The feeding mechanism of the South American lungfish, Lep idosiren paradoxa retains many primitive teleostome characteristics. In particular, the process of initial prey capture shares four salient functional features with other primitive vertebrates: 1) prey capture by suction feeding, 2) cranial elevation at the cranio-vertebral joint during the mouth opening phase of the strike, 3) the hyoid apparatus plays a major role in mediating expansion of the oral cavity and is one biomechanical pathway involved in depressing the mandible, and 4) peak hyoid excursion occurs after maximum gape is achieved. Lepidosiren also possesses four key morphological and functional specializations of the feeding mechanism: 1) tooth plates, 2) an enlarged cranial rib serving as a site for the origin of muscles depressing the hyoid apparatus, 3) a depressor mandibulae muscle, apparently not homologous to that of amphibians, and 4) a complex sequence of manipulation and chewing of prey in the oral cavity prior to swallowing. The depressor madibulae is always active during mouth opening, in contrast to some previous suggestions. Chewing cycles include alternating adduction and transport phases. Between each adduction, food may be transported in or out of the buccal cavity to position it between the tooth plates. The depressor mandibulae muscle is active in a double-burst pattern during chewing, with the larger second burst serving to open the mouth during prey transport. Swallowing is characterized by prolonged activity in the hyoid constrictor musculature and the geniotho-


Our understanding about the differentiation of the Mars crust is increasing rapidly as a result of the combination of 129 distinct SNC meteorites, lander and orbiter data. Recent debates have centred on the existence of alkaline versus tholeiitic and silicic magmatism, crystal fractionation versus partial melting controls on melt composition, and the oxidation state of mantle source regions. Recently we have used MSL ChemCam data to show the presence of trachybasalt float rocks, of tholeiitic affinity, in Gale Crater [1]. Other igneous components recorded in Gale sediments suggest the presence of alkaline and silica oversaturated magmatism as well [2,3,4]. When we compare martian datasets, it is apparent that a key primary melt composition in the ancient highlands is basalt with SiO2 45 wt%, Na2O + K2O 3.5 wt%, and high Fe, low Al. Crystal fractionation from this has led to trachybasalt and possibly in extreme cases to rhyolites [4]. The juxtaposition with some likely alkaline source regions is analogous to intraplate magmatism on Earth. Although one martian meteorite (a regolith breccia) shows clasts of alkaline affinity [5,6], the 112 shergottites are silica saturated. We classify them on the basis of their REE abundances, reflecting mantle source compositions rather than crustal contamination [7]. Bulk compositions indicate that their source regions – probably under Tharsis and the Northern Lowlands - were alkali-poor compared to the Ancient Highlands' basalts. Limited evidence for crystal fractionation has been identified. Here we present the results of new work comparing shergottites, Gale, MER and terrestrial analogue igneous rocks to determine the key controls on martian magmatism.

[1] Edwards P.H. et al. (2017) MAPS. DOI: 10.1111/maps.1295. [2] Bedford C. et al. GCA (in rev.). [3] Treiman et al. (2016) doi: 10.1002/2015JE004932. [4] Morris et al. (2016) doi: 10.1073/pnas.1607098113. [5] Santos A. et al. (2015) doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2015.02.02. [6] MacArthur J. et al. (2017) MetSoc. #6108. [7] Bridges J.C. and Warren P.H. (2006) doi:10.1144/0016-764904-501.


Abstract: Reproduction usually is characterized by a mean‐population fecundity pattern. Such a pattern has a maximum at earlier ages and a subsequent gradual decline in egg production. It is shown that individual fecundity trajectories do not follow such a pattern. In particular, the regular individual fecundity pattern has no maximum so that experimentally observed maximums are average‐related artifacts. The three‐stage description of individual fecundity, which includes maturation, maturity, and reproductive senescence, is more appropriate. Data are presented for Drosophila and Mediterranean fruitfly females that clearly confirm this hypothesis. A systematic error between egg‐laying scores and the regular individual pattern allows for evaluation of how close the random scores are to the pattern. The first finding of the analysis of the systematic errors is that they are consistent with the three‐stage hypothesis and do not contradict the absence of the maximum in the regular individual pattern. The other finding is the existence of obvious dynamic properties of the systematic error. The slow decrease in egg‐laying at the maturity stage might be the result of a cost of mating. It can also be a consequence of "structural" senescence, that is, a slow rate accumulation of oxidative damage in the gonads.


Abstract Background Prevalence of cryptococcosis in HIV-positive patients in the developed world has decreased considerably in the modern antiretroviral (ART) era. While early mortality of cryptococcal infection is lower than in non-HIV-infected patients, late mortality in HIV+ patients has not been previously evaluated. Here, we describe the presentation and outcomes of HIV+ patients with cryptococcosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with HIV infection and cryptococcosis from January 2002 to June 2017 at our institution. Data included demographics, clinical features, diagnostics, and outcomes. Death date was obtained from the hospital system's Medical Informatics database and the Social Security Death Index. Results We reviewed 105 HIV+ patients with cryptococcosis. At time of analysis: 55 were living (52.4%), 17 died within 90 days of cryptococcal diagnosis (early mortality, 16.2%), and 33 died after 90 days (late mortality, 31.4%) (Figure 1). Late mortality patients were more likely to have known HIV+ status at the time of cryptococcal diagnosis (97%) than living (70.9%) or early mortality (70.6%) (P = 0.03); less likely to be ART adherent (15.2%) than living (43.6%) or early mortality (35.3%) (P = 0.02); less likely to have private insurance (6.1%) than living (34.5%) or early mortality (17.6%) (P = 0.007); and more likely to have Medicaid (51.5%) than living (29.1%) or early mortality (17.6%) (P = 0.03). Presenting symptoms and diagnostics were similar between groups. Prevalence of substance abuse (48.6%) and psychiatric history (31.4%) were high in all groups but not significantly different. Conclusion Despite improvements in ART, HIV+ patients have high mortality following cryptococcal infection which persists beyond their initial hospitalization. Identifying patients at higher risk for mortality is critical for successful treatment and outcomes. In our study, nonadherence to ART was associated with a higher risk of dying. Follow-up studies of late mortality in other opportunistic infections would be beneficial.Figure 1. Kaplan–Meier curve of 105 patients with HIV and cryptococcosis. Overall mortality of 47.6% at 5,000 days with 17 patients dying in first 90 days (16.2%) and 33 patients dying after 90 days (31.4%). Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Abstract:  Small laboratory animals have provided significant information about melatonin regulation, yet most of these organisms are nocturnal and regulate melatonin synthesis by mechanisms that diverge from those of humans. For example, in all rodents examined, melatonin secretion occurs with a time lag of several hours after the onset of darkness; in addition, arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT), the key enzyme in melatonin synthesis, displays dynamic transcriptional activation specifically at night in all rodents studied to date. In ungulates and primates including humans, on the other hand, melatonin secretion occurs immediately during the early night and is controlled by circadian posttranscriptional regulation of AANAT. We hypothesize that the diurnal Octodon degus (an Hystricognath rodent) could serve as an improved experimental model for studies of human melatonin regulation. To test this, we monitored melatonin production in degus using pineal microdialysis and characterized the regulation of melatonin synthesis by analyzing degu Aanat. Degu pineal melatonin rises with little latency at night, as in ungulates and primates. In addition, degu Aanat mRNA expression displays no detectable diurnal variation, suggesting that, like ungulates and primates, melatonin in this species is regulated by a posttranscriptional mechanism. Compared with AANAT from all rodents examined to date, the predicted amino acid sequence of degu AANAT is phylogenetically more closely related to ungulate and primate AANAT. These data suggest that Octodon degus may provide an ideal model system for laboratory investigation of mechanisms of melatonin synthesis and secretion in diurnal mammals.


This paper examines the availability of employer offered childcare and eldercare support in Canada. In addition, the associations between these support programs, gender and voluntary and involuntary part-time work are also examined. Using Statistics Canada's 2003 Workplace and Employee Survey, results show that employer offered childcare programs exist in a very small number of workplaces, and eldercare support programs are almost nonexistent. Moreover, women are less likely than men to be offered family support programs. Voluntary and involuntary part-time workers are less likely to be offered family support programs than full-time workers. We argue that if individuals are going to receive assistance for childcare and eldercare, that assistance is more likely going to come from the government as opposed to employers. We suggest publicly funded universal family support programs to assist workers.


Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. One of its subtypes is associated with defective mismatch repair (dMMR) genes. Saffron has many potentially protective roles against colon malignancy. However, these roles in the context of dMMR tumors have not been explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of saffron and its constituents in CRC cell lines with dMMR. Methods: Saffron crude extracts and specific compounds (safranal and crocin) were used in the human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HCT116+3 (inserted MLH1), HCT116+5 (inserted MSH3), and HCT116+3+5 (inserted MLH1 and MSH3). CDC25b, p-H2AX, TPDP1, and GAPDH were analyzed by Western blot. Proliferation and cytotoxicity were analyzed by MTT. The scratch wound assay was also performed. Results: Saffron crude extracts restricted (up to 70%) the proliferation in colon cells with deficient MMR (HCT116) compared to proficient MMR. The wound healing assay indicates that deficient MMR cells are doing better (up to 90%) than proficient MMR cells when treated with saffron. CDC25b and TDP1 downregulated (up to 20-fold) in proficient MMR cells compared to deficient MMR cells, while p.H2AX was significantly upregulated in both cell types, particularly at >10 mg/mL saffron in a concentration-dependent manner. The reduction in cellular proliferation was accompanied with upregulation of caspase 3 and 7. The major active saffron compounds, safranal and crocin reproduced most of the saffron crude extracts' effects. Conclusions: Saffron's anti-proliferative effect is significant in cells with deficient MMR. This novel effect may have therapeutic implications and benefits for MSI CRC patients who are generally not recommended for the 5-fluorouracil-based treatment.


I was invited by Foyle Civic Trust to be a guest speaker in their 2010 lecture series, held in Prehen House, Derry, 24 June 2010. My presentation profiled an understanding of landscape and the profession of landscape architecture relating to Civic Trust Awards achieved in Northern Ireland since their introduction in 1959. People, place, lifestyle, ecology, sustainability, identity, heritage, management – landscape is all of these. The discipline of landscape architecture exists to design, enhance and sustain our external environment – to create the heritage areas of tomorrow. The diversity of the award winning projects reveals the breadth of the practice which is landscape architecture: Victoria Square Belfast 2009 - BDP; Newcastle Promenade 2007 – Scott Wilson; Cathedral Quarter & Custom House Square 2006 - The Paul Hogarth Company; The Mall Armagh 2005 – RPS; RUC George Cross Garden Belfast 2004 – Peter Hutchinson Design; Ecos Millennium Centre Ballymena 2001 – WDR & RT Taggart; Gracehill, Ballymena 1990 - DOE Landscape Section Ballymena Division; Galgorm Castle Ballymena 1992 - MWA Partnership. Structure of discourse: What is landscape? What is landscape architecture? What is the Landscape Institute / and Landscape Institute Northern Ireland? Who are the LINI practices, and what do they do? What are the Civic Trust Awards? What are the winning criteria and why? Critique of Northern Ireland's winning schemes. What is next for landscape architecture? Planning capacity and Green Infrastructure.


SUMMARY In this study, we assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of a previously developed direct agglutination test (DAT) using a freeze-dried antigen derived from Leishmania infantum promastigotes and composed in a prototype kit for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) diagnosis, named DAT-LPC. To evaluate DAT-LPC reproducibility, the kit was used to analyse 207 serum samples from VL patients and 80 serum samples from patients with other parasitic infections or healthy subjects in four laboratories from different public health institutions in Brazil. DAT-LPC showed sensitivity between 96·2 and 99·5% (P = 0·14), specificity ranging from 96·2 to 97·5% (P = 0·95), and diagnostic accuracy ranging from 96·5 to 99% (P = 0·34). The inter-laboratory reproducibility of qualitative results was classified as excellent (κ index: 0·94–0·97). The reproducibility of the end-titre results in relation to the reference laboratory, ranged from 31 to 85%. These results demonstrate an excellent performance of the DAT-LPC, and validate it for the diagnosis of VL that could replace the immunofluorescent antibody test as the routine diagnostic test in the Brazilian public health system.


The objective of this research project is to develop a GIS-based decision support tool to help (urban) planners and decision makers regarding site selection for the office sector in selecting locations that best meet particular requirements. Expert knowledge about location decisions of firms/organizations regarding office accommodation stored in decision tables constitutes the core of the model. It relies on the idea of first analyzing both firms' characteristics (demand) and environmental conditions (supply) separately and, then, matching demand and supply. Subsequently, several types of evaluations may be carried out by applying some value judgment to the overall match of firm and location. Based on this concept, a computational tool combining several geographic databases was developed. The results obtained from illustrative cases show that the tool displays plausible behavior when tested within distinct scenarios. Results also highlight the flexibility of the tool reflecting the modular approach of the conceptual framework. Three applications are suggested for this tool, which are potentially useful in urban planning. First, finding firms that meet the environmental characteristics of a given location. Second, selecting a particular location that meets the requirement of a firm seeking a location. Finally, allocating firms seeking a location to a set of available locations in a study area.


This paper concerns modelling and simulation of in-patient movements in hospitals. It provides a formalized view of in-patient departments, their structure and rules of patient movements. Computer representation of the formalized view is implemented in SIMULA language to make a simulation program, which can be used not only during the design of in-patient department systems but also during their operation for making short-time decisions.


Abstract : This thesis describes fabrication of the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) through post Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) micromachining. It focuses on device fabrication instead of device designs. The reactive-ion-etch (RIE) and deep-reactive-ion-etch (DRIE) are key technologies in this process flow. Surface micromachining of the thin-film dielectric material and bulk micromachining of the Si substrate are discussed in detail. Fundamentals of the RIE and DRIE dry etch, the methodology to characterize these process techniques and the design of experiments (DOE) to discover processing windows for post-CMOS micromachining are illustrated. Experimental results of the processing characterization are translated to MEMS design rules. These rules serve as a protocol to qualify the process as a common platform and to verify MEMS device designs to be build on this platform. Migrations of post-CMOS micromachining have been demonstrated with advances of CMOS fabrication: from a 0.5 mm process to a 0.18 mm process, from an aluminum(Al) interconnect silicon-dioxide (SiO2) dielectric process to a copper (Cu) interconnect low-K dielectric process. Different CMOS foundry services in the United States, Europe, and Asia, have been selected to successfully fabricate MEMS devices. Starting with small chips at the size of 2 mm x 2 mm, post-CMOS micromachining can be performed at the wafer scale with an add-on low resolution photoresist mask layer. An integrated dicing scheme into the post-CMOS process flow has been documented. A wet chemical cleaning step can be inserted into the process flow to remove etch by-products in RIE therefore improves the quality of the process. The application in areas of the high-performance inertial sensor and high-quality passive radio-frequency (RF) components are demonstrated.


Aims Online group therapy has gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative to face-to-face group therapy. This service evaluation is aimed at assessing how this paradigm shift is received by the patients and how the quality of the provided services is assured and potentially improved. Methods 1. We have retrospectively compared the attendance records from all psychotherapy groups in North Lanarkshire psychotherapy department between two distinct time periods: from November 2018 to January 2019 when only face-to-face groups were available (5 groups, 29 patients) and from November 2021 to January 2022 when only online groups were available (4 groups, 21 patients). 2. In order to prospectively assess patient's views regarding online group therapy, Client Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQ-4, quantitative and qualitative) were distributed to January 2022 groups only. Results 1. The attendance rate was 5% lower in the face-to-face groups (76% vs 81%) while the non-attendance rate was lower by 1% in the online groups (9% vs 8%). The cancellation rate was also smaller by 5% in the online groups (14% to 9%). 2. In regard to the service satisfaction rates in the online groups, 57% of patients who responded, answered that "most of their needs have been met by the online services'', 71% answered "services helped with their problems somewhat'', 71% answered "they think they would come back to the program again and 66% answered" they are mostly satisfied with the services received."The predominant positive aspects of the services according to free text comments were" "communication, understanding, sense of community'' and the negative aspects that need improvement: "return to face-to-face (71% of answers), need personal interaction''.* * We have extended the deadline for the acceptance of the responses to 20th of February 2022 due to mailing systems being slowed down by the pandemic. (7 out of 21 questionnaires have been returned) Conclusion Overall the attendance rates between the online and face-to-face group therapy exhibit minor differences. Concerning the patient satisfaction rates they reveal that the majority of patients who receive group therapy online are above-average satisfied with the services, feel that the online therapy provides a sense community but would prefer to return to face-to-face therapy. Further data and studies will be needed to reach more robust conclusions.


Changing functional and non-functional software implementation at runtime is useful and even sometimes critical both in development and production environments. JooFlux is a JVM agent that allows both the dynamic replacement of method implementations and the application of aspect advices. It works by doing bytecode transformation to take advantage of the new invokedynamic instruction added in Java SE 7 to help implementing dynamic languages for the JVM. JooFlux can be managed using a JMX agent so as to operate dynamic modifications at runtime, without resorting to a dedicated domain-specific language. We compared JooFlux with existing AOP platforms and dynamic languages. Results demonstrate that JooFlux performances are close to the Java ones --- with most of the time a marginal overhead, and sometimes a gain --- where AOP platforms and dynamic languages present significant overheads. This paves the way for interesting future evolutions and applications of JooFlux.


Reflective learning has been described as a promising approach for ameliorating the impact of continuing education (CE) programs. However, there are still very few studies that have investigated how rehabilitation professionals use reflection to improve the integration of CE program content in their decision-making processes. The study objectives were to describe how occupational therapists, working in the sector of work rehabilitation, used reflective learning to integrate research evidence into their clinical decision-making process, to identify which strategies might support the development of their reflective skills, and to identify the factors that influenced the reflective learning process. A collaborative research study was conducted. Eight occupational therapists were recruited to participate to the group that was convened for 12 meetings and held during a 15-month period. The data collected was analyzed using the grounded theory method. The reflective learning process, used by the participants, enabled them to change their perspective at six different stages in their decision-making process. The participants developed their ability to use different types of reflective thinking: introspection, concept attainment, self-attribution, problem solving, action planning and reorganization. The strategies used were critical analysis of ill-structured and authentic clinical situations, peer support, reflective journal writing and complementary reading. The group facilitator acted as a research evidence mentor and guided the group process. The factors that most influenced learning were: ease in sharing experience, normative beliefs, coping with negative emotions, perceived self-efficacy, social support and risk taking. Results led to the development of the Model of Research Utilization Grounded in Critical Reflection.


Correction for 'Local structure of a highly concentrated NaClO4 aqueous solution-type electrolyte for sodium ion batteries' by Ryo Sakamoto et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 26452-26458, DOI: 10.1039/D0CP04376A.


This paper shows an automated method for segmenting the lateral ventricles from human brain MR images. It enables automatic volumetry and construction of 3D rendering images. First, we segment the whole brain and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using 3D MR image processing software developed by Y. Hata et al. (see IEEE Trans. Syst., Man, Cybern. C, vol.30, no.3, p.381-95, 2000). Our method for segmenting the lateral ventricles is based on fuzzy inference techniques and is able to represent expert knowledge and to introduce the knowledge to image processing. The employed knowledge on the lateral ventricles consists of the location, the intensity and the shape. The proposed method was applied to MR volumes of 20 normal volunteers, 20 Alzheimer disease and 20 hydrocephalus patients. The experimental results validated that this method was able to segment the lateral ventricles with high accuracy.


Malaria is a disease activated by a type of microscopic parasite transmitted from infected female mosquito bites to humans. Malaria is a fatal disease that is endemic in many regions of the world. Quick diagnosis of this disease will be very valuable for patients, as traditional methods require tedious work for its detection. Recently, some automated methods have been proposed that exploit hand-crafted feature extraction techniques however, their accuracies are not reliable. Deep learning approaches modernize the world with their superior performance. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are vastly scalable for image classification tasks that extract features through hidden layers of the model without any handcrafting. The detection of malaria-infected red blood cells from segmented microscopic blood images using convolutional neural networks can assist in quick diagnosis, and this will be useful for regions with fewer healthcare experts. The contributions of this paper are two-fold. First, we evaluate the performance of different existing deep learning models for efficient malaria detection. Second, we propose a customized CNN model that outperforms all observed deep learning models. It exploits the bilateral filtering and image augmentation techniques for highlighting features of red blood cells before training the model. Due to image augmentation techniques, the customized CNN model is generalized and avoids over-fitting. All experimental evaluations are performed on the benchmark NIH Malaria Dataset, and the results reveal that the proposed algorithm is 96.82% accurate in detecting malaria from the microscopic blood smears.


Abstract Delayed facial nerve palsy following cochlear implant surgery is less documented though it poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Apart from the functional, aesthetic and emotional concerns, it can raise important medico legal issues. The objectives of this study were: to report a case of delayed facial palsy following cochlear implant surgery in a patient who had positive viral antibody markers pre operatively; and to review the literature on delayed onset facial paralysis following viral reactivation and its relation to cochlear implant surgery. An extensive literature review was done using internet and medical search engines and library facilities. Important articles on the topic were identified and summarised. Data on delayed facial palsy following cochlear implant surgery were collected, constructed in a coherent way and details discussed. Postulated mechanisms of delayed facial palsy include neural oedema, vasospasm and viral reactivation. Of these, reactivation of previous herpes simplex virus infection has special significance, as many of these patients are positive for viral antibody markers. Manipulation of sensory branches of the facial nerve and chorda tympani can be a mechanism in such cases. Correlation of clinical presentation and pre operative positive viral antibody markers with positive polymerase chain reaction can be strongly suggestive of viral reactivation. It is concluded that patients with positive viral antibody markers are more susceptible to facial palsy from viral reactivation. Corticosteroids, antiviral agents and physiotherapy can be useful in producing a quicker and complete recovery. An experienced cochlear implant surgery team and pre operative radiological evaluations are mandatory to decrease the chances of direct facial nerve trauma. Proper irrigation lowers the risk of neural oedema. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


A user often needs training and guidance while performing several daily life procedures, e.g., cooking, setting up a new appliance, or doing a COVID test. Watch-based human activity recognition (HAR) can track users' actions during these procedures. However, out of the box, state-of-the-art HAR struggles from noisy data and less-expressive actions that are often part of daily life tasks. This paper proposes PrISM-Tracker, a procedure-tracking framework that augments existing HAR models with (1) graph-based procedure representation and (2) a user-interaction module to handle model uncertainty. Specifically, PrISM-Tracker extends a Viterbi algorithm to update state probabilities based on time-series HAR outputs by leveraging the graph representation that embeds time information as prior. Moreover, the model identifies moments or classes of uncertainty and asks the user for guidance to improve tracking accuracy. We tested PrISM-Tracker in two procedures: latte-making in an engineering lab study and wound care for skin cancer patients at a clinic. The results showed the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm utilizing transition graphs in tracking steps and the efficacy of using simulated human input to enhance performance. This work is the first step toward human-in-the-loop intelligent systems for guiding users while performing new and complicated procedural tasks.


A low cost manufacturing method for creating polymer microfluidic devices with microfeatures that have near optical surface quality is described in this paper. The manufacturing method involves laser micromachining, partial hot embossing, and molding (LHEM) to create polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) mold masters for device replication. A metallic hot intrusion mask with the desired microfeatures is first machined by laser and then used to produce the mold master by pressing the mask onto a PMMA substrate under applied heat and pressure. The resultant 3D micro-reliefs have near optical quality surface finishes. Design parameters such as the height and width of the extruded features are investigated in this study. The experimental results demonstrate that different heights of the extruded features of a mold master can be fabricated using a single mask at a set of process parameters. Examples of curved microchannels of the PMMA mold masters and an integrated microchannel/microlens of the mold master are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.


Namakwa Sands experienced a severe breakdown in labour relations resulting in a protected strike in 2006. During the ensuing strike, conditions deteriorated to such an extent that the mass action spiralled out of control and led to destruction of company property and subsequently the dismissal of employees. Following this, the company further underwent a dramatic organisational change during the latter quarter of 2008 and through 2009 when Anglo American Public Limited Company (PLC) divested its share of mineral sands business to Exxaro Resources. This study investigated the successes and failures encountered during this change management programme, taking cognisance of the poor labour relations prior to the acquisition by Exxaro Resources. Change management is a systemic and structured approach to move people from a state of dissatisfaction to a future position of satisfaction that benefits the organisation. Various models and well-defined literature currently exist to guide management during a successful process of change management. The focus of this research report is on the change management process followed during the transition period of change of ownership from Anglo American to Exxaro Resources, determining the successes and failures during this period as measured by the "Best Company to Work for" (BC2W4) surveys conducted by Deloitte and Touche. A further comparison is done between the process followed by Namakwa Sands and that of subject literature and two existing, well-recognised change management models generally in use, namely the ADKAR Model and John Kotter's eight-step change management process model. "Overall, change management is about helping people through change. It is the process, tools and techniques for proactively managing the people side of change in order to achieve the desired business results" (Hiatt & Creasy, 2003: 10). Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za


As impermeable to gas molecules and at the same time transparent to high-energy ions, graphene has been suggested as a window material for separating a high-vacuum ion beam system from targets kept at ambient conditions. However, accumulation of irradiation-induced damage in the graphene membrane may give rise to its mechanical failure. Using atomistic simulations, we demonstrate that irradiated graphene even with a high vacancy concentration does not show signs of such instability, indicating a considerable robustness of graphene windows. We further show that upper and lower estimates for the irradiation damage in graphene can be set using a simple model.


A research program has been developed to define an evaluation tool capable of assessing the impact of venous insufficiency and its treatments on the patient's everyday life. The methodology is described in the first part of this paper, followed by the results of the first phase of the research program, based on two surveys: a "qualitative" survey in a population of severely affected patients and a "quantitative" survey in a population of 150 patients.


Background: Lumbar spinal defects present a distinct challenge for the reconstructive surgeon and are often complicated by previous spinal surgery, the presence of hardware, and prior radiation. There are a variety of reconstructive options described but no clear treatment algorithm for these challenging defects. Methods: A literature search was performed to review the described treatment options for lumbar spinal soft-tissue defects. Treatments for myelomeningocele or pressure ulcers were excluded. In addition, a retrospective case review was performed for patients with lumbar defects treated with pedicled superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap reconstruction. Results: A literature review revealed 2,022 articles pertaining to lumbar defect reconstruction, of which 56 met inclusion criteria. These articles described 13 individual reconstructive techniques for this anatomic area. The most commonly described techniques were evaluated and a treatment algorithm designed based on patient and wound characteristics. The clinical course of 5 patients with radiated lumbar spinal defects treated with SGAP flaps is presented. Conclusions: There are many treatment options for lumbar spinal defects and treatment should be tailored to the patient and the characteristics of the defect. For large or radiated lumbar wounds, the pedicled SGAP flap is an excellent reconstructive choice, as it has reliable anatomy that is outside the zone of injury, adequate bulk, and minimal donor-site deficits.


INTRODUCTION
Endocannabinoid and serotonin systems are implicated in mechanisms underlying depression-like symptoms. Involvement of serotonin in mood disorders occurring after smoking cessation has been observed. We studied the interactions between endocannabinoid and serotonergic systems in mood and behavioral disorders caused by nicotine cessation. The effects of the endocannabinoid transport inhibitor AM404 and the cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist AM251 in a nicotine-dependent rodent model were investigated.

METHODS
Dependence was induced by subcutaneous injections of nicotine (2 mg/kg, 4 injections daily) for 15 consecutive days in mice. Animals treated with AM404 or AM251 were tested for locomotor activity and abstinence signs 24 hr after nicotine withdrawal and in forced swimming test (FST) at different times: immediately after last nicotine injection (t = 0) and 15 and 30 days after nicotine withdrawal. In nicotine-dependent mice treated with AM404 or AM251, expression of diencephalic serotonin receptor 1(A) (5-HT1(A)) was also measured. Effects of AM404, AM251, and WAY 100635 (5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist) in mice subjected to FST were evaluated.

RESULTS
A decrease in diencephalic 5-HT(1A) levels was observed in mice previously injected with nicotine. In the same animals, AM251 caused (0.5-2 mg/kg) a significant decrease of abstinence signs and AM404 (0.5-2 mg/kg) provoked a significant dose-dependent reduction in immobility time in the FST. Either AM251 or WAY 100635 antagonized anti-immobility effects of AM404.

CONCLUSIONS
Data indicate the existence of a link between serotonergic and endocannabinoid systems in the mechanisms underlying mood disorders caused by nicotine abstinence and suggest that these interactions are potential targets for pharmacological aid in smoking cessation.


Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are still the workhorse of industrial automation. The programming and adaptation of the software for PLCs - i.e. the implementation of the control algorithms - are expensive and cumbersome tasks. Today the re-implementation of an existing PLC program on a new platform, as it is supported by industrial tools on a low level, requires considerable manual re-working by a specialist. Known re-implementation processes do not allow a fully automatic transfer to a new platform. Furthermore they lack re-documentation of the code which makes it hard to understand and to follow the implemented algorithms. To avoid these problems, this paper proposes a re-implementation concept for existing PLC programs based on formal methods. An application of this concept to a lab system is presented to assess its applicability


The specific activity of thirteen genetic variants of the protease inhibitor alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) has been determined. Elastase inhibitor activity was assayed protein substrates (elastin and gelatin) and the synthetic substrate N-tert-butoxy-carbonyl-L-alanine p-nitrophenyl ester. The synthetic substrate alpha-N-benzoyl-DL-arginine p-nitroanilide HCl was used to assay trypsin inhibitor activity. The specific activity of alpha 1AT was expressed as serum inhibition/immunological concentration of alpha 1AT. Sera of PI type FM had reduced specific activity with elastase, but not with trypsin. With the possible exception of MP, no other variants showed significant differences in specific activity when compared with normal PI type M.


Amperometric Glucose Biosensor by Means of Electrostatic Layer-by-layer Adsorption onto Electrospun Polyaniline Fibers. (May 2009) Young Jae Shin, B.S., Korea Advanced Institue of Science and Technology Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jun Kameoka An amperometric glucose biosensor was fabricated using electospun polyaniline fibers. Polyaniline was reacted with camphorsulfonic acid to produce a salt, which was then dissolved in chloroform containing polystyrene. Using this solution, fibers were formed and collected by electrospinning. Glucose oxidase was immobilized onto these fibers using an electrostatic layer-by-layer adsorption technique. In this method, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) was used as the counter ion source. The level of adsorption was examined and evidence of layer-by-layer adsorption was obtained using a quartz crystal microbalance technique. A biosensor was fabricated from these fibers as a working electrode, and used to measure the glucose concentration accurately.


This paper proposes a bulk micromachined bandpass filter on 0.5mm-thick Pyrex glass, whose operation is based on the splitting of the odd and even degenerate mode in a dual-mode resonator, with the addition of a perturbation element. In such a way, a filter may require only half resonators of a traditional one, resulting in a more compact configuration over those ever reported. A 4%-bandwidth bandpass filter centered at 17GHz was designed. The square-ring-like coplanar waveguide (CPW) act as a dual-mode resonator, and an open-circuited stub attached to the inner corner of the square-ring acts as the perturbation element and dominates the filter bandwidth. The two bulk-micromachined switches for tuning are placed symmetrically along the diagonal line. Since the electrical length of CPW is extended after being loaded by capacitive switches, both the degenerate resonating frequencies and the filter mid-band frequency are shifted downward. Theoretical formulas are derived for various actuation states of all the switches. The filter performance is analysed also using finite-element fullwave tools. A frequency shift of 0.6GHz is seen which is close to 0.58GHz obtained from analytical solutions. Both the original and tuned state come with satisfying microwave performance, i.e. low passband insertion-loss (< 0.5dB) and return-loss (< −15dB) and high stopband rejection. It is also shown that the simulated result is in good agreement with theoretical solutions. The bulk microfabrication is shown to be much simpler than surface micromachining conventionally used for RF MEMS switches. Since the bridge skeleton is Si, thermal mismatch between all-metal bridge and dielectric substrate is avoided, and reliability at elevated temperature is guaranteed or at least greatly improved. Besides, the p++ doped Si line patterned simultaneously with the microbridges, can also be used as a DC biasing resistor, which can eliminate the additional steps to fabricate the resistive alloy line. The tested results of the fabricated switch samples are also shown. The device may be a good candidate for novel Ku-band inter-scientific satellite communication or wireless networking.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


A review of selected literature data related to intramolecular hydrogen bonding in ortho-hydroxyaryl Schiff bases, ortho-hydroxyaryl ketones, ortho-hydroxyaryl amides, proton sponges and ortho-hydroxyaryl Mannich bases is presented. The paper reports on the application of experimental spectroscopic measurements (IR and NMR) and quantum-mechanical calculations for investigations of the proton transfer processes, the potential energy curves, tautomeric equilibrium, aromaticity etc. Finally, the equilibrium between the intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds in amides is discussed.


With the increasing population, urbanization and industry in the arid area of Tecate, there is a concomitant increase in contaminants being introduced into the Tecate River and its aquifer. This contamination is damaging the usable groundwater supply and making local residents and commercial enterprises increasingly dependent on imported water from the Colorado River basin. In this study we apply a suite of chemical and isotopic tracers in order to evaluate groundwater flow and assess contamination trends. Groundwater recharge occurs through mountain-block and mountain-front recharge at higher elevations of the ranges. Groundwater from the unconfined, alluvial aquifer indicates recent recharge and little evolution. The increase in salinity along the flow path is due to interaction with weathering rock-forming silicate minerals and anthropogenic sources such as urban wastewater, residual solids and agricultural runoff from fertilizers, livestock manure and/or septic tanks and latrines. A spatial analysis shows local differences and the impact of the infiltration of imported waters from the Colorado River basin. The general trend of impaired water quality has scarcely been documented in the last decades, but it is expected to continue. Since the groundwater system is highly vulnerable, it is necessary to protect groundwater sources.


This article briefly discusses an alternative strategy to develop enteurpreneurship of rural communities which is considered as an important part of human resources development. The main problem in the development of human resources is not only to improve people's education but also to develop their enteurpreneurship. This strategy could he achieved by shifting the paradigm of development from planned (top down) towards etno development (bottom up). By this, the focus of rural development is to develop economic activities which is based on a self supporting of rural communities. It is suggested that the existing of rural community enterprises that have been neglected in the past years, have to give priority in rural development process in the future years. The advantage of this approach is not only able to improve welfare of rural communities but also to form learning community (social learning) which is an important process in composing the enterpreneurship of rural communities.


In this paper we report on use of electrochemical ferroxalate actinometer for measuring of intensity of KrCI-. XeCI-,, and Xe6r-excilamps for which traditionally pliysical photode.tectors were applied. Advantages of the suggested method are discussed in comparison with colorimetry method to define radiation intcnsity using ferroxalate actinomerer. It is shown that the novel version of chemical actinometer can serve as alternative method to measure intensity and to calibrate physical photodetectors iii UV range.


Implementation of Quality Management of Islamic Education in MAN I Tanjung Pandan has been done with the maximum. Efforts to improve the quality of education in this school began from the improvement of human resources standards both in the form of educators and learners and educational personnel. The manifestation of this improvement of human resources by implementing the quality standard of education that has been formulated based on Quality Management Principles of Education. In addition to human resources improvement is also seen in curriculum management, learning and classroom management and facilities management and infrastructure. On the basis of some specified managerials then all Teachers, Students and Educational Personnel must implement. If not perform in accordance with applicable proceduresand regulations then be subject to disciplinary strikes both on the Educator and the Learners.


Pretreatment of catheters by a simple new procedure designed to reduce the incidence of septic complications was tested in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the former experiments, the high sensitivity of gram-negative bacteria and fungi to Silastic (silicone rubber) catheters pretreated with silver nitrate solution was determined. The antimicrobrial activity remained unchanged after both sterilization and up to six weeks of storage. Furthermore, prolonged incubation of treated catheter segments in Escherichia coli inoculated plasma resulted in a significant reduction of organisms in the media and those adherent to the surface of the catheters. The in vivo experiments were performed upon two groups of rabbits. In the first group, catheters (one treated and one untreated) were implanted into contralateral jugular veins. In the second group, alternating treated and control catheter segments were threaded onto polyethylene core tubing; the resulting string of segments was positioned in the inferior vena cava. Five to 11 days after implantation of the catheter, all rabbits were intravenously injected with live E. coli (approximately 10(8) to 10(9) organisms per kilogram of weight); 18 to 24 hours later, the catheters and blood samples were removed for cultivation. Significant reductions in both incidence and magnitude of colonization in treated catheters by E. coli were observed in both rabbit groups. Additionally, histologic examination did not reveal any significant differences between contralateral jugular veins (previously in prolonged and intimate contact with the indwelling catheters), confirming the absence of any local adverse effects of silver nitrate.


We combine results from CDF and D{sup 0} on direct searches for a standard model (SM) Higgs boson (H) in p{bar p} collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV. Compared to the previous Higgs Tevatron combination, more data and new channels WH {yields} {tau}{nu}b{bar b}, VH {yields} {tau}{tau}b{bar b}/jj{tau}{tau}, VH {yields} jjb{bar b}, t{bar t}H {yields} t{bar t}b{bar b} have been added. Most previously used channels have been reanalyzed to gain sensitivity. We use the latest parton distribution functions and gg {yields} H theoretical cross sections when comparing our limits to the SM predictions. With 2.0-3.6 fb{sup -1} of data analyzed at CDF, and 0.9-4.2 fb{sup -1} at D{sup 0}, the 95% C.L. upper limits on Higgs boson production are a factor of 2.5 (0.86) times the SM cross section for a Higgs boson mass of m{sub H} = 115 (165) GeV/c{sup 2}. Based on simulation, the corresponding median expected upper limits are 2.4 (1.1). The mass range excluded at 95% C.L. for a SM Higgs has been extended to 160 < m{sub H} < 170 GeV/c{sup 2}.


We give a canonical representation for trim acyclic deterministic finite automata (ADFA) with n states over an alphabet of k symbols. Using this normal form, we present a backtracking algorithm for the exact generation of ADFAs. This algorithm is a non trivial adaptation of the algorithm for the exact generation of minimal acyclic deterministic finite automata (MADFA), presented by Almeida et al..


AIM
To investigate the accuracy, reliability and agreement between infrared forehead thermometers versus infrared tympanic thermometers temperature, a cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020.

METHODS
The forehead and tympanic temperatures of 615 subjects were measured simultaneously in three exposed SARS-COV-2 groups at one hospital in Iran, during April 2020. These comparisons were evaluated by Bland-Altman Plot, repeatability, Passing-Bablok regression and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was done to describe the discrimination accuracy of a diagnostic test. The study adhered to STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS
A Bland-Altman plot indicated that the limits of agreement between the forehead and tympanic temperature were -0.259 to +0.19°C. Passing-Bablok regression analysis illustrated that the infrared forehead was not linearly related to tympanic temperatures (reference method), with a slope estimate that was significantly different from 1.00. The infrared forehead thermometer showed poor precision and lower accuracy than the tympanic. The forehead temperature readings had 60.0% sensitivity and 44.4% specificity (p > .05) to predict disease.

CONCLUSION
According to the results of study, there is no evidence that the assessment of temperature by infrared forehead thermometer could discriminate between the two groups (positive and negative).


Two-phase Ca2+-doped LaVO4:Eu3+ nanocrystals were prepared through a hydrothermal method with the help of SOD CITR and EDTA surfactants. The phase and morphology of the products were characterized by XRD and TEM, and the fluorescence performances were also recorded. The results indicated that Ca2+ ions were doped into the LaVO4:Eu3+ host lattice, impeding the aggregation of the nanocrystals and enhancing the luminescence intensity. The morphology transformation process and luminescence enhancement were systematacially investigated. The fluorescence intensity of the two selected samples could be completely quenched by Fe3+ ions without the disturbance of other ions, with the mechanism being due to the adsorption of Fe3+ ions onto the grains and a subsequent energy transfer from Eu3+ to Fe3+. Therefore, the present two Ca2+-doped LaVO4:Eu3+ samples can be applied as appropriate candidates for detecting Fe3+ ions with agility and sensitivity in aqueous solution.


This work focuses on the extremely low-light image enhancement, which aims to improve image brightness and reveal hidden information in darken areas. Recently, image enhancement approaches have yielded impressive progress. However, existing methods still suffer from three main problems: (1) low-light images usually are high-contrast. Existing methods may fail to recover images details in extremely dark or bright areas; (2) current methods cannot precisely correct the color of low-light images; (3) when the object edges are unclear, the pixel-wise loss may treat pixels of different objects equally and produce blurry images. In this paper, we propose a two-stage method called Edge-Enhanced Multi-Exposure Fusion Network (EEMEFN) to enhance extremely low-light images. In the first stage, we employ a multi-exposure fusion module to address the high contrast and color bias issues. We synthesize a set of images with different exposure time from a single image and construct an accurate normal-light image by combining well-exposed areas under different illumination conditions. Thus, it can produce realistic initial images with correct color from extremely noisy and low-light images. Secondly, we introduce an edge enhancement module to refine the initial images with the help of the edge information. Therefore, our method can reconstruct high-quality images with sharp edges when minimizing the pixel-wise loss. Experiments on the See-in-the-Dark dataset indicate that our EEMEFN approach achieves state-of-the-art performance.


An information distribution task technology for GRID-systems based on the use of simulation modeling GRASS environment was proposed. GRASS reproduces the process of functioning over time of elementary events that occur in the GRID-system with maintaining their interaction logic. This solution enables conducting of computational experiments that implement different methods of distribution, with a following selecting of the most effective solution on the basis of the collection, analysis and interpretation of simulation results. The proposed task of distribution technology using simulation modeling GRASS environment, enables implementing multiple distribution methods and selecting the best distribution environment that increases the efficiency of GRID-systems by reducing the time of the task performance and reducing the downtime of resources in highly related tasks. GRASS modeling environment has a modular structure, which consists of a core and dynamically loaded modules (plug-ins). Each module performs a highly specialized task, referring if necessary to the other modules of the system. The core provides means of inter-module interaction and provides boot and system configuration.


Background: There is currently a growing interest in the role of social structures, social conditions and social relationships in explaining patterns of population health, as well as the need to connect individual health outcomes to their socio-economic context. This thesis contributes to this young, but fast growing field by analyzing the role of social and economic conditions in determining health. Aim: To study the socioeconomic determinants of health by focusing on the relevance of economic and social capital. Methods: The thesis comprises four studies, three of which are based on crosssectional data from the National Public Health Survey 2006 (N= 56,889) and 2009 (N= 51,414) (Study II, III and IV) and one based on longitudinal data from the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions (ULF) panel study from the years 1981–1997 (N= 3,780) (Study I). While Study I and II analyzed associations between measures of economic capital and health outcomes, Study III focused on associations between measures of social capital and health outcomes. Finally, in Study IV independent associations, and interactions, of a lack of economic capital and social capital on health outcomes were analyzed. Low economic capital (i.e. economic hardships) was measured by low household income and self-reported financial stress (inability to meet expenses and a lack of cash reserves). Social capital was measured on the individual level by social participation, interpersonal (horizontal) and institutional (vertical) trust. Health outcomes included self-rated health, psychological health (severe anxiety, GHQ-12, anti-depressant medication), physical health (musculoskeletal disorders) and health behaviors (harmful alcohol consumption). Results: In Study I, based on longitudinal data, a dose-response effect on women"s health was observed with an increasing score of cumulative exposure to financial stress, but not for low income. The results for men were more inconclusive. Cumulative exposure to financial stress seemed to affect men"s self-rated health, while exposure to low income seemed to affect men"s psychological distress, and neither exposure to low income nor financial stress seemed to affect men"s musculoskeletal disorders. In Study II, financial stress (but not low income) was significantly associated with both women"s and men"s mental health problems (all indicators). Additionally, a graded association was found between mental health problems and levels of economic hardships (as measured by a combined economic hardships measure capturing both self-reported financial stress and low income). In Study III, low social capital (as measured by institutional trust in ten main welfare institutions in Sweden) was associated with increased likelihood of harmful alcohol consumption. Furthermore, a graded association was found between harmful alcohol consumption and levels of institutional trust. In Study IV, a measure of economic hardships (including both self-reported financial stress and low income) and low social capital (i.e., low interpersonal and institutional/political trust and low social participation) were significantly associated with men"s and women"s poor health status, with only a few exceptions. Furthermore, statistically significant interaction effects measured as a synergy index were observed between economic hardships and all different types of social capital. Gender differences in health outcomes related to low economic and social capital were analyzed in all studies. However, only very small gender differences were revealed throughout the studies with the exception of Study I where financial stress was consistently associated with poor health outcomes for women, but not for men. Conclusions: This thesis adds to the scientific evidence that economic and social capital at the individual level are multifaceted concepts independently connected to poor health outcomes, both physical and mental. However, when combined they seem to be associated with a further increased magnitude of poorer health. Hence, the social and the economic determinants should not be considered as exclusive and separate in relation to health. Policy initiatives minimizing the extent to which individuals perceive themselves as excluded in several dimensions in society, e.g., by channeling resources at improving the economic conditions under which people live and encouraging social connectedness and social cohesion, are desirable.


Several studies have indicated that Model Predictive Control (MPC) of space heating systems can utilize the thermal mass of residential buildings as short-term thermal storage for various demand response purposes. Realization of this potential relies heavily on the accuracy of the model used to represent the thermodynamics of the building. Such models, whether they are grey box or black box, are calibrated using relevant data obtained from initial measurements, and the performance of the calibrated model is validated using data from a subsequent period. However, many studies use validation periods with weather conditions similar to those of the calibration period. Only a few studies investigate whether the calibrated model performs satisfactory when subjected to significantly different conditions. This paper presents data from a simulation-based study on the effect of seasonal weather changes on the performance of a black-box model. The study was conducted using 11 years of Danish weather data (2008-2018). The results indicate that the performance of the black-box model deteriorate as the weather data conditions become increasingly different from those used in the initial model calibration. Further, the results show that calibration in heating season leads to satisfactory model performance through the heating season, but lower performance in transitional seasons (especially spring). Results also show that calibration in February led to highest model performance through heating season, while calibration in March led to satisfactory model performance in the whole heating and fall season.


The effect of obesity on the total body clearance (Cltot) of theophylline was evaluated in nonsmokers and smokers with and without congestive heart failure (CHF). The obese patients were compared with similar nonobese subjects with regard to age, sex, and disease state. The total patient population numbered 150 adults. Cltot of theophylline, based on total body weight (TBW), averaged 0.60 ± 0.20 ml/min/kg in obese nonsmokers and did not differ from the nonobese, nonsmoking group. In obese nonsmoking patients with CHF, Cltot based on TBW was 0.40 ± 0.14 ml/min/kg, which was similar to Cltot values in nonsmoking CHF patients who were not obese. A trend toward a reduction in Cltot, based on TBW, as TBW increased, in nonsmoking patients with and without CHF, was observed. In contrast to the Cltot in nonsmokers, the Cltot of theophylline in obese smokers with and without CHF was similar to the Cltot values in nonobese populations only when based on ideal body weight. However, when compared with nonsmoking, nonobese patients, no differences were observed when Cltot was corrected for TBW. These findings suggest that theophylline maintenance dose can be based on TBW in obese patients who are smokers and nonsmokers (with and without CHF), using the average Cltot obtained for the nonsmoking patients with and without CHF.


Midkine (MK) was originally characterized as a member of a distinct family of neurotrophic factors functioning in the CNS. However, it was later discovered that MK is abundantly expressed in ovarian follicles. Since then, the physiological roles of this molecule in the ovary have been steadily investigated. During the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes MK was shown to promote the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes, as indicated by post‐fertilization development. This effect of MK could be mediated via its pro‐survival (anti‐apoptotic) effects on the cumulus‐granulosa cells that surround oocytes. The oocyte competence‐promoting effects of MK are discussed in the context of the recently discovered involvement of MK in the full maturation of ovarian follicles. MK was at the frontline of a new paradigm for neurotrophic factors as oocytetrophic factors. MK may promote the developmental competence of oocytes via common signalling molecules with the other neurotrophic factor(s). Alternatively or concomitantly, MK may also interact with various transmembrane molecules on cumulus‐granulosa cells, which are important for ovarian follicle growth, dominance and differentiation, and act as a unique pro‐survival factor in ovarian follicles, such that MK promotes oocyte competence. MK, along with other ovarian neurotrophic factors, may contribute to the optimization of the IVM system.


A survey of 543 freshmen and 425 juniors in computer and electrical engineering (CEE), electrical engineering (EE), industrial engineering (IE), computer science (CS), information systems (IS), and computer technology (CPT) was given. Information sought focused on their self-perceptions of difficulty with, interest in, and ability to do eight separate tasks associated with computer programming. Self-perceptions of computer literacy, knowledge, and ability to use personal computers, software packages, computer systems, hardware, and computer languages were also collected. Results of the survey are presented, analyzed, and discussed by computer discipline, by gender, and by educational level. Computer engineering, computer science, information science, and computer technology juniors tended to have higher scores than IE and EE majors. Freshmen males tended to have higher computer self-perceptions than freshman women but the gender differences at the junior level were minimal. The implications for computer education, curricula design and equal gender educational opportunities in science, engineering, and technology programs also are discussed.


Local anisotropic contributions to chemical shifts of protons sited near an alkyne moiety have been calculated using a classical model previously applied to aromatic systems. The results are presented in terms of an isoshielding contour map. The upfield shifts of ethyne and propyne and also the downfield shifts of the γ-protons of cyclooctynes are well accounted for by this theory.


The physical mechanism for ordering and the properties of lattice defects in {ital B}2-type transition-metal (TM) aluminides are presented. It is shown that the size effect is inadequate in explaining the defect structure (and ordering) in these intermetallics. Such is the case evident in the prototypical example of PdAl, which is found to exhibit all the physical characteristics of strongly ordered alloys even though the difference in atomic radii between constituent Pd and Al atoms is very small. We obtain a high heat of formation, high antiphase boundary energies associated with the partial 1/2{l_angle}111{r_angle} slip, and the existence of triple defect (for the point defect structure) in PdAl. Comparative analyses are presented for PdAl, NiAl, and FeAl, and results reveal that the electronic structure at the TM sites plays a decisive role in the energetics (and types) of defects. The strong ordering in late TM aluminides of the {ital B}2 type is due to the {ital lack} of electronic screening from the TM {ital d} band to compensate the energetically unfavorable nearest-neighbor interaction between Al atoms when ordering is disrupted.


This study examines how Latinidad can be reclaimed as a site for exploring affinities of Latinos in Latin music industry, especially from the 90s. By looking at sites where Latinidad is constituted, such as the case of Jennifer Lopez becoming Selena, it intends to suggest that the concept can be deployed as a political bridge to connect latinos. And by examining Cuban-American artists` self identification in Latin Grammy Awards, it reveals that the latin music business definitions of Latinidad is coded differently for them as ``Caribbean`` to erase a natural resonance of Cuba. In addition, by dealing with Shakira`s somewhat contradictory representation of Colombianidad, the study argues that Latinidad serves as a social construct and newly emerges as a convenient interstitial place between the Latin American and the US Latino. Shakira`s case serves to show how the transnational trends of latin music contribute to create a simultaneous sense of Latinidad and Colombianidad. Focusing on the commercial significance of understanding of what latino is or should be, this paper aims to interrogate current understandings of Latinidad in the realm of latin music and popular culture.


It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the ACM conference on Designing Interactive Systems in 2014 or DIS'14. DIS is a biennial international conference that has long established itself as the venue to explore convergent, emergent, and innovative trends and ideas at the intersection of people, design, and technologies. In DIS'14 we highlight the idea that the design of interactive systems is entering a new socio-technical paradigm around the idea of craft. The theme of the conference is "Crafting Design". We see the confluence of phenomena that may constitute new approaches and new foci in HCI and interaction design.

We received 402 submissions from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. The program committee accepted 107 papers and notes that cover a range of topics relevant to the DIS community. This included work on craft and making, critical design, design practice, design methods, games and entertainment, health and wellness, sustainability, and the design of innovative systems. The technical program includes three parallel tracks with a total of 25 different paper sessions at the conference. For the first time DIS is featuring a new submission type called Pictorials, which are archival publications where authors are encouraged to express and unpack their design practices and processes in rich and primarily visual ways. In addition, the conference also features Provocations & Work-In-Progress papers, Demonstrations, Workshops, and Doctoral Consortium papers.

We also encourage attendees to attend the keynote and invited talk presentations that provide valuable insights and perspectives on our research and practice:
Opening Plenary: On Icarus' Wings: Craftsmanship and The Art of Living with Technology by Peter- Paul Verbeek, University of Twente
Closing Plenary: CityStudio: Collaborative City Making by Janet Moore and Duane Elverum, CityStudio Vancouver
Plenary Panel: Honoring Protocol: Design by, for and with Aboriginal Peoples organized by our Panel Chairs, Kate Hennessy, Simon Fraser University, and Lisa Nathan, University of British Columbia.


This paper reports a study that investigated the role of prior native or first language (L1) phonological and phonetic learning on the integration of vowel quality features in the acquisition of second language (L2) vowels by examining adult L2 Japanese learners' perception and production of Vietnamese monophthong vowels in an identification, an imitation and a read aloud tasks. Two groups of participants took part in the study (11 control Vietnamese, 10 Japanese learners of Vietnamese).  The stimuli consisted of 9 Vietnamese monophthongs /i, e, ɛ, a, ɔ, o, u, ɤ, ɯ/ and 5 simple Japanese vowels /i, e, a, o, ɯ/. The results showed that Japanese learners of Vietnamese failed to distinguish the Vietnamese vowel pairs /ɛ/-/e/, /o/-/ɔ/ and /u/-/ɯ/ accurately in their perception. In terms of production, Vietnamese vowels /ɛ/ and /e/ merged in vowel space. Moreover, the three Vietnamese vowels /ɔ/, /o/ and/ɤ/ produced by Japanese learners in both production tasks tend to cluster together. Vietnamese vowels /u/ and /ɯ/ produced by Japanese learners also overlapped in vowel space. In general, the findings of this study showed that Japanese learners transfer their L1 vowel quality features into the production of Vietnamese vowels.


Cerebral vasospasm is a major complication associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, real-time evaluation of vasospasm is very difficult via angiography, CT scan, and cerebral blood flow. In this study, for the evaluation of the arterial narrowing, the flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAFV) was measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in 41 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms which were repaired surgically within 48 hours after SAH. MCAFV was measured daily until the 25th day after onset. All patients underwent CT scan, angiography, and neurological assessments upon admission. To clarify the morphological changes of the cerebral vessels due to SAH, angiography was performed again about 10 days after surgery. For evaluation of the efficacy of treatment for vasospasm, 21 out of 41 cases were administered a calcium antagonist (4mg of nicardipine) through the cisternal drain every 12 hours for an average of 10 days. The other 20 cases did not receive nicardipine and served as controls. 15 patients with clinical symptoms had a rapid increase in MCAFV from the 3rd to 6th day after onset, and a high velocity of more than 150cm/sec continued for 7.6 +/- 3.6 days on the average. In marked contrast, 26 patients without clinical symptoms showed only a small increase in MCAFV of less than 110cm/sec. There was a significant correlation between the arterial narrowing of MCA and MCAFV (gamma = 0.72, p less than 0.01) except for 5 cases (12%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


We introduce a technique based on the problem-space genetic algorithm (PSGA) for the static task assignment problem in homogeneous distributed computing systems to reduce the task turnaround time and to increase the throughput of the system by properly balancing the load and reducing the interprocessor communication time among processors. The PSGA based approach combines the power of genetic algorithms, a global search method, with simple and fast problem-specific heuristic to search a large solution space efficiently and effectively to find the best possible solution in an acceptable cpu time. The proposed scheme is applied to a digital signal processing (DSP) system consisting of 119 tasks to illustrate its balancing properties and computational advantage on a large system. The proposed scheme offers 12%-30% improvement in the assignment cost as compared to the previous best known results for the DSP example.<<ETX>>


Salmonella has been reported to be presence both in raw and processed foods worldwide. In this study, the prevalence, quantification and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from raw vegetables or locally known as ulam such as asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica (L) Urb), water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC), long bean (Vigna sinensis EndL), and winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L) DC) obtained from retail markets in Selangor, Malaysia were carried out. From 96 samples tested, the overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 97.9%, Salmonella Enteritidis was 54.2% and Salmonella Typhimurium was 82.3% respectively. Samples were contaminated with Salmonella ranging from <3 to 2400 MPN/g. Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium isolates obtained from the raw vegetables (ulam) were found to exhibit high resistance against ampicillin (100%), erythromycin (100%), amoxicillin/clavunic acid (81.3%), cephalothin (75%), streptomycin (50%) and ciprofloxacin (50%). All Salmonella isolates showed multi drug resistant (MDR) profile with each isolate being resistant to 3 or more antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of Salmonella isolates ranged from 0.27 to 0.55 for Salmonella Enteritidis and 0.27 to 0.82 for Salmonella Typhimurium. The presence of Salmonella on raw vegetables (ulam) and high antibiotic resistance isolates indicated that raw vegetables could be contaminated and thus imposes possible health risk to local consumers.


This paper presents a joint model of residential neighborhood type choice and bicycle ownership. The objective is to isolate the true causal effects of the neighborhood attributes on household bicycle ownership from spurious association due to residential self-selection effects. The joint model accounts for residential self-selection due to both observed socio-demographic characteristics and unobserved preferences. In addition, the model allows for differential residential self-selection effects across different socio-demographic segments. The model is estimated using a sample of more than 5000 households from the San Francisco Bay Area. Further, a policy simulation analysis is carried out to estimate the impact of neighborhood characteristics and socio-demographics on bicycle ownership. The model results show a substantial presence of residential self-selection effects due to observed socio-demographics such as number of children, dwelling type, and house ownership. It is shown for the first time in the self-selection literature that ignoring such observed selfselection effects may not always lead to overestimation of the impact of neighborhood attributes on travel related choices such as bicycle ownership. In the current context, ignoring selfselection due to socio-demographic attributes resulted in an underestimation of the impact of neighborhood attributes on bicycle ownership. In the context of unobserved factors, no significant self-selection effects were found. However, it is recommended to test for such effects as well as heterogeneity in such effects before concluding that there are no unobserved factors contributing to residential self-selection.


Summary The thirteenth-century west portal of Higham Ferrers Church, Northamptonshire, despite its rural setting, has claims to represent international and metropolitan taste in its ornament and general layout. The sculptured portal was originally part of a larger decorative and iconographic scheme, the coherence of which was drastically impaired in the rebuilding of the west porch, tower, and spire in the 1630s. Fragments of what seem likely to have been major sculptural groups were then built into the westface of the tower. Thefigurescenes, framed in medallions, which fill the left and rightportion of the tympanum of the portal are among the best preserved thirteenth-century sculptures in England, but the identification of the individual scenes is fraught with difficulty nor is it easy to judge the level at which the sculptures were intended to communicate. Contemporary illustrated Psalters, designed for personal devotional use, may provide the key, but curious symptoms of seventeenth-century interference also require interpretation.


Background: Ovarian tumours may either be asymptomatic, found on the routine ultrasound examination or symptoms may be vague till the patient has an acute emergency like torsion or rupture of a benign cyst. The worst is late presentation of malignant ovarian tumour. There is marked variation in the presentation of the tumour as well as in histological types. This study was under taken to analyse modes of presentation and various histopathological patterns of ovarian tumour.
Materials and Methods: A total of 69 cases were selected consecutively. The age range was 13-70 years. This study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College and Department of Gynaecology and obstetrics, Chittagong Medical College Hospital during the period from July 2013 to June 2014. The specimens of ovarian tumours were subjected to histopathological examination in the histopathology section.
Results : Out of 69 cases, 54(78.3%) were benign and 15(21.7%) were malignant tumour. There was no borderline malignancy in our study. The commonest histological pattern in this study was surface epithelial tumour 49(70.6%) including both benign and malignant tumour followed by germ cell tumour 6(8.7%). The commonest benign tumour was serous cyst cyst adenoma 23(33.4) and malignant tumour was serous cyst adenocarcinoma 5(7.2%).
Conclusion : Surface epithelial tumours are the commonest variety of ovarian tumour followed by germ cell tumour. The histological type of ovarian tumour correlates with the prognosis of the tumour.
Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.19 (2); July 2020; Page 13-17


Experience is key in deciding whether or not to adopt a system such as persuasive technology, which aims to persuade people to take up a targeted attitude or behavior. Thousands of persuasive technologies have been developed for commercial and academic uses; however, many studies on experience have mainly been conducted on products and none have focused on studying experience in the context of persuasive technologies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate emotional experience and user experience when using persuasive technology. Twenty-five participants comprising university staffs and students were given 6 weeks to use two different persuasive web applications—one on health and the other on environmental issues. A pre-post interaction approach was carried out to analyze the participants' emotional experiences; Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) instruments and questionnaires were used to assess user experience based on the pragmatic, hedonic, and appeal quality of the web applications. From 20 PANAS emotions, only six emotions were found to have significant impact. Although a significant change happened in user experience perceptions from the pre-interaction to post-interaction stages, no significant change happened in user emotional experience. The findings imply that the changes in user experience perceptions over time may contribute towards altering persuasion, whether by increasing or reducing persuasion via persuasive technology. As a result, this study contributes new information to the theory of designing persuasive technology such that more concern is put on the hedonic quality and appealingness of a system for greater user experience and an emotionally impactful and successful persuasion.


Clinical mastitis is a commonly occurring and economically important problem in the dairy industry. Researchers have suggested that changes in lying behavior could be useful as early indicators of cow discomfort and poor welfare. The objective of this study was to determine the associations between the onset of illness resulting from experimentally induced clinical mastitis and measures of lying behavior. Clinical mastitis was induced in 21 lactating dairy cows (parity=2.0±1.0, range=1 to 4; days in milk=61±18) by intramammary infusion of 25 or 100 μg of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into 1 uninfected mammary quarter. Lying behavior was monitored from 2 d before through 3 d after the LPS challenge by fitting each cow with a data logger. Calculated outcome measures were total lying time, lying time on the side of the intramammary infusion, number of lying bouts, and average lying bout duration. Cows spent less time lying down on the day of the challenge compared with the 2 d before (633.3 vs. 707.0 min/d; SE=29.6), particularly during the 4 to 7h following LPS infusion. However, no significant relationship was found between the mammary quarter challenged and cow preference for lying side throughout the episode of induced clinical mastitis. Given that lying is a high-priority behavior in dairy cows and that increased lying time is an adaptive sickness behavior to facilitate recovery, we infer that this reduction in lying time may present a concern for cows with clinical mastitis. Although additional studies with larger numbers of animals are needed, automated monitoring of lying behavior could be an important component of the on-farm early detection of health problems, such as mastitis, in the future.


Abstract We use doctrines of identification to explain how corporations may commit criminal offences in their own right, but current versions thereof have several shortcomings. Here, I suggest that reformulating the identification doctrine to treat all corporate officers and employees as embodying the corporation when acting within their real or ostensible authority, might remedy these shortcomings. Arguments against the resulting expansion of corporate criminal liability are unconvincing, especially when juxtaposed with the criminal law's response to similar arguments made on behalf of natural persons. This may indicate that we should also moderate the criminal law's harshness towards natural persons.


Many have attributed the success of hydraulic fracturing in unconventionals to the development of increased reservoir contact area through complex fracture networks with significant shear-enhancement of flow on preexisting natural fractures. Core samples recovered in recent field experiments have revealed large numbers of subparallel hydraulic fractures (swarms) that provide an alternative explanation for the enhanced stimulated surface area. We argue that understanding the mechanisms behind the development of this stimulated surface area is key to optimizing the stimulation of unconventional resources. We investigate potential phenomena that could lead to fracture swarming. First, we consider whether "swarming" is indeed a correct term. We show that the null hypothesis that the hydraulic fractures are actually randomly placed cannot be rejected with significant confidence. We next investigate several mechanical explanations for the genesis of closely-spaced fractures (branching, poromechanics, variations in situ stress orientation, and near wellbore effects associated with perforations). Our analysis eliminated all mechanisms other than near wellbore effects to be the primary cause for the observed closely spaced hydraulic fractures.


Taiwan used quarantine as 1 of numerous interventions implemented to control the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003. From March 18 to July 31, 2003, 147,526 persons were placed under quarantine. Quarantining only persons with known exposure to people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome could have reduced the number of persons quarantined by approximately 64%. Focusing quarantine efforts on persons with known or suspected exposure can greatly decrease the number of persons placed under quarantine, without substantially compromising its yield and effectiveness.


An experimental analysis of the Br2/Br(-) redox reaction in a porous back fed ruthenium-coated titanium electrode is described. A mathematical model of the steady-state process is presented. Nonlinear regression of the model against the experimental data gives physically meaningful parameter estimates. These parameters and the model provide a design equation for the porous electrode current as a function of specific surface area, bulk Br2 concentration, average total overpotential, and the Reynolds number. The design equation shows that the back fed electrode could reduce the loss of Br2 across the separator and the ohmic loss in a Zn/Br2 battery.


The provision within the patient's body of a compact power supply for the artificial heart is another major problem that has to be solved. 'It has been found impossible to use power from another muscle, because apparently no other type of muscle can withstand the constant activity that is required.' 7 Implantation of batteries has so far proved impracticable because the large amount of power required means they must be large and frequently replaced. The size of batteries might be reduced by partially recharging them from power generated by muscular contraction.8 J. C. Schuder has recently shown that sufficient electrical energy may be transmitted across the intact chest wall to drive an artificial heart by means of a radio-frequency signal and a portable external power source.8 Replacement of the human heart is likely to become possible. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that about a third of the population die from heart disease. The philosophical and moral problems of selecting patients for treatment are thus likely to prove even more difficult than they are for continued renal dialysis.


Background Face to face appointment time between patient and clinician is precious. Patients can wait months between appointments, and usually allow clinicians to take the lead in their consultations. These may concentrate on disease related outcome measures and treatment targets. Patients may not feel able to raise other issues, or may forget to ask about them. Waiting time for appointments is almost inevitable, so to help patients make best use of their waiting time we decided to add a "What Do I Want to Talk About" area. Objectives To assess patient response to "What do I Want to Talk About". Methods In the centre of patient waiting area we put up an "What Do I Want To Talk About" A4 poster, encouraging patients to write down the questions important for them to discuss within their consultation. We provided A6 paper sheets and pens for patients to take into their consultations. We asked patients to provide feedback by anonymous questionnaire asking these questions: Do you think this is a good idea? Yes/No; Have you used it? Yes/No. Would you use it in future? Yes/No; Other comments? Results 26 patients completed the questionnaire. Of these, 25 patients (96%) thought it was a good idea. 3 (12%) said they had used these slips previously. 18 (69%) said they would use them on their next visit. Comments: 'Good Idea thanks. I usually forget what I want to ask when I get in there and then remember on my way home'; "Why hasn't this been done before?"; "I always do notes before my appointments as it helps both doctor and patient"; "This is a really good idea, and thanks for the pen" Clinician's comments: "Really helpful for consultations, patients seem better prepared "; "I used the same paper to respond to questions and as an aide-memoire for patients" Conclusions 'What do I Want to Talk About' is a very simple, universally applicable idea which uses minimal resources. It may help some patients better prepare for consultations, and ensure key issues important to patients are addressed during consultations. Disclosure of Interest None declared


A mathematical basis is established for realising various distance-relay characteristics for transmission-line protection. Phase sequences of a set of three voltage signals provide the criteria for relay operation. A ferrite-core version, modelled as a phase-sequence indicator, is manipulated to realise the conventional as well as unusual operating characteristics. Such versions have been designed and constructed without the requirements of a d.c. supply –a decided advantage over semiconductor units.


The excavations at Çatal Hüyük, the neolithic city mound in the Konya Plain, which were begun in 1961 were continued during the summer of 1962. The second season of excavation began on 7th June and lasted until 14th August, sixty working days, with a labour force which never exceeded thirty-five men, mostly trained under our foreman, Veli Karaaslan, at Beycesultan and Hacılar. Once again our trusted ustas included Rifat Çelimli, Mustafa Duman and Bekir Kalayci. Survey equipment and transport for the expedition were generously provided by Turkse Shell, Ankara. The 1962 season was financed by the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, New York, a bequest from the late Mr. Francis Neilson, the Australian Institute of Archaeology and its President, Mr. W. J. Beasley, The British Academy, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. In addition the Director had a personal fellowship from the Bollingen Foundation, New York.


Researching the behavior of production systems in construction is challenging because outcomes depend not only on production system design and on control strategies, but also on the decision-making behavior of works managers, crew leaders and suppliers. People make decisions within their context, and with limited and often uncertain information. This is especially true in the case of construction projects, where production is dependent on close coordination between multiple independent subcontractors. Theoretical models of the systems are limited if they ignore the human element, or if they assume rationality in decision-making. Thus experimental setups designed to test proposed production control systems or strategies should incorporate live experiments with human subjects. Virtual reality (VR) environments linked with discrete-event simulations (DES) provide an excellent platform for this kind of experimental setup. They enable, for example, experiments to compare performance with and without proposed information systems or other tools. We review the state-of-the-art in research of production control systems in construction management, with emphasis on VR and DES. We describe the experience gained in using a hybrid 'Virtual Construction Site' (VCS) system in which construction crew leaders were immersed in a virtual reality (VR) CAVE where they worked in a DES controlled site. The VCS proved its efficacy by allowing the researchers to observe, record and analyze the decision-making behavior of human subjects in a controlled environment, with high accuracy and in relatively very short times.


Background Certolizumab Pegol (CZP), administered every 2 weeks in combination with Methotrexate (MTX), showed rapid efficacy and had an acceptable safety profile in patients(pts) with RA in several clinical trials. Objectives To confirm the efficacy and safety of CZP+MTX in pts with active RA and an previous inadequate response to MTX. Methods In this study 17 pts [mean age±DS:50±7.1 years (min-max 38-62)] with active RA [CRP: 11.1±5.7 mg/L (6.3-24), ESR: 38.9±12.6 (24-67) mm/h, DAS28(ESR): 4.7±0.4 (4.1-5.2), HAQ: 1.9±0.3 (1,0-2.3)] received CZP every two weeks (Wks) [a dose of 400mg for the first three times (at Wks 0, 2 and 4) followed by 200mg] and a stable dose of MTX (10-20 mg/Wk) for 52 weeks. Results 16 pts completed the study, because a case of pancytopenia determined the discontinuation of the drug in one pt. This was the only adverse event. DAS28(ESR) was significantly lower after 52 Wks (P=0.00013). HAQ, pain and global disease activity had significantly improved after 52 Wks. In table I is shown the average value of DAS28(ESR), ESR, CRP and HAQ at the beginning of the study (T0) and after 52 Weeks (T52). Image/graph Conclusions Use of CZP 200mg (after three initial subministrations of 400 mg) every 2 Wks + MTX resulted in a rapid and sustained reduction of RA signs, symptoms and pain, and improved physical function. CZP had an acceptable safety profile. This confirms the efficacy and safety of CZP in MTX refractary RA. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


Purpose
This paper aims to describe the RE-COV study and to summarise its findings. It focuses particularly on the implications of lessons learned for national, operational and building design policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach
Invitations to take part in a RE-COV study survey were emailed to the operators of 270 retirement villages and older people's extra care housing schemes in England which were known to the Elderly Accommodation Counsel. Completed questionnaires were returned from 38 operators, online or electronically, between December 2020 and February 2021.

Findings
Survey findings evidenced the breadth and depth of the operators' responses, the effects these had on residents' lives and worthwhile changes which could be made. Outcomes demonstrated included higher levels of protection for residents from the COVID-19 virus compared to older people living in the general community, and high levels of residents feeling safe, supported and reassured.

Practical implications
The findings are used to offer evidence-based recommendations for housing operators, building designers and policymakers which could enhance resident, staff and operators' health and well-being, both going forward and during possible future pandemics.

Social implications
There is evidence that retirement villages and extra care housing provided safe, resilient and supportive environments during the first year of the pandemic which were highly valued by residents.

Originality/value
This study addressed a knowledge gap regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted housing-with-care stakeholders, evidencing specifically how operators had responded, and what their response achieved.


The aim of this article is to explain new projects taking place about secure file transfer techniques by multicast. In this matter we will analyze Pragmatic General Multicast as a way to obtain better results in terms of transfer rate and a development in the way of using net resources. To conclude, there will be a comparison among the results of this specific file transfer and the FTP over TCP conventional technology.


Some of the most interesting discussions of cost-benefit analysis focus on exceptionally difficult problems, including catastrophic scenarios, "fat tails," extreme uncertainty, intergenerational equity, and discounting over long time horizons. As it operates in the actual world of government practice, however, cost-benefit analysis usually does not need to explore the hardest questions, and when it does so, it tends to enlist standardized methods and tools. It is useful to approach cost-benefit analysis not in the abstract but from the bottom up, that is, by anchoring the discussion in specific scenarios involving trade-offs and valuations. Thirty-six stylized scenarios are presented here, alongside an exploration of how they might be handled in practice. Open issues are also discussed.


We offer an algorithm for numerical integration of an ODE with a Preisach nonlinearity under the derivative on the left-hand side. Despite the exotic form, equations of that kind are important in applied disciplines, for example in terrestrial hydrology.


There is a growing literature investigating how neighborhood organizations impact crime, although recidivism or reoffending has been excluded from this discussion. Combining data on recidivism and organizational availability in Chicago with the 2000 Census and the 2007–2011 American Community Survey, this study models the effect of three types of organizations important for ex-prisoners (emergency assistance, employment, and education) and their changes on neighborhood-level recidivism from 2001 to 2006. Results show that changes in the availability of certain types of organizations impact recidivism. Non-trivial losses (losing two or more organizations) of educational organizations across years increase neighborhood recidivism. Also, disadvantage moderates the effect of non-trivial gains in organizations; specifically, in low-disadvantage neighborhoods, gains in employment organizations decrease recidivism. These results suggest that ex-prisoners are exposed to variability in local organizational environments, and this variability has an impact on overall recidivism. Neighborhood-based policy aimed at lowering recidivism should not only work to increase these organizations in neighborhoods, but also work to stabilize their presence.


Quick access to library resources in Health Sciences, including video demos on using controlled vocabularies (medical terminology, MeSH) to refine research on medical topics and how to limit your search results to 'Peer Reviewed' articles.


The author examines the Christian literature of the first three centuries for evidence of the development both of the special priesthood of the ordained and the general priesthood of all believers. He demonstrates that the development of the special priesthood was closely linked to the emerging division between the clergy and the laity, and that these developments harmed the expression of the general priesthood. 'The Priesthood of Some Believers' is the only detailed and comprehensive study of the way the development of the special priesthood affected that of the general priesthood.


This paper sketches a conceptual framework of international conflict dynamics and resolution, examines the geopolitics of the Bakassi dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, and outlines socio-economic implications of its peaceful settlement. Neglect and subsequent discovery of oil deposits subjected the Bakassi Peninsula to claims and counter-claims for sovereignty, military occupation and recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ's ruling in 2002 in favour of Cameroon, although based on sound historical evidence, faced implementation difficulties. However, following mediation by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, good faith by protagonists, the Green-tree Agreement and subsequent instruments, Nigeria completed the withdrawal of its military, police and administration from the Bakassi Peninsula by 14 August 2008. Putting aside disruptive activities by social movements, the entire process could be viewed as a model in peaceful resolution of border conflicts. Implications of the settlement anchor on expenditure-reducing and expenditure-switching effects, wealth-generating effects, and enhanced cross-border activities. Infrastructural developments and effective presence are considered.