Adaptive systems for numerical computations with Finite Element Method or Finite Difference Method grow nowadays to great sizes. This is typically caused not only by the complexity of the actual algorithms involved, but also by the amount of additional routines required to deploy, manage and monitor applications in distributed environments. Moreover, most modeling problems require overwhelming resources and distribution is a must-have for any reasonably-sized application in this field. Researchers and developers implement this in a whole lot of ways, most of which have one thing in common – the decisions about where and when a given piece of code should be executed are hard-coded entirely inside the application. The situation becomes even worse when it comes to adaptive algorithms where dynamic load-balancing is required. It is, again, often implemented as a part of a monolithic problem-specific code, which makes interaction with it a pain. The book discusses how to cope with the above problems, by employing the agent methodology in order to separate platform tasks from the application layer.


Abstract:At the turn of the century, firms struggled to make transportation decisions in increasingly integrated supply chains that routinely stretched around the world. In "A Framework for Transportation Decision Making in an Integrated Supply Chain" (Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 5 [2]: 71–77) T. P. Stank and T. J. Goldsby proposed an original transportation decision-making framework to address the need. The framework is cited over 250 times in the academic literature and referenced by firms seeking to optimize cost-service tradeoffs in an environment characterized by higher levels of market freedoms, service innovation, and supply chain collaboration. Since the year 2000, though, the digital revolution, customer expectations, and supply chain resilience concerns have given rise to new demands for transportation decision-making, with operations residing in a hyper-integrated and further globally entrenched state. Therefore, we revisit Stank and Goldsby's original framework to review major transportation decision areas and devise contemporary mechanisms to address the modern business environment. Our framework highlights the rapid and interdependent nature of today's corporate transportation decisions to help firms tackle current business needs and long-term strategic interests. We also seek to illuminate prospective avenues for research endeavor.


This work has largely grown out of the papers of R. Haydon (Studia Math. 52 (1974), 23-31) and E.V. Shchepin (Russian Math. Surveys 31 : 5 (197&), 155-191) Among other results affirmative answers to problems 3, 18, 20 and 21 posed by A. Pelczynski in his monograph (Diss. Math. 58, Warszawa 1968) are given. For pairs (m,n) of extended integers (-1≤m≤n≤∞) the surjective and injective notions of (m,n) -soft and (m,n)-hard maps respectively are introduced and investigated. It is shown that for a map X → Y of compact spaces (-1,0)-softness (resp. (0,0)-hardness) entails the existence of a regular averaging (resp. extension) operator and that the converse holds, if X is metrizable (resp. Y is a Dugundji space). (0,0)-hardness, (-1,0)-softness and (0,0)-softness are shown to be local properties and it is deduced that each point of a Dugundji space and of a quotient space of a locally compact group has a neighbourhood base of Dugundji spaces. Moreover, we prove that a space and its cone are Dugundji spaces simultaneously. (∞,∞)-soft group homomorphisms are isomorphisms. This follows from the result that a compact contractible group is trivial. A compact space is classified as an absolute extensor for m- to n-dimensional spaces or AE(m,n), if the constant map is (m,n)~soft. Equivalently, a compact space is an AE(m,n) if and only if every embedding into a compact space is (m,n)-hard. Haydon's paper entails coincidence of the notions of AE(0,0) and Dugundji space. Here an AE(0,0) (resp. AE(0,∞)) is surjectively characterized as (-1,0)-soft image of a generalized Cantor set (resp. Tychonoff cube). An in- jective characterization of the class of Poano spaces is given as metrizable AE(0,n), n (1≤n≤∞) being arbitrary. Using combinatorial techniques we obtain some results concerning the countable chain condition on spaces of probability measures and spaces of ⩽ n-element subsets.


We have investigated the phenotypic and functional characteristics of murine pre‐B cells obtained in semisolid and liquid culture with stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin 7 (IL‐7). Both serum‐supplemented and serum‐deprived culture conditions were used. The source of bone marrow cells was either normal mice (CD1 and C3H) or the lupus strain of mice MRL/Ipr and its congenic strain MRL/+. SCF (100 ng/ml) and IL‐7 (250 ng/ml) supported murine B cell proliferation in vitro from all the murine strains analyzed both in serum‐supplemented and serum‐deprived conditions. Maximal colony growth was observed in both cases when the factors were used in combination. The growth factors alone induced some colony growth in serum‐supplemented cultures but were either ineffective or had modest activity in serum‐deprived cultures. Cells harvested from the colonies or generated in liquid cultures and stimulated with SCF + IL‐7 in the absence of serum had almost exclusively a pre‐B cell phenotype (BP‐1+, B220+, slg‐, CD4‐, CD8‐, Mac‐1, RB‐6‐). Both the maximal colony growth in semisolid culture and the maximal number of cells in liquid culture were observed at day 12–14. At this time, the pre‐B cells failed to differentiate further and started to die. Pre‐B cells generated in vitro were, however, capable of differentiating in vivo. SCID mice injected with 2 × 106 pre‐B cells had readily detectable serum levels of IgM (54 ± 26 m̈g/ml) and IgG (60 ± 95 m̈g/ml) at 4 weeks and 6 weeks posttransplantation, respectively. Mature B and T cells of the donor major histocompatibility complex type were detected in the SCID mice at sacrifice 14 weeks posttransplantation. These data indicate that purified (>80% BP‐1+) populations of functional pre‐B cells can be grown from murine bone marrow of normal mice as well as of lupus mice in serum‐deprived cultures stimulated with SCF and IL‐7. These cultures, therefore, provide a highly enriched source of pre‐B cells but also contain T cell precursors that differentiate upon adoptive transfer into SCID mice. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


We report on the design and characterization of a cryogenically cooled, resonantly pumped Er:YAG slab laser operating at 1645 nm. The Er:YAG slab is conductively cooled by liquid nitrogen and face-pumped by a 1.4 kW diode array operating at 1452 nm. The slab is transversely extracted in a highly multi-mode oscillator, producing 386 W of cw output power and 420 W of quasi-cw power at 50% duty cycle. We have measured 45% slope efficiency and 39% optical conversion efficiency (relative to incident pump). The laser has also been configured to operate with low-order multi-mode output, producing over 250 W of quasi-cw power at 25% duty cycle, and has been Q-switched at repetition rates as low as 10 kHz.


Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) can increase morbidity and mortality risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 25% of the patients with LN will advance to end-stage renal disease. Objective: To evaluate if hyperuricemia is independently associated with the prediction and prognosis of LN. Methods and finding: This cohort study included 80 SLE patients. SLE patients were divided according to uric acid levels in two groups: "Hyperuricemia SLE" group (n=40) and "No Hyperuricemia SLE" group (n=40). Serum uric acid ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in female and ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in male were indicative of hyperuricemia. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, serum level of uric acid, renal activity and chronicity index results were collected and recorded. Median value of serum uric acid level for patients with hyperuricemia was 8.6 mg/dl (4.3-10.4) and for patients without hyperuricemia was 4.2 mg/dl (3.3-5.3). LN was observed in 62.5% of group I (SLE with hyperuricemia) in comparison to 20% of group II (SLE without hyperuricemia)" with p<0.001. A statistically significant relation between hyperuricemia and the occurrence of LN was detected. There was also an inverse correlation between serum level of uric acid and both serum C3 level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001); however, there was positive correlation of serum level of uric acid with SLE activity and proteinuria, with statistical significance (p<0.001). Renal activity index in hyperuricemic patients (median=7) was higher than that in patients without hyperuricemia. Conclusion: There is a link to be considered between hyperuricemia and the development of new renal damage in SLE affecting both LN activity and severity.


Fuzzy decision is the alternative way to help a problem in mathematical modelling for selection of portfolio. For this purpose, we will show how the portfolio constructing from Maximin method into portfolio modelling using fuzzy approach to obtain additional information for the portfolio. Through fuzzy, the portfolio modelling will able to cope two or more objectives in one step. The numerical example will be included to give an illustration from a practical view


Aging is a major risk factor in the development of chronic diseases affecting various tissues including the cardiovascular system, muscle and bones. Age-related diseases are a consequence of the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways leading to low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cellular senescence, a process in which cells stop proliferating and become dysfunctional by secreting inflammatory molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular matrix components that cause inflammation and senescence in the surrounding tissue. This process is known as the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Thus, accumulation of senescent cells over time promotes the development of age-related diseases, in part through the SASP. Polyphenols, rich in fruits and vegetables, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with protective effects against major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols improve anti-oxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and autophagy, while reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We also discuss the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in reducing the effects of the SASP and the incidence of CVD.


In popular culture, politics are frequently framed with negative stereotypes, and there is some overlap between the anti-establishment rhetoric of political humor and populist challengers. This article probes similarities shared by politicians as presented in the television comedies Eichwald MdB (about a backbencher in the Bundestag) and Ellerbeck (about a kindergarten teacher turned mayor) and supporters of the (right-)populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD). The analysis of the storylines uncovers representations of self-serving and incompetent politicians that align with the fundamental critique expressed by the AfD. However, the negative depictions in the shows are interwoven with positive elements that speak to a responsiveness of democratic institutions. The two case studies help us better understand the specific form of German political satire produced by a public broadcaster and how satirical entertainment oscillates between negativity and meaningful critique of political power.


We show how to preprocess a polygonal domain with a fixed starting point $s$ in order to answer efficiently the following queries: Given a point $q$, how should one move from $s$ in order to see $q$ as soon as possible? This query resembles the well-known shortest-path-to-a-point query, except that the latter asks for the fastest way to reach  $q$, instead of seeing it. Our solution methods include a data structure for a different generalization of shortest-path-to-a-point queries, which may be of independent interest: to report efficiently a shortest path from $s$ to a query segment  in the domain.


PURPOSE To determine whether scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) indocyanine green (ICG) angiography may be useful in detecting occult or ill-defined choroidal neovascularization (CNV). MATERIAL AND METHODS ICG angiography using SLO was performed in 28 patients (29 eyes). Indication for this examination was occult or ill-defined CNV on fluorescein angiography. RESULTS Well-defined hyperfluorescent lesions on ICG angiography were found in 16 eyes (55.2%). Three morphological types of CNV were noted: plaque (82.8%), focal spots (10.4%), combination lesions (3.4%). In one case no manifestations of CNV were observed in ICG angiography (3.4%). In 4 eyes (13.8%) we performed successful laseroterapy of CNV. CONCLUSIONS ICG angiography performed using SLO is a valuable tool in determining borders of occult and ill-defined CNV.


The effect of sample inhomogeneity on the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth is determined by diagonalization of a spin wave Hamiltonian for ferromagnetic thin films with inhomogeneities spanning a wide range of characteristic length scales. A model inhomogeneity is used that consists of size D grains and an anisotropy field H(p) that varies randomly from grain to grain in a film with thickness d and magnetization M(s). The resulting linewidth agrees well with the two-magnon model for small inhomogeneity, H(p)D<<piM(s)d. For large inhomogeneity, H(p)D>>piM(s)d, the precession becomes localized and the spectrum approaches that of local precession on independent grains.


A unique mode of current amplification was investigated in reagentless biosensors based on the clinically significant enzymes including alcohol dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucose oxidase. The biosensors were designed by sandwiching the enzyme-polymer film between an electrode and Nafion film. In particular, each enzyme and its cofactor were covalently attached to the chains of polysaccharide chitosan and mixed with carbon nanotubes on the electrode surface. The coating of such biosensors with Nafion resulted in the current increase by up to 1000%, depending on the enzyme. The results were analyzed considering the interplay between the enzyme activity-pH profiles and the Nafion-induced pH increase in the underlying chitosan film. The data were collected by using the rapid (<5 min) amperometric enzyme assays and pH-sensitive iridium oxide films. The increase in the biosensor current was attributed to the pH-driven increase in the enzyme activity inside the two-film interface. Such signal amplification should also be feasible in other biosensors based on the polyelectrolytes and sandwiched enzymes providing that a proper match is made between the enzyme activity-pH profiles and the pH of buffer solutions.


Torrefied (thermally treated) biomass and pyrolysis oil are examples of processed, energy dense biofuels that might be utilized in energy production instead of fossil sources. Computational fluid dynamics code Fluent equipped with relevant user-defined sub-models was applied to simulate co-combustion of these supplementary fuels and coal in a full scale pulverized coal fired furnace with a capacity of 275 MWfuel. Biofuel shares up to 40 % by energy were considered. Changes in combustion process (heat transfer, burnout, NOx emissions) compared to normal coal operation were investigated and their influence in boiler performance analysed. According to the result there are in general no drastic changes in the furnace process, hence utilization of the supplementary biofuels considered seems feasible from the combustion point of view. Evaporator heat transfer is predicted to decrease slightly especially in pyrolysis oil co-firing. Solid combustion efficiency remains at acceptable level in all cases. Share of unburned carbon fly ash is estimated to increase in torrefied biomass co-firing as a consequence of degrading particle fineness assuming integrated milling of biomass and coal. However total ash flow is remarkably lower. NOx emission reduction up to 20 % can be expected in co-firing cases with investigated biofuel shares.


1. Isolated perfused rat hearts, acetoacetate oxidation was significantly enhanced by propionate. 2. No enhancement of acetoacetate oxidation could be observed in vitamin B12-deficient rat hearts when propionate was present. 3. Although the mechanisms of enhancement are not clear, ketone clearance is enhanced by propionate and may provide an insight into the therapy of certain diseases characterized by ketosis.


Background The complement system is an essential component of our innate defense and plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Assessment of complement activation is critical in monitoring both disease progression and response to therapy. Complement analysis requires accurate and standardized sampling and assay procedures, which has proven to be challenging. Objective We performed a systematic analysis of the current methods used to assess complement components and reviewed whether the identified studies performed their complement measurements according to the recommended practice regarding pre-analytical sample handling and assay technique. Results are supplemented with own data regarding the assessment of key complement biomarkers to illustrate the importance of accurate sampling and measuring of complement components. Methods A literature search using the Pubmed/MEDLINE database was performed focusing on studies measuring the key complement components C3, C5 and/or their split products and/or the soluble variant of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex (sTCC) in human blood samples that were published between February 2017 and February 2022. The identified studies were reviewed whether they had used the correct sample type and techniques for their analyses. Results A total of 92 out of 376 studies were selected for full-text analysis. Forty-five studies (49%) were identified as using the correct sample type and techniques for their complement analyses, while 25 studies (27%) did not use the correct sample type or technique. For 22 studies (24%), it was not specified which sample type was used. Conclusion A substantial part of the reviewed studies did not use the appropriate sample type for assessing complement activation or did not mention which sample type was used. This deviation from the standardized procedure can lead to misinterpretation of complement biomarker levels and hampers proper comparison of complement measurements between studies. Therefore, this study underlines the necessity of general guidelines for accurate and standardized complement analysis


The capillary-condensed liquid bridge is one of the most ubiquitous forms of liquid in nature and contributes significantly to adhesion and friction of biological molecules as well as microscopic objects. Despite its important role in nanoscience and technology, the rupture process of the bridge is not well understood and needs more experimental works. Here, we report real-time observation of rupture of a capillary-condensed water nanobridge in ambient condition. During slow and stepwise stretch of the nanobridge, we measured the activation time for rupture, or the latency time required for the bridge breakup. By statistical analysis of the time-resolved distribution of activation time, we show that rupture is a thermally activated stochastic process and follows the Poisson statistics. In particular, from the Arrhenius law that the rupture rate satisfies, we estimate the position-dependent activation energies for the capillary-bridge rupture.


We investigate the exchange of water vapour between the regolith and atmosphere of Mars, and how it varies with different orbital parameters, atmospheric dust contents and surface water ice reservoirs. This is achieved through the coupling of a global circulation model (GCM) and a regolith diffusion model. GCM simulations are performed for hundreds of Mars years, with additional one-dimensional simulations performed for 50 kyr. At obliquities ε = 15◦ and 30◦, the thermal inertia and albedo of the regolith have more control on the subsurface water distribution than changes to the eccentricity or solar longitude of perihelion. At ε = 45◦, atmospheric water vapour abundances become much larger, allowing stable subsurface ice to form in the tropics and mid-latitudes. The circulation of the atmosphere is important in producing the subsurface water distribution, with increased water content in various locations due to vapour transport by topographically-steered flows and stationary waves. As these circulation patterns are due to topographic features, it is likely the same regions will also experience locally large amounts of subsurface water at different epochs. The dustiness of the atmosphere plays an important role in the distribution of subsurface water, with a dusty atmosphere resulting in a wetter water cycle and increased stability of subsurface ice deposits.


Excessive neutrophil recruitment and dysregulation contribute to worsened clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Targeting this dysregulated response offers therapeutic potential in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections which can be enhanced by the availability of reliable, translational animal models for disease. Domestic cats are naturally infected and exhibit clinical disease similar to that seen in COVID-19. Utilizing our previously developed feline model for COVID-19, we hypothesize that neutrophil dysregulation and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) significantly worsen pulmonary damage in domestic cats. Specific-pathogen-free cats (n=12) were inoculated with SARS CoV-2 (B.1.617.2) or vehicle (n=6). Plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tissues were collected over 12 days. Detection of NETs using MPO-DNA ELISA and Quant-iT PicoGreen® dsDNA assay indicate significant elevations at 4dpi and 8dpi in the plasma as compared to vehicle, with the peak NETs detection at 4dpi(p<0.05). These findings were similarly evident in the BAL fluid of infected versus vehicle-inoculated cats(p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry of respiratory tissues utilizing three major markers of activated neutrophils and NETS; citrullinated histone 3, MPO, and neutrophil elastase, show marked amplifications compared to vehicle. These findings co-localize to areas of significant pulmonary damage. Elucidating these innate markers and their functional changes provides insight into understanding the immunopathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data enforce the role of domestic cats as a flexible translational model to develop these interventions.
 NIH-NIGMS (P20GM103648)


Functional assessments have become a cornerstone of rehabilitation medicine, assisting in well-defined aspects such as: quality assurance, continuous quality improvement, accountability, cost/benefit analysis, education, and research. In the second part of the 20th century, scaling techniques have become an integral part of the rehabilitation medicine discipline, and everybody is aware of their essential importance. However, even when engaged in a purely scientific discussion on the theoretical, mathematical basis of these measurements, a fundamental question arises as to what depth of accuracy is it possible to bring such measurements into a clinical scenario (or any real scenario). When it comes to the integration of all these principles, a balance must be achieved between pure theory and clinical applications, making it accessible for the average clinician and department routinely running functional evaluations. All these considerations are discussed with examples of data management that can be performed by systematically collecting data with the help of a computerized database where demographic, clinical and functional data is recorded. Rehabilitation teams and systems must be aware of function measurement principles and applications and determine their position in this regard.


Incident involving failures of steel exhaust elbow pipe connected to a muffler of Proton Persona investigated carrying raw gas has caused serious disruption within the system. This study looks at developing useful approaches and strategies to forecast failure of exhaust piping system for automotive applications. Existing design, manufacturing process and exhaust pipe material as well as operating condition have been reviewed and analyzed using Non-Destructive techniques (NDT) and Destructive techniques (DT). Vickers hardness test conducted using 100kgf load on the failed materials indicated the exhaust pipe fulfill the tensile strength requirement based on industry specification to carry out intended function. Metallographic analysis conducted using optical microscope as well as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) at various magnifications indicated multiple evidences of internal corrosion and micro-fractures on steel exhaust pipe surface. Besides, computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results showed that the elbow of the exhaust pipe have been exposed to an extreme exhaust gas flow gradient. The high risk elbow area exposed to high velocity, pressure and temperature simulated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation coherence to the leakage area of the exhaust pipe. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) showed that phenomenon excessive thinning of steel pipe wall caused by erosion-corrosion mechanism exhaust pipe lead to the perforation of an exhaust pipe. Based on the data collected, it is suggested, proper process design of the product may be implemented during installation and fabrication of exhaust piping system, followed by revising and improving gas stream flow inside the exhaust pipe system as well as using corrosion inhibitor in order to avoid occurrence of same failure in future.


Although pre-Northridge earthquake steel moment resisting frame buildings have been shown to be susceptible to brittle connection failures, they still represent a large fraction of the existing steel buildings in the United States of America. In this study, the performance of the 3and 9-story Los Angeles pre-Northridge SAC buildings are analyzed considering ductile and brittle beam-column connection failures, and their uncertainty. This paper contributes to understanding the influence of uncertainty associated with connections brittle fracture on building interstory deformation capacity and its impact on bias and variability of fragility functions and loss assessment. The results show that considering brittle connections leads to significantly larger drift demands and to higher repair costs, particularly under intense ground shaking. New fragility curve parameters are derived that account for the effect of the uncertainty of the strength and deformation capacity of brittle connections.


This  paper  mainly  focuses  on  dynamic modelling  and  real‐time  control  for  a  parallel manipulator  with  flexible  link.  The  Lagrange  principle and  assumed  modes  method  (AMM)  substructure technique  is  presented  to  formulate  the  dynamic modelling  of  a  two‐degrees‐of‐freedom  (DOF)  parallel manipulator  with  flexible  links.  Then,  the  singular perturbation  technique  (SPT)  is  used  to  decompose  the nonlinear dynamic  system  into  slow  time‐scale  and  fast time‐scale subsystems. Furthermore, the SPT is employed to  transform  the differential  algebraic  equations  (DAEs) for  kinematic  constraints  into  explicit  ordinary differential  equations  (ODEs),  which  makes  real‐time control  possible.  In  addition,  a  novel  composite  control scheme  is  presented;  the  computed  torque  control  is applied  for  a  slow  subsystem  and  the  H technique  for the  fast  subsystem,  taking  account  of  the  model uncertainty  and  outside  disturbance.  The  simulation results show the composite control can effectively achieve fast and accurate tracking control.


Cyanide-free Au plating baths, containing KAuCl4, triammonium citrate, and sodium sulfite, have been developed by the authors. The stability of these solutions depends on the order of mixing of the additives. The aim of this study was to employ turbidity measurements and cryogenic x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to identify the role of the additives and the complexes responsible for solution stability or degradation. Electron microscopy was used to characterize any precipitation products generated in the solutions. It was shown that the long-term stability of the solutions is due to the role of citrate and sulfite as complexing agents.


Create amazing Prezi presentations through 10 exciting Prezi projects with this book and ebook Overview Amaze your audience and keep them engaged during your presentations with Prezi Create interactive presentations from scratch by adding images, animations, and more Learn Prezi through ten exciting projects in this step-by-step tutorial In Detail Prezi is a new and marvelous approach to the visualization of information, with over 30 million users across the globe. It's used all over the world for business presentations, pitches, and TED talks. Prezi is different; it is based on mind mapping, and uses an infinite canvas. This book will walk you through 10 different and exciting projects to help you get the most out of Prezi. This step-by-step tutorial focuses on specific topics that differ in complexity and technologies used. This book covers the way professionals build their prezis, as well as the way they think during the presentation process. You'll learn a lot of practical details and tips for other tools as well. What you will learn from this book Build amazing corporate presentations using the unique seven-step method Learn how to present boring stuff in a better way using infographics Recognize how to create astonishing animations for your prezis Learn how to use Prezi's API for interactivity with Prezi Present yourself with Prezi and create a prezume; Get familiar with tips and tricks to create an award-winning prezi Approach This book takes a hands-on, tutorial-style approach that walks you through ten individual projects, each focusing on producing a specific Prezi. Who this book is written for If you have some basic experience of Prezi and want to gain advanced knowledge by building different kinds of Prezi projects, then this book is for you.


The crystallinity of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings used in femoral implant applications is a crucial factor. A coating containing a large percentage of amorphous phases will dissolve quickly. This leaves the coating mechanical weak and thus reduces its functional life. The crystallinity of the final coating largely depends on the parameters selected during the spraying process. In this study the design of experiment technique was used to investigate the parameters that have the greatest affect on the crystallinity of the coating. The affect of furnace heat treatment in air at 600°C, 700°C and 800°C on the crystallinity of the coating was also investigated. The coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).


Spectral radiance data from Landsat's Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor were used to evaluate its effectiveness in differentiating among surface soils of similar properties and to identify the TM spectral band combination useful in estimating selected soil properties. Correlation, regression, and discriminant analyses were used in analyzing the data. The overall accuracy of the TM sensor in differentiating the surface soils was 97.2%. The order of importance of the TM bands that contributed the most in differentiating the soils was TM 6, TM 4, TM 5, TM 2, TM 7, TM 1, and TM 3, respectively. Significant correlations were found among the spectral radiance data and soil variables studied; however, the amount of variance explained was quite low. The prediction equation for estimating soil properties accounted for less than 40% of the variability in the data. The low percentages were attributed to atmospheric particles such as moisture, CO2, dust, etc. that affect the electromagnetic energy sensed from airborne and space platforms. It was concluded that even though the TM sensor is adequate for differentiating among similar soil types from the same soil order, the spatial resolution of the data (30 m) is still too coarse to be effectively used in generating equations for predicting soil properties such as clay percentages, iron oxide, and organic matter content.


Fee-for-service Medicare pays for a very substantial portion of all cancer care delivered in the United States. By virtue of its size and visibility, its payment policies at times also influence those of other health care payers. As a result, Medicare affects both the overall economics and the incentive structures of oncology care. Three aspects of how Medicare finances cancer care are particularly germane to the issue of costs. First, Medicare finances all aspects of cancer care in independent payment units, paying separately for physician services, laboratory tests, procedures, imaging, radiation, drug administration, and drugs. Second, Medicare is currently managing and monitoring a very substantial overhaul in payment for cancer care, which aims to reduce or eliminate incentives that have favored aggressive and costly treatments in clinical situations where alternative therapeutic approaches might have been equivalent or preferable. Third, Medicare is trying to increase the focus on care quality and transparency, as improved efficiency and greater value is needed if costs of care are to be contained. Understanding these three aspects of cancer care financing can help clarify what Medicare is capable of doing to control the rising costs that are occurring in cancer today.


The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of language policy and the role on certificate of public secondary school performance in Ahmed Dhagah District, Hargeisa Somaliland. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. The sample for the study was 20 teachers, and 259 students total of 279 for all of the respondents for only form four students in four secondary schools in Ahmed Dhagah District. While the aim of the study was to find out language policy influence and the role of English language in public secondary schools in Hargeisa Somaliland and the methodology was both qualitative and Quantative methods Data were collected by use of questionnaires and was analyzed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings shows that majority 17(80.0%) of the teachers were male while 3(15.0%) of the teachers were female. The data shows that there was no gender Distribution in school teachers in the district of Ahmed Dhagah as shown on table 4.1 consequently report, Table 4.3 shows that majority 15(75.0%) of the teachers had degree qualification, 5(25.0%) of teachers had Diploma while none (0.0%) of teachers had Master's degree qualification. Table 4.4 shows that majority 10(50.0%) of the teachers were strongly disagreed which means never applied language policy while 8(40.0%) of the teachers stated that they disagreed which means did not applied language policy. While the rest of the teachers which was Table 4.9 shows that majority 122(47.1%) of the students were strongly agreed while 88(34.0%) of the students stated that they have agreed, while 47(18.1) of them voted I am not sure, eventually 2(0.8) of the student respondents stated that they are disagreed, however; more than 81% of the students stated that there is positive correlation between the language policy implementation and the role of English in the secondary schools so that development of language policy is needed with proper implementation in order to improve the level of English of secondary students in secondary school students in the district of Ahmed Dhagah as shown on Table 4.5. A study undertaken to investigate other intervening factors outside the school and which have an effect on the quality of education in public secondary schools should be conducted. A study should be undertaken to establish challenges encountered in achieving and maintaining education quality in public secondary schools should be conducted. A study should be undertaken to determine role of English, teachers should be trained education quality in public secondary schools should be conducted and lastly a study should be undertaken to establish contribution of teacher training and competence on quality education in public secondary schools especially strengthening of four skills of learning language like speaking, reading, writing and understanding should be conducted


The rise of so-called emerging technologies is broadening the way in which students access information and in turn changing the way in which they can interact and the experiences to which they are exposed. Mobile devices are regarded as flexible tools that facilitate access to information in different formats and in any environment. For its part, Augmented Reality is a technique that, through mobile tools, can enhance the globalization of content and access to contextual information in various ways. Together, the globalization of mobile devices and Augmented Reality contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and quality education, as mentioned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in goal four on Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG 4)). This article analyses the binomial Augmented Reality-mobile devices, and takes a conceptual approach to these technological environments, both the technique and the tool, in the context of quality education. To assess the potential of Augmented Reality-mobile devices as a methodological learning resource, a learning unit of Secondary Education is presented in the field of Technology, enriched with different materials related with Augmented Reality.


The paper discusses the features of the application of the ESPRIT method, which provides direction finding of a variety of radio sources with minimal computational costs, including in real time. To be able to use ESPRIT, antenna arrays are required that have the property of shift invariance, and for practical implementation, antenna arrays are required that allow you to form estimates of the directions of arrival of the largest number of signals that overlap in the spectrum, with a minimum number of antennas and reception channels. The aim of the work is to analyze the influence of the antenna array configuration on the features of ESPRIT application for different antenna array with the same number of antennas. A comparative qualitative analysis of the properties and features compared to the MUSIC method is presented. The algorithms developed by the authors for processing multichannel data received by angle and square antenna arrays are presented. It is shown analytically that when using a corner antenna array, it is necessary to take into account the possible presence of signals from indistinguishable-mirror directions of arrival. With a square antenna array, there are no mirror directions of arrival of different signals, which simplifies the implementation of the algorithm. It is shown analytically and by simulation modeling that the configuration of a square antenna array allows to increase the number of simultaneously tracked signals that overlap in the spectrum, compared to a corner antenna array with the same number of antennas.


In this article, we show that a stochastic form of scale-dependent halo bias arises in multi-source inflationary models, where multiple fields determine the initial curvature perturbation. We derive this effect for general non-Gaussian initial conditions and study various examples, such as curvaton models and quasi-single field inflation. We present a general formula for both the stochastic and the non-stochastic parts of the halo bias, in terms of the N-point cumulants of the curvature perturbation at the end of inflation. At lowest order, the stochasticity arises if the collapsed limit of the four-point function is boosted relative to the square of the three-point function in the squeezed limit. We derive all our results in two ways, using the barrier crossing formalism and the peak-background split method. In a companion paper [1], we prove that these two approaches are mathematically equivalent.


Abstract This research was stimulated by the need to extend in time the record of Italy's largest earthquakes, which commonly have repeat times of the same order as the length of the available historical record. As a test case we used the 1908 Straits of Messina earthquake, a large event that geologists assume to recur at intervals of roughly a millennium but whose predecessors are as yet unknown. The 1908 earthquake caused enormous territorial upheaval and left signs in the settlements that are still largely recognizable today. We hypothesized that the Straits of Messina, which were densely populated even in ancient times, may similarly retain evidence of one or more much older 'upheavals' of the settlement network, and that this evidence may be recognized through a careful analysis of archaeological observations. We found evidence that the settled area around the Straits of Messina contracted substantially around the middle of the fourth century AD, when many sites were abandoned or relocated. This contraction can hardly be justified by the then current economic and military setting. Specific archaeological findings within the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria also suggest a serious decline of the region during the same period. The archaeological hypothesis is in good agreement with the available historical and palaeoseismological evidence and suggests that a large earthquake, perhaps similar to the 1908 event, took place in the area surrounding the Straits of Messina around the middle of the fourth century AD.


Epidemiological studies indicate that long term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) confers protection from Alzheimer's disease, and some NSAIDs were shown to specifically decrease production of the amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide, most likely by direct modulation of γ-secretase activity. In contrast to γ-secretase inhibitors, Aβ42-lowering NSAIDs do not impair S3 cleavage in the NOTCH receptor and release of the NOTCH intracellular domain, a finding with conceptual implications for the development of safer drugs targeting Aβ production through γ-secretase modulation. Intramembrane cleavage and release of an intracellular signaling domain has recently been demonstrated in a number of additional γ-secretase substrates. We now show in cell-based assays that intramembrane cleavage of APP and ErbB-4 receptor is not impaired by the Aβ42-lowering NSAIDs, sulindac sulfide and ibuprofen. Generation of the APP intracellular domain (AICD) was further not inhibited in a cell-free assay at concentrations far exceeding those effective in reducing Aβ42 production. Closer inspection of AICD signaling showed that stabilization of the AICD peptide by FE65 and AICD-mediated transcription were also retained at Aβ42-lowering concentrations. These results demonstrate that S3-like/intramembrane cleavage is preserved by Aβ42-lowering NSAIDs in at least three substrates of γ-secretase APP, ErbB-4, and NOTCH and underline the striking specificity by which these drugs target Aβ42 production.


Background: Obesity is a worldwide problem. With the prevalence of obesity increasing, many weight loss programs have been created to aid in the epidemic. Based on the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for obesity management, a weight loss program should involve nutrition, exercise, and psychological components. The Wellness Institute (WI) is a non-profit organization that operates as a medical fitness facility and created the Weight Loss Clinic (WLC) to provide personalized support for individuals based on diet, exercise, and lifestyle, targeting all the core components required for a weight loss program. Since the weight loss industry is dominated by non-evidence-based programs with majority focused on calorie-reduced diets, there is a gap in research on weight loss programs with an exercise and psychological component. Thus, the aim of this pilot study is to collect data on the effectiveness of the comprehensive evidence-based clinically managed weight loss program offered at the WI for future research applications.Materials and Methods: The WLC is a 17-week program during which each participant will progress depending on their personal goals. Population: Inclusion criteria are individuals over the age of 18 years old, are overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2), have been told by a physician or primary care provider to lose weight, who are concerned with weight and may have other health problems, and have tried to lose weight in the past but have been unsuccessful at maintaining weight loss. Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include: anthropometric measurements, body composition, cardiovascular assessment, clinical chemistry, physical activity assessment, nutrition assessment, behaviour change assessment, and health screenings. Ethics Approval: This evaluation received approval from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board (Ethics # HS22267 (H2018:401)). Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04290910


The objective of the present study was to characterize the dual-purpose (DP) cattle system in the State of Morelos, Mexico, according to the scale of production, use of family work force, income, differences in cattle management, use of technology, and farmers' perception on the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of the DP system. A total of 165 producers were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was applied to the producers and a SWOT strategic planning workshop. Data were analyzed through a multivariate cluster analysis (dendrogram and k-means). Five types of DP cattle systems were identified in the state of Morelos, which were as follows: 1) business activity (E, 7%), 2) livestock transition (TP, 18%), 3) family agricultural (FA, 19%), 4) family livestock (FP, 21%), and 5) subsistence livestock (SP, 35%). In general, the producers are characterized by an old age and low educational level; the main management system used is semi-drylot, with small areas and herds, so they get their income from both intra and extra farm activities. Producers E and TP have a higher income, a larger land surface, and more hired work force, infrastructure, equipment and use of technology, compared to producers


Reduction of respiratory system reactance (Xrs) in expiration indicates expiratory flow limitation in COPD patients (Dellaca et al., Eur Respir J, 23: 232, 2004). The aim of our study was to determine within-breath changes in respiratory resistance (Rrs) and Xrs, as functions of tidal flow (V') and volume (V). Forced oscillations at 8 Hz were superimposed on quiet breathing in 44 COPD (GOLD III and IV) patients and 13 control subjects (C), and Rrs and Xrs estimated every 1/8 s. Values of Rrs and Xrs were compared at their extremes (min and max), values at minimum (vmin) and maximum volume (vmax), maximum inspiratory (ifmax) and expiratory flow (efmax), and the area of the Xrs vs V loop normalized for V (AXrs). Strong dependence of Rrs and Xrs on V' and V were observed in all subjects but with markedly different loop patterns in the two groups. The differences between COPD and C were highly significant in the group median values of AXrs (4.2 vs 0.5 hPa.s/l), Xrs(min) (-9.8 vs -2.1 hPa.s/l), Xrs(vmin) (-4.7 vs -0.5 hPa.s/l), and Xrs(efmax) (-4.8 vs -0.4 hPa.s/l), Rrs(ifmax) (5.1 vs 3.9 hPa.s/l), all P Tracking of oscillatory impedance can be accomplished easily with minimum demand for cooperation and no complex respiratory manoeuvres, and reveals characteristic within-breath changes in airway size and rheology. The development of flow limitation is seen in COPD.


A study has been carried out using MODTRAN 4.0 radiative transfer code simulations to calculate the brightness temperatures expected at the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) on board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA satellites series (7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19) by using Gaussian Referential Filter (GRF) and Gaussian Filter (GF) instead of filter Normalized Filter obtained from NOAA agency. The outputs of applying MODTRAN 4.0 are values of atmospheric parameters obtained by mathematical convolution using GRF and GF Filters. A detailed analysis of the total error in LST, d Total(Ts) , in function of AVHRR/NOAA satellites, shows that the algorithms are able to estimate accurate LST between a minimum of 1.256 K and a maximum of 1.415 K with amplitude of about 0.159 K. The validations show also that the algorithms are capable to produce LST with a standard deviation lower than 1.554 K and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) lower than 1.558 K. This result gives the opportunity to use the filter GF instead of filter Normalized Filter obtained from NOAA agency, in other studies by creation of GF filters centered in any region of the electromagnetic.


We study the bosonization of massless fermions in three-dimensional space-time. Using the path-integral approach as well as the operator formalism, we investigate new duality relations between fermionic and bosonic theories. In particular, we show that a theory of massless fermions is dual to three different, but equivalent bosonic theories which are quadratic in the bosonic fields: a non-local Maxwell- Chern-Simons-type theory, a non-local self-dual-type vector theory, and a local free massless bosonic theory. The equivalence is proven at the level of current correlation functions and current algebra analysis.


In this paper it is claimed that Bohm's holistic, realistic, causally deterministic, non-local theory of the relationship of mind and matter which is based on the key notion of "active information" suffers from an ill inductive reasoning. It is shown that the notion is a special case of the notion of pragmatic information as posed by Roederer which applies merely to natural living systems and artifacts (unnatural nonliving systems). So, the extension of the thesis of active information to the natural nonliving world would count as a violation of the key constituent concepts of pragmatic information and as an ill generalization of Bohm's thesis itself. Active information as 'mind' will be found in biological systems and in some artifacts which represent the biological mind. There is no reason to think of inanimate nature being driven by information. This, in turn, would lead to the substitution of empirical realism for realism which will modify Bohm's ideas to come even closer to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.

NeuroQuantology | June 2012 | Volume 10 | Issue 2 | Page 150-163


This paper estimates the potential economic effects on the Australian tourism industry from the introduction of an economy wide carbon tax to be introduced in July 2012. The manner in which the tax is expected to work is examined together with a discussion of some concerns that have been raised by the tourism industry regarding its impacts on Australia's destination competitiveness, industry profitability and employment. Dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling projects that the tax will lead to changes in key macroeconomic variables, reducing growth in real GDP, real consumption and employment. The simulation results also indicate that while some tourism industries in Australia will gain from the tax, most will experience contractions in output relative to baseline values in line with a general shrinkage of the tourism sector as a whole. In the light of the modelling simulations, the paper concludes with an assessment of the validity of the main stakeholder concerns regarding the implications of the tax for the Australian tourism industry.


Images are consuming the human-ness of the body. Present reconfigurations of humanity's goals have targeted the human body as a malleable tabula rasa formed by the etchings of an imagebased consumer society, the society of the spectacle. Sculpting the body as a medium of transcendence and idealizing its form as attainable perfection—the parameters of which come to us via Western paradigms of artistic beauty (from high art, to cinema, to commercial advertising)—are practices that drive us towards a very contested post-human realization. With the associated abandonment of ethical premises that once constituted the basis for social cohesion, Western societies are reformulating citizenship: social beings are defining their individual identities according to lego-aesthetics that, in fact, deny human individuality and encourage composite identities constructed on predetermined models of acceptability. Our virtual presentation (paper) will expose such practices, through a theoretical analysis of two different cultural texts: the first, a video commercial about plastic surgery (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua3sm5NhJ3s&feature=related) and the second, an x-ray pinup calendar(http://www.repubbica.it/tecnologia/2010/06/18/foto/calendari_ai_raggi_x-4945752/1/? ref=HRESS-2). These texts illustrate the processes of exposing and colonizing the "inner-self". The video promotes plastic surgery for its potential to deliver the human body's own while the pin-up eroticizes the female skeletal structure. These image-based constructions of reality have embarked upon phantasmagoria/immateriality as the body's final destination. We will expose these contemporary practices and transformations of social perceptions and representations of the body, through a critical and theoretical analysis.


This report summarizes the financial and production records of 8 Michigan feeder steer farms. To be included, the farms must have produced at least 50 percent of gross cash farm income from feeder steer sales. The records came from Michigan State University's TelFarm project and the Farm Credit Service system in Michigan. The values were pooled into averages for reporting purposes. Farm records were included if a farm financial summary was completed on 2004 data including beginning and ending balance sheets, plus income and expenses. The data were checked to verify that cash discrepancy was less than 10% of gross cash inflow and that debt discrepancy was less than $1,000. While considerable variation in the data exists, average values are reported in the summary tables below.


Public Speaking is often used to induce anxiety. The emotional stress elicited by the anticipation of delivering a public speech, however, is usually confounded with the mental stress of speech preparation. In order to separate the effects of the emotional from those of the mental stress factor, only half of the subjects were informed about the topic of the speech at the beginning of the anticipation period, whereas the other half were told about the topic at a later time. In a pilot study, the effects of this variation were tested under a condition in which the subjects were told that the speech would be videotaped as an anxiety-provoking and under an emotionally neutral control condition. The main experiment involved an additional condition with a simulated audience designed to intensify the impact of the emotional stress component ("strong anxiety"). Self-reports on present state and cardio-vascular and electrodermal responses were measured in n = 12 subjects in both studies. Knowledge of the speech topic did not affect the subjective anxiety-inducing effects of public speaking. Physiologically arousing effects, however, could be shown without knowledge of the topic only in some variables and only under the "strong anxiety"-provoking condition. In studying public speaking anxiety, confounding with the mental stress of speech preparation should therefore be avoided and a more differentiated interpretation of the physiological effects should be made.


The purpose of this paper is to revisit the question of what factors influence cell phone banking adoption in South Africa, in the light of an earlier study conducted by Brown, Cajee and Davis. Brown et al. found that in 2002 despite the availability of cell phone banking, very few bank customers were making use of it. Hence a survey was conducted amongst potential users, rather than actual users. In this study conducted in 2010, an updated cell phone banking adoption framework drawing from more recent literature was employed, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst a sample of cell phone subscribers, a large proportion of whom were cell phone banking users, rather than just potential users. A total of 220 responses were gathered and the data were analyzed through partial least squares with structural equation modeling, as well as regression splines. The results show that utility expectancy and user satisfaction play a key determinant role in the adoption behavior of cell phone banking users in South Africa.


The kinetics of the reduction of trioxoidate (V) ion by 1,4–benzenediol under pseudo-first order condition of an excess 1,4-benzenediol has been investigated in aqueous hydrochloric acid medium. The reaction conforms to a rate law: -d[IO3-] dt =k1K'[IO3-][H2Q][H+] The reaction rate was not affected by change in ionic strength and dielectric constant of the reaction medium. A mechanism consistent with the experimental findings has been proposed.


The research study was conducted during the summer season and work methodology was based on 5 treatments and 5 replications under corridor room temperature and air-conditioner from egg to adult at DPRI, SALU-Khaipur. The overall mean population of eggs laid (45.4) with eggs fertility (78.83%). The 1 stage instar took (2.78±0.30), 2 (4.58±0.41), 3 (4.02±0.33), 4 (5.48±0.41) and 5 (7.54±0.32) days, pupae (10.56) and total developmental days were (38.44). Thus; an adult male longevity (9.24) days and female was (11.00) besides; the total life span of male was observed (47.72) and female (49.61) days under corridor / natural room temperature. Thus; in air-condition room temperature, the first instar stage took (3.84±0.41), second (5.80±0.41), third (5.06±0.42), fourth (6.60±0.30) and fifth (7.86±0.64) with overall mean (27.00) days. The pupae took (11.26), with developmental (38.26) days and the adult male longevity (4.70) and female (8.38) days. The life span of male (45.6) and female was also observed (46.64) days. The minimum egg population laid by a female as compared to corridor room temperature with an overall mean population of fecundity was (15.33) female and fertility (83.14)%. The specimens were separated for proper male and female identification for all morphology and taxonomic characteristics. The sex ratio was found quite same in both temperatures but found fluctuation of day's consumption in the life cycle. Body length and width measured in micrometers but larvae in millimetres. It is further recommended that the larval stages were the most voracious feeder at that times the management techniques.


Background: Vascular diseases are multifactorial and several risk factors may have synergetic effect on the global vascular risk. Among patients with diabetes, we investigated whether vitamin B6 species differ according to global cardiovascular risk. Methods: The present observational study included 122 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean (SD) age = 69.9 (9.1) years; 50% men). Concentrations of vitamin B6 vitamers were measured. Classical blood biomarkers and risk factors were used to compute a multivariate risk score. Results: Plasma concentrations of 4-pyridoxic acid were higher in patients with high risk versus those with low risk scores (48.2 (63.7) vs. 31.9 (15.0) nmol/L; p = 0.031). Plasma pyridoxine was significantly lowered in patients at high risk (2.8 (28.4) vs. 38.1 (127.8) nmol/L; p = 0.003). PAr index (4-pyridoxic acid/pyridoxal + pyridoxal 5′-phosphate) (1.05 (0.07) vs. 0.84 (0.06); p = 0.017) and the ratio of 4-pyridoxic acid/pyridoxine (7.0 (4.8) vs. 3.9 (3.2); p < 0.001) were higher in patients at high risk. After adjustment for cystatin C and C-reactive protein, only pyridoxine and 4-pyridoxic acid/pyridoxine ratio remained significantly different according to vascular risk scores. 4-Pyridoxic acid/pyridoxine ratio was the best marker to discriminate between patients according to their risk scores—area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence intervals (CI)) = 0.72 (0.62–0.81). 4-Pyridoxic acid/pyridoxine ratio was directly related to plasma levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Conclusion: Vitamin B6 metabolism was shifted in patients with multiple vascular risk factors. The catabolism to 4-pyridoxic acid was enhanced, whereas the catabolism to pyridoxine was lowered. High 4-Pyridoxic acid/pyridoxine ratio is independently associated with global cardiovascular risk.


: Ammonia has a very wide range of applications. Its worldwide production exceeds 230 million tonnes per year. Due to its properties, ammonia causes a serious threat to human life and health when released uncontrolled into the environment. Research carried out in the word shows that this substance may be effectively neutralised by absorption in water. The aim of research described in this paper is to determine the influence of key parameters of the micro- and macrostructure of water streams on the course of the ammonia absorption process. During the studies, different types of water nozzles were used, with similar efficiency and supply pressure, but characterised by different parameters of the micro- and macrostructure of the produced stream. The experiments were divided into two stages. In the first one, the macro- and microparameters of the streams were measured, while in the second one, the changes in ammonia concentration were established during delivering spray jet generation by different nozzles. Among the basic parameters of the macrostructure, the spray angle and liquid distribution in the jet (spray intensity) were determined, while for the microstructure, the droplet size distribution and mean droplet diameters were measured. Ammonia concentration was measured by means of a photoionisation detector (PID). In order to evaluate the absorption efficiency of different water spray jets, the apparent absorption rate ( k p ) and the half-time of concentration reduction ( t 1 / 2 ) in the kinetic range were established. The study has confirmed that atomised water jets are an effective method for neutralising ammonia released into the environment. The research has a practical aspect and shows that the structure of atomised water streams influence the course of the absorption process. Increasing the spray angle in a conical stream leads to an improvement in the quality of water atomisation and helps increase ammonia absorption. Moreover, it was also observed that for the absorption of spatial ammonia clouds, use should be made of nozzles generating streams with full spray cones and high uniformity of spray and dispersion.


Cellular sensing of most environmental cues involves receptors that affect a signal-transduction excitable network (STEN), which is coupled to a cytoskeletal excitable network (CEN). We show that the mechanism of sensing of nanoridges is fundamentally different. CEN activity occurs preferentially on nanoridges, whereas STEN activity is constrained between nanoridges. In the absence of STEN, waves disappear, but long-lasting F-actin puncta persist along the ridges. When CEN is suppressed, wave propagation is no longer constrained by nanoridges. A computational model reproduces these experimental observations. Our findings indicate that nanotopography is sensed directly by CEN, whereas STEN is only indirectly affected due to a CEN-STEN feedback loop. These results explain why texture sensing is robust, and acts cooperatively with multiple other guidance cues in complex microenvironments. One-Sentence Summary Cells sense nanotopography directly through their cytoskeletal dynamics, in a reversal of traditional signaling pathway hierarchies.


Following the end of World War II, local authorities were subjected to local representative bodies, which were an affiliated entity headed by a State National Council. Since 1 January 1973, local national council was empowered to act as both a national and basic local authority on behalf of a gmina (lowest level of administrative division) or a town with a neighbouring gmina. Whereas a gmina's or town and gmina's governor served as a one-man administrative and executive body. The author presents the interrelated activity of national councils and local administrative bodies across Poland in 1973-1990 based on the example of the Municipal and Communal National Council as well as the Municipal and Communal Office both based in Łosice. He portrays these authorities in respect to archival research, describes their structural history as those responsible for compiling documents and characterizes archival records created by them.


Many marine robots, including industry and institution-grade systems, rely on substandard propellers for thrust. This is especially true in small systems. Many of these systems are moving toward onboard power, which is often restricted. Inefficient propulsion becomes a major design problem in these vehicles. Using computational tools, we design, test, and evaluate a small-diameter ducted contrarotating propulsor with a high thrust coefficient. We perform a parametric study to determine the optimum operating point and match a motor and gearbox to the propulsor. A three-dimensional vortex lattice code is then used in conjunction with a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) flow solver to adjust the mean camber surface of the propeller blades and to determine the desired duct offsets. The propellers and duct are manufactured using computer-numerical-controlled machines, as are the components for the motor housing and the miter gearbox used to achieve contrarotation. Propulsors are assembled for use on the MIT ROV and for testing in the recirculating water tunnel at the MIT Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory. Propulsion tests are conducted to determine KT, KQ, and eta at different rotation speeds. Results show good agreement with design and modeling, with some extra losses due to manufacturing roughness and other unmodeled factors. Propulsors were installed on the MIT ROV Team's entry into the Annual MATE ROV Competition, and performed well in real-world conditions. Lessons learned in testing and missions at the competition identified some points for future improvement in the design


In normal muscle there is a delicate balance between muscle protein synthesis and protein degradation. It is believed that this balance is disturbed in muscular dystrophy (MD) by decreased muscle protein synthesis and/or increased muscle protein degradation, resulting in net catabolism. In an attempt to reduce or reverse this catabolism, a high protein diet (HPD, 50% protein) was fed to dystrophic mice (129/ReJ dy) for 4 wk. The effects on muscle biochemistry, muscle function and muscle morphology were compared with those in dystrophic mice fed a normal diet (NPD, 20% protein) and in nondystrophic mice (NORM) also fed the 20% protein diet. Compared with NORM mice, NPD mice demonstrated greater rates of muscle protein synthesis (P < 0.05) as measured by the incorporation of labeled phenylalanine into muscle, greater protein degradation (P < 0.01) as measured by urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion, and lower muscle protein concentration (P < 0.01). When dystrophic mice were fed HPD for 4 wk, protein degradation was lower (P < 0.01) and muscle protein concentration greater (P < 0.01) than in NPD mice. These biochemical improvements were accompanied by greater morphological uniformity of muscle fibers, higher volume density of muscle fibers per unit area of muscle (P < 0.01), and lower shape factor (P < 0.01). Functionally, HPD led to improved muscle endurance (P < 0.01) and increased hind-limb utilization (P 0.01). We conclude that in murine dystrophy, HPD decreases net muscle catabolism, principally by decreasing muscle protein degradation, resulting in improvement in muscle morphology, strength and function.


In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ is the second messenger of various physiological processes, including the excitation-contraction coupling phenomenon. Here, we examined how Ca2+ regulates cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Using an adult rat ventricular myocyte culture model, we found that ceramide (Cer) induces an apoptotic process that is highly sensitive to calcium: it is inhibited by the Ca2+buffer BAPTA-AM and is potentiated by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. Cer-treated myocytes maintained their Ca2+ homeostasis and normal activity of their voltage-dependent sarcolemmal Ca2+ entry pathways but showed enhanced activity of B-type Ca2+ channels that were stimulated by Cer in the inside-out patch clamp configuration. Pharmacological modulations of B-type Ca2+ channels modulated Cer-induced apoptosis. Mitochondria were involved in Cer-induced apoptosis, as indicated by the inhibitory effect of cyclosporine A and caspase-9 inhibitor. Both the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the caspase-9 activation in Cer-treated myocytes were attenuated by blocking B-type Ca2+ channels. The mitochondrial Ca2+ content was evaluated as changes in [Ca2+]i after a short application of a mitochondrial uncoupler, FCCP, was increased in Cer-treated cells. Together, these results show that Ca2+ modulates Cer-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis through the coupling of B-type Ca2+ channels with mitochondria.


Academic review writing is not merely about providing an overview but taking a stance and evaluating other scholars' views in evaluation-loaded texts. In academic review genres, the authors describe, analyse, and evaluate the developments of a research. Perhaps the most noticeable way of such an evaluation in academic review genres is the use of attitudinal lexicon and its categories. The main aim of this research is (1) to investigate what type of attitude markers are frequently used to enhance evaluation in the review articles, and (2) to analyse their functions in the different analytical sections of the review articles. The data, drawn from a randomly selected corpus of thirty-two review articles, was analysed using Wordsmith tools (Scott, 2012) to investigate how evaluation was enhanced by the use of attitudinal lexicon. The results indicated that the attitude markers were more frequent in the Conclusion section than other analytical sections in the corpus. Four types of attitude markers were identified, however only two types (i.e. attitudinal adjectives and adverbs) were the most frequent markers. They appeared more frequently in Move2 and Move3 of the Conclusion sections. This study revealed how the authors professionally communicate with their readers to clarify their evaluation through attitude markers and express importance, limitations and gaps, compare and contrast, and praise and criticize the developments of a research in applied linguistics. The findings of this research can be drawn on in EAP courses for novice writers to facilitate their achievement in academic writing.


The new family Andesianidae is proposed for the genus Andesiana, consisting of three previously described species, A. brunnea Gentili, A. lamellata Gentili and A. similis Gentili, from southern Argentina and Chile. Originally described in the ditrysian family Cossidae, Andesiana has been found to possess a monotrysian female reproductive system. The principal autapomorphies for the family are the elongate second segment of the labial palpi, presence of a male tibial pouch and associated femoral hair pencil and, within the monotrysian Heteroneura, possibly the strongly dimorphic antennae (broadly bipectinate in male, filiform in female). Other significant characters of the group include a greatly reduced haustellum, male genitalia with a broad vinculum, acuminate uncus, scutiform juxta and a pronounced saccular lobe of the valva that bears a subapical, setose appendage within a shallow, mesal cavity. The female genitalia possess a short cloaca and paired anal papillae and lack signa. Although known to be retained only in the female of A. lamellata, the presence of a two-branched Rs in the hindwing may indicate an origin of the Andesianidae basal to the Nepticuloidea. In contrast, the structure of the wing coupling apparatus for the family suggests a later appearance. Because no synapomorphy is known linking the Andesianidae with any other superfamily, the new superfamily, Andesianoidea, is proposed.


A Bucket Elevator is a material handling equipment. It can elevate variety of bulk materials from light to heavy and from fine to large lumps. It consists of endless chain drive & on which metallic buckets are fixed. Bucket elevators always faces problem during buildup loads. In order to overcome this problem high capacity bucket is to be designed which will carry higher loads. This can achieve by using different materials. As new materials are developed and quality materials become more readily available, then changes in design have been made to adapt to these materials. Different iterations will be carried out to serve the best material. Also, bucket elevators often experience certain vibration while carrying a material. So the modal analysis will be done to find its natural frequency. For this a 3D model of bucket of elevator will be modeled in CATIAV5, meshing will be carried out in HYPERMESH, and ANSYS will be used for post processing. Based on results material optimization will be carried out and through re-iteration best material will be suggested. Results obtained from numerical method will be validated with the experimental results


Much has been written and researched about the workplace attitude and values system of the Millennials. However, much is not known about the role HR practices play in influencing these and leading to Higher engagement level, performance and intention to stay/leave. The present paper aims to examine how HR practices influence workplace attitude and Values system of millennials and facilitate their integration with the organisation. Employee engagement. Employee performance and turnover intention among millennials are a function of workplace attitude and values system that HR practices can influence to the benefit of the organisation. Under the theoretical underpinnings of Social Exchange Theory (SET) a model was proposed and tested using SPSS version 21 and AMOS. The results indicate that Rewards & Recognition, Training & Development and Job Security significantly influenced Employee Engagement. Further Employee Engagement significantly influenced Employee performance. However, no significant relation was found between Employee Engagement and Turnover Intention. The implications and limitations of the studies are further discussed.


In this work, we propose to combine the monotone property of dynamical systems with sensor placement techniques to design efficient set-membership state estimators. The basic idea exploited in this approach consists in decomposing the system as an interconnection of monotone subsystems where the input of each subsystem is a function of the outputs of the remainder subsystems. Thereby, the sensors placement is dictated by this monotone decomposition of the original system. Due to the new configuration of the system, one can efficiently cope with the pessimism propagation linked to set-membership computation and so one can enhance substantially the accuracy of the estimated time-varying state enclosure. Two versions of this guaranteed state estimation approach are presented. The first one is based on the principle of output injections. The second version relies on an event-triggered policy, which reduces greatly the use of measurements. In fact, with this policy, the measurements are used only when it is necessary.


In densely populated coastal areas with sea-level rise (SLR), protecting the shorelines against erosion due to the wave impact is crucial. Along with many engineered structures like seawalls and breakwaters, there are also green structures like constructed oyster reefs (CORs) that can not only attenuate the incident waves but also grow and maintain pace with SLR. However, there is a lack of data and understanding of the long-term wave attenuation capacity of the living shoreline structures under SLR. In this study, we used the phase-resolving Boussinesq model, FUNWAVE-TVD, to examine the hydrodynamics including wave height and wave-induced currents around the CORs in the Gandys Beach living shoreline project area in the upper Delaware Bay, United States. Waves were measured at six locations (offshore to onshore, with and without CORs) in the Gandys Beach living shoreline project area for two winter months, during which four nor'easters occurred. We selected three cases that represent prevailing wind, wave, and tide conditions to examine the fine spatial and temporal changes in wave height and current velocity by the construction of the reefs. Wave heights and wave energy spectra generated from FUNWAVE-TVD were then validated with field observations. It is found that FUNWAVE-TVD is capable of simulating waves and associated hydrodynamic processes that interact with CORs. The model results show that wave attenuation rates vary with the incident wave properties and water depth, and wave-induced circulation patterns are affected by the CORs. The wave attenuation capacity of CORs over the next 100 years was simulated with the incorporation of the oyster reef optimal growth zone. Our study found that sustainable wave attenuation capacity can only be achieved when suitable habitat for COR is provided, thus it can vertically grow with SLR. Suitable habitat includes optimal intertidal inundation duration, current velocity for larval transport and settlement, on-reef oyster survival and growth, and other environmental conditions including salinity, temperature, and nutrient availability. Furthermore, the model results suggest that it would take CORs approximately 9 years after construction to reach and maintain the maximum wave attenuation capacity in sustainable living shorelines.


Secular variation of the Earth's main magnetic field is believed to originate in the Earth's core. (The main field is operationally defined as comprising spherical harmonics of degree l⩽10.) I propose a different mechanism of secular variation: ocean water being a conductor of electricity, the magnetic field induced by the ocean as it flows through the Earth's main field may depend on time and manifest itself globally as secular variation. This proposal is supported by calculation of secular variation using the induction equation of magnetohydrodynamics, the observed main field and the ocean flow field. The predicted secular variation is in rough agreement with that observed. Additional support is provided by the striking temporal correlation (hitherto unsuspected) between the intensity of the North Atlantic oceanic circulation and the rate of secular variation in Western Europe; this explains, in particular, the geomagnetic jerks, and the recently discovered correlation between secular variation and climate. Spatial correlation between ocean currents and secular variation is also strong.


BACKGROUND
The genomic approach has deeply changed the microbiology perspective, mainly concerning the microbioma identification. In this regard, some microbes colonize the healthy vagina. Vaginitis is a common gynecological ailment and includes bacterial vaginosis (BV), usually caused by local dysbiosis, such as a microbiota imbalance. Lactobacilli are the most prevalent bacteria colonizing the healthy vagina, so guaranteeing local eubiosis. In particular, vaginal colonization by L. crispatus is associated with low susceptibility to BV. Therefore, probiotics, such as life bacteria providing health advantages, are a current strategy in the prevention or treatment of vaginitis, including BV. However, there is a low level of evidence that probiotics after ingestion could really colonize the vagina. In particular, no study evidenced that L crispatus after ingestion can colonize vagina. Therefore, the current study explored the capacity of Biovaginil® (dietary supplement containing Lactobacillus crispatus NTCVAG04 and vitamin A) to colonize the gut and vagina in women with a history of vaginitis/vaginosis.

RESULTS
Twenty fertile females (mean age 34.0 years) were enrolled in the study. Rectal and vaginal swabs were collected at baseline and after the first and second cycle of Biovaginil®. Each cycle lasted 14 days within two consecutive menstrual periods. Seven women were excluded from the analysis because the samples were technically not evaluable. One woman dropped out because of mild adverse event. At the end of the study, 9 women (75%) had positive rectal swab for L. crispatus NTCVAG04, and 8 of them also had positive vaginal swab.

CONCLUSIONS
The current study provided the first evidence that L. crispatus NTCVAG04, administered by two Biovaginil® courses, colonized both the gut and vagina. Moreover, the L. crispatus NTCVAG04 strain could be considered the archetype of a new class of oral probiotics that actively colonize the vagina, and that could be called "colpobiotics.


Abstract Language, as discourse, largely determines one's perception of the world, including one's own identity and the identity of others. As a subject of discourse, one is generally unaware of the manner in which ideological assumptions dictate one's thoughts and actions. It is only when underlying ideological tenets are made explicit that one is given the opportunity to evaluate the validity of such assumptions and, if desired, reposition oneself with regard to the discoursal context. The role of the analyst, explains Lacan, is to facilitate a journey of exposure in which the analysand is made aware of pertinent issues influencing their thought processes and behaviour, thus allowing them to assume agency in dealing with them. Along with Lacan, this article argues that the analyst's discourse can be initiated in the context of a larger group - in this case, a first-year university classroom. Student reflections accurately reflect that - as Lacan suggests - individuals as subjects of discourse are able to reposition themselves with regard to influential discourses in their contexts. The example discussed in this article proves that this process of change can be facilitated through activating the discourse of the analyst through the strategic compilation of a module or programme.


With the proliferation of potential prognostic factors for lung cancer, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to integrate the information provided by these factors into a single accurate prediction of clinical outcome. Here we reviewed five classification methods for their capabilities in classification of 200 patients with lung cancer into distinct prognostic groups using survival outcome as a criteria. The source of patient data for this study is a Lung Tumour Registry from Institute for Lung Diseases, University Clinical Hospital, Belgrade. Almost all developed classification algorithms determined prognostic groups according to biochemical tumour markers LDH and alkaline phosphatase, producing most significant split, instead of commonly used staging variables. The choice of which approach to use for a given classification problem depends not only on statistical properties of method, but also on medical considerations, such as whether more differential findings are given greater weight and the applicability of a classification rule.


Today most of people are e-reader. Gujarati documents are mostly in hardcopy; very less e-material is available. For converting those hardcopies into editable text form we need digitization. Optical Character Recognition is a technique for converting scanned documents into digitized text. So also for Gujarati language, optical character recognition system is required. For the recognition of printed characters of Indian languages like Gujarati, Marathi and many more; optical character recognition is required. Efforts of many researchers are going on for developing efficient OCR systems for Indian languages, especially for Gujarati, a popular language state Gujarat. There is very less material available for Gujarati script. Devnagari language is the base of Gujarati language. Only difference is shirorekha. Since 1999, efforts are going on for Gujarati character recognition but still that much accuracy cannot be obtained as compared to other Indic languages.


SUMMARY Ocean acidification due to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations results in a decrease in seawater pH and shifts in the carbonate chemistry that can negatively affect marine organisms. Marine bivalves such as the hard-shell clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, serve as ecosystem engineers in estuaries and coastal zones of the western Atlantic and, as for many marine calcifiers, are sensitive to the impacts of ocean acidification. In estuaries, the effects of ocean acidification can be exacerbated by low buffering capacity of brackish waters, acidic inputs from freshwaters and land, and/or the negative effects of salinity on the physiology of organisms. We determined the interactive effects of 21 weeks of exposure to different levels of CO2 (~395, 800 and 1500 μatm corresponding to pH of 8.2, 8.1 and 7.7, respectively) and salinity (32 versus 16) on biomineralization, shell properties and energy metabolism of juvenile hard-shell clams. Low salinity had profound effects on survival, energy metabolism and biomineralization of hard-shell clams and modulated their responses to elevated PCO2. Negative effects of low salinity in juvenile clams were mostly due to the strongly elevated basal energy demand, indicating energy deficiency, that led to reduced growth, elevated mortality and impaired shell maintenance (evidenced by the extensive damage to the periostracum). The effects of elevated PCO2 on physiology and biomineralization of hard-shell clams were more complex. Elevated PCO2 (~800–1500 μatm) had no significant effects on standard metabolic rates (indicative of the basal energy demand), but affected growth and shell mechanical properties in juvenile clams. Moderate hypercapnia (~800 μatm PCO2) increased shell and tissue growth and reduced mortality of juvenile clams in high salinity exposures; however, these effects were abolished under the low salinity conditions or at high PCO2 (~1500 μatm). Mechanical properties of the shell (measured as microhardness and fracture toughness of the shells) were negatively affected by elevated CO2 alone or in combination with low salinity, which may have important implications for protection against predators or environmental stressors. Our data indicate that environmental salinity can strongly modulate responses to ocean acidification in hard-shell clams and thus should be taken into account when predicting the effects of ocean acidification on estuarine bivalves.


The integration of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and radio-over-fiber (RoF) techniques have made cost-effective and high-data-rate mobile wireless Internet networks possible, such as wireless broadband networks. This paper describes the distortion effects of OFDM signals fed via an RF amplifier integrated with an RoF link employing active and passive electroabsorption modulators (EAM) for chiefly broadband in-building network applications. First, peak-to-average power ratio was investigated for RoF links. Second, the adjacent channel power ratio, which estimates the degree of spectral re- growth due to the in-band and out-of-band interference resulting from distortion effects from nonlinear amplification, error vector magnitude, and system distortion effects, was also observed for the proposed system. In this study, we considered a combined Volterra-series and impulse response-based analytical model for WiBro systems and compared it to the observed measurements. We analyzed the different nonlinear distortion effects for OFDM signals driven via an RF amplifier that was integrated with an RoF link employing a distributed feedback laser as a transmitter and an active and passive InP EAM as a receiver. The results show significant agreement between the suggested analytical model and the measurement case. This study is unique in that it examines the distortion effects of RoF links with active and passive EAMs as an access point for OFDM-based wireless access networks.


The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a large multifunctional cell surface membrane receptor capable of binding over 50 ligands. These include molecules important in Alzheimer's disease such as the amyloid β-protein precursor (AβPP), the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Full length LRP consists of a 515 kDa extracellular ligand binding α-chain and an 85 kDa membrane spanning β-chain. A soluble form of LRP (sLRP) present in human plasma retains the ability to bind ligands, including Aβ. This soluble form is an ectodomain fragment generated from the membrane bound form of the receptor by proteolytic cleavage. Here we report data demonstrating that some commercial 'serum-free' supplements and 'serum-free' media contain unlisted sLRP immunoreactive species that may reflect the presence of undefined serum protein extracts in these 'serum-free' preparations. This has the potential to interfere with experimental results and interpretation in a range of cell culture studies involving LRP or any of its ligands and possibly also other serum proteins.


The interest in dextran hydrogels for soft tissue engineering has increased due to their great biocompatibility and capability to reduce nonspecific protein adsorption and cell attachment. However, these properties are not sufficient for dextran hydrogels to fulfill their role to work as a tissue engineering scaffold candidate. In addition, the scaffold should have controllable degradability and functionality to conjugate bioactive moieties to facilitate tissue growth and regeneration. Therefore, a peptide cross-linked, enzyme degradable zwitterionic carboxybetaine functionalized dextran (CB-Dex) hydrogel was synthesized and studied. After the incorporation of the carboxybetaine group into dextran, the dextran hydrogel obtained excellent antifouling properties to resist the attachment of bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) adhesion with a surface density as low as 5.5 × 102 per cm2 and meanwhile CB-Dex does not compromise the low toxicity of natural dextran. In addition, the CB-Dex hydrogel was hydrolytically stable in PBS solution and can be degraded completely within 8 hours when exposed to 0.1 mg mL−1 of collagenase. Moreover, the zwitterionic hydrogel was functionalized with the cell-adhesion peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)) and found to enhance cell adhesion with the cell coverage density increased to 1.3 × 104 per cm2. Together, these data suggest that the matrix metalloproteinase peptide cross-linked zwitterionic hydrogel with RGD would be advantageous in tissue engineering scaffold applications.


A robot, which is composed of adaptive mobile mechanism, is developed for the purpose of performing the internal inspection tasks of pipelines. Adaptability and efficiency are the basic considerations for this robot. Based on these concepts, a prototype is designed and fabricated. The proposed adaptive mobile mechanism equipped with one actuator can perform two working modes, a normal working mode and an assistant enhanced mode. Robot under the normal working mode is used for moving in pipe or monitoring the inner surface of the pipe. On the other hand, robot under the assistant enhanced mode will produce a larger torque to help itself surmount an obstacle in the pipe without any other driving actuator. This special feature is achieved by applying a power transmission mechanism. The rotation problem of the stator is solved according to the calculation results of the robot kinematics. Basic experiments have been conducted to testify the adaptability and efficiency of the robot.


This paper describes lq-text, an inverted index text retrieval package written by the author. Inverted index text retrieval provides a fast and effective way of searching large amounts of text. This is implemented by making an index to all of the natural-language words that occur in the text. The actual text remains unaltered in place, or, if desired, can be compressed or archived; the index allows rapid searching even if the data files have been altogether removed.

The design and implementation of lq-text are discussed, and performance measurements are given for comparison with other text searching programs such as grep and agrep. The functionality provided is compared briefly with other packages such as glimpse and zbrowser.

The lq-text package is available in source form, has been successfully integrated into a number of other systems and products, and is in use at over 100 sites.


Obesity rates continue to rise in children and adults alike in the United States and represent a significant threat to public health and economic well-being. Many factors have contributed to the obesity equation, including the widespread availability and appeal of ultra-processed food and drink. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) represent one such drink, as a critical examination of the available evidence reveals a clear link between their consumption and increased risks of obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Taxing SSB purchases therefore presents a potentially valuable means of making a dent in the contribution of one key risk factor to the obesity equation, though the beverage industry has fought against the enactment of these taxes and has instead promoted a generally unclear public health stance on SSBs. This paper explores existing SSB excise taxes that have been implemented in recent years, focusing especially on Philadelphia's tax as a case study for examining the behavioral changes associated with SSB taxes and the management of SSB tax revenue. It then suggests that SSB tax revenue be directly funneled into the subsidization of fruits and vegetables to maximize the obesity-fighting potential of these relatively novel excise taxes.


After the publication of Goleman's (1995) best-selling book 'Emotional Intelligence' the term drew attention scholars (Algera, 2011) in terms of ensuring social and universal unity and for study. Due to development of technology, increasing social unrest and competition social relationships have been declining and individualism has been arising in parallel with the rapid emotional understanding and control has arisen in order to each individual accepts and works in cooperation with an individual from another culture. But there is no valid scientific tool for measuring this important emotional intelligence behavior in Bangladesh culture. So, considering the significance of the tool, the purpose of the present study was to translate the instrument into Bangla and validate in Bangladeshi culture. A grand total of 1000 participants (491 males and 509 females) participated in the study. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) which was administered on sample 1 (n = 500) identified a seven-factor of the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) with 33 items. The seven factors explained 56.60% of the total variance. When analyzed the data for sample 2 (n = 500) in Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), it revealed that the seven-factor model with 33 items is an acceptable fit [χ 2 (469) = 1325.99, RMSEA = .06, RMR = .08, CFI = .87, GFI = .86] model to the data. Moreover, the EIS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .93 for the 1st sample, .92 for the 2nd , and combined sample), strong convergent, and discriminant validity. Thus, the Bangla version EIS appears to be valid and reliable and may be used in further research on emotional intelligence behavior in the country.


Online learning to rank (OL2R) has attracted great research interests in recent years, thanks to its advantages in avoiding expensive relevance labeling as required in offline supervised ranking model learning. Such a solution explores the unknowns (e.g., intentionally present selected results on top positions) to improve its relevance estimation. This however triggers concerns on its ranking fairness: different groups of items might receive differential treatments during the course of OL2R. But existing fair ranking solutions usually require the knowledge of result relevance or a performing ranker beforehand, which contradicts with the setting of OL2R and thus cannot be directly applied to guarantee fairness. In this work, we propose a general framework to achieve fairness defined by group exposure in OL2R. The key idea is to calibrate exploration and exploitation for fairness control, relevance learning and online ranking quality. In particular, when the model is exploring a set of results for relevance feedback, we confine the exploration within a subset of random permutations, where fairness across groups is maintained while the feedback is still unbiased. Theoretically we prove such a strategy introduces minimum distortion in OL2R's regret to obtain fairness. Extensive empirical analysis is performed on two public learning to rank benchmark datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution compared to existing fair OL2R solutions.