A description of gold-quartz formation deposits in the Priamur gold province is presented. Prevalence of gold-quartz deposits defines metallogenic profile of the province and presence of numerous rich placers. Deposits are attributed to frontal, middle and near-bottom parts of the ore pipe. Frontal part of the ore pipe contains a major part of the deposits. They are small and consist of scattered quartz, feldspar-quartz and carbonate-quartz veins. The ore is characterized by erratic percentage of gold, bonanzas can be found. Gold is free, ranging from fine to big grains and small nuggets. It is associated with arsenopyrite, galenite, sometimes with antimonite. Among trace elements can be copper, mercury, antimony and arsenic. Prevalence of frontal deposits in the province points to significant prospects of finding a rich deep mineralization in the middle part of ore pipe. Middle part of the ore pipe contains intermediate and small deposits. Ore bodies are often represented by veined and veinlet-disseminated zones, sometimes zones of metasomatites. For gold-quartz ores, free native gold can commonly be found, usually of fine and very fine grain size. Among ore minerals, apart from arsenopyrite, pyrite and galenite, scheelite is frequently observed. Small deposits of near-bottom ore pipe are quite rare. Ore bodies are represented by quartz veins and zones of metasomatites. Gold is mostly free, of fine and super fine grain size. The prevailing trace element is mercury. Attribution of gold-quartz deposits to a certain part of ore pipe can facilitate more precise estimation of their pros pects. In its own turn, this will allow to choose more favorable objects for further evaluation.


Enzymatically oxidized lipids are a specific group of biomolecules that function as key signaling mediators and hormones, regulating various cellular and physiological processes from metabolism and cell death to inflammation and the immune response. They are broadly categorized as either polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) containing (free acid oxygenated PUFA "oxylipins", endocannabinoids, oxidized phospholipids) or cholesterol derivatives (oxysterols, steroid hormones, and bile acids). Their biosynthesis is accomplished by families of enzymes that include lipoxygenases (LOX), cyclooxygenases (COX), cytochrome P450s (CYP), and aldo-keto reductases (AKR). In contrast, non-enzymatically oxidized lipids are produced by uncontrolled oxidation and are broadly considered to be harmful. Here, we provide an overview of the biochemistry and enzymology of LOXs, COXs, CYPs, and AKRs in humans. Next, we present biosynthetic pathways for oxylipins, oxidized phospholipids, oxysterols, bile acids and steroid hormones. Last, we address gaps in knowledge and suggest directions for future work.


Many retrospective and prospective studies have been performed to understand the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The rates of antimicrobial drug resistance among bacterial pathogens are high and now represent a worldwide concern, both in human medicine and veterinary practices. The aim of this review is to describe the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the risks associated with antimicrobial use in animal production. Pathogens with major impacts on human and animal health are discussed, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria


Abstract Objectives: No-touch disinfection systems like xenon- or mercury-based ultraviolet (UV) are now commonly being used for hospital room disinfection. However, serial exposure to UV light can potentially lead to the development of bacterial resistance. We sought to determine whether UV resistance develops due to serial exposure to UV light using 3 epidemiologically important multidrug-resistant microbial strains. Methods: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenemase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) and metallo-β-lactamase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (MBL) were serially exposed to 25 growth-irradiation cycles of UV produced by a xenon-based UV (Xe-UV) lamp for 5 minutes or a mercury-based UV (Hg-UV) lamp for 10 minutes. After each UV exposure cycle, the surviving colony-forming units (CFUs) were measured and compared with the initial inoculum of each cycle for each strain, respectively. Results: In each cycle, ˜1–10 million of MRSA, KPC, and MBL were used to test the effect of UV irradiation. Postexposure colony counts remained low (3–100 colonies) throughout the 25 serial exposures to both xenon- and mercury-based UV. The log-kill rate after each exposure showed no changes following UV disinfection by Xe-UV. The MRSA log-kill rate increased after repeated exposure to Hg-UV unlike KPC and MBL K. pneumoniae, which did not change. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses performed on these 3 strains demonstrated no significant genetic changes after multiple UV irradiation cycles. Conclusions: Exposure of multidrug-resistant bacteria to UV produced from 2 different UV sources did not engender UV resistance after 25 serial exposures, as demonstrated by WGS analysis; thus, UV disinfection is unlikely to generate UV-resistant hospital flora.


Halos around coral reefs are landscape-scale patterns arising from multispecies interactions that collectively structure reefscapes over many thousands of square kilometers. First described in the 1960s, halos are known from a handful of locations and continue to captivate scientists. What remains unknown is how globally widespread, persistent, and dynamic halos are. We examined satellite imagery of reefs globally, coupled with in situ field observations, to show that halos are a globally ubiquitous, persistent, yet dynamic ecological phenomenon spanning vastly different systems. We further document the previously undescribed presence of halos outside the tropics surrounding seagrass "reefs" and highlight the temporal scales over which coral reef halos change, merge, and persist. Specifically, we show that halos can change in size over relatively short temporal scales of months, despite persisting over decades. In doing so, we document patterns suggesting that additional biophysical mechanisms than previously assumed may shape halos. Understanding the full suite of mechanisms governing halo formation and maintenance may enable us to use them as proxies for species interactions. Given the global extent of halos, their role in affecting sedimentary carbon storage, and their relationship with marine reserve existence and maturity, they may ultimately serve as globally relevant indicators of coral reef ecosystem functioning and health.


Abstract This chapter looks at how globalization has affected and shaped the domestic elite level male football cultures of Scandinavia since the game turned more professional in the region. By drawing on empirical examples from the recent histories of Norwegian, Swedish and, to a lesser extent, Danish football, the authors analyse how the sporting cultures of these countries have changed since the 1970s. The amateur ideologies which had previously dominated football in Scandinavia faded during a period when influences from international and especially professional English football intensified. These influences stretched from playing styles to spectator cultures. While these influences initially made clubs and teams from Scandinavia more competitive in international football, the 'hypercommodification' which has dominated top level European football in the new millennium has to a large extent affected Scandinavian football in a negative way in terms of sporting competitiveness. Simultaneously the authors argue that global influences have injected significant fuel and new energy to the spectator cultures evident in a large number of Scandinavian football club communities.


EU member states desiring deeper integration often call for a multispeed approach to pursue ambitious projects without the hinderance of laggards. At other times, laggards have desired a multispeed approach to avoid policies they find objectionable. Under what circumstances do laggards (integrationists) propose (object) to a multispeed Europe? We investigate the institutions and member state preferences that lead these camps to accept or resist multispeed proposals, paying particular attention to how a multispeed approach affects member state bargaining power. We present a series of case studies to demonstrate that the preference configurations we examine do, in fact, lead states to pursue the policies with regard to a multispeed Europe that we expect.


How to cite this article: Sriramka B, Mallik D, Nanda S. Entangled Circuit during Transport of Patient. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(10):774–775.


Cooperative learning has been defined as "learners working together as a team to solve a problem to complete a task or to accomplish a common goal", which emphasizes the importance of interactions among members to promote the whole learning performance. With the popularity of society networks, cooperative learning is no longer limited to traditional classroom teaching activities. Since society networks facilitate to organize online learners, to establish common shared visions, and to advance learning interaction, the online community and online learning community have triggered the establishment of web-based societies. Numerous research literatures have indicated that the collaborative learning community is a critical issue to enhance learning performance. Hence, this paper proposes a learning community recommendation approach to facilitate that a learner joins the appropriate learning communities, which is based on k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classification. To demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach, the proposed approach is implemented for 117 students to recommend learning communities. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can effectively recommend appropriate learning communities for learners. Keywords—k-nearest neighbor classification; learning community; Cooperative/Collaborative Learning and Environments.


The current standard-of-care for treatment of cholecystectomy is the four port laparoscopic approach. The development of single incision/laparoendoscopic single site surgery (SILC/LESS) has now led to the development of new techniques for removal of the gallbladder. The use of SILC/LESS is now currently being evaluated as the next step in treatment of cholecystectomy. This review is an attempt to consolidate the current knowledge and analyze the feasibility of world-wide implementation of SILC/LESS.


Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (HUV) is often misdiagnosed. The response to drug therapy may be unsatisfactory, and immunosuppressive therapy may be associ ated with significant side effects. A 35-year-old patient whose condition was resistant to cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids, pentoxyphylline, cyproheptadine, sulindac, and colchicine was maintained in remission with dapsone, which may be the drug of choice for HUV. Emphysema has been reported to complicate HUV, but this is the first account of vasculitis-related emphysema with no confounding history of tobacco smoke exposure. The relationship of proteolytic injury to the pulmonary and other manifestations is considered, as is the possible role for dapsone in reducing it.


Research in Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) is increasingly moving towards richer world representations involving objects and high level features that enable a semantic model of the world for robots, potentially leading to a more meaningful set of robot-world interactions. Many of these advances are grounded in state-of-the-art computer vision techniques primarily developed in the context of image-based benchmark datasets, leaving several challenges to be addressed in adapting them for use in robotics. In this paper, we derive a formulation for Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) that uses dual quadrics as 3D landmark representations, and show how 2D bounding boxes (such as those typically obtained from visual object detection systems) can directly constrain the quadric parameters. Our paper demonstrates how to jointly estimate the robot pose and dual quadric parameters in factor graph based SLAM with a general perspective camera, and covers the use-cases of a robot moving with a monocular camera with and without the availability of additional depth information.


Abstract Background We recently mitigated a clonal outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus, including a large cluster of patients who developed invasive infection after exposure to heater-cooler units (HCU) during cardiac surgery. Recent studies have described a small number of Mycobacterium chimera infections linked to open-heart surgery; however, little is known about the epidemiology and clinical courses of cardiac surgery patients with invasive infection from rapidly-growing mycobacteria, such as M. abscessus. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data from all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our hospital and had positive cultures for M. abscessus from 2013 to 2016. We excluded heart transplant recipients and patients who at time of diagnosis had ventricular assist devices. We analyzed patient characteristics, antibiotic treatment courses, surgical interventions, and clinical outcomes. Results Nine cardiac surgery patients who met the case definition developed culture-proven invasive infection from M. abscessus (Figure 1). Seven (78%) infections occurred after surgeries that included valve replacement. Median time from suspected inoculation in the operating room to first positive culture was 49 days (interquartile range, 38–115 days). Seven (78%) patients had bloodstream infections, and six (67%) patients had sternal wound infections. Six (67%) patients developed disseminated disease with infection at multiple sites. All patients received combination antimicrobial therapy. The most common majority regimen (n = 6) was imipenem, amikacin, and tigecycline. Four (44%) patients experienced therapy-limiting antibiotic toxicities (Figure 2). Seven (78%) patients were well enough to undergo at least one surgical debridement. Five (56%) patients stopped therapy due to presumed cure, but four (44%) patients had deaths attributable to M. abscessus infection. Conclusion Invasive M. abscessus infection after cardiac surgery was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Most patients underwent surgical debridement and received prolonged three-drug antimicrobial therapy, which was complicated by numerous antibiotic toxicities. Treatment cured five patients, but four patients died from mycobacterial disease. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


(1) Background People may be infected with an insect-borne disease (malaria) through the blood input of malaria-infected people or the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. Doctors need a lot of time and energy to diagnose malaria, and sometimes the results are not ideal. Many researchers use CNN to classify malaria images. However, we believe that the classification performance of malaria parasites can be improved.(2) Methods In this paper, we propose a novel method (ROENet) to automatically classify malaria parasite on the blood smear. The backbone of ROENet is the pretrained ResNet-18. We use randomized neural networks (RNNs) as the classifier in our proposed model. Three RNNs are used in ROENet, which are random vector functional link (RVFL), Schmidt neural network (SNN), and extreme learning machine (ELM). To improve the performance of ROENet, the results of ROENet are the ensemble outputs from three RNNs.(3) Results We evaluate the proposed ROENet by five-fold cross-validation. The specificity, F1 score, sensitivity, and accuracy are 96.68 ± 3.81%, 95.69 ± 2.65%, 94.79 ± 3.71%, and 95.73 ± 2.63%, respectively.(4) Conclusions The proposed ROENet is compared with other state-of-the-art methods and provides the best results of these methods.


Inherited mutations in the ATM gene lead to a complex clinical phenotype characterized by neuronal degeneration, oculocutaneous telangiectasias, immune dysfunction, and cancer predisposition. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we demonstrate that ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) binds to β-adaptin, one of the components of the AP-2 adaptor complex, which is involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis of receptors. The interaction between ATM and β-adaptin was confirmed in vitro, and coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization studies show that the proteins also associate in vivo. ATM also interacts in vitro with β-NAP, a neuronal-specific β-adaptin homolog that was identified as an autoantigen in a patient with cerebellar degeneration. Our data describing the association of ATM with β-adaptin in vesicles indicate that ATM may play a role in intracellular vesicle and/or protein transport mechanisms.


This article examines the theoretical foundations of Final Offer Arbitration (FOA). The use of arbitration in Britain is compared with other types of third party intervention, and the strengths and weaknesses of FOA are critically examined and compared with conventional arbitration. It is concluded that FOA has much to commend it, both in theory and in practice, and is particularly suitable for 'disputes of interest'.


Severe uncontrolled asthma is a disabling and life-threatening disorder. This article evaluates the effectiveness of combining a specialized care clinic treatment with the prescription of Omalizumab (OML) when treating these patients. We analyzed 45 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma followed for 12 months, of which 30 had elevated levels of IgE and received omalizumab dose adjusted for weight and IgE levels. The overall effectiveness was measured through parameters such as emergency room visits (ER), the evolution of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the need for high-dose corticosteroids; Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and a quality of life survey. At three, six and twelve months, all patients improved significantly in all measured parameters (p<0.05), except FENO, as a result of their treatment in the specialist office. The changes were even more favorable for patients who received OML in addition to the visits to the specialized care clinic, showing a significant interaction between drug use and clinical visit factors. Our results confirm that the benefits obtained in randomized clinical trials with OML and the specialist care of patients with severe asthma result in a significant clinical benefit in the context of everyday clinical practice.


We have recently demonstrated that the myelinolytic lesions in the spinal cord (SC) of rats made deficient in vitamin B(12) (cobalamin) (Cbl) through total gastrectomy (TG) are tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-mediated. We investigate whether or not permanent Cbl deficiency, induced in the rat either through TG or by chronic feeding of a Cbl-deficient diet, might modify the levels of three physiological neurotrophic factors-epidermal growth factor (EGF), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and somatostatin (SS)-in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these rats. We also investigated the ability of the central nervous system (CNS) in these Cbl-deficient rats to synthesize EGF mRNA and of the SC to take up labeled Cbl in vivo. Cbl-deficient rats, however the vitamin deficiency is induced, show a selective decrease in EGF CSF levels and an absence of EGF mRNA in neurons and glia in various CNS areas. In contrast, radiolabeled Cbl is almost exclusively taken up by the SC white matter, but to a much higher degree in totally gastrectomized (TGX) rats. Chronic administration of Cbl to TGX rats restores to normal both the EGF CSF level and EGF mRNA expression in the various CNS areas examined. This in vivo study presents the first evidence that the neurotrophic action of Cbl in the CNS of TGX rats is mediated by stimulation of the EGF synthesis in the CNS itself. It thus appears that Cbl inversely regulates the expression of EGF and TNF-alpha genes in the CNS of TGX rats.


Breast Cancer or mammary gland cancer is a malignant tumor in the breast tissue or mammary, which occurs due to the growth of the mammary gland cells that are not controlled, because there are abnormal changes in the genes that play a role in cell division. In Indonesia, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women after cervical cancer. Soy tempeh contains isoflavones that act as anticancer and nontoxic. This research aims to determine the effect and dosage of soy tempeh flour which effective to inhibit the growh of mammary gland cancer in C3H mice. Observation inhibition of mammary gland cancer by given a tempeh flour in several concentration i.e 0,8 g, 1,6 g, 2,4 g, and 3,2 g then the C3H mice were inoculated with adenocarcinoma mammae cells. Tumor diameter measurements conducted to determine the growth of cancer cells. The result showed that administration of soy tempeh flour until concentration 3,2 g no effect in inhibiting the growth of mammary gland cancer in C3H mice. But the provision of soy tempeh flour has a tendency to inhibit the growht of cancer cells as evidenced by the size of diameter tumor smaller than control.


The Lagrangian description of unsteady boundary-layer separation is reviewed from both analytical and numerical perspectives. We explain in simple terms how particle distortion gives rise to unsteady separation, and why a theory centred on Lagrangian coordinates provides the clearest description of this phenomenon. Included in the review are some of the more recent results for unsteady three-dimensional compressible separation. The different forms of separation that can arise from symmetries are emphasized. Current work includes a possible description of separation when the detaching vorticity layer exits the classical boundary-layer region, but still remains much closer to the surface than a typical bodylengthscale. 1Research was supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under NASA Contract No. NAS1-18605 while the authors were in residence at the Institute for Computer Applications in Science and Engineering (ICASE), NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23665.


The present paper makes a study on Partition sort algorithm for negative binomial inputs. Comparing the results with those for binomial inputs in our previous work, we find that this algorithm is sensitive to parameters of both distributions. But the main effects as well as the interaction effects involving these parameters and the input size are more significant for negative binomial case.


In this short review (to appear as a contribution to an edited volume) we discuss perturbative and non-perturbative approaches to the quantization of the Green-Schwarz string in AdS backgrounds with RR-fluxes, where the guiding thread is the use of genuine field theory methods, the search for a good regularization scheme associated to them and the generality of the analysis carried out. We touch upon various computational setups, both analytical and numerical, and on the role of their outcomes in understanding the detailed structure of the AdS/CFT correspondence.


Thesis (Ph.D.)--Georgetown University, 2009.; Includes bibliographical
 references. Part of the Latin Project , the current study investigates the relationship
 between individual differences (Level of Bilingualism) and pedagogical conditions (Types of
 Feedback) as it affects L3 development. The design includes working memory (WM) capacity and
 learning strategies as moderator variables to explain the effects identified. This laboratory
 study looks at 90 L1 Mandarin/L2 English bilinguals as they interact with a computer lesson on
 assignment of semantic functions in L3, Latin. Overall, the current study supports previous
 studies (e.g., Alanen, 1995; Carroll & Swain, 1993; de Graaff, 1997; DeKeyser, 1995;
 Ellis, 1993; Nagata, 1993; Nagata & Swisher, 1995) showing that more explicit feedback
 is more effective than less explicit, "right" or "wrong"
 feedback. The results support Cummins' Threshold Hypothesis (1976) as they identify a
 threshold between the intermediate and beginning L2 levels at which the benefits of the
 bilingual experience appear. However, the results also suggest that the appearance of
 bilingual advantages depends on the complexity of the tasks performed (Bialystok, 1986, 1988,
 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2008). Specifically, the results support Lado (2008) and Sanz,
 Anfruns, Lado, Lin, and Medina (2005a) showing that participants at a higher L2 level
 outperformed their counterparts only in the less explicit condition, and that more explicit
 feedback may level out differences among learners at different L2 levels. Different results
 identified by repeated measures ANOVAs and ANCOVAs revealed a key role for WM capacity and
 Learning Strategies in L3 development. The current study supports the more the better
 hypothesis (Miyake & Friedman, 1998) according to which, having higher WM capacity
 helps learning and domain-generality hypothesis (e.g., Turner & Engle, 1989) , as WM
 capacity does not seem to be language dependent. The results also suggest that sentence span,
 computational span, and speed of processing tests are more suitable WM measures than non-word
 recall and digit backward tests. Lastly, different results identified by repeated measures
 ANOVAs and ANCOVAs in the current study revealed a relationship between Learning Strategies
 and L3 development: Specifically, between Compensation Strategies and L3 development, and
 between Metacognitive Strategies and L3 development. Importantly, the results support previous
 studies on strategies showing that participants at a higher proficiency level use strategies
 more frequently than their counterparts, and extend the findings of Wharton (2000) and Kemp
 (2007) to the initial L3 development in a laboratory environment with participants of
 different L2 proficiency levels in an EFL context.


This paper presents an economic model of consumer behaviour within a religious
framework. The individual is defined as being religious so, for him God exists with
absolute certainty. We distinguish two separate aims of the individual: human welfare
and spiritual welfare. Joint maximisation of these two targets subject to time and budgetary
constraints yields a solution in which the optimal values of consumption and religiosity
are obtained. Allowance is also given to the compulsory payment of a religious
tax. We show that the shape of the interchange curve between these two optimal values
depends upon the relative shapes of the human welfare and spiritual welfare functions.


The reproductive physiology of hares was studied in 760 animals shot throughout the year, and these observations were related to seasonal changes of behaviour in an attempt to explain the significance of "March madness".

The hare was found to have a prolonged breeding season; at least some pregnant females were found in all months from January to August, and fertile males in all months except October and November. The nadir of the reproductive cycle occurred in October with no breeding amongst the females, and the males showing regressed accessory glands and involuted testes containing minimal amounts of testosterone. At this time hares were solitary and it was rare to see them active during the day.

After the autumn rest period, the first indication of a new reproductive cycle occurred in November with an increase in the size and activity of the testes. This trend continued during December, January and February by which time the reproductive tract was again fully functional. During this time there were striking changes in behaviour and matings were witnessed. Females resumed breeding in January with a marked synchrony in the timing of the first ovulation of the season. Mating preceded ovulation, and the first pregnancy normally resulted in a single fetus, although pregnancy failure was common at this time. By March and April the hares showed full reproductive activity with 100% of females pregnant and most carrying three or more fetuses. Many aspects of behaviour (March madness) reached a peak at this time, and in males this was closely related to a depletion of sperm reserves in the epididymis and the secretions of the accessory gland reservoir. During May, June and July, the females continued to be highly fertile. There was, however, already a reduction in the overt behaviour characteristic of spring, and there was a conspicuous drop in testicular testosterone production.

The reproductive cycle ended in July and August with a reversal of the changes seen earlier in the year. The testes regressed rapidly in August and sperm production ceased by September; the sperm reserves in the epididymis became progressively depleted and sperm were degenerating by October. There was a reduction in litter size towards the end of the breeding season and no pregnancies were observed after the end of August.

Of the hares under one year old shot in the spring only about 16% were apparently conceived during the period of spring madness, with the majority arising from matings in May, June and July. The age at puberty was influenced by the date of birth.

March madness appears to represent the rutting behaviour of male hares and is induced by the greatly increased testosterone production which occurs in spring. The behaviour is probably important in stimulating the females into breeding activity at the beginning of the new season.


Individual privacy can be compromised in digitally mediated spaces, as networked communication has made scales of interaction and degrees of visibility difficult to grasp. This inquiry argues that privacy is a spatially-conditioned mental construct and tests architectural representation as a means of orienting the individual online through spatial design practice on three scales, from the miniature to the room and the neighbourhood.
Framed by the methodology of architectural representation, privacy online offers the narrative hook and driver for research. This identifies principles underlying architectural practice that can contribute to understandings of digital spaces of interaction, such as online social networking platforms, from the point-of-view of a designer-researcher. The research has been developed under the umbrella of the Creative Exchange, a national AHRC-funded knowledge exchange hub enabling interdisciplinary and inter-organisational collaboration between academia and industry.
Asking how different scales of architectural representation can help to orient the individual in digital spaces, 'methods of spatialisation' aim to render tangible and experiential a range of observations of the digital; they result in miniature artifacts, immersive installations and interactive hybrid digital-physical platforms. Through methods of inquiry, including Donald Schon's methods of reflective practice and the 'design situation', these operate as a lens on to the digital. Instead of aiming to reconceptualise privacy itself, it is considered as symptomatic of the challenges brought about by digital spaces, and informs means of evaluation.
The original contribution the research makes to knowledge in the field of design research at the intersection of architecture and communication design lies in adapting architectural representation for digital contexts: it develops approaches rooted in architecture and aims to frame them for interdisciplinary design contexts engaging with digital spaces. The resulting framework brings together the key foundational architectural parameters of scale, distance and time, and three design methods of spatialisation: miniaturisation, immersion and mapping. These help to reframe challenges of digital communication – such as privacy online – from the perspective of the designer-researcher.
Through the practice-led inquiry, digital settings that are not easily grasped intuitively are framed as new contexts for architectural expertise, helping to establish the efficacy of architectural representation in addressing challenges of the digital through reflective design processes.


The phase equilibrium of pseudo-binary system LiIO3-HIO3 has been investigated by means of DTA, TGA and X-ray diffraction. The thermal properties and crystal structures of solid solutions based on α-LiIO3 and 2LiIO3 ·HIO3 are studied. 2LiIO3·HIO3 is isomorphic with α-LiIO3, belonging to hexagonal system. The space group is P63. The lattice parameters are: a=5.555 A, c=4.953 A. The parameter c decreases and parameter a increases with the HIO3 content. Compared with α-LiIO3, IO3 group expands along plane x-y and compressed along z-axis, i.e., the bond angle O-I-O becomes larger. 2LiIO3 ·HIO3 which is physicochemically different from α-LiIO3, is a new compound in the system LiIO3-HIO3, 2LiIO3·HIO3 does not form continuous solid solution with LilO3.


Abstract. Rasethe MT, Semenya SS. 2019. The population, utilization and local management of Elaeodendron transvaalense in the Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Biodiversitas 20: 2978-2985. Elaeodendron transvaalense is highly harvested by rural communities of the Limpopo Province (South Africa) to meet various livelihoods. However, its information on the population, uses, harvesting practices, threatening factors and local management is still not investigated and documented in many parts of this province. The current study therefore, provides a base-line data of E. transvaalense occurring in two villages of the Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo Province. Data on the population locations, utilization and local management strategies of this species was collected from community members, traditional healers and leaders via semi-structured questionnaires, supplemented by field observations on harvesting practices, threats, area of occupancy, population size, density and demographic structure and population health. Two populations, referred in this study as Sebotlana and Makgabeng covering an area of 25252.17 m2 and 45099.79 m2, respectively, were located in the two villages of the Blouberg Municipality. Both populations were characterized by a mixture of healthy seedlings, sapling, juvenile, middle trees, adult trees, and senescent trees, with Makgabeng population having the highest plant density. Various morphological parts such as bark and roots were mainly used by respondents as common ingredients in traditional medicines, mainly for cough, fever, diarrhoea, symptoms of AIDS and as blood purifier. Evidence of harvesting was only observed on Sebotlana population, which was also highly impacted by rural settlement expansion. Overall, there were no local management strategies meant specifically for the identified E. transvaalense around the Blouberg area.


The fact that tissue may undergo certain changes prior to the development of a malignant growth is well known. A precancerous stage of varying duration has been observed in the experimental production of epithelioma in animals. In human beings such instances are afforded by the senile dystrophy of the skin which manifests itself by atrophy, degeneration of elastic tissue, flecks of pigment, telangiectasis and circumscribed keratosis. The same changes are seen in xeroderma pigmentosum. Other conditions in which such changes occur are leukoplakia, extramammary Paget's disease and Bowen's disease. Among these rarer manifestations can be mentioned also melanosis of the skin and of the conjunctiva. In dermatology this is recognized as a precancerous change, and considerable is known about its clinical and histologic characteristics. It may appear in the skin anywhere over the body but has a predilection for the face. It is a rather diffuse nonelevated pigmentation


Endothelial cells (ECs) constitute the innermost layer in all blood vessels to maintain the structural integrity and microcirculation function for coronary microvasculature. Impaired endothelial function is demonstrated in various cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction (MI), which is featured by reduced myocardial blood flow as a result of epicardial coronary obstruction, thrombogenesis, and inflammation. In this context, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the function of coronary ECs is essential for the early diagnosis and optimal treatment of MI. Although ECs contain relatively fewer mitochondria compared with cardiomyocytes, they function as key sensors of environmental and cellular stress, in the regulation of EC viability, structural integrity and function. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) machineries respond to a broad array of stress stimuli to regulate fission, fusion, mitophagy and biogenesis in mitochondria. Impaired MQC is a cardinal feature of EC injury and dysfunction. Hence, medications modulating MQC mechanisms are considered as promising novel therapeutic options in MI. Here in this review, we provide updated insights into the key role of MQC mechanisms in coronary ECs and microvascular dysfunction in MI. We also discussed the option of MQC as a novel therapeutic target to delay, reverse or repair coronary microvascular damage in MI. Contemporary available MQC-targeted therapies with potential clinical benefits to alleviate coronary microvascular injury during MI are also summarized.


Adapted physical education and general physical education teachers may face challenges in teaching and promoting general physical activity and fitness. Implementing functional fitness activities, which integrate motor skills to carry out activities for daily living, may help teachers to effectively engage students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become more active. Because students with ASD often lack motor coordination and have low levels of physical activity, functional fitness training can be a fun and effective tool that helps them improve their fitness levels and potentially assists them in their activities of daily living. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how simple functional fitness activities can improve activities of daily living that require strength, endurance, flexibility, and stability. These activities are meant to be stimulating and purposeful.  Subscribe to Palaestra


Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device according to the present invention is a film carrier tape closest manufacture, package size and chip size, the sealing resin can be injected in a good condition. A film carrier tape 32 having a plurality of connection leads (24), the connecting portion of the connection lead (24) connected to several parts and cross holes (29, 31) and rectangular holes (11 to 15) formed by punching, prevent the resin from resin injection expansion, rectangular holes (12, 14) through the rectangular aperture (11, 15), and the holes (29, 31) air to remove the resin.


Bioethics' traditional focus on clinical relationships and exotic technologies has led the field away from population health, health disparities, and issues of justice. The result: a myopic view that misses the institutional context in which clinical relationships operate and can overlook factors that affect health more broadly than do exotic technologies. A broader bioethics agenda would take up unresolved questions about the distribution of health and the development of fair policies that affect health distribution.


Background:The confirmation of an appropriate resection margin from the tumor is crucial for reducing the risk of local recurrence after sublobar resection for pulmonary malignancies. Patients and Methods:From October 2014 to April 2018, 66 operative cases in 64 patients( primary lung cancer 42, metastatic lung tumor 21, benign disease 3) were enrolled. In lung cancer, active limited resection was done in 29 and passive limited resection was done in 13. Preoperatively, each patient created several virtual sublobar resections by using 3-dimensional (3D) volume analyzer. We measured the surgical margin in each simulated sublobar resection and selected the most appropriate procedure. Surgical resection matched with virtual sublobar resection was done by using an infrared thoracoscopy with transbronchial indocyanine green (ICG) instillation. In lung cancer, we compared surgical outcomes between ICG cases and 47 historical segmentectomy cases. Results:The types of sublobar resection were subsegmental resection in 5, simple segmentectomy in 15, complex segmentectomy in 16 and extended segmentectomy in 22 and anatomical super deep wedge resection in 8. The shortest distance of surgical margin by simulation and an actual measurement were 20.8±11.1 mm and 22.6±8.3 mm, respectively( p=0.186). Postoperative recurrence was found in 8 cases (distant in 7 and mediastinal lymph node in 1). No locoregional recurrence was found in all cases. Postoperative recurrence was similar between the 2 groups in active and passive limited resection, respectively. Conclusion:ICG-guided sublobar resection by transbronchial ICG instillation is applicable to any type of sublobar resection and can control local recurrence of lung neoplasms.


Markov chains provide quite attractive features for simulating a system's behavior under consideration of uncertainties. However, their use is somewhat limited because of their deterministic transition matrices. Vague probabilistic information and imprecision appear in the modeling of real-life systems, thus causing difficulties in the pure probabilistic model set-up. Moreover, their accu- racy suffers due to implementations on computers with floating point arithmetics. Our goal is to address these problems by extending the Dempster-Shafer with Intervals toolbox for MATLAB with novel verified algorithms for modeling that work with Markov chains with imprecise transition matrices, known as Markov set-chains. Addi- tionally, in order to provide a statistical estimation tool that can handle imprecision to set up Markov chain models, we develop a new verified algorithm for computing relations between the mean and the standard deviation of fuzzy sets.


We present a case of a young man, known case of ulcerative colitis, who presented with acute onset right flank pain and haematuria. Blood workup showed leucocytosis and raised serum creatinine. Cross-sectional imaging revealed renal vein with inferior vena cava thrombosis. He had a normal infectious screen and lacked septic features pointing towards non-infectious pathology. The 24-hour urine examination revealed nephrotic range proteinuria. Further evaluation was inconclusive for any defined pathology. Empiric anticoagulation was started and patient responded miraculously with restoration of vascularity to the affected kidney and discharged in stable condition.


While prevalence of Agile methodologies is increasing these years, companies should be aware of challenges that may they face during changing their development approach. Agile methods focus on people and this makes transition process more difficult than people expect. Companies should be ready for Agile transition, and performing a pre-start up assessment may help them to be best prepared for the change. Conducting a Grounded Theory study involving 33 Agile experts from 13 different countries showed that pre-start up assessment can help companies in various aspects including defining business goals, addressing training needs, team set up, pilot project selection and method or practice selection. In pre-start up assessment organization and team members should be evaluated to discover their abilities, requirements and restrictions. This process helps companies to get ready for moving to Agile.


PURPOSE
Brachytherapy treatment has been a cornerstone for management of various cancer sites, particularly for the treatment of gynecological malignancies. In low dose rate brachytherapy treatments, 137Cs sources have been used for several decades. A new 137Cs source design has been introduced (model 67-6520, source B3-561) by Isotope Products Laboratories (IPL) for clinical application. The goal of the present work is to implement the TG-43 U1 protocol in the characterization of the aforementioned 137Cs source.

METHODS
The dosimetric characteristics of the IPL 137Cs source are measured using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters in a Solid Water phantom material and calculated using Monte Carlo simulations with the GEANT4 code in Solid Water and liquid water. The dose rate constant, radial dose function, and two-dimensional anisotropy function of this source model were obtained following the TG-43 U1 recommendations. In addition, the primary and scatter dose separation (PSS) formalism that could be used in convolution/superposition methods to calculate dose distributions around brachytherapy sources in heterogeneous media was studied.

RESULTS
The measured and calculated dose rate constants of the IPL 137Cs source in Solid Water were found to be 0.930 (+/-7.3%) and 0.928 (+/-2.6%) cGy h(-1) U(-1), respectively. The agreement between these two methods was within our experimental uncertainties. The Monte Carlo calculated value in liquid water of the dose rate constant was null set=0.948 (+/-2.6%) cGy h(-1) U(-1). Similarly, the agreement between measured and calculated radial dose functions and the anisotropy functions was found to be within +/-5%. In addition, the tabulated data that are required to characterize the source using the PSS formalism were derived.

CONCLUSIONS
In this article the complete dosimetry of the newly designed 137Cs IPL source following the AAPM TG-43 U1 dosimetric protocol and the PSS formalism is provided.


THE EFFECTS OF WHOLE TREE HARVESTING ON SITE HYDROLOGY AND SOIL STRUCTURE AT BEDDGELERT FOREST, N . WALES, UK. JULIA ELIZABETH HODGKINS The ITE biogeochemistry group monitoring solute movement at Beddgelert Forest provided an opportunity to study the hydrology of a steep section of hillslope in a high rainfall environment. The aim of the experiment was to characterise and compare the hillslope hydrologies of one forested and one whole tree harvested site. Particular attention was paid to the influence of trees both directly on soil water pathways and indirectly on soil characteristics Atmospheric inputs were monitored for the slope and individual plots for one year. In spite of high rainfall volumes, the slope was not waterlogged indicating a soil with high conductivity. However, frequent macropore flow was not observed at the site. Tensiometer results showed that the mineral soil remained unsaturated. Therefore, a type of preferential flow dominates at both sites. A one dimensional modelling approach to soil water movement confirmed that mesopores within the soil could conduct a large volume of water rapidly. Modelling demonstrated the importance of soil structure especially a large pore size distribution. Analyses of active soil water pathways based on tensiometer results were inconclusive. Downslope moisture gradient combined with high conductivity suggested that large quantities of water could be transmitted. Similarly, the well structured surface soil and marked horizon development also indicate lateral flow may be dominant. The study showed that saturated hydraulic conductivity was highly variable at both the forest and whole tree harvested sites. Analysis of semi-variograms indicated that most of the variance occurred at a sampling distance of 50 cm (i.e. individual tree roots and slate fragments were causing variations in Kg). Investigations of soil structure found more vertical cracks in the forest soil compared to the whole tree harvested site. At the more detailed ped scale, fractal dimensions of both sites were similar. Based on these results combined with temporal moisture content data the research has demonstrated that first, the hydrologicai regime at both sites were similar. Second, the direct impact of trees was limited. Third, the large cracks at the forest site were not significant. The major result of this research was that at both sites vertical flow in the Ah/Ea horizon dominates and a significant amount of water moved laterally within the Eag, Bg and C horizons. This result has major implications for the solute chemistry and movement of acid deposition in that soil water bom solutes will tend to enter water courses more rapidly than i f vertical flow predominated.


The metal nanocrystal (NC)/carbon nanotube (CNT) based nonvolatile memory has been proposed recently in comparison to the microfabricated Si channel and Si NCs in ultranarrow channel structure. The electrostatics of metal NC-CNT devices during memory operations differ significantly from the metal NC memory with planar silicon channel. In this paper, we present the theoretical analysis on the three-dimensional (3-D) electrostatics of the NC-CNT device during memory operations, to illustrate the experimentally observed large number of charge storage at low gate bias (5 V) despite a 100-nm-thick bottom-gate control dielectric. NCs are electrostatically more strongly coupled to the two-dimensional (2-D) gate electrode than to the one-dimensional (1-D) channel, even when the NCs are in much closer proximity to the 1-D channel, for efficient tunneling and low-voltage program operation. Under the retention condition, the NC-CNT devices have lower electric field across tunneling oxide than that in the case of a 2-D channel. This increasing electric field difference with respect to program versus retention operations indicates larger ratio between program and retention times. Together with the large number of electrons stored per NC, this enhanced electrostatics can be utilized either to reduce the operating voltage or to reduce statistical fluctuation of the information storage


In the spring of 1860, Henry C. Carey, the Philadelphia political economist and apostle of protectionism, offered a revision of his doctrine in hope of saving the Union. For several years, in such writings as The Slave Trade, Domestic and Foreign (1853) and The North and the South (1854), he had argued that reimposition of high protective tariffs promised material prosperity for the free population and gradual emancipation of the slaves. With secession looming he enlarged the argument. In a series of letters to the Memphis Daily Enquirer, he explained how the original error of liberal trade beginning in 1833 had interacted with climate and migration to produce economic crises and sectional conflict. Political economy not only pointed to the right course, it showed why the course was blocked from view. Prosperity, gradual emancipation, and preservation of the union all depended on the inhabitants of the central "Mineral Zone," from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, first seeing the blockage and then uniting to correct the combined policy errors of the northern "Trading Zone" and the southern "Planting Zone." Carey's neglected "zone theory" shows the direction and ambitions of an important strain of American political economy in the immediate antebellum period. It also merits attention as an early example of economic theories of geography and institutions akin to those claiming attention today.


The management of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in the haemato-oncology setting remains a challenge. This article reviews recent guidelines relating to IFD for their similarities and differences, as well as applying the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria. The guidelines' recommendations on antifungal prophylaxis, empirical and definitive treatment of candidiasis and aspergillosis are summarized; also, minimum standards for diagnosis and follow-up are discussed. This critique of the reviewed guidelines is a practical guide to physicians and commissioners in making local policies for IFD management.


Since the HIV epidemic, the incidence ofanorectal (pre)malignancies in men who have sex with men (MSM) is increasing. The incidence is likely to increase further in the coming years, given that HIV-positive MSM are living longer thanks to powerful antiretroviral treatment. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of anal (pre)malignancies. Less is known about the natural history of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). Screening in HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM for anorectal malignancies or dysplasia is cost-effective if the incidence is sufficiently high. Treatment options range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic grade-1 AIN to excision or radio(chemo)therapy for anorectal carcinoma. HPV vaccines are in development. Especially in HIV-positive MSM with anorectal complaints or genital warts in their medical history, one should consider these malignancies.


The flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids in a square cavity were simulated using single-phase and mixed-phase flow models, and the simulation results were compared with the corresponding experimental values. The effects of different prediction models for the thermal properties of nanofluids, Grashof number, and volume fraction on the Nusselt number were analysed. The velocity and temperature distributions of the nanofluid and deionised water in the square cavity were compared, and the effects of the temperature and flow fields on the enhanced heat transfer were analysed according to the field synergy theory. The results show that for the numerical simulation of convective heat transfer in water, both the single-phase flow models and multi-phase flow mixing models had high prediction accuracy. For nanofluids, single-phase flow did not reflect the heat transfer characteristics well, and the simulation results of the single-phase flow model relied more strongly on a highly accurate prediction model for the physical parameters. The multi-phase flow mixing model could better reflect the natural convective heat transfer properties of the nanofluids in a the square cavity. The nanofluid could significantly improve the flow state in the square cavity, thereby facilitating enhanced convective heat transfer. When the concentration is 2% (Grashof number is 1×106), the average Nusselt number of the nanofluid is increased by 19.7% compared with the base fluid.


The problem of concurrent motion and force control for ma nipulator tasks with continuous contact between end effector and environment is addressed in this article. In contrast to previous work, no compliance is assumed between end effec tor and contacted object, but instead the contact is modeled to be stiff. A convenient formulation of dynamic equations for constrained manipulators is presented that allows for a very simple inclusion of kinematic constraints resulting from stiff contact. The formulation is also applicable in situations where the compliance frame and/or the contacted object are moving. Based on the resulting dynamic equations, two separate compensators for the nonlinear and time-variant manipulator dynamics in the motion- and force-controlled subspaces are derived. Suitable discrete-time controllers for motion control and for force control are presented. The re sulting control scheme was implemented on an experimental high-speed manipulator, and results are given and discussed.


One of the marketing strategies at Islamic banks is by building a company's brand image and customer trust to gain customer loyalty. The focus of this research is to show the relationship between brand image, trust and loyalty of Syariah bank customers in Sidoarjo. This study uses a random sampling technique with 100 customers of Islamic banks domiciled in Sidoarjo and at least have become customers of Islamic banks within one year. The analytical method used in this study is a multiple linear regression test and hypothesis testing using IBM SPSS 25 software. The results of this study indicate that if there is an increase in brand image and customer trust will also have an impact on increasing the level of customer loyalty. There is a partial influence of brand image on loyalty and between trust in loyalty, and there is a simultaneous relationship between brand image and trust in customer loyalty of Islamic banks in Sidoarjo.


INTRODUCTION
Oral health practitioners are responsible for a significant share of opioid prescriptions that seem to be influenced by many aspects, including sociodemographic factors. However, there is no consensus on the factors associated with opioid prescription in Dentistry.

OBJECTIVE
To identify whether patients' sociodemographic factors are associated with the prescription pattern of opioids in Dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review will include observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort). Electronic searches will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of science, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Grey literature will also be consulted. Two independent reviewers will screen all retrieved articles for eligibility, extract data, and assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The results will be presented as a narrative synthesis and, where possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Certainty of the evidence will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42020211226.


Hamm, Wolfgang, Lukas von Stülpnagel, Mathias Klemm, Monika Baylacher, Konstantinos D. Rizas, Axel Bauer, and Stefan Brunner. Deceleration capacity of heart rate after acute altitude exposure. High Alt Med Biol 19:299-302, 2018.

BACKGROUND
The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in adaptive changes after high-altitude exposure. Deceleration capacity (DC) of heart rate is an advanced marker of heart rate variability (HRV) that predominantly reflects the vagal activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system. The impact of high-altitude exposure on DC has not been investigated yet.

METHODS
In eight healthy individuals we performed a high-resolution digital 30-min electrocardiography in Frank leads configuration at baseline (521 m altitude), immediately after ascent to the Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus (UFS) at Zugspitze (2650 m altitude) and after a sojourn of 24 hours at this altitude. DC of heart rate was assessed using customized software. In addition, standard parameters of HRV were assessed.

RESULTS
DC decreased significantly from 10.2 ± 0.8 ms to 8.9 ± 1.0 ms (p < 0.05) after acute altitude exposure. After a sojourn of 24 hours at high altitude, DC remained low at 8.6 ± 1.2 ms. There were no significant changes in standard parameters of HRV.

CONCLUSION
Our findings show for the first time a decrease of DC of heart rate providing a novel insight into the dysbalance of autonomic nervous system at high altitude.


Hierdie artikel handel oor die vraag of die Publieke Administrasie-diskoers 'n kritiese besinning oor die tegniese apparaat en tegniese aktiwiteite insluit in soverre dit publieke administrasie behels. 'n Oorsig van die teenwoordigheid van tegnologie in die ontwikkeling van Publieke Administrasie in Europa, Brittanje en die Verenigde State van Amerika, toon aan dat Publieke Administrasie as 'n aparte vak ontstaan het as gevolg van 'n groeiende behoefte aan 'n korpus van tegnieke vir die uitvoering van openbare funksies. Trouens, die vak Publieke Administrasie beliggaam die tegnologie vir publieke administrasie. Publieke Administrasie moet dus in die toepassingskonteks die tegnieke wat relevant is vir die lewering van openbare dienste bestudeer. Die insluiting van 'n studie van die tegnieke wat verband hou met die gebruik van die rekenaar in publieke administrasie is dus 'n logiese gevolg van Publieke Administrasie, wat die tegnologie is van 'n immer veranderende publieke administrasie.
A reflection on technology in Public Administration
The emotional value attached to poor public services in South Africa is evident from the recent violent protests by citizens in the South African Mpumalanga Province against the perceived lack of proper service delivery by the government. Bearing in mind the expectations for service delivery after the election of new public representatives in the national and provincial spheres during 2009, it is appropriate to critically reflect on the how and the means (sometimes referred to as "technology") applied by public institutions to transform political policy into practical programmes. This critical reflection is usually expected to be the result of the influence of the academic subject Public Administration. This article is thus concerned with whether Public Administration discourse has included a critical reflection on technical apparatus and technical activities in the domain of the technical insofar as it concerns public administration. Various scholars have in the last few decades written extensively about the application of technology by government in rendering public services. However, the question can be asked whether technology is only of recent relevance to Public Administration or whether the early scholars such as White (1926) and Gullick (1937) perhaps have paved the way during the 1920s and 1930s for a Public Administration reflection on the use of technology today. This article reflects on the historical and current place of technology in Public Administration, specifically with regard to improving public service delivery. This reflection is based on a comprehensive review of relevant books and journal articles. It starts with an analysis of the concepts technique and technology, followed by an assessment of the role of technology in Public Administration and proceeds with a discussion of not only the place of technology in the subject of Public Administration, but also the relevance of public administration technology for improving service delivery. For the purpose of this article the concept technology refers to the critical reflection on the technical, while the concept technique refers to the domain of the technical where technical objects (tools) are used in technical activities. Consequently, technique and technology in Public Administration are studied in terms of three broad traditions of the discipline, namely the European tradition, the British tradition and the American tradition. The article argues that Public Administration, the academic subject reflecting critically on the practice of public administration, has developed since the sixteenth century Cameralist Germany and Austria as a result of a growing need for administrative techniques necessary to carry out public functions, into the technology of public administration. The content of Public Administration has been strongly influenced by changes in the social order in the broadest sense of the word. Subsequently the technical tools and activities used by general society have not only been applied in public administration, but became part of the domain of Public Administration. Public Administration thus has to study the techniques relevant to public service delivery. These techniques may include those related to the use of the computer (the socalled information technology) in an ever changing public administration. The development of Public Administration as a subject field can be summarised as a gradual movement from a public administration dominated by politics and generalists to public administration rendering services to societies with diverse and specialised needs by means of ever changing techniques. Public Administration seems to develop as a result of a growing need for a body of techniques for executing public functions. The result of the application of these techniques in public administration is inevitably reflected in the quality of the government services rendered to the public. Public Administration, the technology of public administration, has to take cognisance of communities' dissatisfaction with public service delivery, and critically investigate the techniques responsible for the inappropriate public services in order to improve the applied techniques.


In two and three dimensional Lipschitz, but not necessarily convex, polytopal domains, we propose and analyze an a posteriori error estimator for an optimal control problem that involves the stationary Navier-Stokes equations; control constraints are also considered. The proposed error estimator is defined as the sum of three contributions, which are related to the discretization of the state and adjoint equations and the control variable. We prove that the devised error estimator is globally reliable and locally efficient. We conclude by presenting numerical experiments which reveal the competitive performance of an adaptive loop based on the proposed error estimator.


The paper proposes a systematic robust multivariable control strategy based on combination of systematic triangularization technique and robust control strategies. Two design stages are required. In the first design stage, multivariable control problem is reduced into a series of scalar control problems via triangularization technique. For each specific scalar system, two advanced control strategies are proposed and implemented in the second design stage. The first one is based on Model Predictive Control, which is an iterative, finite horizon optimization procedure. The second control strategy is known as Neuro-Sliding Mode Control, which integrates Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and Neural Network Design to achieve both chattering-free and system robustness. Real-time implementation on a powered wheelchair system confirms that robustness and desired performance of a multivariable system under model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances can indeed be achieved by the combination of triangularization technique and Neuro-Sliding Mode Control.


A new transition-metal-free transformation of trifluoropropanamides into cyanoformamides through a sequence of C-CF3 bond cleavage and nitrogenation using tert-butyl nitrite as the nitrogen source is described. The method features direct detrifluoromethylation, broad substrate scopes, and excellent selectivity control, representing a new shortcut for constructing the nitrile group involving C-CF3 σ-bond cleavage.


Argues that key account management (KAM) in industrial and business‐to‐business markets has its roots in sales management where it has long been recognized that customers of strategic importance require special treatment. Explains that, more recently, growing interest among academics and practitioners in relationship marketing has forced KAM centre stage as one of the few seemingly tried and tested approaches to customer retention and development, but that this trend has exposed three interrelated problems for the adoption of KAM systems. Maintains that: first, many companies have merely extended their traditional approaches to major account selling, rather than transforming their internal processes to accommodate the wider relational aspects of KAM; second, there has been a rush to define managerial competences and best practice, with little theoretical or empirical underpinning; and third, despite parallel developments in purchasing and supply‐chain management, there has been a tendency for the sellers' perspective to dominate implementation issues. Addresses these problems by operationalizing the relational development model outlined in an earlier article entitled "From key account selling to key account management" (JMP, Vol. 1 No. 1). Draws on the findings from ongoing empirical research which takes the buyer/seller dyadic relationship as the unit of analysis to provide a critique of the relative neglect of KAM processes in preference to outputs in the form of managerial competences.


The management of waste materials is becoming an acute problem in Malaysia. Rapid economic development, population growth, inadequate infrastructure and expertise and land scarcity make the management of municipal solid waste one of the Malaysia's most critical environmental issues. Solid waste management is a major challenge for Malaysia to address in the light of Vision 2020 which lays out the direction for Malaysia to become a fully developed nation by 2020. This book, therefore, provides a significant discussion on household waste management such as: Prevention and Minimization of Waste Recycling, Collection, storage and transportation of Waste, Landfill Disposal of Waste and waste generated by per household, and their WTP for waste management improvement and some vital polices to the policymakers. This study should be especially useful for households, professionals and policy makers to improve household waste management system in Malaysia.


T helper 17 (Th17)‐cell differentiation triggered by interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) via STAT3 activation promotes inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an IL‐6 family cytokine, restricts inflammation by blocking Th17‐cell differentiation via an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that microbiota dysregulation promotes LIF secretion by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in a mouse colitis model. LIF greatly activates STAT4 phosphorylation on multiple SPXX elements within the C‐terminal transcription regulation domain. STAT4 and STAT3 act reciprocally on both canonical cis‐inducible elements (SIEs) and noncanonical "AGG" elements at different loci. In lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs), STAT4 activation by LIF blocks STAT3‐dependent Il17a/Il17f promoter activation, whereas in IECs, LIF bypasses the extraordinarily low level of STAT4 to induce YAP gene expression via STAT3 activation. In addition, we found that the administration of LIF is sufficient to restore microbiome homeostasis. Thus, LIF effectively inhibits Th17 accumulation and promotes repair of damaged intestinal epithelium in inflamed colon, serves as a potential therapy for IBD.


Sleep disorders are linked with mood disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Many women attribute sleep difficulties to abortion, but this self-diagnosis has not been tested using record-based evidence. Examination of records for 56,824 women with no known history of sleep disorders or sleep disturbances revealed that women were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders or disturbances following an induced abortion compared to a birth. The difference was most pronounced in the first 180 days after pregnancy resolution and was not significant after the third year.


In this article, we discuss how video-reflexive ethnography may be useful in engaging staff to improve dementia care in a hospital medical unit. Seven patients with dementia were involved in the production of patient-story videos, and fifty members of staff (nurses, physicians, and allied health practitioners) participated in video-reflexive groups. We identified five substantial themes to describe how video-reflexive groups might contribute to enacting person-centered care for improving dementia care: (a) seeing through patients' eyes, (b) seeing normal strange and surprised, (c) seeing inside and between, (d) seeing with others inspires actions, and (e) seeing with the team builds a culture of learning. Our findings suggest that video reflexivity is not only useful for staff engagement but also effective in enhancing team capacity to enact person-centered care in the hospital setting.


Since 1971 the Marine Option Program has been the principal source for undergraduates from all disciplines in the University of Hawaii to discover and develop their marine interests and talents. The program complements the work of other units, promotes learning by first-hand experience and grants a certificate to students who complete a core of marine-related courses and a practical marine project. By promoting and coordinating opportunities on campus, with governmental agencies, and in the private sector, MOP prepares students for relevant employment opportunities or further specialized training. In addition, the program sponsors special activities aimed at bringing together all who share an interest in and love for the sea.


Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is commonly known as the "false banana" because of its close resemblance to the domesticated banana (Musa spp.) plant. It is Ethiopia's most important traditional staple crop in the densely populated south and south-western parts of the country; where it is grown and exploited for its starch to make various food and industrial products. In Uganda, little is known about enset regarding its ethno-botany and distribution, yet it occurs in the country. The objective of this study was to map out the distribution and document the ethno-botany and uses of enset in Uganda. A survey was carried out throughout the country to identify its natural habitats in different regions. Local people were interviewed on the uses of enset, etymology, and identification of different morphotypes. Morphological descriptors and sex of enset accessions were used in classification or identification of morphotypes. Enset was generally widely, but sparsely distributed in the different regions in Uganda; growing at elevations ranging between 988 (Moyo district) to 2,150 (Kapchorwa district) metres above sea level (masl) and in a variety of habitats. Out of the 80 districts of Uganda (as of 2009), enset was reported and observed in 30 districts. Thirteen local names of enset and their meanings were documented; but it was widely referred to as Kitembe. Different plant parts were used for medicinal purposes; while the leaves were used in local beer brewing. There were five enset morphotypes distinguished by morphological traits, such as plant height (short vs tall), mid-rib colour (light green vs pink), pseudostem background appearance (light green vs brown), leaf margin colour, male bud colour, and leaf length-breadth ratio. A detailed molecular level genetic diversity assessment is recommended for further validation of the morphotypes.


Recently there has been considerable revaluation of the development of natural sciences in the early nineteenth century, dealing among other things with the works and ideas of Charles Lyell. The task of interpreting Lyell in balanced terms is extremely complex because his activities covered many fields of research, and because his views have been unwarrantably distorted in order to make him the precursor of various modern scientific positions. Martin Rudwick in particular has contributed several papers relating to Lyell's Principles of geology, and has repeatedly stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation of Lyell's scientific proposals, and of his position in the culture of his time. In the present paper I hope to contribute to the reassessment of Lyell's work by concentrating on his discussion of transformism, which constituted the central theme of the second volume of the Principles of geology: the very length of Lyell's detailed and critical analysis of Lamarck's theories reveals the importance he attributed to the question of transformism in the contemporary natural sciences.


A superalloy traditionally offers excellent mechanical strength, resistance to thermal creep deformation, good surface stability and resistance to corrosion or oxidation. However, a superalloy often also needs performance in terms of fretting resistance. Experimental results regarding fretting wear and contact properties of the superalloy Rene 80 are illustrated and discussed. The widespread applications of superalloys in jointing with friction as in the jointing of a turbine blade, is the main motivation for characterizing their fretting behaviour. The fretting experiments were performed at 100 Hz for two temperatures (600, 800 °C), and two sliding amplitudes (30, 60 µm). These temperatures and strokes are typical at the medium stage of a low-pressure gas turbine. Wear volume and the contact properties such as friction coefficient and tangential contact stiffness were measured and analysed. Results show that the lowest friction coefficient was measured at the temperature of 800 °C. This temperature hence appears to be an optimum working condition for the fretting wear of Rene 80. With regard to wear mechanism, a fundamental role of the sliding amplitude was found. In particular, the ratio between the sliding amplitude and the characteristic contact length has a significant influence upon the oxide growth on contact surfaces.


Background:
 Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is important for the diagnosis of hypertension (HTN) as well as variants such as nocturnal HTN (NH), masked HTN and a non-dipping pattern. NH and non-dipping, a failure of the normal circadian drop in blood pressure during sleep, have been associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risk. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with HTN and a growing body of evidence suggests that limb movement disorders of sleep may also influence cardiovascular morbidity. The present study investigates arousals of sleep disorders, limb movement or respiratory, and their relationship to ABPM measurements.

 Methods:
 A retrospective review (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014) was performed on patients that underwent both ABPM and polysomnography within a six months of each other. Socio-demographic data, results of 24 hour ABPM and polysomnography, concurrent medication use by class, comorbid conditions and laboratory data were recorded. Patients with incomplete polysomnography or ABPM measurements were excluded.

 Results:
 330 individuals met criterion for inclusion; 59% male, 86% white. 211 (64%) were found to have NH, 106 (32%) had uncontrolled HTN and 202 (61%) had a non-dipping pattern. Patients with NH were more likely to have diabetes, hyperlipidemia and chronic kidney disease. Elevated arousal indices were more prevalent in those with NH, uncontrolled HTN and non-dippers. There was an association of NH with the total number of arousals per hour of sleep (p<0.01), whether related to respiratory disturbances or limb movements. Limb movement index (LMI) was related to age (p<0.0001) and was associated with all type arousals (p<0.0001).

 Conclusions:
 ABPM revealed a high prevalence of NH, non-dipping, masked and uncontrolled HTN in patients with sleep disorders. Arousals of all types, whether accompanying respiratory or limb movements, were associated with NH and also with LMI.


The limitations of the Influence Method for the determination of the intrinsic efficiency of a EJ-301 liquid scintillator to gamma-rays and neutrons in the MeV range is presented. Discrepancies between the intrinsic efficiencies, measured according to the Influence Method, and their accepted values are reported and investigated using MCNP6. It was found that this discrepancy is caused by multiple scattering of both gamma-rays and neutrons in the detector, effects which are not properly accounted for in the Influence Method. Correction factors have been calculated in MCNP6 for different detector geometries and different gamma-ray and neutron energies. A simple correction factor is derived, which can be used to calculate the correct intrinsic efficiency for similar detectors using the Influence Method without having to recur to Monte Carlo simulation.


Abstract. Single-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) enables the possibility for sea ice topographic retrieval despite the inherent dynamics of sea ice. InSAR digital elevation models (DEM) are measuring the radar scattering centre height. The height bias induced by the penetration of electromagnetic waves into snow and ice leads to inaccuracies of the InSAR DEM, especially for multi-year sea ice with snow 5 cover. In this study, an elevation difference between the satellite-measured InSAR DEM and the airborne-measured optical DEM is observed from a coordinated campaign over the western Weddell Sea in Antarctica. The objective is to correct the penetration bias and generate a precise sea ice topographic map from the single-pass InSAR data. With the potential of retrieving sea ice geophysical information by the polarimetric-interferometry (Pol-InSAR) technique, a two-layer plus volume model is proposed to represent the sea ice vertical structure and its scattering mechanisms. Furthermore, a simplified version of the model is derived, to allow its inversion with limited a priori knowledge, which is then applied to a topographic retrieval scheme. The model-retrieved performance is validated with the optical DEM of the sea ice topography, showing an excellent performance with root-mean-square error as low as 0.22 m. The experiments are performed across four polarizations: HH, VV, Pauli-1 (HH+VV), and Pauli-2 (HH-VV), indicating the polarization-independent volume scattering property of the sea ice in the investigated co-polarized data.


This paper documents a series of seven patients with semantic dementia who showed a selective preservation in colour naming. This was in the context of a pervasive impairment in naming nouns across a wide range of other semantic categories. To our knowledge, this is the first series of patients with semantic dementia documenting a selective preservation of colour naming. These findings are discussed in the light of current theoretical accounts of category-specific effects and the possible contribution of imageability to this selective preservation of colours.


Introduction: Streptomyces are microorganisms that are present in a variety of natural resources, especially in the soil, and can produce a wide variety of antimicrobial compounds. The prevalence of microbial resistance among pathogen microorganisms is increasing. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify Streptomyces producing antimicrobial compounds with molecular methods and optimize its production conditions. Methods: Streptomyces isolated from the soils of different regions of eastern Gilan province. Then, morphology, physiology and biochemical identification of the isolated samples were investigated. Finally, the identification of the isolates was carried out using sequencing of 16 SrRNA and phylogenetic analysis. Antimicrobial activity against tested pathogenic microorganisms and optimization of antimicrobial compounds produced in nutrient media and different conditions such as carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, incubation time and temperature were performed. Results: Based on the results of phylogenetic studies and sequencing of 16SrRNA, 97.34% confidence was detected in Streptomyces tendae strain 944. The bacterium had antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms including Micrococcus luteus PTCC 1408, Bacillus cereus PTCC 1154, Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1189, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1310, Salmonella typhi PTCC 1609 and Proteus mirabilis PTCC 1776. After optimization, the best culture medium, pH, optimum temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources and incubation time were ISP2, 7, 28 0 C, glucose, yeast extract and 7 days respectively. Conclusion: The first report of screening of Streptomyces producing bioactive compounds in the eastern regions of Guilan province, show that the soils of the eastern regions of Guilan province are a very rich source of streptomyces producing antimicrobial compounds that can it is very important to produce natural-antimicrobial compounds.


Objectives:Recent studies have suggested that highly active antiretroviral therapy may lead to rises in alanine transaminase (ALT) among HIV-infected patients. However, the definition of an ALT flare is arbitrary and the extent to which such increases represent normal fluctuations has not been explored. Methods:Using data from untreated, hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus-negative, HIV-infected patients, we derived a definition for an ALT flare by exploring a series of ALT thresholds (from 100 to 200 IU/L). The resulting definition (2 consecutive ALTs > 200 measured >2 weeks apart) was applied to all patients in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study, and Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with ALT flares. Results:Five hundred and twenty six of 12,206 eligible patients (4.3%) had ≥1 ALT flare, resulting in a total of 615 episodes of ALT flares. The overall rate of an ALT flare was 1.19 (95% confidence interval: 1.10 to 1.28) per 100 person-years. Higher risk of ALT flare was associated with lower CD4 counts, detectable viral loads, being under follow-up in earlier calendar years, prior clinical AIDS, receipt of nevirapine either with didanosine/stavudine or without didanosine/stavudine, receipt of ritonavir, detectable anti-hepatitis C virus, and detectable hepatitis B surface antigen. Conclusions:Associations between known risk factors may be under/over estimated if using single values, that is, 1 ALT > 200, to define ALT flares. We recommend studies to use a more stringent measure and suggest our derived definition of an ALT flare.


A ferroelectric KH2PO4 crystal is implemented in a simple series connection of an RLC circuit and the transition to chaos near the phase-transition temperature is investigated. The torus-doubling scenario to chaos, the theory of which was expounded by Kaneko for high-dimensional dynamical systems, has been found in the crystal. These experimental results suggest that observation of the nonlinear dynamical behavior in condensed matter can give much information about the correlation between the generation of nonlinearity and the order-parameter dynamics of the crystal near the phase-transition temperature.


We collected details on the predation of four agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) by ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). All kills were made outside of the typical agouti activity period (<0500 h). Agoutis were captured from behind and killed with a bite through the back of the skull. The kill sites for two female agoutis were significantly closer to their den sites than expected, while kill sites for two males were not. All carcasses were completely covered by leaves during the day and were fed on during night hours. Predation by ocelots can be a significant cause of mortality for agoutis at Barro Colorado Island (BCI).


With the rapid expansion of computer usage and computer network the security of the computer system has became very important. Every day new kind of attacks are being faced by industries. Many methods have been proposed for the development of intrusion detection system using artificial intelligence technique. In this paper we will have a look at an algorithm based on neural networks that are suitable for Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) [1] [2]. The name of this algorithm is ―Self Organizing Maps‖ (SOM). Neural networks method is a promising technique which has been used in many classification problems. The neural network component will implement the neural approach, which is based on the assumption that each user is unique and leaves a unique footprint on a computer system when using it. If a user's footprint does not match his/her reference footprint based on normal system activities, the system administrator or security officer can be alerted to a possible security breach. At the end of the paper we will figure out the advantages and disadvantages of Self Organizing Maps and explain how it is useful for building an Intrusion Detection System.


We describe a new technique to determine the homogeneous linewidths of surface plasmon resonances of metal nanoparticles and thus measure the decay time of this collective electron excitation. The method is based on spectral hole burning and has been applied to supported oblate Ag particles with radii of 7.5 nm. From the experimental results and a theoretical model of hole burning the linewidth of 260 meV corresponding to a decay time of 4.8 fs was extracted. This value is shorter than expected for damping by bulk electron scattering. We conclude that additional damping mechanisms have been observed and reflect confinement of the electrons in nanoparticles with sizes below 10 nm.


Primary cardiac lymphoma, defined as involving only the heart and pericardiwn, is very rare and is diagnosed predominantly late in the course of illness or autopsy. This tumor is commonly fatal and until recently were rarely diagnosed antemortem. Recently, it was reported in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report a case of primary cardiac lymphoma in a 56 year old female who showed progressive exertional dyspnea. On echocardiogram and CT scan, a large ill defined mass was demonstrated in right atrial and ventricular wall. It was diagnosed as B-cell type lymphoma on open cardiac biopsy.


Modified gravity theories often contain a scalar field of gravitational strength which interacts with matter. We examine constraints on the range and the coupling strength of a scalar gravitational degree of freedom using a subset of current data that can be safely analyzed within the linear perturbation theory. Using a model-independent implementation of scalar-tensor theories in mgcamb in terms of two functions of the scale factor describing the mass and the coupling of the scalar degree of freedom, we derive constraints on the $f(R)$, generalized chameleon, symmetron and dilaton models. Since most of the large scale structure data available today is from relatively low redshifts, only a limited range of observed scales is in the linear regime, leading to relatively weak constraints. We then perform a forecast for a future large scale structure survey, such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), which will map a significant volume at higher redshifts, and show that it will produce much stronger constraints on scalar interactions in specific models. We also perform a principal component analysis and find that future surveys should be able to provide tight constraints on several eigenmodes of the scalar mass evolution.


The Asmari Formation (Oligocene-Miocene), as one of the main carbonate petroleum reservoirs of the Middle East, represents strongly variable reservoir quality on regional and local scale. One outcrop analogue (Syah-koh Anticline) and a well-A (oilfield at western Lorestan basin), both situated in western Iran, were investigated to address the reservoir characteristics. The 12 microfacies identified reflect deposition on a broad carbonate ramp reflecting an outer, mid and inner ramp setting. Three third-order depositional sequences are deduced based on interpreted Gamma-ray, sonic logs and stratal stacking patterns. The identified sequences and existence of a thicker evaporite succession in well-A points to more restricted depositional conditions with reduced connection to the open sea from the Syah-koh Anticline towards well-A. The diagenetic modifications revealed micritization, dissolution, cementation, fracturing, dolomitization and compaction. Petrographic and δ13C and δ18O analysis of cements points towards marine, meteoric and burial diagenetic alteration, whereby the cements with δ13C and δ18O values similar to those of enclosing micrite (0 to -2‰ V-PDB) reflect a marine diagenetic environment. The micrite phases enriched in aforementioned isotopes resulted from evaporation which is supported by widespread associated dolomitization. The J trend present in the δ13C and δ18O cross plot reflects the meteoric diagenetic overprint. The cements with highly depleted δ18O signatures (<-10‰ V-PDB) are linked to burial diagenetic processes. The isotopic values are in agreement with the luminescence characteristics of the cements including dull for marine, alternating bright and dull zones for meteoric and bright for burial cements.


We describe a new species of forest frog (genus Platymantis) from 180–300 m above sea level on Mt. Lihidan in the northwestern part of Panay Island, Philippines. It is assigned to the Platymantis dorsalis species group and is distinguished from congeners by external morphology, various spectral and temporal components of the advertisement call, and a preference for terrestrial, limestone microhabitat. Unique morphological characters include a moderately large body (27.7–34.3 mm SVL for 15 males), slightly expanded terminal finger and toe discs, distinctly rugose dorsal and lateral skin, pronounced supratympanic fold, protuberant rictal tubercle cluster, hidden dorsal and posterior edges of tympanum, and unique coloration.


The dipole moment functions of the iodine and transitions in the ranges of 3.0–4.8 and 3.1–4.1 Å have been determined for the first time by means of simulation of the luminescence spectra from the D′, vD′ = 58, JD′ = 39 and D, vD = 13, 18; JD = 26 rovibronic levels, respectively. The dipole moment functions of the iodine and transitions have also been re-examined using a more perfect than employed earlier method of calibration of the spectral sensitivity function of the condenser/monochromator/detector system.


This paper deals with the distribution of agreement patterns for target adjectives or past participles in Swiss German dialects focussing on non-attributive domains. While agreement outside the nominal phrase has been lost in the development towards Standard German and in most dialects, in some Swiss German dialects certain syntactic domains still show formal agreement. Against this backdrop, two topics will be addressed in this paper. It gives an overview of the extent, function and distribution of formal agreement within the clausal domain on the basis of survey data, as far as possible. Another focus is default neuter inflection, which no longer shows canonical gender agreement with a neuter controller, but has developed a new function in the field of aspectuality.


A variety of conditions in combatant zones exposes soldiers to high level infrasonic reverberations. In an effort to achieve realistic simulation in training exercises, it is desirable to duplicate the high level infrasonics, in a controlled and cost effective manner. Both commercial audio voice-coil and motor-driven speaker systems are inadequate for this application. In this paper, we design and implement a digital tracking controller for a modified motor-driven speaker system to generate infrasonic waves and minimize the motor drift and wave distortion. Frequency and time domain aspects of the design are considered, and both computer simulations and experimental results of the feedback control system are presented.


Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles are going to become mature technologies in automotive industry. Looking at today's market, several electric/hybrid cars are proposed for people moving whereas the same is not true for light freight transportation, basically for matters of costs. Nevertheless, the demand for low-consumption low-emission light commercial vehicles is increasing in the last years due to the impressive growth of the e-commerce along with the related logistics management, and the extension of hybrid power-train to light commercial vehicles is under evaluation as it can offer many advantages, one for all the possibility to access limited traffic zones in urban areas. This paper focuses on the development of an e-motor drive system to power the auxiliary services in the zero emission mode of a hybrid electric light commercial vehicle. The study has been developed in the frame of the project "LowEmission Innovative Vehicles for Urban Transport of Goods & People", funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment in 2012-2014.


In adversarial patrolling games, a mobile Defender strives to discover intrusions at vulnerable targets initiated by an Attacker. The Attacker's utility is traditionally defined as the probability of completing an attack, possibly weighted by target costs. However, in many real-world scenarios, the actual damage caused by the Attacker depends on the \emph{time} elapsed since the attack's initiation to its detection. We introduce a formal model for such scenarios, and we show that the Defender always has an \emph{optimal} strategy achieving maximal protection. We also prove that \emph{finite-memory} Defender's strategies are sufficient for achieving protection arbitrarily close to the optimum. Then, we design an efficient \emph{strategy synthesis} algorithm based on differentiable programming and gradient descent.


The achievement gap, the disparity in the academic performance of students, especially in groups of minority students and students of low socioeconomic status in relation to the academic performance of their peers (Abramson, 2006), has been a disturbing reality of our education system since public education's inception in the 1800s. Neither the legal sanctions of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 nor the more recent 2002 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act have had the intended impact on closing the achievement gap. A primary barrier to the change necessary for improving education is the low expectations teachers often have toward certain groups of students (Allen, 1999). The purpose of this study was to explore teachers' perceptions and expectations of their Hispanic students. In this qualitative study, transcripts of dialogue from conversations held in professional learning communities were analyzed to discern underlying teachers' beliefs about the majority Hispanic students attending the Arts Magnet K-8 public school. The study found that teachers do have particular perceptions and expectations for their Hispanic students. The researcher also discovered that conversations around race are difficult. The implication is that in order to bring about systemic change in the educational system, educators must acknowledge and be willing to address that their perceptions and expectations can impact a student's academic achievement Copyright Information: