The purpose of this study is to find the effect of CSR on compassion at workplace in Asian developing countries mainly India. This study was conducted among the managers of financial institutions in northeast states of India. A sample of 441 was collected through self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and Structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that CSR actions have direct effect on compassion at workplace and indirect effect through organizational identification and positive emotion. This study also supports two theories, social identity theory and effective events theory.This study gives series of recommendations to practitioners in north east region of India with regard to CSR activities. It may guide them to rethink about their CSR plans, policies and implementations. There is a dearth of empirical studies on CSR in Asian Developing Countries mainly India. This study highlights the roles that can be played by managers in framing the CSR policies. It proposes an approach to enforce CSR programmes effectively and efficiently.


Extreme Conservation: Life at the Edges of the World. By Joel Berger. 2018. University of Chicago Press. (ISBN 9780226366265). 376 pp. Hardcover, $30.00. Finding several orphanedmusk oxen less than one year old in the days following the discovery of a slaughtered herd underscores the lack of knowledge relating to these animals. The adults were beheaded, but it is unknownwho did it or for what purpose. What will happen to the juveniles without adults to protect them or teach them how to survive in the Arctic tundra? Joel Berger takes the reader to unfamiliar territories – both in terrain and in conservation efforts – throughout the world as he emphasizes the challenge of studying in habitats that are inhospitable to humans but rapidly evolving due to climate change. John Muir, noted naturalist and the "Father of the National Parks," commented that "observation is what science is all about." But observation is anything but easy in the environments inhabited by the species Berger chooses to study. Lack of accessibility to modern conveniences means that creativity and stamina are required to overcome the obstacles to obtaining a decent vantage point. There are no easy roads to the wild musk ox territories in Alaska, and using noisy machines such as snowmobiles and helicopters to approach them would alter their behaviors. Hiking in on foot leaves the human observer vulnerable to other dangers, such as frostbite or becoming the target of a charging male ox that weighs as much as 800 pounds. Berger discovers there are very few places to run and hide in the tundra once a male notices him in his polar bear costume collecting observational data. His quick thinking saves him when he pulls off his costume head and tosses it away from himself. The confused musk ox comes to a halt trying to process what just happened. Before he can figure it out, Berger's colleagues swoop in to rescue him in their helicopter. One reason Berger seeks to learn about these animals in their native habitat is to study the effects of humans, particularly on large mammals. The disappearance of large mammals since the mid-1800s aligns with the increased use of firearms for hunting around the world. Some noted effects on populations due to hunting include an increase in the numbers of elephants born without tusks in Zambia in the last century (from 10% of births to 38%). Likewise, a significant decrease in the average size of horns on bighorn sheep has been noted and attributed to hunting. Sheep with smaller horns are less likely to be hunted and therefore live longer and breed more. Observations of animal behavior have led to some interesting inferences, but Berger is quick to point out the need for – and often lack of – sufficient data before reaching conclusions. It has been observed that baboons prefer to hang out around people. Is this behavior due to increased opportunities for food, or better protection from predators, or something else entirely? Female zebras and giraffes have been observed lingering near train tracks prior to and shortly after giving birth. Moose have been observed preferring to calve near roads in the Tetons. These observations raise questions that can only be answered by further study. Berger's approach to environmental conservation relies on gaining support from the local community, often a daunting task. "When can we shoot them?" is a common question from residents at communitymeetings in Alaska regarding the conservation of the musk ox, whose range became part of the national park system relatively recently – in 1980, without input from the residents whose families have lived there thousands of years. This caused resentment among the communitymembers, making it difficult to gain their support. Economic concerns also need to be taken into account in such cases. For example, the wild yak competes with herds of domestic animals in the Tibetan Plateau for food and water that are becoming scarcer as the environment gets warmer each year. Farmers are understandably more focused on protecting grazing land for their herds than on the survival of yaks. Clearly, Berger takes his mission to study how animals adapt to extreme environments very seriously, but he writes with humor and empathy. His storytelling is compelling. He leaves the reader amused, alarmed, and fascinated by his adventures. The need to study and protect extreme environments and the animals living there is well documented. Be glad that someone like Berger is willing to do it.


Photograph showing Detail. Rubble footing of Wall 3.1.2 cleaned, with Wall 3.1.3 to right, and Wall 3.7 and 3.3 in background. Viewed from NNW.


A series of dinuclear [(bpy)2Ru(L)Ru(bpy)2]4+ and mononuclear ruthenium(II) complexes [(bpy)2Ru(L)]2+ where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine and L represents 2,6-di(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)aryl ligands (DIP) were synthetized and characterized. An original pathway is proposed to obtain mono and hetero bi- and polymetallic Ru complexes and the relation between the molecular structure, the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the single Ru complexes is analysed. The investigated aryl cores are benzene, pyridine and 4-tert-butyl phenol. This work is focused on the effect of the aromatic moiety on the photoinduced charge transfer in the bimetallic compounds and the results are compared with the monometallic analogues. The absence of effect on the UV-visible absorption spectra and on the redox behavior upon varying the nature of the aryl moiety show that the two metallic centres in [(bpy)2Ru(L)Ru(bpy)2]4+ complexes are independent. However, luminescence measurements coupled with DFT calculations highlight a different photophysical behaviour between mono and dinuclear compounds incorporating the benzene core. Theoretical DFT and TD-DFT modelling was used to support the studied physico-chemical properties of these molecular systems.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors influencing career experiences and career choices made by former general practitioner registrars and to ascertain the reasons for these career decisions.

METHOD
A postal questionnaire was sent to all former registrars who completed the RACGP Training Program between 1994 and 1996. In addition 21 selected respondents were interviewed to obtain deeper insights into the comments recorded in returned questionnaires. All data were analysed for variance according to age, gender, state and locality of current general practice (i.e. whether metropolitan, rural or remote).

RESULTS
Altogether, 472 of the 988 questionnaires distributed were completed and returned. Of the respondents, 62.3% were female and 36.4% male; 68% were aged 30-34 years. Most (85.4%) lived with a partner, and 53.8% had at least one child. The majority (87.9%) of respondents gained their primary medical qualification in Australia. In addition to the FRACGP, 35.6% had also gained a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. A number of other qualifications were recorded. Three-quarters (75.6%) of participants were currently working as group GPs, two-thirds of whom were employees; 5.9% were solo GPs; 3.4% locums; and 1.3% rural hospital medical officers. About one-third (32.4%) held a second job; most of these were in subspecialty clinics or attachments. Sixty-six percent were currently in metropolitan practice, 17.6% in rural and 2.7% in remote practice. The two highest ranked career options were continued professional development (70.8%) and performance of minor procedures (67.2%). Family and domestic circumstances stood out as the most influential factor for 79.0% of GPs. The majority (75.8%) felt that vocational training had exerted a positive effect on their careers through, for example, exposure to varied practice types and good overall clinical training.

CONCLUSION
While general practice experience in undergraduate education is an important factor in career choice, vocational training strongly influences preparation for, and the type of general practice undertaken. Nevertheless, family circumstances were reported as the most important consideration, although male and female work patterns differed markedly. It is concluded that these differences reflect different priorities in balancing professional and personal demands. The particular needs of the growing proportion of female practitioners have strong implications for future educational and workforce planning.


With the advent of need of renewable energy resources, wind energy proves out to be a vital category of the resource. It is a bright and efficient non conventional source of energy. It can be used as constant and variable wind speeds operation. With continued development in this field advanced technologies and supervision examined, which helps the wind turbine to operate at its optimal position. Major researchers have focused on maximum power extraction from the generator using the different maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques. While in this article the objective is to present the comparison of classical Perturb & Observe algorithm (P&O) and fuzzy based Perturb & Observe algorithm and analysis of power oscillations and computational time. This paper based on a simulation study of the proposed standalone system which is done using SIMULATION in MATLAB.


The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in the food industry continues to be a problem in America. The pathogenic bacteria, commonly associated with beef products, are the cause of numerous human health concerns. On the other hand, the nontoxic E. coli is present in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans and helps in digestion. Thus, the long-term research objective is to differentiate quickly the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 from the nontoxic strains of E. coli in the farm-to-fork industry chain before the infected food reaches the consumer. This paper describes a constructed gas-sensor electronic-nose system that detects the released gases (amines and alcohol compounds) occurring during the growth of the bacteria cultured in two types of media, namely nutrient broth and brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. The output is a gas signature for each bacterial sample. Eight different E. coli samples were used in testing; four O157:H7 and four non-O157:H7 isolates. Different concentrations of bacteria were used in the study, ranging from 10/sup 2/ to 10/sup 7/ colony-forming units per milliliter. The results of the research showed that E. coli O157:H7 had a distinctly different gas signature than that of the non-O157:H7 bacteria when grown in nutrient broth. Bacteria grown in BHI broth did not have differentiating results. The initiation of gas increase in the bacteria correlated directly with the initial cell concentration of the sample. The initial increase of gas released by the bacteria occurred during the exponential phase of bacterial growth. The electronic nose device was able to differentiate the gas signatures of non-O157:H7 E. coli and O157:H7 E. coli isolates grown in nutrient broth with excellent reproducibility. Potential applications include food and environmental safety from farm to fork.


We have developed a gas-liquid chromatographic method for identification of mannose in serum hydrolysates by utilizing peracetylated aldononitrile derivatives. Experimentally infected rats and human subjects with candidiasis were studied. Peaks in unknown samples were identified by co-chromatography of reference carbohydrates. Inositol was used as an internal standard. Mannose was identified in hydrolysates of normal rat (391.85 +/- 66.18 micrograms/ml) and human (297.87 +/- 77.81 micrograms/ml) sera. Significantly increased concentrations of mannose (greater than 526.21 micrograms/ml) were demonstrated in hydrolysates of sera from 26 of 36 (72%) experimentally infected rats tested 1 or more days after onset of infection. Significant increases (greater than 453.49 micrograms/ml) were also seen in humans with localized (6/15), transient (2/2), and disseminated (5/7) candidiasis. The concentrations were highest in patients with candidemia occurring either transiently or as part of disseminated infection. The concentrations in patients with localized candidiasis were lower but were still significantly greater than control. These data suggest that changes in mannose concentration, as measured, may serve as markers of candidiasis. The amount of mannose present may be in part a function of the extent of the infection.


Multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) and multiway partial-least squares (MPLS) are well-established methods for the analysis of historical data from batch processes, and for monitoring the progress of new batches. Direct measurements made on prior batches can also be incorporated into the analysis by monitoring with multiblock methods. An extension of the multiblock MPCA/MPLS approach is introduced to explicitly incorporate batch-to-batch trajectory information summarized by the scores of previous batches, while keeping all the advantages and monitoring statistics of the traditional MPCA/MPLS. However, it is shown that the advantages of using information on prior batches for analysis and monitoring are often small. Its main advantage is that it can be useful for detecting problems when monitoring new batches in the early stages of their operation., the approach and benefits are illustrated with condensation polymerization and emulsion polymerization systems, as examples. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 1219–1228, 2004


Our objectives were to test the efficacy of intravaginal (IVG) administration of PGF2α to induce corpus luteum (CL) regression, compare circulating progesterone (P4) profiles in cows receiving IVG versus intramuscular (IM) treatment with PGF2α, and evaluate reproductive outcomes. Lactating Holstein cows were synchronized using a Double-Ovsynch protocol [GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 3 d later GnRH, 7 d later GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 1 d later PGF2α, 32 h later GnRH, 16 to 20 h timed artificial insemination (TAI)] to receive TAI at 67 ± 3 d in milk. Seven days after the first GnRH treatment (time 0), cows with at least 1 visible CL ≥15 mm were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to a treatment that consisted of IM injection (IM-PGF; n = 201) or IVG instillation (IVG-PGF; n = 201) of PGF2α. Cows in IM-PGF received a single 25-mg dose of PGF2α (dinoprost tromethamine) intramuscularly. Cows in IVG-PGF received two 25-mg doses of PGF2α 12 h apart delivered through a catheter in the cranial portion of the vagina. Blood samples were collected at 0, 12, 48, and 72 h after treatment. Ovulation to the first GnRH of Double-Ovsynch was determined through transrectal ultrasonography. Only cows with P4 ≥1 ng/mL (functional CL) at time 0 (IM-PGF = 169; IVG-PGF = 179) were included in the analyses. Binary and quantitative data were analyzed by logistic regression and ANOVA with repeated measures, respectively. Results are presented as least squares means. Concentrations of P4 and the proportion of cows with a new CL at time 0 did not differ. Overall, the proportion of cows with CL regression using 1 ng of P4/mL (IM-PGF = 89.0%; IVG-PGF = 86.7%) or 0.5 ng of P4/mL (IM-PGF = 82.2%; IVG-PGF = 82.1%) as the cutoff did not differ. Concentrations of P4 were affected by treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction. Cows in IVG-PGF had greater mean P4 at 12 h than cows in IM-PGF. Mean P4 did not differ at 48 or 72 h after treatment. The proportion of cows with estrus recorded within 3 d of treatment (IM-PGF = 45.4%; IVG-PGF = 48.9%), ovulation risk after treatment (IM-PGF = 88.5%; IVG-PGF = 85.1%), and pregnancies per artificial insemination after TAI (IM-PGF = 51.5%; IVG-PGF = 57.8%) did not differ. We concluded that 2 IVG doses of 25 mg of PGF2α 12 h apart were as effective as a single 25-mg IM dose of PGF2α for inducing luteal regression in lactating dairy cattle.


This special issue of Etudes Anglaises is a tribute to Oscar Wilde's enduring legacy as well as to his continuing resonance in France. The perhaps slightly tongue-in-cheek idea of including The Importance of Being Earnest on the syllabus of the very serious competitive examination of the agregation in English has sparked renewed critical interest for Wilde among French scholars (see Aquien & Giudicelli, Eells, Drugeon & Vernadakis). The contributions gathered in this special issue of Etudes Anglaises sketch out the various relationships between Wilde's works and the arts, from painting to film and music. They may be read as illustrating Wilde's "absolutely impertinent" stance, to borrow the phrase used as a title for the exhibition on Wilde held at the Petit Palais in Paris in the autumn of 2016, "Oscar Wilde, l'impertinent absolu" ("Oscar Wilde: Absolutely Impertinent"). Cumulatively designing a textual museum, the essays invite the reader to stroll through the pages in order to compose a nuanced portrait of Oscar Wilde and to (re)discover Wilde's texts in a new light.


According to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2015), the food security and nutrition situation in Cameroon has deteriorated due to multiple shocks such as the influx of refugees from the Central African Republic and Nigeria, increasing insecurity and natural disasters. In early 2015, the number of food insecure people stands three times higher than two years ago, affecting one out of seven people in the two worst hit regions of Far North and North. Malnutrition rates are also on the increase, with a 40% rise in SAM cases since 2014. Refugees and IDP children are particularly affected by rising malnutrition. More than 70 percent of farmers in the Far North have deserted their fields since 2015. In those areas where food is still available, the prices have increased, making it difficult for many people, especially those now out of work, to afford. In Mayo-Sava, for example, a bag of rice now costs around $50 as compared to $40 this time last year. The price per kilogram of corn and millet has increased from $0.80 to $1.00. Even during times of peace, Northern Cameroon is an area that is plagued by water shortages and a harsh climate. An estimated 25 to 30 percent of the land is barren. The region sees no rainfall for at least nine months of the year and temperatures often reach above 45 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to keep crops watered and for farmers to work under the scorching sun. Women's vulnerability in these communities is aggravated by cultural and social practices, which dictate that women do more physical work than men, sometimes walking for hours at a time just to find wood and water. Malnutrition rates among IDPs and host communities vary, but many are above 15 percent, especially along the border with Nigeria.
Since January, 1st 2016, the world officially began the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; the transformative plan of action based on 17 Sustainable Development Goals, to address urgent global challenges over the next 15 years. This agenda is a road map for people and the planet that will build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals and ensure sustainable social and economic progress worldwide. It seeks not only to eradicate extreme poverty like in the Far North of Cameroon, but also to integrate and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development namely; economic, social and environmental, in a comprehensive global vision.
This goal seeks to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition and to achieve sustainable food production by 2030. It is premised on the idea that everyone, even those in remote areas like Far North of Cameroon, should have access to sufficient nutritious food, which will require widespread promotion of sustainable agriculture, a doubling of agricultural productivity, increased investments and properly functioning food markets.
The Cameroonian Government is sensitive about the importance of agriculture to the wellbeing of the State and is concerned to ensure that its position and role should not be undermined. Agriculture and livestock are the mainstay of the economy, accounting for close to 20% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and engaging over 60% of the active population mostly peasants who are responsible the production for over 80% of the food consumed across the country. This paper seeks to draft a plan to promote sustainable platform to halve hunger, food insecurity and improved nutrition in the Far North of Cameroon.


Microbial communities are complex assemblages whose dynamics are shaped by abiotic and biotic factors. A major challenge concerns correctly forecasting the community behaviour in the future. In this context, communities in biological wastewater treatment plants (BWWTPs) represent excellent model systems, because forecasting them is required to ultimately control and operate the plants in a sustainable manner. Here, we forecast the microbial community from the water-air interface of the anaerobic tank of a BWWTP via longitudinal meta-omics (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics) data covering 14 months at weekly intervals. We extracted all the available time-dependent information, summarised it in 17 temporal signals (explaining 91.1% of the temporal variance) and linked them over time to rebuild the sequence of ecological phenomena behind the community dynamics. We forecasted the signals over the following five years and tested the predictions with 21 extra samples. We were able to correctly forecast five signals accounting for 22.5% of the time-dependent information in the system and generate mechanistic predictions on the ecological events in the community (e.g. a predation cycle involving bacteria, viruses and amoebas). Through the forecasting of the 17 signals and the environmental variables readings we reconstructed the gene abundance and expression for the following 5 years, showing a nearly perfect trend prediction (coefficient of determination ≥ 0.97) for the first 2 years. The study demonstrates the maturity of microbial ecology to forecast composition and gene expression of open microbial ecosystems using year-spanning interactions between community cycles and environmental parameters.


A 'Heat treatment aqueous two phase system' was employed for the first time to purify serine protease from kesinai (Streblus asper) leaves. In this study, introduction of heat treatment procedure in serine protease purification was investigated. In addition, the effects of different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000, 6000 and 8000) at concentrations of 8, 16 and 21% (w/w) as well as salts (Na-citrate, MgSO4 and K2HPO4) at concentrations of 12, 15, 18% (w/w) on serine protease partition behavior were studied. Optimum conditions for serine protease purification were achieved in the PEG-rich phase with composition of 16% PEG6000-15% MgSO4. Also, thermal treatment of kesinai leaves at 55 °C for 15 min resulted in higher purity and recovery yield compared to the non-heat treatment sample. Furthermore, this study investigated the effects of various concentrations of NaCl addition (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w) and different pH (4, 7 and 9) on the optimization of the system to obtain high yields of the enzyme. The recovery of serine protease was significantly enhanced in the presence of 4% (w/w) of NaCl at pH 7.0. Based on this system, the purification factor was increased 14.4 fold and achieved a high yield of 96.7%.


Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common mode of transmission and both are able to induce a chronic infection. Dual HBV/HCV chronic coinfection is a fairly frequent occurrence, especially in high endemic areas and among individuals at high risk of parenterally transmitted infections. The intracellular interplay between HBV and HCV has not yet been sufficiently clarified, also due to the lack of a proper in vitro cellular model. Longitudinal evaluation of serum HBV DNA and HCV RNA amounts has revealed that complex virological profiles may be present in coinfected patients. Dual HBV/HCV infection has been associated to a severe course of the liver disease and to a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the clinical importance, solid evidence and clear guidelines for treatment of this special population are still lacking. This review summarizes the available data on the virological and clinical features as well as the therapeutic options of the dual HBV/HCV infection, and highlights the aspects that need to be better clarified.


Certain mammalian species are resistant to cancer, and a better understanding of how this cancer resistance arises could provide valuable insights for basic cancer research. Recent technological innovations in molecular biology have allowed the study of cancer‐resistant mammals, despite the fact that they are not the classical model animals, which are easily studied using genetic approaches. Naked mole‐rats (NMRs; Heterocephalus glaber) are the longest‐lived rodent, with a maximum lifespan of more than 37 years, and almost never show spontaneous carcinogenesis. NMRs are currently attracting much attention from aging and cancer researchers, and published studies on NMR have continued to increase over the past decade. Cancer development occurs via multiple steps and involves many biological processes. Recent research on the NMR as a model for cancer resistance suggests that they possess various unique carcinogenesis‐resistance mechanisms, including efficient DNA repair pathways, cell‐autonomous resistance to transformation, and dampened inflammatory response. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis resistance in NMR, which have been uncovered over the past two decades, and discuss future perspectives.


A novel iterative B-spline channel estimation technique for space-time block coded (STBC) systems over fast flat fading channels is proposed. The optimal linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) channel estimator can be decoupled into a simplified maximum likelihood (ML) estimator over a block period, by taking advantage of the orthogonal property in the STBC, and a subsequent Wiener filter. The Wiener filter can then be replaced by a B-spline estimator for complexity reduction. Both local linear and parabolic splines are considered. Comparisons between the Wiener filtering and B-spline approaches in mean square error (MSE), bit error rate (BER) and complexity are given. The BER performance of the iterative receiver with the B-spline estimators is nearly the same as that of the Wiener filter for a fast fading channel. However, the complexity of the proposed estimators is much lower than that of the Wiener filter.


The aims of this study were to find the relationship among the infection of Toxoplasma, herpes simplex virus and abortion at different age groups. For this purpose 127 samples from healthy women were collected in period from February to September 2017 to detected of IgM and IgG for Toxoplasma and Herpes simplex virus2.
The results of the current study showed that Toxoplasmosis was the most common infection with high level of IgM antibodies 11.8%. Herpes simplex 2 virus give positive results for IgM in rate of 6.2% and none of them showed raised IgG level. HSV-II virus infected was the lowest and age group 32-40 years showed the highest rate of infection 12.5%.
Most of the patients experienced two abortions were reported at age group 25-31 years 17% and 4.2% had three abortions. 40% of the patients with Toxoplasmosis experience 2 abortion had cut off >1.25. fifty% with Herpes simplex 2 had cut off value of >1.25 experience one abortions and two abortions respectively.


The fifteenth to nineteenth centuries produced some interesting art works in the coastal areas occupied by the Ga people. The Ga despite their occupation of the low lying Plains of Accra displayed skills in utilising the available clay in establishing themselves as a major producer of pottery. Contrary to their inland neighbours, the Akans, who had more variety of natural resources, and a political structure which encouraged the production and use of art, the presence of European trading nations created new dynamics for architectural innovation, art and craft production, and acquisition of new skills by Ga craftsmen and women. This influenced and affected social life and its accompanying culture. The coastal lands became a strategic market place for trade in both European goods and local wares and products, and the Ga actively engaged in this by selling works such as pottery which they were noted for producing. The history of the Ga has therefore not only been determined by their natural environment and political structure but also by their contacts with other cultures in combination with their own local skills and willingness to adapt to change. Institute of African Studies: Research Review Volume Research Review Supplement 17 2006: pp. 121-136


The effect of string and quantum gravity inspired minimum-length deformed quantization on a free, massless scalar field is studied on de Sitter background at the level of second quantization. Analytic solution of a field operator is obtained to the first order in deformation parameter. Using this solution we then estimate the two point and four point correlation functions (with respect to the Bunch-Davies vacuum). The field operator shows up a non-linear dependence on creation and annihilation operators, therefore the perturbation spectrum proves to be non-Gaussian. The correction to the power spectrum is of the same order as obtained previously in a similar study that incorporates the minimum-length deformed momentum operator into the first quantization picture and then proceeds in the standard way for second quantization. The non-Gaussianity comes at the level of four point correlation function; its magnitude appears to be suppressed by the factor $\sim\exp(-6N)$, where $N$ is the number of e-foldings.


The distribution of the zearalenone reducing activity was investigated in liver fractions obtained by differential centrifugation of liver homogenate from adult female Sprague Dawley rats. The zearalenone reducing enzyme was identified as 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. At least two multiple forms occur of the enzyme with different subcellular locations and pH-optima. The activity was localized in the microsomes with NADH as coenzyme and in both microsomes and cytosol with NADPH.


The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted population well-being in the United States, exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic inequalities in health and mortality. Importantly, as the pandemic disrupted the provision of vital preventive health screenings for cardiometabolic diseases and cancers, more research is needed to understand whether this disruption had an unequal impact across racialized and socioeconomic lines. We draw on the 2019 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey to explore whether the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to racialized and schooling inequalities in the reception of preventive screenings for cardiometabolic diseases and cancers. We find striking evidence that Asian Americans, and to a lesser extent Hispanic and Black Americans, reported decreased reception of many types of cardiometabolic and cancer screenings in 2021 relative to 2019. Moreover, we find that across schooling groups, those with a bachelor's degree or higher experienced the greatest decline in screening reception for most cardiometabolic diseases and cancers, and those with less than a high school degree experienced the greatest decline in screening reception for diabetes. Findings have important implications for health inequalities and U.S. population health in the coming decades. Research and health policy attention should be directed toward ensuring that preventive health care is a key priority for public health, particularly among socially marginalized groups who may be at increased risk of delayed diagnosis for screenable diseases.


In this paper, we present a novel variable step size subband affine projection (VSS-SAP) algorithm which dynamically selects subband filters in order to reduce the computational complexity and improve the convergence performance. It is called as dynamic selection variable step size subband affine projection algorithm (DS-VSS-SAP). The optimum selection of subband filters is derived by the largest decrease between the successive mean square deviations (MSDs) at every iteration. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has a lower misadjustment compared with the existing SAP algorithms. In addition, it retains a lower overall computational complexity.


The pulmonary diseases are among the most common diseases in childhood. Recently was recorded an incredible increase in allergic reactions in pediatric patients and there is special concern all children - patients to be treated and to provide appropriate diagnosis, treatment and monitor the situation in order to improve their quality of life.
The disorder of the function of the respiratory system, is associated with pathological changes in the mechanics of respiration (disruption in proper combination of the phases of inhaling and exhaling, the appearance of the surface, and frequently inefficient breathing, impaired coordination of respiratory movements). This leads to disruption of pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, as well as the emergence of an oxygen shortage in breathing.
These disorders are caused by the reduction of respiratory area, worsening of bronchial patency or slowdown in the small circle of circulation as a consequence of pathological processes from different backgrounds. Parallel with the reduced mobility of the diaphragm and chest and decrease the contractile ability of muscles to breathe and the driving activity of patients.
The most common respiratory disorders among children are, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary abscess, pulmonary emphysema, restrictive lung disease.
During the rehabilitation and treatment of respiratory diseases puts special emphasis on the role of kinesitherapy.


The paper discusses the availability and reliability analysis of an uncaser system in brewery plant by using the concept of performance analysis. Markov Birth Death process is used to find out all the probabilities (full working state, reduced state, failure state) of systems. After understanding the layout of the plant, draw transition diagram then differential equations and Steady state probabilities are determined. By taking data from the plant personal or from the log table available in the industry about the failure rate and repair rate of various systems and sub-systems the decision matrix are developed by using MATLAB programming. This gives availability for various combinations of failure rate and repair rate of all sub-systems. Graphs between availability and failure rate and availability and repair rate suggest the availability is decreases as the failure rate increases and availability is increases as the repair rate increase.


Fracturing fluid diversion plays a crucial role in maximizing the well productivity of multistage fractured wells. Proper sizing and material design of diverting agents are key elements to effectively bridge and plug perforations and fractures during treatment. In this study, we present an improved design for a water-soluble diverting agent that can cover a range of fracture widths. In addition, a wellbore flow model that predicts the swelling and dissolution behaviors of diverting agents flowing from the surface to the fractures was developed for field applications.
 Butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), which has elastic and sticking properties in water, is used as a diverting agent. Cylindrical pellets and smaller sized powder, made from the polymer, were mixed to bridge and plug hydraulic fractures. BVOH diverting agents were evaluated for slit widths of 1–4 mm with different pellet geometries using a high-pressure and high-temperature filtration apparatus. The swelling and dissolution rates depend on many parameters such as the temperature, dissolution time, crystallinity degree, and geometry. In this study, empirical correlations that predict the swelling and dissolution rates of BVOH polymers for various formulations were developed and implemented in a wellbore flow model that simulates fluid flow and heat transfer during pumping operations. A theoretical case study of a multistage hydraulic fracturing treatment was also presented to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the treatment.
 The filtration test results with various diverting agent designs indicate that the length and diameter of the pellets affect the performance and effectiveness of the bridging and plugging fracture-like slits. Moreover, an optimum pellet size exists for different slit sizes. With modified pellet size and diameter ratios, wider slits of 3–4 mm can be effectively plugged by diverting agents with reduced leakoff volumes. The swelling and dissolution models correlated well with the experimental data, considering the temperature, dissolution time, and crystallinity degree. The case studies presented in this study illustrate that the models can predict the time required for the diverting agents to dissolve under field conditions and determine whether the diverting agents pumped into the well provide sufficient conditions for diversion. Furthermore, the study results indicate that the pump rate and injection conditions before pumping the diverting agent are key controlling factors in determining the dynamic downhole temperatures and thus affect the time required for the degradation of the diverting agent. In addition, a field trial result is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the swellable, BVOH diverting agent at low downhole temperatures, and hydraulic fracturing treatment in the Permian Basin.
 Swelling diverting agents exhibit a more elastic behavior than existing particulate diverting agents. Swelling polymers are less abrasive and thus reduce the risk of equipment damage during preparation and pumping. The wellbore flow simulator developed in this study helps stimulation engineers optimize material types, particle-size distribution, and concentration of diverting agents for various field applications.


Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCHS) is a highly aggressive, malignant, cartilaginous tumor that represents about 1% of all chondrosarcomas. Only about 50 cases of MCHS of the jaw have been reported in the English-language literature; maxillary tumors are much more common than mandibular tumors. We present a new case of MCHS of the mandible that arose in a 22-year-old woman whose initial two biopsies did not reveal the features of the tumor. The diagnosis was made only after an incisional biopsy.


The motivation for this paper arises from an article written by Jianli Li and Liwen Liu in 2007, extending the classical newsvendor model to a supply chain where the dealer, after depletion of an initial order, is given the option of a second order within an allocation quota prescribed and conditioned by the manufacturer. The paper analyzes coordination of the channel in order to improve the expected benefits of the system.This paper extends the model to allow the newsvendor a second allocation quota at the end of the period, under similar conditions. The possibilities andincentives for channel coordination are studied. MSC: 90C15


of viruses and of the diseases prevalent in tropical countries. For the highly industrialized countries the first objectives are the chronic diseases and particularly cancer and cardio-vascular troubles. Nutritional problems must also remain basic subjects of investigation, and continued interest is essential in the problems of the increased risk of exposure of man to ionizing radiations, as well as the possible effect of these radiations on generations unborn. Dr. Candau points out that in evaluating the progress made by WHO in the field of medical research, one has to keep in mind the fact that the world-wide medical research programme under inter-government auspices is a development for which there is no precedent. Useful as some of the established national patterns of central research organization have proved in this respect, it has also been found that many are not easily applicable to the international scene. Therefore, in addition to building up the scientific programme, WHO has had to develop the necessary organizational framework and the administrative patterns for the new undertaking. By the end of 1959 all this preparatory work had been completed, and WHO seemed sufficiently prepared to launch the intensified programme of medical research which has become one of its major responsibilities.


Self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement is a well accepted and highly effective method for both treating and palliating obstructive lesions of the biliary tree, still complications may occur including premature occlusion and stent migration. Migration can occur either proximally or distally, usually early after SEMS placement and almost exclusively in covered ones. Distal migration is the most common type and is reported in 5.8% to 6% of cases. In our case, proximal migration of the stent occurred and surprisingly it rotated and impacted to the common bile duct transversally. This precluded any attempt to reposition or remove the SEMS. We effectively treated this unusual complication by placing an additional plastic stent into the common bile duct that restored biliary drainage.


The main aim of this study is to explore COVID-19 and its experiences of Nepalese people. Primary data were collected through telephone interviews and secondary data were used from different published and unpublished sources in this study. This study is basically based on qualitative data. Total 30 respondents were selected through snowball sampling methods. Among the main three findings, the first is the sources of COVID-19 may or may not be identify and syndromes mayor may not be seen in every individual during first and second wave of COVID-19 .The another conclusion is that the experiences were vary from individual to individual and were felt almost same experiences. However, the duration of recovery days may be different. Lastly, almost all respondents had some kind of experience in post COVID-19 syndromes. But the post COVID-19 side effects have been decreasing slowly. This paper covers only thirty affected respondents' experiences of residents of Kathmandu. The value of the paper is to inform people about the nature of COVID-19 in various stages.


Aim: To compare the inclination and Alsberg angles of both hips in patients with unilateral coxarthrosis and healthy population.
Methods: 89 patients who underwent total hip replacement due to end-stage unilateral idiopathic coxarthrosis between 2016 and 2019 in Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Orthopedics and Traumatology Department and had preoperative pelvic anteroposterior radiographs were included in the study. A total of 87 patients with pelvic radiographs taken due to low back pain or minor trauma were included in the study as control group. Patients with bilateral end-stage coxarthrosis, any lower extremity fractures, secondary coxarthrosis caused by any reasons like Perthes disease, trauma, avascular necrosis, hematologic disease etc. and unsuitable radiographs were excluded from the study. Two researchers took the measurements separately and the averages were considered and the results were analyzed statistically.
Results: Statistically significant differences were detected between the right side and the left side in terms of both Alsberg and hip inclination values in individuals of healthy control group. In patients with unilateral osteoarthritis, no significant differences were detected between right and left sides in terms of hip inclination values. Similarly, no significant difference was found between the right and left sides in terms of Alsberg values in patients with unilateral osteoarthritis. The Alsberg angle was found to be higher at statistically significant levels in patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis, in both the osteoarthritis side and the contralateral hip, compared to the values in healthy individuals.
Conclusion: When compared with healthy individuals, it was concluded that the Alsberg and inclination angles changed with the development of unilateral coxarthrosis. While significant differences were detected between the sides for Alsberg and inclination angle in healthy individuals, this difference between the sides was not observed in the coxarthrosis groups. With the development of unilateral coxarthrosis, it was concluded that the asymmetry between the right and left sides of healthy individuals disappeared and a more symmetrical structure emerged in terms of Alsberg and hip inclination angles.


Nanocrystalline silicon is a promising alternative for the conventional crystalline silicon materials in the photovoltaic industry because of its better photostability and easy fabrication. However, the low deposition rates of conventional nanocrystalline silicon fabrication processes have hampered its application in industry. Thermal plasma has been used to successfully realize the high rate deposition of nanocrystalline silicon in this work. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) diagnostic and thermodynamic equilibrium calculation are carried out to better understand the mechanism of deposition reactions and the effect of SiCl4 input rate on the nanocrystalline silicon deposition rate and product properties. Emission lines of atomic silicon, atomic hydrogen and atomic argon are observed. The results show that the amount of silicon related species in the gas phase is the main factor affecting the deposition process, which has a linear relationship with nanocrystalline silicon deposition rate, grain size and crystalline fraction at the high H2 dilution ratio of the deposition system.


In addition to global ventilation effects on fires, vitiation of air can also affect the generation of chemical species in a built environment. Experiments were performed at lab‐scale with the Fire Propagation Apparatus (ASTM E2058) in order to study the effect of air vitiation on CO and soot yields. Results regarding the fuel burning rate are also presented. Both carbon dioxide and nitrogen were used as diluents in the inlet air flows. The oxygen concentration was decreased stepwise until the extinction point was reached. A first set of experiments was performed in well‐ventilated fire conditions (equivalence ratio between 0.1 and 0.25). A second set of experiments was carried out in under‐ventilated fire conditions (equivalence ratio equal to 1.1). A procedure is proposed for experimental data reduction. The results revealed themselves useful for improving combustion sub‐model predictions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Experiments on spin torque oscillators commonly observe multimode signals. Recent theoretical works have ascribed the multimode signal generation to coupling between energy-separated spin wave modes. Here, we analyze in detail the dynamics generated by such mode coupling. We show analytically that the mode-hopping dynamics broaden the generation linewidth and makes it generally well described by a Voigt line shape. Furthermore, we show that the mode-hopping contribution to the linewidth can dominate, in which case it provides a direct measure of the mode-hopping rate. Due to the thermal drive of mode-hopping events, the mode-hopping rate also provides information on the energy barrier separating modes and temperature-dependent linewidth broadening. Our results are in good agreement with experiments, revealing the physical mechanism behind the linewidth broadening in multimode spin torque oscillators.


The distribution of DNA content in 12 cases of metastatic brain tumor, 6 cases of primary lung cancer and 6 cases of primary breast cancer were studied by flow cytometry. According to the pattern of DNA histogram, 12 specimens of metastatic brain tumors were classified into 3 types. Six cases of type I showed a sharp peak in 2C with large numbers of cells in 4C, 4 cases of type II showed the highest peak near 3C with a small peak in 2C, and 2 cases of type III showed a shift of the peak to the right near 4-5C. Type II and III seemed to have two different kinds of the cells which were mixed with normal brain cells or blood cells showing small peak in 2C and tumor cells showing the highest peak in 3C to 5C. Primary lung cancer and breast cancer were also divided into 2 types of DNA histogram, which were similar to those of metastatic brain tumors as type I and type II. Although there was no case of metastatic brain tumor having a DNA histogram of primary tumor in the same case, DNA patterns of metastatic brain tumors might be related to those of primary tumors because of the similarity of the histograms. It was difficult to disclose the primary sites or histological types of metastatic brain tumors from the type of DNA histograms but flow cytometric analysis revealed the characteristic patterns such as type II and III in metastatic brain tumors. We consider that these patterns might be of clinical diagnostic value in flow cytometric study.


Objectives: Knowing determinants of health seeking behaviors of families is significant in assuring access and utilization of health services. Less is known on the seeking behaviors and access of modern health services among populations in rural settings in Ethiopia. The general Objective of the study is to assess health care seeking behavior (Utilization) and associated factors among the community of in Bako Tibe District, Ethiopia. Community based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used on 750 head of the residents of ≥18 years old. Multistage sampling technique was used to get the households and data was collected by interview using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors associated with the health seeking behavior. Results: 495(66%) reported having morbidity and level of health care seeking behavior was 78.6% of which 66% sought care from government facilities. Sex of respondent, residence, family size, educational status, monthly income, disease condition, Perceived severity & access to needed health information were found to be significant associated factors of healthcare seeking behavior of the respondents in multiple logistic regression analysis. Keywords: Health seeking behavior, Access, Bako district, Ethiopia


The modern age, leading up to the Information age, has been dominated by Europe-centered science, often termed as the 'New Science'. Even though it is not readily recognized, the root of this New Science lies within Aristotle's theory of excluded middle and old Greek philosophy that confuses between ideal and real. These same principles, which is synonymous with the short-term approach (focusing on tangibles or taking Δt to 0), was supported by the Roman Catholic Church, which, in turn opposed the emergence of New Science. This dichotomy is not clear as the original science (as in process) has been divided into many branches, such as hard science, social science, theology, and others. Because this distinction is not clear, a scientist can be pro-science and pro-Church at the same time. This would explain why most scientists who are credited to have pioneered new science did not confront the fundamental dogmas of the Church. Galileo, for instance, never opposed the original dogma of Catholic church yet he drew the wrath of the church because he opposed the literal (tangible) meaning of the book that was being promoted as the holy book (bible literally means, The Book). In scientific sense, what Thomas Aquinas, the man credited to have revived Aristotelian logic (via Averröes's translation), was to Christianity what Newton was to New Science and Mathematics. Both of them based their syllogism on the first premise that was aphenomenal. It is no surprise that most of the New Scientists are 'believers' of Christianity. Greek philosophical notions of idea or form could not be verified or disproved by experiment, so outside of mathematics, the Greek philosophical approach was sloughed off in experimental science. The problem was that neither the Greek notions of idea and form, nor experimental science, revealed the truths of nature. Yet, those notions were dominant in New Science. Experimental studies had the advantage of helping to eliminate what was outrightly false. In itself, that only eliminates possibilities. It does not automatically tell us what is true or even distill the truth from whatever remains after the false has been eliminated. Einstein made a big leap forward with the notion of thought-experiment, but this has proven difficult to rigourise in terms of modeling. Meanwhile, everything that claims to be rigorous in contemporary scientific modeling is highly suspect precisely to the extent that these models fail to account for multiple and-or singular solutions. The main problem with aphenomenal models (that have dominated the New Science) is their assumption of mechanisms that are not anywhere in evidence in physical nature/reality. The problem with Greek-philosophical abstract ideas and forms is the assumption that whatever exists in reality is just the materialization of the abstract idea. The deficiency in the Greek-philosophic method is the absence of any notion of pathway, while the deficiency of the aphenomenal model is its inherent assumption of 'either with us or against us', leaving no room for the science of intangibles. In this paper, first approximations of Newton's 'laws' as well as other fundamental 'laws' of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are presented and compared with fundamental traits of nature. It is shown that each of these 'laws' has an aphenomenal basis, making the each of them inherently aphenomenal. The paper then discusses the implications of these 'laws' and how engineering based on these 'laws' would lead to processes that are inherently anti-nature, hence, unsustainable. It is shown that by focusing on tangibles (i.e., eliminate root and pathway from a process), the New Science has become a tool for confirming the prejudice that fueled the investigation. This is contrary to any true scientific investigation that should not allow any prejudice to propagate, let alone form the basis of a scientific process. The paper further argues that with the science of tangibles, doing more of the same science will not advance knowledge and will in fact render a falsehood (from ignorance) into an apparent (perception of) truth. Finally, the paper shows an outline on how to introduce the science of intangibles – the essence of knowledge.


In fall 2003, the old adage that economics is the "dismal science" lived up to its name at the institution where I teach. That fall, 40% of our introductory students received grades of D or F, or withdrew. To better understand this, I collected data from principles students in 2005, including from students who withdrew. I use the Heckman 2-step procedure to account for drops and correct for sample selection bias. Results indicate that the effects of gender and ability are understated in uncorrected performance estimations, that female students and freshmen do not perform as well, and student aptitude is positively related to the probability of dropping and to the final grade. I also find that high school economics does not affect performance, and although race influences the probability of withdrawing, it does not influence the final grade.


Objectives Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that affects smooth muscle tissue and it is very rare in the field of oral and maxillofcial surgery. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on diagnosis of and treatment methods for leiomyosarcoma by retrospectively reviewing of the cases. Patients and Methods The study included nine patients who were diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Seoul National University Dental Hospital. The subjects were analyzed with respect to sex, age, clinical features, primary site of disease, treatment method, recurrence, and metastasis. Results Particular clinical features included pain, edema, mouth-opening limitations, dysesthesia, and enlarged lymph nodes. All cases except one were surgically treated, and recurrence was found in two cases. Four of nine patients were followed up without recurrence and one patient underwent additional surgery due to recurrence. Conclusion In our case series, notable symptoms included pain, edema, mouth-opening limitations, and dysesthesia; however, it was difficult to label these as specific symptoms of leiomyosarcoma. Considering the aggressive characteristics of the disease and poor prognosis, surgical treatment is necessary with careful consideration of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy.


Despite the increase of seminary training, Black clergywomen continuously undergo subjugation, degradation, and humiliation in ministry leadership due to gender and race bias by clergymen. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that examined the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership and how these clergywomen ascribed meaning to their experiences. The two primary research questions were, "What are the experiences of Black clergywomen regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?" and "How do Black clergywomen attribute meaning to their experiences regarding obstacles in ministry leadership?" The results of the study indicated that bias of gender exists among clergymen; however, the Black clergywomen learned to embrace the experiences and learned from them. The conclusion of this article includes a discussion regarding the practical implications of the education of clergymen and clergywomen, and the re-evaluation of the perception of Black clergywomen and their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of Black clergywomen pertaining to challenges in clergy leadership and to explore how Black clergywomen attributed meaning to their experiences regarding challenges in ministry leadership.


Certain evidence has been obtained that inactivation of insulin under various conditions, especially when this is reversible, occurs simultaneously with chemical changes involving the free amino groups of the protein molecule (2). Freudenberg and his coworkers, however, are of the opinion that no connection exist,s between free amino nitrogen and physiologica,l activity (3). The investigation of the nature of the free amino groups is of interest, not only as it contributes to our knowledge of the chemistry of insulin but in regard to its more general significance in the field of protein chemistry. It is generally assumed that the free amino groups of a protein are present as the c-amino groups of lysinc (4). In the case of insulin it is obvious that the amino nitrogen of the lysinc present cannot account for the total amino nitrogen of the hormone, since the latter is greater than the whole of the lysine nitrogen (5). When insulin is dissolved in ~/15 Na2HP04 and treated with phenylisocyanate, a product is obtained which retains approximately 5 per cent of the original activity of the hormone (1, 2). Under these conditions it is assumed that the hydroxyl (tyrosine) and the amino groups are principally attacked; the amino nitrogen, as measured by the Van Slyke method, has almost completely


Purposes. To identify the epidemiology of paediatric trauma in an urban scenario of India and compare results with studies from developed countries, and to formulate preventive measures to decrease such traumas. Methods. Between January 2004 and 2005 inclusive, 500 paediatric, orthopaedic trauma patients presenting to our hospital were prospectively studied. Information was recorded in a prescribed proforma. Results. The children's ages ranged from 0 to 16 years; 274 were males. Most fractures occurred in children aged 7 to 12 years and decreased in older children. The ratio of fractures in left versus right upper extremity was 2:1. In children aged 0 to 6 years, the most common injured site was the elbow, whereas in children aged 7 to 16 years it was the distal radius. In descending order, most injuries were sustained at home (47%), in school (21%), due to sports (17%), and due to vehicular accidents (13%). Conclusion. An effective accident prevention programme in developing countries requires changes in lifestyle and environment, and overcoming obstacles such as ignorance, illiteracy, and inadequate resources.


These experiments are concerned with the study of a substance found in the urine of intact and adrenalectomized rats deprived of salt which when injected into intact hydrated rats caused a decreased excretion of sodium. As the substance was present in the urine of adrenalectomized rats, it obviously was not aldosterone. The substance responsible for sodium retention was thermolabile at pH 7, extractable with butanol and did not dialyze through a cellophane membrane. To determine whether the sodium retention by the assay rats was due to an increased excretion of aldosterone, the following experiment was done: feces of intact rats were collected during a control period. Feces were collected during a second period when the rats were injected daily with urine from adrenalectomized rats deprived of salt. Aldosterone was determined in the feces in each of these periods. The aldosterone excretion was greater during the period when the rats received the urines from the adrenalectomized rats deprived of salt. The authors conclude that the sodium-retaining activity of the urine of adrenalectomized rats deprived of salt was due to the presence of a substance capable of stimulating the adrenals of the intact rats to produce aldosterone. The substance was not present in purified ACTH.


Iodine deficiency diseases (IDD) are a public health problem in many developing countries, such as Cameroon. They are often the consequence of insufficient iodine intake and/or the effect of thiocyanate in foods such as cassava; this chemical inhibits iodine fixation by the thyroid gland. One method of combatting these diseases is to counsel and encourage the consumptions of iodine-rich foods. We accordingly undertook an evaluation of the iodine content of staple foods, the soil, and the salt in some zones of western Cameroon and in the capital. Food (63), salt (04) and soil (05) samples were collected in four villages of western Cameroon, and food (20), water (18) and salt samples (14) were collected in Yaoundé (central province). Iodine content in foods and soils was assessed by the catalytic destructive testing of thiocyanate by nitrate in the presence of iodine. Iodine content in water was determined colorimetrically after mineralization and in salt by volumetric methods. Results show that iodine levels in salt depend on its origin, but was much lower than the 50-100 ppm recommended by the WHO. Soil and water levels depended on the stream and the origin. Several of the more than 20 foods sampled from Yaoundé had iodine concentrations higher than 10 microg/100 g: plantain (22.5 microg/100 g), wheat flour (21 microg/100 g), corn flour (17.75 microg/100 g), groundnuts (12.5 microg/100 g), sweet potatoes (12.25 microg/100 g), zoom (11.34 microg/100 g) and rice (10.45 microg /100 g). In western villages, we noted that iodine levels in food crops depended on the soil levels. Nevertheless, it was high in cocoyam (79.5 microg/100 g), yarns (68 microg/100 g), potatoes (62 microg/100 g), plantains (58.15 microg/100 g), and red beans (53.93 microg/100 g). In general, these crops contain more iodine than the food in Yaoundé; these results can be used to combat IDD, especially among young children, teenagers and pregnant women.


Record Arctic ozone loss in spring 2011 occurred in concert with record positive values of the tropospheric Northern Annular Mode (NAM) index raising the question about the role of stratospheric driver on this tropospheric climate event. A set of 50 years long simulations by atmospheric general circulation model European Centre/Hamburg version 5 (ECHAM5) is carried out and the responses of the model to observed anomalies in stratospheric ozone (O3) and sea surface temperatures (SST) separately and also the response to combined SST and O3 forcing (ALL) are analyzed. In all three experiments the response is characterized by a strengthening of stratospheric polar vortex in March–April. In the ALL experiment, this strengthening is followed by a significant, long‐lasting shift of the tropospheric circulation toward a positive NAM phase and increased probability of occurrence of extremely positive NAM events. The combined effect of the O3 and SST forcings on the stratospheric circulation differs from the sum of the individual O3 and SST responses, most likely due to nonlinear effects, leading to a colder stratosphere in February–March. In the troposphere, the sum of the individual responses is comparable in magnitude to the ALL response, but the individual responses are delayed with respect to that in ALL. In summary, these results suggest that both ozone‐induced stratospheric cooling and tropospheric forcing associated with the SST anomalies contributed to the record tropospheric climate anomalies observed in spring 2011.


A compact wide-stopband bandpass filter using meandering uniform-impedance resonators is proposed. The filter consists of a pair of uniform-impedance resonators and feeding lines. By bending the designated positions of resonators, the first harmonic and second harmonic can be suppressed to achieve a wide stopband. The proposed filter shows harmonic suppression to exceed 3f0 for a rejection better than 22 dB, where f0 is the fundamental frequency. Due to the multi-path effect between resonators and feeding lines, the attenuation poles are realized near the passband edges to improve the filter selectivity. The full-wave simulator IE3D is used to design the meandering structure of the proposed filter to suppress the first and second harmonics.


We propose a new Arithmetic Distribution Neural Network (ADNN) for learning the distributions of temporal pixels during background subtraction. In our ADNN, the arithmetic distribution operations are utilized to propose the arithmetic distribution layers, including the product distribution layer and the sum distribution layer. Furthermore, in order to improve the accuracy of the proposed approach, an improved Bayesian refinement model based on neighboring information, with a GPU implementation, is introduced. In the forward pass and backpropagation of the proposed arithmetic distribution layers, histograms are considered as probability density functions rather than matrices. Thus, the proposed approach is able to utilize the probability information of the histogram and achieve promising results with a very simple architecture compared to traditional convolutional neural networks. Evaluations using standard benchmarks demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach compared to state-of-the-art traditional and deep learning methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method to propose network layers based on arithmetic distribution operations for learning distributions during background subtraction.


Cytosolic Ca2+ is an important second messenger in virtually every type of cell. Moreover, Ca2+ generally regulates multiple activities within individual cells. This article reviews the cellular machinery that is responsible for Ca2+ signaling in cholangiocytes. In addition, two Ca2+-mediated events in cholangiocytes are discussed: bicarbonate secretion and apoptosis. Finally, emerging evidence is reviewed that Ca2+ signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases affecting the biliary tree and that Ca2+ signaling pathways can be manipulated to therapeutic advantage in the treatment of cholestatic disorders.


This study explored the potential effects of communicative tasks developed using a reformulation of a task-based language teaching called Automatization in Communicative Contexts of Essential Speech Sequences (ACCESS) that includes automatization of language elements as one of its goals on learner attention to form in task-based interaction. The interaction data collected from a class for English as a second language (ESL) over a four-week period was analysed for incidence, outcome and characteristics (i.e. focus, initiation, response, and turn length) of language-related episodes (LREs) operationalized as evidence of learner attention to form. The results showed that during ACCESS task-based interactions, learners attended to form as reflected in a large number of LREs. Despite being brief, a majority of these LREs were correctly resolved, self-initiated, self- and other-responded, and focused on the target linguistic item: past-tense verbs. These results are discussed in terms of the potential effects of ACCESS task principles, different task features (i.e. task complexity, pre-task modeling, speaker role and group size), and learners' approach to tasks on the incidence and characteristics of LREs.


The feasibility of using quantitative shape measurements to discriminate between clast populations from different depositional settings was evaluated using samples from 11 fluvial, six submarine fan and four beach conglomerates from south-west California; these origins had been established previously by facies analysis. Quartzite and metavolcanic clasts were characterized by the following indices: modified Wentworth roundness (Rw), maximum projection sphericity (δp), oblate-prolate index (OPI) and long (L), intermediate (I) and short (S) axial ratios. These indices were compared with those documented previously for modern gravels. The results show that certain indices are useful palaeoenvironmental indicators, despite inherited differences in shape due to texture, provided that multiple sites are sampled and a statistical approach is used. Statistically, the most effective shape indices are δp and S/L which give good results with the Zingg classification (I/L vs. S/I); better results are also obtained using quartzite clasts. The OPI is useful for discriminating between beach and river conglomerates, which consist largely of oblate and prolate clasts, respectively. The relative abundance of blade-shaped clasts is a useful index of sediment maturity, being greatest for river clast samples and smallest for submarine fan clast samples. The latter are dominated by spherical particles. No correlation between palaeoenvironment and Rw is observed, hence the abundance of disc-shaped clasts in the beach conglomerates studied is attributed to selective transport in suspension and sediment by passing during fluvial transport prior to deposition in the surf zone. Selective transport of rollers (spheres and rods) by traction in a shallow marine setting, prior to redeposition by mass transport, may be responsible for the dominance of spherical particles in submarine fan conglomerates.


Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (CAEBV) disease is a rare disorder in which persons are unable to control infection with the virus. The disease is progressive with markedly elevated levels of EBV DNA in the blood and infiltration of organs by EBV-positive lymphocytes. Patients often present with fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, EBV hepatitis, or pancytopenia. Over time, these patients develop progressive immunodeficiency and if not treated, succumb to opportunistic infections, hemophagocytosis, multiorgan failure, or EBV-positive lymphomas. Patients with CAEBV in the United States most often present with disease involving B or T cells, while in Asia, the disease usually involves T or NK cells. The only proven effective treatment for the disease is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current studies to find a cause of this disease focus on immune defects and genetic abnormalities associated with the disease.


Nitrocellulose (NC) films, when dried on a rigid substrate, tend to be biaxial and thus exhibit two refractive indices. The absolute difference between these indices has been found to provide an accurate measure of the degree of nitration of NC. A film of NC is cast from a 1% solution in butyl acetate to provide a film about 0.5 mil thick. The dry film, when placed in an Abbe-3L refractometer, gives two white lines which go to extinction alternately upon rotation of a cap analyzer through the east–west (EW) and north–south (NS) directions. Refractive index measurements are made using the line visible in each direction of the analyzer. The absolute difference between the two indices is related to the degree of nitration through standard curves for various grades of NC. The standard deviation for the proposed method was found to be ±0.01% N.


In this paper, the gravitational analog of Bohr's theory for the Solar System is presented by deriving explicit expressions for the gravitational analog of Bohr's quantum condition on angular momentum of a secondary (planet or satellite) revolving around its primary (the Sun or a planet) and Planck's constant , in terms of known physical quantities of the System (the Solar or a Satellite System). The correspondence principle connecting atomic theory and gravitational theory is stated. It turns out that the ground state orbit of an electron in an atom corresponds to the Roche limit of the primary (defined in the text) in the gravitational case. The gravitational Planck's constant hG , when taken into atomic-scale via the Correspondence principle gives an expression for the Planck's constant of the atomic scale. It has shown here that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the Planetary Distance Law and the Electron Orbital Distance Law.


During the last 16 years, the numbers of Cavdiaspina albitextura rose from low to high in many places, and either remained high or eventually resumed their original levels. In other places, the numbers of the psyllid remained low although they fluctuated considerably. The results of a population study which began in 1952 suggest that, in parts of the woodland colonized by C. albitextura, the stabilization of psyllid numbers occurred temporarily - in some areas at low mean levels of population density and in others at high mean levels. In other parts of the woodland, psyllid numbers changed progressively with time. The occurrence of numerical stabilization appeared to depend upon the extent of the mortality caused directly or indirectly by certain environmental agencies whose "deciding" or "conditioning" influence determined when and where stabilization was possible. At low psyllid densities, the principal conditioning agencies were probably the whole complex of species predacious on psyllid nymphs and eggs, and weather. At high psyllid densities, the conditioning agencies were the density of host trees, and wind. Providing that sufficient mortality was caused by the conditioning agencies, negative feed-back mechanisms were able to implement stabilization. At low psyllid densities, birds predacious on adult psyllids appeared to be the operative or "density-governing" agency. The intensity of their attacks, which tended to increase with increase in psyllid density, operated in a probabilistic manner to limit increase in population numbers. At high psyllid densities, food and space favourable for oviposition were the operative agencies. The limited availability of food and space brought into action a stabilizing mechanism which functioned automatically through forms of intraspecific competition.


Background: To determine the frequency and resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in our settings. Methods: This study was carried out in Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, from January 2007 through December 2009. A total of 4159 specimens were received during the three years study period. All specimens were cultured on conventional LJ medium, BACTEC 460 system and fully automated MGIT 960 system. Sensitivity testing was performed on BACTEC 460 and MGIT 960 system. Results: Most of the specimens were received from hospitalized patients. Out of total 4159 specimens, 693 were culture positive and out of them 262 were multi drug resistant (MDR). Percentage of MDR isolates in 2007 till 2009 were 33, 42.1 and 40.4% respectively in AFIP. Maximum number of MDR isolates was recovered in 2008. Conclusion: The rising pattern of MDR tuberculosis is of great concern. There is an urgent need for the early diagnosis, drug susceptibility testing and isolation of patients with MDR tuberculosis.


A reconfigurable asymmetric patch antenna with arced corners loaded with a rectangular slot and a T slot on the partial ground used for UWB and Ku band applications. The discussion is carried out into three segments. In the first segment, the design of patch antenna proposed asymmetric arcs at the corner, two side slits, and one slot in the middle of the patch while a T-slot integrated on the partial ground plane. This presented antenna covers an impedance bandwidth ranging from 3.0 GHz to 16.2GHz with a fractional amount of 132%. It is found that a wide band of 3.0 GHz to 10.7 GHz is achieved by using a T-slot on the partial ground plane with a normal rectangular patch while 10.8 GHz to 16.2 GHz is attained by using two corners arcs with two small slits on the patch. The experimental result shows good agreement of 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth and radiation characteristics with the simulated result of the proposed antenna. The second segment proposes an extracted equivalent circuit model for patch and ground plane of corner arc monopole antenna using EM software package in the ADS platform and made a good agreement with the proposed antenna. Finally in the third segment RF PIN diode is embedded in a rectangular slot of the patch which achieves desired frequency shifting in the required band of operation.


Owing to the high surface to volume ratio of nanoparticles, nanoparticle-modified polymers promise to exhibit properties exceeding bounds predicted by effective media approaches, where the effective response is not solely dependent on inherent nanoparticle properties but rather dominated by nature and volume content of interface. This study is focused on 1) investigating impact of surface treatment and thermal processing of nanoTiO2-modified-PVDF on dielectric and mechanical properties of resulting nanocomposites, and 2) highlighting a unique dielectric behavior of nanoparticle-reinforced polymers where an initial increase in dielectric permittivity is seen at very low content followed by a decrease resulting from nanoparticle-polymer interaction. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirm efficient particle surface modification by showing the presence of atoms from coupling agent molecules on the particle's surface. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of TiO2/PVDF nanocomposites verifies that surface porosity was removed by a post annealing process. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) results demonstrate an increase in storage modulus in the glassy region from 67 to 108% as compared to the pristine PVDF for TiO2 contents varying from 5 to 20 wt% (2.3 to 10 vol%) as a result of adding functionalization and thermal treatment. Based on Dielectric Spectroscopy measurements, a 74% increase in permittivity is observed at 0.1 Hz and a 30% increase at 1 kHz, both at relatively low volume content (2.3 vol%), owing to the good dispersion, high interfacial volume content and strong interaction. A further increase of TiO2 content decreases the dielectric permittivity as a result of dipolar confinement. Contributions of the study are two-fold: firstly, compared to the current literature, this increase in the value of dielectric permittivity at such a low volume content using TiO2 nanoparticles is unprecedented and has not been reported so far; and secondly, the study brings to light a unique nanodielectric behavior where the initial increase in permittivity is followed by a decrease owing to dipolar confinement resulting from particle/polymer interaction.


Current literature on community-based youth empowerment programs provides few specific operational descriptions of adult roles. This research addressed that gap by exploring the perspectives and experiences of adults actively engaged with youth empowerment programs. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, field observations, and interactive group discussions with adult program leaders. The following dimensions of adults' work were identified: putting youth first; raising the bar for youth performance; creating the space and making things happen; being in relationships; exerting influence, control, and authority; and communicating and connecting with the broader community. These findings provide guidance for the development of best practices in community-based youth empowerment programs.


It was 5:35, Saturday afternoon, Dec. 5. The weather was warm and humid, and dusk had begun to fall. The downtown stores were closing, and the buses were filling with homebound clerks and secretaries. The theatres still held scores of youngsters indulging in the Saturday cowboy matinee. At the Happyland Nursery, the little tots were being fed and dressed for their working parents to pick them up on their way home. The 32,000 inhabitants of Vicksburg went calmly about their usual tasks. Suddenly, from out of the west, roaring like 10 highballing freight trains, came a funnel-shaped swirling cloud—in the center, a tremendous vacuum capable of lifting the roofs from buildings, and, around the periphery, a screaming counterclockwise wind ranging an estimated 200 to 500 miles per hour. Crossing the Mississippi River and the Yazoo Canal, the storm hit the river front. The Union Cotton Compress warehouse turned to rubble, and 3,000 bales of cotton went up in smoke in the fire that followed. The Illinois Central Railroad roundhouse collapsed.


Despite the flow fluctuations and increased traffic demand in the Macedonian cities over the last fifteen years, the Republic of Macedonia is one of those countries which still employ only the traditional systems of traffic management and control. Those are fixed control systems that certainly cause problems such as increased travel times and travel expenses as well as environmental degradation. A general call for "…something has to be done…" becomes obvious. The best practices have shown that this can be realized through unconventional solutions i.e. by means of responsive traffic management. A very reasonable example of such a system is the vehicle actuated control system that we have found to be quite challenging to do our research. Thus, we set up two folded research issues in front of us. The first one was to scientifically prove that vehicle actuated signal control can really be a reasonable substitute for a fixed time signal control, which will enhance the overall signalized intersection performance provided the timing parameters and the detector placement ŕrĺ properly designed. The second one was to indicate that such an advanced control system is feasible and sustainable for Macedonian cities. This paper focuses on the first research issue only.
 For this purpose, a semi-actuated signal control strategy on an appropriately chosen signalized intersection was designed. The primary objective was to determine the way in which the inductive loop detector placement from the STOP line affects the overall intersection performance. To meet the goal, two scenarios were designed: 1. Detector placement at the STOP line, and 2. Detector placement at 8 metres behind the STOP line. Emphasis was placed on the semi-actuated signal control algorithm design. The designed algorithm was then applied in the net of VISSIM in order to simulate the semi-actuated signal control process. Performance comparison analysis with the formerly pre-timed signal control strategy followed. It was concluded that the overall intersection performance could be improved both by adequate inductive loop detector placement and by interaction with signal parameters. Hence, the placement distances would have to be considered under the limitation conditions only.
KEYWORDS: signalized intersection, vehicle actuated control, semi-actuated control, inductive loop detectors, simulation, delays, level of service


A US Congressman and two not for profit health policy organisations have said that new guidelines for government funded programmes advocating sexual abstinence are false, misleading, and dangerous. The guidelines must be followed by organisations seeking federal grants for abstinence programs. The newly expanded rules, published at the end of January 2006, say that to get funding, such courses must teach teenagers that abstinence from all sexual activity—which, as defined by the rules, might include kissing—is the norm until marriage, that contraceptives often fail, and that abstinence until marriage will lead to a longer, healthier, more prosperous life (www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/pdf/HHS-2006-ACF-ACYF-AE-0099.pdf).

"I ask that the entire funding announcement be retracted," said …


A comparative study of the feeding and nesting ecology of three sympatric tropical terns was carried out on Pelsaert Island, Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia (28°56'S, 113°58'E) between 1993 and 1996.

Lesser Noddies (Anous tenuirostris), Brown Noddies (A. stolidus) and Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata) bred annually and simultaneously, but started laying at different times in the years studied. The two noddies both had protracted laying periods with considerable overlap. Sooty Terns had a shorter laying period, that usually started later. All three species were more synchronised in 1995 and, particularly, during 1996. The timing of breeding of the Lesser and Brown Noddy was significantly related to the strength of the warm, tropical Leeuwin Current.

The three species partitioned the nesting resources both horizontally and vertically. Sooty Terns invariably nested on the bare ground, usually below bushes, whereas the Brown Noddy nested in bushes and the Lesser Noddy in trees. Both noddies constructed nests of weed or sticks, differences in their design being attributable to the stability of their nesting habitat. Sooty Tern nestlings were highly mobile at an early age and did not recognise edges. In contrast, the young of both noddy species were immobile, with behavioural traits appropriate to tree-nesting. Other differences in nesting behaviour may reflect the influence of aerial and ground predators.

Potentially, competition for food could become intense in an area where most similarly sized, surface-feeding terns are raising young at the same time. However, the food consumed by these terns around the Houtman Abrolhos appeared partitioned in time and space. The diets of the Lesser and Brown Noddy were dominated by small (< 80mm), diurnal fish larvae characteristic of continental shelf waters. In contrast, Sooty Terns consumed prey that were more readily available at night and typical of prey that inhabit oceanic waters. Some, but not all, Sooty Terns appeared to forage at night. The very slight overlap in the diets of Sooty Terns and the two noddy species appeared a consequence of differences in foraging area and time, rather than differences in foraging technique or adult size.

In contrast, the diets of Brown and Lesser Noddies overlapped considerably, particularly during the early stages of breeding when both depended heavily on Beaked Salmon larvae. On average, the Brown Noddy took longer Beaked Salmon than the Lesser Noddy. In November of each year, the Lesser Noddy changed from almost exclusive dependence on Beaked Salmon to a diet with a large proportion of Black-spotted Goatfish, whereas the diet of the Brown Noddy remained unchanged. Possible reasons for these differences are explored.

Direct observations at the foraging areas used by each tern confirmed the inferences from analysis of regurgitates. Sooty Terns fed 480-600 km to the north of the Houtman Abrolhos, off the shelf edge. In contrast, the two noddies foraged in areas to the southwest and north-west of the Pelsaert Group, within 180 km of the colony, most frequently in waters between the Houtman Abrolhos and the continental shelf edge. Records of activity patterns, flight paths and the times of nest changeovers were consistent with those at sea. Lesser Noddies appear to be strictly diurnal, offshore foragers during the breeding season, Brown Noddies also appear mainly diurnal, offshore foragers but Sooty Terns appear diurnal/nocturnal, pelagic foragers.

Breeding by Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies and Lesser Noddies on Pelsaert Island coincided with the arrival of abundant larval fish, a lower incidence of storm fronts and rainfall, and regular southerly winds. Breeding was sometimes delayed in all species, apparently in relation to the strength of the flow of the Leeuwin Current during the previous austral winter. Differences in current flow may alter the supply of larval fish at the Houtman Abrolhos through dispersal, or the effects of warmer water on spawning fishes.


OBJECTIVE
This study compare the effect of various liquid diets on 24-h glycemic variability in diabetes patients on tube feeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included type 2 diabetes patients in whom percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy had been performed for dysphagia as a sequela of cerebrovascular disease and who had been put on tube feeding with a standard high-carbohydrate liquid diet (HCD). Once stable glycemic control was achieved, these patients were continuously monitored for glucose levels for 5 days on continuous glucose monitoring. Of the 14 patients included, seven were given HCD on day 1, a low-carbohydrate/high-monounsaturated fatty acid liquid diet (LCD) on Days 2 and 3, and a isoleucine-containing liquid diet (ICD), which is known to promote glycemic uptake by skeletal muscle, thus suppressing increases in glucose levels, on Days 4 and 5, with the remaining seven given the same diets but ICD given on Days 2 and 3 and LCD given on Days 4 and 5. All comparisons were made under the same caloric conditions (caloric intake, 800-1200 kcal/day).

RESULTS
The 24-h mean glucose level was significantly lower with LCD and ICD than with HCD but was also significantly lower with LCD than with ICD. On the other hand, the SD of 288 glucose levels over a 24-h period, 24-h total area for glycemic fluctuations, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion were significantly lower with LCD than with HCD or ICD, whereas they did not differ significantly between HCD and ICD.

CONCLUSIONS
LCD and ICD led to significant decreases in mean glucose levels, compared with HCD. However, of the diets compared, LCD had the greatest effect on glycemic variability in these patients on tube feeding.


Simple Summary The world population has been continuously growing, along with life expectancy. More people living longer results in greater demand for different resources, such as water and energy, but also for food. It becomes imperative to ensure basic needs, including food of good quality. In this sense, providing food for all increases the demand for human and animal protein. Considering that food production, namely animal protein, has been associated with negative impacts on the environment, it becomes crucial to identify more environmentally friendly alternatives to the growing demand for protein. Insect-based feeding is one of these alternatives. However, not all countries have accepted it. Neophobia and disgust are two major barriers. To overcome these barriers, we need to change behaviors. Social marketing campaigns can help. Abstract Social marketing campaigns are widely used to inform, educate, communicate, and promote healthy behaviors that add benefits to the individual, but also to society and the environment. Considering the low cost and high quality of insect-based food, this research aims to identify the main factors which can be used by social marketing campaigns to help people to try new foods, such as insect-based food. Although it is considered an important alternative to protein, there are a few countries that have not experienced it. In many Western countries, insect-based food is perceived as being disgusting. Neophobia is also a barrier to trying these foods. The main goal is to analyze if social marketing campaigns might influence perception (familiarity, preparation, visual, and information). Our model proves this assumption because we obtained high path coefficients, indicating that perception influences social beliefs, individual beliefs, and consumption intention. Thus, they will increase the consumption intention.


We consider a system of identically-sized spheres that coat a rod in a dense monolayer. We derive relationships that show how the number of spheres needed to cover a unit length of rod depends on the sphere and rod radii. The analysis could provide a stimulating exercise for students who have been introduced to the conventional examples of dense packing that are taught in many introductory physical science courses. The new class of liquid crystalline system which prompted this analysis may have applications in displays that can maintain stable liquid crystalline order over a broad range of temperatures.


This article presents a set of analysis and results on Shared-Actuation Control (SAC) techniques, intended for the remote control of valves in subsea manifolds. The discussion covers historical aspects, including presentation of real cases of SAC in Brazilian fields of Petrobras, as well as covers a conceptualization for the technique. The formulated concepts are used indeed to derive a methodology, intended to guide the development of SAC schemes, during engineering projects of subsea manifolds.
 The discussion is based in part on the unique experience accumulated by Petrobras in the last 20 years, with the development and introduction of a SAC-based subsea manifold in Campos Basin, Brazil, and the latest development efforts ongoing by 2019 for a new generation of SAC, for the application in subsea manifolds to be installed in ultra-deep waters of Pre-Salt fields, in Santos Basin, Brazil.
 The methodology proposed in this article is based on a comparative approach which aims to incorporate, on design of SAC, the best engineering practices and lessons learned from traditional Electric-Hydraulic Multiplexed Control Systems (EHMCSs). We refer to such approach as the Inheritance & Counterbalance (I&C) Methodology, since it is based on the application of two specific principles, namely, the Inheritance and Counterbalance Principles. The principles are proposed in this article as well. Taking as starting point a set of technical characteristics of EHMCSs, such as employment of redundant subsea electronics and methods of subsea installation, a subsea engineer can apply the I&C Principles to determine if SAC should inherit a given EHMCS characteristic or, if inheritance is not feasible for some reason, adopt alternative requisites on SAC, in order to counterbalance the effects of such no inheritance.
 The conceptualization of the I&C Methodology allow us effectively applying it, to obtain as result a table of engineering requisites, suitable for SAC schemes destined to subsea manifolds. The proposed table is presented in this article and incorporates several engineering aspects, which are arbitrated from the knowledge on previous applications of Petrobras in subsea control systems. Such applications include both SAC schemes and EHMCSs, featured on fields of Campos and Santos Basins.


Queries formulated in a nested way are very common in XQuery. Unfortunately, their evaluation is usually very inefficient when done in a straightforward fashion. We present a framework for handling nested queries that is based on unnesting the queries after having translated them into an algebra. We not only present a collection of algebraic equivalences, but also supply a strategy on how to use them effectively. The full potential of the approach is demonstrated by applying our rewrites to actual queries and showing that performance gains of several orders of magnitude are possible.


Medicinal plants still play a vital role in the primary healthcare of this local communityThe present study deals with comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of the traditional uses of plants in Nawarangpur district, Odisha,India.Data was collected through field assessments from traditional healers and locals by means of personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Voucher specimens were collected following standard methods, identified with the help of pertinent floras and taxonomic experts and deposited in the Herbarium, RRL-B, India for future references.A total of 51 plants belonging to 35 families were recorded out of which major life forms were in the order of herbs, trees, shrubs and climbers. The leaf parts were widely used followed by root, bark, whole plant, seed, fruit, rhizome, petiole and latex. Traditional medicines also have the potential to form the basis of pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of a range of diseases. Further, the information requires validation for further clinical usage.