A questionnaire (Subjective Quality of Life Profile, or SQLP) was finalized at the end of the eighties by our team. It was endorsed and tested on more than 13,000 subjects recruited outside of any medical context, or suffering from any somatic or psychological pathologies. On a conceptual framework, the questionnaire takes into account the subject's history independent from the context of his/her personal objectives. It differentiates quality of life from health, and stresses its multi-factorial aspect. The questionnaire is made up of 28 "inevitable" items covering four domains: relational, somatic, contextual and psycho-affective, as well as a list of optional items. Two types of questions pertaining to history are applied to each item, as well as to the anticipated expectations. The results are of interest in the following domains: 1) To specify the demands and complaints of subjects afflicted with various illnesses, and comparing them with healthy subjects. 2) To demonstrate the impact of various factors on the quality of life. 3) To observe patients' development following long-term or difficult therapy. 4) To be able to compare (once the questionnaires are filled out by different contributors), the patient's responses to those of his family or caregiver. 5) To take into account the patients' illness in order to provide the most pertinent results. These illnesses are always higher in psychiatry (and in particular those suffering from addictions): and are an unfavorable prognoses. Once the patient improves clinically, their illness decreases. 6) Regarding associates whose illnesses are at a "normal" level, the illness does not prove to be more serious than in exposed situations (either medical or social). At the moment it seems that the evaluation of a patient's quality of life brings an enriching, clarification to the appreciation of traditional medicine. Avoiding a social "desirability" criteria, we believe the responses relative to the illnesses will provide the best indication of the subjects' quality of life.


This paper provides a technological overview of the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) of LTE networks. The target of this overview is to provide a basic knowledge on 4G cellular network structure, entities responsibilities and protocol-stack. The overview is mainly based on the relevant 3GPP standards [2] and on Chapter 3 of the book "LTE for UMTS: OFDMA and SC-FDMA Based Radio Access" edited by Harri Holma and Antti Toskala [1].


The photoacoustic detection of water vapour permeability in solids is discussed. We propose a new experimental configuration in which the photoacoustic heat source is located at the cell's optical entrance window, rather than at the sample-transducer gas interface. It is claimed that only the sample permeability property is experimentally accessed in the new configuration. The experimental arrangement is tested by measuring the water vapour permeability of a - ceramic sample. In these measurements we were able to detect changes in the air molar concentration of water as small as 1.1%, with a resolution better than 0.5%, corresponding to the lowest relative humidity used in our measurements.


For lifelong health insurance covers, medical inflation not sufficiently incorporated in the level premiums determined at policy issue requires an appropriate increase of these premiums and/or of the corresponding reserves during the term of the contract. This premium and/or reserve update is necessary to maintain the actuarial equivalence between future health benefits and withdrawal payments on the one hand, and available reserves and future premiums on the other hand. In Vercruysse et al. (2013), premium and reserve indexing mechanisms were proposed in a discrete-time framework where medical inflation is only taken into account expost as it emerges over time and where the reserves are not transferable in case of policy cancellation. In this paper, we extend this work by investigating the more general situation where a surrender value is paid out in case of policy cancellation. Reserve-based as well as premium-based surrender values are considered.


Collagen/gelatin fragments are often polydisperse and heterogeneous, making them difficult for quantitation, especially during in vivo circulation. In this study, a new quantitation method was established based on the detection of collagen-specific peptide markers using HPLC-MS/MS. Blood samples were collected and digested for collagen-specific peptides identification and content determination after the infusion of bovine gelatin fragments into rabbits. Thirteen collagen-specific peptides, of which five were present in bovine collagen but absent in human collagen, were identified by MS detection and could be used as peptide markers for the quantitation of gelatin fragments in blood. One of the bovine collagen specific-peptides was then used as a peptide marker, and its detection linearity range and limit of quantification were confirmed. The pharmacokinetic parameters, such as half-life and elimination rate, and also the pharmacokinetic model of the infused gelatin fragments were determined from the time-concentration curve. This peptide marker based method offers better selectivity towards collagen/gelatin fragments quantitation and could find wider applications in the field of collagen/gelatin based products such as drug delivery materials, and nanoparticles.


Asymptotics consist in formal series of the solution to a problem which involves a small parameter. When truncated at a certain order, this finite sum provides an approximation of the exact solution with a given accuracy, and the coefficients of this sum are solutions to elementary problems that do not depend on the small parameter. This parameter can be for instance the thickness of the domain or a small or high conductivity coefficient. The asymptotic expansion is a useful tool to obtain approximate expressions of the solution to the so-called Eddy Current problem, which describes the magnetic potential in a material composed by a dielectric material surrounding a conductor.However such expansions are derivatives consuming, in the sense that to go further in the expansion, it is necessary to compute the higher derivatives of the first orders terms, and it also requires a precise knowledge of the geometry, since derivatives of the parameterization of the interface dielectric/conductor are involved. From the numerical point of view, this can lead to instabilities which may restrict or prevent a direct use of the asymptotic expansion. This mathematical approach complements our previous works on "deltaparametrization".In particular, we will show that several expansions can be involved when considering magnetic conductors depending on the product of the relative permeability of the conductor by the penetration depth. As an example, for the same geometry, boundary conditions and penetration depth we obtain two "very" distinct behaviours (left, f = 10kHz and mur = 1 and right, f = 10Hz and mur = 1000).


This study offers hypotheses concerning differences in organization design among for-profit (FP), nonprofit (NP), and local government (LG) organizations. We empirically examine design in a sample of 105 Minnesota nursing homes, using data from an original survey. The findings generally support our hypotheses: (a) NP and LG nursing homes delegate more decision-making authority to their nurses than their FP counterparts, (b) NP and LG nurses enjoy greater efficiency wages than their FP counterparts, (c) NP homes rely more on the social networks of their employees to recruit new employees than FP and LG homes, (d) FP tend to use more performance-based incentives than NP and LG, and (e) there is little difference in the extent to which FP, NP, and LG homes monitor their nurses. The differences that we do detect are significant but are probably tempered by regulation, market competition, and institutional pressures for similarity.


Accounts receivable is one of the great assets of current assets. Internal control is one way to anticipate the risk of fraud and to avoid negative that can arise due accounts. Internal control system has many elements that need to be designed, the system of separation of powers and separation of responsibilities - especially on the function and operation of the storage accounting functions in order to provide sufficient protection against the wealth, income and corporate accounts. This study was conducted to determine how the internal control of accounts receivable accounting system, what are the obstacles faced in internal control that is implemented and what is being done to minimize the barriers that exist in Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Administrasi Mandala Indonesia (STIAMI). This study used the descriptive analytical method, which is to analyse and discuss the issues that will be described, explanation and illustration are arranged in a systematic, objective and relevant based on data collected as a basis for making decisions. Research conducted by the descriptive analytical method to determine the implementation of internal control and accounting system accounts. In order to get the information directly from the parties concerned, the researchers conducted in depth interviews with the Board of Management of STIAMI. Based on the results of the research, internal control of accounting systems applied by STIAMI receivables quite effective, it is characterized by the independence of the audit committee or internal watchdog unit which are directly under the auspices of the chairman STIAMI. In addition, management has also implemented STIAMI basic concepts and principles of internal control.


Humphreys and Forde argue that semantic memory is divided into separate substores for different kinds of information. However, the neuro-imaging results cited in support of this view are inconsistent and often methodologically and statistically unreliable. Our own data indicate no regional specialisation as a function of semantic category or domain and support instead a distributed unitary account.


A rate-distortion theory is introduced for the optimal encoding of stationary memoryless continuous-amplitude sources with a single-letter distortion measure and reproduction alphabets of a given finite size. The theory arises from a judicious approximation of the original continuous-input discrete-output problem by one with discrete input and output. A size-constrained output alphabet rate-distortion function is defined, its coding significance is established by coding theorems, and a convergent algorithm is presented for its evaluation. The theory is applied to Gaussian sources with squared-error distortion measure. Using the algorithm for the calculation of the new rate-distortion function in this case establishes the existence of codes which attain almost any desired rate between the rate-distortion bound and the optimum entropy-coded quantizer. Furthermore, one can closely approach the rate-distortion limit with a surprisingly small number of output levels. The calculation furnishes optimal output levels, output level probabilities, and other parameters necessary for a trellis coding simulation. The search algorithm represents the first use for asymmetric sources and distortion measures of a variation of a single stack algorithm proposed by Gallager. Carrying out the simulation at a rate of 1 bit per source symbol, codes are found with 4 and 64 output levels which attain distortions smaller than that of an optimum quantizer and close to the rate-distortion bound. Furthermore, these codes attain comparable or better performance with far less search effort than previous attempts with a continuous output alphabet.


The Internet is getting richer, and so the services. The richer the services, the more the users demand.
The more they demand, the more we guarantee(1).
This thesis investigates the congestion control mechanisms for interactive multimedia streaming
applications. We start by raising a question as to why the congestion control schemes are not widely
deployed in real-world applications, and study what options are available at present. We then discuss and
show some of the good reasonings that might have made the control mechanism, specifically speaking
the rate-based congestion control mechanism, not so attractive.
In an effort to address the problems, we identify the existing problems from which the rate-based
congestion control protocol cannot easily escape. We therefore propose a simple but novel windowbased
congestion control protocol that can retain smooth throughput property while being fair when
competing with TCP, yet still being responsive to the network changes.
Through the extensive ns-2 simulations and the real-world experiments, we evaluate TFWC, our
proposed mechanisms, and TFRC, the proposed IETF standard, in terms of network-oriented metrics
(fairness, smoothness, stability, and responsive), and end-user oriented metrics (PSNR and MOS) to
throughly study the protocol's behaviors. We then discuss and conclude the options of the evaluated
protocols for the real application. (1)We as congestion control mechanisms in the Internet.


After a brief overview of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, the status of construction and installation is described in the first part of the note. The second part of the document is devoted to a discussion of the general commissioning strategy of the CMS experiment, with a particular emphasis on trigger, calibration and alignment. Aspects of b-physics, as well as examples for early physics with CMS are also presented. CMS will be ready for data taking in time for the first collisions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in late 2007. Talks given at the 11th Intl. Conference on B-physics at Hadron Machines BEAUTY 2006, Oxford (UK), September 2006


To evaluate the difference in myocardial damage between primary aldosteronism and untreated essential hypertension, we performed thallium-201 myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography in 10 patients with primary aldosteronism and 10 patients with essential hypertension who were matched for age, sex, blood pressure, and the severity of left ventricular hypertrophy for primary aldosteronism. From the analysis of thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy, extent score was calculated. Extent score was significantly higher in primary aldosteronism than in essential hypertension (45.8±23J% versus 9.5±73%, P<.01). After operation, blood pressure significantly decreased, and the precordial voltages (SV1+RV3) and left ventricular mass indexes were significantly reduced in patients with primary aldosteronism. Extent score was also significantly improved. These results suggest that despite the same severity of myocardial hypertrophy between primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension, the myocardial damage estimated by thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy is more severe in primary aldosteronism than in essential hypertension. Extent score was useful for evaluation of the severity of myocardial damage in hypertensive patients.


Building on first-hand qualitative and quantitative data collected from computer motherboard manufacturers, this research proposes a contingency argument for the effects of relational embeddedness on organizational performance. Results show that the effects of embeddedness vary depending on the specific dimension of embeddedness, organizational age, performance measures, and the type of supplier relations, and that the concept is far more complex than previous literature suggests. Two main conclusions are that a closer supplier relationship improves both organizational growth rate and production quality for younger organizations, while in chipset supplier relations, a highly committed supplier worsens production quality more for younger firms.


Microgrids are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers and as such in the future, a great number of them will be installed at consumer's sites. In this situation, conventional distribution networks that accept distributed generation connections may face serious difficulty when its control and protection functions become more complicated. This incurs a burden to the network operation and some technical limitations will appear when a great number of distributed generations are installed. One way of overcoming such problems, a micro grid system is formed to provide reliable electricity and heat delivering services by connecting distributed generations and loads together within a small area. A microgrid is usually connected to an electrical distribution network in an autonomous way and employs various distributed generation technologies such as micro-turbine, fuel cell, photovoltaic system together with energy storage devices such as battery, condenser and flywheel. Micro grids can cause several technical problems in its operation and control when operated as autonomous systems. This paper is a review of three technical challenges on micro grid with respect to voltage and frequency control, islanding and protection of microgrids.


Bite wounds are common in the emergency departments in Denmark. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are adopting pets and the number of hours spent at home with pets are increasing. This will probably result in more bite wounds and therefore, it is as important as ever for emergency doctors to be able to treat bite wounds appropriately. In this review, we summarise the most common types of bite wounds, how to make a thorough physical examination, what to focus on in the anamnesis, and how to treat bite wounds including when to suture and the indications for prophylactic antibiotics.


GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), one of the class-B G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), is a budding molecular target to design drugs for treating type 2 diabetes. In this review, authors have summarized the physiological actions of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and currently available drugs based on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs). The exemplary studies in this area have been examined in detail. GLP-1 RAs offer a chance of holistic management of this disease because they help in controlling the main condition and manage the related side effects too. Careful adjustment and monitoring of the dosage of GLP-1 receptor agonists is required to manage adverse effects.


Income generation interventions attempt to address poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities to increase participants' ability to generate income and secure livelihoods. This study sought to assess the role of women run Income Generating Projects (IGPs) in improving standards of living at household standards of living but it is also essential for poverty alleviation. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) was used to assess impact made on the livelihoods of the urban women and their household. This study enjoyed both qualitative and quantitative approaches and the data collection tools that were used are questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The result obtained show that IGPs are effective in addressing household needs, the programme is progressing well in improving the standards of living in Plumtree town. Evidence of improved household income has been shown through increased access to health and education, quality food, accumulation of household and productive assets participating households. However, IGPs are associated with challenges which include absence of market, lack of capital, illiteracy engaging in projects that are not viable which then leads them to project failure. The study has recommended a holistic and coordinated approach by the local authorities and all management to the women running IGPs and create n enabling environment to more positive impact both at household and community levels


Managing design often requires a complex organisational structure, due to the large number of internal and external stakeholders involved. That complexity demands an information system to support collaboration and coordination. However, traditional communication approaches only partially comply with the requirements of digital design environments. Visual Management (VM) has the potential to increase process transparency in design and facilitate the information transfer between stakeholders. Nonetheless, there is a lack of effective VM methods to support design management. The aim of this paper is to investigate the adoption of digital VM tools in design management. The paper presents findings of an ongoing research project developed with an infrastructure design company in the UK, following the Design Science Research approach. The main findings include the discussion of VM concepts in a digital design environment, as well as the analysis of existing VM tools which contribute to new ways of working and communicating.


International cooperation in all professional settings makes translation a very important tool of interpersonal and professional relations of specialists in different domains. Training of undergraduates and graduates' translation skills in a special setting is included in the curriculum of non-linguistic higher education institutions and studied from various aspects. The objective of the paper is to consider some psychological and teaching issues related to translation as a language activity. Russian and foreign researchers' works and the findings of the practical experience of Foreign Languages Department of Law Institute, Peoples` Friendship University of Russia are presented. The survey of the specialists with different practical experience of translation in the law setting is analyzed. The examination of training translation in the law setting at non linguistic higher education institution is provided. The data of the current research can be used in teaching practice to develop the translation skills of the undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates.


Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder affecting motor co-ordination. The Diagnostics Statistics Manual-IV classification for DCD describes difficulties across a range of activities of daily living, impacting on everyday skills and academic performance in school. Recent evidence has shown that difficulties persist into adulthood. As a consequence, increasing numbers of students are arriving at university and colleges in the UK with a diagnosis of DCD and requesting Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to gain support. This preliminary study examined a cohort of 115 students currently in further or higher education in order to compare and contrast similarities and differences in three subgroups: those with a diagnosis of DCD, a second group with DCD and dyslexia and a third group with dyslexia only. It examines how students were supported in the past and now as students. Additionally it identifies differences in reported strengths and difficulties. A higher percentage of those with dyslexia receive DSA. All students have similar types of support not dependent on their diagnosis. The DCD only group lives at home with parents more and has a significantly greater reported motor and executive functioning difficulty than the other two groups.


Employee Engagement  is an attribute  that measures an employee's commitment to a given organization  that  they work for. Despite various forms of engagements employed by various employers, Employee performance remains an area of concern among various organizations. The study  therefore sought  to establish  the effect of employee engagement on  job performance  in Kenya's public sector, taking a case  study of Nakuru Water and Sanitation Company Limited. The  study employed a descriptive  research design. The  target population comprised of 49 employees of Nakuru Water and Sanitation Company. A census method was used since the sample was equal to the target population. A pilot test was then conducted on 5 respondents which were randomly selected with the objective of determining both reliability and validity of the research instrument (Questionnaire). The researcher also used the Cronbach alpha to test for reliability of the instrument while the content validity of the instrument was determined by seeking the expert opinion of the University supervisors. A structured questionnaire was then administered to the respondents which captured the respondent's profile and data relevant to all the study variables. Data was collected, processed and then analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) tool. Data was then  analyzed  both  descriptively  and  inferentially.  The  findings  of  the  study  are  presented  in  form  of  tables  for  summary  statistics (descriptive and  inferential statistics). The study concluded  that organizational support and growth opportunities  foster  learning which enhances employee competence. It was further concluded that engaged employees are more involved in organization's issues and perform better. The findings also  led  to  the conclusion  that employees would work harder  if  they are recognized more. The study recommended that organizations should provide growth and development opportunities for their employees in attempts to enhance their competence and performance.


Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that poses challenging issues regarding the diagnostic workup. Indeed, no presurgical technique or clinical parameters can reliably distinguish between adrenal cortical adenomas, which are more frequent and have a favorable outcome, and ACC, and the final diagnosis largely relies on histopathologic analysis of the surgical specimen. However, even the pathologic assessment of malignancy in an adrenal cortical lesion is not straightforward and requires a combined evaluation of multiple histopathologic features. Starting from the Weiss score, which was developed in 1984, several histopathologic scoring systems have been designed to tackle the difficulties of ACC diagnosis. Dealing with specific histopathologic variants (eg, Liss-Weiss-Bisceglia scoring system for oncocytic ACC) or patient characteristics (eg, Wieneke index in the pediatric setting), these scores remarkably improved the diagnostic workup of ACC and its subtypes. Nevertheless, cases with misleading features or discordant correlations between pathologic findings and clinical behavior still occur. Owing to multicentric collaborative studies integrating morphologic features with ancillary immunohistochemical markers and molecular analysis, ACC has eventually emerged as a multifaceted, heterogenous malignancy, and, while innovative and promising approaches are currently being tested, the future clinical management of patients with ACC will mainly rely on personalized medicine and target-therapy protocols. At the dawn of the new Fifth World Health Organization classification of endocrine tumors, this review will tackle ACC from the pathologist's perspective, thus focusing on the main available diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive tissue-tethered features and biomarkers and providing relevant clinical and molecular correlates.


Meta-reinforcement learning (RL) addresses the problem of sample inefficiency in deep RL by using experience obtained in past tasks for a new task to be solved. However, most meta-RL methods require partially or fully on-policy data, i.e., they cannot reuse the data collected by past policies, which hinders the improvement of sample efficiency. To alleviate this problem, we propose a novel off-policy meta-RL method, embedding learning and evaluation of uncertainty (ELUE). An ELUE agent is characterized by the learning of a feature embedding space shared among tasks. It learns a belief model over the embedding space and a belief-conditional policy and Q-function. Then, for a new task, it collects data by the pretrained policy, and updates its belief based on the belief model. Thanks to the belief update, the performance can be improved with a small amount of data. In addition, it updates the parameters of the neural networks to adjust the pretrained relationships when there are enough data. We demonstrate that ELUE outperforms state-of-the-art meta RL methods through experiments on meta-RL benchmarks.


Walking to work at St Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota, USA, as a visiting internal medicine resident in February 2010, I noticed some strange grey spots dancing in my visual field and thought them rather odd. I had never experienced this before and put it down to the glare from all the surrounding snow. Little did I know at the time that this was the beginning of my encounter with acephalgic migraine, or migraine aura without the headache. Thankfully my visual symptoms vanished after 3 or 4 min and I continued on my way to work. Later that week, while driving my car, I began to notice a subtle difference in my left arm and hand, almost a weakening or deadening; this lasted for about 10 min and then resolved gradually. At first these episodes occurred separately but as time went on the arm symptoms were sometimes followed by visual aura. The right arm, hand and leg have never been involved. These rather strange phenomena were new and puzzling to me.

The symptoms affecting my left hand and arm occurred thereafter intermittently but began to increase in frequency as the summer months approached. As these symptoms became more troublesome, I …


Sudan I (1-phenylazo-2-hydroxynaphthol) is a suspected human carcinogen causing tumors in the livers and urinary bladders of rats, mice, and rabbits. Here, we investigated for the first time the influence of Sudan I exposure on the expression of several biotransformation enzymes in the livers, kidneys, and lungs of rats concomitantly at the mRNA and protein levels and assayed their enzymatic activities. We also studied its effect on the formation of Sudan I-derived DNA adducts in vitro. Sudan I increased the total amounts of cytochrome P450 (P450) in all organs tested. Western blots using antibodies raised against various P450s, NADPH:P450 reductase, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) showed that the expression of P450 1A1 and NQO1 was induced in the liver, kidney, and lung of rats treated with Sudan I. The higher protein levels correlated with increased enzyme activities of P450 1A1/2 and NQO1. Furthermore, 9.9-, 5.9-, and 2.8-fold increases in the formation of Sudan I oxidative metabolites catalyzed by microsomes isolated from the liver, kidney, and lung, respectively, of rats treated with Sudan I were found. The relative amounts of P450 1A and NQO1 mRNA, measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, demonstrated that Sudan I induced the expression of P450 1A1 and NQO1 mRNA in the liver, kidney, and lung, and of P450 1A2 mRNA in kidney and lung. Finally, microsomes isolated from livers, kidneys, and lungs of Sudan I exposed rats more effectively catalyzed the formation of Sudan I-DNA adducts than microsomes from organs of control rats. This was attributable to the higher P450 1A1 expression. Because P450 1A1 is playing a major role in the bioactivation of Sudan I in rat and human systems, its induction by Sudan I may have a profound effect on cancer risk by this azo dye. In addition, the induction of P450 1A1/2 and NQO1 enzymes can influence individual human susceptibility to other environmental carcinogens and have an effect on cancer risk.


By random sampling, a total of 656 newborn infants were selected, whose mothers knew the first day of their last menstruation. Newborn infants were divided into 3 groups: premature, at-term and postmature infants. Weight and height were measured in 583 at-term infants in 1954 and 1979. It was found that newborn infants of primiparas and multiparas from 1979 were statistically significantly heavier and longer than newborn infants from 1954. Newborn infants in 1979 of primiparas were 184.38 gm heavier and 2.33 cm longer and those of multiparas were 151.51 gm heavier and 2.31 cm longer than those in 1954. The differences were the same for male and female infants. In the same period, no statistically significant changes occurred in the frequency of at-term labours. In the 25-year period significant socio-economic changes occurred in the Zadar region which enabled better employment of the population in all economic branches, especially in tourism and industry.


The increasing number of embedded instruments used to perform test, monitoring, calibration and debug within a semiconductor device has called for a brand new standard-the IEEE 1687. Such a standard resorts to a reconfigurable scan network to provide efficient and flexible access to instruments and to handle complex structures. As it has to deliver reliable service, many approaches, both formal and simulation-based, have been proposed in the literature to perform test, diagnosis and verification of such networks. This paper focuses on the problem of post-silicon validation of a network, a problem that has not been adequately addressed, yet. We analyze the mismatches between the specification and its silicon implementation, and we propose a methodology to detect a subset of them by applying functional patterns and observing the length of the active scan path. Experimental results on ITC2016 benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed approach is broadly applicable, and able to generate very effective sequences. We also classify mismatches that cannot be targeted relying exclusively on the active scan path length information.


This paper investigated the manner by which students of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) coped with stress and determined the influence of demographic factors on the coping strategies used by students in an academic setting. The sample consisted of 197 undergraduate Emirati students from the university who were differentiated according to sex, age, year level, and marital status. The study used the Arabic version of the CISS that was formulated and validated by Hamid and Musa (2012) which is a semantic and contextualization adaptation of the CISS. Data gathering was done by means of the survey and the collected data was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the students depended on a repertoire of coping mechanisms which were either used frequently or sparingly regardless of sex, age, year level, or marital status. The findings depict a culturally endemic outlook of student coping in the context of the universal phenomenon of university education which makes it differ from the picture of coping among students in other cultural circumstances. On the basis of the extent to which coping strategies were used, the students of the UAEU can be better seen as contingent or repertorial copers. Keywords: Academic stress, coping, coping strategy, coping styles inventory


Coenzyme A transferases are involved in a broad range of biochemical processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and exhibit a diverse range of substrate specificities. The YdiF protein from Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an acyl-CoA transferase of unknown physiological function, and belongs to a large sequence family of CoA transferases, present in bacteria to humans, which utilize oxoacids as acceptors. In vitro measurements showed that YdiF displays enzymatic activity with short-chain acyl-CoAs. The crystal structures of YdiF and its complex with CoA, the first co-crystal structure for any Family I CoA transferase, have been determined and refined at 1.9 and 2.0 Å resolution, respectively. YdiF is organized into tetramers, with each monomer having an open α/β structure characteristic of Family I CoA transferases. Co-crystallization of YdiF with a variety of CoA thioesters in the absence of acceptor carboxylic acid resulted in trapping a covalent γ-glutamyl-CoA thioester intermediate. The CoA binds within a well defined pocket at the N- and C-terminal domain interface, but makes contact only with the C-terminal domain. The structure of the YdiF complex provides a basis for understanding the different catalytic steps in the reaction of Family I CoA transferases.


The development of services and the growing demand for resources sharing among users from different organizations with some level of affinity have motivated the creation of Identity Management Systems. Identity Management has gained significant attention in recent years in the form of several projects producing many standards, prototypes and application models both in the academia and the industry. However, the interoperability between different Identity Management Solutions is still a complex challenge yet to achieve. The user can only use one Identity Provider within a single Service Provider session, when in many scenarios the user needs to provide attributes from multiple Identity Providers. This paper presents the state of the art of our researches and it focuses on two main topics: first, to provide a detailed study about the Identity Management and the integrated disciplines and technologies in general; secondly, to summarize the main approaches that have been proposed to overcome the interoperability challenge.


In this paper, we study (bound constrained) LQR problems in distributed control systems governed by the elliptic equation with point observations, which are motivated by problems in corrosion engineering and contemporary "smart materials." Several regularity and characterization theorems have been established. In particular, three decomposition formulas are obtained to characterize the optimal control and optimal layer density, and are used to direct the numerical computations. These results cannot be obtained by the traditional Galerkin variational method. In the process, several useful lemmas are established, which are of independent interest. We point out that the classical Lagrangian multiplier method (LMM) may fail to provide a reliable numerical algorithm. Based on our characterization results and the boundary element method, two algorithms are proposed to carry out numerical computations. It has been shown by our numerical experiments that both algorithms are efficient and insensitive to the partition number of the boundary. An adaptive local refinement scheme has also been designed to handle the rough behavior of the optimal solution around sensor locations.


This paper presents a method to predict energy usage, based on weather conditions and occupancy, using a multiple linear regression model (MLR) in research office buildings. In this study, linear regression models of four research office sites in different regions of New Zealand were selected to show the capability of simple models to reduce margins of error in energy auditing projects. The final linear regression models developed were based on monthly outside temperatures and numbers of full time employees (FTEs). Comparing actual and predicted energy usage showed that the models can predict energy usage within acceptable errors. The results also showed that each building should be investigated as an individual unit.


In transfer learning, only the last part of the networks - the so-called head - is often fine-tuned. Representation similarity analysis shows that the most significant change still occurs in the head even if all weights are updatable. However, recent results from few-shot learning have shown that representation change in the early layers, which are mostly convolutional, is beneficial, especially in the case of cross-domain adaption. In our paper, we find out whether that also holds true for transfer learning. In addition, we analyze the change of representation in transfer learning, both during pre-training and fine-tuning, and find out that pre-trained structure is unlearned if not usable.


For effective and efficient environmental management, developed countries, such as the Netherlands, UK, Australia, Canada, and United States apply ecological risk assessment, and they have an autonomous risk assessment methodology to protect native receptors. In this study, soil ecological protective concentration (EPC) of cadmium in Korea was derived using Korean ecological risk assessment methodology. The soil EPC of cadmium was calculated using probabilistic ecological risk assessment based on species sensitivity distribution. The soil EPC was calculated according to land use for residential/agricultural and industrial/commercial purposes. The chronic soil EPCs for residential/agricultural and industrial/commercial lands were derived to be 1.58 and 9.60 mg/kg, respectively. These values were similar to soil EPC of European Commission, the Netherlands, UK, and Canada. However, these values were lower than the established Korean soil standard, because the current soil standard was based on human risk. Therefore, the impact on an ecosystem when establishing environmental standard should be considered.


We describe a rare case of middle lobe lung torsion in a patient with a tension hydrothorax secondary to multicentric Castleman disease. The case demonstrates the difficulty of diagnosing torsion prospectively, and the possible sequelae of delayed detection. Although imaging features can be confusing, an awareness of this condition and careful image interpretation by radiologists could facilitate early recognition and management of a torted lobe.


This paper addresses the Rolling Stock Rescheduling Problem (RSRP), while taking maintenance appointments into account. After a disruption, the rolling stock of the disrupted passenger trains has to be rescheduled in order to restore a feasible rolling stock circulation. Usually, a number of train units have a scheduled maintenance appointment during the day: these appointments must be taken into account while rescheduling the rolling stock. In this paper we propose three Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) models for this purpose. All models are extensions of the Composition model from literature, which does not distinguish individual train units. The Extra Unit Type model adds an additional rolling stock type for each train unit that requires maintenance. The Shadow-Account model keeps track of a shadow account for each train unit that requires maintenance. The Job-Composition model creates a path for each train unit such that the train units that require maintenance are on time for their maintenance appointments. All models are tested on instances of Netherlands Railways (NS). The results show that especially the Shadow-Account model and the Job-Composition model are effectively able to take maintenance appointments into account during real-time rescheduling. It depends on the characteristics of an instance whether the Shadow-Account model or the Job-Composition model performs best.


The metabolic syndrome has attracted interest because of its relevance to major contemporary chronic diseases associated with inactive lifestyles and the abundance of food, both of which have resulted in a way of life which challenges our genetic makeup. Changing the fuel mix by the introduction of more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, a reduction in saturated fatty acids, an increase in fiber, and the use of low glycemic index slow-release carbohydrate foods may make a difference, as will increasing the amount of vegetable protein and plant foods such as nuts, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant systems. Nevertheless, these supportive measures will be overwhelmed in the absence of calorie restriction combined with adequate energy expenditure. This situation appears to be one where the subsidiary solutions are complex and the central issue is simple.


The technique of carrying out certification of the failed details of motionless interfaces is presented in article on the example of research of case details (transmissions, transfer cases, bridges) the car on technical condition of seats under bearings. It is shown that the majority of cases of transmissions, transfer cases, bridges come to repair with plus deviations of diameter of landing openings.


New investigations on the Bir Massouda site have refined our knowledge of Punic Carthage. In particular the southern casemate city wall has been dated more precisely to around the middle of the 7th century BC. Human remains in secondary position seem to confirm the existence of Carthage's earliest necropolis on the site. Special attention goes to the Middle and Late Punic periods: a septic pit and its homogeneous fill are presented and discussed in the perspective of Carthage's garbage collection system. A strongbox or cultic depository with two vessels and red ochre offering is discussed. A terracotta tile floor is presented as a rare example of the pavimenta punica. Finally, some prospects are given on the site conservation's measures and the publication trajectory.*


The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the Government of British Columbia of any product or service to the exclusion of any others that may also be suitable. Contents of this report are presented for discussion purposes only. Funding assistance does not imply endorsement of any statements or information contained herein by the Government of British Columbia. Uniform Resource Locators (urls), addresses, and contact information contained in this document are current at the time of printing unless otherwise noted.


Recent weather-related disasters (i.e., floods, fires) impacting Australia may potentially increase in frequency and severity as a result of predicted climate variability. The dearth of literature pertaining to school emergency response planning for vulnerable students with disabilities (including those with intellectual disabilities) when such disasters occur and the lack of evidence-based support for school guidelines addressing the needs of such students led the authors to investigate the presence and extent of governmental policies and guidelines underpinning disaster management in schools in Australia. In the absence of routine policies and procedures, students with disabilities may be placed at risk to ill-advised evacuation efforts or neglected during severe emergencies. The study's results indicate that insufficient consideration has been given to the emergency preparedness planning and management with respect to meeting needs of vulnerable students with disabilities. The findings suggest that disaster preparedness is underresourced and possibly neglected. Although the particular needs of vulnerable students with disabilities are briefly noted in the various state governments' education policies, they have not been systematically considered in the context of overall disaster planning for Australian schools, with the ambiguity of student characterization terms such as "special needs" adding to the problem. The study also scrutinized the terms with respect how they might impact school plans that relate to emergency management. The authors conclude that processes already embedded in local schools for students with disabilities may be possible vehicles to appropriate statewide emergency management planning. They recommend that education authorities worldwide review current emergency management policies in a consultative manner with schools, researchers, first responders, and carers so as to minimize risk for students with disabilities in natural disaster emergencies.


Little is known on the role of commensal bacteria in lupus. We previously showed that a higher abundance of Lactobacillaceae and a lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae are correlated with improved lupus symptoms in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. In the same study, it was noted that Lactobacillaceae ("good" bacteria) was more abundant in the gut of pre-disease lupus mice, while Lachnospiraceae ("bad" bacteria) was relatively more abundant after disease onset. We thus hypothesized that antibiotic use after disease onset might have a greater impact on "bad" than "good" bacteria, thus attenuating the disease. To test this hypothesis, we treated MRL/lpr mice with antibiotics starting from 3 weeks (pre-disease, Abx-3w) or 9 weeks of age (after disease onset, Abx-9w). Consistent with the results obtained from germ-free MRL/lpr mice, Abx-3w did not change disease course or severity. Treatment with Abx-9w, however, was able to significantly reduce spleen and lymph node weight, serum level of anti-dsDNA IgG, proteinuria, and renal pathology. Bacterial profiling analysis revealed that >99% of bacteria were removed by Abx-3w, while 20% bacteria remained with Abx-9w treatment, where Lactobacillales and Enterobacteriales were enriched. Further studies are underway to investigate the immunological mechanisms of how Abx-9w attenuated lupus in these mice. The results of this study will increase our understanding of how environmental triggers, such as antibiotic use, are associated with lupus.


It is often hypothesized that young children's difficulties with producing weak-strong (iambic) prosodic forms arise from perceptual or linguistically based production factors. A third possible contributor to errors in the iambic form may be biological constraints, or biases, of the motor system. In the present study, 7 children with specific language impairment (SLI) and speech deficits were matched to same age peers. Multiple levels of analysis, including kinematic (modulation and stability of movement), acoustic, and transcription, were applied to children's productions of iambic (weak-strong) and trochaic (strong-weak) prosodic forms. Findings suggest that a motor bias toward producing unmodulated rhythmic articulatory movements, similar to that observed in canonical babbling, contribute to children's acquisition of metrical forms. Children with SLI and speech deficits show less mature segmental and speech motor systems, as well as decreased modulation of movement in later developing iambic forms. Further, components of prosodic and segmental acquisition develop independently and at different rates.


Objectives: Foundational elements of problem based learning (PBL) are triggers, tutors and students. Ineffective triggers are important issues for students' inability to generate appropriate learning issues. The objective of this study was to evaluate PBL triggers and to determine similarities of students' generated learning issues with predetermined faculty objectives. Methods: It was a retrospective study conducted in 2014 analyzing all 24 PBL-triggers used at Centre for Foundation Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, in four semesters during two consecutive years 2011 and 2012. Triggers were used as textual and illustration format equally in each semester. Total 16 PBL-triggers with highest and lowest achieving similarities of learning issues with predetermined faculty objectives were selected equally from each semester and format. The trigger quality and learning issues related to predetermine faculty objectives were analyzed and presented as mean and percent distribution. Results: Mean similarities score of students' generated learning issues were 3.4 over 5 predetermined faculty objectives which was 68%, varied from 58% to 79%. More than 70% similarities were generated from five textual and four illustrated triggers, while <70% similarities observed from four illustrated and three textual triggers. Conclusion: Whatever the trigger formats in PBL, it is the designing considering influential variables that influence higher outcomes. Triggers should have planned clues that lead students to generate issues correlate with faculty objectives. Educational institution should emphasize on training needs of faculty at regular interval to develop and re-in force teachers' skills in trigger design, thereby to promote a sustainable educational and organizational development.


AIM
To determine the effect of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme on the age of referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children in the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.

METHOD
A retrospective review of data collected prospectively from March 2003 to August 2014.

RESULTS
123 children were referred to the programme with prelingual deafness in the time period. There was a significant decrease in the age of referral (median 6.23 months vs. 21.50 months) and age at implantation (12.66 months vs. 24.0 months) in those that underwent newborn hearing screening. Reasons for delay in referral and implantation were identified.

CONCLUSION
The introduction of universal newborn hearing screening has significantly reduced the age at referral and implantation of prelingually deaf children. However, the screening programme must continue to undergo monitoring and regular audit. Efforts must also be made to reduce the time to referral, including reducing non-attendance rates, education for parents and service providers, and earlier referral of those with comorbidities so as to reduce the time to implantation.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze current literature on critical sensemaking (CSM) to assess its significance and potential for understanding the role of agency in management and organizational studies.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis involves an examination of a selection of 51 applied studies that cite, draw on and contribute to CSM, to assess the challenges and potential of utilizing CSM.

Findings
The paper reveals the range of organizational issues that this work has been grappling with; the unique insights that CSM has revealed in the study of management and organizations; and some of the challenges and promises of CSM for studying agency in context. This sets up discussion of organizational issues and insights provided by CSM to reveal its potential in dealing with issues of agency in organizations. The sheer scope of CSM studies indicates that it has relevance for a range of management researchers, including those interested in behavior at work, theories of organization, leadership and crisis management, diversity management, emotion, ethics and justice, and many more.

Research limitations/implications
The main focus is restricted to providing a working knowledge of CSM rather than other approaches to agency.

Practical implications
The paper outlines the challenges and potential for applying the CSM theory.

Social implications
The paper reveals the range of problem-solving issues that CSM studies have been applied to.

Originality/value
This is the first major review of the challenges and potential of applying CSM; concluding with a discussion of its strengths and limitations and providing a summary of insights for future work.


The criterion standard of treatment of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma is complete surgical excision. However, ectopic location of these adenomas is an extremely rare condition, which may affect the diagnosis and treatment success. We report a case of a 49-year-old man who was referred to our institution with persistent hypercortisolemia after an unsuccessful attempt of surgical resection. F-choline PET/CT revealed increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in a nodule localized in the left maxillary sinus, which was proved at histology to be an ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma staining positive for ACTH. Imaging with F-FDG PET/CT and Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT was not diagnostic.


The oak woodlands of San Diego County are below their potential productivity due to the low levels of the most needed plant nutrient, nitrogen, associated with the common soils of this zone. Atmospheric nitrogen fixing legumes could address this deficiency. However, because of limiting environmental constraints, adapted commercial legume cultivars have not been available. By the early 1980's, a modest plant exploration program was begun to identify annual legumes with potential for adaptation to this region, locate them in their native or naturalized habitat, collect and reproduce an adequate number of these legumes' wild types and test them for adaptation. Trials established in 1984 and evaluated over a 4-year period indicate that a number of these wild legumes are adapted and are superior to presently available Australian cultivars. These encouraging results suggest continued testing and screening of legume materials that address the soils' nitrogen deficiency in the oak woodland rangelands of Southern California.


We consider a slotted WDM packet switch with limited-range wavelength converters. The performance of this switch is studied using simulations with various types of data traffic. Results show that the slotted WDM packet switch with a small range of wavelength conversion capability can achieve a performance close to that of a switch with the full range of wavelength conversion capability.


Dehorning is a painful husbandry procedure that is commonly performed in dairy calves. Parenteral meloxicam combined with local anesthesia mitigates the physiological and behavioral effects of dehorning in calves. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of timing of oral meloxicam administration on physiological responses in calves after dehorning. Thirty Holstein bull calves 810 weeks of age (28-70 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: placebo-treated control group (CONT) (n=10), calves receiving meloxicam administered orally (1 mg/kg) in powdered milk replacer 12 h prior to cautery dehorning (MEL-PRE) (n=10) and calves receiving meloxicam administered as an oral bolus (1 mg/kg) at the time of dehorning (MEL-POST) (n=10). Following cautery dehorning, blood samples were collected to measure cortisol, substance P (SP), haptoglobin, ex-vivo prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) production after lipopolysaccharide stimulation and meloxicam concentrations. Maximum ocular temperature (MOT) and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) was also assessed. Data were analyzed using non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis and repeated measures ANOVA models. Mean peak meloxicam concentrations were 3.61 ± 0 .21 μg/mL and 3.27 ± 0.14 μg/mL with average elimination half-lives of 38.62 ± 5.87 h and 35.81 ± 6.26 h in the MEL-PRE and MEL-POST groups respectively. Serum cortisol concentrations were lower in meloxicam-treated calves compared with control calves at 4 h post-dehorning (P=0.0004). SP concentrations were significantly higher in control calves compared with meloxicam-treated calves at 120 h after dehorning (P=0.038). PgE2 concentrations were lower in meloxicam-treated calves compared with control calves (P=0.001). MNT was higher in control calves at 1 h after dehorning (P=0.02) but meloxicam-treated calves tended to have a higher MNT at 6 h after dehorning (P=0.07). There was no effect of timing of meloxicam administration on plasma cortisol concentrations (P= 0.69), SP concentrations (P=0.86), haptoglobin concentrations (P=0.86), MOT (P=0.90), or MNT (P=0.99). However, PgE2 concentrations in MEL-PRE calves were similar to CONT calves after 12h post-dehorning, while MEL-POST calves had lower PgE2 concentrations for 3 d post dehorning. These findings suggest that meloxicam reduced cortisol, SP and PgE2 after dehorning but only PgE2 production was significantly affected by the timing of meloxicam administration.


DNA, because of its robustness and dense information storage capability, has been proposed as a potential candidate for next-generation storage media. However, encoding information into the DNA sequence requires molecular synthesis technology, which to date is costly and prone to synthesis errors. Reading the DNA strand information is also complex. Ideally, DNA storage will provide methods for modifying stored information. Here, we conduct a feasibility study investigating the use of the DNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC) methylation state as a molecular memory to store information. We propose a new 1-bit memory device and study, based on the density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function method, the feasibility of electrically reading the information. Our results show that changes to methylation states lead to changes in the peak of negative differential resistance which can be used to interrogate memory state. Our work demonstrates a new memory concept based on methylation state which can be beneficial in the design of next generation DNA based molecular electronic memory devices.


After almost 25 years of mass media coverage on the Claremont Serial Killings, Perth audiences were informed in December 2020 that Bradley Robert Edwards would serve two life sentences for murdering two of the young women. This article draws on interviews with journalists to discuss media practices in the case that shocked Perth while shaping audience understandings of women as victims. The article describes how the term 'serial killer' came into use to bolster the importance of Western Australian news; how the status and resources of victim's family influenced media coverage and, consequently, the police investigation; and, how the position of a journalist as an unbiased observer became untenable in the case.


We consider the spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry in five dimensional supergravity with boundaries where the supersymmetry breaking mechanism is provided by the even part of the bulk prepotential. The supersymmetric action comprises boundary brane terms with detuned tensions. The two branes have opposite tensions. We analyse the possible vacua with spontaneously broken supersymmetry. A class of solutions corresponds to rotated branes in an AdS 5 bulk. In particular parallel branes which are rotated with respect to the bulk preserve 1/4 of supersymmetry. We analyse more general vacua using the low energy effective action for gravity coupled to the radion field. Supersymmetry breaking implies that the radion field acquires a potential which is negative and unbounded from below. This potential is modified when coupling the boundary branes to a bulk four–form field. For a brane charge larger than the deficit of brane tension, the radion potential is bounded from below while remaining flat when the charge equals the deficit of brane tension.


Abstract:  Over the past 20 years, land reform – defined here as the redistribution of land from large to small properties – has emerged as an important political issue in the Global South. Actors with widely differing ideological perspectives have claimed land reform as central to their political, social and economic platforms. In this paper, I compare reforms championed under the neoliberal auspices of the World Bank (the so-called Market Led Agrarian Reforms) with those supported by popular grassroots actors such as the Movement of Landless Workers (the MST) in Brazil. I argue that although these two approaches to land reform are often considered antithetical to one another, they share a common theoretical foundation. Both are rooted in a labor theory of property that attributes the fruits of one's labor to the laborer. Where the two differ is in their interpretation of the "original sin" through which land and labor came to be misaligned: neoliberal actors see the state as the key source of land-related inefficiency while popular grassroots actors identify the market as the key source. I analyze case material from northeastern Brazil and suggest that the institutionalization of the labor theory of property (across civil society, state and market in the region) has generated insecurities for new land reform beneficiaries who must protect their property rights with visible evidence of their productivity.


The capacity to agglutinate pneumococci, to precipitate soluble specific substance, and to protect mice possessed by antipneumococcal horse serum was inhibited by the addition of methylene blue and exposure to the light of the Pointolite lamp. Agglutination and precipitation by rabbit antipneumococcal serum were also inhibited by such treatment. The native protective power of the serum of a human being against types 1, 2, and 3 pneumococci was destroyed in a similar manner. The capacity of this sample of serum (which belonged to blood group O) to clump red blood-cells of groups A and B was lost after photodynamic treatment.
 Dilution of the antiserum with saline solution before exposure increased the proportion of antibody which was inactivated. The other changes studied also became proportionately more pronounced. However, when dilution was made with normal serum, the proportion of antibody which was inactivated remained approximately unchanged, thus suggesting that the reaction involving the change in antibody is a first order one, although it is not necessarily monomolecular.
 Following treatment of the antipneumococcal serum from the horse with dye and light, precipitation with rabbit antihorse serum and the cutaneous reaction in sensitized rabbits were reduced. A few experiments with sensitized guinea pigs indicated a reduction in the "shocking" power of the treated serum.
 An increased solubility of water-insoluble proteins of the serum followed treatment.
 The active rays were absorbed by the solution of the dye.
 Oxygen was considered indispensable to the reaction because destruction of antibody and other changes failed to take place in the absence of air. In the presence of an atmosphere of carbon dioxide or nitrogen the changes also failed to occur.
 Certain similarities and differences between the action of ultraviolet light and photodynamic action are discussed.


The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the rise of online purchases, resulting in the accumulation of plastic packaging waste. Plastic is most widely used because it is lightweight, flexible, cheap and easy to obtain, but its waste is difficult to decompose, which has an impact on the environment. Eco-bricking is one way that waste banks often reduce the amount of plastic waste. The obstacle in making eco-bricks is sore hands and calluses because it takes a lot of energy to compact the plastic. On the other hand, there is a lot of concentrated cooking oil waste that is still untreated, causing difficulties when disposing of it. Through this research, the design of a waste bank scale plastic melting machine is carried out with the raw materials of plastic bags and concentrated cooking oil into new materials that are more useful. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method with an Ergonomics approach is the basis for the stages of making product design from collecting consumer voices to making detailed tool designs. The operation of the tool uses simple technology so that it is easy to use by members of the Gurami Semanu waste bank. A total of 34 respondents will be the basis for determining product design. The results of the design of a bank-scale plastic melting tool in the form of a lidded stainless steel pot with a stirrer. The heater used for melting uses LPG gas with automatic operation using a button.


Freshness is one of the most significant parameters of fish quality. This study aims to develop a new rapid non-destructive technique to assess fish freshness. Two different technologies including computer vision and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR spectroscopy) were employed in the detection. Subsequently a new data fusion detection method was developed to improve the accuracy of classification by combining the inspection data of computer vision with that of NIR spectroscopy. Parabramis pekinensis bought from a local market were taken as experimental samples. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content of the samples was measured as an indicator of fish freshness using conventional methods. Computer vision and NIR spectroscopy were used to acquire image information for organoleptic changes and spectrum information for structural changes in the fish samples during storage, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for data compression to reduce the dimensionality of the data set while essential information was retained, which made the analysis easier than it would have been for the original huge data set. A back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) was used to build a prediction model by obtaining a non-linear relation between the fish freshness and the body changes during storage. The results showed that computer vision technology outperformed NIR spectroscopy techniques, for the BP-ANN model reached a 94.17% success rate in the training set and 90.00% in the prediction set using the computer vision technology, while the model of NIR spectroscopy reached 86.67% and 80.00% in the training set and prediction set respectively. This showed improved fish freshness classification using computer vision technology rather than the NIR spectroscopic method. Therefore, the data from the two techniques were considered simultaneously, using the classification model BP-ANN, which achieves the optimum performance of 96.67% and 93.33% corresponding to the training set and prediction set respectively using data fusion. Therefore, this demonstrated for the first time the feasibility and superiority of data fusion by integrating computer vision and NIR spectroscopy in the classification of fish freshness.


Among the artistic practices aimed at promoting the health of citizens, in Italy and Europe, the performing arts and theatre have acquired a particularly relevant role by involving citizens in the process of creative participation. Participation is actually emerging as a salutogenic factor and a key element in improving the quality of personal and collective life, also supporting the building of social capital and literacy, considered, in turn, as health promotion factors. The «social theatre» is characterized by the involvement of citizens as actors in different forms of entertainment in the community spaces themselves. The Social and Community Theatre Centre, SCT Centre UNITO, where the innovative and multidisciplinary methodology of Social Community Theatre was developed in the early 2000s, is being hosted at the University of Turin.


Abstract Three microsatellite loci on porcine chromosome 12 were ordered by single sperm typing to expand the limited genetic map of this region. Individual sperm cells from a Chinese indigenous Qingping boar triply heterozygous at SW874, SW1350 and SW1553 were amplified using PEP and heminesting primer design at each locus. Analysis of the sperm typing data by the SPERM.FOR. program showed that the most likely order was SW1553‐SW1350‐SW874.


Although the causes of cancer lie in mutations or epigenic changes at the genetic level, their molecular manifestation is the dysfunction of biochemical pathways at the protein level. The 518 protein kinases encoded by the human genome play a central role in various diseases, a fact that has encouraged extensive investigations on their biological function and three dimensional structures. Selenium (Se) is an important nutritional trace element involved in different physiological functions with antioxidative, antitumoral and chemopreventive properties. The mechanisms of action for selenocompounds as anticancer agents are not fully understood, but kinase modulation seems to be a possible pathway. Various organosulfur compounds have shown antitumoral and kinase inhibition effects but, in many cases, the replacement of sulfur by selenium improves the antitumoral effect of compounds. Although Se atom possesses a larger atomic volume and nucleophilic character than sulfur, Se can also formed interactions with aminoacids of the catalytic centers of proteins. So, we propose a novel chemical library that includes organoselenium compounds as kinase modulators. In this study thirteen selenocompounds have been evaluated at a concentration of 3 or 10 µM in a 24 kinase panel using a Caliper LabChip 3000 Drug Discover Platform. Several receptor (EGFR, IGFR1, FGFR1…) and non-receptor (Abl) kinases have been selected, as well as serine/threonine/lipid kinases (AurA, Akt, CDKs, MAPKs…) implicated in main cancer pathways: cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, angiogenesis regulation among them. The obtained results showed that two compounds presented inhibition values higher than 50% in at least four kinases and seven derivatives selectively inhibited one or two kinases. Furthermore, three compounds selectively activated IGF-1R kinase with values ranging from −98% to −211%. In conclusion, we propose that the replacement of sulfur by selenium seems to be a potential and useful strategy in the search of novel chemical compound libraries against cancer as kinase modulators.


Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease with limited treatment options. Understand the extent of disease burden among key subsets of patients (such as those experiencing flares) could help devise optimal disease management strategies. Objectives To assess the characteristics of SLE patients currently experiencing flares in Europe (EU). Methods A multi-center retrospective medical chart review of adult (16-89 yrs) SLE patients was conducted in 1Q2014 among rheumatologists/internal medicine physicians in big-5 EU countries (5EU): UK, France (FR), Germany (DE), Italy (IT) and Spain (SP). Physicians were recruited from a geographically representative sample in each country. Approx. 5 consecutive eligible persistent active or relapse remitting SLE patients currently managed as part of usual care were identified within the study observation window. Physicians abstracted de-identified patient data on disease characteristics, lab values and treatment patterns. Patient disease status and humanistic burden was assessed by physician per clinical judgment & patient interaction. Patients experiencing a flare (per physician clinical judgment) were identified for analysis. Results 135 SLE patients who were experiencing flares were included in the analysis (UK: 45/FR: 22/DE: 20/IT: 20/SP: 28). Mean age (yrs) was 5 EU: 40.6/UK: 44.4/FR: 39.3/DE: 36.9/IT: 41.0/SP: 37.9; % female was 5EU: 78%/UK: 87%/FR: 59%/DE: 75%/IT: 70%/SP: 86%; % full-time employment was 5EU: 33%/UK: 20%/FR: 32%/DE: 30%/IT: 50%/SP: 43%; % part-time employment was 5EU: 18%/UK: 29%/FR: 9%/DE: 10%/IT: 10%/SP: 18%; % on sick leave was 5EU: 17%/UK: 9%/FR: 23%/DE: 25%/IT: 15%/SP: 21%. Top-5 organ manifestations observed were musculoskeletal (5EU: 88%/UK: 93%/FR: 100%/DE: 65%/IT: 95%/SP: 82%), mucocutaneous (5EU: 85%/UK: 96%/FR: 91%/DE: 65%/IT: 80%/SP: 82%), haematologic (5EU: 56%/UK: 56%/FR: 41%/DE: 60%/IT: 50%/SP: 68%), renal (5EU: 33%/UK: 33%/FR: 23%/DE: 50%/IT: 45%/SP: 21%) and pulmonary (5EU: 27%/UK: 38%/FR: 5%/DE: 10%/IT: 35%/SP: 32%). Percentage of patients with low C3 (5EU: 73%/UK: 55%/FR: 62%/DE: 85%/IT: 90%/SP: 89%), low C4 (5EU: 78%/UK: 59%/FR: 90%/DE: 90%/IT: 75%/SP: 89%) and positive anti-ds-DNA (5EU: 90%/UK: 80%/FR: 100%/DE: 95%/IT: 95%/SP: 93%) were high. Among those with lab measures, mean ESR (mm/h) was 5EU: 50.1/UK: 44.4/FR: 47.6/DE: 41.2/IT: 54.6/SP: 63.8; mean hemoglobin (g/L) was 5EU: 10.4/UK: 9.8/FR: 11.1/DE: 10.5/IT: 10.5/SP: 10.7. Humanistic burden (reported via physician ratings, on a scale of 1 (most impact) to 7 (least impact)) was (mean scores): patient ability to perform every-day tasks - 5EU: 4.4/UK: 4.4/FR: 5.1/DE: 3.8/IT: 4.5/SP: 4.0; patient ability to interact fully with family and friends - 5EU: 4.9/UK: 4.9/FR: 5.5/DE: 4.2/IT: 5.0/SP: 4.9; patient ability to work/keep employment - 5EU: 3.9/UK: 4.2/FR: 4.2/DE: 2.8/IT: 4.2/SP: 3.7. Percentage of patients hospitalized ≥1 in the past-year was 5EU: 56%/UK: 40%/FR: 68%/DE: 65%/IT: 65%/SP: 57%. Conclusions SLE patients experiencing flares had significant clinical and humanistic burden across the studied countries. Further scrutiny is warranted to assess the modalities of care delivered to this patient group to alleviate their burden. Disclosure of Interest S. Narayanan Employee of: Ipsos, Y. Lu Employee of: Ipsos, R. Hutchings Employee of: Ipsos


Full characterization of particulate recording media requires the modeling of both the reversible and the irreversible components of the magnetization. Experiments show that the height of minor loops originating from negative saturation is not an even function of the magnetization. A moving Preisach-type model with reversible magnetization that is capable of calculating these results is introduced. The properties of the model are discussed. It is shown that previous models are special cases of this model. >


Increased levels of blood plasma urea were used as phenotypic parameter for establishing novel mouse models for kidney diseases on the genetic background of C3H inbred mice in the phenotype-driven Munich ENU mouse mutagenesis project. The phenotypically recessive mutant line HST011 was established and further analyzed. The causative mutation was detected in the POU domain, class 3 transcription factor 3 (Pou3f3) gene, which leads to the amino acid exchange Pou3f3L423P thereby affecting the conserved homeobox domain of the protein. Pou3f3 homozygous knockout mice are published and show perinatal death. Line Pou3f3L423P is a viable mouse model harboring a homozygous Pou3f3 mutation. Standardized, systemic phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutants was carried out in the German Mouse Clinic. Main phenotypic changes were low body weight and a state of low energy stores, kidney dysfunction and secondary effects thereof including low bone mineralization, multiple behavioral and neurological defects including locomotor, vestibular, auditory and nociceptive impairments, as well as multiple subtle changes in immunological parameters. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling analysis of kidney and brain of Pou3f3L423P homozygous mutants identified significantly regulated genes as compared to wild-type controls.


This article closely examines the very "ambiguity" of Osugi Sakae's "philosophy of labor movement" in relation to the ongoing "street fighting" in Japan and elsewhere. In doing so, it attempts to reveal the significance of his work in today's context. On the one hand, Osugi's thought has provided the philosophical underpinning for the quasi-autonomous, middleclass movement that formed the consensus for Japan's prewar empire, or Osaka Ishi No Kai (Association for Osaka Restoration), that is making a loud noise in Japan right now. On the other hand, however, as the article argues, it also teaches us how to criticize it and, more important, how to extend and intensify the kind of autonomy that has recently emerged everywhere from Tahrir Square in Cairo to the streets around the Diet building in Tokyo. Investigating the several concepts found in his text, such as "feeling," "desire," "labor-power (or power of action)," and "autonomy," the article tries to draw a clear line between these two conflicting aspects and extract the "center of possibility" of this very unique thinker/activist's work. Those whom I call "Osugi Children" from Uno Kozo and Tosaka Jun to Gilles Deleuze and Harry Harootunian help us do so, but it is ultimately the voices of the women on the streets from Ito Noe to Muto Ruiko that lead this journey of ours.


A silicon-on-insulator (SOI) micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, complementary Metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) readout circuit and simultaneous hermetic encapsulation using low temperature Cu-Cu bonding are investigated for 3D heterogeneous integration of MEMS and CMOS. The MEMS accelerometer is fabricated using bulk micromachining technology. A CMOS-based readout circuit is designed in AMS 0.35μm (2P4M) process. Consequently, hermetic encapsulation by low temperature Cu-Cu thermo-compression bonding has been investigated. According to MIL-STD 883E standard, excellent hermeticity is obtained. A TSV-less stacking method is proposed. Compared with the common integration technologies such as through silicon via (TSV) and wire bonding, this method forms the electrical contact, mechanical support and hermetic seal simultaneously via Cu-Cu thermo-compression bonding.


This brief presents a novel pipelined architecture for low-power, high-throughput, and low-area implementation of adaptive filter based on distributed arithmetic (DA). The throughput rate of the proposed design is significantly increased by parallel lookup table (LUT) update and concurrent implementation of filtering and weight-update operations. The conventional adder-based shift accumulation for DA-based inner-product computation is replaced by conditional signed carry-save accumulation in order to reduce the sampling period and area complexity. Reduction of power consumption is achieved in the proposed design by using a fast bit clock for carry-save accumulation but a much slower clock for all other operations. It involves the same number of multiplexors, smaller LUT, and nearly half the number of adders compared to the existing DA-based design. From synthesis results, it is found that the proposed design consumes 13% less power and 29% less area-delay product (ADP) over our previous DA-based adaptive filter in average for filter lengths N = 16 and 32. Compared to the best of other existing designs, our proposed architecture provides 9.5 times less power and 4.6 times less ADP.


The aim of this paper is to investigate the friction characteristics of piston assembly, which composed of ring pack and piston skirt. The friction force of piston assembly was measured by using the movable liner in the single cylinder engine, and the various parameters were tested. The friction force was suddenly increased at the expansion stroke due to higher cylinder pressure. The viscous friction was dominant at the mid stroke, but the boundary friction was dominant at the top and bottom dead centers. Through the experiment, we could validate previous theoretical study, and confirm that th e radial clearance and ring tension were very effective to reduce friction loss of piston assembly.


Water pollution is the main threat that confronts humanity today. The daily human activity introduces different pollutants in hydric sources that modify water quality. This represents a high production of water that is not appropriate for different applications like human consumption. Among the water pollutants more common are dyes, herbicides, pesticides, alkanes, halo alkanes, aliphatic compounds, alcohols, carboxylic acids, aromatic compounds, detergents, surfactants, inorganic compounds (heavy metals), harmful gases, and pathogenic bacteria (bacteria and virus). These pollutants can be found in underground and surface water, and therefore can produce adverse effects on the environment and human health. These effluents can be treated with different procedures such as biological and chemical treatments, among others. However, in some cases, these processes are not appropriate for compliance legisla‐ tion. Thus, adsorption with special materials such as carbon aerogels and advance oxidation processes such as photocatalysis are widely studied nowadays.


I made up the term "consumer drafting" a few years ago to describe legal drafting aimed at nonlawyers. I believe that most consumer drafting is bad. I believe that most consumer drafting cannot be read and understood by the people who need to read and understand it. And I believe that lawyers should do something about it. This piece discusses what I've done to prepare myself to improve consumer drafting. After highlighting the nature of the problem briefly, I first discuss some words-and-sentences, grammar-and-usage aspects of consumer drafting. Then, in the main part of the piece, I discuss the ways I had to change my thinking, the ways I had to become more like an artist than a lawyer. I believe that anyone can take the same steps and do some real work in consumer drafting. In taking the steps, you may come to believe, as I did, that consumer drafting is an art.


The Einstein--Maxwell field equations for orthogonal Bianchi VI cosmologies with a -law perfect fluid and a pure, homogeneous source-free magnetic field are written as an autonomous differential equation in terms of expansion-normalized variables. The associated dynamical system is studied in order to determine the past, intermediate and future evolution of these models. All asymptotic states of the models, and the likelihood that they will occur, are described. In addition, it is shown that there is a finite probability that an arbitrarily selected model will be close to isotropy during some time interval in its evolution.


We demonstrate experimentally a photonic crystal nanocavity with an ultrasmall modal volume of 10−2(λ/n)3, based on a designed air-slot in a two-dimensional photonic crystal lattice. Coupling to the tightly localized nanocavity of the fabricated sample is achieved with the tapered fiber, with strong applications to nonlinear optics and cavity quantum electrodynamics studies.


The present essay, starting from a close examination of the available sources, intends to retrace the historical dynamics of the controversy between Stephen of Rome and Cyprian of Carthage about single baptism. The analysis highlights more clearly than other studies the need to justify, because of the urgent context of the schism of Novatian, the legitimacy of the different traditions of the Churches, something previously taken for granted. The difficulty of this enterprise, combined with the imponderable human factor, represented by the personalities of the protagonists, generates misunderstandings. A further factor is the decisive role played by Dionysius of Alexandria in resolving the conflict, which confirmed the preferential relationship between Rome and Alexandria.


Objective: We aim to compare the efficacy of topical steroids and Capparis spinosa extract in the treatment of vitiligo. Methods: Patients were retrospectively identified from those treated by the Department of Dermatology. 60 vitiligo patients were included in the study. 30 of them were given topical steroids, and 30 of them were treated with Capparis spinosa extract. VASI (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index) were calculated statistically before treatment and during the sixth month of treatment. Results: Although the VASI value of patients who treated with topical corticosteroids decreased statistically, no statistically significant changes were observed in patients who treated with with Capparis spinosa extract. After treatment, VASI values were significantly lower in patients with treated topical corticosteroids than treated with Capparis spinosa extract (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, topical corticosteroids were more effective than Capparis spinosa in the treatment of vitiligo. Although there was not statistically difference of VASI values in patients treated with Capparis spinosa. repigmentation was observed after treatment. Therefore Capparis spinosa is not enough alone but maybe it can be used in combination therapy of vitiligo.


Wilson disease (WD) is a copper metabolism disorder characterized by hepatic and/or neurological damage. More than 200 mutations in the ATP7B gene causing this autosomal recessive defect have been reported. In certain populations, a high prevalence of particular mutations allows rapid screening and diagnosis of the disease. We identified the ATP7B alterations in Spanish patients with WD. Mutations in the ATP7B gene were analysed in a total of 64 individuals from 40 different WD families by PCR amplification, single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and sequencing. Twenty‐one different ATP7B gene mutations were identified, eight of which were novel. 74% of the disease alleles were characterized among the 40 unrelated probands. We identified a prevalent mutation in our population (Met645Arg), present in 55% of this 40 patients. The frequency of the remaining ATP7B alterations was low. In addition, 17 different polymorphic variants were found. There is remarkable allele heterogeneity in WD in the Spanish population. Nevertheless, SSCP screening for the most frequent mutations in our population is feasible and leads to the detection of about 74% of the mutated chromosomes. Molecular diagnosis of WD is very useful in clinical practice to confirm or support clinical suspicion.


Abstract Objectives Based on its well-documented anti-inflammatory and restorative properties we propose trials with the natural hormone oxytocin for treatment of hospitalised Covid-19 patients. Methods We searched for, retrieved, and commented on specific literature regarding multiple functions of oxytocin with a special focus on its modulation of inflammatory, immune, and restorative functions. Results Available data gathered in animals and humans support the anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin. The multiple anti-inflammatory effects of oxytocin have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in various animal models and also in humans in response to intravenous infusion of oxytocin. Furthermore, oxytocin has been documented to activate several types of protective and restorative mechanisms and to exert positive effects on the immune system. Conclusions In addition, to being anti-inflammatory, it may be hypothesised, that oxytocin may be less suppressive on adaptive immune systems, as compared with glucocorticoids. Finally, by its restorative effects coupled with its anti-stress and healing properties, oxytocin may shorten the recovery period of the Covid-19 patients.


The surface mass balance (SMB) is very low over the vast East Antarctic Plateau, for example in the Vostok region, where the mean SMB is on the order of 20–35 kg m-2 a-1. The observation and modeling of spatio-temporal SMB variations are equally challenging in this environment. Stake measurements carried out in the Vostok region provide SMB observations over half a century (1970–2019). This unique data set is compared with SMB estimations of the regional climate models RACMO2.3p2 (RACMO) and MAR3.11 (MAR). We focus on the SMB variations over time scales from months to decades. The comparison requires a rigorous assessment of the uncertainty in the stake observations and the spatial scale dependence of the temporal SMB variations. Our results show that RACMO estimates of annual and multi-year SMB agree well with the observations. The regression slope between modelled and observed temporal variations is close to 1.0 for this model. SMB simulations by MAR are affected by a positive bias which amounts to 6 kg m-2 a-1 at Vostok station and 2 kg m-2 a-1 along two stake profiles between Lake Vostok and Ridge B. None of the models is capable to reproduce the seasonal distributions of SMB and precipitation. Model SMB estimates are used in assessing the ice-mass balance and sea-level contribution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet by the input-output method. Our results provide insights into the uncertainty contribution of the SMB models to such assessments.


A series of donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated random terpolymers were synthesized by copolymerizing electron-rich alkylthienyl-substituted benzodithiophene (BDTT) and two electron-deficient units, a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) moiety and isoindigo (TID) based side chain. The effects of the DPP and TID units on the thermal, photophysical and electrochemical properties of the polymers were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra, and cyclic voltammetry. Compared with the parent polymers (P1 and P2), the optical properties of the random terpolymers (P3–P6) were controlled successfully by tuning the ratio of DPP and TID. The increase in TID content induced an increased absorption between 450 and 600 nm and a lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level, while higher DPP content resulted in stronger absorption between 600 and 900 nm. Bulk heterojunction solar cells based on the as-synthesized polymers as electron donors and (6,6)-phenyl-C-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the acceptor were fabricated. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.62% was obtained from P5 (DPP : TID = 1 : 1) due to its high short-circuit current density (Jsc higher than 15 mA cm−2), mainly arising from the broadened light absorption. The results have demonstrated that the random terpolymers, with complementary light-absorption, have a great potential for increasing the photocurrent and PCE in polymer solar cells.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
When learning multi-element movement sequences, participants organize individual elements into subsequences. Imposing this type of structure on the elements leads to the efficient production of sequences because the processing of all but the first elements in a subsequence can be completed prior to their execution. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether older adults organize lengthy movement sequences with the same efficiency as young adults.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Participants were young adults (N=8, 19-23 years of age) and older adults (N=8, 65-68 years of age). The task required participants to move a lever as quickly as possible to targets sequentially projected on a tabletop. At various stages during practice, random practice blocks were inserted between the repeated sequence blocks. Repeated and random sequence retention tests were administered after 24 hours.

RESULTS
The results indicated that the young adults performed the repeated sequences substantially faster than the older adults and that this difference increased over practice. On the retention tests, there were no differences in response time for the random sequence blocks, but the young performers were substantially faster than the older performers when repeated sequences were used. No differences were detected in the interview or on the recognition (chi square=1.22, P>.05) and completion (chi square=0.89, P>.05) tests designed to determine explicit or implicit knowledge of the sequences.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Analysis of the sequence structure indicated that the older adults did not organize their responses into subsequences as effectively as the young adults. The failure of older adults to optimally organize movement sequences may contribute to the overall slowing of sequential movement production.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors of ovarian hyperstimulation in patients undergoing long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol in follicular phase of ovulation induction therapy and to establish a predictive model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 1289 patients who received Long-acting GnRH agonist protocol in follicular phase for ovulation induction in the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital from July 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019, were selected. Among them, 33 patients developed moderate/severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The relevant indicators of the two groups were followed up for comparison, and Lasso regression was used to screen independent risk factors and construct a nomogram prediction model.  A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the prediction model.

RESULTS
Univariate analysis suggested that the woman's age, basal antral follicle number (AFC), total gonadotropin (Gn) dose, Gn starting dose, basal estradiol (E2) level, basal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) value, number of follicles obtained, Gn start day E2, the difference in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) value and Gn starting day were statistically significant. Significant indicators of univariate analysis and clinical significance were included in the Lasso regression model, and AFC, woman's age, polycystic ovary syndrome, Gn starting dose and number of follicles obtained were finally screened as final predictors. The ROC curve indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.812.

CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian hyperstimulation caused by long-acting GnRH agonist protocol in follicular phase for ovulation stimulation has a certain predictability. Paying attention to the patient's age, AFC, Gn starting dose, number of follicles obtained, and whether PCOS is evident may lead to early detection of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which has clinical guiding significance.


Fast-growing hybrid poplars have been proposed as a means of achieving restoration objectives on former agricultural land by providing shelter for slower-growing species. Intensive two-stage scenarios of mixed plantations are also possible using valuable hardwoods interplanted among hybrid poplars. The latter would be harvested at maturity (approximately 20 years) once their protective role has been accomplished, leaving more space for the full development of the second cohort. We implemented simulations of hybrid poplar growth in the SORTIE-ND model and used it to test scenarios with clones varying in growth and crown allometry, different hardwood species, and spatial arrangements, to maximize production of both groups. Important differences in growth and allometry were manifested among clones over time, which translated into important differences in available light between rows. Sustained growth for most hardwoods appeared optimal using wider spacings of 16 m, compared with 12 m, between poplar rows. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to integrate fast-growing hybrids and intensive silviculture scenarios into spatially explicit models. These models are necessary support tools for the efforts now being invested in intensive silviculture in the face of diminishing forest resources, increasing wood and fiber demands, and climate change.


The territory within the boundaries of Azerbaijan Republic is highly important for Turkish-Islamic history. The case in territories contain many Arabic inscriptions belonging to Muslim-Turkic tribes and Arabians who arrived in the region for conquests. This paper presents to the attention the significance of Turkish and Arabic inscriptions with Arabic letters found in historical mosques, prayer rooms, caravansaries, shrines, tombstones, holy places, manuscripts, coins, knick-knacks and belongings.... belonging to Islamic Era, for Turkish-Islamic history and their current conditions in Azerbaijan Republic.


Three new cytotoxic compounds, rocagloic acid (1), elliptifoline (2), and elliptinol (3) were isolated from the leaves of Aglaia elliptifolia. The structures of compounds 1-3 were determined by spectral (NMR, MS) and chemical analysis.