Abstract : The Armed Forces Covenant has existed as an unwritten psychological contract between the UK government and her military for time immemorial. Following ten long years of war, the media had drawn attention to the poor conditions in some of those in the British military, both while deployed and back at home base. This eventually resulted in a legal, codified Armed Forces Covenant, when the Armed Forces Act passed into law in November 2011. This paper examinees whether a formal written Armed Forces Covenant will weaken the historically good relationship between Britains military and her government and consequently not bring the promised material benefits to the rank and file. The paper asserts that while the process that brought the Armed Forces Covenant into being was damaging to British Civil Military Relations (CMR) in the short-term, that in the longer-term it provides a useful mechanism in which the civil military debate can take place, thus making it less likely that military leaders will resort to subjective, unprofessional means to defend their subordinates. The paper begins by detailing the genesis of the Armed Forces Covenant and how the State came to bear this obligation, followed by an outline of what is contained in the Armed Forces Covenant and how it achieved its current status.


Common motor circuit protection has consisted of thermal overload to sense motor overcurrent and a short circuit protective device which acts after a catastrophic condition has occurred. While this combination has provided adequate protection for the most common motor and motor circuit problems, it has not provided good protection against many of the problem conditions that can occur in the motor circuit. Common motor and motor circuit problems, the circuit variances that occur and the use of common devices under these conditions are discussed. It is shown how a solid-state logic approach can sense these circuit variances and result in an economical package providing improved protection, coordinated and easily applied, which can help eliminate or minimize loss due to many of these common problems.


WILLIAM BLAKE'S "TYGER" IN SONGS OF EXPERIENCE, 1794, ROAMS throughout the poet s later symbolical books, and despite the intense scrutiny that scholars have dedicated to Blake's famous beast, it has not been recognized that imagery referencing the genesis, evolution, and redemption of this fiery creature was influenced crucially by the works of John Milton. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to argue the complexities of these dynamics (for they indeed are complex). (1) Blake was inspired by Milton as no other author, and in An bland of the Moon, 1784-85, Quid (as Blake) enigmatically describes his lustful physiognomy as "Very like a Goat's face," while the face of the female who inordinately admires Quid's "high finishd" Art possesses the characteristics of "that noble beast the Tyger" (E 465), an allusion to Milton's Comus (68-74), where the brutish "human count'nance" is "chang'd / Into ... Tiger ... or bearded Goat." Comus (71) and Paradise Lost (4-344, 7.466-67) both associate the Tiger with the Ounce (the latter a member of the Lynx family), and Blake, in a version of the Magic Banquet, after Comus, illustrated a sorrow-faced Ounce and/or Tiger (Butlin, pl. 628). (2) Although Blake had a Bengal Tiger in mind for his poem in Experience, the word "tiger" in the 18th century was a genetic term that applied to any kind of leonine beast, and Blake thus placed his Ounce and Tiger in the starry voids in Jerusalem (73:1-21), where Los (Blake's poetic surrogate) locates his "Furnaces" in "the City of Golgonooza," a Palace of Art "builded ... Upon the Limit of Translucence" (FZ v.60:3-4) in the "nether heavens" of hell (FZ VII.81:5-7, E 368). In Milton (29/31:4-11) "The Sky is an immortal Tent built by the Sons of Los," where the "two Poles turn on their valves of gold," (3) and Los's elemental Sons in Jerusalem 73 labor in the "starry characters of Og & Anak" (the giant Orion in his Hebraic context), (4) creating fiery constellations: "the lion [Leo] & wolf [Lupus] the bear [Ursa major] the tyger & ounce" (animals consolidated by Blake into the starry Lynx), (5) and "the wooly lamb," signified by shining Aries--Forms of celestial Art described as "hard restricting condensations," where nebulous light is converted into matter. (6) (Recall that Blake asks in "The Tyger" if the Maker of the little "Lamb" also made the fierce "Tyger.") Blake extensively explored the night heavens in The Four Zoas (VIII. 106[2nd]:47-48, III[107]:1-8, E 382), where stars, hardening in the heavens, "shake their slumbers off ... / Calling the Lion & the Tyger, the horse [the constellation Pegasus--or Equus] or the wild Stag" (Tarandus, the Reindeer, a circumpolar beast), (7) while "the Lion [Leo] and the Bear [Ursa Major], trembling in the Solid mountain ... view the light ... crying out in terrible existence." Elsewhere in The Four Zoas (VIIb.90[98]:16-22, E 363) Urizen, Blake's fallen Prince of Light, working his way along the Zodiac and nearby paths, confronts the "sullen [starry] ... wooly sheep," the "fierce ... Bull," the "Lion raging in flames," the fiery "Tyger" (i.e., Lynx), the "serpent of the woods," the Serpent of the "waters," and "the scorpion of the desart irritate." Blake in the above sequential account of the Northern Hemisphere refers to the forms of Aries, Taurus, Leo Major and Minor, the spotted Lynx, Serpens (held by Ophiuchus), gigantic Hydra, and poisonous Scorpio. Hydra, Blake's scaly Serpent of the Waters, sometimes is designated as "Serpens aquaticus" by astronomers, and this huge constellation of the deeps (extending over more than a third of the heavens, the head near Cancer and the tail near Libra) is not to be confused with Hydrus, another water serpent that is a small constellation located in the Southern Hemisphere. In Jerusalem (3:1-4) Blake appraises the restrictive moral universe--where the "Tyger" roams--in which "God to Man [through Moses] the wond'rous art of writing gave" in "mysterious Sinai's awful cave," envisioned as the cavernous spherical heavens. …


Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers are increasingly vital for countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom, to remain innovative and productive in the 21st century. Despite the growing demand and lucrative nature of STEM fields, minorities have remained traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers, possibly due to digital divide factors. In this study, we use social cognitive theory to explore the potential of video gameplay to provide a means of increasing minority students' comfort with information and communication technologies, thereby increasing their positive STEM attitudes. Data were gathered during a large-scale computing intervention in an elementary school district in the southeastern United States. The results indicate that video game experiences may influence STEM attitudes via the mediating role of computer self-efficacy and emotional costs. Video gameplay, including games for entertainment, may be beneficial for young digitally divided populations as it may provide them with positive enactive experiences with technology.


All the time scientists need to publish the results of their work in order to remain relevant, meet the time, criteria, and not be outside the scientific community. The well-known principle of "publish or perish" often forces scientists to strive for quantity, not quality [1]. Along with the problems of authorship, paid research, the fabrication of the results, plagiarism and self-plagiarism are among the most common violations. Their impact is more subtle, but no less disruptive for the scientific community.
The article provides an overview of the existing tools for identifying borrowing in the scientific articles of the authors. Decisions' analysis is performed by com-paring systems for a number of characteristics. The tools are tested on real data to investigate their performance and efficiency.


Casualties and property damage has been caused by natural disasters like typhoons and heavy rains according to global climate change. the Ministry of Public Safety and Security has paid monetary compensation for these damages by implementing Storm and Flood Damage Insurance. However, development and management of risk map and insurance management map that used to calculate insurance rates in Storm and Flood Damage Insurance is insufficient. In this study, we studied the development direction and landscape initiative(draft) of the integrated management system for development system to analysis the Storm and Flood Damage Insurance data through analysis gathering of information or requirements.


Abstract Based on twenty-five new chemical analyses, augites from the Upper Zone of the Kiglapait layered intrusion, Labrador, span the range from En73 to En0, disposed about a straight line sloping slightly upward from Wo40 to Wo42 in the pyroxene quadrilateral. They contain little tetrahedral Al, which decreases with Fe enrichment as tetrahedral ferric Fe3+ increases. Little or no jadeite or Ca-Tschermaks component is present. Titanium rises only slightly with Fe, and the acmite component is scattered near mole fraction 0.03. Excess cations relative to 6 oxygen atoms occur chieß y by solid solution toward olivine, the only co-crystallizing mafic silicate phase. Values of nβ increase linearly over the range 1.670 at fictive En100 to 1.7448 at En0. The position of the 150 powder X-ray diffraction peak shifts regularly from 5.0372 to 4.1727 degrees away from the 220 peak of silicon metal over the same composition range. Exsolution of orthopyroxene near (100) is succeeded up-stratigraphy by that of pigeonite near (001), and the switch occurs at about the same augite composition as the switch from external orthopyroxene to pigeonite in the Skaergaard intrusion. Exsolution of ilmenite in or near (100) and magnetite-ulvöspinel near the a and c directions in (010) produces the black color of these augites in hand specimen. Subsolidus augite-olivine tie lines and exchange relations in Fe-Mg allow the distinction between equilibrium pairs and those affected by exchange with external Fe-Ti oxide minerals or with intercumulus liquid in Upper Border Zone lithologies. Liquids producing augite and olivine with plagioclase follow a Ca-depletion trend until crystallization of abundant olivine and titanomagnetite drives them on a Ca-enrichment trend, to a point near Mg-free augite. Activities of silica consistent with augite-olivine pairs range from <0.6 to 0.98. The Kiglapait augite series exemplifies the crystallization of a magma occupying the narrow regime between silica saturation and undersaturation, in extreme fractionation from troctolite to Mg-free syenite.


This article shows how fighting corruption and establishing rule of law has been on the agenda of the Danish rule for more than 350 years and how the level of corruption in the administration of state came to be limited by the middle of the 19th century. The article argues that fighting corruption in an attempt to consolidate the rule has been an integral part of the process of state building in Denmark since the establishment of the absolute monarchy in 1660. The institutional framework set up at this point along with continuing reforms to improve the administration in the period of absolutism between 1660 and 1849 came to form an important basis for an administrative culture based on the rule of law which came to minimize corruption. The building of the absolute monarchial state power came to be ensured through the establishment of a strong and comprehensive state hierarchy with a king at the top level who set out to guarantee the rule of law and attempted to be merciful to his subjects. The king was not only head of state but also the secular leader of the Lutheran state church, and Lutheran-based values and institutions were reinforced in the governance of the country. These elements in combination with the establishment of an increasingly Weberian bureaucracy after 1660 helped to curb corruption in the Danish administration of state, and this is likely to have played a key role in establishing Denmark's present high level of quality of government and global position as a best performer in terms of fighting corruption.


Abstract The importance of spring grass in the diet of early lactation dairy cows has been widely acknowledged. Numerous studies completed on a plot/paddock basis have identified methods of increasing herbage availability in spring, but little focus was placed on how this impacts animal production. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of opening farm cover (OFC; grass availability on farm at turnout in spring; 1036 (high), 748 (medium) and 544 (low) kg DM/ha) and spring rotation length (fast – 56 days and normal – 63 days) on animal performance in early lactation and herbage production and quality. Spring rotation length had little effect on animal performance, herbage variables or sward composition. High OFC increased pre-grazing herbage mass, allowing for increased daily herbage allowance (DHA) compared to medium and low OFC. There was a reduced proportion of leaf in the sward of the high OFC compared to the low OFC, resulting in lower organic matter digestibility. Despite the reduction in sward quality observed as a consequence of achieving high OFC in spring, the greater DHA available to animals increased milk production (+1.4 kg milk/cow/day). Additionally, animals grazing a medium or low OFC had a greater requirement for silage supplementation in spring (+1.3 kg DM/cow/day). The benefits of the higher DHA highlighted in the current study suggest that autumn grazing management must be adapted to increase herbage availability in spring. However, the benefits observed in milk production did not persist beyond the first grazing rotation.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of annual screening tomosynthesis to 2D digital mammography alone for women beginning at 40 years old and to determine differences for age decade subgroups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Decision-tree analysis comparing annual tomosynthesis versus 2D mammography alone from a federal payer perspective and lifetime horizon was created from published multiinstitutional data, published institutional data, literature values, and Medicare reimbursement rates. Cost-effectiveness was calculated through incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and net monetary benefit calculations. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the implication of different variables including changes in recall rate and disutility for false-positives.

RESULTS
Base-case analysis showed an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained for tomosynthesis over 2D alone for all ages (≥ 40 years old) of $20,230, 40- to 49-year-old subgroup of $20,976, 50- to 59-year-old subgroup of $49,725, 60- to 69-year-old subgroup of $44,641, and ≥ 70-year-old subgroup of $82,500. Net monetary benefit per decade in the 40- to 49-year-old subgroup was $1,598, 50- to 59-year-old subgroup of $546, 60- to 69-year-old subgroup of $535, and ≥ 70-year-old subgroup of $501. Tomosynthesis was the better strategy in 63.2% of the iterations according to probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION
Addition of annual screening tomosynthesis to 2D mammography beginning at the age of 40 years was cost-effective compared with 2D mammography alone in our analysis. Three times greater net monetary benefits were found in women 40-49 years old compared with those 50-59 years old.


Inference based on the penalized density ratio model is proposed and studied. The model under consideration is specified by assuming that the log–likelihood function of two unknown densities is of some parametric form. The model has been extended to cover multiple samples problems while its theoretical properties have been investigated using large sample theory. A main application of the density ratio model is testing whether two, or more, distributions are equal. We extend these results by arguing that the penalized maximum empirical likelihood estimator has less mean square error than that of the ordinary maximum likelihood estimator, especially for small samples. In fact, penalization resolves any existence problems of estimators and a modified Wald type test statistic can be employed for testing equality of the two distributions. A limited simulation study supports further the theory.


Endolysins, peptidoglycan hydrolases encoded by bacteriophages, degrade bacterial cell wall and are promising alternative to antibiotics. Howewer, the selection and bioengineering of endolysins needs previous bioinformatic characterization. This study focuses on endolysins encoded by viruses infecting Streptomyces spp., describes Streptomyces phages diversity and association. Set of 143 endolysins were predicted in 175 Streptomyces phage genomes from NCBI database and The Actinobacteriophage Database and were characterized their phylogeny and function domains, especially catalytic domains. Predicted endolysins have amidase (Ami_2 and CHAP domain), muramidase (glycol_hydro_25) and peptidase activity (CHAP, NlpC/P60). This bioinformatic characterization serve as a base to next research in developing of endolysins with new properties in enzybiotik form.


Systems theory states that livestock production is dependent on the environment and goals and objectives of the system itself. Therefore, family systems of bovine milk producers (FSBMP) are considered as parallel systems: those in which there is a symbiosis between man and animals and relationships are only affected by environmental factors. The aim of this research was the characterization and schematic modeling of a FSBMP in the region of Cienega de Chapala, Mexico. For characterization of FSBMP we used general theory of systems methodology and for modeling, a black box approach to integrate criteria such as: (a) internal consistency of the system, (b) interdependence of the system's components. As a part of characterization, the type of producers was established and milk production was determined by simple random sampling (50% of the herd), milk being weighed at 7-d intervals during 180 d. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measurements methodology. The inefficiency of the FSBMP analyzed (3 416 kg of milk per 305-d of lactation) was attributed to limited formal education of the producer (basic level), which was associated with inefficiencies in administration and in assimilation of technological packages. Milk production presented an abnormal lactation curve and was not affected by the time of year (P > 0.05). In conclusion, efficient functioning of the FSBMP was limited more by knowledge of the producer about the animal component than by the environment in which the system operates.


Background The impact of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes following first-stage palliation of single ventricle heart disease remains incompletely characterized. Methods and Results This was a single-center, retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent the Norwood procedure from January 1, 1997 to November 11, 2017. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital (early) mortality or transplant, postoperative hospital length-of-stay, inpatient cost, and postdischarge (late) mortality or transplant. The primary exposure was neighborhood SES, assessed using a composite score derived from 6 US census-block group measures related to wealth, income, education, and occupation. Associations between SES and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression, generalized linear, or Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for baseline patient-related risk factors. Of 478 patients, there were 62 (13.0%) early deaths or transplants. Among 416 transplant-free survivors at hospital discharge, median postoperative hospital length-of-stay and cost were 24 (interquartile range, 15-43) days and $295 000 (interquartile range, $193 000-$563 000), respectively. There were 97 (23.3%) late deaths or transplants. On multivariable analysis, patients in the lowest SES tertile had greater risk of early mortality or transplant (odds ratio [OR], 4.3 [95% CI, 2.0-9.4; P<0.001]), had longer hospitalizations (coefficient 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.5; P<0.001]), incurred higher costs (coefficient 0.5 [95% CI, 0.3-0.7; P<0.001]), and had greater risk of late mortality or transplant (hazard ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3-3.7; P=0.004]), compared with those in the highest tertile. The risk of late mortality was partially attenuated with successful completion of home monitoring programs. Conclusions Lower neighborhood SES is associated with worse transplant-free survival following the Norwood operation. This risk persists throughout the first decade of life and may be mitigated with successful completion of interstage surveillance programs.


This study presents a comparative analysis of medi an freq uency rates of explicit cohesive devices employed in academic texts of students who were speakers of such languages as English, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, and Arabic. Sp ecifi cally, the study focuses on the median f requency rates of uses of explicit cohesion devices, such as phrase-level coordinators, sentence transitions, logicalsemantic conjunctions, demo nstrative pronouns, and enumerative and resultative nouns in academic texts of native speakers (NSs) and nonnative speakers (NNSs) . The purpose of this study is determine the spec ific differences and similar ities in the uses ofexplicit cohesion devices in a NS and NNS corp us of 897 academic essays totalling 265,812 words. This quantitative analysis of common cohes ive devices in NS and NNS academic texts indicates that even advanced NNS students who have completed their English as a second language (ESL) and composition training continue to rely on a restricted repertoire of f eatures in constructing unified text. The study shows that, regardless of their native language (LI), speakers of Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, and Arabic employ sentence transitions and demonstrative pronouns at significantly higher median f requency rates than do NSs. However, in second language (L2) texts the sentence transitions do not necessarily mark a contextualized flow of information. In fa ct, in L2 texts, the preponder ance of se ntence tr ansitions and demonstratives often refl ects NNS writers ' attempts to construct a unified idea fl ow within the constraints of a limited syntactic and lexical range ofaccessible linguistic means. Another issue that needs to be addressed in L2 writing instruction is the employment of coo rdinating conj unctions by speakers of Indonesian and Arabic.


The emerging discipline of Learning Engineering is focused on putting into place tools and processes that use the science of learning as a basis for improving educational outcomes. An important part of Learning Engineering focuses on improving the effectiveness of educational software. In many software domains, A/B testing has become a prominent technique to achieve the software's goals. Many large companies (Amazon, Google, Facebook, etc.) run thousands of AB tests and present at the Annual Conference on Digital Experimentation (CODE), but that venue is too broad to address AB testing issues specific to EdTech platforms. We see a need to address issues with running large-scale A/B tests within the educational context, where the use of A/B testing lags other industries. This workshop will explore ways in which A/B testing in educational contexts differs from other domains and proposals to overcome current challenges so that this approach can become a more useful tool in the learning engineer's toolbox.


ABSTRACT The objectives of the study were to investigate what individuals posting narratives on four online forums dedicated to the issue of panic attacks wanted to discuss and how they made meaning of their experiences related to panic. A narrative approach was used to analyze 208 posts sampled randomly. Online discussions were centered around attempts to uncover, and make sense of, the hidden meaning of panic attacks occurring unpredictably by linking events and experiences from the past and the present with emotional reactions. The onset of panic tended to be related to life transitions that interacted with relational issues of emotional commitment as well as with expectations of increased independence or with separation and loss. Dysfunctional attachments in childhood may impair the integration of affective and cognitive information leading to problems with the recognition and expression of affects. Online forums provide fresh avenues for exploring narration of sensitive topics from an inside perspective.


Flooding is a temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry areas of overflow of inland or tidal waters or from extreme and rapid accumulation of runoff. Flooding phenomenon is considered the world worst global hazard in terms of magnitude, occurrence and geographical spread, loss of life and property, displacement of people and socio-economic activities. In the tropical and sub-tropical regions, severe flooding hazards resulting from heavy thunderstorms, torrential downpours, hurricanes and tidal waves are yearly occurrences. Flood disasters are said to account for one-third of all natural catastrophes throughout the world by number and economic losses and are responsible for more than half of the facility damage (Askew, 1999). In Nigeria, many urban floods occur because of excessive extreme rainfalls improper land use and poor drainages. It has been estimated that more than seven hundred thousand hectares of useful land for agricultural and residential purposes are either lost or rendered useless due to annual floods (David and Aggrawal 2008). The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is mostly flat low lying swampy basin resulting in severe regular flooding which has led to a limited land area for residence. Benin City experiences flash Flood and Flood pondages. Areas are inundated for more than two hours during flood episodes with an average water height of one meter (Ogbonna, et al 2011). As a result of flood events, every year government spends huge sums of money on compensation for flood victims, yet, the problems are unabated. Decision makers need supporting tools such as knowledge of extreme flood magnitudes and probability of re-occurrence, flood stages and river discharge relationships to enable decisions on a particular line of action which would be most adequate in mitigating against flood This study seeks to derive hydraulic relationships for the Ikpoba River which can serve as decision support tools that can be used in evaluating flood damages in suburban-areas of  Benin-city metropolis. The specific objectives are to: i. Determine the exceedance frequency discharge relationship for the Ikpoba River. ii. Establish depths for longitudinal and cross sectional profiles of the Ikpoba River iii. Derive the stage discharge relationship of the Ikpoba River


1950.") Also of special historical interest is W. G. Neely, "The laity in a changing society, 1830-1900," which covers a period crucial for the Church of Ireland, marked by political upheavals, the Great Famine (1845-47), and the Act of Disestablishment in 1871. Despite its variety of approaches and subjects, this book bears witness throughout to certain fundamentals of the Church of Ireland. One is its "low church" character, as clearly evident in the architecture of its buildings as in its theology. Another is the extraordinary role it has played in Irish political and cultural life, out of all proportion to its minority size (see especially Patrick Comerford's "An innovative people: the Church of Ireland laity, 1780-1830," and Kenneth Milne's "Disestablishement and the lay response"). Among the clergy one thinks of such notables as Ussher and Swift; among the laity, Berkeley, Burke, Goldsmith, and Yeats. Truly a church "for all sorts and conditions."


A deep learning-based missing data recovery approach is presented for subsurface images with missing samples. The proposed method is based on Pyramid-context Encoder Network (PEN-Net). With this network, region affinity is captured by creating a high-level semantic feature map, and missing data is recovered in a pyramid fashion, for both visual and semantic consistency. Considering missing data cases during subsurface image acquisition, this study aims to obtain plausible recovered images for possible post-processing operations that can be implemented later. Missing data scenarios are constructed in two ways; column-wise and pixel-wise missing data. Each case is tested under 10%, 30% and 50% of missing data scenarios. Based on the experiments that we conducted, it can be observed that better results are obtained with PEN-Net architecture, compared with low rank missing data recovery methods such as Go Decomposition (GoDec) or Low-rank matrix fitting (LmaFit).


Based on rigorous coupling theory,the influence of the dispersion of the core,cladding,film and surrounding material on the dual-peak resonance effect is studied. The result shows that the theoretical model which considers both the core and cladding material dispersion is necessary and feasible. Further,the influence of the material dispersion on the transmission characteristics of LPFG is analyzed for different film parameters. The deviation value between the dual resonant peaks is calculated before and after considering the material dispersion. The result shows that the deviation value is 1.5—2 nm and 6.5—7.5 nm, respectively. Finally,the influence of the material dispersion on the sensor sensitivity is studied for the dual-peak LPFG sensor. The result indicates that the minimum resolution for the film refractive index is 10 -8 ,and the contour line figure after considering the material dispersion supplies accurate parameter combinations in the design of this kind of sensor.


Purpose: to analyze the content authoring methodology of correction massage for athletes with disabilities. Material and Methods: a nalysis and synthesis of information for scientific, methodical and special literature; pedagogical supervision; analysis of medical cards; methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 60 athletes with disabilities qualifications of different nosological groups. Results: of correction massage technique developed taking into account the level of physical activity, nosological group, physiological effects of massage techniques on the system. Forms of correction massage must meet the intensity of physical activity, main course and related diseases in the training cycle athletes with disabilities. Conclusions: apply total, partial, intermittent, local, segmental-reflex massage, paravertebral zones, taking into account intensity physical activity, individual tolerance for exercise


Pre-service teachers face several challenges as they strive to achieve excellence in their chosen field. Not only must they prove they master their subject matter, but they must also show competence in classroom management, methodology, and assessment. These can be achieved during their pre-service training. This study examined perceptions of pre-service teachers on Blended Learning Techniques (BLT). The purpose of the study was to identify, examine and analyse the perceptions of pre-service teachers in Nwafor Orizu college of Education Nsugbe, Anambra state on Blended learning techniques. The population for the study was one hundred and forty (140), 200 level pre-service teachers and the sample for the study consisted of 70, 200 level pre-service teachers randomly selected using simply random sample. Two sub-scale questionnaires were used for data collection. The data were analysised using percentage, frequency table and simple statistical mean to find the average responses of the study. Means that fall below 2.50 were rejected. The results of the study showed that pre-service teachers had positive opinions about blended learning techniques and there are challenges in the implementations. It was recommended among others that, different models of blended learning techniques should be adopted according to the courses instead of one typical model for all courses. Also lecturers should be motivated and there should be stable and constant power supply. There should be free internet access for a successful implementation. Keywords: Blended learning techniques, face to face learning, web based learning, pre-service teacher, and internet


ABSTRACT This paper examines the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on youth unemployment in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region using panel data from the World Bank World Development Indicators for the period 1994–2017. Results from the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS-Parks) technique show that FDI has an insignificant effect on reducing youth unemployment in the SADC region. This could be because the type of FDI in the region is partly mergers and acquisitions, which has fewer jobs creating capacity compared to Greenfield investment. This suggests the need for governments in the region to pursue labour-absorbing FDI policies and also ensure that foreign investment inflows are channelled towards labour-intensive sectors that have high labour absorptive capacity such as horticulture and floriculture.


We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) otorrhea with impression material of hearing aid in the middle ear. The patient had chronic otitis media in the right ear with sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. The silicone flowed into the middle ear through a tympanic membrane perforation during the process of making an ear mold. Several days after hearing aid fitting, the patient had severe otalgia, intractable otorrhea, aggravated hearing loss, and dizziness. The pus culture and sensitivity test revealed MRSA. After topical treatment using diluted vinegar irrigation and ototopical vancomycin solution, intractable otorrhea was controlled. The infected silicone impression was removed by canal wall-up mastoidectomy, and hearing was saved. We present here a review of the literature regarding silicone impression in the middle ear after hearing aid mold fitting.


Purpose Ray propagation visualization and optical performance analysis of four different intraocular lenses (IOLs) Methods In this laboratory study, four IOLs with different optical designs were assessed: a monofocal AcrySof IQ SN60WF [Alcon], a diffractive-refractive bifocal AcrySof IQ Restor SN6AD1 [Alcon], a diffractive trifocal AcrySof IQ PanOptix TFNT00 [Alcon], and a diffractive extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) Symfony ZXR00 [Johnson&Johnson]. An experimental set-up with a water bath containing 0.01% fluorescein solution and monochromatic green laser light (532 nm) was used to visualize the propagation of light rays. Also, the optical performance of the IOLs was evaluated by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) values at a pupil sizes of 3.0 and 4.5 mm on the optical bench OptiSpheric® IOL PRO II (Trioptics GmbH, Germany). Results Both the diffractive-refractive bifocal IOL and the EDOF IOL showed two defined foci for distance and near vision. In the diffractive trifocal IOL, three distinct foci for distance, intermediate, and near vision could be visualized. Conclusions The ray propagation visualization technique allows a qualitative assessment and comparison of light energy distribution between different IOL models. The measured Through-Focus Response (TFR) quantitatively confirmed the evaluated ray propagation behavior.


Internship is viewed by many academicians and the industry personnel as an important element in hospitality curricular. Furthermore, a comprehensive internship program will create and develop a very marketable personal that is going to enter the hospitality industry upon graduation. As a result, the industry and the hospitality organization in particular, will receive a competent personal to further enhance their organization, while at the same time, reducing many issues like employee turnover, discipline and performance below par. The study measures students that had gone through their internship in the hospitality organization using a survey method. A Likert scale is use in the survey consisting of items that measures communication, interpersonal skills, teamwork and leadership. The survey contains a segment for the supervisor of the organization to fill in the item measurement. The evaluations of supervisors' perception towards student achievement in the respective field are analyzed to see whether the students are able to achieve certain level of communication, motivation, interpersonal skills, teamwork and leadership while doing their internship. At the same time, the working atmosphere and work delegation are seen as moderating variables that can influence the performances of students doing their internship in the given organization. A positive internship experience can lead to a successful career in the hospitality industry while a negative experience will move away the individual from the industry due to bad first impression. Basically, a student's career path is very much being determined during their internship in the hospitality industry, which been found in this study. A content analysis is performed to measure the significant attributes that are successfully being developed during internship. However, certain attributes that are not successfully being nurtured are also discussed in the study to see the possibility of improvising the internship structure in the future.


Eosinophil chemotactic activity associated with protein extracts of Taenia taeniaeformis metacestodes was investigated. Chemotactic activity was associated with the nonbound protein after QAE cellulose chromatography of a 3 M KCl extract of homogenized larvae. When this material was precipitated with ammonium sulfate, activity was present in the 40 to 80% precipitate. Upon rechromatography on QAE cellulose equilibrated in a low ionic strength buffer, eosinophil chemotactic activity was retained by the gel and eluted after application of the NaCl gradient. Gel filtration of Sephacryl S-300 yielded an estimated m.w. of 91,000. Chromatofocusing revealed a broad peak of activity with a pI of 4.5 to 5.0. SDS-PAGE showed the active fraction migrated as a protein with a m.w. of 10,400. ECF-Tt had chemotactic and chemokinetic activity for equine eosinophils and murine eosinophils, but not for equine and murine neutrophils.


Supervisory Committee Dr. Erica Woodin, Department of Psychology Supervisor Dr. Marsha Runtz, Department of Psychology Departmental Member This longitudinal study examined factors that contribute to change in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance over the transition to parenthood. Participants were a community sample of 98 heterosexual couples expecting their first child who were recruited through maternity resources in the Victoria, B.C. area. Specifically, this study considered whether prenatal perceived stress levels predicted change in adult attachment security. For men, higher stress levels predicted more change in attachment security. We also examined whether increases in stress levels from the prenatal to the postnatal period predicted changes in attachment security and found that increases in stress from the prenatal to postnatal period were associated with more change in attachment for men; results were marginally significant for women. In addition to examining the impact of stress on the absolute value of change in attachment, this study considered perceived support and perceived anger as moderators of the relationship between stress and directional change in attachment. Measures of general support and perceived anger did not moderate this relationship. Observational ratings of partner's positive and negative support behaviours during support-seeking interactions were examined as potential moderators. The interaction between stress and positive emotional support predicted decreasing avoidance for women. Interactions between stress and negative affect marginally predicted increasing anxiety for men and women. Dyadic analyses were also iv used to clarify how changes in participants' attachment security over time were influenced by their partners' prenatal attachment security. For women, partner levels of attachment avoidance at the prenatal period predicted increasing attachment anxiety. These findings emphasize that adult attachment exists in the context of interpersonal relationships, and demonstrate the importance of using dyadic and longitudinal data to study attachment. Implications for attachment theory and intervention are discussed.


Kremen 1 and 2 (Krm1/2) are transmembrane receptors for Wnt antagonists of the Dickkopf (Dkk) family and function by inhibiting the Wnt co-receptors LRP5/6. Here we show that Krm2 functions independently from Dkks during neural crest (NC) induction in Xenopus. Krm2 is co-expressed with, and regulated by, canonical Wnts. Krm2 is differentially expressed in the NC, and morpholino-mediated Krm2 knockdown inhibits NC induction, which is mimicked by LRP6 depletion. Conversely, krm2 overexpression induces ectopic NC. Kremens bind to LRP6, promote its cell-surface localization and stimulate LRP6 signaling. Furthermore, Krm2 knockdown specifically reduces LRP6 protein levels in NC explants. The results indicate that in the absence of Dkks, Kremens activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling through LRP6.


Purpose: This paper compares citizenship education in Singapore and Australia. While discussions have been made about education and neoliberalism, few have explored the direct connections between citizenship education and neoliberalism. Approach: Though a discussion of country contexts, citizenship education policies and curriculum, 'Character and Citizenship Education' in Singapore and 'Civics and Citizenship education' in Australia are examined to explore the meanings of 'Character education' and 'Civics education' and their connections with 'Citizenship education'. Findings: The distinct use of terms for citizenship education suggests that the two countries hold different citizenship ideals. Set within the context of globalisation, the paper argues that some approaches towards citizenship education can inadvertently work towards supporting the goals of neoliberalism, which can be at odds with the classical tradition of democracy.


The practice of restricting oral intake during labour has been and remains controversial. Overall, the nutritional needs of labouring women are poorly understood. This literature review reveals that little evidence exists to support the general restriction of oral intake for all labouring women. Education of health professionals and pregnant women regarding intake in labour is required to encourage collaboration in the development and institution of appropriate policies in keeping with the available evidence for best practice.


Drawing from the notion of smartphones as polymedia, this study seeks to investigate how working mothers use smartphones to navigate multiple roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smartphones become an essential device for working mothers as it allows them to manage different relationships and tasks that are imperative to their various roles. This study employs a phenomenology approach, using interviews with eight working mothers in six cities in Indonesia. This study brings into light three relational dynamics of smartphones as polymedia that helped them navigate the change of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely entertainment, empowerment, and support.


Esophageal adenocarcinoma generally carries a poor prognosis. Treatment with combination chemoradiation (CRT) followed by esophagectomy is becoming common. A pathologic complete response is uncommon but predicts improved survival. Identifying the subset of patients with residual carcinoma has potential management implications. Post‐CRT endoscopic brush cytology and biopsy may detect residual tumor; however, the accuracy and clinical value of these methods remain unclear.


The challenges of
ecological and environmental change are significant and solutions remain largely
under the influence of people and the decisions of governments, interest
groups, national and local communities and individuals. Evidence suggests that
despite 20 years of effort, conservation initiatives have failed to achieve the
targets set for protecting biodiversity in the UN Convention on Biological
Diversity 2010. A common factor influencing effectiveness of conservation work
undertaken by the diverse mix of government, non-government and civil
organisations is leadership. A command-and-control approach to leadership is
commonly encountered in conservation and previous reviews suggest this as a
major factor in ineffective conservation initiatives. This suggests that
conservation leaders should consider a fundamentally different approach to
leadership. We examine whether an alternative paradigm, Deming's System of
Profound Knowledge, offers a suitable new basis for leadership in biodiversity
conservation. This "Systems Thinking" approach should encompass (i) an
understanding of natural systems, (ii) a sense of how human behaviour is
influenced, (iii) an understanding of how knowledge should inform
decision-making and problem solving, and (iv) an understanding of variation in
natural systems. Current paradigms of conservation management fail to address
these four fundamentals and therefore do not represent the most effective way
to manage conservation. Conversely, challenges and opportunities encountered in
biodiversity conservation are well-aligned to a Systems Thinking approach.
Leadership approaches defined in Deming's "System of Profound Knowledge" offer
significant positive impacts on biodiversity conservation achievement and
provide lessons for leaders in other areas of human activity.


Improved predator detection is often stated to be one of the principal benefits of social foraging. However, actual field evidence supporting this assumption is scarce. This may be the result of the fact that most observations are conducted on social animals acting in the absence of an acute predation threat, yet the benefits of grouping come to the fore in that brief moment when an individual's life is at risk. As predation attempts are typically rare in nature, experimental manipulations are necessary to further explore the costs and benefits of social foraging. This study utilizes simple predator simulations (by humans) to experimentally test the predator-detecting abilities and escape strategies of groups of free-living emus Dromaius novaehollandiae. Emus in larger groups spent less time in vigilance and more time foraging. Nonetheless, the combined vigilance of group members ensured that emus detected the 'simulated predator' sooner as group size increased. After detecting the 'predator', larger groups waited longer until opting to flee, and then spent less time and energy doing so. Thus, the results of this study provide experimental evidence that emus benefit from grouping in terms of both the 'many-eyes effect' and the 'dilution effect'.


While it is often easy to detect masses in the right upper quadrant that originate from the liver, adrenal gland, or kidney, it may be difficult to determine the anatomic origin of large masses in the posterior aspect of the right upper quadrant. In this paper it is reported that the reflection produced by right upper quadrant retroperitoneal fat is displaced in a characteristic manner by masses originating in this area. This greatly assists in the localization of these masses. Hepatic and subhepatic masses posteriorly displace this echo, while renal and adrenal lesions anteriorly displace it.


Abstract Purpose: To correlate clinical features, imaging and pathologic findings in recurrent Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the orbit (SFT) in order to predict long-term behavior. Methods: Clinical features, imaging and pathologic findings of three patients with biopsy proven SFT are reported. Demographic and clinical features were recorded at presentation and at each consultation; imaging was performed as a diagnostic tool and for follow-up. A biopsy was performed at presentation and subsequently when symptoms worsened. Pathology specimens were reviewed retrospectively to corroborate diagnosis. Intraoperative and histopathologic features were recorded. A correlation was made between clinical, imaging and pathologic results to identify outcome predictors of recurrence, locally aggressive behavior and malignant transformation. Results: All cases presented recurrent tumors with locally aggressive behavior over time. All were women in the fifth decade of life. Tumors induced proptosis, swelling of the lids and eye displacement at presentation and were diagnosed as other types of collagen-rich tumors before CD34 immunohistochemistry was available. Mean follow-up was 26.6 years (range 12–37). Relevant findings for all cases included a heterogeneous, irregular tumor containing cystoid spaces filled with mucoid material diffusely enhancing with imaging techniques. Intraoperative findings included a gelatinous matrix within the center of the tumor mass, which was not present at primary resection. Histopathology could not detect specific cellular patterns or immunological markers related to these changes. Conclusions: Recurrence and locally aggressive behavior was better predicted by imaging and surgical findings rather than histopathological characteristics. Cystoid degeneration in recurrent tumors may suggest malignant transformation over time.


This study was conducted to understand the change of spatial environmental factors including populations, air pollution source and land-use in Busan, during the period of 1995 and 2004. Firstly, the grids (5 km 5 km) were divided using the TM coordinates of Busan and the statistical data of populations and land-use were marked on each grid during studying period. Secondly, the SO, NO and O concentrations of areas where air quality monitoring station was not established were estimated on the basis of these air pollutants measured at close air quality monitoring station by kriging method. In order to understand spatial change of air pollution and to investigate duplication and reduction of existing stations, semivariogram, correlation and cluster analysis were carried out. This study showed that the population increased in 2004 only on 8 grids compared to in 1995. The spatial change of SO, NO and O was investigated by semivariogram in Busan area. As the results of semivariogram, the spatial change of 502 become smaller and simpler, while that of NO2,03 become larger and more complex in 2004 than in 1995, According to the result of correlation and cluster analysis, the reduction of measurement item or the relocation of air quality monitoring station can be needed in the high dense grid area.


This paper evaluates the efficacy of a distributed location mapping application running over a Service Overlay Network (SON) in a MANET wireless environment. In the application, an application-layer routing protocol facilitates data forwarding from mobile nodes to a Command Centre. The performance of the location mapping application is evaluated by measuring the deviation of the reported locations from the actual locations of nodes. The results of the simulations indicate that a MANET SON approach can support time-sensitive applications, such as location mapping of mobile nodes. While the accuracy of the location mapping is high in most scenarios, it is shown to be sensitive to selecting suitable system parameters. We identify key factors that mpact the accuracy of the location mapping application: node speed, location update frequency, radio range and packet size.


A new power-rail electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp circuit for application in 3.3-V mixed-voltage input-output (I/O) interface is proposed and verified in a 130-nm 1-V/2.5-V CMOS process. The devices in this power-rail ESD clamp circuit are all 1-V or 2.5-V low-voltage nMOS/pMOS devices, which are specially designed without suffering the gate-oxide reliability issue under 3.3-V I/O interface applications. A special ESD detection circuit realized with the low-voltage devices is designed and added in the power-rail ESD clamp circuit to improve ESD robustness of ESD clamp devices by substrate-triggered technique. The experimental results verified in a 130-nm CMOS process have proven the excellent effectiveness of this new proposed power-rail ESD clamp circuit


Objective: Robust norms for neuropsychological tests may offer superior clinical utility to conventional norms, in their ability to distinguish normal cognitive aging from prodromal dementia. However, the availability of robust norms from midlife, where cognitive changes in those at risk of disease may arise, is limited. This study presents demographically stratified robust norms for tests of verbal memory in Australian women. Method: Participants were from the population-based Women's Healthy Ageing Project. Baseline (1999 to 2002; n = 368; age range = 53–67years) and follow-up (2012 to 2014; n = 291; age range = 65–80years) measures of word-list and story recall were administered at least 10 years apart. Four samples were identified: conventional (derived from a cross-sectional sample), robust (derived from a longitudinal sample), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD), and lost to follow-up. Area under the curve (AUC) values were generated to assess the diagnostic ability of conventional and robust norms using 1 standard deviation and 1.5 standard deviation cut-offs. Results: There were differences between conventional Australian and American normative data for the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease word-list recall. Individuals who declined to MCI/AD over the follow-up displayed poorer performance at baseline, however no differences in classification ability of robust (AUC range .54 to.64) and conventional (AUC range .51 to .65) norms were observed. Conclusion: Neuropsychological performance in midlife predicted clinical cognitive decline 1 decade later, but conventional and robust norms was similarly predictive of conversion to disease in this cohort. The use of country-specific, representative conventional norms remains a valuable tool for neuropsychologists to assess cognitive performance throughout midlife.


Keywords : live food, rotifers, protozoa, phytoplankton, fertilisation, earthen ponds
Surveys of naturally-occurring live food for fish in Makoba earthen ponds, Zanzibar were conducted from November 2001 to August 2002. This involved identification of dominant plankton in the water column as well as the composition of algal mats. The effect of nutrients on the composition and abundance of the organisms was also assessed. Protozoa were found to be the dominant zooplankton in the water column, followed by rotifers. The most abundant phytoplankton genera were Prorocentrum (13.4%), followed by Coscinodiscus (10.4%) and Diplopsalopsis (7.5%), while the benthic algal mats were dominated by cyanobacteria, mostly Spirulina (22%) and Oscillatoria (18.4%).
To complement the surveys, a time-series experiment was conducted for 21 consecutive days to assess the dynamics of plankton in earthen ponds and simulation containers, using a fertilisation rate of 83 kg dry matter/ha/day. Protozoa were the most dominant zooplankton in the earthen ponds. Fertilisation with chicken manure was effective in increasing the number of rotifers in simulation containers, but not in the earthen ponds; this was probably because, unlike the earthen ponds, the simulation containers were sheltered from external influences such as rain, flooding by tide water, etc. The phytoplankton genera Pyramimonas (16.7%), Biddulphia and Microcystis (8.3%) dominated the fertilised ponds. Chlorophyll-a concentration ranged from 1.8 to 16.9 mg/l, whereas soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) and ammonia-N reached maximum concentrations of 1.4 mg-at.P/l and 9.7 mg-at.N/l respectively. Overall, salinity and fertilisation played a major role in controlling the abundance of live/natural food in the system. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science Vol.2(1) 2003: 45-56


There has been no genome-wide association study (GWAS) for macronutrient intake as a quantitative trait. To explore genetic loci associated with total calorie and macronutrient intake, genome-wide association data of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from Korean adults were analyzed. We conducted a GWAS in 3,690 men and women aged 40 to 60 years from an urban population-based cohort. At the baseline examination (June 18, 2001 through January 29, 2003), DNA samples of the study subjects were collected and analyzed for genotyping. The information of average daily consumption of total calorie, carbohydrate, protein, and fat was obtained from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and transformed by natural logarithm for analyses after adjustment of calorie intake. Using multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and height, we tested for 352,021 SNPs and found weak associations, which do not reach genome-wide association significance, with calorie and macronutrient intake. However, a number of SNPs were found to have potential associations with macronutrient intake; in particular, signals in SORBS1 and those in PRKCB1 were likely associated with carbohydrate and fat intake, respectively. We observed an inverse association between the minor allele of the SNPs in these genes and the amount of consumption of carbohydrate or fat. Our GWAS identified loci and minor alleles weakly associated with macronutrient intake. Because SORBS1 and PRKCB1 are reportedly associated with the metabolism of glucose and lipid as well as with obesity-related diseases, further investigations on biological and functional roles of polymorphism of these genes in the relation to macronutrient intake are warranted.


The objective of this presentation is to illustrate that an electromagnetic macro modeling can properly predict the path loss exponent in a mobile cellular wireless communication. This represents the variation of the path loss with distance from the base station antenna. Specifically, we illustrate that the path loss exponent in a cellular wireless communication is three preceded by a slow fading region and followed by the fringe region where the path loss exponent is four. The size of these regions is determined on the heights of the base station transmitting antennas and the receiving antennas. Theoretically this is illustrated through the analysis of radiation from a vertical electric dipole situated over a horizontal imperfect ground plane as first considered by Sommerfeld in 1909. To start with, the exact analysis of radiation from the dipole is made using the Sommerfeld formulation. The semi-infinite integrals encountered in this formulation are evaluated using a modified saddle point method for field points moderate to far distances away from the source point to predict the appropriate path loss exponents. In addition, Okumura's experimental data and extensive data taken from seven different base stations in urban environments at two different frequencies will validate the theory. Experimental data reveal that a macro modeling of the environment using an appropriate electromagnetic analysis can accurately predict the path loss exponent for the propagation of radio waves in a cellular wireless communication scenario. It is also shown that an electromagnetic macro modeling of the environment can provide simulation results comparable to the data as one would obtain in an actual drive test measurement for a cellular environment. The input parameters for the electromagnetic model can be generated using only the physical parameters of the environment like the height of the transmitting and receiving antennas over the ground, their tilts toward the ground, and the electrical parameters of the ground. Such analysis can provide realistic plots for the received power versus separation distance between the receiving and the transmitting base station antennas. The novelty of the electromagnetic analysis technique proposed in this paper lies in its ability to match the simulation and measurement results without any statistical or empirical curve fitting or an adhoc choice of a reference distance. This illustration is made using real data measured for cellular networks in western India and Srilanka.


This paper outlines the relationship between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the traumatic experiences one may face in their life. In doing so, the paper assesses the relationship between trauma and each of the core characteristics of BPD: disturbed emotion and cognition, behaviour dysregulation, and interpersonal turmoil. The goal of this paper is to present a thorough review of the literature detailing how traumatic experiences such as neglect, assault, and abuse, may act as a trigger, activating a predisposition towards the development of BPD.


This article reviews the causes of foot deformities in patients with cerebral palsy. The authors underscore the necessity for a total evaluation of such patients. It is believed that the patient described in this article showed a recurrence of the hallux deformity due to failure to control the causative factors of this condition. Postoperative management with braces or orthoses may well have prevented recurrence.


There are optimistic expectations that the adoption of autonomous vehicles could reduce the risk of accidents caused by human drivers. However, the mere attempt to introduce autonomous vehicles on a limited basis cannot forestall the errors and threats of accidents caused by human-driven cars completely. Namely, although my purchase of an autonomous vehicle can reduce the risk of accidents due to my error, it cannot prevent exposure to the threats of accidents caused by other human drivers. This study thus examines the psychological dynamics underlying the decision process concerning the adoption of autonomous vehicles by employing the concept of self-serving bias and exploring its function in drivers' perception. A survey of 531 driver's license holders in South Korea showed that as self-serving bias increases, drivers underestimate the degree of risk reduction arising from the adoption of autonomous vehicles as their own private cars and subsequently show a negative attitude toward such adoption. Moreover, this impact of self-serving bias on perceived risk was more pronounced when (1) the defensive driving ability of autonomous vehicles is expected to be low; and (2) the driver has experienced car accidents more frequently. Overall, these results should provide important implications for practitioners who attempt to pave the way for a smoother adoption of autonomous vehicles at their early stage, i.e., when the number of autonomous vehicles is still lower than that of human-driven cars.


Many shallow ex-situ and in-situ remediation treatments come from the contamination of underground soils and groundwater sources by organic hydrocarbon components called non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). These contaminants, if leaking, can impose long-term threats causing environmental and health concerns. One of the versatile in-situ remediation techniques is using surfactant/foam processes that can overcome subsurface heterogeneity and improve NAPL removal. This simulation study investigates surfactant/foam processes, especially focusing on two different roles of foams during the treatment: foams for "mobility control" vs. foams for "blocking". The first is based on the actual operations carried out in the pilot-test site for 23 days (i.e., 20 days of surfactant followed by 3 days of foam injection, in a line-drive pattern with 3 injection wells and 3 extraction wells), while the second is to evaluate the potential of blocking foams by placing foams downstream (i.e., foam injected into the downstream extraction wells, but surfactant is still injected into the upstream injection wells). The results show that (i) the use of mobility-control foams together with surfactant injection can improve and accelerate oil removal from the site (about 91.9 % oil recovery in this particular case investigated), and (ii) based on 24 scenarios, the use of blocking foams is as efficient as, or more efficient than, mobility-control foams, exhibiting the oil recovery up to near 94.9 %. This outcome of this study is believed to help design an improved way of applying surfactant/foam processes.


The study has attempted to determine how client/colleague dependence influences medical care received by patients. We have tested physician compliance with standards of care according to the degree to which the practice is visible to, and dependent upon, colleagues. Physician performance is measured in terms of compliance with established professional standards in five areas of practice: 1) the quality of medical care; 2) appropriateness of hospital admissions; 3) appropriateness of length of hospital stay; 2) overstays and 5) understays. The sample consisted of 3316 hospital episodes from 22 general hospitals in the state of Hawaii, and the analysis was conducted via multiple-classification analysis (MCA). Specifically, it was found that from the more colleague-dependent physicians, patients received care with: 1) higher scores on an index of quality of care; 2) more justified admissions; 3) more appropriate lengths of stay; 4) fewer overstays; but 5) more understays. These results remained even after adjusting for a number of physician, client and type-of-practice variables. The findings of this study suggest the significant role that the informal structure of physician practice plays in influencing physician performance. Various sociological implications for control of professional practice are discussed in terms of 1) provision of incentives to encourage an increase in the formalization of otherwise informal physician relationships, and 2) tying formal control mechanisms to informal processes of control.


The tactile-vision-substitution-system (TVSS) is an assistive technology designed to aid the visually impaired in perceiving visual aspects of their environment located beyond touch. In order to better understand the learning process of that assistive aid, we trained four blind participants with the Brainport®, the last version of the TVSS, where the transformed visual images are explored by the tongue. More specifically, this article aims to investigate the initial stage of this learning process, in terms both of participants' performance and their qualitative experience. The training, conducted according to the clinical-pedagogic method, produced data both from the first-person and the third-person point of view. Data were gathered through records of participants' performance and explanation interviews. Results show that the main difficulties arising during the process concerned sensory-motor coupling, body and head movement, and the gap between actual and expected quality of the perceptual experience.


We introduce the notion of the action of a group on a labeled graph and the quotient object, also a labeled graph. We define a skew product labeled graph and use it to prove a version of the Gross-Tucker theorem for labeled graphs. We then apply these results to the $C^*$-algebra associated to a labeled graph and provide some applications in nonabelian duality.


Economic activity in Austria is accelerating only slightly. Stimulus is being provided by exports and equipment investment, while private consumption remains weak. WIFO's Business Cycle Survey shows a modest improvement in firms' assessments. Consumer confidence, on the other hand, has deteriorated. The external environment remains tense. A significant cyclical upturn is unlikely also in the coming months.


Fully developed heat transfer coefficients and friction factors in triangular ducts with full and partial ribbed walls were experimentally obtained for Reynolds numbers between 10-10. The vertex corners of the triangular ducts were 90, 55, and 35 deg. Five rib configurations were tested: full and partial 90-deg transverse ribs, full and partial 45-deg crossed ribs on three-wall, and partial 45-deg crossed ribs on two-wall of the triangular duct. The results show that heat transfer coefficients were higher on the ribbed walls and the 90-deg vertex corner of the triangular duct than on the 55-deg vertex corner, and subsequently higher than those on the 35-deg vertex corner. The heat transfer coefficients and friction factors in triangular ducts with partial ribbed walls (90or 45-deg ribs) were 10% higher than those with full ribbed walls. The results also show that heat transfer coefficients and friction factors were higher in triangular ducts with 90-deg transverse ribs (full or partial) than those with 45-deg crossed ribs. The semi-empirical friction and heat transfer correlations in ribbed triangular ducts were obtained.


In this paper, Hybrid Taguchi Genetic Algorithm (HTGA) is used to minimize the side lobe level and to keep half power beam width in certain values for cylindrical conformal antenna array. The HTGA is based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Taguchi Algorithm (TA). Results obtained by GA, TA and HTGA are compared. The best results are also compared with the results obtained by HFSS (High Frequency Structural Simulator).


A rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells) was used as a model to investigate the role of calmodulin and its multiple mRNAs in NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation. The effect of NGF on the degree of differentiation was assayed using a simple differentiation scoring system. Significant increases in the differentiation score were seen by one day, and the scores increased about 10‐fold by 8 days of treatment. NGF also increased calmodulin in the PC12 cells; significant increases were seen by 2 days of treatment, and a maximum increase of 3‐fold was seen by 4 days. Northern blot analysis using a calmodulin riboprobe revealed that all five calmodulin mRNAs found in rat tissue were present in PC12 cells. The relative abundance of the calmodulin mRNAs was 1.7 ≥ 1.4 ≥ 2.3 ≥ 4.1 ≥ 0.9 kb. NGF treatment caused a differential increase in these mRNAs. The 1.4 kb transcript (from Gene II) was increased earlier (at 1 day) and to a greater extent (3‐fold) than any of the other mRNAs. Studies of the half‐lives (t1/2) of these mRNAs suggested that the t1/2 varied with the mRNA; the smaller the mRNA, the shorter the t1/2. However, there were no significant effects of NGF on the t1/2 of any of the mRNAs. These studies indicate that NGF elevates calmodulin in PC12 cells by causing a differential increase in the multiple mRNAs for calmodulin and that the increase in calmodulin may play some part in NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells.


Aim of the present study to assess the effect of inclusion of walnut in the diet of male patients of Stage I essential hypertension without secondary complication, on lipid profile, blood pressure and anthropometry. 27 patient of stage I essential hypertensive where given 4 weeks of control diet which includes uniform local diet. Later on for six weeks the control diet is changed to include walnut which represents 33% of energy supplied from fat and other fat sources were reduced to accommodate walnut in the study diet. This resulted in the favorable change in the lipid profile due to walnut diet like statistically significant decrease in the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio (P value <0.001) and significant increase in HDL-cholesterol;, statistically significant reduction in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P value < 0.001) as compared to control diet.


During the last three decades, globalization has become one of the most important issues in the world economies. Capital flows to developing countries increased dramatically. During this period many economies witnessed financial crises due to a sudden stop of capital flows. This paper investigates the relationship between international reserves and exchange rates in the Turkish economy by using the threshold error correction model and the threshold granger causality test. I found that there is a bi-directional causality between international reserves and the exchange rate of Turkey, in other words, that international reserves and exchange rate are jointly determined and affected.


The killing of unarmed African-American Ahmaud Arbery and others ignited a wave of public outrage and re-focused attention on race and the criminal justice system. During the recent federal hate crimes proceedings for Arbery's death, the prosecution introduced evidence relating to the alleged past racist acts of the defendants. This type of evidence may be seen as highly probative and desperately needed to do justice in hate crimes cases. On its face, however, such type of evidence appears to be inadmissible owing to the well-known—but little understood— evidentiary ban on character evidence prescribed in Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) and its state and common law analogues. The present article suggests there may be an escape from this conclusion that the evidence is inadmissible under the rule. Rule 404(b) is one of the most confused and controversial of the evidence rules. The clarifications we provide herein are sorely needed, particularly as respects evidence of racism. Attorneys and courts are increasingly being called upon to deal with the admissibility of a criminal defendant's prior racist acts because of intensifying public scrutiny of race cases and FBI statistics revealing there were more than eight thousand hate crime incidents in 2020. This Article addresses whether, when, and how past acts exhibiting racism—what we will call "racist character evidence"—may be admissible in hate crimes cases consistently with 404(b). We examine seven gateways through which such evidence may be offered, at least some of which provide in our view a permissible path to admissibility. We hope to generate a robust academic debate on admissibility of racist character evidence and to supply guidance to courts and attorneys involved in these and related cases.


The current global crisis is not merely a speculative financial crisis that has impacted the real economy in the form of overproduction and demand contraction. It is also a social, environmental and energy crisis; a crisis of democracy, of multilateralism, of neoliberalism and ultimately a crisis of capitalism. In large measure, it is an ethical crisis where a few have been allowed to freely engage in speculative and predatory practices while jeopardizing the interests of humankind. This article focuses on several countries in Latin America where hope is building, creative solutions are being tested, a popular response to crises is emerging, and the basis for an alternative to capitalism is being drafted. These proposals, uncharted elsewhere, are only possible within the context of an alternative, solidarity-based regional integration. They constitute the first steps in the process of development of socialism from the base — a socialism of the 21st century.


The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) to discuss issues related to the design of interaction on the World Wide Web using models of interaction developed for distance education; (2) to examine several techniques for the analysis of interactions and the quality of the learning experience in a computer-mediated group conference; and (3) to propose a model for analyzing the social construction of knowledge in such a group conference. The paper provides guidelines for both designers and evaluators of Web-based instruction. The definition of interaction in a computer mediated communication (CMC) environment is examined since definitions of interaction for interpersonal communication used by communication researchers to study face-to-face dialogue do not transfer well to the CMC context. Three types of interaction are discussed: learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner. The strengths and shortcomings of the interaction analysis techniques that have been developed are pointed out, and a model for analyzing the quality of CMC interactions and learning experiences is proposed. The application of this model for analyzing interaction is briefly discussed. (Contains 17 references.) (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. 1 BEST COPYAVAILABLE THE CHALLENGE OF DESIGNING AND EVALUATING 'INTERACTION' IN WEB-BASED DISTANCE EDUCATION Charlotte Gunawardena University of New Mexico email@example.com


For the era of the high-luminosity LHC, new detectors are planned to enhance the performance of the endcap muon system of the CMS detector. We report on two types of these detectors that will be installed during the third long shutdown (LS3) of the LHC. In the pseudo-rapidity region $1.6 < | \eta | < 2.4$, new triple-foil large-area Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors will be installed in the third of five detector stations in each endcap, the first station being closest to the interaction point. These GEM detectors are in addition to ones that will have already been installed in the second station during LS2. We present a design for the third station detectors that must cover a larger geometrical area than those in the second station, while maintaining good performance for efficiency and spatial resolution. A new innermost (first) detector station will be installed in the endcaps to extend the range of muon identification up to about $| \eta | = 3.0$. We describe the geometrical constraints and particle fluxes at the first station. The detector technologies under consideration include Fast-Timing Micropattern (FTM) structures that can tolerate large particle fluxes and provide good time resolution. FTM detectors employ multiple layers of resistive-coated kapton foils with either hole or mesh electron multiplication structures. We report on the performance of prototype FTM devices for efficiency, space and time resolution measured using X-rays, cosmic-ray muons, and extracted high-energy particle beams.


Long short-term memory (LSTM) networks have addressed the shortcomings of recurrent neural networks, such as vanishing gradients and the lack of ability in developing connections across discontinuous parts of sequences. However, the implementations of state-of-the-art LSTM networks face the computational bottleneck of having multiple high-order matrix–vector multiplications (MVMs). This article presents a generalized approach to accelerate a circulant MVM (C-MVM), and hence, it is applicable to many neural networks. The proposed scheme presents a novel low-complexity distributed arithmetic (DA) architecture for optimizing C-MVMs. Unlike conventional offset binary coding-based DA (OBC-DA), it is based on separate generation and selection of partial products. Only one partial product generator (PPG) with several partial product selectors (PPSs) is required. The complexity of PPSs is reduced by sharing the minterms across Boolean expressions. Fine-grained pipelining is employed to achieve approximately one adder delay. From the implementation results, the proposed design with $512\times 512$ LSTM layer occupies 74.54% less core area, consumes 68.66% less core power, offers 2.61 times more throughput, and 3.89 times more hardware efficiency over the best existing design.


Experimental results for the evolution of the TLD-100 glow peaks IV and V during storage at 70 degrees C are presented. These results confirm a previous conclusion on the null incidence of spontaneous release of radiation-induced trapped charges on this evolution. The results at 70 degrees C allow one to extend this conclusion to the whole range of ambient temperatures. Only thermally activated trap modification processes are responsible for the TL yield variations during long duration ambient exposures. The identification of the nature of these variations suggests a rather simple dosimetric procedure requiring only the determination of the dosimeter sensitivity at the end of the exposure interval. Results are given illustrating the effectiveness of this procedure for the accurate measurement of ambient doses up to 70 degrees C.


Lifelines, linear and episodic representations of lives from birth to death, have enjoyed some empirical attention; they represent an integration of an event-based perspective with life course narratives.  A predominant focus of the existing research has been on the number and distribution of events across the lifeline, with interesting gender, age-cohort, and temporal differences.  A secondary focus has examined the nature of events with event types ranging from the unique and singular to the more common and generalized; positive events predominate, again varying by temporal location and age-cohort identification.  The context created by these events has received somewhat lesser attention, but such examinations begin to underscore the richness and complexity of lifeline research. Future work may expand on the contexts of and created by lifelines in addressing some of the limitations of this approach.


Inoculation of selected bacterial strains in aquatic sediment in order to decrease their volume and organic matter content has been proposed as an alternative to classical dredging. Whereas increasingly applied, this type of in-situ biotreatment was not entirely studied in terms of environmental impacts, such as influence on biodiversity and possible mobilization of pollutants from the solids to the water phase. In parallel to an experimental in-situ operation for the treatment of sediments from the Golfe Juan marina, microcosm experiments were performed at laboratory scale in order to monitor the evolution of bacterial biodiversity in the sediment and pollutants concentration in the water phase after addition of a commercial inoculum to the sediment. Experiments in flasks showed that the rate of mineralization of the organic carbon, initially present in the sediment, increases with the quantity of added inoculum, and that the effect of added bacteria on the CO 2 production is still significant after 80 days for the highest inoculum dose. The inoculum seemed to stimulate metabolisms involving both oxygen and ferric iron as electron acceptors. Column experiments showed a limited increase (maximum 20%) of As, Cu and Zn concentrations in the water column after the addition of inoculum. The concentrations decreased down to the initial value 60 days after inoculation. The structure of the sediment bacterial community showed only slight changes, suggesting that the inoculated bacteria did not become major microbial components of the sediment microflora.


Sustainability of coastal areas requires the development of a standard procedure for the selection of equitable defence solutions and the design optimization of existing defences in order to minimize the impact on the environment and maximize positive effects such as species biodiversity and structure colonization. The aim of this paper is to propose a combined method, based on numerical simulations and on collection of ecological data in the field, to provide indications for an environmental friendly construction of breakwaters. This method is applied and tested against the case study of Elmer, UK, where information on existing species and their abundance related to hydrodynamic effects induced by the breakwaters


Abstract Objective: We aimed to determine the clinical effects of titanium-prepared, platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) on human palatal mucosal wound healing (PMWH) and to identify its effect on time-dependent changes in palatal soft-tissue thickness (PSTT) in terms of histoconduction, which is a new concept. Materials and methods: Free gingival graft (FGG) donor sites were treated with T-PRF and compared with an untreated control group. The results of colour match and H2O2-bubbling tests for complete wound epithelization (CWE) were recorded on days 3, 7, 14 and 21. Pain level, number of analgesics used and bleeding status were recorded for the first 7 days. PSTT was measured at baseline and after 1 and 6 months. Results: Colour match scores of the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 7 and 14 days. CWE was observed at a higher frequency in the test group than in the control group on day 14. Post-operative bleeding prevalence was lower in the test group than in the control group for the first 2 days. A time-dependent decrease in PSTT was observed at 1 and 6 months in the control group compared with baseline (baseline, 4.23 ± 0.62 mm; 1 month, 4.01 ± 0.68 mm; and 6 months, 3.93 ± 0.69 mm). However, no significant difference was found in the test group (baseline, 4.29 ± 0.64 mm; 1 month, 4.61 ± 0.51 mm; and 6 months, 4.51 ± 0.58 mm). Conclusion: The T-PRF membrane exhibited positive effects on PMWH. T-PRF, which is a promising autogenous matrix for histoconduction, may also be preferred as an autogenous alternative to connective tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recessions and peri-implant mucosal recessions.


Given the impact of procurement activities on the operation and effectiveness of procurement processes, it is essential that these activities be performed by qualified staff with high professional and ethical standards and using sound procedures anchored in appropriate policies and regulations. Procurement is one of the vital functions in an organization and it plays a vital role in acquiring the needed resources at the time required. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors affecting procurement Performance in the milk processing firms in Kiambu County. The study also sought to assess the effect of information technology, employees' incompetence, organizational culture and packaging policy on procurement performance in the milk processing firms in Kiambu County. The paper adopted a descriptive survey method. The target population included milk processing firms in Kiambu County. The sample was selected from managers working in various milk processing firms in Kiambu County. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample from the managers in various milk processing firms in the County. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the field. Qualitative data from the open ended questions was analysed by use of content analysis and the findings were presented in a prose form Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in this study to analyze quantitative data, which was obtained from the closed ended questions. Descriptive statistics used in this study include mean, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies. Further, multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Quantitative data was presented in form of bar graphs, pie charts and frequency tables. This study established that organizational culture contributed most to the procurement process in the milk processing firms in Kiambu County followed by employees' competence then organizational culture while packaging policy contributed the least to the procurement process in the milk processing firms in Kiambu County. This study recommends that milk processing firms should also adopt information technology in all sectors and interlink various departments within the organization. In addition, they should adopt information technology in the human resource management and in connecting various departments within the organization and linking the organization with other firms.


Zirconia and yttria stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) nanoparticles were prepared from zirconia and yttria salts using molten salts (MS) and microwave (MW) synthesis. The crystalline ZrO2 and 3YSZ nanoparticles with crystallite size in the range of 3–27 nm were obtained by MS synthesis in NaCl–NaNO3 salts. The zirconia and 3YSZ powders with close characteristics were obtained by combining MW synthesis with calcination of products at 400-800 °C. The crystallite size depends upon synthesis or calcination temperature, and the precursors used. The powders prepared by MS and MW synthesis ensured manufacturing of bulk materials with relative density of 98.6% and 97.2% respectively by using spark plasma sintering at 1300 °C.


The semiclassical collapse, including lowest-order back-reaction, of a thin shell of self-gravitating quantized matter is illustrated. The conditions for which self-gravitating matter forms a thin shell are first discussed and an effective Lagrangian for such matter is obtained. The matter-gravity system is then quantized, the semiclassical limit for gravitation is taken and the method of adiabatic invariants is applied to the resulting time-dependent matter Hamiltonian. The governing equations are integrated numerically, for suitable initial conditions, in order to illustrate the effect of back-reaction, due to the creation of matter, in slowing down the collapse near the horizon.


Flame retardant treated gray cotton fibers were blended with antibacterial treated gray cotton fibers and polyester/polyester sheath/core bicomponent fibers to form high-loft fabrics. The high flame retardancy (FR) and antibacterial property of these high lofts were evaluated by limiting oxygen index, vertical flame testing, and antimicrobial tests against S. aureus (ATCC 6538), a Gram-positive bacterium, and K. pneumonia (ATCC 4352), a Gram-negative bacterium. The blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics, apart from the control blend number 5, had high LOI values greater than 24.7. Samples should have a higher LOI value than the threshold value of 20.95. All the blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics passed the vertical flame test and the char length increased with the decrease in the proportion of the SRRC FR cotton in the blends. The blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics were effective in reducing the bacteria by 99.9% for both types of bacteria tested. FR gray cotton fiber obtained from the treatment of SRRC 2 formulation (blend number 4) also showed good antibacterial properties.


Magnetic nanostructures, such as dots and dot arrays, nanowires, multilayers and nanojunctions, are reviewed and compared with bulk magnets. The emphasis is on the involved physics, but some applications are also outlined, including permanent magnets, soft magnets, magnetic recording media, sensors, and structures and materials for spin electronics. The considered structural length scales range from a few interatomic distances to about one micrometre, bridging the gap between atomic-scale magnetism and the macroscopic magnetism of extended bulk and thin-film magnets. This leads to a rich variety of physical phenomena, differently affecting intrinsic and extrinsic magnetic properties. Some specific phenomena discussed in this review are exchange-spring magnetism, random-anisotropy scaling, narrow-wall and constricted-wall phenomena, Curie temperature changes due to nanostructuring and nanoscale magnetization dynamics.


This paper presents a study investigating the washback effect of the American Language Course Placement Test (ALCPT) on cadets in a Taiwanese military academy. Over the last decades, washback studies have become even more important in the field of applied linguistics due to the critical role of the high stakes tests for students, teachers, and societies. This form of specific purposes assessment ALCPT affects both military personnel and civilians working within the military structure in terms of posting, promotion and remuneration, and it could be argued that it has serious consequences if not carried out professionally. Based on Hughes (1993) and Bailey's (1996) washback models and empirical washback studies, this study focused on cadet participants' attitudes toward aspects of the ALCPT and their corresponding behavior influenced by the test in their learning process. The data in this study were obtained through questionnaires and follow-up interviews conducted with cadets. A total of 140 cadets participated in this study on a volunteer basis, of whom ten agreed to take part in the follow-up interviews. The results revealed that ALCPT exerts a negative impact on cadets. The results also show that the exam not only has a micro level effect, which can be defined as the effect on an individual or a small group of individuals, but also a macro effect on a relatively large population of individuals studying or working in military academy contexts. Practical implications as well as suggestions for the instruction of cadets' language learning are offered to conclude the paper.


This retrospective study was undertaken to determine if the advent of H2 blockers has altered the surgical treatment and outcome of patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The records of patients having surgery for PUD at Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1971-73 (Group 1) and 1981-83 (Group 2) were reviewed. Data recorded included patient and disease characteristics, surgical procedures, morbidity, and mortality. There was a significant difference in mean age: 54 years in Group 1 and 60 years in Group 2. Group 2 had a higher incidence of concomitant medical illnesses. Indications for operation were predominantly of an emergent nature in Group 2, with a marked decline in elective surgeries from 75 per cent to 55 per cent. There was a 15 per cent incidence of nonsurgical complications in Group 2, as opposed to 9 per cent in Group 1. This study demonstrates that the use of H2 blockers and changes in patient characteristics have altered the surgical treatment and outcome of patients with PUD.


This paper is concerned with the mechanisms of various surface-related phenomena on glass and the analytical techniques suitable for the study. As a phenomenon with respect to optical properties of glass surface, the mechanisms of optically dimming phenomenon caused by interaction with the environment, namely weathering resistance of the glass, are explained on the basis of changes in the surface layer composition. Furthermore, as a phenomenon with respect to chemical reactivity of glass surface, factors governing the adsorption property of float glass as the majority of flat glass have been discussed extensively in terms of the surface OH group as an adsorptive site, including the SnOH group originated from tin penetration into the glass during a float process. Additionally, a typical contamination substance on glass surface and a newly developed technique for the removal of them are introduced. In these practical examples, the applications of advanced surface analytical techniques such as SIMS have been mentioned to characterize successfully the glass surface, and it may contribute to the development of highly efficient glass applications.


This research was carried out in order to investigate whether the purified bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) volatile oil purified from peels has a potentiality to induced DNA damage if administrated orally in vivo. White adult male rats (180- 250g) were divided into five groups each group with five individuals. The first three groups administrated three different concentration of the purified citrus essential oil 100, 200 and 300µl/ kg Body weight (Bwt). The fourth group administrated olive oil and served as positive control group. The fifth was administrated water as negative control group. Dosing for all groups were two times weekly for one month period. To detected DNA damage, alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) for the blood samples was carried out for all groups. Parameters of nuclear olive moment, comet tail length, and DNA on comet tail were calculated. Results showed that there were no significant differences between treated and control untreated groups as well as olive oil administrated group. These results indicate that citrus volatile oil has no genotoxic effect and it was safe and tolerable in the highest dose used for the specified period of time conducted.


This major biography of Shelley, England's most radical and controversial Romantic poet, is the first to appear in thirty years. Informed by the author's extensive research, psychological insight, and recent scholarship on Shelley and his circle, the biography stresses the intimate relationship between the poet's writing and his complex personality. James Bieri draws upon his dual background as a Shelley scholar and a psychologist to create a compelling narrative of Shelley's multifaceted life. Shelley's personality transcends any entreaty either to see it "plain" or to be labeled with a clinical diagnosis. Remarkably resilient, he was continually creative despite intervals of depression and periodic, hallucinatory panic attacks. Fascinated by the human psyche, he incorporated into his poetry his own self-analysis, including a remarkably sophisticated theory of love that provided the title to his most powerful erotic poem, Epipsychidion. Bieri also probes Shelley's numerous emotional, romantic, and familial entanglements. Based on the author's twenty years of research, the book includes new information on the discovery of Shelley's older illegitimate half-brother; important letters of his father and grandfather; his mother's early life, her letters about young Shelley, and her major influence upon Shelley; the first published portrait of Sophia Stacey, who beguiled Shelley in Florence; and further evidence on Shelley's secretly adopted Neapolitan infant. This biography offers a sympathetic and nuanced view of Shelley's tumultuous life, personality, and poetry.


Summary 1. Moss-dominated peat bogs store approximately 30% of global soil carbon. A climate induced-shift from current moss-dominated conditions to tree-dominated states is expected to strongly affect their functioning and carbon sequestration capacity. Consequently, unravelling the mechanisms that may explain successful tree seedling establishment in these ecosystems is highly relevant. 2. To assess the role of drought on early tree seedling establishment and the relative importance of plant traits in tree seedling survival, we conducted a factorial glasshouse experiment with seven conifer species. 3. Our results show that drought inhibits moss growth, thereby increasing survival of tree seedlings. Survival success was higher in Pinus than in Picea species, ranking Pinus banksiana > Pinus sylvestris > Pinus nigra > Picea mariana > Picea glauca, Picea sitchensis > Picea rubens. We found that those species most successful under dry and wet conditions combined a fast shoot growth with high seed mass. 4. We conclude that plant traits contribute to explaining successful early tree seedling establishment in bogs.