Predation is an important source of nest mortality in many bird species and calling near the nest can increase this risk, yet adults of many species regularly vocalize near their nests. Some of these calls serve clearly adaptive functions, such as alarm or provisioning calls. However, many species also give conspicuous 'contact' calls near the nest, which is puzzling because the function of these calls is unclear, and they might attract predators. Most studies of parental vocalizations near nests have focused on specific vocalizations and single hypotheses, yet there is a diversity of vocalization types and potential functions. We review the literature on the diversity and possible function of parental vocalizations near the nest, and then investigate the puzzle of conspicuous contact calling near nests by white-browed scrubwrens Sericornis frontalis. In scrubwrens, 'chip-zz' contact calls were almost always used when adults approached nests, and when they approached one another or changed location. Call composition also changed: the proportion of 'chip' elements increased as callers approached the nest or other adults. Neither adult sex nor nestling age affected calling. Thus, chip-zz calls appear to be used as ongoing signals to other group members of the caller's activity and location, particularly relative to the nest. Nestlings appeared to use the calls as cues of adult arrival, and increased calling as adults approached nests. Further, adults called less after a predator was on the territory, suggesting that parents may be able to reduce the risk of chip-zz calls betraying nest location, or possibly use the absence of calling as a signal of danger. This study thus demonstrates that calling near nests could inform both adults and nestlings about the caller's behaviour, and could serve multiple functions. Future studies will need to experimentally test these functions, as well as the other hypotheses reviewed here.


Seven neonates required intensive care at our institution with enterovirus myocarditis, 2001–2003. Presentation was at a median age of 9 days. All had ischaemic electrocardiograms, poor ventricular function, raised creatine kinase, and enterovirus RNA detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Four survived. Enterovirus myocarditis may be an under recognised cause of neonatal collapse.


This community service aimed to improve psychological, economic, and social resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic for members of KUB Sendang Rejeki, Sribit, Sendangtirto, Berbah, Sleman. The methods of implementation included providing counseling and training in managing psychological resistance, physical health and social resilience, and in optimizing the local potential of the community. Data were collected through interviews, observations and supporting documents. The results of the counseling and training showed that understanding and skills of psychological resilience, physical management, social resilience of the community, cultivating the local potential, and family economic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic all increased.
Keywords: strengthening, psychological, economic, and social resilience


Approaching the distance of 180°, seismic focusing greatly amplifies the normally weak PKIIKP phase (underside reflection from the inner core boundary). Anomalously strong amplitudes of the PKIIKP phase reported previously at near antipodal distances (at seismic station TAM in North Africa) have been interpreted to infer anomalous structure(s) of the inner core boundary (including a sharp drop of compressional wave speed in the bottommost outer core or a near‐zero shear wave speed in the topmost inner core). However, our observations of 12 earthquakes located antipodal to TAM (including the previously cited four events) suggest, for several reasons, that the anomalous PKIIKP energy might be a seismic phase misidentification. The anomalous phase appeared at distances less than 179.6° but not at larger distances (~179.8°). The phase appears consistently from antipode to distances less than 160° and has horizontal slowness similar to the PKIKP phase (going straight through the inner core). Its travel times vary greatly and show a systematic difference between two groups of events at different distances. A simple point scatter provides a good match to the travel times and the systematic variation of the anomalous phase at most stations, suggesting that it could originate from scattering off strong heterogeneities in the mantle wedge above the subducting Tonga slab. The phase misidentification suggests that the previously proposed inner core boundary structure(s) based on the anomalous phase need to be re‐evaluated.


Abstract Despite the efficiency and scalability of machine learning systems, recent studies have demonstrated that many classification methods, especially Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), are vulnerable to adversarial examples; that is, examples that are carefully crafted to fool a well-trained classification model while being indistinguishable from natural data to human. This makes it potentially unsafe to apply DNNs or related methods in security-critical areas. Since this issue was first identified by Biggio et al. and Szegedy et al., much work has been done in this field, including the development of attack methods to generate adversarial examples and the construction of defense techniques to guard against such examples. This article aims to introduce this topic and its latest developments to the statistical community, primarily focusing on the generation and guarding of adversarial examples. Computing codes (in Python and R) used in the numerical experiments are publicly available for readers to explore the surveyed methods. It is the hope of the authors that this article will encourage more statisticians to work on this important and exciting field of generating and defending against adversarial examples.


Author(s): Yau, Irene Wu | Abstract: The main focus of this dissertation is examining the mechanisms of peripheral B cell tolerance (Chapter 2). Generating a diverse repertoire of B cells reactive against foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self-tissue, is imperative for an effective immune system. Random gene rearrangement at the immunoglobulin loci results in the majority of newly formed B cells being self-reactive. At an initial checkpoint in the bone marrow, a large portion of self-reactive B cells are rendered unresponsive or are eliminated through apoptosis. A second, less well-defined checkpoint in B cell tolerance occurs in the periphery as developing transitional B cells mature in the spleen. Indeed, studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a defect at this second crucial checkpoint. Within the follicle, follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) retain immune complexes and opsonized foreign antigens by Fc and complement receptors, respectively, important for B cell selection during the germinal center response. However, the selection of self-reactive B cells by self-antigen on FDCs has not been addressed. To this end, a mouse model (Cd21cremDELloxp mice) that expresses self-antigen membrane-bound Duck Egg Lysozyme (mDEL) on FDCs to study the fate of mDEL-binding B cells was generated. The results from this model show that self-antigen displayed on FDCs mediates effective elimination of self-reactive B cells at the transitional stage. A portion of Chapter 2 will be on the design and generation of the appropriate mouse model to address the question of peripheral B cell tolerance in late-stage transitional and follicular B cells in the spleen. The remaining half of the chapter will present the results of peripheral B cell tolerance studies in Cd21cremDELloxp mice. Chapter 3 presents work on various aspects of the germinal center reaction including the tools used to study GC B cells, the proteins involved in forming a GC reaction, and exploring mechanisms of eliminating self-reactive B cells that may arise in a GC reaction


Summaries of invited lectures.- The asymptotic evolution of data structures.- On the formal aspects of approximation algorithms.- Selected aspects of the calculus of self-modifiable algorithms theory.- Almost-everywhere complexity, bi-immunity and nondeterministic space.- Deriving deterministic prediction rules from reduction schemes.- Probabilistic analysis of set operations with constant-time set equality test.- Classification by minimum-message-length inference.- Fast left-linear semi-unification.- On the complexity of (off-line) 1-tape ATM's running in constant reversals.- A constant update time finger search tree.- Average case analysis of algorithms using matrix recurrences.- Finding two-tree-factor elements of tableau-defined monoids in time O(n 3).- Toward a general theory of computation and specification over abstract data types.- Using the hamiltonian path operator to capture NP.- Some remarks on polynomial time isomorphisms.- An axiomatization of wait-freedom and low-atomicity.- The Gamma model as a functional programming tool.- Computing the transitive closure of symmetric matrices.- An environment for information system prototyping: A system simulation approach.- A logic-free method for modular composition of specifications.- On real-time program specification description with a data model-based language.- DINAS: Computer-assisted system for multi-criteria transportation and location analyses.- Logic programming for software testing.- Block concatenated code word surrogate file for partial match retrieval.- Applications development toolkits for environmental modelling and monitoring.- A hypertext for literate programming.- Ethics and computers: Can universities set the standards?.- Alternatives to the B+- tree.- Minimal perfect hashing for large sets of data.- Architectural classification and transaction execution models of multidatabase systems.- Semantic query optimization in distributed databases.- An architecture for a multimedia database management system supporting content search.- Adaptive expert systems and analogical problem solving.- The behavior of database concurrency control mechanisms under bursty arrivals.- The core concurrency.- Concurrent data structures.- Asynchronous functional parallel programs.- Symbolic configuration for SuperNode multiprocessors.- A model of execution time estimating for RPC-oriented programs.- Parallel computation of Longest-Common-Subsequence.- Parallel Breadth-first and Breadth-depth traversals of general trees.- Parallelism via speculation in pure Prolog.- Synthesis of error-recoverable protocol specifications from service specifications.- A parallel algorithm for path-min queries in trees.- Efficient deterministic parallel algorithms for integer sorting.- A model of communication in Ada using shared data abstractions.- Communication complexity of computing a collection of rational functions.- Electing a leader in a synchronous recursively scalable network.- Analysis of self-reconfigurating process of fault-tolerant distributed computing systems.- Control of bottlenecks in a network database machine.- A hierarchical multirate method for circuit simulation on parallel computers.- I/O overhead and parallel VLSI architectures for lattice computations.- Optimality of gauge and degree-sensitive VLSI layouts of planar graphs.- An efficient VLSI network bridge architecture for local area networks.


Spoken dialogue systems can encounter different types of errors, including nonunderstanding errors where the system recognises that the user has spoken, but does not understand the utterance. Strategies for dealing with this kind of error have been proposed and tested in the context of goal-driven dialogue systems, for example by Bohus with a system which helps reserve conference rooms (Bohus and Rudnicky, 2005). However there has been little work on possible strategies in more conversational settings where the dialogue has more open-ended intentions. This paper looks at recovery from non-understanding errors in the context of a robot tourguide, and tests the strategies in a user trial. The results suggest that it is beneficial for user enjoyment to use strategies which attempt to move the dialogue on, rather than getting caught up in the error by asking users to repeat themselves.


This survey study aims to identify the problems of classroom teachers while teaching adjecent italic handwriting and to develop strategies to cope with those problems. The sample of the study consisted of 266 classroom teachers who taught in Kirsehir in the 2009-2010 academic year. "Problems of the Teaching of Adjecent Italic Handwriting Survey" was used to collect data. The data were analyzed via SPSS by using percentages and frequencies. The results showed that teachers generally did not face with many problems while teaching adjecent italic handwriting. However, students made mistakes when they wrote "f, r, s, and k" with lower cases and "F, G, H, T, and D" with upper cases. Students were mostly confused the letters "b and d", "r and n", "m and n", and "u and v". Summary


The purpose of this study was to trace the historical development of Home Economics taught in the public elementary schools in the Philippines from 1900 to 1980. Specifically, it sought to determine: (a) the general educational aims and policies that affected the elementary Home Economics instruction, (b) the reforms and changes made in the elementary Home Economics curriculum, and (c) the influence of the prevailing national political ideology and focus of governmental control in the elementary Home Economics curriculum. Historical research methods were followed. Data were gathered from documents, curricula in Home Economics, directives to teachers, memoranda, bulletins, circulars, Annual Reports of the Director of Education, census reports, Survey Reports of Educational Commissions, Reports of the Philippine Commission, books, periodicals, theses, and dissertations. Information was critically examined, gathered, and organized.


Manufacturing industry is changing rapidly. Prototyping with rapid manufacturing is a part of every business in many companies and prototypes are used efficiently as a part of the production development process. Sheet metal forming has traditionally been a technology area where prototyping has been extremely expensive and efficient options for low volume have been limited. This paper describes the process for incremental sheet forming technologies to make the prototype for a brake dust shield of vehicles, which includes the remodeling method to make a base mold and tool path for sheet metal forming and 5-axes laser cutting machine to trim the prototype product.


Prolonged or uncontrolled B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is associated with autoimmunity. We previously demonstrated a role for actin in BCR signal attenuation. This study reveals that Actin-binding protein 1 (Abp1/HIP-55/SH3P7) is a critical negative regulator of BCR signaling, and is responsible for linking actin remodeling to negative regulatory pathways of the BCR. In Abp1 knockout mice, the numbers of spontaneous germinal center B cells and marginal zone B cells are significantly increased, while early B-cell development is unaltered. Serum levels of autoantibody and total antibody are elevated, while T-dependent antibody responses are markedly reduced. Upon activation, surface BCR clustering is enhanced and B-cell contraction is delayed in Abp1-/- B cells; concurrent with slow but persistent increases in F-actin at BCR signalosomes. Furthermore, BCR signaling is enhanced in Abp1-/- B cells compared to wild-type B cells, including increased levels of Ca2+ flux and phosphorylated BLNK, MEK1/2 and ERK, coinciding with reductions in the recruitment of the inhibitory signaling molecules HPK1 and SHIP-1 to BCR signalosomes. Our results indicate that Abp1 contributes to the maintenance of B-cell tolerance via negatively regulating BCR signaling, by promoting actin-dependent B-cell contraction and activation of inhibitory signaling molecules. This reveals a new mechanism for negative regulation of BCR signaling.


Non-invasive imaging techniques in microbial disease models have delivered valuable insights in the intimate pathogen-host interplay during infection. Here we describe evaluation and validation of a transgenic bioluminescence reporter strain of the human-pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the main fungal pathogens affecting immunocompromised individuals. Expression and surface display of the Gaussia princeps luciferase allowed sensitive and rapid detection of luminescence emitted from this strain after substrate addition, with photon fluxes strongly correlating to the amounts of fungal conidia or germlings. The reporter strain allowed spatio-temporal monitoring of infection in a cutaneous model of aspergillosis, where neutropenic mice maintained the fungal burden while immunocompetent ones were able to clear it entirely. Most importantly, antifungal therapy could be followed in this type of disease model making use of the bioluminescent A. fumigatus strain. In conclusion, combining sensitivity of the Gaussia luciferase with a surface display expression system in the fungal host allows longitudinal infection studies on cutaneous forms of aspergillosis, providing perspective on drug screening approaches at high-throughput.


Strong gravitational lensing enables a wide range of science: probing cosmography; testing dark matter models; understanding galaxy evolution; and magnifying the faint, small and distant Universe. However to date exploiting strong lensing as a tool for these numerous cosmological and astrophysical applications has been severely hampered by limited sample sized. LSST will drive studies of strongly lensed galaxies, galaxy groups and galaxy clusters into the statistical age. Time variable lensing events, e.g. measuring cosmological time delays from strongly lensed supernovae and quasars, place the strongest constraints on LSST's observing strategy and have been considered in the DESC observing strategy white papers. Here we focus on aspects of `static' lens discovery that will be affected by the observing strategy. In summary, we advocate (1) ensuring comparable (sub-arcsecond) seeing in the g-band as in r and i to facilitate discovery of gravitational lenses, and (2) initially surveying the entire observable extragalactic sky as rapidly as possible to enable early science spanning a broad range of static and transient interests.


We previously revealed that intratumoral lactic acidosis was a key factor to protect cancer cells against glucose deprivation-induced death and unraveled the underlying mechanisms. When lactic acidosis was converted to lactosis by a base, its protective role was abolished. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), a major modality for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), kills cancer cells through occluding tumor afferent arteries and delivering concentrated anticancer drugs locally into tumors. Meanwhile, TACE also enhances and traps intratumoral lactic acidosis, which may permit cancer cell surviving under stresses, antagonizing anticancer activity of TACE. According to our hypothesis, converting intratumoral lactic acidosis to lactosis by a base in combination with TACE, may deliver far more robust anticancer effects than TACE alone. Here we attempt to test this hypothesis. Methods:This is a single-armed study. 59 patients (38 BCLC B stage and 21 BCLC C stage) bearing large HCC (5-17 cm) received a modified TACE (TILA-TACE, targeting-intratumoral-lactic-acidosis TACE) treatment. In TILA-TACE, 5% sodium bicarbonate, which was to convert intratumoral lactic acidosis to lactosis, was infused through tumor feeding arteries alternatively with doxorubicin-lipiodol emulsion with the dose adjusted to tumor size, followed by permanent embolization. Retreatment was based on the evidence of viable tumor residuals. The portal vein tumor thrombosis and hepatic vein tumor thrombosis of patients of BCLC C category were treated with conformal radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) to treatment and overall survival (OS). Results and clinical implications: 1. One course of TILA-TACE treatment achieved 100%. The average ORR responding to cTACE reported globally was 35%. 2. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survivals of the 59 patients (38 BCLC B stage and 21 BCLC C stage) receiving TILA-TACE treatment were 78.2%, 61.8%, and 56.1%, respectively, with a median survival beyond 41 months. 3. The study highlighted a beyond 3-year median survival of advanced HCC patients. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS of HCC patients of BCLC stage C category were 78.4%, 56.0%, and 56.0%, respectively, but the median survival of these patients was not reached. It is well known that even treated with sorafenib, the recommended therapy for advanced HCC, the median survival of patients of this category was less than 1 year. 4. Also notably, 27 patients with HCC > 10 cm were 100% responded to TILA-TACE treatment with 44.4% CR. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survivals were 79.2%, 67.9%, and 67.9%, respectively, with a median survival beyond 3 years. It has been well recognized that tumor > 10 cm is a relative contraindication for cTACE treatment. It was reported that CR rate was 0% in tumor >10 cm and the median survival for patients with HCC > 10 cm treated with cTACE was around 10 months. This pilot study supports our hypothesis that neutralizing intratumoral lactic acidosis may deliver a novel approach to control tumors whose glucose supply could be blocked through occluding tumor feeding vessels. The next step is to design a prospective randomized controlled study. Citation Format: Ming Chao, Hao Wu, Kai Jin, Bin Li, Jianjun Wu, Guangqiang Zhang, Xun Hu. Neutralizing intratumoral lactic acidosis markedly enhances the efficacy of TACE for intermediate and advanced hepatoceullar carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-247.


Decentralization reforms, implemented to improve efficiency and service provision, pose a challenge for federal governments that would like to ensure that federal resources are used appropriately by local governments. To overcome this challenge, some federal governments have implemented costly oversight programs aimed at improving municipal governance. For instance, in 2003, the Brazilian federal government introduced a randomized auditing program with the goal of improving municipal performance by exposing episodes of corruption and mismanagement. Yet, we know little about whether these types of programs actually lead to improvements in local outcomes, especially in terms of service delivery. We argue that audits provide opportunities for learning that should improve performance outcomes. To test this argument, we examine municipal performance in over 5,000 Brazilian municipalities from 2001 to 2012. We utilize the random assignment of audits and estimate difference‐in‐differences regressions. We find that audited municipalities experience greater improvements in performance overall compared to unaudited municipalities, though the effect size is modest. We also find evidence that the auditing program indirectly improves municipal performance. These results indicate that top‐down oversight programs, such as the Brazilian one, are useful not only for improving transparency and accountability, but also for the provision of public services as well.


Seafood has been identified as an important source of Vibrio cholerae in Thailand, especially in the Southern coastal region. In this study, we isolated and characterized V. cholerae from seafood obtained from several markets in Hat Yai city, Southern Thailand. A total of 100 V. cholerae isolates were obtained from 55 of 125 seafood samples. The dominant serotype was non-O1/non-O139. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect the presence of pathogenesis-related genes. The stn/sto and hlyA El Tor virulence genes were detected in 20% and 96% of the isolates, respectively. None of the isolates were positive for the ctxA, tcpA, zot, and ace genes. Only 6% of the isolates carried the T3SS gene (vcsV2); however, the majority of the isolates (96%) carried the T6SS gene (vasH). Representative isolates (n=35) that exhibited various virulence gene patterns were randomly selected and analyzed for their hemolytic activity, antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, and genotype. Hemolytic activity using sheep red blood cells was detected in only one of the hlyA-negative isolates. Apart from ampicillin, all isolates were pansusceptible to five test antibiotics. Biofilm production was observed in most of the isolates, and there was no difference in the presence of a biofilm between the smooth and rugose isolates. Using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR method, clonal relationships were observed among the isolates that exhibited identical virulence gene patterns.


Database integrity and security are vital measures in database development. Database designers in this respect have a number of approaches to secure data during database design and development. Some of the approaches include the use of the HASH functions such as the MD5 to encrypt database passwords. But with this comes technological challenges of attacks and vulnerability. Current new technologies such as the use of the haskillers and descriptor's. This paper brings to light the challenges faced in using MD5 by database designers a give alternatives to secure data during database design.


The study of normal breast epithelial morphogenesis and carcinogenesis in vivo has largely used rodent models. Efforts at studying mammary morphogenesis and cancer with xenotransplanted human epithelial cells have failed to recapitulate the full extent of development seen in the human breast. We have developed an orthotopic xenograft model in which both the stromal and epithelial components of the reconstructed mammary gland are of human origin. Genetic modification of human stromal cells before the implantation of ostensibly normal human mammary epithelial cells resulted in the outgrowth of benign and malignant lesions. This experimental model allows for studies of human epithelial morphogenesis and differentiation in vivo and underscores the critical role of heterotypic interactions in human breast development and carcinogenesis.


The temperature variation of the thermal conductivity, the electrical resistivity, and the thermoelectric power of a graphitized polyimide film have been measured in the temperature range 2 < T < 300 K. The effect of the electrochemical intercalation with FeCl_4− ions has also been studied. The thermal conductivity measurements confirm the high degree of graphitization that may be obtained with polyimide films. They show how intercalation increases the structural disorder and how the intercalate substantially contributes to the thermal conductivity at low temperatures. The electrical-resistivity and thermoelectric-power measurements reveal that the density of free carriers is about three times lower in stage-2 FeCl_4− solvated intercalation compounds obtained by an electrochemical way than in stage-2 FeCl_3 compounds obtained by a classical synthesis method.


The faculty member is considered an essential axis in the success of the private university education.. In view of the high turnover rate in the private university education sector in Iraq, as it reached nearly 40% in some colleges, which makes it a phenomenon that must be studied by researchers. Accordingly, the research aims to find out what are the reasons that push the faculty member in private university education to leave his job and move to another place, which is called push factors. The researcher followed the descriptive approach in collecting theoretical information and the survey and analysis approach in collecting field data using a questionnaire that included, in addition to personal information, questions for thirteen reasons that could be cause of labor turnover send to those who left the work( Post Exit) in a sample of private colleges through Personal interview or by sending it via electronic means of communication. The data was analyzed using the statistical program SPSS version 24.The research found that the thirteen reasons were statistically significant as a reason for labor turnover, the most important of which is the lack of security and job stability in private university education. The research also presented a set of recommendations that can contribute to reducing the phenomenon of labor turnover for faculty members in private university education in Iraq.


In wireless communication systems, the receiver receives signals from one source or multiple sources. The latter is known as a quasi-synchronous transmission. The same signal from multiple sources with different propagation delays causes dispersion of transmission pulses, thus increasing the delay spread of the transmission. In analogue systems, this results in ghosting effects, whereas digital environments suffer from severe intersymbol interference (ISI). The effects of ISI on digital communication systems are critical, as it degrades the system performance, especially in the absence of equalization. This paper analyses the effects on third generation (3G) WCDMA-FDD mobile networks of the presence of multiple broadband repeaters in the system.


Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as an urgent global public health issue that requires immediate attention. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) is a major problem, as it may cause serious human and animal infections, eventually resulting in death. This study determined the proportional distribution, genetic characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility of mecA- or mecC-carrying staphylococci isolated from food chain products. A total of 230 samples were taken from meat, food, fermented food, and food containers. Overall, 13.9% (32/230) of the samples were identified to have Staphylococcus aureus isolates; of those, 3.9% (9/230) were MRS, with eight mecA-positive and one mecC-positive samples, and 1.3% (3/230) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA strains belonging to three sequence types (ST9, ST22, and a newly identified ST), three different spa types (T005, t526, and a newly identified type), and three different SCCmec types (IV, V, and an unidentified SCCmec) were detected. Additionally, eight mecA-positive staphylococcal isolates were identified as S. haemolyticus, S. sciuri, S. simulans, and S. warneri, while the mecC-harboring isolate was S. xylosus. The enterotoxin gene, SEm, was detected at 1.56% in S. aureus, whereas SEq was detected at 0.31%, and SEi was also found in MRSA. Our study emphasizes the importance of enhanced hygiene standards in reducing the risk of occupational and foodborne MRSA infections associated with the handling or consumption of meat, food, and preserved food products.


This study was designed to examine how indigenous socio-cultural practices contribute to the conservation and management of natural resources in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria.  The major purpose of this paper is to investigating the extent to which totemism (forbidden items), creation of protected areas (evil forest, sacred grooves, burial ground), shrines and sanctuaries as indigenous socio-cultural practices contribute to natural resources conservation in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. Three research questions and three commensurate null hypotheses were formulated for the study.. The population of the study consisted of farmers, carvers, traders, civil and public servants, conservation organizations among others. The multi-stage sampling techniques, was used to select a sample of 240 respondents from a population of about twelve thousand persons from 12 selected autonomous communities. A structured questionnaire divided into two sections with the modified four point Likert scale response option was the major instrument for data collection. The researcher with the help of trained community secretary administered the instruments and there was a 100% instrument return rate.  Pie chart and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was used to test the relationship between the sub variables which makes up indigenous cultural practices and the conservation of natural resources at 0.05 significant levels at 238 degree of freedom. The result of the analyses of all the hypotheses were significant indicating that each of the sub-variable constituting indigenous cultural practices contributes to the conservation of natural resources in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that modern conservation activities should purposely design strategies to incorporate indigenous socio-cultural practices for the conservation of natural resources in the study area and beyond.


A GLC method for the determination of valproic acid and ethosuximide in plasma was developed. The procedure involved a single solvent extraction of drugs from acidified plasma samples, followed by a GLC injection of the unconcentrated organic phase. This rapid, sensitive, specific, and reproducible method has been used for 2 years for the routine determination of plasma levels of valproic acid and ethosuximide in epileptic patients who receive other antiepileptic drugs simultaneously.


Marcell Vollmer will discuss how the digital economy is revolutionizing business models and how to run the customer centric enterprise processes. Sharing insights from innovations such AI, ML, Blockchain and IoT and new applications including chatbots. He will inspire you to think of the new ways you can drive value for your business and the become more customer centric in all processes. As former C-Level Executive at SAP, Marcell redefined business models, delivered innovations and transformed global organizations towards a strategic, end-to-end driven customer- centric organization leveraging automation, process mining and artificial intelligence.

In this keynote he will share insights on successful transformations of business models and how to scale by adapting the digital transformation with AI and ML to prepare for the future


The recycling of abandoned containers from the export/import business becomes an important issue of city regeneration in the context of sustainable development. Here we explore the design syntax for a place configured by shipping containers. Employing the 3T concept, i.e. topos, typos and tectonics, initiated by Frampton, we construct a framework of spatial practice for the reuse of containers in Taiwan. Our study shows that 1. Integrating the container architecture with the existing content is an efficient approach to a sustainable redevelopment; 2. the diversity in functions provided by a container architecture is an excellent tool to enriching public life; and 3. remodeling container space with local material can serve as a catalyst to the development of creative culture and urban economics.


Situation of the country in the modern world depends not only on the possession of scientific knowledge; reflect the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress, but also on the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. High technologies play a huge role in the development of the economy and society. Formation and execution of the production program of high-tech enterprises should be carried out in accordance with established expertise, available production capacity and portfolio on high technology in general. This work analyses approaches to optimizing production capacity in cases of a new business line launching in a company. The idea of optimization is the effective involvement of production capacity with free effective time fund. Production capacity planning is based on factors, which affects its value. Improve the use of existing production capacity allow improving the organization of production, labor and management, as well as the intensification of production. In this paper the optimization model that takes into account the characteristics of high-tech enterprises, is created.


Position control of a switched reluctance motor based on exact input-output linearisation of its torque production characteristics, in an inner control loop, and a simple sliding mode outer control loop using fuzzy logic has been demonstrated. Experimental results confirm the anticipated behaviour of this scheme. The exercise has highlighted some of the advantages of fuzzy systems, notably their flexibility. It has also given some indication of the appropriateness of fuzzy logic in two different situations. It is concluded that learning and representing highly nonlinear functions for which accurate analytic expressions are not available exploits many of the strengths of fuzzy logic. Implementing a simple nonlinear control scheme, for which analytic expressions and established control theory are the starting point exploits fewer. Overall, however, it has been demonstrated that it is appropriate to employ fuzzy systems within larger control system architectures specifically where nonlinear characteristics are required. (4 pages)


This study investigated the effects of changes in metabolic syndrome (MS) status and each component on subsequent dementia occurrence. The study population was participants of a biennial National Health Screening Program in 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 in Korea. Participants were divided into four groups according to change in MS status during the two-year interval screening: sustained normal, worsened (normal to MS), improved (MS to normal), and sustained MS group. Risk of dementia among the groups was estimated from the second screening date to 31 December 2016 using a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 4,106,590 participants were included. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years. Compared to the sustained normal group, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) (95% confidence interval) were 1.11 (1.08–1.13) for total dementia, 1.08 (1.05–1.11) for Alzheimer's disease, and 1.20 (1.13–1.28) for vascular dementia in the worsened group; 1.12 (1.10–1.15), 1.10 (1.07–1.13), and 1.19 (1.12–1.27) for the improved group; and 1.18 (1.16–1.20), 1.13 (1.11–1.15), and 1.38 (1.32–1.44) for the sustained MS group. Normalization of MS lowered the risk of all dementia types; total dementia (aHR 1.18 versus 1.12), Alzheimer's disease (1.13 versus 1.10), and vascular dementia (1.38 versus 1.19). Among MS components, fasting glucose and blood pressure showed more impact. In conclusion, changes in MS status were associated with the risk of dementia. Strategies to improve MS, especially hyperglycemia and blood pressure, may help to prevent dementia.


Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the association between caffeine intake and dry eye disease (DED) in the large, population-based LifeLines cohort in the Netherlands. Methods: DED was cross-sectionally assessed in 85,302 participants (59% female participants) using the Women's Health Study dry eye questionnaire. Dietary caffeine was calculated from the intake of coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between DED and caffeine, correcting for demographic variables, smoking status, alcohol intake, and 48 comorbidities of DED. Results: The mean (SD; range) age of participants was 50.7 years (12.4; 18–96), and 50,339 (59%) were female. The mean (SD) caffeine intake was 285 (182) mg/d. After correcting for demographics, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol intake, higher caffeine intake was associated with a decreased risk of Women's Health Study-defined DED [odds ratio (OR) 0.971 per 100 mg/d, 95% CI, 0.956–0.986, P < 0.0005]. When additionally adjusting for medical comorbidities, no significant effect was observed (OR 0.985, 95% CI, 0.969–1.001, P = 0.06). Caffeine's effect on DED was similar in male and female participants and independent of sleep quality and stress at work. Decaffeinated coffee intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of DED, when adjusted for caffeinated coffee, demographics, alcohol intake, smoking status, and comorbidities (OR 1.046 per cup/d, 95% CI, 1.010–1.084, P = 0.01). None of the beverages were significantly associated with the risk of DED, when correcting for intake of the other caffeinated beverages, demographics, smoking status, alcohol intake, and all comorbidities. Conclusions: Dietary caffeine intake does not seem to be a risk factor for DED in the general population.


Inci Akpinar, the vice president of a company called Atlas Texas Construction & Trading, sat down with an official from the Louisiana Department of Education a little more than a year ago and made him an offer. As the state official, Folwell Dunbar, recalled in a memo to department colleagues, Akpinar flattered him with "a number of compliments" before getting to the point: "I have twenty-five thousand dollars to fix this problem, twenty thousand for you and five for me. "


Advances in animal genome data and in genetic analysis, next to the increasing use of artificial reproductive technology resulted in progress into the animal sciences area, transposing the applied technologies into the omics field. This paper provides a brief overview related to some aspects of the population genetics characterization, as well as on the animal population genetic improvement and on the main molecular tools available for farm animals, highlighting at the same time the perspectives and priorities in terms of the advanced genetic methods, that can be considered for farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) breeding, improvement and conservation programmes in Romania.


Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), a 'miracle tree' is grown in many countries of tropics and sub-tropics. It has proved to be an excellent source of phytonutrients and has therefore nutritional and medicinal applications for both human and animals. It is a cost-effective, easily procurable and a rich source of multi-vitamins (vitamin A, B and C), proteins, calcium, potassium and possess a unique combination of zeatin, quercetin, sitosterol, kaempferol and caffeoylquinic acid. The unopened floral buds, immature pods and leaves are used for various culinary preparations worldwide. Every part of this tree possesses some or the other nutritional and medinical property. It is a reservoir of dietary supplements and act as cardiac and circulatory stimulant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antitumor, anticancer, diuretic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, hypocholestemic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer and hepatoprotective properties. Apart from medicinal benefits it is deployed in re-forestration program, used as fodder for livestock, as a biosorbent for heavy metals and in water treatment. The seed-oil is frequently used in lubricants, skin lotions and is a promising biodiesel. This review focuses on the explicit economic importance of this versatile and super food tree which miraculously combats malnutrition and serves humanity.


Eco-friendly and sustainable seaweed biomass energy have been under the spotlight as the future of renewable energy. However, seaweed culture is primarily conducted inshore, with the research on offshore culture still an early stage. For massive biomass production, a systematic engineering approach is required to devise offshore seaweed culture facilities rather than the conventional empirical ones. To establish the fundamental behavior of seaweed culture facilities, the dynamic characteristics of a seaweed culture facility were analyzed in the study. For this purpose, numerical analyses of the seaweed culture facility (a frame type) were carried out by using the hydrodynamic simulation program ANSYS-AQWA. For the analysis, environmental loads were considered using the wave spectra and co-linear current, mooring variables were selected as parameters; and time domain analyses were carried out to acquire the time series responses and eventually the dynamic characteristics. Finally, the mooring performance was evaluated. It was found that the motion could be controlled by adjusting the buoyancy and mooring slope.


: This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the nutritional behavior and vegetative growth of two olive tree varieties with the reduction of chemical fertilization and the application of organomineral fertilizer. Three-year-old trees of varieties 'Barnea' and 'Grappolo 541' were used and cultivated on Quartzarenic Neosol in the field. The split-plot scheme was used, with a 4 x 2 factorial design, with the factors of four fertilizations and two varieties and the subplot of evaluation years. The four fertilizations consisted of 100%, 75%, 50% and 0% of the chemical fertilizer recommended for olive trees. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with three blocks and three plants per plot. The organomineral fertilizer was used on all of the plants. Leaf samples and vegetative growth were evaluated in July 2012 and June 2013. The nutritional behavior of olive tree varieties 'Barnea' and 'Grappolo 541' was unchanged with a 50% reduction of chemical fertilizer and the application of organomineral fertilizer. The variety 'Barnea', with habit of rapid growth, had lower foliar nutrient concentrations. A 64.5% reduction of the chemical fertilizer with the application of the organomineral fertilizer had no effect on the vegetative growth of the olive tree variety 'Grappolo 541'.


This study aimed to contribute to providing a quality service that is sensitive to the needs of children undergoing surgery and their parents. An action research approach, focusing on parents' perceptions of coming into recovery, was used. A retrospective survey design was utilized to establish parents' views. A response rate of 71% (n = 100) was achieved. A short prospective study carried out concurrently achieved a 50% (n = 50) response from questionnaires handed out in recovery. Almost all the parents (98%) from both studies felt that they and their child had benefited from the parents' presence in recovery. When given the choice, 100% of parents came to recovery. The structural location and information given to parents preoperatively helped to ensure that parents were easy to find when the time was right to come to recovery. Communication between recovery staff, children and parents before surgery was recognized as a significant factor. A protocol for allowing parents into the recovery room has been produced. Staff who had preconceived ideas about parents' presence now identified the practice as good and considered that it contributed to the quality of the service.


We report four new A-site vacancy ordered thiocyanate double double perovskites, , A = K+, NH4+, CH3(NH3)+ (MeNH3+) and C(NH2)3+ (Gua+), including the first examples of thiocyanate perovskites containing organic A-site cations. We show, using a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction, that the structure of these frameworks depends on the A-site cation, and that these frameworks possess complex vacancy-ordering patterns and cooperative octahedral tilts distinctly different from atomic perovskites. Density functional theory calculations uncover the energetic origin of these complex orders and allow us to propose a simple rule to predict favoured A-site cation orderings for a given tilt sequence. We use these insights, in combination with symmetry mode analyses, to show that these complex orders suggest a new route to non-centrosymmetric perovskites, and mean this family of materials could contain excellent candidates for piezo- and ferroelectric applications.


Despite the fact that sickle cell disease has long been understood at the molecular level, there is insufficient knowledge about the natural history of the disease, and preventive or curative treatment has not been found. The disease afflicts about 50,000 Americans, mostly black, and thousands of Africans, Arabs, Indians, Greeks, and Italians. Investigators at a recent scientific meeting reported progress on several fronts: a low-risk method for prenatally detecting the disease in all cases; a look, for the first time, at the behavior of sickle hemoglobin inside human RBCs; a method of drug delivery designed to minimize toxic side effects; and an ongoing study to characterize the clinical course of the disease. Prenatal Detection Using a restriction enzyme that, like all such enzymes, always cuts DNA in the same place (in this case a certain location on the β-globin gene), investigators at the University of California, San Francisco, can now


Abstract Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) is a key forest foundation species that is currently declining across the eastern US due to attack by exotic insect species, primarily Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid). In the northeastern US, declining Eastern Hemlock stands are typically replaced by fast-growing deciduous Betula lenta (Black Birch) trees, altering ecosystem processes and ecological communities. In this study, we used an approach that substituted space for time to explore how the forest floor's soil organic horizon, macrofungal communities, and bacterial abundance might be altered following Eastern Hemlock replacement by Black Birch. We compared intact, mature Eastern Hemlock forest plots at 2 sites in western Massachusetts to adjacent areas of vigorous regeneration of young Black Birch triggered by logging activity at the sites ∼25–30 years ago. Forest-floor soil organic horizons were significantly thicker under Eastern Hemlock forests and exhibited a higher carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio, suggesting slower decomposition and greater accumulation of organic material under Eastern Hemlock compared to deciduous Black Birch canopies. Macrofungal communities emerging from the forest floor did not differ strongly in morphospecies richness between Eastern Hemlock and Black Birch plots. However, a greater number of rare fungi taxa, defined in this study as those represented by a single observation, were detected in Eastern Hemlock plots, and the composition of Black Birch plots was more homogenized and less variable. The abundance of bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) in the soil organic horizon appeared to follow a seasonal pattern of variation between mature Eastern Hemlock versus young Black Birch plots; CFUs were most abundant in Black Birch soils in the fall, potentially tracking input of new deciduous leaf litter, whereas Eastern Hemlock plots had higher CFU counts in the summer. The results of this study suggest that forest-floor characteristics will be substantially altered by the impending loss of Eastern Hemlock, associated macrofungal communities may become simplified and homogenized, and the timing of peak bacterial abundance in the forest floor might be shifted to the fall.


Characteristics of Subordinate Follicles Following Removal of the Dominant Follicle: Induction of Selection Matthew Dean In mammals, ovarian follicles begin as primordial follicles. Over time these follicles are gradually activated and begin growth. As they proceed, granulosal and thecal cells are acquired. Eventually, the follicles become dependent on FSH for survival. Two or three times each cycle, a transient increase in FSH allows a cohort of follicles, including the follicle that will ovulate, to continue growing. However, these follicles secrete inhibin and estradiol, which suppress FSH secretion. Eventually, all the follicles of the cohort undergo atresia due to the declining concentrations of FSH, except for the follicle which has the potential to ovulate. This follicle survives the decline in FSH because the granulosal cells of that follicle develop LH receptors that allow stimulation to keep the follicle healthy. The concentrations of estrogen and free insulin-like growth factor I are different in the selected follicles compared to the follicles that underwent atresia in the cohort of follicles. However, because the ovulatory follicle cannot be identified until after it is selected, it is difficult to study the initial changes causing selection. One phenomenon from which insights to selection can be gained is compensatory hypertrophy, which is the ability of an animal to maintain the same ovulation rate after removal of one ovary. This compensation occurs at the next estrus, unless the unilateral-ovariectomy is carried out at the end of the cycle. Therefore, the present study determined the fate of the subordinate follicles following removal of the selected follicle at different stages of the estrous cycle of the cow. Results indicated that if the dominant follicle of a second wave and the CL were removed at day 13 post estrus, the largest subordinate follicle remaining became dominant. However, all treatments later in thecycle resulted in regression of the remaining follicles and emergence of a new wave of follicles before ovulation.


Abstract To verify a linear relation between normalized mechanical property and moisture ratio, in-plane tensile tests were performed on four types of paperboard from different manufacturers. Tensile properties were normalized with respect to the property at standard climate (50 % RH, 23 °C). Short-span Compression Tests were also performed to investigate if the relation was linear also for in-plane compression. The tests were performed at different relative humidity (20, 50, 70 and 90 % RH) but with constant temperature (23 °C) in MD and CD, respectively. The linear relation was confirmed for the normalized mechanical properties investigated. In fact, when also the moisture ratio was normalized with the standard climate, all paperboards coincided along the same line. Therefore, each mechanical property could be expressed as a linear function of moisture ratio and two parameters. Moreover, an in-plane bilinear elastic-plastic material model was suggested, based on four parameters: strength, stiffness, yield strength and hardening modulus, where all parameters could be expressed as linear functions of moisture ratio. The model could predict the elastic-plastic behavior for any moisture content from the two parameters in the linear relations and the mechanical properties at standard climate.


Purpose: The study identified the rationale for material selection in landscaping for checking intrusion in public and private primary schools in Nsukka urban, Enugu state, Nigeria.
Methodology/Approach/Design: A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Three research questions guided the study. The population for the study was 102 respondents comprising 82 public/private school teachers and 20 builders. Due to the manageable size of the population, there was no sampling as the entire population was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a 25-item questionnaire derived from literature reviewed. The instrument was validated by three experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Cronbach's Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and a reliability coefficient of .85 was obtained. The data collected for this study was analyzed using mean and t-test.
Results: The findings revealed some rationale for material selection in landscaping for checking intrusion in public and private primary schools which includes; the durability, maintenance, aesthetic and cost of each landscaping material; the initial and ongoing costs, the availability of the material to be used and the life cycle assessment considerations such as material performance, and impact on the environment and the ability to reuse the material.
Practical Implications: The results of the study might be of interest to school principals and builders. The study reflects the common perceptions about landscaping to prevent intrusion into schools, and hence of practical implications to concerned education authorities in Nsukka urban, Nigeria.
Originality/Value: The study identified the effects of poor landscaping in public and private primary schools which include; exposure of schools to risk of attacks, theft and exposure of schools to ecological problems such as flooding, erosions, deep gullies and a degrading environment.


Climate change can impact plant fitness and population persistence directly through changing abiotic conditions and indirectly through its effects on species interactions. Pollination and seed predation are important biotic interactions that can impact plant fitness, but their impact on population growth rates relative to the role of direct climatic effects is unknown. We combined 13 years of experiments on pollen limitation of seed set and pre‐dispersal seed predation in Ipomopsis aggregata, a subalpine wildflower, with a long‐term demographic study that has documented declining population growth with earlier spring snowmelt date. We determined how pollen limitation and seed predation changed with snowmelt date over 21 years and incorporated those effects into an integral projection model to assess relative impacts of biotic factors on population growth. Both pollen limitation and the difference in stigma pollen load between pollen‐supplemented and control plants declined over years. Neither pollen limitation nor seed predation changed detectably with snowmelt date, suggesting an absence of indirect effects of that specific abiotic factor on these indices of biotic interactions. The projected biotic impacts of pollen limitation and seed predation on population growth rate were small compared to factors associated with snowmelt date. Providing full pollination would delay the projected date when earlier snowmelt will cause populations to fall below replacement by only 14 years. Synthesis. Full pollination and elimination of seed predation would not compensate for the strong detrimental effects of early snowmelt on population growth rate, which in I. aggregata appears driven largely by abiotic environmental factors. The reduction over two decades in pollen limitation also suggests that natural selection on floral traits may weaken with continued climate change. These results highlight the value of studying both abiotic factors and biotic interactions to understand how climate change will influence plant populations.


The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of current smoking among rural Moroccans. The population study included 3438 individuals aged 15 years and above from both sexes. The crude prevalence of current smoking (currently smoked and had smoked > 100 cigarettes in lifetime) was 16.9% in the adolescent and adult rural population: 31.0% among men and 1.1% among women. The majority of smokers 74.4% of men and 68.8% of women) began smoking before age 20 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, marital status, occupation and region of residence were the strongest determinants of current smoking. These results showed a high prevalence of smoking among males in the rural population of Morocco.


OBJECTIVE
To study the alteration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and to ascertain the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs and other mediators on eicosanoid synthesis and Ca2+ concentration.

METHODS
Biopsies taken from the descending colon were isolated biochemically. The suspension of isolated mucosal cells was incubated for 15 min in the presence and absence of arachidonic acid and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. PGE2 and LTB4 concentrations in the incubation medium were measured by radioimmunoassay, and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was determined using fura-2. We studied 107 subjects. In addition, the effects of bradykinin, endothelin, cyclosporin A and PGE2 on intracellular Ca2+ concentration were determined in 25 individuals.

RESULTS
Untreated patients with active inflammatory bowel disease showed a significant increase in LTB4 synthesis compared with healthy controls. However, in patients receiving steroids, sulphasalazine or 5-aminosalicylic acid, both LTB4 and PGE2 synthesis were markedly decreased. When arachidonic acid was added to the cell suspension, it significantly stimulated LTB4 synthesis, especially in patients with active disease. Patients with active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis had moderately higher Ca2+ levels than healthy controls. However, there was a significant decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in patients with quiescent disease who were receiving maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSION
We suggest that increased LTB4 synthesis and elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease. Drugs effective in the treatment of these diseases may exert their pharmacological action by normalizing these pathological findings.


Mongolia has rich resources of stone and brown coal which evenly distributed in whole territory of the country. As of today, consumers of central economic zone are supplied with coal by two major mines based on Baganuur and Shivee-Ovoo. Baganuur's mine still supplies all power plants of Ulaanbaatar city as they were designed to use coal of this mine. During recent years, Shivee-Ovoo mine supplies coal to power plant No. 4 located in Ulaanbaatar city, but qualities of coal for this mine still need more deep research, it standing certain problems. In future we are planning to supply not only native consumers by Shivee-Ovoo coal, also to construct largest power plant on the basis of this mine. So, more detailed research is faced us for Shivee-Ovoo's mine coal. This report presents some results of the research that focused will widely use this coal in energy sector.


Model-based control is a popular paradigm for robot navigation because it can leverage a known dynamics model to efficiently plan robust robot trajectories. However, it is challenging to use model-based methods in settings where the environment is a priori unknown and can only be observed partially through on-board sensors on the robot. In this work, we address this short-coming by coupling model-based control with learning-based perception. The learning-based perception module produces a series of waypoints that guide the robot to the goal via a collision-free path. These waypoints are used by a model-based planner to generate a smooth and dynamically feasible trajectory that is executed on the physical system using feedback control. Our experiments in simulated real-world cluttered environments and on an actual ground vehicle demonstrate that the proposed approach can reach goal locations more reliably and efficiently in novel environments as compared to purely geometric mapping-based or end-to-end learning-based alternatives. Our approach does not rely on detailed explicit 3D maps of the environment, works well with low frame rates, and generalizes well from simulation to the real world. Videos describing our approach and experiments are available on the project website.


To alleviate the high annotation cost in LiDAR-based 3D object detection, active learning is a promising solution that learns to select only a small portion of unlabeled data to annotate, without compromising model performance. Our empirical study, however, suggests that mainstream uncertainty-based and diversity-based active learning policies are not effective when applied in the 3D detection task, as they fail to balance the trade-off between point cloud informativeness and box-level annotation costs. To overcome this limitation, we jointly investigate three novel criteria in our framework Crb for point cloud acquisition - label conciseness}, feature representativeness and geometric balance, which hierarchically filters out the point clouds of redundant 3D bounding box labels, latent features and geometric characteristics (e.g., point cloud density) from the unlabeled sample pool and greedily selects informative ones with fewer objects to annotate. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed criteria align the marginal distributions of the selected subset and the prior distributions of the unseen test set, and minimizes the upper bound of the generalization error. To validate the effectiveness and applicability of Crb, we conduct extensive experiments on the two benchmark 3D object detection datasets of KITTI and Waymo and examine both one-stage (i.e., Second) and two-stage 3D detectors (i.e., Pv-rcnn). Experiments evidence that the proposed approach outperforms existing active learning strategies and achieves fully supervised performance requiring $1\%$ and $8\%$ annotations of bounding boxes and point clouds, respectively. Source code: https://github.com/Luoyadan/CRB-active-3Ddet.


Despite improvements in survival rates for childhood cancer over recent decades, a number of malignancies remain refractory to standard chemotherapy. Amongst these is neuroblastoma, the commonest solid tumour of young children. Children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma still have dismal survival rates, hence alternative therapies are urgently required. The MYCN oncogene is the single most powerful biologic prognostic factor identified in childhood neuroblastoma. Children whose tumours display MYCN amplification have particularly poor prognosis, and the possibility of delivering highly effective therapies targeting the MYCN pathway is an area of research with enormous potential. In this regard, we have used a variety of approaches, to identify and validate key genes associated with MYCN, to use existing or novel therapeutics in new combinations to develop promising treatment strategies targeting these genes, and finally, to develop novel inhibitors of key MYCN-associated genes through cell-based screening of chemical small molecule libraries. One of the best characterised MYCN downstream target genes is the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC1) gene, which is role-limiting for polyamine biosynthesis. We have previously shown that ODC1 is a therapeutic target for neuroblastoma (Hogarty et al 2008, Cancer Res 68 (23): 9735-9745), and that in a range of pre-clinical models, targeting multiple steps in the polyamine pathway enhances therapeutic efficacy. Based on these findings, an international Phase I trial for refractory neuroblastoma, coordinated by the NANT consortium is now active, using ODC1 inhibition by high dose DFMO and SAT1 induction by celecoxib. We have since shown that MYCN regulates not only ODC1 but every gene in the polyamine pathway, in order to drive cellular proliferation, highlighting the importance of this pathway as a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. In seeking to identify molecular targets that interact with or regulate MYCN/myc, are relevant to neuroblastoma biology and which have clear potential for molecular targeting in the clinical setting, we have recently focused on FACT (Facilitates Chromatin Transcription), a chromatin remodelling complex which has been shown to associate with myc. High levels of the genes encoding each of the two FACT subunits are strongly predictive of poor neuroblastoma outcome. Chromatin-trapping of the FACT complex by Curaxins, a recently described class of non-genotoxic compounds which simultaneous inhibit NFkB and active p53, is associated with strong anti-tumour activity (Gasparian et al 2011, Sci Transl Med 3:95ra74. DOI:10.1126). We have studied the effects of the lead curaxin compound in clinical trials, CBL0137, in two independent mouse models of neuroblastoma. As a single agent, CBL0137, administered either by gavage or iv had remarkable anti-tumour activity in both MYCN transgenic mice and also in nude mice xenografted with human neuroblastoma BE(2)-C cells. Most dramatic results were observed when iv CBL0137 was combined with the cyclophosphamide/topotecan, commonly used to treat relapsed neuroblastoma. This treatment resulted in cure of 90% of tumour-bearing MYCN-transgenic mice and a doubling of the lifespan of nude mice xenografted with BE(2)-C human neuroblastoma cells. These results are the most impressive we have ever observed for any therapeutic protocols in these models, and a Phase I trial of CBL0137 in refractory pediatric cancer patients is currently being planned. We have previously shown that the Multidrug Resistance-associated Proteins MRP1 and MRP4 are regulated by the MYCN oncogene and that high levels of these genes are strongly predictive of poor outcome in neuroblastoma (Henderson et al 2011, J Natl Cancer Inst 103 (16): 1236-1251). We have employed cell based screening of chemical small molecule libraries to successfully identify inhibitors of these molecular targets. More recently, we have used chemical library screening to identify a novel molecule, M606, which dramatically reduces MYCN protein levels and activity in human MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells, as well as c-myc protein levels in myc-overexpressing tumour cells. M606 inhibits growth of human neuroblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. M606 causes HIF1a protein accumulation and nuclear translocation, but this effect is independent of MYCN/MYC down-regulation. M606 is structurally related to a family of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, and inhibits prolyl hydroxylase activity. In common with some, but not all propyl hydroxylase inhibitors, for example, desferrioxamine (DFO), M606 appears to have iron chelating activity, and the effects of M606 on MYCN/Myc and HIF1a levels are entirely reversible by addition of iron. However, M606 is far more potent and less toxic than DFO, and inhibits the progression of tumours in MYCN transgenic mice. M606 thus appears to represent a novel molecule for targeting the MYCN oncogene in neuroblastoma. Citation Format: Michelle Haber. Targeting MYCN-driven neuroblastoma using novel therapeutic approaches. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr IA24.


The clearness index is an indispensable parameter required for the design and analysis of solar energy systems. In the absence of measured values for a specific location, the clearness index can be estimated from other measured meteorological variables. In this study three meteorological parameters, sunshine hours, monthly mean values of the temperature difference ($\Delta$T), and cloudiness, are used to develop empirical models for the estimation of clearness index. The empirical models are developed for five major cities in Pakistan (Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta). For empirical model development, long-term data (1991 to 2010) of monthly average clearness index, sunshine hours, average daily minimum and maximum temperatures, and cloudiness have been used. The accuracy of the models has been tested by statistical indicators that include mean percentage error (MPE), coefficient of determination (R$^2$), mean absolute relative error (MARE), mean bias error (MBE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The error analysis revealed that the proposed models are suitable for the estimation of the clearness index. It is also concluded that multiple regression models give better estimates of clearness index for all the stations (0.80 $\leq$ R$^{2}$ $\leq$ 0.86) compared to single parameter model and therefore are recommended. The study indicated that clear sky conditions prevail throughout the months at all the investigated sites (0.58 $\leq$ K$_T$ $\leq$ 0.68), which is a good indicator for solar energy utilization. The statistical indicators also suggest that multilinear regression model M-3 gives a better representation of the climate system and using three parameters reduces the uncertainties in the developed model.


Summary form only given. Motivated by the correlation channel modeling problem in practical applications, such as distributed video coding, we study the binary source coding of a uniform source with side information, under asymmetric correlation channel assumptions. First, we consider the case where side information is available to both the encoder and decoder, and give an analytical formula for the rate-distortion bound. Then, we consider the side information to be available only to the decoder and present the derivation of the associated Wyner-Ziv rate-distortion bound. Most importantly, we characterize the evolution of the rate-loss suffered by Wyner-Ziv coding, for all possible binary asymmetric correlation channels.


Volcanoes are complex systems whose dynamics is the result of the interplay between endogenous and exogenous processes. External forcing on volcanic activity by seasonal hydrological variations can influence the evolution of a volcanic system; yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, we analyse ground tilt, seismicity rates and rainfall amount recorded over 6 years (2015–2021) at Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei, two volcanic areas located in the south of Italy. The results indicate that at both volcanoes the ground deformation reflects the seasonality of the hydrological cycles, whereas seismicity shows a seasonal pattern only at Campi Flegrei. A correlation analysis on shorter time scales (days) indicates that at Vesuvius rain and ground tilt are poorly correlated, whereas rain and earthquakes are almost uncorrelated. Instead, at Campi Flegrei precipitations can affect not only ground deformation but also earthquake rate, through the combined action of water loading and diffusion processes in a fractured medium, likely fostered by the interaction with the shallow hydrothermal fluids. Our observations indicate a different behavior between the two volcanic systems: at Vesuvius, rain-induced hydrological variations poorly affect the normal background activity. On the contrary, such variations play a role in modulating the dynamics of those metastable volcanoes with significant hydrothermal system experiencing unrest, like Campi Flegrei.


North American histories of homelessness have focused upon the specific image of the "tramp." Exemplified by Charlie Chaplin, Jack London, and various other popular representations in a variety of media formats, the tramp, hobo or bindlestiff is a classic North American symbol. This "tramp" is often represented as a young, white, heteronormative man, and many histories of homelessness focus upon subjects like him. However, newly accessible police, charity and census materials suggest the earlytwentieth century homeless population in the Pacific Northwest was more racially and sexually diverse than previously thought. Using a Gramscian liberal order framework theory, I argue that the tramp became a North American liberal ideological icon in response to a growing tension between the needs of capital for a free moving body of labourers and the growing panoptic state. By breaking down the tramp mythos and offering a more accurate image of turn of the century homeless people, we can see the ways liberal ideology has been twisted to justify incarceration, harassment, and exclusion.


Social networks have ensured the expanding disproportion bet ween the face of WWW stored traditionally in search engine repositories and the actual ever changing face of Web . Exponential growth of web users and the ease with which they can upload contents on web highlights the need of content controls on material published on the web. As definition of search is changing, socially -enhanced interactive search methodologies are the need of the hour. Ranking is pivotal for efficient web search as the search performance mainly depends upon the ranking results.In this paper new integrated ranking model based on fused rank of web object based on popularity factor earned over only valid interlinks from multiple social forums is proposed. This model identifies relationships between web objects in separate social networks based on the object inheritance graph.Experimental study indicates the effectiveness of proposed Fusion based ranking algorithm in terms of better search results.


Since robots are typically designed with an individual actuator at each joint, the control of these systems is often difficult and non-intuitive. This thesis explains a more intuitive control scheme called Virtual Model Control. This thesis also demonstrates the simplicity and ease of this control method by using it to control a simulated walking hexapod. Virtual Model Control uses imagined mechanical components to create virtual forces, which are applied through the joint torques of real actuators. This method produces a straightforward means of controlling joint torques to produce a desired robot behavior. Due to the intuitive nature of this control scheme, the design of a virtual model controller is similar to the design of a controller with basic mechanical components. The ease of this control scheme facilitates the use of a high level control system which can be used above the low level virtual model controllers to modulate the parameters of the imaginary mechanical components. In order to apply Virtual Model Control to parallel mechanisms, a solution to the force distribution problem is required. This thesis uses an extension of Gardner`s Partitioned Force Control method which allows for the specification of constrained degrees of freedom. This virtual model control technique was applied to a simulated hexapod robot. Although the hexapod is a highly non-linear, parallel mechanism, the virtual models allowed text-book control solutions to be used while the robot was walking. Using a simple linear control law, the robot walked while simultaneously balancing a pendulum and tracking an object.


The authors present a Partial LTE (PLTE) model in which the ground state is overpopulated with respect to the other excited states. The relative overpopulation of the ground state as a function of the electron temperature, T/sub e/, is fairly sensitive to small variations in both the transition probability, A, and the value for the lowering of the ionisation potential, Delta chi /sub 0/. The total cross-section for excitation from the neutral ground state was derived from the measured degree of overpopulation. The authors calculated the emissivity of the free-bound UV recombination radiation, which proved to be quite large in the 70-80 nm spectral range. Some results for the continuum radiation and for the Stark parameters at lambda approximately=700 nm were also given


The land reform has affected sharply the whole economic, social and political structure of Iran. evidences and figures show that this trend shaped huge wave of migration. This article, based on formal documents and Published figures discusses about the third economic plan (1962 -1968) of Iran and land reforms during same period especially on agricultural Sector of Iran and their effects on the demographical structure of the country. Also tries to investigate the main tendency of the third economic plan on land reforms in agricultural sector and scale their success on the


Genome wide epigenetic signals are altered in cancer cells. In addition, circulating nucleosome bound DNA fragments contain the same mutations as matched cancer tissue samples suggesting a tumor origin for at least some circulating nucleosomes. We have developed ELISA tests for circulating nucleosomes (NuQ ® ) and show that the profile of epigenetic features, including histone modifications and variants, DNA modifications and adducts between nucleosomes and non-histone proteins can be correlated with clinical disease and overcomes a major limitation of simple nucleosome quantification for diagnostic and prognostic use. Validation of this approach in a retrospective cohort of 4800 patients presenting with symptoms of Colorectal diseases generated a diagnostic NuQ ® panel with sensitivity of 81% at a specificity of 80% in an age adjusted linear regression model for the detection of Colorectal cancer (CRC). In a subsequent pilot prospective study of 58 subjects, a sensitivity of 91% at 90% specificity was achieved for the detection of CRC. We now present preliminary Nucleosomics ® data from the first 2000 individuals of a 14 000 asymptomatic, average risk cohort as part of a prospective clinical comparison with a national Fecal Immunological Screening (FIT) program in Denmark. Successful validation of this approach would provide an affordable, accessible and easily implemented blood based testing alternative to address relatively low compliance of fecal testing. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Marielle Herzog, Mark Eccleston, Dorian Pamart, Brieuc Cuvelier, Ib Jarle Christensen, Hans Jorgen Nielson, Jake Micallef, Jason Terrell. Blood-based epigenetic profiling of circulating cell free nucleosomes in 2000 FIT positive individuals: A novel approach to colorectal cancer detection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Colorectal Cancer: From Initiation to Outcomes; 2016 Sep 17-20; Tampa, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B02.


—Recently, the wide adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced new challenges that the current cloud-centric approach must overcome. The high-latency ob- tained from sending daily massive volumes of generated data to the cloud, for further processing, is insufficient to meet the stringent requirements of emerging IoT applications. As a consequence, researchers have introduced new paradigms, like edge and fog computing, with the purpose of extending cloud capabilities closer to the edge of the network. This extension of the cloud enables IoT applications to be deployed in the proximity of sensors, adding new benefits like fast response time and better security and privacy. In this paper, we discuss in detail both paradigms based on their individual characteristics and use cases. Furthermore, we explain what future challenges, i.e., resource management, security and privacy, and network management, researches must solve to enable the adoption in society. Finally, we present our vision regarding a smart city scenario in which users have the possibility of customizing their environment as they desire, by seamlessly downloading applications on a personal edge network.


The diagnosis of mosaicism is challenging in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) subset due to low variant allele frequency. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from a patient clinically diagnosed with NF2 based on multiple schwannomas, including bilateral vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. Genetic analysis of the patient's mononuclear cells (MNCs) from peripheral blood failed to detect NF2 alteration but successfully found p.Q65X (c.193C>T) mutation in all separate tumors with three intracranial meningiomas and one intraorbital schwannoma, and confirming mosaicism diagnosis in NF2 alteration using deep sequencing. Five different clones with patient‐derived iPSCs were established from MNCs in peripheral blood, which showed sufficient expression of pluripotent markers. Genetic analysis showed that one of five generated iPSC lines from MNCs had the same p.Q65X mutation as that found in NF2. There was no significant difference in the expression of genes related to NF2 between iPSC clones with the wild‐type and mutant NF2. In this case, clonal expansion of mononuclear bone marrow‐derived stem cells recapitulated mosaicism's genetic alteration in NF2. Patient‐derived iPSCs from mosaic NF2 would contribute to further functional research of NF2 alteration.


Abstract This paper outlines the rise during the 1990s of numerous audit and accountability processes within the BBC. It draws on an ethnographic study of the BBC carried out in the later 1990s, which generated an analysis of the internal impact of these changes on the corporation. The paper frames this development within the larger political and governmental contexts to which it was a response. At the same time it notes the absence in this period of significant progress on the part of the BBC in reforming its governance arrangements, a source of continuing criticism of the corporation, and one cause of the voracious growth of auditing. The analysis stresses the visible performance of accountability as an attempted means of strengthening the BBC's legitimation. It is argued that the processes brought a kind of institutionalised reflexivity to the corporation. At the same time audit and accountability had certain deleterious effects, stoking the growth of tiers of new management, which became an onerous burden on the production arms of the BBC and eroded their creative capacities. The paper therefore questions the utility of the kind and the degree of accountability and audit processes to which the BBC has been subject. It points to an irony: while the implementation of these policies responded to governmental pressures, the BBC's elaborate performance of accountability and audit has done little to defend it against further encroachment by government in the form of accelerating reviews of its services and delivery.


Telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, decreases with age and it has been associated with aging-related diseases. Environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle factors, affect the rate of telomere shortening which can be reversed by telomerase. Telomerase activation by natural molecules has been suggested to be an anti-aging modulator that can play a role in the treatment of aging-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural compounds on telomerase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The tested compounds included Centella asiatica extract formulation (08AGTLF), Astragalus extract formulation (Nutrient 4), TA-65 (containing Astragalus membranaceus extract), oleanolic acid (OA), maslinic acid (MA), and 3 multi-nutrient formulas (Nutrients 1, 2 and 3) at various concentrations. The mean absorbance values of telomerase activity measured following treatment with some of the above-mentioned formulations were statistically significantly higher compared to those of the untreated cells. In particular, in order of importance with respect to telomerase activation from highest to lowest, 08AGTLF, OA, Nutrient 4, TA-65, MA, Nutrient 3 and Nutrient 2, triggered statistically significant increase in telomerase activity compared to the untreated cells. 08AGTLF reached the highest levels of telomerase activity reported to date, at least to our knowledge, increasing telomerase activity by 8.8 folds compared to untreated cells, while Nutrient 4 and OA were also potent activators (4.3-fold and 5.9-fold increase, respectively). On the whole, this study indicates that the synergistic effect of nutrients and natural compounds can activate telomerase and produce more potent formulations. Human clinical studies using these formulations are required to evaluate their mode of action. This would reveal the health benefits of telomerase activation through natural molecules and would shed new light onto the treatment of aging-related diseases.


In education, there has been a gulf between the production of pedagogical knowledge and the way that it is put into practice in education centres, popularly known as the theory-practice gap. This paper presents an approach to how teachers can bridge this gap so as to bring together both of these dimensions of education. It summarises an ethnographic case study carried out collaboratively with a Spanish teacher who has explored the relationship between theory and practice as part of his professional development along his life, and generated his own relationship model, which has been actively developed in the education establishment where he works. The conclusion of the paper includes some central ideas that are decisive in the processes of the relationship between theory and practice, which could be useful for any teacher who seriously seeks to link knowledge and action and promote their own coherence and the school improvement.


In view of the fact that intensive malaria eradication projects are being actively engaged in in our South by the Civil Works Administration fostered by our Government to aid the unemployed, it is believed it would be pertinent to point out the prevalence and distribution of malaria in Oklahoma.
The United States Bureau of the Census lists the number of deaths in the state as a whole, including those from malaria. However, that does not give a very clear idea of the situation by means of which one can tell at a glance the conditions within the state. Not all of the seventy-seven counties in the state are affected, in fact, it is a serious problem in less than one-third of them.
Malarial fever as an economic problem in Oklahoma is confined to certain counties in the southeastern part of the state, an area agreeable for residence and exceptionally favorable for agricultural pursuits.


The purpose of this study was to scrutinize the effectiveness of deanship in Teachers'Training Colleges (TTCs) of Oromia Regional State and to identify its challenges. Thestudy mainly employed descriptive survey research design and data were collected fromteachers using questionnaire and from deans and stream heads through interview and FDG.The quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, standard deviation, weighted meanand one-way ANOVA while the qualitative data were analyzed verbatim. The study showthat statistically there is a significant difference between TTCs in their deanshipeffectiveness. The deanship effectiveness in TTC1 is relatively highly effective whileTTCs 2and 4 have relatively moderately effective deanship effectiveness. TTC3 wasrelatively less effective with all mean values below average. Leadership in TTC1 seemsmore committed, visionary, participatory, transparent and democratic when compared withthe rest TTCs. The study also found out that there was no significant variation amonginstructors having different educational qualifications and different work experiences interms of their views regarding their colleges' deanship effectiveness. Most of the TTCsleadership was affected by turnover which in turn hinders the college deans from settingand implementing management strategies for quality training. The situation at TTC3 wasunique in such a way that the leadership seems less visionary, less committed, and lessparticipatory and none transparent in managing college activities. In order to fill these gapswe recommend that the assignment of deans should be merit based with strong selectioncriteria that focus on the extent to which the candidates are visionary, committed and havea good track record. College deans with knowledge and skills gaps should get thenecessary in-service training that enable them carry out their leadership responsibilities.TTCs should be encouraged to develop a platform by which they share their experiences when it comes to their leadership.


Phase contrast imaging is widely used for imaging beam sensitive and weak phase objects in electron microscopy. In this work we demonstrate the achievement of high efficient phase contrast imaging in STEM using the pnCCD, a fast direct electron pixelated detector, which records the diffraction patterns at every probe position with a speed of 1000 to 4000 frames per second, forming a 4D STEM dataset simultaneously with the incoherent Z-contrast imaging. Ptychographic phase reconstruction has been applied and the obtained complex transmission function reveals the phase of the specimen. The results using GaN and Ti, Nd- doped BiFeO3 show that this imaging mode is especially powerful for imaging light elements in the presence of much heavier elements.


Bulk and surface nucleation of the order-disorder transition in have been studied using a lattice version of density functional theory. The surface transitions at three different surfaces, (001), (011), and (111), are discussed. The surface-induced disorder transition does not occur at the (001) surface even when the surface transition is continuous and the bulk is discontinuous if only nearest-neighbour interactions are included. The results for the nucleation rates are compared with experiment.


ABSTRACT Agalinis auriculata (Orobanchaceae) is a state-listed species in Illinois and is rare throughout its range in the midwestern United States. In recent years, research has been conducted on the biology of this hemiparasitic plant in order to understand better what factors should be included in the development of sound preservation practices. Our objective in this study was to assess genetic variation using allozyme and RAPD markers for Illinois populations of A. auriculata and two of its more common congeners, A. purpurea and A. tenuifolia. A total of 13 allozyme loci and 112 RAPD markers were scored for the studied species. Overall, lower percent polymorphic loci/markers were observed in A. auriculata than in its congeners. Analyses of molecular variance on RAPD markers showed that most of the genetic variation was within populations. In addition, the allozyme and RAPD UPGMA and RAPD principle coordinates analyses separated the three species of Agalinis. The genetic results of this study in conjunction with ecological studies of A. auriculata in Illinois serve as a springboard for the conservation of the species, not only in Illinois but also throughout its range.


Two 1,3-dialkyne-functionalized imidazolium chlorides, 1,3-dipropynylimidazolium chloride and 1,3-dipentynylimidazolium chloride, have been prepared from the direct reaction between the appropriate chloroalkyne and (trimethylsilyl)imidazole. Replacement of the chloride counterion with BF4- or BPh4- gave four further imidazolium salts, three of which melt below 100 degreesC and one of which is a liquid at room temperature. Reactions of the BF4- and BPh4- salts with Co-2(CO)(8) afforded complexes in which both of the alkyne functionalities coordinated to a CO2(CO)(6) unit. One of these organometallic derivatives, viz. 1,3-dipentynylimidazolium bis(hexacarbonyldicobalt) tetrafluoroborate, can be classified as an ionic liquid on the basis of its melting point. The solid-state structures of three of these new salts have been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing extensive networks of C(...)H(...)pi and pi(...)pi interactions. Attempts to prepare carbene derivatives from the functionalized imidazolium salts have also been made.


1. Changes in spinning technology have increased the premium on high quality lint in the world market and increased the discount for lint contaminated with non-vegetative matter 2. The inherent characteristics of most African lint, plus the fact that it is hand-picked, should give it a substantial premium in the world market. However, because so much African lint is highly contaminated by world standards, much of it trades at a discount to Index A. 3. Zambia has been the outstanding success among a sample of nine SSA countries in improving quality; this achievement is directly attributable to the efforts of Dunavant and Cargill, made possible by company culture and by the concentrated structure of Zambia's industry 4. Quality (and input supply) can be quickly undermined as a sector becomes more competitive. Continued collaboration among ZACOPA and CAZ within the framework of the Cotton Act, facilitated by a non-partisan government role, will be crucial to maintain good performance.


Ensemble learning is widely applied in Machine Learning (ML) to improve model performance and to mitigate decision risks. In this approach, predictions from a diverse set of learners are combined to obtain a joint decision. Recently, various methods have been explored in literature for estimating decision uncertainties using ensemble learning; however, determining which metrics are a better fit for certain decision-making applications remains a challenging task. In this paper, we study the following key research question in the selection of uncertainty metrics: when does an uncertainty metric outperforms another? We answer this question via a rigorous analysis of two commonly used uncertainty metrics in ensemble learning, namely ensemble mean and ensemble variance. We show that, under mild assumptions on the ensemble learners, ensemble mean is preferable with respect to ensemble variance as an uncertainty metric for decision making. We empirically validate our assumptions and theoretical results via an extensive case study: the diagnosis of referable diabetic retinopathy.


Vanishing point detection algorithms based on a Gaussian sphere representation have been employed in a variety of computer vision systems, for extracting 3D line orientations as a first step towards object detection. Typically, these algorithms have been applied to imagery with strong perspective effects and with little noise or texture, resulting in good solutions for line orientations. However, these algorithms can fail if perspective effects are weak, or if texture edges are predominant; they also fail to take advantage of knowledge about the objects to be detected. In this paper, two new techniques for robust vanishing point detection on the Gaussian sphere are presented; primitive-based vanishing point analysis and interpretation plane error modeling. The performance of these methods, along with two other existing methods from the literature, are quantitatively evaluated and compared for the task of building detection in complex aerial imagery.


A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in agronomy in the school of agriculture and enterprise development of Kenyatta University. June 2018


This paper proposes a new control method based on Dynamic Evolution Control for single phase inverter. A new approach for synthesis of inverter controller based on dynamic evolution control theory presented. In order to synthesize the converter controllers, this method uses a simple analysis of non-linear equation models of the converter. Synthesis of single phase inverter controller based on the proposed control method is discussed in detail. Performance of the proposed dynamic evolution control is verifying through simulation under step load condition. Simulation results show that the proposed techniques are suitable for controlling power inverter.