The paper compares measured and numerically calculated results of currents and transient fields caused by electrostatic discharges (ESDs). An algorithm based on the magnetic field integral equation was combined with an arc model. It takes the nonlinearity of the arc and the dependence of the breakdown process on the arc length into account. It can calculate the discharge currents and the transient fields for perfectly conducting bodies of revolution.


ABSTRACT The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), in Australia's island state of Tasmania, bears all the hallmarks of the new museology and a flagship museum. Located in a largely working class area, there are expectations of visitors from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly local residents. However most visitors are tourists, middle-class, and highly educated. In this article, the authors ask, "What are the issues affecting accessibility to MONA for local residents?" In asking this, they aim to better understand local engagement with MONA and shed light on potential socio-cultural transformation. Using a survey, interviews, and focus groups with local residents, the authors found that accessibility at MONA is defined along familiar socioeconomic lines, though there are indications of change that warrant further investigation. The expense of food and beverage, concern about children's behavior, and the explicit nature of some art all impact on accessibility, particularly for those with less cultural capital.


Psychogenic regional pain develops in association with emotional stress. This article suggests that the role of the liaison psychiatrist is to encourage other clinicians to evaluate emotional factors, restrict excessive investigation and provide appropriate reassurance and treatment for such problems.


A numerical solution was used to calculate vertical infiltration of rainfall into a periodic layered profile of an infinite uniform slope. The calculated pressure-head distribution within the profile was then used to evaluate transient un saturated lateral flow in the slope which is not limited to the existence of an impervious barrier. Because of the pressure-line distribution within the layers, the horizontal component of the lateral flow changes direction from one layer to another. As a result, the net discharge across the profile can be directed upstream during the initial stages of infiltration into a relatively dry profile. Over longer times it is always directed downstream, and its value is proportional to the slope. This indicates that the layered soil profile behaves as an anisotropy media on the point scales and on the average. For a two-periodic layered profile the total volume that passes in the direction parallel to the slope is very nearly proportional to the square of the total rainfall, and it is represented versus the accumulated rainwater by one curve for all rainfall intensities. Thus the total rainfall is controlling the rate of lateral flow rather than the rainfall intensity. The thickness of the soil layers has only a secondary effect on lateral flow. The net volume that moves horizontally is a potential source for water accumulation at concave parts of a regular slope. This water accumulation can form saturated or near-saturated wedges that may contribute to surface-runoff generation at these partial areas for cases of low rainfall intensities and short ponding times. These wet zones of the hillslope may also contribute massive recharge of water and chemicals (if exist) to groundwater in narrow columns.


In this work we define forward and off-forward quark-quark correlation functions both in a spin and in a light-cone helicity basis. The properties of quark-quark correlators, which play a crucial role in the investigation of the internal structure of hadrons, are here examined. We derive constraints on forward and off-forward quark-quark correlation functions, implementing the known properties of the fundamental fields of Quantumchromodynamics (QCD), quarks and gluons, under parity and time reversal transformations and applying hermiticity. We develop a new method to construct ansatze for these correlators both in a spin and in a light-cone helicity basis. These ansatze are based on general principles and are obtained as tensor products of the set of independent Dirac matrices with the independent hadronic spinorial products. These are further saturated by tensors dependent on the available vectors, which occur in the definition of the correlators. The constraints obtained are applied to reduce the number of independent terms forming the ansatze. Furthermore we express ordinary and skewed parton distributions (SPDs) in terms of the independent amplitudes of which the ansatze for forward and off-forward quark-quark correlators consist. Finally we present the complete leading order analysis of ordinary and skewed parton distributions and we conclude that the number of independent skewed parton helicity changing distributions is four.


Firms use both innovation and advertising to increase their profits, markups, and market shares. While they serve the same purpose from the firms' perspective, their broader implications vary substantially. In this paper, we study the interaction between these two intangible inputs and analyze the implications for competition, industry dynamics, economic growth, and social welfare. To this end, we develop an oligopolistic general-equilibrium growth model with firm heterogeneity in which market structure is endogenous, and firms' production, innovation, and advertising decisions strategically interact. We estimate the model to fit the non-linear relationship between innovation, advertising, and competition observed in the data. We find that advertising has significant macroeconomic effects: it improves static allocative efficiency through reducing misallocation, but it also depresses economic growth through a substitution effect with R&D. On the net, advertising is found to be welfare-improving. It is responsible for one third of the observed average net markup, and a quarter of its dispersion. We next study the optimal linear taxation/subsidization of advertising. We find that the optimal tax is quite high, yet finite, which serves to simultaneously increase dynamic efficiency and raise revenue, while still maintaining most of the benefits of advertising in the form of reduced misallocation, without the excessive spending due to the advertising rat race.


The results of these few experiments may be summarized as follows: In none of the cases did injury to the knee joint, in the form of removal of the articular cartilages and a thin layer of the underlying bone, cause any apparent loss of efficiency of the joint.

In all the cases there was regeneration, to greater or less extent, of bone and cartilage, except in the case where infection was present.

The bone apparently regenerated from the osteogenetic tissue in the marrow spaces.

The regeneration of cartilage apparently took place in the following manner: (1) degeneration of a few cells at the border of the injury: (2) proliferation and hypertrophy of the next layer of cells; (3) out-growth of cartilage from the remaining cartilage, periosteum, and tissue of the marrow spaces, (4) transformation of the fibrous tissue into fibro-cartilage, the process being apparent first in the vicinity of the old cartilage and at the junction of the fibrous tissue and bone, (5) and finally transformation of the fibro-cartilage into hyaline cartilage.

In some cases there was formation of exostoses, and this was very marked in one case. In these cases there were large areas of apparently isolated cartilage, and bone formation seemed to be progressing from them. It may be that these cartilage foci were, originally, fragments that were displaced during the operation. The bone formation in the exostoses was all of the cancellous variety.

Finally, it may be stated that bone and cartilage of the condyle of the femur of rabbits do regenerate after serious injury, to such an extent that an adequate bearing surface is again formed.

In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Leonard W. Ely, Associate Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Department of Orthopedics, for choosing so interesting and important a subject and supplying the necessary material; for his advice, instruction, and supervision during operations, autopsies, and subsequent work; and for the many necessary stimuli given during the course of the work.


The diploma of Ophthalmology of the University of Melbourne was the first Australian specialist qualification for ophthalmologists. Between 1934 and 1979, 100 were awarded. Many of the Diplomates became senior consultant ophthalmologists and held high office in Australian ophthalmological societies. The University Diplomas of Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland formed an academic base which provided experience in administration, teaching and examining, making possible the formation of the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists. The Fellowship examination of the College (FRACO), controlled by ophthalmologists from all States, became the entry to the college and has superseded the University Diplomas.


Continuous intraperitoneal administration of phalloidin (0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) leads to an alteration of intracellular contractile acto-myosinfilaments in rat liver. The hepatocytes show an accumulation of fibrillar material with some loss of contractile function of the pericanalicular web. Biochemically an increase of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase occurs. Histochemically the liver exhibitis changes in the distribution of some hepatocellular enzymes. The influence of the flavonoid (+)-cyanidanol-3 on these phalloidin-induced lesions was studied by histochemical, immunofluorescence and biochemical methods. The results imply, that (+)-cyanidanol-3 is probably protecting the plasma membrane of hepatocytes and therefore reduces the entrance of phalloidin into the cytoplasm. In addition an increased activity of the reticuloendothelial system was observed, perhaps resulting from the flavonoid administration. Both effects could be discussed as mechanisms of flavonoid action in the liver.


Demographic changes are one of the variables impacting labour supply. When viewing the situation on labour markets, not only quantitative changes in the total population size are significant, but also changes in the population categorised by economic age groups. International research indicates that the population size is decreasing. These processes translate into labour markets experiencing deficiencies in labour force. To counteract and minimise these undesirable conditions, continuous monitoring and diagnosis of the status of labour resources is required. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of demographic changes in labour supply based on the example of the Lithuanian and Polish labour markets and to redefine the groups of people forming unused labour resources. To this end, both secondary and primary data were used. The former were derived from statistical reports originating from the analysed countries, while the latter were obtained from the author's own studies carried out among 200 respondents classified as unused labour resources. The research found that in the labour markets of both studied countries, very significant changes have occurred and will continue to occur, which may lead to the reduction in the productive-age population and to the increase in the post-productive-age population. The research has been carried out based on the systematic literature review methodology, which included theoretical and empirical research publications from 2000-2019, a diagnostic survey conducted among people classified as unused labour resources, as well as methods of descriptive statistics and induction. The literature review has demonstrated a shortage of studies on the subject of research, which makes the content of the paper a partial answer to the existing knowledge gap.


It is vital that there are coordinated, collaborative efforts to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to prevent and control the spread of hospital-onset infections, particularly those due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The butterfly effect is a concept in which metaphorically speaking, small, seemingly trivial events ultimately cascade into something of far greater consequence, more specifically by having a non-linear impact on very complex systems. In this regard, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP), when implemented alongside infection prevention control (IPC) interventions in hospitals, particularly hand hygiene (HH), are significantly more effective in reducing the development and spread of AMR bacteria than implementation of ASP alone. In this perspective, we briefly review the evidence for the combined effect, and call for closer collaboration between institutional IPC and ASP leadership, and for well-functioning IPC programs to ensure the effectiveness of ASP.


Background
Several safety-related accidents occur in the laboratories because of insufficient regulations, inappropriate implementation of safety measures, or unawareness attitude and practices toward safety precautions. Thus, establishment of efficient regulations and safe habits toward workplace safety is crucial to prevent or minimize such accidents. Here we investigate the levels of laboratory safety awareness among undergraduate medical science students and laboratory workers at major hospitals in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Methods
An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 185 students and workers. The survey was categorized into five sections: (1) variable demographic items, (2) orientation around the warning signage of medical laboratory picograms, (3) assess participants' attitudes toward laboratory safety, (4) assess participants' safety awareness and practices in medical laboratories, and (5) assess participants' knowledge in dealing with emergency equipment and related procedures.

Results
Data analyses indicate that workers are generally more aware of the key aspects of laboratory safety. Although students demonstrated moderate to good knowledge of major laboratory signage, there are some areas of deficiency, particularly regarding the use of fire extinguishers. Of interest is that female students are more familiar with laboratory signage than male students, although general laboratory safety awareness among students is poor. Students also showed poor awareness of certain critical aspects of safety practices and emergency procedures.

Conclusion
The study data reveal inadequate awareness and knowledge of certain laboratory safety aspects among undergraduate students. Therefore, academic institutions should introduce effective safety regulations, education, and training to improve student safety.


The aim of this paper is to critically examine the survival of religion from the ancient period to the contemporary society where globalization has overshadowed every activity in the present day. Before now, religious activities were not digitalized as compared to recent developments in spreading religious messages or sensitization via electronic means. Notwithstanding, this research shall present issues such as which that constitute the survival of religion in the 21st century. The essay shall examine various worlds' religions as their adherents are consistently preserving the religious code for the next generation. Notably, this work will base its research findings on the library research not necessarily on participant observation because the researcher will not be able to visit other world religions because of the locality and time frame of writing this paper. It is on this basis that the work critically based on the objective study of the survival of religion in the present day. Keywords: Religious Sustenance, Religion in the 21 st Century, the survival of Religion


Changes to chondrocyte volume/morphology may have deleterious effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism potentially leading to cartilage deterioration and osteoarthritis (OA). The factors controlling chondrocyte properties are poorly understood, however, pericellular matrix (PCM) weakening may be involved. We have studied the density, volume, morphology, and clustering of cultured bovine articular chondrocytes within stiff (2% w/v) and soft (0.2% w/v) three‐dimensional agarose gels. Gels with encapsulated chondrocytes were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM; fetal calf serum (FCS) 1–10%;380 mOsm) for up to 7 days. Chondrocytes were fluorescently labeled after 1, 3, and 7 days with 5‐chloromethylfluorescein‐diacetate (CMFDA) and propidium iodide (PI) or 1,5‐bis{[2‐(di‐methylamino)ethyl]amino}‐4,8‐dihydroxyanthracene‐9,10‐dione (DRAQ5) to identify cytoplasmic space or DNA and imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Chondrocyte density, volume, morphology, and clustering were quantified using Volocity™ software. In stiff gels after 7 d with 10% FCS, chondrocyte density remained unaffected and morphology was relatively normal with occasional cytoplasmic processes. However, in soft gels by day 1, chondrocyte volume increased (P = 0.0058) and by day 7, density increased (P = 0.0080), along with the percentage of chondrocytes of abnormal morphology (P < 0.0001) and enhanced clustering (P < 0.05), compared to stiff gels. FCS exacerbated changes to density (P < 0.01), abnormal morphology (P < 0.001) and clustering (P < 0.01) compared to lower concentrations at the same gel strength. Reduced gel stiffness and/or increased FCS concentrations promoted chondrocyte proliferation and clustering, increased cell volume, and stimulated abnormal morphology, producing similar changes to those occurring in OA. The increased penetration of factors in FCS into soft gels may be important in the development of these abnormal chondrocyte properties. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1041–1052, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


By forming a thin 3C-SiC film on Si substrates and by annealing it at ∼1500 K in vacuo, few-layer graphene is formed epitaxially on Si substrates. In this graphene-on-silicon (GOS) technology, graphene grows at least on three major low-index Si surfaces: (1 1 1), (1 0 0) and (1 1 0), which allows tuning of structural and electronic properties of epitaxial graphene by simply controlling the crystallographic orientation of the surface. A typical example can be found in the two types of graphene formed on 3C-SiC(1 1 1) surfaces; the one on 3C-SiC(1 1 1)/Si(1 1 1) shows a Bernal stacking with an interfacial buffer layer, while the one on 3C-SiC(1 1 1)/Si(1 1 0) shows a non-Bernal stacking without an interfacial buffer layer. Inserting an AlN interlayer between Si and 3C-SiC significantly contributes to improvement of the GOS quality. Moreover, thanks to the sealing effect of the AlN layer against Si out-diffusion, we can apply chemomechanical polishing of SiC surface to reduce the surface roughness, which can further accentuate the effect of H2 annealing of the surface. As a result, a D to G band intensity ratio as low as 0.4 is obtained.


Coastal diamond mining in southern Namibia involves constructing seawalls to hold the sea at bay, and seaward accretion of the shoreline by up to 800 m opens what was previously the surf zone for excavation and extraction of bedrock alluvial diamonds. This has created large coastal wetland ponds of up to 380 000 m2 as the sea overtops the seawalls or seeps into the excavated areas. The ages of these ponds span 1–38 years. We investigated physical conditions in the ponds to determine whether they can function as saline wetlands equivalent to blind estuaries. Water temperatures were 6–10 °C higher than in the sea, as expected of shallow enclosed waterbodies. Dissolved oxygen was 82–137%, peaking at midday owing to photosynthesis, and the ponds were never hypoxic. Correlated with oxygen levels, pH values spanned 7.7–8.3, and always exceeded the pH of seawater. Chlorophyll a concentrations matched or exceeded the levels in seawater, reaching 76 µg l−1. The southern and central ponds had salinities close to those of seawater, but the salinity of northern ponds exceeded 80 after ∼15 years, thus limiting their capacity to support wetland communities. Apart from this, these ponds are viable habitat that can support flora and fauna typical of saline wetlands, a habitat that is scarce along this arid coastline.


Significance The brain undergoes significant maturation during adolescence that influences reward sensitivity and risk-taking behavior. However, it is unknown if the adolescent brain truly values rewards in a way that is unique from the mature brain or if confounding factors contribute to this developmental difference. Here we show that adolescents place greater value on rewards than do adults through exaggerated activation of the ventral striatum and that this valuation increases gambling behavior. This developmental effect remains even when controlling for income and task performance. We also find that heightened reward sensitivity leads to more advantageous risk-taking in adolescents versus adults. These data provide behavioral and neural evidence for ontogenetic differences in how value computation is used to bias reward-related behavior during adolescence. Previous work shows that the adolescent reward system is hyperactive, but this finding may be confounded by differences in how teens value money. To address this, we examined the neural ontogeny of objective value representation. Adolescent and adult participants performed a monetary gambling task in which they chose to accept or reject gambles of varying expected value. Increasing expected value had a stronger influence over gambling choices in adolescents relative to adults, an effect that was paralleled by greater activation in the ventral striatum in adolescents. This unique adolescent ventral striatum response remained even after matching groups on acceptance behavior. These behavioral and neural data suggest that the value of available options has a greater influence in adolescent versus adult choices, even when objective value and subjective choice are held constant. This research provides further evidence that hyperactivation of reward circuitry in adolescence may be a normative ontogenetic shift that is due to greater valuation in the adolescent brain.


This study evaluated the effect that tree species traits and wet/dry periods display on soil microbial communities in a tropical dry forest in Puerto Rico. Understanding the ecological role of soil microorganisms in tropical dry forests and how they relate to different tree species is necessary to protect these fragile forest ecosystems. Thus, by using 454 pyrosequencing, we explored how microbial diversity was affected by dominant tree species during the wettest and driest periods at the Guánica Dry Forest. We found that 9 out of 17 phyla were more abundant during the dry period demonstrating that soil communities have adapted to histor-ically low rainfall patterns. The most abundant phyla during both periods were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. During the dry period, Actinobacteria increased significantly (p < 0.0001), whereas Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes decreased significantly (p < 0.0001; p < 0.001). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) also demonstrated that soil microbes are shaped by wet and dry periods, thus axis 1 of CCA explained 80% of the variation. This study offers baseline information in order to help elucidate how microbial diversity is affected by climate change in tropical areas and extrapolate this information to agricultural areas in order to develop better management practices.


1. Fracture of the capitellum itself is very rare and is produced by a fall or blow on a slightly flexed or extended elbow in such a way that the head of the radius locks with the capitellum, splitting it from its attachment to the humerus.

2. The diagnosis is determined by a history of injury to the elbow with limitation of motion out of all proportion to the physical signs of injury. There is no disturbance of the elbow landmarks. Crepitation and the palpation of a fragment in the fossa can usually be made out. The x-ray, especially the lateral view, demonstrates the fracture line and the usual upward and forward displacement of the fragment.

3. The best treatment is extirpation of the fragment. No attempt should be made to treat such cases conservatively, as the results are almost always disabling, while in those cases treated surgically excellent results are obtained.


Purpose of reviewCancer pain remains inadequately treated, despite internationally accepted management guidelines and a myriad of treatment options. Risk factors for undertreatment are reviewed, along with possible explanations. Recent studies documenting the scope of the problem as well as investigating solutions are discussed with clinical-practice recommendations outlined. Recent findingsWomen over 65 years of age representative of a cultural minority, with earlier stage disease, cared for at home, and with high-school education or less are at highest risk of having uncontrolled cancer pain. Optimal treatment is impeded by patients' maladaptive beliefs, nonadherence, underreporting or miscommunication with caregivers; from a healthcare provider perspective, it may be due to inadequate assessment, documentation, knowledge, and communication. Emerging data support the vital influence of lay caregivers on appropriate pain management. Although home-education programs may decrease pain and improve quality of life, there are also less intensive approaches deliverable by individuals to holistically address pain. SummaryProspective study of barriers to both delivery and receipt of adequate pain management is needed, as the majority of published literature is based on survey studies. Treatment must be individualized based on clinical circumstances and patient wishes, with the goal of maximizing function and quality of life.


Alternate stable states (ASS) theory is a dominant conceptual framework for understanding processes that support resilience of ecological communities in the face of multiple anthropogenic disturbances. For decades, coral reefs have been cited as a classic example of ASS, yet this position remains highly controversial, largely because convincing empirical evaluations have been elusive. Using a combination of empirical measurements of positive feedback processes and simulation modelling, we assessed ASS in coral reefs of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) by identifying the potential for multiple basins of attraction from a mechanistic perspective. Using bioassays of algal growth and consumption, we quantified two spatially localized positive feedback mechanisms on coral reefs: increasing herbivore activity associated with higher coral abundances and amelioration of nutrient limitation leading to higher algal growth in areas with higher algal abundance. Analysis of a model of benthic community dynamics incorporating these feedbacks showed they were central to producing hysteresis and bistability in the model, two hallmarks of ASS. Further, reefs simulated with conditions matching those measured at Isla Contadora, Panamá, displayed ASS dynamics while producing spatial patterns matching field observations. This provides model‐derived support, based on empirically measured conditions of ETP reefs, for the presence of ASS. Synthesis. The combination of experimental bioassays to measure feedback strengths and simulation models to evaluate the influence of those feedbacks provides a novel, non‐destructive approach to evaluating ASS dynamics that can be applied in threatened ecosystems where classic approaches are not viable.


Abstract: The ecological role of large thecosome pteropods in the pelagic ecosystem of the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) may be substantial, both in the food web and biogeochemical cycling. We analyzed species abundances, vertical and horizontal distributions of large species with calcareous shells (those collected in 3-mm mesh nets). Pteropod samples were collected following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil (DWH) spill by two midwater sampling programs: the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP 2011) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND 2015) projects. All samples were collected using a 10-m2 Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System (MOC10) midwater trawl, with 3-mm mesh. This gear sampled five discrete depths between 0–1500 m. Over 13,000 pteropod specimens were examined, with 25 species identified. Clio pyramidata Linnaeus 1767 was the most abundant species during both collection periods. Five genera (Diacria, Clio, Styliola, Cuvierina, Cavolinia) demonstrated diel vertical migration from the mesoto epipelagic zone.


Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of an Omega 3 fatty acids, Monascus purpureus, quercetin, astaxanthin and vitamin D3 supplement on blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides (TG) on a sample of subjects affected with moderate modifications of lipid metabolism. Model: 40 subjects (21 men and 19 women) with moderate dyslipidemia [total cholesterol (202-274 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (37-53 mg/dL), triglycerides (150-234 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (132-172 mg/dL) and concomitant symptomatic diseases, mostly in muscle-skeletal diseases, were enrolled at the clinic of the second opinion.They were treated orally with a capsule supplement made with hypolipidemic natural products for 20 days. The measurement of the blood lipid profile was performed at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Results: total cholesterol was decreased by 13,2%, LDL cholesterol by 10,4%, and tryglicerides by 13,9%, while the values of HDL cholesterol increased by 16,3%. Conclusions: the compound has been shown to be effective for the treatment of moderate dyslipidemias.


The Flinders Sensitive Line of rats is a widely accepted and validated model of depression. These rats demonstrate abnormalities in limbic dopamine neurotransmission, suggesting disturbed neuronal activity in the ventral tegmental area. Interspike interval time series were recorded from the ventral tegmental area of the control Sprague–Dawley and Flinders Sensitive Line rats. These data were analyzed for the variance of interspike interval for each group of animals. We found that FSL rats show a significant decrease in the variance of 0.25–0.5-s-long interspike intervals. Moreover, these abnormalities were normalized following 14-day treatment with desipramine. We suggest that the interspike intervals at this range may have an important role in the information encoding of mesolimbic dopaminergic activity. Impaired variance of the length of interspike intervals in this area may correspond to the pathophysiology of depression, and hence be a possible marker for the analysis of the efficiency of antidepressant treatment.


AIM
Numerous studies have shown an increase in NT-pro BNP, troponin I and D-dimer levels with right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). We found no data about the relation between tenascin-C and acute PTE in the litera-ture. The aim of this study was to evaluate tenascin-C levels in acute PTE and correlate them with NT-pro BNP, troponin I and D-dimer.

METHOD
Thirty-four patients who have massive or submassive PTE on spiral thorax CT (PTE group) and twenty healthy volunteers (non-PTE group) were evaluated. In all patients, right ventricular functions were obtained on transthoracic echocardiography and plasma tenascin-C, NT-pro BNP, troponin I, and D-dimer levels were measured.

RESULTS
The left ventricular systolic diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar in the two groups. The right heart chamber sizes and main pulmonary artery diameter were significantly larger in the PTE group and systolic pulmonary artery pressures were also significantly higher in this group. Tenascin-C, NT-pro BNP, and D-dimer levels were also significantly higher in the PTE group than in the non-PTE group (p< 0.001). The troponin I levels did not differ between the two groups (p=0.4). Tenascin-C was found to be highly correlated with sPAP and NT-pro BNP and correlated with D-dimer; however, troponin I was not correlated with tenascin-C.

CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that tenascin-C may be an indicator of acute PTE.


The article reviews some recent significant trends in flame resistant fabrics. Multilayered protective fabric assemblies comprising a Nomex III woven outer layer, Nomex nonwoven thermal liners and a modacrylic/cotton woven inner layer have been studied for heat protective performance. In another interesting development, the flame retardant functionality has been imparted in cellulosic fabric using mixed formulation of banana pseudostem sap (BPS) and boric acid (BA).


It is familiar that 80% of the iodine access into the thyroid gland is within the phenol ring of thyroid hormones. The density of the thyroid gland in Hounsfield unit (HU), decided by using computed tomography (CT), is straight away proportional to the attention of intrathyroid strong iodine. Hence, the thyroid density index in HU displays the quantity of hormone formation and the preserved iodinated thyroid hormones directly within the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is the simplest endocrine organ that, after the synthesis of hormones, stores them as much as 50 days in the thyroid shape and secretes hormones into the blood at the request of the body.


According to results of endoscopic and pathological evaluations of gastric mucosa, we investigated some aspects of drinking water for three groups of subjects with various intragastric lesions from a high-risk area (Moping County) for stomach cancer. Their nitrate intakes via drinking water were estimated. The results showed that the occurrence of stomach cancer and other intragastric lesions in these subjects was closely related to their drinking water quality and nitrate intake via water.


This paper proposes a parallel interference cancellation for multi-carrier DS-CDMA (which is termed FDC-PIC) by integrating frequency diversity combining. The simulations are made over FDC-PIC with respect to hard, soft and linear decisions, respectively, and we conclude that FDC-PIC acquires superior performance improvement over match-filtered (MF) receiver of multi-carrier DS-CDMA. With an increase in interference cancellation stages, the system performance improves further. The initial 2 stages bring the most dominant performance improvement, but up to the 3rd stage the system performance improves little. It is also shown by the simulation results that FDC-PIC with soft decision would exhibit the best performance with a high implementation complexity, while FDC-PIC with linear decision acquires performance comparable to that of FDC-PIC with soft decision with a reduced-complexity if the number of the interference cancellation stages is the same, which indicates that FDC-PIC with linear decision has optimal performance/complexity tradeoff and therefore promises for practical application in future.


Participants in China (n = 343) and the United States (n = 283) completed measures to assess the reliability and validity of the Fear of Intimacy Scale (Descutner & Thelen, 1991) with a Chinese population. Internal consistency was strong in both cultures, and the factor structure was also similar between cultures, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) identifying three-factor models in both samples. As evidence of convergent validity, the scale was positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated with social support and self-esteem. There were gender differences between cultures, but low levels of femininity were predictive of fear of intimacy in both cultures. The influence of individualism and collectivism varied, with high levels of individualism more predictive of a fear of intimacy in China than in the United States.


It is very important to study the incubation time of alloys as it has direct relation to precipitation kinetics and affects morphology of structure. In spite of many efforts of scientists to develop methods to find incubation time, it is still difficult to measure experimentally. In addition, there is need to develop an approach to analyze existing data for many steels. On the other hand, high nitrogen steels have received a lot of attention for their unique properties, however, there is no clear model developed to predict its precipitation kinetics. In present work, Cr2N age-precipitation in high nitrogen austenitic steels is simulated using neural network (NN) analysis. The feed forward neural network with a back propagation algorithm was built to obtain the constitutive relation of Cr2N age precipitation with alloying elements and aging temperature. The simulated results show that the NN model can correctly reproduce the precipitation behavior of the steel. An analysis of model predictions and experimental data is presented.


A total scheme of generating prosodic features from a text input was constructed. The method consists of corpus-based prediction of pauses, phone durations and fundamental frequencies (F0's), in this order, and information predicted in an earlier process is utilized in the following processes. Since prediction of F0's is done on the command values of F0 contour generation process model instead of direct F0 values, a stable and flexible control of F0 contours is possible. By adding constraints on the accent command timings as a post processing, a better quality was realized when speech was synthesized using prosodic features generated by the method. Validity of the developed method was confirmed through the listening test of the synthetic speech. Index Terms: speech synthesis, prosodic features, F0 contour


ABSTRACT Chromophore-assisted laser or light inactivation (CALI) has been employed as a promising technique to achieve spatiotemporal knockdown or loss-of-function of target molecules in situ. CALI is performed using photosensitizers as generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There are two CALI approaches that use either transgenic tags with chemical photosensitizers, or genetically encoded fluorescent protein fusions. Using spatially restricted microscopy illumination, CALI can address questions regarding, for example, protein isoforms, subcellular localization or phase-specific analyses of multifunctional proteins that other knockdown approaches, such as RNA interference or treatment with chemicals, cannot. Furthermore, rescue experiments can clarify the phenotypic capabilities of CALI after the depletion of endogenous targets. CALI can also provide information about individual events that are involved in the function of a target protein and highlight them in multifactorial events. Beyond functional analysis of proteins, CALI of nuclear proteins can be performed to induce cell cycle arrest, chromatin- or locus-specific DNA damage. Even at organelle level – such as in mitochondria, the plasma membrane or lysosomes – CALI can trigger cell death. Moreover, CALI has emerged as an optogenetic tool to switch off signaling pathways, including the optical depletion of individual neurons. In this Commentary, we review recent applications of CALI and discuss the utility and effective use of CALI to address open questions in cell biology.


The historic and once august hierarchy of Rome some generations ago lost its chance of being the religion of the future by … throwing over the little band of New Catholics who were making a struggle for continuity by applying the principle of evolution to their own faith, joining hands with modern science, and outflanking the hesitating English instinct towards liturgical restatement. Thomas Hardy, Late Lyrics and Earlier (London, 1922) Pugin's interpretation of the history of the medieval world shaped progressive architectural taste in the later nineteenth century. It touched on every aspect of the styles of the era, first through his application of its lessons to his own work, and then through the affirmation or the rejection of its precepts by others. Significantly the most fundamental opposition to Pugin's historical interpretations was that expressed by his adopted Roman Catholic Church. In a coherent body of informed criticism his aspiration to a romantic recreation of a lost medieval culture was undermined by representatives of that church and, ultimately, dismissed. Two complementary articles published in the Roman Catholic periodical, The Rambler, at either end of the 1850s, constituted a firm theoretical counterblast to Pugin's dogma, and form the main subject of this essay.


Abstract In this study, the variations of machining performance outputs, namely workpiece surface roughness, surface profile power spectral density, workpiece removal rate, electrode wear rate, relative wear, workpiece surface hardness, and workpiece surface microstructure were experimentally investigated with the varying machining parameters for metal powder mixed dielectric liquid in electrical discharge machining (EDM). The machining tests were conducted by using a prismatic steel workpiece and copper electrodes with graphite and boric acid powders (H3BO3) mixed kerosene dielectric at different powder concentrations and pulse time settings. The experiments have shown that the type and concentration of the powders mixed into the dielectric and the pulse time were effective on machining performance outputs in EDM.


Understanding the responding at two competitive levels of sports is prerequisite for successful identification and selection of the best athletes. The present study is a preliminary report about scores on 17 cognitive, perceptual, motor, and psychological measures of 13 elite Greek basketball athletes (national team), 20 to 22 years of age, and 15 children on a national basketball team and 14 to 15 years of age. Longitudinal studies must be conducted for the identification of the relationships among these measures and basketball performance and the development of a model for selection of athletes.


The study is aimed to investigate the protective role of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryo toxicity in albino mice. Forty four pregnant mice were divided into 11groups (A-K). Group A was control while B and C were sodium arsenate treated groups with dose, A (0.00), B (6.00, 0.00), C (12.00, 0.00). Group D to G were of sodium arsenate+Moringa oleifera flower extract treated groups with doses D (6.00, 150.00), E (6.00, 300.00), F (12.00, 150.00), G (12.00, 300.00) and groups H to K were sodium arsenate+Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated groups H (6.00, 150.00), I (6.00, 300.00), J (12.00, 150.00) and K (12.00, 300.00) mg/kg B.W. Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated groups showed significant (p<0.05) amelioration against sodium arsenate induced histopathological changes as malformed heart, spina bifida, enlarged ventricles, poorly developed kidneys, anopthalmia and cavitation in brain. Significant (p<0.05) increased in malondialdehyde 36±0.81 and decreased glutathione 8.25±0.95 values in sodium arsenate treated groups were observed as compared to control 22.5±0.57 and 19±0.81.Whereas Moringa oleifera leaf extract at dose of 300mg/kg B.W normalizesd the malondialdehyde 23±0.81 and glutathione 17.75±3.20 values. So concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has ameliorative effects against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity.


The survival, OER and RBE for HeLa, leukaemia and kidney cells after irradiation with 14 MeV neutrons, pion beams and heavy ion beams dispersed by ridge filters are calculated. Simple beam models and the delta-ray theory of cellular survival are used in the calculations which refer to a mixed radiation environment and the potential application of these irradiation systems in radiotherapy.


A 35-year-old man came to the emergency room with severe prolonged precordial chest pain. Serial chest roentgenograms obtained over a ten-year period revealed gradual development of marked aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary artery. Impending rupture of the artery was feared in spite of the presence of normal pulmonary artery pressure. At surgery, a markedly dilated pulmonary artery without evidence of rupture was found and the size was reduced by aneurysmorrhaphy. Prompt and continued relief of symptoms was achieved thereafter. Severe chest pain can be an initial symptom of pulmonary artery aneurysm in the absence of rupture, such pain arising either from pain receptors in the wall of the pulmonary artery or possibly from pressure on contiguous mediastinal structures.


We study the transport properties of a quantum wire, described by the Tomonaga-Luttinger model, in the presence of a backscattering potential provided by several extended time-dependent impurities (barriers). Employing the B\" uttiker-Landauer approach, we first consider the scattering of noninteracting electrons ($g=1$) by a rectangular-like barrier and find an exact solution for the backscattering current, as well as a perturbative solution for a weak static potential with an arbitrary shape. We then include electron-electron interactions and use the Keldysh formalism combined with the bosonization technique to study oscillating extended barriers. We show that the backscattering current off time-dependent impurities can be expressed in terms of the current for the corresponding static barrier. Then we determine the backscattering current for a static extended potential, which, in the limit of noninteracting electrons ($g=1$), coincides with the result obtained using the B\" uttiker-Landauer formalism. In particular, we find that the conductance can be increased beyond its quantized value in the whole range of repulsive interactions $0<g<1$ already in the case of a single oscillating extended impurity, in contrast %contrary to the case of a point-like impurity, where this phenomenon occurs only for $0<g<1/2$.


Effective conservation of the endangered tiger depends upon reliable knowledge of factors driving genetic differentiation and population connectivity. Connectivity models frequently use resistance surfaces not optimized with actual movement or genetic data which limits reliability. Our aim is to use empirical data on genetic diversity of tiger populations to optimize landscape resistance to gene flow and identify factors that predict local population abundance across Central India.


Porous polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) composite has a great potential as a scaffold materials for bone regeneration. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of foaming conditions on the pore structure characteristics of porous PCL/HA composite. Foaming process was conducted at different temperatures (35, 40 and 45°C) and pressures (10, 20 and 30 MPa) after four hours of CO2 dissolution with fast depressurisation rate. The result found that the average pore diameter had increased with the increasing foaming temperature. However, with increasing foaming pressure, the average pore diameter had decreased significantly. The result found that at 45°C and 10 MPa, monomodal pore distribution was produced, with 61.53% of porosity and 116.78±8.94 μm successfully fabricated as high as at 40 wt% of HA. These pore characteristics are beneficial for the growth of bone tissue.


Biological microscopic analysis is a popular method employed in wastewater treatment plants worldwide for evaluating activated sludge condition. However, many operators still have reservations regarding its reliability. In this study, we evaluated and compared two methods of microscopic sludge investigation: the sludge index (SI) and the Eikelboom-van Buijsen method (EB). We investigated 79 activated sludge samples from nine treatment plants located in southern Poland over a 1-year period. For each sample, sludge volume index values were calculated and compared with the results of evaluation made on the basis of microscopic analysis. Additionally, the effluent quality was analysed in 45 of 79 cases, including investigation of suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen and total phosphorous. The sign test and Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed that a significant difference existed between the two investigated methods. General conclusions from both methods do not provide reliable information concerning nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The EB method had a tendency to be more conservative in its general conclusions than the SI method. Both are highly reliable for estimating activated sludge quality and solid separation properties.


Analyzing nonstrategic functions has become a major focus in today's business environment. This case presents the facts behind a decision faced by Garden Patch Foods, a prepared foods company that is looking for ways to increase efficiency and to improve the bottom line. As management considers how to increase efficiency of support operations, two major alternatives arise: (1) create a shared‐services arrangement for the three divisions or (2) outsource the support functions. The case requires you to assume the role of a staff accountant and analyze the case facts and research issues relevant to shared‐services arrangements and outsourcing. You will then communicate your recommendation in a written report to the CFO. Several references are included in the case to facilitate Internet‐based research.


Recent advances in the Boussinesq modeling of nearshore hydrodynamics offer a platform for the study of wind effects on wave transformation and breaking-generated nearshore circulation. The paper documents: (1) the new parameterization of the momentum flux transferred from the wind to surface gravity waves in the coastal region on the basis of the field observations; (2) the implementation of the parameterized wind stress into phase-resolving Boussinesq wave models; (3) the development of empirical breaking criteria with the wind effect based on the existing laboratory data; and (4) the tests of the extended Boussinesq model against field observations and empirical results with respect to wind drag coefficients over shoaling waves and wave growth on a shallow lake. Fairly good agreement between the model results and measurements is observed. The methodology for the parameterization of the wind stress as a function of wave steepness and wind speed as well as the extended Boussinesq model incorporating the wind forcing can be used as a tool to improve our understanding of wind effects on nearshore wave propagation and horizontal circulation.


Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves have been used to lower blood glucose in patients with diabetes. We evaluated the effects of mulberry leaves extract (MLE) and 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) in improving insulin resistance through the activation of the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice. Histological analysis revealed an amelioration of muscle deformation and increased muscle fiber size. MLE and 1-DNJ positively raised the protein expression of related glucose uptake and increased the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the membrane. Furthermore, MLE and 1-DNJ activated the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway in the skeletal muscle and, subsequently, modulated the protein levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β) and glycogen synthase (GS), leading to elevated muscle glycogen content. These findings suggest that MLE and 1-DNJ supplementation improves insulin resistance by modulating the insulin signaling pathway in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice.


The effects of government spending on a small open economy (SOE) have attracted little attention in the New-Keynesian SOE literature. One exception is Monacelli and Perotti (2007). In this paper we extend their work in several dimensions. First, we include both asset holder and non-asset holder households in the model. Second, we assume that the total government spending consists of spending on consumption goods and transfers to households. Modelling the government spending in this way enables us to analyse the responses of macroeconomic variables to different types of government spending shocks. Our results show that the effect of different types of government spending on the real exchange rate is different. Although, a rise in the government consumption spending leads to a depreciation, a rise in transfers to households leads to an appreciation.


The application of Imaging Spectroscopy (IS) to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) detection has been mostly based on specific mineralogical mapping from spectral libraries or on field spectra derived information. This work presents the mapping results obtained using field spectra and other mapping where a multi-source spectral methodology mapped the area in terms of high correlation of mineralogical assemblages related to low pH. The case study is the S. Domingos Mine, a paradigmatic example of AMD due to long term exploration dating back to pre-roman times, where in modern times mining lasted for more than a century ceasing in 1966. Throughout the mine's lifetime the major mined elements varied from Cu, Au, Ag and Fe, to dominant Cu and S near the end. The comparison of the two maps depicts the improvement given by a multi-source spectral methodology, by isolating copiapite (coquimbite) (alunite) as mineralogical assemblages of low pH at correlations above 0.9.


Theoretical beam intensity distribution is derived for the neutral-beam-injection ion source with a multi-slot extraction in EAST. The beam intensity profile, both along and perpendicular to the injecting direction and the beam power deposition to the inner elements in the neutral beam injector (NBI) are evaluated. The results indicate that the transverse beam intensity is much higher than the longitudinal one. This study could provide information for the design of vacuum system, structure of inner elements and cooling system of the neutral beam injector in EAST.


Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the process of community maternal, neonatal deaths and still births notification within the Bangladesh government health structure using the Maternal and Neonatal Death Review (MNDR) system. The study also explored the feasibility and acceptance of community death notification in the MNDR system. Methods: The study was under-taken in the Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh during 2010. During the study a mix of both qualitative and quantitative information was collected. A review of the documentation process of community death notification was undertaken and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, health care providers and managers in a sub-district were conducted, with in-depth interviews (IDIs) with district heath and family planning managers. Quantitative data were collected from community death notifications in the district during January to December 2010. Results: The death notification process was implemented by the government health care system within the Thakurgaon district. Field level health and family planning staff collected maternal and neonatal death information, recorded the death on the notification form and reported back to the Upazila (sub-district of the district) focal point at the Upazila health complex (primary health care centre). Community people were encouraged to share their death information to field level health staff. The health and family planning managers in the district periodically discussed the maternal and neonatal deaths and prepared remedial action plans in high death notified areas. In 2010, 59 maternal deaths, 739 neonatal deaths and 633 still births were reported in Thakurgaon district. District health and family planning departments performed community death notification as part of their routine daily work and integrated these procedures with other field level activities. Conclusion: Community death notification under the MNDR system was found to be achievable and acceptable at the district level using the existing government health system. The simple death notification process used to capture community level maternal, neonatal deaths and still births provides a guide for planning corrective actions for better health outcomes for the community.


In recent years, neural models have often outperformed rule-based and classic Machine Learning approaches in NLG. These classic approaches are now often disregarded, for example when new neural models are evaluated. We argue that they should not be overlooked, since, for some tasks, well-designed non-neural approaches achieve better performance than neural ones. In this paper, the task of generating referring expressions in linguistic context is used as an example. We examined two very different English datasets (WEBNLG and WSJ), and evaluated each algorithm using both automatic and human evaluations.Overall, the results of these evaluations suggest that rule-based systems with simple rule sets achieve on-par or better performance on both datasets compared to state-of-the-art neural REG systems. In the case of the more realistic dataset, WSJ, a machine learning-based system with well-designed linguistic features performed best. We hope that our work can encourage researchers to consider non-neural models in future.


Abstract. Nitrogen (N) is a key mineral element required for crop growth, yield and quality. Nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in crop plants is low despite significant research efforts. Excessive use of N fertiliser results in significant economic cost and contributes to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to develop crop varieties with improved NUE, and this requires efficient phenotyping approaches to screen genotypes under defined N conditions. To address this, 15 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, grown under three N levels, were phenotyped for NUE-related traits under field conditions. Significant genotypic differences were observed in varieties having low to high responsiveness to N applications. The results suggest that basal low N can be used to screen wheat varieties that are less responsive to N, whereas N supply from 80 to 160 kg N ha–1 could be used to screen high N-responsive varieties. Normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) measured by using Crop Circle, and SPAD units measured by SPAD meter at heading stage, were well correlated with shoot dry biomass, grain yield, and shoot and grain N concentration, and could potentially be used as tools to phenotype different wheat varieties under varying N treatments. The data also demonstrated that NDVI and SPAD could be used to differentiate wheat varieties phenotypically for NUE-related traits. The prospect of utilising efficient, non-destructive phenotyping to study NUE in crops is also discussed.


We describe a simple, rapid, and specific assay for quinidine and its known metabolites in plasma, urine, and bile. Plasma proteins are precipitated by adding acetonitrile, which also contains the internal standard. The supernatant fluid is evaporated and the reconstituted residue is separated on a reversed-phase column, with fluorescence detection. The standard curve is linear and results are reproducible over the clinical concentration ranges: quinidine 0.4 to 8.0 mg/L and the three metabolites (quinidine 10,11-diol, 3-hydroxyquinidine, and quinidine-N-oxide) 0.05 to 1.5 mg/L. As little as 10 micrograms of the N-oxide metabolite per liter and 1 microgram of the other analytes per liter can be quantitated in 0.5 mL of plasma, urine, or bile. With the use of an automated chromatographic system, many samples can be analyzed in a continuous run.


Chemotherapy remains a mainstay of cancer treatment but its use is often limited by the development of adverse reactions. Severe involuntary loss of body weight (cachexia) is a frequent cause of death in cancer patients and is exacerbated by chemotherapy. We show that, in contrast to antibody-mediated neutralization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A, genetic inactivation of VEGF-A in tumor-associated myeloid cells prevents chemotherapy-induced cachexia by inhibiting skeletal muscle loss and the lipolysis of white adipose tissue. It also improves clearance of senescent tumor cells by natural killer cells and inhibits tumor regrowth after chemotherapy. The effects depend on the adipokine and chemoattractant chemerin, which is released by the tumur endothelium in response to chemotherapy. The findings define chemerin as a critical mediator of the immune response elicited by chemotherapy as well as an important inhibitor of cancer cachexia. Efficient targeting of VEGF signaling within the tumor microenvironment should impede weight loss that is frequently associated with chemotherapy, thereby dramatically improving the therapeutic outcome. Citation Format: Magali Castells, Ralph Klose, Dagmar Gotthardt, Eva-Maria Putz, Ewelina Krzywinska, Chahrazade Kantari-Mimoun, Naima Chikdene, Anna-Katharina Meinecke, Katrin Schroedter, Iris Helfrich, Joachim Fandrey, Veronika Sexl, Christian Stockmann. Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor in myeloid cells enhances natural killer cell responses to chemotherapy and ameliorates cachexia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr A11.


Acquiring knowledge, either individually or in a team, is known as learning. The mode of learning may be either supervised or unsupervised. Language learning develops communication ability in a second foreign language, such as the Malay language... Malaysia is among the countries that students around the globe visit for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. But, the international students faced communication challenges with both the local students and the academic staff due to language variations. The local students lack confidence in English, while the international students don't understand the Malay language. The communication The Gap was pointed out as the major problem for the international students to carry out their academic activities as most lecturers deliver their classes using Bahasa Melayu (Malay language). It is expected for the international students to learn the Malay language, but the local students are communicatively shy due to their lack of confidence in English. The present study investigates the Malay language learning difficulties of the international students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The researcher adopted quantative analysis with a structured questionnaire as the research tool. The experiment was carried out with the IBM SPSS version tool, and hardware components such as the Intel Celeron quad core processor (2M cache, 2.0GHz), 4GHz RAM, and 500GHz HDD. One hundred and seventy (170) with eighty-five (85) of equal size between the two universities were considered as the sample size. Findings reveal that most of the respondents disagreed that it was easy to learn Malay with the traditional system that presented a frequency of 41.8%. In addition, 43.5% of the respondents believed that learning Malay with the traditional system was time-consuming. Finally, respondents disagreed that traditional learning systems are easy to read. As such, most of the respondents suggest a mobile application as a substitute to the traditional mode of Malay language learning that will enhance learning anywhere at any time, regardless of the location.


Rauwolfia vomitoria Afzel. is an antipsychotic plant used by several African communities in the management of psychiatric conditions with good outcomes. Concerns about its dosages on brain activity lead to this investigation of its action on the hippocampal microstructure. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats of average weight 200 g, were assigned into four groups (n = 6): control; 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight of RV root bark extract, respectively. The administration was once daily, and orally for seven days. Daily observation of the animals was done till on day eight when they were sacrificed after deep anaesthesia. Each brain was processed for histology and immunohistochemical studies. Receipt: 07/10/2020 Acceptance: 30/10/2020 doi: 10.32457/ijmss.v7i2.562 2 Moses B. Ekong, Ubong U. Ekpene, Agnes A. Nwakanma & Christopher C. Mbadugha Animals in the 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg RV groups appeared generally dull and drowsy, and barely fed. Their hippocampal histology showed neuronal atrophy and karyorrhexis, with no difference in cell count, although the pyramidal cell numbers decreased in the 300 and 400 mg/kg RV groups. Neuron-specific enolase decreased in the 400 mg/kg RV group, while neurofilament decreased in all test groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and density increased in the 200 and 300 mg/kg RV groups, but not the 400 mg/kg RV group, all compared with the control group. The given doses of RV root bark extract in adult Wistar rats showed sedative activities with hippocampal histopathological changes, which may not be reversible, thereby leading to the hippocampal functional deficit.


In unattended and hostile environments, node compromise can become a disastrous threat to wireless sensor networks and introduce uncertainty in the aggregation results. A compromised node often tends to completely reveal its secrets to the adversary which in turn renders purely cryptography-based approaches vulnerable. How to secure the information aggregation process against compromised-node attacks and quantify the uncertainty existing in the aggregation results has become an important research issue. In this paper, we address this problem by proposing a trust based framework, which is rooted in sound statistics and some other distinct and yet closely coupled techniques. The trustworthiness (reputation) of each individual sensor node is evaluated by using an information theoretic concept, Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance, to identify the compromised nodes through an unsupervised learning algorithm. Upon aggregating, an opinion, a metric of the degree of belief, is generated to represent the uncertainty in the aggregation result. As the result is being disseminated and assembled through the routes to the sink, this opinion will be propagated and regulated by Josang's belief model. Following this model, the uncertainty within the data and aggregation results can be effectively quantified throughout the network. Simulation results demonstrate that our trust based framework provides a powerful mechanism for detecting compromised nodes and reasoning about the uncertainty in the network. It further can purge false data to accomplish robust aggregation in the presence of multiple compromised nodes


Background Reconstruction of intrapelvic soft tissue defects traditionally relies on regional pedicled myocutaneous flaps. However, there remain situations in which local options are unavailable. We review our experience treating intrapelvic defects with the anterolateral thigh (ALT) microvascular free flap. Methods A retrospective, institutional review was conducted from 2014 to 2018 of patients undergoing microvascular ALT flap reconstruction of intrapelvic defects. Four patients were identified in this cohort out of 92 total pelvic reconstruction cases. Results All patients underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer treatment. In the two male patients, pelvic abscesses and bladder leak necessitated soft tissue reconstruction after radiation and APR. In both, regional tissue options were unavailable, and a buried ALT free flap was used for soft tissue reconstruction. Both female patients developed rectovaginal fistulas secondary to their tumor burden, necessitating posterior vaginal wall resections. Prior surgical scars and ostomies made abdominal wall tissue unavailable; thus, free ALTs were used to eliminate intrapelvic dead space and reconstruct the posterior vaginal wall. In all cases, recipient vessels were the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein. Flap survival was 100%. Conclusions Pelvic reconstruction has traditionally been addressed with local/regional pedicled flaps. In cases where these are unavailable, the free ALT flap is a versatile option when buried for intrapelvic reconstruction or posterior vaginal wall lining. We also propose updating Cordeiro et al.'s classic vaginal defect reconstruction algorithm to include the free ALT flap for type IB cases in which the rectus abdominis is unavailable.


The article deals with the results of research in 2018, the department of electromagnetic systems. It is reported that analytical methods for calculating electromagnetic fields in electromagnetic systems are developed. The methods simu-late current contours in space to create alternating magnetic fields and induce currents in electrically conductive re-gions. It is shown that magnetic forces and heat distribution in the inductor for heating moving ferromagnetic strip are investigated. Inductor for heating ferromagnetic strip is without ferromagnetic core, and it takes into account the finite width of the strip. Much attention is given to the ability to heat ferromagnetic strip with a satisfactory uniformity in width. The conditions for electrodynamic stabilization of strip at the center of the air gap have been determined by fre-quency control. Also this article deals with the analytical method for calculating electromagnetic fields of arc-stator axial induction disk motors with bimetallic rotors. This method takes into account the real spatial current distribution three-phase winding of two arc-stators on both sides at disk rotor. The method allows calculating three-dimensional electromagnetic field distribution in air-gap between two stators, and it takes into account the linear speed of moving disk rotor. It is spoken in detail about the analytical expressions for the calculation magnetic forces in the air gap. It should be noted that energy characteristics and magnetic forces of the gearless axial arc-stator disk motor for powerful ball mills are calculated by the developed analytical method. The paper gives valuable information about experimental studies of the barrier discharge to the water surface. Experiments shows the existence of a uniform barrier discharge to the water surface at atmospheric pressure, at the fixed length of the voltage pulse region and at fixed values of the electric field in a gas space. The complex of works, which substantiates in detail the possibility and expedient ways of increasing the efficiency of using the installed source power, are done. The power source consists of the transforming element with sectional winding in the transformer-key actuating structure of the AC voltage stabilizer. References 34, figures 24, table


SUMMARY During the past decade the pesticidal bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis has been the subject of intensive research. These efforts have yielded considerable data about the complex relationships between the structure, mechanism of action, and genetics of the organism's pesticidal crystal proteins, and a coherent picture of these relationships is beginning to emerge. Other studies have focused on the ecological role of the B. thuringiensis crystal proteins, their performance in agricultural and other natural settings, and the evolution of resistance mechanisms in target pests. Armed with this knowledge base and with the tools of modern biotechnology, researchers are now reporting promising results in engineering more-useful toxins and formulations, in creating transgenic plants that express pesticidal activity, and in constructing integrated management strategies to insure that these products are utilized with maximum efficiency and benefit.


The overall cure rate for pediatric malignancies is significantly improved to over 75% with an estimated 270,000 survivors of childhood cancer in the United States currently. The achievement of high cure rates for most pediatric malignancies has been accompa- nied by a growing population of childhood cancer survivors who are at an increased risk for a myriad of health problems resulting from their cancer or its treatment. Some cancer-related complications do not become apparent until several years following can cer treatment. As the survivors of childhood cancers age, the effects of therapy may be exacerbated by effects of aging on organ function. Late effects encompass a variety of detrimental conditions including organ dysfunction, psychosocial complications, and subsequent malignancies that may negatively impact quality of life and may predis pose them to early mortality. In contrast to the multitude of publications describing treatment-related sequelae in childhood cancer survivors, relatively few provide spe cific recommendations for health screening and risk-reduction counseling to guide healthcare providers in monitoring this vulnerable population. In this chapter, we will summarize the evaluation and management of childhood cancer survivors who may be encountered across a wide variety of healthcare settings, salient issues influencing healthcare for childhood cancer survivors, of which guidelines currently available and limitations in current practice.


Activation and subsequent differentiation of naive CD8+ T cells lead to the development of memory subsets with distinct homing and effector capacities. On nonlymphoid homing subsets, expression of "inflammatory" chemokine receptors (such as CXCR3, CCR5, CX3CR1, and CXCR1) is believed to promote migration into sites of infection/inflammation. Here we show that CXCR1 can be up-regulated to the cell surface within minutes of activating human CD8+ T cells. No concurrent up-regulation of other inflammatory chemokine receptors was observed. Up-regulation of CXCR1 preferentially occurred on central memory CD8+ T cells-that is, cells with a lymph node homing phenotype-and was functionally relevant. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed CXCR1 to be present in intracellular vesicles that do not significantly colocalize with perforin, RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), or the lysosomal marker CD63. By contrast, partial colocalization with the Golgi marker GM130, the constitutive secretory pathway marker beta2-microglobulin, and the early endosome marker EEA1 was observed. Up-regulation of CXCR1 did not occur after T-cell receptor cross-linking. By contrast, supernatants from activated neutrophils, but not from monocytes or dendritic cells, induced its up-regulation. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells can rapidly adapt their homing properties by mobilizing CXCR1 from a distinct intracellular compartment.


Abstract There are two principal features of the geomagnetic field which may be observed in the paleomagnetic study of rocks from a given region. It is quite common to find rocks with a polarity opposite to that anticipated on the basis of the present-day field, and the mean directions themselves may indicate virtual pole positions which progressively deviate from the rotational poles with time. The first is usually interpreted as evidence that the polarity of the geomagnetic field may reverse, the second that progressive movement of blocks of continental extent (i.e. continental drift) has occurred. Although these features provide information which may be of use in the location of the Permian-Triassic boundary and have an important contribution to make in establishing the broad scale paleogeographic features of the time, their use is still limited by the small number of results available. It is only in recent years that collections of sufficient size have been routinely subjected to magnetic cleaning. In the absence of stability tests many older results which appear reliable must be excluded. Reversals of the magnetic field are fairly common in the Lower Triassic. In stark contrast to this, the geomagnetic field appears to have been remarkably stable during Permian times, fully justifying Irving's introduction of the "Kiaman Magnetic Interval." Detailed investigation of the Permian however does reveal a number of periods of reversed polarity, although little as yet may be said of their duration. These reversals are more common in the Upper Permian than in the Lower Permian. The change in behavior of the geomagnetic field appears to coincide with, or approach very closely to, the Permian-Triassic boundary. If use can be made of this, then from the magnetic standpoint the top part of the Ochoan might be included in the Triassic. The information carried in the mean magnetic declination and inclination provides a means of establishing ancient geography. The data now available from most continents imply that considerable relative displacements of continental blocks must have occurred. The information may be used not only to construct paleogeographic maps but as a means of testing configurations arrived at in other ways. It is possible to represent the results from many sampled Permian horizons in a given region by a single virtual pole, which implies no significant relative motion during Permian times. However, this cannot be assumed to be applicable generally (Embleton, 1970). In the present paper attention has been concentrated upon results from rocks of Permian and Lower Triassic age, but in some regions more general "Triassic" results must be used. Models of Dietz and Holden, Du Toit and others have been examined in the light of the paleomagnetic data and compared with results based solely on paleomagnetic data. It was found that the Dietz and Holden model compared closely with that derived paleomagnetically.


The evolutionary development of tropical coral reefs is presently ascribed to the association of corals with symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) and to the enhancement of calcification by light. Contrary to this idea, the calcification rate in a non-reef-building tropical coral (Tubastrea faulkneri) without symbiotic algae was the same as the light-enhanced rate in a zooxanthellate reef-building coral (Galaxea fascicularis). The mechanisms of calcification, however, differed between the two species. Instead of being "light-enhanced," calcification in corals with algae was "dark-repressed." The evolutionary development of coral reefs may therefore not be related to light-enhanced calcification resulting from the association of corals with symbiotic algae.


We generalize the regularized sampling method introduced in 2005 by the author to
compute the eigenvalues of scalar Sturm-Liouville problems (SLPs) to the case of vectorial SLP with parameter
dependent boundary conditions. A few problems are worked out to illustrate the effectiveness of the method
and show by the same token that we have indeed a general method capable of handling with ease very broad
classes of SLPs, whether scalar or vectorial.


Considering new challenges in global markets, companies are forced to plan their supply chains relating to more flexibility, effectiveness and cost reduction. Today, Advanced Planning Systems (APS) are applied to manage availability of supply goods (available/capable to promise ATP/CTP) and to smooth inventory levels due to fluctuating demands and insecure market forecasts. High value added branches, like the automotive industry, are characterized by complex, often sales-based product configurations resulting in literally millions of possible product variants. Furthermore, a high percentage of value creation is done by global supply networks with high order lead times, dynamic and risky transport relations and high transfer stocks. Today, the necessity of global ATP taking dynamic supply network behaviour and collaborative partnerships into account is not covered by the given APS-Software. This paper will introduce Logistic Assistant Systems (LAS) as a new generation of SCM-Software, which allows dynamic and collaborative supply chain planning by providing APS like functionalities with a simulation based approach. The developed simulation component is able to handle the complexity of high value added branches with efficient algorithms, to forecast the supply chain behaviour (future stock range monitoring, dynamic ATP and resulting costs) taking different scenarios into account. It has been demonstrated to produce convincing results, e.g. in projects with Volkswagen AG.


RESULTS: Compared to those with desirable values, mean combined RGS was significantly lower in men (p<0.05) with elevated WC (3.61 vs. 2.79 kg/BMI), elevated BP (3.36 vs. 2.83 kg/BMI), elevated TG (3.44 vs. 2.97 kg/BMI), IFG (3.48 vs. 3.05 kg/BMI), reduced HDL-C (3.31 vs. 3.06 kg/BMI), and in those with MetS (3.47 vs. 2.79 kg/ BMI), respectively. Similarly, compared to those with desirable values, mean combined RGS was significantly lower in women (p<0.05) with elevated WC (2.47 vs.1.81 kg/ BMI), elevated BP (2.14 vs. 1.72 kg/BMI), elevated TG (2.15 vs. 1.79 kg/BMI), IFG (2.18 vs.1.80 kg/BMI), reduced HDL-C (2.11 vs. 1.84 kg/BMI), and in those with MetS (2.19 vs. 1.72 kg/BMI), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mean combined RGS was lower in men and women with increased cardiometabolic risk and in those with MetS.


Exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) is emerging as an effective training option to increase muscle size and strength, in healthy, clinical, and athletic populations. However, the need for specialized equipment and associated costs present a major barrier to its accessibility. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical method to implement BFR in the lower body using a thigh sphygmomanometer. Specifically, we aimed to 1) explore what factors should be accounted for when setting pressures with this type of restrictive cuff and 2) generate both a lab‐based and field‐based prediction equation to estimate arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). We hypothesized that measures of limb size and blood pressure would constitute significant predictors of lower body AOP. We also hypothesized that a multiple linear regression model including significant predictors would explain approximately 50% of the variance in AOP. Thirty‐eight normotensive healthy adults (age: 24±5 yrs, BMI: 25±4) visited the laboratory for one testing session. Brachial and femoral systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were taken in the seated position. Next, thigh circumference, muscle thickness of the anterior thigh, and maximal isometric knee extension strength was assessed. Lean thigh volume was estimated using anthropometric measures. Lastly, lower body AOP was assessed in the seated position using an 18cm wide thigh sphygmomanometer and Doppler ultrasound (156±12 mmHg). A multiple linear regression analysis including brachial and femoral SBP and DBP, thigh circumference, muscle thickness, lean thigh volume, and maximal isometric knee extension strength was performed to assess which variables constituted significant predictors of AOP. Regression analysis was then repeated with only significant variables to generate both a lab‐based and field‐based prediction equation for AOP. Thigh circumference (β = 0.322, part = 0.876), brachial SBP (β = 0.362, part = 0.463) and isometric knee extension strength (β = 0.421, part = 0.076) constituted significant predictors of AOP. A lab‐based model including thigh circumference (β=0.278, part = 0.754), brachial SBP (β=0.492, part = 0.549), and isometric knee extension strength (β=0.306, part = 0.055) explained 56% of the variance in AOP. A field‐based model including only thigh circumference (β=0.316, part = 0.857) and brachial SBP (β=0.515, part = 0.658) explained 47% of the variance in AOP. Our results indicate that thigh circumference, brachial SBP, and isometric knee extension strength serve as predictors of AOP in the lower body when utilizing an 18cm wide sphygmomanometer as a restrictive cuff. Further, a field‐based prediction equation including thigh circumference and brachial SBP offers a practical way to estimate AOP. Future work will build upon this prediction equation by utilizing subjective measures of cuff tightness, effort, and muscle pain to further adjust exercising cuff pressures to an appropriate level. Results will help to provide researchers and practitioners with a practical way to implement BFR without the need for specialized equipment.


Abstract Proper sample handling is important for the accurate and prompt diagnosis of cryoglobulinaemia as well as for obtaining correct results of other laboratory tests. In this case report, we present two patients for whom improper sampling delayed the diagnosis of cryoglobulinaemia. The routine sampling procedure was not sufficient for detecting these cryoglobulins and we demonstrated that the temperature dropped below 37 °C at different steps during the sample preparation. Adjusting the pre-analytical procedure revealed that both patients possessed a cryoglobulin with high thermal insolubility. We conclude that in cryoglobulinaemia strict adherence to guidelines to keep the temperature >37 °C is crucial for sample collection and must be strongly recommended.


Current worries about a supposedly increasing popularization of political campaign methods and styles are rooted in the historical oppositions between popular culture and modernism. The folkloric world of popular culture, ruled by coincidence and marked by suspicion and sensation, seems to be thoroughly at odds with the modernist tradition of politics which is distinguished by a belief in rationality, progress and the capacity of people to take control over their own lives. Nevertheless, there are many historical articulations of popular culture and politics which have by definition been contested and controversial. Nowadays, a general fear is that politics is becoming completely popularized, implying among other things an appearance of politicians on popular `platforms', a changed rhetorical style and an adaptation and acknowledgement of popular political themes. In such `moral panics', politicians, academics and journalists alike, firmly blame (commercial) television for such a `refeudalization' of political life and for the increasing numbers of political cynics among citizens. But popular political communication should instead be perceived as a symptom of a crisis in the relation between citizens and their representatives, and as an attempt to restore that relation. Whereas the different social traditions of popular culture and politics will prevent the complete popularization of politics, in the postmodern condition there is a need for a new generation of politicians who are able to reconcile the different requirements of popular culture and representative politics, and who may thus inspire a much needed revived sense of connectedness between citizens and their representatives.


When the students interact, there is what is called a speech act or language interaction which includes speakers and opposing speakers, both individually and in groups. When interacting, there will be the application of language acts responsively to their fellow scopes, as well as actions in the form of verbal and behavioral. A speaker performs speech acts well because they are used to their environment. As in the santri at the Nurul Ilmi Wal Fikri Jombang Islamic boarding school, for survival in the pesantren the santri interact and there must be a purpose and application or purpose of the interaction. In the application of communication, the researchers observed the students with the illocutionary phenomenon. There are three illocutions contained in this study, namely; directive illocutionary, expressive illocutionary, and commissive illocutionary. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method, with data collection techniques in the form of observation, note taking, and documentation. Data validity techniques include; data transcription, understanding data, verifying data, modifying data and analyzing data. The results of this study are the students at the Nurul Ilmi wal fikri Jombang Islamic boarding school when interacting there will definitely be an application and purpose in communication, which can be verbal or behavioral.


Current reported HIV infection rates among Filipino men may be relatively low, but so is HIV testing, a necessary behavioral step for determining one's serostatus. Using data from a nationally representative sample of N = 3,519 sexually active Filipino men ages 15 to 54 who participated in the National Demographic & Health Survey (2003), we explored HIV testing as a sexual health behavior. Results indicated that overall testing rate was extremely low (4.7%). HIV tests were more commonly taken as part of a requirement than as voluntary, self-initiated action. One out of four tested Filipino men failed to return for their test results. Other sexual health behaviors like recent condom use were associated with having been tested, unlike HIV-related cognitions. Among those never been tested, half reported wanting to undergo HIV testing, although many did not know where the test was available. The significance of HIV testing for personal and public health, as well as implications for psychological research and practice, are discussed.


A new approach for evaluating elastomeric materials for use in high pressure oxygen has been developed. Because this approach replicates the dynamic forces that occur in pressure systems and subjects a specimen to progressive wear, it allows the user to compare wearability and oxygen sensitivity. This method determines if a candidate material ignites before it mechanically fails and provides a relative wearability ranking for that material. Existing mechanical impact test methods produce data which is useful in screening various materials for oxygen sensitivity. The pass/fail data produced from these tests do not easily translate into a suitable material selection for a particular oxygen application. This new evaluation technique produces both mechanical wear data in combination with sensitivity data which can easily be applied when selecting elastomeric materials for a particular oxygen application. An explanation of the process as well as sample data are presented.


Each workplace has a hazard factor that may affect the health of the workforce or may result in the onset of occupational diseases. Heat pressure is part of the physical stress that greatly affects workers' activity. Working climate or heat pressure can result in additional burden in blood circulation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the correlation between work climate and blood pressure at Volunteer of traffic control (Supeltas) in Surakarta in 2017. This type of research is non-experimental quantitative using survey analytic method with cross sectional design. The population in this study were members of Supeltas in Surakata as many as 49 people, with a minimum sample size of 43 people. Data sampling was conducted by using total sampling. From the results of the study, it was obtained that the lowest ISBB 29.24C and the highest is 32.23C and the result of blood pressure measurement at Supeltas Surakarta in the workplace that exceeds NAB hot work climate as much as 38 people (100%) experienced hypertension, while Supeltas who work in the workplace under the NAB who experienced hypertension as many as 7 people (63.6%) and who did not experience hypertension as many as 4 people (36.4%). The result of statistical test using fisher exact showed that there was a correlation between hot work climate with blood pressure (p = 0,002) on Surakarta traffic regulator volunteer in 2017.


Chronic neuropathic pain is a common, debilitating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Up to 94% of the SCI population suffers from SCI pain, with over half reporting it as their worst medical problem. Modern day methods of SCI pain management are ineffective. Recent evidence suggests that this pain is due, in part, to aberrant outgrowth of sensory neurons at and below the level of injury. We have previously shown that SCI results in phosphorylation (inhibition) of glycogen synthase kinase-3s (GSK-3s), a key regulator of neuronal growth. The purpose of this study was to characterize the time-dependent nature of SCI-induced sensory neuron outgrowth below the level of injury, and to establish an optimal timeframe for application of a GSK-3s activator, in an effort to block SCI-induced sprouting and the development of below-level pain. Long-Evans rats received a dorsal horn injection of quisqualic acid (SCI) or saline (sham operated control) and were sacrificed 1, 3, 14 and 22 days following surgery. At the designated time points, DRGs ipsilateral to the site of injection were disassociated, cultured and analyzed for neurite outgrowth and length. In the second experimental approach, rats received intrathecal delivery of the GSK-3s activator (LY294002) the first 3 days after injury and were sacrificed 14 days following surgery. Time course studies show a graded increase in below-level growth responses following SCI. Intrathecal administration of LY294002, initiated at the time of injury, significantly reduced below-level DRG neurite outgrowth 14 days post-SCI. Additionally, LY294002 treatment prevented the development of below-level hyperalgesia. Based on these results GSK-3s may be involved in the modulation of abnormal sensory growth responses following SCI, and might constitute a new therapeutic target to prevent below-level SCI pain.; Physical Therapy Department


In this paper the relationship of identity to a form of institutional interaction is considered, i.e. classroom talk. To illustrate this relationship and its variations, applied ethnomethodology was used to explore the issue of the behavioural and interactional latitudes that the participants afford one another. To do this, features of the assembly and coordination of identities for and in two classroom lessons were compared. The results illustrate ways in which the institutional identities of teacher and student are enacted through and in the interactions in classrooms. It is proposed that, even when such powerful categorizations as ethnicity, class and gender are readily available as potential organizers of practical events such as these lessons, the analysis needs to begin with the empirical structure of the events themselves, treating them as displays of coordinated reasoning practices, and thus treating the contingently assembled identities of the participants as social, locally activated, and resolutely practical.


This paper introduces the efforts of Michigan State University's Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education/College of Education (CEPSE/COE) Design Studio to utilize robotic telepresence devices in synchronous hybrid learning classes for the Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET ) Ph.D. program. Robotic telepresence devices are digital devices that can be piloted from a distance for the purpose of interacting with people in a remote location. Synchronous hybrid learning classes refer to classes in which online and face-to-face students interact during shared synchronous sessions. This design case describes the context, technologies, and strategies used to integrate robotic telepresence devices in a synchronous hybrid learning class format. We conclude by discussing our insights gleaned from our existing designs for student telepresence in synchronous hybrid learning contexts.


The actinobacterial biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been proposed as a cost effective environmental friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. It is a reliable, important aspect of green chemistry approach that interconnects microbial biotechnology and nanobiotechnology. The target of the present investigation was to optimize the fermentation parameters controlling bioactive metabolites productivity by marine Streptomyces cyaneus, such as certain environmental conditions (different incubation periods, pH values, aeration, shaking speed and inoculum size ). Also, by supplying certain nutritional requirements (different carbon and nitrogen sources) for attaining the maximal antimicrobial activity yield by Streptomyces cyaneus against some pathogenic microorganisms. AuNPs were biosynthesized from chloroauric acid using cell free supernatant (as reducing and stabilizing agents), of Streptomyces cyaneus which grown in optimized fermentation medium, by heating or gamma irradiation processes. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, analysis which revealed morphology of spherical AuNPs within nano range from 6.5 nm to 20.0 nm with the main diameter of 12.63 nm by using gamma irradiation at 1 kGy. The biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited good antibacterial activity against some pathogenic Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, also anti candida. AuNPs exhibited antioxidant activity and antitumor activity against human breast and liver carcinoma cells (in vitro). Finally, Gamma irradiation which induced AuNPs synthesis by cell-free supernatant of Streptomyces cyaneus with improved biomedical different applications is a simple, clean, economic and environmental friendly approach.


We reviewed the epidemiologic features of suicide in Canada and evaluated suicide prevention programs. Three groups were found to be at increased risk for suicide: men aged 70 years or more, women aged 65 to 69 and men aged 20 to 24. The other groups, in decreasing order of risk, were the mentally ill, people who have attempted suicide, those with a life-threatening illness, native people, people with a family history of suicide and prisoners. Studies that evaluated suicide prevention programs showed that none significantly reduced the incidence of suicide; however, the studies were found to be methodologically inadequate or used noncomparable systems of data collection. On the basis of our findings we recommend that primary care physicians routinely evaluate suicide risk among patients in high-risk groups and that intervention include counselling, follow-up and, if necessary, referral to a psychiatrist. Close follow-up is recommended for newly discharged psychiatric patients and those who recently attempted suicide.