Tuberculosis infects millions of people worldwide and remains a leading global killer despite widespread neonatal administration of the tuberculosis vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). BCG has clear and sustained efficacy, but after 10 years, its efficacy appears to wane, at least in some populations. Fortunately, there are many new tuberculosis vaccines in development today, some in advanced stages of clinical trial testing. Here we review the epidemiological need for tuberculosis vaccination, including evolving standards for administration to at risk individuals in developing countries. We also examine proven sources of immune protection from tuberculosis, which to date have exclusively involved natural or vaccine exposure to whole cell mycobacteria. After summarizing evidence for the use and efficacy of BCG, we detail the most promising new candidate vaccines against tuberculosis. The global need for a new tuberculosis vaccine is acute and huge, but clinical trials to be completed in the coming few years are likely either to identify a new tuberculosis vaccine or to substantially reframe how we understand immune protection from this historical scourge.


In the family of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Multimodal Transport Systems (MMTS) have placed themselves as a mainstream transportation mean of our time as a feasible integrative transportation process. The Global Economy progressed with the help of transportation. The volume of goods and distances covered have doubled in the last ten years, so there is a high demand of an optimized transportation, fast but with low costs, saving resources but also safe, with low or zero emissions. Thus, it is important to have an overview of existing research in this field, to know what was already done and what is to be studied next. The main objective is to explore a beneficent selection of the existing research, methods and information in the field of multimodal transportation research, to identify industry needs and gaps in research and provide context for future research. The selective survey covers multimodal transport design and optimization in terms of: cost, time, and network topology. The multimodal transport theoretical aspects, context and resources are also covering various aspects. The survey's selection includes nowadays best methods and solvers for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The gap between theory and real-world applications should be further solved in order to optimize the global multimodal transportation system.


Introduction: One of the serious problems in the further development of maize cultivation is increasing irrigation efficiency. Using conventional irrigation causes a shortage of water resources to increase the acreage of the crop. With regard to the development of maize cultivation, agronomic and executable methods must be studied to reduce water consumption. Using drip irrigation system is most suitable for row crops. Hamedi et al. (2005) compared drip (tape) and surface irrigation systems on yield of maize in different levels of water requirement and indicated that drip irrigation increases the amount of yield to 2015 kg/ha and water use efficiency to 3 time. Kohi et al. (2005) investigated the effects of deficit irrigation use of drip (tape) irrigation on water use efficiency on maize in planting of one and two rows. The results showed that maximum water use efficiency related to crop density, water requirement and planting pattern 85000, 125% and two rows, respectively with 1.46 kg/m3. Jafari and Ashrafi (2011) studied the effects of irrigation levels, plant density and planting pattern in drip irrigation (tape) on corn. The results showed that the amount of irrigation water and crop density on the level of 1% and their interactions and method of planting were significant at the 5 and 10% on water use efficiency, respectively. The yield was measured under different levels of irrigation, crop density and method of planting and the difference was significant on the level of 1%. Lamm et al. (1995) studied water requirement of maize in field with silt loam texture under sub drip irrigation and reported that water use reduced to 75%; but yield of maize remained at maximum amount of 12.5 t/ha. The objective of this study was to evaluate the drip (tape) irrigation method for corn production practices in the Qazvin province in Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this study, yield and yield components of corn (SC 704) were investigated under different levels of irrigation water in drip tape systems in one and two rows planting patterns with different plant densities. The experiment was conducted on randomized complete blocks as a split plot (Split block) design with 3 replicates in the Qazvin region. Four levels of irrigation including: 80, 100 and 120 percent of water requirement with drip irrigation (tape) and 100% water requirement with furrow irrigation (control treatment) as main plots and method of planting (one and two rows) with three levels of crop density including: 75000, 90000 and 105000 as subplots were considered. After harvesting, grain yield, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per ear row, number of grains per ear and 1000-kernel weigh were measured.
Results and Discussion: The results of simple variance analysis of attributes showed that the method of planting has a significant difference on the level of 5% for grain yield, but on the other the measured attributes did not have any significant effect. The respective effect of planting method and crop density showed a significant difference on the level of 5% for grain yield, number of kernels per ear and the 1000-grain weight, whereas it did not have any significant effect on the other measured attributes. The respective effects of irrigation method, planting method and crop density showed a significant difference on the level of 1% for the attributes of the number of kernels per ear. The planting in one row resulted in significantly higher grain yields than the other planting patterns. In mean comparisons of the interactions between irrigation methods, crop density and planting method, grain yield in drip irrigation at a level of 120% water requirement in the two rows planting pattern and crop density equal to 75000 plants was shown in the lead on the level of 10%. The results showed that the yields of the treatments were only affected by the method of planting and planting of one row lead the planting of two rows. According to means comparison and water use efficiency in each of the treatments and limitation of water resources, one row planting pattern with crop density equal to 90000 under drip irrigation at 80% and 120% (If there is no water restrictions) of water requirement were suitable.
Conclusion: According to the table of variance analysis, it can be seen that the effect of irrigation on corn grain yield was not significant. Research results of Sorensen and Butts (2005) and Azari et al. (2007) have also confirmed this subject. The grain yield in one row planting method was superior compared to two rows planting method. The superiority of one ton per hectare was statistically significant and substantial. Grain yields varied from 5360 to 12873 kg/ha among the treatments: in drip irrigation at a level of 120% water requirement in the two rows planting pattern and crop density equal to 75000 plants per hectare was 12873 kg/ha and the lowest yield was found in drip irrigation at a level of 80% water requirement in the two-row planting pattern and crop density equal to 75000 plants per hectare as 5360 kg/ha. With regard to mean comparisons of grain yield under the effects of interaction, and water use efficiency for each treatments, I1R1D2, I3R1D2, I1R1D1 and I2R2D3 treatments seem better than others.


The Bernard Osher Foundation supports 119 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes on university and college campuses in 48 states (plus the District of Columbia) as well as a National Resource Center at the University of Southern Maine. The center facilitates the exchange of opinions, solutions, and experiences among OLLIs and is a source on best practices on lifelong learning. Each Osher Institute is designed to reflect the culture of its own university and learning community.


Keystroke time intervals can be a discriminating feature in the verification and identification of computer users. This paper presents a comparison result obtained using several classification methods including k-NN (k-nearest neighbor), back-propagation neural networks, and Bayesian classification for keystroke identification. Performance of k-NN classification was best with small data samples available per user, while Bayesian classification was the most superior to others with large data samples per user. Thus, for Web-based online identification of users, it seems to be appropriate to selectively use either k-NN or Bayesian method according to the number of keystroke samples accumulated by each user


The women's 30-km freestyle cross-country race at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games was selected to determine the kinematic differences between more and less successful skiers. Three-dimensional filming techniques were used to capture the movement patterns on level terrain of 8 skiers who placed in the top 50% (Group 1) and 8 skiers who placed in the bottom 50% (Group 2) of the field. The mean cycle velocity for Group 1 was significantly faster (p < .005) than the velocity for Group 2. Significant correlations (p < .05) were found between race velocity and cycle velocity (r = .89) and between cycle length and cycle rate (r = -.82). Group 1 had significantly greater (p < .03) weak-side elbow flexion at pole plant, as well as less (p < .01) weak-side elbow extension and more (p < .05) trunk flexion during poling. The mean cycle velocity differences between Groups 1 and 2 may have been the result of smaller resistive and/or larger propulsive forces.


Musical instruments are complex sound sources that exhibit directivity patterns that not only vary depending on the frequency, but can also change as a function of the played tone. It is yet unclear whether the directivity variation as a function of the played tone leads to a perceptible difference compared to an auralization that uses an averaged directivity pattern. This paper examines the directivity of 38 musical instruments from a publicly available database and then selects three representative instruments among those with similar radiation characteristics (oboe, violin, and trumpet). To evaluate the listeners' ability to perceive a difference between auralizations of virtual environments using tone-dependent and averaged directivities, a listening test was conducted using the directivity patterns of the three selected instruments in both anechoic and reverberant conditions. The results show that, in anechoic conditions, listeners can reliably detect differences between the tone-dependent and averaged directivities for the oboe but not for the violin or the trumpet. Nevertheless, in reverberant conditions, listeners can distinguish tone-dependent directivity from averaged directivity for all instruments under study.


Since April 2004, preparatory work prior to CO2 injection has been conducted in the CO2SINK Project, the European Union's first research and development activity on the in-situ testing of geological storage of CO2 near the town of Ketzin, Germany. Carbon dioxide will be injected into a saline aquifer of the Triassic Stuttgart Formation in an anticlinal structure of the northeast German Basin. The drilling of one injection and two observation wells will commence at the end of 2006. The predrilling phase focuses on the baseline geological parameters of the anticline. The Stuttgart Formation is lithologically heterogeneous; it consists of sandy channel-(string)-facies rocks, with good reservoir properties alternating with muddy flood-plain-facies rocks of poor reservoir quality. Playa-type rocks form the immediate cap rock above the CO2SINK reservoir. A geostatistical approach has been applied to describe the reservoir architecture between and beyond well control. This model forms the basis for the generation of reservoir-dynamic models of CO2 injection that assist in the planning of injection operations and in the understanding of CO2 plume evolution. A verification of the geometry of the reservoir and the structural situation of its overburden is expected from a three-dimensional baseline seismic survey that was conducted in the autumn of 2005. Laboratory experiments under simulated in-situ conditions were performed to evaluate the geophysical signature of rocks saturated with CO2. The chemical composition of the groundwater and the CO2 flux in the soil were analyzed across the Ketzin anticline, providing the baseline for a monitoring program during and after injection of CO2, targeted at the detection of potential CO2 leakage from the storage reservoir.


Neuroblastoma (NB) is most often diagnosed in young children, and high-risk NB indicates a poor prognosis and requires aggressive treatment. Here, we assessed the utility of radiomics for amide proton transfer (APT) imaging in the preoperative classification of high-risk and low-risk abdominal NBs. Thirty-three pediatric patients underwent APT scans, with 16 confirmed high-risk NBs and 17 confirmed low-risk NBs. Radiomic models were constructed from four APT-related metric maps using 7 classifiers, with their prediction performances evaluated by associated AUCs. The optimal model achieved an AUC of 0.86, demonstrating the potential of APT MRI-based radiomics for risk stratification of NB.


Abstract: Introduction: Conventional teaching and learning methods have been seen to fail to assure achievement of competencies in male bladder catherization in the Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) with wide variation noted in competencies. This could be remedied by introduction of Structured training methods. Aims and Objective: The study aimed to investigate DOAP method of training in a Skill Lab against training through a Structured Educational Video (SEV) with the objective of comparing their efficacy in training Final MBBS Students in the psychomotor skill of performing male bladder catheterisation. Material & Methods: Final MBBS students fulfilling selection criteria were randomly allocated into two comparable groups. One group underwent Skill lab training using DOAP method while the other group underwent training using a SEV by the same instructor. CRRI interns, regularly performing MBC at work by virtue of conventional training, with 6-8 months experience formed a control group. All participants underwent assessment of skill in MBC by skill lab OSCE evaluation, by assessors who were blinded to the method of training of participants. Data was recorded and analysed using standard statistical software. Trial evaluation from the trial groups was obtained using Survey monkey tool. Observation: There was no statistically significant difference in the ability of DOAP group or SEV group in being able to safely perform MBC though a higher level of confidence was expressed with their training by DOAP group. Both trial groups statistically outperformed the control group. Conclusion: Structured training assures competence. Video-assisted Training produces comparable results though DOAP method is preferred by students. A combination of the techniques may facilitate optimal training.


In this paper we investigate the possibility of a dynamical definition of an effective temperature for compacting granular media in the framework of the fluctuation-dissipation (FD) relations. We have studied two paradigmatic models for the compaction of granular media, which consider particles diffusing on a lattice, with either geometrical (tetris model) or dynamical (Kob-Andersen model) constraints. Idealized compaction without gravity has been implemented for the tetris model, and compaction with a preferential direction imposed by gravity has been studied for both models. In the ideal case of an homogeneous compaction, the obtained FD ratio is clearly shown to be in agreement with the prediction of Edwards' measure at various densities. Similar results are obtained with gravity only when the homogeneity of the bulk is imposed. In this case the FD ratio obtained dynamically for horizontal displacements and mobility and from Edwards' measure coincide. Finally, we propose experimental tests for the validity of the Edwards' construction through the comparison of various types of dynamical measurements.


Fab' fragments of the monoclonal antibody OV-TL 3, that recognizes an ovarian carcinoma-associated antigen (OA3), were labelled with 99Tcm using D-glucarate as a ligand. Twenty patients suspected of having primary or recurrent ovarian cancer received intravenously 1 mg of the Fab' labelled with 740 MBq 99Tcm. Both planar and single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scintigraphy were performed up to 30 h after intravenous infusion. In 19 out of 20 patients surgical and histopathological evaluation was performed between 2 and 6 days postinfusion. Imaging results were compared with X-ray computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) and CA 125 serum level. Blood clearance was fast with median t1/2 beta of 9.5 h. Thirty-seven per cent of the injected dose (% ID) was excreted in the urine within the first 24 h, whereas 7% ID was excreted in the 24 h faeces. In one patient with an OA3 negative ovarian carcinoma, radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) did not visualize the tumour. In two other patients a benign ovarian cyst was found, also showing no elevated uptake. In 13 out of 17 patients ovarian cancer lesions were detected with RIS, whereas CT and US detected lesions in, respectively, 15 and 12 patients. Of 36 surgically defined tumour deposits larger than 1 cm in diameter, 53% were detected and localized with RIS, whereas CT and US detected 61 and 40%, respectively. Radioimmunoscintigraphy with 99Tcm-OV-TL 3 Fab' is less distressing for the patients but the overall imaging performance is not improved when compared with 111In-OV-TL 3 F(ab')2.


Acrylamide has neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity in experimental animals and cellular systems. Fried potato is one of the major intake sources of acrylamide in food, and fried onion was reported to contain up to 100 ng/g level of acrylamide. To determine acrylamide concentration in potato and onion stir-fried prior to boiling for simmered dishes such as curry, stew, and Niku-jaga, a typical Japanese meat/potato/onion cuisine, we collected samples stir-fried at homes of volunteers who intended voluntarily to cook these simmered dishes. Acrylamide level was analyzed by GC-MS after the xanthydrol derivatization. Among 53 stir-fried potato samples, median and average values of acrylamide were found to be 2.0 ng/g and 11 ng/g, respectively. Acrylamide levels of 27 samples (51%) were less than limit of detection (LOD) (4 ng/g), and those of 13 samples (25%) were less than limit of quantification (LOQ) (10 ng/g). In cases with less than LOD and less than LOQ of acrylamide levels, one-half of LOD and average of LOD and LOQ were adopted, respectively, to calculate the median and average. This median was markedly lower than those of fried potato (180 ng/g) and potato snacks including potato chips (550 ng/g) reported in monitoring in 2013 fiscal year in Japan. Among 58 stir-fried onion samples, acrylamide level of only one sample (2%) was less than LOD (3 ng/g), and those of 15 samples (26%) were less than LOQ (8 ng/g). The median and average values in the stir-fried onion were 14 ng/g and 36 ng/g, respectively. These values are comparable to those for stir-fried onion reported by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan (median 19 ng/g, average 25 ng/g). But the maximum value of stir-fried onion 420 ng/g in the present study is much higher than the reported maximum value (70 ng/g).


In inbred lines of pearl millet, one plant and its selfed progenies showed low and variable seed set in different spikes. Genetic analysis revealed the transmission of variable sterility through male gametes also. Meiosis in PMCs and pollen fertility were normal. However, plants with full seed set were not obtained in any of the segregating generations. Maternal (apomictic) plants were identified at different frequencies in progenies of crosses using genetic markers. In variable steriles, female gametophyte development showed variation within spikes, like (a) normal embryo sacs, (b) diminutive embryo sacs, and (c) multinucleate aposporous initials, one of which formed precocious embryo and endosperm. Studies after pollination with a fertile line also showed variations like (a) normal development of embryoand endosperm, (b) formation of undersized embryos, and (c) degeneration of embryo sacs.


In this paper, we present a point-to-point (P2P) communication synthesis methodology for system-on-chip (SOC) design. We consider real-time systems where IP selection, mapping and task scheduling are already fixed. Our algorithm takes the communication task graph (CTG) and IP sizes as inputs and automatically synthesizes a P2P communication network, which satisfies the specified deadlines of the application. As the main contribution, we first formulate the problem of automatic bitwidth synthesis which minimizes total wirelength and then propose an efficient heuristic to solve it. A key element in our approach is a communication-driven floorplanner which considers the communication energy consumption in the objective function. Experimental results show that, compared to standard shared bus architecture, significant power savings can be achieved by using the P2P scheme and communication-driven floorplanning. For instance, for an H.263 encoder we estimate 21.6% savings in energy and 15.1% in terms of wiring resources with an area overhead of only 4%.


Introduction Lymph node status is an important predictor of survival following resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). Controversies still exist regarding the extent of lymphadenectomy and whether an extended lymph node dissection improves outcome. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of the total number of nodes removed and positive lymphnode ratio (LNR) on overall and disease-free survival in patients undergoing resection for HCCA. Methods From 1994 to 2010, 84 HCCA were resected at our Institution. Seventy-eight patients with available data were included in our analysis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated and stratified according to the number of lymph nodes excised and positive LNR at different cut-off levels. Results An average of 13.8 lymph nodes were removed. 45 patients (57.7%) had a positive lymph node status, with a mean of 3.2 involved nodes per patient. 1, 5 and 10-year OS for N+ status was 60%, 10% and 10%, while N- OS was 82%, 41% and 41% (p=0.000). Similarly, 1, 5 and 10-year DFS was worse in the N+ group (71%, 45% and 42%) compared to N- (91%, 65% and 60%) (p=0.045). There was no difference in 1, 5 and 10-year OS (70%, 23%, 20% vs 70%, 23% and 20%, p=0.690) and DFS (78%, 48% and 48% vs 82%, 58% and 58%, p=0.305) when <10 nodes were removed (n=39) compared to ≥10 nodes (n=36). There was no difference in 1, 5 and 10-year OS (63%, 9% and 9% vs 60%, 10% and 10%, p=0.562) and DFS (78%, 40% and 40% vs 65%, 46% and 40%, p=0.795) when LNR <0.25 (n=22) was compared to LNR >0.25 (n=23). No difference was found when a cut-off of 15 total excised lymphnodes and LNR of 0.50 was used. Conclusion The overall number of lymphnodes excised and positive LNR did not correlate with overall and DFS in resected HCCA. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results. Competing interests None declared.


Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary, multi-organ disease caused by defects in ciliary structure and function. It results in a wide range of clinical manifestations, most commonly in the upper and lower airways. Central data collection in national and international registries is essential to studying the epidemiology of rare diseases and filling in gaps in knowledge of diseases such as PCD. For this reason, the Swiss Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Registry (CH-PCD) was founded in 2013 as a collaborative project between epidemiologists and adult and paediatric pulmonologists. The registry records patients of any age, suffering from PCD, who are treated and resident in Switzerland. It collects information from patients identified through physicians, diagnostic facilities, and patient organisations. The registry dataset contains data on diagnostic evaluations, lung function, microbiology and imaging, symptoms, treatments, and hospitalizations. By May 2018, CH-PCD has contacted 566 physicians of different specialties and identified 134 patients with PCD. At present this number represents an overall 1 in 63,000 prevalence of people diagnosed with PCD in Switzerland. Prevalence differs by age and region; it is highest in children and adults younger than 30 years, and in Espace Mittelland. The median age of patients in the registry is 25 years (range 5-73), and 49 patients have a definite PCD diagnosis based on recent international guidelines. Data from CH-PCD are contributed to international collaborative studies and the registry facilitates patient identification for nested studies. CH-PCD has proven to be a valuable research tool that already has highlighted weaknesses in PCD clinical practice in Switzerland. Development of centralised diagnostic and management centres and adherence to international guidelines are needed to improve diagnosis and management—particularly for adult PCD patients.


Background Distal radius fracture is considered the first fragility fracture. A linear increase of these fractures in women over age 55 is observed. Objectives To describe the baseline characteristics of patients over 55 years with a diagnosis of Distal radius fracture initially treated in the Emergency area and required hospitalization in 2009 in the Traumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital Virgen del Rocío de Sevilla and monitoring after over 5 years. Methods Prospective observational study of 5-year follow-up of a cohort of patients, women older than 55 years who required surgery in 2009 of Distal radius fracture occurred by accidental fall, excluding traffic accidents and precipitation and if the risk of osteoporosis was evaluated during follow-up over the next 5 years. Baseline characteristics were studied: age, smoking, taking steroids, personal history of Rheumatoid Arthritis, if they had previous bone densitometry and the presence of previous fragility fractures. During follow assessed whether patients were referred to Rheumatology to assess risk of Osteoporosis, if bone densitometry later, if presented after osteoporotic fractures (vertebral, non hip peripheral fractures and hip fractures) and if received specific treatment for the Osteoporosis Results 52 women were included in the study with a mean age of 69.69±8.748 years. 55-88 years range. Between baseline characteristics studied were found 5.8% (3 patients.) Were smokers, 13.2% (7 patients.) Were steroid takers regularly, 3.8% (2 patients.) With Rheumatoid Arthritis, 9.6% (5 patients.) had a history of previous fragility fractures. During the follow up period of 5 years 14 patients (26.9%) had osteoporotic fractures, including vertebral fractures 6 patients found. (11.5%), peripheral non hip fractures 5 patients. (9.6%) and hip fractures 4 patients. (7.7%). 12 patients were derived. (23.1%) a Rheumatology specialist for risk assessment of Osteoporosis, 9 patients. (17.3%) underwent bone densitometry and 10 patients (19.2%) received specific treatment for Osteoporosis. Conclusions Distal radius fracture is the result of a fall on an outstretched arm. It is considered the first fragility fracture. Presents an increased incidence after 55 years. In our study, it is noteworthy that 26.9% of patients who suffered a Distal radius fractured submitted an osteoporotic fracture during the follow up period of 5 years, including 7.7% were hip fractures in consequent increase in morbidity and mortality. However, only 23% of patients were referred to Rheumatology for risk assessment of Osteoporosis. Therefore, we must continue to emphasize proper evaluation of Osteoporosis risk of these fractures in the Emergency area. Disclosure of Interest None declared


We propose a low-complexity carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation
 approach and an independent component analysis (ICA) based semi-blind
 equalization structure for the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
 (OFDM) based multiuser coordinated multi-point (CoMP) systems. A group of
 orthogonal sequences are employed to enable separation and simultaneous
 estimation of multiple CFOs at base stations, dividing a complex
 multi-dimensional search into series of low-complexity mono-dimensional
 searches. Then, a small number of pilot symbols attached to the source data,
 are used to resolve the ambiguity problem in the ICA equalized signals. It
 has a low complexity, as the permutation and quadrature ambiguity can be
 eliminated simultaneously, rather than sequentially by the previous precoding
 aided method. Simulation results show that the proposed semi-blind
 equalization structure has a bit error rate (BER) performance close to the
 ideal cases of the zero forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE)
 based equalization with perfect channel state information (CSI) and no CFO,
 and also significantly outperforms the constant amplitude zero
 autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequences based CFO estimation method.


Conventional cluster analysis of gene expression is often limited in its ability to incorporate cellular level heterogeneity that exists in the brain. We generate in situ hybridized gene expression cellular resolution maps (a set of multiple 2D images for each gene) of the mouse brain. Using a digital mouse brain atlas and advanced image analysis methods, gene expression profiles for each brain structure is calculated. We present a method to identify brain structure clusters with similar expression for a given gene using multivariate model-based clustering. In this study a family of Gaussian mixture models is used. Variation in the model is derived from parameterizing the covariance matrix by the shape, volume and orientation. Using expectation maximization and Bayesian information criterion both optimal model parameters and the number of clusters are determined. The results facilitate effective identification of brain structures with biologically interpretable expression profiles in a fully automated manner


Compliance is an old issue but crucial in the management of chronic diseases. This is the case in type 2 diabetes mellitus which requires several drugs, either to treat diabetes or to prevent cardiovascular complications. In this review, we discuss the relationships between drug treatment regimens and treatment compliance in type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. The greater the number of daily drug intakes, the worst the compliance, even if a single daily intake may cause an increased risk of overdosing. Although the number of tablets or treatments is less frequently linked to compliance level than the number of daily intake, polytherapy is generally associated with a poor compliance. The consequences of a poor compliance on the prognosis or the management of these diseases are analysed based on cardiovascular studies. Even if nearly no studies exist in type 2 diabetes, to improve treatment compliance represents a major challenge in these patients. Such improvement requires to preferentially use once-a-day intake, but this is still difficult with several oral anti-diabetics. Fixed combinations such as the glibenclamide plus metformin combination, cause a decrease in the number of daily tablets and this permit a better compliance. Such approaches, to be fully beneficial, should be part of a global management of these type 2 diabetic patients, taking into account all their difficulties to follow their treatments, and based on a strong physician and patient relationship.


: The performance of the meat type hybrids of today is much higher than at the beginning of the century. Antagonistic relations between the polygenic performance traits and fitness are the reason why modern hybrids need optimal management conditions, their susceptibility to stress increased and their immunocompetence decreased. There will be discussed, how modern genetics is counteracting by using new selection techniques.


This study examines the impact of rent control of mobile home parks in seven counties of California between 1983 and 2003. We assembled an extensive and timely data set and, thus, were able to test more carefully specified econometric models than had been employed in prior studies of California mobile-home rent control. We find that the nature of the rent control regime differentially impacts mobile home prices: the imposition of rigid rent control, rent control without vacancy decontrol, leads to higher growth rates in resale prices. While a flexible regime, or rent control with vacancy decontrol, results in lower growth rates in resale prices. This is consistent with economic theory, suggesting that the imposition of rigid rent control will lead to the capitalization of future rent savings when a coach is sold. That is, the buyer will not only pay for the coach but also for the net present value of the expected savings associated with the future legally constrained pad rent obligations to the landlord.


The 39 million Americans over the age of 65 accounted for 13% of the United States population in 2008. The absolute and relative number of older adults (age ≥65 years) is starting to rise rapidly as the baby boomers begin to turn 65. The prevalence of mobility disability in older (30%) adults is high and is a large public health concern as disability is associated with lower quality of life, higher health care costs, and mortality. There are many reasons for age-related disability, however; the role of changes to skeletal muscle remains unclear. Fatigue is also an independent risk factor for physical disability and is common among older adults. This dissertation aimed to provide novel insight into the association between skeletal muscle energetics, changes in regional body composition and physical function and fatigability in older adults. First, decreases in visceral and intermuscular adipose tissue as well as an increase in muscle density, a marker of intramyocellular fat, following a weight-loss and physical activity intervention, were shown to be related to improved physical performance. Next, mitochondrial function, measured by phosphocreatine recovery (mM ATP/s) in the quadriceps following an exercise-bout using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, was examined in relation to walking performance (time to walk 400m) and perceived performance fatigability (perceived exertion following a 0.67ms treadmill-walk). Mitochondrial function was related to walking performance in higher functioning older adults and older adults who were functionally impaired but able to ambulate 400m without discomfort. Mitochondrial function was also significantly lower in those with high compared to low fatigability. This research provides novel evidence that function can be improved by targeting specific fat depots and mitochondrial function may impact overall function and fatigability. These findings could have large public health implications, as the etiology of age-related disability in regard to skeletal muscle is unclear. The prevalence of disability among older adults is quite high and is associated with increased health care costs and mortality. Clinicians, public health professionals and researchers can use this information to design interventions, treatments and future research studies focused on skeletal muscle to improve function in older adults.


BACKGROUND
The spirocyclic compounds have always aroused a great interest because this motif is present as structural core in a number of natural products and bioactive compounds. In particular, the spirolactone moiety has been recognized in a wide array of natural and non-natural scaffolds showing a variety of useful pharmacological properties.

METHODS
Extensive literature search using SciFinder (Databases: CA Plus, CAS Registry, CAS React, Chemlist, Chemcat and Medline) and Web of Science (Database: Web of Science Core Collection) was conducted.

RESULTS
Nowadays, many efforts are being devoted to the discovery of new natural products containing the promising spirolactone framework and to the disclosure of the potential bioactivities of these chemical entities. Moreover, the medicinal relevance of many spirolactones makes these scaffolds attractive targets for the design and development of innovative and efficient synthetic strategies, enabling the construction of complex and variably substituted products.

CONCLUSION
This review gives an overview on the recent advances in the spirolactones field, in terms of new compounds isolated from natural sources, recently determined bioactivity profiles and innovative synthetic approaches. The collected data demonstrate the key role played by spirolactones in medicinal chemistry and the great attention still devoted by the scientific community to these compounds.


The micronutrient boron (B) plays a key role during the ossification process as suggested by various in vitro and in vivo studies. To deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the osteogenicity of B and its possible interaction with vitamin D3 (VD), wild-type AB zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used for morphometric analysis and transcriptomic analysis in addition to taking advantage of the availability of specific zebrafish osteoblast reporter lines. First, osteoactive concentrations of B, VD, and their combinations were established by morphometric analysis of the opercular bone in alizarin red-stained zebrafish larvae exposed to two selected concentrations of B (10 and 100 ng/ml), one concentration of VD (10 pg/ml), and their respective combinations. Bone formation, as measured by opercular bone growth, was significantly increased in the two combination treatments than VD alone. Subsequently, a transcriptomic approach was adopted to unveil the molecular key regulators involved in the synergy. Clustering of differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment toward bone and skeletal functions in the groups co-treated with B and VD. Downstream analysis confirmed mitogen-activated protein kinase as the most regulated pathway by the synergy groups in addition to transforming growth factor-β signaling, focal adhesion, and calcium signaling. The best-performing synergistic treatment, B at 10 ng/ml and VD at 10 pg/ml, was applied to two zebrafish transgenic lines, Tg(sp7:mCherry) and Tg(bglap:EGFP), at multiple time points to further explore the results of the transcriptomic analysis. The synergistic treatment with B and VD induced enrichment of intermediate (sp7+) osteoblast at 6 and 9 days post fertilization (dpf) and of mature (bglap+) osteoblasts at 15 dpf. The results obtained validate the role of B in VD-dependent control over bone mineralization and can help to widen the spectrum of therapeutic approaches to alleviate pathological conditions caused by VD deficiency by using low concentrations of B as a nutritional additive.


The structure of the n = 1 mode in the SPHEX spheromak, which plays a central role in relaxation during sustainment, is investigated by analysing the measured voltage fluctuations in the central plasma column. By combining these results with a suitably defined helical magnetic flux function, the mode is found to be due to a rotating helical distortion of the open linked flux. We propose that the distortion is due to a saturated current-driven kink mode of the open flux tube. The prolongation of this `helical column' on its return around the outside of the closed flux is found to be strongly asymmetric. Previously published measurements of the Poynting flux and -profile are re-analysed in the light of these results, and implications for the mechanism of relaxation and non-inductive current drive are discussed.


The objective of this paper is to develop an educational toolbox for analysis of DC machine for students and lecturers. GUI (Graphical User Interface) based simulation tool has been developed for DC machines lab and can be used as an educational tool for analysis of dc machines. GUI figure file is developed for swine burns test , retardation test and hopkinsons test . All this kinds of problems consists of various methods of mathematical calculation which is difficult to perform by using manual calculation (formula and calculator). The existence of this educational toolbox will help the user to calculate the parameter hence the calculation become faster and easier. The user can enter the data and obtained the results quickly in the form of data or figures. The students can also observe the effect of variation of input parameters on performance of machine. This educational toolbox was developed by using MATLAB software (M-File and Graphical User Interface).


BACKGROUND
Non-thermal dielectric-barrier discharge plasma (non-thermal plasma) is being investigated for use in wound healing. Alginate gel, already in clinical use, is non-toxic but has no meaningful antimicrobial property. This study reports that a non-thermal-plasma-treated alginate wound dressing has strong antimicrobial properties.

METHODS
Alginate gel was treated with non-thermal plasma in room air and inoculated with bacterial pathogens. At 15 min after this, bacterial cell viability was determined by colony assay or 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4- nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay. The anti-biofilm efficacy of the non-thermal-plasma-treated alginate gel was investigated and the treated gel was tested against vascular endothelial cells for a cytotoxic effect. The proliferation and migration of bacterial cells before and after exposure to the treated gel were investigated with an in vitro wound testing assay. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe changes in the gel surface associated with exposure to bacterial pathogens. The treated gel was tested against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Candida albicans, and C. glabrata as representative pathogens (at 10(6)-10(9) colony-forming units [CFU]/mL), and the thickness of a plasma-treated gel dressing and distance between a glass dielectric-barrier discharge plasma probe and the gel surface were kept constant.

RESULTS
Non-thermal-plasma-treated alginate gel exhibited a strong biocidal property and inactivated all of the pathogens included in the study at counts of 10(8) CFU/mL and within 15 sec of treatment. The treated gel inactivated 10(9) CFU/mL of the organisms within 1 min, and 3 min of exposure to the treated gel inactivated pathogens embedded in biofilms. The plasma-treated gel showed no significant cytotoxicity, and endothelial cells exposed to the treated gel proliferated and migrated well across a wound area over a period of time. Dressings made with the treated gel retained their biocidal effects for about a month. Scanning electron microscopy showed no damage to the surfaces of treated gels, but damage to the bacterial pathogens on plasma exposure.

CONCLUSION
A non-thermal-plasma-treated alginate gel dressing has the clinical potential to decontaminate wounds, prevent surgical site infection, and promote wound healing.


Objective: Acrylamide is a carcinogenic compound that can be found in commonly consumed foods and cigarette smoke. This compound is metabolized by cytochrome P450 in the human body to a more reactive metabolite, glycidamide. This study aimed to optimize and validate a sensitive HPLC-UV method for determining acrylamide and glycidamide simultaneously in the volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) sample.
Methods: Isoniazid as an internal standard was added to the VAMS sample containing acrylamide and glycidamide prior to protein precipitation. The analytes and internal standard were separated using reversed-phase chromatography with the C18 SunfireTMWaters® column (5 µm; 250 mm x 4.6 mm) and an ultraviolet detector.
Results: The optimum chromatographic condition was eluted at a column temperature of 30 °C with a mobile phase of 6 mmol potassium dihydrogen phosphate pH 3.5–methanol (96:4 v/v) using a flow rate of 0.50 ml/min and was detected at 210 nm. The LLOQ was obtained at 1.0 µg/ml for both acrylamide and glycidamide. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 1.0-100.0 µg/ml.
Conclusion: The developed bioanalytical method was valid based on US FDA Guideline for Bioanalytical Method Validation 2018.


Reflective practice has gained prominence within the health, education and social care sectors in particular within the United Kingdom (UK). This prominence has been driven and shaped by differing assertions and counter-assertions about the relevance of reflective approaches in shaping collaborative enterprises that may help meet patient satisfaction and outcomes agendas. Given the competing assertions within the literature discourse, an emerging model is proposed in order to make a connection between the significance and relevance of reflective practice meetings (RPMs) as an aspect of inter-professional education and its application within clinical contexts. Emphasis is placed on how professionals engage with the cross-disciplinary viewpoints in order to help understand the nature of caring in differing caring contexts. Notably, some contributors within the literature sources posit that a divergence of opinion about the contribution of RPMs as an aspect of inter-professional education exists. For example, some note that inter-professional education (IPE) represents a particular challenge for those engaged with the task of facilitating knowledge construction and knowledge transfer due to the social power issues, real or perceived, as reflected within different professional disciplines. Advocates for IPE postulate that individuals have to utilize IPE as something that helps professionals from diverse and distinct disciplines to identify the different lenses that help to foster a collaborative ethos within a context of shifting priorities. Consequently, engaging with the differing viewpoints within an RPM context may contribute to how IPE is conceptualized for example is it about informing, conforming or transforming professional discourse. This paper reports on a Qualitative study conducted within a Secure Forensic Adolescent Mental Health setting in the UK. The study offers findings that have a potential to aid an understanding of the theoretical and practical implications of utilizing Reflective Practice Meetings as an aspect of IPE. The study explored the processes that occur during the weekly inter-professional reflective practice meetings within a Secure Forensic Mental Health Adolescent Unit. The study was informed by a case study approach underpinned by ethnographic tenets. Data collection methods utilized included discursive methods complemented by Participant Observations (PO). Additionally, data was gathered through Reflective logs and one-to-to semi-structured interviews. Data collection triangulation methods for completeness of the phenomenon were utilized. An eclectic data analysis process was utilized notably; the analytical lens utilized within this study was informed by a combination of grounded theory approaches with social-psychology discourse analysis framework.


The effect of chemical doping on the critical current density of MgB2 tapes is studied. As impurities, we tried silicides, carbon and organic compound. Most of them lead to an obviously improvement of critical current density (Jc), and weaken its field dependence. For the silicides addition, the reaction products, such as Mg2Si play an important role in the enhancement of flux pinning ability. For the doping of carbon containing impurities, carbon substitution to boron contributes significantly to the enhancement of flux pinning ability and upper critical field, and eventually improves the Jc-B performance of MgB2 tapes. By modifying starting materials preparation process and optimizing carbon source, further improvement of in-filed Jc is expected.


The generalized impulse voltage measuring system is analyzed as a complete entity using the step response approach. The analysis shows that the response time of the system is not determined correctly by conventional methods and a new method is presented. Revisions to the conventional methods are proposed which will enable the true response time of the system to be determined. Five separate measuring systems are investigated experimentally using both techniques and the predicted and measured values of the conventionally measured response time are shown to be in very good agreement. As a result of the investigation, certain specific suggestions are made for revisions to existing standards for this type of measurement.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
To evaluate diagnostic performance of dual elastography (dual-elasto) in continuous differentiation of liver fibrosis and inflammation in a large prospective chronic hepatitis B (HBV) patient cohort.

APPROACH
Adults with positive HBsAg for at least 6 months were recruited from 12 medical centers. Participants underwent dual-elasto evaluations. Biopsy was performed 3 days after dual-elasto examination. Four logistic regression models were trained and strung together into series models, Decision trees based on the series models were performed to achieve continuous differentiation of liver fibrosis and inflammation. Influence of inflammation on fibrosis stage was also evaluated.

RESULTS
560 patients were included in the training set and 240 in the validation set. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of the series model were 0.82, 0.86, 0.93, and 0.96 to predict ≥ F1, ≥ F2, ≥F3 and F4 in the validation set, which were significantly higher than those of serum markers and shear wave elastography (all p < 0.05), except for the ≥ F1levels (p = 0.09). AUCs of the series model were 0.93, 0.86, 0.95 and 0.84 to predict inflammation stages ≥ G1, ≥ G2, ≥ G3 and G4, respectively. Decision tress realized five continuous classifications of fibrosis and inflammation. Inflammation could enhance the mild fibrosis stage classification while showed limited influences on severe fibrosis or cirrhosis diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS
Dual elastography demonstrated high performance in the continuous discrimination of fibrosis and inflammation in HBV patients and could be used to diagnose mild fibrosis without influence of inflammation.


Abstract The Lothian Diary Project is an interdisciplinary effort to collect self-recorded audio or video diaries of people's experiences of COVID-19 in and around Edinburgh, Scotland. In this paper we describe how the project emerged from a desire to support community members. The diaries have been disseminated through public events, a website, an oral history project, and engagement with policymakers. The data collection method encouraged the participation of people with disabilities, racialized individuals, immigrants, and low-proficiency English/Scots speakers, all of whom are more likely to be negatively affected by COVID-19. This is of interest to sociolinguists, given that these groups have been under-represented in previous studies of linguistic variation in Edinburgh. We detail our programme of partnering with local charities to help ensure that digitally disadvantaged groups and their caregivers are represented. Accompanying survey and demographic data means that this self-recorded speech can be used to complement existing Edinburgh speech corpora. Additional sociolinguistic goals include a narrative analysis and a stylistic analysis, to characterize how different people engage creatively with the act of creating a COVID-19 diary, especially as compared to vlogs and other video diaries.


Many fields use the ROC curve and the PR curve as standard evaluations of binary classification methods. Analysis of ROC and PR, however, often gives misleading and inflated performance evaluations, especially with an imbalanced ground truth. Here, we demonstrate the problems with ROC and PR analysis through simulations, and propose the MCC-F1 curve to address these drawbacks. The MCC-F1 curve combines two informative single-threshold metrics, MCC and the F1 score. The MCC-F1 curve more clearly differentiates good and bad classifiers, even with imbalanced ground truths. We also introduce the MCC-F1 metric, which provides a single value that integrates many aspects of classifier performance across the whole range of classification thresholds. Finally, we provide an R package that plots MCC-F1 curves and calculates related metrics.


This work focuses on treatment of lead polluted waste glass from urban collection (Pb≈5% wt) for its valorization as support in the immobilization of lipase, because soda-lime glasses are used in enzymatic catalysis. First of all, an extraction process of surface Pb was performed. The process is based on nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) chelating agent. The operating conditions are: T=80°C, t=1h, pH 10, solid/liquid weight ratio=1/10, reagent concentration=0.1 M. Leaching tests at controlled pH performed on treated glass confirmed the typical inert nature of the glass and the effectiveness of the NTA treatment. Afterwards lead polluted waste glasses, both untreated and treated with NTA, together with a commercial reference glass, were used as physical supports for the adsorption of Rhizopus oryzae lipase, in order to investigate their immobilization capability after specific washing/activation treatments to make functional their surface. The biocatalytic activity of the immobilized enzyme on the glasses was tested through the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl acetate to para-nitrophenol, quantifying the conversion percentage after 60 min of reaction by means of UV analyses at 410 nm. From the first results, lipase immobilization on waste glasses appears to be encouraging. In particular, lipase immobilized on lead polluted glass from urban collection showed an activity comparable to that of reference glass.


We calculate collision strengths and collision rates for electron excitation of the 2P(1/2)(o)-P-2(3/2)o ground term finestructure transition in Fe XIV, the coronal green line at 5303 Angstrom. The collision strength for the green line is found to be strongly enhanced by resonances for the first 4 Rydberg above the excitation threshold, and as a result the collision rates are found to be significantly larger than other recently published results, even at coronal temperatures. The calculations are carried out using the R-matrix formulation of the close-coupling approximation.


The objective was to study the P100 latency and amplitude in Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) with dominant and non-dominant eye individuals. VEPs were recorded in 30 dominant and non-dominant eye males using a Neuropack machine. Latency and Amplitude of VEPs (P100) were measured and analyzed statistically. The effect of eye dominance as seen in was that the latency of P100 was less in the dominant eye compared to the non-dominant eye. The results were consistent in the right and left eye dominance but were not statistically significant. The amplitude of N75-P100 was increased in the dominant eye and was statistically significant (p<0.05) compared to the non-dominant eye. The V E P recordings from the dominant eye showed that P100 component latency is decreased and amplitude is increased as compared to non-dominant eye. The amplitude and latency differences between dominant and non-dominant eyes provide objective electrophysiological evidence of lateralization in the central nervous system. V E P is affected in eye dominance. It should be taken into account while comparing V E P's of two eyes of the same subject.


I have a passion for cities, their irresistible unrest, the way they make you feel unsettled yet welcomed. I also have a passion for books. It's hard not to think of the Czech Republic when one mentions Milan Kundera. Just as it's difficult when one mentions the mystical Tangiers to not think of Paul Bowles and his ex-patriot life among the Moroccans. Since I was young, authors and their books have made me long to visit the places and cultures described. Not just to experience the stories and people they introduced me to, but to discover the parts, certainly more vast, they couldn't. And the secrets not published. Or, perhaps, not shared given the constraints of good storytelling. I mean, Gabriel Garcia Marquez has given those who haven't been to Colombia an immense insight into Bogota, but wouldn't his recommendation and thoughts on the city reveal surprise? In 2009, Rohan Kamicheril, then an editor at  Words without Borders , asked me to be a contributing writer to the magazine—writing reviews, translating. I was very keen on working with WWB but wanted to participate in a different way. So I proposed the idea of writing the literary travel column " The City and the Writer, " a vibrant and wide-ranging forum for the exploration of cities through the writing of local authors. The series began on September 24, 2010, and has since featured well-known and emerging writers from around the globe. CW is a map of architectural metaphors. A space to wander and discover curves and corridors, rooms and ruins, windows and worlds, colors and translucencies. A space to return to because each time you will find something new—an empty cove, a quieter corner, a ghost, a familiar voice, a history untold, a coliseum.  The City and the Writer @Words Without Borders: https://www.wordswithoutborders.org/contributor/nathalie-handal


Here we present the first angle-resolved, non-resonant (normal) Auger spectra for impulsively aligned nitrogen molecules. We have measured the angular pattern of Auger electron emission following K-shell photoionization by 1.1 keV photons from the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). Using strong-field-induced molecular alignment to make molecular frame measurements is equally effective for both repulsive and quasi-bound final states. The capability to resolve Auger emission angular distributions in the molecular frame of reference provides a new tool for spectral assignments in congested Auger electron spectra that takes advantage of the symmetries of the final diction states. Based on our experimental results and theoretical predictions, we propose the assignment of the spectral features in the Auger electron spectrum.


BACKGROUND
Tissue engineering is used to fabricate 3-dimensional (3D) artificial scaffolds to create a microenvironment that mimics human tissue. Bioprinting uses biomaterials, cells, and/or bioink to fabricate prospective scaffolds to mirror the structural, compositional, and functional aspects of the skin. Various bioprinting methods (inkjet-based bioprinting, pressure-assisted bioprinting, and laser-assisted bioprinting) have been used for regenerative wound repair and have been characterized based on biocompatibility, cellular microenvironment, cell proliferation, vitality, and morphology.

OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the basic principles of 3D printing, current 3D skin bioprinting applications and approaches, and future directions for regenerative medical skin constructs.

METHODS
A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed with keywords "three-dimensional printing," "dermatologic surgery," "bioprinting," "reconstructive surgical procedures," "wound healing," "skin grafts," "skin scaffolds," "tissue reconstruction," and "tissue engineering."

RESULTS
A summary of the different applications and 3-dimensional skin bioprinting techniques is presented. In addition, synthetic, natural, and combination polymers are reviewed. Advantages, disadvantages, indications, and approaches are discussed in depth.

CONCLUSION
Skin grafting is a dynamic technique of dermal reconstruction that can be successful with comprehensive knowledge of skin bioprinting methods.


Floodways are commonly used in rural road networks due to the economic and environmental benefits offered as a low-cost and practical road crossing in flood-prone areas. They are designed with provision for submergence so that water flows over with minimum impediment to flow, at a probability given design flood. The floodway design process is traditionally governed by hydraulic aspects rather than structural aspects. Hydrological condition, availability of material, and familiarity of construction techniques are significant when selecting the floodway type. Nevertheless, extreme conditions can cause significant damage to floodways, as was evident from the 2011 and 2013 Queensland flood events, during which 58% of floodways in the Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) area in Queensland, Australia, which is the case study area of this paper, were damaged, causing huge economic lost at council and national level. This created a new track in research and development activities to assess vulnerability and to find methods for improving the resilience of floodways during extreme flood events. In line with this, the present study evaluates local design guidelines and damaged floodways to assess failure modes and severity of damage using a damage index (DI) method.


Aim. To provide clinically effective epidural anesthesia during corrective thoracoplasty in children with congenital deformity of the chest with the use of an access, which makes it possible to minimize the probability of accidental spinal cord injury during the procedure. Methods. Conducted was a prospective study of 40 adolescents randomized to the main group (thoracic epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia) and the comparison group (general anesthesia), 20 observations in each group. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the method at the time of surgery determined was the level of cortisol and glucose, and after the operation recorded were the times of resolution of the pneumothorax and of the intensity of pain. Results. In the main group a slight decrease in the biochemical markers of stress was noted in contrast to their moderate increase by the end of the operation in the comparison group. Associated complications and pain in the postoperative period in the main group were expressed to a lesser extent than in the comparison group. Conclusion. Thoracic epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia may be the method of choice during surgical correction of the funnel chest deformity.


The value added tax (VAT) classification of services provided in connection with arbitration proceedings will be illustrated on the basis of the law and practice in Denmark, Germany and Sweden. Since VAT is a tax that has been harmonized in the European Union, the VAT position ought to be the same for similar services in all Member States, unless a Member State has a standstill clause.1 The VAT treatment of services does not appear to be the same in these three countries. In Germany and Sweden it is agreed that services provided in connection with arbitration proceedings are subject to VAT, but in Denmark they are not regarded as subject to VAT. For the background to why VAT is not levied on services connected with arbitration proceedings in Denmark, it is necessary to look at some past rulings of the Danish VAT Tribunal (Momsnævn). These decisions were made prior to the amendment of the Danish VAT Act in 1994 and so they are based on the old rules. The question is whether the amendments to the Danish VAT Act in 1994 ought to have led to these services concerned being subject to VAT in Denmark.


What is the meaning of life? This has been one of the major questions of philosophy for centuries; from Socrates to Nietzsche and from Tolstoy to the famous comedy writers' group Monty Python. People from diverse intellectual backgrounds asked what the meaning of life is. Although there are doubts that this question is now outdated, meaning of life seems to me still an intriguing subject. In this book I argue that life's meaning must be discussed according to two different notions. One of these notions is the content of life where life's meaning can be analyzed according to its coherence with a value system, its achievements or its influence on others. The other is the notion of life's meaning as a mental concept, as an experience. I provide reasons to think life's meaning as a composite mental state and propose its components. My point of view carries subjectivist implications, however by introducing necessary conditions of the formation of the composite mental state that provides a life with meaning I argue that such a mental state attains objectivity. I think this is one of the most humble answers to this life long question.


Based on the notion of plane asymptote, we introduce the new concept of cone asymptote of a set in the n-dimensional Euclidean space. We discuss the existence and describe some families of cone asymptotes.


The binding of antibiotics and dyes with a compact form of DNA produced in water-salt solutions containing polyethylenglycol (PEG) presents a possibility of studying antibiotic interaction with DNA molecules contained in biological objects, such as viruses and chromosomes, since the compact form of DNA reflects some DNA properties in vivo. Possibly the use of the compact and not the "open" or linear form of DNA in chemical reactions will provide data on the efficiency of the compound "action" under conditions close to intracellular ones. The results well be useful in screening substances with "optimal" pharmacological effect. The paper presents a method for determination of the constant of antibiotic or dye binding with DNA and two-chain synthetic polynucleotides in water-salt solutions containing PEG. The method is based on "elimination" of the DNA molecules in the form of compact particles bound in a complex with an antibiotic or a dye. Comparison of the data with the results of estimation of the constants of antibiotic binding with DNA by the routine methods showed close conformity of the binding constants determined by different methods. It was found that the value of the binding constant of the antibiotics studied slightly depended on the structural state of DNA. The value was practically the same for the linear and the compact forms of DNA.


This essay examines the impact of U.S. college students' engagement with performative traditions from their cultural upbringings in an ensemble-based devised theatre process that I directed at a Predominantly White Institution in the spring of 2020. Situating findings within discussions of culturally engaging pedagogies and the politics of race and cultural equity in U.S. theatre and higher education, this research considers the counter-hegemonic possibilities of culturally conscious devising. Relying on participant self-reporting from post- process interviews, I explore three aspects of ensemble members' creative process: the impact of 'mapping' cultural assets within the collaborative process, experiences of vulnerability in times of cultural sharing, and participants' understandings of and connections with their communities as a resource to their theatre-making. Additionally, I assess the effectiveness of this project's approaches to devising that were designed to cultivate critical perspectives on cultural values and practices. I argue for increased pedagogical attention to students' engagement with cultural traditions as a means of invigorating ensemble-based devising practice and responding to cultural inequities in the systems of higher education.


Extensive development of human activities in combination with ocean warming is rapidly modifying marine habitats in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. To understand the potential impacts on marine biodiversity, there is an urgent need to determine distributions and habitat preferences of potentially vulnerable species and to identify sensitive hotspots that might require particular protection. Our aims were to track one of the most abundant seabirds of the world, the little auk (Alle alle), to provide a large, meta‐population scale overview of its non‐breeding distribution and to document potential threats to this species from human activities and other environmental changes.


Hoffman's classical result gives a bound on the distance of a point from a convex and compact polytope in terms of the magnitude of violation of the constraints. Recently, several results showed that Hoffman's bound can be used to derive strongly-convex-like rates for first-order methods for convex optimization of curved, though not strongly convex, functions, over polyhedral sets. In this work, we use this classical result for the first time to obtain faster rates for \textit{online convex optimization} over polyhedral sets with curved convex, though not strongly convex, loss functions. Mainly, we show that under several reasonable assumptions on the data, the standard \textit{Online Gradient Descent} (OGD) algorithm guarantees logarithmic regret. To the best of our knowledge, the only previous algorithm to achieve logarithmic regret in the considered settings is the \textit{Online Newton Step} algorithm which requires quadratic (in the dimension) memory and to solve a linear system on each iteration, which greatly limits its applicability to large-scale problems. We also show that in the corresponding stochastic convex optimization setting, Stochastic Gradient Descent achieves convergence rate of $1/t$, matching the strongly-convex case.


Retinoid X receptor alpha-null (RXRalpha-null) mutants exhibit hypoplasia of their ventricular myocardium and die at the fetal stage. In the present study, we wished to determine whether transgenic re-expression of RXRalpha in mutant cardiac myocytes could rescue these defects. Two transgenic mouse lines specifically overexpressing an RXRalpha protein in cardiomyocytes were generated, using the cardiac alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC) promoter. Breeding the high copy number transgenic line onto an RXRalpha-null genetic background did not prevent the myocardial hypoplasia and fetal lethality associated with the RXRalpha(-/-) genotype, even though the transgene was expressed in the ventricles as early as 10. 5 days post-coitum. These data suggest that the RXRalpha function involved in myocardial growth may correspond to a non-cell-autonomous requirement forsignal orchestrating the growth and differentiation of myocytes. Interestingly, the adult transgenic mice developed a dilated cardiomyopathy, associated with myofibrillar abnormalities and specific deficiencies in respiratory chain complexes I and II, thus providing an additional model for this genetically complex disease.


We describe a method to create optimal linear spline approximations to arbitrary functions of one or two variables, given as scattered data without known connectivity. We start with an initial approximation consisting of a fixed number of vertices and improve this approximation by choosing different vertices, governed by a simulated annealing algorithm. In the case of one variable, the approximation is defined by line segments; in the case of two variables, the vertices are connected to define a Delaunay triangulation of the selected subset of sites in the plane. In a second version of this algorithm, specifically designed for the bivariate case, we choose vertex sets and also change the triangulation to achieve both optimal vertex placement and optimal triangulation. We then create a hierarchy of linear spline approximations, each one being a superset of all lower-resolution ones.


One of the major trends in power electronics is increasing the switching frequencies. The advances in the frequency elevation have made it possible to reduce the total size and weight of the passive components such as capacitors, inductors and transformers in the DC/DC converter and hence to increase the power density. The dynamic performance is also improved. This document describes several aspects relating to the design of resonant DC/DC converter operating at high frequency(10㎑) and the converter topologies and the control method, which result in soft switching, are discussed.


This work summarises the research and technological achievements of the EC funded research project OPT-ABSO. The major innovation of the present project is the development of a fully integrated set of modelling, simulation, and optimisation methodologies, and computer-aided tools for the design, synthesis, control, and efficient operation of sustainable industrial absorption processes. The aim of cost, waste and energy reduction and the development of realistic operating strategies for practical implementation are facilitated through an interactive software framework.


470 family-group names in the Geodephaga are recorded with their authors and dates. 393 are based on type genera. Names originally proposed in a vernacular form are noted, along with their first subsequent Latinization. Names based on type genera which are junior homonyms, unjustified emendations or incorrect subsequent spellings are also indicated. In addition, where a type genus has an irregular stem the correct form is given.


Various statistical properties of the plaque index, the gingival index, and the whole-mouth averages of pocket depth and attachment level measurements were examined using data from a 4-year randomized trial of 80 patients with a history of treated periodontal disease. Departures from normality were assessed by the median of the standardized distribution, by the coefficients of skewness and kurtosis, and by the Kolmogorov goodness-of-fit test. The relative precisions of probing pocket depth and of attachment level were measured, as were correlations between repeated measurements over time for the four clinical measures. The distribution of the plaque index was far from normal, but the distribution of its logarithm was more nearly normal. The distributions of the other clinical measures were effectively normal to varying degrees of approximation. With only rare exceptions, correlations between repeated measurements on the same clinical variable remained relatively constant no matter how far apart in time the measurements were made, at least up to 4 years. The whole-mouth mean of the attachment level measurements seemed to be relatively more precise than the whole-mouth mean of the pocket depth measurements.


A simple mass producible uncooled thermoelectric infrared microsensor has been designed and fabricated. To improve the cost-efficiency, an advanced micromachining process, which combines wet anisotropic pre-etching and XeF2 dry isotropic post-etching, is adopted for the sensor fabrication. The wet anisotropic pre-etching removes bulk silicon from back-side and forms a thin silicon membrane for device fabrication, the XeF2 dry isotropic post-etching undercuts silicon membrane and releases the microstructure. Experimental results show that the sensor with advanced micromachining exhibits a two times higher responsivity and detectivity than the sensor with only XeF2 front-side etching. In air at room temperature, the sensor with advanced micromachining has a responsivity of 71.57 V W-1, noise equivalent power of 0.64 nW Hz-1/2, detectivity of 6.21×107 cm Hz1/2 W-1 and a time constant of 13.2 ms. The effect of back-side etch window size on sensor performance is also characterized by finite-element method simulation.


during the last decades, scholars of Tangut and Central Asian Buddhism have observed that during the final years of the Xixia state (1038–1227) Tangut Buddhism developed into a complex system that combined a variety of Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Such a view has helped propel studies of the role of Tangut Buddhism and Tangut monks in the formation of Yuan-era Buddhism, as well as the early penetration of Tibetan Buddhism into China. Modern scholar-


Starting from spring 2020, newspapers headlines and studies have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemics had a negative impact especially on the mental health of children and adolescents, so that terms like "lost generation" or "generation COVID-19" have been used to define youth in time of pandemic crisis. Similarly, international health agencies reported an increase in depression and anxiety among adolescents in COVID-19 time, but also a rise in bodily disorders, such as non-suicidal self-injury and eating disorders. However, scientific data on this matter are not as clear as they seem and theoretical-clinical proposals regarding the processes involved are lacking. Focusing specifically on bodily disorders in adolescents during COVID-19, the aim of this perspective paper is to review this issue and propose a novel viewpoint on it. Firstly, data regarding frequency and phenomenology of bodily disorders in adolescence before and during the pandemic will be presented to underline possible discrepancies, gaps, or hyperbolic descriptions in the literature published after the COVID-19 outbreak. Secondly, a specific theoretical-clinical perspective will be proposed, that is, a developmental psychopathology perspective which attempts to frame these phenomena in a more nuanced and complex way, taking into account the role of developmental processes in adolescence age and its difficulties in the specific, subjective life-context of the individual, when intertwining with vulnerability factors and stressful life events. As such, the function of the body for the adolescent as a primary mean for regulating the self-other relationship and developing a greater sense of self-agency will be highlighted. The final objective is to help the clinician in developing both a critical thinking about the data that are shared in public outlets and an intervention that takes into account the complexity of contemporary psychopathological phenomena.


MTs Al-Ikhlas has income derived from BOS and student information. Based on the results of an exploratory study in MTs Al-Ikhlas madrasa financing management, MTs Al-Ikhlas was considered less effective in managing madrasa finance. aims to describe education funding planning, Describe the implementation of education funding, Describe financing responsibilities, Describe. Data collection techniques using interview techniques, observation and documentation. Funding Management in MTs Al-Ikhlas Campaka is carried out by process: Budgeting (Budget planning): Financing financing has been carried out properly and transparently, Source of Funding is obtained from several sources namely: source of funds from the community (SPP), sources of funding from the government in the form of BOS funds , The implementation of the financing based on the budget that has been made (RKAS), the supervision and accountability of funding is carried out by the principal and the foundation. Funding management has been carried out transparently, effectively and efficiently. When planning involves parties who represent the parts in school. Funding management is also still lacking, not all posts are stated in the RKAS, because there are still expenditures outside the RKAS for the KBM smoothness process. Supporting and Inhibiting Factors. Supporting factors in financing management: schools have the right to regulate school funding according to school needs without being totally dependent on the foundation. Inhibiting factors in financing management: non-current funding sources, both BOS funding and student delays in SPP payments.


Red meat consumption in the world is in a rapid upward trend and has reached a level that involves many sectors. Studies on red meatconsumption have become a guide not only for policies for the red meat sector, but also for health and environmental practices. Withits population size, structure and economy among emerging economies, Türkiye has an important place in red meat consumption. In thepresent study, red meat consumption in Türkiye and the factors affecting the amount of consumption were examined with the two-stageHeckman Model. According to the findings obtained, red meat consumption in Türkiye is mainly beef and lamb. It was found that factorssuch as income, religious belief, regionality, education and household size affect the amount of consumption. An important finding ofthe study was that only 29.1% of consumers had enough red meat consumption that meets the criteria for a balanced diet. This rate isa proof that people living in the country should reconsider their policies in terms of access to adequate and balanced food. On the otherhand, the per capita consumption of red meat determined for Turkey in the study was found to be considerably higher than the officialfigures. This difference between the values can be reduced by improving the control system for keeping records in enterprises and bymaking adjustments in the calculation criteria


In Re Civilian Casualty Court Martial, disciplinary charges preferred against two Australian commandos accused of causing the deaths of five civilians during a night-time raid in Afghanistan were dismissed as being wrong in law. Despite the relevance of 'war crimes' under the Criminal Code (Cth) to their conduct, the charges preferred against the commandos were based on the ordinary crimes of 'manslaughter' and 'dangerous conduct', available under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 (Cth). Through an analysis of the decision to dismiss the charges as wrong in law, this article discusses the issues raised by the prosecution of breaches of international humanitarian law using the Australian military justice system, and asks whether disciplinary charges based on ordinary crimes, or war crimes, should be preferred when prosecuting such breaches.


Two hundred roach and over 400 molluscs were examined over a one year period to investigate the occurrence and life history of Asymphylodora kubanicum in the Worcester-Birmingham canal. Larval stages, infective to the fish definitive host, were present in molluscs throughout the year but did not show a seasonal fluctuation in numbers. Parasites in the intestine of the roach showed a marked annual cycle of occurrence and maturation: low winter infection levels preceded a dramatic increase in infection during the spring and summer. Maturation of the parasite population was rapid during the spring and summer and in late summer and early autumn the parasites laid their eggs and subsequently died. The death of parasites after egg-laying resulted in the low winter infection level during which time little recruitment occurred.

Roach became infected mainly in their third year when molluscs become a dominant component of their diet. Thereafter the older fishes (<2+) are all equally susceptible to infection, but the larger (older) fishes become more heavily infected because of the greater consumption of molluscs per fish. The sex of the fish made no difference to infection with the parasite.


Abstract Preparation of potassium nitrate from magnesium nitrate and potassium chloride was investigated. Prepared potassium nitrate contains less than 0.5 % chlorides and it can be applied as environmentally friendly fertilizer in hydroponic systems. After filtration out potassium nitrate crystals from the reciprocal system K+, Mg2+//Cl-, NO3- - H2O, the mother liquor still contains reasonable amount of potassium cations. By evaporation of the mother liquor, carnallite (MgCl2・KCl・6H2O) with admixture of MgCl2・6H2O crystallizes out. Decomposition of carnallite with cold water makes it possible to separate potassium chloride from this compound. When this KCl is returned back to the process of KNO3 making, utilization of potassium as high as 97 % can be achieved.


Genital herpes simplex infection is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. This disease transmitted during close skin or mucus membranes contact with an infected person who is shedding the virus. Infections that are commonly spread by sex, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex. Objective: For detection of HSV by immunological and molecular methods. Methods: Two hundred (200) samples were collected from females attending the Gynecology Outpatient Department in the Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City and Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from May 2014 to April 2015. Based on availability of full clinical information about each patient, high vaginal swabs were taken from females at different ages (15-54 years) representing patients group complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge with or without other symptoms. The Statistical Analysis System- SAS program was used to study the effect of difference factors in study parameters. Chi-square test was used to significant comparison between percentages in this study. Results: Each of the vaginal swabs collected were examined, was preserved at -20 °C for DNA extracts were analyzed. In RT-PCR, the rate of infection was in women with HSV, those with age group (25-34) years and (35-44) years were 50%. Conclusion: HSV infections were detected in genital tract infection in women; molecular methods are considered the gold standard for diagnosis, given the excellent sensitivities, specificities, rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of HSV.


Food safety is a great public concern, and outbreaks of food-borne illnesses can lead to disturbance to the society. Consequently, fast and nondestructive methods are required for sensing the safety situation of produce. As an emerging technology, hyperspectral imaging has been successfully employed in food safety inspection and control. After presenting the fundamentals of hyperspectral imaging, this paper provides a comprehensive review on its application in determination of physical, chemical, and biological contamination on food products. Additionally, other studies, including detecting meat and meat bone in feedstuffs as well as organic residue on food processing equipment, are also reported due to their close relationship with food safety control. With these applications, it can be demonstrated that miscellaneous hyperspectral imaging techniques including near-infrared hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence hyperspectral imaging, and Raman hyperspectral imaging or their combinations are powerful tools for food safety surveillance. Moreover, it is envisaged that hyperspectral imaging can be considered as an alternative technique for conventional methods in realizing inspection automation, leading to the elimination of the occurrence of food safety problems at the utmost.


Burst suppression patterns in the electroencephalogram are a reliable marker of recent severe brain insult. Here we analyze statistical properties of bursts occurring in 20 electroencephalographic recordings acquired from hypothermic asphyxic newborns in the hours immediately following birth. We show that the distributions of burst area and duration in these acute data predict later clinical outcome in both structural neuroimaging and neurodevelopment. Our findings indicate the first early electroencephalographic metrics that offer outcome prediction in asphyxic neonates undergoing hypothermia treatment.


The risk of peripartum diseases of dairy cows is mostly influenced by the nutritional and metabolic status of the cow. It is well known that negative energy balance is a problem of early lactation cows arising from milk energy output and relatively low feed intake. A large reduction in energy balance around calving may cause periparturient health disorders of dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to identify metabolites and potential cut-points associated with increased risk of subsequent metabolic diseases and culling for practical application in the monitoring of transition cows.


This paper was originally a response to a question posed by the late Dr Bella Graham to a small group of students, 'Is Kaupapa Māori theory critical and anti-colonial?' It explores the underlying theoretical frameworks of the Kaupapa Māori approach to research and some of the attendant issues arising out of it. The paper also considers both the foundational literature of this approach and some of the critiques that have attempted to deconstruct and question it.


ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, the international Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda has established a commitment to increase the participation of women in matters of peace and security, to ensure the protection of women's rights, and to include gender perspectives in conflict prevention. The WPS agenda foresees a number of measures to make peacekeeping more gender-responsive, including training uniformed peacekeepers on gender. These policy commitments date back to the year 2000, and have instigated the development of training materials and the institutionalization of training at regional and national levels. This article examines these training mandates, asking: What is the scope and nature of gender training for peacekeepers? How is gender understood to operate in peacekeeping? A review of international and national policy commitments demonstrates that training uniformed peacekeepers on gender has become a significant transnational practice. An examination of these mandates and training guidance reveals that training discourse establishes a normative understanding of gender that is focused primarily on vulnerability to sexual violence, and that frames gender as a question of skills and capacities rather than political investments or moral values. However, differences in localization demonstrate that gender training could be and sometimes is understood more expansively.


An analytical model based on interconnect parameters is presented for the analysis of thermal effects on crosstalk and performance of multi-channel optoelectronic modules. The model is accurate for computing crosstalk of interconnects used in chip packaging. In addition, model is used to determine the thermal critical frequency, fcrit, above which signals becomes severely deteriorated and can be applied in the design and packaging of optoelectronic transmitter modules for reliable data transmission.


Rabbits injected intravenously with a single high dose of poliovirus (type 1) produced two major 19S and two 75 type neutralizing antibody populations, with different electrophoretic mobilities. The first 2 to 2½ days after immunization the antibody was of the 19S type and migrated as a single component in the β-region. In contrast, the major 19S antibody synthesized from day 3 on was a γ1-globulin. 7S type antibody, appearing on day 4, was contained only in the γ1-region, while 10 to 14 days following immunization the 7S antibody was associated with both γ1- and γ2-globulins. The electrophoretic distribution of antibody in 2-week sera revealed the presence of at least four antibody populations (19S β, 19S γ1, 7S γ1, and 7S γ2). Serum samples collected 1 or 2 weeks following antigenic stimulation often contained small amounts of antibody which sedimented at a rate (11S to 15S) intermediate to that of 7S and 19S antibodies. The neutralizing activity of the 19S type antibodies and the intermediately sedimenting antibody was destroyed by incubation with 0.1 M (5 days) or 0.2 M (1 day) 2-mercaptoethanol at 3°C. The 7S antibody activity was un-affected by treatment with from 0.1 to 0.8 M mercaptan.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of collecting occupation and occupational hazard data in a primary care setting, using the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database to assist with classification.

METHODS
We collected data from 204 employed adult primary care patients in Toronto, Canada, on their occupation and exposure to occupational hazards, and mapped their job titles to the O*NET database. We compared their self-reported occupational hazard exposures with the likelihood of exposure on O*NET.

RESULTS
Exposure to repetitive arm movement was reported by 78%, to vapors/gas/dust/fumes by 30%, to noise by 30%, and to heavy loads by 31%. Significant differences in exposure to vapors/gas/dust/fumes were associated with work precarity. We matched the majority of job titles (89%) to O*NET categories.

CONCLUSIONS
Collecting employment information in primary care setting was feasible, with the majority of job titles mapping onto O*NET classifications.


This paper describes a tomographic imaging technique for evaluating the thickness reduction of a plate-like structure using a noncontact sensor network based on an electromagnetic acoustic transducer that generates shear horizontal plate waves. Because this technique is based on the effect of mode cutoff and time of flight of guided waves caused by a change in thickness, the tomographic image provides information on the presence of defects in the structure. To verify the performance of the method, artificial defects with various thickness reduction ratios were machined in an aluminum plate, and the tomographic imaging results are reported. The results show that the generated tomographic image displays the thickness reductions and can identify their locations. Therefore, the proposed technique has good potential as a tool for health monitoring of the integrity of plate-like structures.


This paper presents experience and evidence, from international sources, of the effects on survey quality of the use of mixed modes in data collection, where the web is used as one of the modes. It is recognised that this is an area which is changing fast as the spread of new technologies assist in widening the population who have access and familiarity with using the web. Surveys found to have used mixed modes (including web) were classified around the conventional schema in the literature; according to whether they used concurrent or sequential approaches in their mixed modes and according to whether they were longitudinal or cross-sectional data collections. In addition, surveys are divided according to whether they attempted to survey general populations or sub populations.
Existing longitudinal data collection is of particular interest, and especially where data collection modes have changed at some point into the tracking of individuals. Relatively few longitudinal surveys were identified that had attempted to use the web in data collection and no analyses of the consequence of the mode of response on subsequent wave attrition were found. Many of the examples found focused on sub populations of students and young people, who might call the web-savvy populations. This review showed that experience and familiarity with carrying out mixed mode surveys that include the web have grown considerably over the first decade of the 21st century. For experience of surveying general populations, one needs to look to Scandinavian countries, especially the Netherlands. These countries have also been ahead of most others in their prevalence of households with access to the internet.

The review of the literature on survey quality effects of mixed modes shows that use of sequential mixed modes, using the web first, followed by more expensive modes, can
achieve response rates on a par with good response rates from high quality single mode studies. The different modes recruit samples with different characteristics. However, such approaches, in combining responses from different modes can also gain coverage of the general population that improves on single mode studies. The evidence from experiments also points out how to get the highest web responses at the first stage of a sequential mixed mode data collection series. This is by failing to mention that there are other mode options for the response. However, measurement errors, namely nonresponse errors and mode effects, are likely to be evident in the data collected. These mode effects are still being charted, and are seen to vary according to the type of question, the type of response
codes and even the particular topic content; in some cases the mode effects are relatively minor and in other cases substantial. There is also a problem of confounding which is often present with non-response measurement errors or time effects for longitudinal data. There are well documented generalisations about the social desirability consequences and satisficing under different modes. Other research work is continuing to try and identify how to devise questions, by type, that will minimise mode effects. This involves painstaking attention often to the detail of individual questions. Most researchers think the unimode
approach to mixed mode question construction is likely to dominate for some time yet, and UK survey fieldwork organisations also tend to adopt this approach.


A method to determine the pth-order inverse of the Volterra series of multiple-input multiple-output non-linear dynamic systems is presented; it combines time- and frequency-domain techniques to determine the Volterra series of the inverse as a function of the forward system's Volterra series. The method can be used for continuous and discrete time systems. Each operator of non-linear order n of the inverse is a function of the forward system's operators of non-linear order n and lower. It is shown that the p th-order post-inverse is equal to the pth-order preinverse. For the special case that there are no linear cross terms and that the linear memory effects are negligible the kernels of the forward and inverse models are approximately the same. In an example, an approximate inverse model of a model of a concurrent dual band radio frequency amplifier is derived.


We examine the effects of the State Innovation Models (SIM) on population-level health status. The SIM initiative provided $250 million to six states in 2013 for delivery system reforms. We use data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the years 2010 -- 2016 to compare health of the populations in 6 SIM states to 15 states that were not involved in any aspects of SIM. We examine changes in health using an event study design. We develop a Latent Class Profile model that takes multiple measures of latent health into a common, latent health status to study the effect of the intervention. Such models can yield informative estimates where separate estimation of measures do not. We find that individuals in states that implemented SIM saw significant improvements in health across a number policy-relevant subpopulations.