Mail order pharmaceutical sales are the largest growing segment in the drug retail industry, with over 240 million prescriptions per year [1]. In 2010, approximately $182 billion dollars worth of pharmaceuticals required the maintenance of a specific temperature in order to preserve their potency and effectiveness [2]. Biopharmaceuticals and vaccines contribute to a majority of shipments of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, which are typically high in monetary value and have low product volume. With the surge in mail order shipments, increasing scrutiny by regulatory agencies, and the desire to lower costs, the need to develop an effective and reliable cold chain management system is critical. Multiple uncontrollable factors are present in mail order cold chain systems, where small errors can result in major cold chain failures, causing many industry challenges. In this article, we will present the most common problems seen over the last 20 years in the mail order pharmaceutical industry.


The I/O bottleneck in parallel computer systems has recently begun receiving increasing interest. Most attention has focused on improving the performance of I/O devices using fairly low-level parallelism in techniques such as disk striping and interleaving. Widely applicable solutions, however, will require an integrated approach which addresses the problem at multiple system levels, including applications, systems software, and architecture. We propose that within the context of such an integrated approach, scheduling parallel I/O operations will become increasingly attractive and can potentially provide substantial performance benefits.We describe a simple I/O scheduling problem and present approximate algorithms for its solution. The costs of using these algorithms in terms of execution time, and the benefits in terms of reduced time to complete a batch of I/O operations, are compared with the situations in which no scheduling is used, and in which an optimal scheduling algorithm is used. The comparison is performed both theoretically and experimentally. We have found that, in exchange for a small execution time overhead, the approximate scheduling algorithms can provide substantial improvements in I/O completion times.


Multipath communication not only allows improved throughput but can also be used to leverage different path characteristics to best fulfill each application's objective. In particular, certain delay-sensitive applications, such as real-time voice and video communications, can usually withstand packet loss and aim to maximize throughput while keeping latency at a reasonable level. In such a context, one hard problem is to determine along which path the data should be transmitted or retransmitted. In this paper, we formulate this problem as a linear optimization, show bounds on the performance that can be obtained in a multipath paradigm, and show that path diversity is a strong asset for improving network performance. We also discuss how these theoretical limits can be approached in practice and present simulation results.


Simon Anholt believes that national image is as important as productivity or innovation because: "If you want to do well, you have to do good." This requires changing from a competition- to a cooperation-based global culture. He and Dr. Robert Govers developed the Good Country Index to measure how nations benefit their citizens as well as the planet. The index uses direct and indirect indicators of contributions to the global good, expressed relative to GDP to avoid penalizing poorer countries. Humanity's future obviously depends on all countries cooperating in creating a better future.


An ideal function test of the heart should correlate the clinical condition of the patient with the amount of work he can do, and the amount of effective work the heart can do. All too little attention has been given to a quantitative estimation of the work the patient can do and, when quantitative figures are obtained, the unmeasurable energy expended in maintaining the upright position is usually neglected. One of us (J. W. M.) has designed an ergometer that can be used while the patient is in the recumbent or semirecumbent position. This apparatus eliminates the waste of a rather large and variable amount of energy in maintaining posture, and is suitable for bedridden patients. By effective work of the heart is meant roughly, the mean blood pressure in grams per square centimeter times the output of the heart in cubic centimeters. In cases of regurgitation or stenosis, the


Background Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) typically associate with limited cutaneous disease subset (lcSSc) in scleroderma, and are protective for renal crisis (RC) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Only 5–7% of ACA positive patients have the diffuse subset (dcSSc). Both antibody specificity and disease subset may influence disease phenotypic expression and organ manifestations. Objectives To describe demographic and clinical manifestations of ACA positive patients with dcSSc (ACA+diffuse), comparing with two other subsets: ACA positive with lcSSc (ACA+limited) and ACA negative with dcSSc (non-ACA diffuse). Methods Retrospective study of consecutive patients ACA+diffuse from a single large referral center between 2001–2015. Comparative analysis was made with 160 consecutive patients ACA+limited and 260 consecutive patients non-ACA diffuse. Data were obtained by medical records review. Results 1313 patients ACA+ were identified, 36 (2.7%) had dcSSc. The peak modified Rodnan skin score was lower in ACA+diffuse compared with non-ACA diffuse (24.0±9.9 vs 27.4±10.4, p=0.031), but occurred later in disease course (88.8±77.2 vs 30.7±33.1 months, p<0.001). Survival in ACA+ was similar for both subsets with 5, 10 and 15 years survival rates of 96%, 84% and 73% in ACA+limited and 94%, 80% and 72% in ACA+diffuse. Non-ACA diffuse had lower survival of 85%, 72% and 55% at 5, 10 and 15 years respectively, although the difference from ACA+diffuse was not significant. ACA+diffuse had higher incidence of ILD than ACA+limited (p=0.018), but significantly lower than non-ACA diffuse (p=0.003). During follow-up at 5 years, 15% of ACA+diffuse developed ILD (3% - ACA+limited; 36% - non-ACA diffuse). At 15 years, cumulative incidence of ILD was 26% in ACA+diffuse (5% - ACA+limited; 49% - non-ACA diffuse). More patients developed pulmonary hypertension (PH) in ACA+diffuse group (27.8%), than in the other groups (12.5% - ACA+limited; 11.9% - non-ACA diffuse), though this was mainly due to longer follow-up of ACA+diffuse. Cumulative incidence of PH in ACA+diffuse was not different from the other groups. At 5 years, 8% of ACA+diffuse had PH (6% - ACA+limited, 6% - non-ACA diffuse), while at 15 years cumulative incidence was 24%, 20% and 18% respectively. Similarly, cardiac involvement was more frequent in ACA+diffuse (8.3%) vs 1.9% in ACA+limited and 6.5% in non-ACA diffuse, but differences were not significant adjusting for time of follow-up. In contrast, incidence of RC was higher in non-ACA diffuse (13.9%), affecting only 2 patients in ACA+diffuse (5.6%) and none in ACA+limited. Conclusions This study confirms that ACA diffuse subset is infrequent, but has a distinct clinical phenotype. Despite the dcSSc, these patients have a more insidious onset of skin and major organ involvement, which may represent a therapeutic window for early intervention. We confirm that ACA+ has a protective role and is associated with lower incidence of ILD and RC and better survival than expected in dcSSc. The role of ACA in patients with dcSSc as a possible phenotype modifier needs to be explored further in larger prospective studies. Disclosure of Interest None declared


In the brain, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are critical for neurite outgrowth, axonal fasciculation, neuronal survival and migration, and synapse formation and maintenance. Among CAMs, the IgLON family comprises five members: Opioid Binding Protein/Cell Adhesion Molecule Like (OPCML or OBCAM), Limbic System Associated Membrane Protein (LSAMP), neurotrimin (NTM), Neuronal Growth Regulator 1 (NEGR1), and IgLON5. IgLONs exhibit three N-terminal C2 immunoglobulin domains; several glycosylation sites; and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchoring to the membrane. Interactions as homo- or heterodimers in cis and in trans, as well as binding to other molecules, appear critical for their functions. Shedding by metalloproteases generates soluble factors interacting with cellular receptors and activating signal transduction. The aim of this review was to analyse the available data implicating a role for IgLONs in neuropsychiatric disorders. Starting from the identification of a pathological role for antibodies against IgLON5 in an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease with a poorly understood mechanism of action, accumulating evidence links IgLONs to neuropsychiatric disorders, albeit with still undefined mechanisms which will require future thorough investigations.


Resistance as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field for doped manganese perovskites is simulated on the basis of a random-resistor-network model. The network, consisting of ferromagnetic metallic particles with number density p and paramagnetic insulating particles with number density 1-p, is generated through the Monte Carlo method. Approximating p by the reduced magnetization (m) determined from the mean-field theory, we show that the simulation can yield the main features of the colossal magnetoresistance in doped manganese perovskites. Comparisons between simulated and experimental data are also presented for (La1-xYx)2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (x = 0.2). The excellent agreement between the simulations and experiments gives strong support to the present approach.


One of the critical factors infl uencing land degradation is land use. However, the extent to which land use infl uences land degradation has not been fully ascertained in the southwestern part of Nigeria (i.e. particularly in Ogun State). Th us, this study was designed to assess the extent to which land use infl uences crop productivity in Ogun State. Two major soil types identifi ed at the site were Alfi sols and Ultisols. Within these, three land use types (LUT) were identifi ed: arable crop Land Use 1, cash crop production Land Use 2, and non-agricultural use – Land Use 3. Th ese were evaluated for three commonly cultivated crops in the area, namely: maize, cassava and oil palm, using the FAO framework for Land Sustainability Evaluation (LSE). Soil degradation levels were assessed under three LUTs using parametric approach. Descriptive statistics and rank ordered correlation were used for the data analysis. Th e results of the LSE showed that all the pedons were marginally suitable (S3) for maize, 60 % were of moderate (S 2) and 40 % of marginal (S 3) suitability for cassava respectively. However, for oil palm, 47 % of the lands were classifi ed as being marginally suitable (S 3) while 53 % were not suitable (N). Th e major limitations identifi ed were sub-optimal, poor soil (i.e. texture(s) and fertility), poor drainage/ wetness (w), steep topography (t), and sub-optimal climate (c) (i.e. annual rainfall, mean annual temperature and length of growing season). Parametric assessment revealed that chemical degradation was moderate within LUT 2, but ranged between slight to none in LUTs 1 and 3 respectively. Land uses 2 and 3 were slightly degraded physically, while 1 was moderate. Land use was found to be signifi cantly (P < 0.01) correlated with land degradation (r = 0.47**) at all sites. Th e degradation level ranked from moderate to high due to inappropriate land uses. Th us, it is recommended that in all LUTs must be a careful choice of appropriate use of land in order to reduce degradation.


Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the collapse of the Peruvian health system, which disrupted healthcare access for indigenous communities in the Amazon. We aimed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the responsibilities of community health workers (CHWs) from indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon so policymakers can support indigenous health efforts. Methods: Fourteen CHWs from Loreto, Peru participated in a community-based Participatory Action Research (CBPR) project using Photovoice, a technique that encourages vulnerable groups to take photos and develop stories illustrating their lived experiences. Participants were recruited from Mamas del Rio, a local university-based program, through purposive sampling. CHWs were trained in Photovoice and asked to photograph how the pandemic affected their lives and work. Participants met four times over five months to share photos and develop action items. Data were organized into key themes using a general inductive method. Final photos and action items were shared with policymakers during galleries in Iquitos and Lima. Results: CHWs took a total of 36 photos with 33 accompanying texts highlighting their roles during the pandemic. Four core themes emerged: (1) the collapse of social infrastructure, (2) the use of medicinal plants versus pharmaceuticals, (3) the community adaptations and struggles, and (4) the importance of CHWs. CHWs expanded their responsibilities or leveraged their leadership across these themes to support COVID-19 patients, vaccination, and mandates without training or resources from the government. CHWs asked policymakers for formal integration into the health system, standardization of CHW training, and better management of community pharmacies. Conclusion: CHWs, who work on a voluntary basis, took on additional roles during the pandemic with little to no training from the government. CHWs demonstrated how their roles could be better supported by the government to ameliorate future health catastrophes in the Peruvian Amazon.


The objective of this study was to investigate the physical properties, including density, moisture content, thickness swelling, and water absorption, in addition to the mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength of experimental panels that were made from rubberwood particles using oil palm starch modified with epichlorohydrin as a binder. The samples were also examined using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The panel properties were compared with the properties of panels manufactured using native oil palm starch. The properties of starch and starch adhesives were also investigated. The panels were produced based on 0.60 g/cm3 and 0.80 g/cm3 target densities and two press times of 15 and 20 min. The results showed that the 0.80 g/cm3 panels manufactured using modified oil palm starch and with 15 min of press time had better properties than did the others. However, a lower thickness swelling value was found for panels with density 0.60 g/cm3 and with 15 min of press time. Based on the results in this study, it can be concluded that the use of oil palm starch modified with epichlorohydrin as a binder has the potential to be used as a green adhesive in commercial applications.


Claims for Open Access are mostly underpinned with:a) science-related arguments (Open Access accelerates scientific communication)b) financial arguments (Open Access relieves the serials crisis), c) social (Open Access reduces the Digital Divide), d) democracy-related arguments (Open Access facilitates participation)e) and socio-political arguments (Open Access levels disparities).Using sociological concepts and notions this article analyses some of the presumptions mentioned. It focuses strongly on Pierre Bourdieu's theory of (scientific) capital and its implications for the acceptance of Open Access, Michel Foucault's discourse analysis and the implications of Open Access for the Digital Divide concept. Bourdieu's theory of capital implies that the acceptance of Open Access depends on the logic of power and the accumulation of scientific capital. It does not depend on slogans derived from hagiographic self-perceptions of science (e.g. the acceleration of scientific communication) and scientists (e.g. their will to share their information freely). According to Bourdieu's theory it is crucial for Open Access (and associated concepts like alternative impact metrics) how scientists perceive its potential influence on existing processes of capital accumulation and how it will affect their demand for distinction. Considering the Digital Divide concept Foucault's discourse analysis suggests that Open Access may intensify disparities, scientocentrisms and ethnocentrisms. Additionally several concepts from the philosophy of sciences (by Karl Raimund Popper, Samuel Kuhn and Paul Feyerabend) and their implicit connection to the concept of Open Access are described.


This study considered the existing comparative-mythology discussions, which were made at home, and analyzed generally by extracting main issues of a research, focusing on in Mongolia, which is huge heroic epic of covering the Altaic cultural cluster, and , which is representative foundation myth in the Korean race. Especially, it examined the research performance of Korea-Mongolia comparative mythology and considered generally on main issues targeting domestically prior researches on Korea`s and Mongolia`s . It examined prior researches up to now in relation to comparison of Korea-Mongolia myths and presented the research themes enough to become issues inside it as a problem of reconstituting key concept, which becomes the basis of analyzing myth, a problem of analyzing mytheme and extracting common mytheme, and a problem of forming local cultural theory based on myths in both areas. As a name of hero as the progenitor, which is raised in topic of myth such as ``Dangun`` and ``Geser Khan,`` is key word of analyzing myth, there are many cases unexpectedly of being hidden in a veil. Thus, a research of reconstructing this was emphasized. Necessity of interdisciplinary research on myth was realized keenly through the process of analyzing ``Dangun`` and ``Geser Khan.`` A conquest of a research on individual myth was confirmed as well through comparative research of each myth. As a comparative research of Korea-Mongolia myths comes to newly form the peculiar sphere of Northeast Asian Mythology, which is discriminated from myths of focusing on the West, it will come to contribute to diversity of myths in the world. The era of glocalism in the 21st century will come to claim to stand for the period of mythology, which continuously communicates with inter-discipline, genre, region, and time like attributes of opening and convergence, which are possessed by myth in Northern Nomadic people. Accordingly, there will be a need of exploring the right identity of individual myth by coming up with Northeast Asian Mythology and Altaic mythology, and also of seeking the identity of Northeast Asia`s cultural cluster, which shares mytheme and mythological archetype in common.


Introduction
The time for inflammatory markers of former smokers to revert to never smoker levels is still controversial, ranging from 5 to 20 years. We aimed to determine the time from smoking cessation for white blood cell (WBC) count and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to return to those of never-smokers, after adjusting for confounding factors and for secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of baseline participants of ELSA-Brasil. We used linear regression analysis and generalized linear models with gamma distribution and logarithmic link function to estimate the association of WBC count and CRP levels with time from smoking cessation. The following confounding factors were considered: sex, age, education, SHS, alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, BMI, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results: After all adjustments, time from smoking cessation <10 years remained associated with higher WBC count (eg, time from smoking cessation ≥ 5 and <10 years: β: 167.92; 95%CI: 23.52 312.31), while only time from smoking cessation <1 year remained associated with higher arithmetic mean of CRP (AMR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03‒1.54).

Conclusions
Levels of inflammatory markers were similar to those of never-smokers 1 year after smoking cessation for CRP and 10 years after for WBC.

Implications
The results may add to the arsenal health professionals have to encourage their patients to quit smoking, as some harms from smoking appear to revert to never-smokers' level sooner than previously reported. Longitudinal studies should confirm our findings.


Since 2000, the yearly acoustic pelagic survey of Ifremer in the Bay of Biscay designed for fish stock assessment of small pelagic fish has been converted into an integrated pelagic ecosystem monitoring plateforme. This has been achieved by coupling sensors and automating data acquisition streams. The data series now spans from 2000 to 2014. Together with data sensors and sampling designs, we present here an integrated study allowing to understand the spawning process of anchovy. We compare the maps of anchovy eggs obtained with CUFES (continuous underway fish egg sampler) with that of their spawning adults sampled at the same time by acoustics and identification trawl hauls. The distributions of eggs are surprisingly different than that of adults, with in particular a shift in their gravity centres. The differences are characterized using geostatistics and interpreted with hydrological and meteorological information collected on board during the survey at stations. The initial conditions of early life stages are characterized.


New chiral 1-(arylamino)imidazo[2,1-a]isoindole-2,5-dione derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields via the cyclocondensation of 2-formylbenzoic acid and various α-amino acid arylhydrazides using water as the solvent in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate as the surfactant and under simple and minimum manipulation, without purification. The reaction is totally diastereoselective and gives access to the nitrogenated tricyclic core with a relative trans stereochemistry.


The cave of Shulgan-Tash (Kapova) with wall drawings of the Upper Paleolithic is located in the mountain course of the River Belaya in the Southern Urals, nearby the village of Gadelgareevo, Burzyansky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the process of more than 50 years of studying the cave sanctuary, the search for engraved images has been carried out. Two compositions with engraved images were discovered in 2008. Com-position No. 1 is located in the Main Gallery, 100 m from the entrance, in a niche on the western wall at a height of about 2 m above the floor level. It consists of the elements located on two levels. At the lower level, a number of elements are confined to the natural fracture and a chain of caverns. Parallel to the horizontal crack, five lines were drawn. The lines connect to a quadrangular shape filled with vertical and horizontal lines. Behind it, the crack merges into a chain of caverns. The upper tier consists of four oval artificial recesses. The fourth groove is located under the engraved anthropomorphic figure, between the legs. This indicates that this is a vulva-shaped symbol. The grooves are connected by deeply incised lines to the quadrangular figure and caverns of the lower tier. Lines also run from the chain of the caverns downwards. Thus, these groups of artificial and natural elements were combined into a single composition. Composition No. 2 is located in the Dome Hall, 150 m from the entrance, above the Chapel of Skulls in the western wall, nearby the colorful wall images in the shape of splashes. It was made on a 16 cm × 14 cm rock surface leveled and cleaned of calcite deposits. The composition consists of three pictorial ele-ments made in three different ways. The first element is represented by two parallel arcuate bands of comb lines of 4 cm wide and about 30 cm long made with a serrated stone tool of 4 cm wide in the soft mondmilch. Under them, with finger impressions in the mondmilch, a circle of about 6 cm in diameter was made of round dimples; rows of en-graved straight lines and zigzags were applied to the right of the circle. At present, the composition is held together by calcite incrustation and has completely hardened. The use of stone tools to create the engravings and grooves, the calcite crust inside the engraved lines, the use of the natural forms of the wall relief in the pictorial ensemble, the similarity of the quadrangular figure with the quadrangular symbols painted with ochre in the same cave, and the presence of a vulva-shaped symbol — all this indicates the Upper Paleolithic Age of these compositions.


M17 aminopeptidases possess a conserved hexameric arrangement throughout all kingdoms of life. Of particular interest is the M17 from Plasmodium falciparum (PfA-M17), which is a validated antimalarial drug target. Herein we have examined PfA-M17 using an integrated structural biology and biochemical approach to provide the first description of the fundamental role of oligomerisation. We found that, rather than operating as discrete units, the active sites of the PfA-M17 hexamer are linked by a dynamic loop, which operates cooperatively to regulate activity. Further, we characterised motions in key surface loops that moderate access to the central catalytic cavity. Based on our new understanding of the dynamics inherent to PfA-M17, we propose a novel mechanism that would allow exquisite control of enzyme function in response to cellular signals, and go on to discuss how, through divergent evolution, this mechanism might have developed to moderate key differences in M17 function across species.


OBJECTIVE
Pneumosinus dilatans (PSD) and pneumocele involve the expansion of one or more paranasal sinuses. We present the first cases of frontal PSD and pneumocele associated with nasal polyposis. We also attempt to explain the development of these rare pathologies through this unexpected association.

METHODS
Two cases are described. A 31-year-old man presented with chronic rhinosinusitis for many years and a left frontal protrusion. Physical examination found nasal polyposis and CT scan showed an abnormally enlarged left frontal sinus without bone destruction. The second patient was a 17-year-old man who presented with a left frontal protrusion and orbital encroachment associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Physical examination also found nasal polyposis and CT scan showed an abnormally enlarged left frontal sinus with focal thinning of the bony sinus walls.

DISCUSSION
Focal or generalized thinning of the bony sinus walls differentiates pneumocele from PSD; otherwise, these two entities share the same physiopathological and clinical courses. Many explanations have been proposed for their development including increases in intra-sinus pressure, weakening of bone by tumor invasion, intracranial hypotension, spontaneous drainage of a mucocele, and congenital or hormonal causes. Yet, its physiopathology remains unknown. These two cases support the pressure mechanism of development.


In Malaysia, efforts to increase the quality of students' learning and achievement, and teachers' quality of delivery and instruction have been ongoing as documented in the National Education Blueprints 2015-2025. The complex nature of the teaching profession requires problem-solving skills to be instilled in teachers to ensure they are able to face the demands of the teaching profession and increase the quality of their instruction. However, research has shown that higher education has not adequately prepared pre-service teachers with problem-solving skills, pedagogical content knowledge, ability to bridge theory and practice, and to be adequately prepared to teach. Hence, this study is carried out to develop an Online Case-Based Problem-Solving (OCBPS) Module for ESL Writing Instruction to enhance problem-solving skills and other vital skills that can increase the competency of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) pre-service teachers. This study adopts the design and developmental research. It is carried out in three phases: needs analysis, design and developmental, and implementation and evaluation. The needs analysis phase obtains the perspectives of 121 TESL pre-service teachers from two universities through surveys on their level of problem solving skills, and their acceptance of using an online case-based learning module in their course curriculum. The design and developmental phase obtain the views of 18 panel experts through the Fuzzy Delphi Method on the design of the OCBPS module specifically the case criteria, curriculum aspects and media design. The module is implemented in an ESL writing methodology course in a Faculty of Education of a public university in the Klang Valley amongst 22 Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) pre-service teachers. The module is evaluated through surveys, interviews, and pre-and post-reflective essays by the teacher educator and pre-service teachers who participated in the implementation phase. The evaluation focuses on the usability of the module, which includes the technical aspects, strengths, and attitude towards the module, problems, challenges, suggestions, and the effects of implementing the OCBPS module. The needs analysis findings show that the TESL pre-service teachers need a higher level of problem-solving skills. They perceive problem-solving as important in life, for learning and professional purposes. The needs phase found that the pre-service teachers have a high acceptance of case-based learning, and show interest in viewing online cases for problem-solving purposes. The findings for usability indicate that the OCBPS module has the strengths, and the potential of developing vital skills in ESL pre-service teachers like problem-solving skills, pedagogical content knowledge, ability to bridge theory and practice and preparation for teaching amongst others.


We have simulated the hydration and diffusion of the OH- ions in water as well as the OD- ions in heavy water by classical molecular dynamics. We find that the dynamics of the solvation complex continuously fluctuates among {\rm H_{3}O_{2}^{-},} {\rm H_{5}O_{3}^{-},} {\rm H_{7}O_{4}^{-},} {\rm H_{9}O_{5}^{-}} and {\rm H_{11}O_{6}^{-}} hydration structures. We have observed that the structures {\rm H_{5}O_{3}^{-}} and {\rm H_{7}O_{4}^{-}} are more frequent than the others. The diffusion coefficient of OH- agrees with experimental values. The use of deuterium in the simulation instead of hydrogen has altered the results clearly, the hydration structures of the OD- in heavy water are more stable, more compact and they diffuse more slowly than the corresponding structures in H2O. The results are in good agreement with previous quantum simulations.


OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the esthetic acceptability range of computer-generated variations in smile arc and buccal corridor.

DESIGN
Web-based descriptive study using available subjects.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION
The World Wide Web. Subjects for the main study included 115 lay and 131 orthodontist raters.

EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLES
Buccal corridors and smile arcs, each presented for a female and a male image. Buccal corridors were presented as none, ideal and excessive. The smile arc was presented as flat, ideal and excessive. The nine male and female variations, as combinations of the above variables, were each presented twice to evaluate reliability.

OUTCOME MEASURE
Acceptability of buccal corridors and smile arcs using the web-based instrument. An arbitrary super majority threshold of acceptability was set at 67% approval.

RESULTS
Both laypersons and orthodontists showed good reliability (k >or= 0.70). There was a broad range of acceptability, but laypersons and orthodontists showed no significant differences on the two variables tested. While orthodontists and laypersons both found smiles with excessive buccal corridors to be significantly less acceptable than those with ideal or absent buccal corridors, they were still acceptable over 70% of the time. Flat smile arcs were only acceptable 50-60% of the time, while smiles with ideal and excessive smile arcs were significantly more acceptable 84-95% of the time. When examining buccal corridors and smile arcs together, excessive buccal corridors were significantly less acceptable than ideal or absent buccal corridors regardless of the smile arc. A flat smile arc significantly reduced the acceptability of any buccal corridor to below the threshold of acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS
Laypersons and orthodontists have similar preferences when acceptability of buccal corridors and smile arcs are considered. Flat smile arcs are more detrimental to smile esthetics than variations in buccal corridors. Clinicians must realize that although attractiveness may be reduced by variations in buccal corridors and smile arcs, the result may still be acceptable to a majority of people.


In this paper, we seek to explain the fundamental vulnerability of global value chains (GVCs) to sudden shocks, as revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and outline ways for enhancing their adaptability to the increased uncertainty at both conceptual and policy levels. We consider the concept and a typical multi-structural model of GVCs, highlighting the network complexity of the system of distributed production and trade in value added. Not only does this system bring competitive advantages to GVC partner countries, but also it entails risks of cascading production disruptions. We examine these risks by analysing the ripple effect of supply disruptions in GVCs when a sudden local shock can propagate globally through inter-firm supplier links, generating growing output losses across industries and economies. From this perspective, we describe the pandemic-induced breakdown in the global just-in-time supply system in spring 2020 and its role in the escalating global recession. In analysing the mechanisms of post-pandemic GVC adaptation to uncertainty, we look at the concept of economic resilience and properties of resilient systems (robustness, flexibility, redundancy, and dynamic sustainability). We scrutinise the supply chain resilience model used by leading MNEs (GVC organisers) in their disruption risk management at pre-disruption and post-disruption stages. We classify resilience strategies devised by MNEs after 2020 into three interrelated categories: namely, multi-structural GVC optimisation (diversification and relocation of suppliers), operational optimisation (building redundancy and production flexibility), and GVC digitalisation. We conclude by outlining windows of opportunity to improve international specialisation and growth patterns, which may open in the 2020s for developing economies, including Russia, due to the ongoing restructuring of GVCs and their global supplier networks.


The DETR object detection approach applies the transformer encoder and decoder architecture to detect objects and achieves promising performance. In this paper, we present a simple approach to address the main problem of DETR, the slow convergence, by using representation learning technique. In this approach, we detect an object bounding box as a pair of keypoints, the top-left corner and the center, using two decoders. By detecting objects as paired keypoints, the model builds up a joint classification and pair association on the output queries from two decoders. For the pair association we propose utilizing contrastive self-supervised learning algorithm without requiring specialized architecture. Experimental results on MS COCO dataset show that Pair DETR can converge at least 10x faster than original DETR and 1.5x faster than Conditional DETR during training, while having consistently higher Average Precision scores.


Since 1960, about 2852 bilateral investment treaties (BITs) have been signed. Of them, 2298 BITs are in force at present. In the last 61 years, the WTO members failed to conclude a global treaty to regulate FDI in host countries, consequently, the BITs have played a significant role to regulate FDI. As a member of the WTO, Bangladesh has signed 31 BITs so far with various states to allow and increase the inflow of FDI into the country. Bangladeshi foreign investment laws and BITs mainly protect foreign investors. However, neither of them has any specific provision regarding the screening of foreign investments in Bangladesh. Two questions have been addressed in this paper: (a) Do the BITs of Bangladesh allow the host state for screening of foreign investments at the entry stage? (b) Should the screening of FDI be required during the pre-entry stage in Bangladesh? In this paper, a doctrinal research method has been used to critically analyze 15 BITs to explore whether there is any reference for screening of foreign investments in Bangladesh. We find that the existing Bangladesh BITs have provisions to promote and protect foreign investments but have no reference in relation to the screening of foreign investments. Therefore, the author has recommended that the Government of Bangladesh can consider specific provisions for screening of FDI in future BITs.


Purpose of review To review the current management of myomas with the advent of selective progesterone receptor modulators. Recent findings Selective progesterone receptor modulators have proved effective and recent publications on the use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) have analyzed the performance of long-term intermittent utilization of 10 mg UPA given in repeated courses of 3 months. This long-term intermittent therapy maximizes the efficacy of UPA. Indeed, control of bleeding is achieved sooner after each course. With each subsequent course, a statistically greater number of patients show a fibroid volume reduction of more than 50%. Summary The choice of therapy is influenced by different factors, such as the severity of symptoms, tumor characteristics, age, and wish to preserve the uterus (and fertility). Use of UPA will undoubtedly modify the surgical approach.


The global prevalence of breast cancer in the century continues to increase although mortality rates could be reduced by early detection and treatment. While the incidence of cancer, stages of diagnosis, and survival rates vary among different ethnic groups, early detection through breast-health screening and prompt treatment are effective in reducing mortality rates. The purpose of this case study was to explore and describe the perceptions of breast-health screening among Chinese Canadian immigrant women and barriers that prevented them from having breast-health screening. A purposeful sample of 27 women aged 30 to 69 who had migrated from China, resided in Canada for 5 years, and had no history of breast cancer was recruited. Semi-structured interviews and two focus groups provided information about participants' breast-health screening experiences. Although participants were cognizant of the ramifications of breast cancer and benefits of screening, they were reluctant to utilize clinical opportunities for early detection. Findings suggested that Chinese cultural beliefs and practices contribute to low participation in breast-health screening can represent opportunities for health care professionals to proactively educate communities on the benefits of preventive health and recommend breast-health screening. Potential strategies to promote breast-health screening include culturally sensitive linguistic educational programs, physician recommendations or referrals to breast-health screening as a standard process for annual medical visits, expanded operating hours for screening clinics, and community-based outreach initiatives. Findings from this study may provide policymakers, health care leaders, public health officials, and health educators evidence-based information for developing policies, guidelines, and educational programs to help new immigrant women access preventive health services such as breast-health screening program. Future research on a broader demographic group may yield additional insights on strategies to optimize early detection of breast cancer.


This paper set out to address the gap in our knowledge on how social capital impacts the employee selection process in banks operating in Jordan. Bonding and bridging social capital are used to explore the prevalent practice of 'wasta' in Jordan. the preliminary analysis of 17 in-depth interviews highlights two uses of wasta in employee selection. Namely, the use of wasta as a guide for employers in the decision to hire and the use of wasta as a pressure mechanism by candidates to attain employment in specific organisations. Previous research often associates wasta with the negative outcomes of not adhering to merit-based selection such as reduced workforce diversity, lack of employee engagement, and the lost opportunity cost from hiring unqualified candidates based their social connections. However, the interviewees signpost some positive uses of wasta such as its ability to confirm information about the candidate and his/ her fit with organisation's culture prior to employment.


Application of Monte Carlo track structure has been very successful in the modelling and quantification of DNA damage, clustered-damage and spectrum of DNA damage for energetic electrons and ions. However, there are paradoxical axioms in quantitative assessment of the energetics of DNA damage at very low electron energy and in the vacuum UV region. This paper, after a brief review of the parameters used in modelling of DNA damage, presents an analysis of experimental data of strand breaks in aqueous solution in the vacuum UV, the region to which little attention has been paid in spite of its fundamental importance in providing reaction parameters for radiation actions.


Nonintrusive laser-based and optical measurements were performed in a gas turbine model combustor with a lean premixed swirl-stabilized CH 4 -air flame at atmospheric pressure. The main objective was to gain spatially and temporally resolved experimental data to enable the validation of numerical CFD results of oscillating flames. The investigated flame was operated at 25 kW and Φ=0.70, and exhibited self-excited oscillations of more than 135 dB at ≈300 Hz. The applied measurement techniques were three-dimensional (3D) laser doppler velocimetry (LDV) for velocity measurements, OH* chemiluminescence yielding information about the heat release and pointwise laser Raman scattering for the determination of joint probability density functions (PDFs) of the major species concentrations, temperature, and mixture fraction. Each of these techniques was applied with phase resolution with respect to the periodic fluctuation of the pressure in the combustion chamber that was measured with a microphone probe. The measurements finally revealed that the mixing of fuel and air in this technical premixing system was strongly affected by the pressure fluctuations leading to changes in equivalence ratio during an oscillation cycle that, in turn, induced the pressure fluctuations.


This paper studies the condition of domestic shipping transport in Indonesia. From the viewpoint of participating in maritime transportation policy, the different systems, functions, and targets of cabotage act have been analyzed. The innumerable factors affecting the Indonesia cabotage act which has had great impact on the regional economic growth has been studied and current methods and policies are being examined. Finally, the research paper evaluates the Indonesian Cabotage Act which is part of the transport and its impact on economic growth are summarized.


Scholars are increasingly expected to share their knowledge through different media besides the  written publication but struggle to do so. How might they teach their students the skills to do so? This article argues that Practice as Research, developed by practitioners venturing into academia, provides a useful framework for shaping research outcomes into, for instance, video essays or interactive narratives. It is especially valuable for undergraduate students aiming to increase their knowledge and understanding of media through practical work, as it trains them in both practical and academic skills. This gives Practice as Research an added value in academic media studies curricula. This article is based on a case study of an advanced practical course for film and television students at Utrecht University and relies on course assignments, feedback conversations, and auto-ethnography. As this article was authored by the course lecturer and two students, it provides insight from multiple perspectives.


Although diamond is slowly becoming an advanced technology there is con- tradictory information and misunderstanding surrounding the fundamental electronic attributes of the material system. In particular, the properties of boron doped diamond for electronics on quantum length scales has yet to be fully understood or utilized within devices. In this thesis, new insight into the electronic band structure of boron doped diamond on nano and macro scales is found and novel planar boron doped nanowires are fabricated electronically probed and a new type of side gated diamond nanowire transistor conceived. High quality single crystal diamond with thin δ-shaped boron-doped epi- layers have been thought to offer a viable approach towards transistors that can operate at high speed, high power and high temperatures. δ-doping diamond has been conjectured to achieve high mobilities and carrier con- centrations, properties of real interest for electronic applications. Taking advantage of diamond's thermal and electronic properties, thin films can be incorporated into realistic nanoscale devices more easily than the parent bulk system. Using angle-resolved-photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), the electronic structure of bulk and thin films (≈ 2 nm) of boron-doped di- amond are uncovered. Surprisingly, the ARPES measurements do not reveal any significant differences for these systems, irrespective of their physical dimensionality. This suggests that it is possible to grow nearly atomic-scale structures whilst still preserving the properties of bulk diamond, facilitating the use of thin films diamond for devices which necessitate nearly atomic- scale components. Using a range of techniques such as Secondorary Ion Mass, Angle Resolved Photo-emission and Raman Spectroscopy we compare thin boron doped delta layers (BDDδl) and effectively infinite, thick bulk Boron doped di- amond. We see remarkably little electronic difference and hints of low dimensional transport in both films. Using photo-lithography and Reactive Ion Etching processes, macro scale devices are fabricated, these are charac- terized using Hall effect techniques. For the first time, lateral boron doped diamond nanowires are defined using electron beam lithography. These nanowires are then processed into a variety of novel transistor like devices, showing exciting emergent quantum properties as well as classical transistor like behaviour. In developing the techniques and methods to fabricate structures in diamond we find a variety of processes require optimisation and develop a skill base to handle small and sometimes fragile substrates and process them into devices.


The following research aimed to identify the most important requirements of fishermen in the Nile River in Dakahlia Governorate. This research was conducted in the selected centers of the studied governorate. The data of this research were collected using a questionnaire method by personal interview for a simple random sample of fishermen in the Nile River, whose number reached 291 fishermen, representing about 24.3% of the studied centers during January 2021. Frequencies, percentages, relative weight, and correlation coefficient were used as tools for statistical analysis and to extract research results the most important results of this research are summarized as follows: About 85.6% of the sample are individuals who have a high level of total knowledge of hunting methods and laws, and the results indicate that mor than three quarters of the respondents 76.6% of the sample individuals have a high level of overall operational need for fishing methods and laws. The requirements related to social security ranked first with a relative weight of 81.10, followed by requirements related to financing, with a relative weight of 80.9, and the control requirements on the Nile River occupied the third order with a relative weight of 76.58.and, the results indicate that the relative importance of the services provided by the bodies of the Nile River was ranked in descending order as follows: Services related to water bodies' police, services related to fishermen's associations, services related to the Ministry of Environment, services related to the Public Authority for Fish Resources, with a relative weight of 70.69, 57.96,54.23 and 45.33, respectively, and the results indicate that the main reasons for the decline in fish productivity in the Nile are due to the continuous cleansing of dredges. Especially after the dumping of seed in the Nile River, the decrease in the quantity of seed in the fish river due to the lack of fish hatcheries. Contamination of the waters of the Nile River with sewage water, which leads to suffocation of seed, at rates of 100%, 91.1% and 89.7%, respectively.


We propose a simple configuration, low coupling gap-filler that can re-transmit signals at the same frequency in which they were received to enhance service areas for next-generation satellite communication networks. To suppress coupling between the receiving and transmitting antennas, this gap-filler uses two transmitting antennas that form a null in the direction of the receiving antenna by controlling the amplitude and phase of one transmitting antenna. Results of simulations and field experiments show that the proposed on-frequency gap-filler is feasible and can greatly suppress coupling


Many of the earliest structural changes associated with neoplasia occur on the micro and nanometer scale, and thus appear histologically normal. Our group has established Inverse Spectroscopic OCT (ISOCT), a spectral based technique to extract nanoscale sensitive metrics derived from the OCT signal. Thus, there is a need to model light transport through relatively large volumes (< 50 um^3) of media with nanoscale level resolution. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) is an iterative approach which directly solves Maxwell's equations to robustly estimate the electric and magnetic fields propagating through a sample. The sample's refractive index for every spatial voxel and wavelength are specified upon a grid with voxel sizes on the order of λ/20, making it an ideal modelling technique for nanoscale structure analysis. Here, we utilize the FDTD technique to validate the nanoscale sensing ability of ISOCT. The use of FDTD for OCT modelling requires three components: calculating the source beam as it propagates through the optical system, computing the sample's scattered field using FDTD, and finally propagating the scattered field back through the optical system. The principles of Fourier optics are employed to focus this interference field through a 4f optical system and onto the detector. Three-dimensional numerical samples are generated from a given refractive index correlation function with known parameters, and subsequent OCT images and mass density correlation function metrics are computed. We show that while the resolvability of the OCT image remains diffraction limited, spectral analysis allows nanoscale sensitive metrics to be extracted.


Background: Enhanced Recovery Protocols (ERPs) are an evidence-based intervention to optimize post-surgical recovery. Several studies have demonstrated that use of an ERP for gastrointestinal surgery results in decreased length of stay, shortened time to regular diet, and fewer administered opioids, while also trending toward lower complication and 30-day readmission rates. Yet, implementation of ERPs in pediatric surgery is lagging compared to adult surgery. The purpose of this study was to conduct a theory-guided evaluation of barriers and facilitators to ERP implementation at US hospitals with a pediatric surgery service.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews at 18 hospitals with 48 participants, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, nurses, and physician assistants. Interviews were conducted online, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. To identify barriers and facilitators to ERP implementation, we conducted a thematic analysis using combined inductive as well as deductive logics based on the National Implementation Research Network's Five Active Implementation Frameworks (AIFs). Results: Framed by the 5AIFs, factors serving as barriers and facilitators to ERP implementation included: fidelity to and operationalization of ERP elements and measurement of outcomes (usable innovations); establishing and standardizing ERP protocols (stages); organizational support, institutional and electronic health record capacity to track patients getting ERP, training on protocol implementation, education on benefits of ERP use and how to adhere to ERPs (implementation drivers); and team, patient, and family buy-in and engagement early in the ERP implementation process (teams). Applying the implementation framework facilitated the identification of potential strategies to support effective practices (evidence-based ERPs and implementation tools), effective implementation (local team infrastructure support including team member roles and responsibilities; a learning collaborative for pediatric surgery groups with monthly support, coaching and training by topic experts, tools to engage key stakeholders), and enabling contexts (a toolkit to support implementation, sustainability assessments, quarterly data-driven feedback sessions, and access to a QI expert on the implementation teams), to achieve the desired outcomes.Conclusions: Comprehensive and systematic application of the 5AIFs allowed organization of the identified barriers and facilitators. Future steps are to apply and evaluate these strategies in a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial to increase implementation of ERPs at these 18 hospitals.


Surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waveguides made of materials available
in nature have, in general, been found to suffer from very high absorption
loss when light confinement is beyond diffraction limit. In this
paper, the possibility of combining both the conventional
index-guiding and the SPP-guiding mechanisms together into one single
waveguide is being explored. Such waveguides, expectedly, inherent the low-loss feature
of all-dielectric waveguides as well as the superior mode field
confinement possessed by SPP waveguides. By using experimentally ready
materials, it is theoretically shown that compact metallodielectric
waveguides can be designed with a ∼500×500 nm2 core size around the 1550 nm telecommunication wavelength. The examined
waveguides can be interpreted as a gap SPP waveguide with an inner
dielectric core. Compared to pure SPP waveguides, such hybrid
waveguides have a comparable mode field size, but with significantly
lower loss (∼0.05 dB/μm for either quasi-TE or quasi-TM operation). Therefore they can be potentially deployed for a range of
integrated photonic applications.


A highly significant correlation was observed between the relative abundances of isoacceptor aminoacyl-tRNAs in human and rabbit reticulocytes and the frequency of their cognate codons in alpha and beta globin mRNAs from the respective tissue. The correlation coefficient (r value) for human reticulocytes was 0.78 and for rabbit reticulocytes was 0.88. These results provide strong evidence that the amounts of most isoacceptors in human and rabbit reticulocytes are adapted to requirements for translating their cognate codons in globin mRNA, i.e., there is an aa-tRNA(anticodon): codon adaptation in these tissues.


Software organizations are in need of methods to understand, structure, and improve the data their are collecting. We have developed an approach for use when a large number of diverse metrics are already being collected by a software organization (M.G. Mendonca et al., 1998; M.G. Mendonca, 1997). The approach combines two methods. One looks at an organization's measurement framework in a top-down goal-oriented fashion and the other looks at it in a bottom-up data-driven fashion. The top-down method is based on a measurement paradigm called Goal-Question-Metric (GQM). The bottom-up method is based on a data mining technique called Attribute Focusing (AF). A case study was executed to validate this approach and to assess its usefulness in an industrial environment. The top-down and bottom-up methods were applied in the customer satisfaction measurement framework at the IBM Toronto Laboratory. The top-down method was applied to improve the customer satisfaction (CUSTSAT) measurement from the point of view of three data user groups. It identified several new metrics for the interviewed groups, and also contributed to better understanding of the data user needs. The bottom-up method was used to gain new insights into the existing CUSTSAT data. Unexpected associations between key variables prompted new business insights, and revealed problems with the process used to collect and analyze the CUSTSAT data. The paper uses the case study and its results to qualitatively compare our approach against current ad hoc practices used to improve existing measurement frameworks.


Aim: The present study was aimed to elucidate the histomorphology of ileal and jejunal Peyer's patches in the small intestine of buffalo calves and their structural comparison. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on neonatal (n=10) and pre-pubertal (n=10) buffalo calves. The age of the postnatal buffalo calves was estimated by their temporary and permanent dentition. Results: The study revealed that several layers of oval to elongate elliptical lymphoid follicles were observed in submucosa on the anti-mesenteric side in the ileum of early neonatal calves. However, the follicles at this age, in jejunum were of all shapes present within one layer. The interfollicular space was occupied by the interfollicular tissue, which was diffuse and wider around jejunal lymphoid follicles as compared to ileal lymphoid follicles. However, toward the pubertal stage, the number of layers of lymphoid follicles was reduced in ileum due to involution while it remained similar in number in jejunum at this stage. Conclusion: The ileal Peyer's patches were found to have started involution more or less around reaching puberty, whereas the jejunal Peyer's patches appear to be functional throughout the lifespan of the animal.


This project aims to provide a smart way of measuring the electricity consumption in energy meters using modern electronic gadgets where the communication must be established between the user and the energy meter (which follows modbus communication) for daily update of the consumption. To provide this communication, the unit data received from the energy meter is interfaced with the microcontroller (ARDUINO UNO) through Modbus function code technique. Additionally, RS485 TO TTL CONVERTER is used in the interface setup where it acts as a gateway between energy meter and arduino board where the values from the energy meter is converted into a suitable form understandable by the arduino uno board. The microcontroller provides two functions in which one of them involves measuring the units consumed by the user. Using arduino software application, the user can now read the values in their system which is being used by them. A service provider named twilio is used which is used to provide a message to the user when the user's electricity consumption had crossed the threshold value.


The Rhode Island General Assembly considers nearly 3000 bills yearly--spanning the entire range of issues related to state government and legislative policy. This review analyzes the modest number of 40 "health-related" bills introduced during the 2009 session. It is often not clear to what extent these proposals consistently received analysis by both informed and independent organizations or experts regarding their "evidence-based" foundations. Only 25 of these bills received a committee hearing, and eventually become law. Hence, there may be a reasonable opportunity for expert, non-partisan organizations to provide the General Assembly with information related to proposed legislation on a routine or "as requested" basis. This study provides a systematic analysis of this degree of effort based on data regarding health- related legislation proposed during the 2009 session of the RI General Assembly.


In December 2013, the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Ministry of Education jointly announced a nationwide 'joint model' between state propaganda departments and journalism schools in higher education institutions, signalling a new era for China's journalism education. The 'joint model' campaign aims to enhance the party's ideological control over journalism education in China's highly globalized, commercialized and digitized media environment. This essay examines the political context, concrete measures, expected benefits, debate and problems of the new era of China's journalism education.


Author(s): Cain, William S.; Cometto-Muniz, J. Enrique | Abstract: This report deals with whether the experience of odors (i.e., odors as sensations) from biosolids at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) causes illness. There exists no repository of information on the numbers of complainants with illness, their specific complaints, or the relationship between degree of exposure and complaints. Nevertheless, anecdotal reports imply a pattern much like that associated with other industrial malodors. Any connection between odor and illness has received little attention in the millions of articles in the medical literature. This state of affairs presumably exists because odors per se generate no objective signs of illness in otherwise healthy persons. Malodors, however, may exacerbate both symptoms and signs of illness in persons with certain chronic disorders, such as asthma and migraine. Vulnerability to such effects varies considerably from person to person.Symptoms claimed in connection to odors from biosolids in particular seem to come from olfactory rather than chemesthetic (irritating) stimulation, a conclusion derived from calculations that concentrations of emissions of the notable contaminants from WWTPs fail to reach irritating levels even within the grounds of facilities. Any convincing deviation from this expectation would warrant serious attention. Instead, as is true for exposure to malodors from any source, the symptoms associated with WWTP malodors seem to occur via intermediate variables, such as annoyance, anxiety, and frustration. Persons who experience no such distress experience no symptoms. This may prove true for persons with existing illness, but in some cases distress may affect the illness via hormonal mechanisms.Acknowledgment that odors cause anxiety and the like should inform strategies for dealing with reports of symptoms. Research into the connection between the composition of the emissions from WWTPs and odor characteristics should seek to illuminate quantitative goals that engineers can seek to achieve. Finally, failure to respect the boundary between the subjective and the objective in discussions of the matter can invite flatly incorrect conclusions about the relationship between odors and illness.Benefits:Refines the issues and terminology regarding whether biosolids odors, as sensations, might cause illness;Reviews the evidence that biosolids odors do or do not cause illness; Explains the functional origins of the acceptability of odors; Defines the difference between the sense of smell and the chemesthetic or irritation sense; Evaluates whether emissions from WWTPs cause irritation; Explains why symptoms attributed to biosolids odors fail to qualify as illness; and Clarifies that the amelioration of such symptoms lies in reduction of anxiety and associated states.


We calculate the R(G)-algebra structure on the reduced equivariant K-groups of two-dimensional spheres on which a compact Lie group G acts as a reflection. In particular, the reduced equivariant K-groups are trivial if G is abelian, which shows that the previous Y. Yang's calculation in [8] is incorrect.


The present study is intended to evaluate an outdoor thermal comfort at two universities campus in Malaysia. Field measurement and questionnaire survey were conducted simultaneously to assess the microclimatic condition and pedestrian thermal sensation. A total of 3033 samples were collected at seven different sky view factor (SVF) values that range from 0.2 to 0.9. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was estimated to evaluate outdoor thermal comfort. It was observed that at a highly shaded area (SVF < 0.35) the respondent's thermal sensation vote (TSV) are neutral (> 25%), acceptable for thermal acceptance vote (TAV) (> 50%) and no change (> 50%) for thermal preference vote (TPV). For moderate shaded (0.35 ≤ SVF ≤ 0.70) TSV was voted as hot (> 25%), acceptable for TAV (40%), and prefer slightly cooler for TPV (>50%). For less shaded area (0.70 < SVF ≤ 1), TSV was voted as hot and very hot (> 25%), acceptable for TAV (>40%) and prefer slightly cooler for TPV (> 40%). Moreover, the PET value increases simultaneously with the increase of SVF. Results thus suggest that at any given activities such as sitting, walking, and standing also caused effects slightly on the way people thermally perceive it during the on-campus daytime.


Purified Ac-globulin preparations accelerate the hydrolysis of p -toluenesulfonyl-l-arginine methyl ester (TAMe) by thrombin. Ac-globulin is the limiting factor in the reaction and does not itself hydrolyze TAMe. The increased thrombin activity is directly proportional to Ac-globulin concentration. More than a 25-fold increase in thrombin activity was obtained. The basic principle of accelerating TAMe hydrolysis with thrombin is tentatively proposed as a quantitative assay for Ac-globulin. A function of Ac-globulin in prothrombin activation is to increase the effectiveness of thrombin in the proteolytic degradation of the prothrombin substrate.


Ever since Annie got together with Ciccio, his Calabrian family have spoken of their homeland as an earthly paradise, of wild nights dancing the tarantella, of almond milk sold fresh from roadside stalls, of honey cakes and amaro made from wild liquorice roots...Now, at last, Annie and Ciccio are travelling down to see the ancestral home and extended family for themselves, along with a bunch of vocal and lively de Gilios who don't want to miss out on the fun. Will everything Annie has learnt in her years among the Ligurians stand her in good stead among the Calabresi? Or is she in for another steep learning curve in the intricacies of Italian rural life?


OBJECTIVE
To develop endolymphatic hydrops in both ears of guinea pigs by aldosterone.

METHODS
Thirty animals were divided into 3 groups with 10 in each group. Group A received left ears operation following Kimura', with right ears non-operated as control; group B received introperitonal injection of aldosterone (0.1 mg.0.1 kg-1.d-1) for continuous 5 days; group C received introperitonal injection of 0.5 ml 0.9% NS. Five out of group A,B and C were killed 1 month and 2 months later respectively for analysis of blood K+, Ca2+, Na+ and pathological examination of inner ear, heart, lung, brain, liver and kidney.

RESULTS
In group A' moderate to severe endolymphatic hydrops developed in the operated ears during 1 and 2 months. In group B, mild endolymphatic hydrops developed in the both ears during 1 month, and within 2 months it was moderate and severe. No endolymphatic hydrops developed in group C. In contrast to group C, No significant changes could be found in blood analysis of group A, but the concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ were declined, and that of Na+ were increased in group B. The heart, lung, brain, liver, and kidney of all animals were normal.

CONCLUSIONS
Aldosterone may induce endolymphatic hydrops in both ears.


Our main objective was to analyse and study the effects of the synthesized composite based on selenium nanoparticles and carboxymethyl cellulose (Cekol), hereinafter denoted as SeNPs-Cekol. Firstly, physico-chemical properties of SeNPs-Cekol were characterized in greater detail (size of nanoparticles-from 50 to 150 nm; content of selenium-278 ppm; pH of composite-5.4-5.6; density-990-1010 kg/m(3)), together with assessment of its stability. In addition, the toxicity and mutagenicity on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was successfully evaluated. All of the tested bacterial strains were isolated from wound swabs of infectious patients (n = 300) and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). These strains were consequently exposed to SeNPs-Cekol composite. Almost all of the bacterial strains (n = 63) exhibited inhibition zones larger than 5 mm (limit for sensitivity to antibiotics) after the application of the SeNPs-Cekol (300 mu M). Furthermore, in some tested strains (n = 8 for gram positive (G(+)); n = 4 for gram negative (G(-))) even the inhibition zones larger than 12 mm (limit value for very sensitive bacteria to antibiotics) were observed. Overall, the effects of the composite were higher for the G(+) bacteria in comparison with G(-)bacteria, which are generally more resistant to antimicrobial agents, due to their cell wall structure. Further, we found that mutagenicity of the SeNPs-Cekol was found to be negligible. Even, non-target toxicity tests towards eukaryotic cells did not show any significant inhibition of the cells growth compared to the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that SeNPs-Cekol could be considered to have a potential in treatment of bacterial infections.


This paper demonstrates the lubricant performance in T-shape hot forging of Mg alloys. This processes induces complex plastic material flow of the initial billet such as simultaneous compression and extrusion deformations. Five lubricants with different amounts of graphite are applied to the T-shape forging at temperatures of 300 and 350 °C. As the amount of graphite in the lubricant increases, the extruded depth gradually increases, which improves hot forgeability for Mg alloys. However, the lubricant performance decreases as forging temperature increases from 300 to 350 °C. As the punch stroke increases, forgeability is considerably influenced by the lubricant. Thus, the selection of lubricants in hot forging of Mg alloys is critical when plastic deformation is severe.


Objective: The objective of this study was to consider race differences in age-trends of autonomic nervous system functioning, using a national data set with a broad age range. Methods: Measures of baseline heart rate variability (HRV) and HRV reactivity were derived from electrocardiograph (ECG) recordings taken at rest and during cognitive stress tasks. Age-trends in HRV and HRV reactivity were compared among 204 African Americans and 833 Whites ages 34 to 83 years (M = 53.7, SD = 11.4), before and after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). Results: For HRV-reactivity, age-trends were steeper among African Americans and lower SES participants than Whites and higher SES participants. For baseline HRV, age-trends varied by SES but not race. Discussion: Results relating to HRV-reactivity (but not baseline HRV) were consistent with hypotheses suggesting that African Americans are exposed to higher levels of stress and experience accelerated declines in health across the life span. The relevance of the findings to research on social stress and health disparities is discussed.


The goal of this paper is to reflect on and understand how ex-con trash pickers in the city of Fortaleza established a new worker identity through socially stigmatized unstable employment. Both bibliographical-documentary research and an ethnographical inspiration study were carried out, using direct observation and semi-structured interviews as tools. The results indicate unstable working conditions and conflicts with the "deposeiros" (recycling center owners), who exploit the trash pickers in every way possible. People regard these workers as dangerous, dirty bums, and their working and living conditions are riddled with exploitation, conflict and prejudice. The narratives of these recycled people for justice reveal a strong identity with the refuse that they collect. In their quest for reentry to society and reconstruction of identity, some of them admitted to illicit practices or recidivism, thereby demonstrating the fragility of the system, which attempts to recycle them and include them in a precarious manner.


The Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System (PHIGS) specifies an interface for programming device-independent computer graphics applications. After a brief review of PHIGS concepts, an experimental environment used to study and evaluate the proposed standard is presented. The basic structure and distribution of function in this PHIGS implementation is discussed. We describe the architecture of a device-independent environment designed to realize the performance essential to the adequate functioning of a PHIGS implementation. The results presented emphasize the PHIGS output model. Full utilization of workstation processing capabilities, minimization of host/workstation interaction and efficient data management are key to our implementation.


In this thesis, microbial conversion of water-soluble, highly toxic forms of selenium (selenate, selenite) to less bioavailable elemental selenium was investigated. By the exploitation of different groups of microorganisms (selenium-respiring, nitrate-reducing and sulfate-reducing bacteria, methanogenic archaea) the operational window of conventional and new hybrid anaerobic bioreactors treating selenium containing anthropogenic waste streams has been determined. A special focus was given to selenium speciation in solid, liquid and gas phase. Selenium speciation in the solid phase was assessed by direct and non-destructive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that selenium solid phase speciation is more complex than initially expected, as different side products such as metal selenides and organic selenium compounds are (trans)formed. Regarding the liquid/gas phase speciation, selenium forms volatile alkylated species under interaction with reduced sulfur compounds depending on operational parameters applied. Selenium oxyanions are not only toxic to animal and human populations, but are here shown to largely influence anaerobic food webs, due to their effect on acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens


Foods may cause mental and behavioural symptoms by means of a variety of mechanisms. Food allergy is only one of many of these. The paper presents a brief overview of evidence, as of early 1982, concerning cerebral allergy, food addiction, the hypoglycaemias, caffeinism, hypersensitivity to chemical food additives, reactions to vasoactive amines in foods, and reactions attributed to neuropeptides formed from foods as causes of mental symptoms, with particular reference to psychiatric patients. It is concluded that although much work in this field remains to be done, enough is already known to benefit patients now if available knowledge is applied. An individual-centred environmental approach, extending beyond dietary factors if necessary, is recommended as more likely to help than a group-centred paradigm-based approach to treatment.


This research study analyses the project management of agricultural facilities that protect agricultural food and public health from associated toxic hazardous landfill emissions and risks. Project management is presented by the development of a geoinformatics utility so as to improve operational management not only in food production minimizing the consumption of resources but also to improve the bio capacity development of the services and products through effective constructions minimizing risks for public health. Useful results are presented based on geoinformatics utility that develops sanitary drawings in sustainable designs minimizing risks and indoor pollution hazardous emissions in working spaces minimizing health risks.


Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool in oncological imaging. Optical biopsies in which an accurate diagnosis of the tumour areas is spectroscopically performed are especially interesting for application to skin cancer treatments.
In the first part of this dissertation a study on automated Raman spectral imaging allowed accurate diagnosis and delineation of the borders of a common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Automated detection and imaging of BCC in skin sections excised during surgery was performed by combining Raman micro-spectroscopy with supervised multivariate mathematical algorithms based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The model allowed 90±9% sensitivity and 85±9% specificity in BCC detection. Raman spectral images based on the LDA model were created and compared with the gold-standard of the conventional histopathological diagnoses resulting in excellent agreement. Additional studies on the ability of the model in discriminating between BCC and hair follicles produced accurate diagnoses. In this thesis instrumental implementation and design of a Raman spectral imaging prototype aiming to reduce the acquisition time required to build the Raman spectral images was developed.
High sensitivity variants of Raman spectroscopy such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are known to enable optical detection down to single molecules and can be applied to thin supported lipid research. The combination of SERS with a complementary topographic technique simultaneously synchronised adds to the chemical information the morphology of the sample surface. In the second part of this thesis simultaneous atomic force microscopy (AFM) and SERS characterisation of thin (≈15-20 nm) supported films of arachidic acid and cationic phospholipids on sapphire/silver substrates was successfully achieved. Supports were fabricated with nanosphere lithographic procedures and allowed enhancement of the weak Raman signals from the amphiphilic films by a maximum factor of ×10^8.


The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic conditions of mud crab (Scylla serrata) collectors and fatteners in Khulna and Satkhira districts. From January to June 2009, 40 crab collectors and 40 crab fatteners were considered where 45% of the crab collectors collected crabs from the Sundarban and fattening of mud crabs were generally done in bamboo cages and in ponds. Data analyses revealed that most of the crab collectors and fatteners were Hindus and few were Muslims. In the study area, 40% and 55% crab collectors and fatteners respectively were from the age group of 31-40 years. The crab collectors (80%) had above 6-10 members in their family and 55% of the crab fatteners had above 6-10 members. There were 45% of the crab fatteners had 151 decimal and above land, but 35% of the crab collectors had 0-50 decimal which was very small. Annual income of the crab collectors was less than Tk.90,000, where the lowest annual income of the crab fatteners was Tk. 90,000-150,000. Natural disasters and other constraints affected the livelihood of crab collectors and fatteners in the southwest region. So, crab collection and fattening are alternative sources of income and sustainable livelihood for the disadvantaged people in the southwest Bangladesh.


The natural characteristics with dense water network and co-existent land and water determine the leading role of water network in natural ecological environment of this region. But with the development of economy, construction land for small towns in water-network region in Southern Area of Yangtze River is increasing obviously and ecological environmental problem is becoming prominent gradually. Research on strategies to guide healthy development of small towns' space from the layer of their spatial pattern can solve the contradiction between spatial development of water-network small towns and space Protection of natural ecology and regulate the reasonable expansion of natural ecological environment and town space in water-network region.


[1] Stokes drift and wave induced-mass flux in realistic wavefields and ocean currents in the North Pacific Ocean are studied using a third generation wave model with ambient geostrophic currents estimated from satellite altimetry data to directly estimate the Stokes drift for random directional waves. Comparison with in situ buoy data shows that the model performed well in representing the Stokes drift field and total wave momentum. In the North Pacific, the annual mean surface Stokes drift ranges from 2 to 10 cm/s and the mean Stokes e-folding depth is 1 to 2 m. The Stokes drift fields estimated using bulk wave parameters compare poorly against buoy data, and are shown to overestimate (underestimate) the Stokes e-folding depth (the surface Stokes drift) computed directly from wave spectra by as much as 5–20 times larger (2–10 times smaller). The spatial distributions of mean wave height and mass transport approximately follow the synoptic scale associated with atmospheric forcing, and the divergence of wave induced-mass flux is significantly modified by local fetch, the coast and ocean currents. Due to strong wave refraction along the Kuroshio extension, surface vertical velocity induced by Stokes divergence is comparable to the Ekman velocity, and may alter the meso-scale dynamics of the front.


Methods for rapid and high-throughput screening of transcription in vitro to examine reaction conditions, enzyme mutants, promoter variants, and small molecule modulators can be extremely valuable tools. However, these techniques may be difficult to establish or inaccessible to many researchers. To develop a straightforward and cost-effective platform for assessing transcription in vitro, we used the "Broccoli" RNA aptamer as a direct, real-time fluorescent transcript readout. To demonstrate the utility of our approach, we screened the effect of common reaction conditions and components on bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) activity using a common quantitative PCR instrument for fluorescence detection. Several essential conditions for in vitro transcription by T7 RNAP were confirmed with this assay, including the importance of enzyme and substrate concentrations, covariation of magnesium and nucleoside triphosphates, and the effects of several typical additives. When we used this method to assess all possible point mutants of a canonical T7 RNAP promoter, our results coincided well with previous reports. This approach should translate well to a broad variety of bacteriophage in vitro transcription systems and provides a platform for developing fluorescence-based readouts of more complex transcription systems in vitro.


Teleost fishes typically first encounter the environment as free‐swimming embryos or larvae. Larvae are morphologically distinct from adults, and major anatomical structures are unformed. Thus, larvae undergo a series of dramatic morphological changes until they reach adult morphology (but are reproductively immature) and are considered juveniles. Free‐swimming embryos and larvae are able to perform a C‐start, an effective escape response that is used evade predators. However, escape response performance improves during early development: as young fish grow, they swim faster (length‐specific maximum velocity increases) and perform the escape more rapidly (time to complete the behavior decreases). These improvements cease when fish become juveniles, although absolute swimming velocity (m s−1) continues to increase. We use studies of escape behavior and ontogeny in California halibut (Paralichthys californicus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and razorback suckers (Xyrauchen texanus) to test the hypothesis that specific morphological changes improve escape performance. We suggest that formation of the caudal fin improves energy transfer to the water and therefore increases thrust production and swimming velocity. In addition, changes to the axial skeleton during the larval period produce increased axial stiffness, which in turn allows the production of a more rapid and effective escape response. Because escape performance improves as adult morphology develops, fish that enter the environment in an advanced stage of development (i.e., those with direct development) should have a greater ability to evade predators than do fish that enter the environment at an early stage of development (i.e., those with indirect development).


This experiment examined the effects of diet composition on rumen, vaginal, and uterine environments in beef heifers. Fifteen rumen-cannulated, pubertal Angus-influenced heifers were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design (28-d periods and 21-d washout intervals). Dietary treatments included (as-fed) diets based on 100% grass hay (HF), 61% grass hay + 39% corn-based concentrate (INT), or 25% grass hay + 75% corn-based concentrate (HG). Treatments were offered individually to heifers once daily at 2% of their body weight. Heifers also received 280 g/d of a mineral mix containing melengestrol acetate. Rumen, vaginal, and uterine fluid samples were collected on d 0 and 28 of each period for pH measurement. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) using results from d 0 as independent covariates, and heifer as the experimental unit. Rumen pH on d 0 did not differ (P = 0.97) among treatments (7.197, 7.194, and 7.188 for HF, INT, and HG, respectively; SEM = 0.038). Ruminal pH on d 28 was greater (P ≤ 0.01) in HF compared with INT and HG (6.805, 6.628, and 6.380, respectively; SEM = 0.049), and greater (P < 0.01) in INT compared with HG. Vaginal and uterine pH on d 0 did not differ (P ≥ 0.24) among HF, INT, and HG (6.914, 6.965, 6.780 of vaginal pH, respectively, SEM = 0.082; 6.644, 6.760, 6,592 of uterine pH, respectively, SEM = 0.079). Uterine and vaginal pH on d 28 also did not differ (P ≥ 0.64) among HF, INT, and HG heifers (6.926, 6.937, 6.918 of vaginal pH, respectively, SEM = 0.051; 6.567, 6.507, and 6.457 of uterine pH, respectively, SEM = 0.084). Therefore, dietary composition impacted rumen pH of beef heifers as expected, but without consequences to their vaginal and uterine pH.


We present DEIMOS multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) of 22 star-forming dwarf galaxies located in four gas-rich groups, including six newly discovered dwarfs. Two of the galaxies are strong tidal dwarf galaxy (TDG) candidates based on our luminosity-metallicity relation definition. We model the rotation curves of these galaxies. Our sample shows low mass-to-light ratios (M/L = 0.73 +/- 0.39M(circle dot)/L-circle dot) as expected for young, star-forming dwarfs. One of the galaxies in our sample has an apparently strongly falling rotation curve, reaching zero rotational velocity outside the turnover radius of r(turn) = 1.2r(e). This may be (1) a polar ring galaxy, with a tilted bar within a face-on disc; (2) a kinematic warp. These scenarios are indistinguishable with our current data due to limitations of slit alignment inherent to MOS-mode observations. We consider whether TDGs can be detected based on their tidal radius, beyond which tidal stripping removes kinematic tracers such as H alpha emission. When the tidal radius is less than about twice the turnover radius, the expected falling rotation curve cannot be reliably measured. This is problematic for as much as half of our sample, and indeed more generally, galaxies in groups like these. Further to this, the H alpha light that remains must be sufficiently bright to be detected; this is only the case for three (14 per cent) galaxies in our sample. We conclude that the falling rotation curves expected of TDGs are intrinsically difficult to detect.


To accomplish the punctuation restoration task, most existing approaches focused on leveraging extra information (e.g., part-of-speech tags) or addressing the class imbalance problem. Re-cent works have widely applied the transformer-based language models and significantly improved their effectiveness. To the best of our knowledge, an inherent issue has remained ne-glected: the attention of individual heads in the transformer will be diluted or powerless while feeding the long non-punctuation utterances. Since those previous contexts, not the followings, are comparatively more valuable to the current position, it's hard to achieve a good balance by independent attention. In this paper, we propose a novel F eature F usion framework based on two-type A ttentions (FFA) to alleviate the shortage. It intro-duces a two-stream architecture. One module involves interaction between attention heads to encourage the communication, and another masked attention module captures the dependent feature representation. Then, it aggregates two feature embeddings to fuse information and enhances context-awareness. The experiments on the popular benchmark dataset IWSLT demonstrate that our approach is effective. Without additional data, it obtains comparable performance to the current state-of-the-art models.


Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare brain congenital malformation, consisting in altered neuronal migration and proliferation within one hemisphere, which is responsible for early onset drug-resistant epilepsy. Hemispherotomy is an effective treatment option for patients with HME and drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgical outcome may be variable among different surgical series, and the long-term neuropsychological trajectory has been rarely defined using a standardized neurocognitive test. We report the epileptological and neuropsychological long-term outcomes of four consecutive HME patients, operated on before the age of three years. All patients were seizure-free and drug-free, and the minimum follow-up duration was of five years. Despite the excellent post-surgical seizure outcome, the long-term developmental outcome is quite variable between patients, ranging from mild to severe intellectual disabilities. Patients showed improvement mainly in communication skills, while visuo-perceptive and coordination abilities were more impaired. Epileptological outcome seems to be improved in early treated patients; however, neuropsychological outcome in HME patients may be highly variable despite early surgery.


The ability to identify genetic signs of diseases is advancing faster than the ability to treat those diseases. For Mayana Zatz, a professor of genetics at SA£o Paulo University in Brazil, this mismatch is a compelling call to conduct basic laboratory research into such diseases and to do what she can to improve the lives of those afflicted by them. In the case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other types of muscular dystrophy, Zatz has helped uncover the biomolecular bases of some of these diseases, counseled thousands of affected individuals and families about how to manage their condition, and established an association and clinic to help improve the lives of her country9s poorest victims of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Zatz chronicles the research, ethical conundrums, and legal challenges that she confronts in her molecules-to-society attack on Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
 All essays appearing in this series can be found online atwww.sciencemag.org/sciext/globalvoices/


UNLABELLED
During 1986 the authors came across two cases of brain abscess among children with congenital heart disease followed at the Pediatric Cardiology Service and decided to evaluate their global experience on the subject. In a retrospective study of 860 infants and children with cyanotic congenital heart disease and final diagnosis, there were four cases complicated with brain abscess. The following items were evaluated: prevalence of the complication, type of congenital heart disease, date and age at the diagnosis of brain abscess, diagnostic methods, neurosurgical treatment and results. The main findings were: all patients were above two years of age and had noncorrected cyanotic congenital heart disease belonging to the classic high risk group; the first two cases had been treated in other institutions and only scanty information was available; two recent cases had early diagnosis on CAT scan followed by neurosurgical treatment. All children survived.

CONCLUSIONS
brain abscess is a rare but severe complication occurring in patients with noncorrected cyanotic congenital heart disease above two years of age; whenever prevention turns impossible, early diagnosis and treatment provide good short term and long term results. A multidisciplinar approach with full cooperation is advocated.


Introduction: An association between schizophrenia and urbanicity has long been observed, with studies in many countries, including several from Denmark, reporting that individuals born/raised in densely populated urban settings have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to those born/raised in rural settings. However, these findings have not been replicated in all studies. In particular, a Western Australian study showed a gradient in the opposite direction which disappeared after adjustment for covariates. Given the different findings for Denmark and Western Australia, our aim was to investigate the relationship between schizophrenia and urbanicity in these two regions to determine which factors may be influencing the relationship. Methods: We used population-based cohorts of children born alive between 1980 and 2001 in Western Australia (N = 428,784) and Denmark (N = 1,357,874). Children were categorised according to the level of urbanicity of their mother's residence at time of birth and followed-up through to 30 June 2015. Linkage to State-based registers provided information on schizophrenia diagnosis and a range of covariates. Rates of being diagnosed with schizophrenia for each category of urbanicity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for covariates. Results: During follow-up, 1618 (0.4%) children in Western Australia and 11,875 (0.9%) children in Denmark were diagnosed with schizophrenia. In Western Australia, those born in the most remote areas did not experience lower rates of schizophrenia than those born in the most urban areas (hazard ratio = 1.02 [95% confidence interval: 0.81, 1.29]), unlike their Danish counterparts (hazard ratio = 0.62 [95% confidence interval: 0.58, 0.66]). However, when the Western Australian cohort was restricted to children of non-Aboriginal Indigenous status, results were consistent with Danish findings (hazard ratio = 0.46 [95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.72]). Discussion: Our study highlights the potential for disadvantaged subgroups to mask the contribution of urban-related risk factors to risk of schizophrenia and the importance of stratified analysis in such cases.


I nvasive weeds are one of the worst scourges within rangelands, and it is often dif cult to control them using conventional approaches such as herbicides or mowing. But all is not lost—insect allies can help us combat these noxious plants! We are talking about insect biocontrol agents, or plant-eating bugs that feed on weeds. However, there are hurdles these insects must overcome to successfully control weed populations; the rst is establishing a viable population after being released. In this article we fo- cus on one such ecological drama, which is the biocontrol of Canada thistle in North Dakota with a stem-mining weevil.  DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i5_prischmann-voldseth


We consider the problem of refining an abstract task plan into a motion trajectory. Task and motion planning is a hard problem that is essential to long-horizon mobile manipulation. Many approaches divide the problem into two steps: a search for a task plan and task plan refinement to find a feasible trajectory. We apply sequential quadratic programming to jointly optimize over the parameters in a task plan (e.g., trajectories, grasps, put down locations). We provide two modifications that make our formulation more suitable to task and motion planning. We show how to use movement primitives to reuse previous solutions (and so save optimization effort) without trapping the algorithm in a poor basin of attraction. We also derive an early convergence criterion that lets us quickly detect unsatisfiable constraints so we can re-initialize their variables. We present experiments in a navigation amongst movable objects domain and show substantial improvement in cost over a backtracking refinement algorithm.


Recommended guidelines on shared responsabilities of the designer, ductwork manufacturer, and installing contractor to make sure duct systems are properly reinforced


The connection between galaxies and their dark matter haloes is often described with the Stellar-to-Halo Mass relation (SHMR). Satellite galaxies in clusters follow a SHMR distinct from central galaxies because of the environmental processes that they are subject to, and the variety of accretion histories leads to an important scatter in this relation. In this work, we use the suite of magneto-hydrodynamical simulations IllustrisTNG to study the scatter in the satellite galaxy SHMR, and extract the parameters that can best allow to understand it. Active galaxies, that represent a very small fraction of cluster galaxies, follow a very different relation than their passive counterparts, mainly because they were accreted much more recently. For this latter population, we find that the distance to the cluster centre is a good predictor of variations in the SHMR, but some information on the galaxy orbital history, such as the distance of closest approach to the host centre, is an even better one, although it is in practice more difficult to measure. In addition, we found that galaxy compactness is also correlated with the SHMR, while the host cluster properties (mass and concentration, formation redshift, mass and size of BCG) do not play a significant role. We provide accurate fitting functions and scaling relations to the scientific community, useful to predict the subhalo mass given a set of observable parameters. Finally, we connect the scatter in the SHMR to the physical processes affecting galaxies in clusters, and how they impact the different satellite sub-populations.