It is well known that the Gutenberg-Richter power law distribution has to be modified for large seismic moments because of energy conservation and geometrical reasons. Several models have been proposed, either in terms of a second power law with a larger b-value beyond a crossover magnitude, or based on a "hard" magnitude cut-off or a "soft" magnitude cut-off using an exponential taper. Since large-scale tectonic deformation is dominated by the very largest earthquakes, and since their impact on loss of life and properties is huge, it is of great importance to constrain as much as possible the shape of their distribution. We present a simple and powerful probabilistic theoretical approach that shows that the gamma distribution is the best model given the two hypotheses that the Gutenberg-Richter power law distribution holds in absence of any condition and that one or several constraints are imposed, either based on conservation laws or on the nature of the observations themselves. The selection of the gamma distribution does not depend on the specific nature of the constraint. We illustrate the approach with two constraints: the existence of a finite moment release rate and the observation of the size of a maximum earthquake in a finite catalog. Our predicted "soft" maximum magnitudes compare favorably with those obtained by Kagan for the Flinn-Engdahl regionalization of subduction zones, collision zones, and midocean ridges.


The recovery in the dark of the early receptor potential, as a direct manifestation of the state of the visual pigments, has been studied by intracellular recording in the ventral photoreceptors of Limulus and lateral photoreceptors of Balanus. The recovery is exponential with 1/e time constants of about 80 ms at 24°C for both preparations and 1800 ms at 4°C for Balanus. The 24°C rate extrapolates to total recovery of the pigment within 2 s. The later part of the dark adaptation of the late receptor potential, which may take from seconds to minutes in these preparations, appears thus to be unrelated to the state of the pigment.


Hay and pasture crops are critical to Kentucky Agriculture and to that of the entire temperate region of the US. The sale of cattle, calves and dairy products provide 29% of Kentucky's farm income compared with 23% for tobacco. Beef cowcalf enterprises comprise the majority of cattle numbers in the state, however, dairy production is also significant. A substantial horse industry also exists in Kentucky which is an excellent market for high quality alfalfa hay. At present a substantial amount of alfalfa for feeding horses in the state is imported.


Certain stochastic models used in population genetics have the form of Markov processes in which a group of N points moves randomly on a line, and in which an equilibrium distribution exists for the relative configuration of the group. The properties of this equilibrium are studied, with particular reference to a certain limiting situation as N becomes large. In this limit the group of points is distributed like a large sample from a distribution which is itself subject to random variation.


The aim of this study is to investigate the value of hemodynamic changes induced by carotid sinus massage (CSM) on the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). A total 108 patients (mean age, 54 ±10 years, range 33-70) who had no significant stenosis in the carotid artery by duplex ultrasonography (USG) and no history of syncope were included in this study. Carotid sinus massage was performed before coronary angiography with monitoring of electrocardio graphy and blood pressure. The patients were divided into three groups according to response to CSM: group 1 patients had a decrease in blood pressure or < 10 beats/minute (bpm); group 2 patients had a decrease between 10 and 20 bpm; and group 3 patients had >20 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure or > 20 bpm. Coronary angiography was performed after CSM in all patients. There was single-vessel disease (VD) in 23 cases, two-VD in 24 cases, and three-VD in 35 cases. Coronary angiography results were normal in 26 cases. The changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate before and after CSM correlated with number of VD. These changes were highest in patients with three-VD, but lowest in patients with normal coronary angiography. The number of diseased vessels and total coronary artery score were lowest in group 1, but highest in group 3. The specificity and sensitivity of CSM-induced > 10 mm Hg in blood pressure (BP) or > 10 bpm changes in heart rate in the diagnosis of CAD were 85% and 71 %, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 93% and 49%, respectively in the diagnosis of CAD. At the end of this study, we concluded that CSM induced the fall in blood pressure and heart rate and was correlated with number of diseased vessels and the score of coronary artery disease. As dichotomized values, the decrease of > 10 mm Hg in blood pressure and/or >10 bpm has highest specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value in the diagnosis of CAD.


Keith Cole grew up in Cairns, attended the local high school, and became the first in his family to attend university. Trained in physics and mathematics, he taught in secondary schools before joining the 1956 Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Macquarie Island as Auroral Physicist. This was the start of his lifelong career in space physics, exploring primarily the space environment of the Earth. He had a remarkable ability to identify the important physical processes underlying many phenomena, often when only limited data or observations were available. Thus early in his career he correctly explained several puzzling phenomena, particularly in the ionosphere and thermosphere, and quickly established himself as a leader in space physics, a position he maintained throughout his career. He also made very significant contributions as an educator (he was a Foundation Professor of Physics at La Trobe University) and through leadership positions in national and international science organizations.


BACKGROUND
Despite modern medications for peptic ulcers, patients frequently require emergency surgery for complications of ulcer disease. Many of these patients have coexisting medical problems which not only predispose to perforated ulcer disease, but also influence the clinical outcome. This study reviews the outcome of a group of patients with perforated ulcer disease and examines the influence of a range of comorbidity factors on the outcome.

METHODS
A retrospective chart review of all cases of perforated peptic occurring over a period of 9 years.

RESULTS
One hundred and forty-nine perforated peptic ulcers in 147 patients were diagnosed between 1987 and 1996. Coexisting malignancy, use of immunosuppressives or corticosteroids, pre-operative shock and admission to intensive care were all significantly associated with reperforation by univariate analysis. However, logistic regression analysis indicated that none of these factors independently predicted reperforation which, therefore, occurs as a multifactorial event with all the above factors contributing. Death from perforated ulcer disease was related to pre-operative shock, malignancy, admission to intensive care and reperforation when examined by univariate analysis. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that coexisting malignancy and reperforation were significant predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
Perforated peptic ulcer disease remains a frequent clinical problem in patients with short dyspeptic histories, who may or may not have been using ulcerogenic medications. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among an often aged and otherwise unwell group of patients. Patients with underlying malignant disease, who may be immunosuppressed with corticosteroids or cytotoxics, are at increased risk of dying from perforated ulcer disease. Reperforation of an ulcer, following simple closure or conservative treatment, is also highly predictive of increased mortality.


Introduction: Dengue Virus Infection (DVI) that affects the host cause
hematological, biochemical and immunological changes, as hemoglobin (Hb),
leukocytes (WBC), platelets (Plt), hematocrit (Hct), albumin (Alb), IgM, IgG, and
NS1Ag Dengue. The purpose of this study is to find out the profile of DVI
patients based on gender, age, nutritional status, Hb, WBC, Plt, Hct, Alb, dengue
serologic tests, and DVI stage.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study has conducted by using data from
medical records on patients that fulfilled the criteria. Patients in this study were 0-
18 years old with a positive Dengue serologic test, had laboratory results and had
been diagnosed while admitted to hospital, with no underlying blood disorder,
pregnancy and smoking. Research variables used are gender, age, nutritional
status, Hb, WBC, Plt, Hct, Alb, dengue serologic tests, and DVI stage. Collected
samples are using total sampling technique regarding to inclusion and exclusion
criteria.
Results: The study has found that from 74 subjects consisting of patients with DF
(33.78%), DHF I (27.03%), DHF II (4.05%), DHF III (25.68%), and DHF IV
(9.46%), subjects distribution are dominated by 6-12 years of age (48.65%) and
male (58.11%). Patients with normal nutritional status are dominating (50%).
Females and males are mostly with normal nutritional status (32.26%, 62.79%)
and dominated by DF (14.86%, 28.92%). Over-nutrition patients in DF, DHF
without shock and DHF with shock are 12.5%, 33.33%, and 54.17%. DF is
dominated by patients with <6 years old (17.57%), DHF I, DHF II, DHF III are
dominated by patients with 6-12 years old (14.86%, 2.70, 16.22%), and DHF IV
is dominated by patients with <6 years old (8.11%). This research showed an
increase in Hb levels from DF to DHF; 38 of 74 DVI patients had leukopenia; the
lower Plt level the higher the DVI stage; Hct increase in DHF patients; albumins
relatively low in DHF; Primary infection is more prevalent in DF, whereas
secondary infection is more prevalent in DHF with shock; there is a difference
between over-nutrition on the stages of DVI in patients in Dr. Soetomo General
Hospital Surabaya 2015.


Andrographolide (AG) is known to possess some pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-dengue, anti-tumor and anti-tuberculosis. Green extraction techniques such as ultrasound and microwave have shown the effectiveness in extracting high purity AG from Andrographis paniculata or Sinta. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), which operates at non-thermal conditions, prevents the thermal degradation of AG while microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) allows an increased extraction yield. This study aimed to determine the effect of sequential ultrasound- microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE) in the yield of AG and its bioactivity assessment. The UAE obtained its highest AG yield of 539.24 mg L-1 at 10 minutes sonication time and MAE with 781.65 mg L-1 at 5 minutes irradiation time with 420 W microwave power. The UMAE obtained the highest AG yield of 1,066.49 mg L-1 when sequentially exposed to 10 minutes sonication and 10 min irradiation with a microwave power of 280 W. Cytotoxic activity testing of Sinta extract containing AG from UMAE confirmed a lethal concentration (LC50) with value at 76.02 mg L-1. Furthermore, it has an intermediate susceptibility to Escherichia coli but resistant to both Bacillus clausii and Klebsiella spp., highlighting the potential of its valuable medicinal applications.


In this work we demonstrate the angular color stability of textured c-Si substrates colored by single layer thin film coatings of SiN x. These coatings show higher angular color stability on substrates with a random upright pyramidal surface texture compared to identical coatings on planar silicon substrates. Angle dependent reflectance measurements, supported by a modeling framework, display that the reflectance peaks originating from thin film interference of coated textured substrates only shift about 15 nm with an increasing angle of incidence from 10 ° to 80 °, while the reflectance peaks of planar substrates with identical coatings shift about 120 nm at these angles. More specifically, reflectance peaks of planar substrates shift to shorter wavelengths, leading to a blue shift of the color appearance. The stable peak position of the textured samples is explained by a 2D representation of their surface texture and the primarily double interference interaction on it. While it is well known that a wide range of colors can be realized exhibiting low optical losses with thin film coatings, angular color stability was often not taken into account. However, for building integrated photovoltaics applications, a high angular color stability is desired, underlining the importance of using these textures. In most installed c-Si photovoltaics, similar substrate surface textures and dielectric thin film layers are already used. Therefore, this work envisions a route to facilitate large scale production of colored solar cells on textured c-Si substrates, colored by thin film SiN x layers, with minimized optical losses and improved angular color stability.


We present a machine vision system for simultaneous and objective evaluation of two important functional attributes of a fabric, namely, soil release and shrinkage. Soil release corresponds to the efficacy of the fabric in releasing stains after laundering and shrinkage essentially quantifies the dimensional changes in the fabric postlaundering. Within the framework of the proposed machine vision scheme, the samples are prepared using a prescribed procedure and subsequently digitized using a commercially available off-the-shelf scanner. Shrinkage measurements in the lengthwise and widthwise directions are obtained by detecting and measuring the distance between two pairs of appropriately placed markers. In addition, these shrinkage markers help in producing estimates of the location of the center of the stain on the fabric image. Using this information, a customized adaptive statistical snake is initialized, which evolves based on region statistics to segment the stain. Once the stain is localized, appropriate measurements can be extracted from the stain and the background image that can help in objectively quantifying stain release. In addition, the statistical snakes algorithm has been parallelized on a graphical processing unit, which allows for rapid evolution of multiple snakes. This, in turn, translates to the fact that multiple stains can be detected and segmented in a computationally efficient fashion. Finally, the aforementioned scheme is validated on a sizeable set of fabric images and the promising nature of the results help in establishing the efficacy of the proposed approach.


The publication of Emanuel Vaskidovitch "Kratko izlozhenie za saedinenieto na dvete uchilishta Svishtovski" is known to the researchers, as an application of "Hristiyansko pouchenie ili sokrashtenie na Sveshtenniyata katihisisa" however to this day no researcher has commented upon the master copies which have been used for the making of the publication. "Kratko izlozhenie" in essence, it's the first printed draft for the communities` statute in the Bulgarian language. In the present article I demonstrate my thesis, that the author adjusts the only known published statute of Greek Orthodox community from the early 19th century "Sistyma i diatagai", compounded from Melenikon's citizens in 1813 is made known to the Bulgarian public. Source of unmatched value, this statute provides us with precious information for the development of the subsidiarity, for the entry of social elements in the Melenikon's administration, as for the rules which this happens.


Collagen hydrogels exhibited a contractile trend in simulated body fluid. In this study, the internal pore architecture and mechanical properties of collagen hydrogel prepared by radiation crosslinking was evaluated during contraction, and the effect of contractile collagen hydrogels on the biological behavior of fibroblasts were investigated in vitro, such as viability, proliferation, morphology, apoptosis, cycle, and stress fiber. The results showed that accompany with contraction of collagen hydrogel, the pore diameter of the hydrogels decreased and compressive modulus increased. However, fibroblasts can grow on contractile collagen hydrogels. Indeed, collagen hydrogel contracted from circumference to the interior, which retard the spreading of fibroblasts on the dynamic substrate and interrupted the initial attachment of the cell. However, contraction of collagen hydrogel had not only significant influence on the L929 cell proliferation, but also accelerated the apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis showed that contractile collagen hydrogel may promote cell cycle from G0/G1 phase to S phase, and DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were enhanced, but which may be different in contraction process. Therefore, as a scaffold for tissue engineering, the strategy for inhibition of the contraction of collagen hydrogel should be taken into account.


The aim of this book is to present a detailed manual of the authors' educational and skills-training programme to change aggressive to more prosocial behaviour in delinquent youth. The authors also provide critical reviews of previous research into the components of their programme, and the results of two initial evaluations of their intervention. The programme is based on the assumption of skills-deficits in delinquent youth, and covers three major areas of functioning: behavioural, affective (anger-control) and cognitive (moral reasoning). Each component is based on firm empirical evidence for effectiveness. The book is a model of clarity and logic, from its incisive critiques of the relevant research, to its detailed, step-wise presentation of the components and steps in the training programme. It is also admirably comprehensive in its intervention-approach as well as its guidelines on implementation, including an Administrator's Manual, and suggested solutions to many possible obstacles, including the youths' motivation. The two outcome studies reported significant effects with young offenders in both a community residence and a secure institution. The initial results are promising, though some questionable aspects of design remain, such as the control group used. The book is a model of "multi-modal" behaviour modification at its best. It presents an exciting advance which may be also applicable to other populations (e.g., adult prisoners, the mentally ill). The manual will be extremely useful to those working with youth (therapists, educators or administrators), for those who wish to train the trainers, for students of therapy, education and behaviour modification, and finally, for those who seek inspiration in structuring trainers' manuals and programmes for groups with behaviour deficits generally.


In this paper, robust multi-level perturbation and observation (MLPO) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control are presented of the environmental change including the solar radiation and temperature. Because the maximum power point of the Photovoltaic (PV) is changing according to the solar radiation and temperature, the technology which traces the maximum power point in order to increase the power efficiency is recognized as the very important part. The general requirement for the MPPT is that system is simple, the cost is inexpensive, the PV tracking function and output change are small. Conventional perturbation and observation (PO) method is a simple system but there is the disadvantage that an efficiency of system becomes low. In addation, the incremental conductance (IC) control is required expensive CPU because of a large of calculations. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, the MLPO MPPT control using the method diversifying the step size according to the environment condition is presented. The validity of the MLPO method presenting from this paper is proved through analyzing the solar power generation output error at the steady state.


Intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect has been widely studied in both small molecules and linear polymers. Covalently-bonded donor-acceptor pairs with tunable bandgaps and photoelectric properties endow these materials with potential applications in optoelectronics, fluorescent bioimaging, and sensors, etc. However, owing to the lack of charge transfer pathway or effective separation of charge carriers, unfavorable charge recombination gives rise to inevitable energy loss. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be mediated with various geometry- and property-tailored building blocks, where donor (D) and acceptor (A) segments are connected by covalent bonds and can be finely arranged to form highly ordered networks (namely D-A COFs). The unique structural features of D-A COFs render the formation of segregated D-A stacks, thus provides pathways and channels for effective charge carriers transport. This minireview highlights the significant progress on D-A COFs over the past decade with emphasis on design principles, growing structural diversities, and promising application potentials.


This study identifies differences of global timber models in its three different versions by comparing marginal abatement cost. The forest-only model has a relatively linear marginal cost curve; the other two models show concave cost curves, indicating that the marginal cost for carbon sequestration increases faster than in the forest-only model. Such basic differences among the models may be caused by the characteristics of the CET(Constant Elasticity of Transformation) model. The differences between the forest-only model and CET model are more narrowed when CET results are converted to physical units. This study contributes to the enhancement of the understanding of GTM development and provides foundation for future studies to improve global timber modeling.


Aim: To review hemophilia A with emphasis on its oral manifestations, investigations, and dental management. Materials and Methods: Search was conducted using internet-based search engines, scholarly bibliographic databases, PubMed, and Medline with key words such as "Hemophilia A," "factor VIII," "bleeding and clotting disorders," and "dental management." Results: Hemophilia comprises a group of hereditary disorders caused due to the deficiency of one or more clotting factors leading to prolonged clotting time and excessive bleeding tendencies. It is broadly divided into hemophilia A, B, and C, which occur due to deficiency of factor VIII, IX, and XI, respectively. Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive hereditary disorder and is the most common of the three, accounting for 80–85% of the cases. Conclusion: Understanding this complex entity is very important for a dentist to provide appropriate dental treatment and avoid undesirable consequences.


H ideo Ozawa sensei was the Founder and Chairman of the Board of NIDEK Company Ltd (Gamagori, Japan). He is well known in business and ophthalmic circles for establishing one of the preeminent ophthalmic instrument companies in the world, which today operates in approximately 100 countries. Ozawa sensei received the prestigious "Order of the Rising Sun" award from the Emperor of Japan in 2004. Less well known are his efforts in biology, exemplifi ed by his establishment of a separate company in Gamagori—Japan Tissue Engineering Co Ltd (J-TEC)— where research is aimed at novel pharmaceuticals and molecular genetics. Optics, electronics, molecular biology, genetics—his vision and perspective seemed limitless. I got a glimpse of that perspective one night when he and I were dining together. "George, I want to show you something." "Thank you; what is it?" He pulled out of his briefcase a hefty scroll, which I thought was likely to be a piece of Japanese art. As it unrolled, I saw a timeline festooned with myriad items, year after year. "This is my 100-year plan for NIDEK." I mused to myself: "In the United States, I would see the projections for the next quarter; with Mr Ozawa, the projections for the next century." His broad and long vision was, however, trumped by his character. He was a man of his word. I am aware of at least two major multi-year business agreements that he made with other companies on a handshake—no written contract! My dealings with him refl ected this sense of trustworthiness, making him an even more exciting and pleasant person to work with. And his respect for our profession was considerable. Maybe this is best expressed by the fact that NIDEK is the only excimer laser manufacturer that does not charge a per use "click fee" to the surgeon. Ozawa sensei believed that it was indeed an honor for surgeons to use the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser, that the patients benefi ted directly from that, and charging a commercial fee was inappropriate; no fee was charged when practitioners used a NIDEK autorefractor or photocoagulator! Despite urgings from consultants and business colleagues, he remained steadfast on this principle. An educator at heart, Ozawa sensei created a tradition of annual international symposia and seminars, held at spectacular venues around the world such as Rio de Janeiro; Monte Carlo; Barcelona; Phuket, Thailand; and Shanghai. NIDEK not only offered these symposia at no charge to attendees, which reached hundreds from dozens of countries at some of the events, but also published the proceedings of these meetings as a sponsored supplement to the Journal of Refractive Surgery, a tradition that has remained alive after his death. All of this sounds terribly serious, but Ozawa sensei had a wonderfully light side to him. This was most publicly manifested during the wonderful entertainment that accompanied the annual NIDEK symposia. There was music, yes, but almost always dancing, in which he participated vigorously: samba with carnival-clad Brazilian women, heel-stomping Spanish fl amenco, and exotic Thai hand dances. His smile was bigger than anyone's. During the decade and a half that I have been a consultant for NIDEK, I learned a great deal from Hideo Ozawa sensei, both scientifi cally and personally. I miss him. But how wonderful that NIDEK Co Ltd is now headed up by his oldest son, Motoki Ozawa, and the Japan Tissue Engineering Co Ltd (J-TEC) by his youngest son, Yosuke Ozawa.


Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is a specialized thermo electrical machining process capable of accurately machining parts with varying hardness or complex shapes. Present study outlines the comparison of machining performances in the wire electric discharge machining using group method data handling technique and artificial neural network. HCHCr material was selected as a work material. This work material was machined using different process parameters based on Taguchi's L27 standard orthogonal array. Parameters such as pulse-on time, pulse-off time, current and bed speed were varied. The response variables measured for the analysis are surface roughness, volumetric material removal rate and dimensional error. Machining performances were compared using sophisticated mathematical models viz., Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) technique and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). GMDH is ideal for complex, unstructured systems where the investigator is only interested in obtaining a high-order input-output relationship. Also, the method is heuristic in nature and is not based on a solid foundation as regression analysis.The GMDH algorithm is designed to learn the process by training the algorithm with the experimental data. The experimental observations are divided into two sets viz., the training set and testing set. The training set is used to make the GMDH learn the process and the testing set will check the performance of GMDH. Different models were obtained by varying the percentage of data in the training set and the best model were selected from these, viz., 50%, 62.5% & 75%. The best model was selected from the said percentages of data. Number of variables selected at each layer is usually taken as a fixed number or a constantly increasing number. It is usually given as fractional increase in number of independent variables present in the previous level. Three different criterion functions, viz., Root Mean Square (Regularity) criterion, Unbiased criterion and Combined criterion were considered for estimation. The choice of the criterion for node selection is another important parameter for proper modeling.The Artificial Neural Network is used to study and predict the machining responses. Input data are fed into the neural network and corresponding weights and bias are extracted. Then weights and bias are integrated in the program which is used to calculate and predict the machining responses. Estimation of machining performances was obtained by using ANN for various cutting conditions. ANN estimates were obtained for various percentages of total data in the training set viz., 50%, 60% & 70%. The best model was selected from the said percentages of data. Estimation and comparison of machining performances were carried out using GMDH and ANN. Estimates from GMDH and ANN were compared and it was observed that ANN with 70% of data in training set gives better results than GMDH.Copyright © 2015 by ASME


Octahedral titanium and zirconium complexes based on salicyloxazoline ligands with sterically demanding ortho-substituents provide a new family of extremely active ethene polymerization catalysts [up to 10(8) g PE (mol bar h)(-1)] which are in some cases "single site".


This treatise represents my primary research that assesses who would be most likely to develop PTSD when exposed to a traumatic life event (TLE). After working at Ground Zero, in the aftermath of 9/11, it became abundantly clear that an assessment method was necessary to triage individuals to determine service delivery priorities for stress-related issues. This work was generated with a prevention model in mind and attempted to develop a non- intrusive means of assessing at-risk status for those who are most likely to develop the most severe forms of this disease. A theoretical case for these predictions was proposed however, the overall results suggested an alternative interpretation. The individual facets that yielded the strongest relationship suggested that not introversion and neuroticism, but higher levels of trust with lower levels of competence; in conjunction with the amnestic form of dissociative coping established the strongest association with PTSD symptom severity. These results converge with a social-cognitive perspective of shattered assumptions (Janoff-Bulman, 1992)that may suggest core beliefs maintain symptom severity.


Tick vectors are capable of transmitting several rickettsial species to vertebrate hosts, resulting in various levels of disease. Studies have demonstrated the transmissibility of both rickettsial pathogens and novel Rickettsia species or strains with unknown pathogenicity to vertebrate hosts during tick blood meal acquisition; however, the quantitative nature of transmission remains unknown. ABSTRACT Tick vectors are capable of transmitting several rickettsial species to vertebrate hosts, resulting in various levels of disease. Studies have demonstrated the transmissibility of both rickettsial pathogens and novel Rickettsia species or strains with unknown pathogenicity to vertebrate hosts during tick blood meal acquisition; however, the quantitative nature of transmission remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that if infection severity is a function of the rickettsial load delivered during tick transmission, then a more virulent spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species is transmitted at higher levels during tick feeding. Using Amblyomma maculatum cohorts infected with Rickettsia parkeri or "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae," a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was employed to quantify rickettsiae in tick salivary glands and saliva, as well as in the vertebrate hosts at the tick attachment site over the duration of tick feeding. Significantly greater numbers of R. parkeri than of "Ca. Rickettsia andeanae" rickettsiae were present in tick saliva and salivary glands and in the vertebrate hosts at the feeding site during tick feeding. Microscopy demonstrated the presence of both rickettsial species in tick salivary glands, and immunohistochemical analysis of the attachment site identified localized R. parkeri, but not "Ca. Rickettsia andeanae," in the vertebrate host. Lesions were also distinct and more severe in vertebrate hosts exposed to R. parkeri than in those exposed to "Ca. Rickettsia andeanae." The specific factors that contribute to the generation of a sustained rickettsial infection and subsequent disease have yet to be elucidated, but the results of this study suggest that the rickettsial load in ticks and during transmission may be an important element.


Abstract : MMN, Newborn Baby Weight . During pregnancy food is required with good quality and quantity to meet the nutritional needs of mother and baby. The low nutritional status of pregnant women during pregnancy can lead to various adverse effects for mothers and infants, such as those born with Low Birth Weight (LBW). LBW babies have a 10 to 20 times greater chance of dying than babies born with enough birth weight. Multiple Micro Nutrient (MMN) contains 15 types of vitamins and minerals most important for pregnant women, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, Vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, Fe , folic acid, Zink, Copper, Selenium, and Iodine. MMN is one of the nutrients to prevent the occurrence of anemia because in MMN there are factors forming Hemoglobin ie Fe, Vitamin B12 and folic acid. The availability of adequate hemoglobin makes the metabolic system work well. Lack of hemoglobin not only affects the health of the mother but also affects the health of the fetus it contains, including the growth of the fetal inhibition (such as weight, body length). The purpose of this study was to prove the effect of MMN on newborn weight in Pandes Klaten village. This type of research is a restrospective study with cross sectional design. The subjects of this study were BBL (newborn) whose mother consumed MMN during pregnancy. Different test using Independent T-test to compare control group and treatment group. Significant value in this study was p <0.05. The results of this study were no significant difference between birth weight between control group and MMN treatment group (P = 0.879). In conclusion MMN has no significant effect on newborn weight gain. Keywords: MMN, Newborn Baby Weight Link OJS 3 artikel PENGARUH MULTIPLE MIKRO NUTRIEN (MMN) TERHADAP BERAT BADAN BAYI BARU LAHIR DI DESA PANDES KLATEN


Social Energy is an intrinsically attractive, energy generating, and genuinely satisfying construct that occurs when two people who are intrinsically motivated towards a common interest form a relationship over that interest. The following study was conducted to test a new branch of this construct, Imagined Social Energy Relationships. It was believed that this type of relationship would be perceived to lead people to feel less lonely, disconnected, and betrayed and more fulfilled, purposive, validated, understood, and energized than an individual who is depicted as having a strong interest and no one to share it with or a person who originally has this kind of relationship and then loses it. It was also believed that people who feel very strongly connected to their interests and/or are more introverted will be more likely to have personally developed Imagined Social Energy Relationships with media figures. It was found that a person with an Imagined Social Energy Relationship was described as feeling less lonely, disconnected, and betrayed, and more fulfilled, purposive, validated, understood, and energized than someone who lost this type of relationship.


Using detailed mock galaxy redshift surveys (MGRSs) we investigate the abundance and radial distribution of satellite galaxies. The mock surveys are constructed using large numerical simulations and the conditional luminosity function (CLF), and are compared against data from the Two Degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS). We use Monte Carlo Markov chains to explore the full posterior distribution of the CLF parameter space, and show that the average relation between light and mass is tightly constrained and in excellent agreement with our previous models and with that of Vale & Ostriker. The radial number density distribution of satellite galaxies in the 2dFGRS reveals a pronounced absence of satellites at small projected separations from their host galaxies. This is (at least partly) owing to the overlap and merging of galaxy images in the 2dFGRS parent catalogue. Owing to the resulting close-pair incompleteness we are unfortunately unable to put meaningful constraints on the radial distribution of satellite galaxies; the data are consistent with a radial number density distribution that follows that of the dark matter particles, but we cannot rule out alternatives with a constant number density core. Marginalizing over the full CLF parameter space, we show that in a ACDM concordance cosmology the observed abundances of host and satellite galaxies in the 2dFGRS indicate a power spectrum normalization of σ 8 ≃ 0.7. The same cosmology but with σ 8 = 0.9 is unable to match simultaneously the abundances of host and satellite galaxies. This confirms our previous conclusions based on the pairwise peculiar velocity dispersions and the group multiplicity function.


A few years ago we became interested in the occurrence of triangular basal shadows in roentgenograms of the chest of patients suffering from bronchiectasis. The first patient showing a triangular basal shadow discovered by one of us (W. P. W.) afforded an excellent opportunity for the investigation of the production of this type of shadow, as it was possible to study roentgenograms of the chest before and after the injection of iodized poppy seed oil 40 per cent into the bronchi, and later to remove the part of the lung causing the shadow and to observe its gross and microscopic appearance. The shadows are seen as homogeneous areas of increased density, triangular in shape, with one side of the triangle along the mediastinum, the lower side parallel with the diaphragm and the hypotenuse running from near the root of the lung to join the lower side at varying distances from


A Metal1-layer (M1) patterning study is conducted on 20nm node (N20) for random-logic applications. We quantified the printability performance on our test vehicle for N20, corresponding to Poly/M1 pitches of 90/64nm, and with a selected minimum M1 gap size of 70nm. The Metal1 layer is patterned with 193nm immersion lithography (193i) using Negative Tone Developer (NTD) resist, and a double-patterning Litho-Etch-Litho-Etch (LELE) process. Our study is based on Logic test blocks that we OPCed with a combination of calibrated models for litho and for etch. We report the Overlapping Process Window (OPW), based on a selection of test structures measured after-etch. We find that most of the OPW limiting structures are EOL (End-of-Line) configurations. Further analysis of these individual OPW limiters will reveal that they belong to different types, such as Resist 3D (R3D) and Mask 3D (M3D) sensitive structures, limiters related to OPC (Optical Proximity Corrections) options such as assist placement, or the choice of CD metrics and tolerances for calculation of the process windows itself. To guide this investigation, we will consider a 'reference OPC' case to be compared with other solutions. In addition, rigorous simulations and OPC verifications will complete the after-etch measurements to help us to validate our experimental findings.


Ventilation of the marine engine room is very important for the health of the workers as well as the normal operation of machines. To find proper ventilation conditions of this engine room, numerical simulation with standard k-e model was carried out. In the present study, the marine engine room is separated to two floors with porous horizontal partition and considered as a closed space with a heat source and forced ventilation ducts. The porosity of horizontal partition is found to be important. For the engine room with 2 supply ports & 2 exhaust ports, the increasing of the porosity of horizontal partition is effective to reduce the recirculation flow zone in the second floor. When the engine room is ventilated with three supply air ports & one exhaust port, the increasing of the porosity of horizontal partition is effective to reduce the recirculating flow zone in the exhaust air area, but there is a possibility of local extreme heating at the lower side of engine near bottom.


Abstract Little is known about the patterns and mechanisms by which humanitarian emergencies may exacerbate violence against children. In this article, we propose using the ecological framework to examine the impact of humanitarian emergencies on interpersonal violence against children. We consider the literature that supports this framework and suggest future directions for research to fill identified gaps in the framework. The relationship between humanitarian emergencies and violence against children depends on risk factors at multiple levels, including a breakdown of child protection systems, displacement, threats to livelihoods, changing gender roles, changing household composition, overcrowded living conditions, early marriage, exposure to conflict or other emergency events, and alcohol abuse. The empirical evidence supporting the proposed emergency/violence framework is limited by cross-sectional study designs and a propensity to predominantly examine individual-level determinants of violence, especially exposure to conflict or emergency events. Thus, there is a pressing need to contextualize the relationship between conflict or emergency events and violence against children within the wider ecological and household dynamics that occur during humanitarian emergencies. Ultimately, this will require longitudinal observations of children, families and communities from before the emergency through recovery and improvements to ongoing global surveillance systems. More complete data will enable the humanitarian community to design effective, appropriate and well-targeted interventions.


Interference lithography using a deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser is instrumental in the manufacture of subwavelength patterns used at visible wavelengths. We investigated a grating mask strategy for exposure in terms of how to set and illuminate masks. To obtain high aspect ratio patterns, high fringe visibility, and high exposure uniformity are essential, and for that purpose the use of only two beams with liquid immersion is necessary but not sufficient. It needs to be addressed whether the grating should face air or liquid to achieve index matching without affecting its beam-splitting properties. Currently, the most feasible solution to produce sub-200 nm periods requires the use of a fused-silica grating under Bragg geometry (not normal incidence geometry) and filling the gap between the grating and resist with a high-index liquid.


In this paper, water wave interaction with an array of thin submerged horizontal circular plates is investigated within the framework of linear potential flow theory. To consider a more general case, the circular plates studied in this paper are not limited to be rigid and impermeable, and instead, they can be perforated or/and elastic. A Hankel transform approach is employed to formulate integral equations in terms of unknown functions related to the jump in velocity potential across each plate. A Galerkin method is adopted to the solution of these integral equations and the velocity potential jump across the plate is expressed in terms of Fourier-Gegenbauer series, incorporating the known square-root behavior at the edge of the plate in a rapidly convergent numerical scheme. For elastic plates, the plate motion is expanded in modes of free vibration with the edge constraint conditions accounted for intrinsically. The unknown coefficients of the plate motion are further expressed in terms of the unknown coefficients related to the velocity potential jump. The Hankel transform based model is found to be valid for multiple plates distributed arbitrarily, including the staggered arrangement, for which the traditional eigenfunction matching method would not work. In-depth discussions have been made to the hydrodynamic responses of staggered arrangement of plates. It is found that the staggered arrangement of plates can result in notable wave focusing, while less energy dissipation. The largest principal strain is observed on the front region of the plate submerged at a shallower depth.


Cu nanoparticles are more active catalytically than CuO nanoparticles, which have been widely studied as catalysts for organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and optics. However, Cu nanoparticles are easily agglomerated and oxidized in air. In this research, columnar, flower-like, bubble-like and teardrop-shaped Cu/GO nanocomposites were fabricated via a water-solvent thermal method and high temperature calcination technique using deionized water (H2O), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and ethylene glycol (EG) as the solvent, respectively. The structures, the morphology and the catalytic performance and catalytic mechanism for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) of the Cu/GO nanocomposites have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption tests (BET), simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) and thermogravimetric couplet with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA–FTIR), respectively. The experimental results show that the morphology of the Cu/GO nanocomposites has a significant effect on the surface area and the teardrop-shaped Cu/GO nanocomposites have the largest specific surface area and the best catalytic performance among them. When 5 wt% of the Cu/GO nanocomposites was added, the decomposition temperature of AP decreased from 426.3 °C to 345.5 °C and the exothermic heat released from the decomposition of AP increased from 410.4 J g−1 to 4159.4 J g−1. In addition, the four morphological Cu/GO nanocomposites exhibited good stability, their catalytic performance for thermal decomposition of AP remained stable after 1 month in air. Excellent catalytic performance and stability were attributed to the strong catalytic activity of pure metal nanoparticles, and GO can accelerate electron movement and inhibit the agglomeration of nanoparticles, as well as the multiple effects of inhibiting the oxidation of Cu nanoparticles in air. Therefore, it has important application potential in high-energy solid propellant.


Strong Coulomb interactions in organic photovoltaic cells dictate that charges must separate over relatively long distances in order to circumvent geminate recombination and produce photocurrent. In this article, we measure the distance distributions of thermalized charge pairs by accessing a regime at low temperature where charge pairs are frozen out following the primary charge separation step and recombine monomolecularly via tunneling. The exponential attenuation of tunneling rate with distance provides a sensitive probe of the distance distribution of primary charge pairs, reminiscent of electron transfer studies in proteins. By fitting recombination dynamics to distributions of recombination rates, we identified populations of charge-transfer states and well-separated charge pairs. For the wide range of materials we studied, the yield of separated charges in the tunneling regime is strongly correlated with the yield of free charges measured via their intensity-dependent bimolecular recombination dynamics at room temperature. We therefore conclude that populations of free charges are established via long-range charge separation within the thermalization time scale, thus invoking early branching between free and bound charges across an energetic barrier. Subject to assumed values of the electron tunneling attenuation constant, we estimate critical charge separation distances of ∼3-4 nm in all materials. In some blends, large fullerene crystals can enhance charge separation yields; however, the important role of the polymers is also highlighted in blends that achieved significant charge separation with minimal fullerene concentration. We expect that our approach of isolating the intrinsic properties of primary charge pairs will be of considerable value in guiding new material development and testing the validity of proposed mechanisms for long-range charge separation.


Background Patient-reported outcomes are considered the gold standard for assessing subjective health status in oncology patients. Electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has become increasingly popular in recent years in both clinical trials and practice. However, there is limited evidence on how well older patients with cancer can complete ePRO assessments. Objective We aimed to investigate how well adult patients with cancer of different age ranges could complete ePRO assessments at home and in a treatment facility and to identify factors associated with the ability to complete questionnaires electronically. Methods This retrospective longitudinal single-center study involved survivors of cancer who participated in inpatient rehabilitation. Patients completed ePRO assessments before rehabilitation at home (T1) and after rehabilitation at the facility (T2). We analyzed the rate of patients who could complete the ePRO assessment at T1 and T2, the proportion of patients who required assistance, and the time it took patients to complete standardized questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance. Results Between 2017 and 2022, a total of 5571 patients were included in this study. Patients had a mean age of 60.3 (SD 12.2) years (range 18 to 93 years), and 1135 (20.3%) of them were classified as geriatric patients (>70 years). While more than 90% (5060/5571) of all patients completed the ePRO assessment, fewer patients in the age group of >70 years (924/1135, 81.4% at T1 vs 963/1135, 84.8% at T2) completed the assessment. Approximately 19% (1056/5571) of patients reported a need for assistance with the ePRO assessment at home, compared to 6.8% (304/4483) at the institution. Patients older than 70 years had a significantly higher need for assistance than those in younger age groups. Moreover, a gender difference was observed, with older women reporting a higher need for assistance than men (71-80 years: women requiring assistance 215/482, 44.6% vs men 96/350, 27.4%; P<.001 and >80 years: women 102/141, 72.3% vs men 57/112, 50.9%; P<.001). On average, patients needed 4.9 (SD 3.20) minutes to remotely complete a 30-item questionnaire (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) and patients in the older age groups took significantly longer compared to younger age groups. Lower age and higher physical functioning were the clearest predictors for both the ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance in the multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions This study's results indicate that ePRO assessment is feasible in older individuals with cancer, but older patients may require assistance (eg, from relatives) to complete home-based assessments. It may be more feasible to conduct assessments in-house in this population. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully consider which resources are necessary and available to support patients in using ePRO devices.


Background: Postoperative pancreatic collection (POPC) is a frequent complication after pancreatectomy. Although percutaneous drainage (PD) has been the treatment of choice for POPC with encapsulation, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TD) was recently reported effective for this condition. The main aim of this retrospective study was to compare EUS-TD and PD in terms of effectiveness and safety as the first procedure in patients with noncapsulated POPC. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent pancreatectomy and developed noncapsulated POPC requiring EUS-TD or PD between April 2003 and May 2018 were enrolled. Noncapsulated POPC was defined as pancreatic collection appearing within 28 days postoperatively and lacking a thick encapsulating inflammatory wall on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The effectiveness of drainage was compared between the two groups before and after propensity-score matching of patient characteristics. Outcomes of interest included re-intervention rate, number of re-interventions, immediate complication, remote complication, and time to clinical resolution after the procedure. Results: A sum of 81 patients were included: 14 underwent EUS-TD, and 67 underwent PD. There were significant differences between groups in POPC size and type of surgery. Propensity-score matching selected 13 patients who underwent EUS-TD and 28 who underwent PD. Re-intervention rate (p = 0.045), and number of re-interventions (p = 0.026) were significantly lower in the matched EUS-TD group than in the matched PD group. There were no significant between-group differences in immediate complication and remote complication. The time to clinical resolution after the procedure was significantly shorter in the matched EUS-TD than in the matched PD group (14 versus 26 days; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: EUS-TD is more effective than PD for drainage of noncapsulated POPC. EUS-TD should be considered as the first treatment of choice for noncapsulated POPC visible on EUS.


Wild Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) were compared with cultivated seed sample (LBS.1) in proximate composition, seed protein fractions, amino acid profiles of total seed proteins, mineral composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and certain anti-nutritional factors. The wild beans contained more protein (22.84% vs. 20.05%), ash (3.42 vs. 2.91%), crude fiber (5.48% vs. 4.54%), crude lipid (2.63% vs. 2.55%), less carbohydrates (NFE) (65.63% vs. 69.95%) and the energy level of the seed (1576.60 vs. 1599.14 kJ100g -1 DM) than the cultivated seeds. Globulins formed the major bulk of seed proteins in both the seed samples. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared favorably with FAO/WHO (1991) requirement pattern, except that there were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in the varieties. Wild seeds were found to be a rich source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The wild seed samples presented a less free phenolics (0.66 %), tannins (0.90%), higher content of L-DOPA (0.91 %), and less trypsin inhibitor activity (17.80 TIU mg -1 protein) than the cultivated seeds. Lower levels of phytohaemagglutinating activity for human erythrocytes of "O" blood group than for "A" and "B" blood groups were found. From the chemical point of view, domestication seems to be positive; however, the better protein nutritive quality of the wild beans should be further confirmed by biological assays.


are dependent on the synoptic gospels and which represent a completely independent tradition. The Coptic Gospel of Thomas is, of course, the one which has so far aroused most interest among scholars but the rest also are potentially significant for New Testament studies. To one who has been devoting much time to the Gospel of Thomas to the virtual exclusion of the others, it is a relief to be assured by a scholar of Dr Tuckett's ability that there is no evidence for the use of pre-synoptic sources by the authors of the texts studied. The one possible exception is the Gospel of Thomas, which has been largely excluded from this survey. Of all the synoptic allusions in the documents studied here, by far the greatest number show affinities with Matthew's Gospel. This fits in well with the already known fact that this was the most popular gospel in the early church. One striking feature pointed out is the great variety of such allusions, though there seem to have been favourite texts sayings about trees and fruits, treasure, light and the Q saying about sceking and finding. This analysis fulfils the hope of its author that it will be of assistance in the continuing research into these important texts. Many will be grateful for the valuable spade-work which has bcen done.


The study examines the determinant factors that influence financial inclusion among small and medium enterprises in Ethiopia. The study uses explanatory research design and mixed research approach with both primary and secondary source of data utilized. More specifically, the study adopts a multiple linear regression model. The finding of the study reveals that; supply side factors demand side factors, market opportunity, and collateral requirements have a positive effect on the firm's access to finance. On the other hand, institutional framework factors, and cost of borrowing has a negative effect on the firm's access to finance. This study suggests that the rate of interest charged by financial institutions shall be considered for harmonization to make inclusiveness among small and medium enterprises access to finance. And financial institutions shall consider providing training for small and medium enterprises before issuing them credit access.


ABSTRACT Although the vast majority of Syrians flee to neighboring countries, an increasing number is trying to reach European soil. On one end of the spectrum, individuals escape their war-torn country seeking protection elsewhere and on the other end the European Union (EU) and its Members States bear specific obligations for granting protection, stemming from their international and regional legal commitments. Drawing from the UNHCR estimations that the exodus is evolving rapidly and in light of Article 80 TFEU and the objectives by the European Council, the EU needs to adopt policies which emphasize the full and inclusive application of the 1951 Refugee Convention and promote a fair distribution of asylum-related responsibilities amongst EU states. The present article investigates how the Syrian refugee crisis triggers practices of sharing within the EU. It describes how the different EU sharing mechanisms have been responding to the asylum-related pressures and critically analyzes their distributive effects. The main proposition is that the way in which sharing is being understood in the European asylum policies and applied in the areas covered by those policies (protection and treatment of individuals, European agencies' role, relations between the EU and third countries) has significant consequences on the institution of asylum and the protection granted.


Multidisciplinary teams are the basis of the provision of palliative care. Often teams are expected to perform in a sophisticated way without the consideration of the development of the team and its members. There is a need to consider the way teams function, looking in particular at the roles within teams, leadership, team development and the resolution of conflicts. In this way a team can develop and aspire to the ideal — a team which can provide the best possible care for patients and their families in a co-ordinated and effective way.


A simple theory is presented to predict the lumped reactance loading for circularly polarized circular loop antennas with a uniform traveling-wave current distribution. The reactive load is located on a circular wire loop of one-wavelength circumference at a position of 45/spl deg/ away from the feed point. To achieve a uniform traveling-wave current distribution, the loading reactance and the input impedances of the loaded and unloaded loop antennas need to satisfy certain conditions. First, the input resistance and the input reactance of the unloaded loop antenna should have the same absolute value. Second, the input impedance of the loaded loop must be purely resistive and its value needs to be two times of the input resistance of the unloaded loop. Third, the loading reactance should be chosen to be two times in value and opposite in sense of the input reactance of the unloaded loop. These conditions can be approximately met when the circular loop is placed above a ground plane. The loading reactance is determined from the input impedance of the unloaded loop and is optimized for an optimal performance of circular polarization. It is found that the reactive load must be capacitive and its value depends on the height of the loop above the ground plane and the thickness of the wire. The characteristics of the circular polarization and the input impedance of the capacitance-loaded circular loop antennas are investigated. An experimental example is presented to verify the theoretical prediction.


Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship of the measured distance between two mandibular points (distance M-Me) to chronological age and to find out whether the absolute values of distance M-Me could be classified age-wise into a unique range, which could be directly read for predicting the stage of mandibular growth. Methods and Materials: The study sample consists of lateral cephalometric records of 65 patients (34 females and 31 males; age range: 6–21 years). Chronological age was calculated in decimal years. Lateral cephalograms were assessed by two independent examiners. Points M and Me were located on the lateral cephalograms, and linear distance between them was measured. Results: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed a high correlation between chronological age and distance M-Me (0.746 for females and 0.869 for males, p < 0.01). When the values of distance M-Me were compared with chronological age, it was possible to make four age groups (for females and males separately), where each group showed a unique range of value for distance M-Me. The values increased with increasing age. Conclusions: Increase in value of distance M-Me with age, showing reduced individual variation, depicts a well-conserved linear dimension. Values of distance M-Me can be directly read for predicting the stage of mandibular growth and can be used as a valuable adjunct or substitute to chronological age.


General practices in the United Kingdom have been warned to take precautionary steps against potential telephone fraud, after a spate of cyber attacks on small businesses.

Fraud experts have reported an upsurge in reports of criminals hacking into telephone systems and then making calls to affiliated premium rate or foreign numbers, resulting in losses of tens of thousands of pounds for the victims. The experts warned that medical centres were increasingly vulnerable to attacks: four surgeries had been targeted over the past three months, compared with just two in the previous seven months.

In a document detailing the crimes, City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau—which is responsible for examining all cyber crime reported to the …


With over P4.3 billion spent on political ads of candidates who ran in the May 2010 elections, the role of media in the electoral process has become more critical. Television (TV) alone racked up 76% of the overall media spending of political aspirants in the national level indicating a skewed preference towards the medium. A presidential candidate even ranked 7th among the Top 20 "brands" in the first quarter of 2010, making him the biggest ad spender in what could be the most expensive elections in the history of Philippine politics. Using textual analysis anchored on pure recall, the analysis centered on the TV ads that sold the candidacy of two presidential bets whose ads cluttered the TV screens even before the actual start of the official 90-day campaign period. Published views of The Philippine Star readers in its Inbox section have been considered as indicators of audience 'readings' of the political ads. As aggressiveness in using television advertising as a potent weapon to win votes becomes pivotal, much has yet to be done in terms of finding out if these ads proved to be effective or not in influencing vote decisions favorable to a candidate.


The analysis of crop combination founds a significant feature in agricultural geography. It provides quantitative approach for agricultural regionalization to the agriculture planner and decision maker. Crops grown in combinations where specific crop is occupies a position of total isolation remaining crops in a specific area at a given time. The maps of individual crops have been by prepared using statistical manner and Geographical Information System (GIS) software which are interesting and simplified for planners for decision making process. The study calculated the crop combination for Newasa, Shevgaon and Pathardi tehsils of eastern Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra using Weaver's technique and prepared maps in GIS software. Agricultural crops data (2010) were obtained from District Agricultural Department, Ahemadnagar. The data were classified for these three tehsils and calculated the crop combination using Weaver's technique (1954). Thematic maps were prepared in GIS software for obtaining crop combination results in three tehsils. It was found that there are two and four crop combinations in the rainy, winter and summer seasons in the 2010 year. This region has been dominated by Sunflower, Foodgrain, Groundnut, Maize, Cotton and Sugarcane crops. It was also observed the spatio-temporal variations in crop combinations. Geographical factors, like rainfall, physiography, transportation, socio-economic development are influencing the regional agriculture pattern. Using statistical methods and its integration in GIS environment presentation are more accurate for visualization of crop combination with thematic maps. Suggested approach is easier than the traditional approach for further decision making in agricultural environment.


Broadcast video streaming represents an important service which will be provided by 4G networks. The current video compression in use, the H.264/AVC (Advance Video Coding), is capable of providing good video quality at substantially lower bit rates than previous video compression standards. The scalable extension of AVC, SVC (Scalable Video Coding), enables a source to transmit a video composed of multiple quality, temporal and spatial sub-streams. The flexibility offered by SVC is appealing for broadcast streaming services, where heterogeneous devices and sets of users are supported. SVC combined with MAC scheduling and the flexibility offered by different modulation and coding schemes provide a novel solution for broadcast streaming services. In this paper, we propose a generic optimization framework to evaluate the performance of the current standard used for streaming services, AVC, and its scalable extension SVC, in terms of wireless utilization, storage requirements and perceived video quality for a single-site transmission scenario. This framework can be implemented on mobile multimedia broadcasting systems, such as ISDB-Tmm [1]. ISDB-Tmm currently considers AVC as video codec, but can be extended to support SVC as well. Selected simulations show the benefits provided by using SVC for broadcast video streaming in a single cell network making use of a flexible MAC layer scheduling. Our study is then extended to a multi-cell network, discussing the issues related to practical deployments.


The principal intention of this paper is to develop an approach for modeling bulk lane storage in a highvolume warehouse environment. Poor layout planning can lead to an ineffective use of space and is a concern of many companies today. A simulation methodology is presented to evaluate alternative bulk storage warehouse configurations. Parameters of interest are the depth of bulk lane rows and the space allotted for various frequency zones. Analysis of representative data shows that there are variations of bulk lane depth and zone size that can reduce travel distance and thus reduce cost. In addition, we present an application of the methodology involving the design of a bulk storage facility for a company.


Background Huntington's disease (HD) family carers face a unique and overwhelmingly high care burden. They commonly suffer physical and mental exhaustion, frustration, and financial difficulties, which results in a heavy toll on family relationships and cohesiveness. This impacts the ability of carers to provide care, as well as carers' and patients' quality of life. Aim We aimed to examine how current mobile and web technology can help family carers reduce their care burden, and help HD care professionals to provide better care. Method Independent project team Kowhai consulted patients, families, the EHDN Quality of Life Working Group, and other HD groups. We used Design-Thinking methodology to examine the problems faced by carers, then prototype potential solutions, in order to iterate toward a production app and web solution. Results Interviews with carers revealed that the key issues faced were the lack of access to care professionals and services with HD expertise, driving their patient's quality-of-care while being exhausted, being unsure about what information to capture and how to share it with multiple care professionals, difficulty finding authoritative HD expert care guidance in multiple languages quickly when required. Carers also reported there was little self-care guidance to inform better management of their health as carers, and difficulties communicating and coordinating care activities amongst several family carers. Conclusion Kowhai have identified a common set of HD family carer and care professional requirements. This will form the basis of developing a prototype mobile and web app for enhancing patient care and reducing carer burden.


Tyler Huycke is a postdoctoral researcher in Zev Gartner's and Ophir Klein's labs at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where he studies the relationship between mechanics and tissue patterning during gut morphogenesis. Tyler served as an editor for the Journal of Emerging Investigators and as a student co-leader of the developmental and regenerative biology graduate programme at Harvard University. He was awarded the Young Investigator's Award at the 2022 Santa Cruz Developmental Biology (SCDB) meeting, which celebrates outstanding early career researchers. I caught up with Tyler at the SCDB meeting to discuss the award, his research and his career.


Indoor positioning is an emerged field of research and a challenging task. A promising approach is to use a multi-sensor fusion framework. Global satellite navigation systems may provide considerable benefits in multi-sensor navigation systems, but low signal power and multipath propagation impede both the precision and availability of indoor positioning. In order to validate, test and develop advanced signal processing algorithms, multipath channel models reflecting real propagation scenarios, are necessary. In this thesis, the wave propagation between a satellite based transmitter and an indoor located receiver is analysed and modelled. The spatial variability of the satellite-to-indoor channel is emphasised because of the targeted application of navigating a moving pedestrian indoors. To analyse the satellite-to-indoor wave propagation channel, a measurement campaign was conducted. By using an experimental mobile platform, it was possible to obtain a precise position measurement of the receive antenna and to measure adjacent channel impulse responses within sub-millimetre distances. The measurements were used in two ways. First, the wideband satellite-to-indoor propagation channel for L- and C-band carrier frequencies was compared and, second, a satellite-to-indoor channel model for L-band transmissions was developed. The comparison of the satellite-to-indoor propagation channel at L- and C-band frequencies is of high interest for upcoming satellite navigation signals. Measurement results show that signal transmissions at C-band suffer from higher penetration loss compared to L-band while the mean delay and the delay spread do not show distinct differences. In the developed wideband satellite-to-indoor channel model, deterministic and stochastic components are combined in a hybrid approach. For the development of the model novel methods were used. To extract multipath parameters from the measurement data a new super resolution algorithm was developed which allows the estimation of the changes of the parameters for individual multipath components. To simulate the satellite-to-indoor for different indoor environments, a deterministic model for calculating the received power was developed. Based on the same model, diffraction and transmission effects on the line-of-sight component are calculated. To represent the interior multipath channel accurately, deterministic and stochastic elements are combined in a physical-statistical approach.


Introduction: Pleural effusion is an indicator of a pathologic process that may be of primary pulmonary origin or of some other systemic disease. Determining the etiological of PE helps in adoption of regionally optimized diagnosis & therapeutic approach.
Materials and Method: Study is conducted on 100 consecutive patients admitted in various medical wards of the Mc Gann Hospital attached to Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga. From June 1st, 2016 to January 30th 2017 detailed history was taken in all the patients and a through physical examination was done. Routine investigations were done for all patients. Chest X-ray PA view taken. All the patients were subjected to diagnostic thoracentesis. Under aseptic precautions about 20 ml of fluid was aspirated and subjected to analysis pleural fluid cell count, cell type, sugar, protein and AFB stain done.
Results: There were 60 males and 40 females. The mean age was 36±2.2 years. Fever and cough were the most common clinical features seen in 64% and 76% respectively, followed by chest pain (44%) and breathlessness (42%). Tuberculous pleural effusion (64%) was more common than non tuberculous (36%) pleural effusion. Among non tuberculous pleural effusion synpneumonic and malignant effusion were common. Tuberculosis has predominant lymphocytic pleural effusion with cell count less than 200.
Conclusions: Aetiological evaluation of pleural effusion is very important for management of the disease. This is important because management is different for different cases. Pleural fluid analysis can be considered as gold standard in evaluation of pleural effusion.

Keywords: Cell Cytology; Pleural Effusion; Thoracocentesis; Tuberculosis


This note studies nonlinear systems evolving on manifolds with a finite number of asymptotically stable equilibria and a Lyapunov function which strictly decreases outside equilibrium points. If the linearizations at unstable equilibria have at least one positive eigenvalue, then almost global asymptotic stability turns out to be robust with respect to sufficiently small disturbances in the L∞ norm. Applications of this result are shown in the study of almost global Input-to-State stability.


The renal pelvis of the hamster has been studied by light microscopy (epoxy resin sections), transmission electron microscopy, and morphometric analysis of electron micrographs. Three morphologically distinct epithelia line the pelvis, and each covers a different zone of the kidney. A thin epithelium covering the outer medulla (OM) consists of two cell types: (1) granular cells are most numerous and have apically positioned granules which stain intensely with toluidine blue, are membrane-bound, and contain a fine particulate matter that stains light grey to black in electron micrographs. (2) Basal cells do not have granules, are confined to the basal lamina region, and do not reach the mucosal epithelial surface. The inner medulla (IM) is covered by a pelvic epithelium morphologically similar to collecting duct epithelium of IM. Some cells in this portion of the pelvic epithelium (IM) stain intensely dark with toluidine blue, osmium tetroxide, lead, and uranyl acetate. Transitional epithelium, which separates cortex (C) from pelvic urine, has an asymmetric luminal plasma membrane and discoid vesicles, each of which is similar to those previously observed in mammalian ureter and urinary bladder epithelia. Based on morphological comparisons with other epithelia, the IM and OM pelvic epithelia would appear permeable to solutes and/or water, while the transitional epithelium covering the C appears relatively impermeable. It would also appear that the exchange of solutes and water between pelvic urine and OM would involve capillaries, primarily, since morphometric analysis showed that both fenestrated and continuous capillaries of the OM were extremely abundant (greater than 60% of OM pelvic surface area) just under the thin pelvic epithelium.


Immobilization of enzymes may produce alterations in their observed activity, specificity or selectivity. Although in many cases an impoverishment of the enzyme properties is observed upon immobilization (caused by the distortion of the enzyme due to the interaction with the support) in some instances such properties may be enhanced by this immobilization. These alterations in enzyme properties are sometimes associated with changes in the enzyme structure. Occasionally, these variations will be positive. For example, they may be related to the stabilization of a hyperactivated form of the enzyme, like in the case of lipases immobilized on hydrophobic supports via interfacial activation. In some other instances, these improvements will be just a consequence of random modifications in the enzyme properties that in some reactions will be positive while in others may be negative. For this reason, the preparation of a library of biocatalysts as broad as possible may be a key turning point to find an immobilized biocatalyst with improved properties when compared to the free enzyme. Immobilized enzymes will be dispersed on the support surface and aggregation will no longer be possible, while the free enzyme may suffer aggregation, which greatly decreases enzyme activity. Moreover, enzyme rigidification may lead to preservation of the enzyme properties under drastic conditions in which the enzyme tends to become distorted thus decreasing its activity. Furthermore, immobilization of enzymes on a support, mainly on a porous support, may in many cases also have a positive impact on the observed enzyme behavior, not really related to structural changes. For example, the promotion of diffusional problems (e.g., pH gradients, substrate or product gradients), partition (towards or away from the enzyme environment, for substrate or products), or the blocking of some areas (e.g., reducing inhibitions) may greatly improve enzyme performance. Thus, in this tutorial review, we will try to list and explain some of the main reasons that may produce an improvement in enzyme activity, specificity or selectivity, either real or apparent, due to immobilization.


While many existing tools can simulate specific parts of wireless communication systems in detail, no single software tool, or integrated framework has been proposed to simulate the complete wireless systems including highly detailed RF propagation and radio and networking protocols. It has been shown that results from network simulation can be simply wrong and misleading when underlying devices and operating environments are not modeled appropriately. The primary reason for a lack of such integrated tools is the major computational challenge that is imposed by the combined model. This project proposes to build such an environment using HPC resources to overcome the computational challenge.


Marine pollution is a major problem nowadays in our country. Contamination is the entrance into the environment of toxic chemicals. Every material that has undesirable changes in its composition, position or quantity can be the pollutant in terms of the physical, chemical or biological properties of air, water, and soil. The pollution level is higher in the nearby seashore because the density of waves is lower in the nearby sea. 70% to 80% of oxygen for humans comes from the sea. Marine pollution generally affects ecosystem health, public health, quality of recreational water and economic viability in the following ways: Mechanical, Saphrogenic, Mutagenic, and Carcinogenic. Non-biodegradable plastic is a large portion and a major danger. Sea turtles err in their jellyfish plastic bags and die from internal blockages. 100,000 marine mammals are killed and two million birds die every year. The water is contaminated by pollution by the precipitation of the soil, by air-borne rain and by shipwrecks. Human activity releases 5-fold mercury and17-fold lead from natural sources. Tourism development results in water pollution not only in water-scarce areas with relatively abundant water resources. Because water is used extensively in the tourism industry, it is apparent that during tourism growth, tourism will have an important impact on the climate of the water, including water pollution and a lack of water, which are the key barriers to the creation of a sustainable tourism industry. Solid waste disposal in the sea (they didn't decompose they get dumped inside the sea). Due to ship accidents in the sea oil gets contaminant inside the sea, some special species are fully destroyed because of this problem. So we are collecting a water sample from East Coast Region in Ramanathapuram District, Tamilnadu, India. Detect the amount of pollution in the water sample through a test and compared it with permissible limits


This work is the first in a series, and its purpose is the comprehensive assessment of the ecological state of the Aras River using biological indicators of water quality by diatoms based on species' ecological preferences, pollution indices, statistics, and ecological mapping. Samples of diatoms and soft algae and measurements of water quality were analyzed at sixteen sampling sites (between 2020 and 2022) along the Aras River. The impact of anthropological activity on the river was monitored concerning water quality, river health, and ecosystem function. The physical and chemical characteristics of the water were measured. The biological properties of the algal periphyton communities, including species composition, were also measured. Based on the studies conducted in this research, 280 species were identified. The most prosperous species were Diatoma vulgaris, Amphora ovalis, Cocconeis placentula, Rhoicosphenia abbre-viatae, Cymbella helvetica, Brevisira arentii, Navicula tripunctata, Nitzschia linearis, Microcystis botrys, Microcystis aeruginosa, Pseudanabaena limnetica, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Pleurosira laevis (a pollution-resistant and salinity-resistant species first found in aquatic habitats in the Aras River). As a result, the empirical data and algal indices showed the river's lower reaches to be in poor condition. Exploration of the algal assemblage and water chemistry data using computationally unconstrained ordination techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated two strong gradients in the data sets. The results support that water body classification is a function of water chemistry and biological and hydrological characteristics, as it is necessary to include pollutant effects on biota since the nature of the receiving waters influences the river's water quality.


The relationship between Islam with a democratic political system has been questionable at best and incompatible at worst. While countless research has been done on this issue for decades especially with the rise of Islamist apologists in the years following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, this paper proposes that it is time we understand the role of Islam through the lenses of democrat Muslims. Democrat Muslims are those who seek to preserve and promote the five major qualities in human life with values that surpass simply protecting the people's political, social and economic life. By comparing Rashid al-Ghannouchi and Anwar Ibrahim, this paper traces their evolution to come to a similar conclusion that is applicable to most Muslim societies. Using the dissonant politics theory, this paper suggests that local developments were taken into high consideration when these two figures decided to conceptualize what is known today as Democrat Muslims.


The relative validity of dietary history method was assessed against the actual d,ietary intake using 7 days precise weighing method performed 6-8 weeks previously. A total of 20 women, aged 24 to 56 years, participated in this piloi sndy. ih.ir educajon lZvel were junior and senior high school. The 7 days precise weighing method and dietary history was d.oie by assistant nutritionist. The results of this pilot study showed that: i) 5/20 (25 Vo) respondents could not remember the frequency of the animal fat consumed; ii) 1s120 (g0 Va) respondents had quite good memorization close to the actual food pattern of vegetable fat, especially for coconut oi; iii) almost g7Vo of the respondents could memorize the frequency of using cane sugar and bread, while almost 50 % of )""pond.ents faileâ to memorize the potato and noodles; iv) 1 4-16 (60-s0 %) respondents could remember the frequency of using beej intistkal organs, chickea fish, egg, and milk closed to the actual food pattern; v) most of the respondents (95%) were able to reca-ll the frequency of consuming the green leafy vegetables as spinach, swamp cabbage, cassava leaves, katu leaves, and, carrots; vi) 80% of the ,""pona"nt, did not hlave a good recall of consuming other vegetables as cucumber, sprout, etc; vii) all respond.ents tend to overestimate rie frequency offruits. In general, it appeared that respondents could memorize their food consumption pattern, especially for food whiih ia, freqi.ntly ard regularly consumed, while they tend to overestimate the food frequency of rarely consu^.a y"oa.- -


Background: Access to healthcare services has been severely compromised in many countries by the COVID-19 pandemic. By June 30, 2020 Uganda had not gathered enough information on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services. We assessed the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional assessment during July 2020 in randomly selected health facilities across the four geographical regions of Uganda. We abstracted data on the number of clients seeking healthcare services from, the Out-Patient Department (OPD), HIV, TB, malaria, and MCH facility registers before (January-February) and during (April-May) the pandemic. We compared the outcomes before and during using the paired t-test. Results: We assessed 28 facilities. There was a significant decrease in average outpatient department total attendances from (M=5,529, SD=6541.2) before compared to (M=3576, SD=4345.6) during COVID-19 pandemic (P=0.0031). Similarly, the average number screened for TB significantly decreased from (M=2822, SD=5409.2) to (M=1300, SD=2525.5) P=0.040 and ANC 1st contacts from (M=200 SD=207.8) before to (M=137, SD=133.3) during COVID-19 pandemic p = 0.015. Conclusion: A significant number of the population may not have readily accessed healthcare services during the pandemic especially those with long term illnesses like TB and HIV. We developed Information, Education and Communication materials and conducted a catch-up campaign for TB. Awareness creation among service providers on reduced intake of HIV and MCH services during COVID-pandemic is needed for enhancement of community education.


Many kinds of phenomena, including traffic accidents, road kills of wild animals and distribution of urban facilities, occur on a network. To analyze their spatial patterns, this paper proposes a new spatial analytical method, called NT-VCM (Network Variable Clumping Method), as an extension of Variable Clumping Method on a plane, which we developed earlier and named PLN-VCM (Planar Variable Clumping Method). The major function of NT-VCM is to statistically detect significant multi-level network clumps in the distribution of points on a network using Monte Carlo simulations. Applying NT-VCM and PLN-VCM to the same data set, this paper shows that NT-VCM preserves connectivity of points on a network better than PLN-VCM.


A debate about the ethics of health promotion recently appeared in this journal. While the papers involved provided a number of new insights into this area, they appeared to stop short of many possibilities. In particular, the dismissal of the relevance of the work of Foucault in this area prevented another line of inquiry opening up. This paper provides a fuller explication of Foucault's relevance to ethics and health promotion. It draws attention to the way health promotion produces subjects, especially choosing subjects. Using nutrition promotion as an example, it highlights the way that various positions in health promotion—which on the surface appear to be at odds with each other—can in fact be seen to be part of the same project: that of producing self-regulating subjects. The paper concludes by stressing that health promotion provides an ethics, in a Foucauldian sense, by producing the means by which subjects assess their own desires, attitudes and conducts in relation to those set out by health promotion expertise.


ABSTRACT
 Temperature affects all levels of biological organization and multiple aspects of ecological performance and fitness. Descriptions of thermal biology are, therefore, essential pieces of information for studying ecology in varying thermal environments. This paper describes the thermal biology of the spider Rabidosa rabida by using three common descriptive measures. Spiders were collected from two populations on mountains in Arkansas that share similar climate and vegetation. Maximum sprint speed across temperature was used to calculate an estimate of thermal sensitivity of locomotor ability. Spiders were placed in a thermal gradient to determine thermal preference. Spiders' body temperatures were increased or decreased until the ability to move was lost. Results were compared between the populations to describe intraspecific variation. Maximum sprint speed increased across temperatures showing moderate sensitivity (Q10 all spiders = between 1.74 and 2) except at the highest temperatures in males, and the lowest temperatures in both sexes. Maximum sprint speeds differed between populations (P < 0.05). The critical thermal maximum was shown to be 42.9°C ± 0.70. The critical thermal minimum was estimated at 0°C. Thermal preference of R. rabida was determined to be 31.9°C ± 0.44 showing no significant variation between populations. This study provides a first description of thermal biology in an ecologically important spider, and shows evidence of variation between thermal biology measures between populations with similar climate but no gene flow. Having adapted to various and changing conditions in the past, this spider and others like it can provide many ecologically and evolutionarily interesting lines of inquiry.


Abstract Objective In routine oncological treatment settings, psychological distress, including mental disorders, is overlooked in 30% to 50% of patients. High workload and a constant need to optimise time and costs require a quick and easy method to identify patients likely to miss out on psychological support. Methods Using machine learning, factors associated with no consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist were identified between 2011 and 2019 in 7,318 oncological patients in a large cancer treatment centre. Parameters were hierarchically ordered based on statistical relevance. Nested resampling and cross validation were performed to avoid overfitting. Results Patients were least likely to receive psycho‐oncological (i.e., psychiatric/psychotherapeutic) treatment when they were not formally screened for distress, had inpatient treatment for less than 28 days, had no psychiatric diagnosis, were aged 65 or older, had skin cancer or were not being discussed in a tumour board. The final validated model was optimised to maximise sensitivity at 85.9% and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, a balanced accuracy of 68.5% and specificity of 51.2%. Conclusion Beyond conventional screening tools, results might contribute to identify patients at risk to be neglected in terms of referral to psycho‐oncology within routine oncological care.


We extended the U.S. Geological Survey's Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) empirical fatality estimation methodology proposed by Jaiswal et al. (2009) to rapidly estimate economic losses after significant earthquakes worldwide. The requisite model inputs are shaking intensity estimates made by the ShakeMap system, the spatial distribution of population available from the LandScan database, modern and historic country or sub-country population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, and economic loss data from Munich Re's historical earthquakes catalog. We developed a strategy to approximately scale GDP-based economic exposure for historical and recent earthquakes in order to estimate economic losses. The process consists of using a country-specific multiplicative factor to accommodate the disparity between economic exposure and the annual per capita GDP, and it has proven successful in hindcast-ing past losses. Although loss, population, shaking estimates, and economic data used in the calibration process are uncertain, approximate ranges of losses can be estimated for the primary purpose of gauging the overall scope of the disaster and coordinating response. The proposed methodology is both indirect and approximate and is thus best suited as a rapid loss estimation model for applications like the PAGER system.


Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diets contribute towards obesity and increase
risks for the early development of non-communicable diseases in Malaysia. The
workplace has been targeted for lifestyle intervention. In this quasi-experimental study,
a 6-month "Healthy Worker Programme" was carried out at a worksite and compared to
a control worksite. Both worksites were located in Federal Territories. The programme,
a multicomponent intervention, based on the Socio-Ecological Model, promoted
improvement in diets and physical activity (PA) of overweight and obese government
office workers. The programme included workplace environment modification (eg.
displays of health posters, top management support, healthier alternatives at the
cafeteria), co-worker and individual motivation through monthly health information
packs/newsletters. At mid-programme, a telephone call was made to respondents for
feedback and advice. The primary outcomes were weight and body mass index.
Secondary outcomes were physical activity, dietary intake and quality of working life.
For assessment of quality of working life (QOWL), the Work-Related Quality of Life-2
Scale was translated into Malay and validated.Data collection was conducted at
baseline, mid-programme (3rd month), programme end (6th month) and postprogrammme
(9th month). Repeated measures analysis of covariates (ANCOVA) was
carried out using modified intention to treat approach. A total of 283 workers enrolled
into the study. At the intervention site, there were 51 males (39%) and 81 females
(61%). At the control site, there were 69 males (46%) and 82 females (54%). Data from
183 office workers were analysed, that is 93 respondents from the intervention group
and 90 controls. At programme end, the proportion who lost at least five percent of their
original weight was 14% among the intervention group and 4% among controls
(p=0.03). Those in the programme were 1.6 times more likely to lose this amount
compared to controls (RR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.2). There was a significant mean
iv
difference of -0.6 kg/m2 in body mass index (BMI) change between the intervention and
control groups (95% CI: -0.9, -0.3). The proportion who lost five percent of their
original weight were 12% among the intervention group and 8% among controls at postprogramme.
At programme end, respondents at intervention site were 1.3 times more
likely to achieve 10,000 steps (95% CI: 0.8, 2.1). PA continued to improve and at postprogramme,
they were 1.8 times more likely to reach 10,000 steps a day (95% CI: 1.2;
2.5). There was significant overall mean reduction of 3% carbohydrate daily intake
between baseline and at programme end. An increase of mean QOWL score(especially
through better "General Well-Being" and reduction of "Stress At Work" factors) was seen
in the intervention group at programme end which continued modestly post-programme.
The preliminary results show that the "Healthy Worker Programme" can reduce weight
and BMI among overweight and obese workers, with sustainable changes in the short
term. It may also improve workers" physical activity and QOWL. However, the
programme would benefit from further improvement and evaluation before
implementation widely.


The external knowledge acquisition and the internal knowledge transfer are both critical to the development of organisational knowledge stock. The two processes must be managed closely together if the effect of knowledge stock development for innovation is to be maximised. However, it is often a challenge to many organisations to realise their knowledge stock. Using a design science research methodology, this paper considers the problem of enabling knowledge transfer through the assessment of knowledge stock. Our contribution from this research is to present a conceptual framework for knowledge transfer enabling innovation. We develop a Decision Support System (DSS) prototype to identify knowledge stock measured in terms of ICT skills using the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). We simulate the DSS prototype to measure knowledge stock at individual and organisational level. A comprehensive evaluation of the DSS in the knowledge management context is planned for future research.