This thesis offers an account of the origins and purposes of business studies courses validated by the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and their relationship to changes in the nature of clerical work. The thesis examines the ways in which BTEC courses may be said to prepare young people for a place in the workforce and the way in which teachers and students in FE colleges interpret and respond to the courses.

Part one offers an analysis of political interventions intended to reduce the power of educationalists by increasing the influence of 'market forces' in further education. It is argued that BTEC courses can best be understood as part of a state strategy to facilitate change in the labour market.

Evidence relating to the deskilling of clerical work is examined and it is argued that such deskilling gives rise to a demand for transferable clerical 'skills'. Using evidence from archive material, it is argued that the underlying purpose of BTEC business studies courses is the creation of a clerical labour market where such 'skills' can be traded.

The second part of the thesis, based on fieldwork undertaken in two colleges, analyses the impact of BTEC courses within FE and assesses the degree of central control over the practice of teachers. The nature of the practice which BTEC sought to encourage and the mechanisms through which change was to be achieved are examined and related to the analysis in part one of the thesis.

The response of students to the demands of the courses within one college is analysed and evidence offered which suggests that many characterisations of the role of FE in preparing young people for a place in the labour force understate the role of young people as active participants in this process.


With the rapid growth of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), many advanced application areas have received significant attention. However, security will be an important factor for their full adoption. Wireless sensor nodes pose unique challenges and as such traditional security protocols, used in traditional networks cannot be applied directly. Some new protocols have been published recently with the goal of providing both privacy of data and authentication of sensor nodes for WSNs. Such protocols can employ private-key and/or public key cryptographic algorithms. Public key algorithms hold the promise of simplifying the network infrastructure required to provide security services such as: privacy, authentication and non-repudiation, while symmetric algorithms require less processing power on the lower power wireless node. In this paper a selection of key establishment/agreement protocols are reviewed and they are broadly divided into two categories: group key agreement protocols and pair-wise key establishment protocols. A summary of the capabilities and security related services provided by each protocol is provided.


There are complex dynamics involving the endocrine and immune system. Cytokines are a key component of the immune system response to infection. The hypothalamus-anterior pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) and the hypothalamus-anterior pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis have significant dynamics with cytokines. In this paper there is a discussion on the background on the physiology of cytokines affects on the adrenal hormones and glands and on the reproductive hormones and glands. Pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling are important to understanding HPA and HPG axis responses to infection. In the second section of this research paper, effects of severe infection on production of cytokines are explored with a discussion on the negative feedback of cortisol on the production of cytokines, hence methods of treating sepsis to improve positive outcomes. The next section involved effects of cytokines during severe inflection on the adrenal axis and the reproductive axis with an interesting discussion on fertility issues with severe infection. In the last section, potential manipulations of cytokines for therapies for sepsis are investigated relating to adrenal dysfunction, neonatal sepsis and treatment for improved outcomes of critically ill patients with severe infection.


Sustainable development has been a political catchphrase for almost 30 years. However, a genuine transition towards sustainability has not yet begun. The prevailing values have remained intact, with polarization towards economic aspects of sustainability. The dominant weak interpretation of sustainable development is based on a human exemptionalism paradigm that does not fully recognize the interconnectedness of human wellbeing and the vitality of ecosystems. Moreover, the ultimate goal of sustainable development, i.e. wellbeing, has been understood narrowly, and mainly in economic terms. To increase the chances of a transition to sustainability, it is necessary to enrich the understanding of wellbeing on the basis of a relational paradigm, in which the dependency of human wellbeing on the health of the ecosystems is internalized. To this end, we present a relational, multidimensional and needs-based conceptualization of wellbeing, arguing that this approach holds significant promise for both sustainability and wellbeing research and policies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment


Wavelet is a function that has the certainly characteristic for example, it oscillate about zero point ascillating, localized in the time and frequency domain and construct the orthogonal bases in L2(R) space. On of the wavelet application is to estimate non parametric regression function. There are two kinds of wavelet estimator, i.e., linear and non linear wavelet estimator. The non linear wavelet estimator is called a thresholding wavelet rstimator. The application of the bootstrap methode in the thresholding wavelet function estimation is resample the wavelet coefficient of residual. The best of the thresholding wavelet estimator with bootstrap method has minimal of mean square error (MSE). The minimal MSE depend from the number of replication.


The purpose of a variable step-size normalized LMS filter is to solve the dilemma of fast convergence rate and low excess MSE. In the past two decades, many VSS-NLMS algorithms have been presented and have claimed that they have good convergence and tracking properties. This paper summarizes several promising algorithms and gives a performance comparison via extensive simulation. Simulation results demonstrate that Benesty's NPVSS and our GSER have the best performance in both time-invariant and time-varying systems.


Buildings today are becoming more and more advanced and the demands on building
services are increasing. A modern building is expected to provide a number of
services with high security, energy efficiency and convenience. For a building with
complex requirements due to the activity, such as a hospital, the services provided are
even more advanced and the requirements on them are higher. This implies for the
need of a building automation system. These systems come with a cost and have some
drawbacks. This thesis will take on the task to study how to benefit from the
possibilities with building automation systems while minimizing the drawbacks. The
aim is to find guidelines for how to design, procure and manage a building automation
system in a hospital in an effective way.
The thesis contains a theoretical part, describing the general architecture and functions
of a building automation system. Further treated is the different technologies that
supply this function and handles communication.
Interviews and participation in meetings with people working with building
automation systems in hospitals and other buildings with complex requirements due to
the activity has been carried out. This has resulted in a part that contains their
collection of knowledge, experiences and opinions on these systems. Many of the
main issues with building automation systems are treated, like how to avoid
dependency on a small group of people and how to ensure the function of several
systems that integrate with each other.
The last part of this thesis contains guidelines useful when designing, procuring and
managing building automation systems with complex requirements. They are based
on conclusions from the previous part and the authors own opinions. Some of the
guidelines treat what type of technology that is suitable for different systems, how to
coordinate a system and how to ensure future function, compatibility and access to
service.


Results from recent marine geophysical surveys offer a new perspective for characterizing the evolution processes of volcanic islands. In 2006, cruises FOREVER and ERODER 1 investigated the submarine flanks and the surrounding abyssal plain of La Réunion (Indian Ocean) to obtain for the first time a complete geophysical survey of the area. Combined analyses of these data reveal major differences in the evolution of the two emerged volcanoes, Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise. We show that debris avalanche deposits extend on the abyssal plain only offshore the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano attesting the occurrence of large flank‐collapse events. The absence of such deposits offshore Piton des Neiges and the presence of compressive structures within the sedimentary unit below the edifice support a mechanism of slow deformation of this volcano, such as sliding or spreading. The slow deformation of Piton des Neiges has led to numerous secondary submarine slope instabilities and favored some unconfined turbidity flows which generated large sediment waves running downward all around the island. This study proposes a new model using the most complete marine data set available: slow deformation controls the evolution of Piton des Neiges whereas Piton de la Fournaise (formed on the flanks of a pre‐existing edifice) experienced catastrophic, large flank‐collapse events.


The study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of S-1 capsule (tegafur, gimeracil and potassium oxonate capsule) in patients with advanced gastric cancer after single and multiple oral administration. Twelve patients with advanced gastric cancer were recruited to the study. The dose of S-1 for each patient was determined according to his/her body surface area (BSA). The dose for single administration was 60 mg every subject. The dose for multiple administration for one subject was as follows: 100 mg x d(-1) or 120 mg x d(-1), 28-days consecutive oral administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters of tegafur, 5-fluorouracil, gimeracil, potassium oxonate and uracil after single oral administration were as follows: (2,207 +/- 545), (220.0 +/- 68.2), (374.9 +/- 103.0), (110.5 +/- 100.8) and (831.1 +/- 199.9) ng x mL(-1) for Cmax; (11.8 +/- 3.8), (4.4 +/- 3.3), (7.8 +/- 5.1), (3.1 +/- 0.9) and (8.8 +/- 4.1) h for t1/2, respectively. After six days oral administration, the average steady state plasma concentrations (Cav) of tegafur, 5-fluorouracil, gimeracil, potassium oxonate and uracil were (2,425 +/- 1,172), (73.88 +/- 18.88), (162.6 +/- 70.8), (36.89 +/- 29.35) and (435.3 +/- 141.0) ng x mL(-1), respectively, and the degree of fluctuation (DF) were (1.0 +/- 0.2), (2.5 +/- 0.4), (3.1 +/- 0.8), (2.4 +/- 0.8) and (1.5 +/- 0.3), respectively. The cumulative urine excretion percentage of tegafur, 5-fluorouracil, gimeracil and potassium oxonate in urine within 48 h were (4.2 +/- 2.8) %, (4.7 +/- 1.6) %, (18.5 +/- 6.0) % and (1.7 +/- 1.2) %, repectively, after single oral administration of S-1. The results exhibited that tegafur had some drug accumulation observed, and gimeracil, potassium oxonate, 5-fluorouracil and uracil had no drug accumulation observed.


We report a new monolithic structure of GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) which can be operated under high voltage or alternative current. Differing from the conventional single LED chip, the monolithic light-emitting diode (MLED) array contains microchips which are interconnected in series or parallel. The key chip fabrication processing methods of the monolithic LED array include deep dry etching, sidewall insulated protection, and electrode interconnection. A 12 V GaN-based blue high voltage light emitting diode was designed and fabricated in our experiment. The forward current—voltage characteristics of MLEDs were consistent with those of conventional single junction light emitting diodes.


The current paper provides methods to correct the artifact known as "red eye" by means of digital color image processing. This artifact is typically formed in amateur photographs taken with a built-in camera flash. To correct red eye artifacts, an image mask is computed by calculating a colorimetric distance between a prototypical reference "red eye" color and each pixel of the image containing the red eye. Various image processing algorithms such as thresholding, blob analysis, and morphological filtering, are applied to the mask, in order to eliminate noise, reduce errors, and facilitate a more natural looking result. The mask serves to identify pixels in the color image needing correction, and further serves to identify the amount of correction needed. Pixels identified as having red-eye artifacts are modified to a substantially monochrome color, while the bright specular reflection of the eye is preserved.


Some 720 foxes were examined for signs of disease and parasites, incidental to an intensive ecological study. The epifauna, skin infections, intestinal helminths and lesions of internal organs are described and rates of infection given. Important diseases included sarcoptic mange, which is a major debilitating factor and probably a fatal infection. Leptospirosis was common, antibodies were recorded in the blood, and chronic interstitial nephritis was a frequent condition of the kidneys. The nematodes Uncinaria stenocephala and Toxocara spp. were often present as parasites of the alimentary canal and may be a mortality factor in cubs. The cestodes and ectoparasites alone would appear to be of little importance and largely reflect the diet of the fox.


The accurate reproduction of unique pulse states in a mode-locked fiber laser is an important scientific issue and has wide applications in the laser industry. We present what we believe to be a novel method for automatically and precisely reproducing targeted soliton states in a mode-locked fiber laser by spectrotemporal domain-informed deep learning. Targeted solitons are experimentally reproduced via a superior matching process with a spectrotemporal mean square error (MSE) of 3.99 × 10-5. The outstanding feature of our reproduction algorithm is that the pulse information in both the spectral and temporal domains is jointly adopted for reconstructing targeted soliton states from white noise, rather than establishing arbitrary mode-locked pulse states, as described in previous studies. Additionally, a single-layer perceptron model is proposed to retrieve the phase distribution of a mode-locked pulse, validating the physical completeness of our reproduction approach. Our approach advances ultrafast laser technology, enabling the precise control of pulse dynamics in applications such as optical communication and nonlinear optics.


Introduction . The paper aims to establish whether cancer discourse can alter when being communicated via social networks. We supposed that every platform has intrinsic characteristics which might affect the way certain topics are being delivered. Because there has been much criticism from the cancer community about the media representation, we decided to observe what might be called an alternative discourse of cancer of social networks. Therefore, we chose to review Instagram accounts of two cancer influencers, who aspire to revise existing stereotypes about people with an incurable disease. Methodology and sources . The chosen methodology includes the statistical concordance analysis, Metaphorical Identification Procedure (MIP), structural semantic and syntactic studies of two narratives organized as a minicorpus. The combined approach was employed to reveal lexical markers of both cancer discourse and Instagram narratives in the narratives of two Insta influencers Nicky Newman and Laura Hughes. Results and discussion . The results of the study suggest that Instagram narratives of cancer patients differ from other texts about cancer. Bloggers strive to maintain constant simultaneous communication with a large number of people; therefore, their texts are designed to be entertaining, involving and diverse in subject matter. When narrating about their life with the cancer diagnosis, bloggers broadcast a positive media image of a happygo-lucky person. In the narratives chosen for this study, there is hardly an example of the CANCER-WAR metaphor. The main ways of conceptualizing cancer are the CANCERCONSPIRACY, CANCER-JOURNEY, CANCER-COHABITANT metaphors. Conclusion . Quantitative analysis of the English language corpus aimed at identifying key words and concordances of the lexeme "cancer", does not help fully define the cancer discourse. It is necessary to further research into the obtained data. Consequently, it is necessary to take into account the genre of "cancer" narratives.


We have reported a simple and rapid method to discriminate species in the genus Pleurotus by analysis of restriction-fragment-length polymorphism of whole-cell DNA, and found that several restriction enzymes gave DNA bands useful in such discrimination, but other enzymes tested did not. In the present study, we report the reason why there were useful and useless enzymes; the effective enzymes digested rDNA into small fragments that did not interfere with the detection of DNA bands useful for discrimination. The origin of these discriminative DNA bands was found to be mitochondrial DNA when the banding profiles of whole-cell DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear DNA were compared. Consequently, our method could be used for rapid and simple identification of mitochondrial DNA type in the genus Pleurotus. The results were used to study mitochondrial inheritance, and we found that only the nucleus but not the mitochondria migrated during the mating of Pleurotus cornucopiae with P. citrinopileatus.


International trade economists made seminal contributions to general equilibrium theory, moving away from an emphasis on existence of equilibrium to algebraic formulations which enabled us to characterize key relationships between parameters and variables, such as that between tariffs and domestic factor prices and welfare. But the early analyses remained limited in value for policy evaluation: the analysis was local, it provided only qualitative results, it was limited to very small models, and strictly interior solutions had to be assumed. The contribution of this paper is pedagogic and methodological, providing a primer for those wishing to do or teach general-equilibrium counterfactuals on computable general-equilibrium (CGE) or structural econometric models. I show how the tools from early local comparative statics analyses can be generalized via the use of Shepard's lemma, duality, complementarity and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker theorem into a global, quantitative analysis of large changes in high-dimension models which also allows for regime changes and corner solutions. I then show how the resulting non-linear complementarity problem directly translates into a numerical model using GAMS (general algebraic modeling system). The paper concludes with two examples: (a) comparison of a tax versus a real trade/transactions cost, (b) comparison of a tax versus a quantitative restriction such as a quota or license.


Background: There is widespread use of autologous bone grafts in orthopaedic practice in Nigeria but detailed indications, donor sites and complications following use have not been reported in different regions. Objective: This is to highlight the indications, sources and complications of autologous bone grafts use in Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients operated on between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2008 for various orthopaedic pathologies at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. All patients who received autologous bone grafts were included in this study. Details of indications, donor sites and complications were obtained. Result: A total of 62 patients received autologous bone grafts during the study period. The male: female ratio was 4.2: 1 with mean age of 38.2 ±6.3years. The main indication was nonunion of long bones following fractures. Majority of the grafts were taken from the iliac crest and pain was the commonest complication noted. Majority of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: Autologous bone grafts use is common in orthopaedic practice predominantly in young male adult. Femoral fracture nonunion was the commonest indication for autologous bone grafts use in Abuja. Iliac crest was the site most often employed while pain was the commonest complication following the procedure. The procedure was well tolerated. Key words : autologous bone graft, non-union, iliac crest, pain


A long electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source using slot antennas and permanent magnets was developed for large-area plasma processing. Microwaves were radiated from the slot antennas on a 30-cm-long rectangular waveguide and efficiently absorbed to plasma by ECR magnetic fields of permanent magnets. The plasma source operated above 0.014 Pa for Ar at 437 W. The maximum plasma density was 1.77 ×1017 m-3 at 437 W for 0.078 Pa. The spatial plasma uniformity was ±8.2% within 200 mm length at 437 W for 0.078 Pa. The plasma source was experimentally applied to reactive sputter deposition of TiN film using a mixture of Ar and N2. Titanium nitride film was successfully deposited with ±14.1% spatial uniformity within 160 mm length. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, Ti–N bonds were newly created and the atomic composition ratio was nearly equal to the stoichiometric value of TiN at a N2/Ar mass flow rate of 1.5.


Nature intrinsically computes. It has been suggested that the entire universe is a computer, in particular, a quantum computer. To corroborate this idea we require tools to quantify the information processing. Here we review a theoretical framework for quantifying information processing in a quantum dynamical system. So-called intrinsic quantum computation combines tools from dynamical systems theory, information theory, quantum mechanics, and computation theory. We will review how far the framework has been developed and what some of the main open questions are. On the basis of this framework we discuss upper and lower bounds for intrinsic information storage in a quantum dynamical system.


These are good times for the concept of track two diplomacy, the unofficial, constructive interaction between adversaries in political conflicts. The search engine Google, for instance, lists thousands of entries for the term. In the fall of 2005, moreover, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the largest American grant makers in the field of international peace and security, devoted the cover story of its flagship magazine, The Carnegie Reporter, to track two diplomacy. In "Track II Diplomacy: Averting Disaster?," that issue also highlights the work of three practitioners of track two diplomacy, whose activities demonstrate the range and significance of that approach. The first is Harold Saunders, the most senior of track two diplomats. A former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs, Saunders helped President Carter negotiate the Camp David peace agreement between President Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel in 1978. Since leaving official, "track one" life, Saunders has participated in track two dialogue between Russian and American civilians during the Dartmouth conference series and, since 1993, has been running an unprecedented, sustained track two process to support democracy building in Tajikistan. Michael Krepon, founding president of the Henry L. Stimson Center in Washington, DC has been practicing successful track two diplomacy for years between India and Pakistan on nuclear nonproliferation. Susan Shirk, a deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific in the Clinton administration, is now working on track two diplomacy from her base as the director of the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of California, San Diego, and was also the founder of the North East Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD), a track two program that has been bringing together representatives of China, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea, and the United States since 1993. Shirk is currently researching the way track two diplomacy affects the perceptions and moderates the policies of track one actors; builds informed back channels useful in crises; injects policy ideas into track one discussions; and influences the creation of permanent institutions to carry out the functions of the unofficial dialogue


This research have the purpose to know the significant different of learning outcomes of student after teach used Cooperative Learning Model Student Team Achievement (STAD) by using Module and Direct Instruction Method by using module in topic Salt Hydrolysis. The population in this research is all of student class XI SMA Swasta Al-Ulum Medan academic year 2012/2013 that have 4 class. The sample are chosen is random sampling, sample that take is XI Science 1 and XI Science 2 . Every class have 35 student. The research instrument using multiple-choice tests. After validation, amount of question become 20 from 40 question & reliability is 0.835.The learning outcomes can we know from ability of student in answer of chemistry question in salt hydrolysis topic, after teach by Cooperative Learning Model Student Team Achievement ( STAD) and Direct Interaction Method. Result of research can shown in experimental class with average of pre-test 36.14 and post-test 79.85 . And then average score in control class for pre-test 38.71 and post-test 69. Score of Normality test by SPSS 17 for windows have ( sign > α ), score of pretest, post test and gain in experimental class is (0.283 > 0.05, 0.220 > 0.05 and 0.545 > 0.05). So, pretest, posttest, and gain in experimental class have Normal Distributed Categorized. Score of pretest, posttest, and gain in Control class is (0.298 > 0.05, 0.172 > 0.05, 0.630 > 0.05 ) so, pretest, posttest and gain in control class is Normal Distributed Categorized. Next, Homogeneity by SPSS 17 for windows is 0.05 ≤ 0.518 it means the data is homogeneity. Hypothesis data using SPSS 17 for windows we get the data Sig. (1-tailed) 0.000 < 0.05 it means Learning outcomes in cooperative learning model Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) type by using module is significant higher than student learning outcomes taught by Direct Interaction Method that integrated by using module.
Normality test by statistic test using Chi Square Formula ( X2count > X2table), score of pretest and post test in experimental class is ( 7.97 > 11.07, 7.61 > 11.07) but in control class ( 6.95 > 11.07, 9.71 > 11.07) so pretest and post test is Normal Categorized. Next Homogeneity test by statistic ( F count t table or ( 9.5 > 1.68 ) Ha is accepted. The percentage of Increasing learning outcomes by using Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) is 68% and learning outcomes that teaching using Direct Interaction Method is 49%.


School task in the form of school homework assignment (PR) is intended to provide insight into the subject matter to students who must the finishing. The fact is there are still students who didn't make the task because not understand the task, do not have book sources, there are students who cheat task friend and late to collect it. This phenomena indicate is readiness of students completing school task still less . The purpose of this research described readiness in school student finished the task seen from: (1) understanding students with task (2) preparation of source material/task (3) completion of Task (4) collect the task. The results showed that students have the readiness in completing the task of schools, however there are still some students don't have the readiness.


When reaching adolescence, education becomes an important where the existence of major selection in high or vocational school requires the children to choose majors tailored by their interests and talents. On the other hand, parents, with their strategic position in the family, can determine a one-sided decision for their children. This implies the absence of effective communication in the process of decision-making of major selection. The purpose of this study is to describe a dialogue experienced by parents and their child in making decisions of major selection. This qualitative descriptive method makes used of the constructivist paradigm with phenomenological approach tried to describe the experience of the in-depth communication between parent and children in making the decision to choose a major in their school.The result indicated that both parent and the children were involved in the making of choice. The closer relationship with their parents and an open dialogue also promoted them to understand each other's desires and expectations were so that the decision was based on mutual understanding. Parents' roles were limited to directing and giving out considerations and advices. Friends of the same age too could function as ones to share with and provide alternative choices for the children.


ABSTRACT This paper proposes a control strategy to enhance the operating efficiency of a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) for an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) drive. In this method, the battery and super-capacitor (SC) are connected by an interleaved DC-DC (DD) converter where a bypass DD scheme with the inherent anti-parallel diode of power switches is used to create another shorter path for battery discharge. In this design, an adjustable DC-link voltage is accomplished to fit the characterisations in various motor operating conditions. Then, with the corresponding control design, the proposed HESS can operate in an optimal state to improve efficiency and extend the battery lifetime. To validate the effectiveness of the method, several operation scenarios including acceleration, constant-speed and deceleration of the IPMSM are examined using simulations. This is further supported through the experimental study. The test results obtained under the buck, boost and bypass converter scenarios consolidate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed approach in an attempt for potential electric vehicle applications.


Colloidal synthesized cubic α-CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystals having a smaller lattice constant (a = 6.2315 Å) compared to the standard structure, and nanoscale mapping of their surfaces are reported to achieve superior photovoltaic performance under 45-55% humidity conditions. Atomic scale transmission electron microscopic images have been utilized to probe the precise arrangement of Cs, Pb, and I atoms in a unit cell of α-CsPbI3 NCs, which is well supported by the VESTA structure. Theoretical calculation using density functional theory of our experimental structure reveals the realization of direct band to band transition with a lower band gap, a higher absorption coefficient, and stronger covalent bonding between the Pb and I atoms in the [PbI6]4- octahedral, as compared to reported standard structure. Nanoscale surface mapping using Kelvin probe force microscopy yielding contact potential difference (CPD) and conductive atomic force microscopy for current mapping have been employed on α-CsPbI3 NCs films deposited on different DMSO doped PEDOT:PSS layers. The difference of CPD value under dark and light illumination suggests that the hole injection strongly depends on the interfaces with PEDOT:PSS layer. The carrier transport through grain interiors and grain boundaries in α-CsPbI3 probed by the single-point c-AFM measurements reveal the excellent photosensitivity under the light conditions. Finally, inverted perovskite solar cells, employing α-CsPbI3 NCs film as an absorber layer and PEDOT:PSS layer as a hole transport layer, have been optimized to achieve the highest power conversion efficiency of 10.6%, showing their potential for future earth abundant, low cost, and air stable inverted perovskite photovoltaic devices.


We perform calculations of dark photon production and decay in the early universe for ranges of dark photon masses and vacuum coupling with standard model photons. Simultaneously and self-consistently with dark photon production and decay, our calculations include a complete treatment of weak decoupling and big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) physics. These calculations incorporate all relevant weak, electromagnetic, and strong nuclear reactions, including charge-changing (isospin-changing) lepton capture and decay processes. They reveal a rich interplay of dark photon production, decay, and associated out-of-equilibrium transport of entropy into the decoupling neutrino seas. Most importantly, the self-consistent nature of our simulations allows us to capture the magnitude and phasing of entropy injection and dilution. Entropy injection-induced alteration of the time-temperature-scale factor relation during weak decoupling and BBN leads to changes in the light element abundance yields and the total radiation content (as parametrized by Neff). These changes suggest ways to extend previous dark photon BBN constraints. However, our calculations also identify ranges of dark photon mass and couplings not yet constrained, but perhaps accessible and probable, in future Stage-4 cosmic microwave background experiments and future high precision primordial deuterium abundance measurements.


Data driven soft sensor design has recently gained immense popularity, due to advances in sensory devices, and a growing interest in data mining. While partial least squares (PLS) is traditionally used in the process literature for designing soft sensors, the statistical literature has focused on sparse learners, such as Lasso and relevance vector machine (RVM), to solve the high dimensional data problem. In the current study, predictive performances of three regression techniques, PLS, Lasso and RVM were assessed and compared under various offline and online soft sensing scenarios applied on datasets from five real industrial plants, and a simulated process. In offline learning, predictions of RVM and Lasso were found to be superior to those of PLS when a large number of time-lagged predictors were used. Online prediction results gave a slightly more complicated picture. It was found that the minimum prediction error achieved by PLS under moving window (MW), or just-in-time learning scheme was decreased up to ~5-10% using Lasso, or RVM. However, when a small MW size was used, or the optimum number of PLS components was as low as ~1, prediction performance of PLS surpassed RVM, which was found to yield occasional unstable predictions. PLS and Lasso models constructed via online parameter tuning generally did not yield better predictions compared to those constructed via offline tuning. We present evidence to suggest that retaining a large portion of the available process measurement data in the predictor matrix, instead of preselecting variables, would be more advantageous for sparse learners in increasing prediction accuracy. As a result, Lasso is recommended as a better substitute for PLS in soft sensors; while performance of RVM should be validated before online application.


The ultrastructure of the pineal gland of the wild‐captured eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) was examined. A homogenous population of pinealocytes was the characteristic cellular element of the chipmunk pineal gland. Often, pinealocytes showed a folliclelike arrangement. Mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, granular endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, centrioles, dense‐core vesicles, clear vesicles, glycogen particles, and microtubules were consistent components of the pinealocyte cytoplasm. The extraordinary ultrastructural feature of the chipmunk pinealocyte was the presence of extremely large numbers of "synaptic" ribbons. The number of "synaptic" ribbons in this species exceeded by a factor of five to 30 times that found in any species previously reported. In addition to pinealocytes, the pineal parenchyma contained glial cells (oligodendrocytes and fibrous astrocytes). Capillaries of the pineal gland of the chipmunk consisted of a fenestrated endothelium. Adrenergic nerve terminals were relatively sparse.


British theorist and media critic Raymond Williams first published his Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society in 1975. In that book, his discussion of the keyword communication can be traced back to the Latin "communis - common: hence communicate - make common to many, impart" (Wiliams, 1985). Williams states that "In controversy about communications systems and communication theory it is useful to recall the unresolved range of the original noun of action, represented at its extremes by transmit, a one-way process, and share (cf. communion and especially communicant), a common or mutual process" (ibid). Hold on to that thought: "the unresolved range of the original noun of action". In their newly published book Communication for Another Development , Wendy Quarry and Ricardo Ramirez, both experienced independent practitioners, state provokingly: "The only sustainable aspect of Communication for Development as a field is its constant negotiation for survival" (Quarry and Ramirez, 2009). I recently resorted to "inconsistent" as the adjective of choice in pitching the relevance of communication for development, also known as communication for social change, for a small audience of mostly uninformed scholars at the New Agendas for Global Communication conference convened by the University of Texas at Austin in October. (Establishing whether disarming honesty might work in order to get the attention of media and communication academics that see comdev/cfsc as stray distant relatives, by the way, will require additional testing). Reflecting further, I have come to think that the field is in fact paradoxical –a condition reflected in the unresolved range of denominations available to name it, which calls for critical revision. While such condition may be obvious to many, the value of paradox for the field, however, remains somewhat undetermined. In this issue of Glocal Times , an effort was made to provide a comprehensive glimpse of the field's geometry. Some articles portray a practice that keeps on growing strong, be it grounded in interdisciplinary creative efforts focused on advocating for more livable cities for all through communication (see Doung Jahangeer's "Media versus mall") or in social enterprise endeavors focused on generating capacity through the regular use of a methodology of choice (see Nick Lunch's "Participatory video hubs"). Lotte Dahlmann's article, "The role of media in rolling out democracy in Pakistan", in turn reminds us of the fact that media support remains an active component of the 'development' end of the field. Research and theory-building concerns are also present. in "What's in a name", Karin Wilkins calls our attention to the shift from 'development' to 'social change' as the terminology preferred by different actors in the field lately, and problematizes 'social change', inviting deeper discussion of the binding ways in which we refer to our work than currently available. In "Incentives and Participation in Development Communication", Emile McAnany analyzes evidence from several innovative applications of technology to development economics, equality, health, education and the environment and challenges us to envision improved and more comprehensive ways in which successful experiences can be communicated to those in need of concrete solutions to pressing problems. In "Our petrified gardens", Susan Hayden, a graduate from Malmo University's Master in Communication for Development, explores how two popular South African television series created to address pressing health issues play a role in the rearticulation of identity after apartheid. In "Sugar coating or the manufacture of community support", Jason Rush (also a Malmo graduate) documents how the adoption of participatory language by a government-supported partnership between a gold company and The World Bank's lending arm, International Finance Corporation, masks a situation in which a community's needs and views are consistently disregarded in the search for economic profit. Rush evidences a one-way process, disguised as a common or mutual process , in which language is used to obscure what should be the field's ultimate concern when it comes to communication-bound interventions: who benefits, and who gets hurt?1 Referring to controversy about communication theory -"the unresolved range of the original noun of action"- Williams noted that "the choice of direction is often crucial" (Williams, 1985). Uncovering the paradoxes ingrained in the field and identifying their consequences is necessary, but not enough. Documenting inventive and successful experiences is vital, but just one step. We need to map the structural conditions in which experiences take place, paying special attention to the ongoing changes in terms of the political economy of culture and the media and their impact on everyday life. If communication is to be truly strategic in addressing the many faces of inequality and the many forms of insecurity which are a by-product of globalization (Amnesty International, 2009), we must look into the consequences of paradox within the field as the point of departure for the creation of better future realities. The next issue of Glocal Times will be published in March 2010. In the meantime, your comments and suggestions are welcome at firstname.lastname@example.com 1. Wilkins, Karin. "New Agendas for Global Communication conference: Mobilizing for whom?" E-mail communication (October 9, 2009). Amnesty International Report 2009. Quarry, Wendy and Ramirez, Ricardo (2009) Communication for another development: listening before telling. London: Zed Books. Williams, Raymond (1985, 1976) Keywords: a vocabulary of culture and society. New York: Oxford University Press.


PURPOSE AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Glutathione S-transferases, enzymes that defend cells against damage mediated by oxidant and electrophilic carcinogens, may be critical determinants of cancer pathogenesis. In this report, we assess the role of epigenetic silencing of the GSTP1 gene, a gene encoding the pi-class glutathione S-transferase, in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). The cell lines Hep3B, HepG2, and a cohort of 43 HBV-associated HCC tissue specimens and corresponding nontumor tissues were subjected to analysis for GSTP1 epigenetic alteration and expression. GSTP1 "CpG" island DNA hypermethylation in the liver cell lines, and the tissue specimens were determined by methylation-specific PCR and correlated with expression of the gene using reverse-transcription PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
GSTP1 CpG island DNA hypermethylation was detected in 28 of 43 (65.1%) HCC tissues and 4 of 40 (10%) corresponding nontumor tissues. GSTP1 protein was absent in those cases showing hypermethylation of the gene. Similarly, DNA from Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines displayed complete GSTP1 hypermethylation in the CpG island, and they failed to express GSTP1 mRNA and the corresponding protein product. Treatment of the cell lines with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-deoxycytidine reversed the hypermethylation, and restored GSTP1 mRNA and polypeptide expression.

CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that epigenetic silencing of GSTP1 gene expression by CpG island DNA hypermethylation is common in human HBV-associated HCC. In addition, somatic GSTP1 inactivation via CpG island hypermethylation may contribute to the pathogenesis of this malignancy.


Abstract : The Proposed Action is for the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) to perform an operational test and evaluation of the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS) utilizing multiple test sites on Eglin AFB (Figure 1-1). Eglin AFB is located in the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City and is bordered on the south by the Gulf of Mexico. The main objective of the JBPDS is to evaluate the system s performance in detecting innocuous air-released compounds in several environments on Eglin Air Force Base. These environments include several different biologically rich coastal, forest, and grassland environments. These areas include the main operating airfield and test ranges A-10, A-11, A-12, A-13, A-15, B-12, B-70, B-71, and C-72. The air-released compounds include innocuous (harmless) biological simulants and tracers. Aerial (by airplane) dispersion of simulants and tracer gas will take place at test ranges B-12, B-70, and B-71. The wet and dry aerosol tests will consist of both long- and short-range ground releases, as well as aerial and point releases at select ranges. Closed-box testing will occur on Santa Rosa Island (A-10, A-11, A-12, A-13, and A-15) and McKinley Climatic Laboratory (using cold weather protocols), wherein the stimulant releases will be completely enclosed within a box structure. Test Area C-72 will be used as a command and control center. Innocuous biological simulants would include: Bacillus subtilis var. niger (BG), Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), MS2 (a bacteriophage), ovalbumin (OV), and Erwinia herbicola (EH). Aerial release will consist of benign simulants BG and OV only, with all other simulants released via ground dispersion methods. Tracers used will include propylene and sulfur hexafluoride gases (SF6 gas). Interferants used to challenge the systems are kaolin dust, signal smoke, hexachloroethane smoke (HC smoke), burning diesel, burning rags, and burning vegetation. Testing is anticipated to occur six


This study was conducted to see the effects of probiotic yoghurt on serum cholesterol levels. About 4% of the deaths in Iran are due to cardiovascular diseases and hypercholesterolemia is among the aggravating factors. Diet therapy and cholesterol lowering agents are the treatments recommended. Probiotics are being investigated as cholesterol lowering agents. The study was carried out with 46 individuals with cholesterol levels between 200 - 304 mg/dl. Initially, they received 200 ml/day sterilized milk for 4 weeks and were instructed not to consume yoghurt. At the beginning, blood samples were collected for measuring total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (High-density lipoprotein) levels. Group A received 300 g/day probiotic yoghurt and group B received normal yoghurt of the same amount for 6 weeks. Again blood samples were collected and analyzed. In the next round, the groups reversed their consumption patterns. Again blood samples were collected and analyzed. The results were indicative of the reducing effects of probiotic yoghurt on total cholesterol and LDL levels and raising effect on HDL. The difference between the reduced levels of LDL in both treatments was statistically significant. Consumption of the probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteriaresults in the decreased total cholesterol and LDL and increased HDL.

 Key words: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL.


Based on a statewide survey of professional learning activities among 577 middle school mathematics teachers in Missouri, this study examined two questions: 1) What professional learning activities do middle school math teachers participate in and how much time do they spend in these activities?, and 2) How are teacher qualifications and contextual characteristics associated with the amount of their professional learning activities? The study examined seven types of formal and informal professional learning activities: 1) professional development programs, 2) teacher collaboration, 3) university courses, 4) professional conferences, 5) mentoring/coaching, 6) informal communications, and 7) individual learning activities. The study found that middle school mathematics teachers spend the greatest amount of time involved in teacher collaboration, professional development programs, and individual learning activities. In addition, mathematics teachers in high-poverty and ethnically diverse districts tend to spend more time in formal learning activities such as professional development programs, teacher collaboration, and mentoring/coaching than do mathematics teachers in wealthier and less diverse districts. To promote a greater level of teachers' participation in shared learning activities, it is important for district and school administrators to offer professional learning activities that meet mathematics teachers' learning needs for understanding students' mathematical knowledge and thinking. epaa aape


Objective: Poor sleep can impact occupational functioning. The current study examines health risks, medical conditions, and workplace economic outcomes associated with self-reported hours of sleep among employees. Methods: Employees of a global financial services corporation were categorized on the basis of their self-reported average hours of sleep. Differences in health care costs, productivity measures, health risks, and medical conditions were analyzed by hours of sleep while controlling for confounding variables. Results: A strong U-shaped relationship between health care costs, short-term disability, absenteeism, and presenteeism (on-the-job work loss) and the hours of sleep was found among employees. The nadir of the "U" occurs for 7 or 8 hours of sleep per night. Conclusions: Worksite wellness programs often address health risks and medical conditions and may benefit from incorporating sleep education.


Today, one of the things that have been the basis for most architects and design experts is paying attention to the principles of sustainability of energy and organized approach to sustainable development. If sustainability be reflected in the energy sector, it must be coordinated with other aspects such as social sustainability. There are always architects who define sustainability based on their view, but this study is trying to be formed on theoretical basis of architectural energy experts, and according to available resources and access to library studies in the field of technology BMS, introduce this technology to the people who are concerned about it. So that by this technology be an important factor in achieving sustainability in architecture. Keywords: Building Automation, Intelligent Management, Sustainable Architecture, Building Management Systems (BMS) In Housing


The recently published [(PCN)Pt═O](+) complex is interesting as a unique example of a stable d(6) terminal transition metal oxo complex not stabilized by electron withdrawing ligands and as a model of oxo complexes frequently implicated as key intermediates in various processes of oxygen transfer. In the present work, we report an extensive DFT study of its geometric and electronic structure, composition in solution, and reactivity. The thermodynamic data and calculated (195)Pt NMR chemical shifts reveal that one solvent molecule is weakly coordinated to the complex in acetone solution. This ancillary ligand is responsible for the diamagnetic state of the complex, retards intramolecular oxygen transfer, and facilitates CO oxidation. Chemical transformations of the coordinated acetone molecule, coordination of other ancillary ligands present in the reaction mixture, and protonation of the Pt-oxo group in nonacidic media are excluded based on thermodynamic or kinetic considerations. Bonding of the terminal oxo ligand with strong electrophiles presents the key interaction in the mechanisms of intramolecular oxygen insertion into the Pt-P bond, in CO oxidation and in water activation mediated by microsolvation. Low affinity of the terminal oxo ligand toward "soft" covalent interactions brings about intermediate formation of agostic hydrido and hydroxo complexes along the reaction pathway of dihydrogen oxidation. Stabilization of the Pt-oxo bonding is attributed to bending of the terminal oxo ligand out of the plane of the complex and to significant transfer of electron density from compact low lying Pt 5d orbitals to more diffuse 6s and 6p orbitals.


In this article we propose that evolutionary biology can supply political science with a theory of the ultimate causes of human preferences and behaviors that it otherwise lacks. For the most part, political scientists are either unfamiliar with the social side of evolutionary theory or misidentify its key features. Far from being genetically deterministic or leading exclusively to predictions that all human behavior will be selfish, modern evolutionary theories stress that adaptive behavior is frequently characterized by a guarded sort of cooperation. We describe modern biological theory, offer our own version of it, discuss new and potentially useful interpretations of political attitudes and public policies, and present scientific evidence, drawn from research on autistic individuals and monozygotic and dizygotic twins, of the startlingly important role genetics plays in shaping politically relevant attitudes and behaviors.The authors are grateful to Chris Larimer, Levente Littvay, David Rapkin, Kevin Smith, Jeff Spinner-Halev, Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, and anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions.


ABSTRACT The rhizomes and tubers of Curcuma kwangsiensis have extensive medicinal value in China. However, the inflorescences of C. kwangsiensis are rarely known in horticulture, because of its low field flowering rate. In order to improve the flowering rate of C. kwangsiensis, we conducted drought stress treatment on the rhizome of C. kwangsiensis. The flowering rate of rhizome was the highest after 4d of drought stress treatment, and the buds on the rhizome could be obviously swell on the 4th day of rehydration culture. In order to identify the genes regulating the flowering time of Curcuma kwangsiensis, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on the buds on rhizomes before drought stress treatment, 4 d after drought stress treatment and 4 d after rehydration culture. During this process, a total of 20 DEGs controlling flowering time and 23 DEGs involved in ABA synthesis and signal transduction were identified, which might regulate the flowering of C. kwangsiensis under drought stress. Some floral integration factors, such as SOC1 and FTIP, were up-regulated under drought stress for 4 d, indicating that C. kwangsiensis had flowering trend under drought stress. The results of the present study will provide theoretical support for the application of Curcuma kwangsiensis in gardening.


Objective
TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSH-omas) are very rare disorders. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in the nasopharyngeal region.

Subjects and Methods
We report a 37-year-old male patient with thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in nasopharyngeal region.

Results
A patient suffering from sweating, palpitations, dizziness and abnormality in thyroid tests was referred to our clinic. Thyroid function tests showed high basal levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), and serum TSH. TRH stimulation test results indicated blunted response. Scintigraphy showed increased radionuclide uptake (iodine-123), and a thyroid ultrasound scan revealed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. A pituitary MRI indicated a normal pituitary. However, MRI showed a mass in the nasopharynx that was confirmed with endoscopy. Endoscopic total endonasal resection was done and the mass was removed. The pathology reported a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Conclusion
In this report, an identified case of thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting ectopic pituitary adenoma in nasopharyngeal region is reported and it is the only tenth case in the literature indicated in the nasopharyngeal region. Ectopic TSH-omas should be considered during inappropriate secretion of TSH as a candidate cause to enable correct diagnosis and improve the treatment of patients.


Objective: To investigating the correlation among the functional capacity using 2-minute step test (2MST), the functional mobility using the time up and go (TUG) test, and the sit to stand test (STS) in hypertensive elderly people.

Material and Methods: The correlational research design was used to evaluate the correlation among 2MST, TUG test, and STS test in 60 hypertensive elderly people. Each subject performed one trial in 2MST, and then performed three trials in TUG test, STS10 test, and STS60 test. A 5-minute rest period was given between each test.

Results: Functional capacity was correlated with functional mobility in hypertensive elderly people. The results revealed that 2MST was negatively correlated with TUG test and STS10 test (r=–0.635 and –0.266, respectively). Whereas, the 2MST was positively correlated with STS60 test (r=0.521).

Conclusion: The functional capacity was correlated with functional mobility in hypertensive elder subjects.

Keywords: 2-minute step test; Time up and go test; Elderly; Sit to stand test; Hypertension


The technology for multiple fracturing of a wellbore, using progressively burning propellants, is being developed to enhance natural gas recovery. Multiple fracturing appears especially attractive for stimulating naturally fractured reservoirs such as Devonian shales where it is expected to effectively intersect existing fractures and connect them to a wellbore. Previous experiments and modeling efforts defined pressure risetimes required for multiple fracturing as a function of borehole diameter, but identified only a weak dependence on peak pressure attained. Typically, from four to eight equally spaced major fractures occur as a function of pressure risetime and in situ stress orientation. The present experiments address propellant and rock response considerations required to achieve the desired pressure risetimes for reliable multiple fracturing.


An abnormal triglyceride-rich lipoprotein has been isolated from some patients with chronic renal failure or severe hypertriglyceridemia. The abnormal lipoprotein was characterized by an increased content of apolipoprotein (apo) C-III-2 (57.5% of total apo C-III peptides compared with 35.5% for controls, P less than 0.001) as characterized by isoelectric focusing and scanning densitometry. As determined by a substrate competition assay, the abnormal lipoprotein was a less efficient substrate for purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase than control lipoproteins. Neuraminidase digestion of abnormal or control lipoprotein resulted in a reduction of the apo C-III-2 band with a corresponding increase in the region of apo C-III-0, which suggests that the increased content of apo C-III-2 in the abnormal is due to excessive sialylation of the C-III peptide. Limited incubation of the abnormal lipoproteins with neuraminidase caused a partial loss of sialic acid and resulted in a triglyceride-rich lipoprotein with a normal C-III-2:C-III-1 ratio. This preparation displayed normal substrate interaction with lipoprotein lipase. Three severely hypertriglyceridemic patients with the abnormal lipoprotein showed a marked reduction in serum triglyceride concentration, which is associated with a reversion to a normal C-peptide profile after dietary therapy. The results suggest that the extent of sialylation of the apo C-III peptide carried on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins may be critical for their interaction with lipoprotein lipase.


Background The role of B cells in auto-immunity may extend beyond the production of auto-antibodies. B cells can influence T cell responses via antigen presentation and secretion of cytokines. Pathogenic T cell responses are critical in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Cytokine-producing B cells with distinct effects on T cells have been described. Bregulatory cells suppress T cell responses via IL-10, whereas Beffector cells promote inflammation via secretion of TNF-α and/or IL-6. IL-6 is currently considered important in the pathogenesis of GCA and PMR. Little is known on the contribution of Beffector and Bregulatory cells to the immunopathology of GCA and PMR. Objectives To study the distribution of Beffector cells and Bregulatory cells in GCA and PMR patients before and after corticosteroid treatment. Methods Circulating B cells were analyzed in 34 newly-diagnosed, non-treated patients with GCA and PMR, and in 44 follow-up samples of GCA and PMR patients receiving corticosteroids for 2 weeks and 3 months. For comparison, 40 age-matched, healthy controls (HCs) were included. Serum BAFF levels were determined by ELISA and temporal arteries were studied by immunohistochemistry. Intracellular staining for TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 was performed after stimulating B cells with PMA and Ca2+ ionophore in the presence of Brefelin A for 4 hours. Results Newly-diagnosed GCA and PMR patients had decreased numbers of circulating CD19+ B cells when compared to HCs. B cell numbers recovered rapidly in treated GCA and PMR patients in remission. This recovery was not achieved by compensatory hyperproliferation or enhanced bone marrow production. The low B cell counts in newly-diagnosed GCA and PMR patients were associated with an increase in serum levels of the B cell growth factor BAFF. Serum BAFF levels diminished upon the return of B cells during remission. Functional characterization of the B cells showed that circulating numbers of IL-10 producing Bregulatory cells remain normal in GCA and PMR patients, irrespective of disease activity and treatment. In contrast, circulating numbers of TNF-α producing Beffector cells were profoundly decreased in newly-diagnosed GCA and PMR patients, but recovered during remission. Moreover, the returning Beffector cells in GCA and PMR patients demonstrated an enhanced capacity to produce IL-6. Few B cells were found in temporal artery biopsies of GCA patients. Conclusions Our combined data indicate that Beffector cells, but not Bregulatory cells, are redistributed during active disease and quickly return upon remission. These Beffector cells are characterized by an enhanced capacity to produce IL-6. The role of these IL-6 producing Beffector cells in GCA and PMR warrants further investigation, as B cells and IL-6/IL-6R are potential targets for treatment. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2596


Can management affect the rate by which organizational members adopt a new computer based communication medium? The question is addressed by comparing the rate by which employees start to use an electronic mail system (EMS) and case descriptions across four departments during a five year period in a large Swedish manufacturing company. Data on EMS use are fitted to a model describing the spread of use as a function of social and management influence. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that the rate of new users of EMS can be influenced by both department-level management and peers. Faster growth in use occurred when department-level management exercised implementation efforts. The rate of growth increased significantly when a local information center (IC) was established. The more resources the local IC was supplied with the higher the rate of growth in EMS use. Management of the implementation process may be especially preferred when introducing end-use network technologies in organizations due to interdependent demand among users.


Abstract Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome is characterized by reversible left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, chest pain or dyspnea, ST-segment elevation, and mild elevation of cardiac enzyme levels in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology of the syndrome is still unknown. The probable mechanism is supposed to be a catecholamine discharge. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with recently diagnosed pheochromocytoma who presented with chest pain and ST-segment elevation. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries and apical dyskinesia at ventriculography. A similar episode of chest pain occurred 4 years ago with same angiographic findings and reversible inferobasal akinesia. In-hospital course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital 4 days later with treatment of aspirin 1 × 100 mg, metoprolol 1 × 50 mg, lisinopril 1 × 10 mg, and atorvastatin 1 × 20 mg. At 2 years follow-up after the event, the patient remained asymptomatic.


To answer the question whether a chronic electrical stimulation might be capable to induce a post-natal development of the auditory pathway, we performed a chronic prothetic implantation of the inner ear of 28 guinea pigs. Three stimulation systems have been utilized. An implantable solid state system, an external stimulator with head fixation and an external stimulator with fixation on the back of the animal. Because of the very small size of the new-born guinea pig, the most suitable system proved to be the external stimulator with fixation on the back.


Background: An experimental study was conducted to compare time perception of short durations, including intra- and interindividual variability of subjective duration judgments, in schizophrenic and in healthy males. Methods: The psychological methods of reproduction, and of verbal estimation in subjective seconds, were used. Results: It was found 1) that the means of the reproductions do not differ between the 2 groups, 2) the schizophrenics verbally estimated all durations longer and less veridical than the healthy subjects, 3) the variability of the estimates between, as well as within, subjects is much greater in schizophrenics than in the healthy group, 4) also the estimates by the schizophrenic group showed an approximately linear function of responses vs. the reference durations in log-log coordinates, in agreement with Stevens# power law. Conclusion: Schizophrenics are described in terms of distraction and of chaotic and disorganized behavior. This important aspect of schizophrenic symptomatology typically results in cognitive impairment. The impairment may be at the root of the deviant, though fairly consistent, estimations by the schizophrenic subjects. This vulnerability entails that the schizophrenics seem to be unable to translate perceived time into numbers (seconds), probably because of their general difficulty in being able to quantify. To be more specific, it appears that the better understanding of the cognitive processes and the vulnerability factors of experiencing time and of time-structuring behavior is important knowledge as to how the schizophrenics individuals orient themselves in time and space. The conclusion is that our result does not support the view of general time distortion as such in schizophrenia.


Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unique among leading causes of death in Western society. While the impact of other major diseases are on the decline, the prevalence, associated morbidity and attributable mortality of COPD continue to rise. The emotional burdens to patients and care-givers and financial burdens of COPD to our healthcare system are substantial. The traditional biomedical approach to COPD is failing with its focus on the underlying pathophysiology, and treatment of acute exacerbations. This failure necessitates a review of our approach to advanced COPD, of care models and goals of care and interventions for patients who live with progressing and sometimes intractable dyspnoea. Closing the gaps between diverging goals of care becomes increasingly important as COPD progresses to the point where palliation and support become very much more important than predictable perturbations of physiology.


Surgical education programs are being developed to incorporate robotic technical skills training into pre-existing curricula. With limited availability of robotic training platforms, the aim of this paper was to determine if laparoscopic training can facilitate the acquisition of robotic surgical skills.

 A search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Original articles evaluating the transferability of laparoscopic skills into robotic surgery were included across multiple surgical specialities. Non-peer reviewed papers, conference s, and single surgeon's experience were excluded. The primary outcome was skills transfer, secondary outcomes included; the level of participant experience, tasks performed and assessment tools used.

 17 papers were included. 9 (53%) showed good evidence for skill transfer from laparoscopic to robotic surgery, 7 (41%) reported no significant difference. 1 (6%) paper demonstrated prior laparoscopic training had a positive impact on robotic skill but this was diminished for senior trainees. The majority of studies compared residents at different stages of training. All papers assessed simulator surgical specific tasks. There was limited standardisation of assessment processes. No papers assessed tasks in real-life surgical practice.

 Evidence exists to suggest that laparoscopic skills are transferable to robotic surgery in a simulation environment. This is particularly evident for surgical novices and less so for experienced laparoscopists. This could potentially enable the use of established laparoscopic training as a means of reducing the robotic learning curve. Further work is needed to assess laparoscopic to robotic skills transfer in a real-world setting.


Early detection and management of fluid overload are critically important in acute illness, as the impact of therapeutic intervention can result in decreased or increased mortality rates. Accurate fluid status assessment entails appropriate therapy. Unfortunately, as the gold standard method of radioisotopic fluid measurement is costly, time-consuming, and lacks sensitivity in the acute care clinical setting, other less-accurate methods are typically used, such as clinical examination or 24 h output. Bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) is an alternative impedance-based approach, where the raw parameter resistance and reactance of a subject are plotted to produce a vector, the position of which can be evaluated relative to tolerance intervals in an R-Xc graph. The fluid status is then interpreted as normal or abnormal, based on the distance from the mean vector derived from a healthy reference population. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate how to evaluate the presence of fluid overload through bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis and the impedance ratio measured with tetrapolar multi-frequency equipment in patients admitted to the emergency department.


This paper presents a new parallel algorithm to find all vertices of a convex polytope. This algorithm is of Monte-Carlo type and requires no assumption of problem nondegeneracy. Redundant constraints have no influence on the main computation. The vertex locating routine uses a new algorithm for nearest point problem in polytopes.


Many pervasive computing applications involve the recording of user interaction with physical and digital resources in the environment. Such records can be used to establish context histories that can be subsequently used for user behaviour analysis, pattern recognition, prediction, and the provision of context aware services. In this paper we use trails as the principal data processing primitive for analysis and prediction. We define a trail as the sequence of recorded interactions with the pervasive computing space. Trails contain patterns of space usage and they can be used for the provision of different services, space usage analysis or sociological information of people using the environment simultaneously. Trail analysis requires considerable storage and computational resources to discover such patterns. Moreover no single method exists that identifies significant trails based on different metrics for a variety of different pervasive computing application. In this paper, we introduce a trail based analysis approach, an associated model for the representation of trails and trail aggregates, and suitable data structures for efficient storage, filtering and retrieval. Also, we propose several related algorithms and associated metrics for ranking and identifying significant trails. We use these techniques in 2 different case studies to extract valuable information about the pervasive system environment usage and evaluate the summarizability and the predictive power of our model.


A fully integrated power amplifier using the transformer type power combiner is presented. The power amplifier contains two transformers to lead to high output power with small chip size. The parallel combining transformer is realized with 1:1 turn ratio. The transformers are incorporated into the design of power amplifier in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The power amplifier with built-in power combiner delivers 23.4 dBm of output power at 5.2 GHz with 3.3 V supply voltage.


ABSTRACT:Much of the past studies on the determinants of financial condition argue that local government financial condition is a function of revenue capacity and spending pressure represented by various socio-economic factors and have exhibited inconclusive results. In response, this study argues that the effects of socio-economic and demographic factors on financial conditions depend on the context in which the local government operates. The inconclusive results found in the literature suggest the need for investigating the effects of these factors in various contexts in order to understand how they operate. This research examines the relationships of spending pressure and revenue capacity with financial conditions of municipal organisations from a developing country's context. Spending pressure indicates the demands for municipal services and is represented by population size, population density and disaster susceptibility. Revenue capacity demonstrates the ability of municipal organizations in obtaining resources for public purposes. Based on theoretical and empirical studies from the literature, this study develops hypotheses and tests them using data from a random sample of 93 municipal organisations from Bangladesh. Analysing data by applying a linear regression model, the paper finds empirical supports for positive relationships of disaster susceptibility and revenue capacity but negative relationship of population size with municipal financial conditions. Such a relationship of population density is found to be positive but insignificant, which contradicts with the results found in the literature. Theoretically, this study enhances the existing literature as it facilitates a better understanding on how the socio-economic and demographic variables interact with municipal financial conditions from a developing country context. The empirical findings can be of great significance for both managers and politicians. While municipal managers can find the information of this study useful in improving their organizational financial conditions by exploiting their relationships with socio-economic and demographic factors to generate appropriate level of revenues and control expenditures, policy makers can derive insights from this study to devise effective financial transfer policies for maintaining sustainability of local government services.


Has the U.S. president's record on promoting international science fulfilled the promise of his early rhetoric? Six months after his 2009 inauguration, U.S. President Obama spoke at Cairo University in Egypt and called for a new beginning in relations between the United States and Muslim-majority countries, defined by collaboration in science and technology (1). Innovation, according to the president, is the "currency of the 21st century" and the means by which the United States and its partners would create new jobs and tackle the global challenges of climate change, hunger, and disease. The Cairo speech remains a seminal moment in President Obama's broader initiative to ramp up U.S. cooperation in international science as a core component of his foreign policy agenda (2).


Tidal encounters are believed to be one of the key drivers of galactic spiral structure in the Universe. Such spirals are expected to produce different morphological and kinematic features compared to density wave and dynamic spiral arms. In this work we present high resolution simulations of a tidal encounter of a small mass companion with a disc galaxy. Included are the effects of gas cooling and heating, star formation and stellar feedback. The structure of the perturbed disc differs greatly from the isolated galaxy, showing clear spiral features that act as sites of new star formation, and displaying interarm spurs. The two arms of the galaxy, the bridge and tail, appear to behave differently; with different star formation histories and structure. Specific attention is focused on offsets between gas and stellar spiral features which can be directly compared to observations. We find some offsets do exist between different media, with gaseous arms appearing mostly on the convex side of the stellar arms, though the exact locations appear highly time dependent. These results further highlight the differences between tidal spirals and other theories of arm structure.


Subject area
The subject areas are organizational management, organizational behaviour and human resource management.

Study level/applicability
The study is applicable for courses in human resource management and organizational behaviour as part of masters-level programmes in business administration and management, executive development programmes on organization design and development for middle/senior management.

Case overview
In 2003, Elizabeth and Sunil Mehta had founded a voluntary organization, "Muktangan", focussed on child-centric education through innovative pedagogy for the community of the urban poor. Elizabeth, an educationist, and Sunil, a highly successful business person, joined hands to contribute to the well-being of urban poor to make a difference to their lives. Elizabeth and Sunil presented a proposal to impart education for "the children of the community, by the teachers drawn from the community" to the residents of the slums in central Mumbai. With a humble beginning of running a small pre-school, Muktangan now manages seven schools with 3,400 children and 500 teachers, and a teachers' training centre with a capacity to train 100 teachers a year. Muktangan won acclaim for its unique pedagogy and a very effective child-to-teacher ratio. Over the years, Elizabeth and Sunil led Muktangan with a strong passion and a "hands-on" approach. Of late, Elizabeth and Sunil faced questions from their donors about the sustainability of Muktangan with respect to leadership and management succession. Elizabeth and Sunil had a vision for Muktangan for self-directed growth with an empowered team. Muktangan embarked on the journey to create a leadership for self-directed growth. Sunil, Elizabeth and team Muktangan conceptualized and implemented a change management intervention with help from an external consultant to build the desired organization.

Expected learning outcomes
Outcomes are understanding issues involved in the leadership, organization design and management of change, particularly of those organizations engaged in social change and development in developing societies.

Supplementary materials
The Muktangan Story: Part A – An Organizational Study; The Muktangan Story Part B – Winds of Change; Teaching Note; References: Bradach J. (1996), Organizational Alignment: The 7-S Model, Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, MA 02,163. Cooperrider D. and Whitney D. (2005), "A Positive Revolution in Change: Appreciative Inquiry", In The Change Handbook. The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging.Whole Systems, by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane, and Steven Cady. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Cooperrider D., Whitney D., and Stavros J.M. (2008), Appreciative Inquiry Handbook for Leaders of Change (Second Edition), Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Greiner, L.E. (1998), "Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow", Harvard Business Review, May-June, 3-11. www.muktanganedu.org/ accessed 12 April, 2018. Kessler, E. H., (2013) (ed.), Encyclopaedia of Management Theory, Sage Publications Kotter, J. P. (1996), Leading Change, Harvard Business School Press, Boston. Lewin K. (1951), Field Theory in social science, Harper & Row, New York. Waterman, R. H., Peters, T. J., and Phillips, J. R. (1980), Structure is not organization. Business Horizons, 23(3), 14-26.

Subject code:
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.


This paper draws upon evidence from a short but intensive period of ethnographic fieldwork with a specialist homicide squad in a large US city. A range of homicides were observed during the study, and the discussion that follows describes a number of cases in depth and the difficulties the detectives experience in obtaining evidence from witnesses who may be frightened or unwilling to help them. The way they regard these problems and lack of cooperation, and the techniques they use to obtain information or confessions from suspects are explored. To analyse these problems, the paper reflects upon the 'ruses' detectives were observed to use in their attempts to obtain confessions and the way they rationalise these methods in terms of their personal and professional ethics.


In 2004, California adopted the nation's first regulations limiting the emission of greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles. Before these regulations can take effect, however, California must obtain a waiver of preemption under the Clean Air Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. California has sought, and received, numerous waivers of preemption for air pollution control programs in the past. EPA approval of this waiver request is not automatic, however. This essay provides an overview of the distinct legal and policy issues raised by California's request for a waiver of federal preemption of its new greenhouse gas emission regulations. After summarizing the legal requirements for obtaining a waiver of preemption under the Clean Air Act, this essay explains why it may be more difficult for California to obtain a waiver for greenhouse gas emission regulations than it has been for prior state regulations governing traditional air pollutants. The essay then considers how California's waiver request fits into a broader policy framework dividing responsibility for environmental protection between the federal and state governments. Accepting there are strong arguments for greater state flexibility in environmental law, this essay assesses the relative strength of California's demand for greater freedom to set its own greenhouse gas emission control policies.


The self-monitoring of electrolytes using a small volume of capillary blood is needed for the management of many chronic diseases. Herein, we report an ionophore-based colorimetric sensor for electrolyte measurements in a few microliters of blood. The sensor is a pipet microtip preloaded with a segment of oil (plasticizer) containing a pH-sensitive chromoionophore, a cation exchanger, and an ionophore. The analyte is extracted from the sample into the oil via a mixing protocol controlled by a stepper motor. The oil with an optimized ratio of sensing chemicals shows an unprecedentedly large color response for electrolytes in a very narrow concentration range that is clinically relevant. This ultrahigh sensitivity is based on an exhaustive response mode with a novel mechanism for defining the lower and higher limits of detection. Compared to previous optodes and molecular probes for ions, the proposed platform is especially suitable for at-home blood electrolyte measurements because (1) the oil sensor is interrogated independent of the sample and therefore works for whole blood without requiring plasma separation; (2) the sensor does not need individual calibration as the consistency between liquid sensors is high compared to solid sensors, such as ion-selective electrodes and optodes; and (3) the sensing system consisting of a disposable oil sensor, a programmed stepper motor, and a smartphone is portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. The accuracy and precision of Ca2+ sensors are validated in 51 blood samples with varying concentrations of total plasma Ca2+. Oil sensors with an ultrasensitive response can also be obtained for other ions, such as K+.


10 control subjects and 27 patients with prosthetic valves (15 with Björk aortic valves, 6 with mitral prostheses, 4 with aortic and mitral valves, 1 with a Björk mitral and a Starr aortic valve, and 1 with a Beall mitral valve) underwent, at intervals of 24 hours, two maximal exercise tests, initially without (day J) and subsequently with (day J + 2) propranolol in a dose of 80 mg/24 h, haemolysis and platelet function being assessed immediately before and immediately after each test. Exercise tolerance was not altered by propranolol in this dose, provided the heart size was not more than 1500 ml. Haemolysis, as assessed by the level of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH1) was increased by exercise, especially in the aortic prosthesis cases in which the LDH1 was increased by 21.6% (p less than 0.025). The increase was less marked under propranolol treatment, when it was 12.3% (p less than 0.05). Propranolol did not correct the platelet clumping caused by the prosthetic mitral valves, but did decrease platelet stickiness on exercise in the patients with prostheses (delta = -11.7%; p less than 0.05). Propranolol can not therefore be recommended for increased haemolysis if there is no demonstrable dysfunction of the prosthetic valve. Neither would we advise its use at present with the aim of reducing thrombotic accidents.


Island wind data from the central tropical Pacific are compared with satellite-observed low-level cloud motion winds over the same area during 1976–1980. The purpose of the comparison is to investigate the effect of gaps in the satellite wind series. It is found that the distribution of the gaps is such that the resulting time series is biased from the complete time series because of undersampling of the strongest westerly and northerly wind anomalies. This bias is strong enough, at least in this geographical region, to cause difficulties in estimating accurate mean fields from the cloud motion winds alone. The gaps leading to this bias occur on time scales of days to weeks and are most common during the northern hemisphere winter. Further, the gaps can be attributed to the presence of heavy, high cloud cover typical of strong convective events. The bias follows from the fact that the wind anomalies are also strongest at these times.


Traditionally aggregates, soil, sand, cement bitumen etc. are used for pavement construction. These traditional materials are being exhaustible in nature. Quantity of these conventional materials is reducing gradually. Also, cost of extracting good quality of traditional material is increasing. Concerned about this, we are looking for alternative materials for pavement construction, and industrial waste materials are one such category. If these materials can be suitably utilized in pavement construction, the disposal and pollution problems may be reduced. These industrial wastes have occupied large amount of land around plants throughout the country. Keeping in mind the need for bulk use of industrial wastes in India, it was thought an expedient to test these materials and develop specifications to enhance the use of these industrial wastes in pavement construction, from which higher economic returns may be possible.


*Co-senior authors Primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often sensitive to platinum and taxane combination chemotherapy, but most patients relapse with chemotherapy-resistant disease. Although alterations in DNA repair function, gene expression, apoptosis, and other pathways have been described that can mediate chemotherapy resistance in HGSOC, the full landscape of HGSOC drug resistance mechanisms and the optimal strategies to eliminate resistant disease have not been fully elucidated. We performed systematic, unbiased near-genome-scale pooled overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens in two BRCA2-mutant HGSOC cell lines to identify genes promoting survival following cisplatin, paclitaxel, or cisplatin/paclitaxel treatment. Anti-apoptotic genes including BCL2L1 (BCL-XL), and BCL2L2 (BCL-W) were among the top hits mediating chemotherapy resistance in the overexpression screen. In the CRISPR/Cas9 screen, loss of pro-apoptotic genes (caspases, APAF1) conferred resistance, and knockout of BCL2L1 sensitized to platinum. A secondary overexpression screen of ~400 genes confirmed anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL, BCL-W and BCL-2 as top resistance genes, and validated numerous other candidates. Of note, anti-apoptotic genes BCL2L1 and MCL1 are focally amplified and overexpressed in patients with primary HGSOC. In HGSOC cell lines, overexpression of BCL-XL or BCL-W, and to a lesser extent BCL-2 or MCL1, conferred platinum and taxane resistance and decreased chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in HGSOC cell lines. We systematically tested small molecule inhibitors of BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL1, or BCL2/BCL-XL as single agents or combined with chemotherapy in HGSOC cell lines. Inhibiting BCL-XL, MCL1, or BCL2/BCL-XL, but not BCL-2, significantly increased cell death when combined with cisplatin or paclitaxel. BCL-XL, MCL1, or BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitors also synergized with olaparib, a poly- ADP-ribose inhibitor. Concomitant overexpression of BCL-XL, BCL-W, or MCL1 abrogated the sensitizing effect of the anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors, depending upon the specific inhibitor. Taken together, unbiased near-genome-scale overexpression screens and patient genomic data highlight the role of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in HGSOC chemotherapy resistance. Our studies validate that anti-apoptotic proteins mediate resistance to several clinically relevant drugs in HGSOC, and support that BCL-XL and MCL1 may be therapeutic targets in HGSOC, particularly in combination with DNA-damaging agents. Citation Format: Elizabeth H. Stover, Maria B. Baco, Ofir Cohen, Yvonne Li, Elizabeth Christie, Mukta Bagul, Amy Goodale, Yenarae Lee, Sasha Pantel, Matthew Rees, Guo Wei, Adam Presser, Ioannis Zervantonakis, Patrick Bhola, Jeremy Ryan, Jennifer Guerriero, Felice Liang, Andrew Cherniack, Federica Piccioni, Ursula A. Matulonis, David D. L. Bowtell, Anthony Letai, Kris Sarosiek, Levi Garraway, Cory M. Johannessen, Matthew Meyerson. POOLED GENOMIC SCREENS IDENTIFY ANTI-APOPTOTIC GENES AS MEDIATORS OF CHEMOTHERAPY RESISTANCE IN OVARIAN CANCER [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 13-15, 2018; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2019;25(22 Suppl):Abstract nr AP14.


We present and contrast two distinct ways of including extremal black holes in a Lorentzian Hamiltonian quantization of spherically symmetric Einstein‐Maxwell theory. First, we formulate the classical Hamiltonian dynamics with boundary conditions appropriate for extremal black holes only. The Hamiltonian contains no surface term at the internal infinity, for reasons related to the vanishing of the extremal hole surface gravity, and quantization yields a vanishing black hole entropy. Second, we give a Hamiltonian quantization that incorporates extremal black holes as a limiting case of nonextremal ones, and examine the classical limit in terms of wave packets. The spreading of the packets, even the ones centered about extremal black holes, is consistent with continuity of the entropy in the extremal limit, and thus with the Bekenstein‐Hawking entropy even for the extremal holes. The discussion takes place throughout within Lorentz‐signature spacetimes.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate intervention procedures to teach conditional use of a communicative request for assistance and independent task performance. A 40‐year‐old man with autism and severe mental retardation with a history of escape‐related problems was taught to use a graphic symbol to request assistance and to engage independently in a vocational assembly task. A multiple‐probe design across each of three components of the assembly task was executed to evaluate the effect of teaching requesting assistance and followed by independent task completion. Dependent measures included requests for assistance and independent task completion. Intervention was associated with initial acquisition of requests for assistance. As the participant became increasingly independent in completing the task, production of requests for assistance correspondingly diminished. A post‐hoc analysis revealed that the speed with which independent task completion occurred was substantially faster than when assistance was required. The implementation of the two independent variables was successful as the participant learned to moderate his use of requests for assistance. A discussion of competing schedules of reinforcement is offered as the explanation for this outcome.


The electrochemical behavior and mechanical properties of friction stir welded AA5086 and AA6061 Al alloys were investigated. Micro-hardness measurements and tensile tests showed that the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in AA6061 had minimum hardness value (i.e., 88 HV) and served as failure site in the dissimilar weld. Corrosion testing revealed that the minimum value of Icorr appeared in the HAZ 5086 (0.54 uA/cm2) and HAZ 5086 was most resistant to corrosion. The AA 5086 side of the weld showed better corrosion resistance than the AA 6061 side.


Background: Tertiary hospitals are specialized institutions that provide managed care for patients. It has been shown that the productivity of any organization/institution is as good as the performance of its managers. Aim: This study assessed the management knowledge of Healthcare Managers in a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that employed a structured questionnaire (adapted from the Health Leadership Alliance competency directory). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 266 managers were included in this studywith a M: F ratio of 1.3:1. The knowledge rating of role of non-clinical professionals, regulatory agency standards, preparation of business communication, change process management and policy formulation and analysis varied significantly among the three levels of management (p < 0.05). Less than 50% of operational and middle managers rated themselves as experts in all the competency domains while majority (80%) of strategic managers rated themselves as more than proficient in most of the competency items. Conclusion: There is inadequate managerial knowledge at all levels of management in a typical tertiary hospital in Nigeria with the potential to impact negatively on quality healthcare delivery.


In this study, a broadband power amplifier prototype which has a very fine flat gain level and high efficiency in the wide operating bandwidth is designed. The designed prototype operates in S-Band over the 3.4 GHz–4.0 GHz frequency range with a nearly 12.7 dB power gain and delivers approximately 45.7 dBm or 37 Watts power to the 50 Ohm load. In the wide operation bandwidth, the power added efficiency of the device is more than 70% which is a sufficiently high value for Class-AB power amplifier operation. For the designing of prototype, 35W DC-6 GHz GaN HEMT device CGH40035F of Cree Wolfspeed Company is preferred and utilized. In the course of the design, a novel procedure is followed and sufficiently successful results are obtained. For the first stage, appropriate source and load impedances are properly determined regarding delivered power and efficiency levels. In the second stage, lumped element prototype is generated employing impedance based real frequency single matching technique. Finally, some of the lumped elements are replaced with their distributed equivalents to form up the design and performance of the overall mixed-element system is re-optimized for further fine results.


KONECNA HANA, SEFROVA HANA. 2014. Morphology, Biology and Control Possibilities of Two Argyresthia species – A. thuiella and A. trifasciata (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae). Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 62(3): 529–538. The bionomics of Argyresthia thuiella (Packard, 1871) and A. trifasciata Staudinger, 1871 was studied on ornamental conifers in southern Moravia, Czech Republic. Argyresthia thuiella overwinters as caterpillar inside twigs and pupates the following spring there. Moths are on the wing during June until the beginning of July. Argyresthia trifasciata adults were observed from mid May till the beginning of June. Its larvae reach the stage of maturity from October to December. They pupate in the debris under trees. Both species develop one generation annually. Argyresthia thuiella was found on Thuja occidentalis, T. plicata and Chamaecyparis lawsoniana; A. trifasciata on Juniperus virginiana, J. chinensis, J. sabina, J. × media, J. squamata and J. horizontalis. Both species cause mainly aesthetic damage to plants. Stronger attack of Argyresthia may cause damage to trees. Control possibilities were tested on both species. The chaetotaxy of these species was fi rst done in this experiment.


The natural tremolite Ca2Mg5Si8O22 (OH)2 was obtained from Mihaliccik district of Eskisehir, Turkey (39.8787N; 31.3806E). It is a part of the amphibole family of silicate minerals. All the phases were described by Xray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDXRF), Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The natural tremolite specimen used in this study includes mostly 54.4% SiO2, 22.82% MgO, 15.04% CaO, and 1.45% Al2O3. The natural tremolite sample used for the present investigation was not pure. The impurity was calcite. The FTIR spectrum and the Raman spectrum were recorded for natural tremolite sample in the range of 4000 and 350 cm-1 and 4000 and 70 cm-1 at room temperature, respectively. The natural tremolite and fired tremolite samples were prepared for this investigation. Dielectric measurements were realized in the 3 kHz – 1 MHz frequency region and at the room temperature by using HP4192A LF Impedance Analyzer. The dielectric parameters of the samples were obtained; the conclusions of the study were explained and given to be used for further investigations in some industrial productions.