In current commercial Web search engines, queries are processed in the conjunctive mode, which requires the search engine to compute the intersection of a number of posting lists to determine the documents matching all query terms. In practice, the intersection operation takes a significant fraction of the query processing time, for some queries dominating the total query latency. Hence, efficient posting list intersection is critical for achieving short query latencies. In this work, we focus on improving the performance of posting list intersection by leveraging the compute capabilities of recent multicore systems. To this end, we consider various coarse-grained and fine-grained parallelization models for list intersection. Specifically, we present an algorithm that partitions the work associated with a given query into a number of small and independent tasks that are subsequently processed in parallel. Through a detailed empirical analysis of these alternative models, we demonstrate that exploiting parallelism at the finest-level of granularity is critical to achieve the best performance on multicore systems. On an eight-core system, the fine-grained parallelization method is able to achieve more than five times reduction in average query processing time while still exploiting the parallelism for high query throughput.


Hovels to Highrise traces how governments in five European countries became involved in replacing industrial revolution urban slums with mass high-rise, high density concrete estates. As the book considers each country's housing history and traditions, and analyses the contrasting structures and systems, it finds convergence of problems in the growing tensions of their most disadvantaged communities. Anne Power underlines the continuing drift towards deeper polarization, a problem that the European Community will not be able to ignore with the interlocking but multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, urban societies of the future. The book's detailed coverage of the historical, political amd social changes relating to housing within the various countries make it an important text for students and practitioners concerned with housing, urban affairs, social policy and administration.


Monitoring of the pancreatic islet is needed to assess individuals at risk for developing diabetes and facilitate development of islet-directed therapies. Pancreatic islets may be detectable due to their high vascularity. We imaged pancreas perfusion using both whole field-of-view and reduced field-of-view Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) and found that the reduced field-of-view technique achieved similar image quality in half the time. We then performed a reduced field-of-view IVIM acquisition on four healthy controls. We found that pancreas perfusion increased dynamically in response to oral glucose challenge, exhibiting a biphasic increase that parallels the time course of insulin secretion.


State agencies sponsoring local research and development projects often finance the development of technologies in partnership with other organizations. These contracting partners develop and demonstrate the new technology. This study distinguishes between two types of outcomes from such projects. Technology absorption is the adoption of a technology by an organization participating in the project. Technology transfer is the process by which outcomes are adopted by organizations outside the project (i.e., nonparticipants). From an evaluation perspective, research and development projects that result in the absorption of technology, without any subsequent transfer, are difficult to assess. Often these outcomes are counted the same as a transfer even though the process is subsidized by the state.

Three case studies of absorption outcomes are presented. Absorption projects tend to be distinctive because: (a) they develop technologies that are very large in scale and very complex; (b) project leadership typically is provided by an end-user who attempts to employ the technology for commercial purposes; (c) success is measured through the technological accomplishment and ongoing commercial venture rather than by the number of adopting organizations; and (d) they produce spillover benefits in the cohesion of the social networks formed among project participants.


British Muslim minority ethnic (ME) groups are perceived as holding values and beliefs distinctively different from the rest of multicultural UK. Vulnerability in these groups relates to existing material and social conditions and is contrasted to the perceived risks to British society and the State posed by religio-ethnic separatism. Such dichotomies create new textures and layers to familiar but complex concepts of vulnerability in social work. The problematization of British ME Muslims in public discourse and related social policy are critically discussed as contributing to a fluid but potentially inflammatory terrain where vulnerability and oppression are highly ambiguous and contested.


The learning process that takes place in the form of learning involves two parties between teachers and students that aims to improve student learning outcomes. In learning language there are four skills namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Among the four skills, writing skills is regarded as the most difficult language skills. Writing Skills is one language skills that must be mastered by the student. Civilizing expressing ideas or students' ideas in written form can be developed through education. However, unfortunately this habituation is not taken seriously in the education system, so that the culture of writing in the student still low and there are still many students who find it difficult to carry out writing stories. Thus to overcome these difficulties using model MID (meaningfull instructional design). Keywords: Writing Skills, Model MID, Indonesian.


Double electron-electron resonance (DEER) can be used to study the structure of a protein in its native cellular environment. Until now, this has required isolation, in vitro labeling, and reintroduction of the protein back into the cells. We describe a completely biosynthetic approach that avoids these steps. It exploits genetically encodable lanthanide-binding tags (LBT) to form self-assembling Gd(III) metal-based spin labels and enables direct in-cell measurements. This approach is demonstrated using a pair of LBTs encoded one at each end of a 3-helix bundle expressed in E. coli grown on Gd(III) -supplemented medium. DEER measurements directly on these cells produced readily detectable time traces from which the distance between the Gd(III) labels could be determined. This work is the first to use biosynthetically produced self-assembling metal-containing spin labels for non-disruptive in-cell structural measurements.


Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an emerging thermoplastic polymer with good mechanical properties and an elastic modulus similar to that of alveolar bone. PEEK dental prostheses for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems on the market often have additives of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to strengthen their mechanical properties. However, the effects of combining aging, simulating a long-term intraoral environment, and TiO2 content on the fracture characteristics of PEEK dental prostheses have rarely been investigated. In this study, two types of commercially available PEEK blocks, containing 20% and 30% TiO2, were used to fabricate dental crowns by CAD/CAM systems and were aged for 5 and 10 h based on the ISO 13356 specifications. The compressive fracture load values of PEEK dental crowns were measured using a universal test machine. The morphology and crystallinity of the fracture surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and an X-ray diffractometer, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test (α = 0.05). Results showed no significant difference in the fracture load value of the test PEEK crowns with 20% and 30% TiO2 after 5 or 10 h of aging treatment; all test PEEK crowns have satisfactory fracture properties for clinical applications. Fracture surface analysis revealed that all test crowns fractured from the lingual side of the occlusal surface, with the fracture extending along the lingual sulcus to the lingual edge, showing a feather shape at the middle part of the fracture extension path and a coral shape at the end of the fracture. Crystalline analysis showed that PEEK crowns, regardless of aging time and TiO2 content, remained predominantly PEEK matrix and rutile phase TiO2. We would conclude that adding 20% or 30% TiO2 to PEEK crowns may have been sufficient to improve the fracture properties of PEEK crowns after 5 or 10 h of aging. Aging times below 10 h may still be safe for reducing the fracture properties of TiO2-containing PEEK crowns.


Why do politicians choose to retire voluntarily from a position they have been working hard to get? It is argued in this article that the institutional setting of the elected assemblies influences the direct, as well as the alternative costs and benefits of having a political career and hence the patterns of voluntary retirement. Drawing on previous research from the United States Congress, this is explored in a new empirical setting: local government in Denmark. The results show that positions at the labour market matter as private-sector employees are more likely to retire than public-sector employees. Furthermore, internal institutional factors matter. Holding an institutional position such as chairing a committee makes retirement less likely. Furthermore, seniority makes the councillors more likely to retire when age is controlled for – a result not found in national studies. However, councillors who reach a high-ranking position at an early stage are not more likely to quit with seniority than those who do not reach such a position. A high personal share of votes decreases voluntary retirement. In contrast to previous findings, the ideological distance from the ruling party does not play a role. This may be due to norms of consensus in the local councils.


One hundred and ninety two consecutive patients with isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) with an audible murmur were studied for determination of etiology. There were 95 males & 97 females (mean age 24.5 +/- 10.8 years; range 13 to 58 years) with 102 patients in NYHA classes I and II, 81 in class III and 9 in NYHA class IV. The etiological grouping was: rheumatic 74 (38.5%), probable rheumatic 28 (15%), mitral valve prolapse 26 (13.5%), dilated cardiomyopathy 15 (8%), infective endocarditis 12 (6%), isochaemic heart disease 10 (5%), miscellaneous group (including rupture chordae tendinae, aortoarteritis etc) 9 (4.5%) and patients with indeterminate etiology 18 (9.5%). Etiology could be determined in 174 out of 192 cases. The clinical methods combined with echocardiography were helpful in 79 cases while echocardiography alone could diagnose etiology in 89 cases. Clinical features alone gave the diagnosis in 6 patients. The findings of gross morphology of the surgically removed mitral valves in 30 patients of this study were similar to their pre-operative etiologic diagnosis based on clinical and echocardiographic features. These findings may be of value in planning treatment and prophylactic strategies in cases of isolated MR.


The objective of this work is to address the mechanism how cancer cell growth. Current study has actually featured the metabolic versatility significance in both in vivo and cultured cells. As an example, development in the extreme subcutaneous area in mice environment or glucose deprivation, generates a careful impact for KRAS anomalies in cancer cells of colon. For circumstances, altered KRAS low glucose conditions rendered cells tolerant. Likewise, in culture, cancer cells can reorganize their metabolic process making up for the loss of either glutamine or glucose, commonly making use of a nutrient filling metabolite pools usually be provided by the other. In this part of mini review Crabtree Effect, Pasteur Effect, Pyruvate Kinasetrient terms summarized.


Purpose – The objective of this paper is to identify and analyze if there are differences in the determinants of the capital structure of companies listed in B3 (Brazil, Stock exchange, Over-The-Counter), with and without risk bankruptcy. Design/methodology/approach – We used the bankruptcy prediction index (Z2) of Altman, Baidya and Dias (1979) to separate companies with and without risk of bankruptcy, in addition to the multiple regression model estimated by OLS, in a sample consisting of 233 companies. The data used are secondary, of annual periodicity, obtained from financial statements taken from the Quantum Axis database, covering the period from 2011 to 2016. Findings – We concluded that there is a difference in the determinants of indebtedness between companies with and without risk of bankruptcy. Companies with risk of bankruptcy present a positive relationship between long-term and total indebtedness, and profitability and risk. Healthy companies, long-term and total debt presented negative relation with profitability, and positive with risk and size. Research limitations/implications – The limitation of this study is that it applies only to the companies investigated, so it is not possible to make generalizations. Originality/value – As a whole, the evidence found corroborates the pecking order hypothesis, according to which the first source of funds to finance investments is retained earnings, in the assessment of the capital structure of healthy companies than in relation to companies at risk of bankruptcy. Thus, the research's contribution is in the empirical field, providing new evidence for a very controversial topic in finance theory.


As one of the ways of handling conflicts, smoothing over disagreements and settling disputes, mediation doesn't represent an invention of the present, (post) modern age for humanity, for some say it has been around ever since the first three people walked the earth, with one of them helping the other two when they couldn't reach an agreement on their own. Nevertheless, its current form has been known for only half a century. As a form of a complimentary method of resolving disputes, which would have otherwise been brought to court, mediation presents in certain parts of the world more, in others less established way of helping people who find themselves in situations they perceive as insoluble or difficult to solve in practically all areas of people's lives. Family mediation, which from the relations and emotive aspects if not universally deals with the most sensitive sphere of human existence, is one its numerous and for many the most fundamental form.

Family mediation stands for the building and managing of the life process between members of an extended or immediate family in the presence of an independent and impartial mediator who helps participants in mediation share their needs and desires and conceptions of what they find important through conversation and expression of their opinions and interests, thus trying to find a consensual and self-responsible settlement which shall reflect mutual satisfaction and well-being of everyone involved.

In Slovenia, mediation in several organizations in the local community and with a few years' delay as a form of court-annexed mediation began to be implemented a decade and a half ago. So this is a very young, developing method which needs to be studied, analyzed, structured and, on the basis of theoretical and empirical arguments, fully implemented into the Slovenian region; all of which presents the primary purpose of the doctoral dissertation, with the aim of applying its results to practice. During the short time of mediation implementation in Slovenia, many dilemmas have arisen within professional circles on the one hand, while on the other, numerous initiatives have been introduced for mediation analysis and structuring. Therefore, the dissertation attempts to respond to the relevance of the issue and contribute to the development of mediation.

The purpose of the research may be divided into two sections. The first, a bit more extensive aim was to gather and organize regulatory acts on family mediation in the European Union regulations and in member states on the one hand, and to research the variability of interpretation and implementation of family mediation and family mediator training provided by various centres in Slovenia on the other. The goal of the other, more specific part was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the parties' decision to opt for family mediation; to analyse the effectiveness of family mediation, the satisfaction of parties, expenses, duration and the final outcome; to identify and analyse the connection of the mediation technique usage and the mediation style of mediators to the process of family mediation and its results; and to compare the relationship of the parties prior to and following mediation. Findings based on the research results are aimed at indicating some guidelines on the standardization of professional training for family mediators and the application of family mediation in the Slovenian region; some of which is also presented in the dissertation.

The results have shown that legislation on mediation in European Union member states is very similar in some parts, especially regarding the implementation process and basic principles, such as the conception of confidentiality and impartiality of mediators. On the other hand, certain differences between the countries have been observed, for example in the role and authority of mediators and in the procedure for appointing mediators. The concept of family mediation application and mediator training process have been assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire by means of which data of eleven mediation organizations and seven district courts offering court-annexed mediation programes has been analyzed.

Certain techniques have been identified which three mediators, whose mediations resulted in signing the mediated agreement and have thus ended very successfully, use more often or even exclusively, as opposed to two mediators whose parties terminated the mediation process without reaching an agreement.
The widest range of findings has been made on the basis of the research and analysis of open interviews conducted with participants in family mediation, which have been processed by means of a qualitative method and the semi-structured questionnaire designed for family mediators, which has been processed by employing a quantitative method of data analysis. The results represent the core of the dissertation, and at the same time also a base for certain suggestions for practice, which should also be dedicated some attention.
The conclusion of the dissertation consists of a breakdown and summary of all important results, collected and analyzed on the basis of five independent, but related projects.


Abstract African hedgehogs are increasingly popular pets: they are easy to care for, interesting, and interactive. Although their expected lifespan is only 1 to 4 years in the wild, sound nutritional advice and high-quality veterinary care have lengthened the captive lifespan of these animals. Unfortunately, multiple reviews document that the geriatric hedgehog, although only 3 to 5 years old, is predisposed to neoplastic disease. This article reviews previously reported neoplasms of the hedgehog by system; 24 additional cases are also described. Typical signalment, clinical signs, and tumor behavior are outlined, and appropriate diagnostics and treatment options are discussed where possible. The intent of this review is to provide the practitioner with a relevant and practical guide to the management of neoplasia in the African hedgehog.


Heat transfer enhancement technique through compound method has been explored in the past few years with the use of nanofluids and inserts. However, studies on hybrid nanofluids with wire coil inserts are limited in the literature. The hybrid nanofluids provide better heat transfer fluids due to its advantages in stability and thermal properties. The wire coil is the best option among the swirl devices which provides maximum heat transfer enhancement and minimum friction penalty to the system. The objective of the present study is to investigate the thermo-physical properties, heat transfer and thermal hydraulic performance of TiO2-SiO2 nanofluids in water/EG mixture with wire coil inserts. Initially, the TiO2-SiO2 nanofluids were prepared at different composition ratios of 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 80:20 (ratio of TiO2 to SiO2 in volume percent) for a constant 1.0% volume concentration. Later, the hybrid nanofluids were prepared at different volume concentrations from 0.5 to 3.0% for optimum composition ratio. The thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of nanofluids were measured using analytical laboratory equipment, whereas the density and specific heat were estimated using existing mixture relation from literature. The forced convection heat transfer investigation was conducted using the modified experimental setup and undertaken for a wide range of Reynolds number from 2,300 to 12,000 and bulk temperature of 30 °C. The experiment was undertaken at constant heat flux boundary conditions for flow in a tube with wire coil inserts at pitch ratio P/D from 0.83 to 4.17. The theoretical model was developed from van Driest eddy diffusivity equation. The evaluation on coefficient K and Prandtl index, ζ is conducted to observe their turbulent characteristics. Among five composition ratios, the ratio of 20:80 (denoted as R=0.2) was observed to be the most effective composition ratio according to the evaluation of thermo-physical properties and heat transfer performance at different composition ratios. The thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity and heat transfer coefficient for R=0.2 at 3.0% volume concentration were increased up to 22.83%, 68.47% and 50.99%, respectively. For flow in a tube with wire coil inserts, the heat transfer enhancement was recorded up to 254.44% at 2.5% volume concentration and 0.83 pitch ratio. The friction factor insignificantly increased with the increase of volume concentration for flow in a tube without wire coil inserts. However, the friction factor of nanofluids increased from 1.88 to 6.38 times higher than water/EG in a tube for flow in a tube with wire coil inserts. The thermal performance factor (TPF) for flow of nanofluids over wire coil inserts was obtained in the range of 1.3 to 2.06. The heat transfer performance and friction factor of the nanofluids increased when the wire coil pitch ratio decreased from 4.17 to 0.83. The TPF of the TiO2-SiO2 nanofluids at all volume concentrations and different wire coil pitch ratios obtained ratio greater than one. However, the optimum condition for nanofluids with wire coil inserts occurred at 2.5% volume concentration and 1.5 pitch ratio with TPF up to 2.06. The theoretical models were validated with the experimental data and successfully predicted the turbulent characteristics of nanofluids flow with wire coil inserts. The comparison between theoretical estimation and experimental results showed a good agreement hence confirming the validity of the proposed model. Finally, it was recommended to formulate the TiO2-SiO2 nanofluids with composition ratio 20:80 for application in various heat transfer systems and prepare the nanofluids at 2.5% volume concentration with 1.50 wire coil pitch ratio for optimum performance.


It is well known that the use of synchrotron radiation has revolutionised structural biology and is responsible for the exponential growth of known macromolecular structures in the Protein Data Bank. So onemaywonder if continued progress is possible. The recent developments of beamlines for macromolecular crystallography at the ESRF have had the purpose to make them highly automated. This has enabled the users to screen a multiplum of samples to find the best suited crystal for data collection. The use of crystallization robots tends to yield smaller crystals, which creates an increasing demand for beamlines with small beams to be used for the diffraction experiments. These developmentsmake it possible to study larger andmore complex biological systems, bringing the structural biology closer to the studies of soft condensed matter. We can also observe an increasing interest to complement the diffraction studies with complementarymethods like small angle scattering and imaging. The use of nanometer sized X-ray beams is also in demand for investigations of chemical systems. The use of nanosized beams opens possibilities for an unprecedented spatial resolution that open new scientific possibilities inmaterials science, soft matter chemistry and the characterization of complex chemical systems. The possibility of conducting the experiments at the synchrotron on samples under different thermodynamic conditions has stimulated an avenue of studies of chemical systems under extreme conditions. There is a similar interest in employing the time structure of synchrotron radiation in time resolved studies. The trends in the application of synchrotron radiation in chemistry and biology will be described and illustrated by recent scientific achievements [1].


An investigation of the sea hare Dolabella auricularia from Papua New Guinea has led to discovery of the new cyclodepsipeptide dolastatin 16 (3) containing two new amino acid units designated dolamethylleuine (Dml) and dolaphenvaline (Dpv). The structural elucidation was achieved by means of high-field (500 MHz) NMR and tandem MS/MS mass spectral interpretations and allowed the assignment of cyclo-(Pro-Dpv-Pro-Dml-O-Lac-Pro-O-Hiv-MeVal). The new depsipeptide exhibited strong inhibition of growth against a variety of human cancer cell lines.


Among cyclic populations of herbivores, inter-specific temporal synchrony has been attributed to both climatic factors and trophic interactions. In northern Europe, winter and autumnal moths undergo regular 9–11 year population cycles. The winter moth cycle has typically been phase-locked with that of the autumnal moth, but with a 1–3-year phase lag. We examined potential effects of natural enemies on this phase lag using field experiments and observational data. We found that larval parasitism was significantly higher in autumnal than in winter moths. Conversely, pupal predation by generalist invertebrates was clearly greater in winter than in autumnal moths. The difference in parasitism rates may contribute to the earlier collapse of the autumnal moth cycle. In addition, the phase lag may be strengthened by higher pupal mortality in winter moths in the early increase phase of the cycles. As a consequence, we put forward a hypothesis on reversed effects of natural enemies, providing a potential explanation for phase-lagged population cycles of these moth species.


Telomere shortening can cause detrimental diseases and contribute to aging. It occurs due to the end replication problem in cells lacking telomerase. Furthermore, recent studies revealed that telomere shortening can be attributed to difficulties of the semi-conservative DNA replication machinery to replicate through the bulk of telomeric DNA repeats. To investigate telomere replication in a comprehensive manner, we develop QTIP-iPOND, which enables purification of proteins that associate with telomeres specifically during replication. We identify in addition to the core replisome a large number of proteins that associate with telomere replication forks and validate their importance. We find that POT1 is depleted, whereas histone H1 is specifically enriched, at telomere replication forks. Our work reveals the dynamic changes of the telomeric proteome during replication, providing a valuable resource of telomere replication proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the replisome at a specific region of the genome.


This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of haemoparasites of dogs attending ECWA veterinary Clinic, Bukuru, Jos south local government area in Plateau state, Nigeria, and to determine the effective control strategy. From July to September 2011, blood samples of 150 dogs were collected and examined under light microscope. The age, sex and breed of the dogs were also recorded. Wet and unstained blood film shows no motility hence no motile haemoparasite while the Giemsa stained blood smear techniques of both thick and thin film, showed the presence of only Babesia spp in 89 (59.3%), while 61 (40.7%) were negative for any haemoparasite.


Abstract Strap-ends represent the most common class of dress accessory known from late Anglo-Saxon England. At this period, new materials, notably lead and its alloys, were being deployed in the manufacture of personal possessions and jewellery. This newly found strap-end adds to the growing number of tongue-shaped examples fashioned from lead dating from this period. It is, however, distinctive in being inscribed with a personal name. The present article provides an account of the object and its text, and assesses its general significance in the context of a more nuanced interpretation of the social status of lead artefacts in late Anglo-Saxon England.


Teacher academic qualification is repository of competencies and knowledge skills acquired through a learning process in an academy. In the realm of English language as a subject, teacher academic qualification is an indicator of the level of mastery of literacy and competency skills which a teacher is known to have acquired and certified by recognized Examinations body. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of teacher academic qualification on learner performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination (KCPE) in English subject in public primary schools in Kenya. The study used descriptive research design and purposive sampling for all inclusive and representative population sample with regard to distribution and categories of schools in Machakos County as its method for research. Unit of analysis was Public primary schools in Machakos County. Respondents were Primary school teachers with teacher academic qualificationsat various certificate levels and who teach English subject in KCPE exam classes. The sample size was 132 academically qualified teachers. Data collection was done through questionnaires.The study found Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination candidates taught by teachers with Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) certificates (Primary I teachers; at 19.7 % sample proportion)with Credit Passachieved Learner Mean score of 47.13 % in English subject.Teachers with KCSE certificates with Credit Pass and Kenya Advanced Certificate Examination (KACE) certificates with Passplus Diploma in Arts certificates (at 25.8 % sample proportion) achieved Learner Mean score of 48.03 % in English subject.Teachers with KCSE certificates with Credit Pass and KACE certificates with Pass plus Diploma in Sciencecertificates (at 10.6 % sample proportion) achieved Learner Mean score of 47.37 % in English subject. Lastly, teachers with KCSE with Credit Pass and KACE with Pass andwho also hold Diploma in Arts certificates with Pass and University Bachelor's Degree certificates (Primary Graduate teachers; at 42.4 %) achieved Learner Mean score of 58.05 % in English subject. There is a significant increase in Learner mean score by candidates taught by Undergraduate teachers probably as a result oftheir high self-efficacy in Classes and a reduction in Learnerindiscipline and self-belief contributing to effective teaching and learning whose product is enhanced Learner performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination.The study concluded that teacher academic qualification significantly influences pupils' performance at Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination in English subject in Kenya. Finally, this study recommends that only teachers with good academic qualification in subjectstaught at appropriate school learning levels with repository competencies and pedagogical skills acquired in the course of academic learning and professional training be deployed to teach English subject in schools for enhanced learner performance. Key word; teacher academic qualification, Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination, pupils' performance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 20-06-2019 Date of acceptance: 04-07-2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2023] The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of six speed countermeasures in reducing vehicle speeds in work zones. Speed countermeasures such as law enforcement (active and passive), speed trailer displaying speed (with and without flashing speed or red and blue lights when above the speed limit), and work vehicle with red and blue lights were evaluated to assess their effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds in the field and simulator study. Speed data were captured and analyzed at various westbound I-270 work zone locations in the field and from a simulator study. The simulator study also incorporated eye tracking devices to obtain driver behavior measures. In the 4-week field study, law enforcement speed countermeasures (active and passive) were found to be most effective in reducing vehicle speeds in work zones. The simulator study showed that the super law enforcement (active law enforcement and speed 11 trailer combination) was most effective in reducing vehicle speeds during daytime. Generally, the effect of speed reduction by speed countermeasures dissipated more quickly during nighttime than daytime. The simulator study also found that super law enforcement and speed trailer-related countermeasures had better visibility. Post-simulator and driver survey indicated that law enforcement would be the most effective in causing respondents slow down. Overall, the study showed that all evaluated speed countermeasures were effective in reducing vehicle speeds during daytime and nighttime, however, law enforcement speed countermeasures were found to have the greatest speed reductions.


Over years the business philosophies have changed and so have the ways in which businesses were conducted in the past. This has led to change in the processes, procedures and evolution of cultures across globe. As ever, culture has remained pivotal in facilitating the process of change. Understanding the right ingredients of culture and leveraging on them to foster change process is a sure formula for success, however, not too many organizations have done it successfully in the past. Even as we enter the 21st century and feel the need to adopt new business measures for instituting efficient business practices, we walk into a world that brings along with it the need to change, need to be flexible, open and receptive to the whole process of change. In wake of this, the paper discusses various change models that have evolved over time. These change models have been instrumental in successful implementation of change processes across organizations; however, caution must be exercised with the use of change models, as the line distinguishing one model of change from the other is apparently very thin. The paper endeavors to use Van de Ven & Poole (1995) framework to assess different models and clearly lists out the parameters that can be used for analyzing and comparing various change models. The model has been mentioned in details by "Weick and Quinn" in their book titled "Organizational Change and Development". The paper includes analysis of 15 change models each of it analyzed on different parameters such as organization type that it suits the most, the factors facilitating and necessitating change under various models, the strategy for change for different models and finally the actors involved in the change process for the change models in question.


Real-time flood forecasting requires accurate and reliable estimates of the uncertainty to make efficient flood event management strategies. However, the accuracy of flood forecasts can be severely affected by errors in the estimates of sediment yield in the loess region. To improve the accuracy of sediment-laden flood forecasts generated using streamflow-sediment coupled (SSC) model, an error feedback correction method based on the dynamic system response curve (DSRC) is proposed. The physical basis of the system response curve is the sediment concentration of the hydrological model. The theoretical basis of the method is the differential of the system response function of the sediment yield time series. The effectiveness of DSRC method is evaluated via an ideal case and three real-data cases with different basin scales of the Yellow River. Results suggest that the DSRC method can effectively improve the accuracy and stability of sediment transport forecasts by providing accurate estimates of the sediment yield errors. The degree of forecast improvement is scale dependent and is more significant for larger basins with lower rain gauge densities. Besides, the DSRC method is relatively simple to apply without the need to modify either the model structure or parameters in real-time flood forecasting.


Football is an important site in the construction and performance of masculinity. In this paper we focus on rugby league and/or Australian Rules Football in the Bega Valley District, News South Wales, Australia. This paper investigates 17 football life narratives of men who play in the competitive rural sports leagues of the Bega Valley. Drawing on the theoretical work of Elspeth Probyn, a visceral approach is used to critically attend to the ambiguities and tensions surrounding the bodies of men who play football. We argue that the affective and emotional relationships of the dynamics of pride and shame are found within spaces sustained by football. We argue that a feminist geographical perspective of the dynamics of pride and shame open up possibilities to challenge normative understandings of football bodies and spaces.


ABSTRACT Background: Antibiotic overprescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) commonly occurs and can lead to higher medical costs, antibiotic resistance, and health complications. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for ARTIs has been shown to occur more frequently in urgent care than other outpatient settings. It is not clear whether antibiotic overprescribing varies between virtual and in-person urgent care. Objectives: Summarize published primary scientific literature on antibiotic prescribing patterns for ARTIs among adults in virtual urgent care settings. Data sources: We conducted a systematic review to compare antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs between virtual and in-person urgent care. Our review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. We assessed risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool. We summarized study results from seven included retrospective cohort studies. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing frequency may be similar between virtual urgent care and in-person care for adult patients treated for ARTIs. However, variability existed in intervention characteristics, settings, and outcome measures. Additional studies are needed to better understand the conditions in which virtual care may be most effective. Implications for practice: Evidence suggests that giving providers direct access to evidence-based guidelines and electronic health records within the virtual visit may support diagnosis and management. Furthermore, practices that use telemedicine platforms for virtual urgent care visits should consider how to potentially improve diagnosis and management of conditions through the use of home-based point-of-care testing or accessory "e-tools."


This research study aims to examine the direct relationships between peer influence, leadership style, and organizational culture, and their impact on organizational commitment and employee engagement in private higher education institutions in Malaysia, for both academic and non-academic staff. The significance of this research lies in the fact that many private higher education institutions in Malaysia are experiencing low levels of employee engagement, which can negatively affect organizational performance and productivity. The research model consists of three independent variables (peer influence, leadership style, and organizational culture), with organizational commitment acting as a mediator and employee engagement as the dependent variable. To gather primary data, the study used a survey questionnaire adapted from previous research studies and collected 268 usable responses. The data was then analysed using structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses. The first step in the analysis was to evaluate the measurement model for convergent validity by assessing construct reliability and validity. Then, discriminant validity was assessed and confirmed using cross-loading and Hetrotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratios. Finally, the structural model was assessed to test the research hypotheses. The results indicate that peer influence, leadership style, and organizational culture all have a significant positive impact on organizational commitment, which in turn strongly affects employee engagement. These findings suggest that private higher education institutions in Malaysia should focus on improving peer relationships, leadership style, and organizational culture to enhance employee engagement and ultimately improve organizational performance.


Objectives : This is the study of the application as the ingredients of cosmetics through the examination of the function for physiological activity of Craraegi Fructus, which has been used for herb medicines since ancient times. Method : Korean Craraegi Fructus, which had been extracted, concentrated, and freeze drying with water and ethanol, have been used for the experiment. The effects on elecrtonic donating ability, SOD-like activity, whitening effect, gout and hypertension prevention, Melanoma cell have been researched in the physiological activity measurement of function experiment. Results : According to the physiological activity measurement of function experiment, it have been found that the electronic donating ability has higher effect than BHT, synthetic antioxidant, showing 89.4%~91.8% at 500 ppm. As the concentration increases, the inhibitory effect showed a tendency to rise. However the effect was not so high. Tyrosinase, which is correlated with whitening effect, showed 49.8%~62.4% of the high inhibition ratio at 30,000 ppm. ACE inhibitory effect, which is correlated with hypertension prevention was 32.7%~34.5% at 10ppm but there was no distinctive difference by concentration. According to the result of astringent effect, the ethanol extract from Craregi Fructus showing 89% at 5,000 ppm brought the similar effect to Gerannii Herba and SK_MEL-5, melanoma cell, showed 68.9%~89% of sudden growth inhibition of cell at 50000 ppm, and 10000 ppm. Conclusion : According to the study of the application as cosmetic ingredients, Crataegi Fructus extract has enough merits as a new biological activity ingredient and it will be very effective in the cosmetic industry as the affinitive natural product.


In connection with the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics (Heisenberg) or in time-frequency analysis (Heisenberg-Gabor), we study its formulation in terms of entropic inequalities, extending results recently derived by Bialynicki-Birula and Zozor et al.. These results can be considered as generalizations of the Heisenberg inequalities in the sense that they measure the mutual uncertainty of a random variable (or wave function) and its conjugated random variable (or Fourier transformed wave function) through their associated Renyi entropies with conjugated indexes. We consider here the more general case where the entropic indexes are not conjugated, in both cases where the state space is discrete and continuous: we discuss the existence of an uncertainty inequality depending on the location of the entropic indexes alpha and beta in the plane (alpha, beta). Our results explain and extend a recent study by Luis , where states with quantum fluctuations below the Gaussian case are discussed at the single point (2, 2).


Abstract Environmental fluctuation between generations can lead to mixed optimal strategies (so-called "bet-hedging"). Due to mathematical intractability, however, optimality modelling has up to now largely ignored the effects of such fluctuations. The cases that have been considered so far are relatively simple. We show that the optimal strategy can be calculated explicitly for the case of non-structured populations. an environmental parameter which varies over generations according to an ergodic process and certain types of payoff functions (specifying the relationship between an individual′s trait value, the environment, and its expected contribution to the populations size in the next generation). Our results also lead to numerical solutions for other cases. Situations with and without information about the environment are considered. In both cases, there is a minimum environmental variability above which mixed strategies are optimal. Examination of the differences between long-term reproductive success of constrained purr strategies and optimal mixed strategies indicates that there is a high selection pressure for mixed strategies to evolve unless individuals can acquire highly accurate information about their environment. We show that the solution is robust in the sense that it has near to optimal long-term reproductive success under small perturbations of the payoff function and/or the distribution of the environmental parameter.


Vesicular nanosystems are versatile and they are able to encapsulate actives with different solubilities, such as lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. The most well-known vesicular nanosystems are liposomes and niosomes, the last one is formed by non-ionic surfactants. In the present work, we developed photoprotective niosomes containing sunscreens (octyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid), non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol and stearylamine (positive-charged lipid). Studies based on dynamic light scattering techniques, entrapment efficiency and morphology by transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the niosomes. In addition, rheology, pH, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) efficacy and toxicity and in vivo and in vitro safety were determined for the niosome formulations F-N1 and F-N2. The mean sizes of N1 and N2 were 168 ± 5 nm and 192 ± 8 nm, respectively, and their morphologies were spherical, unilamellar and with an entrapment efficiency of more than 45% for each sunscreen. Both formulations, F-N1 and F-N2 presented characteristics of pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids, showing declining viscosity with increasing shear rate applied. SPF values were considered satisfactory, 34 ± 8 for formulation F-N1 and 34 ± 5 for F-N2. The formulations did not present toxicity when tested in macrophages and the pH was compatible with skin, which minimizes allergies. The in vitro safety assay showed lipophilic sunscreens greater affinity for the epidermis, since this layer contains natural lipids. In vivo safety assay suggests that the increased skin retention of N2 is directly correlated with the positive charge of stearylamine. Stable photoprotective niosomes were obtained and were shown to be promising nanostructures to be used against solar radiation.


Modeling and design, simulation, characterization and performance evaluation of high data rate and high capacity long-haul DWMD light wave systems are presented. As well, a methodology for finding the optimum modulation format that can effectively enhance the system performance without major changes in the existing infrastructure are presented. An exemplary 42.7 Gb/s, 80 Km×16 spans DWDM light wave system including transmitter, different fiber types (SSMF, LEAF, and TW-RS), amplifiers, and receiver is designed. Suitable model implementations for device and systems simulations in the time domain using OPTSIM CAD simulator are presented. The performance of the exemplary system is examined using four different modulation formats: NRZ-OOK, optical duo binary, differential binary phase shift keying (NRZ-DBPSK), and differential quadrature phase shift keying (RZ-DQPSK). Simulation results show that the overall system's performance using a combination RZ-DQPSK with the LEAF based on reduced channel spacing (50 GHz with spectral efficiency of 0.8 bit/s/Hz) provides a remarkable improvement (approximately 50% in the transmission distance ) over implementations based on other fiber and modulation format combinations. Model verification and validation performed by comparison of simulated results to measured results demonstrated the utility of the proposed design methodology


The value of rubber band ligation in the treatment of haemorrhoids is discussed and the literature on the case histories of 3244 patients who were treated by this technique is reviewed. 36% of the patients found this form of therapy to be painless, 41% suffered little and 14% severe pain. 80% of all patients finally were free of symptoms. Rubber band ligation therefore is an effective method treating internal haemorrhoids. Its advantages are simplicity, relatively little discomfort for the patient, applicability in ambulant patients, no general anaesthesia, low cost and good results with only minor complications. Thus it is an alternative to sclerotherapy and to surgical haemorrhoidectomy.


The collective migration of cells in tissue pervades many important biological processes, such as wound healing, organism development, and cancer metastasis. Recent experiments on wound healing show that the collective migratory behavior of cells can be quite complex, including transient vortices and long-range correlations. Here, we explore cellular flows in epithelial tissues using a model that considers the force distribution and polarity of a single cell along with cell-cell adhesion. We show that the dipole nature of a crawling cell's force distribution destabilizes steady cellular motion. We determine the values of the physical parameters that are necessary to produce these complex motions and use numerical simulation to verify the linear analysis and to demonstrate the complex flows. We find that the tendency for cells to align is the dominant physical parameter that determines the stability of steady flows in the epithelium.


Spin-orbit coupled (SOC) light fields with spatially inhomogeneous polarization have attracted increasing research interest within the optical community. In particular, owing to their spin-dependent phase and spatial structures, many nonlinear optical phenomena which we have been familiar with up to now are being re-examined, hence a revival of research in nonlinear optics. To fully investigate this topic, knowledge on how the topological structure of the light field evolves is necessary, but, as yet, there are few studies that address the structural evolution of the light field. Here, for the first time, we present a universal approach for theoretical tomographic treatment of the structural evolution of SOC light in nonlinear optics processes. Based on a Gedanken vector second harmonic generation, a fine-grained slice of evolving SOC light in a nonlinear interaction and the following diffraction propagation are studied theoretically and verified experimentally, and which at the same time reveal several interesting phenomena. The approach provides a useful tool for enhancing our capability to obtain a more nuanced understanding of vector nonlinear optics, and sets a foundation for further broad-based studies in nonlinear systems.


Abstract Ophiochloa bryoides, a new species in the Brazilian endemic genus Ophiochloa, is described and illustrated. It is similar to O. hydrolithica, the only currently known species in this genus, from which it differs because of its diminutive annual habit, the absence of an axillary inflorescence, and the occurrence of a single apical seta on the lower lemma. The affinity of Ophiochloa with Axonopus is briefly discussed.


Using mineral resources discoveries in the United States since 1800, we argue that mineral mining fosters individualism. Measuring individualism and the demand for redistribution by questions of the General Social Survey (GSS), we show that : (i) individuals living in states with mineral resources are more individualistic and support less redistribution by the government ; (ii) the higher the number of mines in a states, the lower the support for governmental redistribution and the higher the individualism ; (iii) individuals that experienced mineral discoveries during their early adulthood are more individualistic and support less redistribution ; (iv) this e ect vanishes over time. These results are robust to the introduction of various explanatory variables that may explain the formation of individualistic values.


Bayesian model selection provides the cosmologist with an e xacting tool to distinguish between competing models based purely on the data, via the Baye sian vidence. Previous methods to calculate this quantity either lacked general applic ability or were computationally demanding. However, nested sampling (Skilling 2004), which w as recently applied successfully to cosmology by Muhkerjee et al. 2006, overcomes both of thes e impediments. Their implementation restricts the parameter space sampled, and thus i mproves the efficiency, using a decreasing ellipsoidal bound in the n-dimensional parameter space centred on the maximum likelihood point. However, if the likelihood function cont ains any multi-modality, separated over a significant portion of the parameter space then the ell ips is prevented from constraining the sampling region by less than the distance between the likelihood peaks. In this paper we introduce a method of clustered nested sampling whereby e llipsoidal clusters can form on any peaks identified –thus improving the efficiency by a facto r which is equal to the ratio of the volumes enclosed by the set of small clustered ellipsoids an the large single ellipse that would necessarily be required without clustering. In addition we have implemented a method for determining the expectation and variance of the final evidence value without the need to use sampling error from repetitions of the algorithm ; this furt her reduces the computational load by at least an order of magnitude. We have applied our algorit hm to a pair of toy models and one cosmological example where we demonstrate that the numb er of likelihood evaluations required is∼ 4% of that necessary for using previous algorithms. We have pro duced a fortran library containing our routines which can be called from any sampling code, in addition for convenience we have incorporated it into the popular C OSMOMC code as COSMOCLUST. Both are available for download at www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/software/cosmoclust.


Diabetes mellitus is a global public health challenge with high morbidity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for 90% of the global prevalence of diabetes. T2DM is featured by a combination of defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and the inability of insulin-sensitive tissues to respond appropriately to insulin. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is complicated by genetic and environmental factors, which needs further study. Numerous studies have demonstrated an epigenetic influence on the course of this disease via altering the expression of downstream diabetes-related proteins. Further studies in the field of epigenetics can help to elucidate the mechanisms and identify appropriate treatments. Histone methylation is defined as a common histone mark by adding a methyl group (-CH3) onto a lysine or arginine residue, which can alter the expression of downstream proteins and affect cellular processes. Thus, in tthis study will discuss types and functions of histone methylation and its role in T2DM wilsed. We will review the involvement of histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases in the progression of T2DM and analyze epigenetic-based therapies. We will also discuss the potential application of histone methylation modification as targets for the treatment of T2DM.


An analytical solution of the short-pulse four-wave mixing phenomenon is obtained in the undepleted-pump approximation for an instantaneously responding Kerr medium.


Background Bitter (T2R) and sweet (T1R) taste receptors in the airway are important in innate immune defense, and variations in taste receptor functionality in one T2R (T2R38) correlate with disease status and disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Quinine is a bitter compound that is an agonist for several T2Rs also expressed on sinonasal cells, but not for T2R38. Because of this property, quinine may stimulate innate immune defense mechanisms in the airway, and functional differences in quinine perception may be reflective of disease status in CRS. Methods Demographic and taste intensity data were collected prospectively from CRS patients and non-CRS control subjects. Sinonasal tissue from patients undergoing rhinologic surgery was also collected and grown at an air–liquid interface (ALI). Nitric oxide (NO) production and dynamic regulation of ciliary beat frequency in response to quinine stimulation were assessed in vitro. Results Quinine reliably increased ciliary beat frequency and NO production in ALI cultures in a manner consistent with T2R activation (p < 0.01). Quinine taste intensity rating was performed in 328 CRS patients and 287 control subjects demonstrating that CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients rated quinine as significantly less intense than did control subjects. Conclusion Quinine stimulates airway innate immune defenses by increasing ciliary beat frequency and stimulating NO production in a manner fitting with T2R activation. Patient variability in quinine sensitivity is observed in taste intensity ratings, and gustatory quinine "insensitivity" is associated with CRSwNP status. Thus, taste tests for quinine may be a biomarker for CRSwNP, and topical quinine has therapeutic potential as a stimulant of innate defenses.


DNA origami nanostructures are self-assembled into almost arbitrary two- and three-dimensional shapes from a long, single-stranded viral scaffold strand and a set of short artificial oligonucleotides. Each DNA strand can be functionalized individually using well-established DNA chemistry, representing addressable sites that allow for the nanometre precise placement of various chemical entities such as proteins, molecular chromophores, nanoparticles, or simply DNA motifs. By means of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, these entities can be visualized or detected, and either their mutual interaction or their interaction with external stimuli such as radiation can be studied. This gives rise to the Lab-on-a-DNA origami approach, which is introduced in this Feature Article, and the state-of-the-art is summarized with a focus on light-harvesting nanoantennas and DNA platforms for single-molecule analysis either by optical spectroscopy or atomic force microscopy (AFM). Light-harvesting antennas can be generated by the precise arrangement of chromophores to channel and direct excitation energy. At the same time, plasmonic nanoparticles represent a complementary approach to focus light on the nanoscale. Plasmonic nanoantennas also allow for the observation of single molecules either by Raman scattering or fluorescence spectroscopy and DNA origami platforms provide unique opportunities to arrange nanoparticles and molecules to be studied. Finally, the analysis of single DNA motifs by AFM allows for an investigation of radiation-induced processes in DNA with unprecedented detail and accuracy.


Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is emerging as an analytical tool for investigating geological materials. The unique abilities of this technique proven its potential in the area of geology. Detection of light elements, portability for in-field analysis, spot detection, and no sample preparation are some features that make this technique appropriate for the study of geological materials. The application of the LIBS technique has been tremendously developed in recent years. In this report, results obtained from previous and most recent studies regarding the investigation of geological materials LIBS technique are reviewed. Firstly, we introduce investigations that report the advancement in LIBS instrumentation, its applications, especially in the area of gemology and the extraterrestrial/planetary exploration have been reviewed. Investigation of gemstones by LIBS technique is not widely reviewed in the past as compared to LIBS application in planetary exploration or other geological applications. It is anticipated that for the classification of gemstones samples, huge data set is appropriate and to analyze this data set, multivariate/chemometric methods will be useful. Recent advancement of LIBS instrumentation for the study of meteorites, depth penetration in Martian rocks and its regolith proved the feasibility of LIBS used as robotic vehicles in the Martian environment. Keywords: LIBS, Gemstone, geological samples, Extra-terrestrial


【In this paper arc behavior in spiral type vacuum interrupter(VI) was analyzed by means of arc images, arc voltages and finite element method(FEM). As a result of experiment, the difference of arc voltage was observed under different twisting angles. It was found that the reason of the difference was the difference of arc resistance from simultaneous analysis of arc images and arc voltages. and the difference of arc resistance was explained by Lorentz force calculation with FEM. And the results of calculation were sufficient to explain the experimental results.】


Controllable syntheses of Au nanoclusters (NCs) with different nuclearities are of great significance due to the kernel-dependent physicochemical properties. Herein, two pairs of enantiomeric Au NCs [Au19(R/S-BINAP)4(PhC≡C)Cl4] (SD/Au19) and [Au11(R/S-BINAP)4(PhC≡C)2]·Cl (SD/Au11), both with atropos (rigid axial chirality) diphosphine BINAP (2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthalene) as the predominant organic ligands, were controllably synthesized through precursor engineering. The former was obtained by direct reduction of HAuCl4·4H2O, while the latter was obtained by reduction of [Au(SMe2)Cl] instead. Intriguingly, the kernel of SD/Au19 contains an Au7 pentagonal bipyramid capped by two boat-like Au6 rings, which represents another type of Au19 kernel, making SD/Au19 a good candidate for comparative study with other Au19 NCs to get more insight into the distinct structural evolution of phosphine-protected Au NCs. Despite the previous chiroptical studies on some other chiral undecagold NCs, the successful attainment of the X-ray crystal structures for SD/Au11 not only provides a step forward toward better correlating the chiroptical activities with their structural details but also reveals that even the auxiliary protecting ligands also play a nontrivial role in tuning the geometrical structures of the metal NCs. The chiroptical activities of both SD/Au19 and SD/Au11 were found to originate from the chiral ligands and core distortions; the extended π-electron systems in the BINAP ligands have proved to positively contribute to the electronic absorptions and thus disturb the corresponding circular dichroism (CD) responses.


What might be particular now to a sociocultural anthropological approach to the study of human differences and similarities? If we must write about the classic ethnographies largely in the past tense, because – for example – Aboriginal Australians no longer live as " hunter-gatherers " nor Trobriander Islanders as isolated from the Papua New Guinean nation-state and the tourist economy, what might a contemporary undergraduate textbook look like? Does it make sense to focus on the different levels of sociopolitical integration (" band societies, " " tribal societies, " " chiefdoms, " and so on), when these formations are no longer themselves living or contemporary forms? What, then, are (or ought to be) the objects of ethnographic and anthropological study? Or, if anthropologists are only to represent the " local voice, " " the native's point of view " as Bronislaw Malinowski famously wrote, with what authority can we engage or contest other social scientists, planners, or policy makers? Imagination and fruitful metaphor have been the attraction of much recent innovation, but in my view, anthropologists need also to sustain our place in social science, as an empirical social science, reinvigorating bases of validity and legitimacy for anthropological knowledge. Despite the contributions of critical cultural theory borrowed from the humanities, it would be a mistake to give the powerful discursive field of " science " over to others. Consequently, anthropologists face the difficulty of finding methodological grounding that can support persuasively and forcefully the imaginative frameworks whose value we may perceive. Since the late 1980s, the emphasis in sociocultural anthropology has been on a range of issues related to what the geographer David Harvey (1989) described as a " time-space compression " and what others formulated in the language of globalization, diasporas, and transnational processes. These changes – movements of culture and people on a worldwide scale-have been of central significance to anthropology,


San Francisco-Refractive surgeons using the MK-2000 (Nidek) microkeratome can expect to achieve high-quality flaps whether using the manufacturer's own or another's blade, but they need to recognize that blades from different manufacturers and even from different lots of the same manufacturer may produce flaps that can vary dramatically in thickness, said Robert T. Lin, MD, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.


This article attempts to clarify the murky conceptual water of "interactivity," arguing that the term refers to two distinct phenomena: interactivity between people and interactivity between people and computers or networks. The former orients research on the process of interactivity. The latter orients research on the product of interactivity. That two distinct phenomena have been labeled with the same term causes problems when one wants to move from theorizing about interactivity in the abstract to investigating what effects interactivity has and then to operationalizing measurement terms. Studying interactivity-as-process entails a research focus on human interaction. Studying interactivity-as-product entails a research focus on user interactions with technology. In wading into the murky waters of what interactivity is, we must not lose sight of why it matters. In research focused on the opportunities and constraints for citizen participation in the political process afforded by communication technology, for example, interactivity is a variable of importance.


T PRYPANOSOMES are parasitic protozoa that live in the blood of a great variety of species in all classes of vertebrates and that are generally transmitted by an invertebrate intermediary host. A characteristic morphological feature of the forms that live in the blood is an undulating membrane along which runs a flagellum. This terminates at the posterior end in the blepharoplast, the kinetic center of the cell, and at the other end in a free flagellum. In many cases, different species are so much alike that they cannot be distinguished morphologically, but only by means of biological experiments. In other cases, they can readily be recognized by morphological peculiarities. A few types, which may illustrate this, are shown in Fig. I. Most of the species, for example Trypanosoma rotatorium, the first described trypanosome (Gluge, I842), and all the others occurring in fishes, amphibians, reptilians and birds are without injurious effects on their hosts. The same is true for most trypanosomes which live in mammals. But the group is nevertheless of great interest both from a public health and an economic standpoint, since some very pathogenic trypanosomes are found in man and domesticated animals. Human sleeping sickness in Africa is caused by Trypanosoma gambiense and T. rhodesiense, the former being the first trypanosome found in man, and first described by Dutton. In South America Trypanosomag cru.i is, according to Chagas, responsible for a human disease. Trypanosoma brucei, T. evansi, T. equiperdum, T. equinum and some others cause severe diseases of domesticated animals in various parts of the world. It is therefore not astonishing that many investigations have been carried out on the various aspects of the biology of these pathogenic forms. In the present paper the metabolism of the pathogenic trypanosomes and the problem of the relationships of this metabolism to the injuries suffered by the host during the infection are reviewed.


Sports are the physical activities that named according to their respective ways of playing. There is a misleading concept regarding sports that only players can participate in physical or sports activities. But the true is that as the science and technology has made individual to rely on machines, its becomes necessary for all to take part in any kind of physical and sports activities to escape one from the hypo kinetic disorders and to keep physical fitness and wellness. This study has analyzed the role of sports in relation to maintain and promote physical fitness and wellness


We present the first atomic model of a substrate-bound inner mitochondrial membrane AAA+ quality control protease, YME1. Our ~3.4 Å cryo-EM structure reveals how the ATPases form a closed spiral staircase encircling an unfolded substrate, directing it toward the flat, symmetric protease ring. Importantly, the structure reveals how three coexisting nucleotide states allosterically induce distinct positioning of tyrosines in the central channel, resulting in substrate engagement and translocation to the negatively charged proteolytic chamber. This tight coordination by a network of conserved residues defines a sequential, around-the-ring ATP hydrolysis cycle that results in step-wise substrate translocation. Furthermore, we identify a hinge-like linker that accommodates the large-scale nucleotide-driven motions of the ATPase spiral independently of the contiguous planar proteolytic base. These results define the first molecular mechanism for a mitochondrial inner membrane AAA+ protease and reveal a translocation mechanism likely conserved for other AAA+ ATPases.


The efficacy of 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol for the prevention of milk fever has been tested in a controlled field trial using 597 cows on 19 farms all of which had previously had a high incidence of milk fever. Of 293 cows receiving 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol 34 had milk fever and of 304 control cows 51 had milk fever. Although there was an apparent efficacy of 31 per cent the difference in incidence was not statistically significant. There was no effect if 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol was administered less than 24 hours before the cows succumbed to milk fever. However, if 1alpha-OH cholecalciferol was administered more than 24 hours and less than one week before the occurrence of milk fever the efficacy increased to 61 per cent and the effect was highly significant.


Database caching at proxy servers enables dynamic content to be generated at the edge of the network, thereby improving the scalability and response time of web applications. The scale of deployment of edge servers coupled with the rising costs of their administration demand that such caching middleware be adaptive and self-managing. To achieve this, a cache must be dynamically populated and pruned based on the application query stream and access pattern. In this paper, we describe such a cache which maintains a large number of materialized views of previous query results. Cached "views" share physical storage to avoid redundancy, and are usually added and evicted dynamically to adapt to the current workload and to available resources. These two properties of large scale (large number of cached views) and overlapping storage introduce several challenges to query matching and storage management which are not addressed by traditional approaches. In this paper, we describe an edge data cache architecture with a flexible query matching algorithm and a novel storage management policy which work well in such an environment. We perform an evaluation of a prototype of such an architecture using the TPC-W benchmark and find that it reduces query response times by up to 75%, while reducing network and server load.


ABSTRACT The Internet is a transformative technology that terrorists are exploiting for the spread of propaganda and radicalizing new recruits. While Al Qaeda has a longer history, Islamic State is conducting a modern and sophisticated media campaign centered around online social networking. This article introduces and contextualizes the contributions to this Special Issue by examining some of the ways in which terrorists make use of the Internet as part of their broader media strategies.


Autonomous driving has attracted great attention from both academics and industries. To realise autonomous driving, Deep Imitation Learning (DIL) is treated as one of the most promising solutions, because it improves autonomous driving systems by automatically learning a complex mapping from human driving data, compared to manually designing the driving policy. However, existing DIL methods cannot generalise well across domains, that is, a network trained on the data of source domain gives rise to poor generalisation on the data of target domain. In the present study, we propose a novel brain-inspired deep imitation method that builds on the evidence from human brain functions, to improve the generalisation ability of deep neural networks so that autonomous driving systems can perform well in various scenarios. Specifically, humans have a strong generalisation ability which is beneficial from the structural and functional asymmetry of the two sides of the brain. Here, we design dual Neural Circuit Policy (NCP) architectures in deep neural networks based on the asymmetry of human neural networks. Experimental results demonstrate that our brain-inspired method outperforms existing methods regarding generalisation when dealing with unseen data. Our source codes and pretrained models are available at https://github.com/Intenzo21/Brain-Inspired-Deep-Imitation-Learning-for-Autonomous-Driving-Systems}{https://github.com/Intenzo21/Brain-Inspired-Deep-Imitation-Learning-for-Autonomous-Driving-Systems.


Pulse propagation in a random medium is mainly determined by the two-frequency mutual coherence function which satisfies the parabolic equation. It has been shown recently that this equation can be solved by separation of variables, thereby reducing the solution for any structure function into solutions of ordinary differential equations. Via a proper modal-expansion theorem, this representation may also be applied to any source problem. The modal approach also provides new physical interpretations for relevant physical parameters. This new solution approach is being reviewed here within the simplified framework of plane wave initial conditions. In particular, a general power law structure function is investigated, and the results are compared with the known exact solution for quadratic medium and a numerical solution for a Kolmogorov medium. Using the new modal approach, we present two alternative representations: a "mode series" and a "collective mode solution." Both representations are suitable for extension into the time domain, giving a series of "wave front arrivals" and "collective resonance" contributions respectively.


Hypertension, Type 2 (non-insulindependent) diabetes and hyperlipidaemia are all independent risk factors for coronary heart disease and frequently coexist in individual patients. Their treatment remains problematic, as various therapies for hypertension may adversely affect concomitant conditions. Thiazide diuretics and p-blockers may worsen glycaemic control and hyperlipidaemia.' ACE inhibitors, while having a beneficial effect in slowing progression of diabetic nephropathy, may cause hyperkalaemia or acute renal failure in patients with cardiac decompensation.2 Calcium-channel blockers are more suitable, although occasionally they are not tolerated because of flushing, peripheral oedema or their negative inotropic effect. Recently, a-blockers have been re-examined as potentially useful agents for hypertension in diabetic patients, although these agents were previously noted to cause postural hypotension occasionally. Doxazosin, a new quinazoline selective a1 adrenoreceptor inhibitor, has been shown to raise HDL-cholesterol3 and lower serum triglycerides4 in hypertensive Type 2 diabetic patients. Its effect on glycaemic control and lipid levels was studied further. Ten hypertensive (blood pressure > 140/90) Type 2 diabetic patients were studied: one newly diagnosed with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes and nine with uncontrolled blood pressure or sideeffects from current medication in known Type 2 diabetic patients (five men, five women, aged 58 & 9 years). After a 4-week observation period, doxazosin therapy was started at 1 mg daily and increased to 2 mg (median, range 1-8 mg) at 4-weekly intervals over 16 weeks. Their diet and diabetes treatment were left unchanged throughout. Seven completed the study and three were withdrawn (run-in blood pressure normal in one and additional symptoms in two). Compared with the end of the run-in period, at the end of the study or at withdrawal, systolic blood pressure fell from 175 (median, range 156210) to 150 (125-210) mmHg: p = 0.006 and diastolic blood pressure from 100 (75-115) to 85 (75-110) mmHg; p = 0.003. The total non-fasting cholesterol levels fell from 5.9 (3.96-10.6) to 5.6 (3.90-10.6) mmol 1l ; p = 0.019, while triglycerides 2.39 (1.43-4.37) vs 2.64 (1.62-4.2) mmol 1 l and HbAl, 8.0 (5.6-12.0) % vs 8.0 (5.6-1 2.5) % showed no significant change. No patient developed symptomatic postural hypotension. Thus, a-adrenoreceptor blockers such as doxazosin may be a useful alternative antihypertensive treatment in Type 2 diabetic patients, as they do not worsen glycaemic control and may improve lipid profiles.


Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Background Effective teaching and learning strategies in online postconference can assist students to find meaning within clinical experiences. Purpose To explore this, we completed a literature review about meaningful learning in online clinical postconferencing in prelicensure nursing education. Methods Articles that were peer-reviewed, published within the last 10 years, written in English, and addressed online learning in clinical postconferences in prelicensure nursing programs were included. Results Analysis revealed the following themes: connecting theory to practice, reflective practice, impact on future practice, peer and instructor support, mentoring and leadership development, giving and receiving feedback effectively, critical thinking, and engagement of active learners. Gaps were evident with minimal evidence-based practice described related to postconferences in general. Additionally, there is limited discussion of online postconferencing. Conclusions Understanding the nuances of meaningful learning in online postconference is critical to facilitating students' ability to connect theory to practice.


Bootkits (short for boot + rootkit) are one of the most advanced, powerful and persistent threats exploited in sophisticated malware attacks. In order to investigate this attack vector in greater detail, we performed a large-scale bootkit malware analysis utilizing Windows XP and Windows 7. The data set consists of samples spanning a timer period over 8 years to gain detailed insights into the bootkit malware economy. Grounded on the analysis results of 26,378 malware samples, novel techniques to detect and stop bootkit attacks have been developed. The proposed detection techniques are based on anomaly identification utilizing dynamic analysis during the system's boot phase. Furthermore, two novel techniques to prevent bootkit infections have been developed. The first one, is grounded on strictly blocking the malware's initial persistence and infection vector, while the second approach relies on emulation and monitoring the impact of disk modifications targeting the system's boot process. Furthermore, this work showcases the historic evolution of bootkit techniques starting in 2006 and presents an outlook on their potential future evolution.


In histories of archaeology, A.H.L.F. Pitt-Rivers and W.M.F. Petrie both have very prominent roles. It has long been known that the two were acquainted, leading many to assume that several key aspects of Petrie's archaeological approaches were adopted directly from Pitt-Rivers. Few histories, however, have critically evaluated Petrie's early archaeological work in the UK prior to his well-known endeavours in Egypt and Palestine.  It is argued in this article that on doing so it becomes clear that the influence of Pitt-Rivers on Petrie has been overstated in the past. Moreover, a brief comparison of their approaches to fieldwork, to publication, to engagement with objects, and their views on museums, demonstrates more contrasts than similarities. In order to begin to evaluate Petrie's disciplinary development this article considers some of the intellectual networks of late Victorian England as well as the social and economic contexts in which Petrie practised archaeology, which were to shape his methods independently of Pitt-Rivers.


he genetic studies were conducted on six new winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line during three years investigations developed in agro ecological conditions of Kosovo. Data for various morphological and yield traits were taken and analyzed for spike length (SL), plant height (PH), total dry matter (TDM), spike Weight (SW), grain weight per spike (GWS), yield (Y) and harvest index (HI). Field design consisted in a randomized blocks design (RBD) with three replications. Results indicated that the line 01KS as the most competitive genotypes produced significantly higher for SL (9.58 cm), GWS (2.37 g per spike) and grain yield (10.66 t ha-1) while lower yield was recorded at the line 04KS (8.02 t ha-1). The lowest SL (8.4 cm) belonged to line 06KS which was ranked as the least competitive genotype. The significantly higher total dry matter (TDM) was recorded at the wheat line 02KS on value 4.88 g, while the lowest (4.44 g) belonged to 04KS which was ranked as the last genotype. There was a positive and significant harvest index (HI) on value from 50.5% to 39.1%.


Abstract:  Successful nonpoint source pollution control using best management practice placement is a complex process that requires in‐depth knowledge of the locations of runoff source areas in a watershed. Currently, very few simulation tools are capable of identifying critical runoff source areas on hillslopes and those available are not directly applicable under all runoff conditions. In this paper, a comparison of two geographic information system (GIS)‐based approaches: a topographic index model and a likelihood indicator model is presented, in predicting likely locations of saturation excess and infiltration excess runoff source areas in a hillslope of the Savoy Experimental Watershed located in northwest Arkansas. Based on intensive data collected from a two‐year field study, the spatial distributions of hydrologic variables were processed using GIS software to develop the models. The likelihood indicator model was used to produce probability surfaces that indicated the likelihood of location of both saturation and infiltration excess runoff mechanisms on the hillslope. Overall accuracies of the likelihood indicator model predictions varied between 81 and 87% for the infiltration excess and saturation excess runoff locations respectively. On the basis of accuracy of prediction, the likelihood indicator models were found to be superior (accuracy 81‐87%) to the predications made by the topographic index model (accuracy 69.5%). By combining statistics with GIS, runoff source areas on a hillslope can be identified by incorporating easily determined hydrologic measurements (such as bulk density, porosity, slope, depth to bed rock, depth to water table) and could serve as a watershed management tool for identifying critical runoff source areas in locations where the topographic index or other similar methods do not provide reliable results.


External events are a significant source of hazards to nuclear power plant (NPP) operation, and for this reason it is of meaningful importance to investigate the existing operational nuclear reactors, even aged, in order to verify their structural capacity adequacy. This study aims at investigating numerically, by means of a deterministic approach, the dynamic behaviour of the structures, systems and components (SSCs) relevant for the safety of the plant when subjected to earthquake event. A quite refined finite element model (FEM) was thus set up and implemented considering suitable aged/not aged materials behaviour and constitutive laws for the SSCs material. Damping ratios of building materials of height >50 m (reinforced concrete and steel) have been adopted as well. Fifty acceleration time histories, representative of different soil conditions, were inputted to the transient analyses. The obtained results were used to appropriately check mainly the considered NPP containment strength reserve. Results seem to confirm the overall containment reliability even though buckling could affect some internal components. It was observed also that ageing induces a reduction of the plant structural capacity by about 20%.


THE ordinary quarterly meeting of the Medico-Psyclhological Association of Great Britain and Ireland was held on May 28th, when Lieut.Colonel D. G. THOMSON, R.A.M.C.,was in the chair. Dr. JOHN TURNER gave an account, illustrated by a number of fine drawings, of researches into the Rolandic area in the insane. The anterior lip of the fissure of Rolando, that part of the cortex termed ascending frontal, was characterized, histologically, in its upper two-tbirds by the gresence of very large nerve cells which, from their size and the peculiarities of their structure, lent themselves readily to the study of pathological changes. Physiologically, this region represented the chief executive statioin of the brain-that whence the greater part, of the nervous currents passed -on their way from the br,ain to the muscles. In3anity was not only disorder of motive in conduct, but also disorder in execution, as was vividly exemplified in dementia praecox, though all forms of mental disorder were characterized by mannerisms and, affectations of speech and behaviour. He thouglit it probable that if there were anatomical changes in insanity they would show themselves in this region. He had been impressed with the peculiar form of Betz cell found in the brain of the insane, and in 1914 compared the picture as seen in the cortex of the insane with that in a corresponding area from a series of brains of persons dying in two large Loudon hospitals. In the cases from the ordinary hospitals he found the prevalence of what miaht be called the insane type much less marked. He now presented a study of the configuration and micrometry of the cortex in the Rolandic area for the purpose of ascertaining whether there was deficiency or atrophy in the depth of any of the laminae in the different forms of insanity. A further object was to ascertain whether the particular form' of Betz cell described was maintained in the areas controlling the muscles of the remaining part of the lower extremities, of the upper extremities, or of the face. In addition, he attempted to correlate differences in the 'internal structure of the Betz cells witlh svmptoms. Having described in detail the technique employed, he divided the cases whiclh he had examined into three classes: (1) All cases of acquired insanity, (2) cases of demnentia praecox, (3) imbeciles, whether suffering from epilepsy or not. The second class he particularized; dementia praecox he regarded as denoting more a temperament 'than a disease, including therein inefficients of all kinds, not alone those within asylum walls, but all whose nervous system was of deficient durability and therefore liable to break down under comparatively slight stresses. Though some of these persons made a decent livelihood, and some seemed to be of quite average ability, they yet possessed what Adolf Meyer termed the lhall-marknamely, a constitutional inability to meet their difficulties in an adequate manner. He set out his conclusions under the following four heads: 1. Anomalies in the form of the Rolandic fissure, and in the arrangement or architecture of its cortex, occurred more frequently among the insane, especially among subjects of dementia praecox, and imbeciles, than in normal individuals. 2. There appeared to be distinctive characters in the two sexes. 3. Micrometric studies indicated sexual differences in the width of the laminae; they failed to afford any clue to a solution of the problem of the pathology of insanity. 4. A study of the Betz cells he believed to be of very real assistance in the matter. The undue proportion of the axonal type in the insane enabled a glimpse to be obtained of the anatomical basis in a large number of cases. He regarded this type of cell as one of defective structure, and probably of deficient durability, and that the evidence favoured the .view that it was an innate defect due to arrested development. The presence of this type in greater or less number he regarded as a rough index of the stability of anyr given brain; other things being equal, a brain with a high percentage of these cells would more readily break down than a brain with a low_percenteage. On this view, thie brain of the precocious dement was the most unstable of all, and, relatively, more so in females than in males. This he considered to be in accord with clinical experience.


Two simple sensitivity invariants are derived for continously equivalent networks. The first one states that the sum of sensitivities with respect to all elements in a network is invariant under continuously equivalent transformation. The second one states that the individual sensitivity for capacitances and inductances is invariant if there are no capacitance loops and inductance cut-sets in a network.


Services dominate economic activity, but remain under-researched by analysts of innovation and technological change. The early 'one size fits all' theories of innovation in services have in recent years given way to an appreciation that services are diverse, not least in their innovation activities. This paper draws on recent empirical evidence from large-scale surveys undertaken in 13 western European countries, to investigate the extent and the sources of innovation in five services sectors. The analysis includes the extent to which services innovate, and amongst innovators the extent to which they engage in R&D and collaborative arrangements for innovation. The analysis supports the recent literature which emphasises significant differences between sectors in their pattern of innovation behaviour, but also highlights significant intra-sectoral differences in innovation behaviour. This intra-sectoral variation deserves much fuller investigation in the future.


Biological microswimmers such as bacteria and sperm cells often encounter complex biological fluid environments. Here we use the well-known squirmer microswimmer model to show the importance of the local fluid microstructure and non-continuum effects on their swimming speed in different polymeric and filamentous fluids. Surprisingly, we find that different squirmer types move at considerably different speed in filamentous fluids which cannot be explained by existing continuum models, but by considering the local fluid and polymer properties around the squirmers. Furthermore, direct squirmer-polymer interactions slow down in particular pushers by trapping large stiff filaments in a self-generated recirculation region in front of them.


BACKGROUND
mistreatment of elderly people is internationally recognised as a serious public health issue. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors associated with mistreatment in urban Nepal.

METHODS
this was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 212 elderly people residing in Butwal sub-metropolitan city, an urban area in Nepal; the study was conducted between March and October 2015. Two-stage cluster design with simple random sampling was adopted for the study. Information was collected using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire of older people. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with elder mistreatment.

RESULTS
this study found a prevalence of 49.1% for mistreatment of the elderly population. Prevalence rates of caregiver neglect, financial, psychological or physical mistreatment and other types (including sexual assault) were 47.2%, 11.8%, 10.8%, 1.42% and 3.3%, respectively. Being a dalit (untouchable backward class in the traditional Hindu caste system), unemployed, widowed, divorced or separated, problems concentrating and smoking were independent factors associated with mistreatment. Smoking was found to be consistently associated with the three most common mistreatment types.

CONCLUSIONS
mistreatment of older people is common in urban Nepal, with neglect, financial and psychological abuse most common. Along with standard risk factors, specific ethnic issues (membership of dalit community) are associated with increased risk.


We study the effect of the length scales $\alpha$ and $\beta$ on the
performance of the Navier--Stokes-$\alpha\beta$ equations for
numerical simulations of turbulence over coarse discretizations. To
this end, we rely on the strained spiral vortex model and take
advantage of the dimensional reduction allowed by that model. In
particular, the three-dimensional energy spectrum is reformulated so
that it can be calculated from solutions of the two-dimensional
unstrained Navier--Stokes-$\alpha\beta$ equations. A similarity theory for the spiral vortex model shows that the Navier--Stokes-$\alpha\beta$ model is better equipped than the Navier--Stokes-$\alpha$ model to capture smaller-scale behavior.
Numerical experiments performed using a pseudo-spectral discretization along with the second-order Adams--Bashforth time-stepping algorithm yield results indicating that the fidelity of the energy spectrum in both the
inertial and dissipation ranges is significantly improved for
$\beta<\alpha$.


The time-dependent non-thermal particle and photon spectra are reproduced for a Type Ia SNR Tycho with radio, x-ray, GeV and TeV emission within the framework of the diffusive shock acceleration of the non-thermal particles. TeV photons can come from the inverse Compton scattering of relativistic electrons and from the π0-decay process in proton-proton interaction. The results show that (1) the hadronic case can model the observed multiwavelength spectrum well and, peculiarly, the π0-decay process appears to be necessary to explain the GeV emission; and (2) magnetic field amplification is vital in the SNR.


Abstract:A previously unreported assemblage of sedimentary structures, including several types of ripple, chevron marks, ridge and furrows, plant-rich laminations, found in association with hybrid event beds, with related muddy debrites and the trace fossil Kouphichnium, is described from a short 10m section through the middle of the Gull Island Formation [GIFm] (Pennsylvanian) of northern County Clare, Ireland. The section exposes a sequence of thickening and coarsening-upwards gravity flow deposits and interbedded mudstone layers. The upper part of the section is dominated by thick, massive and amalgamated sandstone beds; the middle section contains thinner sandstone beds with debritic mudstone caps, while the lowermost section comprises thin beds with a range of sedimentary structures produced by low density, transitional flows influenced by mud content, including mud ripples. 'High-density' turbidity currents operating in a delta front setting are inferred to have transformed to hybrid event beds with dilute but mud-rich suspensions travelling further distally to emplace thin beds, with evidence for clay-induced transitional flow and an assemblage of sedimentary structures not previously described from the GIFm. Small-scale ripple foresets from the upper part of the lower section indicate a southerly component of palaeocurrent flow direction. Chevron marks show size and palaeo-flow direction variation, suggesting temporal changes in current flow. Ridge and furrows have previously been interpreted as being formed under the head of turbidity current; however, the scale of the ridge and furrows described here suggest that interpretation is unlikely and some other unknown mechanism is involved. The presence of Kouphichnium trackways is significant as Carboniferous examples of this ichnofossil are usually recorded from very shallow marine or marginal marine environments. This part of the GIFm in north Clare is interpreted as a shallowing, delta front lobe environment exhibiting an upward transition from marginal or distal lobe to proximal or axial lobe sub-environment. This study highlights the influence of flow transformation in a muddy delta front environment with a high level of sediment supply favouring sediment remobilisation and the generation of a distinctive suite of sedimentary structures.