Low temperature or cold stress and deep sowing plays a pivotal role in limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity in the temperate rice growing regions as well as in tropical high lands worldwide. A better understanding of stress tolerance mechanism in rice plants will help to develop rice germplasm with improved field level tolerance under variable temperature and sowing deep conditions. Using previously developed stress indices, this study presents results from low temperature and deep sowing screening of four rice genotypes. A group of 25 seeds per replicate (total of 3 replicates) was subjected to stress by deep sowing (15 cm) while another group was subjected to cold stress (13 degrees C-10 h/18 degrees C-14 h) and the control group remained under optimum conditions (25 degrees C and sowing depth of 1.5 cm). The Geometric Mean (GM), Stress Tolerance Index (STI) and Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) were used to evaluate the genotypic performance under control and stress conditions. The results indicate that it was possible to identify superior genotypes for tolerance based on their stress indices. The indices although correlated, were found to be effective for the selection of genotypes with good yield potential under control and stress treatments and can now be used for genotypic screening under field conditions.


Attention to environmental issues has led to the application of reverse logistics in the supply chain. But, the implementation of reverse logistics is weak because of the type of inventory management models. Therefore, in this research, to improve supply chain performance was used lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) paradigms. The purpose of this research is to identify and prioritize the solutions of reverse logistics implementation in the LARG supply chain to improve supply chain performance. In this research, the Interval-valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy expert-driven approach was used. Interval-valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy sets were used for weighting the evaluation criteria, and the Interval-valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy WASPAS method was used to prioritize solutions. The findings indicated that the first solution (creation, development, and investment in reverse logistics technology), the Tenth solution (development of the closed-loop supply chain through integration with reverse logistics), and the ninth solution (building electronic collaboration for rapid and effective coordination in among the members of the supply chain), respectively, were introduced as the best solutions in this study. The development and investment in reverse logistics technologies, electronic integration, and collaboration, and improved coordination are essential to improve the performance of reverse logistics implementation in the supply chain.


Smart Grid research is growing around the world due to the need to replace the ageing old electricity grid with an intelligent, reliable electricity network. The smart grid aims at creating a reliable power distribution and efficient power usage in homes. One of the key issues focused in this project is providing real time energy feedback to users, which is minimal or non-existent in the current grid system. This thesis investigates about using smart TVs to provide real time energy feedback in homes. Since its introduction in 2009 smart TVs are growing in popularity in European market. To provide real time energy feedback on smart TVs three features are identified Smart TV application, ambilighting and push notification. The Human-centered design process is used for designing the Smart TV interface system using the identified features. A literature study is conducted to gather the user requirements for the smart TV interface. The information gathered during the study is used for the design and implementation of the interface prototype. As an example platform the Philips smart TV 2013 is chosen to demonstrate the various features that can be used to provide energy feedback. The usability of the Smart TV interface is evaluated with users and the results are recorded. The smart TV application, ambient lighting and push notification system in Smart TVs is demonstrated for providing real-time energy feedback. The interface is evaluated with users and results are discussed. The result suggests that Smart TVs can serve as an informational display in homes. The Smart TV interface should be interlinked with Smart Phone and Tablet applications to be effective, further the users prefer the Smart Phone over the Smart TV application to control the household devices.


Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb is belongs to the family Moraceae and is called Monkey jack and Lakoocha. In the present study, we investigated elemental composition of fruit pericarp and anticariogenic, pancreatic lipase inhibitory and cytotoxic activity of methanol extract of pericarp. The elemental analysis was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Anticariogenic activity was determined against 12 isolates of mutans streptococci by Agar well diffusion method. Pancreatic lipase activity of different concentrations of pericarp extract was tested against chicken pancreatic lipase. Cytotoxic activity was tested by Brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Among the principal elements, potassium was present in high concentration followed by magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Among trace elements, high concentration of iron was detected followed by zinc, manganese and copper. The extract caused inhibition of cariogenic bacteria and the inhibition caused by the extract was lesser when compared to standard antibiotic. The extract caused inhibition of pancreatic lipase in a dose dependent manner and highest inhibition (82.49%) was observed at concentration 1000mg/ml. The lethal nature of extract towards brine shrimp was directly proportional to the concentration of the extract. The LC50 was found to be 452.49μg/ml. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins and alkaloids. The fruit may be consumed as a source of important elements. The bioactivities of the extract could be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites. Further study is required to isolate and characterize the active constituents and to determine their bioactivities.


This dissertation deals with multi-scale, multi-physics descriptions of flow and transport in crowded environments forming porous media. Such phenomena can be described by employing either pore-scale or continuum-scale (Darcy- scale) models. Continuum-scale formulations are largely phenomenological, but often provide accurate and efficient representations of flow and transport. In the first part of the dissertation, we employ such a model to describe fluid flow through carbon nanotube (CNT) forests placed in a turbulent ambient environment of a microscopic wind tunnel. This analysis leads to closed-form analytical formulae that enable one to predict elastic response of CNT forests to aerodynamic loading and to estimate elastic properties of individual CNTs, both of which were found to be in a close agreement with experimental data. The second part of this work explores the applicability range of continuum-scale models of transport of chemically active solutes undergoing nonlinear homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions with the porous matrix. We use two upscaling techniques (the volume averaging method and multiple-scale expansions) to formulate sufficient conditions for the validity of continuum-scale models in terms of dimensionless numbers characterizing key pore-scale transport mechanisms (e.g. Peclet and Damkohler numbers). When these conditions are not satisfied, standard continuum-scale models have to be replaced with upscaled equations that are nonlocal in space and time, effective parameters (e.g. dispersion tensors, effective reaction rates) do not generally exist, and pore- and continuum- scales cannot be decoupled. Such transport regimes necessitate the development of hybrid numerical methods that couple the pore- and continuum-scale models solved in different regions of the computational domain. Hybrid methods aim to combine the physical rigor of pore-scale modeling with the computational efficiency of its continuum-scale counterpart. In the third and final part of this dissertation, we use the volume averaging method to construct two hybrid algorithms, one intrusive and the other non-intrusive, that facilitate the coupling of pore- and continuum-scale models in a computationally efficient manner


Since 1990, the Nakuru Municipal Council (Kenya) has implemented a multifaceted program to reduce the incidence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), especially those that are sexually transmitted, including HIV/AIDS. Staff in the Council's five health clinics use syndromic management guidelines, based on clients' reported symptoms and clinical signs, to identify clients with RTIs. In 1998, the Population Council conducted a study to assess the accuracy of syndromic management and determine the best ways to integrate RTI management into existing antenatal (ANC) and family planning (FP) services. After an assessment of existing RTI services, 18 nurses from the five municipal clinics attended a three-day refresher course in syndromic management. As noted in this brief, more than half of the FP and ANC clients in Nakura had one or more RTIs, and roughly one-third of these infections were sexually transmitted. Using syndromic management algorithms based on reported symptoms, providers correctly classified only 5–16 percent of women who later tested positive with laboratory results. Given the limitations of syndromic management, programs need to stress prevention of sexually transmitted infections.


To generate high resolution image from a low resolution input image single image super resolution is used. Single image super resolution is used to enhance the quality of image. In this paper there is a image super resolution algorithm is proposed which is based on GPS Gradient Profile Sharpness. Extract GPS from two gradient profile description models.GPS contain two model one is triangle model and second is mixed Gaussian model. Finally the HR(High Resolution)image is generated which has better visual Quality, lower resolution error. The aim of single image super resolution is to construct a high resolution image from LR(low resolution)image input. transformation gradient profiles to generate the target gradient field in HR image.


One of the major problems confronting the world economy and in particular the Nigerian economy is the rate of unemployment. Nearly all institutions, both domestic and international, have sought solutions to the menace of unemployment. Recent statistics in Nigeria (National Bureau of Statistics, NBS 2010) puts unemployment rate at about 19.7 per cent. Even at this modest official rate the phenomenon is worrisome for a country whose population is currently in the neighbourhood of 168 million. Accordingly, there are both spatial and temporal differences in the components of unemployment across the country. The state of unemployment in Nigeria is even more worrisome when youth unemployment is taken into consideration on its own merit. According to International Labour Organization Report (2010), graduate unemployment which was 26.6 per cent in 2003 rose to about 40.3 per cent in 2009. If such trends continue unabated it portends a grave danger for the socio-political situation of the nation. Several theories have been suggested in the literature to examine the problems associated with employment/unemployment. Besides Keynesian aggregate demand theory, there is the Phillips Curve proposition relating inflation to unemployment whose implications have been well debated over the years. There are also other views from different macroeconomic schools of thought on employment/unemployment. In particular, the Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment (NAIRU) has been used as an instrument of macroeconomic policy. This approach examines the inverse relation between inflation and growth levels by setting inflation targets as an overriding objective of monetary policy and addressing unemployment by focusing on flexibility issues to clear the labour market so as to establish a non-inflationary long-run equilibrium level of unemployment (Layard et al 1991; Baker et al 2004; Vasiliki, 2011). The main research questions for this study, therefore, include: what are the time varying estimates of NAIRU for Nigeria over the period 1970-2010? What is the extent of the effect of output gap on the inflation-unemployment relationship? The objective of this paper is thus to introduce a more realistic approach to employment targeting using time varying NAIRU approach. The choice is informed by the fact that although lot of studies on employment/unemployment in Nigeria have used the NAIRU approach but a few have envisaged the TV-NAIRU concept. The paper introduces the demand-supply side and income distribution variables into the standard NAIRU model in order to capture a more realistic basis for economic expansion. This paper contends that it is economic expansion that can lead to sustainable full employment and therefore zero unemployment: supply side concept. The paper will be based on post-Keynesian theoretical framework that will allow us use different specifications for the study. Data for the study is obtained from domestic sources, in particular, the National Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Central Bank of Nigeria. Essentially, the data to be used include inflation rate, unemployment rate, NAIRU, output gap, natural rate of output and wages. The period of analysis is between 1970 and 2010. The TV-NAIRU approach adopted in this paper is designed to provide an indication of the path the NAIRU has taken over a particular period by including variables which capture the impact of significant supply-side shocks over the period in question and which could be expected to influence the NAIRU (McMorrow and Roeger, 2000). In applying the TV-NAIRU, which is an unobserved stochastic variable, the paper makes use of the Kalman filter. The paper tests long-run relationship between the variables using the co-integration technique. The paper provides direction for policy makers in the area of unemployment policy targeting in Nigeria. It is opined that such policy measure is desirable in order to apply appropriate policies when the economy is drifting away from the target.


1. The ingestion rates of planktonic, mixotrophic cryptophytes in two perennially ice-covered Antarctic lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, were investigated during the summer of 1997–1998.

2. In Lake Fryxell, which is meromictic, ingestion rates increased with depth in November and were highest in a cryptophyte maximum close to the chemocline. In Lake Hoare, which is unstratified and freshwater, there was no significant difference in ingestion rates with depth. In both lakes, the highest ingestion rates occurred in early summer, decreasing in December and January. Ingestion rates varied between 0.2 bacteria cell−1 h−1 and 3.6 bacteria cell−1 h−1.

3. During November, mixotrophic cryptophytes removed up to 13% of bacterial biomass day−1 and had a greater grazing impact than heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNAN). As summer progressed, the grazing impact of cryptophytes and HNAN became similar.

4. The maximum depth of cryptophytes in Lake Fryxell was predated by a population of the ciliate Plagiocampa. Plagiocampa had an ingestion rate of 0.13–0.19 cryptophytes cell−1 h−1. The grazing impact on the cryptophyte community was insignificant. However, the ciliate appeared to be indulging in temporary mixotrophy, sequestering the cryptophytes for a number of weeks before digesting them.

5. It is suggested that mixotrophy is an important survival strategy in the extreme lake ecosystems of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.


Objective: Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Therefore, neurointerventionalists in Japan commonly stratify the risk for CHS preprocedurally in CAS candidates using various imaging tests that are available, and sometimes performed preventive methods against CHS, such as staged angioplasty (SAP), undersized-balloon angioplasty followed by delayed CAS. In the current study, we used a nationwide questionnaire survey to clarify the current status of the periprocedural management against CHS and the 30-day outcomes of patients with a high risk of CHS after undergoing CAS or endovascular carotid revascularization procedures, such as SAP or stand-alone angioplasty. This study specifically analyzed the data for the periprocedural management against CHS. Materials and Methods: Between June and August 2014, questionnaires were emailed to all of the neurointerventional specialists certified by the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy (JSNET). If two or more specialist physicians belonged to an institute, a representative physician of the institute answered the questionnaire. This study focused on 14 items of the questionnaire that were directed at examining the preprocedural imaging tests done to evaluate the risk of CHS, the periprocedural management strategies used to prevent CHS, and the postprocedural imaging tests to detect hyperperfusion phenomenon, among others. Results: Replies were obtained from 154 institutes which represented 336 JSNET-certified neurointerventional specialists. Preprocedural imaging tests done to evaluate the risk of CHS were performed in 144 institutes (93.5%), with single-photon emission CT (SPECT) the most used modality in 88.2% of the institutes. Acetazolamide challenge was performed in 114 (89.8%) of 127 institutes that used preprocedural SPECT evaluation. Of the institutes performing preprocedural CHS-risk evaluation, general anesthesia was administered during the procedure in 44.4%, periprocedural


As BT prepare to roll out their next generation network across the UK known as the 21st century network (21CN), this paper presents a high level view of how this is likely to affect the UK water industry, in particular the telemetry and SCADA systems that rely on services such as PSTN. Whilst there are some potential benefits for UK utilities in the future there are also some potential technical issues as migration takes place at operational water sites. This paper provides an insight to the way the water industry have worked together proactively with BT to address these issues to minimise any disruption.


A simple quantitative technic has been described for the mechanical determination of the potency of antipneumococcal serum, types I and II, in terms of mouse-protective units. It consists essentially in titrating, by means of the photronreflectometer (1), known dilutions of the homologous polysaccharide with varying dilutions of serum to a galvanometric-reading corresponding to a dilution of SSS equivalent to a certain amount of a standard serum (see table 3). Similarly, milligrams per cubic centimeter of polysaccharide in an unknown solution may be determined by testing varying dilutions of the unknown with a serum on which the unit-potency has been established and titrating to equivalent unit and galvanometer-reading (table 3).
 A rapid method for testing the purity of a preparation of polysaccharide and its suitability for use in the above photronreflectometric titrations is described. Essentially this method consists of: first, determining the equivalent combining proportions of serum and homologous polysaccharide (see (1)) in the zone of slight excess of antibody and then determining whether or not these combining proportions hold for halved dilutions of the serum and SSS (see (2)). If they do not hold, then the preparation contains other constituents than the homologous SSS and cannot be used in the photronreflectometric titrations described.
 The chemical aspects of the data presented in this report will be discussed in a subsequent publication.


Abstract We systematically reviewed the data-based peer-reviewed research examining student service members/veterans (SSM/V) in higher education. Compared to civilian peers, SSM/V exhibit disproportionately higher rates of health risk behaviors and psychological symptoms, and personal and educational adjustment difficulties (i.e., inability to connect with peers and faculty on campus). Combat-related trauma is a contributing factor to these differences. The current evidence-base is scant, lacking nationally representative and/or longitudinal data to inform policies and programs for SSM/V.


Diamond and Dybvig (1983) show that while demand-deposit contracts let banks provide liquidity, they expose them to panic-based bank runs. However, their model does not provide tools to derive the probability of the bank-run equilibrium, and thus cannot determine whether banks increase welfare overall. We study a modified model in which the fundamentals determine which equilibrium occurs. This lets us compute the ex ante probability of panic-based bank runs and relate it to the contract. We find conditions under which banks increase welfare overall and construct a demand-deposit contract that trades off the benefits from liquidity against the costs of runs. Copyright 2005 by The American Finance Association.


This paper presents a conceptual model of an event-processing network for expressing the event-based interactions and event-processing specifications among components. The model is based on event-driven architecture, a pattern promoting the production, detection, consumption, and reaction to events. The motivation is the lack of standardization in the areas of configuring and expressing the event-processing directives in event-driven systems. Some existing approaches are through Structured Query Language, script languages, and rule languages, and are executed by standalone software, messaging systems, or datastream management systems. This paper provides a step toward standardization through a conceptual model, making it possible to express event-processing intentions independent of the implementation models and executions. It is a unified model serving as a metamodel to these existing approaches.


. The paper addresses the computation of normal forms for some Partial Functional Di(cid:11)erential Equations (PFDEs) near equilibria. The analysis is based on the theory previously developed for autonomous retarded Functional Di(cid:11)erential Equations and on the existence of center (or other invariant) manifolds. As an illustration of this procedure, two examples of PFDEs where a Hopf singularity occurs on the center manifold are considered


Oak toxicity in cattle results from ingestion of acorns, buds, leaves, sprouts, and saplings from several species of trees in the genus Quercus, all of which contain high concentrations of tannins. Consumption of acorns by ruminants, principally between late summer and early winter, is common in the south of Portugal, where there is a high prevalence of Quercus suber. Oak poisoning can lead to progressive damage to the kidneys and may result in renal failure and death. This study involved 17 beef cows that died of chronic oak poisoning related to ingestion of Quercus suber. The most relevant findings from necropsy examinations were abdominal fluid accumulation, atrophic/fibrotic kidneys, mesenteric and sub-mandibular edema, absence of body fat reserves and muscle atrophy, and weight loss. The most significant histopathologic finding was chronic interstitial nephritis. Elevated blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and K+ values and reduced albumin values were found in 4 cows examined ante-mortem. Straight-bred Mertolengo cows appeared to be highly resistant to oak toxicity.


The mechanism of photoisomerization of a Re(I) carbonyl-diimine complex under visible-light irradiation is deciphered by means of ab initio calculations. By highlighting the key role of triplet states as well as spin-orbit and vibronic couplings, we provide a clear picture of this complicated multi-step process.


Warehouse operations are vital for the success of a supply chain. This paper explores fit among warehouse management structure and the context in which the warehouse operates as an important driver of warehouse performance. Warehouse management structure has been operationalised as the extensiveness by which warehouse operations are planned and controlled, and the complexity of the decision rules used for optimisation of the operations. Warehouse performance is measured using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Hypotheses are developed and tested in a survey study among 111 distribution warehouses in the Netherlands and Belgium. Our results show that indeed warehouse management structure should be adapted to context. In order to obtain high warehouse performance more complex warehouse tasks require more and more complex decision rules, and warehouses with more unpredictable demand require fewer tactical plans. These results can help warehouse managers to structure their warehouse management contingent on the context in which the warehouse operates.


Abstract Objective. Defective immune function is an important cause of tumor development. Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) associated with inhibition of dendritic cell (DC) function is one of the major immunological abnormalities in cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of the phenomenon remains unclear. Material and methods. We evaluated T cell stimulatory activity and interleukin (IL)-12 production of DC in a mouse model of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] mice). Then we detected the frequency of MDSC in spleen, peripheral blood (PB), lymph node (LN) and tumor tissue of HCC mice and its potential mechanisms. We also evaluated IL-10 production of MDSC and mechanism by which MDSC inhibit DC function. Results. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-ligand (LPS, CpG, poly(I:C))-induced IL-12 production of DC was decreased in HCC mice compared with control. The T cell stimulatory activity of DC was lower in HCC mice than in controls. Meanwhile, an increase in the frequency of MDSC in tumor development was detected in spleen, PB, LN and tumor, and the IL-10 levels were higher in HCC mice derived MDSC than in control. Furthermore, the MDSC inhibited TLR-ligand-induced IL-12 production of DC by IL-10 production and suppressed T cell stimulatory activity of DC. Finally, we demonstrated that the increase in the frequency of MDSC was mediated by MyD88–NF-kB pathway. Conclusions. Our study suggests a new role for MDSCs in HCC development by suppressing host immune responses, and these findings have important implications when designing immunotherapy protocols.


Sensitive and selective gas measurements are crucial for a large variety of applications. This paper describes the manufacturing and characterisation of a photo acoustic gas sensor system. The system is based on a pressure sensor element with a sensitivity of 10 muV/V/Pa. 12 prototypes for measuring CO2 have been characterised. Detection limits ranging from 92 ppm to below 6 ppm CO2 were obtained, depending on the measurement time and photo acoustic cell design. No cross-sensitivity towards CO, CH4, or humidity could be observed in any of the sensors. The temperature drift of the uncompensated raw signal of two sensor designs was below 117 ppm CO2 in the range from 25degC to 50degC.


Abstract We present the first results of a comprehensive HST study of the star-formation history of Fornax dSph, based on WFPC2 imaging of 7 Fornax fields. Our observations reach the oldest main-sequence turnoffs, allowing us to address fundamental questions of dwarf galaxy evolution, such as the spatial variations in the stellar content, and whether the old stellar population is made up of stars formed in a very early burst or the result of a more continuous star formation.


Background: Mutrashmari (urinary stones) is one among the ashtamahagada (eight fatal conditions) and is kaphapradhan tridoshaja vyadhi, which can be correlated with nephrolithiasis. The recurrence rate is 50 to 80%. Males are more frequently affected than the female and their ratio is 4:3. The incidence is still higher in the age group between 30-45 years. Many treatment modalities have been adopted in medical sciences, but it is quite expensive and also the pathogenesis behind recurrence of formation of stone cannot be avoided. Hence, it is necessary to find out an economical effective, easily available medicine to treat mutrashmari. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of panchakarma like virechana, yogabasti and shamana chikitsa in mutrashmari w.r.t. to nephrolithiasis. Materials and Methods: In this case series 3 patients with complaints of pain in abdomen and back, which was radiating from loin to groin region; burning micturition; and dysuria were diagnosed as nephrolithiasis and treated. The patients were administered with panchakarma like virechana, yogabasti and shaman aushadhi. Results: The patient got significant results in chief and associated complaints. Conclusion: Satisfactory relief in symptoms were seen in patient of nephrolithiasis by ayurvedic management and there was no recurrence.


Herein, we construct a new series of N-heterocyclic ligand bipyridine-based porous hybrid polymers (denoted Bpy-PHPs) from the Heck reaction of a rigid building unit octavinylsilsesquioxane (VPOSS) and 5,5'-dibromo-2,2'-bipyridine. Surprisingly, the typical sample Bpy-PHP-4 was found to be a metal-/halogen-free heterogeneous catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with a few epoxides under atmospheric pressure. After coordination with ZnBr2, the resultant ZnBr2@Bpy-PHP-4 afforded largely enhanced heterogeneous catalytic activities upon the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and various epoxides into cyclic carbonates without using any co-catalysts under mild conditions. The moderate catalytic activities of Bpy-PHP-4 may be due to the presence of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs), i.e., polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-derived Si-OH groups and N active sites from Bpy linkers. In comparison, the high catalytic efficiency of ZnBr2@Bpy-PHP-4 should be attributed to the synergistic catalysis of Si-OH groups, N active atoms, and Bpy-coordinated ZnBr2. Moreover, the catalyst ZnBr2@Bpy-PHP-4 can be easily recovered and reused ten times without any significant loss of catalytic activities. This work affords an efficient metal-based porous hybrid polymer heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and epoxides under mild and co-catalyst-free conditions.


The design of baseball and softball bats has been an ongoing process since the inception of the game in the early 19th century. Until the early 1970's, the only material to be used was wood and the potential for design improvements was limited because they involved changing the physical dimensions of the bat. Also, most of the changes were initiated by the player and were carried out by local craftsmen in wood shops. With the introduction of hollow-wall aluminum bats in the 1970's and other metal alloys as well as composite materials since then, the potential for applying relevant mechanical principles to improve the performance characteristics of bats has improved dramatically. When developing or evaluating a design feature, the following factors must be considered: (1) how is the bat swung and how forces are transmitted to the bat during the swing, (2) what are the constraints resulting from rules in the particular sport, and (3) what mechanical properties are relevant. Baseball and softball batting is a two-handed sidearm striking skill with the bat held at one hand and swung as a physical pendulum as the batter attempts to impart maximum velocity to the impacted ball in the desired direction by generating maximum linear velocity of the impacting part of the bat to the ball. The motion of the bat is predominantly in the horizontal plane and the rotation axis ranges from .15 to.20 m off the knob end of the bat toward the hitter's body during the swing. Maximum bat velocity is usually achieved from .01 to .05 s prior to impact. The rules regarding baseball bat characteristics are different from those regarding softball bats. Also, rules are different for different genders and different levels of play. Until recently, most rules related to the bat's composition, dimensions, and weight; however, a recent rule setting an upper limit on the coefficient of restitution (Bat Performance Factor) for bats at different levels and types of play is having a tremendous impact on the direction of bat design activity. Several inertial and vibrational properties of the bat are relevant to its effective use: (1) mass, (2) moment of inertia, (3) coefficient of restitution, (4) vibration frequency and node locations, and (5) center of percussion location. Mass and moment of inertia determine the amount of effort required to swing the bat while the latter three factors largely determine the bat's effectiveness during impact in transferring maximum energy to the bat while transferring minimum energy to the human. When considering recent research and development activity and recent rules changes limiting the coefficient of restitution of baseball and softball bats, future improvements in bat design will most likely be related to coupling the bat's flexibility with the batter's swing.


The adaptive partition of unity interpolation method, introduced by Aiton and Driscoll, using Chebyshev local interpolants, is explored for interpolating functions with sharp gradients representing two-medium problems. For functions that evolve under vector fields, the partition of unity patches (covers) can be shifted and resized to follow the changing dynamics of local profiles. The method is tested for selected 1D and 2D two-medium problems with linear divergence-free vector fields. In those cases, the volume fraction in each patch contributing to volume conservation throughout the domain can be kept in high accuracy down to machine precisions. Applications that could benefit from the method include volume tracking and multiphase flow modeling.


Background: Epilepsy is one of the commonest serious brain disorders, with the highest risk in infants and older age groups. It is has multiple risk factors and a strong genetic predisposition. Objectives: Fingolimod (sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) analog) was tested for antiepileptogenic effects in rat model of pentenyle tetrazole (PTZ) induced epilepsy. Methods: twenty four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; control (group A), epileptic non-treated (group B1) in which epilepsy was induced by sub-convulsive doses of PTZ and fingolimod-treated group (group B2) which received 1 mg/kg fingolimod orally once daily for three consecutive months. Results: spontaneous convulsions (SCs) of epileptic rats as regards the frequency, duration and severity have been reduced while GABA, SOD and glutathione peroxidase levels were elevated at the same time tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was reduced in fingolimod treated group. In addition a reduction of neuronal loss and preservation of the arrangement of pyramidal cells in the hippocampus was also observed in this group. Conclusion: fingolimod administration demonstrated an antiepileptic effect through significant improvement of the chemical as well as the histological parameters.


Understanding the mechanisms controlling vector-transmission of plant viruses requires integrating information from at least three different viewpoints: virus-vector interactions, plant-vector interactions and virus-plant interactions. While some of these aspects have been covered by past and present investigations, others have been bypassed completely, due either to technical bottlenecks or conceptual lacunas. Here, we highlight recent advances and needs in hitherto poorly documented aspects of vector transmission, such as characterization of the vector molecules responsible for initial viral recognition, and the role of vector saliva in inoculation and initial onset of infection in a new plant. We also propose and discuss some novel conceptual and complementary questions that are opening up fascinating new horizons in this field. We explore the possible existence of viral morphs with specific properties that facilitate acquisition by vectors, and discuss the dynamics/genetics of such viral subpopulations, which could differentiate and specialize in different host compartments.


Since the beginning of information systems (IS) in 1960's, the area has rapidly developed into a core field of business operations. Diversity and quality of research have increased significantly. The Association for Information Systems (AIS), as the major professional organization, has contributed substantially to the development of new knowledge and the coherence of our community. AIS has launched six journals and maintain AIS's e-library with millions of downloads a year. After decades of growth, it is time to provide a comprehensive review of the knowledge associated with key IS research topics and potential future directions. The purpose of this Special Section of the Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS) will focus on building a knowledge curation in our community.


Abstract Background The mandatory clinical radiotherapy department visit undertaken by potential applicants aims to provide understanding of the profession and therefore reduce attrition. Increasing pressure on clinical departments makes visits a logistical challenge. This additional step may also present as an unnecessary barrier to applicants. With no evidence relating to visits, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of both students and clinical educators concerning potential benefits and challenges. Method A focus group interview method was used to gather in-depth qualitative data concerning the clinical department visit experiences from first-year undergraduate students and clinical educators. Results Three themes emerged from the student focus groups: the perceived purpose of the clinical visit, the visit content and the outcomes and impact arising from the visit. Clinical educator data also followed these themes in addition to 'logistical impact' theme. Conclusion The clinical visit has value to applicants in affirming their decision to study radiotherapy. There is variation in expectation and content for these visits and they are logistically challenging. Nationally agreed guidelines for visit structure and content could improve visit efficiency and effectiveness. A national clinical visit form may reduce workload for educators and applicants.


The SAGE Series in Modern Indian History consists of well-researched volumes with a wider scope and is intended to bring together the growing volume of historical studies that share a broad common historiographic focus. The approach that the authors have tried to evolve looks sympathetically, though critically, at the Indian national liberation struggle and other popular movements such as those of labour, peasants, lower castes, tribal peoples and women. The series also looks at colonialism as a structure and a system, and analyzes changes in economy, society and culture in the colonial context as also in the context of independent India. It focuses on communalism and casteism as major features of modern Indian development. The volumes in the series will tend to reflect this approach as also its changing and developing features. At the broadest plane this approach is committed to the Enlightenment values of rationalism, humanism, democracy and secularism. The volumes in the set include: Volume 1: Independence and Partition: The Erosion of Colonial Power in India by Sucheta Mahajan Volume 2: A Narrative of Communal Politics: Uttar Pradesh, 1937-39 by Salil Misra Volume 3: Imperialism, Nationalism and the Making of the Indian Capitalist Class, 1920-1947 by Aditya Mukherjee Volume 4: From Movement to Government: The Congress in the United Provinces, 1937-42 by Visalakshi Menon Volume 5: Peasants in India's Non-Violent Revolution: Practice and Theory by Mridula Mukherjee Volume 6: Communalism in Bengal: From Famine to Noakhali, 1943-47 by Rakesh Batabyal Volume 7: Political Mobilization and Identity in Western India, 1934-47 by Shri Krishan Volume 8: The Garrison State: Military, Government and Society in Colonial Punjab, 1849-1947 by Tan Tai Yong Volume 9: Colonializing Agriculture: The Myth of Punjab Exceptionalism by Mridula Mukherjee Volume 10: Region, Nation, "Heartland": Uttar Pradesh in India's Body-Politic by Gyanesh Kudaisya Volume 11: National Movement and Politics in Orissa, 1920-29 by Pritish Acharya Volume 12: Communism and Nationalism in Colonial India, 1939-45 by D N Gupta Volume 13: Vocalising Silence: Political Protests in Orissa, 1930-32 by Chandi Prasad Nanda Volume 14: Nandanar's Children: The Paraiyans' Tryst with Destiny, Tamil Nadu 1850-1956 by Raj Sekhar Basu Volume 15: Enlightenment and Violence: Modernity and Nation-Making by Tadd Fernee


Hepatic nodular fibrosis occurred in an 8-year-old male Papillon dog. Fibrous nodules, consisting of broad bands of collagen fibers, spindle cells, and lipofuscin-laden foamy macrophages, were well-circumscribed and frequently linked up with the portal areas. Because the spindle cells were positive for desmin and/or alpha-smooth muscle actin, they might be Ito cells or myofibroblasts. These results suggest that both the spindle cells and macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic nodular fibrosis, which might arise from the portal area.


Investigating the molecular gas in the inner regions of protoplanetary disks (PPDs) provides insight into how the molecular disk environment changes during the transition from primordial to debris disk systems. We conduct a small survey of molecular hydrogen (H2) fluorescent emission, using 14 well-studied Classical T Tauri stars at two distinct dust disk evolutionary stages, to explore how the structure of the inner molecular disk changes as the optically thick warm dust dissipates. We simulate the observed Hi-Lyman α-pumped H2 disk fluorescence by creating a 2D radiative transfer model that describes the radial distributions of H2 emission in the disk atmosphere and compare these to observations from the Hubble Space Telescope. We find the radial distributions that best describe the observed H2 FUV emission arising in primordial disk targets (full dust disk) are demonstrably different than those of transition disks (little-to-no warm dust observed). For each best-fit model, we estimate inner and outer disk emission boundaries (rin and rout), describing where the bulk of the observed H2 emission arises in each disk, and we examine correlations between these and several observational disk evolution indicators, such as n13–31, rin, CO, and the mass accretion rate. We find strong, positive correlations between the H2 radial distributions and the slope of the dust spectral energy distribution, implying the behavior of the molecular disk atmosphere changes as the inner dust clears in evolving PPDs. Overall, we find that H2 inner radii are ∼4 times larger in transition systems, while the bulk of the H2 emission originates inside the dust gap radius for all transitional sources.


Introduction: Glycemic Index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of natural dairy products fermented with lactobacilli may be useful for diabetic patients and the general population. Objective: To measure the GI and GL in natural dairy products fermented with lactobacilli in sedentary individuals and athletes, and seeing if there is any difference between them. Methods: The study was conducted in Mexico City (DF) according to the ISO26642:210, with a group of 10 sedentary individuals and 10 athletes. The GI was determined in the following diary drinkable products, all adjusted to contain 25 g of carbohydrates: Soful, Yakult, Gastroprotect, BeneGastro, Bonacult, Lala Bio 4 and Skimmed milk with sucrose (SMS). Results: The GI of most dairy fermented products were low for sedentary and athletes, but in athletes Yakult and Bonacult showed the highest GI and Yakult's GI can be considered as medium for these group; these two dairy products had the lowest protein/carbohydrates ratio. SMS, which contain unfermented carbohydrates, had the highest GI in both groups. The GL of dairy fermented products was 4 to 7.6 and only Gastroprotect had statistically the lowest GL, it may be due to its low GI, even its serving size was not the least among dairy fermented products. Conclusion: The GI and GL levels were relatively low for all the dairy products considered on each of the groups studied, therefore the moderate consumption of these can be recommended.


This research paper entitled ―Turn – Taking Produced by the Host and the
Guest in ―The Ellen Degeneres Show‖ Broadcast on Lifetime Asia Channel in
November 16
th
2016 is aimed to know the organization of turn taking by
employing turn allocation unit, turn construction unit and turn taking strategy that
are used by the host and the guest in The Ellen Degeneres Show during interview.
In this thesis, the reseacher used the recording data of Ellen Degeneres Show that
was served on youtube as a sample, then data was changed into transcript and
segmenting the transcript into the unit of analysis using qualitative methods. The
results of the study indicate that turn allocation units consist of current speaker
selects next speaker: 1) Selects a different speaker as many as 19 units, 1) current
speaker selects self as many as 105 units and, 3) next speaker selects self as many
as 24 units. Turn construction units consists of a single lexical item as many as 15
units, a phrase as many as 4 units, a clause as many as 58 units and a sentence as
many as 71 units. The turn taking strategy consists of taking the turn as many as
57 units, holding the turn as many as 43 units and yielding the turn as many as 18
units. Through the analysis, the writer finds out that current speaker selects next
speaker as the highest occurance in turn allocation units, a clause as the highest
occurance in turn construction units and taking the turn as the highest occurance
in turn taking strategies.


Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of multiple cellular factors expressed shortly after ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury from the pathway of nuclear factor kappa B (NF κB). Methods The isolated heart models were established and sixty six rats were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding activities of NF κB, the inhibitory kappa B (IκBα) levels in cytoplasm and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions were determined after 5, 15 min ischemia in experimental group, both after 0, 5, 15, 30 min ischemia and concomitantly 5, 15, 30, 45, 60 min reperfusion in control group. Results Augment of DNA binding activities of NF κB and reduction of IκBα in cytoplasm shortly after ischemia results were observed in control group. The level of IκBα was restored after reperfusion, the DNA binding activities of NF κB was further augmented. DNA binding activities of NF κB and TNF α mRNA expressions were lower in experimental group than those in control group. Conclusions NF κB in IR myocardium is activated by two different pathways: p65 p50 heterodimers and p50 p50 homodimers. In addition, the results suggest that early activation of NF κB induced by ischemia in the myocardium could be a signal mechanism for controlling and regulating immediate gene expressions during ischemia reperfusion.


Spectral efficient frequency division multiplexing (SEFDM) can greatly increase the spectral efficiency for intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) optical communication systems. The sphere detection algorithm (SD) is the most efficient way to get the maximum likelihood (ML) solution to solve the inter-carrier interference (ICI) induced by the bandwidth compression of SEFDM system. However, SD algorithm is restricted by the numbers of subcarriers for SEFDM system, especially for larger numbers. Therefore, a sorted Gram-Schmidt (SGS) orthogonal decomposition algorithm, which can be applied to any subcarrier numbers, is proposed to overcome this restriction. To the best of our knowledge, the searched paths of FSD are researched for the first time to balance performance and complexity. Based on the analysis, a soft-tree-width sphere detection algorithm (SSD) is proposed and demonstrated by simulation and experiment. The results show that the proposed algorithm can greatly reduce the computational complexity (at least 40%) with the same system performance. The proposed algorithms are a promising candidate for flexible and efficient SEFDM systems. The SEFDM with the proposed detector is significant for the IM/DD optical systems.


The myxosporean parasite Parvicapsula minibicornis is described from adult sockeye and coho salmon during spawning migrations in tributaries of the Columbia River in Canada and the United States. These observations extend the known distribution of this parasite from the Fraser River drainage basin. The parasite was identified in Columbia River salmonids using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by in situ hybridization, but unlike in Fraser River salmon, it was not observed in conventional histological preparations of the kidney. Prevalence of the parasite determined by PCR was higher in spawning sockeye from the Fraser River than in those from the Okanagan River. Our ability to explain the relatively low prevalence and absence of clinical P. minibicornis infections in Columbia River salmon is hampered by our poor understanding of the life cycle of this parasite.


This paper studies a progressive image transmission technique over waveform channels. The Channel Optimized Vector Quantization codec (COVQ) [ 11 is applied to the image wavelet coefficients creating a robust progressive image transmission technique that mitigates the effects of a noisy channel on the reconstructed image. In order to evaluate the performance of our proposal, a Gaussian and slow-fading Rayleigh channel model, with several different values of Channel Signal to Noise Ratio (CSNR) were simulated in our experiments. Examples show a significant visual improvement of our application compared to other progressive image transmission techniques.


This paper describes classification of gait patterns from a waist-mounted triaxial accelerometer. A feature extraction technique using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and an amplitude/frequency modulation (AM-FM) model is proposed for the classification of walking activities from accelerometry data. A set of novel features, including AM, instantaneous frequency (IF) and instantaneous amplitude (IA), representing the walking patterns were obtained based on a second-order all-pole resonator. The back-end of the system was a 32-mixture Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) classifier. An overall classification error rate of 4.88% was achieved for the five different human gait patterns referring to walking on flat levels, walking up and down paved ramps and walking up and down stairways.


The article focuses on an interpretation of Andrei Zvyagintsev's film Leviathan in the context of the Leviathan myth. The film was inspired by the Book of Job and the philosophical treatise called Leviathan or The Matter, Form and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil written by Thomas Hobbes in 17th century. The article starts with an explanation of the possible meanings of the symbol of Leviathan in various cultural and historical traditions, including the Bible and Hobbes's book. The background is then expanded further in the interpretation of selected shots from the film, which show that the artistic text of the Russian director can be perceived as a universal parable of human life.


Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role within the Australian economy. There is a strong business case for Australian SMEs to be involved in e-business, which has been realised as the use of the Internet for performing business activities continues to increase. The evidence available indicates the uptake and advancement of performing e-business activities shall be dependent on the ability of Australian SMEs to secure their e-business systems. This paper presents the results of a case study, which applied a previously developed methodology to a small SME e-business system. The purpose was to validate the ability of the Australian Small to Medium Enterprise E-business Security Methodology (ASME-EBSM) to provide an effective security management strategy for Australian SMEs. The outcome demonstrated that this approach was both feasible and realistic for providing recommendations to secure the e-business activities performed and to protect the small SME e-business system.


This book is so comprehensive that it is impossible to think of any omissions. The references to "mother figures" and the "super-ego" make one wonder if this work is not developing a psychoanalytical slant. However, there can be no criticism of the chapter on eetiology, which covers all possible facets of this rather controversial subject. The authors deal with the pathological, genetic and biochemical factors. Under the heading of environmental causes are listed pre-natal and birth traumata, the RIt factor, maternal infections, syphilis, meningitis, lead poisoning and many other external infiuences which at first sight do not appear to be truly environmental at all. When one considers that the real meaning of environmental is "surrounding circumstances", this does not seem out of place. Most people regard environment as that of the home, the neighbourhood or the school, but the authors do not use the term in this limited sense.


We are well aware that some neurosurgeons occasionally perform ventriculographic examination through frontal burr holes; 1 however, the numerous advantages of the method have not been sufficiently stressed and it does not at present enjoy the widespread use it deserves. For this reason the following note is submitted. Since ventriculography was first described 2 the method of choice for ventricular puncture in most clinics has been to make a parietooccipital opening in the skull 3 and to insert the brain cannula into the ventricular system either in the posterior horn or at the junction of the posterior horn with the body. Difficulties met with in this procedure may be enumerated as follows: 1. The posterior horn in normal persons varies considerably in size. In some cases it may even be absent. Numerous cannula punctures may be necessary before the ventricle is reached. 2. The cannula may enter the glomus of


If a mixture of T4 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and 4'-(aminomethyl)-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen is irradiated with two closely spaced pulses of long-wave UV laser light, the resulting cross-linking is dependent on the time delay between the pulses. As the delay lengthens to 1 mus, a rise in the number of cross-links is observed which follows first-order kinetics. This delay, the time required for most monoadducts to be able to absorb a second photon and thereupon form a cross-link, is interpreted in terms of a conformational change in the DNA at the psoralen intercalation site which may occur upon monoadduct formation.


Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a major factor in the pathogenesis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is produced by many squamous carcinoma cells (SCCs). Two SCC lines were grown in multilayered culture systems and compared to cells grown as monolayers to evaluate the effects of cell proliferation, confluence and differentiation on PTHrP secretion and mRNA expression. Well-differentiated (SCC 2/88) and poorly differentiated (SCC-A253) SCCs were grown as monolayer and three-dimensional cultures on collagen-coated membranes to compare the regulation of PTHrP expression and secretion by the cell lines in vitro. Parathyroid hormone-related protein secretion was evaluated by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. Messenger RNA expression was analyzed by RNase protection assay and in situ hybridization. Secretion of PTHrP was greatest in preconfluent SCC 2/88 cells in monolayer culture and decreased after confluence, which was the result of decreased PTHrP mRNA expression. In contrast, PTHrP secretion in cultures of SCC-A253 cells reached maximal levels after confluence. In multilayered cultures, total PTHrP secretion and mRNA expression remained high in both SCC 2/88 and SCC-A253 cells, and secretion by the multi-layered cultures was principally in the basal direction. Parathyroid hormone-related protein was present in all cell layers in three-dimensional cultures as determined by immunohistochemistry. These results indicated that multilayered cultures of SCCs produced PTHrP continuously, whereas decreased proliferation in monolayer cultures was associated with decreased PTHrP production. Multilayered cultures represent a better system to investigate PTHrP secretion and mRNA expression in vitro and PTHrP secretion by SCCs in vivo may be greatest by proliferating cells.


On its landmark 70th anniversary, profound questions are being asked about the NHS. Can we afford it? Is it receiving enough funding? How can the recruitment crisis in general practice and other parts of the service be addressed? Are we really training doctors fit for 21st-century medical practice? One thing is certain, and that is the NHS will change, and it is possible that we will not recognise it as it is transformed over the coming decades. We interviewed four influential leaders in general practice, internal medicine, and health policy to learn their views on the challenges facing the NHS and what they see as possible solutions in the short and long term. Despite overwhelming pressures and a system under constant strain, reportedly on the brink of collapse, those leading the way are hopeful, maybe even truly optimistic. And it is good to know that their visions for an NHS fit for the future appear well aligned. With new challenges in a changing environment we have to develop novel and innovative ways of working, and perhaps revisit and redefine the public's relationship with the NHS and health care in the future. Significant commitment to future spending on the NHS is fundamental to its survival and for that we wait with bated breath: it is possible that an announcement will be have been made by the time you read this article. Public support for the service remains as strong as ever, and, with such enthusiastic and committed professional leaders, we hope that it is not tempting fate to say that the future looks relatively bright.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) First5 Committee represents and supports over 10 000 GPs in their first 5 years after qualification. It is led by Dr Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, an RAF doctor who also works …


Ecological approaches can help to correct oral microbial dysbiosis and drive the advent and persistence of a symbiotic oral microbiome, which benefits long-term dental caries control. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the prebiotic Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) on the growth of probiotics L. plantarum 14,917 and its effect on the inhibitory ability of L. plantarum 14,917 against the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in an in vitro model. Single-species growth screenings were conducted in TSBYE broth with 1% glucose and 1–5% GOS. Interaction experiments were performed using duo- and multi-species models with inoculation of 105 CFU/mL S. mutans, 103 CFU/mL C. albicans, and 108 CFU/mL L. plantarum 14,917 under 1%, 5% GOS or 1% glucose. Viable cells and pH changes were measured. Real-time PCR was utilized to assess expression of C. albicans and S. mutans virulence genes. Six replicates were used for each group. Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis were employed to compare the outcomes of different groups. GOS significantly inhibited the growth of C. albicans and S. mutans in terms of growth quantity and speed when the two strains were grown individually. However, GOS did not affect the growth of L. plantarum 14,917. Moreover, 1% and 5% GOS enhanced the anti-fungal performance of L. plantarum 14,917 in comparison to 1% glucose. GOS as the carbon source resulted in a less acidic environment in the C. albicans and S. mutans duo-species model and multispecies model where L. plantarum 14,917 was added. When GOS was utilized as the carbohydrate substrate, S. mutans and C. albicans had a significant reduction in the expression of the HWP1, ECE1, atpD, and eno genes (p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first study that reported the ability of GOS to neutralize S. mutans-C. albicans high caries of medium pH and to disrupt virulence gene expression. Moreover, as a prebiotic, GOS augmented the inhibitory ability of L. plantarum against C. albicans in vitro. The current study revealed the anti-caries potential of prebiotics GOS and shed light on novel caries prevention strategies from the perspective of prebiotics and probiotics. These findings provide a rationale for future biofilm or clinical studies to elucidate the effect of GOS on modulating oral microbiota and caries control.


In 1814, twenty-five years after Isaiah Thomas printed the first indigenous American novel and five years before Washington Irving proved that professional literary authorship in America was viable, John Lowell published an anonymous review of a text just as significant to the early history of authorship in America, Jedidiah Morse's An Appeal to the Publick (1814). (1) A polemical log of his long-running debate with historian Hannah Adams over publishing rights and authorial ethics, Morse's account prompted Lowell to concede that the "right of authorship is one of those ill-defined properties, which in all countries, leaves room for controversy" (28). It is this nebulous "right of authorship" that particularly interests me here, because even with the recent rich work on women's authorship and on the early printing/publishing industry, significant work remains to be done on non-literary women authors' interactions with early American print culture and the ways in which these authors steered its development. (2) I argue that the authorial career of the colonial and religious historian Hannah Adams (1755-1831) indicated the ethical problems created by the confluence of the emergent publishing industry and the rise of professional women authors. In doing so, I focus on what Charles Brockden Brown christened the "realm of national transactions," the public print sphere, and the way Adams's name circulated within it (446). (3) Indeed, this "realm" seemed to make the successes and failures of women authors a public issue, an obsession Adams recognized and lamented, so much so that her 1832 memoir, although perhaps one of the most revealing records of the early American authorial consciousness, is deficient in many details concerning her long authorial career. The Ladies Magazine said much the same: "She must have had much more to tell of the history of her mind, its struggles, and trials, and triumphs, and the effect of all these in forming her character--but her humble opinion of herself, induced her to attach less importance to trifling details than her readers would have done" ("Literary Notices" 238). What little Adams did offer was carefully understated and oblique; at her most vituperative she is still vague, as when she writes that her authorship exposed her "to the censure, or ridicule of those, whose ideas on the subject are derived from the varying modes of fashion, and not from the unchanging laws of moral rectitude" (Adams and Lee 33). In viewing Adams through these memoirs but also through prefaces and public records that pertain to her work, we discover an exquisite illustration of an authorial identity at once independent and dependent, intellectual and popular, gendered and ungendered, righteous and immoral, aggressive and reticent--an early author struggling with the ethical polemics inherent to professional authorship and its relationship to the print market. At stake in this analysis is not just a glimpse of woman's professional authorship in its formative stages but, more broadly, an awareness of an early version of the authorial self and its relationship to the market famously present in later antebellum literary writers. In the record of Adams's vocational life, we see the ancestor of Fanny Fern's "regular business woman," Ruth Hall, and, in another sense, an early incarnation of Emily Dickinson's lament that "Publication--is the Auction / Of the Mind of Man" (Fern 223; Dickinson 544). As one reviewer noted, Adams's career exposed before any other the "peculiar trial of a female presenting herself as the maker of bargains and the assertor [sic] of literary claims" ("Literary Notices" 239). In my first two sections I explore this "peculiar trial" by dividing Adams into the two selves most early professional writers had to occupy: businessperson and writer. The former is practical and measured, dealing with the uncertain business of early American print culture; she is the "maker of bargains" in the print sphere. …


Multi-task learning (MTL) is a subfield of machine learning with important applications, but the multi-objective nature of optimization in MTL leads to difficulties in balancing training between tasks. The best MTL optimization methods require individually computing the gradient of each task's loss function, which impedes scalability to a large number of tasks. In this paper, we propose Scaled Loss Approximate Weighting (SLAW), a method for multi-task optimization that matches the performance of the best existing methods while being much more efficient. SLAW balances learning between tasks by estimating the magnitudes of each task's gradient without performing any extra backward passes. We provide theoretical and empirical justification for SLAW's estimation of gradient magnitudes. Experimental results on non-linear regression, multi-task computer vision, and virtual screening for drug discovery demonstrate that SLAW is significantly more efficient than strong baselines without sacrificing performance and applicable to a diverse range of domains.


Dyslipidemia is a common finding in most studies of liver diseases. Little is however known about the effect of the two pathological stages of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection – chronicsymptomatic and asymptomatic – on the distribution of serum lipids in CHB infection. We conducted a study on CHB-infected patients attending specialist care at the Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) during a 7-month period. 64 participants were randomly sampled over the period. On the basis of serological and liver enzyme assays, participants were categorised as chronic asymptomatic, chronic symptomatic and healthy individuals. The relationship between the hosts pathological stage of infection were evaluated with the indices of lipid metabolism – LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and total serum cholesterol using ANOVA. The 64 volunteers recruited in the study were found to consist of 18 patients (28.1%) who were chronic symptomatic, 35 patients (54.7%) who were chronic asymptomatic hepatitis B, and 11 (17.2%) were healthy subjects. Significant overall male dominance was observed among all categories of population enrolled (p=0.0063). Serum triglyceride levels decreased more among the CHB-infected population compared to the healthy individuals (p=0.0010) with value lowest among the chronic symptomatic population. Basal serum cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were unaffected by the disease. This work reveals that serum triglyceride is significantly lowered in CHB infection and that the extent of this decrease in host is independent of the pathological stage of the infection. Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, lipid metabolism, triglyceride, chronic symptomatic


Several states, including Arkansas, are introducing computing into their primary and secondary school curriculums. Where the focus is computer science (rather than, for example, information technol...


We previously reported a decreasing incidence of paediatric asthma hospitalisations in Finland, but a rather stable trend in Sweden, between 2005 and 2014. We now aimed to investigate the incidence of paediatric asthma hospitalisations in these countries between 2015 and 2020, using Finland's National Hospital Discharge Register and Sweden's National Patient Register, which cover all hospitalisations in the respective countries. From 2015 to 2019, the incidence of paediatric asthma hospitalisations decreased by 36.7% in Finland and by 39.9% in Sweden and are increasingly approaching parity. In 2020, despite differences in COVID-19-related restrictions, asthma hospitalisations decreased by over 40%, thus warranting future research on the subject.


OBJECTIVES
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become increasingly utilized. Patients with nondilated collecting systems represent a challenge: the target calix is often difficult to visualize. Here we report pilot study results for retrograde ultrasound contrast injection to aid in percutaneous renal access during ultrasound-guided PCNL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
From April to July 2016, consecutive patients over the age of 18 years with nondilated collecting systems on preoperative imaging who presented for PCNL were enrolled. B-mode ultrasound imaging was compared with contrast-enhanced mode with simultaneous retrograde injection of Optison™ via an ipsilateral ureteral catheter.

RESULTS
Five patients (four males and one female) with renal stones underwent PCNL with retrograde ultrasound contrast injection during the study period. Mean body mass index was 28.3 ± 5.6 kg/m2 and mean stone size was 24.5 ± 12.0 mm. Under B-mode ultrasound, all patients demonstrated nondilated renal collecting systems that appeared as hyperechoic areas, where it was difficult to identify a target calix for puncture. Retrograde contrast injection facilitated delineation of all renal calices initially difficult to visualize under B-mode ultrasound. Renal puncture was then performed effectively in all cases with a mean puncture time of 55.4 ± 44.8 seconds. All PCNL procedures were completed without intraoperative complications and no adverse events related to ultrasound contrast injection occurred.

CONCLUSION
Retrograde ultrasound contrast injection as an aide for renal puncture during PCNL is a feasible technique. By improving visualization of the collecting system, it facilitates needle placement in challenging patients without hydronephrosis. Future larger scale studies comparing its use to standard ultrasound-guided technique will be required to validate this concept.


Abstract The prevalence of early childhood caries and its level varies. The present study was to establish the trends in dental caries and the impact of behavioural changes on the prevalence of caries in three-yearolds in Poland within a fifteen-year period. The results of a cross sectional survey carried out on 3439 three-year-olds in 2002, 2009, and 2017 using WHO criteria for dental caries (dmft, dmft=0, dmft≥4) and the results of a questionnaire filled by their parents with data on sociodemographics, oral hygiene and dietary habits, especially their sugar intake, were assessed. The dmft/dmfs index is applied to the primary dentition and is expressed as the total number of teeth/surfaces that are decayed, missing, or filled. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to assess the fraction changes in time. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the changes in dmft trends and the correlations between behavioural changes, awareness levels, and the prevalence of caries. Within the fifteen-year period minimal changes in the prevalence of early childhood caries (15% down), dmft≥4 (11.4% down) and a lower dmft (36% down) were accompanied by a better parent awareness about the causes of caries and better oral hygiene routines. Sugary beverages were no longer drank at least once a day, however sweetened milk, cake, doughnuts, and sweet rolls were consumed more often. Being female, living in an urban area, having parents more aware about caries, consuming sugary beverages less frequently, brushing teeth twice a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste promoted lower early childhood caries. Gradually healthier teeth are linked to an increased awareness of the parents and healthier routines. A too frequent exposure to sugar promotes early childhood caries. Should the changes of dietary habits be insufficient, brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste becomes crucial.


The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal replacement for hallux rigidus using the Smith & Nephew ToeFit-Plus™ implant. We assessed the outcomes of 69 first metatarsophalangeal joint replacements using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively and annually postoperatively, with retrospective radiologic review. All operations were performed by the same surgeon within 2 centers. A total of 69 arthroplasties were performed within the study period (57 patients). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 1 year was 100 (interquartile range 100 to 100), at 2 years was 100 (interquartile range 95 to 100), at 3 years was 100 (interquartile range 87.5 to 100), and at 4 years, it was 100 (interquartile range 91.25 to 100). Radiolucencies around the phalangeal component were seen in 23 cases; however, this was symptomatic in only 2 patients, who required revision surgery. Our early results have shown that first metatarsophalangeal joint replacement surgery with the ToeFit-Plus™ prosthesis results in significant improvements in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores for most patients; however, longer term follow-up is required to monitor the clinical effect of radiolucency around the phalangeal component.


Abstract Introduction: Cotard's syndrome (CS) is a rare set of psychopathological symptoms, the main symptom of which is nihilistic delusions concerning the negation of the existence of internal organs or the entire body Aim, material and methodology: The aim of the study is to present a case of a patient treated for postpartum depression who developed Cotard's syndrome. The patient's symptoms began immediately after her daughter. The clinical picture was dominated by anxiety and apathy, nihilistic delusions about the atrophy of the urethra and other lower abdominal organs, and olfactory hallucinations - she could smell rot. Discussion: The available literature on Cotard's Syndrome does not allow us to indicate a certain reason for its development. Perhaps the birth of the first child - the woman doubted herself as a mother, she was afraid that she would hurt the cause of the disorders observed and described by us was transient ischemia of the CNS during delivery. Conclusions: Cotard's syndrome can develop in the course of many mental and somatoform disorders. The described case is, to our knowledge, the first description of Cotard's Syndrome in the deprivation period. Difficulties in establishing the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of Cotard's Syndrome translate into therapeutic problems. It has been suggested that the treatment of the underlying disorder on the basis of which CS is developed remains the most effective method of therapy.


Mucuna bracteata is one of legume cover land that is currently much used by oil palm and rubber plantations. The benefits of Mucuna bracteata are rapid growth, high biomass yields, N fixation from the air, tolerant to the diseases and pest attacks is not well-liked by livestock because the leaves contain high levels of phenol . Activity fixation of Nitrogen from the air were marked by the formation of rhizobia. In some plantation crop Mucuna bracteata rhizobia form a slow, nodules, formed one year after planting. Based on this research required the addition of rhizobium bacteria in order to inokulan the formation of rhizobia can take place properly. The research was carried out in the area of nursery STIPAP. Research has been done from April – July 2017 with the parameter length swirl (cm), number of leaves (strands), total dry weight, root nodule rhizobia. Treatment of planting material (M) and Rhizobium no significant effect on the length of tendrils. Treatment of planting material (M) had significant effect on leaf number parameter, treatment of seed planting material(M0) 135,50; (M1) 30,75 (64% compared to M0), Rhizobium treatment had no significant effect on leaf number. The treatment of planting material had significant effect on the number of root nodule (M0) 135.50; (M1 ¬) 57 ie 42%. The effect on the weight of root nodule 15.06 g (M0), 10.08 g (M1) with a percentage of 64%. N content of Mucuna bracteata leaf in all observations belong to high category with value N> 3,1%.


The decarbonisation of energy systems is leading to a reconfiguration of the geographies of energy. One example is the emergence of community energy, which has become a popular object of study for geographers. Although widely acknowledged to be a contested, capacious and flexible term, 'community energy' is commonly presented as singular, bounded and localised. In this paper, we challenge this conception of community energy by considering evidence about the role and influence of three categories of actors: community; state; and private sector. We demonstrate how community energy projects are unavoidably entangled with a diversity of actors and institutions operating at and across multiple scales. We therefore argue that community energy is enabled and constituted by trans-scalar assemblages of overlapping actors, which demands multi-sectoral participation and coordination. We point to the need for further academic attention on the boundaries between these actors to better understand the role of different intermediary practices and relationships in facilitating the development of decentralised energy systems with just outcomes.


To solve the low accuracy problem when dealing with multiple or small objects detection, a Multi-task Enhanced crack detection based on Faster R-CNN (ME-Faster R-CNN) was proposed in the dam safety monitoring. MEFaster R-CNN adopts the Multi-source Adaptive Balance TrAdaBoost based on K-means (K-MABtrA) to enhance the small-scale samples. ME-Faster R-CNN uses RestNet-50 network to extract feature and apply multi-task enhanced RPN module to generate the candidate regions through adopting the appropriate size and dimension of anchor box. The features map and candidate regions are processed to detect the dam cracks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ME-Faster R-CNN with K-MABtrA method can obtain 82.52% average IoU and 80.02% average precision mAP, respectively. Compared with Faster R-CNN with the same parameters, the average IoU and mAP can increase 1.06% and 1.56%, respectively.


Background: Upper Respiratory tract infection (URTI) or common cold is very prevalent in children particularly in young children. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like montelukast are effective drugs in asthma and some other respiratory diseases. Our purpose was to study preventive effects of montelukast on pediatric URTI. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, and double blind trial was performed on 450 healthy children aged 1-5 year in Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran. Children were randomized 1:1 to placebo group or montelukast group for 12 weeks. Number of URTI episodes and duration were the primary end points and were compared at baseline and after termination of treatment. Results: Mean age was 28 ± 12.3 months. Mean of URTI episodes was 0.7 ± 0.57 in children treated with montelukast and 1.27 ± 0.72 in children treated with placebo, respectively. Differences were statistically significant (P =0.01). A significant difference was seen in URTI duration between two study groups (6.3 ± 6.1 vs 4.1 ± 3.9, P = 0.05). In addition, duration of fever was shorter in children receiving montelukast (P=0.001). Conclusion: Our study indicates that 3 month treatment with montelukast is effective for reducing the incidence of URTI in young children. This treatment has an acceptable safety without any serious concern.


Background
 Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematologic disease with high incidence in the elderly peoples. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an important method for the treatment of AML. However, elderly patients with AML are unable to receive myeloablative conditioning, and transplant related mortality (TAM) is significantly higher than that of young AML patients. How to reduce TAM in elderly AML patients, improve the efficacy of allo-HSCT, and further expand the applicable population of allo-HSCT is the focus of clinical research.
 Patients and methods
 According to the clinical trial (ChiCTR-IIR-16008182), elderly patients with AML used Decitabine (Dec) combined with FB3 as conditional regimen (20mg/m2 decitabine on day -11∽-7, 30mg/m2 Fludarabine on day -6∽-2, 130mg/m2 busulfan on day -4∽-2). The primary outcome of the trial was relapse after transplantation, and the secondary outcomes were chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) and the safety of treatment.
 Results
 From Mar 2016 to Jun 2018, 19 elderly patients with AML in our center include in the study. The median age was 62 (60-66) years. According to cytogenetics and molecular mutation, 8 patients were intermediate risk and 11 patients were unfavorable risk. HLA matched HSCT was performed in 7 patients, and HLA haploidentical HSCT in 12 patients. All of the patients achieved complete donor chimerism by day 28 after HSCT. Patients achieved ANC engraftment at 15 (10-19) days and PLT engraftment at 19 (12-26) days. Five patients relapsed after transplantation, and 4 of them died; one patient died of severe acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) and pulmonary infection. The main adverse reactions during the conditioning treatment were dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and oral ulcers. ALL symptoms were relieved after the symptomatic treatment. Three patients had a mild elevated transaminase and improved after liver-protecting treatment. Till now, the leukemia-free survival and overall survival were 73.68%.
 Conclusion
 Dec combined with FB3 as conditional regimen was well tolerated and can achieve ideal survival. The multicenter, randomized controlled clinical study will conduct to further verify its effectiveness and safety.
 Key Words: Decitabine, FB3, Elderly, Acute myeloid leukemia patient, Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

 No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the current debates in facility management to understand where the research community is working and where the facility management sector and discipline might be heading.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of research outputs has been undertaken to identify research themes. The discussion is based on developments that are already shaping how one should view facility management and outlines a possible future based on a number of strategically important questions and their likely answers.

Findings

There is a broad landscape of research themes; yet, a significant portion of the most-cited journal papers were published more than 10-15 years ago. Current debates are focused mostly on operational improvement; few are directed at more strategic objectives. Those in the informal media are concerned with more speculative themes, particularly the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), which are indicative of disruptive technology. These themes are debated mostly by practitioners.

Originality/value

Many views are expressed in this editorial – some are controversial whilst others should be regarded as matters of fact. The underlying aim is to stimulate debate and action among readers about what appears to be a dilemma for the facility management sector and discipline. Does it continue along the same trajectory or should it be bold and strike out in new directions and meet the challenges presented by disruptive innovations, notably the IoT and AI? Hard choices await and not all decisions will lead to preferred outcomes.


Data in historical linguistics is typically presented in non-machine-readable formats, such as text-based supplementary material or even handwritten manuscripts. Many annotations and important facts are given in prose or remain within linguists' heads. Those problems make it difficult for non-experts in the specific field to understand the data, and to reproduce and replicate the results, and also limits the exposure that linguists receive for their hard work. Similar to previous blog posts on retro-standardizing data, we present the digitization of a dataset that includes phonological reconstructions. By representing this kind of data in CLDF, we can apply a variety of computer-assisted methods to assess the quality of the reconstructions.


We calculate the lowest-dimensional nonlocal quark and gluon condensates within the single instanton approximation of the instanton liquid model. As a result, we determine the values of average virtualities of quarks {lambda}{sub q}{sup 2}{equivalent_to}{l_angle}:{bar q}D{sup 2}q:{r_angle}/{l_angle}:{bar q}q:{r_angle} and gluons {lambda}{sub g}{sup 2}{equivalent_to}{l_angle}:G{tilde D}{sup 2}G:{r_angle}/{l_angle}:GG:{r_angle} in the QCD vacuum and obtain parameterless predictions for the ratio {lambda}{sub g}{sup 2}/{lambda}{sub q}{sup 2}=12/5, and for some ratios of different vacuum condensates of higher dimensions. The nonlocal properties of quark and gluon condensates are analyzed, and the insufficiency of the single instanton approximation is discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}


Verbal, visuospatial and motor functions were studied in eight Parkinsonian patients both during levodopa stimulated and unstimulated state and in eight matched, untreated, healthy controls. Profound changes in patients' motor status were accompanied by relatively selective effects on delayed verbal memory, a function which was also most impaired compared with controls. With dopaminomimetic therapy, tests of delayed verbal memory consistently improved, but did not reach control performance levels. These results could indicate a functional impairment in the mesocortical dopamine system, which can be attenuated, but not entirely corrected, by dopaminomimetic therapy.


Small systems in a thermodynamic medium --- like colloids in a suspension or the molecular machinery in living cells --- are strongly affected by the thermal fluctuations of their environment.
 Physicists model such systems by means of stochastic processes.
 Stochastic Thermodynamics (ST) defines entropy changes and other thermodynamic notions for individual realizations of such processes.
 It applies to situations far from equilibrium and provides a unified approach to stochastic fluctuation relations.
 Its predictions have been studied and verified experimentally. This thesis addresses the theoretical foundations of ST.
 Its focus is on the following two aspects:
 (i) The stochastic nature of mesoscopic observations has its origin in the molecular chaos on the microscopic level.
 Can one derive ST from an underlying reversible deterministic dynamics?
 Can we interpret ST's notions of entropy and entropy changes in a well-defined information-theoretical framework?
 (ii) Markovian jump processes on finite state spaces are common models for bio-chemical pathways.
 How does one quantify and calculate fluctuations of physical observables in such models?
 What role does the topology of the network of states play?
 How can we apply our abstract results to the design of models for molecular motors?

 The thesis concludes with an outlook on dissipation as information written to unobserved degrees of freedom --- a perspective that yields a consistency criterion between dynamical models formulated on various levels of description.


This is a report of the Second International Conference on Modern Slavic Literary Theories and Comparative Poetics jointly held in Guangzhou from June 25th to 26th, 2016 by the Research Council for Foreign Literary Theories and Comparative Poetics in China, the Research Center for Literary Theories of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,the Chinese National Association of Comparative Literature and Literary Theories,the  Bachtin Research Center in China, the Center for Foreign Literature and Culture of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and the Faculty of European Languages and Culture of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies


This volume commemorates Robert Adams' receipt of the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography for 2009. Described by the Swedish foundation as "one of the most important and influential photographers of the last 40 years," Adams joins a very distinguished line of contemporary photographers who have won the award, such as Graciela Iturbide (2008) and Nan Goldin (2007). The Foundation singled out Adams' ability to consolidate the medium's history: "as photography has altered and fragmented, he has refined and reaffirmed its inherent language, adapting the legacies of nineteenth-century and modernist photography to his own very singular purpose. Precise and undramatic, Adams' accumulative vision of theWest now stands as a formidable document, reflecting broader, global concerns about the environment, while consistently recognizing signs of human aspiration and elements of hope, across a particular changing landscape.


We have combined near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study the electronic rearrangement associated with the hydrolyzation of formaldehyde to methanediol in aqueous solution. The spectra are contrasted against those of aqueous formamide and urea, which are structurally similar but do not undergo hydrolysis in solution. We have recently demonstrated that the hydrolyzation of formaldehyde is manifested in the oxygen 1s NEXAFS spectrum by the disappearance of the oxygen 1s --> pi* absorption line. This is a characteristic signature that the C=O double bond has been broken. In the present study we extend our investigation to include carbon 1s NEXAFS and XPS spectra of the three solutions. The carbon NEXAFS spectra show the C 1s --> pi* absorption line for each solute except for formaldehyde. Moreover, the carbon 1s photoelectron spectra exhibit a single peak for each solute. These observations point to a near complete hydrolyzation of formaldehyde, whereas formamide and urea remain intact in the solution. The analysis is further supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showing a C 1s chemical shift of approximately 1.0 eV between hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed forms, which would give distinguishable features in the photoemission spectrum, if coexisting forms were present in the solutions.


Transient hepatic attenuation differences (THAD) are occasionally noted on dynamic CT in patients with portal vein obstruction, arterioportal shunt, liver tumor, and liver abscess. We report four additional cases of THAD with unreported and/or unexplained etiology.


The Internet of Unmanned Vehicles (IoUV) is regarded as an emerging technology for military applications not only to make surveillance systems and battlefield operations fully coordinated and automated, but also to provide significant strategic advantages. All the UVs form a coordinated network for exchanging information in IoUV, which enhances context awareness and risk analysis, and improves response time to make the mission effective. This article provides a perspective of fusion of blockchain technology with software defined IoUV, also known as extended 5G, for the battlefield scenario. Software defined IoUV dynamically configures the network parameters and provides network visibility for better security and manageability of the network in IoUV. Block-chain technology helps to provide trustworthy command and control operations in IoUV and stores those operations in tamper-resistant digital ledgers in the form of transactions. Unmanned vehicles (UVs) with high computing, storage, battery life and transmission power act as miners that validate every transaction and are responsible for creating blocks of the blockchain. However, current blockchain technology suffers from scalability; thus, we propose sharding-enabled blockchain to address the issue where shards of lightweight UVs maintain the required number of miners/ auditors to handle the issues when a miner gets destroyed or damaged in the battlefield. Some participating UVs are used as wireless stations to provide persistent wireless connectivity in IoUV. The proposed framework aims to increase the trust and accountability, and to reduce business friction among different units involved in the battlefield.


We prove the existence and uniqueness of the complexified Nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann Equation (nPBE) in a bounded domain in $\mathbb{R}^3$. The nPBE is a model equation in nonlinear electrostatics. The standard convex optimization argument to the complexified nPBE no longer applies, but instead, a contraction mapping argument is developed. Furthermore, we show that uniqueness can be lost if the hypotheses given are not satisfied. The complixified nPBE is highly relevant to regularity analysis of the solution of the real nPBE with respect to the dielectric (diffusion) and Debye-H\"uckel coefficients. This approach is also well-suited to investigate the existence and uniqueness problem for a wide class of semi-linear elliptic Partial Differential Equations (PDEs).


There have always been concerns about task complexity and respondent burden in the context of stated choice studies, with calls to limit the number of alternatives, attributes and choice sets. At the same time, some researchers have also made the case that too simplistic a design might be counterproductive. This paper aims to take another look at the effects of design complexity on model results. Specifically, we conduct a study that uses a set of fifteen different designs with varying degrees of complexity and test for differences across designs in terms of substantive results (e.g. WTP indicators) as well as the relative impact of the observed and unobserved utility components. Initial results indicate that the impact of design complexity may be much lower than anticipated, suggesting that respondents can cope adequately with high numbers of attributes, alternatives and choice sets. The implications for practical research are potentially significant, given the reliance, especially in Europe, on binary designs with a very limited number of attributes.


: Properties of the enzymes--trypsin and papain immobilized on viscose fibers were studied, using two spacer arms: maleic dialdehyde and cyanuric chloride. The enzyme thermostability, urea denaturation and resistance to autolysis were examined. Greater denaturation stability was achieved with the use of cyanuric chloride as a spacer arm.


A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of watercourse lining on water distribution (warabandi).For this study two watercourses, one lined (8-CL) and other unlined (11-R) of Laiqpur ex-Ali Bahar Minor were selected.The Theil's Index was calculated on the basis of various parameters such as NIA (Net Irrigated Area), NWA (Net Wetted Area), CCA (Cultivable Command Area) and frequency of irrigation, actual TWA (Total Wetted Area) and predicted TWA (Total Wetted Area) and found as 0.22 and 0.496 for lined and unlined watercourses respectively. Hence, the effectiveness of warabandi was found as 78 and 50.4% for lined and unlined water courses respectively. The Theil's Index values for head (31.07 acres), middle (31.76 acres) and tail (28.35 acres) sections of one lined and two unlined sections of the lined watercourse were determined as 0.147, 0.165 and 0.319 respectively, however for unlined watercourse, the Theil's Index values were 0.21 (head), 0.5 (middle) and 0.6 (tail). This showed that in a lined section of the watercourse No. 8-CL, the effectiveness of warabandi was 85%, at its tail section it was 68% and that for tail section of the earthen w/c was only 40%. Variation of TIC in lined and unlined watercourse was 0.17 and 0.38 respectively. The conveyance loss per 1000 ft. in lined and unlined sections of watercourse 8-CL was 1.23% and 4.92% respectively, however in watercourse 11-R that was 4.9%. The conveyance efficiency in lined and unlined sections of the lined watercourse was98.76 and 90.60% and that for earthen watercourse was 70.59% and after lining, the cropping intensity increased up to 8%.


The skin of Siren intermedia is fully metamorphosed, amphibian-like, and specialized in its cocoon-producing function. During aestivation in burrows in the bottoms of dry ponds, epidermal and dermal skin glands secrete a cocoon which covers the entire body except the mouth. This structure, remarkably like the cocoons of African lungfishes, retards desiccation and permits sirens to remain in periodically dry, aquatic environments. This adaptive strategy may be alternative to that of avoiding drought by overland movement to nearby water.


Newspaper clipping that depicts Bill Myres in a brown suit wearing a Buscadero belt. The article that is under the picture talks about Sam Myres' longevity as a leather maker. His business is known to produce dependable and good quality items. Now that Sam Myres has passed, his son, Bill Myres, has taken over the business and continues to produce S.D. Myres Saddle Company products.


This paper deals with Multi-Protocol Label Switching-Traffic Engineering (MPLS-TE) routing systems which offer key traffic engineering features, including optimization of resources utilization, Quality-of-Service (QoS) and fast recovery. Numerous MPLS-TE routing systems have been defined in the past with their own advantages and drawbacks. This paper proposes a generic architecture for MPLS-TE routing system, with the main objective of helping in classification, analysis and improvement of these systems or the design of new systems. This architecture includes main functions that can be required in an MPLS-TE routing system. These functions and their interactions are described. Various approaches and options for the implementation and the distribution of these functions in network elements are qualitatively discussed.


The perturbations due to a moving test charge in a collisional plasma are considered. A dipole-like potential is obtained and previous results are generalized.