In recent years, demand for robot-assisted rehabilitation has increased due to the rising number of elderly and disabled people. Rehabilitation robots help patients to enhance muscle strength and recover motor functions, typically through practicing reaching movements. In this letter, we are interested in robot-assisted rehabilitation not only for simple trajectory following tasks but also for co-operative therapy tasks that elicit a force-based or an impedance-based behavior from the patient. When a patient is unable to complete the task, determining the minimum-required assistance to be provided to the patient such that the task is accomplished is of interest. In this letter, we develop a learning from demonstration (LfD) framework to compare the performance of a therapist in multiple trials of the task (demonstrations in LfD terms) carried out previously with that of the patient in live performance of the task. Based on this performance differential, the LfD framework helps to determine the minimum required adjustment in the task's difficulty level on a patient-specific basis for the task to be completed. To encourage active and free participation of the patient, a dynamic bicycle cranking model is used such that provision of assistance (reproduction in LfD terms) is coupled to the variability observed in the therapist's behavior across various trials of the task. Experimental results show that the proposed framework effectively provides the patient with assistance as needed during a cooperative therapy task.


The world is evolving from one in which almost all access to the Internet comes from personal computers (PCs) to one in which so-called Internet appliances (IAs) will make up a greater share of end-user equipment. Today's PC is a general-purpose, highly configurable and extensible device - an "intelligent end-node" of the sort the Internet's designers had in mind. As such, it allows users much freedom of choice (such as which service provider to use, which Web sites to visit, and which new software to download) in exchange for dealing with associated complexity. An IA is a device connected to the Internet, but beyond that there is little consensus on functionality and target markets. There is, however, general agreement that it reduces the level of complexity seen by the user. A variety of approaches to reducing complexity are being pursued. These fall on a spectrum from totally fixing the function of devices, to automating the configuration of more general purpose systems. In the middle are devices whose functions appear more or less fixed to the user, but which retain some limited capability for upgrade through their Internet connection. We argue that truly fixed-function Internet-connected appliances make no sense unless they are extremely cheap, throwaway devices. We speculate that general-purpose end-user equipment will endure but evolve into a more modular form, driven by user frustration with a proliferation of devices with overlapping functionality and the desire for consistency across multiple environments (such as home, car and office). Finally, we observe that most appliances being developed today fall into the middle category. These vary in the degree to which they bind users to particular service providers, both technically and through their business model. Our analysis suggests that appliances in and of themselves do not introduce new opportunities for walling the Internet garden, but that industry players seeking to consolidate control over potential Internet choke points, such as broadband access networks or WAP gateways, may attempt to leverage appliances toward this goal. To the extent that appliances provide services already available over the PC-based Internet, we speculate that such efforts will fail.


This paper proposes a cache management scheme for continuous partial match queries in mobile computing systems. Conventional cache management methods for mobile clients are record ID-based ones. However, since the partial match query is a content-based retrieval, the conventional record ID-based approach cannot properly manage the cache consistency. We show the pr edicate- based approach is an effective cache management in mobile environments.


Code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques have recently been utilised to achieve reliable multiuser communication in asynchronous shallow water acoustic networks. The authors consider this type of communication technique, which has its origins in spread spectrum principles. The performance of multicarrier (MC) CDMA for short length complex spreading sequences, which demonstrate both good cross-correlation and auto-correlation properties, has been evaluated by means of computer simulations. In MC-CDMA, a set of carrier frequencies is employed to achieve frequency diversity. The proposed adaptive receiver architectures integrate the functions of despreading, multi-access and narrowband interference cancellation, equalisation, and phase-carrier tracking. Results show the effectiveness of the system in a rapidly time-varying, frequency-selective channel.


In this paper a Hierarchical approach for the analysis of advanced aerospace structures is presented. The proposed Global/Local model uses two kind of numerical methods. The first step of the Hierarchical procedure is performed by the Finite Element code Patran/NastranTM, using a coarse mesh to study the global structure, then the local region is analyzed by using a Boundary Element code based on the multidomain anisotropic technique. This code accurately predicts stress concentrations at crack tips with a reduction of the modeling efforts and of the computational time. The Global/Local interface code implemented allows an intuitive extraction of the local region with a substantial reduction of the modeling time. The accuracy and the effectiveness of the model have been demonstrated analyzing classical stress concentration problems. Then the procedure has been used to analyze more complex structures among which a riveted patch repair, applied on a cracked panel, and a cracked graphite-epoxy curved panel with Z stiffeners and Z frames. Keyword: Global/Local, Hierarchical, Boundary Element Method, Finite Element Method, Stress Intensity Factor.


There is an increasing interest in the problem of nonparametric regression like Gaussian processes with predictors locating on manifold. Some recent researches developed intrinsic Gaussian processes by using the transition density of the Brownian motion on submanifolds of $\mathbb R^2$ and $\mathbb R^3$ to approximate the heat kernels. {However}, when the dimension of a manifold is bigger than two, the existing method struggled to get good estimation of the heat kernel. In this work, we propose an intrinsic approach of constructing the Gaussian process on \if more \fi general manifolds \if {\color{red} in the matrix Lie groups} \fi such as orthogonal groups, unitary groups, Stiefel manifolds and Grassmannian manifolds. The heat kernel is estimated by simulating Brownian motion sample paths via the exponential map, which does not depend on the embedding of the manifold. To be more precise, this intrinsic method has the following features: (i) it is effective for high dimensional manifolds; (ii) it is applicable to arbitrary manifolds; (iii) it does not require the global parametrisation or embedding which may introduce redundant parameters; (iv) results obtained by this method do not depend on the ambient space of the manifold. Based on this method, we propose the ball algorithm for arbitrary manifolds and the strip algorithm for manifolds with extra symmetries, which is both theoretically proven and numerically tested to be much more efficient than the ball algorithm. A regression example on the projective space of dimension eight is given in this work, which demonstrates that our intrinsic method for Gaussian process is practically effective in great generality.


Network slicing has been considered a promising technology in next generation mobile networks (5G), which can create virtual networks and provide customized service on demand. Most existing works on network slicing mainly focus on virtualization technology, and have not considered in-network caching well. However, in-network caching, as the one of the key technologies for information-centric networking (ICN), has been considered as a significant approach in 5G network to cope with the traffic explosion and network challenges. In this article, the authors jointly consider in-network caching combining with network slicing. They propose an efficient caching resource sharing scheme for network slicing in 5G core network, aiming at solving the problem of how to efficiently share the limited physical caching resource of Infrastructure Provider (InP) among multiple network slices. In addition, from the perspective of network slicing, the authors formulate caching resource sharing problem as a non-cooperative game, and propose an iteration algorithm based on caching resource updating to obtain the Nash Equilibrium solution. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has good convergence performance, and illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.


This book explores Henry James's imaginative engagements with the burgeoning consumer culture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, focusing on his hitherto neglected fascination with shops and the shopping experience. Examining a wide range of the author's fiction and non-fiction in the context of developments such as the rise of the department store, the growing public presence of women shoppers and shop workers, and the increasing sophistication of commodity display and advertising, the book argues that consumer desire constitutes an integral part of James's understanding of modern subjectivity. It also demonstrates that the structures and strategies of commodity culture are deeply embedded in his style, his aesthetic and his conception of authorship. The study offers new readings of familiar and less familiar texts, and includes a wealth of original historical documentation that has been gleaned from contemporary newspapers, periodicals, advertising manuals, sales catalogues and guidebooks.


Author(s): Chirikov, Igor; Soria, Krista M | Abstract: International students at research universities are generally satisfied with their academic experiences and institutional support during the pandemic but worry about their health, safety and immigration issues, according to the recent Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) Consortium survey of 22,519 undergraduate students and 7,690 graduate and professional students at five public research universities.Both undergraduate and graduate international students indicate they adapted to remote instruction better than domestic students. International students are more satisfied with how their university responded to the pandemic, the courses that were offered remotely, and with how instructors supported their remote learning.However, 52% of international undergraduate students and 67% of graduate students worry about maintaining good health during their studies. The second biggest concern for international students is managing immigration and visa issues (44% of undergraduate students and 55% of graduate students).


End-of-life care can be delivered in a variety of settings, whereby the majority of terminally-ill cancer patients prefer to die at home. The aim of our study is to evaluate health services utilisation during the last year of life, and to compare terminally ill patients who have received home-specialised palliative care services (HSPCS) with patients who died receiving home non-specialised palliative care services. The study included 120 and 515 patients, respectively, who died between 1999—2000. Age and gender distribution were similar in both groups. During the last year of life, mean health services cost per person among the HSPCS group was lower by more then 30% (P < 0.005). The median cost per patient was as low as one-fifth in the last month. Men and the older age group of 65 and above, cost significantly less compared with women and younger patients, respectively, regardless of provider setting. The main differences in health services utilisation were in hospitalisations and oncology treatments (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Palliative Medicine 2007; 21 : 537—541


The optical channel distance greatly influences the optical power received by the photodiode, the farther the distance between the receiver and the transmitter in the VLC system, the lower SNR, and the higher BER. To mitigate the mobility issue on the VLC system, we involve an AGC circuit put on the receiver side. Thus, the received information (signal) can adjust at specifically required voltage even though the distance and angle were changed. In this paper, the AGC circuit employs a single channel LM13700; this is commercially available as well as a lowcost Integrated Circuit (IC). The application method to design a VLC system using LM13700 configured as AGC is presented. Then the AGC performance evaluation by using two different modulations is also conducted. The results show that the weak information (signal) due to changing the optical distance and the receiver angle can be gained to a required voltage level as well. Therefore, the LM13700 can be recommended for the mobility VLC system. Our system focused on low-rate VLC applications due to bandwidth limitations within the used IC. Moreover, our system is aimed at the Line-of-Sight VLC channel. 


A novel version of a Voluntary Contribution Mechanism game explores how participant cooperation responds to changes in payoff-relevant reference groups. In comparison to base treatment results, cooperation is greatest when players earn more from beating players in other four-person groups, but cooperation is lowest when players benefit from beating others in their own group. Additional results suggest that tournament incentives in a "large enough" group do not undermine cooperation, perhaps making it easier to incentivize behavior under a fixed budget constraint. These results suggest ways to use team incentives to provide or protect non-excludable environmental goods.


This article analyses the life experiences of face-veiled university students and their involvement in the Salafi Islamic revivalist movement in Indonesia. Studies on Salafi groups in Indonesia have often neglected the face-veiling practices of women, who are the main female constituents of the groups. Focusing on women's adoption of the cadar (face-veil) and their religious transformation, this article demonstrates how veiling shapes women's formation as religious subjects. Drawing on the life experiences of young women in several groups, this article shows that fulfilling religious obligation is the women's main priority. Their life experiences and the process of negotiating wearing the cadar reveal their struggle to reconstruct their religious identity and their capacity for exercising a specific type of religious agency.


In Canadian and probably most US feedlots, Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia with or without concurrent arthritis is found in a high percentage of antibiotic nonresponsive, chronically sick cattle. Extensive multifocal yellow areas of caseation-like necrosis with sequestra formation are characteristic lesions. Subacute to chronic fibrinous or fibrosing pleuritis may accompany the lung lesions. Arthritis with similar necrotizing lesions of adjacent soft tissues, including tendon sheaths, are present in some cases. Characteristic gross lesions, unique histologic lesions and confirmation by IHC demonstration of M. bovis in these lesions are the best diagnostic tools in our experience. This chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome (CPPS) is a very costly syndrome in the feedlot industry, and management changes will probably be needed to control the problem. Vaccines are unlikely to be the solution to this problem. Prevention of transient BVDV infections is a scheme that may be beneficial, but more experimental work is required to confirm this.


Marching squares (MS) and marching cubes (MC) are widely used algorithms for level-set visualization of scientific data. In this paper, we address the challenge of uncertainty visualization of the topology cases of the MS and MC algorithms for uncertain scalar field data sampled on a uniform grid. The visualization of the MS and MC topology cases for uncertain data is challenging due to their exponential nature and the possibility of multiple topology cases per cell of a grid. We propose the topology case count and entropy-based techniques for quantifying uncertainty in the topology cases of the MS and MC algorithms when noise in data is modeled with probability distributions. We demonstrate the applicability of our techniques for independent and correlated uncertainty assumptions. We visualize the quantified topological uncertainty via color mapping proportional to uncertainty, as well as with interactive probability queries in the MS case and entropy isosurfaces in the MC case. We demonstrate the utility of our uncertainty quantification framework in identifying the isovalues exhibiting relatively high topological uncertainty. We illustrate the effectiveness of our techniques via results on synthetic, simulation, and hixel datasets.


With the advent of a simple matrix inversion technique, measurement-based storage ring modeling has made rapid progress in recent years. Using fast computers with large memory, the matrix inversion procedure typically adjusts up to 10/sup 3/ model variables to fit the order of 10/sup 5/ measurements. The results have been surprisingly accurate. Physics aside, one of the next frontiers is to simplify the process and to reduce computation time. In this paper, we discuss two approaches to speed up the model calibration process: recursive least-squares fitting and a piecewise fitting approach.


OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence and relevance of ectopic adrenal tissue in pediatric patients who underwent groin surgical explorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We studied 1120 patients with groin surgical explorations during a period of 8 consecutive years. Patients' clinical data and histological findings were analyzed.

RESULTS
We found ectopic adrenal tissue in 13 patients in 1120 groin surgical exploration (1.16%). Of the 13 cases, 5 were diagnosed as having undescended testes, 6 inguinal hernia and 2 communicating hydrocele. Median age at diagnosis was 5.6 years. Histological sections showed adrenal cortical tissue with no medulla present.

CONCLUSION
Based on the clinical implications of those adrenal rests it is mandatory the removal of this ectopic tissue whenever encountered during surgical interventions in the groin region in children.


Objective: Professional rugby players utilise various methods of head protection to prevent against the development of a pinna haematoma. This study tests the hypothesis that these measures, whilst preventing injury, decrease the wearers' hearing threshold and therefore their performance. Design and participants: Eight patients had free field audiometry performed in a soundproof room, with warble tones. All patients were young men (mean 24.75 years (range 22–34)). No participant had ear symptomatology or a past history of ear surgery. Three separate audiological assessments were performed on each patient: normal free field audiometry in a sound field room, following application of adhesive tape and whilst wearing a scrum cap. All measurements were performed by a single audiological scientist. A significant clinical drop in hearing threshold was defined as an increase of 10 dB. Results: No patient demonstrated a significant drop in hearing threshold following the application of either tape or a scrum cap, nor was there a significant difference in the mean (SD) warble tone average: air 7.03 (5.47); tape 7.19 (6.40); scrum cap 6.56 (5.58). Conclusion: Theoretical concerns that "ear taping" and scrum caps affect hearing of rugby players are unfounded and should not discourage their use.


This paper presents a fair comparison between four different " Phoenix " phase-shifting cells that can be found in the literature. This comparison is mainly based on the frequency dispersion and on the bandwidth where the maximum differential phase shift is less than 90°. Then, an alternative " Phoenix " unit-cell of reduced size offering an enhanced bandwidth is proposed.


© 1997 by S. Evesque and A.P. Dowling. Self-excited oscillations of a ducted flame, burning in the wake of a bluff-body flame-holder, are considered. The non-linear kinematic model used here to describe these oscillations calculates the influence of the velocity fluctuations on the shape of the flame surface, and hence on the heat release rate. It is easy and quick to vary parameters in our model, and therefore a theoretical and numerical adaptive control strategy is developed, aiming at eliminating the flame instabilities. The control is based on an IIR filter, its coefficients being optimised by the LMS algorithm. Some system identification (SI) is necessary because the output of the adaptive filter does not interfere directly with the combustion oscillations, but only through a transfer function. The efficiency of an on-line SI is demonstrated, and compared with offline SI. Our control strategy gives very satisfactory results, over a wide range of combustion regimes, provided that an adequate starting condition for the filter coefficients is chosen. This appropriate initial guess is justified by analysing the influence of the controller on the flame in the frequency domain. Finally, the influence of noise is investigated: the adaptive controller is successful at eliminating combustion oscillations in the presence of substantial noise.


This study confirms the suggestion of earlier workers that the vegetative amoebae of Dictyostelium repel each other while those of Polysphondylium violaceum do not. When Dictyostelium amoebae were placed in drops on thin and thick agar, the cells moved out faster on the thin agar, presumably because the repellent was more concentrated. This did not occur with Polysphondylium amoebae. Also, if 2 drops of cells were placed side by side, or a single drop was placed near an edge, in Dictyostelium there were fewer cells emerging between the drops (or near an edge) than on the far side. Polysphondylium showed no such difference. However, Polysphondylium amoebae were repelled by Dictyostelium cells (but not vice versa) when drops of each were placed beside one another. Finally, if Dictyostelium discoideum cells were placed in drops over thick and thin agar, but separated from the agar by a dialysis membrane, the cells again spread farther on the thin agar, indicating that the repellent is a dialyzable molecule.


Objective: Myocardial fibrosis is associated with alterations in the cross-linking and deposition of collagen type I (CCL and CD, respectively). We aimed to evaluate whether the combination of circulating biomarkers of CCL [the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I to matrix metalloproteinase-1 ratio (CITP : MMP-1)] and CD [the carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP)] identifies myocardial fibrosis phenotypes with distinct clinical outcome in hypertensive patients with heart failure. Methods: Endomyocardial biopsies and blood samples from 38 patients (small cohort), and blood samples from 203 patients (large cohort) were analyzed. Myocardial CCL and CD were assessed by histological methods. Serum PICP, CITP, and MMP-1 were determined by ELISA. Results: Small cohort: CITP : MMP-1 cutoff 1.968 or less and PICP cutoff at least 110.8 ng/ml were used for predicting high CCL and severe CD, respectively. Large cohort: as defined by the above thresholds, patients were categorized into four subgroups based on the presence (+) or absence (−) of high CCL and severe CD. Compared with CCL−CD−, the adjusted hazard ratios for a composite end point of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death over 5 years in CCL−CD+, CCL+CD−, and CCL+CD+ were 1.11 (P = 0.79), 1.99 (P = 0.07), and 2.18 (P = 0.04), respectively (P for trend = 0.005). In addition, the categorization based on CCL and CD yielded integrated discrimination (P = 0.03) and net reclassification (P = 0.01) improvements for the mentioned outcome. Conclusion: The combination of low serum CITP : MMP-1 ratio and high serum PICP identifies hypertensive patients with heart failure presenting with a phenotype of myocardial fibrosis characterized by the concurrence of excessive CCL and CD and associated with poor outcome.


BACKGROUND
Minor ST-T changes are frequently observed on the electrocardiogram (ECG), but the risk of stroke associated with such changes is unclear.Methods and Results:In 10,642 subjects from the Japanese general population, we evaluated minor and major ST-T changes (major ST depression ≥0.1 mV) on ECGs obtained at annual health examinations. At baseline, minor ST-T changes were found in 10.7% of the subjects and 0.5% had major ST-T changes. Minor ST-T changes were associated with older age, female gender, higher systolic blood pressure, presence of hyperlipidemia, and use of antihypertensive medication. There were 375 stroke events during the follow-up period (128.7±28.1 months). In all subjects, minor ST-T changes (HR, 2.10; 95% CI: 1.57-2.81) and major ST-T changes (HR, 8.64; 95% CI: 4.44-16.82) were associated with an increased risk of stroke, but the stroke risk associated with minor ST-T changes had borderline significance after adjustment for conventional risk factors (P=0.055). In subgroup analysis, the risk of stroke was significantly associated with minor ST-T changes in subjects who had hyperlipidemia (HR, 1.75; 95% CI: 1.15-2.67) compared to those without hyperlipidemia (HR, 1.01; 95% CI: 0.64-1.59; P for interaction=0.016), even after adjustment for ECG-diagnosed left ventricular hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS
Minor ST-T changes were particularly associated with a higher risk of stroke in subjects with hyperlipidemia and this association was independent of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy.


Its low enthusiasm use the contraception MOW can be influenced various factor, good motivate the, knowledge and also husband support. This research target to know the factor having an effect on to lowering enthusiasm in using contraception MOW at PUS in Countryside of Tanon Subdistrict Papar Regency Kediri.
Used design by analytic of correlation with the approach of cross sectional. Population is all PUS in Countryside of Tanon Subdistrict Papar Regency Kediri by sampel 41 responder taken with the technique of purposive sampling. Free variable is factor influencing enthusiasm use the MOW like motivation, knowledge, husband support and trussing of enthusiasm use the contraception MOW collected by kuesioner. Data expressed in nominal scale and ordinal and analysed with the Doubled test Regression Logistics.
From research result got by most responder own the high motivation that is 28 responder ( 68,3%), mostly own the good knowledge about MOW that is 121 responder ( 51,9%), mostly there is husband support to use the MOW that is 25 responder ( 61%), mostly hanker to MOW that is 21 responder ( 51,2%) and there is influence which signifikan of motivation, knowledge and husband support with the enthusiasm WUS in use of contraception MOW ( p = 0,003 < 0,05 hence Ho refused). This matter is caused to incidence of enthusiasm use the MOW needed by knowledge of concerning MOW, so that arise the strong motivation to use it, but still need the its husband support.
Is concluded that factor motivate the, knowledge and husband support still be needed to to generate the enthusiasm use the contraception MOW. Suggested that by a countryside midwife cooperate with the worker KB from subdistrict for the socialization of contraception of MOW and routine safari KB so that coverage MOW mount.


One community resource is often, surprisingly, overlooked-music educators. It is always easier to look to others to give, but what of giving ourselves? There are numerous opportunities to use services within our own profession. If there is a nearby college with a music education program, why not ask an interested student to help with a special project or tutoring? College students are more career-minded than ever and would relish the opportunity to work inside a school with a professional. Such an undertaking could also give the prospective music educator an opportunity to work in a field that might be different from his special interest. An instrumental music education major might work in an elementary general music class, or an elementary music education major could help in the production of a high school musical. High school students who are interested in music could help with middle school or elementary music programs. This is common in other subjects in which older students tutor the younger ones in reading or mathematics. Older students can help younger ones in learning the skills involved in the study of music concepts. Undoubtedly there will be organizational problems in the sharing of administrative responsibilities between the professional music educator and the helper or apprentice. The rewards, however, of a better and more personalized music education program are surely worth the effort.-Richard R. Maag, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina


Several publications have suggested that cardiovascular fitness is a key feature for longevity and a preferable health status, and the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is suggested to be the most accurate assessment of overall cardiovascular fitness. There is, however, not a valid reference material for VO2peak from a general population, and the current thesis aimed to suggest such a material. In addition, we wanted to assess how directly measured VO2peak was associated with various conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and also across different levels of self-reported physical activity. Finally, we wanted to develop a non-exercise model for estimating VO2peak that was eligible in an outpatient scenario. The Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT) has been conducted in Nord-Trondelag, Norway, three times (1984-86, 1995-97, and 2006-08), with a versatile and increasing amount of data being collected at each survey. VO2peak was measured by direct ergospirometry in a sub-study on 4,631 healthy, adult subjects in HUNT3 (2006-08) called the HUNT Fitness Study. We observed that 20-29 year old men and women achieved mean VO2peak-values of 54.0 mL·kg-1·min-1 (standard deviation, SD: 8.7) and 42.9 mL·kg-1·min-1 (SD: 7.6), respectively. A linear regression-analysis suggested a ~6% lower VO2peak per decade higher age in both genders. Across higher levels of categorized self-reported physical activity we observed that highly active 50-59 year old men and women had equal VO2peak to inactive 20-29 year old men and women. In a prospective analysis, we also observed that physical activity reported in HUNT1 (n=1,843 subjects) strongly predicted VO2peak in HUNT3 23 years later. The latter findings were novel. We also observed that VO2peak represented a continuum of overall cardiovascular health status where a 5 mL·kg-1·min-1 decrease in VO2peak was associated with ~56% higher odds of having a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Finally, our non-exercise models of VO2peak were fairly correct in classifying subjects into high- or low-fit categories (90% correct classification).


Asthma is a very common disease that may become lethal if remained untreated. An asthma patient must always be alert with their body condition, especially their respiratory and the surroundings they are in. This paper proposes a development of a rule-based asthma system. This system provides advice for patients who would like to know the chances of getting an asthma attack are based on the patient's current asthma condition and surrounding environment. To do so, the patients will answer questions to enable the system to understand their current health condition and the environment they are living in. It will then provide suggestions to avoid the attack, or to hasten asthma recovery, which includes environmental factors. Data regarding asthma was gathered through an interview with doctors and online medical resources. A rule-based algorithm was developed based on the data gathered. With this program, it allows patient's self-management to lead a healthy, asthma-free lifestyle.


The purpose of this study was to gather details and investigate the processes in the organization. With this, the proponents were able to ascertain some discrepancies which they sought in for a resolution. This Tutorial Support System is intended to provide support and administer the needs of the company, both client and staff. The Academic Edge Tutorial and Review Centre, with their already existing structure, is a successful organization; but despite of this, the proponents still continued to seek for an approach to further amplify and strengthen their current system to provide better service for their clients. The system sought to render assistance to both components of the organizations– the staff members and clients of young students ranging from elementary to high school. The proponents utilized a PHP framework particularly CakePhp, an open source web application. The tutorial support system enables the center to monitor the sessions as well as the performance of their clients. This is accessible to the clients, even while in their own homes.


Background Research on the temporal relationship of parental risk factors with offspring's suicide attempt is scarce and a life course approach has not been applied to date. We investigated the temporal relationship of parental morbidity and mortality with offspring's suicide attempt and whether any such association was modified by offspring's age at attempt. Methods We designed a case-control study through linkage of Swedish registers. Cases comprised all individuals in Sweden born 1973–1983 with inpatient care due to suicide attempt (15–31 years of age) and with information on both biological parents (N = 15 193). Ten controls were matched to each case (National Patient register with national complete coverage). Conditional logistic and spline regressions were applied. Results Particularly for women, most parental markers showed the strongest effect sizes if exposure was short-term (within 2 years after exposure) and related to the mother. Especially short-term exposure to maternal inpatient care due to psychiatric diagnoses had a significantly stronger effect on suicide attempt risk in women compared to men. Regarding exposure to parental inpatient care due to psychiatric diagnoses, short-term as opposed to long-term (exceeding 2 years after exposure) effects were highest during adolescence and decreased significantly with age for female and male offspring, respectively. Conclusions Although limited by the fact that data on parental morbidity and the outcome of suicidality were based on in-patient data only, the data suggest that the high risks of suicide attempt in case of exposure to parental psychopathology and suicidal behavior particularly during adolescence and the strong short-term effects associated with maternal psychopathology for female offspring are of direct clinical importance.


Propolis is a resinous material produced by bees from various plant sources. The objective of this study was to characterize propolis samples of Apis mellifera from the Colombian Andean region, regarding the antimicrobial and physicochemical profiles. We used the technique of disk diffusion with ethanol extracts of propolis against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The physicochemical characterization included percentage of solids content, wax, oxidation index and quantitative determination of phenolic and flavonoids compounds. All samples showed antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones between 8,0 and 12,0 mm for E. coli and between 8,3 and 23,5 mm for S. aureus. We did not observe any activity against C. albicans. The physical and chemical parameters cited above showed a variation from 2.72 to 9.17%, 0 to 2%, 3 to 51 s, 0.1 to 0.5 (w/w) and 0.02 to 0.95 (p/p), respectively. The antimicrobial profile observed, related to the physicochemical profile, suggests the need for further studies to determine the geographical and botanical origin of the samples studied.


In the 17th Nationwide Follow‐up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer in Japan, 18 213 individuals were newly registered as patients with primary liver cancer at 645 medical institutions over a period of 2 years (from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2003). Of these patients, 94.2% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 4.1% had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). In addition, 24 705 follow‐up patients were registered in the survey. Epidemiological and clinicopathological factors, diagnosis and treatment were investigated in the newly registered patients, and the cumulative survival rates of newly registered patients in the 12th to 17th follow‐up surveys conducted between 1992 and 2003 were calculated for each histological type (HCC, ICC, and combined HCC and ICC) and stratified by background factors and treatment. The data obtained in this follow‐up survey should contribute to future research and medical practice for primary liver cancer.


Human life depends on society. We can find a peaceful life in a good society. To have a peaceful Life, we should have a positive mindset to accept all we come across. But social tribulations insist on making it complicated. Social tribulations in society have become a serious concern in the present day world. It gradually affects the roots of our culture and its stops growth on the global. This research paper entitled 'The Depiction of Social Tribulations in  Kamala Markandaya's Nectar in a Sieve and A Hand full of Rice' highlight the Social tribulations in rural and urban societies and explores the meaning, reason, effect of social tribulations in the novels of Kamala Markandaya, an Indian English writer. It analyses the predominant social evils like poverty, hunger, starvation, beggary, prostitution, crime, unemployment and many more in the novels. Kamala Markandaya's novels picture the suffering of the rural and urban people and it results in suffering, death and misfortune. Poverty is the reality of the characters in the novels and the novels nudge to awake the society from the social tribulations.


Background and Aim of Study: There are two different phases of untreated chronic myeloid leukemia – chronic phase, and blast crisis – according to the World Health Organization classification of Hematolymphoid tumors. The blast cells in the chronic myeloid leukemia blast crisis can express myeloid, lymphoid, bi-phenotypic, monocytic, megakaryocytic, and erythroid phenotypes. The immunophenotype of blast population determines how chronic myeloid leukemia – blast crisis patients respond to treatment, hence flowcytometric examination is required. The aim of the study: to assess immunophenotyping outcomes of flowcytometry performed on the chronic myeloid leukemia – blast crisis. Material and Methods: A five-year retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out in Pathology Department at King George's Medical University Lucknow, India (2017-2021). The patient's peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate samples were analyzed. Clinical, hematological, and immunophenotypic data were retrieved. The flow cytometry samples were prepared using the standardized "lyse-stain-wash" method. Results: A total of 43 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia – blast crisis were retrieved from the departmental archive in 5 years. The mean age of study population was 39.62±14.86 years. There were 24 males and 19 females. 27 patients were diagnosed with myeloid blast crisis, 14 cases of B-lymphoid blast crisis and 2 cases of mixed phenotypic acute leukemia. Conclusions: Identification of the blast lineage of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia – blast crisis is crucial since the existence of atypical blast phenotypes influences the disease treatment and prognosis.


Heterogeneous non-functional requirements of DRE system put a limit on middleware engineering; building an application-tailored middleware becomes a challenge. In this paper, we show how we use the PolyORB middleware and its architecture as a framework to implement DDS, the data distribution services (DDS) recently published by the OMG. We demonstrate how the architecture proposed by PolyORB enables a rapid implementation of this specification, and allows for extreme tailorability to support application requirements


An important priority of the U.S. juvenile justice system is to reduce the number of youthful offenders who are placed into secure detention placement. Though significant research examining these predictors exists, there is limited analysis of gender-specific predictors. Using existing juvenile court and mental health assessment case records of 433 youthful offenders from two Midwestern U.S. counties, this study sought to identify separately for males and females the legal (including number of delinquency adjudications, age at first delinquency adjudication, number of court offenses, and type of offense) and extralegal (including demographic, maltreatment, mental health, and school-related disabilities) factors that impact recidivism to detention placement. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the predictors of recidivism leading to repeat secure detention placement were indeed different for males and females, although there were some shared predictors. For both genders, the number of court offenses and having a previous suicide attempt were significant predictors. In addition, for females, having a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and a misdemeanor offense were protective against recidivism. For males, three other variables significantly predicted recidivism: age, race, and a conduct disorder diagnosis.


In this paper, an adaptive backstepping control (ABC) method for a plane-type 3-DOF (X,Y,θz) precision positioning table is proposed. First, according to the dynamics of a mechanical mass-spring system, we establish mathematical equations that contain linear viscous frictions and varied elasticities with cross-coupling effects due to mechanical bending. In system identification, the real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) method is employed to find the optimized parameters, and the dynamic responses of numerical simulations and experimental results are compared. On the basis of the state-space model, the ABC is proposed to track trajectories and impose on the dynamic performance, robustness of parameter variations, and trajectory-tracking errors. The comparisons between numerical simulations and experimental results illustrate the validity of the proposed ABC method for practical applications in contour tracking and also show the performances in reducing the cross-coupling effects.


Abstract

 Nucleotide sequences between the spike (S) and membrane (M) protein genes of the OC43 strain of human coronavirus were obtained from POP-amplified vital mRNAs. Sequence analysis of this region revealed the presence of two ORFs encoding proteins of 12.9 and 9.5 kDa. These two proteins were identified as putatively nonstructural (ns) due to their homology to the corresponding BCV ns gene products. Northern blot analysis indicated that each of these two genes was present on a separate mRNA (5 and 5-1, respectively). In vitro translation analyses demonstrated that the HCV-OC43 9.5-kDa protein, like its BCV counterpart, is poorly translated when situated downstream of the 12.9-kDa ORF, although immunofluorescence studies did confirm its presence in infected cells. Sequence analysis showed that a large portion of the 3′-end of the leader sequence is present within the viral genome, upstream of the 12.9-kDa ORF. In addition, two ORFs encoding potential 4.9- and 4.8-kDa ns proteins in BCV are absent in HCV-OC43, although a corresponding mRNA 4 was found at a very low level. These results demonstrate that these two putative ns proteins are not essential for virus replication, at least in HRT-18 cells.


ABSTRACT Elongation factor P (EF-P) is a universally conserved bacterial translation factor homologous to eukaryotic/archaeal initiation factor 5A. In Salmonella, deletion of the efp gene results in pleiotropic phenotypes, including increased susceptibility to numerous cellular stressors. Only a limited number of proteins are affected by the loss of EF-P, and it has recently been determined that EF-P plays a critical role in rescuing ribosomes stalled at PPP and PPG peptide sequences. Here we present an unbiased in vivo investigation of the specific targets of EF-P by employing stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to compare the proteomes of wild-type and efp mutant Salmonella. We found that metabolic and motility genes are prominent among the subset of proteins with decreased production in the Δefp mutant. Furthermore, particular tripeptide motifs are statistically overrepresented among the proteins downregulated in efp mutant strains. These include both PPP and PPG but also additional motifs, such as APP and YIRYIR, which were confirmed to induce EF-P dependence by a translational fusion assay. Notably, we found that many proteins containing polyproline motifs are not misregulated in an EF-P-deficient background, suggesting that the factors that govern EF-P-mediated regulation are complex. Finally, we analyzed the specific region of the PoxB protein that is modulated by EF-P and found that mutation of any residue within a specific GSCGPG sequence eliminates the requirement for EF-P. This work expands the known repertoire of EF-P target motifs and implicates factors beyond polyproline motifs that are required for EF-P-mediated regulation. IMPORTANCE Bacterial cells regulate gene expression at several points during and after transcription. During protein synthesis, for example, factors can interact with the ribosome to influence the production of specific proteins. Bacterial elongation factor P (EF-P) is a protein that facilitates the synthesis of proteins that contain polyproline motifs by preventing the ribosome from stalling. Bacterial cells that lack EF-P are viable but are sensitive to a large number of stress conditions. In this study, a global analysis of protein synthesis revealed that EF-P regulates many more proteins in the cell than predicted based solely on the prevalence of polyproline motifs. Several new EF-P-regulated motifs were uncovered, thereby providing a more complete picture of how this critical factor influences the cell's response to stress at the level of protein synthesis. Bacterial cells regulate gene expression at several points during and after transcription. During protein synthesis, for example, factors can interact with the ribosome to influence the production of specific proteins. Bacterial elongation factor P (EF-P) is a protein that facilitates the synthesis of proteins that contain polyproline motifs by preventing the ribosome from stalling. Bacterial cells that lack EF-P are viable but are sensitive to a large number of stress conditions. In this study, a global analysis of protein synthesis revealed that EF-P regulates many more proteins in the cell than predicted based solely on the prevalence of polyproline motifs. Several new EF-P-regulated motifs were uncovered, thereby providing a more complete picture of how this critical factor influences the cell's response to stress at the level of protein synthesis.


In the present study, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) and Linear Solvation Energy Relationship (LSER) techniques were used to develop predictive models for adsorption of organic contaminants by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Adsorption data for 29 aromatic compounds from literature (i.e., the training data) including some of the experimental results obtained in our laboratory were used to develop predictive models with multiple linear regression analysis. The generated QSAR (r(2) = 0.88), and LSER (r(2) = 0.83) equations were validated externally using an independent validation data set of 30 aromatic compounds. External validation accuracies indicated the success of parameter selection, data fitting ability, and the prediction strength of the developed models. Finally, the combination of training and validation data were used to obtain a combined LSER equation (r(2) = 0.83) that would be used for predicting adsorption of a wide range of low molecular weight aromatics by MWCNTs. In addition, LSER models at different concentrations were generated, and LSER parameter coefficients were examined to gain insights to the predominant adsorption interactions of low molecular weight aromatics on MWCNTs. The molecular volume term (V) of the LSER model was the most influential descriptor controlling adsorption at all concentrations. At higher equilibrium concentrations, hydrogen bond donating (A) and hydrogen bond accepting (B) terms became significant in the models. The results demonstrate that successful predictive models can be developed for the adsorption of organic compounds by CNTs using QSAR and LSER techniques.


In this paper, we consider the problem of multipath channel estimation from data observed at the receiver matched filter output. An approach based on the MPM algorithm is proposed in the literature assuming white noise at the output of the matched filter. We present an improvement to this method that takes into account the noise correlation involved by the matched filtering. Results obtained under both the white-noise and the correlated noise hypotheses are compared, showing that the latter approach performs significantly better in terms of false-alarm and paths detection probabilities, as well as in terms of mean quadratic error on the estimation of amplitudes and delays. Simulations examples are proposed.


Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing deadly infections in immunocompromised patients. Enzymes essential for fungal survival and cell wall biosynthesis are considered potential drug targets against A. fumigatus. ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is a devastating opportunistic fungal pathogen causing hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) is a glycolytic enzyme that converts glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate, a key precursor of fungal cell wall biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that the growth of A. fumigatus is repressed by the deletion of pgi, which can be rescued by glucose and fructose supplementation in a 1:10 ratio. Even under these optimized growth conditions, the Δpgi mutant exhibits severe cell wall defects, retarded development, and attenuated virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans and Galleria mellonella infection models. To facilitate exploitation of A. fumigatus PGI as an antifungal target, we determined its crystal structure, revealing potential avenues for developing inhibitors, which could potentially be used as adjunctive therapy in combination with other systemic antifungals. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing deadly infections in immunocompromised patients. Enzymes essential for fungal survival and cell wall biosynthesis are considered potential drug targets against A. fumigatus. PGI catalyzes the second step of the glycolysis pathway, linking glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. As such, PGI has been widely considered as a target for metabolic regulation and therefore a therapeutic target against hypoxia-related diseases. Our study here reveals that PGI is important for A. fumigatus survival and exhibit pleiotropic functions, including development, cell wall glucan biosynthesis, and virulence. We also solved the crystal structure of PGI, thus providing the genetic and structural groundwork for the exploitation of PGI as a potential antifungal target.


The intellectual production influenced by modern thinking, between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, has highlighted the propositions about the study methods and their role in the development of ideas about social behavior and desirable education for different social groups. They influenced the political process of reforms that took place in several European states in the second half of the eighteenth century. Education was given the mission of "shaping a new humanity" according to Condorcet's expression. In this universalist and enlightened perspective, education would be an instrument for the harmonious organization of society through the dissemination of values and behavior standards. Based on these principles, the purpose of this article is to analyze the circulation and appropriation of educational concepts in the American Portuguese world, between the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, through works of the enlightenment thinking and current teaching manuals of that period. It is intended to confront these texts from the conceptions of education, instruction and civility, seeking to verify their presence in administrative and educational fields in colonial Brazil, particularly in the context of the spread of illustrated thinking and the Pombaline education reforms from 1759 and on.


That Dayan was a central figure in Israel's formative years during the 1950s is beyond dispute. His star blazed particularly bright in the Sinai War of October‐November 1956. However, the roots of Dayan's extraordinary influence are to found in the period leading up to the Sinai War rather than in the war itself. It is impossible to understand the Sinai War, particularly its Israeli aspect, without understanding the central role played by the army and its chief in the preparations and in lobbying for its execution. For the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the idea of an Israeli‐initiated war was neither a theoretical or a practical surprise. The IDF was prepared to launch an offensive against Egypt, and that fact was of major importance far beyond the Israeli government's decision to launch a war against Egypt. It was Dayan who ensured full coordination between progress in the military preparations and progress in the diplomatic process (the negotiations with France and Britain), as he himself was at the center of events in both spheres of activity.


Abstract : A concern over the potential for resource competition to serve as a driver for conflict has established the need to more fully examine the relationship between energy resources and conflict. This exploratory correlational study examined the relationship between oil resources, armed conflict and stability. The ability of abundant oil resources to attract conflict and the ability of oil resource deficits to compel participation in armed conflict abroad were both explored. Since instability may be a precursor to conflict, the relationship between oil resources and stability was also examined. Overall, no statistically significant relationships were found between oil resources and either armed conflict or stability. However, stability was significantly related to both hosting and participating in conflict, although with opposite polarities. Results indicate that in today's global environment oil resources alone may be insufficient as an indicator of energy's contribution to active, armed conflict.


Starting shortly after parturition, and continuing throughout our lifetime, the gut microbiota coevolves with our metabolic and neurological programming. This symbiosis is regulated by a complex interplay between the host and environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle. Not surprisingly, the development of this microbial community is of critical importance to health and wellness. In this targeted review, we examine the gut microbiome from birth to 2 years of age to characterize the role human milk oligosaccharides play in early formation of microbial flora.


The purpose of this study is to determine the thermal feasibility of an air-cooled 55-kW power inverter with SiC devices. Air flow rate, ambient air temperature, voltage, and device switching frequency were studied parametrically by performing transient and steady-state simulations. The transient simulations were based on inverter current that represents the US06 supplemental federal test procedure from the US EPA. The results demonstrate the thermal feasibility of using air to cool a cylindrical-shaped 55-kW SiC traction drive inverter with axial-flow of air. When the inverter model is subject to one or multiple current cycles, the maximum device temperature does not exceed 164°C (327°F) for an inlet flow rate of 270 cfm, ambient temperature of 120°C, voltage of 650 V, and switching frequency of 20 kHz. The results show that the ideal blower power input for the entire inverter with a total inlet air flow rate of 540 cfm is 312 W.


Enteric pathogens are responsible for major economic
losses in the swine industry. In the U.S., Salmonella enterica
subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) and serovar
Choleraesuis (SC) account for essentially all cases of
salmonellosis in swine. Previous studies documented that oral ST
eroded growth and produced unmistakable changes in the endocrine
stress and somatotropic axis of young growing pigs. However, these
effects occurred in the absence of elevated systemic inflammatory
cytokines that were previously thought to accompany
disease-associated growth retardation. In the current study, it was
hypothesized that SC would produce very different systemic
inflammatory cytokine responses compared to ST given the likelihood
of SC to produce systemic disease in pigs. Weaned pigs were housed
two per pen with free access to feed and water during a 14 d
experiment. On d 0, pigs were fed either 108 CFU SC or 108 ST, and
bacteria were re-fed twice weekly through the course of the
experiment. Control pigs were fed dough without bacteria. Serum was
collected on d 0, 7, and 14 for determination of tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNFI±), interleukin-1beta (IL-1I²), and insulin-like
growth factor-I (IGF-I) were determined. Rectal temperatures (RT)
were monitored daily beginning 2 d prior to challenge with bacteria
and until 7 d following the first bacterial feeding. Pigs were
weighed initially, and at the conclusion of the study. Daily body
weight gain was reduced by 25.4% in pigs fed SC (P<.0001)
compared to control, while growth was similar between control pigs
and those fed ST. Pigs fed SC had increased RT beginning on d 2 and
continuing though d 7 (P < 0.05) with the greatest elevation
spike on d 3 (P < 0.001) when compared to controls. On d 7, pigs
fed SC had reduced IGF-I when compared to both control (P <
0.01) and ST pigs (P = 0.01). Despite the obvious
 febrile
response, and the reductions in body weight gain and serum IGF-I,
circulating TNFI± and IL-1I² were not affected by treatment. It was
concluded that elevated TNFI± and IL-1I² are not obligatory
correlates of SC-induced pathology and growth retardation in weaned
pigs.


We present experimental evidence of inverted photoluminescence spectra in GaAs. The spectra are measured for As-rich GaAs layers with ultrashort (of the order of 30 - 60 fs) carrier lifetimes. Ensemble Monte Carlo simulations performed using the molecular dynamics approach confirm that the observed PL spectra are generated by non-thermalized carriers several tens of femtoseconds after their excitation.


The first implementation of a recently introduced method based on the extraction of the coordination dependence of surface bond-energy variations CBEV from density-functional theory DFT computed puremetal surface-energy anisotropy is reported. In particular, polynomial functions fitted to DFT data computed previously for Pt, Pd, and Rh are used as input energetics for statistical-mechanical computations of Pt-Pd 923-atom cuboctahedron-cluster compositional structures and Pt-Rh111 as a test case using the free-energy concentration expansion method FCEM. The major findings concern the roles of preferential strengthening of intrasurface and surface-subsurface interlayer bonds leading to quite unique segregation characteristics: i strong Pt segregation at certain 111 surface sites of the Pt-Pd clusters, accompanied, at relatively high overall Pt composition, by weaker Pt segregation forming Pt-Pd ordered 100 structure, whereas Pd segregates mainly at the edge and vertex sites; ii dominant Pd subsurface segregation. The high computation efficiency of the CBEV/FCEM approach allows the determination of the complete temperature dependence of atomic-exchange processes among surface sites, as well as between subsurface and deeper sites, reflected in the corresponding configurational heat-capacity curves. Compared to other approaches, the high transparency of this method helps to elucidate the origin of the distinct bond-energy-variation effects on site-specific segregation in alloy nanoclusters.


Debates on the source
of chirality have lasted for several centuries due to its significance for the
exploration of the origin of life. It is
still a thorny scientific problem that how the first chiral molecule is
generated without any chiral factors. In this work, an interesting phenomenon,
aggregation-induced symmetry breaking (AISB), is observed in achiral diphenylethylene
and p-terphenyl derivatives. For
compound (E)-1,2-Bis(2,4,5-trimethylphenyl)ethene
(2,4,5-TMe-DPE), there is no chiroptical signal both in its solution and
crystal state. However, unexpected chiroptical signals, circular dichroism (CD)
and circularly
polarized luminescence (CPL), are observed in their aggregate state and the
emission dissymmetry factor is as high as 0.015 at 70% water fraction. Meantime,
time-dependent CD and CPL effect are also investigated which suggests that AISB
involves both dynamic and kinetic processes. Calculation is further carried out
to prove the existence of two enantiomers in diphenylethylene and p-terphenyl derivatives. Finally, we
propose that the symmetry breaking in aggregate state might be caused by the
difference of resolution rate to two enantiomers.


Background When diagnosed with a rheumatic condition (RMD), we turn to rheumatologists and other specialists for the best treatment possible. We rely on medication and exercise to minimize the impact of our conditions. While living with a chronic disease, people develop a certain expertise themselves. An expertise that differs from what rheumatologists know, but nevertheless is extremely valuable. Objectives ReumaNet wanted to know what patients think about their care and how they believe things can be improved. By communicating the results to health care providers, policy makers and industry, ReumaNet wants to start a unique collaboration between professionals and patient experts to improve care for people with RMD's. Methods ReumaNet, the Flemish patient organisation for people with RMDs, developed a survey together with its partners (= rheumatologists, health professionals, industry). The survey was launched in February 2015 and ran until June 2015. It contained 40 online questions for people with an RMD and covered the following items: information, treatment, research, relation with Health Professionals (rheumatologist, physiotherapist, general practitioner and pharmacist), communication between these care takers and the role of patient organisations (POs). Results 711 people completed the questionnaire. Most people completed the questionnaire online, 50 surveys were filled in on paper by people not familiar with a pc. The majority had RA (48%), but also AS, PsA, JIA, CTD, fibromyalgia, OA and osteoporosis or a combinations of different RMD's were represented. The results were analysed in different ways: conditions, age, gender, time of diagnosis. A part of the survey was also analysed based on medication. Only 48% considered themselves well informed about their condition and only 34% were well informed about their treatment and medication. Specially people with a diagnosis of less than 6 months are in great need of more info. A fear of side effects are the main reason not to take medication as prescribed (51%). Fatigue and heredity are the most important issues that should be on the research agenda, according to patients. Rheumatologists score 7/10 on the question: "How satisfied are you with your rheumatologist". Not listening to the patient and not taking him or her seriously are the biggest concerns. Communication between rheumatologist and GP only scores a low 6/10. Most patients do not even know if there is some form of communication and if there is, this obviously is not satisfying for all parties involved. Other HP's score around 80%, which means people with RMD's are happy with their interactions. Spreading information among patients is the biggest task for POs (82%). Young people have the greatest need to meet with peers, but 21% of the same group does not even know a PO exists. Conclusions The results were presented during the World Arthritis Day Symposium of ReumaNet, where the different target groups were present. A debate started the first discussions on these important topics. Health care providers, industry and policy makers were asked how they would tackle the issues in the next five years. ReumaNet is currently meeting with all stakeholders to work together towards better care for all people with RMD's. Opening a 'Reuma Expertise Huis', a place where all expertise on RMD's can come together, was a first step. Disclosure of Interest None declared


BACKGROUND
Sensitization to allergens encountered in baking, and allergic disease including asthma and rhinitis, is recognized. Attempts to reduce this risk have been instituted in some workplaces, but awareness remains low. This study aimed to quantify the current risk among Alberta bakers.

AIMS
To estimate the onset of sensitization to bakery allergens and allergic disease among trainee bakers at the outset of their career.

METHODS
Trainees attending one of the two bakery programmes were recruited between 2015 and 2018. At entry, an interview was held and spirometry and skin prick tests were performed. Participants were contacted every 6 months by telephone or online interview for 3 years to update work and health information. An exit interview was completed between 2018 and 2019 for all who could be contacted. Exposure was estimated using collected work history and a job exposure matrix was prepared for this study.

RESULTS
A total of 220 individuals participated in the entry interview, 204 completed one or more periodic interviews and 113 completed the exit interview. Six who completed exit testing developed new sensitization to bakery antigens, an incidence of 2.49/100 person-years. Positive skin prick tests for bakery antigens were associated with bread making. Rhinitis symptoms were associated with total flour dust and new-onset rhinitis to months in trade. New-onset asthma was related to cumulative exposure to flour improvers.

CONCLUSIONS
Trainee bakers in Alberta remain at risk of sensitization and occupational respiratory disease.


Research of plant RHO-type (ROP) GTPases has considerably accelerated during the last few years. Now it is clear that these small proteins play central roles as signalling molecules during many basic cellular processes including cell shape determination, polar growth and responses to hormones, stress factors or pathogens. ROP GTPases have the po- tential to interact with a plethora of regulators and effectors that finally determines their signalling specificity. These pro- teins, similarly to the ROP GTPases themselves, are coded by small gene families increasing the complexity of the regula- tion. The comparison of gene expression patterns of the individual members of these gene families may help to reveal po- tential signalling chains with biological relevance. In this review previous observation on the differential expression of ROP GTPase genes in various organs and during various developmental processes is summarized. In addition, an inven- tory of presently known ROP GTPases-interactor proteins is provided with brief descriptions and with correlative com- parison of gene expression patterns based on available microarray data.


We present a relativistic molecular dynamics approach based on the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio Lagrangian. We derive the relativistic time evolution equations for an expanding plasma, discuss the hadronization cross section and how they act in such a scenario. We present in detail how one can transform the time evolution equation to a simulation program and apply this program to study the expansion of a plasma created in experiments at RHIC and LHC. We present first results on the centrality dependence of $v_2$ and of the transverse momentum spectra of pions and kaons and discuss in detail the hadronisation mechanism.


Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of hospital admission. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) accounts for 5–10% of deaths in hospitalised patients and is the most common cause of preventable hospital mortality. Prophylactic Low-Molecular-Weight heparin (LMWH) reduces the risk of VTE but is widely under-prescribed. Although LMWH prophylaxis in SVUH has been cyclically audited since 2007, the use of thromboprophylactic LMWH has not been studied in comparison to the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE. Purpose To measure the use of LMWH thromboprophylaxis and to compare this to the rate of confirmed hospital-acquired VTE. Materials and Methods The pharmacy dispensing and stock management system provided data on the use of thromboprophylactic LMWH from 2007 onwards. Data on the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE was collected from the Hospital Information System. These figures were compared with one another. Results The rate of use of thromboprophylactic LMWH in SVUH rose by 26% over the study period. The average incidence of hospital-acquired VTE was 8.3 (range 6.8–9.3) per 1,000 inpatient admissions over the same period. This average is consistent with published rates, but the incidence in SVUH increased over the study period. Conclusions Hospital-acquired VTE is a major public health issue and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Appropriate thromboprophylaxis is considered to be the most effective strategy for preventing VTE. Although the use of LMWH thromboprophylaxis in SVUH increased steadily over the study period, the incidence of VTE also increased over the same period, suggesting that there are other factors (e.g. patient complexity, inappropriate LMWH dosing etc.) influencing the rate of hospital-acquired VTE. Audit of LMWH thromboprophylaxis is a useful tool to assess awareness and compliance with in-hospital VTE prophylaxis guidelines. Trends in the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE may be helpful in assessing the effectiveness of in-hospital thromboprophylaxis, when other factors are taken into consideration. No conflict of interest.


We analyse data from 5,000 competitors who participated in an online soccer managerial game which revolved around the English Premier League (EPL). We show that competitors incorporate into their decisions relevant information about the outcome of a soccer match. Furthermore, forecasts based on managerial game data are significantly better than random forecasts, forecasts based on relative frequency, and forecasts based on teams' attendance, but worse than bookmaker odds. Our work provides an evidence that crowds poses significant amount of information for the match outcome prediction.


Piezoelectric materials have a property that they can convert the mechanical energy to the electric energy and vice versa, and making use of such property, they are used as sensors and actuators. The conventional piezoelectric materials which are piezoelectric ceramics are very hard and brittle, accordingly their application places are restrict-ed. Instead of brittle piezoelectric ceramics, we have focused on flexible piezoelectric rubber for engineering use. At first, the "mixed-type" piezoelectric rubber was fabricated by mixing the rubber and piezoelectric ceramics particles with roll machine; however, its piezoelectricity was very low. Therefore, the "aligned-type" piezoelectric rubber which was aligned piezoelectric ceramics particles in rubber by applying voltage with rubber vulcanization was fabricated. The piezoelectricity of the aligned-type was higher than that of the mixed-type even though it has smaller amount of particles. In addition, it was confirmed that the increase of the force applied to aligning particles enhanced the piezoelectricity of the aligned-type. In this paper, we report the fabrication method and piezoelectricity of piezoelectric rubber, and also reported the result of applications of piezoelectric rubbers to a pinching sensor of foreign matter at the slide door of the rolling stock, and a damage detection sensor at the axle bearing of the rolling stock.


The objectives of the study were to analyze credit service utilization by rural households and to assess the prevailing challenges faced by microfinance institutions in the provision of credit service in the study area. In this study multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select 5 kebeles out of 42 kebeles of the study area and 150 sample households were randomly selected, of which 82 were credit users and 68 of them were non-users. Primary data were collected through structured and semi- structured interview schedule, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group-Discussions. Various documents were reviewed to collect secondary data. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage, and frequency distribution were used to describe the institutional, socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the sample households. In addition, t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare credit user and non-user sample groups with respect to the explanatory variables. Socio-economic factors such as income, possession of fixed asset, risk fearing, saving habit and opinion on group lending had showed significant relationship with credit service utilization. In addition to this, institutional factors like lending procedure, type of collateral required, and training and technical advice had showed significant relationship with credit service utilization. Therefore, credit service providers should give attention to factors that significantly influence credit service utilization by rural households, focus to institutional capacity building, implementing a working and effective follow-up system, and designing human resource development plan need to be implemented by the concerned authorities to improve the performance of microfinance service provision and credit service utilization. Keywords: Credit Service, Rural Households, Credit Utilization, Microfinance


Nurses do not always have visual access to their patients in hospital corridors. During these times, lack of proper monitoring of auditory cues can potentially delay nurse response time and disable early detection of complications. Particular acoustic characteristics of hospital sound environments such as reverberation time can be highly detrimental to nurses' sound-based task performance. In previous studies, the effects of surface materials on temporal characteristics of reverberant corridor sound environments have been studied. However, little is known about the relationship between floor-plate shapes and temporal characteristics of reverberant corridor sound environments. The main goal of this study was to statistically examine the relationship between floor-plate shape and temporal characteristics of reverberant sound environments in inter-connected nursing unit corridors by conducting floor-plate shape analysis, acoustic simulation studies and field measurements. Overall, the findings suggest the potential effectiveness of acoustic simulation programs in predicting the temporal characteristics of reverberant sound environments in inter-connected hospital corridors. Based on the acoustic simulation analysis, reverberation time was significantly correlated with two floor-plate shape metrics: visual fragmentation and relative grid distance.


Pennsylvania officials and physicians are piloting three alternative programs to the current Medicaid system in an effort to improve access to care and control rising costs. This article explores and compares the programs and their benefits.


Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and gamma interferon (gamma IFN) inhibit erythropoiesis in vivo and in vitro, and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the anemia of chronic disease. Anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in animals exposed chronically to IL-1 and TNF can be corrected by the administration of recombinant erythropoietin (Epo). We exposed highly purified human erythroid colony-forming units (CFU-E) cultured from peripheral blood burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E) and unpurified human marrow CFU-E to recombinant human gamma IFN and showed inhibition of colony formation in vitro. This inhibition was reversed by increased concentrations of Epo. The mechanisms by which this effect occurs are unknown at present. Epo may cause a downregulation of gamma IFN receptor expression on CFU-E or, alternatively, gamma IFN may cause a downregulation of Epo receptor expression. A full understanding of these mechanisms awaits a more complete comprehension of the regulation of erythropoiesis; however, the effect of Epo in vitro is similar to its ability to correct the anemia of chronic disease in vivo.


Droplet-based "digital" microfluidics technology has now come of age and software-controlled biochips for healthcare applications are starting to emerge. However, today's digital microfluidic biochips suffer from the drawback that there is no feedback to the control software from the underlying hardware platform. Due to the lack of precision inherent in biochemical experiments, errors are likely during droplet manipulation, but error recovery based on the repetition of experiments leads to wastage of expensive reagents and hard-to-prepare samples. By exploiting recent advances in the integration of optical detectors (sensors) in a digital microfluidics biochip, we present a "physical-aware" system reconfiguration technique that uses sensor data at checkpoints to dynamically reconfigure the biochip. A re-synthesis technique is used to recompute electrode-actuation sequences, thereby deriving new schedules, module placement, and droplet routing pathways, with minimum impact on the time-to-response.


In Reply. —Dr Mazziotti points out some of the challenges in designing and executing a study to determine the effectiveness of different methods of CPR. When comparing two treatment groups, it is essential that both methods of CPR are performed correctly, in similar patient populations, and that the study design enables adequate data acquisition of critical variables associated with the research, as described by the Utstein conference on uniform standards for CPR research. 1 In our evaluation of the effectiveness of ACD CPR in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, our study was designed to maximize the clinical similarities between patients in both treatment groups. Data were collected according to the Utstein recommendations. Mazziotti points out the importance of similar clinical characteristics between groups. In our study, both the standard CPR group and the ACD CPR group had very similar baseline characteristics in terms of age, sex, prior cardiac history, presenting


We investigate the source of stockholder gains in going private transactions. We find support for the hypothesis advanced by Jensen that a major source of these gains is the mitigation of agency problems associated with free cash flow. Using a sample of 263 going private transactions from 1980 through 1987, our results indicate a significant relationship between undistributed cash flow and a firm's decision to go private. In addition, we find that premiums paid to stockholders are significantly related to undistributed cash flow. These results are especially strong for firms that went private between 1984 and 1987 and also for firms whose managers owned relatively little equity before the going private transaction.


Pervasive systems, which are described as networked embedded systems integrated with everyday environments, are considered to have the potential to change our daily lives by creating smart surroundings and by their ubiquity, just as the Internet. In the last decade, "Wireless Sensor Networks��? have appeared as one of the real-world examples of pervasive systems by combining automated sensing, embedded computing and wireless networking into tiny embedded devices. A wireless sensor network typically comprises a large number of spatially distributed, tiny, battery-operated, embedded sensor devices that are networked to cooperatively collect, process, and deliver data about a phenomenon that is of interest to the users. Traditionally, wireless sensor networks have been used for monitoring applications based on low-rate data collection with low periods of operation. Current wireless sensor networks are considered to support more complex operations ranging from target tracking to health care which require efficient and timely collection of large amounts of data. Considering the low-bandwidth, low-power operation of the radios on the sensor devices, interference and contention over the wireless medium and the energy-efficiency requirements due to the battery-operated devices, fulfilling the mentioned data-collection requirements in complex applications becomes a challenging task. This thesis focuses on the efficient delivery of large amounts of data in bandwidth-limited wireless sensor networks by making use of the multi-channel capability of the sensor radios and by using optimal routing topologies. We start with experimenting the operation of the sensor radios to characterize the behavior of multi-channel communication. We propose a set of algorithms to increase the throughput and timely delivery of the data and analyze the bounds on the data collection capacity of the wireless sensor networks. The main contributions of the thesis are listed as follows: • Contribution 1 - Characteristics, challenges and the use of multi-channel communication in wireless ad hoc networks and wireless sensor networks: We review the state of the art channel assignment protocols in wireless multi-hop networks, particularly in wireless ad hoc networks and wireless sensor networks. We classify the existing solutions according to the number of transceivers required per node and according to the dynamics of the channel assignment. Since the channel assignment methods designed for general wireless ad hoc networks may not be directly applicable to wireless sensor networks, we give brief comparisons of them and discuss the additional challenges and requirements for wireless sensor networks. • Contribution 2 - Characterization of multi-channel interference: The assumption of perfectly orthogonal, interference-free channels, which is adopted in most of the multi-channel communication studies, may fail in practice. Radio signals are not limited to their allocated frequency band, but cause interference in adjacent bands as well —how much depends on the filtering characteristics of the transceivers. We conduct an extensive set of experiments, using NrF905 radio, to investigate the properties of multi-channel communication in wireless sensor networks. Based on these experiments, we explore an analytical model on the interference characteristics and by using the analytical model we discuss the impact of channel orthogonality on the network performance with extensive simulations. • Contribution 3 - Design and implementation of a multi-channel MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks: We design a multi-channel MAC protocol, namely MCLMAC (Multi-Channel Lightweight Medium Access Control), which is a schedule based multi-channel MAC protocol that takes advantage of interference and collision free parallel transmissions over different channels. MC-LMAC is designed to provide high throughput and high delivery ratio during high-rate traffic whereas it also meets the traditional requirements of wireless sensor networks such as energy efficiency and scalability. • Contribution 4 - Enhancing the rate of aggregated data collection: We consider enhancing the data collection rate of aggregated convergecast, which is one of the fundamental communication patterns in wireless sensor networks. We focus on the problem of finding the fastest rate of aggregated data collection with TDMA scheduling which is equivalent to minimizing the TDMA schedule length. We explore different techniques to address this question, such as transmission power control and multi-channel communication. We show that, once multiple frequencies are employed along with spatial-reuse TDMA, the aggregated data collection rate often becomes no longer interference-limited, but rather topology-limited. Accordingly, we show that the final step to enhance the rate of periodic aggregated data collection is to use an appropriate degree-constrained tree topology. • Contribution 5 - Fast convergecast scheduling in wireless sensor networks: We focus on data delivery models where data cannot be aggregated and raw sensor readings need to be relayed towards the sink node. We study the minimum time to complete the delivery of the messages in a convergecast operation. Similar to the aggregated convergecast problem, we investigate the benefits of transmission power control and multiple channels to eliminate the effects of interference. Once the interference is completely eliminated, we show that with half-duplex single-transceiver radios, the achievable schedule length is lower-bounded by max(2nk −1, N), where nk is the maximum number of nodes on any subtree and N is the number of nodes in a network organized as a tree. We study a distributed time slot assignment algorithm to achieve this bound when a suitable routing scheme over a capacitated minimal spanning tree is employed.


Author(s): Wang, Yabin | Advisor(s): Hutchison, Michael | Abstract: In this work I study several aspects of the Chinese economy using the notion of home production, that is the idea that households allocate time and financial resources to productive non-market activities.In the first chapter, I study a new channel through which uncertainty hinders private consumption, namely a cautionary effect on household demand for capital goods. I develop a dynamic stochastic home production model with adjustment frictions on household capital, and characterize the optimal investment policy as a function of uncertainty, preferences and home production technology. A key prediction from the model is that higher uncertainty makes households more cautious in undertaking investments in home capital. I test the model prediction using a rich panel dataset on Chinese households, and document two types of cautionary effects: higher income uncertainty reduces the responsiveness of investments to increases in household disposable income and to a policy stimulus. I also find that household investment decisions are nearly insensitive to the variance of permanent income shocks and mainly respond to the variance of medium-run income shocks. These findings highlight the limits to policy interventions that subsidize household expenditures on appliances in conditions of uncertainty.In ``Durable Ownership and Time Allocation: Evidence from China's Home Appliances to the Countryside Rebate ", a joint paper with Ishani Tewari, I estimate the effect of labor saving household technologies on female labor force participation. To organize the empirical analysis, we formulate a model of home production which delivers testable predictions regarding the effect of durable price on adoption, and the impact of adoption on allocation of time between home and the market. Importantly, the model illustrates how changes in time use will be asymmetric for males and females in the household. In drawing the causal link between durable ownership and household time allocation, we exploit price shocks generated by the Home Appliances to the Countryside promotion, a durable goods rebate offered by the Chinese government to certain rural households for specific durables like fridges and washing machines. Results show that eligible households had higher ownership propensity in these categories and this leads to a large and significant reduction in housework, as well as a sizable increase in market work time, and a boost in female LFP. Also consistent with the model, we find the reallocation of time is driven by females, rather than males, in the household.In ``Home Production and China's Hidden Consumption", I show that a significant part of China's private consumption is satisfied through unpaid home production. Using data from the American Time Use Survey and the China Health and Nutrition Survey between 2003 and 2010, I show that time spent at home work has been significantly higher in China than in the U.S., especially for women and retired individuals, although there are signs of a slow convergence towards the U.S. levels. Then I provide a structural analysis of Chinese household consumption and time use. I formulate a partial equilibrium home production model that improves on existing literature by modeling preferences over market vs. non-market work and by including non-employed household members. I show that this model is able to explain the key stylized facts about home production in China. Lastly, I find that the share of non-market consumption to measured GDP is around 40%.


Surgical skills simulation (SSS) tests the application of factual knowledge and shows how knowledge is applied, representing the second and third levels of Miller's Pyramid of Learning. SSS permits high-stakes scenario testing in safe environments. Therefore, SSS incorporation into initial specialty certification began in 2002 in Australia and New Zealand. The United States began SSS incorporation into specialty certification in 2008. This paper will determine where the United States stands in the process of SSS incorporation into specialty certification. Google scholar Internet and PubMed searches phrased "medical board certification surgical skills simulation", performed on September 1, 2016 yielded 16 relevant articles. Hand search on September 1, 2016 yielded 7 additional articles. In 2008, cardiac catheterization simulation was required for interventional cardiology maintenance of certification (MOC). In 2010 the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) required SSS as part of the MOC program. In 2014, the summative assessment, Colorectal Objective Assessment of Technical Skills became part of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery certification. In 2017, SSS will be added to the ABA initial certification examination. The United States has been slow to incorporate SSS into initial certification and MOC. Assessment validation, capital and recurring costs, personnel, physical facility and time requirements are barriers limiting SSS expansion into specialty certification processes. As SSS allows rapid technical skill assessment, without posing a threat to patients, expansion of SSS into initial certification and MOC programs represents non-maleficence and beneficence, and should be encouraged.


Adequate blood calcium concentrations are vital to normal function of mammals. Mechanisms for maintaining normal blood calcium function adequately most of the time; however, occasionally they fail and calcium homeostasis is compromised. Milk fever or periparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cattle is a well-documented example of a breakdown in calcium homeostatic mechanisms. This disease occurs at the time of parturition and is unique to adult dairy animals. The disease results from the inability of animals to cope with the sudden demand for calcium in support of colostrum formation. Animals developing the disease become hypocalcemic and require intravenous calcium to survive. The precise metabolic lesions responsible for the onset of milk fever are still being debated. This report will highlight some of the current concepts related to the causes and prevention of milk fever in dairy cattle, as well as contrasting differences in calcium demands that exist between dairy cattle, humans and rats at the onset of lactation.


The KOBRA (KOrea Broad acceptance Recoil spectrometer and Apparatus) is a multi-purpose recoil spectrometer for low-energy nuclear experiments at the RAON accelerator complex. It is divided into two stages based on the operational function: the first stage (F0–F3) is an in-flight separator or beam transport line, and the second stage (F3–F5) is a large acceptance spectrometer. For spectrometers using radioactive ion (RI) beams, high performance, such as high resolution and large acceptance, are especially required due to the limit of quality of RI beams. In this respect, a dispersion-matching technique and a movable magnet system were employed for high resolution and large acceptance, respectively. Reaction spectra at the focal plane for the dispersion matching mode were obtained and analyzed using a Monte Carlo simulation code. In addition, the geometrical angular acceptances with respect to the distance between the reaction target and the first Q-pole doublet of the second stage were calculated, and the expected maximum solid angle of the spectrometer was estimated.


The main objective of this paper is to investigate the SMEs' leader perspective about the basic factors influencing the transformation into digitalization by SMEs they lead, using technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) Model. The data were collected from 61 SMEs leaders in Oman, to achieve the study objective TOE model has been adopted. Internal consistency and data normality, and factor analysis were implemented. Structural equation modeling (SEM) used to test the proposed hypotheses. The outcomes of SEM indicate that TOE factors are significantly affects the ability of SMEs to digitalize their business process. The study findings come in the context of Omani definition of SMEs. More, no control was made for industry type to which SMEs participants are belong. Leaders of SMEs should frame strategies to simplify the digital transformation of their enterprises and attempt to provide organizational and technological facilities that will smooth their digitalization which will improve SMEs capabilities, as well as, increasing the international competitiveness of the SMEs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is one of the first that investigated the digital transformation among SMEs from the leaders' perspective in Oman.


Background: Most children do not meet the recommended vegetable intake. Involving children in meal preparation could be an effective means to increase vegetable consumption. This assumption is based on the "IKEA effect", which assumes that individuals like self-created objects more than objects created by someone else. Due to this higher preference for self-prepared objects higher levels of consumption of these objects is likely. Thus, this study assumes that children`s involvement in meal planning and preparation has a positive influence on vegetable consumption mediated via liking of vegetables.
Method: 920 parent/child dyads participated in the study. Parents had a mean age of M = 36.09 (SD = 5.43) and children (54% girls) were 8.22 years old on average (SD = 1.42; range 6-11). Children and one of their parents provided self-reports regarding vegetable consumption via questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested with path analysis, accounting for intra-dyadic associations among respective constructs (e.g. parental and children`s food liking).
Findings: Analyses indicated a direct effect of children`s participation in meal preparation on liking of vegetables as well as a direct effect of liking on vegetable consumption. Results were unaffected by controlling for children's age and gender as well as the role model behaviour of the parents concerning healthy eating. However, the assumed indirect effect of children`s participation in meal preparation on vegetable consumption via liking was only 10%-level significant.
Discussion: The findings emphasise the importance of parental encouragement for involving their children in the preparation of meals to improve liking of vegetables and vegetable intake.


Power minimization is a serious issue in wireless sensor networks to extend the lifetime and minimize costs. However, in order to gain an accurate understanding of issues regarding power minimization, modeling techniques capable of accurately predicting energy consumptionare needed. This paper demonstrates that Petri nets are a viable option of modeling a processor. In fact, this paper shows that the Petri nets' accuracy surpasses a Markov model utilizing supplementary variables to account for constant delays.


Long-standing results in urban studies have shown correlation of population and population density to a city's pace of life, empirically tested by examining whether individuals in bigger cities walk faster, spend less time buying stamps, or make greater numbers of telephone calls. Contemporary social media presents a new opportunity to test these hypotheses. This study examines whether users of the social media platform Twitter in larger and denser American cities tweet at a faster rate than their counterparts in smaller and sparser ones. Contrary to how telephony usage and productivity scale superlinearly with city population, the total volume of tweets in cities scales sublinearly. This is similar to the economies of scale in city infrastructures like gas stations. When looking at individuals, however, greater population density is associated with faster tweeting. The discrepancy between the ecological correlation and individual behavior is resolved by noting that larger cities have sublinear growth in the number of active Twitter users. This suggests that there is a more concentrated core of more active users that may serve an information broadcast function for larger cities, an emerging group of "town tweeters" as it were.