The Fernald Environmental Management Project has been transporting legacy low-level radioactive waste to the Nevada Test Site for disposal since 1985. Additionally, several records of decision have been issued regarding Fernald Environmental Management Project remediation waste disposal on-site, at the Nevada Test Site, or at a permitted commercial disposal facility. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, once of the criteria that must be evaluated prior to issuance of a record of decision is public acceptance. The Fernald Environmental Management Project has made a concerted effort to gain stakeholder support both locally and in Nevada for these records of decision. The Fernald Environmental Management Project`s approach towards stakeholder interaction can provide a valuable framework for other sites that need to dispose of operations or remediation waste at remote, off-site locations. This approach has also been invaluable in allowing the public to understand the actual effects of waste management incidents.


The kernel null-space technique is known to be an effective one-class classification (OCC) technique. Nevertheless, the applicability of this method is limited due to its susceptibility to possible training data corruption and the inability to rank training observations according to their conformity with the model. This article addresses these shortcomings by regularizing the solution of the null-space kernel Fisher methodology in the context of its regression-based formulation. In this respect, first, the effect of the Tikhonov regularization in the Hilbert space is analyzed, where the one-class learning problem in the presence of contamination in the training set is posed as a sensitivity analysis problem. Next, the effect of the sparsity of the solution is studied. For both alternative regularization schemes, iterative algorithms are proposed which recursively update label confidences. Through extensive experiments, the proposed methodology is found to enhance robustness against contamination in the training set compared with the baseline kernel null-space method, as well as other existing approaches in the OCC paradigm, while providing the functionality to rank training samples effectively.


Consumer interventions to change everyday consumer behaviors, often attempt to change consumer intentions and desires (Plassmann, 2006). This paper adopts past works on neuroeconomics analysis, psychoanalysis and human rationality of consumers' consumption concepts on ethnic consumption by Damasio (1995), Solms (2000), Plassmann (2006), Freud (1954) etc. Consumers' belief similarities are explored to the extent to which Blacks, Hispanics and Asians pattern of consumptions are similar, and so make product-market and consumers' choices less difficult. The author examined published works on theories of consumption and psychoanalysis research findings from texts and journal articles from 1984 to 2006, in terms of research design; data findings and data analysis methods supported with empirical findings. Results show that ethnicity consumption remains similar across ethnic culture. As unexpected, greater consumption of products and services similarities due to ethnic attribute values were perceived by subjects of these ethnic groups. Moreover, pre- identified racial identities have greater impact on the judgment of their psychoanalysis as consumers. Conclusions were derived in terms of implications for understanding racial consumption patterns, while making difficult product choices for consumption across racial classifications. Tips on formulating marketing strategy were suggested.


Abstract : Previous work has shown that microwave Cerenkov radiation from periodic electron bunches occurs at harmonics of the bunch frequency and that the radiation is not necessarily confined to a narrow region centered about the expected Cerenkov angle. This report continues the investigation of the spreading of the radiation and presents the results of numerical calculations of the radiated power per unit solid angle and the total radiated power for physically realizable conditions. (Author)


In this paper, we present a generalization of the classical Bondi accretion theory for the case of non-isothermal accretion processes onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH), including the effects of X-ray heating and the radiation force due to electron scattering and spectral lines. The radiation field is calculated by considering an optically thick, geometrically thin, standard accretion disk as the emitter of UV photons and a spherical central object as a source of X-ray emission. In the present analysis, the UV emission from the accretion disk is assumed to have an angular dependence, while the X-ray/central object radiation is assumed to be isotropic. The influence of both types of radiation is evaluated for different flux fractions of the X-ray and UV emissions with and without the effects of spectral line driving. We find that the radiation emitted near the SMBH interacts with the infalling matter and modifies the accretion dynamics. In the presence of line driving, a transition from pure accretion to outflows takes place regardless of whether or not the UV emission dominates over the X-ray emission. Estimated values of the accretion radius and accretion rate in terms of the classical Bondi values are also given. The results are useful for the construction of proper initial conditions for time-dependent hydrodynamical simulations of accretion flows onto SMBH at the centre of galaxies.


Abstract Scimitar syndrome is a rare cardiopulmonary malformation. Presentation in infancy is usually associated with pulmonary hypertension and severe symptoms. We discuss treatment of such an infant. Two abnormal systemic vessels supplying the sequestered lower part of the right lung were embolized using catheter-inserted coils. The patent arterial duct was surgically ligated. These procedures resulted in a significant reduction of the shunt and the level of pulmonary hypertension, as well as in an impresssive improvement of symptoms.


For a more useful and objective allocation system, we considered the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) system as an alternative to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and status system in Korea. Development of basic assessment measures based on the Korean health service environment is the objective of this study. The data collected from a series of liver transplant candidates (n=2,702, 2009∼2012) were used as raw data for statistical analysis for this study. Using MELD score cut-points at 20, 30, 38 points, we observed significant survival difference by step-wise survival analysis. Emergency status 2 (38∼40 points) and status 3 (31∼37 points) were classified as urgent status for liver allocation. In such classes, early national-based allocation is possible. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with low MELD scores (<20 point) are given an additional MELD score (+4 or +5 MELD score). This study helps advance the development of basic systematic rules for liver allocation. The rules for management of registration and re-registration of status, registration interval, validity and treatment rule of non-registered cases are defined. Through analysis of Korean retrospective records, this study proposed basic rules of liver allocation and a systematic proposal for the MELD system, which has been in use since June 2016.


Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare neoplasms. While treatment guidelines for early stage TETs are well established, treatment for advanced and locally invasive and metastatic TETs (Masaoka stage IVa/IVb) is varied. Many studies examining outcomes in this patient population are single institution, retrospective studies with small sample sizes. Further complicating study of advanced TETs is that Masaoka stage IVa/IVb describes a wide variety of disease heterogeneity, and includes both thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Thus, recommendations for treatment strategies vary widely. Surgical resection with an R0 resection is a key component of treatment for early stage TETs, however the utility of surgery and appropriate surgical approach for patients with locally invasive disease is debated and ranges from local metastasectomy to extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). The use of multimodal therapies, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation and chemoradiation, are important for patients with locally advanced disease, however identifying patients who would most benefit from each strategy has been challenging. In this review we examined the literature to provide treatment strategies for advanced TETs. Surgery with an R0 resection should be attempted in all risk appropriate patients. Multimodal therapies are likely beneficial to patients particularly with locally advanced disease, and neoadjuvant therapies may increase likelihood of R0 resection. Further investigation is necessary to identify optimal treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced TETs.


Despite being one of the most commonly used normative concepts in urban design, coherence still lacks a firm morphological definition. Without an explicit specification of its spatial attributes, coherence remains a vague and subjective notion of design implicitly referred to as one of the basic properties of good urban form. As a contribution to the link between urban design and morphology, this paper renders the normative concept objectively in terms of a set of quantifiable morphological indicators. Spatial proximity and consistency are suggested as the two key indicators for measuring the coherence of urban fabric. Based on the computational theory of coherence, originally put forward by Thagard, an analytical model is suggested to quantify the morphological coherence of actual urban fabrics. In this framework, three planned neighbourhoods in Rotterdam, the Netherlands are analysed to illustrate the changing nature of morphological coherence through different fashions of urbanism initiated in different periods of time.


Purpose : To establish a new and efficient method for the isolation of (-)-patchouli alcohol (PA) from patchouli oil (PO) . Methods : PO, obtained from commercial source, was separated into four fractions (A, B, C and raffinate) using fractional distillation according to pre-set reflux ratio in vacuum. PA was crystallized from fraction C  (containing more than 80 % PA by weight) by cooling and centrifugation. Finally, PA was further purified by suction filtration. Characterization of PA was performed by melting point (MP), infrared spectroscopy (IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Results : The total yield of PA in this procedure reached 52.9 %. The structure of PA was obtained based on data from 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS analysis with the aid of literature data for authenticated samples. Conclusion : Fractional distillation combined with crystallization can be successfully applied to the isolation of PA from PO in solvent-free  conditions. Keywords : Isolation, Patchouli alcohol, Patchouli oil, Fractional distillation, Crystallization


We develop an analytic approach to a parametric (multiplicative) non-feedback method of the stabilization of the prescribed orbits of dynamical systems. On the basis of the evolved theory, a new original way of coding and secure communications is described. The foundation of this method is a ciphering by the one-to-one correspondence between periods of stabilized orbits and certain alphabet symbols. Transmission of the coded symbols is realized by sending the perturbations. Deciphering consists of the fact that the received perturbations are applied to the map which is contained in the receiver. Analytic estimations of the admissible noise level in the communication channel are given.


ABSTRACT The rate of global expansion of irrigated lands has been declining since the 1970s due to the fact that most of the potential for large and medium-scale irrigation schemes has been developed. This rate of decline is also expected to continue in the next decades. As such significant proportion of the expected increase in production would have to be supplied from the existing irrigated and /or cultivated lands. This in turn could be achieved by improving land and water productivity in the existing schemes through ensuring better performance and optimal operation and maintenance. With less than 15% of over 5 million ha irrigation potential developed, irrigated agriculture in Ethiopia remained low. The largest proportion of the developed irrigation in the country belongs to small-scale irrigation by smallholder farmers. While accelerated development of new irrigation, particularly of large and medium-scale schemes is relevant in Ethiopia, performance and sustainability of existing schemes is equally important. The existing irrigation schemes in Ethiopia are generally characterized by overall performance and technical sustainability levels below expectation. The research presented in this thesis evaluates the performance of two large-scale and two small-scale community-managed irrigation schemes located in the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia. The research focussed on hydraulic/water delivery performance in the large-scale schemes and on comparative performance assessment and internal irrigation service utility evaluation in the community-managed schemes. It was found that hydraulic, operational and institutional aspects play a significant role in the overall performance of the irrigation schemes. Major performance challenges were addressed and operational/water management options for improvement were proposed for each case.


This article examines the question of Karl Barth's stance on universalism. Setting the question within the wealth of contradictory accounts of Barth on this issue, it seeks to find a way through the opposing views represented in the secondary literature. Following a brief examination of the doctrine of election which is the source of the charge of universalism, Barth's response to Berkouwer's The Triumph of Grace in the Theology of Karl Barth will be considered in detail. This passage helps to place Barth's own reaction to the charge of universalism in a broader framework than that of a simple denial or acceptance, and helps to highlight what Barth does and does not reject regarding universalism. It will be argued that it is the replacement of the person of Jesus Christ with a principle, rather than any limitation of the salvific work of God, that Barth rejects in rejecting apokatastasis. Barth's denial of universalism marks a dismissal of the problematic elements associated with the word, not a denial of the ultimate friendliness of Jesus Christ. The radical newness of Barth's own approach to universalism cannot be overemphasized, and marks the means by which one may pass through the impasse of differing accounts of Barth's eschatology.


We take up again the study of the mass spectrum of the quark sector in a model with gauge symmetry SU(3)c ⊗ SU(3)L ⊗ U(1)X (331). In a special type II-like 331 model, we obtain specific zero-texture mass matrices for the quarks which predict four massless quarks (u,c,d,s) and two massive quarks (b,t) at the electroweak scale (∼ GeV). By considering the mixing between the SM quarks and new exotic quarks at large scales predicted by the model, we find that a third quark (associated to the charm quark) acquires a mass. The remaining light quarks (u,d,s) get small masses (∼ MeV) via radiative corrections.


The currently on-going revision of Mumbai's development (MDP) plan is accompanied by heated controversies over a common urban future. After publication of the draft for public consultation in February 2015 an unprecedented public outcry and strong criticism by both, experts and civil society led to its temporary withdrawal. Meanwhile the first draft was revised and replaced by a second in summer 2016. Although exceptional in scope and consequence the events around the making of Mumbai's development plan are highly representative of the tensions and conflicts pervading the development and regulation of contemporary cities in South and North. The study of controversies induced by the MDP is a unique opportunity to develop a refined understanding of the increasing heterogeneity of contemporary urban development and the challenges that it raises for urban planning. Building on the large amount of diverse data produced during the controversies and interviews with various stakeholders, I propose an analysis of the controversies based on French pragmatist sociology as developed in On Justification (Boltanski and Thevenot 2006). Using the analytical framework of different Orders of Worths, the approach allows to symmetrically account for competing visions over the future of the city and the different paths to urbanisation. Instead of searching for the hidden (capitalist) agenda and going behind a mere description of various "assemblages", I attempt to understand how each conception of urban development pervades both, tools of urban transformation and thinking patterns of private and public actors.


This paper reports a novel fabrication process of a high active area ratio bi-conductive membrane for PEMFCs. The fabricated device is a 50μm thick flexible polyimide based membrane that integrates for the first time lateral electrical conductive layers on both sides with a through ionic conductive path. With the use of thermo-conductive rubber as a bonding agent allowing a quick-flip process, five configurations of double-sided multilayer metal sputtering on polyimide were tested. An approach for filling through pores in the membrane with the ionic conductor (Nafion) with a temporary reservoir was also developed. The development of these new processes allowed to fabricate a membrane with 50μm wide holes filled with ionic conductor with double-sided electrical conductive layers.


The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code training is mandatory for all shore-side personnel involved in the handling and transport of dangerous cargoes by sea. This study aims to measure and evaluate the port workers' dangerous cargo transport general awareness level. For this purpose, the "Dangerous Cargo Transport General Awareness Questionnaire" was developed and applied to trained 100 port workers face-to-face. The questionnaire was proven to be valid and reliable by content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability analyses. Four factors were determined as a result of Explanatory Factor Analysis. Discriminant analyses were performed using the Student's t-test and One Way ANOVA test. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between factors. Simple linear regression analysis was used for modeling the relationship between factors. SPSS 24.0 was utilized to conduct the analyses. According to analysis results, port workers' dangerous cargo transport general awareness does not differ depending on age, position, and education. There is a weak positive or a moderate positive correlation between factors. Port workers have an average and above-average level of general awareness. It is highlighted that increasing this level is possible by increasing the frequency of dangerous cargo transport training. Suggestions are offered for more effective training.


PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with severe mental illnesses. Atypical or second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are associated with obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome, particularly abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. This review aims to provide a summary of recent evidence on metabolic risks associated with SGAs, current recommendations for metabolic monitoring, and efficacy of treatment options currently available.

RECENT FINDINGS
Studies have identified younger, antipsychotic-naive patients with first-episode psychosis as a population vulnerable to adverse metabolic effects from SGAs. These patients gained more weight and developed evident lipid and glucose abnormalities as soon as 8-12 weeks after treatment initiation. Findings are more striking among children and adolescents. The differential effects of various SGAs are well described, with clozapine and olanzapine associated with the highest metabolic risk. In addition to behavioral therapy, emerging data suggest that pharmacological therapy, most notably metformin, is efficacious in the treatment and possibly prevention of SGA-associated metabolic derangements.

SUMMARY
More data have become available on the burden from metabolic complications associated with SGAs. New and effective treatment options are required in the near future to improve cardiovascular health in this susceptible population.


Introduction:
 Effective management of hypertension is essential for the prevention of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but disparities in access to healthcare create a barrier to achieving this aim.

 Hypothesis:
 Among patients presenting for emergency care of hypertension, lack of insurance is associated with a higher risk of subsequent ICH.

 Methods:
 We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative data from all acute care hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits in California, Florida, and New York between the years of 2005 and 2011. Our cohort comprised patients discharged from the ED with a primary diagnosis of hypertension, defined as International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 401-405. Patients with a prior or concomitant diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (ICD-9-CM codes 430-438) were excluded. Patients 65 years and older were excluded because these patients often have access to Medicare insurance. Our predictor variable was lack of insurance, as compared with Medicaid or commercial insurance. Patients were followed for the primary outcome of ICH, defined using previously validated ICD-9-CM codes. Survival statistics were used to calculate the cumulative rate of ICH and Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the association between lack of insurance and development of ICH while adjusting for demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors.

 Results:
 Among 361,019 patients with 3.4 (+/- 1.8) years of follow-up, the cumulative rate of ICH in patients without insurance was 1.03% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.18%) as compared to 0.88% (95% CI, 0.80-0.96) in patients with insurance. After adjusting for demographic variables and vascular risk factors, lack of insurance was associated with the development of ICH (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.34).

 Conclusion:
 In a large, heterogeneous group of patients presenting for emergency care of hypertension, lack of insurance was associated with an increased risk of ICH after discharge. Further investigation is needed to address the impact of access to healthcare on rates of this disabling disease.


Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology is a rapidly emerging alternative therapeutic strategy with the potential to address many of the challenges currently faced in modern drug development programs. PROTAC technology employs small molecules that recruit target proteins for ubiquitination and removal by the proteasome. The synthesis of PROTAC compounds that mediate the degradation of c-ABL and BCR-ABL by recruiting either Cereblon or Von Hippel Lindau E3 ligases is reported. During the course of their development, we discovered that the capacity of a PROTAC to induce degradation involves more than just target binding: the identity of the inhibitor warhead and the recruited E3 ligase largely determine the degradation profiles of the compounds; thus, as a starting point for PROTAC development, both the target ligand and the recruited E3 ligase should be varied to rapidly generate a PROTAC with the desired degradation profile.


Summary form only given. Wire Z-pinch experiments are underway on a new Marx-bank driven, water-line pulser with 40-50 kA peak current and 130 ns risetime. Previous, lower current wire explosion experiments were performed to investigate the effects of wire morphology on plasma instabilities in copper wires. In the copper studies, laser-shadowgraphy of DC preheated wires showed more rapid expansion and increased development of lateral striations in the plasma column. These striations had growth rates corresponding to Rayleigh-Taylor. Causes of this effect possibly include: the growth of lateral grain boundaries in the wire material due to the DC preheating, or increased energy deposition in the cleaner wires (by reduction of parasitic current in impurity corona). Wire heating experiments repeated on tungsten wires at higher currents will determine if striations similar to those seen in copper can be reproduced and, if so, whether the effect is due to grain structure or to greater energy deposition. Besides DC preheating, investigations into wire-corona breakdown, energy deposition, and the interaction of multiple wires are under investigation. Diagnostics on the experiment include laser-shadowgraphy, PIN diodes, and optical spectroscopy. Future experiments will employ a 1 MA linear transformer driver (LTD), under construction


Cell dynamics simulation is used to investigate the phase behavior of block copolymer/homopolymer mixture subjected to a steady shear flow. Phase transitions occur from transverse to parallel and then to perpendicular lamellar structure with an increase of shear rate and this is the result of interaction between the shear flow and the concentration fluctuation. Rheological properties, such as normal stress differences and shear viscosity, are all closely related with the direction of the lamellae. Furthermore, we specifically explore the phase behavior and the order parameter under weak and strong shear of two different initial states, and realize the importance of the thermal history. It is necessary to apply the shear field at the appropriate time if we want to get what we want. These results provide an easy method to create ordered, defect-free materials in experiment and engineering technology through imposing shear flow.


ABSTRACT Broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope (Env) are key components for protection against HIV-1. However, many cross-reactive epitopes are often occluded. This study investigates the mechanisms contributing to the masking of V2i (variable loop V2 integrin) epitopes compared to the accessibility of V3 epitopes. V2i are conformation-dependent epitopes encompassing the integrin α4β7-binding motif on the V1V2 loop of HIV-1 Env gp120. The V2i monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) display extensive cross-reactivity with gp120 monomers from many subtypes but neutralize only few viruses, indicating V2i's cryptic nature. First, we asked whether CD4-induced Env conformational changes affect V2i epitopes similarly to V3. CD4 treatment of BaL and JRFL pseudoviruses increased their neutralization sensitivity to V3 MAbs but not to the V2i MAbs. Second, the contribution of N-glycans in masking V2i versus V3 epitopes was evaluated by testing the neutralization of pseudoviruses produced in the presence of a glycosidase inhibitor, kifunensine. Viruses grown in kifunensine were more sensitive to neutralization by V3 but not V2i MAbs. Finally, we evaluated the time-dependent dynamics of the V2i and V3 epitopes. Extending the time of virus-MAb interaction to 18 h before adding target cells increased virus neutralization by some V2i MAbs and all V3 MAbs tested. Consistent with this, V2i MAb binding to Env on the surface of transfected cells also increased in a time-dependent manner. Hence, V2i and V3 epitopes are highly dynamic, but distinct factors modulate the antibody accessibility of these epitopes. The study reveals the importance of the structural dynamics of V2i and V3 epitopes in determining HIV-1 neutralization by antibodies targeting these sites. IMPORTANCE Conserved neutralizing epitopes are present in the V1V2 and V3 regions of HIV-1 Env, but these epitopes are often occluded from Abs. This study reveals that distinct mechanisms contribute to the masking of V3 epitopes and V2i epitopes in the V1V2 domain. Importantly, V3 MAbs and some V2i MAbs display greater neutralization against relatively resistant HIV-1 isolates when the MAbs interact with the virus for a prolonged period of time. Given their highly immunogenic nature, V3 and V2i epitopes are valuable targets that would augment the efficacy of HIV vaccines.


Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate changes in running mechanics and spring-mass behaviour with fatigue induced by 5-hour hilly running (5HHR). Running mechanics were measured pre- and post-5HHR at 10, 12 and 14 km · h-1 on an instrumented treadmill in eight ultramarathon runners, and sampled at 1000 Hz for 10 consecutive steps. Contact (tc ) and aerial (ta ) times were determined from ground reaction force (GRF) signals and used to compute step frequency (f). Maximal GRF, loading rate, downward displacement of the centre of mass (Δz), and leg length change (ΔL) during the support phase were determined and used to compute both vertical (Kvert ) and leg (Kleg ) stiffness. A significant decrease in tc was observed at 12 and 14 km · h-1 resulting in an increase of f at all speeds. Duty factor and Fmax significantly decreased at 10 km · h-1. A significant increase in Kvert and Kleg was observed at all running speeds with significant decreases in Δz and ΔL. Despite the shorter duration, the changes in running mechanics appeared to be in the same direction (increased f and Kvert , decrease in Δz and Fmax ) but of lower amplitude compared with those obtained after an ultra-trail or an ultramarathon.


Objectives Studies analysing colorectal resections usually focus on a specific outcome (eg, mortality) and/or specific risk factors at the individual (eg, comorbidities) or hospital (eg, volume) level. Comprehensive evidence across different patient safety outcomes, risk factors and patient groups is still scarce. Therefore the aim of this analysis was to investigate consistent relationships between multiple patient safety outcomes, healthcare and hospital risk factors in colorectal resection cases. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting German inpatient routine care data of colorectal resections between 2016 and 2018. Participants We analysed 54 168 colon resection and 20 395 rectum resection cases treated in German hospitals. The German Inpatient Quality Indicators were used to define colon resections and rectum resections transparently. Primary outcome measures Additionally to in-hospital death, postoperative respiratory failure, renal failure and postoperative wound infections we included multiple patient safety outcomes as primary outcomes/dependent variables for our analysis. Healthcare (eg, weekend surgery), hospital (eg, volume) and case (eg, age) characteristics served as independent covariates in a multilevel logistic regression model. The estimated regression coefficients were transferred into ORs. Results Weekend surgery, emergency admissions and transfers from other hospitals were significantly associated (ORs ranged from 1.1 to 2.6) with poor patient safety outcome (ie, death, renal failure, postoperative respiratory failure) in colon resections and rectum resections. Hospital characteristics showed heterogeneous effects. In colon resections hospital volume was associated with insignificant or adverse associations (postoperative wound infections: OR 1.168 (95% CI 1.030 to 1.325)) to multiple patient safety outcomes. In rectum resections hospital volume was protectively associated with death, renal failure and postoperative respiratory failure (ORs ranged from 0.7 to 0.8). Conclusions Transfer from other hospital and emergency admission are constantly associated with poor patient safety outcome. Hospital variables like volume, ownership or localisation did not show consistent relationships to patient safety outcomes. Trial registration number ISRCTN10188560.


This short report aims to provide a synthesis of Eurofound data and analysis on the situation of young people in Greece. It draws upon existing Eurofound research that examined the issue of young people 'not in employment, education or training' (NEET). This research is particularly pertinent for Greece, which has been disproportionately affected by youth unemployment as a result of the economic crisis. Societal effects include the greater financial dependence of young people on the family income, and the delaying of family formation. The report finds that young people with a tertiary level of education, and young women looking for their first job are candidates for targeted policy action. In addition, the older NEET population (25–29 years) merits special attention.


To investigate the effect of social interaction on the bystanders' intervention in emergency situations we introduce a rescue model which includes the effects of the victim's acquaintance with bystanders and those among bystanders. This model reproduces the surprising experimental result that the helping rate tends to decrease although the number of bystanders k increases. The model also shows that given the coupling effect among bystanders, for a certain range of small k the helping rate increases according to k and that coupling effect plays both positive and negative roles in emergencies.


Background: Mapping scientific trends is one of the most important missions of scientometric research for effective research. The main goal of this paper was to visualize and draw the intellectual and cognitive structures of information retrieval (IR) in the medical sciences using science mapping. Methods: In this cross-sectional scientometric study, we recruited all documents indexed in the Web of Science database with the topic of storing and retrieval of information in medical sciences. To analyze the results, 3 software, SciMAT-v1.1.04, VOSviewer-v1.6.14, CitNetExplorer_v1.0.0, were used. Results: Our results showed that most scientific productions in this field fall into 2 categories: (1) effective methods of organizing information and (2) application and operation of the IR system in the process of intelligent questioning and answering, and analyzing information behaviors of physicians and health professionals. The results showed that the similarity index increased over time from 0.43 to 0.71. Analysis of the findings showed that similarity measures, expert systems, concepts, experience, answers, and multimodel IR clusters were considered as mature and completely centralized clusters in the first quarter of the strategic chart. Conclusion: Because of the dramatic approximation of the vocabulary used by researchers and a relative slowdown in the growth rate of the subject's domain in the last decade, it seems necessary to pay attention to the expansion of the fields of IR and the application of its concepts in medical information sciences. Also, it can be recommended that designers of IR systems and techniques in medical information sciences pay more attention to human factors attentively to develop new technologies and tools.


High plant species richness can enhance primary production, animal diversity, and invasion resistance. Yet theory predicts that plant and herbivore diversity, which often covary in nature, should have countervailing effects on ecosystem properties. Supporting this, we show in a seagrass system that increasing grazer diversity reduced both algal biomass and total community diversity, and facilitated dominance of a grazer-resistant invertebrate. In parallel with previous plant results, however, grazer diversity enhanced secondary production, a critical determinant of fish yield. Although sampling explained some diversity effects, only the most diverse grazer assemblage maximized multiple ecosystem properties simultaneously, producing a distinct ecosystem state. Importantly, ecosystem responses at high grazer diversity often differed in magnitude and sign from those predicted from summed impacts of individual species. Thus, complex interactions, often opposing plant diversity effects, arose as emergent consequences of changing consumer diversity, advising caution in extrapolating conclusions from plant diversity experiments to food webs.


s: Thin films of tin oxide (SnO2) and fluorine doped tin oxide (SnO2:F) (FTO) were prepared by sol-gel dip-coating (SGDC route) method by using easily available low cost materials as we use SnCl2, 2H2O and HF. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum showed all the peaks of the crystalline SnO2 . The amount of strain was obtained 1.2 x 10-2 and the particle size as ~ 28 nm, indicating the nanostructural nature of the films. FTIR spectroscopy showed strong Sn-O and Sn-O-Sn bonding. UV-Visible spectrophotometric measurement showed high transparency of the films in the visible region and the direct band gap was calculated to be 3.35 eV. Currentvoltage (I-V) characteristics of the films were non-linear in nature, which can be explained by the Poole-Frenkel model of thermionic emission.


The artisanal gold mining is one of the major illegal activities in Ivory Coast. Thousands of indigents and foreigners including men, women and children are involved in this dangerous activity. Contracting contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and multiple lung diseases are commonplace on the artisanal mining sites due to air pollution. For this reason, the differential analysis, research mine ventilation system by changing the working windage adjustment for air flow of the economy, identifies factors, obtained discriminant variable resistance air volume control economic quantitative criteria for underground actual situation of joint variable resistance method and economic variable resistance than the concept of the development of effective mine ventilation system to improve air quantity adjusting rheostat economical way. The findings of this study can help lead to better safety practices in mining in order to improve the health and safety of the miners who are involved in artisanal mining activities in Ivory Coast and other mining sites over the world.


In Considerations on Western Marxism, released in 1976, Perry Anderson stated and vindicated an affiliation to the Trotskyist tradition long apparent from the pages of New Left Review under his editorship. Central to this tradition, in its orthodox forms, was a historico-political perspective which regarded the Soviet Union (and cognate regimes) as 'degenerate' or 'deformed' 'workers' states' – post-capitalist social formations whose complex character dictated rejection of Stalinism and anti-Sovietism alike. In Anderson's case, this orientation received a Deutscherite inflection: abroad, no less than at home, Soviet power was a contradictory phenomenon, by turns reactionary (Czechoslovakia) and progressive (Vietnam, Angola). The potential regeneration of the Russian Revolution and its sequels, whether via 'proletarian revolution' from below (Trotsky), or bureaucratic reformation from above (Deutscher), remained an article of faith among Marxists of this observance to the end. Accordingly, the debacle of Gorbachevite perestroika proved a profoundly disorientating experience for many who lent little or no credence to the mendacious claims of 'actually existing socialism'. Amid capitalist euphoria at Communist collapse, what was to be said – and done? Anderson's displaced answer was forthcoming in 1992 in 'The Ends of History'


To determine whether serum aminoglycoside assays aided clinicians in treating infections and avoiding aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity, we reviewed the charts of patients treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics parenterally. We compared 78 episodes of aminoglycoside-treated infections during which serum assays were done (group B) to 51 episodes without serum assays (group A). The groups of patients were comparable in age, outcome of infection, incidence of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity, mean total dose of aminoglycosides given, and number of courses. Toxic trough levels of tobramycin (the most frequently used aminoglycoside) were seldom detected before the onset of nephrotoxicity, and peak tobramycin levels were frequently suboptimal. While 71% of decisions to increase or decrease the aminoglycoside dose after serum assays were considered appropriate, only 57% of noninterventions were appropriate. At our hospital, serum aminoglycoside assays did not help improve the outcome of infection or the incidence of nephrotoxicity. Their major clinical contribution was to alert the physician that serum concentrations were low.


Unruly behaviour on board aircraft can cause a minor inconvenience to the other passengers, or else, it can escalate to such a degree where the passengers' safety is jeopardised. Over the last three decades, the number of unruly passenger incidents has increased dramatically. The frequency and severity of such incidents had become a growing concern of the international community and aviation industry itself. Consequently, different preventive and countermeasures have been implemented to cope and deter such behaviour. The primary aim of this paper is to focus on the legal aspect of trying and prosecuting the offenders who have committed an offence or act that jeopardises the safety of aircraft or good order on board. This was accomplished by analysing the international legal framework governing unruly behaviour, namely the Tokyo Convention of 1963 and its amending Montreal Protocol from 2014. The main factor that was observed is the way how these legal instruments addressed the provisions for trying the alleged offenders and their effectiveness in the deterrence of unruly behaviour. In this paper, formal legal and case-study methods, along with comparative reasoning, were used to analyse the legal instruments. The findings showed that the Tokyo Convention had made a valuable contribution to establishing an international security legal framework. However, considerable deficiencies of this treaty have hindered the global legal uniformity and effective enforcement mechanism. Those shortcomings were to be eliminated by the Montreal Protocol. Nevertheless, the analysis revealed that, while it succeeded to eliminate the most triggering shortcoming of jurisdiction, it failed to address the lack of strong enforcement and has even constrained the powers of in-flight security officers. Regrettably, that proves to impede the achievement of the Montreal Protocol's objectives, and it sees only a small added value. Hence, further improvements are needed to ensure that it is effective in the realities faced by modern aviation.


This paper considers the design of an interval observer for decoupled multiple models admitting uncertainties in system parameters and additive output disturbances. Sufficient LMI conditions to ensure the convergence of the estimation error in the nominal case and the bounded estimates in the case of uncertainties and output disturbances are given by Lyapunov stability analysis. The effectiveness and appeal of the proposed method is demonstrated using an illustrative example.


Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. In order to have effect of future disease-modifying therapies for AD, the disease must be identified early, before the patients have developed dementia. Many patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have prodromal AD, but other causes for the syndrome are common. No diagnostic method can identify AD in patients with MCI with sufficient accuracy.
Aim: Evaluation of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma for identifying prodromal AD in patients with MCI.
Settings: At baseline 137 subjects with MCI and successful lumbar puncture were included. CSF from baseline was analyzed for phosphorylated tau (P-tau), total tau (T- tau) and amyloidβ1-42 (Aβ42). Furthermore, the levels of soluble receptors for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (sTNFR) 1 and 2, as well as soluble CD40 (sCD40) and the CD40 ligand were analyzed. The latter biomarkers reflect inflammation.
Results: After the first follow-up of around 5 years, 57 patients had developed AD dementia. The levels of T-tau, P-tau and Aβ42 could with high accuracy identify patients with prodromal AD. After the second follow-up was finished, approximately 9 years from baseline, 72 patients had developed AD dementia. The positive and negative predictive values of the Aβ42/ P-tau ratio after this follow-up were around 90%. The Aβ42 levels were pathological already 10 years before progression to dementia. Moreover, Tau and Aβ42 were quite stable over time in patients with AD dementia. The levels of TNFR 1 and 2 both in CSF and plasma and sCD40 in plasma were elevated in the MCI patients with AD 5 years before progression to dementia.
Conclusion: CSF biomarkers can identify subjects with prodromal AD. Inflammation is an early feature of AD. These results have an impact on the diagnostic work-up of patients with MCI, as well as the development of AD therapies.


The HomePlug 1.0.1 standard was released in 2000 by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and is now in use worldwide in powerline communication products for in-home LANs and for broadband powerline (BPL) Internet access, providing typical aggregate TCP throughput of 5-7 Mbps. The HomePlug AV standard, expected to be released in mid 2005, will provide a tenfold improvement in average throughput over 1.0.1. While AV is optimized for multimedia audio-visual (AV) communication, it is important that AV devices coexist with those of 1.0.1. To achieve this, the preamble which begins all AV packets should be robustly detectable by both AV and 1.0.1 nodes. AV devices must also be capable of transmitting 1.0.1 compatible priority and control waveforms, which conform to each region's spectral mask. This paper describes the hurdles that needed to be scaled to generate the compliant waveforms for coexistence, using the AV structures.


The effects of impurity ions that enter octahedral a sites on the spectra of ions in dodecahedral c sites of garnets are investigated. Two types of such impurities have been studied: nonstoichiometric defects and transition ions . Based on the new data on in YAG it is shown that a nonstoichiometric defect such as determines four different perturbations of the nearby ions (P centres). Due to the low symmetry at the c site, the four directions of perturbation from the nearby centres are nonequivalent with respect to the local symmetry axes and determine particular compositions of perturbed crystal fields. If the ion is a non-Kramers one such as or , the lowering in symmetry determined by octahedral impurities is clearly observed by additional lines (mainly for one of the P centres) forbidden in . A splitting of for one of the P centres in is assigned to the rise of Kramers degeneracy due to a short-range magnetic order determined by an anisotropic superexchange interaction. Other arguments in favour of anisotropic a-c superexchange interaction are the high energy transfer rates measured for one centre and one centre in YAG.


Military techno-vision is decidedly opaque. We – the public in whose name they are developed and deployed – are never quite allowed to scrutinize how exactly it operates, or what kind of work it performs. For a long time, military techno-vision was related to the optical qualities of the human eye. It was either about enhancing the natural human eye, seeing further, seeing in less light, seeing from different locations, or about mimicking the human eye, creating spatial awareness and navigation capabilities from the singular point of the eye/camera. Today, increasingly, militarized techno-vision is not merely about the production but also the interpretation of images, about the mind rather than the eye, to use the anthropomorphic language that dominates high-tech discourse. This shift from optics to procession, vision or understanding is related to the development of precision optics and the resulting flood of images that threatens to overwhelm the security bureaucracies seeking to optimize lethal vision. The contemporary problem, thus, is not overcoming invisibility but rather how to efficiently manage a flood of opaque images. The solution, proposed by militaries as simultaneously benign and efficient, is to delegate image interpretation to machines. In this paper, I ask how we can scrutinize and interrogate the agency of such machine vision systems when we as a public are rarely granted access to the operations they perform. First, I briefly explore current machine vision technologies, and the technological projects that have identified their blind spots. Second, I look to artistic image production as a means to help think about militarized vision and pictorial agency.


A major task in ground-based gamma-ray astrophysics analyses is to separate events caused by gamma rays from the overwhelming hadronic cosmic-ray background. In this talk we are interested in improving the gamma ray regime below 1 TeV, where the gamma and cosmic-ray separation becomes more difficult. Traditionally, the separation has been done in particle sampling arrays by selections on summary variables which distinguish features between the gamma and cosmic-ray air showers, though the distributions become more similar with lower energies. The structure of the HAWC observatory, however, makes it natural to interpret the charge deposition collected by the detectors as pixels in an image, which makes it an ideal case for the use of modern deep learning techniques, allowing for good performance classifers produced directly from low-level detector information.


To reveal the effects of different hormonal treatments directly on the prostate during treatment, the concentration of prostate-specific antigen in the tissue (T-PSA) was studied in 63 patients with untreated newly diagnosed carcinoma of the prostate (CaP). T-PSA measurements were performed in fine-needle aspiration biopsies at the time of diagnosis and 6, 12, and 24 months after initiation of treatment. Treatments modalities were bilateral orchidectomy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, or parenteral estrogens. Thirty-one (49%) of the patients died of CaP and 18 (29%) of other diseases. Fourteen of the patients (22%) were still alive at the end of the observation period (median follow-up time, 111.5 months; range, 98-128 months). In all of the 31 patients who died of CaP, T-PSA values increased during treatment. This increase was observed long before clinical signs of progression appeared (median of interval, 14 months). Twenty of these 31 patients showed an increase in T-PSA from pretreatment values at 6 months. At 12 months this increase was observed in 30 of 31 patients. In contrast, in all of the patients who responded to the hormonal regimen, T-PSA values decreased and remained low during treatment. Furthermore, the patients who did not die of CaP and received estrogen treatment had significantly higher T-PSA values compared with those who were treated with bilateral orchidectomy or GnRH agonists. This indicates that estrogens may stimulate PSA synthesis in tumor tissue in vivo in the presence of castration levels of testosterone. Statistical evaluation showed that the T-PSA ratio between month 12 and month 0 had the most significant prognostic value for predicting the clinical outcome. This ratio was superior to clinical classifications, e.g., tumor stage and cytological grade, and also was higher than T-PSA at the time of diagnosis. This study has shown that aspiration biopsy material can be used to reveal biochemical changes in the tissue during treatment and that one specific marker (T-PSA) can predict the clinical outcome of endocrine treatment of CaP patients better than previously used methods. We believe that selected tissue markers or the protein pattern can help us to characterize the tumors and predict the clinical outcome so an optimal treatment can be chosen for every patient.


Infection by Nocardia brasiliensis is usually localized to the skin but can rarely spread to the lung, brain, or multiple sites particularly in the immunocompromised hosts. Moreover, primary systemic involvement without cutaneous disease is an extremely rare case. In the current study, we present a case of primary pulmonary nocardiosis caused by a multi-drug resistant N brasiliensis along with a review of the cases reported from India.


Cancer still remains a major public health concern around the world and the search for new potential antitumor molecules is essential for fighting the disease. This study evaluated the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of the newly synthetized ellipticine derivate: sodium bromo-5,11-dimethyl-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole-7-sulfonate (Br-Ell-SO3Na). It was prepared by the chlorosulfonation of 9-bromoellipticine. The ellipticine-7-sulfonic acid itself is not soluble, but its saponification with sodium hydroxide afforded a water-soluble sodium salt. The cytotoxicity of Br-Ell-SO3Na was tested against cancerous (K562 cell line) and non-cancerous cells (Vero cell line and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)) using a Methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell cycle arrest was assessed by flow cytometry and the immunomodulatory activity was analyzed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the Br-Ell-SO3Na molecule has specific anticancer activity (IC50 = 35 µM) against the K562 cell line, once no cytotoxicity effect was verified against non-cancerous cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that K562 cells treated with Br-Ell-SO3Na were arrested in the phase S. Moreover, the production of IL-6 increased and the expression of IL-8 was inhibited in the human PBMC treated with Br-Ell-SO3Na. The results demonstrated that Br-Ell-SO3Na is a promising anticancer molecule attested by its noteworthy activity against the K562 tumor cell line and immunomodulatory activity in human PBMC cells.


In order to execute high performance applications on a cluster, it is highly desirable to provide distributed services that globally manage physical resources distributed over the cluster nodes. However, as a distributed service may use resources located on different nodes, it becomes sensitive to changes in the cluster configuration due to node addition, reboot or failure. In this paper, we propose a generic service performing dynamic resource management in a cluster in order to provide distributed services with high availability and scalability. This service has been implemented in Gobelins cluster operating system. The dynamic resource management service we propose makes node addition and reboot nearly transparent to all distributed services of Gobelins and, as a consequence, fully transparent to application- s. In the event of a node failure, applications using resources located on the failed node need to be restarted from a previously saved checkpoint but the availability of the cluster operating system is guaranteed, provided that its distributed services implement reconfiguration features.


A new supplemented diagnosis of Heteraphorura Bagnall, 1948 is provided. The genus Japonychiurus Yosii, 1996 is a junior synonym of Heteraphorura. Two new species are described: H. justynae sp. n. and H. intricata sp. n. H. subtenuis (Folsom, 1917), H. tala (Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980), H. bima (Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980), H. cassa (Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980) are redescribed on the basis of types and new materials. An identification key to the North American members of the genus is given.


Music is an integral part of the cultural heritage of all known human societies, with the capacity for music perception and production present in most people. Researchers generally agree that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the broader realization of music ability, with the degree of music aptitude varying, not only from individual to individual, but across various components of music ability within the same individual. While environmental factors influencing music development and expertise have been well investigated in the psychological and music literature, the interrogation of possible genetic influences has not progressed at the same rate. Recent advances in genetic research offer fertile ground for exploring the genetic basis of music ability. This paper begins with a brief overview of behavioral and molecular genetic approaches commonly used in human genetic analyses, and then critically reviews the key findings of genetic investigations of the components of music ability. Some promising and converging findings have emerged, with several loci on chromosome 4 implicated in singing and music perception, and certain loci on chromosome 8q implicated in absolute pitch and music perception. The gene AVPR1A on chromosome 12q has also been implicated in music perception, music memory, and music listening, whereas SLC6A4 on chromosome 17q has been associated with music memory and choir participation. Replication of these results in alternate populations and with larger samples is warranted to confirm the findings. Through increased research efforts, a clearer picture of the genetic mechanisms underpinning music ability will hopefully emerge.


AIM
A reduction in burnout is required to decrease the voluntary turnover of nurses. This study was carried out with the aim of establishing a cognitive model of stress, burnout, and intention to resign for nurses.

METHODS
A questionnaire survey was administered to 336 nurses (27 male and 309 female) who had worked for ≤5 years at a hospital with multiple departments. The survey included an evaluation of burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), stress (Nursing Job Stressor Scale), automatic thoughts (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Revised), and irrational beliefs (Japanese Irrational Belief Test), in addition to the intention to resign.

RESULTS
The stressors that affected burnout in the nurses included conflict with other nursing staff, nursing role conflict, qualitative workload, quantitative workload, and conflict with patients. The irrational beliefs that were related to burnout included dependence, problem avoidance, and helplessness. In order to examine the automatic thoughts affecting burnout, groups with low and high negative automatic thoughts and low and high positive automatic thoughts were established. A two-way ANOVA showed a significant interaction of these factors with emotional exhaustion, but no significant interaction with depersonalization and a personal sense of accomplishment. Only the major effect was significant. The final model showed a process of "stressor → irrational beliefs → negative automatic thoughts/positive automatic thoughts → burnout". In addition, a relationship between burnout and an intention to resign was shown.

CONCLUSION
These results suggest that stress and burnout in nurses might be prevented and that the number of nurses who leave their position could be decreased by changing irrational beliefs to rational beliefs, decreasing negative automatic thoughts, and facilitating positive automatic thoughts.


Summary Pretreatment of mice with BCG induced a high level of protection against infection with Taenia taeniaeformis. Protection was manifested both during and after establishment by the parasite suggesting that two separate mechanisms were stimulated by BCG. The first inhibits initial establishment by the parasite and may be antibody mediated. The second is responsible for the destruction of developing strobilocerci in the liver and may require the involvement of cellular defence mechanisms.


Abstract Canada's western continental shelf can be broadly divided into three geographical regions: Salish Sea, Pacific North Coast and Vancouver Island Shelf. Each region's physiography has been uniquely impacted by a history of glaciation, tectonism, oceanography and sea-level change. Retreat of the Fraser Glaciation started from the Pacific towards the mainland of British Columbia first in the north on Haida Gwaii (16 14C ka BP) then outer Vancouver Island (14 14C ka BP), and generally progressed east with ice persisting on the Fraser lowland and northern British Columbia mainland, and possibly the central interbasin coast, until after 10 14C ka BP. Retreat on the Pacific North Coast was rapid, while downwasting and stagnation occurred in the Salish Sea. Sea levels responded to this deglacial history, with submergence of most of the Salish Sea by over 250 m before 12 14C ka BP then falling to approximately 100 m where it remained until approximately 10 14C ka BP, and emergence of the Vancouver Island Shelf with the development of a forebulge. In contrast, the Pacific North Coast crustal loading of the British Columbia mainland and development of a peripheral forebulge towards Haida Gwaii resulted in submergence of the mainland by 120 m and emergence of the western basin by more than 120 m, with regional variation throughout. Holocene sedimentation is primarily restricted to the coastal inlets and fjords, except for the southern Salish Sea off the Fraser River.


Objective: To investigate the relationship between the perception of cushioning and variable measured using tibia acceleration in heel–toe running. Method: Ten rearfoot strikers' runners ran at 3.9 m.s−1 on a stiff treadmill in seven footwear conditions presenting different mechanical properties through midsole geometries and/or materials. The perceived cushioning was quantified through a 100-mm visual analogic scale. Tibia accelerations were measured using a triaxial accelerometer from which six variables of interest were extracted based on time and frequency analyses. After pooling data of each subject in each condition (n = 70), Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to test the correlation between the perceived cushioning and each biomechanical variables. The Cohen's d effect size was calculated for significant correlation. Results: Significant correlations were found between the perceived cushioning and three axial acceleration-related variables which are the axial acceleration peak (r = −0.246, p = .04, small correlation), the kurtosis coefficient of the axial acceleration peak (r = −0.281, p = .056, small correlation), and the power spectral density of the axial acceleration within the 10–20 Hz bandwidth (r = −0.300, p = .018, small correlation). Conclusion: The present study highlights that the perception of running footwear cushioning was correlated to tibia impact peak and tibia vibration magnitude. Besides, no variable extracted from the transverse component of tibia acceleration was correlated to cushioning perception. These findings could have practical implications in running footwear design.


Pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), fruit characteristic of the Brazilian cerrado, has sensory and nutritional characteristics, pleasant flavor and aroma and considerable presence of lipids and fiber, essential for human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the post-harvest conservation of this fruit by using different sources of biofilms as a means to ensure the maintenance of fruit physical and chemical characteristics in order to increase its shelf life. Fruits were submitted to four treatments: control (no coating) (T1); 0.5% w/w carnauba wax (T2); 1% w/w cassava starch (T3) and 1.5% w/w xanthan gum (T4) stored during 15 days at BOD at 22 ± 0.1°C and submitted every three days to analyses of titratable acidity, soluble solid, pH, turgor pressure, vitamin C, weight loss and physical structure by scanning electron microscopy. The pH levels and turgor pressure showed expected values for control and coated pequi fruits. The vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids contents and weight loss showed that coatings did not achieve satisfactory results. However, fruits coated with cassava starch showed the best conservation results during the experimental period. Key words : Coatings, shelf life, storage.


Fluorosis, caused by long-term intake of high levels of fluoride, is characterized by clinical manifestations
in bones and teeth. However, detrimental effects of high-fluoride intake are observed in
soft tissues also. Although fluorosis is irreversible, it could be prevented by appropriate and timely
intervention through understanding the process at biochemical and molecular levels. Increased production
of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation has been considered to play an
important role in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity.
Saliva is a biological liquid of the human organism, and may be a reflection of the metabolic state.
The concentration of calcium (Ca2+), proline, hydroxyproline, creatinine and activity of alkaline
phosphatase were determined in the saliva of patients with fluorosis. An imbalance has been determined
in salivary components of patients with fluorosis. Correlation analysis among some biochemical
indexes in the patients with fluorosis indicated metabolic imbalance.


In two-pass encoding, also known as multi-pass encoding, the input video content is analyzed in the first-pass to help the second-pass encoding utilize better encoding decisions and improve overall compression efficiency. In live streaming applications, a single-pass encoding scheme is mainly used to avoid the additional first-pass encoding run-time to analyze the complexity of every video content. This paper introduces an Efficient low-latency Two-Pass encoding Scheme (ETPS) for live video streaming applications. In this scheme, Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)-energy-based low-complexity spatial and temporal features for every video segment are extracted in the first-pass to predict each target bitrate's optimal constant rate factor (CRF) for the second-pass constrained variable bitrate (cVBR) encoding. Experimental results show that, on average, ETPS compared to a traditional two-pass average bitrate encoding scheme yields encoding time savings of 43.78% without any noticeable drop in compression efficiency. Additionally, compared to a single-pass constant bitrate (CBR) encoding, it yields bitrate savings of 10.89% and 8.60% to maintain the same PSNR and VMAF, respectively.


Leucite-bearing rocks from Leucite Hills are re--investigated. Petrographic descriptions are made on the wyomingite and orendite together with their xenoliths. Results of chemical analyses and a series of thermal experiments on these rocks are given. From the results of the present investigation the authors are led to the conclusion that the leucite-bearing rocks under consideration were derived directly from the partial melting of the upper mantle materials, probably mica periodotitic in composition, without the aid of assimilation of the granitic or other salic rocks.


A recently introduced method of improving converter input current waveforms as well as power factor are re-evaluated under non-ideal operating conditions, that is, variable DC bus and unbalanced supply. The proposed method makes use of a novel controlled front-end diode rectifier of a rectifier-inverter structure. The technique involves the use of bi-directional bi-pass switches across the front-end rectifier, with a dSPACE-based intelligent control algorithm. The operation of the converter is fully analysed as possible DC/AC drives and a complete design example is provided. The main feature of the topology is low cost, small size, high power factor and simplicity. It is found to be a universal retrofit for DC drives, and in the front-end rectifier of existing three-phase AC drives, UPS etc. for power factor correction without any passive or active filtering.


Summary: The possible influence of maternal antibody on the immune response to bovine serum albumin (BSA), a normal cow's milk protein, was investigated in fullterm human neonates. Antibody production to BSA of 12 infants with passively acquired anti-BSA (Group I) was compared to the immune response of nine infants without passive anti-BSA at birth (Group II) during the first 6 months of life. All infants were raised on commercial cow's milk formulas containing BSA in concentrations from 0.4–4.0 mg/dl. From 4 wk of age concentrations of circulating anti-BSA as measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) were higher in Group II, but differences were not statistically significant. There was no difference in the immune response between infants ingesting formulas with high BSA content compared to infants ingesting low concentrations of antigenic BSA. The main isotype associated with anti-BSA formation was IgG. IgA in measurable amounts appeared later and accounted for approximately 10% of circulating antibody in both groups at 6 months of age. Only small amounts of IgM- and IgE-anti-BSA were detected.


In texture classification, feature extraction can be made in a transform domain. A possibility to preserve the translation invariance is to use a complex transform like the Hyperanalytic Wavelet transform. It exhibits a circularly symmetric density function for subband coefficients so it can be modeled by a particular form of the complex generalized Gaussian (CGGD) distribution function. The Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, or distance, can be used to measure the similarity between subbands density function. We derive in this paper a closed-form expression for the KL divergence between two complex generalized Gaussian distributions.


In a time of rapid social and demographic change, growing exposure to risk factors due to climate change, resource shortages, migration strain and adverse economic conditions are sources of stress and continuous instability in urban contexts. Arup conceived the City Resilience Framework for the Rockefeller Foundation. 'Housing' is the only form of construction included within this framework. It is one of the action areas in its strategy for improving urban resilience. This article seeks to provide a methodological contribution, hypothesizing requisites for resilience, preventative procedures and ex-post validation that moves beyond an emergency approach to foster the resilience of residential construction and its measurability in all phases of the construction process.


In connection with the reconstruction of the large assemblage of pottery from the hunebed G2, near Glimmen, gemeente Haren, a survey of TRB West Group pottery was carried out. From this survey, a series of seven stages in the development of TRB pottery was identified, based on the development of form and decoration. These stages, 'horizons', are described in terms of the most popular motifs, techniques and forms at any one time. Horizon 1 shows distinct similarities to the pottery of the late Haassel-Fuchsberggroup from which it is derived. The subsequent divergence and development of the West Group as a separate, regional entity is seen from Horizon 2 onwards. The pottery belongs to two main traditions, one continuing through Horizons 1 to 4 and including most of the former Drouwen Style, and the second continuing through Horizons 4 to 7 and including most of the former Havelte Style. This development lasted approximately 550 years, beginning at about 3400 cal BC and ending at or around 2850 cal BC.


The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of clinical visual examination (ICDAS II), digital periapical radiography (PR), near infrared light transillumination (NIR-LT), and laser fluorescence (LF) to microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) which is the reference standard for the detection of non-cavitated occlusal enamel and dentin caries in third molar teeth. Potential participants were consecutively recruited. In this prospective study, 101 third molars of 101 patients were examined; the molars had non-cavitated occlusal caries which required extraction. ICDAS II, PR, NIR-LT and LF examinations were carried out by two blinded examiners. Reference standard was determined by micro-CT imaging seven days after extraction. Accuracy rate, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (Az) were statistically analyzed. Nonparametric variables were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis Test. Significance level was set as p < 0.05. NIR-LT had the highest sensitivity (99.67–99.67%) and accuracy (78.22–77.23%) for the determination of occlusal enamel caries according to examiners 1 and 2, respectively. LF method had the highest sensitivity (70.83–54.17%) and accuracy (66.34–59.41%) for determining occlusal dentin caries according to examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The ROC curve (Az) value ranged between 0.524 and 0.726 for the different methods tested. Most effective methods for the diagnosis of occlusal enamel and dentin caries were determined to be NIR-LT and LF pen methods, respectively. The present prospective clinical study showed that NIR-LT and LF-Pen were a reliable modality for the detection of occlusal enamel and dentin caries without ionizing radiation.


OBJECTIVE To report on a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who attempted suicide by taking an overdose of interferon (IFN) beta-1a. CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old man with MS and depressive symptoms self-administered approximately 6 or 7 prefilled syringes containing 44 μg (12 MIU) of subcutaneous IFN beta-1a in a suicide attempt. Clinical examination in the emergency department revealed a modest rise in body temperature and diffuse redness of the skin of the limbs and truncal region. The patient's signs and symptoms resolved over the following 24 hours. IFN beta-1a was temporarily withdrawn and treatment with citalopram, which the patient had spontaneously discontinued before the suicide attempt, was resumed. Laboratory assessment showed no modifications in biochemical and hematologic parameters. The IFN beta-1a concentration in the serum sample taken at 48 hours after the suicide attempt confirmed that the patient had taken a very high dose of IFN. DISCUSSION Depression, a common condition in MS patients, was precipitated in this patient by the spontaneous discontinuation of citalopram and not influenced by IFN beta-1a therapy, which the patient resumed at 44 μg 3 times per week. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates the risks of depression in MS patients and the danger of discontinuing treatment with antidepressants. This report also shows that approximately 264–308 μg of IFN beta-1a, the highest single dose of IFN beta-1a reported taken by a human as of this writing, caused only a transient and self-limiting malaise.


Objectives This study aims to provide updated data on the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in New Zealand and to examine the difference between ethnic groups. Methods We identified the SLE cases from the national administrative datasets. The date of first identification of SLE was the earliest date of a related inpatient event or the earliest date of a related outpatient event. The crude incidence and prevalence of SLE in 2010–2021 were estimated by gender, age group and ethnicity. The WHO (World Health Organization) age-standardised rate (ASR) of incidence and prevalence of SLE was calculated, after stratifying the cases by ethnicity and gender. Results The average ASR of incidence and prevalence of SLE in 2010–2021 was 2.1 and 42.1 per 100,000 people in New Zealand. The average ASR of incidence for women was 3.4 per 100,000 for women and 0.6 for men. It was highest for Pacific women (9.8), followed by Asian women (5.3) and Māori women (3.6), and was lowest for Europeans/Others (2.1). The average ASR of prevalence was 65.2 per 100,000 for women and 8.5 for men. It was highest for Pacific women (176.2), followed by Māori women (83.7) and Asian women (72.2), and was lowest for Europeans/Others (48.5). The ASR of prevalence of SLE has been increasing slightly over time: from 60.2 in 2010 to 66.1 per 100,000 in 2021 for women and from 7.6 in 2010 to 8.8 per 100,000 in 2021 for men. Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of SLE in New Zealand were comparable to the rates in European countries. Pacific people had the highest incidence and prevalence of SLE, more than three times the rates for Europeans/others. The high incidence of SLE in Māori and Asian people also has implications for the future as these populations increase as a proportion to the total population.


Cloud
computing aims to integrate more than one relatively low-cost computing
entities into a perfect system of powerful computing capabilities, and
distribute this powerful computing capabilities to end-users by the advanced
business model. Traditional network marketing has played an important role in
the e-commerce industry, bringing invaluable wealth for online transactions,
but with the continuous improvement of people's living standard, traditional
marketing methods can no longer meet the market requirements. This paper
compares the difference between traditional network marketing and cloud
marketing based on cloud computing, and creates a new cloud marketing model
C-Marketing. Then the advantages
of C-Marketing as a new hot spot in marketing are discussed. Finally some suggestions for improvement are proposed based on this.


HLA-DR2 serological subtyping has indicated that the DR16 serotype appears at a higher frequency relative to the DR15 serotype in the Greek population, differing from the distribution observed in most other Caucasian groups. In this study, we have analyzed by the PCR-SSP technique a DR2-positive group of unrelated Greek individuals selected from our normal control panel for the different DRB1, DRB5, DQB1 and DQA1 DR2-associated alleles present. Six of the 50 individuals analyzed were homozygous for DR2, contributing a total of 56 haplotypes for DR2. The observed frequencies of the DR2-related DRB1 alleles were as follows: 58.9% for the DRB1*1601, 7.1% for the DRB1*1602, 25.0% for the DRB1*1501 and 7.1 % for the DRB1*1502 allele. The rare allele DRB1*1605 was detected in one heterozygous sample and its presence was definitively established by DNA sequencing. The alleles *1503, *1504, *1505, *1603 and *1604 were not detected. Three DRB5 alleles were identified: DRB5*0202 (67.8%), DRB5*0101 (25.0%) and DRB5*0102 (7.1%). Ten different DRB1/DQB1/ DQA1 DR2-associated haplotypes were defined. The most frequently observed haplotype was DRB1*1601-DQB1*0502-DQA1*0102 (relative frequency=57%) followed by DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602-DQA1*0102 (relative frequency=14.3%). In conclusion, the refined analysis of the DR2-associated DRB1 alleles in the Greek population revealed the prevalence of the DRB1*1601 allele. The rare allele DRB1*1605 was demonstrated once. A considerable variety of different DR2-related DR/DQ haplotypes was detected and the overall haplotypic frequencies in the Greek population are distributed differently compared to those reported for most other Caucasian populations.


The conflict and ambivalence in the legislative transformation in South Africa, recognising on the one hand the institution of traditional leadership and its concomitant customs and values, and on the other hand enforcing the fundamental value of gender equality entrenched in the South African Constitution, Act 108 of 1996 are debated in this paper. A succession dispute among the Venda of Masia is used to show how untenable the application of the gender equality principle in the Constitution and in Act 4 of 2000 (The Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act) is as regards succession to traditional leadership in this tribe. The claim to the position of traditional leader of a senior female member of the Royal Council of Masia was refuted by the Council. During a special Royal Council meeting convened to discuss the succession dispute in the royal house of Masia and related issues, senior members of the Council emphasised the fact that the recognition of traditional leadership a...


A structural characterization of mixed micelles formed in aqueous solution by the PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer P123 and the nonionic surfactant C(12)EO(6) was carried out using various techniques, including ultralow shear viscosimetry, depolarized dynamic light scattering (VH-DLS), depolarized static light scattering (VH-SLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The sphere-to-rod transition of the mixed micelles was studied in a diluted regime (P123 concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 10 wt %) at C(12)EO(6)/P123 molar ratios of 2.2, 3.2, 6.0, and 11 as well as for the pure C(12)EO(6). The data from VH-SLS and viscosimetry displayed a sharp increase in the intensity and viscosity, respectively, at the sphere-to-rod transition, and the results from the two methods were in accordance. In both techniques, an increased transition temperature with increasing content of C(12)EO(6) (in the molar ratio regime from 2.2 to 11) was observed. SAXS was used as the main technique, and a thorough structural characterization was performed, where indirect Fourier transformation (IFT) and generalized indirect Fourier transformation (GIFT) were employed in the analysis procedure of the SAXS data. The p(r) functions obtained from the IFT (employed at low P123 concentrations, i.e., 1.0 and 2.0 wt %) and GIFT (employed above 2.0 wt %) analyses revealed increased inhomogeneities in the mixed micelles when the molar ratio was increased. This suggested that the C(12)EO(6) organized themselves at the interface between the PPO core and the PEO corona of the P123 micelles, with the C(12) alkyl chain stretching into the hydrophobic core and the EO(6) part residing in the hydrophilic corona. The structure factor parameters obtained with GIFT for a molar ratio of 2.2 at a P123 concentration of 5.0 wt % showed radius values smaller than what was estimated from the p(r) functions. This was explained by an interpenetration of the PEO chains from one mixed micelle into a neighboring one. VH-DLS was performed on the mixed micelles at a temperature 3 degrees C above the transition temperature and at a molar ratio of 2.2. From the analyzed data, the average length L of the rods was estimated to be 102 nm.


In the Canadian Arctic, the availability of sustainable drinking water supplies is threatened by pressures such as increasing populations, climate change, and the remote geographic nature of the communities. The objective of this study was to conduct a screening level vulnerability assessment of municipal drinking water supplies in the Canadian territory of Nunavut with consideration for climate change, population growth, and infrastructure changes. A hydrological analysis of primary drinking water supply watersheds was performed to evaluate the relative vulnerability level in 24 Nunavut communities. We used a water balance model to predict annual water yield from each watershed using historical and projected future climate data. Approximately 25% of the study communities were projected to experience high vulnerability to water shortages by 2070, defined as using greater than 40% of available water from their source watershed on an annual basis. A medium level of vulnerability (using 20% – 40% of annual available water) was determined for 8% of the study communities and a moderate level for 12% (using 10% – 20% of annual available water). A low vulnerability level to 2070 (using less than 10% of annual available water) was determined for 55% of the communities. The vulnerability level was primarily influenced by source watershed size. The results of this study could be used as a component of a proactive strategy to help address water security issues in Nunavut.


The multiplicative calculi which are provide a wide variety of mathematical tools for use in science, engineering, and mathematics, appear to have considerable potential for use as alternatives to the classical calculus of Newton and Leibnitz. Every property in classical calculus has an analogue in multiplicative calculus. Recently, metric spaces are defined depending on the multiplicative calculus and examined some topological properties. We introduce, in this work, multiplicative generalized metric spaces and define the multiplicative generalized contractive. Further, we investigate some properties of multiplicative generalized contractive mapping and give multiplicative generalized fixed point theorems.


Both anesthetics and hemorrhage may affect the hepatic energy metabolism. The effects of inhalation anesthetics (halothane, enflurane and isoflurane) on hepatic ATP level and L/P ratio were evaluated in rat under hemorrhagic shock. There was no significant difference in the hepatic ATP levels among 4 groups. However the L/P ratio in 3 inhalation anesthetic groups was significantly lower than that in control group. These results suggest that inhalation anesthetics may improve the hepatic energy metabolism during hemorrhagic shock.


The current study built and empirically tested a model of the relationships between selected organisational variables, Organisational Learning (OL) capability and performance in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Theoretical advances in the OL domain have been based on the experiences of large organisations in the western hemisphere. In response, the study focuses on analysing the OL capability of SMEs in a transitional economy, namely Malaysia. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyse the datasets from 256 manufacturing and services SMEs. Statistical results showed that entrepreneurial orientation and human-capital development practices have direct positive effects on SMEs' OL capability. It was further found that human-capital development practices mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and OL capability. This implied that while entrepreneurial orientation fosters the need for a strong OL capability, human-capital development practices serve as the mechanisms for developing such capability. Lastly, empirical evidence was provided to support the notion that OL capability enhances the performance of SMEs.


The operation characteristics of the Cs-Ba tacitron as a switch are investigated experimentally in three modes: (a) breakdown mode, (b) I-V mode, and (c) current modulation mode. The switching frequency, grid potentials for ignition and extinguishing of discharge, and the Cs pressure and emission conditions (Ba pressure and emitter temperature) for stable current modulation are determined. The experimental data is also used to determine the off-time required for successful ignition, and the effects of the aforementioned operation parameters on the ignition duty cycle threshold for stable modulation. Operation parameters measured include switching frequency up to 20 kHz, hold-off voltage up to 180 V, current densities in excess of 15 A/cm{sup 2}, switch power density of 1 kW/cm{sup 2}. and a switching efficiency in excess of 90% at collector C: realer than 30 V. The voltage drop strongly depends on the Cs pressure and to a lesser extent on the emission conditions. Increasing the Cs pressure and/or the emission current lowers the voltage drop, however, for the same initial Cs pressure and emission conditions, the voltage drop in the I-V mode is usually lower than that during current modulation. As long as the discharge current is kept lower that the.emission current,more » the voltage drop during stable current modulation could be as low as 3 V.« less


Blocking the catalytic activity of urease has been shown to have a key role in different diseases as well as in different agricultural applications. A vast array of molecules have been tested against ureases of different species, but the clinical translation of these compounds has been limited due to challenges of potency, chemical and metabolic stability as well as promiscuity against other proteins. The design and development of new compounds greatly benefit from insights from previously tested compounds; however, no large-scale studies surveying the urease inhibitors' chemical space exist that can provide an overview of developed compounds to data. Therefore, given the increasing interest in developing new compounds for this target, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the activity landscape published so far. To do so, we assembled and curated a data set of compounds tested against urease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest data set of urease inhibitors to date, composed of 3200 compounds of diverse structures. We characterized the data set in terms of chemical space coverage, molecular scaffolds, distribution with respect to physicochemical properties, as well as temporal trends of drug development. Through these analyses, we highlighted different substructures and functional groups responsible for distinct activity and inactivity against ureases. Furthermore, activity cliffs were assessed, and the chemical space of urease inhibitors was compared to DrugBank. Finally, we extracted meaningful patterns associated with activity using a decision tree algorithm. Overall, this study provides a critical overview of urease inhibitor research carried out in the last few decades and enabled finding underlying SAR patterns such as under-reported chemical functional groups that contribute to the overall activity. With this work, we propose different rules and practical implications that can guide the design or selection of novel compounds to be screened as well as lead optimization.


The ESH-ESC Guidelines published in 2007 stated that "Further emphasis has been given to identification of target organ damage, since hypertension-related subclinical alterations in several organs indicate progression in the cardiovascular disease continuum which markedly increases the risk beyond that caused by the simple presence of risk factors" Several studies have shown that the regression of asymptomatic TOD occurring during treatment reflects the treatment-induced reduction of morbid and fatal CV events, thereby offering valuable information on whether patients are more or less effectively protected by the treatment strategies adopted. The reappraisal of the ESH of 2009 (2) and thereafter the ESH-ESC Guidelines 2013 (3), encouraged the convenience of repeating TOD assessment during the follow-up. In this assessment renal evaluation is a key issue. Renal derived parameters, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin and protein excretion has been considered parameters with prognostic value of risk, not only cardiovascular but also renal.Evidence suggests that treatment-induced changes in urinary protein excretion is a marker of prognosis. In fact, a reduction in total mortality and cardiovascular mortality has been observed when a significant urinary albumin excretion reduction is achieved. Whether or not changes in microalbuminuria are of prognostic value remains controversial, although recent seems that support it. Additional advantages of renal markers as prognostic markers are availability, low cost, sensitivity to detect changes, and short time is necessary for observing the changes.Despite the great bulk of information available demonstrating an association between regression of TOD during antihypertensive treatment and decreased mortality and cardiovascular and renal morbidity, some key questions for the clinically use of TOD remain unmet. Among them, the marker or markers to be used, the most appropriate timing to repeat it and whether or not changes in one organ can be assumed to occur in the other organs. Finally, a question to consider is if some of these TOD should be targeted during the antihypertensive treatment beyond the BP reduction. The most important factors are availability, cost, sensitivity to detect changes, time necessary for observing the changes and finally the evidence for prognostic value of the changes.Based on these considerations ESH/ESC guidelines 2013 concludes that measuring serum creatinine, urine albumin excretion and electrocardiographic left ventricular mass in patients with hypertension is a class I recommendation with an evidence level B. Recognizing the need for more evidence regarding which combination of markers to measure, at what time points, in which patients, and with which consequence, efforts should be performed to gain grounded information for a better clinical use of TOD during antihypertensive treatment.


AUTHOR Messick, Samuel TITLE Cognitive Style and Personality: Scanning and Orientation toward Affect. INSTITUTION Educational Testing Service, Princeton, N.J. SPONS AGENCY National Inst. of Mental Health (DHHS), Bethesda, Md. REPORT NO ETS-RR-89-16 PUB DATE Mar 89 CONTRACT M-4186 NOTE 75p.; In: Landis, D., Ed. A Persistent Scholar: A Festschrift for Charles M. Solley. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press. PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143)


Pure strategy board games such as chess are popular intellectual activities, and solving them is a challenging task in computer science. In addition to traditional games, many new board games have gained popularity in recent years. Ostle is one such unsolved game published in 2017. It is based on simple rules but is highly competitive. It is a two-player zero-sum game with perfect information in which the game-theoretical values of all game states can be obtained. In this study, we strongly solved Ostle by retrograde analysis. Utilizing various known techniques, including bitboards and succinct indexable dictionaries, significantly reduced the memory consumption in the analyses. We confirmed that the initial position is a draw and found some fundamental properties of Ostle. Additionally, we manually composed a tactical Ostle puzzle with the help of extracted outputs of the analyses. The result demonstrates that solving recent games provided helpful information to compose high-quality problems.


Social goods are goods that grant value not only to their owners but also to the owners' surroundings, be it their families, friends or office mates. The benefit a non-owner derives from the good is affected by many factors, including the type of the good, its availability, and the social status of the non-owner. Depending on the magnitude of the benefit and on the price of the good, a potential buyer might stay away from purchasing the good, hoping to free ride on others' purchases. A revenue-maximizing seller who sells social goods must take these considerations into account when setting prices for the good. The literature on optimal pricing has advanced considerably over the last decade, but little is known about optimal pricing schemes for selling social goods. In this paper, we conduct a systematic study of revenue-maximizing pricing schemes for social goods: we introduce a Bayesian model for this scenario, and devise nearly-optimal pricing schemes for various types of externalities, both for simultaneous sales and for sequential sales.


The interplay between law and political economy dictates much of the wealth of nations. This article describes the clash between the two dominant models of economic development: fugitive and agrarian. In the agrarian model, growth is closely correlated with levels of investment in physical and human capital. Neither extraordinary risks nor returns are contemplated. By contrast, fugitive development stresses freedom of movement and unlimited risks and returns over security and self-sufficiency. Laws that assume an agrarian model of development are diverging from economic trends that favor fugitive paths to prosperity. This mismatch foretells rough times for the nation-state in its role as a manager of growth and redistributor of wealth. The conflict between agrarian law and fugitive economics has profound implications for taxation and regulation in the global commons.


Plant secondary compounds (PSC) are prevalent in many woody, temperate-climate plant species and play a crucial role in dietary attempts to mitigate methane emissions in ruminants. However, their application requires sufficient palatability and feeding value. In the present study, leaves from silver birch (Betula pendula), hazel (Corylus avellana), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), green grape vine (Vitis vinifera) and the herbs rosebay willow (Epilobium angustifolium) and wood avens (Geum urbanum) were tested in various doses with the Hohenheim gas test method in vitro and their short-term palatability in dairy cows. For the palatability experiment, the plants were pelleted with lucerne in different proportions to obtain the same phenol content, but realised contents differed from expected contents. The pellets were provided separately from a mixed basal ration (0.4 : 0.6) to each cow, in a randomised order, for 3 days per plant. All plants mitigated in vitro methane and ammonia formation, often in a linear dose response. These levels of effects differed among plants. Significant effects were observed at 100 (hazel, rosebay willow) to 400 g/kg of plant material. The test plants had a lower feeding value than the high-quality basal diet. This was indicated by in vitro organic matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acid formation and calculated contents of net energy of lactation. Simultaneously, the linear depression of ammonia formation indicated a dose-dependent increase of utilisable CP. Only blackcurrant and birch were less preferred to lucerne. However, this aversion subsided on day 3 of offer. The rosebay willow pellets had the highest phenol content but were not the least palatable. Accordingly, PSC may not be the main determinants of palatability for the plants tested. Plants did not differ significantly in their short-term effects on milk yield and composition, and all of the plants substantially reduced milk urea content. Overall, the results suggest that hazel and vine leaves, and rosebay willow and wood avens herbs should be tested for their potential to mitigate methane and N emissions in vivo.


The Hebrew word ᵓĕlīlim is usually explained as the plural of the Hebrew adjective ᵓĕlīl ("useless, vain"), hence a dysphemism describing idols. However, the ancient versions did not understand the word this way. The word more plausibly is a loanword from the Akkadian illilu, itself a borrowing from Sumerian. The earliest attestations of ᵓĕlīlim in Hebrew appear in Isaiah often as part of code-switching to signal the foreignness of the word itself.