supporting knowledge dissemination among companies. This study's analyses suggest they can do so in three roles: as knowledge gatekeepers, as brokers of purposeful knowledge transfer and as facilitators of spontaneous knowledge diffusion. Evidence suggests that different types of organisations are more likely to be associated with each of these three roles, despite such a combination of the three often being in one place: public agencies are gatekeeping, selecting and passing on certain knowledge on I4.0; research-oriented organisations (such as technology parks) play a knowledge transfer brokerage role; industry associations and cluster initiatives are actively facilitating spontaneous knowledge diffusion.

Originality/value
This paper is a contribution to the emerging literature on digital transformations of clusters by investigating the difficulties preventing firms from adopting I4.0 technologies and the roles BSO can take on to support overcoming them.


Aim. The aim of the study is to identify the degree of external threat relating to the  spread of HIV infection by migrants in the North Caucasus Federal District of Russia.  Material and Methods. Systemic, comparative geographical, geographic and statistical research methods were applied, as well as MS Excel and SPSS Statistics software packages. The database was created for the periods 1997‐2000, 2003‐2006,  2007‐2010 and 2011‐2015. Four main (aggregated) groups of indicators were selected.  Results . A hierarchical cluster analysis was undertaken on groups of indicators (the  current situation in states studied regarding the spread of HIV, the flow of migrants  from these states to the North Caucasus Federal District as a whole and its differentiation according to chronological and chorological characteristics) which made it  possible to aggregate the countries of Asia and Africa into four groups according to  threat level of the spread of HIV infection for the North Caucasus Federal District:  (1) extremely high (post‐Soviet states of the Caucasus and Central Asia [excepting  Turkmenistan]); (2) high (states of the eastern Mediterranean [excepting Lebanon],  as well as Afghanistan and Turkmenistan); (3) countries of a medium degree of  threat (most of the countries of sub‐Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia [except Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines and Brunei], as well as Pakistan); (4) low (all  states).  Conclusion . Despite the greater spread of HIV in African states compared with  Asian states, it is the latter ‐ especially those formerly part of the USSR ‐ that pose  the greatest threat to the North Caucasus Federal District with regard to the spread  of HIV by migrants. Almost every state of origin of the majority of migrants infected  with HIV has "its own" preferred destination in the North Caucasus Federal District,  to which their inflows are oriented.


The article examines the impact of infrastructure supply on private economic activity in cities. Using a simple theoretical model, which takes the financing of infrastructure services into account, it is shown that infrastructures affect the sector composition in cities and the competitiveness of cities. The model also indicates that infrastructure effects can be identified using labor demand functions, which gives a theory-based motivation for empirical testing. In the applied part of the article, labor demand functions for large West German cities are estimated that make it possible to quantify the effects of providing infrastructure services on local job markets. The estimates reveal that differences in regional infrastructure supply explain up to 20 percent of the observed interregional disparities in employment growth across West German cities.


Current efforts to build reliable brain-computer interfaces (BCI) span multiple axes from hardware, to software, to more sophisticated experimental protocols, and personalized approaches. However, despite these abundant efforts, there is still room for significant improvement. We argue that a rather overlooked direction lies in linking BCI protocols with recent advances in fundamental neuroscience. In light of these advances, and particularly the characterization of the burst-like nature of beta frequency band activity and the diversity of beta bursts, we revisit the role of beta activity in "left vs. right hand" motor imagery tasks. Current decoding approaches for such tasks take advantage of the fact that motor imagery generates time-locked changes in induced power in the sensorimotor cortex, and rely on band-pass filtered power changes or covariance matrices which also describe co-varying power changes in signals recorded from different channels. Although little is known about the dynamics of beta burst activity during motor imagery, we hypothesized that beta bursts should be modulated in a way analogous to their activity during performance of real upper limb movements. We show that classification features based on patterns of beta burst modulations yield decoding results that are equivalent to or better than typically used beta power across multiple open electroencephalography datasets, thus providing insights into the specificity of these bio-markers.


Earth Day at the AGU Annual Meeting was marked by a symposium and panel discussion on the 'Environmental Challenge,' and the organizers and participants are to be commended for their efforts toward enlarging the horizons of knowledge and concern among earth scientists. However, while the invited papers drew a moderate audience, even the presence of beer and lunch was insufficient to attract more than some 125 people to the panel discussion—a poor turnout indeed for a group of scientists who potentially have so much to offer to our ecological crisis. Probably AGU should have done a better job of advertising, not only among the scientists but among the general population as well. One of the panel participants noted that scientists have a critical contribution to make to the environmental problem in terms of the dispersal of scientific and technological information to the general public.


This article reports a study on the model of school management followed by indigenous public elementary schools participating in the Full-Time Schools program (PETC) in Baja California, Mexico. It is based on Stephen Ball´s theoretical proposal on policy enactments. The objective was to infer the processes involved in policy interpretation and translation at work when endorsing the PETC policy by supervisor, principals and teachers. From a qualitative perspective, the data consisted of school observations and semi-structured interviews; for their study, we applied James Paul Gee´s analysis of I-statements in order to identify the participants´ stances regarding their everyday schoolwork. The results highlight the restrictions of the contexts under which the program is implemented, as well as the participants' actions taken to fulfill the demands of the PETC, on top of their everyday tasks. In this way, the program and its generic elements are recontextualized in a context marked by historical inequality and marginalization.


Objective: Cytoreductive surgery as a basis of therapy in epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOC) provides the primary tumor and metastatic tumor samples from a same patient. This gives an excellent opportunity for evaluation of metastatic factors by excluding inter-individual differences. Therefore, we aimed to define changes at mRNA levels of NM23-H1, KAI1 and MKK4 metastasisrelated genes in the paired normal tissue, primary tumor and omental metastatic tumor samples obtained from a same patient. Material and Methods: mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) following total RNA extraction in normal tissues, primary malign tissues of EOC, and its metastatic lesions on omentum for 41 patients with stage III-C (FIGO) EOC. Results: We found that mRNA level of NM23-H1 was significantly higher in metastatic samples compared to primary tumors (p=0.009). On the other hand, MKK4 was found to be significantly lower in primary tumor samples compared to normal tissues (p=0.024). There was no significant change at mRNA level of KAI1 among normal tissues, primary tumors and omental metastatic tumor samples. Conclusion: We suppose that in detailed functional studies, approaches that suppress NM23-H1 gene and restore MKK4 gene would make these genes important molecular targets for treatment of metastatic EOC in the future.


Recently, several new approaches for creating polygenic scores (PGS) have been developed and this trend shows no sign of abating. However, it has thus far been challenging to determine which approaches are superior, as different studies report seemingly conflicting benchmark results. This heterogeneity in benchmark results is in part due to different outcomes being used, but also due to differences in the genetic variants being used, data preprocessing, and other quality control steps. As a solution, a publicly available benchmark for polygenic prediction is presented here, which allows researchers to both train and test polygenic prediction methods using only summary-level information, thus preserving privacy. Using simulations and real data, we show that model performance can be estimated with accuracy, using only linkage disequilibrium (LD) information and genome-wide association summary statistics for target outcomes. Finally, we make this PGS benchmark - consisting of 8 outcomes, including somatic and psychiatric disorders - publicly available for researchers to download on our PGS benchmark platform (http://www.pgsbenchmark.org). We believe this benchmark can help establish a clear and unbiased standard for future polygenic score methods to compare against.


We previously provided evidence that plastid signaling regulates the downstream components of a light signaling network and that this signal integration coordinates chloroplast biogenesis with both the light environment and development by regulating gene expression. We tested these ideas by analyzing light- and plastid-regulated transcriptomes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that the enrichment of Gene Ontology terms in these transcriptomes is consistent with the integration of light and plastid signaling (1) down-regulating photosynthesis and inducing both repair and stress tolerance in dysfunctional chloroplasts and (2) helping coordinate processes such as growth, the circadian rhythm, and stress responses with the degree of chloroplast function. We then tested whether factors that contribute to this signal integration are also regulated by light and plastid signals by characterizing T-DNA insertion alleles of genes that are regulated by light and plastid signaling and that encode proteins that are annotated as contributing to signaling, transcription, or no known function. We found that a high proportion of these mutant alleles induce chloroplast biogenesis during deetiolation. We quantified the expression of four photosynthesis-related genes in seven of these enhanced deetiolation (end) mutants and found that photosynthesis-related gene expression is attenuated. This attenuation is particularly striking for Photosystem II subunit S expression. We conclude that the integration of light and plastid signaling regulates a number of END genes that help optimize chloroplast function and that at least some END genes affect photosynthesis-related gene expression.


Ammonia inversion lines are often used as probes of the physical conditions in the dense interstellar medium. The excitation temperature between the first two para-metastable (rotational) levels is an excellent probe of the gas kinetic temperature. However, the calibration of this ammonia thermometer depends on the accuracy of the collisional rates with H 2 . Here, we present new collisional rates for ortho- and para-NH 3 colliding with para-H 2 (J = 0), and investigate the effects of these new rates on the excitation of ammonia. Scattering calculations employ a new, high-accuracy, potential energy surface computed at the coupled-cluster CCSD(T) level with a basis set extrapolation procedure. Rates are obtained for all transitions involving ammonia levels with J ≤ 3 and for kinetic temperatures in the range 5-100 K. We find that the calibration curve of the ammonia thermometer - which relates the observed excitation temperature between the first two para-metastable levels to the gas kinetic temperature-does not change significantly when these new rates are used. Thus, the calibration of ammonia thermometer appears to be robust. Effects of the new rates on the excitation temperature of inversion and rotation-inversion transitions are also found to be small.


Due to excellent physical and chemical properties, cerium oxide (ceria, CeO2) has attracted much attention in recent years. This chapter aimed at providing some basic and fundamental properties of ceria, the importance of oxygen vacancies in this material, nano‐size effects and various synthesis strategies to form diverse structural morphologies. Finally, some key applications of ceria‐based nanostructures are reviewed. We conclude this chapter by expressing personal perspective on the probable challenges and developments of the controllable synthesis of CeO2 nanomaterials for various applications.


In 1995 the Radar Research Group within Sea Systems Sector at DERA Portsdown West began investigating dual frequency radar concepts under the Corporate Research Programme to overcome the current compromise in operational frequency choice. The work discussed builds upon the considerable expertise that has been gained by the team through the highly successful MESAR MFR programme, which began in 1977. Multi-function radars (MFRs) are currently being proposed for use in naval and land environments because they provide many weapon system performance advantages. An extensive antenna element study conducted early in the research programme concluded that a single element, capable of radiating at both frequencies, would not meet the specified MFR performance characteristics. The study was then expanded to consider different elements to radiate at L- and X-band. After much investigation it was decided to choose a waveguide for the L-band radiating element and a radiating dipole for the X-band radiating element.


Infantile hepatic hemangioma can be associated to consumptive hypothyroidism due to overexpression of type 3 deiodinase in the endothelium of vascular tumor, which catalyzes the conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (rT3) and of T3 to T2, both of which are biologically inactive. Here, we report an infant with a massive biopsy-proven infantile hepatic hemangioma who developed thyroid dysfunction without a typical biochemical profile consistent with severe consumptive hypothyroidism, despite the large tumor burden. Our patient was treated with propranolol that rapidly resolved both hepatic hemangioma and thyroid dysfunction. We propose propranolol as a first-line therapy of thyroid dysfunction associated with infantile hepatic hemangioma, in order to avoid interference with neurological development caused by hypothyroidism in the first months of life.


Five male patients participated in a pilot open-label study of dose-related aspects of response to intracerebroventricular bethanechol in Alzheimer's disease. No patient had remission of symptoms, but three patients improved symptomatically and on tests of memory. Improvement was evident over a restricted range of doses for each subject, and symptoms were worse at doses below and above the optimal range. There was little overlap in the range of doses producing improvement among these three. Two patients had no consistent improvement in memory, and agitation, depression, paranoia, and seizures developed during treatment. Qualitative differences and variability in dosages producing responses complicate the identification of true drug response in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.


Seven species of trypanosomes are known, of which Trypanosoma binneyi from Ornithorhynchus anatinus, T. thylacis from Thylacis obesulus, and T. hipposideri from Hipposideros bicolor albanensis are new. These are the first trypanosomes to be described from a monotreme, a marsupial, and an insectivorous bat in Australia. Six species of haemogregarines are known, of which Hepatozoon dasyuroides from Dasyuroides byrnei and H. pseudocheiri from Pseudocheirus laniginosus are new. One species of Hepatocystis is known from flying foxes, and one species of Polychromophilus from insectivorous bats. Four species of Babesia are known, of which B. thylacis from Thylacis obesulus is new. Four species of Theileria are known, of which Th. ornithorhynchi from Ornithorhynchus anatinus and Th. peramelis from bandicoots are new. The ox is the only domestic mammal harbouring sporozoan blood protozoa, three species being known, of which two are certainly pathogenic. Blood parasites, which appear to be related to bacteria or viruses, occur in cattle, rodents, and bandicoots. These include species of Anaplasma, Haemobartonella, and Eperythrozoon. Spirochaetes belonging to the genus Borrelia occur in the blood of cattle, rodents, kangaroos, and bandicoots.


Parts mating often requires the use of compliant motions, which cause an object in the grasp of a robot to slide along obstacles in its environment. This paper is about the interface between a compliant motion programming system and a compliant motion control system. We propose that in this interface the robot can be modeled as a damped spring. This model allows the programming system to specify and reason about compliant motions without worrying about low-level control details. The utility of the damped spring model is demonstrated by applications in teaching and planning of compliant motion strategies.


QC (glutaminyl cyclase) catalyses the formation of N-terminal pGlu (pyroglutamate) in peptides and proteins. pGlu formation in chemoattractants may participate in the regulation of macrophage activation and migration. However, a clear molecular mechanism for the regulation is lacking. The present study examines the role of QC-mediated pGlu formation on MCPs (monocyte chemoattractant proteins) in inflammation. We demonstrated in vitro the pGlu formation on MCPs by QC using MS. A potent QC inhibitor, PBD150, significantly reduced the N-terminal uncyclized-MCP-stimulated monocyte migration, whereas pGlu-containing MCP-induced cell migration was unaffected. QC small interfering RNA revealed a similar inhibitory effect. Lastly, we demonstrated that inhibiting QC can attenuate cell migration by lipopolysaccharide. These results strongly suggest that QC-catalysed N-terminal pGlu formation of MCPs is required for monocyte migration and provide new insights into the role of QC in the inflammation process. Our results also suggest that QC could be a drug target for some inflammatory disorders.


The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Sport Satisfaction Instrument (SSI) adapted physical education (PE) using exploratory factor analysis of the dimensional structure of the instrument in a Spanish sample. It was intended to determine, on a preliminary basis, whether it constitutes a valid and reliable for use in future research. Was administered to a total of 224 high school students 12 to 19 years. This analysis supports the hypothesized theoretical model of two factors (satisfaction / fun and boredom). The Spanish version of the instrument for PE showed acceptable levels of internal consistency.


The 500 MHz 1H and 125 MHz 13C spectra of ergosteryl and 7-dehydrocholesteryl acetate were recorded in C6D6 and CDCl3 and assigned using two-dimensional NMR techniques. It is shown that incorporation of an Fe(CO)3 or a Rh(acac) moiety onto the ring B diene system affects the chemical shifts of neighbouring protons and carbons. These changes are discussed in terms of the anisotropic properties of the organometallic fragments.


Two‐phase flow, thermal management systems are currently being considered as an alternative to conventional, single phase systems for future space missions because of their potential to reduce overall system mass, size, and pumping power requirements. Knowledge of flow regime transitons, heat transfer characteristics, and pressure drop correlations is necessary to design and develop two‐phase systems. This work is concerned with microgravity, two‐phase flow pressure drop experiments.The data are those of a recent experiment (Hill et al. 1990) funded by the U.S. Air Force and conducted by Foster‐Miller in conjuction with Texas A&M University. A boiling and condensing experiment was built in which R‐12 was used as the working fluid. A Forster‐Miller two phase pump was used to circulate a freon mixture and allow separate measurements of the vapor and liquid flow streams. The experimental package was flown five times aboard the NASA KC‐135 aircraft which simulates zero‐g conditions by its parabolic flight tra...


This article reports a case of a retained Grafenberg IUD which on pelvic radiography resembled a fractured Lippes Loop. The patient a 52-year-old Chinese woman had been fitted with a ringlike IUD 20 years earlier. 3 years after insertion she had a miscarriage and was informed that the IUD had probably been expelled. At presentation this patient had a 3-week history of menorrhagia. She was not anemic and systemic examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. Radiography revealed a linear radio-opague foreign body in the pelvis that looked like part of a fractured Lippes Loop. After uterine curettage the foreign body was retrieved with difficulty and in fragments. Histopathologic examination of the endometrial cuttings showed cystic glandular hyperplasia with no evidence of malignancy or inflammation. In this case embedment of the IUD had reduced contraceptive efficacy and made removal problematic. The force required to retrieve the device and the straightening out of its coils during the process indicate that there could have been a type 1 or 2 uterine perforation. It is assumed that the Grafenberg ring was broken and splayed out during a prior uterine curettage.


A guide filled with suggested readings, databases to consult, and key web sites to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of the landmark Voting Rights Act and Immigration and Naturalization (Hart-Celler) Act.


The aim of this survey was aimed to determine current breast-feeding and infant-feeding practices among a community of urban indigenous Australians in Brisbane, the largest city of Queensland, in Australia. In mid- 1998, a questionnaire was administered to 61 mothers with infants up to the age of 2 years. Breast-feeding had been initiated by 59% (95% CI: 46.7-71.3) of the mothers; however, by 4 months after birth only 24.6% (95% CI: 13.8-35.4) of the mothers were breast-feeding. Only 19.7% (95% CI: 9.7-29.7) of the infants were solely breast-fed during their first 4 months of life. Of the infants in the survey who were older than 6 months, only 25% (95% CI: 18.2-31.8) had been introduced to solid food after 6 months. The current diet of 80% (95% CI: 44.9-100) of infants aged 4-6 months and 37.5% (95% CI: 13.8-61.2) of infants aged 0-3 months included solids. This survey has indicated the need to appropriately promote breast-feeding as the best source of nutrition for new babies. The initiation rate of breast-feeding is low compared with other Australian rural indigenous and urban indigenous communities. Barriers to continued breast-feeding should also be addressed, as well as appropriate weaning practices.


this work explored several methods of measuring presence, through different visual/tactual feedback modes for a novel virtual object manipulation task, in order to evaluate the VisiTact system [1] and assess the influence of haptic, visual and augmented feedback on a conventional assembly task. The scope of the study was based on a pilot study [2], which preceded this work. The pilot study was conducted with two objectives in mind: to determine the number and order of trials required and to determine the number of participants needed for this study. The pilot study recommended that the study should consider no less than four trial repetitions for each task. Additionally, the study should employ at least thirteen subjects to ensure that the results are adequate for such contact type tasks. However, the order or randomisation, in which each of the modes is executed, was deemed not to be significant. The study has shown that there were significant differences between the completion time results, and that there was also a significant difference between the real task and any other task involving the use of the VisiTact system. The variation in the immersion level and the visibility of the participant's hand led to significant differences in the task performance, i.e. wearing a Head Mounted Display (HMD) demonstrated a superior performance over other VR modes, in terms of reduced task completion time.


The effects of Br connected groups on atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling (ATNRC) reaction were investigated. Two precursors methoxyl poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide-co-2-bromoiso butyryloxy glycidyl ether) (mPEO-b-Poly(EO-co-BiBGE)) and methoxyl poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-bromoiso butyryloxy glycidyl ether) (mPEO-b-Poly(BiBGE)) with different C(CH3)2Br density were designed and synthesized firstly, and then ATNRC reaction were completed between these precursors and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy poly(e-caprolactone) (TEMPO-PCL) in the presence or absence of St monomers, respectively. The results showed that the structure of Br connected groups showed an important effect on ATNRC reaction, and the ATNRC reaction with high efficiency could be realized by transforming the higher active Br connected groups into the lower one by the addition of small amount of St monomers. The final comb-like block copolymers mPEO-b-[Poly(EO-co-Gly)-g-(St1.8-b-PCL)] and mPEO-b-[Poly(Gly)-g-(St2.4-b-PCL)] with high coupling efficiency were obtained by this strategy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1633–1640, 2010


Background: Radial head fractures are about 20% of all the elbow fractures. Comminuted radial head fractures can cause great impairment on upper extremity functional status. In older times, radial head resection was the treatment of choice for comminuted radial head fractures. Recently, radial head implant arthroplasty has become popular for fractures that could not be fixed. In this study, we assess the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent Radial head resection in Indian population of the productive age group.

Methods: Prospective study of 15 patients of age more than 18 and less than 50 years of age, who have underwent radial head resection for Mason type III radial head fractures. Outcomes were evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score at 3 months, 6 months and at 1 year follow up.

Results: We observed that 80% of our patients were pain free at the end of 1 year and 20% had minimal to moderate pain. About 80% of our patients regained their "functional range" of movements. 12 of our patients had a stable elbow joint and only 3 patients complained of minimal to moderate instability after the procedure. 87% of our patients had a good to excellent functional outcome at the end. The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 92.3 which is graded as excellent and did not have any significant complications to hinder the clinical outcome.

Conclusions: Radial head resection yields a good to excellent clinical results in young Indian population with isolated comminuted radial head fractures.


We present a practice oriented tool for software synthesis that supports the interface-correct configuration of complex systems from a library of reusable software components. Besides simply checking the interface-correctness of a link by means of type constraints, the tool is also designed to propose software components for solving a (loosely) specified problem within a certain context. In particular, it identifies possible interfacing modules that in case of an interface-conflict may serve for the right conversion, transformation or parameter configuration. We illustrate our tool, which is based on the deductive database system LOLA, in three application specific settings.


Simple Summary Alternatives to antibiotic therapy for mastitis in dairy cattle are of interest to the dairy industry and society. Reduced use of antibiotics while maintaining or improving animal welfare is desirable. We studied the intramammary infusion of casein hydrolysate, alone or combined with standard dry cow treatment, at the beginning of the dry period before cows have their next calf. The effects on mammary involution and milk quality suggested that infusion of casein hydrolysate alone or combined with internal teat sealant may be an alternative to antibiotic dry cow therapy. Abstract Alternatives to routine antibiotic treatment of dairy cattle during the dry period before their next calving are of interest. This was a preliminary study of whether intramammary infusion of casein hydrolysate, administered alone or combined with standard dry treatment, accelerated the rate of mammary involution early in the dry period. Four treatments were studied in a split udder design. One udder half was assigned a treatment, and the contralateral half was administered dry cow treatment + internal teat sealant as a control. Treatments were casein hydrolysate, casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment, casein hydrolysate + teat sealant and casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment + teat sealant. Cows (n = 16) were blocked by a number of intramammary infections per udder half (0 or 1+) and randomized to treatments. Milk production was not different between control or treated udder halves post-calving. A generalized linear mixed model tested for differences between the treatment groups in the concentration of mammary involution indicators in milk: somatic cell count, bovine lactoferrin and bovine serum albumin. At 7 days, dry udder halves treated with casein hydrolysate had higher milk concentrations of lactoferrin than those treated with casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment, casein hydrolysate + teat sealant and control. At 10 days dry, bovine serum albumin was higher in udder halves treated with casein hydrolysate than in those treated with casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment, casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment + teat sealant and control. Post-calving, casein hydrolysate-treated udder halves produced 51% of total milk, unchanged from before dry-off. There were seven total intramammary infections entering the dry period, all caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Cure rates (3/7, 43%) were not different among all treatments and control, partly because of the small sample size. Intramammary infusion of casein hydrolysate at the end of lactation may be an alternative or possible adjunct to antibiotic dry cow therapy.


1. The frequency (0.5‐150 Hz) and calcium dependence (0.5‐2.0 mM) of the effects of the nicotinic antagonist tubocurarine (0.2 microM) on acetylcholine (ACh) liberation from motor nerve terminals has been examined using binomial analysis of quantal transmitter release. 2. At an extracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]o) of 2.0 mM, tubocurarine produced a decrease in the endplate current (EPC) quantal content of approximately 30% at high frequencies of motor nerve stimulation (50‐150 Hz). In contrast, at low frequencies of stimulation (0.5‐1.0 Hz), tubocurarine enhanced the EPC quantal content by approximately 20%. 3. The enhancement of EPC quantal content produced by tubocurarine at low frequencies of motor nerve stimulation was [Ca2+]o dependent, being abolished when [Ca2+]o was lowered from 2.0 to 0.5 mM. In contrast, the decrease in quantal content produced by tubocurarine at high frequencies of motor nerve stimulation was independent of [Ca2+]o, being approximately 30% at all calcium ion concentrations studied. 4. In direct contrast to tubocurarine, the nicotinic antagonist vecuronium (1.0 microM) produced no increase in EPC quantal content at low frequencies of nerve stimulation. However, at high frequencies of nerve stimulation it decreased EPC quantal content to a similar extent to 0.2 microM tubocurarine. The frequency‐dependent decrease in EPC quantal content produced by 1.0 microM vecuronium in 2.0 mM [Ca2+]o was very similar to that seen with 0.2 microM tubocurarine in 0.5 mM [Ca2+]o. 5. Binomial analysis revealed that all the changes in EPC quantal content associated with both nicotinic antagonists were due to changes in the size of the pool of quanta in the nerve terminal available for immediate release with no effect on the probability of release of an individual quantum. 6. The results are interpreted in terms of two separately identifiable prejunctional actions of the nicotinic antagonists, both involving an action at nicotinic ACh receptors situated on the motor nerve terminal. Thus, at high frequencies of motor nerve stimulation tubocurarine and vecuronium produce a [Ca2+]o‐independent decrease in ACh release, probably through an inhibitory action on a positive‐feedback prejunctional nicotinic autoreceptor closely related to the muscle‐type nicotinic ACh autoreceptor. However, at low frequencies of motor nerve stimulation we suggest that tubocurarine, but not vecuronium, produces a [Ca2+]o‐dependent increase in ACh release through an action at a negative‐feedback prejunctional neuronal‐type nicotinic ACh autoreceptor.


The lateral super junction (SJ) power devices suffer the substrate-assisted depletion (SAD) effect, which breaks the charge balance of SJ resulting in the low breakdown voltage (BV). A solution based on enhancing the electric field of the dielectric buried layer is investigated for improving the BV of super junction LDMOSFET (SJ-LDMOS). High density interface charges enhance the electric field in the buried oxide (BOX) layer to increase the block voltage of BOX, which suppresses the SAD effect to achieve the charge balance of SJ. In order to obtain the linear enhancement of electric field, SOI SJ-LDMOS with trenched BOX is presented. Because the trenched BOX self-adaptively collects holes according to the variable electric field strength, the approximate linear charge distribution is formed on the surface of the BOX to enhance the electric field according to the need. As a result, the charge balance between N and P pillars of SJ is achieved, which improves the BV of SJ-LDMOS to close that of the idea SJ structure.


The permeation rate of hydrogen through cylindrical membranes of type 321 stainless steel was determined under a wide range of conditions. The pressure was varied from 0.1 to 30.0 atm. and the temperature from 300° to 800°C. Four permeation membranes were used with wall thicknesses of 0.0252, 0.1003, 0.1011, and 0.2475 cm.

The permeation rate was found to deviate from the square-root-of-pressure and inverse-thickness relations predicted by the Richardson equation. Slow surface reactions are considered to be the cause of the observed deviations. The permeation data were correlated by a semiempirical interfacial resistance model.

Permeation rates were observed to increase with time of membrane exposure to hydrogen. It is believed this resulted from changing surface activity.


The parasitic kinetoplastid diseases Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis constitute serious threats for populations throughout the (sub‐)tropics. Most available drugs to treat these diseases possess inadequate properties and candidates to fill the drug pipeline are urgently needed. Paullone‐N5‐acetamides inhibit trypanothione synthetase (TryS), an essential kinetoplastid enzyme, and exhibit antiparasitic activity in the low micromolar range, but lack the desired selectivity against mammalian cells (selectivity index (SI):<10). With the aim to identify the paullones' moieties responsible for TryS inhibition and bioactivity, we applied molecular simplification and ring disconnection approaches. The new indolylacetamides lost activity against the expected molecular target (TryS) compared to the reference paullone MOL2008 (Leishmania infantum TryS IC50 : 150 nM; Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream form EC50: 4.3 μM and SI: 2.4). However, several of them retained potency (T. b. brucei EC50: 2.4–12.0 μM) and improved selectivity (SI: 5 to >25).


Abstract Living through early stage breast cancer is not simply about overcoming a short-term crisis. The lived experience of women at the completion of adjuvant treatment calls for a reconsideration of the timing and type of psychosocial interventions provided. A Post Adjuvant Treatment Support Program (PATS) was developed and piloted over a nine-month period with pleasing results. The program aims to mark the end of treatment and promotes active coping through sharing common experiences, normalizing responses to completion of treatment, encouraging consideration of the meaning of the experience, and facilitating the use of stress management and cognitively based coping skills. Innovative methods to encourage focused group discussion are being developed. The intervention addresses the specific and previously unmet needs of women at the end-of-treatment phase of early stage breast cancer.


The improvement in burn care, as reflected in increased survival of burn patients, that has occurred over the past 15 years is well documented in the article by Feller et al (p 2074) elsewhere in this issue. Their report refutes emphatically the skepticism of other authors recorded in publications (in some of which reliance has been placed on retrospective, nonphysician estimation of burn size) impugning burn unit and burn center cost/benefit ratios and care effectiveness. The data presented confirm generally improved survival and shortened hospital stay during three successive periods of six, four, and four years, respectively, in more than 37,000 burn patients treated in burn care facilities participating in the National Burn Information Exchange Data Collection Program. In addition to the direct patient care benefits of special burn care facilities noted by the authors, such institutions, by permitting concentration of experience, provide a necessary training ground for those who


Elementary particle physics experiments, searching for very rare processes require the efficientanalysis and selection algorithms able to separate signal from the overwhelming background. Inthe last ten years a number of powerful kernel-based learning machines, like Support VectorMachines (SVM), have been developed. SVM approach to signal and background separation isbased on building a separating hyperplane defined by the support vectors. The margin betweenthem and the hyperplane is maximized. The extensions to a non-linear separation are performed bymapping the input vectors into a high dimensional space, in which data can be linearly separated.The use of kernel functions allows us to perform computations in a high dimension feature spacewithout explicitly knowing a mapping function.We have implemented an SVM algorithm and integrated it with the CERN ROOT package,which is currently a standard analysis tool used by elementary particle physicists. We also used theimplemented SVM package to identify hadronic decays of τ leptons in the ATLAS experiment atLHC accelerator. The performance of the method is compared to the likelihood estimator, whichdoes not take into account correlations between variables. The use of SVM significantly reducesthe number of background events.


Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurring on sun-protected regions is an uncommon phenomenon. BCC of the nipple is an exceedingly rare event, often mistaken for Paget`s disease. BCC is the most common human malignancy of the skin cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all nonmelanoma skin cancers diagnosed in the United States. Most BCCs are sporadic and occur on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Rarely, these tumors have been reported to develop in non-sun-exposed areas, such as the axilla, perineum, and nipple, in the absence of any known history of exposure to ionizing radiation or arsenic, and without any known alterations in immune surveillance or hereditary disorders that are known to increase one`s risk of BCC. BCC of the nipple-areola complex is very rare. Only 24 cases were reported in the literature and the most of these cases arose in men. Most of the cases were treated with wide excision. We report on a case of BCC of the nipple-areola complex in a 73-year-old man, treated with total mastectomy with low axillary node dissection. (J Korean Surg Soc 2007;72:143-146)


A correspondence between the theory of high- superconductivity and antiferromagnetism, put forward by Zhang and collaborators, and a theory of gravity arising from symmetry breaking of a gauge field is presented. A physical correspondence between the order parameters of the unified SC/AF theory and the generators of the gravitational gauge connection is conjectured. A preliminary identification of regions of geometry, in solutions of Einstein's equations describing charged-rotating black holes embedded in de Sitter space-time, with SC and AF phases is carried out.


Advanced methods for low temperature bonding with surface activation and their development for 3D integration are reviewed. A new method for room temperature bonding is introduced, which can bond inorganic materials such as Si oxides, glass and sapphire to each other as well as to polymer films. The method is based on surface activated bonding (SAB) with some modifications including the formation of an Fe nano-adhesion layer accompanied by an additional Si intermediate layer formed by a special ion beam source. It was found that wafers of such materials can be bonded very strongly at room temperature without any heat treatment. The method can be applied also to polymer to polymer bonding without any organic adhesives.


Since July 1993 general practices have been offered the responsibility for health promotion programmes to reduce coronary heart disease and strokes. This paper reports on a study which examined the views of GPs and practice nurses on the new arrangements for health promotion. It concludes that there has been an increase in paperwork as result of the changes. It also suggests that practices may have been over-ambitious in the level of health promotion they were trying to provide.


The decomposition of signals into their primitive or fundamental constituents play a vital role in removing noise or unwanted signals, thereby improving the quality and utility of the signals. There are various decomposition techniques, among which the linear wavelet technique and the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) are the most recent and widely used ones. This paper presents a comparative study of the decomposition of spatially inhomogeneous test functions namely Doppler and Bumps used by statisticians. An effort is made in this article to compare the efficiency of the noise removal in the resulting decompositions at various approximation levels using wavelets and by varying the number of reconstruction modes in VMD. Surprisingly it is found that the VMD technique yields better results with more accuracy for a specific set of parameters irrespective of the spatial character of the function.


A novel method for analyzing oligonucleotides of the same length, but bearing a single base substitution, is reported, based on free zone capillary electrophoresis (CZE) under rather acidic pH values. For this purpose, a set of four 18‐mers of fairly random base composition has been synthesized, bearing, in nucleotide 9, the following bases: T, C, G or A. Theoretical predictions, based on titration curves of single free nucleotides, allowed us to predict that the simultaneous separation of a mixture of all four oligonucleotides could be possible in a pH 3–4 window. In fact, electrophoresis at pH 5.7 gave a single, asymmetric peak, whereas CZE at pH 4.8 could resolve three out of four species (the T9 and G9 oligonucleotides co‐migrating into a single zone). A unique separation power could be obtained at pH 3.3 in a buffer comprising an amphoteric species (isoelectric iminodiacetic acid, IDA) and 7 M urea. Although IDA exhibited a pI of 2.23 (for a 100 mM solution), the addition of 7 M urea (necessary to denature the oligonucleotides) raised the apparent pH of the solution to 3.3.


Chronic neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly consuming a larger portion of healthcare costs, in part due to a lack of effective treatment techniques. Through research into the pathology of these diseases we now know that most of these disorders are due to a loss in synchrony in a specific neural network. Effective treatments must seek to attenuate these network dynamics to establish normal neural communication. However, current treatments lack the spatiotemporal resolution to target networks with such specificity. The 'Injectrode' device developed here is a dual-lumen brain probe that is chronically implanted with wirelessly programmable micropumps for drug delivery on-demand. We establish the functionality of the system for repeated delivery of down to a few nanoliters of drug on-demand in vitro and in vivo, and show its biocompatibility over a 2-month implantation. This provides the foundation for testing of the system in a disease model, as well as the incorporation of additional features such as a recording or stimulating electrode. Combined with these tools, the injectrode system could serve as a closed loop device, delivering drug only when needed, ultimately allowing for efficacious independent disease management for chronic disorders. Thesis Supervisor: Michael J. Cima Title: David H. Koch Professor of Engineering Thesis Reader: Robert S. Langer Title: David H. Koch Institute Professor


Aim: Hydration and well-being are highly correlated. However, practice tells us that the significance of hydration is often unrecognized and is not treated as a priority. This review focuses on how health education can improve hydration levels among the adult population. Method: The research question of the study is "Can health promotion improve hydration among adults?" A total of 934 papers were screened using search engines such as CINAHL, COCHRANE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Seventy-two articles were assessed for eligibility and 41 of them were selected for quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Systematic Review Checklist, which left the study with 16 articles to be fully reviewed and included in the study. Results: The findings of the study show that water intervention programs help low-drinker participants to sustainably increase their water intake and maintain their habits through time. There was a sustainable impact on decreasing the number of falls, delirium, and the patient's dependence, with an improvement in their overall condition. Conclusion: Dehydration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is an easily preventable condition, but is often overlooked. Public awareness and hydration education is needed to promote healthy habits, a subject in which nurses play a role of paramount importance.


Current research on affective architectures for situated agents is fragmented into modelling aspects of emotion for specific purposes. To improve comparability of different architectures, we propose an approach that comprises the analysis of both, the niche space of target scenarios and the design space of architectures for autonomous agents. In this paper we focus on the niche space, and illustrate how the emotional phenomena that may occur in scenarios can be used to contextualise the investigation of functional roles of emotion within and across agents.


Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess various unique properties such as a needle-like shape with nanometer-size diameter, high mechanical strength, chemical stability and high electrical conductivity, which are advantages as field electron emitters. Dynamic behavior of CNT emitters revealed by field emission microscopy (FEM) and in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are first presented, and then development of various types of CNT-based field emission devices is reviewed.


Building Information Modeling (BIM) is mainly used for the design and construction of new buildings. However, one of the main challenges facing BIM adoption for existing or old buildings constructed without consideration for their modeling is obtaining raw and accurate building data and converting it to the BIM model. Based on this challenge, this study develops a framework that uses different data capture techniques for existing buildings, then transforms this captured data into 3D BIM models through which it can improve its management processes as facilities during their service life. Specifically, 3D laser scanning techniques were used to capture indoor building data, while drones equipped with high-definition cameras (UAV) were used to capture outdoor building data such as geometric dimensions, material shapes, surfaces and various shapes. Then the captured data was converted into a high-resolution 3D model. This has been verified the accuracy of this engineering model by converting the two-dimensional engineering plans to three-dimensional through the well-known engineering design tools. Moreover, the 3D model has been integrated with the Web Based Building Management System (BMS) platform. This research framework helps in developing engineering facility management processes and modern digital transformation processes that aim at speeding up facility management during their service period using modern technologies. This study aims to develop current knowledge in the construction industry and facility management by reviewing a comprehensive understanding of how to use modern technologies to obtain various information to develop BIM models for existing and non-modeled buildings in order to exploit and integrate them with advanced facility management systems and platforms, which constitutes a major progress in this field allowing to save a lot of effort and money in the future.


Hypoglycemia in the neonatal period is a well-recognized phenomenon, but many authors have commented upon the infrequent association of symptoms attributable to it. Six infants were seen who appeared normal at birth but who, between 24 and 72, hours of age, developed apnea, irritability, lethargy, muscular twitchings and convulsions. Blood sugar concentrations of 10 mg./100 ml. or less were found in each case. The mothers of four of the babies had toxemia of pregnancy. Three babies were premature. The hypoglycemia was self-limiting in all cases, and four of the babies recovered completely without sequelae. The other two showed evidence of permanent brain damage, but it is not known whether this was the cause of their symptoms or the result of the hypoglycemia. It is concluded that hypoglycemia may cause neurological symptoms in the newborn period and that treatment by glucose administration is necessary. Whether symptomless hypoglycemia requires treatment remains an open question.