Reversible video watermarking can guarantee that the original watermark and the original frame can be recovered from the watermarked frame without any distortion. Although reversible video watermarking has successfully been applied in multimedia, but its application has not been extensively explored in medical videos. Reversible watermarking in medical videos is still a challenging problem. The existing reversible video watermarking algorithms, which are based on error prediction expansion, use motion vectors for prediction. In this study, we propose an adaptive reversible watermarking method for medical videos. We suggest to use temporal correlations for improving the prediction accuracy. Hence, two temporal neighbor pixels in upcoming frames are used alongside the four spatial rhombus neighboring pixels to minimize the prediction error. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this method is applied for medical videos. The method helps to protect patients' personal and medical information by watermarking, i.e. increase the security of Health Information Systems (HIS). Experimental results demonstrate a high quality watermarking based on PSNR metric and a large capacity for data hiding on medical videos.


Introduction: Diarrheal disorders remain a major disease burden throughout the world in pediatrics that remains a health problem. Several treatment methods have been proposed to treat diarrhea, however each of them has some problems. Objectives: The aim of this study was the evaluation the effect of oral Saccharomyces boulardii on the duration and severity of colitis. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study included ninety-four patients with acute colitis were enrolled. The children were divided randomly into case and control groups. The control group received supportive treatment including intravenous or oral fluid therapy (ORS solution), antibiotic treatment with azithromycin suspension, and zinc sulfate syrup daily for five days. In addition to the mentioned treatments, the intervention group received S. boulardii as a probiotic capsule. Then, the duration and severity of diarrhea based on the Vesikari score were evaluated for all the patients for five first days. Results: The mean of Vesikari score after the first day in both groups was similar, while after the third and fifth day in the probiotic group this score was lower than the control group (5.11 ± 1.73 versus 6.13 ± 2.25, P=0.031 and 2.36 ± 1.16 versus 4.28 ±1.19, P<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the number of diarrhea per day in the probiotic group was significantly lower after the first day in contrast to the control group, which remains significant at the end of the fifth day (2.32 ± 0.51 versus 2.83 ± 1.23, P=0.047). Moreover, we found that the diarrhea duration (P<0.001), fever duration (P=0.029), and duration of hospitalization (P=0.006) were statistically lower in the case group as compared to the control. Conclusion: Saccharomyces boulardii had a beneficial effect as a probiotic agent in reducing the severity and duration of diarrhea, which could be beneficial for the treatment of colitis. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20161026030525N2); https://www.irct.ir/trial/24229; ethical code: IR.AJUMS.REC.1395.54.


Polyclonal antibodies to lincomycin (LIN) were developed in rabbit as a result of immunization with BSA-LIN conjugate. Periodate oxidizing of hapten was the common step of both immunogen synthesis and preparation of conjugated antigens for coating plates (homologous and heterologous). Several ELISA variants on a base of the different antigens immobilized on polystyrene were compared. Heterology of solid-phase antigens was provided with relative hapten clindamycin (CLIN) and ethylene- or hexanediamine as spacer arm between hapten and carrier. The spacer insertion yielded no desirable effect, whereas gelatin-CLIN assay variant showed better test characteristics in comparison with the homologous one, although insignificant (IC(50) was 9.15 vs 18.3 ng mL(-1)). The detection limits of the developed test, being estimated as 0.43 ng mL(-1) (milk) and 0.65 ng mL(-1) (eggs), were sufficient to measure maximum residue levels for LIN in examined matrices. This value for honey was 1.9 ng mL(-1) (1.3 μg kg(-1)). The assay sensitivity was enough to dilute milk, egg, and honey samples by 10-100 times to minimize matrix effect. The examination of matrix effect and simple ways of its overcoming are detailed in the paper. The developed assay showed 111% cross-reactivity with CLIN; therefore, it is suitable for the determination of both lincosamides.


The Banking system in Sri Lanka and all over the world is based on the interest system. Interest bearing money is almost like the law of nature where money generates money. However, an alternative banking system called Islamic banking which prohibits charging of interest and is based on profit/loss sharing system became popular in many countries. Global Islamic banking assets attained compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 19.7% from 2013 to 2018. Also, the Global Islamic Banking assets expected to hit USD 1.6 trillion by 2018. The Sri Lankan Banking system has undergone many changes in the recent past with deregulation of banking system paving way for new banks in Sri Lanka. However, Islamic banking which has emerged as a global phenomenon lately has not evolved as a full-fledged system in Sri Lanka. The research paper tries to explain the concept of Islamic banking and discusses the various financial products offered by the Islamic banks. It weighs the various pros and cons of Islamic banking in Sri Lanka. SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces Model are used to provide a thorough analysis of feasibility and scope of Islamic banking in Sri Lanka. The paper reveals that Sri Lanka has a great potential for Islamic banking provided necessary changes in the regulations and guidelines are made to evolve it has an alternative system of banking. The law makers should view it from an economic point of view rather than a religious view for its successful implementation and for the welfare and upliftment of financially excluded sections of society that do not participate in conventional banking due to their religious beliefs.


The objective of this study was to evaluate clusters of tourism support institutions on the northern coast of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina state. Based upon a discussion about clusters, competitive resources and support institutions role, research was undertaken in seven cities from the area called the Green Sea Coast. The chosen cities all have beach tourism as their primary economic activities. Touristic firms generally cluster close to tourist attractions, and thus create conditions for support institutions, especially in terms of economy of scale. We applied a survey, with both open and closed-ended question, to managers from the tourist agencies in order to gather primary data. Secondary data (related to tourism statistics) came from Santa Catarina's official state tourism institution. The data was treated using descriptive inferential and categorization statistics. Results point out that there a variety of institutions in the region, but not in their services, since they all seem to concentrate on consulting.


Considerable advances in ultrasound technology and close collaboration between the specialties of paediatric cardiology and fetal medicine have resulted in the increasing ability to diagnose congenital heart disease before birth over the last two decades. Fetal cardiology differs from paediatric cardiology not only in the spectrum of diseases seen, but also in the assessment of function because of the extended feto-placental circulation. Importantly, outcomes for specific lesions may differ as extracardiac abnormalities and chromosomal defects may alter the prognosis of otherwise straightforward cardiac lesions such as tetralogy of Fallot.1 Historically the examination of the fetal heart and circulation developed separately, obstetricians using Doppler to examine the uteroplacental circulation to study the pathophysiology of pregnancy,2 3 while cardiologists focused their attention on the morphological aspects of cardiac development using M mode and Doppler.4 5 In today's practice a comprehensive evaluation of the fetal cardiovascular system includes both structural and functional assessment using new technologies to monitor the progression of cardiac defects and to aid management decisions such as the need for early delivery, treatment of arrhythmia or for interventions such as balloon valvuloplasty of semilunar valve obstruction.

Congenital heart disease affects 6–8 per 1000 live births, at least half of which should be detectable before birth because of their serious nature. However, if examination of the fetal heart is confined to traditional high risk groups only about 20% of babies born with congenital heart disease will be identified (table 1). Therefore the focus must be to examine all pregnancies for cardiac malformations. The opportunity to do so is present in some centres at 11–14 weeks when nuchal fold thickness is measured to assess the risk of chromosomal defects in the fetus. However, in the UK most pregnant women are assessed for the first time in detail by sonographers …


This chunky volume features more than 1500 original engravings that illustrated the Webster's dictionaries of the 19th Century. Meticulously cleaned and restored by fine-press bookmaker Johnny Carerra, these engravings have been compiled into an infinitely fascinating artistic visual reference. Images of everything from Acorns to Zebras, Bell Jars to Velocipedes, are arranged alphabetically to create enigmatic juxtapositions of the items deemed important to the Victorian mind. Perfect for delighting and inspiring today's artists, designers, and anyone with an interest in visual history, "Pictorial Webster's" is a visually stunning reference on both the dictionary thought-process and on printing technique.


OLSEN, KRISTEN M. Fine Scale Modeling of Agricultural Air Quality over the Southeastern United States: Application and Evaluation of Two Air Quality Models. (Under the direction of Dr. Yang Zhang). Three-dimensional air quality models are vital tools for air quality research. The models are under continuous development as the knowledge and understanding of atmospheric processes improve. Once a model has been evaluated retrospectively against available observations, sensitivity studies can be conducted to determine possible causes for discrepancies between the model and observations and to assess potential impact of future emission changes. This research will evaluate the performance of two air quality models, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model and the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with extensions (CAMx), at a fine scale over the southeastern United States in January and July 2002. The air quality in the southeast is of particular interest because of the high NH3 emissions from agriculture which play a key role in the nutrient and nitrogen cycle, act to neutralize acids in the air, and participate in the formation of PM2.5. The baseline simulations are completed at a horizontal grid spacing of 4-km using both CMAQ and CAMx. The evaluation of meteorological variables, chemical concentrations, wet and dry deposition, column mass, and visibility is completed using available observations from surface measurements and satellite data. The evaluation protocol involves analysis through domain-wide statistics, spatial distribution, and temporal variations. Additionally, two sensitivity studies are conducted. In order to assess the model sensitivity to horizontal grid spacing, a sensitivity study evaluates the performance of CMAQ at 12-, 4-, and 1.33-km horizontal grid spacings. The second sensitivity study evaluates the sensitivity of CMAQ to emission reductions of SO2, NOx, and agricultural-livestock NH3. In the baseline simulation, O3 and PM2.5 are overpredicted by both models in January and underpredicted by both models in July, with CAMx predicting higher values than CMAQ in both months. The overprediction by the models in January is likely influenced by simulated weaker vertical mixing than what occurred in the true atmosphere. In July, underestimated emissions of precursor species or overpredicted wet deposition may be contributing to the underpredicted O3 and PM2.5. The spatial distribution of the adjusted gas ratio indicates that the regions of high NH3 emissions in the eastern NC and northeastern GA are NH3-rich and reductions of NH3 alone would do little to reduce PM2.5 pollution, which will be further evaluated in the second sensitivity study. When compared to satellite data, CMAQ shows good agreement for CO and NO2 in both months, with larger biases for O3 and AOD. These discrepancies may be due to uncertainties in the boundary conditions of the model and the calculation of AOD from the model predictions, as well as assumptions made in the satellite retrieval algorithms. CMAQ shows some improvement for O3 and PM2.5 using finer grid spacings in January, but no improvement in July. One cause for this seasonal variation is the increased mass removed through wet deposition at finer scales in both months. This reduces the overprediction of PM species in January, but exacerbates the underprediction in July. Additional factors impacting the sensitivity to horizontal grid resolution are the sensitivity of the meteorology model and emissions. Through the emission sensitivity study, it was found that NH3 emission reductions have a larger impact than SO2 or NOx emission reductions on PM2.5 in January, while SO2 emission reductions result in the largest decrease in PM2.5 in July. Combining NH3 emission reductions with the projected SO2 and NOx emission reductions act to reduce PM2.5 more than SO2 and NOx emission reductions alone in both January and July. Fine Scale Modeling of Agricultural Air Quality over the Southeastern United States: Application and Evaluation of Two Air Quality Models


Introduction: Breastfeeding self-efficacy show self-confidence and the ability of mothers to perform breastfeeding and maternal health literacy, ability of women to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain their health and their children. Aim: this study was Measuring Associations between self-efficacy breastfeeding and maternal health literacy. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in Mashhad health center in 2015. 185 pregnant women with first experience were selected randomly. Data were collected through health literacy maternal questionnaire and self-efficacy breastfeeding Fox & Dennis questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive and statistical tests in the SPSS/18. Results: The mean score of women's self-efficacy breastfeeding and standard deviation were 120.5 and 11.7 respectively and the mean maternal health literacy was 42.7±5.6. The results regression showed that the only variable that significantly associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy was maternal health literacy. Implications for practice: According to the results of this study, maternal health literacy must be raised to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy, which could lead to an improvement in maternal breastfeeding in the society.


This paper discusses the market trends and advantages of a safety system integrating LKS (Lane Keeping System) and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), referred to as the LKS+ACC system, and proposes a method utilizing the range data from ACC for the sake of lane detection. The overall structure of lane detection is the same as the conventional method using monocular vision: EDF (Edge Distribution Function)-based initialization, sub-ROI (Region Of Interest) for left/right and distance-based layers, steerable filter-based feature extraction, and model fitting in each sub-ROI. The proposed method adds only the system for confining lane detection ROI to free space that is established by range data. Experimental results indicate that such a simple adaptive ROI can overcome occlusion of lane markings and disturbance of neighboring vehicles.


Throughout the history of potting in Botswana, from about CE200 to the present, potters have used a variety of clays. Alluvial clays are favored by most potters today, but petrographic analyses show that prehistoric potters preferred primary clays directly derived from granite and basalt. Fortunately, a few potters in the region today still use granite-derived clays. We trace the processes by which potters of Pilikwe village mine weathered granite from a source at Moijabana and transform it through a series of crushing, pounding, sifting, and wetting actions into a paste that can be used the following day to form pots. These mechanical operations accelerate natural rock weathering processes that form clays and in a single day achieve what in nature takes thousands of years. Successive stages of clay collection and processing were observed, recorded, and filmed; samples from each stage were subsequently analyzed by thin-section optical petrography. Fabrics of pots made from this processed clay were analyzed by identical means and compared with the raw materials.


A real-time task assignment scheme for multiple Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) operating in uncertain environment is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the situation in the uncertain environment and the uncertainty of the battlefield are analyzed. Then, a stochastic system model and a team utility Kfunction which take several indicators into account are established for multi-UCAV real-time task assignment in uncertain environments. A set of tasks are executed by the UCAV team cooperatively. Finally, the real-time task assignment is carried out with genetic algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and suitability of the model.


This paper presents a systems overview of how the Boeing and NASA team designed, analyzed, fabricated, and integrated the Active Flow Control (AFC) technology and Insect Accretion Mitigation (IAM) systems on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator. The NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project partnered with Boeing to demonstrate these two technology systems on a specially outfitted Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator during the spring of 2015. The AFC system demonstrated attenuation of flow separation on a highly deflected rudder and increased the side force generated. This AFC system may enable a smaller vertical tail to provide the control authority needed in the event of an engine failure during takeoff while still operating in a conventional manner over the rest of the flight envelope. The AFC system consisted of ducting to obtain air from the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a control valve to modulate the system mass flow, a heat exchanger to lower the APU air temperature, and additional ducting to deliver the air to the AFC actuators located on the vertical tail. The IAM system demonstrated how to mitigate insect residue adhesion on a wing's leading edge. Something as small as insect residue on a leading edge can cause turbulent wedges that interrupt laminar flow, resulting in an increase in drag and fuel use. The IAM system consisted of NASA developed Engineered Surfaces (ES) which were thin aluminum sheet substrate panels with coatings applied to the exterior. These ES were installed on slats 8 and 9 on the right wing of the 757 ecoDemonstrator. They were designed to support panel removal and installation in one crew shift. Each slat accommodated 4 panels. Both the AFC and IAM flight test were the culmination of several years of development and produced valuable data for the advancement of modern aircraft designs.


The possibility of obtaining a single patent uniformly valid for the entire territory of the European Union has been desired for decades. Despite of a consensus over the need for such instrument, Member States have still not reached unanimity regarding the exact specifics of the European Union patent system. Ultimately, 25 Member States resorted to the use of enhanced cooperation. This article will analyze the legality of authorized enhanced cooperation. It will do so in the light of arguments raised by Italy and Spain in their actions for annulment of the decision authorizing enhanced cooperation, brought in front of the ECJ. Further on, the legality of acts that are to be reached through enhanced cooperation will be assessed, by analyzing whether the  proposed patent system complies with the invoked legal basis which requires introduction of a new intellectual property right. If it does not, this article will assess possible ways to amend this mistake.


A rapid, micro-scale focus reduction neutralization test for chikungunya virus was developed. In the test, cell monolayers are prepared in a 96-well tissue culture plate and the PAP (peroxidase-antiperoxidase) staining technique is used for detection of foci of chikungunya virus infected cells. This test is suitable for rapid diagnosis and epidemiological studies of the virus.


Aim National and international policy frameworks, such as the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive, increasingly seek to conserve and reference 'highly biodiverse grasslands'. However, to date there is no systematic global characterization and distribution map for grassland types. To address this gap, we first propose a systematic definition of grassland. We then integrate International Vegetation Classification (IVC) grassland types with the map of Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World (TEOW).


Immune traits play pivotal roles in animal immune capacity development and disease resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are common forms of genetic variations among individuals, which are thought to account for the majority of inherited phenotypic variations. In this study, we performed genomewide association, using the Illumina 60K SNP BeadChip studies to detect molecular markers and candidate genes associated with immune traits in an F2 population. Sixteen immune traits were measured. We identified 85 significant SNPs (p < 2.98 × 10(-6) ) with 5% as the genomewide significance threshold, 380 SNPs of suggestive significance (p < 5.96 × 10(-5) ) from simple model (general linear model, GLM) and 15 SNPs of suggestive significance (p < 5.96 × 10(-5) ) from the compressed mixed linear model (MLM), which were also found in GLM (six significant SNPs and seven suggestive SNPs). Three significant SNPs (GGaluGA151406, Gga_rs14554319 and Gga_rs13593979) and candidate genes (LYRM4 and KTN1) were found to be associated with avian influenza antibody titres, and the first two SNPs are from the results of two-model analysis. For the immune organs, through the analysis of GLM, 19 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with the thymus weight, 61 SNPs were significantly associated with the bursa of Fabricius weight, six of which were located within a 34-Mb region (125 846 474-159 649 698 bp) on chicken chromosome 1 (GGA1). A candidate region relevant to haematological traits from GLM was found in GGA4 and 9 loci were located on it. Three loci (GGaluGA348521, Gga_rs16098446 and GGaluGA348518) within 179 kb (16 286 868-16 466 134 bp) on GGAZ from GLM provided evidence that this genomic segment may be relevant to red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW). Our study provides a list of significant SNPs and candidate genes that will be valuable information for unveiling the underlying molecular mechanism of immune regulation.


OBJECTIVE
To explore and describe the clinical feasibility and value of reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft.

METHODS
Urethroplasties with free postauricular grafts were performed in 17 patients with complex urethral strictures, including 6 cases in anterior urethras and 11 cases in posterior urethras. The grafts were transplanted onto the opened urethras in the first stage; 6 months later, the new urethras were shaped with the second stage urethroplasties in 14 patients. There patients succeeded in single-stage urethroplasties. The urethras and bladders were washed with antibiotic solution everyday after urethroplasties.

RESULTS
Good and satisfactory results were obtained in 15 cases 6 months after urethroplasties, regardless of the strictured sites and lengths. Maximal urinary flow rates ranged 14-32 ml/s. There were 2 cases accompanied with complications 6 months after urethroplasties, 1 case of fistula was repaired, 1 case of severe urethral stricture was reconstructed with opposite side free postauricular graft later. Three patients had mild urethral strictures 6 months after urethroplasties, they were cured with urethral dilatations for 4-8 times.

CONCLUSION
Reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft is a good and effective method to treat long or complex urethral strictures, especially for patients without adequate foreskin or penis skin.


Reflection high-energy electron diffraction is a widely used tool to study the growth dynamics of thin films, in situ and operando. Here it is applied after deposition, revealing that the morphological state of the surface is connected to the amount of material underneath. We focus on the growth of ${\mathrm{LaAlO}}_{3}$ thin films on a ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ substrate by pulsed laser deposition, utilizing a geometrically anisotropic plasma plume. After deposition, oscillations in the intensity and width of the specular spot as a function of position are observed along the short axis of the plasma plume. Each complete oscillation represents a unit-cell difference in film thickness, as confirmed by local x-ray reflectivity measurements. We apply this approach to demonstrate the critical thickness for conductivity at the ${\mathrm{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ interface on a single sample. Our results introduce a straightforward method to engineer and study thickness-dependent properties of epitaxial thin films on a highly detailed level.


Cell-cell recognition is the key for multicellular organisms to survive. This recognition critically depends on protein-protein interactions from opposing cell surfaces. Recent structural investigations reveal unique features of these cell surface receptors and how they interact. These interactions are specific, but usually relatively weak, with more hydrophilic forces involved in binding. The receptors appear to have specialized ways to present their key interacting elements for ligand-binding from the cell surface. Cell-cell contacts are multivalent. A large group of cell surface molecules are engaged in interactions. Characteristic weak interactions make possible for each individual molecule pair within the group to constantly associate-dissociate-reassociate, such that the cell-cell recognition becomes a dynamic process. The immunological synapse is a good example for immune receptors to be orchestrated in performing immunological function in a collective fashion.


The introduction of the concept of brand heritage in the Batik Industry in Kampung Batik Laweyan is intended to help local batik entrepreneurs in Kampung Batik Laweyan to maintain and preserve the uniqueness of their experiences and history, especially the Laweyan Batik tradition. Marketing training activities by introducing the concept of Brand Heritage are intended not only to raise awareness of the importance of strengthening brand identity through the concept of Brand Heritage but also to preserve Cultural Heritage. The Laweyan Batik Industry has existed even before Surakarta as the capital of the Mataram kingdom of Surakarta where most of the residents of the Laweyan area have been batik craftsmen since ancient times. Laweyan batik motifs are very diverse and are well known in the community. This community service activity involves batik entrepreneurs in the Laweyan batik village as well as employees who work at Batik Gress Tenan, Laweyan. Employees and employees who work at Batik Gress Tenan are given insight and understanding of the importance of the company and employees in maintaining the Brand Heritage of its products and maintaining the Cultural Heritage of Kampung Batik Laweyan so that it remains attractive and a strong identity to continue to exist and develop. Keywords : Brand Heritage, Cultural Heritage, Tradition, History.


The quantum synchronization between a pair of two‐level systems inside two coupled cavities is studied. By using a digital–analog decomposition of the master equation that rules the system dynamics, it is shown that this approach leads to quantum synchronization between both two‐level systems. Moreover, in this digital–analog block decomposition, the fundamental elements of a quantum machine learning protocol can be identified, in which the agent and the environment (learning units) interact through a mediating system, namely, the register. If the algorithm can be additionally equipped with a classical feedback mechanism, which consists of projective measurements in the register, reinitialization of the register state, and local conditional operations on the agent and environment subspace, a powerful and flexible quantum machine learning protocol emerges. Indeed, numerical simulations show that this protocol enhances the synchronization process, even when every subsystem experiences different loss/decoherence mechanisms, and gives the flexibility to choose the synchronization state. Finally, an implementation is proposed, based on current technologies in superconducting circuits.


The zebrafish pineal organ is a photoreceptive structure containing two main neuronal populations (photoreceptors and projections neurons). Here we describe a new pineal cell type that harbors both characteristics of projection neurons and photoreceptors. Indeed, a subpopulation of projection neurons expresses the melanopsin gene opn4xa suggesting photoreceptive properties. This population of hybrid cell fates, share a similar behaviour regarding dependency for BMP and Notch signalling pathways with classical non-photosensitive projection neurons (PNs) suggesting they are closer to the PN population. We describe two distinct types of activity within PNs: an achromatic LIGHT OFF activity in opn4xa− PNs and a LIGHT ON activity elicited by green and blue light in opn4xa+ PNs. Altogether the discovery and characterization of opn4xa+ PNs suggest a previously unanticipated heterogeneity in the projection neuron population.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral reading as a teaching technique for improving reading comprehension of 11 Educable Mentally Handicapped or Severe Learning Disabled adolescents. Students were tested on their ability to answer comprehension questions from a short factual article. Comprehension improved following the oral reading for students with a reading grade equivalent of less than 5.5 (measured from the Wide Range Achievement Test) but not for those students having a grade equivalent of greater than 5.5. This association was statistically significant (p = less than .01). Oral reading appeared to improve comprehension among the poorer readers but not for readers with moderately high ability.


In the presence of a catalytic amount of Cp*RuCl(cod), 1,6-diynes were allowed to react chemo- and regioselectively with electron-deficient nitriles and heterocumulenes at 60-90 degrees C to afford heterocyclic compounds. The mechanism of the ruthenium-catalyzed regioselective formations of bicyclic pyridines and pyridones were analyzed on the basis of density functional calculations. Cyclocotrimerizations of ethyl propiolate with ethyl cyanoformate or propyl isocyanate gave rise to two of the four possible pyridine or pyridone regioisomers.


Minerals, in particular micronutrients such as copper, manganese, zinc, selenium and chromium, deliver health benefits for high-yielding dairy cows. The availability of nutrients is particularly important during the transition period (between 3 weeks prepartum to 3-4 weeks postpartum), which is a highly vulnerable time in the production cycle that determines the health status of lactating cows, their milk yield and reproductive performance. In cows, prolonged mineral deficiency can produce subclinical symptoms of nutrient deficiency and, if untreated, can lead to a clinical presentation of the disorder. Less severe deficiencies, in particular micronutrient deficiencies, are more difficult to identify because they induce only minor functional and structural changes in the body, but together with energy metabolism disorders, they can lead to oxidative stress and immunosuppression, in particular in the transition period. Micronutrient supplements reduce the harmful effects of free radicals because the majority of micronutrients form the active centers of antioxidant enzymes. Dietary supplementation promotes reproductive performance, healthy fetal development and immunity. Micronutrients alleviate bacterial infections associated with mastitis, lower somatic cell counts in milk and minimize the risk of metabolic diseases caused by a negative energy balance. This study discusses the role of the major micronutrients in cattle nutrition and their effect on the health status of transition cows.


In this paper, we investigate the resource management and scheduling issues for the future UWB-based high-rate WPAN systems. Based on a distributed management architecture, we propose a novel multiple access scheme in the context of multiuser channel and time allocation for the UWB applications. Using a self-learning and managing approach, the distributed resource allocation is based on the exchange of useful information among the existing users to achieve a priority-based scheduling. A service differentiation principle is thus followed to guarantee a high level of QoS support for high-priority applications that have strict requirements. However, with the evidence of the service urgency that gives some type of applications a kind of privileged and high-prioritized medium access, fairness among all the users has to be taken into consideration in order not to decrease significantly the performance of some low-priority applications for the sake of other ones. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the simple scheduling scheme that ensures fairness among the competing users while guaranteeing the QoS support for high-priority users.


A literature is rapidly developing on financial shocks originating from ecological imbalances. These shocks can be triggered by either intensified environmental policies, clean tech breakthroughs or due to the economic costs of crossing ecological boundaries. However, financial supervisors have so far given little attention to this ecological dimension. This allows systemic financial imbalances resulting from ecological pressures to build up and concentrate in financial institutions and markets. This paper sketches the ecological dimension of the prudential policy framework and illustrates the working for the case of carbon emissions.


Search and recommender systems have unprecedented influence on how and what information people access. These gateways to information on the one hand create an easy and universal access to online information, and on the other hand create biases that have shown to cause knowledge disparity and ill-decisions for information seekers. Most of the algorithms for indexing, retrieval, ranking, and recommendation are heavily driven by the underlying data that itself is biased. In addition, ordering of the search and recommendation results create position bias and exposure bias due to their considerable focus on relevance and user satisfaction. These and other forms of biases that are implicitly and some times explicitly woven in search and recommender systems are becoming increasing threats to information seeking and sense-making processes. In this tutorial, we will introduce the issues of biases in search and recommendation and show how we could think about and create systems that are fairer, with increasing diversity and transparency. Specifically, the tutorial will present several fundamental concepts such as relevance, novelty, diversity, bias, and fairness using socio-technical terminologies taken from various communities, and dive deeper into metrics and frameworks that allow us to understand, extract, and materialize them. The tutorial will cover some of the most recent works in this area and show how this interdisciplinary research has opened up new challenges and opportunities for communities such as RecSys.


Inheritance of adult-plant resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici) in five spring wheats (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) following inoculation with the Mexican race Mex96-11 was studied. All possible crosses among these resistant genotypes and a susceptible genotype, 'Avocet-YrA', were made in a one-way diallel mating design. F 1 crosses, F 2 populations, and F 2 :F 3 and F 5 single seed-descent lines were evaluated under artificial field epidemics initiated with race Mex96-11. The adult-plant resistance in crosses of resistant parent with Avocet-YrA tended to be incompletely dominant and was based on the interaction of gene Yr18 and at least three additional additive genes in each parent. Transgressive segregation was detected in all F 2 populations and F 5 single seed-descent lines of the resistant parent inter-crosses, indicating that some additive genes were nonallelic. Combining ability analyses indicated that additive gene effects were more important than nonadditive gene effects in the inheritance of adult plant resistance to stripe rust in the evaluated material. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.88 to 0.96. Stripe rust resistance in these wheats is expected to be durable.


Design education finds itself at a crossroad, having to deal with an emerging industry 4.0 and global issues such as, sustainability. The engineering design curriculum needs to arm students with 21st century soft skills to be able to cope with an ever-evolving world. One of the most important soft skills is self-regulation, so that students can adapt to changing situations; know what skills they are lacking; and function efficiently in a multidisciplinary team. This application includes an introduction to self-regulation in design education. Additionally, it includes the setup and findings of a first pilot study the Ph.D. researcher conducted. The study used an online platform to assess students' involvement in a team and the group dynamics within the team. Afterwards the results were communicated and students were asked to reflect and propose solutions for group related challenges. Lastly, this application includes an overview of the reasons why the Ph.D. researcher would like to participate in the doctoral colloquium.


The transport of charged test-particles in the presence of given magnetic fluctuations and collisions is investigated from two approaches, namely, the Langevin and corresponding Fokker-Planck equations. Analytic discussion of the Fokker-Planck equation shows the radial particle and energy fluxes to be purely diffusive. The Langevin approach confirms the validity of the Fokker-Planck perturbative calculation for sufficiently small fluctuation amplitudes. From the Fokker-Planck theory the authors derive an effective parallel thermal diffusivity valid for all collisionalities, and show that the high collisionality results of Braginskii and the low collisionality form previously conjectured by the authors, are recovered. Application of the theory to TFR lead to qualitative agreement with published observations.


Objective: The purpose of the present study was to identify the Non-Fermenting Gram Negative Bacteria from the tertiary care hospital. Methods: The conventional method was used i.e. Antibiotic susceptibility test which was performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and analysis of microbes was done by Vitek-2. Results: 172 samples were identified as Non-Fermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli from 1526 respiratory samples. Acinetobacter baumanii was the predominant isolate accounting 103 (59.88%) specimens followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 33.13%. Other isolates were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 5.23% and Burkholderi acepacia 1.74%. From the 172 samples, Endotracheal Aspirate was found to be the most infected amongst all the other samples. Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common NFGNB isolated in our study from patients of Respiratory Tract Infections. Conclusion: Both Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed good sensitivity to colistin, amikacin, cefoperazone while in most cases carbapenam is found to be highly resistant. Colistin along with amikacin and cefoperazone should be used against this pathogen for treatment. Keywords: Nosocomial infection, Gram negative bacilli, Tertiary care hospital, Lower respiratory tract infection, Non-fermenting bacilli


The variability of the drop size distribution (DSD) is one of the factors that must be considered in understanding the uncertainties in the retrieval of oceanic precipitation from passive microwave observations. Here, we have used observations from the Precipitation Radar on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission spacecraft to infer the relationship between the DSD and the rain rate and the variability in this relationship. The impact on passive microwave rain rate retrievals varies with frequency and rain rate. The total uncertainty for a given pixel can be slightly larger than 10% at the low end (ca. 10 GHz) of frequencies commonly used for this purpose and smaller at higher frequencies (up to 37 GHz). Since the error is not totally random, averaging many pixels, as in a monthly rainfall total, should roughly halve this uncertainty. The uncertainty may be lower at rain rates less than about 30 mm/h, but the lack of sensitivity of the surface reference technique to low rain rates makes it impossible to tell from the present data set.


Abstract Acute acalculous cholecystitis remains an elusive clinical diagnosis possibly due to complex clinical setting in which this entity develops, lack of large prospective controlled trials that evaluate various diagnostic modalities, thus dependence on a small database for clinical decision making. Concealed gallbladder perforation is rare. Herein, we report an 82-year-old female who presented with a right upper quadrant pain and features of local peritonitis. Abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of cholecystitis while computed tomography (CT) scan reported a perforated gallbladder with pericholecystic fluid collection. The patient underwent successful cholecystectomy; and intra-operatively, similar findings as those reported on imaging were seen. Unfortunately, she succumbed shortly post-operatively due to pulmonary embolism. Our report highlights the importance CT scan in patients with vague abdominal symptoms followed by sudden resolution. It also reminds the importance of considering the diagnosis of concealed gallbladder perforation as a differential in patients with peritonitis, as it may be missed by routine radiological investigations.


The effects of apigenin on the expression of VEGF in uveal melanoma cells have not been reported. We studied this effect and relevant signaling pathways in two human uveal melanoma cell lines (SP6.5 and C918). ELISA assay revealed that the constitutive secretion of VEGF by uveal melanoma cells was 21-fold higher than that in normal uveal melanocytes. Apigenin at subtoxic levels (1–5 μM) significantly suppressed the secretion of VEGF in a dose- and time-dependent manner in melanoma cells. VEGF levels in the conditioned culture media from SP6.5 and C918 cell lines treated with 5 μM apigenin for 24 h reduced to 29% and 21% of those in cells not treated with apigenin, respectively. RT-PCR analysis found that apigenin also decreased the expression of VEGF mRNA in melanoma cells. ELISA study of various signal pathways showed that apigenin significantly decreased phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 but increased phosphorylated JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK levels in melanoma cells. PI3K/Akt or ERK1/2 inhibitors significantly decreased, but JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK inhibitors did not influence the secretion of VEGF by melanoma cells, suggesting that apigenin suppresses the secretion of VEGF mainly through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways.


Background: Danaparoid sodium and synthetic protease inhibitors (SPIs) have been approved for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in Japan. Objectives: To compare the clinical results of the treatment of DIC with danaparoid or SPIs. Methods: We retrospectively examined 188 patients with hematological malignancy-related DIC. Results: DIC resolution rate in the danaparoid group was higher than that in the SPIs group (61.5 vs. 42.6%; p = 0.031) on day 7. Multivariate analysis identified the response to chemotherapy as independent predictive factor for DIC resolution on day 7 (odds ratio, OR, 2.28; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.21–4.31; p = 0.011). While there was no significant difference in the DIC resolution rate on day 14 (75.0 vs. 62.4%; p = 0.117), in a subgroup analysis of patients who did not show an improvement in the underlying disease, the danaparoid group showed a significantly better DIC resolution rate (OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.15–13.2; p = 0.030). There was no difference in the rate of cumulative mortality from bleeding within 28 days between the 2 groups (6.6 vs. 3.3%; p = 0.278). Conclusions: Danaparoid may be associated with more frequent resolution of DIC in patients with refractory underlying disease.


Occupational therapists (OT) offer a wide range of therapies for individuals with ASD on the basis of specific deficits and difficulties. This chapter explores the role that OT plays, and the expertise, in relation to the interdisciplinary team. In addition, it discusses and presents empirical support for several therapeutic approaches commonly used by OTs working with individuals with ASD.


This essays discusses the significant role the cultural magazine Brecha has had in the intellectual life of Costa Rica. Brecha, like other type of media, can also be studied to identify the cultural trends that preoccupied intellectuals in that specific period of time. Therefore, the information contained within Brecha´s pages will always be relevant to present and future generations.


A field experiment was conducted at Kogi State University Research and student demonstration farm Anyigba during the 2015 raining season to determine the influence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Cow dung manure on the yield and yield components of okra varieties. The treatment consisted of two okra varieties (Velvet 35 and Lima F1), four levels each of Nitrogen (0, 55kilogram/hectare, 110 kilogram/hectare, 220 kilogram/hectare), Phosphorus (0, 125 kilogram/hectare, 250 kilogram/hectare and 500 kilogram/hectare) and Cow dung (0, 6.25tonnes/hectare, 12.5tonnes/hectare, and 25tonnes/hectare), which were replicated three times and laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Urea and Single Super Phosphate were used as the source of Nitrogen and Phosphorus respectively. Data were obtained for growth and yield parameters, three plants were randomly selected and tagged per plot for data collection. Results shows that stem girth, number of leaves, branches, fruits, leaf area, fruit length, and fruit yield etc. were significantly influenced for the okra varieties as Lima F1 out-yielded velvet 35. There was a significant interaction of fertilizer and variety on yield characters such as fruit length and yield etc.


This investigation is focused on the evaluation of the effects of the partial replacement of Portland cement by sugar cane bagasse ash (CBC) in mortars. The main objective wasto find a suitable destination for an agricultural residue generated in an increasing amount in Brazil, as the use of CBC as a mineral admixture in mortars and concretes, contributes to decrease the environmental impact of these materials related to cement production. Experimental techniques were applied both for the CBC characterization and for the evaluation of its use as a mineral admixture in mortars, based on mechanical and physical tests. The results from tests with mortars indicated the viability of the partial substitution of cement by up to 20% of the CBC considered.


Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to excessive calorie consumption, physical inactivity, and being overweight. Patients with NAFLD can halt or decelerate progression and potentially reverse their condition by changing their lifestyle behavior. International guidelines recommend the use of lifestyle interventions; however, there remains a discordance between published guidelines and clinical practice. This is primarily due to a lack of NAFLD-specific interventions to support weight loss and improve liver function. Objective This study aims to use intervention mapping to systematically develop a digital intervention to support patients with NAFLD to initiate and maintain changes in their dietary and physical activity behavior to promote weight loss. Methods Intervention mapping consisted of 6 steps: step 1 involved a needs assessment with primary and secondary health care professionals (HCPs) and patients with NAFLD; step 2 involved identification of the social cognitive determinants of change and behavioral outcomes of the intervention; step 3 involved linking social cognitive determinants of behavioral outcomes with behavior change techniques to effectively target dietary and physical activity behavior; step 4 involved the development of a prototype digital intervention that integrated the strategies from step 3, and the information content was identified as important for improving knowledge and skills from steps 1 and 2; step 5 involved the development of an implementation plan with a digital provider of lifestyle behavior change programs to patients with NAFLD using their delivery platform and lifestyle coaches; and step 6 involved piloting the digital intervention with patients to obtain data on access, usability, and content. Results A digital intervention was developed, consisting of 8 modules; self-regulatory tools; and provision of telephone support by trained lifestyle coaches to help facilitate behavioral intention, enactment, and maintenance. A commercial provider of digital lifestyle behavior change programs enrolled 16 patients with NAFLD to the prototype intervention for 12 consecutive weeks. A total of 11 of the 16 participants successfully accessed the intervention and continued to engage with the content following initial log-in (on average 4 times over the piloting period). The most frequently accessed modules were welcome to the program, understanding NAFLD, and food and NAFLD. Goal setting and self-monitoring tools were accessed on 22 occasions (4 times per tool on average). A total of 3 out of 11 participants requested access to a lifestyle coach. Conclusions Intervention mapping provided a systematic methodological framework to guide a theory- and evidence-informed co-design intervention development process for patients and HCPs. The digital intervention with remote support by a lifestyle coach was acceptable to patients with NAFLD and feasible to deliver. Issues with initial access, optimization of information content, and promoting the value of remote lifestyle coach support require further development ahead of future research to establish intervention effectiveness.


With the rise of online e-commerce platforms, more and more customers prefer to shop online. To sell more products, online platforms introduce various modules to recommend items with different properties such as huge discounts. A web page often consists of different independent modules. The ranking policies of these modules are decided by different teams and optimized individually without cooperation, which might result in competition between modules. Thus, the global policy of the whole page could be sub-optimal. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-agent cooperative reinforcement learning approach with the restriction that different modules cannot communicate. Our contributions are three-fold. Firstly, inspired by a solution concept in game theory named correlated equilibrium, we design a signal network to promote cooperation of all modules by generating signals (vectors) for different modules. Secondly, an entropy-regularized version of the signal network is proposed to coordinate agents' exploration of the optimal global policy. Furthermore, experiments based on real-world e-commerce data demonstrate that our algorithm obtains superior performance over baselines.


THE ENIGMA OF THiE CHILBLAIN SIR,-The article on this subject by Dr. Rupert I-Hallam in your issue of February 7th contains many data of scientific interest. I venture, however, to challenge his third sentence, which reads: " It is improbable that efficient means of pievention will be found until more is known of the etiology and pathology of the condition." If Dr. Hallam will visit the Continent as a layman, he will find that in climatic and otlher etiological conditions varying in but a nminor degree from those existent in England, the chilblain is a rarity. Ainong well-to-do women in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland, chilblains are practically unknown, and English ladies accustomed to suffer every winter from chilblains in this country are surprised to discover, if they have occasion to pass a' winter abroad, that they escape from this troublesome disorder. I suggest to Dr. Hallam that however important inborn factors governing nutrition, circulation, and metabolism may be, the all-important factor in the production of chilblains is the shibboleth of the virtue of cold bedrooms which has come to us from our Victorian forebears. To come down to breakfast with frozen hands and feet, and to thaw them before a glowing fire, or to enter an arctic bed and place the numbed feet against a burning hotwater bottle, are sure ways of contracting this complaint. Trench foot, which caused incapacity in thousands of soldiers during the late war, was not a matter of metabolism, latent tuberculosis, or inherent vasomotor defect it was preventable by discipline and common sense. Chilblains are preventable by common sense and discipline of a less exacting nature than that which ancestral tradition still inflicts upon us.-I am, etc.,


Triterpene glycosides from sea cucumbers (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata) are used as a model for studying the biochemical evolution for correlation between the glycoside membranolytic activity and biological functions. Concepts of evolutionary morphology are applied at the molecular level. The concept of Van-der-Klaauve's- Dullemeijer's system-theoretical (holistic) approach is used for the model of structural-functional relationships of the glycosides. Network diagrams of structural-functional relationships have been prepared for many glycosides. The diagrams correlate well with experimental data and show a very complex and flexible action of the natural selection on the structural fragments of the glycosides. The diagrams also show overlapping in the functional components that provide stability to the general structural plan of glycosides during evolution. The method may be applied to other biomolecules.


In this article, we study traffic flow in the presence of speed breaking structures. The speed breakers are typically used to reduce the local speed of vehicles near certain institutions such as schools and hospitals. Through a cellular automata model we study the impact of such structures on global traffic characteristics. The simulation results indicate that the presence of speed breakers could reduce the global flow under moderate global densities. However, under low and high global density traffic regime the presence of speed breakers does not have an impact on the global flow. Further the speed limit enforced by the speed breaker creates a phase distinction. For a given global density and slowdown probability, as the speed limit enforced by the speed breaker increases, the traffic moves from the reduced flow phase to maximum flow phase. This underlines the importance of proper design of these structures to avoid undesired flow restrictions.


The ways in which memories of the Holocaust have been communicated, represented and used have changed dramatically over the years. From such memories being neglected and silenced in most of Europe until the 1970s, each country has subsequently gone through a process of cultural, political and pedagogical awareness-rising. This culminated in the 'Stockholm conference on Holocaust commemoration' in 2000, which resulted in the constitution of a task force dedicated to transmitting and teaching knowledge and awareness about the Holocaust on a global scale. The silence surrounding private memories of the Holocaust has also been challenged in many families. What are the catalysts that trigger a change from silence to discussion of the Holocaust? What happens when we talk its invisibility away? How are memories of the Holocaust reflected in different social environments? Who asks questions about memories of the Holocaust, and which answers do they find, at which point in time and from which past and present positions related to their societies and to the phenomenon in question? This book highlights the contexts in which such questions are asked. By introducing the concept of 'active memory', this book contributes to recent developments in memory studies, where memory is increasingly viewed not in isolation but as a dynamic and relational part of human lives.

Contents: Introduction: the Holocaust as active memory; Linking religion and family memories of children hidden in Belgian convents during the Holocaust, Suzanne Vromen; Collective trajectory and generational work in families of Jewish displaced persons: epistemological processes in the research situation, Lena Inowlocki; In a double voice: representations of the Holocaust in Polish literature, 1980-2011, Dorota Glowacka; Winners once a year? How Russian-speaking Jews in Germany make sense of WWII and the Holocaust as part of transnational biographic experience, Julia Bernstein; Women's peace activism and the Holocaust: reversing the hegemonic Holocaust discourse in Israel, Tova Benski and Ruth Katz; 'The history, the papers, let me see it!' Compensation processes: the second generation between archive truth and family speculations, Nicole L. Immler; From rescue to escape in 1943: on a path to de-victimizing the Danish Jews. Sofie Lene Bak; Finland, the Vernichtungskrieg and the Holocaust, Oula Silvennoinen; Swedish rescue operations during the Second World War: accomplishments and aftermath, Ulf Zander; The social phenomenon of silence, Irene Levin; Index.


A new reflection and transmission analysis of a finite size frequency selective subreflector (FSS) due to a finite source located in the proximity of the FSS is presented. The field due to the finite source (in this case a corrugated feed horn) is first expanded in terms of the spectrum of the plane waves, and then, by employing the reflection and transmission matrices of the FSS the physical optics currents on a surface enclosing the FSS are constructed. From the currents and employing the field equivalence principle, the transmitted and reflected fields (scattered field) are found. The analysis presented is of importance to the design of advanced communication satellite antennas, where the FSS provides the multifrequency capabilities for the shaped reflector.


The chemistry and toxicity of beryl lium and its vari us comp unds have been studied extensively over the past 40 yr 1-5 yet in spite of a large number of chemical studies on beryllium solutions, as reviewed by Krejci and Scheel,6 the ac tivity of beryllium in water is still not fully understood. This is partly because of the complex nature of the metal itself and its many chemical species formed in solu tion with oxygen and hydrogen. The hy drolysis of beryllium solutions within or ganisms was also discussed by these au thors, who stressed the importance of the relationships among the hydrogen ion, the beryllium ion, and the water molecules to an understanding of the nature of the biologic interactions between beryllium and body tissues. Beryllium compounds in general are very toxic to animals and man 1> 3'4 and, to some degree, toxic also to plants.5'7'8 This is especially true of the water-soluble salts such as beryllium sulfate, chloride, and ni trate. Inhalation of BeS04 dust, for ex ample, is fatal to several types of mam mals.9-11 The literature regarding the tox icity of beryllium salts to fish is surpris ingly scant. In 1953, Pomelee 12 reported on a small study in which BeS04 (1 to 2 mg/1) was complexed with tartrate and added daily in small amounts to two aquaria, each containing 2 goldfish, 8 min nows, 3 snails, and a few plants. This ex periment, which developed biological and mechanical problems, failed to demonstrate any beryllium toxicity. Tarzwell and Hen derson 13 reported in 1956 on the toxicity to the fathead minnow and bluegill of a variety of metals, including the sulfate, ni trate, and chloride of beryllium. Although some experimental details, including num bers of exposed fish, were not presented, the tabulated data showed approximately a 10to 130-fold greater toxicity of the beryllium salts in soft water (20 mg/1 as CaC03) than in hard water (400 mg/1). Such results merit further study and so are considered in this investigation, which is concerned with determining the pollution potential of beryllium in water. That the toxicity of various salts and metals for aquatic organisms is lower or less pronounced in hard, natural water than in either soft or distilled water had been observed for many years.14'15 This phenomenon is partly because of the buf fering capacity of hard water, especially one with a high carbonate/bicarbonate con tent, and also because calcium is a known antagonist of such common cations as Na+, K+, and Mg2+ as well as of certain metals toxic to fish such as lead, zinc, and copper.15 In the first phase of this program, there fore, the behavior of BeS04 in hard and soft water was studied, and distinct differ ences were noted in beryllium interaction between the two types of water. Espe cially noted were differences in pH.16 The toxicity of BeS04 in hard and soft water was studied next using the common guppy as the test organism in static bio assays. This paper presents the results of five bioassays to obtain median tolerance limit values for beryllium. In addition, the results of other bioassays are reported in which various factors are evaluated that may affect these tolerance values, such as the effects of fish age, raising the pH, and previous exposure to beryllium. Finally, the results of some preliminary radioberyl lium studies on Be uptake in guppies are


In today's communications, the main challenging facet is Security of LTE systems in terms of various areas such as mutual authentication, key management, forward and backward secrecy, use of efficient security tools, etc. For proper key management, the generation and distribution of random keys is of main concern which can be done with the help of dynamic security tools. In this paper, main features of security tools like, Docker, Java Cryptography Architecture (JCA), Token-based authentication have been reviewed. Docker provides containerized environment based on application virtualization and also lighter than virtual machines. To define cryptographic concepts and algorithms, JCA cites design patterns and an extensible framework for Java platform. Token-based authentication method or system is used to provide secure user access to server using a token, like smart cards.


In this chapter, the authors will propose the active gait generation of a quadruped robot. We developed the quadruped robot system using self-inhibited pulse-type hardware neuron models (P-HNMs) as a solution to elucidate the gait generation method. We feedbacked pressures at the robot system's each foot to P-HNM and varied the joints' angular velocity individually. We experimented with making the robot walk from an upright position on a flat floor. As a result of the experiment, we confirmed that the robot system spontaneously generates walk gait and trot gait according to the moving speed. Also, we clarified the process by which the robot actively generates gaits from the upright state. These results suggest that animals may generate gait using a similarly simple method because P-HNM mimics biological neurons' function. Furthermore, it shows that our robot system can generate gaits adaptively and quite easily.


Depending of their metasomatic history or geodynamic origin OH stretching bands of lithospheric pyroxenes in the frequency range 3000 – 3700 cm -1 show different signatures. Pyroxenes from continental lithosphere having undergone "wet" metasomatism have distinct signature compared to continental pyroxenes having undergone "dry" metasomatism. Pyroxenes from oceanic lithosphere have a third type of signature. We present recent analyses of xenoliths and a review of the literature showing that the phenomenon is widely distributed among continents and oceans. It shows that the phenomenon affects simultaneously opx and cpx and pyroxenes from various lithologies: peridotites, pyroxenites and granulites. For instance, in continental lithosphere, OH bands at 3600 and 3415 cm -1 for opx and 3635 and 3445 cm -1 for cpx dominate pyroxenes affected by "wet" metasomatism; while OH bands at 3570 and 3515 cm -1 for opx and 3595 and 3515 cm -1 for cpx dominate pyroxenes affected by "dry" metasomatism. Opxs from oceanic lithosphere have OH spectra dominated by the band at 3415 cm -1 with a smaller contribution of the bands at 3520 and 3570 cm -1 . In all these observations it was not possible to correlate the signatures with a specific major, minor or trace element and the exact nature of the signatures remains to be identified. Nevertheless, these OH signatures are representative of specific lithospheric events and offer a potential new benchmark for the study of lithospheric processes.


Ticks and tick-borne parasites are a major constrain to good livestock productivity in the sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne parasites in cattle at Shinge Livestock Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ticks and blood collected from randomly selected cattle were examined using standard entomological, parasitological and haematological procedures. Out of the 200 cattle examined 112(56.0%) were tick infested. A total of 1,152 ticks were collected from all cattle examined. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus 948(62.3%) was the most abundant species infesting cattle breeds followed by Amblyomma variegatum 383(25.2%), then Hyalomma rufipes 184(12.1%), while Rhipicephalus sanguineus 7(0.5%) was the least tick species encountered. There was a very high significant difference (p<0.00001) on species abundance. The bovine blood examined showed a 70.5% parasitic infection by two genera (Babesia and Anaplasma). Babesia bigemina 80(36.0%) was most prevalent, followed by Anaplasma marginale 77(34.7%), while Babesia bovis 65(29.3%) was the least prevalent. There was no significant difference (p=0.6848) in prevalence rate between tick borne parasites. Haematological investigation showed that blood indices examined were within standard ranges. It is therefore recommended that dips be introduced at strategic points to herders for easy access to de-tick their animals.Keywords: Cattle; tick-borne diseases; species.


In this paper, we discuss a new cyclotron maser type instability driven by a crescent or horseshaped electron distribution function. Such distribution functions are easily created by an electron beam moving into a stronger magnetic field region, where conservation of the first adiabatic invariant causes an increase in their pitch angle. This produces a broad region on the distribution function where ∂fe/∂v⊥ > 0. Planetary dipole magnetic fields are examples of where these types of distributions can be found. We examine the stability of these electron horseshoe distribution functions for right-hand extraordinary mode (R–X mode) radiation close to the electron cyclotron frequency propagating perpendicular to the magnetic field using both non-relativistic and relativistic beams.


Food is a vital component to the survival of all life forms. Development of a global food system has increased food security yet produced greater environmental impacts, amplified by various threats to the global food system as well as a major use of natural resources. Since urban populations typically consume larger quantities of food with higher resource demands, the environmental support of food consumption in a "green" urban district is analyzed in this study. The purpose is to examine whether diets in Rosendal (Uppsala, Sweden) are more sustainable than the municipal average through an emergy synthesis. Architects were interviewed to determine if any explicit strategies were in place to promote sustainable food consumption in Rosendal. The results show that no strategies were in place, and food consumption in Rosendal is greater in both quantity and emergy when compared to the municipal average. Three alternative scenarios were developed to investigate whether food sourced locally, a vegetarian diet, or a locally sourced vegetarian diet could improve the sustainability of the current consumption pattern. It is found that the current diet sourced locally would produce the most sustainable and renewable scenario, yet the vegetarian options reduce overall emergy. Therefore, this study concludes that food consumption should be considered from a holistic perspective that integrates food production policies into urban planning, design and management to support growing foods locally and reductions in meat consumption.


The recommendation function, common in the Internet, is introduced on the electric guide system in an exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnology. In the real setting of the museum, the recommendations were either almost completely followed or completely ignored by the users. However, both groups gave high evaluation on the system.


This study provided a comparison between the American and Singaporean students identified with dyscalculia, also known as mathematics learning disability, in their performance based on the administration of the Test of Mathematical Abilities-2nd Edition (TOMA-2). TOMA-2 has been normed on 2082 American students, aged between 8-0 through 18-11, representing 26 states between 1990 and 1992. Among the participants, 38 or 5% of all the participants were identified with dyscalculia. However, TOMA-2 did not provide much background information (e.g., age, gender and race) about these 38 American students for a proper comparison with the 40 Singaporean students, aged 9-6 through 10-11. Despite missing information about the American cohort, findings of this study suggested that there was an obvious difference in terms of the cognitive equations for difficulties in mathematics learning process between the American and Singaporean students with dyscalculia.


A method of designing achromatic elliptical polarizers using a combination of multiple birefringent waveplates is demonstrated. This approach has a simple geometric interpretation and simplifies the problem of designing an achromatic elliptical polarizer to find overlapping arcs on the Poincaré sphere. The technique is applied to the design of achromatic elliptical polarizers for a broadband division-of-focal-plane full-Stokes imaging polarimeter for visible wavelength band (λ = 450nm to 650nm). An achromatic elliptical polarizer sample with a two-layer retarder is fabricated using liquid crystal polymer. The performance of the polarizer sample is measured and compared with the theoretical calculation. For comparison, a superachromatic polarizer design (λ = 400nm to 1μm) is also presented by using three-layer and four-layer retarder configurations.


To elucidate the propagation of error or bias from the measurement of a process, the data requires reconciliation. In this article, a genetic simulated annealing algorithm (GSA) based program is proposed for solving data reconciliation (DR) problems. The proposed GSA utilizes simultaneous simulated annealing and modified cross-generational probabilistic survival selection (CPSS) in a genetic algorithm. Validation is performed with linear and nonlinear DR problems. The test starts with the study of appropriate GSA parameters of constraint problems. The performance of GSA with the appropriate parameters is then compared to the genetic algorithm (GA) method, the specific method, and the commercial software DATACON. The proposed GSA, with its ability to give more accurate reconciled data, is a promising choice as an optimization tool for data reconciliation problems.


Low-energy dielectronic recombination resonances of beryllium-like Ge28+ have been studied by electron collision spectroscopy in the heavy-ion storage ring TSR using a twin-electron beam technique combined with an ultracold photoelectron source. Rich resonance structure below 1.7 eV is observed which mainly arises from resonant capture of the free electron to 91 Rydberg states accompanied by excitation of inner valence electrons from the 2s2(1S0) ground state to 2s2p(1P1). The positions of resonances below 0.3 eV are measured with an accuracy better than 0.5 meV. Accurate calculations of Rydberg binding energies for these resonances are still required in order to derive a precise value for the 1S0 – 1P1 transition energy, which may give the opportunity for high-accuracy testing of QED corrections to atomic energy levels for a two valence electron system.


This article examines the existing statutory and institutional framework for corporate human rights accountability in South Africa. It considers the questions whether corporations are duty bearers and whether they have responsibilities or obligations to respect human rights and the mode of corporate governance model adopted to regulate them. It argues that although the Bill of Rights adequately provides for the culture and entrenchment of corporate accountability for human rights, the possibility of achieving its objective is not certain because there is a wide gap between the fulfilment of the vision of the Constitution and the mechanism adopted for its realisation.


52 The article discusses a number of situations related medical and constitutional aspects of cardiovascular medical care. The ability to prevent the negative consequences caused by diseases is not only a task of medicine as a scientific and practical field, but also a task of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Article 41 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation establishes the protection of human life and health as one of the main tasks of the state. Medical and civil aspects of the methods for preventing diseases and its consequences are shown. An integrated approach to the analysis of this problem contributes not only to the systematization of knowledge and experience in this field, but also helps to implement the definition of health of the World Health Organization.


Background and Research Highlights: Despite all the concerns and initiatives, natural resources like forest, as well as biodiversity are decreasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Conservation is considered as one of the major tools to prevent such loss and rapid degradation. Evidence around the world shows the adverse effects of conservation laws and policies over indigenous peoples and other local communities. Objectives: This study was conducted in one of the forest-dependent communities situated in Sundarban (world's largest mangrove forest) to understand the impact of conservation laws and policies on their livelihood. Materials and Methods: A qualitative methodology was designed to collect data, using focus group discussions and case study with community people, and individual interviews with the personnel from NGOs and relevant government departments. Findings: Strict conservation policies and restriction in accessing forest resources made lives and livelihoods of local community insecure and unstable, thus putting the community in a vulnerable situation. The had to leave their traditional mode of income and look for alternative livelihood options. Almost no evidence was found in relation to upkeeping their rights in conservation activities. Prohibited movement, provision of punishment for entering into the forest without proper permission and struggles in everyday life were some of the highlighted issues. They had no participation in conservation activities, management of alternative livelihood options, and even they were not sensitized before putting restrictions. Although they had a history of emotional and physical attachment with the forest, existing activities did not consider these issues. In addition, corruption and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies towards the local community intensified the sufferings. Conclusion: This study argues that the realization of human rights in conservation activities and sensitization of the implementing stakeholders are prerequisite for ensuring sustainability of both biodiversity and the affected people.


This paper argues that technology is rarely a neutral part of projects that set out to try and help the developing world. When technological change affects society, the values embedded in the technology also change society. Technology can therefore play an important role in development. Central to this is an acknowledgement of the politics embedded in the technology. If these politics are aimed at justice, sustainability and freedom of choice, the technologies will be too.


Considers noncoherent demodulation of DPSK when the receiver has partial knowledge of the information being transmitted. This partial knowledge represents preamble symbols, pilot symbols, or past decisions when operating in a decision-feedback mode. The maximum likelihood (ML) noncoherent receiver for this case is derived. It is shown that known demodulation schemes such as multi-symbol differentially coherent receivers and decision-feedback differential receivers can be considered as special cases of this data-aided noncoherent DPSK demodulator. A simple recursive structure for this receiver is introduced and its performance analyzed. >


Measurement of milk volume intake (MVI) in infants is a useful tool for assessing nutritional intake. Current measurement techniques include test-weighing, weighing formula-bottles, and calculation of MVI from water turnover estimated isotopically. Test-weighing of breastfed infants may disturb normal feeding behaviour and thus influence intake. Calculation of MVI from water turnover is a non-invasive measurement method and can be applied to all infants whether breast-fed or formula-fed. The method requires correction for environmental water influx (EW1) which constitutes non-oral water intake. EWI has previously been investigated only in premature or malnourished infants. The correction factor for EWI was calculated by comparing MVI obtained from weighing formula-bottles and measured isotopically in 21 formula-fed infants at 12 weeks of age. The mean correction factor, by which total water intake should be adjusted to obtain oral water intake, was 0.937 (S.E. 0.017). The proportion of water intake derived from non-oral sources was therefore 6.3%.


In order to solve the problem of slow response and packet loss which are caused by the introduction of the bus in our robot control system, In this paper, we used Matlab/Simulink TrueTime toolbox to build a bus-based control system simulation platform. The system controlled three objects, which were taken as three closed-loop control tasks. Scheduling algorithms are using the classic RM and EDF algorithm, the simulation results shown in Figure 1 (RM) and Figure 2 (EDF). RM static scheduling algorithm would cause some low-priority tasks that were always in the state of waiting and lacking of implementation, while EDF dynamic scheduling algorithm could dynamically adjuste the priority of the task according to its deadline, it greatly improved the system's stability of the low priority tasks, and significantly reduced the system's overshoot and rising time. Therefore, the EDF dynamic scheduling algorithm was very necessary to be applied to the system.


In the article the meaning of idioms is analyzed with reference to the theory of frames and mental spaces. According to cognitive research, linguistic units are conceptually motivated. The idioms are in this case of great interest because of the figurativeness and relation between their actual meaning and image component.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the concept of Meaningful Learning, according to David Ausubel's Theory.

METHOD
Integrative review using the Meleis's Theoretical Analysis model.

RESULTS
The following were identified as antecedents: Previous students' knowledge, potentially meaningful instructional material and student's willingness to learn. The attributes found were: Existence of previous knowledge that allows the connection with the new knowledge; interaction of previous and new knowledge in the cognitive structure; expansion of the cognitive structure through the incorporation of prior knowledge with the new. The consequent ones found: Existence of new knowledge in the cognitive structure of the student, that generate sense and meaning in the cognitive system of the student and that confers importance to him according to the utility for his daily life.

CONCLUSION
The conceptual analysis carried out contributed to the establishment of a more complete definition for Meaningful Learning, which can be appreciated in teaching and research, regardless of the area of activity.


The continued dependence on rain fed production by farmers increases their vulnerability to risk. In view of this, the study assessed the major risk faced by farmers, the main coping strategies adopted and the determinants of the strategies employed by farmers. Cross sectional data was obtained from 208 farmers randomly selected from the Eastern region of Ghana using a structured questionnaire in the year 2014. The Multinomial Logit regression model was employed to examine the factors influencing the coping strategies adopted by farmers. To cope with risks, farmers mainly preferred to practice crop diversification, borrow money or use up their savings. Results showed that the choice of coping strategies used by the respondents were influenced by their individual and farm characteristics, and the available institutions and capital resources. The study recommends the formulation of policies aimed at increasing farm and off farm income, and promote savings to strengthen farmers' capacity to cope with risks.


Background. Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) have high levels of pAkt expression and activation of the PI3K-mTOR pathway. Eribulin is a microtubule-targeting agent with benefits in treating taxane and anthracycline refractory breast cancer. Our objective was to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting PI3K pathway activity and cell growth both alone and in combination with PI3K/MTOR inhibitors BEZ 235 and BKM 120.

Methods. TNBC cell lines MDA468, BT549, HS587T, MDA231, and HER2 expressing breast cancer cell line SKBR3 were used for this study. Both MDA468 and BT549 have PI3K- related mutations. The tetrazolium salt, 3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess growth inhibition after 72 hour treatment with eribulin, BEZ 235 and BKM 120 both alone and in combination. Combination indices (CI) generated by Chou-Talalay plots were used to quantify synergy. Western blots were used to evaluate the expression of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt), S6K1 (pS6K1) and S6 (pS6) from 30 min to 24 hours of treatment at different doses.

Results. Eribulin has IC50 ranging from 60 pM to 300 pM, BEZ 235 has IC50 ranging from 50 nM to 80 nM, and BKM has IC50 ranging from 500 nM or higher. Standard dilutions of eribulin in combination with BEZ 235 resulted in synergistic growth inhibition (CI<1) in both MDA468 and BT549 cells at all doses tested, but required higher concentrations (500 to 2000 nM) for BKM 120. Western blot analysis for all cell lines treated with eribulin showed pAkt inhibition by eribulin alone with doses as low as 1 nM and as early as 4 hours. PI3K inhibitor alone confirmed inhibition of pAkt, pS6K1 and pS6 at early time points with feedback increase in pAkt at 24h. While both BEZ 235 and BKM 120 treatment increased pAkt in a dose dependent fashion at 24 hours, combination treatment with eribulin showed a dose dependent decrease in pAkt.

Conclusion . Our study shows significant synergistic growth inhibition with the combination of eribulin and PI3K inhibitors. This may be related to inhibition by eribulin of the feedback increase in pAkt seen with PI3K inhibitors alone at later time points. These findings point to a potential role for combination therapy of both eribulin and PI3K inhibitors in treating refractory metastatic disease.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-03-07.


To appraise the major research outputs of agronomic crops and cropping systems and to direct the future research priorities of Agronomy Department of post-graduate (PG) program of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS), a rigorous review was accomplished on about two decadal (2000-2018) student's thesis research works. The review revealed that the agronomic researches at IAAS from 2000 to 2012 were concentrated mostly in on-station farm of Rampur, Chitwan and found their focus on 11 food grain crops with five major themes viz. varietal evaluation, crop management, soil nutrient and weeds management, and crop simulation modeling. With the shifting of IAAS PG program from Rampur to Kirtipur in 2013, the major agronomic researches were found to be concentrated in on-farm stations due to transitional movement of IAAS to Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. A total of 115 agronomic studies were conducted on various crops, of which 92 were on cereals, 8 on legumes, oilseed and minor cereals including potato. There were records of 10 studies on rice-wheat and 3 studies on maize-based systems. The huge gaps between the potential and farmers' field yield and between the potential and research station yields for rice, maize and wheat crops suggested a great scope to raise yields of cereals by improved agronomical researches on varieties evaluation, crop and nutrient management and weed management. Simulation modeling study predicted that the varieties of rice and maize adopted at present could sustain the yields only for recent few years and needed for introduction of new climate resilient varieties, then after. Innovative and new researches on eco-region suited on-farm trails with variety identification, improved crop husbandry and soil nutrient management, improved weed and water management and on agro-meteorology, conservation agriculture, climate change adaptation and crop simulation modeling are advised as future research frontiers to uplift the productivity and reduce yield gaps of major food crops and to strengthen the academics of post-graduate research in near future.


Abstract A 23-year-old man presented for evaluation of multiple dense asymptomatic papules on the entire glans. Histologically, the lesions resembled acral angiofibroma. A diagnosis of profound pearly penile papules was made. This is the third reported case and more serious and typical than described in previous reports.


Dominance hierarchies are a social dynamic common in many species, which help balance the costs and benefits of social living. Which individuals in a group occupy high ranking positions is influenced by a multitude of different intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors. While homing pigeons (Columba livia) have been a model system for their navigational abilities and flight dynamics, less is known about their dominance hierarchies and general social behaviour when not in flight. Here we document the dominance hierarchies in two closed populations of homing pigeons, and investigate the physiological factors associated with dominance rank, including body size, metabolic rate, personality, and iridescent plumage % reflectance. Measurements of body size and resting metabolic rate all positively correlated with dominance rank in accordance with the performance model of energetic management. Iridescent plumage % reflectance was negatively correlated with rank, suggesting a potential cost of dominance. Attempts to alter hierarchy structure through manipulations of body mass and feather iridescence were ineffective which hierarchy dynamics remaining stable throughout the perturbations and across measurement sessions.


Bacterial contamination of enteral nutrient solutions ( ENS ) in FFcess of food product standards is known to occur in the hospital setting. The large amounts of bacteria often given with ENS have been shown to create a reservoir for nosocomial infections, and nonpathogenic bacteria have been implicated. Patient tolerance is dependent on immune status and the bacterial load delivered to the gut. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bacterial growth-sustaining properties of various ENS and to devise methods to limit bacterial growth. Five commercial products were prepared under sterile conditions. After inoculation with approximately 5 X 10(3) organisms/cm3 of Enterobacter cloacae, each solution was hung at room temperature for 24 hours with samples drawn at fixed intervals and plated for bacterial counts. Bacterial growth rates in Ensure, Travasorb , and Vital were markedly higher than those in Precision and Vivonex. Vivonex was noted to contain potassium sorbate (KS) used as a fungistatic agent. Recent studies have identified KS as a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic food preservative that is federally approved for this use. KS (0.03%) was added to Travasorb inoculated with 5 X 10(3) organisms/cm(3) of E. cloacae. The bacterial growth rate was reduced by 75 per cent, and the final count of 2-3 X 10(4) organisms/ml was within the federally regulated limit for milk. This study suggests that initial inoculum, growth rate, and hang time can be altered to provide a significant reduction in final bacterial counts in ENS .


BACKGROUND
Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bacteremia, yet the epidemiology, and predictors of poor outcome remain inadequately defined in childhood.

METHODS
ISAIAH is a prospective, cross-sectional study of S. aureus bacteremia (SAB), in children hospitalized in Australia and New Zealand, over 24-months (2017-2018).

RESULTS
Overall, 552 SABs were identified, (incidence 4.4/100,000/yr [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-8.8]), with methicillin-susceptible (84%), community onset (78%) infection predominating. Indigenous children (8.1/100,000/yr [CI 4.8-14.4]), those from lower-socioeconomic areas (5.5/100,000/yr [CI 2.8-10.2]) and neonates (6.6/100,000/yr (CI 3.4-11.7) were over-represented. Although 90-day mortality was infrequent, one-third experienced the composite of: length of stay >30 days (26%), ICU admission (20%), relapse (4%), or death (3%).Predictors of mortality included prematurity (aOR 16.8 [CI 1.6-296.9]), multifocal infection (aOR 22.6 [CI 1.4-498.5]), necrotizing pneumonia (aOR 38.9 [CI 1.7 - 1754.6]), multiorgan dysfunction (aOR 26.5 [CI 4.1-268.8]) and empiric-vancomycin (aOR 15.7 [CI 1.6-434.4]); whilst Infectious Diseases (ID) consultation (aOR 0.07 [CI 0.004-0.9]) was protective. Neither MRSA nor vancomycin trough-targets impacted survival; however, empiric-vancomycin was associated with significant nephrotoxicity (OR 3.1 [CI 1.3-8.1]).

CONCLUSIONS
High SAB incidence was demonstrated, with at-risk populations identified for future prioritized care. For the first time in a pediatric setting, necrotizing pneumonia and multifocal infection were predictors of mortality, whilst ID consultation was protective. The need to re-evaluate pediatric vancomycin trough-targets and limit unnecessary empiric-vancomycin exposure, to reduce poor outcomes and nephrotoxicity is highlighted. One in three children experienced considerable SAB morbidity, therefore pediatric inclusion in future SAB comparator trials is paramount to improve outcomes.


Cyber-physical systems that implement self-adaptive behavior, such as autonomous robots, need to ensure that requirements remain satisfied across run-time adaptations. The Robot Operating System (ROS), a middleware infrastructure for robotic systems, is widely used in both research and industrial applications. However, ROS itself does not assure self-adaptive behavior. This paper introduces AC-ROS, which fills this gap by using assurance case models at run time to manage the self-adaptive operation of ROS-based systems. Assurance cases provide structured arguments that a system satisfies requirements and can be specified graphically with Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) models. AC-ROS uses GSN models to instantiate a ROS-based MAPE-K framework, which in turn uses these models at run time to assure system behavior adheres to requirements across adaptations. For this study, AC-ROS is implemented and tested on EvoRally, a 1:5-scale autonomous vehicle.


This article aims to discuss the regulatory and legal problems caused to teaching activities by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Italian schools and it focuses on the first results of the impact of COVID-19 on Latin teaching activities, highlighting some good practices that might be used in future in the everyday life of students and teachers. In particular, it focuses on the role of online open access resources, underlying the difference between digital teaching and distance learning and teaching. At the end, the article discusses also the future perspectives of teaching classics in a context where distance teaching seems still far from being abandoned.


In this article we investigate the solution of the steady-state fractional diffusion equation on a bounded domain in $\real^{1}$. From an analysis of the underlying model problem, we postulate that the fractional diffusion operator in the modeling equations is neither the Riemann-Liouville nor the Caputo fractional differential operators. We then find a closed form expression for the kernel of the fractional diffusion operator which, in most cases, determines the regularity of the solution. Next we establish that the Jacobi polynomials are pseudo eigenfunctions for the fractional diffusion operator. A spectral type approximation method for the solution of the steady-state fractional diffusion equation is then proposed and studied.


The role of glucose as a stimulant to pancreatic insulin release was studied in the intact dog and in rat pancreas incubated in vitro. The infusion of the metabolizable sugars, glucose, fructose, and mannose, as well as tolbutamide into the pancreatico-duodenal and splenic arteries in the anesthetized dog resulted in increased portal vein insulin-like activity, using the epididymal fat pad assay. Normal saline and pyruvate infusions resulted in no significant increase in insulin-like activity. Infusion into the dog of the glucose analogue, 2-deoxyglucose, at high concentration resulted in no stimulation of insulin release, but in fact blocked the pancreaic response to simultaneous glucose infusion. It appeared that the ratio of glucose: 2-deoxyglucose was a determinant in the degree of inhibition. Plasma ratios of < 1.5 resulted in inhibition. Incubation of rat pancreas with 2-deoxyglucose in the presence of glucose showed that 2-deoxyglucose inhibited the release of immunoassayable insulin. The inhibition was dependent upon the concentration of 2-deoxyglucose and the ratio of glucose: 2-deoxyglucose. In view of the metabolic blocking action of 2-deoxyglucose in the utilization of glucose-6-phosphate, it is suggested that the glucose stimulated insulin release occurs after the formation and further metabolism of glucoses-6-phosphate.