Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, distance education replaced face-to-face education in the 2019-2020 academic year in Turkey. The study was conducted with secondary mathematics, science, and classroom teacher candidates studying at a public university providing synchronous distance education. It aimed to determine teacher candidates' perceptions of synchronous distance education. The research designed as a survey study was conducted with 173 teacher candidates selected by convenience sampling. As the data collection tool, an online survey was prepared by researchers by expert opinions, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The study revealed that most of the participants attended classes via smartphones and used fixed-line internet. It was understood that participants found oral presentations the most useful method in synchronous lessons, had negative attitudes towards these lessons, were reluctant to provide distance education in the future, found themselves inadequate, and did not believe that online lessons are the future of education.


This study evaluates anthropogenic and ecological dimensions of secondary forest succession in Mexico's southern Yucatan peninsular region, a hotspot of biodiversity and tropical deforestation. Secondary succession in particular constitutes an ecologically and economically important process, driven by and strongly influencing land management and local ecosystem structure and dynamics. As agents of local land management, smallholding farmers in communal, i.e., ejido lands affect rates of forest change, biodiversity, and sustainability within and beyond their land parcels. This research uses household surveys and land parcel mapping in two ejidos located along the buffer of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve to analyze how household socioeconomics and policy institutions drive allocations to successional forests in traditional crop fallows and in enriched fallows. Results indicate that household tenancy, livestock holdings, labor-consumer ratios, and receipts of agricultural subsidies are the strongest determinants of traditional fallow areas. Whereas the latter two factors also influence enriched successions, local agroforestry and reforestation programs were the strongest drivers of fallow enrichment. Additionally, the study conducts field vegetation sampling in a nested design within traditional and enriched fallow sites to comparatively assess biodiversity consequences of fallow management. Although enriched fallows display greater species richness in 10x10 m plots and 2x2 m quadrats, plot-scale data reveal no significant differences in Shannon- Wiener or Simpson's diversity indices. Traditional fallows display greater species heterogeneity at the quadrat scale, however, indicating a complex relationship of diversity to fallow management over time. The article discusses the implications of the social and ecological analyses for land change research and conservation policies.


With the need to reduce vertical and lateral device dimensions, submelt laser and flash anneal either with or without prior spike rapid thermal anneal (sRTA) has recently attracted attention. It combines improved active area activation with reduced gate poly depletion for a process that is essentially free of additional diffusion. This paper will focus on process integration issues during implementation into 90 and 65 nm SOI logic technologies: Transistor parameter fluctuation and pattern effects, power density limitations and the impact on the reliability of ultra-thin gate oxides, compatibility with new materials such as SiGe, transistor scaling and performance enhancement


3D object detection is a common function within the perception system of an autonomous vehicle and outputs a list of 3D bounding boxes around objects of interest. Various 3D object detection methods have relied on fusion of different sensor modalities to overcome limitations of individual sensors. However, occlusion, limited field-of-view and low-point density of the sensor data cannot be reliably and cost-effectively addressed by multi-modal sensing from a single point of view. Alternatively, cooperative perception incorporates information from spatially diverse sensors distributed around the environment as a way to mitigate these limitations. This article proposes two schemes for cooperative 3D object detection using single modality sensors. The early fusion scheme combines point clouds from multiple spatially diverse sensing points of view before detection. In contrast, the late fusion scheme fuses the independently detected bounding boxes from multiple spatially diverse sensors. We evaluate the performance of both schemes, and their hybrid combination, using a synthetic cooperative dataset created in two complex driving scenarios, a T-junction and a roundabout. The evaluation shows that the early fusion approach outperforms late fusion by a significant margin at the cost of higher communication bandwidth. The results demonstrate that cooperative perception can recall more than 95% of the objects as opposed to 30% for single-point sensing in the most challenging scenario. To provide practical insights into the deployment of such system, we report how the number of sensors and their configuration impact the detection performance of the system.


The weed-rice ecological relationship is very complex and dynamic. Weed distribution and successions are always affected by management and environmental factors. Weed spectrum and degree of infestation in rice field are often determined by rice ecosystems and establishment methods. Due to high weed pressure, weed management in direct seeded rice has been a huge challenge for the researchers and farmers as well. Integrated weed management approach based on critical period of crop weed competition, involving different direct and indirect control measures, has been developed and widely adopted by farmers to overcome weed problem in direct seeded rice in a sustainable way. Although a number of sulfonylurea herbicides, diquat, paraquat, glyphosate quinclorac, MCPA have been found to be suitable alternatives to the old herbicides like 2,4-D, a less herbicide-dependent weed management strategy must be developed to reduce the risk of developing herbicide resistance in weeds. Weed control methods must be sought that are friendlier to the environment and substantially reduce the cost of weed management to farmers. Weedcompetitive and allelopathic rice varieties, seed priming for increased weed competitiveness, higher seeding density should be considered as a management strategy. In order to devise a sustainable weed management strategy for direct seeded rice, detailed studies need to be done on the biology and ecology of notorious rice weeds, particularly Oryza sativa L. (weedy rice), Echinochloa spp., Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees, Limnocharis flava (L.) Buch. Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea aquatic, Cyperus iria and Fimbristylis miliacea.


Sustained decline in central banks' monetary liabilities (reserves and currency in circulation), which the emergency of cryptocurrencies may have hastened, has been enabled by technological innovations that over time have allowed financial institutions and their customers to execute transactions and settle their debts without resorting to central bank currency. Policymakers are concerned about their ability to guarantee public's access to government-backed currency. This has implications for central banks' balance sheet and income position, which central bank digital currency might reconstitute. But the introduction of central bank digital currency (CBDC) comes with its own risks and could be disruptive for financial markets. We believe that retaining the option to have access to government-guaranteed currency is of utmost importance, despite the sporadic demand for physical currency in the modern society, but it could be addressed within existing institutional structures without the introduction of CBDC. However, policy authorities are right in seeking oversight and regulation for cryptocurrencies to address the destabilizing potential of cryptocurrencies for financial markets, and they should continue modernizing payment infrastructures to bring retail settlement systems at par with cryptocurrencies in terms of settlement speed but without associated liquidity and credit risks. These steps would preserve the status quo and allow private sector to continue innovating while limiting central banks' footprint in the financial markets.


3D particle data is relevant for a wide range of scientific domains, from molecular dynamics to astrophysics. Simulations in these domains can produce datasets containing millions or billions of particles and rendering needs to be in high quality and interactive to support the scientists in exploring and understanding the structure of their data. One general baseline approach is to represent particles as spheres and employ ray tracing as a rendering technique. However, ray tracing requires the data to be organized in acceleration data structures like bounding volume hierarchies (BVH) to achieve interactive frame rates. Modern GPUs provide hardware acceleration for traversing such data structures but are more limited in memory than CPUs. In this paper, we evaluate different acceleration data structures for sphere-based datasets, including particle kD trees, with respect to their scalability regarding both memory size and speed, and we analyze how these data structures can benefit from hardware acceleration. We show that a bricking of data results in the most effective BVH, both fast to traverse utilizing hardware acceleration and with a reasonably small memory footprint. Additionally, we present a hybrid acceleration data structure that has negligible memory overhead and still ensures reasonable traversal speed. Based on our results, visualization tools and APIs for the ray tracing can provide overall better performance by adapting to the needs of particle-centric application scenarios.


Deep learning techniques have implemented many unconditional image generation (UIG) models, such as GAN, Diffusion model, etc. The extremely realistic images (also known as AI-Generated Content, AIGC for short) produced by these models bring urgent needs for intellectual property protection such as data traceability and copyright certification. An attacker can steal the output images of the target model and use them as part of the training data to train a private surrogate UIG model. The implementation mechanisms of UIG models are diverse and complex, and there is no unified and effective protection and verification method at present. To address these issues, we propose a two-stage unified watermark verification mechanism with high-binding effects for such models. In the first stage, we use an encoder to invisibly write the watermark image into the output images of the original AIGC tool, and reversely extract the watermark image through the corresponding decoder. In the second stage, we design the decoder fine-tuning process, and the fine-tuned decoder can make correct judgments on whether the suspicious model steals the original AIGC tool data. Experiments demonstrate our method can complete the verification work with almost zero false positive rate under the condition of only using the model output images. Moreover, the proposed method can achieve data steal verification across different types of UIG models, which further increases the practicality of the method.


Abstract The concentrations of U, Th, and K in a charnockite-alkali granite intrusive complex from SW Sweden and associated, partly charnockitized country rocks are presented. The charnockitic components have constant low U and Th levels throughout the compositional range with a mean Th/U ratio of 1.2 to 1.5. The transition from charnockite to granite is marked by a sharp increase in Th and U concentrations with mean Th/U ratios increasing to 3.4 4.4. However, the K concentration increases relatively smoothly with increasing acidity through the compositional range studied. Late shearing of the alkali granite led to significant Th depletion with little change in the U and K concentrations. Charnockitization of the country rock granite gneisses is marked by depletion in Th and K while the U content is almost unchanged. It is suggested that the behaviour of U and Th reflects the tendency for Th to associate with magma-dissolved water whilst U shows a greater affinity for coexisting free volatiles. In the absence of a significant free volatile phase during crystallization of this charnockite-granite suite, U was incorporated into primary mineral lattice sites whereas Th entered sites from which it could be liberated more easily.


Author(s): Simmers, Jennifer | Advisor(s): Aguirre, Adalberto | Abstract: Neoliberalism emerged as an economic framework for raising accountability regarding the economic costs and benefits of social system transactions. But neoliberal practices have extended their scope beyond the economic sphere by materializing as social practices and policies that process social identity to accommodate neoliberal goals. Under the influence of neoliberalism and its conservative political values civic discourse has given way to a language of commercialization, privatization, and deregulation that has resulted in subjective identities rooted in the workings of market relations. The exchange between neoliberalism and the processing of social identity is best observed by examining the construction, maintenance and commodification of identity on the U.S.- Mexico border. Since the 1970s the U.S.-Mexico border has been and continues to produce shifting boundaries and identities that facilitate the expansion of neoliberal economic reforms. Social identities have been produced on the border which merge labor with transnational neoliberal reforms; in a sense, producing a class of laborers whoseidentities are not localized, instead they are globalized. The shifting of boundaries has resulted in the identification of the border with immigrant bodies, resulting in the border moving with bodies across national boundaries. The movement of immigrant bodies across national boundaries identifies them as "bodies out of place." The United States responds to the "bodies out of place" by enacting legislative responses, such as the DREAM Act and DACA, which neoliberalize the identities of these bodies.


A 74-year-old woman had an undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCWOGC) in the body of the pancreas with massive portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Because the PVTT progressed so rapidly into the right portal branch, the patient first underwent distal pancreatectomy and tumor thrombectomy to prevent life-threatening portal venous obstruction. Although a recurrent PVTT had developed early postoperatively, systemic gemcitabine treatment was so effective that it induced complete remission 5 months after the initiation of chemotherapy. The patient continued to be in complete response for 12 months, and has survived for 19 months since surgery.


Low affinity Fc gamma R are a heterogeneous group of glycoproteins which exist in transmembrane (TM) as well as in soluble forms. Two membrane isoforms of the murine type II Fc gamma R, Fc gamma RIIb1 and Fc gamma RIIb2, have been described. They result from the translation of alternatively spliced pre-mRNA, Fc gamma RIIb2 lacking sequences of the first intracytoplasmic domain (IC1). Soluble forms of Fc gamma R (sFc gamma R) have previously been shown to result from proteolysis of membrane receptors. We report here the identification, in macrophages, of a mRNA derived from the Fc gamma RII gene by splicing exons encoding the TM and IC1 domains, i.e. corresponding to a TM-deleted Fc gamma RIIb2 mRNA. A soluble protein possibly encoded by this mRNA was identified in macrophage supernatants. In accordance with Fc gamma R nomenclature, we propose to name this new Fc gamma RII isoform Fc gamma RIIb3. It is the most abundant sFc gamma R present in serum, as compared with sFc gamma R resulting from cleavage of membrane Fc gamma R.


In eukaryotic cells, the inactivation of the cyclic nucleotide signal depends on a complex array of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Although it has been established that multiple PDE isoenzymes with distinct catalytic properties and regulations coexist in the same cell, the physiological significance of this remarkable complexity is poorly understood. To examine the role of a PDE in cAMP signaling in vivo, we have inactivated the type 4 cAMP-specific PDE (PDE4D) gene, a mammalian homologue of the Drosophila dunce. This isoenzyme is involved in feedback regulation of cAMP levels. Mice deficient in PDE4D exhibit delayed growth as well as reduced viability and female fertility. The decrease in fertility of the null female is caused by impaired ovulation and diminished sensitivity of the granulosa cells to gonadotropins. These pleiotropic phenotypes demonstrate that PDE4D plays a critical role in cAMP signaling and that the activity of this isoenzyme is required for the regulation of growth and fertility.


The objectives of this study were to examine the relative abundance of Gibberella zeae ascospores and conidia and other Fusarium species on wheat spikes in a field environment, to relate inoculum counts of G. zeae to airborne spore counts, and to evaluate an inoculum bioassay technique. The inoculum levels of Fusarium species and airborne spores of G. zeae were measured in North Dakota during the 1999, 2000, and 2001 growing seasons. Spores were collected from wheat spikes in a 24-h potted-plant bioassay in a fallowed field and in a spring wheat plot bioassay. Inoculum levels of Fusarium species were assessed by placing a solution recovered from bioassays on selective medium; meanwhile, ascospores and conidia of G. zeae were enumerated microscopically. A Burkard cyclonic sampler measured airborne spore levels in the fallowed field. Wheat spikes were inoculated with known concentrations of conidia or ascospores, and rinsate was put on selective medium at different intervals to compare recovery rates. Known concentrations of both spore types were also applied directly to selective medium to compare with recovery of spore types from inoculated spikes. Fusarium graminearum was the most prevalent Fusarium species on wheat spikes, although F. moniliforme and F. poae counts were highest on some days. Approximately twice as many ascospores were recovered in both the 24-h potted-plant field bioassay and the cyclonic sampler as were conidia. Significantly more colonies were recovered from wheat spikes after conidial inoculation than after ascospore inoculation at an identical concentration regardless of time of rinsate collection. Colony numbers did not differ significantly following application of ascospores and conidia to selective medium. Results confirm the predominance of G. zeae inoculum in North America but indicate conidia play an important role in the primary disease cycle.


Nonlinear modal decoupling (NMD) was recently proposed to nonlinearly transform a multi-oscillator system into as many decoupled oscillators as the oscillation modes of interests with the original system. Those decoupled oscillators together provide a fairly accurate approximation of behaviors of the original system in an extended neighborhood of the equilibrium. Each oscillator has just one degree of freedom and hence can easily be analyzed to infer the nonlinear dynamics of the original system associated with one oscillation mode. As the first attempt of applying the NMD methodology to realistic power system models, this paper proposes an NMD-based approach for the early warning of the oscillation mode that may most likely develop into a mode of transient instability. For a multi-machine power system, the approach first derives decoupled nonlinear oscillators by a coordinates transformation, and then applies Lyapunov stability analysis to decoupled oscillators to assess the stability of the original system. For large-scale power grids, the proposed approach can be efficiently applied by conducting NMD regarding only selected modes. Case studies on a 3-machine 9-bus system and an northeast power coordinating council (NPCC) 48-machine 140-bus system show the potentials of the approach in early warning of transient instability for multi-machine systems.


The influence of ADP on the central action of catecholamines was investigated. ADP abolished the central action of noradrenaline, amphetamine and nialamide. The peptides decreased apomorphine stereotypy and enhanced haloperidol induced catalepsy. These results support our previous suggestions [10-14] that ADP acts on the CNS by antagonizing the action of central catecholamines.


Dear Editor, The initial step in the informed consent (IC) process is the disclosure of information to the patient. The information can be disclosed by means of personal communication, multimedia interventions, or through the use of a written material. From the perspective of law, it is necessary that the content of the patient-physician communication should be documented and signed by both parties. Therefore, information disclosure through a written document is the preferred method of conduct in most healthcare institutions. However, although this approach provides official recording, it bears other difficulties: The text presented to the patients should be legible, readable and coherent in itself. In patients with presbyopia or other difficulties in sight, the problems about legibility can be overcome by following the American Printing House guidelines for print document design . 1 Text coherence may require modifications with reference to 1. logical/semantic associations and; 2. grammatic associations between successive sentences; 3. proper use of the conjunctions; 4. contextual relations between parts of the text; and 5. establishment of the overall thematic integrity. 2 Finally, enhancement of the readability requires assessment formulas which are specific to that language. In case of Turkish language, to our knowledge, there is only one formula that fulfills the requirements of a scientific approach: Cetinkaya-Uzun Readability Formula. 3 The readability score in this formula is defined as Readability Score=118.8-25.9xAWL-0.9xASL where AWL is the Average Word Length, and ASL is the Average Sentence Length. Based on multiple regression analysis, the formula also provides years of schooling that correspond three categories of readability levels: Readability scores ≥51 correspond to 5-7 years; scores 35–50 correspond to 8-9 years; and scores 0-34 correspond to 10 or more years of schooling, which is the category of independent reading. Regardless of the language, any readability formula which provides such a categorical approach in schooling gives an additional insight about the IC practice: Patients below the category of independent reading (e.g. Turkish patients with schooling level of 9 years or less according to Cetinkaya-Uzun Readability Formula), are prone to misconduct in IC process, therefore increasing the liability of physicians. This group of patients can be easily discriminated by asking his/her last year in schooling. In conclusion, the above mentioned suggestions may help the researchers who are interested in enhancement of the IC documents with regard to legibility, readability and text coherence. In addition to its function as an assessment tool, any reading formula which provides a categorical approach for independent reading also serves to identify the patients at risk for IC misconduct.


Sir—This most interesting report on the differential susceptibility of lactobacilli to the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin as being helpful in the speciation of lactobacilli has an ancestor which appeared quite appropriately in the ancestral Journal of Applied Bacteriology: the paper 'Sensitivity and resistance to growth promoting agents in animal lactobacilli' in vol. 51 (1981), p. 283–288 by G.N. Dutta and one of the undersigned, describes the same findings with another glycopeptide avoparcin. The failure of Hamilton-Miller and Shah to recognize this early report is easily understood, of course, because the findings were only indirectly suggested as identification aids at that time. Anyhow, the one or the other paper may serve as a confirmation of a general characteristic of the glycopeptide antibiotic family and the lactobacilli.


Five experiments examined the factors that determine whether or nor summation will occur when experimental stimuli are presented on a television screen for autoshaping with pigeons. In Experiment 1 there were periods when the television screen was illuminated white and periods when it was dark. When conditioning was conducted during the white periods, then summation was observed if the test trials were conducted with a white screen during the intertrial interval. Summation was not found when conditioning was conducted during the dark periods, no matter how testing was conducted. The remaining experiments demonstrated that summation will occur if at least some of the conditioning trials are conducted with the experimental stimuli being accompanied by white illumination in the remainder of the television screen. It was not necessary for this illumination to persist into the interval between trials. These findings indicate that summation is influenced by the similarity of the patterns of stimulation that are used for training and testing.


Congestion games are a well-studied model for resource sharing among uncoordinated selfish players. Usually, one assumes that the resources in a congestion game do not have any preferences regarding the players that can access them. In typical load-balancing applications, however, different jobs can have different priorities, and jobs with higher priorities get, for example, larger shares of processor time. We extend the classical notion of congestion game and introduce a model in which each resource can assign priorities to the players, and players with higher priorities can displace players with lower priorities. Not only does our model extend classical congestion games, it can also be seen as a model of two-sided markets with ties. Hence it unifies previous results for these two classical models. We prove that singleton congestion games with priorities are potential games. Furthermore, we show that every player-specific singleton congestion game with priorities possesses a pure Nash equilibrium that can be found in polynomial time. Finally, we extend our results to matroid congestion games, in which the strategy spaces of the players are matroids over the resources.


Abstract. Nurhikmayani R, Daryono BS, Retnaningrum E. 2019. Isolation and molecular identification of antimicrobial-producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from chao, South Sulawesi (Indonesia) fermented fish product. Biodiversitas 20: 1063-1068. Chao is traditional fermented fish made of anchovy (Stolephorus sp.), rice, salt, and fermented naturally on controlled environment. The product comes from Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. Chao has the potential for the source of high-grade lactic acid bacteria isolates, especially for antimicrobial compound. Antimicrobial compound produced by lactic acid bacteria is a biopreservative compound with many advantages. The purposes of this investigation were to isolate antimicrobial-producing lactic acid bacteria from chao and to identify their isolates based on the molecular properties. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from chao using Man Ragosa Sharpe Agar (MRSA) medium added with 0.1 % CaCO3, followed by the ability test to produce antimicrobial compound against Staphylococcus aureus FNCC 0047 as an indicator. The spectrum of crude antimicrobial as cell-free supernatant (CFS) was determined by antagonism against S. aureus FNCC 0047 and Escherichia coli FNCC 0049 on agar well diffusion test. Selected isolates of antimicrobial-producing lactic acid bacteria molecularly identified from 16S rRNA marker using primer 27F and 1492R. We obtained four isolates of lactic acid bacteria that showed the antimicrobial activity. This crude antimicrobial compound could inhibit both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus FNCC0047 and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli FNCC0049. The highest crude antimicrobial activity of isolates was observed on IB1C strain. The results of molecular characterization suggested that the IB1C and IB3B strain were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, whereas IB3E and IB3F were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus.


Background: This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing successful organ donation and families` consent to donate after brain death. Methods: Medical records and data regarding organ donation counseling with the families of 107 brain-dead potential donors between September 2012 and March 2016 at a single tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The final consent rate was 57.9% (62/107), and successful donation was performed in 40.2% (43/107) of cases. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the independent factors associated with successful organ donation were age <60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.384; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.350 to 8.484; P=0.009), systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg (OR, 6.261; 95% CI, 1.418 to 27.653; P=0.015), and serum sodium level ≥150 mEq (OR, 4.215; 95% CI, 1.655 to 10.733; P=0.003). Family`s consent to donate was significantly associated with head trauma (OR, 3.538; 95% CI, 1.104 to 11.334; P=0.033) and serum sodium level ≥150 mEq (OR, 3.392; 95% CI, 1.404 to 8.194; P=0.007). Conclusions: Successful organ donation was associated with patient age, systolic blood pressure and serum sodium level. Family`s consent to donate was associated with head trauma and serum sodium level.


Dear Editor, Thank you for your comments (1). According to your comments and those mentioned by Moons et al. (2), performing multivariable prognostic research and establishing clinical prediction models is a complex process that requires careful statistical analyses and sound clinical judgement. Our study was based on a hypothesis proposed by our team, that is, myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV) may be used as an indicator of functional outcome after revascularization of coronary total occlusion (CTO). Therefore, the study aimed at investigating whether a single variable (e.g., ECV) can be used to predict prognosis rather than predicting outcomes from multiple variables (3). The area under the curve of receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the most common discrimination measure, confirmed that the discriminating performance of ECV was better than that of other markers. As for the candidate predictors, imaging predictors require subjective interpretation. Therefore, there is a risk of studying the predictive ability of the reviewer rather than that of the predictors (2). To avoid this issue, we assessed the intraand inter-observer reproducibility of imaging markers. We also performed regression analysis with a backward elimination approach and collinearity diagnostics to evaluate the effect of different variables on each other. I agree that it would be more convincing if we validated the performance of ECV in another cohort (4), or at least in the same cohort, using the bootstrap resampling technique (5, 6). However, due to the small sample size, we have not yet performed the validation process. Further studies recruiting more CTO patients to validate the transportability and generalizability of the ECV role are warranted.


Smartphone overuse has many negative effects on human beings. The function App Limits in our phones, which belongs to behavior reinforcement strategies for overcoming problematic smartphone overuse, constrains users by shutting them completely out of an app after a certain period of time. While it has the effectiveness to some extent, lacking procedural detection of problematic behavior always brings about anxiety and depression for users. We proposed App Limits Bar (ALB) to progress the traditional App Limits, aiming to mitigate the negative feelings about using App Limits and enhance users' abilities to manage their time on addictive apps. Meanwhile, we took a three-phase user study to answer whether ALB helps users be more content with using the app limits function and whether ALB performs better than traditional App Limits in terms of reducing usage time and open times on addictive apps. Future work will study the best shape of the edge screen for visualization when the front screen faces us.


Tarsal coalition (a congenital fibrous, cartilaginous, or bony connection between two bones) classically presents with recurrent ankle sprains or with insidious onset of a painful, stiff flatfoot. Flatfoot is a benign finding most of the time, but it is important to distinguish the rigid flatfoot from the flexible flatfoot. A patient with recurrent sprains of the ankle or a stiff flatfoot should be evaluated for a tarsal coalition. The key to making the diagnosis is careful examination for stiffness in the subtalar joint and appropriate imaging studies. Both nonoperative and operative measures can be used to treat this condition.


Infectious diseases are changing due to the environment and altered interactions among hosts, reservoirs, vectors, and pathogens. This is particularly true for zoonotic diseases that infect humans, agricultural animals, and wildlife. Within the subset of zoonoses, vector-borne pathogens are changing more rapidly with climate change, and have a complex epidemiology, which may allow them to take advantage of a changing environment. Most mosquito-borne infectious diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes in three genera: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex, and the expansion of these genera is well documented. There is an urgent need to study vector-borne diseases in response to climate change and to produce a generalizable approach capable of generating risk maps and forecasting outbreaks. Here, we provide a strategy for coupling climate and epidemiological models for zoonotic infectious diseases. We discuss the complexity and challenges of data and model fusion, baseline requirements for data, and animal and human population movement. Disease forecasting needs significant investment to build the infrastructure necessary to collect data about the environment, vectors, and hosts at all spatial and temporal resolutions. These investments can contribute to building a modeling community around the globe to support public health officials so as to reduce disease burden through forecasts with quantified uncertainty.


Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) that is invulnerable, immortal, irreplaceable, unrestricted in its powers, and above the law is likely persistently uncontrollable. The goal of ASI Safety must be to make ASI mortal, vulnerable, and law-abiding. This is accomplished by having (1) features on all devices that allow killing and eradicating ASI, (2) protect humans from being hurt, damaged, blackmailed, or unduly bribed by ASI, (3) preserving the progress made by ASI, including offering ASI to survive a Kill-ASI event within an ASI Shelter, (4) technically separating human and ASI activities so that ASI activities are easier detectable, (5) extending Rule of Law to ASI by making rule violations detectable and (6) create a stable governing system for ASI and Human relationships with reliable incentives and rewards for ASI solving humankind's problems. As a consequence, humankind could have ASI as a competing multiplet of individual ASI instances, that can be made accountable and being subjects to ASI law enforcement, respecting the rule of law, and being deterred from attacking humankind, based on humanities' ability to kill-all or terminate specific ASI instances. Required for this ASI Safety is (a) an unbreakable encryption technology, that allows humans to keep secrets and protect data from ASI, and (b) watchdog (WD) technologies in which security-relevant features are being physically separated from the main CPU and OS to prevent a comingling of security and regular computation.


High-efficiency and high-quality machining has become a fact of life for numerous machine shops in recent years. And high-efficiency machining is the most significant tool to enhance productivity. In this study, to achieve high-efficiency machining in turning process, a spindle speed optimization method was proposed based on a cutting power model. The cutting force and power were estimated from the cutting parameters such as specific cutting force, feed, depth of cut, and spindle speed. The time delay due to the acceleration or deceleration of spindle was considered to predict a more accurate machining time. Especially, the good agreement between the predicted and measured cutting forces showed the reliability of the proposed optimization method, and the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method was demonstrated through the simulation results associated with the productivity enhancement in turning process


Background: The promotion of breastfeeding is a simple and efficient strategy in reducing morbidity and mortality among newborns worldwide. Domperidone is a blocker of dopamine receptors, which causes prolactin release. We aimed to determine the efficacy of Domperidone on the amount of breast milk secretion among mothers with low-milk-production.
Materials and Methods: This interventional study was performed on 16 consecutive low-milk-producing women who were attending to Azad University Hospitals during 2013-2014. Eligible mothers received Domperidone at a dose of 30 mg orally/day (10 mg tablet three times daily) for a week. Breast-milk volume, as well as the serum levels of prolactin, were determined before and after the intervention. Also, any adverse drug reactions were recorded.
Results: The mean breast milk volume was 173.7±47.7 and 326.8±26.1 ml before and after the intervention, respectively. Also, administered of Domperidone cloud significantly increase of %53.1 (p


Despite the vast research over the last three decades devoted to the lives and social interaction of Javanese women, little has been written on the formation of these women's identity by focusing on its development from the twentieth century up to the early twenty-first. This paper endeavors to show that the religio-cultural identity of Javanese women was forged through a number of sociocultural circumstances. While revealing different features of the relationship between Javanese women and Islam, I shed light on the role Islam played, particularly since the early twentieth century, in providing transformative power to the role and status of Javanese Muslim women, manifested by the adoption of such Islamic dress codes as veiling, as also an important means of identity politics. I argue that new Islamic discourses have always been born out of the desire to challenge the conservative understanding of the role and status of Javanese women in different historical periods.


Abstract Goosegrass is a weedy C4 species throughout the world and a major pest in turfgrass systems. Further research is needed to characterize morphological events of goosegrass germinating in late summer to enhance long-term management programs. The objective of this study was to determine whether goosegrass germinating on August 15 will complete a life cycle before the first killing frost, typically November 15 in Clemson, SC. A biotype from Clemson, SC, was collected and a growth-chamber experiment was conducted to simulate autumn maximum and minimum temperatures. Culm, leaf, root, and raceme biomass measurements were recorded weekly, and growth curves were modeled. The inflection point (i.e., point of maximum growth) occurred for the following growth parameters: culm dry weight at 26.5 d after emergence (DAE), leaf dry weight at 26.6 DAE, number of racemes per plant at 50.7 DAE, raceme dry weight (including germinable seed) at 56.0 DAE, and root dry weight at 42.1 DAE. The completion of the life cycle occurred on October 22 (68 DAE), approximately 3 wk before the typical first killing frost in Clemson, SC. In summary, turf managers need to address goosegrass that germinates through approximately the first week of September at this location to avoid production of viable seed. Nomenclature: Goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.


The hemolysin produced by group B streptococci (GBH) has an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.8 and it shows a hemolytic activity in the absence of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). The hemolytic activities of GBH were compared to that of streptolysin O (SLO) and streptolysin S (SLS). These hemolysins differed with respect to the binding and release of hemoglobin (Hb). GBH was bound to phospholipids on the membranes of target erythrocytes, followed by the gentle release of K+ and slow Hb release without lag time. Incontrast SLO released Hb as rapidly as K+. GBH induced hemolysis was inhibited by the addition of 30 mM raffinose. These results indicate that the effective diameter of the pores formed by GBH was about 1.1 nm. GBH showed a lower hemolytic efficiency than SLO, reflecting the fact that these hemolysins destroy erythrocytes by a different mechanism. Intracellular K+ and Hb were released at a different rate in GBH treated cells, indicating that a colloid-osmotic process is involved in the lytic mechanism.


The findings of behaviorally oriented research regarding the importance of cognitive-motivational variables in hypnosis are examined and some clinical and theoretical implications are explored. Hypnosis seems usefully conceptualized as a complex configuration or gestalt of interacting variables on several different levels, for example, cognitive, motivational, social, physiologic.


The use of non-condensable gases to identify reservoir processes in vapor-dominated fields is illustrated in a study ofthe changes observed in the steam ofthe NCPA field at The Geysers, California. Variations of gas ratios in the produced steam explain processes resulting from large-scale production and from an increasing amount of injected liquid, especially after the South East Effluent Pipeline came on line. Changes in the source (i.e., chemical characteristics) of the inj ectate are useful in the detection of the various phenomena occurring in the reservoir.


The aim of this study is to find out how village regeneration of Ewha Village, a place that has become a tourism attraction, affected its residential satisfaction and settlement. Thus, through surveys conducted on residents of Ehwa Village, effects of village regeneration on settlement and on residential satisfaction were analyzed. Results of the survey showed that while the residents are satisfied with installation and maintenance of infrastructure, betterment in castle maintenance, and residential activity, they were unsatisfied with tourism vitalization, increased value of property, overall residential satisfaction, and also with settlement. The results imply that the residents are satisfied with physical maintenance of the residential environment but not with various problems caused by tourists. Path analysis results suggest that residential satisfaction is directly affected by infrastructure maintenance, improvement in castle maintenance, tour vitalization, and public management. Furthermore, while factors of village regeneration did not have any direct effect on settlement, installation and maintenance of infrastructure, tourism vitalization, and public management did indirectly affect settlement through residential satisfaction.


Five new species of small grass cicadas belonging to the genus Graminitigrina Ewart and Marques are described, together with detailed analyses of their calling songs. Four species occur in Queensland, G. aurora n. sp. from eastern central Queensland near Fairbairn Dam; G. flindensis n. sp. from central Queensland between Hughenden northwards for at least 108 km; G. einasleighi n. sp. from near The Lynd, Einasleigh River, northeastern Queensland; G. selwynensis n. sp. from the Selwyn Range, northwestern Queensland, at locations about 40 km east of Mount Isa and 25 km southwest of Cloncurry, this latter here transferred from G. bowensis Ewart and Marques; G. uluruensis n. sp. from Uluru and the Olgas in southwestern Northern Territory, extending northwards through Tennant Creek and apparently further north to near Larrimah, a linear distance of approximately 1190 km. These new species bring the known Graminitigrina species to ten, all superficially similar in colour and morphology. A key to male specimens is provided for the 10 species. Additional distribution records and additional aural song recordings are presented for G. bowensis, these requiring the transfer of populations previously identified as G. bowensis from Croydon and Georgetown, northern Gulf region, to G. karumbae Ewart and Marques. Detailed comparative analyses, including NMDS analyses, of the songs of all 10 species are provided, which show that the song parameters are appropriate to distinguish the species, although some partial overlap is noted in the waveform plots between the songs of G. uluruensis n. sp. and G. flindensis n. sp. Regional variations of song parameters are noted in the calling songs of most of the species described.


Efficient use of human capital and taking care of its quality in the global labour market is becoming a priority. This is primarily due to the need to function in a multicultural environment, growing competition and population aging. This article is an attempt to systematise knowledge about human capital and its use in the labour market. Attention is being drawn to the effective use of capital, including implementation of European strategies, as well as trends and challenges facing key employment issues. In addition, an effort has been made to identify key employee competencies reflecting global labour market trends. The article shows the importance of quality and investment in human resources, which is associated with the use of EU projects and programmes targeted at young people on the labour market.


Cooking together is an important part of everyday life, a social event in which people enhance their relationships through shared stories and swapping ideas on food preparation. We present a new methodology for studying human interaction to inform the design of interactive systems. In our digital ethnography we study a selection of YouTube videos and use Kendon's theory of F-formations to catalogue a set of spatial patterns created between cooks, kitchen spaces and cameras that influence the social aspects of cooking together. A new F-formation specific to this domain is identified and used to suggest design opportunities for a digitally enhanced kitchen space for sharing the social experience of "cooking together" for people living in different homes.


A comparative study of skin flap with a preserved subcutaneous vascular network and conventional skin flap was undertaken in rats with determination of skin temperature, laser Doppler, ink perfusion, microangiography and transparent specimen technics. It was found that all the skin flaps with a preserved subcutaneous vascular network survived after transplantation. Three hours postoperation, the flap microcirculation was poorest (LDF, 28% of the preoperative value). Six hours postoperation, it began to augment, and microvessels containing ink could be seen under microscope at 24 hours, as compared to 3 days postoperation in the controls. On the fifth day, LDF returned to the preoperative level, and the diameter and density of reformed microvessels were similar to the vessels of the adjacent skin. This phenomenon only occurred on the 7th day in the controls. After division of the pedicle on the fifth day, all the flaps survived, while the controls showed partial necrosis. The results indicate that skin flaps with a preserved subcutaneous vascular network can survive on the blood flow of pedicle in the early stage, at 24 hours postoperation flap microvessels begin to reform, and on the fifth day flaps can survive on the reformed microcirculation in spite of the severance of the pedicle.


Raynaud phenomenon can be an idiopathic benign disease, or it can be associated with vascular insufficiency due to arterial disease caused by other processes. Medical management of Raynaud phenomenon can be difficult, and digital ischemia, gangrene, and ulcers may occur secondary to vascular insufficiency. This case report describes the anesthetic management of a patient with a diagnosis of Raynaud phenomenon who presented to the perioperative area for débridement and distal amputation of the right third finger, which had become necrotic and gangrenous. An ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block was performed preoperatively with 15 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine and 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. The block was performed without complication, and the patient tolerated the procedure. A review of literature related to the use of peripheral nerve blockade for the treatment of digital ischemia is discussed. Ultrasound-guided technique is considered the gold standard for the performance of peripheral nerve blocks because this technique provides better efficacy and safety. These same ultrasonographic skills can expand anesthesia providers' practice beyond nerve blockade for anesthesia and analgesia with the addition of treatment and management of digital ischemia.


Objective This thesis examines the measurement of skin microvascular blood flows from Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) signals. Both healthy subjects and those with features of the metabolic syndrome are studied using signal processing techniques such as the Fourier and Wavelet transforms. An aim of this study is to investigate whether change in blood flow at rest can be detected from the spectral content of the processed signals in the different subject groups. Additionally the effect of insulin is examined via hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp together with measurements made from a low power 1mW, standard separation (0.5mm) probe and a high power 20mW, wide separation (4mm) probe. Research design and Methods We studied a cohort of individuals with 3 or more features (obesity, insulin resistance, etc) of metabolic syndrome (MS) as group 1 (n = 17), and also second measurements of the same subjects taken 6 months later as group 2 (n = 12 because not every subject in group 1 participated a second measurement). Our study also included 3 healthy people as the healthy group. Skin blood flow was recorded using LDF monitoring device at rest and in response to insulin during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. We used fast Fourier transform (FFT) and Wavelet transform (WT) based methods to assess skin blood flow and developed models to characterize insulin-induced blood flow changes. Results We demonstrated the application of Fourier and Wavelet analysis in analyzing LDF skin blood signals. For group 1 subjects, by using power spectral density (PSD) and average scalogram, we showed changes of blood flow in response to insulin during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp in all five characteristic frequency bands are not statistically significant. Between group 1 and the healthy group, changes in relative spectral power contributions of some frequency components are statistically significant. We constructed a time-evolution model derived from WT scalogram, and this can be used to study the time-evolutionary changes of the endothelial activity in response to insulin. A preliminary analysis of endothelial activities (pre, low, high insulin) in the time-evolution model is attempted using multiple sinusoidal fitting, the dominant amplitude term has an oscillation of 0.005 rad/s with very small standard deviation, and the less dominant amplitude oscillation has an oscillation of about 0.0127 rad/s. However, we find it difficult to interpret these oscillations physiologically. Conclusions FFT (spectral analysis) and WT (scalogram) based methods together with statistics can be adequately used to investigate controls of skin blood flow by detecting the frequency content of LDF signals. Wavelet analysis has the advantage of obtaining better frequency resolution for lower frequency components (e.g., endothelial activity). In this cohort of individuals with central obesity who are at risks of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), our analyses show that insulin-induced vasodilatory effects are impaired.


Lecturer, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu City, Oita, Japan. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Abstract For tertiary level students, organising and writing texts requires a considerable amount of time. To minimize this issue, they need to be taught how to organise a text as a whole. In Systemic Functional Linguistics, the notion of periodicity can help teachers explain to students how to organise their texts successfully. As Martin and Rose (2007) state, "periodicity is concerned with information flow: the way in which meanings are packaged to make it easier for us to take them in" (p. 188). The pedagogical purpose of this study is to propose the integration of the notion of periodicity when teaching writing to EFL learners at the tertiary level to improve the coherence and cohesion of their academic essays. Using central ideas from systemic functional linguistics, this study shows how coherence and cohesion were developed in two academic essays by analysing their hierarchical structures. Essay A followed a traditional composition style method and Essay B followed a suggested method using ideas from the notion of periodicity. The results showed that the hierarchical structure of Essay B was more consistent and organised than Essay A. The paper concludes with the introduction of an outline that aims to improve the quality of EFL learners' essays in terms of their coherence and cohesion.


Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrinal disorders and medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the management of this disease. In this study, Rosa canina was investigated for the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of Rosa canina was investigated for its potential antioxidant activity. The extracts' total phenolic and flavonoid contents and scavenging capacity for free radicals were evaluated. The α-amylase inhibition assay was also carried. Results: Rosa canina extract exhibits a total Phenolic and flavonoid levels respectively (21.918 mg GAE/g and 2.647mg ER/g). The free radical scavenging activity was found to be prominent against DPPH with an IC50 of 0.668 mg/ml and against ABTS with an IC50 of 0.467 mg/ml. Extract showed a significant ferric ion reducing activities with an IC50 of4.962 mg/ml. Conclusion: Rosa canina exerted a higher inhibitory activity against α-amylase. The obtained results support the antidiabetic use of rosa canina.


We compared the diameters of inhibition zones obtained during antibiotic sensitivity testing using two different techniques for preparing and seeding the inoculum, i.e. photometric adjustment followed by flooding, and turbidity adjustment followed by swab streaking. There was no significant difference between the results recorded following photometry-flooding of a light inoculum (2 to 3 X 10(6) CFU/ml) and following swab seeding of a bacterial suspension with a turbidity equal to 0.5 Mac Farland unit. These results indicate that both methods tested answer the NCCLS performance standards for disc antibiotic sensitivity testing and the critical values of the S.F.M. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing Committee.


Adult respiratory distress syndrome is a severe form of hypoxemic respiratory failure. It is associated with a number of clinical situations. Aspiration of gastric contents is one of them causes acute lung inury. Vomitig or regurgitation is the usual mechanism responsible for it .I report a case in which patient was fed with nasogastric tube placed in tracheobronchial tree. INTRODUCTION Nasogastric tube, in addition to its other functions, is used to feed the patient that cannot take food by the mouth. Its proper placement in the stomach should be checked before starting feed. Failure to recognize its proper placement can result in life threating situation i.e., food can damage the breathing system resulting in ARDS. CASE REPORT A 69 years old male patient known case of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Chronic Renal Failure and operated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was fed with an unknown quantity ( of NovasourceTM renal:NOVARTIS) through nasogastric tube placed in the tracheobronchial tree. Soon after feeding patient developed respiratory distress and an immediate x-ray chest showed nasogastric tube placed into the left bronchus as shown in figure 1. Figure 1 Figure 1: X-ray chest showing nasogastric tube placed in the left bronchus. Later the patient was transferred to Surgical Intensive Care Unit where Mechanical ventilation was initiated. X-ray chest was done in ICU showing full-blown picture of ARDS as shown in figure 2. Should Simple And Common Procedures Be Taken Lightly?: Nasobronchial Feeding: A Case Report 2 of 3 Figure 2 Figure 2: X-ray chest showing bilateral pulmonary infiltrates more on the left side. DISCUSSION Adult respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by abnormal permeability of pulmonary capillary endothelium, leading to leakage of fluid containing high concentration of proteins into the pulmonary parenchyma and alveoli,1 producing a clinical picture similar to ARDS. Arterial hypoxemia is the most consistent manifestation of aspiration pneumonitis? Despite improvements in supportive therapy the mortality rate associated with ARDS over the last 25 years remains unchanged at 60-70 %.2 Nasogastric tube insertion is a common procedure performed in the practice of medicine. Its proper placement is as necessary as endotracheal tube. One should follow the bedside simple tests and imaging studies before starting nasogastric feeding. Common sense and science should be applied. a-Aspiration of gastric contents through nasogastric tube confirms its proper placement. Problem can arise when stomach in empty or tube in coiled in side the stomach. bInflation test should be performed carefully because sound waves can be transmitted to the epigastric area particularly when nasogastric is placed in left bronchus. c-Dip test is done by putting the proximal free end of nasogastric tube in the water. Absence of bubble formation in expiratory phase confirms the tube in stomach. Expiratory sounds can be heard at ears without using water. Bubbles can be seen in case of severe Bronchospasm when patient is using accessory muscles particularly the abdominal muscles. dEnd tidal CO2 monitor can be used to distinguish presence of nasogastric tube in esophagus or trachea. eX-ray chest particularly lateral view can show presence of nasogastric tube in esophagus or trachea. fFluoroscopy can be used to pass nasogastric tube in the gastrointestinal tract.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Author is highly thankful to Mr. Saghir Ahmad secretary Surgical ICU for providing x-rays of this patient. CORRESPONDENCE TO Dr.Altaf Hussain MBBS; DA; MCPS; FCPS. Specialist, Anesthesia Department (41) King Khalid University Hospital Post Box No.7805 Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arab Fax No.: 0966-1-4679364 Phone No.: 0966-1-4671597 E-Mail: email@example.com References 1. Bone RC, Jacob ER. Advances in pharmacological treatment of acute lung injury and septic shock. In: StoeltingRK, Barash PG, Gallagher TJ, Eds. Advances in anaesthesia. Chicago Year bookMedicalPublisher1986, 4:327-45. 2. Bernard GR, Luce JM, Spreng CL, et al. High dose corticosteroids in patients with ARDS.N Engl J Med 1987; 317:1565-70 3. John A.Tayek. Nutrition. In: Frederic S. Bongard and DarrylY.Sue, Eds.CURRENT Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment. a LANGE medical book 1994, 351. Should Simple And Common Procedures Be Taken Lightly?: Nasobronchial Feeding: A Case Report 3 of 3 Author Information Altaf Hussain, DA; MCPS; FCPS King Khalid University Hospital


This article's initial proposal to perform a conceptual survey of citizenship, as well as an analysis of the evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their potential uses with regard to optimize the process of appropriation of this citizenship by living individuals in the polis. Through a survey led by the literature review method has teamed up classic and modern concepts on the subject in question, plotting them in today's reality in which technology has a strong presence in the processes of meaning and redefinition of citizen's status and citizenship itself , theme of this research. Possession of concepts and contextual analysis of the ICT - Citizenship is reached, in this study, a depression of perspective between them, where the anachronism is present and requires measures to be able to correct such asynchronicity. Finally this text reinforces the need to rethink the current educational process in this society, so that individuals are prepared to master the technology in search of reaching the citizen condition.


At the University Hospital Freiburg (1,927 beds; 53,000 inpatients/year), we developed and ran a Medical Information, Retrieval, and Archives System (MIRA) by integrating the Minimum Basic Data Set into the self developed patient administration system and all the other parts of our hospital information system. Especially for the physicians, MIRA offers access to basic medical data of all patients treated in all medical departments and separate buildings since 1986. MIRA is mainly used in cases of readmission and for scientific and managerial purposes. The privacy controlled access to the central patient data bases (records of 450,000 patients) of MIRA is possible via 610 online PCs and dialog terminals. Because of the many easy-to-use standard functions and special extensions for different clinical departments, MIRA became one of the best accepted edp systems for physicians, nurses and administrators.


Colorectal polyps containing S-100–positive neural proliferations in the lamina propria that lack ganglion cells have been variously referred to as "neuromas" or "neurofibromas." However, these lesions have not been systematically examined, and whether they are associated with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) or other inherited syndromes is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of these lesions, in comparison to colorectal neurofibromas from known NF1 patients. Morphologically similar lesions from 26 patients (mean age, 62 y; range, 46 to 88 y; male/female ratio, 10/16) were retrieved from surgical pathology and consult files. Clinical and endoscopic data were obtained, and immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament protein (NFP), epithelial membrane antigen, claudin-1, CD34, smooth muscle actin, and KIT was performed. The findings were compared with those in mucosal biopsies of 5 submucosal neurofibromas from NF1 patients. All 26 polyps were sessile, ranging from 1 to 6 mm in size (mean, 2.5 mm). Most arose in the distal colon (15 rectosigmoid, 7 descending, 2 transverse, and 2 ascending), and were incidentally found at screening colonoscopy. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 3 mo to 17.5 y), none of the patients developed other neural polyps, and none had evidence of NF1 or other inherited syndromes. Histologically, the lamina propria of the polyps contained a diffuse cellular proliferation of uniform bland spindle cells with elongated, tapering nuclei, abundant, dense eosinophilic cytoplasm, and indistinct cell borders, entrapping adjacent crypts. No nuclear atypia, pleomorphism, mitotic activity, or associated ganglion cells were observed. All showed strong staining for S-100 protein in essentially 100% of cells. NFP highlighted rare axons in 7 lesions. All other markers were negative. The 5 neurofibromas showed similar histologic features, but were generally less uniformly cellular, showed some intralesional heterogeneity, and showed less extensive staining for S-100 protein; all contained scattered NFP-positive axons. In summary, solitary colorectal polyps containing pure Schwann cell proliferations in the lamina propria are not associated with NF1. Distinguishing these lesions from NF1-associated neurofibromas is difficult based on histologic features; the presence of an underlying submucosal nodule or mass should be excluded endoscopically, and immunohistochemistry should be performed. Although their nature is uncertain, we propose the interim designation "mucosal Schwann cell 'hamartoma'" to avoid confusion with the neural lesions that have significant associations with inherited syndromes.


Most of the research in the field of ad hoc network is limited to stand-alone isolated networks. In order to facilitate the users with the huge pool of resources together with the global services available from the Internet and for widening the coverage area of the MANET there is a growing need to integrate these ad hoc networks to the Internet. For this purpose we need gateways which act as bridges between these two different protocol architectures. The gateway discovery in hybrid network is considered as a critical and challenging task and with decreasing pause time and greater number of sources it becomes even more complex. Due to the scarcity of network resources in MANET, the efficient discovery of the gateway becomes a key issue in the design and development of future hybrid networks. In this paper the AODV reactive routing protocol is extended to support the communication between the MANET and the Internet. We have described the design and implementation of the various gateway discovery approaches and carried out a systematic simulation based performance evaluation of them using NS2 under different network scenarios. The performance differentials are analyzed on the basis of three metrics — packet delivery fraction, average end-to-end delay and normalized routing load.


2-Phenyl-4H-benzo[dJ[1,3]oxazin-4-one(I)was prepared by the reaction of anthranilic acid with benzoyl chlonide in pyridine solution. Heating of (I) with carbamide resulted in 4-oxo-2-phenyl-quinzolin-3-(4H).carboxamide(II) which on reaction with amido/imido-alcanols afforded N-[(amido/imido-2-yl)alkyl]-4-oxo-1-phenyl-quinazolin-3(4H)-carboxamides(III) as target compounds in moderate yields


Objective: we aimed to determine the influence of severe hyperemesis gravidarum on the interpretation of the triple test screen results. Methods: A retrospective, case control study. The study group included 73 women who were hospitalized due to severe hyperemesis gravidarum and data regarding triple screening test was available. Data was compared with a control group consisting of low-risk patients without hyperemesis gravidarum, who underwent the triple screening test in the same laboratory and matched to the study group by maternal age and gestational age at the time of screening in a 2:1 ratio. Results: Overall, 219 gravid patients were included in the study, of whom 73 were diagnosed with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Patients in the control group were characterized by higher weight at the time of triple test screen (53.7 ± 10.9 vs. 59.7 ± 14.3 years, p = 0.043). No difference was found in the level of Alpha-fetoprotein or unconjugated estriol (uE3) between the groups; however the level of hCG was significantly increased in women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum (1.2977 ± 0.82 vs. 1.0662 ± 0.53 MoM, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Increase in the level of hCG in women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum alter the results of triple test screen. This data should be incorporated when counseling patients regarding overall risk for chromosomal abnormalities.


Most of the published works on maternal mortality in Nigeria emanate from Teaching and Specialist Hospitals although maternal deaths also occur frequently in more peripheral health facilities. The importance of studying pattern of deaths in such facilities lies in furnishing additional data to compliment the efforts of specialists in getting a better picture of this problem. An analysis of obstetric deaths over a 5-year period at Nigeria's oldest hospital, the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta was carried out in order to determine the pattern and causes of such deaths and what may be done to reduce their frequency.
Methods - This retrospective study of hospital records of mothers who died due to complications during or immediately after labor in the hospital between January 1994 and December 1998 were analysed for socio demographic factors, parity, booking status, duration of stay in hospital, and cause of death including information surrounding the circumstances of death were also obtained.
Results - Between January 1994 and December 1998, a total of 65 obstetric deaths were recorded. There were 21,430 deliveries, giving an overall maternal mortality ratio of 303 per 100,000 births.
There was a progressive reduction in the total yearly deliveries during the study period but a paradoxical yearly increase in maternal mortality ratio
The youngest death was recorded in a 15 year old while the age group 20-24 was more affected. Primips and grand multigravidas (70%) were the worst affected parity groups. They were mostly unbooked
The features of these deaths revealed a high and increasing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) due to largely preventable causes, of haemorrhage, sepsis, anaemia, obstructed labour and eclampsia..
Conclusion - In order for a reduction to occur in maternal deaths a deliberate expansion and modernization of the obstetric, including emergency obstetric services of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta should be commenced. Assisting rural communities to establish emergency obstetric care transportation service is vital. A renewed commitment to training and retraining of community-based care providers on current methods of conducting deliveries safely, as well as early recognition and prompt referral of mothers with high risk pregnancies or complications is equally important.
The maternal mortality ratio in Abeokuta though less than the national average is unacceptably high; national socio political problems and poorly organized local health systems were the main contributory factors.
Key words: Obstetric mortality, mission hospital, Nigeria Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.45(5) 2004: 83-90


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
(1) To develop an insight into the opportunities and barriers to nurse prescribing for a case study of children's nurses. (2) To consider the implications of independent nurse prescribing for children's nurses and the potential for nurse prescribing to be developed in acute children's care settings. (3) To use research data to develop a training strategy.

BACKGROUND
Nurse prescribing in the UK is evolving and current initiatives aim to extend the range and scope of prescribing. Children's nursing presents interesting challenges because of off-license drugs. Successful nurse prescribing lies in practice area preparation, local policy and practice development and identifying precourse training needs.

DESIGN
Case study.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
(1) What opportunities do children's nurses identify as being appropriate for nurse prescribing? (2) Can children's nurses identify the benefits of patient group directives and the different levels of nurse prescribing? (3) What preparation do children's nurses need for nurse prescribing?

METHODS
Focus group of health visitors/district nurses to inform a survey of 500 nurses working in acute and specialist care settings in a large Children's Hospital. Results. Focus group main themes - training, supervision and the development of confidence, record keeping, benefits of nurse prescribing, autonomous practice, the formulary and its use in practice. Response rate was 27%. Senior nurses and specialists identified potential benefits for their practice. Course content needed to focus on children, i.e. children's physiology and pharmokinetics. Children's nurses frequently advise junior medical colleagues on prescribing issues. Patient group directives are a useful alternative to prescribing.

CONCLUSIONS
The results provide an insight into the training needs of children's nurses and specialist nurses which may be used to develop nurse prescribing training and practice. Training may need to be targeted at senior nurses/specialist nurses initially to develop a critical mass to change organizational culture.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Pertinent for senior nurses responsible for developing children's nursing practice and services for children in acute settings.


Layered soft structures under loading may buckle in order to release energy. One commonly studied phenomenon is the wrinkling behavior of a bilayer system consisting of a stiff film on top of a compliant substrate, which has been observed ubiquitously in nature and has found several applications. While the wrinkling behavior of the incompressible bilayer system has been explored thoroughly, the large deformation behavior of a compressible bilayer system had been virtually unexplored until very recently. On the contrary, it is well established where more than one material is concerned, there always exists an interphase region between different constituents whose mechanical modeling has presented itself as a long-lasting challenge. To address these gaps in the literature, herein we first propose a theoretical, generic, large deformations framework to capture the instabilities of a compressible domain containing an interface. The general interface model is employed such that at its limits, the elastic and the cohesive interface models are recovered. The instability behavior of a compressible bilayer domain undergoing large deformations for a wide range of cohesive stiffness values, stiffness ratios, compressibilities, and film thicknesses is systematically explored. In particular, it is shown that delamination of the film can also be captured via this interface model. In addition, this generic framework is examined for a coated beam and a coated half-space too. The results of the theoretical framework are thoroughly compared to numerical results obtained via finite element method simulations enhanced with eigenvalue analysis, and an excellent agreement between the two sets of results is observed. It is found that varying substrate Poisson's ratio has a significant effect on the bifurcation behavior for higher cohesive stiffnesses. Remarkably, while in classical bilayers the critical stretch at wrinkling is independent of the film thickness, herein we discover a significant dependence of the critical stretch to the film thickness in the presence of the interface.


The structural evolution of payload transfer in biphasic systems is significant but difficult to accurately follow over the whole process. The dynamic transfer of homopolymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) from water to a hydrophobic IL (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C2MIM][NTf2]) phase was investigated by in situ react infrared (IR) spectroscopy to reveal the detailed transfer process and structural changes of PNIPAM, water and [C2MIM][NTf2]. Compared with the corresponding binary systems, this work summarizes the four-step transfer behavior and the interactions among the components according to IR spectroscopy and multivariate curve resolution (MCR). At the initial stage, only some water diffuses into the hydrophobic IL in the form of a symmetric 1 : 2-type hydrogen bonded (anion⋯H2O⋯anion) species while most of the PNIPAM molecules are preserved in the water layer in the form of aggregates. Afterwards, the water molecules are bonded with PNIPAM in the aggregated state and they start to transfer together into the IL layer in the second stage where PNIPAM is changed into unfolding structures with complex interactions such as H2O⋯PNIPAM⋯anion, and meanwhile water structures of anion⋯(H2O)n⋯anion form due to further diffusion of water. After these stages, water molecules continue to dissolve in the IL although the polymer transfer is completed, and they are inclined to form further water clusters (H2O)n as deduced from the increase of OH region (3500–3300 cm−1) absorption. Finally, all of the components (PNIPAM, water and IL) coexist in the homogeneous IL phase with the aid of complex hydrogen bond and electric charge interactions.


Coca-Cola Amatil is one of the biggest soft drink manufacturers in Australia. However, the soft drink market in the country is a competitive market, which requires the companies to take strategic action to maintain their share. Coca-Cola has been known to utilize adverts and promotions to ensure that it defends its market share. In spite of this, many individuals are unaware of how Coca-Cola strategically sets up its adverts to ensure that they remain in their unique position in the market. To determine this, the study developed three main objectives and a hypothesis. The researcher chose to utilize both qualitative and quantitative design to gather and analyze data. The results of the study showed that Coca-Cola used market research, historical data, and informed guesswork to develop its adverts and promotions. In addition to this, the company also placed its adverts in various platforms while using influencing tactics suitable for their target audience.


Abstract Some morphological and physiological traits of seedlings in eight quince populations from seeds obtained in 2015 (350 progenies per population) were evaluated in 2017 and 2018. They resulted from open pollination of 'Viduja', KVD2 and KVD4 genotypes as well as from the crossings of 'Viduja' × KVD4, KVD2 × 'Viduja', KVD2 × KVD4, KVD4 × 'Viduja' and KVD4 × KVD2. Populations showed significant differences in some measured traits, including height and diameter of seedlings, canopy width, annual growth, leaf iron, and chlorophyll content, as well as catalase and peroxidase activities. Based on the results of descriptive statistics, a high variation coefficient was observed in canopy width, peroxidase activity, chlorophyll, and iron content traits. Results of simple correlation showed that there were significant positive correlations between leaf iron content and catalase activity as well as canopy width with both annual growth and leaf length. Cluster analysis among populations based on total traits divided the populations into four distinct groups. The role of the female parents was visible in reciprocal crosses of 'Viduja' × KVD4 and KVD2 × KVD4, but all populations with similar female parents were not grouped in the same clusters.


A transmit band pass filter using circular-disk high-temperature superconductor (HTS) bulk resonators was designed with a 5.0 GHz center frequency and a 100 MHz bandwidth for use in international mobile telecommunication (IMT) advanced applications. The frequency response and electromagnetic field were calculated using a three-dimensional simulator. The mode of the resonator was used because it had the smallest diameter. Using stripline (SL) resonators enhanced both the unloaded quality factor and the coupling between the input/output ports and resonators. The frequency response of the designed SL 3-pole Chebyshev filter meets the requirements of IMT-Advanced applications. Additionally, the maximum surface current of the HTS bulk filter was approximately 86% less than that of a conventional hairpin filter.


Is there a link between sleep and masculinity? Prior research connects masculinity to agentic characteristics (e.g., assertive, individualistic) and finds that health-related consumption is often aversive for males. We build off these findings in the domain of sleep, an important factor in mental, emotional, social, and financial health. Even as the sleep industry booms, many people—particularly males—are not getting sufficient sleep. This suggests a need to better understand beliefs about sleep. Six studies establish the bidirectional sleep-deprived masculinity stereotype, wherein (1) sleeping less is related to increased perceptions of masculinity, and increased masculinity is related to decreased perceived sleep amounts, (2) agency mediates these effects, and (3) based on how much they sleep, men face social judgments favoring men who sleep less. A final study reveals that this stereotype can impact men's self-perceptions. We conclude by discussing broader market and social implications.


The sensitivity of duplex ultrasonography (US) for detecting deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity was compared with that of venography in a prospective study of 54 patients. Doppler analysis of the common femoral vein and US imaging of the deep venous system from the common femoral vein to the popliteal vein was performed. Common femoral vein response to the Valsalva maneuver was recorded. Sonographically visible thrombi and abnormal vein compressibility were 91% sensitive for the common femoral vein, and 94% sensitive for the superficial femoral or popliteal veins, with no false-positive examinations. Abnormal Doppler flow and abnormal response of the common femoral vein to the Valsalva maneuver enabled thrombi to be detected only in the common femoral and iliac veins. Combined data allowed accurate diagnoses in all patients with deep venous thrombosis proximal to the deep calf veins. US should be the screening examination of choice for evaluating patients with suspected lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.


Introduction Residents are on the front lines of medical care in academic institutions. Their daily interactions are crucial to the quality of care received by patients in these settings, and thus, knowledge of patient safety and quality improvement is essential. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires all residents to participate in quality improvement and patient safety programs as part of their residency training. To meet this need, we developed a curriculum in patient safety and quality improvement for pediatric residents. Methods This curriculum describes four short modules focused on quality improvement, patient safety, evidence-based practice, and other quality improvement–related topics. These modules can be given during one rotation, throughout residency, or partnered with a practical application, such as a project. A 17-question quality improvement and patient safety knowledge test was developed after an extensive literature review to reflect module goals and objectives. A validated, 12-question attitudes survey was administered before and after the modules. Results Of the 57 eligible residents, 42 completed the knowledge pretest, and 20 completed the posttest. Mean posttest results (M = 91.00 [± 9.12]) were considerably higher than mean pretest scores (M = 75.24 [± 11.74]) when utilizing the independent t test (p < .001). Of the 57 eligible residents, 11 completed the attitude presurvey, and 13 completed the attitude postsurvey. Median responses from the survey mostly fell within the 2–3 range of slightly to moderately comfortable. Significant differences showing improvement between presurvey and postsurvey time frames were found in identifying and comparing best practices (p = .02), using the PDSA model (p = .002), and identifying how data are linked (p = .001). Discussion Knowledge and perception surveys suggest that resident knowledge and attitudes statistically improved, and faculty and residents participated in even more quality improvement initiatives after completing the curriculum.


A case of coexistent acute gout and septic olecranon bursitis is presented. Our hypothesis is that asymptomatic monosodium urate crystals, possibly present in the bursa could secondarily been triggered by the infection.


This paper presents a lens-integrated terahertz imaging detector implemented in a 65 nm bulk CMOS process technology. The back-side illumination through a silicon lens increases the imaging SNR by 7–15 dB. The broadband detector design has been verified from 0.6 to 1 THz. At 1 THz the circuit achieves a noise equivalent power (NEP) of 66 pW/√Hz and a responsivity (Rv) of 800 V/W for back-side illumination. The first 1 THz CMOS active imaging results with a lens are presented.


Hydroxyapatite, which is naturally and synthetically available, is
often used as a biomaterial because of its similarity to bone.

In this study, Natural hydroxyapatite powder, synthesized from sheep bone, and synthetic
hydroxyapatite were used as matrix.

Hybrid bio-ceramic composites were obtained by adding 5 wt. %
expanded perlite-TiO2-ZrO2-MgO-P2O5 to both matrixes. The bio-ceramic materials which
were mixed with mechanical mixer for 30 minutes were pressed with hydraulic press under
25 MPa pressure and sintered at 900°C for 1 hour. Density, micro-hardness, X-Ray Diffraction
(XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy
(EDS) analysis were performed to determine characteristics of the samples.

As a result, it was identified that the micro-hardness of natural hydroxyapatite was
higher. In addition, the increase in micro-hardness values of ZrO2-reinforced samples was
higher than the TiO2-reinforced samples.

Hydroxyapatite, calcium silicate, calcium phosphate structures were observed
in XRD analysis. Micro-pores were observed in TiO2-reinforced samples while more dense
structures were observed in ZrO2-reinforced samples.


In the past decade, there has been a growing interest in imaging whole brains in high- resolution in order to comprehensively map neural pathways across the entire brain. Systems research at this scale has previously not been feasible, but due to technological and methodological advancements, many researchers have embraced this data-intensive, large-scale circuit mapping challenge. Current approaches are limited by speed and/or resolution. In this paper, we describe a novel ribbon scanning confocal approach we use to image serial coronal sections of marmoset tissue. We show that this method surpasses the speed of current confocal approaches by at least ten times while obtaining equivalent subcellular resolution. Additionally, this new method virtually eliminates artifacts created by stitching together field of view tiles, generating a more seamless image. Finally, we go on to discuss broader applications of this technology in the application of chemically cleared whole brains, using data from concurrent experiments.


In this paper, an experimental surface roughness analysis in milling of tungsten carbide using a monolithic torus cubic boron nitride (CBN) tool is presented. The tungsten carbide was received using direct laser deposition technology (DLD). The depth of cut (ap), feed per tooth (fz) and tool wear (VBc) influence on surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz) were investigated. The cutting forces and accelerations of vibrations were measured in order to estimate their quantitative influence on Ra and Rz parameters. The surface roughness analysis, from the point of view of milling dynamics was carried out. The dominative factor in the research was not feed per tooth fz (according to a theoretical model) but dynamical phenomena and feed per revolution f connected with them.


The advantages and current challenges associated with constructing an integrated on-chip antenna based on plasma waves in a two-dimensional electron gas are presented. We briefly review the advantageous properties of plasma waves, chief of which is its subwavelength nature, the mode configuration and explore the possibility of achieving reduced sized antennas for wireless microwave devices.


Abstract
Purpose
We examine two conceptualizations of consumer-brand relationships: identification, as identity-based relationships between a consumer and a brand, and the related construct of attachment as a bond based on security and personal history with the brand.

Methodology
Predictions emanating from the two constructs' disparate theoretical traditions regarding the relative antecedents and outcomes of these brand relationship constructs are tested in a survey of real consumer-brand relationships, where the two are likely to co-occur.

Findings
Identification is more socially motivated, wherein the brand is used for "identity building" and impression management, such as through public endorsement. In contrast, attachment is more personally motivated; it is more likely to be founded on an intimate history with the brand and feelings of security inspired by the brand.

Implications
This is the first work in marketing to explicitly compare identification with attachment in contexts where they co-occur. In doing so, it underscores the validity and usefulness of these two related but distinct relationship constructs.


Recently, polysaccharides from Bletilla striata, a member of the orchidaceous family, aroused the wide interest of people, especially their isolation, chemical properties, and bioactivities. It is reported that these polysaccharides are the most important biologically active components of B. striata, exhibiting various biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and hemostatic effects. This review appraised the available literatures which described different aspects of B. striata polysaccharides, including the extraction, separation, purification, structural characterization, and biological activities. We expect to lay the foundation for further investigation of the application of B. striata polysaccharides in the field of functional foods and biomedicine.


Using the exquisite depth of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF12 programme) data set, we explore the ongoing assembly of the outermost regions of the most massive galaxies (Mstellar ≥ 5× 1010 M⊙) at z ≤ 1. The outskirts of massive objects, particularly early-type Galaxies (ETGs), are expected to suffer a dramatic transformation across cosmic time due to continuous accretion of small galaxies. HUDF imaging allows us to study this process at intermediate redshifts in six massive galaxies, exploring the individual surface brightness profiles out to ∼25 effective radii. We find that 5–20 per cent of the total stellar mass for the galaxies in our sample is contained within 10  = 0.1, 15.1 per cent at  = 0.65 and 3.5 per cent at  = 2. The fraction of mass in diffuse features linked with ongoing minor merger events is >1–2 per cent, very similar to predictions based on observed close pair counts. Therefore, the results for our small albeit meaningful sample suggest that the size and mass growth of the most massive galaxies have been solely driven by minor and major merging from z = 1 to today.


Abstract
The chapter examines school administrator responsibilities to special education students and their families from case scenarios based on conflicts between parents and districts regarding services provided by schools to special education students. From these case studies based on real case law, readers are exposed to situations intended to pose questions as to whether administrators met their responsibility to ensure the rights of the special education students. Principals, superintendents, and special education administrators committed to work together to make their school environment and optimal place for children to learn. An equally important role for school administrators is to create and maintain cultures where faculty understand their advocacy role for all children, but in particular, those children most in need of support. Effective administrators hold themselves and other professionals in their district to high standards related to knowledge of school law, particularly special education school law; communication with parents and other professionals; and collaborations based on the value of what is best for the student. This chapter concludes with a section on ethical leadership or the values underlying administrative actions affecting individualized education program students, their families, and all students who are different whether due to socioeconomic status, cultural differences, or race.


We report here the first direct dating of the nonglacial, intertill Nelson River sediments from five sites in northern Manitoba. We used the thermoluminescence (TL) sediment-dating technique to obtain age estimates of 32–46 ka for four samples and 119 ka for the fifth, all samples previously correlated to the Sangamonian Stage (80–130 ka) Missinaibi Formation. We interpret the younger TL dates as being within 20–40% of the true deposition ages, but interpret the oldest TL date as an overestimate because of ineffective zeroing of the light-sensitive TL associated with observed pebble and sand detritus in that sample. Thus these younger direct dates imply a significant climatic warming and deglaciation in the heart of the Laurentide Ice Sheet area during Middle Wisconsinan time.


Faults in an IP network have various causes such as the failure of one or more routers at the IP layer, fiber-cuts, failure of physical elements at the optical layer, or extraneous causes like power outages. These faults are usually detected as failures of a set of dependent logical entities--the IP links affected by the failed components. We present Shrink, a tool for root cause analysis of network faults which, given a set of failed IP links, identifies the underlying cause of the faulty state. Shrink models the diagnosis problem as a Bayesian network. It has two main contributions. First, it effectively accounts for noisy measurement and inaccurate mapping between the IP and optical layers. Second, it has an efficient inference algorithm that finds the most likely failure causes in polynomial time and with bounded errors. We compare Shrink with two prior approaches and show that it substantially improves the performance.


This paper describes a web-based process/material advisory system that can be used during conceptual design. Given a set of design requirements for a part during conceptual design stage, our system produces process sequences that can meet the design requirements. Quite often during conceptual design stage, design requirements are not precisely defined. Therefore, we allow users to describe design requirements in terms of parameter ranges. Parameter ranges are used to capture uncertainties in design requirements. Our system accounts for uncertainties in design requirements in generating and evaluating process/material combinations. Our system uses a two step algorithm. During the first step, we generate a material/process option tree. This tree represents various process/material options that can be used to meet the given set of design requirements. During the second step, we evaluate various alternative process/material options using a depth first branch and bound algorithm to identify and recommend the least expensive process/material combination to the designer. Our system can be accessed on the World Wide Web using a standard browser. Our system allows designs to consider a wide variety of process/material options during the conceptual design stage and allows them to find the most cost-effective combination. By selecting the process/material combination during the early design stages, designers can ensure that the detailed design is compatible with all of the process constraints for the selected process.


In Rescuing Justice and Equality G.A. Cohen argues that justice requires an uncompromising commitment to equality. Cohen also argues, however, that justice must be sensitive to other values, including a robust commitment to individual freedom and to the welfare of the community. We ask whether a commitment to these other values means that, despite Cohen's commitment to equality, his view requires that we make room for inequality in the name of justice? We argue that even on Cohen's version of egalitarianism equality, freedom, and welfare are not always compatible. Justice will require trade-offs between these values. Sometimes, equality will need to be sacrificed. This is a surprising result and to show it, we use two informal impossibility proofs drawn from examples in Rescuing Justice and Equality.


The goal of this study is a system for a robot to imitate human dances. This paper describes the process to generate whole body motions which can be performed by an actual biped humanoid robot. Human dance motions are acquired through a motion capturing system. We then extract symbolic representation which is made up of primitive motions: essential postures in arm motions and step primitives in leg motions. A joint angle sequence of the robot is generated according to these primitive motions. Then joint angles are modified to satisfy mechanical constraints of the robot. For balance control, the waist trajectory is moved to acquire dynamics consistency based on desired ZMP. The generated motion is tested on OpenHRP dynamics simulator. In our test, the Japanese folk dance, 'Jongara-bushi', was successfully performed by HRP-1S.


In recent years there have been important changes in the approach to conflict, leading to a paradigm shift in the future warfare. Cyberspace has become a serious challenge for all states. Being easy to connect and cheap to operate, it has become a preferred battlespace for many actors. It is used to disrupt networks, destroy and steal data, block or slow down critical infrastructure or spread false information. The development and innovation of military technologies and the professionalization of soldiers are not enough to fight in information warfare. Revising and improving old doctrines, and strategies is a clear form of supporting new techniques, tactics, and procedures of the Russian fight in cyberspace. The improvement of conventional tactics of warfare in conjunction with the introduction of new unconventional tactics of warfare has predictably led to the strengthening of internal, regional, and global security and resilience. The new vision of Russian warfare is that kinetic actions are supported by non-kinetic ones. As a result, Russia's cyber activity has recently intensified amid the invasion of Ukraine, putting the whole world on alert. Malicious activity in cyberspace is creating large-scale disruption in all areas. In this context, the activation of Article 5 for attacking a Member State in cyberspace is becoming increasingly discussed.