As trade agreements lower tariff rates throughout the world, other barriers to trade emerge. These non-tariff barriers can be just as troublesome for exporting companies. Non-tariff barriers include technical measures, customs rules and procedures, transport regulations or costs, lack of knowledge of regional markets, and import policies. The objective of this study is to identify non-tariff barriers faced by U.S., and more specifically North Dakota, exporting businesses, especially those involved in agriculture, and to identify difficulties involved in exporting products. A survey of North Dakota businesses is conducted to identify important trade barriers. Phytosanitary regulations and railroad problems are two frustrating issues that create barriers to export for North Dakota agribusinesses. Other non-tariff barriers mentioned in the survey include labeling, paperwork, registration, and language differences. When entering new markets, the biggest problems exporters have are making contacts, resolving credit issues, and competing with low-cost competitors from foreign countries.


Public private partnership (PPP) is paramount for infrastructural development in Nigeria, particularly in the circles of oil and gas and electricity. The article analysed the activities of the PPP in Nigeria. It discovered that activities of PPP in Nigeria is significantly low both in urban and rural setting compared to other developing nations. It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria economy could not capitalize and maximize the opportunity offered by this concept. This article deduced that regulatory frameworks and non-availability of capital are the major setbacks for infrastructural development. The article concluded that holistic approach towards resolving mitigating problems of capital, undue bureaucracy and regulatory framework log jam will not only facilitate the growth and development of public private partnership but will accelerate the infrastructural facilities level to be in tandem with global standard.


Licensed Shared Access (LSA) is a regulatory approach in spectrum sharing which aims to meet the requirements of the high demand after frequency spectrum. Allowing incumbent spectrum users (license holders of the frequency bands) to share their underutilized spectrum with a limited number of LSA licensees (secondary users), LSA guarantees certain Quality of Service (QoS) under pre-defined sharing conditions between them. There exists numerous works related to the concept of spectrum sharing and LSA. Considering several studies only look at Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as service providers wanting to use spectrum shared by license holders, there are limitations needed to be challenged. To ensure a streamlined migration from the traditional exclusive spectrum access to LSA, several aspects have to be examined. This thesis presents the business scenarios for LSA and its surrounding ecosystem. Possible deployment strategies and a business model for LSA will be presented, along with examination of ecosystem actors and corresponding benefits for those actors. Finally, an SCOC-Analysis will be provided for strategic decisions to understand the different strengths, opportunities and challenges for the deployment of LSA. A business model for LSA is provided by the Osterwalder business model canvas to answer what the cost structures look like and what the revenue streams devoted to LSA are. Furthermore, an strategic SCOC-analysis for LSA is proposed, and several challenges are addressed, including adoption of new technology and cross-border challenges. Lastly, the current state of the development of LSA and the technologies needed are presented along with possible reactions from key ecosystem actors for deployment strategies towards LSA. Conclusively, in order to assist for the progress of the adoption of LSA, regulators and standardization organizations have to establish compatibility and omnipresent deployment.


HE arom gene cluster in Neurospora crassa consists of five structural genes Twhich encode an aggregate of five aromatic synthetic enzymes catalyzing steps two through six in the pre-chorismic acid part of the polyaromatic synthetic pathway. Allelic complementation has been detected between certain pairs of mutants within two of the five genes in the cluster-the arom-2 gene which encodes dehydroquinic acid (DHQ) synthetase and the arom-1 gene which encodes dehydroshikimic acid (DHS) reducbase ( GILES, CASE, PARTRIDGE and AHMED 1967; RINES, CASE and GILES 1969). Allelic complementation is usually considered to involve molecular hybridization between two differentially defective, inactive, multimeric enzyme proteins leading to the restoration of enzyme activity (CRICK and ORGEL 1964; FINCHAM 1966). However, the occurrence of allelic complementation between mutants within a gene encoding an enzyme which is part of a multienzyme complex (aggregate) raises interesting questions concerning the mechanism of complementation in such mutants. This paper discusses studies of both in vivo complementation in heterocaryons between arom-2 mutants and in uitro complementation produced in mixtures of partially purified arom aggregate proteins obtained from arom-2 mutants lacking DHQ synthetase activity.


A 49-year-old man developed recurrent myalgia and hyperCKemia during acute attacks of neuromyelitis optica. Muscle biopsy was performed, and the pathological findings were analyzed. Predominant myofibrillar pathology was observed, which constitutes a unique finding that has not been reported before. This case result shows that neuromyelitis optica-associated hyperCKemia can produce variable pathologic phenotypes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between myofibril destruction and aquaporin 4 autoimmunity.


Objectives: To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Guanajuato, Mexico's teachers of basic education. Design: Observational, transversal, retrospective study. Setting: Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico. Participants: Teachers of basic education. Interventions: In 477 teachers that included 208 men and 269 women, medical evaluation and laboratory tests were done including the metabolic syndrome components (glucose, triglycerides and high density cholesterol (HDL-C) analysis), abdominal circumference measurement, blood pressure, and level of physical activity. Main outcome measures: Metabolic syndrome prevalence. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 32.2% in men and 26.8% in women teachers. Over 40% of teachers had three risk factors for metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia the most prevalent. Concerning the level of physical activity, 24% were sedentary people, 65% hypoactive, and only 11% practiced regular vigorous exercise. Conclusions: Guanajuato's teacher's health profile was far from ideal, showing high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. For prevention strategies we suggest lifestyle change, especially improving diet and promoting physical activity.


Abstract To present an overview of the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative. The discussion draws on knowledge gleaned from the authors' participation as principals in WMH. WMH has carried out community epidemiological surveys in more than two dozen countries with more than 200,000 completed interviews. Additional surveys are in progress. Clinical reappraisal studies embedded in WMH surveys have been used to develop imputation rules to adjust prevalence estimates for within- and between-country variation in accuracy. WMH interviews include detailed information about sub-threshold manifestations to address the problem of rigid categorical diagnoses not applying equally to all countries. Investigations are now underway of targeted substantive issues. Despite inevitable limitations imposed by existing diagnostic systems and variable expertise in participating countries, WMH has produced an unprecedented amount of high-quality data on the general population cross-national epidemiology of mental disorders. WMH collaborators are in thoughtful and subtle investigations of cross-national variation in validity of diagnostic assessments and a wide range of important substantive topics. Recognizing that WMH is not definitive, finally, insights from this round of surveys are being used to carry out methodological studies aimed at improving the quality of future investigations.


Introduction A previous study has suggested that the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele DQB1*06:02 affects hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) but not hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) in an Asian population. The current study evaluated the relationship in Caucasians and Asians. In addition we assessed whether gender or polymorphisms in genes participating in the control of breathing affect HVR and HCVR. Methods A re-breathing system was used to measure HVR and HCVR in 551 young adults (56.8% Caucasians, 30% Asians). HLA-DQB1*06:02 and tagged polymorphisms and coding variants in genes participating in breathing (PHOX2B, GPR4 and TASK2/KCNK5) were analyzed. The associations between HVR/HCVR and HLA-DQB1*06:02, genetic polymorphisms, and gender were evaluated using ANOVA or frequentist association testing with SNPTEST. Results HVR and gender are strongly correlated. HCVR and gender are not. Mean HVR in women was 0.276±0.168 (liter/minute/%SpO2) compared to 0.429±0.266 (liter/minute/%SpO2) in men, p<0.001 (55.4% higher HVR in men). Women had lower baseline minute ventilation (8.08±2.36 l/m vs. 10.00±3.43l/m, p<0.001), higher SpO2 (98.0±1.3% vs. 96.6±1.7%, p<0.001), and lower EtCO2 (4.65±0.68% vs. 4.82±1.02%, p = 0.025). One hundred and two (18.5%) of the participants had HLA-DQB1*06:02. No association was seen between HLA-DQB1*06:02 and HVR or HCVR. Genetic analysis revealed point wise, uncorrected significant associations between two TASK2/KCNK5 variants (rs2815118 and rs150380866) and HCVR. Conclusions This is the largest study to date reporting the relationship between gender and HVR/ HCVR and the first study assessing the association between genetic polymorphisms in humans and HVR/HCVR. The data suggest that gender has a large effect on hypoxic breathing response.


The customs and habits of the Hindu community in Bali are basically fostered, maintained, and led by an institution called Desa Adat, which is a village with a different position and function from the official village (government administrative village). There are regulations in the Balinese Traditional Village that must not be violated. If a violation is found, it will be given one of the sanctions, namely Kasepekang. Kasepekang is a Balinese customary sanction, where the recipient of the sanction will be excommunicated, exiled or terminated from activities in the village (Madesa). This is because the perpetrator has repeatedly violated the rules of the traditional village (outrageous), so that this sanction is deemed appropriate. If a person or group of village members is deemed to have violated legal norms, it is called "awig-awig" in the Balinese traditional language. This study aims to determine the application of customary sanctions as well as obstacles in the application of customary sanctions in the Tanjung Benoa Traditional Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency. This research method uses an empirical method that is guided by data collection techniques by direct interviews with those who are competent using the receptio theory, the theory of receptio in complexu in the concept of a rule of law to examine the current phenomenon in the orderliness of the life of the Tanjung Benoa Traditional Village community which is based on regulations. Bali Region Number 4 of 2019 concerning Traditional Village. The results showed that the implementation of the Kasepekang customary sanctions in the Tanjung Benoa Traditional Village was carried out by the traditional leaders, namely Kelihan Banjar or Kelihan Adat with several stages in the form of giving advice (pitutur ayu), giving a warning (penglemek) to being excluded (Kasepekang) from the activities of community social organizations. banjar. It is hoped that people will become aware of and follow what the Banjar Adat community has agreed to do.


Case Description: A 79-year old male patientwith myelodysplastic syndrome associated with severe neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was admitted for pneumonia secondary to influenza A. Two weeks later he presented with new symptoms of acute dysarthria, and left facial weakness involving his upper and lower face; the following day he developed left arm weakness. Admission computed tomography (CT) and MRI scans revealed an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the right posterior frontal cortex. The initial MRI was reported negative for pontine lesions. Anatomically, the cortical infarct could not explain his left lower motor neuron cranial nerve VII (LMN CN VII) facial weakness distribution because in a cortical lesion the upper half of the face would be expected spared due to contralateral cortical innervation. Upon review of the MRI, the initial hyperintensity seen on Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) was overlooked as an acute stroke in the vicinity of the perforating prepontine long circumferential artery affecting the CN VII nucleus.

 Conclusion: In the absence of earache, active infection, and/or inflammation, a sudden onset facial palsy, lower motor neuron distribution, must point to a pontine microangiopathic infarct until proven otherwise. Under these circumstances, maintaining a high level of suspicion is of paramount importance.


HTTP adaptive video streaming has become the de facto standard for media data delivery in the Internet. Mobile users are increasingly accessing video streaming services while traveling in fast-moving vehicles (e.g., public transport). The inherent high-speed mobility in these scenarios escalates bandwidth uncertainty and seriously degrades the performance of HTTP adaptive video streaming. This paper proposes a location window based geo-intelligent adaptive streaming algorithm, which adapts to the geo-spatial bandwidth variations experienced by a fast-moving user by adjusting the quality of the next chunk based on the estimated bandwidth at the next X locations of the mobile user. In order to realize geo-intelligence, we introduce a neural network model for accurately creating bandwidth maps that store location-specific bandwidth knowledge. By incorporating both these contributions in conjunction with real-world mobile broadband bandwidth traces from a metropolitan area, we present a systematic study to explore the effects of varying the size of the location window on the user-perceived Quality of Experience (QoE). The evaluation results demonstrate that an optimum location window can be identified, which can almost entirely eliminate playout buffer underruns, thus leading to a smooth and high-quality streaming experience.


Introduction: The association between low back pain and low resistance of the stabilizers muscles trunk have been documented among adolescents. Objective: To evaluate the time of isometric endurance of trunk in adolescents. Methods: Adolescents (n = 520), between 10-19 years, underwent four trunk endurance tests with maintenance record in seconds. The qualitative performance classification was made using averages, minimum, maximum, and quartiles. For comparison between sex and age and the interaction of these factors, was used two-way Anova with Bonferroni post-test. Results: Males showed better performance on tests (p ≤ 0.003) and this increase is proportional to age. The presence of interaction between the two factors for the tests in extension and flexion shows that the performance differs between sexes and ages. Conclusion: The sex and age influence the performance of endurance tests of the trunk in adolescents.


Objective. To analyze the incidence, structure, course and outcomes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) during the first and the second waves of the pandemic, to identify and evaluate the features of laboratory data. Material and methods. We assessed instrumental and laboratory data in COVID-19 patients during the first (1839 patients) and the second (840 patients) waves of the pandemic. Mortality, localization of thrombosis, variants of anticoagulation and laboratory data (leukocytes, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, ferritin) were analyzed. Results. VTE occurred in 27 (1.5%) and 13 (1.5%) patients with a novel coronavirus infection during the first and the second waves of the pandemic, respectively. In the first wave, thromboembolic events included deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 16 (59%) cases, pulmonary embolism (PE) in 6 (22%) cases, DVT + PE in 2 (8%) patients, saphenous vein thrombophlebitis in 3 (11%) cases. In the second wave, DVT was detected in 5 (38.5%) patients, DVT+PE in 5 (38.5%) cases, PE without DVT in 2 (15.4%) patients and thrombosis of the right renal vein in 1 (7.6%) patient. In the first wave, mean leukocyte count was 9.2 x 109/L (6.9—14.3), C-reactive protein — 77.5 mg/L (26-159), fibrinogen — 593.5 mg/ml (500—700), ferritin — 1132.6 µ/L (165-1753). The second wave of the pandemic was characterized by moderate leukocytosis (12.2·109 /L (7—19)), increase of serum fibrinogen (544 mg/ ml (405—781)), C-reactive protein (102.75 mg/L (80—163)) and ferritin (510 μg/L (230—566)). Conclusion. VTE in patients with a new coronavirus infection is followed by high mortality. In the second wave of the pandemic, mortality of patients with VTE was higher that may be associated with both thrombotic complications and cardiovascular comorbidities.


Abstract In contrast to functionalist explanations of themes of purity and impurity as an expression and affirmation of the social order (e.g. Emile Durkheim, Mary Douglas), Giorgio Agamben considers purity and impurity as comparisons of phenomena with their imputed essence. From the perspective offered by Agamben, judgements regarding purity and impurity can be seen as in part constructing the essence against which they supposedly simply measure phenomena. Agamben's investigations suggest that on occasions when themes of purity or impurity are invoked within Western discourses on subjectivity, the full human subject tends to be placed as relatively pure: neither too close nor too distant from human essence. FollowingWalter Benjamin, he suggests that such a classification gives the full human subject a certain social protection and inviolability, separating relatively pure and protected human life from impure subjectivities unprotected by social or legal conventions.


Through a close study of the multivocal plays ofintertextuality in the "new songs" of Algeria's Berber Cultural Movement, this paper explores how genres can support the emergence of new forms of self-recognition and promote novel possibilities for engagement with older expressive forms. Via double-voiced parodies of religious chants known as adekker, the new Berber singers call into question the "magical" powers of saints and exhort the population to relinquish the notion that saints control human destiny. Paradoxically, however, this interplay of genres generates unexpected interpretive possibilities, which in some cases subvert new song's secularist vision.


When aiming to reduce the low frequency noise of a subway guest room through sound absorbing treatment methods inside the wall of a tunnel the resonator is often more effective than a porous sound absorbing material. Therefore, the perforated panel type resonator embedded with a perforated panel is proposed. The perforated panel is installed in the neck, which is then extended into the resonator cavity so that it can ensure useful volume. The absorption performance of the perforated panel type of resonator is obtained by acoustic analysis and experiment. The analytical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. In the case of multiple perforated panel type resonators, as the number of perforated panels increase, the 1st resonance frequency is moved to a low frequency band and sound absorption bandwidth is extended on the whole. In order to obtain excellent absorption performance, the impedance matching between multi-panels should be considered. When the perforated panel in the resonator is combined with a porous material, the absorption performance is highly enhanced in the anti-resonance and high frequency range. In case of the resonator inserted with perforated panels of 2, the 2nd resonance frequency is shifted to a low frequency band in proportion to the distance between perforated panels.


This article will present Franz Rosenzweig's attitude toward the religions and cultures of East Asia, and his philosophical response to the trend of German Orientalism, and especially to Martin Buber's Ecstatic Confessions . Rosenzweig's references to India and China appeared systematically in the first book of the Star of Redemption , once for the analysis of metaphysics, second for the account of metalogic, and the third time as part of the discussion of meta-ethics. A close look at Rosenzweig's treatment of the cultures and religions of India and China in The Star of Redemption might lead a reader, even a careful one, to the conclusion that he did not seriously regard the dialogue between East and West as having any special significance. However, in this article I will ask to reevaluate the place of Indian and Chinese religions in the Star of Redemption , under Buber's influence. The cultural elements of Indian and Chinese mythologies contribute to the religious development of humanity - and take a significant part in the development of the religions of revelation and the course of redemption.


Global simulations predict that the low‐latitude mantle may be an important pathway for the solar wind entry into the tail magnetosphere close to the current sheet when interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By dominates over IMF Bz. To evaluate this entry mechanism in the near‐Earth tail (X ∼ −10–−20 RE), we investigate the predictions from 3D global hybrid simulations as well as in situ observations by magnetospheric multiscale (MMS) spacecraft. The simulations predict that the low‐latitude mantle plasma can appear in the near‐Earth tail lobe extending inward approximately 5 RE from the flank magnetopause. The low‐latitude mantle plasma appears in the dawnside northern lobe and duskside southern lobe during positive IMF By, while the opposite asymmetry is seen during negative IMF By. After a change in the IMF By direction arriving at the bow shock nose, it takes another ∼15–30 min for the asymmetry to completely reverse to the opposite sense in the near‐Earth tail. We present six MMS events in the tail lobe showing that the existence and absence of the low‐latitude mantle plasma is consistent with the predicted asymmetries. Statistical analysis of 5 years of MMS observations shows that the dependencies of the magnitudes of the lobe densities and tailward field‐aligned flow speeds on the IMF By directions are consistent with the predicted contributions from the low‐latitude mantle plasma in the expected lobe regions.


As a proffesional person in the field of education, teacher has some roles, such as: being a teacher, mentor, class adminisrator, curriculum developer, profiessionla developer, and public relation. A competence, in the perspective of education, is a necessity, since it must be based on the mastery of a knowledge. The teacher's social competence should be the tools of communcation and interaction to the students, fellow educators, educational officers, students' parents, and the society. Education has an important role in improving the quality of human resources and as an efforts to realize the public welfare of the intelectual life of the nation. Taken from the decree of Indonesian government, it is stated that "Education is implemented to develop the capabilities and to shape the dignified national character aiming to develop the potetentials of Indonesian people to be faithful and devoted to Allah and to create the  noble, healthy, knowledgable, capable, crative, and independent person as well as to become a democratic and responsible citizen.


Unsupervised grammar induction systems commonly judge potential constituents on the basis of their effects on the likelihood of the data. Linguistic justifications of constituency, on the other hand, rely on notions such as substitutability and varying external contexts. We describe two systems for distributional grammar induction which operate on such principles, using part-of-speech tags as the contextual features. The advantages and disadvantages of these systems are examined, including precision/recall trade-offs, error analysis, and extensibility.


Purpose To evaluate whether yogurt supplemented with a probiotic strain could protect middle-aged and elderly people from acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) using a randomized, blank-controlled, parallel-group design. Patients and methods Two hundred and five volunteers aged ≥45 years were randomly divided into two groups. The subjects in the intervention group were orally administered 300 mL/d of yogurt supplemented with a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 (N1115), 3.6×107 CFU/mL for 12 weeks, while those in the control group retained their normal diet without any probiotic supplementation. The primary outcome was the incidence of URTI, and changes in serum protein, immunoglobulins, and the profiles of the T-lymphocyte subsets (total T-cells [CD3+], T-helper cells [CD4+], and T-cytotoxic-suppressor cells [CD8+]) during the intervention were the secondary outcomes. Results Compared to the control group, the number of persons diagnosed with an acute URTI and the number of URTI events significantly decreased in the intervention group (P=0.038, P=0.030, respectively). The risk of URTI in the intervention group was evaluated as 55% of that in the control group (relative risk =0.55, 95% CI: 0.307–0.969). The change in the percentage of CD3+ cells in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.038). However, no significant differences were observed in the total protein, albumin, globulin, and prealbumin levels in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The study suggested that yogurt with selected probiotic strains such as N1115 may reduce the risk of acute upper tract infections in the elderly. The enhancement of the T-cell-mediated natural immune defense might be one of the important underlying mechanisms for probiotics to express their anti-infective effects.


White dwarfs are among the most common objects in the stellar halo; however, due to their low luminosity and low number density compared to the stars in the discs of the Milky Way, they are scarce in the observable volume. Hence, they are still poorly understood one hundred years after their discovery as relatively few have been observed. They are crucial to the understanding of several fundamental properties of the Galaxy {\mdash} the geometry, kinematics and star formation history, as well as to the study of the end-stage of stellar evolution for low- and intermediate-mass stars. White dwarfs were traditionally identified by their ultraviolet (UV) excess, however, if they have cooled for a long time, they become so faint in that part of the spectrum that they cannot be seen by the most sensitive modern detectors. Proper motion was then used as a means to identify white dwarf candidates, due to their relatively large space motions compared to other objects with the same colour. The use of proper motion as a selection criterion has proven effective and has yielded large samples of candidates with the SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey and Sloan Digital Sky Survey. In this work I will further increase the sample size with the Panchromatic Synoptic Telescope And Rapid Response System 1 (Pan{\ndash}STARRS1).
(cont.)


BACKGROUND The relation between home dampness and respiratory symptoms among adults is well confirmed, but data on specific allergic diseases and respiratory infections is more limited. Individual factors that may enhance susceptibility to the effects of home dampness are mainly unknown. METHODS The association between home dampness and current physician diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, common colds, and bacterial respiratory infections was studied in a questionnaire survey of 10 667 Finnish first year university students aged 18–25 years. The dampness categories analysed were visible mould and visible mould or damp stains or water damage during the last year. In multivariate analyses adjustment was made for parental education, active and passive smoking, type and place of residence, pets, and wall to wall carpets. The interaction effect of atopic heredity and dampness was investigated. RESULTS Visible mould or damp stains or water damage was reported by 15.0% of the respondents. In multivariate models there was a positive association between home dampness and current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, as well as common colds ⩾4 times per year and other respiratory infections, but not between home dampness and allergic conjunctivitis. The strongest association was found between exposure to visible mould and asthma (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.28) and common colds (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.87). The risk of current asthma in damp homes was highest among subjects with atopic heredity. CONCLUSIONS The risk of current asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in damp homes. Of the respiratory infections, the risk of common colds was most clearly increased.


Microdosimetry has been limited to irradiations characterized by uniform probabilities of charged-particle production. New methods are here presented for dealing with particles emitted by radionuclides embedded in the irradiated medium; these particles seldom emerge uniformly, because the radionuclides are not dispersed uniformly. In particular, emission from radionuclides that are agglomerated into particulates is extremely nonuniform. Microdosimetric distributions for these internal emitters can be calculated by: (1) determining the probability density in specific energy due to single energy deposition events by charged particles from a point source, (2) combining these densities by Fourier-transform methods, and (3) using existing numerical methods to evaluate the Fourier result. Examples are given calculated for /sup 239/Pu alpha particles from point sources (particulates) and from particulates uniformly distributed through all space, a half space, and a sphere.


Solomon Islands, with a 2010 population of only 538,000 (TRADING ECONOMICS 2014b) among almost 1000 islands, is an island nation heavily dependent on fossil fuels for its energy needs. With a renewable energy share of less than 1% of its 2009 energy mix (IRENA 2012b), and likely little increase by the time this research was performed (2014), the country's renewable energy target of 50% electricity generation capacity by 2015 (REN21 2013, 106) seems, at first, rather far-fetched. Plans for new large-scale hydro and geothermal power projects, however, may soon change the nation's electricity supply mix considerably, albeit a little later than the target date. Focus on delivering "green" energy to Honiara, the nation's capital, whilst attractive from a statistical point of view – as this is where about 90% of the nation's generating capacity exists (SIEA 2014c, 14) – may be detracting interest from the development of sustainable energy opportunities in rural areas, where about 90% of the population live (Ellis 2014, sec.1, par. 7).

Helena Goldie Hospital, a grid-connected 70-bed hospital operating among the proportionally expansive rural population, has endured significant financial hardship attempting to maintain service delivery quality whilst accruing a growing debt to the nation's electricity utility, Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA). Solomon Islands' electricity prices, the highest among Pacific island developing nations (SPC 2012a), are part of the issue, as well as limited knowledge of (and limited existence of) energy efficiency and alternative energy supply policies and possibilities.

This project delves into the current state of Solomon Islands' energy sector, and attempts to find reason behind the lack of government policy or programs targeted at encouraging private renewable energy generation, particularly in rural grid-connected areas. The hospital case study is used as a practical mechanism to both draw out the enabling factors and barriers to private renewable energy generation in Solomon Islands, and to relieve the hospital of its electricity consumption financial burden.


Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is abundant in bone and is an important regulator of the osteoclastic‐osteoblastic interaction (coupling). The sequence variation, 713–8delC in the TGF‐β1 gene has previously been found to be associated with very low bone mass in osteoporotic women and with increased bone turnover in both osteoporotic and normal women. The possible association of this polymorphism with bone mass and bone turnover has now been investigated in 256 postmenopausal Italian women. A significant association of TGF‐β1 with bone mass was detected in the populations. Subjects carrying the sequence variation 713–8delC (Tt) genotype showed a significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip than those without sequence variation in the genotype (TT). Individuals carrying the tt genotype have a more severe osteoporosis (P = 0.0001 vs. TT and Tt genotypes). The frequency of the fragility fractures was significantly lower in individuals with TT genotype than in those with the Tt and tt genotypes (χ2 = 21.9; P = 0.006). Furthermore a significant association was found between 713–8delC and bone turnover. The results suggest a strong evidence for an association among the 713–8delC allele of the TGF‐β1 gene and the femoral BMD, the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures, and finally a high bone turnover in a sample of Italian postmenopausal women.


Attention is given to the fact that a computer whose functioning is based on the state superposition principle can be realised with classical, as well as quantum, elements.


Feminist Economics invites submissions of papers for a special issue ''Inequality, Development, and Growth.'' We encourage scholars in all disciplines to consider submitting abstracts for papers by October 1, 2006. If the abstract is accepted, the completed manuscript is due April 15, 2007. Along with increasing global economic integration and market liberalization over the last few decades, inter-group inequality has expanded both within and between countries. In a number of developing countries, persistent wage gaps have accompanied rapid growth. In industrial countries, on the other hand, improvement in gender wage gaps are associated with rising class, race, and ethnic inequalities. Although nation-states have attempted to avert rising inequality through a variety of policies (e.g. labor market, social, monetary, fiscal, and industrial policies), market liberalization has impaired the success of these policies in reducing inequality. Feminist literature has established that macroeconomic policies have gendered effects; however, further evidence is necessary to understand the connections between inter-group inequalities related to gender, class, and ethnicity and macroeconomic outcomes, including employment, output, growth, and development. The integration of gender into macroeconomic theory and efforts to develop more gender equitable macroeconomic policy recommendations will require more detailed attention to these critical issues. This special issue will provide a forum for analyzing inequality, redistribution, and growth in developing, industrial, and transitioning countries. Both theoretical and empirical contributions are encouraged, as well as discussions of the policy implications of the research findings. Besides statistical analysis, the guest editors encourage a diverse range of research methods and analyses. Possible paper topics include:


Transport and low-frequency optical reflection measurements (180– 380 GHz) are reported for the quasi-three-dimensional conducting alloy Cu[(2,5(CH3)2–DCNQI)0.70(2,5(CD3)2–DCNQI)0.30]2 between room temperature and 35 K. The optical properties of the system are strongly anisotropic. It is metallic down to 60 K where a Mott–Peierls phase transition occurs. While the transverse conductivity remains practically unchanged, the longitudinal conductivity abruptly drops at the phase transition. Comparing our latest results with previous dc data and measurements of the microwave conductivity also reported here, we find indications of an ageing effect in these samples.


Regulators have signalled an interest in adopting explainable AI(XAI) techniques to handle the diverse needs for model governance, operational servicing, and compliance in the financial services industry. In this short overview, we review the recent technical literature in XAI and argue that based on our current understanding of the field, the use of XAI techniques in practice necessitate a highly contextualized approach considering the specific needs of stakeholders for particular business applications.


Experimental results of reflectivity measure- ments for metal sphere with diameter of 35.5 mm and cylinder with the base diameter of 38 mm and the height of 76 mm in the range of 38-52 GHz at the grid of 256 frequencies are presented. Application of reference dis- continuity in the form of iris positioned in the throat of the horn allowed implementing Fourier-holography principle and obtaining complex time-domain signal of reflection from the object by Fourier transform of data in frequency domain. The magnitude of reflection direct- ly from the sphere is proportional to its diameter. The method of inverse aperture synthesis on the basis of the method generalized spatial inverse filtration is proposed. The peculiarity of inverse aperture synthesis implemen- tation is application this approach to the time-domain signal. For the experimental data the spatial resolution was improved in 2 times by inverse aperture synthesis. The suggested data processing method provided possibil- ity to form radio image of the objects.


We model the radial accretion of radiation on Primordial Black Holes (PBH) by numerically solving Einstein's equations coupled to an ultrarelativistic ideal gas with equation of state p = ρ/3. We calculate the final mass of a black hole by the integration of the accreted radiation energy density during the leptonic era between t ∼ 10−4s to t ∼ 102s after the Big Bang. Our results indicate that small PBHs with initial masses between 10−4 to 1M⊙ may grow up to hundreds of solar masses, and thus can be SMBH seeds. On the other hand, PBHs formed at t ∼ 1s with initial mass between 900 and ∼ 980M⊙, by the time t ∼ 100s show masses of 104 to 106M⊙ which are masses of seeds or already formed SMBHs. The fact that we consider only radial flow implies that our results work well as limiting cases, and it is expected that under more general scenarios the accretion rates may change significantly. Nevertheless we show that it is possible that SMBHs can be PBHs that grew due to the accretion of radiation.


In many decision situations information is available from a number of different sources. Aggregating the diverse bits of information is an important aspect of the decision-making process but entails special statistical modeling problems in characterizing the information. Prior research in this area has relied primarily on the use of historical data as a basis for modeling the information sources. We develop a Bayesian framework that a decision maker can use to encode subjective knowledge about the information sources in order to aggregate point estimates of an unknown quantity of interest. This framework features a highly flexible environment for modeling the probabilistic nature and interrelationships of the information sources and requires straightforward and intuitive subjective judgments using proven decision-analysis assessment techniques. Analysis of the constructed model produces a posterior distribution for the quantity of interest. An example based on health risks due to ozone exposure demonstrates the technique.


Friedrich Kratochwil was a leading voice in constructivist International Relations. In this volume, an impressive array of established scholars reflect on the concerns that have animated his work for over four decades, including the ways in which normative phenomena, political choices and knowledge claims are linked in practice. Always sceptical of grand projects and easy generalizations, he has made a career of documenting complexity and ambiguity while making unexpected connections and following suggestive lines of inquiry. This book reflects the same disposition. For Kratochwil, there is nothing neat, deeply ordered or easily predicted about the world that we have constructed for ourselves, and so it is for the book's contributors. Organized in three parts – Thinking with Kratochwil, Arguing with Kratochwil and Building on Kratochwil – to reflect the dynamic nature and current status of scholarly debates in international politics, On Rules, Politics and Knowledge will figure in these debates for years to come.


Methanogenic microbial community is responsive to the availability of hydrocarbons and such information is critical for the assessment of hydrocarbon degradation in remediation and also in biologically enhanced recovery of energy from non-producing oil reserves. In this study, methanogenic enrichment cultures from oily sludge amended with n-alkanes (C15-C20) showed a development of active methanogenic alkanes-degrading consortium for over a total of 1000 days of incubation at 37°C. Total genomic DNAs were extracted from three types of samples, the original oily sludge (OS), the sludge after incubation for 500 days under methanogenic condition without any external carbon addition (EC), and the enrichment culture from the EC amended with n-alkanes (ET) incubated for another 500 days. The phylogenetic diversities of microbial communities of the three samples were analyzed by PCR amplification of partial 16S rRNA genes. The catabolic genes encoding benzylsuccinate synthase (bssA) and alkylsuccinate synthase (assA) were also examined by PCR amplification. These results provide important evidence in that microbial populations in an oily sludge shifted from methanogenic aromatic compounds degrading communities to potential methanogenic alkane-degrading communities when the enrichment was supplemented with n-alkanes and incubated under anaerobic conditions.


We tackle the challenge of feature embedding for the purposes of improving the click-through rate prediction process. We select three models: logistic regression, factorization machines and deep factorization machines, as our baselines and propose five different feature embedding modules: embedding scaling, FM embedding, embedding encoding, NN embedding and the embedding reweighting module. The embedding modules act as a way to improve baseline model feature embeddings and are trained alongside the rest of the model parameters in an end-to-end manner. Each module is individually added to a baseline model to obtain a new augmented model. We test the predictive performance of our augmented models on a publicly accessible dataset used for benchmarking click-through rate prediction models. Our results show that several proposed embedding modules provide an important increase in predictive performance without a drastic increase in training time.


This study investigates whether the risk of long-term sickness absence among professionals depends upon their socioeconomic position and whether they do caring work. It also explores whether the variation in risk can be attributed to sociodemographic and labor market factors. The event history analysis is based on longitudinal register data from the entire population of Norwegian professionals from 2003 to 2013. The results showed that both low socioeconomic position and being a care worker was associated with long-term sickness absence. The group with the highest risk was professionals of lower socioeconomic position doing caring work. While the results were similar for men and women, the relative risk of sickness absence was higher for male professionals. Sociodemographic and labor market factors partly explained the observed association, and even more so for men. Several candidate explanations for the remaining association as well as potential implications for social policy are discussed.


Current classifications of the Lyophylleae and the importance of siderophilous granulation in the basidia for the classification of agaricoid fungi were evaluated using parsimony analyses of sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal large subunit gene (nLSU), the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal array (ITS), and the mitochondrial ribosomal small subunit gene (mtSSU). These three different data partitions were phylogenetically congruent on the basis of the Mickevich-Farris statistical test, but not from the ILD and the Templeton tests. Bootstrap supports for nodes in phylogenetic trees generated from combined nLSU, ITS, and mtSSU sequence data were generally higher than those in trees generated from individual data sets. This suggests a lack of major conflict in the phylogenetic signal among the different data sets. We conclude that the Mickevich-Farris test is more appropriate for estimating congruence and combinability between different sources of molecular data than the more widely used ILD and Templeton tests, at least when the different data sets have their respective resolution power at different depths in the phylogeny. Results of the combined analyses show that the Entolomataceae are a sister group to a clade composed of the Lyophylleae, Termitomyceteae, and Tricholomateae p.p. This implies that presence of siderophilous granulation in the basidia of agaric fungi has probably a single origin, and would have been lost in the Tricholomateae. Inclusion of the Termitomyceteae within the Lyophylleae suggests homology of the macro type granulation. Because the exact placement of Tricholomateae pro parte remains uncertain, it remains unclear whether the Lyophylleae (including Termitomyceteae) are monophyletic or paraphyletic. Within the Lyophylleae, genera Lyophyllum and Calocybe are shown to be artificial, as are Lyophyllum sections Lyophyllum, Difformia, and Tephrophana. Four main natural groups of Lyophylleae have been identified that should serve as a basis for developing a more natural classification system for these fungi.


Abstract The time evolution of drifting snow under a steady wind is estimated using a new numerical model of drifting snow. In the model, Lagrangian stochastic theory is used to incorporate the effect of turbulence on the motion of drifting-snow particles. This method enables us to discuss both the saltation and the suspension process. Aerodynamic entrainment, grain/bed collision (splash process), wind modification and particle size distribution are also taken into account. The calculations show that the time needed by the total mass flux to reach a steady state appears to be 3–5 s. Vertical profiles of horizontal mass flux near the surface show a similar tendency. In contrast, it takes >50 s for the wind speed and the whole mass-flux profile to reach a steady state. This longer time depends on the time-scale of the turbulent diffusion, which is responsible for the mass flux extending to an order of a few meters in height. Applying Taylor's hypothesis, the estimated length scale at which drifting snow reaches equilibrium is around 400 m. This result is comparable with previously reported field observations.


This paper deals with the resolution of combinatorial optimization problems, particularly those concerning the maritime transport scheduling. We are interested in the management platforms in a river port and more specifically in container organisation operations with a view to minimizing the number of container rehandlings. Subsequently, we rmeet customers delivery deadlines and we reduce ship stoppage time In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithm to solve this problem and we present some experiments and results.


The short-lived radioactive isotope, oxygen , can be used to measure the ventilation and blood flow in small regions of the lung without intubation of a patient ( 1, 2). The patient takes a single breath of air containing a minute amount of the active gas and breath-holds for 15 seconds, while scintillation counters aligned in front of and behind the chest detect the activity within the lung. The initial counting rate is determined by the ventilation of the lung core in the counting field. The fall in counting rate depends upon two factors: first, the transfer of the radioactive gas from alveolar gas to pulmonary capillary blood, and second, its removal from the counting field by the local blood flow. When oxygen'5 is used as molecular oxygen, the initial transfer into the pulmonary capillary blood depends upon the local oxygen uptake (3). If the isotope is used to label carbon monoxide (4), its initial transfer is limited by the local diffusing properties of the lung. By converting the radioactive oxygen into carbon dioxide (5) which diffuses very readily, the transfer from alveolar gas to pulmonary capillary blood becomes exceedingly rapid. For all three gases, the fall in counting rate during the breath-holding period is influenced by the removal rate of blood from the counting field, but for carbon dioxide, this becomes the only significant factor. The present paper reports measurements made on 30 patients with various pulmonary diseases in whom regional blood flow was measured with radioactive carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide measurements are also compared with the corresponding radioactive oxygen and carbon monoxide measurements in the same regions of the lung.


NEW DELHI Home Truths from Carla Hills BM Any illusion that there can be trade-offs, fall-back positions and quid pro quos in negotiations with the international financial institutions, or on a bilateral basis for credits or on GATT issues has been dispelled by the recent visit of the US trade representative to New Delhi THE biggest achievement of intense lobbying by India with the members of the so-called Aid India Consortium presided over by the World Bank, which finally met in Paris in September, has been claimed to be the sizeable pledge of what is euphemistically called 'fast-disbursing' aid in contrast to slow-moving project aid. What has been sought to be obfuscated by crude media management is that in the past too so-called 'fast-disbursing' aid has been offered and gratefully received by India, together with a good measure of rescheduling of debt servicing which is now being denied to India by the consortium. The nearly exclusive shift to project-tied credits, bilateral as well as institutional, during the 80s was part of a wider plan to push India into short-term commercial borrowing with all its adverse implications for India's balance of payments which surfaced in the closing stages of the 80s and more strongly in the last two years. With India now placed in a situation of helpless dependency, non-project, fast- disbursing credits have been revived but are still not the major part of the consortium's aid-package. The vulnerable position from which India is now negotiating for credits is emphasised by the fact that, of the fast-disbursing credits of $ 2.3 billion, $ 650 million had already been drawn and spent, largely to cover payments for import of petroleum products. The remaining $ 1.65 billion, which includes the World Bank's structural adjustment loan of S 600 million, will hardly cover the outstanding payment obligations. These credits will undoubtedly be spent by India at a fast pace.


Increasingly popular social virtual reality (VR) platforms like VRChat created new ways for people to interact with each other, generating dedicated user communities with unique idioms of socializing in an alternative world. In VRChat, users frequently gather in front of mirrors en masse during online interactions. Understanding how user communities deal with the mirror's unique interactions can generate insights for supporting communication in social VR. In this study, we investigated the mirror's synergistic effect with avatars on behaviors and dedicated user conversational performance. Qualitative findings indicate that avatar-mediated communication through mirrors provides functions like ensuring synchronization of incarnations, increasing immersion, and enhancing idealized embodiment to express bolder behaviors anonymously. Quantitative studies show that while mirrors improve self-perception, it has a potentially adverse effect on conversational performance, similar to the role of self-viewing in video conferencing. Studying how users interact with mirrors in an immersive environment allows us to explore how digital environments affect spatialized interactions when transported from physical to digital domains.


The results of measurements of (1) n- and p-channel a-Si/sub 1-x/C/sub x/ inverted gate field effect transistors, (2) the photoconductivity of those alloys, and (3) the optical absorption spectra, including subband gap absorption, are discussed. Measurements of the transistor characteristics clearly show a monotonic falloff in electronic mobility with carbon addition and a somewhat slower increase in threshold voltage. The electron mobility, in the range of 0.5 cm/sup 2//V-s for a-Si:H, is still at usable levels (>0.1 cm/sup 2//V-s) even at 40% carbon concentration (gas phase). Optical absorption measurements (photothermal deflection spectroscopy) indicate that the slope of the optical absorption edge decreases with increasing carbon concentration, suggesting an increase in the tail density of states. These data, taken together with the mu tau product, can be explained entirely by the decrease in mobility. The drop in the effective mobility is believed to be due to the effective widening of the band-tail state distribution. >


An 829-bp fragment of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NADH2) gene was used to assess the taxonomic status of 1487 elasmobranch specimens, representing 52 putative species. Strong evidence was found for the existence of an undescribed Echinorhinus species and for cryptic speciation within Rhynchobatus djiddensis. The results also provide strong molecular support for the existence of two previously reported, but undescribed, guitarfish species. Potential, but less conclusive, cryptic lineage diversification was also noted in Carcharhinus leucas, Loxodon macrorhinus, Iago omanensis and Gymnura poecilura. A complex situation was found in the genus Himantura, with potentially three distinct lineages evident, one of which is probably an undescribed species, in the H. gerrardi complex. One dasyatid specimen could not be identified, but appears to be closely related to Dasyatis ushiei, while Himantura leoparda and Carcharhinus longimanus are reported from Oman for the first time. The results of the present study also reinforce previously reported geographical divisions within certain putative species, which has important implications for fishery management and conservation. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London


Introduction: Adolescent is a period of transition that must be passed all childhood to adulthood. Many things happen in this phase, adolescents who successfully passed the transition phase will determine the success undergo adult stage. This study focuses on one issue, namely the adolescent reproductive health triad as adolescent sexuality, premarital sexual behavior resulting in the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Causes of adolescent premarital sex because of the lack of knowledge of adolescent reproductive health in SMAN 1 Arjasa (79.6%). Taboo of sex education to students area needs communication, information, and education with true, appropriate, and effective that peer educator with simultaneous for the studens area and important to reproduction health information, early marriage and risk it, premarital sexual and risk it for communication, information, and education in integral to tackling early marriage happened. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of peer educators Youth Information and Counseling Center to increase the knowledge and attitude of adolescent reproductive health. Methods: This study was an experimental study, the type of study design pre experiment one group pretest posttest design. Technique sampling is total sampling. The population in this study were 622 students with a sample of 208 students in second class SMAN 1 Arjasa. Results: Data analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test test with significance level of p #706; #945; = 0:05. Results from this study is p value of 0.010 with #945; = 0.05%, and p value of 0.000 with #945; = 0.05%. The meaning of there are influence of peer educators Youth Information and Counseling Center to increase the knowledge and attitude of adolescent reproductive health. Discussion : knowledge and adolescent after be done health education by peer educator happen to increase of knowledge and adolescent attitude about reproduction health become good. Conclusions: knowledge, attitudes, and behavior effected to peer educator, be side it behavior effected to school rules, parents at home rule, and peers.


GERCKE, DIANE MARIE. A Method for Rapid Assessment of Historic FireDependent Vegetation Communities. (Under the direction of Gary B Blank.) In the effort to restore historic landscapes, it is necessary to first specify spatially explicit target vegetation communities. Previously, botanists or other local experts have used landscape and environmental factors, historical evidence, and evidence from remnant vegetation to define presettlement vegetation communities on the landscape. Once these communities are defined, they must be mapped in order to be truly understandable and useful. Efforts to map the location of these presettlement communities on a particular landscape are often laborious and time consuming. In this study, we discuss a rapid method for assessing the location of these vegetation communities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the current science of fire behavior modeling. Fire behavior models are proven predictors of fire intensities across a landscape, considering vegetation, slope, aspect, wind, and weather. Our hypothesis was that these fire behavior models could be used to make inferences about presettlement vegetation community distributions in former frequent-fire landscapes. GIS software was used to find simple combinations of variables associated with vegetation distribution, including soil type, aspect, slope, and orientation to gradient winds. A conventional fire model (FlamMap) was then used to find areas that are distinctly fire sheltered. In a survey of 78 fire sheltered community sites visited on the study landscape, 91% of the areas were considered to be correctly identified based on the presence of remnant presettlement vegetation indicator species. Success in finding a single community as related to a specified range of fire behavior outputs suggests that there is potential for expanded utility of fire models in making inferences about vegetative distribution on the frequent-fire landscape. The fire model adds to the utility of the GIS by considering the effects of fire spread direction and variation in fuel moistures in conjunction with terrain variables. The resulting fire intensity outputs represent environmental effects on vegetation distribution that cannot be modeled solely with a GIS. A final presettlement vegetation layer was completed for the study site, located at Fort Bragg on the Southeastern coastal plain of North Carolina, and compared to a layer generated by an extensive 2-year study considered to be definitive. The results showed an overall map accuracy of 78 percent for the proposed procedure. This output may be used as a preliminary map that, in conjunction with groundtruthing, will shorten the process of mapping presettlement vegetation for use in the restoration of historic fire dependent communities. A Method for Rapid Assessment of Historic FireDependent Vegetation Communities by Diane Marie Gercke A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science


The potential of root-colonising antagonistic microbial biocontrol agents was evaluated for their ability to improve plant growth and suppress aflatoxigenic fungal and aflatoxin contamination in groundnut. By considering root colonisation of groundnut seedlings, plant growth promotion and antagonism against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus as preliminary criteria, eight rhizobacteria and nine Trichoderma spp. were selected and characterised for their beneficial traits. These strains gave varying results for IAA production, phosphate solubilisation, ACC deaminase, chitinase and siderophore production. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, these strains significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed seed-borne and rhizospheric population of A. flavus and improved seed quality variables. However, cdELISA results revealed that none of the biocontrol strains were effective in reducing aflatoxin level in seed. Based on the overall performance, Pseudomonas fluorescens 2bpf, Bacillus sp. Bsp-3/aM and Trichoderma atroviride UMDBT-Dha.Tat8 were used for field trials in the form of talcum powder formulations. Under field conditions, biocontrol agents improved seedling emergence, plant biomass and pod yield. Seeds harvested from plots treated with biocontrol agents showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production after 6 months' storage. Use of microbial strains with multiple beneficial traits is advantageous in bioformulation development. Hence, in future, these formulations will play a major role as biofertilisers and biopesticides, which can reduce the usage of agrochemicals up to greater extents in groundnut production.


Due to the high sensitivity and complexity of robotic surgery tasks, acquiring appropriate skill levels by trainee surgeons through an effective training process is very important and affects the patient's safety and the quality of surgical outcomes. With the advanced deep learning technology and the recent availability of surgical procedures data, intelligent methods can be deployed to assess and transfer the skills of an experienced surgeon (mentor) to a novice surgeon (trainee). In this paper, we introduce a novel deep-learning-based skill transfer scheme consisting of a deep convolutional model, SkillNet, and a skill transfer algorithm for robotic surgery training. The proposed SkillNet extracts skill-related features of the mentor from different layers of the network. Then, trainee's maneuver is enhanced by the proposed skill transfer algorithm while minimizing deviations from the trainee's original intended trajectory. For validation, the JIGSAWS dataset and also our own experimental data were used to prove the generalizability of SkillNet in capturing skill-related features. The capability of the skill transfer algorithm in enhancing trainee trajectories in terms of predictability, hand tremor reduction, and noise cancellation were investigated separately. The obtained results indicate that this approach can be used as a high-performance filter that makes minor corrections to the input trajectory and improves the skill level of the trainee's trajectory in practice.


The thesis of this book is that 1 and 2 Corinthians are closely related; that Paul faces the same opponents in both letters; that the letter written with many tears referred to in 2 Corinthians is I Corinthians; and that there is no need to posit an intermediate visit or letter between the two canonical letters. Throughout the two letters Paul implements a consistent pastoral strategy, and an understanding of this strategy explains the difference in tone between various sections of the two letters. There is no need for theories of partition.


This article seeks to investigate some racial and gendered dimensions of the Civil Union Act. First, it looks at the social and cultural characteristics of those lesbian and gay couples who are allowed to conclude civil unions and the racial and cultural aspects of the institution itself. In aligning civil unions so completely with the institution of civil marriage, the Civil Union Act strengthens the position of marriage as the ideal for all other relationships and implies that other forms of marriage, in particular customary marriage, are inflexible and incapable of accommodating same-sex couples. This is directly contradicted by a body of social science evidence which shows how some African cultures have created spaces in which certain forms of same-sex activity are allowed, or simply ignored. Moreover, the Act is premised on a particular form of global gay identity which does not accord with the identities or practices of many African people who have same-sex relationships. The second part of the paper deals with gender. It argues that the acceptance of same-sex practices within African communities is often conditional upon the adoption of very stereotypically patriarchal roles and identities within these relationships. This is similar to the way in which the Civil Union Act reserves legal recognition for those same-sex relationships which mimic marriage. Finally, a lack of co-operation between gender activists and same-sex activists around the contents of the Act has resulted in a failure to focus simultaneously on gender and sexual orientation. This, in turn, has created the possibility of disadvantage, both for women and for people who have relationships with others of the same sex.


We report numerical simulations of a strongly biased diffusion process on a one-dimensional substrate with directed shortcuts between randomly chosen sites, i.e. with a small-world–like structure. We find that, unlike many other dynamical phenomena on small-world networks, this process exhibits non-monotonic dependence on the density of shortcuts. Specifically, the diffusion time over a finite length is maximal at an intermediate density. This density scales with the length in a nontrivial manner, approaching zero as the length grows. Longer diffusion times for intermediate shortcut densities can be ascribed to the formation of cyclic paths where the diffusion process becomes occasionally trapped.


Origin-destination demand, trip patterns, pricing and transport networks alone cannot explain passenger demand for public transport modes. Other factors of convenience and service quality play a key role in influencing demand and mode choice but they are often more complex and harder to define, measure and value. This paper argues that the good measurement of public transport convenience and service quality is a pre-requisite to its valuation and ensuring more optimal policy and management actions to minimise passengers' generalised time. The paper focusses necessarily on the urban public transport operator and its measurement of service quality. We review the practical experience gained from over 20 years of international benchmarking with more than 50 metro, bus and suburban rail operators in large cities around the world. Specifically, we review the current standards and practices from the urban railway industry in measuring service quality and provide examples of how such performance in metro operations varies globally. It is demonstrated that current practice in many cities remains too operationally based, despite there being an opportunity for much more customer focused measures of service quality using the greatly increased data availability from new technologies. The experience of the UK railway industry in valuing convenience and service quality is discussed. Here, a common framework for demand forecasting has been developed combining service quality and convenience measures with other service attributes to effectively measure the "attractiveness" of the service to customers. The paper concludes by considering the implications and opportunities for public transport operators, authorities and regulators worldwide in better measuring, valuing and managing public transport convenience in order to better meet mobility needs.


OBJECT
The purpose of this study was to analyze the usefulness of the BioFlex, a Nitinol spring rod dynamic stabilization system, and the Nitinol shape memory loop (KIMPF-DI Fixing System) as a posterior dynamic stabilization system in surgery for low-back pain.

METHODS
The 103 patients who underwent treatment with the BioFlex system were divided into two groups: Group 1, dynamic stabilization with or without posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF); and Group 2, rigid fixation (PLIF + BioFlex system only). A total of 66 segments were treated with only the BioFlex system; in these the preoperative range of motion (ROM) was 10.0 +/- 4.3 degrees , which changed to 4.1 +/- 1.9 degrees after surgery. Adjacent-segment ROM changed from 8.4 +/- 3.4 degrees to 10.7 +/- 3.2 degrees in Group 1 and from 6.5 +/- 3.2 degrees to 10.5 +/- 4.6 degrees in Group 2 postoperatively. A total of 110 segments received both BioFlex and PLIF, with a fusion rate of 90.0%. The visual analog scale score for back pain improved from 7.3 +/- 3.1 to 1.4 +/- 1.8 in Group 1 and from 7.4 +/- 2.4 to 2.1 +/- 2.3 in Group 2. The Oswestry Disability Index improved from 35.2 +/- 6.4 to 12.1 +/- 4.5 in Group 1 and from 37.8 +/- 5.7 to 13.6 +/- 4.2 in Group 2. (The ROM and assessment scores expressed are the mean +/- standard deviation.) The 194 patients in whom Nitinol memory loops were implanted were analyzed based on the preoperative and 1-year postoperative ROM of each lumbar segment. The change of ROM in looped segments treated with PLIF was significantly reduced, but the change of ROM in looped segments without PLIF was not significant. The change of ROM at the segment adjacent to the loop was not significant, and the change of kyphosis reflected a slight recovery.

CONCLUSIONS
The Nitinol BioFlex dynamic stabilization system can achieve stabilization and simultaneously allow physiological movement, which can in turn decrease the degeneration of adjacent segments. When used with PLIF, the fusion rate can be expected to increase. The flexible Nitinol shape memory loop, a posterior dynamic stabilization device, is an adequate tension band that displays strength similar to the posterior ligamentous structures. In combination with PLIF at the main lesion, the BioFlex system or the Nitinol memory loop can provide posterior dynamic stabilization to the transitional upper or lower segments, enhance the fusion rate, reduce the adjacent segment degeneration, and provide dynamic stabilization of the spine.


Microwave interstitial hyperthermia now plays an increasing part in the various hyperthermia techniques used in cancer treatment. This paper will present the design, construction and theoretical as well as experimental study of miniature coaxial antennas designed to heat tumours of various volumes and sizes. Monitoring temperature using multifrequency radiometry during hyperthermia stems naturally from the very design of these antennas. Experiments on phantoms, animals and patients in phase I clinical assessment have demonstrated that microwave interstitial hyperthermia can be achieved with temperature control and monitoring by microwave radiometry.


There is a middle road wherein standards and expectations of how to practice in a whole new world of real-time data can be established, and it must be addressed so that those who use EHR systems can do their jobs without apprehension and fear.


INTRODUCTION
Whether fever and antipyretic treatment are related to progression of organ dysfunction (POD) in sepsis is currently not known.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of fever and antipyretic treatment with POD in sepsis.

METHODS
Prospective cohort study of patients with sepsis. Maximum axillary temperature (T° Max), antipyretic drugs total dose and daily SOFA score were recorded. POD was defined as an increase ≥ 1 point on the SOFA score. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the studied association.

RESULTS
305 patients were included: 163 were women (53.4%), with a SOFA score of 8 points (6-11); 130 participants (42.62%) had T° Max ≥ 38°C, and 76 (24.9%), POD. Mortality in patients with fever was 26.2% vs. 20% (p = 0.21), and with POD, 73.7% vs. 5.7% (p = 0.01). T° Max ≥ 39°C had an OR of 4.96 (95% CI = 1.97-12.47, p = 0.01); and the use of antipyretics, an OR of 1.04 (95% CI: 0.58-1.86, p = 0.88).

CONCLUSIONS
An axillary T° Max ≥ 39°C is a risk factor for POD in sepsis. The use of antipyretics was not associated with POD.


The presence of a positive pathological margin is an independent risk factor for clinically significant disease recurrence only in intermediate‐risk disease when the a priori risk of micrometastatic disease is accounted for. The study examines patients with Gleason 7 prostate cancer to assess the relative importance of various margin‐related variables (focality, linear length, tumour grade at margin, presence of diathermy artifact and plane of tumour) with regard to biochemical recurrence. We found that the presence or absence of a positive pathological margin outperforms any other margin‐associated variable in predicting significant disease recurrence.


This research assesses the experiment of the Islamic movement in Sudan following the 1989 coup. The main question that needs to be answered with regard to Turabi and the Islamists in Sudan is the gap between theory and practice. Sudan is a complex country, with a diverse population encompassing different tribes, languages, religions and cultures, all impacting on the country's history and future. Consequently, the Islamic movement was influenced by the nature of this society.
The Islamisc movement in Sudan was established in the 1940s, linked to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and to revivalists in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as al-Afghani, Mohammed 'Abdu, Mawdudi, Hasan al-Turabi and Rashid al-Ghannouchi. The research assesses the theories of Turabi in Shura, democracy and issues of government. It critically evaluates the concepts of Tawh?d, the state in Islam, and human rights, minorities, women, etc., in the Islamic state.
This research established that gaps existed between the theory and practice of Turabi and the Islamists in Sudan. Their military coup represents the first violation of democracy. They possessed a clear human rights' vision, but in practice violated them from the early days of the coup. They developed mature theories on power sharing, justice and equality, but have monopolised power since 1989.
Shura was implemented in the movement institutions, but remains to be enhanced in the State. In the first decade, Islamist succeeded in developing the economic sector, by exploring for oil, and establishing a free market, but with no mechanisms to mitigate its negative side-effects. In society, significant laws were developed, in favour of women, education, and media. One may argue that Islamists need to take further steps towards Shura and democracy on the practical level, and establish proper mechanisms.


ABSTRACT Health and nutritional status of the women of reproductive age (WRA) is expected to be influenced with women literacy status alongside other sociodemographic indicators. However, data are scant to validate if literate young women have lower incidence of anemia prevalence. Nexus to the problem stated, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,541 female resident university students (FRUS) aged 17–35 years from a public sector university located in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hemoglobin (Hb) led screening for anemia was performed followed by nutritional assessment and structured questionnaire-based sociodemographic and dietary assessment. The data generated were analyzed using independent t-test, Chi-square, and response surface regression models. Response rate for the prevalence of anemia in FRUS was 38 percent with mean Hb levels 10.5 g/dL. With a significant effect (p = .001) of participants' weight on anemia prevalence, 22.45 percent of the sample population was recorded as underweight. Sociodemographic and dietary parameters analyzed suggested low daily food expenditure (x 2  = 20.59; p = .000) and reduced intake of meat (x 2  = 12.14; p = .01), beans & pulses (x 2  = 18.56; p = .001) to significantly influence rate of anemia prevalence in FRUS. The study concludes high prevalence rate of anemia among FRUS to strongly relate with students' low monthly stipend, little daily food expenditure, and substandard dietary quality.


Abstract In historical discussions of twentieth-century logic, it is typically assumed that model theory emerged within the tradition that adopted first-order logic as the standard framework. Work within the type-theoretic tradition, in the style of Principia Mathematica, tends to be downplayed or ignored in this connection. Indeed, the shift from type theory to first-order logic is sometimes seen as involving a radical break that first made possible the rise of modern model theory. While comparing several early attempts to develop the semantics of axiomatic theories in the 1930s, by two proponents of the type-theoretic tradition (Carnap and Tarski) and two proponents of the first-order tradition (Gödel and Hilbert), we argue that, instead, the move from type theory to first-order logic is better understood as a gradual transformation, and further, that the contributions to semantics made in the type-theoretic tradition should be seen as central to the evolution of model theory.


Biothiols, including glutathione (GSH), homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys), play crucial roles in various physiological processes. Though an array of fluorescent probes have been designed to visualize biothiols in living organisms, few one-for-all imaging agents for sensing biothiols with fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging capabilities have been reported, since instructions for synchronously enabling and balancing every optical imaging efficacy are deficient. Herein, a new near-infrared thioxanthene-hemicyanine dye (Cy-DNBS) has been constructed for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of biothiols in vitro and in vivo. Upon treatment with biothiols, the absorption peak of Cy-DNBS shifted from 592 nm to 726 nm, resulting in a strong NIR absorption as well as a subsequent turn-on PA signal. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity increased instantaneously at 762 nm. Then, Cy-DNBS was successfully utilized for imaging endogenous and exogenous biothiols in HepG2 cells and mice. In particular, Cy-DNBS was employed for tracking biothiols upregulation in the liver of mice triggered by S-adenosyl methionine by means of fluorescent and photoacoustic imaging methods. We expect that Cy-DNBS serves as an appealing candidate for deciphering biothiols-related physiological and pathological processes.


The analysis of the material found in the sources of the Samogitian discourse of the second half of the 20th century, which builds upon the model of the categorization of values proposed by Viktor E. Frankl, makes it clear that the Samogitian daily discourse mainly focuses on creative values. Work is described as essential to everyone and making no harm to the human being. The person's diligence is associated with one's abilities, agility, understanding and trustworthiness, because many jobs require people's collective action. Samogitians are convinced that diligence enables the person to live, to get rich and experience the meaning of life. Both personally and as a member of an ethnic community a Samogitian construes diligence as a quality giving an advantage over others and providing good grounds to brag. The possibility of subsistence and the quality of life are linked with work. However, excessive diligence is considered harmful, and therefore Samogitians advise not to forget common sense while working.The values which are based on experience and feeling are discussed far less commonly. In the sources of Samogitian discourse the expression of exper iential values is linked with joy and surprise about simple objects from the daily environment and the intention to draw the interlocutor's attention towards them. Love is described as a universal feeling, but Samogitians are not prone to talk openly about it, unless they speak about the stories of their past.The person actualizes attitudinal values whenever he or she is confronted with the restrictions of life and reacts to the suffering sent by one's fate. Samogitians are used to describe every person's situation as resulting from the higher force or determined by one's fate. The gift of life is described as meaningful per se and providing self-confidence.Hardships, troubles and pain are described as temporary conditions, which are easier to live through when one knows that it is always better to be alive than dead. Ethical values always require people to refuse certain temptations. Circumspection allows individuals to avoid deception in the form of abuse or flattery and to keep one's dignity. The promotion of respect towards another and self-respect is based on the principle of equality by proposing not to treat others as you would not want them to treat you.The available sources of Samogitian discourse include a number of observations that the continuously improving conditions of life and work change people's behaviour and values: an easier life changes people's communication towards seclusion and alienation, reduces diligence and concern over the future, promotes effeminacy and lack of self-restraint expressed through the choice of a less virtuous lifestyle. According to interlocutors, the Samogitian language itself changes as well.


This paper presents the architecture and the methods used to dynamically simulate the sea backscatter of an airborne radar operating in a medium repetition frequency mode (MPRF). It offers a method of generating a sea backscatter signal which fulfills the intensity statistics of real clutter in time domain, spatial correlation and local Doppler spectrum of real data. Three antenna channels (sum, guard and difference) and their cross-correlation properties are simulated. The objective of this clutter generator is to serve as the signal source for the simulation of complex airborne pulsed radar signal processors.


This study was carried out to evaluate the rheology of flour doughs containing 0.5% of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), and sodium alginate (SA), respectively. Farinograms, alveograms, a rapid visco analyzer (RVA), and rheofermentometer were employed in the analysis. According to the farinogram tests, the hydrocolloid additions caused changes in water absorption, dough development time, stability, and breakdown. The dough containing HPMC had the highest water absorption at 67.4±0.12%. The HPMC dough also had the longest development time (8.2±1.04 min), stability (12.7±0.42 min), and breakdown (7.9±1.3 min). From the alveogram tests, P, G, and P/L values increased, whereas the L value decreased. The W values of the HPMC and SA doughs were increased, but that of the MC dough was decreased. According to the RVA results, the HPMC and SA doughs had reduced initial pasting temperatures whereas that of the MC dough was increased, but the difference was not significant. The peak viscosity of the MC dough also increased. Furthermore, all the doughs had increased breakdown times and decreases in final viscosity and setback. In the rheofermentometer tests, the HPMC dough presented the highest H m , and the SA dough had the largest total volume.


Concerned service providers, researchers and care leavers have been lobbying for extended (post-18 years) supports for young people transitioning from out of home care in the Australian state of Victoria for more than 20 years. These campaigns have succeeded in placing transitions from care on the policy agenda, and in persuading successive Victorian governments to introduce some leaving care policy programs and supports. But these initiatives have attracted limited resources, and mostly assisted the preparation of young people aged 15-17 years to leave care, rather than offering post-care support until at least 21 years. This paper argues that a number of factors have contributed to this policy inaction including stigmatization of care leavers, budgetary challenges, and the competing sector demands for funding of out of home care services vs post-care services. But the key factor is arguably the dominant language used by governments which narrowly frames the policy agenda around progressing inflexible age-based transitions to independence, instead of acknowledging that care leavers, as per their non-care peers in the general population, require continuing parenting well beyond the age of 18 years.


We present a two-step approach for recognizing multiple 3-D objects in single 2-D images. In the first step, hypotheses of object instances are generated using a memory-based technique. This technique relies on an array, which is computed off-line, that associates a large number of object poses with corresponding image features. During actual recognition, the array serves as a discrete approximation of the inverse projection function, and each image feature returns a set of poses that are accumulated by a generalized Hough transform. In the second step, the configuration of hypotheses that best interprets the image is calculated using a Bayesian network. The network represents both visual effects, such as the creation and occlusion of image features, and physical constraints, such as object interference.


Abstract Sustained perfect synchrony of signal production by animals is unrealistic, but even near-synchronous signalling is extremely rare. Near-synchronous signalling has been documented in some orthopteran insects and fireflies, and one kind of frog. This study provides observations and analyses of sustained bouts of impressive near-synchronous calling by a terrestrial breeding frog from Australia, the hip-pocket frog (Assa darlingtoni). Males called in scattered clusters of several individuals from the rainforest floor of northern New South Wales. In eight of nine pairs of semi-isolated males, there was sustained near-synchronous calling in bouts consisting of 16–20 calls and lasting 5–10 min. There was extensive overlap of the pulsed calls, and calls of a lagging male began overlapping that of a leading male after 2–5 pulses of a leader's call note. In five pairs, one male's calls were usually in the leading position; in three pairs, leadership frequently switched between males. In the latter interactions, males frequently skipped a call and produced its next call or calls in the leading position. This tactic has been interpreted as sexual competition between neighbours in orthopterans, but further research is required to rule out possible alternative hypotheses.


Introduction: Idelalisib is a first-in-class PI3Kδ-inhibitor. In clinical studies idelalisib demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with CLL, including patients with TP53 aberrations (del17p and/or TP53m). On this basis national and international guidelines in Europe recommend idelalisib as one treatment option in this high-risk CLL patient population. However, it is unclear how efficacy reported in clinical studies translates into real world experience. Considering the importance of such data, we initiated a real world study soon after market authorization of idelalisib in the European Union prospectively investigating efficacy and safety of idelalisib in routine clinical practice. Concomitant PJP prophylaxis is a risk minimization measure that was introduced after market authorization of idelalisib. Nevertheless, the impact on patient outcomes in routine clinical practice has not been studied in detail. We therefore also analyzed the impact of PJP prophylaxis on overall survival (OS) within this real world cohort.
 Methods: A prospective, two-cohort, multicenter, non-interventional post-authorization safety study (PASS) reporting real world safety and efficacy data on the use of idelalisib in Germany. Inclusion of patients was based on the physician's decision to initiate treatment with idelalisib in accordance with the European Summary of Product Characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
 Results: This analysis included 84 CLL patients with a median age of 74 years. 88% of patients were older than 65 years, 70% were male and 86% presented with one or more co-morbidities. Binet stage A, B, C was reported in 25%, 33% and 37% of patients, respectively. The median time from diagnosis to start of idelalisib therapy was 89.5 months and patients received a median number of two prior lines of therapy, including treatment with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib in 11 patients (13%). With a median observation time of 11.5 months the median overall survival (OS) for the entire CLL patient population was not reached. Our CLL cohort included 24 patients (29%) that did not receive PJP prophylaxis for idelalisib therapy. We therefore compared OS in patients with and without concomitant PJP prophylaxis. In patients receiving PJP prophylaxis survival rates were higher in the first 6-12 months of therapy, with 6-month and 12-month survival rates in patients with vs without PJP prophylaxis of 98% vs 76% and 84% vs 76%, respectively (Figure 1). 19% of CLL patients (n=16) had documented TP53 aberrations, including five patients that received idelalisib as first-line treatment. In patients with TP53 aberrations the overall response rate (ORR) was 77% compared to 67% in patients without TP53 aberrations. Importantly, the 12-month survival rates for patients with and without TP53 aberrations were similar with 81% and 83%, respectively. Median OS was not reached for either patient population (Figure 2).
 Conclusion: This prospective real world study started collecting data on the efficacy and safety of idelalisib in routine clinical practice soon after market authorization of idelalisib in Europe. Results demonstrate similar efficacy of idelalisib irrespective of the patients' TP53 status confirming the efficacy previously reported in pivotal clinical studies. Additionally, our results provide evidence that PJP prophylaxis is an effective risk minimization measure impacting on survival.

 Hoechstetter: Hexal: Other: Travel Grants; Abbvie: Other: Travel Grants; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Other: Travel Grants. Eissmann:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Hucke:Gilead Sciences: Employment. van Troostenburg:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Ramroth:Gilead Sciences: Employment. Knauf:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Mundipharma: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy.


The conversion of wave energy in electrical one has been increasingly studied. One example of wave energy converter (WEC) is the overtopping device. Its main operational principle consists of a ramp which guides the incoming waves into a reservoir raised slightly above the sea level. The accumulated water in the reservoir flows through a low head turbine generating electricity. In this sense, it is performed a numerical study concerned with the geometric optimization of an overtopping WEC for various relative depths: d/λ = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.62, by means of Constructal Design. The main purpose is to evaluate the effect of the relative depth on the design of the ramp geometry (ratio between the ramp height and its length: H1/L1) as well as, investigate the shape which leads to the highest amount of water that insides the reservoir. In the present simulations, the conservation equations of mass, momentum and one equation for the transport of volumetric fraction are solved with the finite volume method (FVM). To tackle with water-air mixture, the multiphase model Volume of Fluid (VOF) is used. Results showed that the optimal shape, (H1/L1)o, has a strong dependence of the relative depth, i.e., there is no universal shape that leads to the best performance of an overtopping device for several wave conditions.


It's hard to imagine any country which operates well organized foreign trade without logistics opportunities. Either an experienced entrepreneur or a startup owner in business field, they both have to provide quality services at as a low cost as possible. Because Logistics means, first of all, customer satisfaction. Clients should be informed 24/7 a day about the status of their order. Uzbekistan is twice closed, that is, one of the two countries in the world that have access to the ocean through the territory of two neighboring countries. The most important factor of the attractive geostrategic position of Uzbekistan is the availability of a developed system of transport communications, which practically satisfies the internal transportation needs. The Republic has the highest density of networks of railways and highways in Central Asia. Nevertheless, logistics services are relatively hard and expensive since Uzbekistan has no access to the sea and is far removed from the dominating global markets.


Applications such as remote sensing, imaging and laser power delivery (for medical or industrial applications) using mid infra-red wavelengths require stable and non toxic low loss MIR transmitting glass fibres. The silica transmission window extends to only 2µm making silica fibres unsuitable for such applications. Mid infra-red transmitting fibres are currently either fluorozirconate based, with the disadvantages of being hygroscopic, and a relatively small transmission window (~1-3µm), or As2X3 (X = S, Se) based with the disadvantage of toxicity should the fibre burn or degrade. Gallium lanthanum sulphide based glasses are proposed as high quality alternatives as they have a high glass transition temperature which results in increased stability, are non toxic, and have a wide transmission window of 1-8µm [1]. One limiting factors in the performance of a fibre for the passive applications listed above is the optical loss of the fibre. This has three main physical causes: The electronic edge at the UV end of the spectrum is from electrons excited from the valence band across the bandgap of the material or to defect states in the bandgap, the fundamental glass absorption in the IR is from the multiphonon edge by excitation of optic phonon modes in the glass with phonon generation and subsequent photon absorption, and Rayleigh scattering caused by fluctuations in the refractive index of the glass caused by density and compositional fluctuations on a scale much smaller than the wavelength of light. In this paper we present predictions for the minimum loss in glasses of composition; 70Ga2S3:30La2S3, 72.5Ga2S3:27.5La2O3 and 65Ga2S3:25CsCl:10La2S3. Measurement of loss from the fundamental glass absorptions (The electronic and multiphonon edges) was achieved using a spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy respectively with thin slices of the glasses. Rayleigh scattering properties were calculated according to the method of Lines [2] from material parameters. The minimum predicted loss is given by the addition of the loss due to Rayleigh scattering and fitted data of the fundamental glass absorptions. Fiberization of gallium lanthanum sulphide glasses is routinely possible and fibre loss measurements in the NIR and MIR are also presented.


Production of pyropowder, as a model of hazardous production, appeared to have the main features showing unfavorable influence of work conditions on the workers' health state. Based on those features, the authors designed criteria for early diagnosis of occupational diseases and determined critical length of service in the stated production, during which no changes of the workers' health state occur.


Despite a philosophical belief in the health benefits of balanced participation in everyday activities, occupational therapists have devoted scant research attention to the relationship between mental health and activity participation in childhood and adolescence. Time use studies offer valuable insights into this relationship. In this literature review the methodologies employed in time use studies are described, and empirical findings linking depression to the distribution of time to leisure, productive and self-care activities, and sleep are then outlined. The relevance of findings to occupational therapy assessment and intervention is discussed. Therapists are challenged to further research the area, as gaining thorough knowledge of young people's time use has implications for both professional practice and broader public health policy.


As adoption of connected cars (CCs) grows, the expectation is that 5G will better support safety-critical vehicle-to-everything (V2X) use cases. Operationally, most relationships between cellular network providers and car manufacturers or users are exclusive, providing a single network connectivity, with at best an occasional option of a back-up plan if the single network is unavailable. We question if this setup can provide QoS assurance for V2X use cases. Accordingly, in this paper, we investigate the role of redundancy in providing QoS assurance for cellular connectivity for CCs. Using our bespoke Android measurement app, we did a drive-through test on 380 kilometers of major and minor roads in South East England. We measured round trip times, jitter, page load times, packet loss, network type, uplink speed and downlink speeds on the four UK networks for 14 UK-centric websites every five minutes. In addition, we did the same measurement using a much more expensive universal SIM card provider that promises to fall back on any of the four UK networks to assure reliability. By comparing actual performance on the best performing network versus the universal SIM, and then projected performance of a two/three/four multi-operator setup, we make three major contributions. First, the use of redundant multi-connectivity, especially if managed by the demand-side, can deliver superior performance (up to 28 percentage points in some cases). Second, despite costing 95x more per GB of data, the universal SIM performed worse than the best performing network except for uplink speed, highlighting how the choice of parameter to monitor can influence operational decisions. Third, any assessment of CC connectivity reliability based on availability is sub-optimal as it can hide significant under-performance.