BACKGROUND
The aim was to investigate whether tramadol had toxic effect on cerebral neurons and/or spinal cord neurons when it was administered into the cerebrospinal fluid. Due to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and myeloperoxidation (MPO) levels are not specific predictors of neuronal damage, these biochemical markers of tissue damage were evaluated together with the histopathological findings of apoptosis.

METHODS
Forty eight Wistar rats were anesthetized and the right femoral artery was cannulated. Mean arterial pressures, and heart rates, arterial carbon dioxide tension, arterial oxygen tension, blood pH were recorded. When the free cerebrospinal fluid flow was seen; 0.04 mL normal saline (Group Sham) or diluted tramadol in 0.04 mL volume (Group T1, T2, T0.5 and T0.1) was administered within 30 seconds from the posterior craniocervical junction of rats. For the Control Group, the free cerebrospinal fluid flow was seen but nothing was injected in it. After 7 days, following the sacrification of the rats, brain tissue, cervical and lumber segments of spinal cord were collected for the histopathological and biochemical examination.

RESULTS
There was not a statistically significant difference among all groups regarding the brain LPO levels (P=0.485). The LPO levels of the cervical segment of spinal cord and the lumbar segment of spinal cord were also similar (P=0.146, P=0.939, respectively). The mean MPO levels of the cervical and the lumbar segments of spinal cord were similar among all groups (P=0.693, P=0.377, respectively). There were not any statistically significant difference regarding the total number of red neurons of the brain tissue and the cervical and lumbar segments of spinal cord among all groups (P=0.264, P=0.202, P=0.780, respectively).

CONCLUSION
Tramadol had no neurotoxic effect on brain and on spinal cord tissue when administered by the intracisternal route in cerebrospinal fluid in rats.


The literature provides perspectives in relation to the links between student perceptions of learning environment and their cognitive and affective outcomes but falls short in qualitatively explaining what teachers' perceptions are in relation to classroom learning environment and its various characteristics. Hence, this study aimed to investigate teachers' perceptions about learning environment characteristics facilitative to students' outcomes and their conceptualizations concerning the term "learning environment". The study was designed as basic qualitative descriptive research and attempted to elicit qualitative data from eight social sciences teachers working at state secondary schools. The results revealed that teachers had a tendency to conceptualize learning environment as a physical construct at first. Some of them also mentioned the social and psychosocial connotations or dimensions of the term. Three group of factors in the learning environment (categorized as physical, social and classroom assessment-based) were reported to be facilitative to student outcomes by the participants of this study.


The substrate specificity of the 22S dynein ATPase from Tetrahymena cilia was investigated. The 22S dynein exhibited a high specificity for ATP in terms of both apparent Km and Vmax: naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates other than ATP were hydrolyzed slowly with an apparent Km of 0.25-1 mM, a sharp contrast to that of ATP hydrolysis (1-4 microM). Pyrophosphate was a poor inhibitor for the dynein ATPase, indicating weak affinity. Since dynein binds ATP tightly and hydrolyzes it at a high rate, a method to determine a trace amount of ATP in the presence of other nucleoside triphosphates has been developed by taking advantage of this enzymatic characteristic of dynein. The effect of P1,P5-di(adenosine-5'-)-pentaphosphate (Ap5A) on the 22S dynein ATPase was also investigated. Ap5A acted as a weak competitive inhibitor of the ciliary 22S dynein ATPase and the nonlinearity of the double-reciprocal plot of the ATPase was confirmed in the presence of Ap5A.


Electronically steerable passive array radiator (ESPAR) antennas are considered to have the capability to form a beam spatially toward the desired signal with the lowest cost. We propose a method to realize space-time adaptive filtering (STAF) by employing ESPAR antennas for TDMA or CDMA signal waveforms. According to the method, the cochannel interference signals are spatially suppressed by the adaptive beamforming, and the intersymbol interference signals are suppressed by the temporal waveform-based adaptive equalization. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method in the signal environment of a local network communication system.


Introduction Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (FeMRA) can be used as an alternate and safe method to diagnose patients with compromised renal function who present with acute pulmonary embolus in the emergency department (ED) setting. Case Report A 62-year old man with a history of renal transplant and lymphoproliferative disease described new onset of breathlessness. His clinical symptoms were suggestive of pulmonary embolus. He underwent FeMRA in the ED to avoid exposure to intravenous iodinated contrast. FeMRA demonstrated a left main pulmonary artery embolus, which extended to the left interlobar pulmonary artery. Afterward, the patient initiated anticoagulation therapy. With preserved renal function he was able to continue his outpatient chemotherapy regimen. Conclusion This case highlights a safe imaging technique for emergency physicians to diagnose pulmonary embolus and subsequently guide anticoagulation therapy for patients in whom use of conventional contrast is contraindicated.


Abstract : Because of sports injuries, automobile accidents, falls, etc., and with the escalation of the use of improvised explosion devices (IEDs) by our enemies as witnessed in the most recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there has been an increased awareness of closed head concussions, also commonly referred to as the mild TBI (mTBI) injury. The prevalence of this type of closed head brain injury, estimated as afflicting over 300,000 deployed soldiers or approximately 30% of all deployed troops, has distinguished it as the signature injury of these military conflicts. Despite the enormity of this medical problem, and recognition of the importance for the need to quickly and accurately diagnose the event in the face of a limited clinical presentation (i.e. no obvious wounds to the head), objective diagnostic tools and knowledge about what occurs in the brain following this type of injury are limited. Of equal concern is our lack of understanding the impact of multiple concussions on the brain and its consequences on the long term health of individuals. In order to address this problem, the WRAIR projectile concussive impact (PCI) model was developed under directive of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program (CCCRP). Provided in this Year 2 Annual Report are the results of our Phase I studies focused on characterizing the neuropathologic, molecular and neurobehavioral changes following a single concussive impact (PCI) injury. Additionally, this Report also includes data comparing the effects of a single concussive impact to repeated concussive impacts using the PCI model. Phase I studies have been completed and these results set the foundation for Phase II studies designed to evaluate the effects of repeated concussions that occur prior to and after the resolution of the healing profile for a single concussion.


Colorectal cancer screening for average risk individuals beginning at the age of fifty has been recommended by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Radiology (Levin et al., 2008). Colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer of the colon and rectum due to early detection and removal of precancerous lesions and adenomas. Colonoscopy is generally considered to be the preferred method of screening despite the emergence of computed tomographic (CT) colonography and the use of other recommended screening modalities (Rex et al., 2009). Other indications for colonoscopy (ASGE, 2000) include evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, clinically significant chronic diarrhea of unexplained origin, foreign body removal, decompression of acute nontoxic megacolon or sigmoid volvulus, balloon dilation of stenotic lesions and in palliative procedures for colonic obstructive or bleeding neoplasms. Colonoscopy requires thorough cleansing of the large intestine for full visualization as well as the safe and effective completion of the procedure. This chapter describes the rationale for bowel preparation, the types of preparations currently available, complications associated with bowel preparations and special considerations for bowel preparation in specific segments of the population. The consequences of inadequate bowel preparation, use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the procedure and management of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents before and after colonoscopy will also be reviewed. Literature was accessed using MEDLINE (through March, 2011) for all relevant articles published in the English language.


Purpose
Information technology/software (IT/SW) professionals use the business model canvas (BMC) to identify innovative digital solutions that improve their client's business values. This paper aims to address the issue of considering, for a client company, the status of its intangible assets (IAs) in decision-making on the most innovative digital solution.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides a method (BMCIA-method) and a simulation tool (BMCIA-NetSim) to help IT/SW professionals identify and assess an organization's IAs and their impact on the BMC of digital business.

Findings
IT/SW professionals used this approach, at 14 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to identify innovative solutions and add digital value to their businesses. They used the BMCIA to provide their clients (SME's chief executive officer or chief operating officer) with a view of the BMC enhanced with the status of IAs. These expressed interest in the use of the BMCIA and underscore its importance for making better decisions while aligning IT and the business. A survey reveals how well the BMCIA-method performed during its use to discover the best solution to be developed at each SME.

Research limitations/implications
IAs affect the achievement of the business goal targeted using the BMC. If these are not identified, valued and properly aligned with the BMC blocks, critical information is hidden from the eyes of IT/SW professionals and their clients, preventing optimal decision-making on which is the best IT/SW solution to be implemented to add digital value to the client company.

Originality/value
This proposal is unique insofar as it outlines a simulation-based methodological and technical solution using software agents to simulate the impact of the intangible side of an organization on its business model.


Crumpled surfaces (CS) obtained from random and irreversible compactification of aluminium foils are low-density fractal structures which become increasingly easy to deform as their size increases. The authors study the deformation of these objects when submitted to mechanical forces. In particular, they describe the behaviour of eight scaling relations which connect quantities such as stress, strain, surface roughness and geometrical variables for these CS. The critical exponents obtained from the scaling relations and some clues concerning the existence of universal behaviour in these processes are reported.


The lymphatic system contributes to body homeostasis by clearing fluid, lipids, plasma proteins and immune cells from the interstitial space. Many studies have been performed to understand lymphatic function under normal conditions and during disease. Nevertheless, a further improvement in quantification of lymphatic behavior is needed. Here, we present advanced bright‐field microscopy for in vivo imaging of lymph vessels (LVs) and automated quantification of lymphatic function at a temporal resolution of 2 milliseconds. Full frame videos were compressed and recorded continuously at up to 540 frames per second. A new edge detection algorithm was used to monitor vessel diameter changes across multiple cross sections, while individual cells in the LVs were tracked to estimate flow velocity. The system performance initially was verified in vitro using 6‐ and 10‐μm microspheres as cell phantoms on slides and in 90‐μm diameter tubes at flow velocities up to 4 cm/second. Using an in vivo rat model, we explored the mechanisms of lymphedema after surgical lymphadenectomy of the mesentery. The system revealed reductions of mesenteric LV contraction and flow rate. Thus, the described imaging system may be applicable to the study of lymphatic behavior during therapeutic and surgical interventions, and potentially during lymphatic system diseases.


Managing customer relationship is a great challenge in the present era of service revolution. As large numbers of players are now entering into this industry, the intensity of competition is growing among them in very passing day. In the current cut throat competition, customers are becoming very particular to use or not to use services of any organization. Therefore, managing customer relationship is playing dominant role for in almost every service providing organizations, so banks are not an exception. There is a popular belief that higher the emotional intelligence of service provider better will be their ability to manage customer relationship. So the present study is the part of a large study conducted on 300 bank employees working in 5 different banks (both in public and private sector) in the state of Chhattisgarh to assess whether their demographic variables, emotional intelligence and ability to manage customer relationship are related with each other. Data were collected with the help of a schedule to measure emotional intelligence and ability to manage customer relationship and are analyzed with help of ANOVA and Correlations by using SPSS. The study reveals that there exist significant and strong relationship between emotional intelligence, demographic variables and ability to manage customer relationship. Thus, it is concluded that service providers in banks with their high level of emotional intelligence and ability to manage customer relationship can contribute significantly to attract and retain customers and build long term relationship with them.


Summary

1. Sea turtles and sea birds generally have high conservation importance world-wide and are often difficult to survey except when present on nesting grounds. Consequently, many such surveys tag nesting individuals and use tag-resighting models to estimate population size and assess anthropogenic impacts. However, the conventional Cormac–Jolly–Seber (CJS) tag-resighting model is problematic for these species for three reasons: individuals often return to nesting areas in alternating years because of high energetic costs for nesting, estimated detectability confounds changes in survey efficiency with availability on the surveyed beach, and tag loss is confounded with mortality.

2. We develop a robust design model that uses higher-order Markovian transitions to approximate skip-nesting behaviours and incorporates multiple observations for each nesting individual to estimate changes in availability (the probability of returning to the surveyed area rather than alternative nesting areas). We approximate time-varying effects using a flexible spline method and demonstrate the model using data for leatherback sea turtles Dermochelys coriacea and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta in South Africa.

3. The apparent lack of recovery for leatherback sea turtles after implementing beach protection, as observed in nest count data, is likely to be due to declining detectability caused by decreased availability during population recovery (e.g. habitat expansion). By contrast, loggerhead sea turtles have approximately constant detectability and stable abundance since the 1970s.

4. We find that increased fishing effort has no explanatory power regarding changes in survival for either species.

5. Synthesis and applications. Based on study results, we recommend that future tag-resighting programmes for sea turtles and birds are accompanied periodically by count surveys beyond the regularly monitored nesting areas to evaluate evidence of range expansion. However, the identification of range expansion in historical data is only possible using model-based inference and robust design methods such as presented in this study.


Tumor microenvironment, known to exert regulatory functions on tumor cells, plays an important role when a human tumor is xenografted into immunodeficient mice. Primary human tumors xenografts represent a promising strategy to study new therapeutic's efficacy or to understand the mechanisms implicated in tumor relapse. The development of xenografts is linked not only to the aggressivity of the tumor cells, but also to the tumor microenvironment. Tumor xenograft cell proliferation is dependent on microenvironment modifications such as angiogenesis and human blood vessel replacement, host immune cells and the presence of growth factors. The characterisation and a better knowledge of these factors allow for a more appropriate use of xenograft animal models in the evaluation of new antitumor treatments. In this review, we describe the different factors linked to the tumor microenvironment and their impact on the take rate when human tumors are xenografted into immunodeficient mice.


Objective:  The objective of this work is to describe the use and performance of the NSSP ESSENCE system by analyzing the structured query language (SQL) logs generated by users of the National Syndromic Surveillance Program's (NSSP) Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE). Introduction:  As system users develop queries within ESSENCE, they step through the user-interface to select data sources and parameters needed for their query. Then they select from the available output options (e.g., time series, table builder, data details). These activities execute a SQL query on the database, the majority of which are saved in a log so that system developers can troubleshoot problems. Secondarily, these data can be used as a form of web analytics to describe user query choices, query volume, query execution time, and develop an understanding of ESSENCE query patterns. Methods:  ESSENCE SQL query logs were extracted from April 1, 2016 to August 23 th , 2017. Overall query volume was assessed by summarizing volume of queries over time (e.g., by hour, day, and week), and by Site. To better understand system performance the mean, median, and maximum query execution times were summarized over time and by Site. SQL query text was parsed so that we could isolate, 1) Syndromes queried, 2) Sub-syndromes queried, 3) Keyword categories queried, and 4) Free text query terms used. Syndromes, sub-syndromes, and keyword categories were tabulated in total and by Site. Frequencies of free text query terms were analyzed using n-grams, wordclouds, and term co-occurrence relationships. Term co-occurrence network graphs were used to visualize the structure and relationships among terms. Results:  There were a total of 354,101 SQL queries generated by users of ESSENCE between April 1, 2016 and August 23 rd , 2017. Over this entire time period there was a weekly mean of 4,785 SQL queries performed by users. When looking at 2017 data through August 23rd this figure increases to a mean of 7,618 SQL queries per week for 2017, and since May 2017 the mean number of SQL queries has increased to 10,485 per week. The maximum number of user generated SQL queries in a week was 29,173. The mean, median, and maximum query execution times for all data was 0.61 minutes, 0 minutes, and 365 minutes, respectively. When looking at only queries with a free text component the mean query execution time increases slightly to 0.94 minutes, though the median is still 0 minutes. The peak usage period based on number of SQL queries performed is between 12:00pm and 3:00pm EST. Conclusions:  The use of NSSP ESSENCE has grown since implementation. This is the first time the ESSENCE system has been used at a National level with this volume of data, and number of users. Our focus to date has been on successfully on-boarding new Sites so that they can benefit from use of the available tools, providing trainings to new users, and optimizing ESSENCE performance. Routine analysis of the ESSENCE SQL logs can assist us in understanding how the system is being used, how well it is performing, and in evaluating our system optimization efforts.


Recent advances are improving the speed and accuracy of loss estimates immediately after earthquakes so that injured people may be rescued more efficiently After major and large earthquakes, rescue agencies and civil defense managers rapidly need quantitative estimates of the extent of the potential disaster, at a time when data from the affected area may not yet have reached the outside world. Loss estimates for hypothetical future earthquakes are also reaching a level where they are useful for motivating and planning earthquake disaster mitigation.

In many developing countries, urbanization and population are increasing at an unprecedented pace. Therefore, the extent of future earthquake disasters cannot easily be estimated from historical experience that typically dates from a hundred years ago. Even for order of magnitude estimates of future losses, it is necessary to include information on the current quality of buildings, the soil properties, and the present population.


Aims: Angiogenesis, as measured by degree of micro vessel density, has been associated with tumor progression in many tumor types, but does not always correlate with clinical outcome. Aggressive tumor cells were shown to form blood-conducting tubes not lined by endothelial cells, and this phenomenon was termed vasculogenic mimicry. Merkel cell carcinoma is a very aggressive but rare form of skin cancer, of neuroendocrine origin and with increasing incidence. We investigated the presence of vasculogenic mimicry in Merkel cell carcinoma in the Groene Hart Hospital, The Netherlands between 1990-2012.
Methods: Tumor tissues of all patients diagnosed with primary Merkel cell carcinoma in the period 1990-2012 in the Groene Hart Ziekenhuis were assessed on the presence of vasculogenic mimicry.
Results: We found vasculogenic mimicry in 11 (100%) out of the eleven patients primary diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma.
Conclusions: Vasculogenic mimicry is present in all Merkel cell carcinoma we found in our database and appears to be comparable to vasculogenic mimicry described in other tumors. Further investigation to vasculogenic mimicry can probably help us in finding a better understanding of the behaviour of Merkel cell carcinoma consequently a better treatment.


The fast impurity diffusion of 59Fe in beta -Zr and beta -Zr-Fe alloys was investigated. Complementary information about the possible diffusion mechanism was achieved by examining the influence of Fe addition on the Zr self-diffusion (enhancement factor b). Further evidence on the diffusion process in detail was evaluated comparing the macroscopic tracer measurements with microscopic experiments where jump frequencies of the diffusing Fe atoms were studied by quasielastic Mossbauer spectroscopy. The overall mass transport of Fe in beta -Zr as observed by tracer measurements can be entirely explained by a dissociative diffusion mechanism. The diffusional line broadening observed by Mossbauer spectroscopy originates from diffusion via regular lattice sites (vacancy mechanism) where most of the Fe atoms are dissolved.


Abstract Water is important for all life forms on earth-plants, animals and human being, etc. For fresh water necessities, humanity relies on rivers, ponds, lakes and underground water reservoirs. The available fresh water on earth is mounted; however, the demand of fresh water is exaggerated owing to growth and speedy industrial enterprise. Therefore, there is a great need of proper water purification technique with less price. During this situation, solar distillation plays an awfully vital role. This method is analogous to natural water cycle but processed beneath closed and controlled conditions. The basin area of the still, free surface area of water, inlet temperature of water, wind velocity, solar radiation, depth are some of the factors that affect the productivity of the solar still. In the present work, the effects of introducing cylindrical ceramic packing into the basin of a solar distillation unit to increase the area of the basin were studied and compared with the results of solar distillation unit without packing. The maximum efficiency for copper electroplated aluminium basin with cylindrical ceramic packing and black painted basin with cylindrical ceramic packing at three litres of wastewater are 54.86 and 64.64% respectively. Keywords: Solar distillation, copper electroplated Al basin, Al basin with black paint, cylindrical ceramic packing Cite this Article Vamsi Krishna P, Sridevi V, Sri Hari Priya B. Effects of Introducing Cylindrical Ceramic Packing into a Single Slope Solar Distillation Unit. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research . 2016; 3(3):      1–14p.


An assimilation bias occurs when people's evaluative judgement is positively influenced by a previously observed signal. We study this effect by examining investors' appraisal of M&A deals announced one day after other firms in the same 1-digit SIC as the merging parties release earnings surprises. Consistent with assimilation effects, acquirers' M&A announcement stock return initially correlates with the previous day's earnings surprises. This effect reverses after one week. Assimilation generates other distortions as more positive surprises are related to increases in bid competition, takeover premiums, and withdrawn M&As. Evidence from IPOs corroborates the presence of assimilation effects in financial markets. JEL classification: D03; G02; G14; G34; M41


Tablet dosage form is one of the most widely used pharmaceutical. Acetyl salicylic acid is an anti inflammatory medicine, active substance not heat resistant. Starch as a binder of materials in the manufacture of tablets are hydrophilic because amylopectin starch can absorb most of the water. This study aims to determine the variation of the concentration of starch banana heart of stone as the material of binder on physico-chemical properties acid tablets acetyl salicylic meet the requirements of the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia. Based on the explanation above, the research conducted to make four concentration of the starch of banana, i.e. FI (5%), FII (10%), FIII (12.5%) and FIV (15%). From the results evaluation obtained include : flow time, steep angle, indication index, uniformity of weight, hardness, fragility and crumbling time of tablets, all formulas have been qualified by Pharmacopoeia Indonesia. Formulation IV after investigation had better tablet quality.


Milk-fed calves were used as a source of hepatocytes to establish monlayers to test the effects of chronic (41 h) incubation with no hormone, 100 nM insulin, or 100 nM glucagon on gluconeogenesis (glucose retained as glycogen plus glucose released into the medium) from 2.5 mM [2-(14)C]propionate and 2.0 mM [U-14C]lactate (1.0 mM lactate plus 1.0 mM pyruvate) during a subsequent 3-h (acute) incubation. Media for acute incubations contained no hormone, 0 or 10 nM insulin, or 0, 1, 10, or 100 mM glucagon. Chronic glucagon increased gluconeogenesis from propionate and glyconeogenesis from propionate and lactate compared with chronic exposure to medium with no hormone. A chronic glucagon x acute hormone interaction was manifested as an augmented response to acute glucagon on gluconeogenesis from propionate; a similar potentiation was not evident for gluconeogenesis from lactate. The concentration of glucagon required to acutely stimulate gluconeogenesis was increased by prior incubation with glucagon. Acute glucagon decreased the flux of glucose retained as glycogen regardless of chronic hormone treatment. Chronic incubation with insulin diminished the stimulatory effects of glucagon on gluconeogenesis from lactate. Chronic incubation with insulin did not alter the sensitivity or responsiveness at acute glucagon of gluconeogenesis from propionate. The data demonstrate persisting changes that favor increased basal gluconeogenesis from propionate with chronically elevated glucagon coupled to an increased capacity to respond acutely to glucagon and opposing chronic actions of insulin on lactate metabolism. These data suggest that insulin and glucagon target separate pathways that are unique to metabolism of propionate and lactate.


ABSTRACT Passage arrangement design in fin channels is an efficient methodology for the reduction of the thermal deterioration influence of inlet flow maldistribution in multiple-stream plate-fin heat exchangers. In this work, the thermal compensation effects of passage arrangement design under different statistical parameters of inlet flow maldistribution are investigated. The inlet flow maldistribution in inlet header is analyzed and represented with distribution types, mean, and standard deviation of inlet mass flow rate entering the fin channels. A thermal calculation model based on integer–mean temperature difference method is established, and then, the passage arrangement under inlet flow maldistribution is optimized using a hybrid particle swarm algorithm. The thermal compensation effects for different inlet flow maldistributions and passage arrangements are calculated and compared. The results indicate that the compensation effect of optimization design of passage arrangement increases from 1.1% to 3.9% as the standard deviation of inlet mass flow rate increases from 0.06 kg/s to 0.12 kg/s. The results presented in this study can be used by other researchers to guide the passage arrangement design of actual heat exchanger with inlet flow maldistribution.


: To determine appropriate treatment doses of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), the Canady Helios Cold Plasma Scalpel was tested across numerous cancer cell types including renal adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ovarian adenocarcinoma, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Various CAP doses were tested consisting of both high (3 L/min) and low (1 L/min) helium flow rates, several power settings, and a range of treatment times up to 5 min. The impact of cold plasma on the reduction of viability was consistently dose-dependent; however, the anti-cancer capability varied significantly between cell lines. While the lowest effective dose varied from cell line to cell line, in each case an 80–99% reduction in viability was achievable 48 h after CAP treatment. Therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate CAP dose necessary for treating a specific cancer cell type.


Permafrost in the Arctic is decreasing in extent and the depth of the seasonally thawed layer, the active layer, is increasing. Increased exposure to water is increasing fluxes of organic and inorganic solutes with potential impacts for the global carbon cycle and downstream ecosystems. Understanding the relationship between solute release and active layer depth will be critical for modelling environmental impact, especially in inaccessible regions where there is a lack of data. In this study, we focus on the potential for the isotopes of lithium (Li) and uranium (U) to track active layer extent in two permafrost-dominated catchments in Svalbard: one glaciated and one unglaciated. These isotope systems can be measured to a much higher precision than concentration measurements and act as sensitive tracers of environmental change. The extent of Li isotope fractionation provides information on the balance between dissolution of primary phases and formation of secondary phases, such as clay minerals and oxides. The U activity ratio provides information on water-rock interaction times and physical properties. We observe contrasting behaviour between the two catchments. The highest U activity ratios and Li isotope values (those most distinct from bedrock) are observed in summer in the unglaciated catchment, when the active layer depth is expected to be at its maximum extent, whereas negligible seasonal variation and the lowest values are observed in the glaciated catchment. We therefore propose that the extent of solute acquisition is directly linked to the active layer depth, which is restricted in the glaciated catchment due to a layer of `dead ice' underneath the glacial outwash plain, and could therefore provide a valuable tool to assess changes in active layer depth at catchment scales.


Employing the case of the expansion and regulation of hog confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) in Texas combined with the actions of the transnational agri-food corporation Seaboard Farms, Inc., this paper probes the relationship between the state and corporations in the global era. It specifically investigates the ability of the state to control agrifood corporations in a context in which the hyper-mobility of capital has increasingly allowed corporations to by-pass state regulations and requirements. Salient literature is reviewed by grouping it into three camps: the first views the state as largely controlled by corporations; the second stresses the powers left to the state and the fact that corporations need state assistance to successfully operate in the current global economy; and the third acknowledges the crisis of the nation-state under globalization but maintains that the state has retained some ability to resist globalization forces. The case study documents the expansion of Seaboard Farms' hog operations in the Panhandle Region of Texas and nearby states and its interaction with local and state governments and agencies. The article indicates that the relationship between transnational corporations and the state is contradictory. Its source rests on the fracture between varying postures maintained by the state and the relatively homogenous behavior of the CAFO corporations. The case also reveals that the state's limited control of corporate actions is facilitated by state strategies; that corporate actions are successful if corporations enlist the cooperation of the state; and the state is able to control resistance and legitimize its actions to its constituencies. These conditions, however, do not prevent the emergence of anti-corporate resistance at local and state levels. In the search for new forms of socioeconomic development, local residents and their leaders should be aware of corporations' ability to affect state action, state postures that favor corporate designs, and the fact that success-ful opposition to corporate designs can be, and is, carried out.


The II-VI polycrystalline semiconducting materials have come under increased scrutiny because of their wide use in the cost reduction of devices for photovoltaic applications. Cd1−XZnXTe is one of the II-VI ternary semiconductor materials whose bandgap can be tailored to any value between 1.48–2.26 eV as X varies from 0 to 1. It is promising material for high-efficiency solar cells, switching, and other optoelectronic devices. Polycrystalline thin film of Cd1−XZnXTe with variable composition (0 ≤ X ≤ 1) has been deposited on ultraclean glass substrates by screen printing method followed by sintering process. The optical and structural properties of Cd1−XZnXTe thin films have been examined. The optical bandgap of these films is studied using reflection spectra in wavelength range of 350–900 nm by using double beam spectrophotometer. The structure of sample was determined from X-ray diffraction patterns. The films were polycrystalline in nature having wurtzite (Hexagonal) structure over the whole range studied. The lattice parameters vary almost linearly with the composition parameter X , following Vegard's law. Sintering is a very simple and viable method compared to other cost-intensive methods. The results of the present investigation will be useful in characterizing the material CdZnTe for its applications in photovoltaics.


Nickel, a non-noble metal, is one of the most promising candidates for photocatalysis because it is inexpensive and an earth-abundant metal. Herein, Ni/CM-C3N4 nanocomposites with Ni as a cocatalyst were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that Ni nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of CM-C3N4. The prepared Ni/CM-C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited an enhanced hydrogen evolution activity. The most active catalyst contained 10% Ni and produced H2 at a rate of 313.2 μmol h-1 g-1, which was obviously higher than that of pure CM-C3N4. The results of photoluminescence (PL) and photoacoustics (PA) studies indicated that the recombination efficiency of photo-induced electron-hole pairs was decreased for CM-Ni10 as compared to that for unmodified CM-C3N4. The transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements directly demonstrated that the recombination time of electron-hole pairs in CM-Ni10 was prolonged. More importantly, the reversed surface photovoltage (SPV) and the declined surface photocurrent (SPC) response of CM-Ni10 revealed that the photogenerated electrons could be trapped by Ni, leading to a better separation efficiency and a superior hydrogen production. Finally, the possible mechanism is proposed to illuminate the photogenerated charge behavior between CM-C3N4 and Ni, which might provide a theoretical basis to develop efficient cocatalysts for photocatalytic water splitting.


The weeks following the birth of a child can be stressful for new mothers. Maternal stress may be increased when mothers are dissatisfied with instrumental partner support (e.g., division of childcare duties and family decision-making power). The purpose of the current study was to determine if there is an association between dissatisfaction with partner support and maternal stress in the postpartum period, and to examine whether that association is mediated by demand-withdraw communication between partners. Participants were 49 women who completed questionnaires about satisfaction with partner support, female demand/male withdraw communication in their relationship, and their own perceived stress approximately 8 weeks after giving birth. Findings support the hypothesis that demand-withdraw communication mediates the association between dissatisfaction with partner support and maternal stress. This finding suggests that fathers' withdrawal in the context of mothers' requests for discussion or change appears to be associated with increased levels of maternal stress.


Mosaic loss of the Y-chromosome (LOY) in peripheral blood leukocytes is the most common somatic alteration in men and linked to wide range of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. LOY is associated with age, smoking, and constitutional genetics. Here, we aimed to assess the relationships between LOY, serum biomarkers, and clonal hematopoiesis (CH). LOY in U.K. Biobank was strongly associated with levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a key regulator of testosterone bioavailability. Mendelian randomization suggested a causal effect of SHBG on LOY but there was no evidence for an effect of LOY on SHBG. In contrast, age-related CH defined by somatic driver mutations was not associated with SHBG but was associated with LOY at clonal fractions above 30%. TET2, TP53, and CBL mutations were enriched in LOY cases, but JAK2 V617F was depleted. Our findings thus identify independent relationships between LOY, sex hormone levels, and CH.


DURING the past decade our national urge to be thin has approached crusade proportions. In 1959 Stunkard and McLaren-Hume 1 presented the results of a long-term study and reviewed the literature of the preceding 30 years concerning the treatment of obesity. These programs were consistently ineffective. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a weight reduction program consisting of a short initial period of hospitalization followed by dieting at home. Materials and Methods The obese included patients 50% or more above their ideal weight 2 who were seen at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals. Only those subjects discharged from the hospital for at least 12 months were included. The diets used were standard 800-1,200 calorie hospital reducing diets or a 1,320 calorie experimental diet developed at this center. 3 Follow-up data were obtained when subjects were hospitalized subsequently or contacted this institution for their weight


Russula brevipes is common ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungus that is associated with several hosts across temperate forest ecosystems. A previous study has demonstrated that substructuring across large geographic distances (1500 km) occurs in the western USA. To examine genetic structure over a more localized scale, basidiocarps of Russula brevipes from three subpopulations, separated by distances of 230-1090 m, were collected over two consecutive years in an oak/pine woodland. Microsatellite loci were used to test for population differentiation both among subpopulations and by year. No significant population differentiation was detected between subpopulations (theta(ST) = 0.01) or between years (theta(ST) = 0.01). Most loci were consistent with a Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium and 82% of the genets between seasons from similar sampling localities constituted new genotypes. These results indicate that R. brevipes constitutes a randomly mating population with no genetic differentiation between locations or across successive fruiting seasons.


Patients with chronic kidney failure have disturbances of immune function involving both innate and adaptive systems. These result in both immunodepression which increases susceptibility to infection and immunoactivation leading to a chronic inflammatory state [1]. Dialysis treatment may further aggravate aspects of this, especially the induction of inflammation. In addition, there is a growing number of patients who have returned to dialysis programmes following transplant failure. Many of these will have been intensively immunosuppressed, often over years or decades. These patients are at particular risk.


Changing climatic conditions in High Mountain Asia (HMA), especially regional warming and changing precipitation patterns, have led to notable effects on mountain permafrost. Comprehensive knowledge of mountain permafrost in HMA is mostly limited to the mountains of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, with a strong cluster of research activity related to critical infrastructure providing a basis for related climate adaptation measures. Insights related to the extent and changing characteristics of permafrost in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), are much more limited. This study provides the first comprehensive review of peer-reviewed journal articles, focused on hydrological, ecological, and geomorphic impacts associated with thawing permafrost in HMA, as well as those examining adaptations to changes in mountain permafrost. Studies reveal a clear warming trend across the region, likely resulting in increased landslide activity, effects on streamflow, soil saturation and subsequent vegetation change. Adaptation strategies have been documented only around infrastructure megaprojects as well as animal herding in China. While available research provides important insight that can inform planning in the region, we also identify a need for further research in the areas of hazards related to changing permafrost as well as its effect on ecosystems and subsequently livelihoods. We suggest that future planning of infrastructure in HMA can rely on extrapolation of already existing knowledge within the region to reduce risks associated with warming permafrost. We highlight key research gaps as well as specific areas where insights are limited. These are areas where additional support from governments and funders is urgently needed to enhance regional collaboration to sufficiently understand and effectively respond to permafrost change in the HKH region.


This paper examines the relationship between perceptual knowledge and discrimination in the light of the so-called 'relevant alternatives' intuition. It begins by outlining an intuitive relevant alternatives account of perceptual knowledge which incorporates the insight that there is a close connection between perceptual knowledge and the possession of relevant discriminatory abilities. It is argued, however, that in order to resolve certain problems that face this view, it is essential to recognise an important distinction between favouring and discriminating epistemic support that is often overlooked in the literature. This distinction complicates the story regarding how an alternative becomes relevant, and in doing so weakens the connection between perceptual knowledge and discrimination. The theory that results, however—what I term a 'two-tiered' relevant alternatives theory of perceptual knowledge—accommodates many of our intuitions about perceptual knowledge and so avoids the revisionism of some recent proposals in the epistemological literature.


N-methylisatin-beta 4':4'-diethylthiosemicarbazone(M-IBDET) and N-allylisatin-beta-4':4'-diallylthiosemicarbazone(A-IBDAT ) inhibit the production of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Virus inhibition was related to the thiosemicarbazone derivative (TSCD) concentrations and time of treatment. Inhibition of HIV production was confirmed by various parameters of virus assay employing reverse transcriptase activity, plaque forming units (PFU) and levels of viral structural proteins. Effective antiviral TSCD concentrations ranged from 0.17 microM to 2.04 microM for M-IBDET, and from 1.45 microM to 17.4 microM for A-IBDAT. Treatment of the chronic HIV-infected cells for 48 h with 0.34 microM M-IBDET or 2.9 microM A-IBDAT caused about 50% inhibition in as virus yield ED50 as assayed by the PFU method. Almost 2 logs of virus infectivity (PFU) was suppressed after 48 h of treatment with 17.4 microM A-IBDAT. Therapeutic index values of 20 and 30 were found for M-IBDET and A-IBDAT, respectively. A significant selective inhibition of HIV structural protein synthesis was shown by both M-IBDET and A-IBDAT.


Acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence is growing rapidly, and AKI is one of the predictors of inpatient mortality. After nephrectomy, all the patients have decreased kidney function with AKI and recover from AKI. However, the characteristic and behavior of AKI is different from usual AKI and compensatory kidney function has been well known in the postoperative setting, especially in living donors. In this review, we have focused on the compensation of kidney function after nephrectomy in living donors. We discuss factors that have been identified as being associated with kidney recovery in donors including age, sex, body mass index, remnant kidney volume, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and various comorbidities.


Has done research aims to improve learning outcomes and metacognitive skills of students as well as the response of students towards cooperative learning strategies TPS + M. This study uses a research design class action, with 2 cycles of 3 times the meeting. The research subjects were students in grade XI IPA 2-SMAN 4 Banjarmasin totaling 31 people. The data collected through the test results of study, observation, questionnaires, interviews and activity sheets. Data were analyzed by percentage and described qualitatively. The research instrument used in the form of test results to learn an instrument, questionnaire metacognitive skills, the student observation sheet questionnaire responses metacognitive skills, metacognitive activity sheet students, interview guidance sheets and teacher observation sheet activities. Results showed that learning the concept of salt hydrolysis using cooperative strategies TPS + M can improve student learning outcomes by 17.5% from 73.60% in cycle I to 91.1% in cycle II. Metacognitive skills of students through observational data increased by 15.55% with very good category and 43.34% in both categories, while through the questionnaire, students' metacognitive skills in the category increased 22.58% and 35.48% very well in either category. Graders XI IPA 2-SMAN 4 Banjarmasin responded positively to the learning concept of salt hydrolysis using cooperative learning strategies TPS+M.


Graves' ophthalmopathy is one of most frequent extrathyroid manifestation of autoimmune thyroid diseases. In 3–5% cases it has severe progress and requires specific therapy. There are many methods of treatment and it's getting more and more, but that demonstrate no sufficient effectiveness. In this review was made an essay to systematize current data. Also guidelines of consensus EUGOGO for treatment of ophtalmopathy is represented here.


Kept in a cage: Complexation of phthalocyanine-grafted cyclodextrins and a sulfonated porphyrin leads to the formation of supramolecular nanowires through multivalent binding. These complexes contain multiple, preorganised π-electronic cages that efficiently capture C(60) in water.


To develop an effective method to isolate an injured pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 organism from environmental samples, we compared the isolation of freeze-injured and non-injured Y. enterocolitica O:8 and found that the isolation was more successful when immuno-magnetic separation (IMS) with anti-Y. enterocolitica O:8 antibody was used. Plating onto cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin (CIN) agar and Virulent Yersinia enterocolitica (VYE) agar by means of the agar layer method was found to be effective in isolating the injured cells. The alkali treatment which is generally used for selective detection of Yersinia organism failed to isolate freeze-injured pathogenic Y. enterocolitica O:8 cells. Recovery methods without using the alkali treatment were superior for detecting freeze-injured Y. enterocolitica O:8. Our results demonstrate that the IMS and the agar layer methods should be used to isolate injured pathogenic Yersinia organisms from environmental samples such as water.


ABSTRACT Cell wall damage in Staphylococcus aureus induces a rapid genome-wide response, referred to as the cell wall stress stimulon. This response is mediated by a two-component system, the vancomycin resistance-associated sensor/regulator (VraSR). The response regulator protein VraR is a transcription factor. Here, we demonstrate that two VraR binding sites in the vraSR operon control region are involved in the regulation of the vraSR operon. The sites are centered at the −60 and −35 nucleotide positions and are referred to as R1 and R2, respectively. DNase I footprinting and lux operon reporter vector studies showed that both of these sites communicate intimately with each other to fine-tune the activity of the vraSR operon. Mutagenesis of the VraR binding sites showed that dimerization of unphosphorylated VraR at R1 is driven by a hierarchy in VraR binding and by the proximity of the two tandem VraR binding sequences at this site. On the other hand, these studies show that the lack of sequence conservation and the distance between the VraR binding sequences in R2 ensure that VraR is recruited to this site only when phosphorylated (hence, under stress conditions). Furthermore, we demonstrate that sigma A (SigA) factor is involved in the regulation of the vraSR operon. Our study shows that sigma A factor does not bind to the vraSR operon control region in the absence of VraR, suggesting that VraR may interact directly with this factor.


In this paper, the fabrication of novel burnable absorber fuel concepts with oxide pellets, containing either a lumped Gd2O3 rod, a mini‐pellet, or a spherical particle in the centerline of the oxide pellet, is investigated to propose the lumped Gd2O3 burnable absorber fuel concept to improve nuclear fuel performance with longer fuel cycle lengths and better fuel utilization. The unique characteristic of the lumped Gd2O3 burnable absorber fuel is its high spatial self‐shielding factor that reduces its burnout rate and, therefore, improves the reactivity control. Oxide pellets containing lumped Gd2O3 were fabricated by using a combination of cold isostatic pressing and microwave sintering at 1500°C to understand the potential technical issues in the fabrication of duplex burnable absorber fuel. The effect of the sintering temperature on the densification and phase transformation of 8 wt.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia, a surrogate for UO2, was investigated. Spherical Gd2O3 particles were fabricated by the drip casting of a Gd2O3‐based Na alginate solution. The fabrication of duplex oxide pellets by using presintered Gd2O3 mini‐pellets resulted in internal cracks at the interface between the Gd2O3 and 8 wt.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia layers because of the mismatch of their densification. However, the formation of interfacial cracks was eliminated by controlling the initial sintered density of the lumped Gd2O3.


In this paper we give an overview of the present state of fast solvers for the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations discretized by the finite element method and linearized by Newton or Picard's method. It is shown that block preconditioners form an excellent approach for the solution, however if the grids are not to fine preconditioning with a Saddle point ILU matrix (SILU) may be an attractive alternative. The applicability of all methods to stabilized elements is investigated. In case of the stand-alone Stokes equations special preconditioners increase the efficiency considerably. AMS subject classifications: 65F10, 65N30, 76D05


Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) elicits tissue injury involved in a wide range of pathologies. Multiple studies have demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), participate in the pathological development of IRI, and they may act as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or prognostic indicators. Nonetheless, the specific molecular mechanisms of ncRNAs in IRI have not been completely elucidated. Regulatory networks among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs have been the focus of attention in recent years. Studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms have contributed to the discovery of therapeutic targets or strategies in IRI. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the current research on the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes and highlight the important role of these axes in IRI.


Few scientific studies have been made of Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), which is one of the most important fish in the economy of Eskimo and other residents of arctic Canada. In recent years, however, interest in the development of a commercial fishery for char along the west coast of Hudson Bay has been stimulated by the expansion of Churchill. No attempt has been made to establish a fishery since 1932, when J . Ingebrigtsen of Churchill was unsuccessful, but in 1945 F. Martin, a local trader, experimentally canned a sample and proved that a product of high quality could be developed. Between 12 August and 13 September 1948, W. M. Sprules and P. Zamick of the Central Fisheries Research Station made a preliminary survey of Arctic Char in the vicinity of Term Point, lat. 62° 10' N., long. 92° 30' W., some 250 miles north of Churchill. Their object was to obtain biological data about the species, which is anadromous in rivers entering the western side of Hudson Bay north of Churchill River, and to assess its importance as a source of food for the Eskimo and their dogs. The test catches made during this preliminary investigation were too small to assure financial success for a commercial fishery, and it seems that there are at present insufficient char in this particular area to meet native requirements.


Scholars are just beginning to understand how organizational processes shape LGBTQ workplace inequality. Using multimethod data from STEM professionals, this article examines how one such factor—the way work tasks are structured within organizations—may impact LGBTQ workers' experiences of marginalization and devaluation. Through interviews with STEM professionals at two NASA space flight centers with different work structures, we find that LGBTQ professionals at the NASA center where work is organized in dynamic project-based teams experienced less inclusive and respectful interactions with colleagues, in part because they had to rapidly establish credibility and develop new status management strategies each time they were shuffled into new teams. The stability of the traditional unit-based structure at the other NASA center, by contrast, allowed LGBTQ professionals time to navigate status management and build trust. This stability also facilitated LGBTQ community building. Analysis of survey data of over 14,000 US STEM professionals (594 who identify as LGBTQ) corroborates this work structure pattern: LGBTQ professionals across STEM disciplines and employment sectors working in dynamic project-based teams were more likely to report interpersonal marginalization and devaluation than LGBTQ professionals who worked in traditional unit-based structures. These findings highlight work structure as an important mechanism of LGBTQ inequality that demands further investigation.


China's increasing engagement in Africa is not without controversy. While many pundits have seen China as a genuine partner to Africa and its development, others believe its engagement is largely exploitative – a parasitic relationship driven primarily by China's interest in Africa's resources. However, few analyses have approached SinoAfrica relations as a vibrant, two-way dynamic in which both sides adjust to policy initiatives and popular perceptions emanating from each other. This paper contradicts the assumption of most literature to date that seems to borrow from the logic of dependency theory and present African economic as pawns, subject to the demands of a dominant and exploitative China, who is benefiting at Africa expenses. Arguably, Africans are willing partners of the Chinese, driven by their state-centric belief that engagement with the Chinese is in their national interest. For Nigerians, they are engaging with China because it is in their best interest and as the relationship continues to grow, it will need to be managed in order to maximize the benefit to Nigeria. Citation: Ehizuelen Michael MO (2017) African Drives in Snowballing Engagement with the Chinese: The Case of Nigeria. J Glob Econ 5: 274. doi: 10.4172/2375-4389.1000274


Machine learning tools are becoming increasingly powerful and widely used. Unfortunately membership attacks, which seek to uncover information from data sets used in machine learning, have the potential to limit data sharing. In this paper we consider an approach to increase the privacy protection of data sets, as applied to face recognition. Using an auxiliary face recognition model, we build on the StyleGAN generative adversarial network and feed it with latent codes combining two distinct sub-codes, one encoding visual identity factors, and, the other, non-identity factors. By independently varying these vectors during image generation, we create a synthetic data set of fictitious face identities. We use this data set to train a face recognition model. The model performance degrades in comparison to the state-of-the-art of face verification. When tested with a simple membership attack our model provides good privacy protection, however the model performance degrades in comparison to the state-of-the-art of face verification. We find that the addition of a small amount of private data greatly improves the performance of our model, which highlights the limitations of using synthetic data to train machine learning models.


ABSTRACT Twenty clients with Down's syndrome (DS) and 21 clients with non-Down's syndrome (NDS) learning disabilities were assessed using specially selected neuropsychological assessment tools at two time points separated by twelve months. Evidence was found to support hypothesis 1 which suggested that people with DS show a greater decline in social abilities with age, compared with other groups of people with learning disabilities. Statistically, score changes reflecting the social abilities of the DS clients were found to be significantly greater (p < .002) than those of the NDS clients. Findings were explained in terms of poor language abilities in DS people generally, and the link between declining social abilities and dementia.


An exciting new chapter of the OpenAIRE project-series was launched on January 1, 2018.
The mission of OpenAIRE-Advance is to support Open Access and Open Data mandates in Europe and worldwide. The project plays a strong role in strengthening and optimizing services with an end-user (everyone who's been involved in the research lifecycle) optimized Dashboard system. One of its main goals is to make the Pan-European helpdesks more powerful through the NOAD (National Open Access Desk) system so that the NOADs will become key actors in consolidating the national Open Science movement. It commits the research society to Open Science in such a way as to channel Open Science as a service into the research lifecycle. Its primary task is to promote changes in scientific communication, so OpenAIRE will support the development of new generation repositories with new functionalities and new technologies.
Hungary is represented in the project by the University of Debrecen University and National Library. We take part in the three workpackages concentrating on the construction of dissemination and communication channels between stakeholders; strengthening and operating the NOAD network, thus providing stakeholders with assistance and training opportunities, and the development of information and training materials and providing trainings on Open Science.


This paper presents a numerical study of single-electron resonant tunnelling (RT) assisted by a few ionised donors in a laterally-confined resonant tunnelling diode (LCRTD). The 3D multi-mode S-matrix simulation is performed newly introducing the scattering potential of discrete impurities. With a few ionised donors being placed, the calculated energy-dependence of the total transmission rate shows new resonances which are donor-configuration dependent. Visualised electron probability density reveals that these resonances originate in RT via single-donor-induced localised states. The I-V characteristics show current steps of order 0.1 nA per donor before the main current peak, which is quantitatively in good agreement with the experimental results.


Recent research shows that for training with $\ell_2$ loss, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) whose width (number of channels in convolutional layers) goes to infinity correspond to regression with respect to the CNN Gaussian Process kernel (CNN-GP) if only the last layer is trained, and correspond to regression with respect to the Convolutional Neural Tangent Kernel (CNTK) if all layers are trained. An exact algorithm to compute CNTK (Arora et al., 2019) yielded the finding that classification accuracy of CNTK on CIFAR-10 is within 6-7% of that of that of the corresponding CNN architecture (best figure being around 78%) which is interesting performance for a fixed kernel. Here we show how to significantly enhance the performance of these kernels using two ideas. (1) Modifying the kernel using a new operation called Local Average Pooling (LAP) which preserves efficient computability of the kernel and inherits the spirit of standard data augmentation using pixel shifts. Earlier papers were unable to incorporate naive data augmentation because of the quadratic training cost of kernel regression. This idea is inspired by Global Average Pooling (GAP), which we show for CNN-GP and CNTK is equivalent to full translation data augmentation. (2) Representing the input image using a pre-processing technique proposed by Coates et al. (2011), which uses a single convolutional layer composed of random image patches. On CIFAR-10, the resulting kernel, CNN-GP with LAP and horizontal flip data augmentation, achieves 89% accuracy, matching the performance of AlexNet (Krizhevsky et al., 2012). Note that this is the best such result we know of for a classifier that is not a trained neural network. Similar improvements are obtained for Fashion-MNIST.


A noted historian of Renaissance English literature and scholar of comparative literature, Rosalie L. Colie was also a serious poet. This volume brings together 31 of her poems, illustrating the striking interplay between her scholarship and her personal response to the world. The title poem and the shorter poems that follow testify to Professor Colie's versatility as a poet. There are sonnets, elegies, metaphysical speculations, pastorals, love poems all imbued with the intelligence and sensibility that pervaded her life and work.Originally published in 1975.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.


This article examines how the Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music facilitated mobility across socialist borders in the 1960s. The Warsaw Autumn was one of the most important zones of cross-border cultural contact during the Cold War, for its eclectic programming featured musical works and performers from both the Soviet and American zones of cultural, political, and economic influence. The article demonstrates that the festival enabled multiple connections to form across socialist borders. Some of these were top–down, international contacts among socialist state institutions, which resulted in carefully curated performances of cultural diplomacy that tended to reinforce prevailing notions of East–West opposition. Other connections involved informal, personal ties that facilitated the transnational circulation of musical modernism throughout the socialist bloc. The article proposes that the Warsaw Autumn's advocacy of modernist music by unofficial Soviet composers exposed and encouraged the development of cultural affinities that challenged the socialist bloc's presumptive hierarchies while also mitigating the Cold War's broadly drawn divisions between East and West. The article further suggests that the significance of mobility at the Warsaw Autumn in the 1960s depended on the continued fixity of borders in other areas—between states, the Cold War's geopolitical regions, and contrasting musical styles.


In this article, the lines not meeting a quadric cone in PG(3, q) (q odd) are characterised by their intersection properties with points and planes.


Robots can be made more flexible and adaptable by incorporating sensory information into the feedback loop. Visionbased robots can adapt quickly to the emerging requirements of an unknown task and can react appropriately to changes in the environment Because image identitication involves massive arithmetic and data analysis, the traditional approach to using visual feedback has been to separate the problems of obtaining information about the object identity and position according to the camera images from the manipulator control. In this paper, the amount of visual information required is reduced to a minimum so as to speed up image analysis, so that it can be done on-line and on-duty. A spot of definitive color is put onto the object to be idenfitied and manipulated, and the control computer is programmed to search for this unique and definitive color spot in the image captured, relieving the system of the necessity for intricate image idenfitication. The difference between the locations of the spot in stereo images produced by two static, parallel-axis cameras reveals the distance of the spot from the cameras. Three such points detine the location and angular orientation of the object in space. The position of the characteristic spot is determined with respect to the manipulator coordinate frame and, via inverse kinematics, the robot is guided to reach the spot Experimental results of the manipulator reaching a single spot showing the duration of visual for vision analysis and manipulator motion are presented.


Culture has a substantial and definite influence on organizations, organizational behavior, and the management of organizations. Taking the cultural differences into consideration is critical for a successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation. The literature indicates that the cultural differences cause difficulties in the implementation of Western ERP software programs in developing countries.


A parallel orientation between the coordinated substrate enolate and a face-on naphthyl group of the TAD-DOL ligand control the stereochem. outcome of the Ti-catalyzed asym. fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compds. with 1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octanetriethylenediamine (F-TEDA). D. functional theory based quantum-mech. mol. mech. calcns. also disclose the fluorine-transfer step as occurring by a single-electron transfer. [on SciFinder (R)]


Refractive microcapillary lens for hard X-rays is presented. The lens is designed as glass capillary filled by a large number of biconcave microlenses. Fabrication technique for the lens is described. It is shown that the microlenses have a spherical shape. The spherical aberrations of the lens are calculated. The possibility of production of micrometer sized X-ray beams by using the microcapillary X-ray lens is discussed.


Design of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller with proportional, integral, and derivative gains given by ,  and  respectively, for time-delay systems is presented in this study. The centroid of the convex stability region (CCSR) method in the -  plane for fixed  is used. PID controller design for time-delay systems in the -  plane for a fixed  and -  plane for a fixed  have been extensively researched. Despite the amenability of CCSR method to design of PID controller in the -  plane for fixed , its application in this regard has not been given serious attention. The stability region in -  plane for fixed  was determined and the required controller gains in the region were determined using the CCSR method. Using the determined controller gains, the system closed loop unit step response for all the considered regions was plotted on same axes. Based on the obtained results, different combinations of controller gains can be implemented depending on the system time domain performance measures (TDPMs) requirements. However, selection of an appropriate controller gains combinations, requires compromise among any of the conflicting TDPMs.


We calculate the 129Xe chemical shift in endohedral Xe@C60 with systematic inclusion of the contributing physical effects to model the real experimental conditions. These are relativistic effects, electron correlation, the temperature-dependent dynamics, and solvent effects. The ultimate task is to obtain the right result for the right reason and to develop a physically justified methodological model for calculations and simulations of endohedral Xe fullerenes and other confined Xe systems. We use the smaller Xe...C6H6 model to calibrate density functional theory approaches against accurate correlated wave function methods. Relativistic effects as well as the coupling of relativity and electron correlation are evaluated using the leading-order Breit-Pauli perturbation theory. The dynamic effects are treated in two ways. In the first approximation, quantum dynamics of the Xe atom in a rigid cage takes advantage of the centrosymmetric potential for Xe within the thermally accessible distance range from the center of the cage. This reduces the problem of obtaining the solution of a diatomic rovibrational problem. In the second approach, first-principles classical molecular dynamics on the density functional potential energy hypersurface is used to produce the dynamical trajectory for the whole system, including the dynamic cage. Snapshots from the trajectory are used for calculations of the dynamic contribution to the absorption 129Xe chemical shift. The calculated nonrelativistic Xe shift is found to be highly sensitive to the optimized molecular structure and to the choice of the exchange-correlation functional. Relativistic and dynamic effects are significant and represent each about 10% of the nonrelativistic static shift at the minimum structure. While the role of the Xe dynamics inside of the rigid cage is negligible, the cage dynamics turns out to be responsible for most of the dynamical correction to the 129Xe shift. Solvent effects evaluated with a polarized continuum model are found to be very small.


Current heating is used to measure the thermopower of a quantum dot in the Coulomb blockade regime. We observe sawtooth-like oscillations as a function of gate voltage in the thermovoltage across the dot. These observations are compared with measured Coulomb blockade oscillations in the conductance, and with theory.


Shylock, the Jewish moneylender in "The Merchant of Venice" who famously demands a pound of flesh as security for a loan to his antisemitic tormentors, is one of Shakespeare s most complex and idiosyncratic characters. With his unsettling eloquence andhis varying voices of protest, play, rage, and refusal, Shylock remains a source of perennial fascination. What explains the strange and enduring force of this character, so unlike that of any other in Shakespeare s plays? Kenneth Gross posits thatthe figure of Shylock is so powerful because he is the voice of Shakespeare himself. Marvelously speculative and articulate, Gross s book argues that Shylock is a breakthrough for Shakespeare the playwright, an early realization of the Bard s power to create dramatic voices that speak for hidden, unconscious, even inhuman impulses characters larger than the plays that contain them and ready to escape the author s control. Shylock is also a mask for Shakespeare s own need, rage, vulnerability, and generosity, giving form to Shakespeare s ambition as an author and his uncertain bond with the audience. Gross s vision of Shylock as Shakespeare s covert double leads to a probing analysis of the character s peculiar isolation, ambivalence, opacity, and dark humor. Addressing the broader resonance of Shylock, both historical and artistic, Gross examines the character s hold on later readers and writers, including Heinrich Heine and Philip Roth, suggesting that Shylock mirrors the ambiguous states of Jewishness in modernity. A bravura critical performance, "Shylock Is Shakespeare "will fascinate readers with its range of reference, its union of rigor and play, and its conjectural even fictive means of coming to terms with the question of Shylock, ultimately taking readers to the very heart of Shakespeare s humanizing genius. "


The death of Medicago sativa L. cells cultivated in a batch culture was investigated by measuring both the appearance of intact dead cells determined on the basis of the trypan blue (TB) dye exclusion, and the release of the cytoplasmic esterase activity into the culture medium upon cell death. Taking into account the strong instability of this released esterase activity, the total dead cell and lysed cell densities have been estimated. A mechanism for cell death and lysis is proposed and the specific rates of cell growth, death and lysis estimated. The specific rate of appearance of TB dead cells was low and essentially constant (0.25 day(-1)) during the first 8 days of the batch culture, and then increased above 1.5 day(-1) after 2 weeks of cultivation. Whereas no lysis occurred during the first seven days, this phenomenon occurred during the second period and accounted for about 20% of the total cell death by the end of the process. Thus, the viability determined by the trypan blue exclusion method appeared to be invalid after 7 days of culture. When lysis of viable cells is taken into consideration, the specific growth rate was significantly increased and growth was shown to continue for a further 8 days. Increased sensitivity of the cells to shear stresses and consequent cell lysis could be the result of a 35% increase in the cell size


The article demonstrates the difficulty of reconciling conflicting goals when developing SDS is demonstrated: minimizing cost and optimizing storage for a timely response to requests both for commercial purposes and the needs of the State. The special role of the magnitude of the savings public strategic stocks is characterized and risks of their creation and storage are mentioned. The need in accounting for information limitations while analyzing the tasks of the State system of reserves due to problems of openness of data on stocks is pointed out. The feasibility of establishing a strategic oil reserve in Russia is considered. The comparative analysis of different views on the formation of a strategic reserve of crude oil in Russia is made. The foreign experience in the creation and use of both commercial and public strategic reserve is studied. The experience of petroleum storing in the system of Russia state reserve is emphasized. The effects of instability of the energy market on making decisions about establishing strategic oil reserves are shown. The ways of forming oil commercial reserves are examined. It is recommended to create commercial oil reserves on the basis of public-private partnerships. The option of using oil strategic reserves as a tool of the oil market stabilization is supported.


A phosphating process modified for a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel was performed at various temperatures and influence on the surface properties of the Domex steel covered by manganese phosphate (MnP) was investigated by electrochemical corrosion tests supported by a photo documentation performed by the SEM. Corrosion measurements were performed in 0.1M NaCl solution at 22±2 °C using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentio-dynamic polarisation in order to obtain thermodynamic and kinetic corrosion characteristics and individual elements of equivalent circuits. It is that a temperature of the phosphating process has a very significant effect on protection properties of the created manganese phosphate coating on the Domex steel and needs to be strictly monitored. According to results of corrosion testing and surface morphology observations, the optimal temperature for the phosphating process on the tested Domex steel was chosen.


Contemporary discourses on ageing promote active participation as an ideal framework from which to encourage and support older people's health, independence and life satisfaction. But is such a vision of participation meaningful and/or accessible to all older adults? This paper explores how people ageing with disabilities understand the notion of social participation, juxtaposing their accounts with key trends found in ageing policy. Insights from individual interviews and a collective writing project conducted with older adults in Quebec who were living with lifelong disabilities (mobility, vision or hearing) reveal the tensions that exist between policy guidelines and participant narratives. Results highlight three crucial conditions with regard to the community participation of people ageing with disabilities: self-determination, creating an inclusive environment and identity integration. Together, these themes reveal that ageing policies on participation should be revisited in order to improve opportunities for meaningful involvement. Our discussion suggests the need to widen the definition of participation so that it can be used to validate a variety of life options, guarantee structural and cultural access to participative settings and offer social spaces capable of supporting evolving identities, lived experiences and the collective circumstances of ageing with disabilities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Background Multiple methods have been used to analyze fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVHs) which may represent collaterals in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, there is no consensus between methods. Purpose To compare three frequently used FVH methods for predicting early infarct volume and clinical outcome in patients with AIS. Material and Methods Patients with AIS in middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. FVHs were evaluated using extensive FVHs, FVH-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch, and FVH-in/out-DWI. Infarct volume at baseline and day 7 were measured. Early neurological improvement (ENI) was assessed. Good outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 at 90 days. Results Fifty-one patients were included. ENI was 55.6% in patients with extensive FVHs and 23.3% in those without (P = 0.024). Patients with extensive FVHs had smaller infarct volume growth at seven days than those without (P = 0.041). ENI was 48.3% in patients with FVH-DWI mismatch and 15.8% in those without (P = 0.021). Patients with FVH-DWI mismatch had smaller infarct volumes at seven days than those without (P = 0.038). Patients with FVH-out-DWI had smaller baseline infarct volumes, smaller seven-day volumes, and smaller infarct growth than those with FVH-in-DWI (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P = 0.031, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the infarct growth at seven days negatively independently predicted ENI (OR = 0.737, 95% CI 0.593–0.915, P = 0.006). However, none of the FVH classifications could predict a good 90-day outcome. Conclusion Patients with extensive FVHs or FVH-DWI mismatch tend to have early favorable clinical outcome. FVH-out-DWI being associated with smaller infarct growth may also indicate early favorable clinical outcome.


The hazardous pest known as rice leaf roller (Marasmia ruralis Wlk.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which undermines rice (Oryza sativa L.) output globally, folds the leaves of the rice plant. Protein elicitors are thought to be biological elements that causes the rice to become resistant to herbivores. The potential for biocontrol of the emerging elicitor protein evaluated from Verticillium lecanii 2 (PeVL1) was evaluated against M. ruralis. To assess the impact of PeVL1 on immature development, survival, and lifetime, four different PeVL1 concentrations were allocated. Electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) against M. ruralis were used to evaluate adult reproductive efficiency and the interaction between the pest and the pathogen. Furthermore, the characterization of active substances in PeVL1 with multi-acting entomopathogenic effects looked into the direct interactions of PeVL1 with temperature and climatic change in rice (O. sativa) plants. PeVL1 treatments reduced the population increase of second and third generation M. ruralis compared to controls. In a test of host selection, M. ruralis colonized control plants more quickly than PeVL1-treated O. sativa plants. PeVL1 concentrations prolonged the M. ruralis larval stage. Similar to fecundity, PeVL1-treated seedlings produced fewer offspring than control seedlings. On PeVL1-treated leaves, trichomes and wax production created an unfavorable habitat for M. ruralis. PeVL1 changed the surface structure of the leaves, which inhibited colonization and decreased M. ruralis reproduction. The activation of pathways was another aspect of systemic defense activities including jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). Based on these results against M. ruralis, the use of PeVL1 in the agroecosystem with integrated pest management and biocontrol seems appropriate. Our research provides a novel insight into a cutting-edge biocontrol method utilizing V. lecanii 2.


In March 2016, the St. Thomas Law Journal gathered scholars from around the country to discuss whether sanctuary can make communities secure. Our symposium title, "Can Sanctuary Keep Communities Secure?" played on two contrasting approaches to immigration — the notion of Sanctuary, which often stands in tension with legal authority, and Secure Communities, a controversial immigration enforcement program of the Obama Administration designed (but perhaps not implemented as designed) to deport dangerous immigrants.
The conception of this paper arose from the desire to open the symposium by framing issues in the context of Minnesota. I asked the question "What is Sanctuary?" and sought answers from the on-the-ground reality of Minnesota's immigrant communities. The paper answers the question at six levels in the state of Minnesota: (1) the home, (2) houses of worship, (3) educational institutions, (4) cities (and other sub-state authorities such as counties), (5) the state, and (6) national/federal level. "Sanctuary" inherently suggests the need for safety and security, and begs other questions, namely, who needs security and sanctuary, who makes up our community and "homeland" and who gets to speak about and build the legal protections that make up a tapestry of safety.
At each level, at least one specific policy/legal issue is addressed (e.g. separation ordinances in the city section, driver's licenses at the state level, and responses to federal enforcement actions) to show how dynamics have played out in Minnesota. I address the dynamics of immigration federalism in Minnesota to assess the state of sanctuary in the land of ten thousand lakes, by identifying institutional and societal actors: the community, the federal government, the state government, regional authorities (most notably sheriffs), city governments, and civil society groups. How individuals inhabit and exercise power within these institutions matters.
I conclude that Minnesota is a state of reluctant welcome, and that the forces arrayed for and against immigrants (particularly those of unauthorized status) are in an unsteady balance, with pro-immigrant forces gaining some ground in recent years. The elections of November 2016 at both the state and national levels may mark another shift toward law and order and away from the grace of Sanctuary.


This paper describes an inter-area power flow map and market structure for South Korea in Northeast Asia (NEA). These interconnection maps can be selected depending on scenarios involving possible KEPCO power transmission lines for South Korea in NEA. First, we describe a power flow analysis for the KEPCO 2007 power system data in South Korea. We then describe using this data with the PSS/E 28 version tool for an inter-area flow simulation. We drew a power flow map from simulated data. Then, we describe a comparative study we is performed. Second, we present recent market changes in South Korea and then the market structure in a NEA survey. In this paper, we describe the power flow between inter-areas for the KEPCO power system in South Korea, and we describe the resulting power flow data as utilized by the market structure after interconnections.


Intermittent gas supplies for hot-mesh chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for the epitaxial growth of gallium nitride (GaN) films were investigated to improve film crystallinity and optical properties. The GaN films were deposited on SiC/Si(111) substrates using an alternating-source gas supply or an intermittent supply of source gases such as ammonia (NH3) and trimethylgallium (TMG) in hot-mesh CVD after deposition of an aluminum nitride (AlN) buffer layer. The AlN layer was deposited using NH3 and trimethylaluminum (TMA) on a SiC layer grown by carbonization of a Si substrate using propane (C3H8). GaN films were grown on the AlN layer by a reaction between NHx radicals generated on a ruthenium (Ru)-coated tungsten (W) mesh and TMG molecules. After testing various gas supply modes, GaN films with good crystallinity and surface morphology were obtained using an intermittent supply of TMG and a continuous supply of NH3 gas. An optimal interval for the TMG gas supply was also obtained for the apparatus employed.


This paper proposes a novel approach for multimedia signal reconstruction based on kernel density estimation (KDE). We make use of a vector formalism in which vectors consist of a first subvector containing a set of missing samples and a second one containing a set of available context samples. The missing subvector is reconstructed by a minimum mean square error estimator which employs a probability density function (pdf) obtained by KDE. As in any kernel-based method, the main issue to deal with is the estimation of an appropriate kernel bandwidth. We propose an adaptive procedure for bandwidth estimation (BE) especially conceived for signal reconstruction. Thus, unlike general KDE or kernel-based regression, which try to obtain a general fit, the focus of this BE procedure is on the specific missing subvector. Also, in order to exploit local signal correlations, our BE proposal adopts a scaling approach in which the bandwidth is computed as the local covariance matrix scaled by two factors. These two scale factors are obtained by minimization of two different approximations to the reconstruction error. The resulting reconstruction methodology is tested on a spatial error concealment (EC) application in which intracoded images have been transmitted through an error prone channel. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed approach over a wide range of existing EC techniques.


In this pilot study, we aim to analyze MR Fingerprinting (MRF) signal using deep learning network to assess the performance of tissue classification in gliomas. A U-Net based convolutional neural network was trained to learn glioma grades based on the SVD-compressed fingerprint acquired using MRF. Based on data acquired from a 5-minute MRF scan, the method shows great potential to accurately classify glioma grades without the need of image registration and contrast administration.


Theoretical models from social psychology have been widely used by information systems (IS) researchers as theoretical foundations to explain and predict information systems use and acceptance. Unfortunately none of these models explicitly addresses: individual personality traits that trigger intentions within the individuals leading to the observable behaviors of the individual; how environmental factors, such as Culture and Social Situations within which the individual lives impact on the individual's personality traits leading to goal directed behaviors; and how environmental factors such as Facilitating Conditions, Social Situations, Genetic/Biological Factors cumulate into objective consequences of an individual's behavior, the interpretations of such behavior and the reinforcement of that behavior in the individual. This paper presents Triandis' Theoretical Framework that explicitly addresses these personality traits and environmental factors which impact on individual's behavior towards the use and acceptance of IS. An application of the Framework in an IS research study is presented.


The Measure Athletes' Volition consists of 23 items that measure six elements of volitional competences. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether a subset of these items could form a short version of the scale; to provide evidence for the structural validity and internal consistency of the short version; and to test validity issues of the new scale. A total of 831 individuals from three different samples completed the long version of the scale. Results indicated that the short version consisted of 15 items that measured volitional competences of persistence, expediency, and purposefulness. This scale had acceptable internal consistency and construct validity (differences between groups and convergent and concurrent validity). In conclusion, the short version of the scale is a reliable and valid measure for volitional competences.


Mechanisms underlining the cell membrane permeabilization and consequent cellular and intracellular effects are still debated. To shed light on the involvement of phospholipids and water molecules rearrangements in this phenomenon, linear and non-linear optical imaging and microspectroscopy seem particularly appropriate. To combine optical detection with electric pulses used for permeabilization of cells, three delivery setups (microchambers) are presented in this paper. Design and numerical characterization are described and systems performances compared in terms of electromagnetic emissions. The dosimetry of the less radiating microchamber was analyzed in time domain and compared with transmission measurements. Microdosimetry in time domain was also performed to study electric field distribution at cell level. These data give interesting information for interpreting cell microspectroscopic results.


With evolving technology of hyperspectral remote sensors, land surface analyses have been successfully applied to complex urban environment. Also, numerous methods to classify urban areas have been developed in the past years. However, methodological advances are rarely im-plemented in software systems and thus end users that cannot program their own algorithms are not able to make use of them.This study tested a method to classify urban surface materials by applying a library with robust spectral signatures of impervious materials gathered under laboratory conditions (SLUM) on VIS-NIR hyperspectral aerial images (APEX).This was conducted by only using commonly available GIS software like ENVI with its Spec-tral Angle Mapper classification tool. The method was tested with data from the cities of Basel and Baden (Switzerland).The results show that a surface material classification for complex urban areas based on hyper-spectral data and a spectral library is possible with common GIS software. Therefore, it can be conducted by GIS practitioners without the need of programming individual algorithms.The results also show some limitations of the method. Especially large shadows make correct material detection difficult. The accuracy of the classification depends mainly on the quality of the hyperspectral image and should therefore be improved with the latest atmospheric and BRDF correction algorithms. Further development of the method is needed to address problems such as mixed pixels and to improve classification of vegetation and asphalt.


OBJECTIVE
The aim: Determining the influence of cluster factors on the emergence and progression of caries in first- and second-grade children is appropriate in terms of determining the most significant ones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Materials and methods: The dental status of 73 children, residents of Uzhhorod, who study in the first grades of secondary schools, has been assessed, three groups have been singled (the control group 26 healthy children). The indices of essential micro- and macronutrients in the hair, saliva, serum and urine, as well as anxiety level have been determined and the statistical analysis has been performed.

RESULTS
Results: Decreased magnesium and calcium content in hair, serum, urine and mouth fluid, iodine is absent. Children of the third group have high levels of anxiety (80%), high rates of caries (14,8) and significantly reduced levels of magnesium relative to normal.

CONCLUSION
Conclusions: In the patients of the main groups, a direct correlation was found between the presence of somatic pathology and the level of anxiety. In 80% of children of the third group (CSPS≥3) the level of anxiety is high In the main group patients, a direct correlation was found between the presence of somatic pathology, the level of anxiety, and the decrease in magnesium; The intensity of caries only interacts with a high level of anxiety (1.00), that is, in children who are in constant stress, the intensity of caries increases.


Various reflections on the changes that are occurring in the cataloguing process are described, in order to pay attention to the consistent presentation of bibliographic data and assigning the access point, issues that are considered the most important criteria in the quality control of cataloguing. This consistence has been favored by the International Cataloguing Principles, the conceptual models of the Functional Requirements and the guidelines on Resource Description and Access. An important point is that the changes in the various regulations have provided the information professional a basis to judge, from the standpoint of Library Science, bibliographic data and its positioning in the Semantic Web environment.


Feedback is a major factor of student success within higher education learning. However, recent changes - such as increased class sizes and socio-economic diversity of the student population - challenged the provision of effective student feedback. Although the use of educational technology for personalised feedback to diverse students has gained traction, the feedback gap still exists: educators wonder which students respond to feedback and which do not. In this study, a set of trackable Call to Action (CTA) links was embedded in two sets of feedback messages focusing on students' time management, with the goal of (1) examining the association between feedback engagement and course success and (2), to predict students' reaction to provided feedback. We also conducted two focus groups to further examine students' perception of provided feedback messages. Our results revealed that early engagement with the feedback was associated with higher chances of succeeding in the course. Likewise, previous engagement with feedback was highly predictive of students' engagement in the future, and also that certain student sub-populations, (e.g., female students), were more likely to engage than others. Such insight enables instructors to ask "why" questions, improve feedback processes and narrow the feedback gap. Practical implications of our findings are further discussed.