The third generation of artificial intelligence (AI) introduced by neuromorphic computing is revolutionizing the way robots and autonomous systems can sense the world, process the information, and interact with their environment. The promises of high flexibility, energy efficiency, and robustness of neuromorphic systems is widely supported by software tools for simulating spiking neural networks, and hardware integration (neuromorphic processors). Yet, while efforts have been made on neuromorphic vision (event-based cameras), it is worth noting that most of the sensors available for robotics remain inherently incompatible with neuromorphic computing, where information is encoded into spikes. To facilitate the use of traditional sensors, we need to convert the output signals into streams of spikes, i.e., a series of events (+1, −1) along with their corresponding timestamps. In this paper, we propose a review of the coding algorithms from a robotics perspective and further supported by a benchmark to assess their performance. We also introduce a ROS (Robot Operating System) toolbox to encode and decode input signals coming from any type of sensor available on a robot. This initiative is meant to stimulate and facilitate robotic integration of neuromorphic AI, with the opportunity to adapt traditional off-the-shelf sensors to spiking neural nets within one of the most powerful robotic tools, ROS.


Although extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography offers the possibility of very high-resolution patterning, the projection optics must be of extremely high quality in order to meet this potential. One key metric of the projection optic quality is the contrast transfer function (CTF), which is a measure of the aerial image contrast as a function of pitch. A static microfield exposure tool based on the 0.3-NA MET optic and operating at a wavelength of 13.5 nm has been installed at the Advanced Light Source, a synchrotron facility at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This tool provides a platform for a wide variety of research into EUV lithography. In this work we present resist-based measurements of the contrast transfer function for the MET optic. These measurements are based upon line/space patterns printed in several different EUV photoresists. The experimental results are compared with the CTF in aerial-image simulations using the aberrations measured in the projection optic using interferometry. In addition, the CTF measurements are conducted for both bright-field and dark-field mask patterns. Finally, the orientation dependence of the CTF is measured in order to evaluate the effect of non-rotationally symmetric lens aberrations. These measurements provide valuable information in interpreting the results of other experiments performed using the MET and similar systems.


Researchers have extensively studied the field of vision and language, discovering that both visual and textual content is crucial for understanding scenes effectively. Particularly, comprehending text in videos holds great significance, requiring both scene text understanding and temporal reasoning. This paper focuses on exploring two recently introduced datasets, NewsVideoQA and M4-ViteVQA, which aim to address video question answering based on textual content. The NewsVideoQA dataset contains question-answer pairs related to the text in news videos, while M4-ViteVQA comprises question-answer pairs from diverse categories like vlogging, traveling, and shopping. We provide an analysis of the formulation of these datasets on various levels, exploring the degree of visual understanding and multi-frame comprehension required for answering the questions. Additionally, the study includes experimentation with BERT-QA, a text-only model, which demonstrates comparable performance to the original methods on both datasets, indicating the shortcomings in the formulation of these datasets. Furthermore, we also look into the domain adaptation aspect by examining the effectiveness of training on M4-ViteVQA and evaluating on NewsVideoQA and vice-versa, thereby shedding light on the challenges and potential benefits of out-of-domain training.


very large subject, I-cannot help-thoroughly and cordially agreeing with Dr. Henry Davy in his Presidential Address to the British Medical Association at Exeter in 1907, when he pleaded for more drastic treatment as regards the infectiousness of tuberculous disease, likening the sputum of a phthiical patient to the stools of one suffering from enteric fever. So long as no more radical steps are taken to disinfect the sputum of such patients, either in this country or in Britain, so long will phthisis stalk a gaunt spectre in our midst.


A dynamic nonlinear algebraic model with scale-similarity dynamic procedure (DNAM-SSD) is proposed for subgrid-scale (SGS) stress in large-eddy simulation of turbulence. The model coefficients of the DNAM-SSD model are adaptively calculated through the scale-similarity relation, which greatly simplifies the conventional Germano-identity based dynamic procedure (GID). The a priori study shows that the DNAM-SSD model predicts the SGS stress considerably better than the conventional velocity gradient model (VGM), dynamic Smagorinsky model (DSM), dynamic mixed model (DMM) and DNAM-GID model at a variety of filter widths ranging from inertial to viscous ranges. The correlation coefficients of the SGS stress predicted by the DNAM-SSD model can be larger than 95% with the relative errors lower than 30%. In the a posteriori testings of LES, the DNAM-SSD model outperforms the implicit LES (ILES), DSM, DMM and DNAM-GID models without increasing computational costs, which only takes up half the time of the DNAM-GID model. The DNAM-SSD model accurately predicts plenty of turbulent statistics and instantaneous spatial structures in reasonable agreement with the filtered DNS data. These results indicate that the current DNAM-SSD model is attractive for the development of highly accurate SGS models for LES of turbulence.


Lectures de Potentia Restitutiva or Of Spring: Explaining the Power of Springing Bodies (1678) is an important book for the history of science. This book is better known for Hooke's presentation of the law that bears his name. This law, or "Rule of Nature" as the author states, is commonly taught within the context of the analysis of elastic bodies and their deformations. However, the framework in which this law was introduced goes beyond the context in which it is currently taught. Alongside the presentation of Hooke's experiments with springs, the author established his vibratory theory of matter, in which the concepts of congruence and incongruence, initially presented in his Micrographia (1665), would be defined in greater detail. These concepts aimed to theoretically justify the movements of attraction and repulsion in nature. This paper seeks to study the Lectures de Potentia Restitutiva once again to better understand Hooke's thoughts about the rule which bears his name and his conception of gravity, which the author considered a force. Here Hooke's definitions of body and motion will be presented, as well as his actual objective when he formulated the so-called Hooke's Law. As we will see, Hooke intended to create a "philosophical scale" to measure the gravitational attraction between bodies. By considering his previous publications, such as An attempt to prove the motion of the Earth from Observations or Micrographia: or some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies, or even unpublished works such as On the inflection of a direct motion into a curve by supervening Attractive principle, it becomes clear that Hooke was already opening a path toward an understanding of gravity before Newton's Principia (1687) were published. By taking into account the controversy between Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke, we also intend to strengthen the idea that Hooke was an indispensable contributor to the elaboration of a law of universal gravitation. In addition to all this, it will also be argued that the conclusions achieved by Hooke in Of Spring may have also anticipated Newton's third law of motion.


We examined 26 professional riders during time trial (TT) competitions of the Grand Tours of cycling (Tour de France and Vuelta Espana; 1997-2003) for the exertional characteristics of contending vs. non-contending (i.e., support) riders. We categorized HR time during TT into training impulse (TRIMP) defined from seasonal VO2max testing [Phase I (RCP]. Races were: Short TT (<15 km; 8.9+/-2.9 km); Individual TT (>15 km; 48.12+/-8.7 km); Uphill TT (20.0+/-8.7 km) and Team TT (44.1+/-20.9 km). We observed statistically significant event-by-contender interactions for all TT (all, P<0.0001) except the short TT. During uphill TT, contenders exerted fewer total TRIMP (P<0.01), more Zone 3 TRIMP (P<0.05), and fewer Zone 2 TRIMP (P<0.01) vs. non-contenders. For individual TT, contenders accumulated more Total and Zone 3 TRIMP vs. non-contenders (all, P<0.05). Interestingly, during the team TT, contenders accumulated more Zone 3, and fewer Zone 2 TRIMP (all, P<0.05), despite having the opportunity to draft behind other riders while in paceline race formation. During TT events, contending riders compete at a level of exertion corresponding to a higher metabolic demand during the uphill TT, individual TT and team TT.


Introduction: Statins reduce cardiovascular risk in populations targeted for both primary and secondary prevention. The potential of statin use to impact the risk of developing new onset diabetes has been suggested. However, there have been a few large-scale RCTs of pitavastatin which is the statin, but adverse effects on glucose metabolism and diabetes onset were not documented by meta analysis.
Case reports: We report two patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia showing amelioration of insulin resistance with pitavastatin. The improvements were attributed to effects of pitavastatin on glucose and insulin metabolism. A 75-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were given pitavastatin (2 mg/day) for 6 months, without changes in other medication. Before and after treatment, both received euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp studies to assess insulin sensitivity. After 6 months, glucose infusion rates were increased in both subjects.
Conclusion: These cases suggest that pitavastatin, unlike other statins, has beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in an insulin-resistant state.


Building parameterized performance models of applications in an automatic way is difficult because of the large number of variables that affect performance, including architecture-dependent factors, algorithmic choices and input data parameters. In general, application performance is a non-convex and non-smooth function in this multivariate parameter space. This thesis describes techniques to measure and model application characteristics independent of the target architecture. This approach produces an architectureneutral model for an application. For predictable applications, such models have a convex and differentiable profile. Our approach succeeds in modeling the most important application factors that affect performance and enables us to explore the interactions between a target architecture and application characteristics. To date, work has concentrated on modeling the performance of intervals of sequential computation. Our models are designed to characterize node performance between synchronization points in parallel programs, with the eventual goal of modeling the performance of parallel applications.


The Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, where architect Plecnik spent the latter part of his life, is the backdrop for some of his most ambitious schemes. Of these, the most monumental is the National and University Library, which ingeniously combines topographical features and cultural symbolism. Typical Plecnik features include the long colonnade in dark stone on either side of the central staircase which leads to a reading room that fills the entire width of one wing of the building. Contrasted with this is the powerful, expressive street elevation which only partly relates to activities inside the building. This facade was designed to replace one of Ljubljana's most handsome early Baroque palaces and is representative of Plecnik's most eccentric mannerist style. The author explores the building and its historical context, providing an account of the construction of the library and of Plecnik's urban designs for the city of Ljubljana, redeveloped in the interwar years. The photographs of the library are complemented by further images of key Plecnik works and drawings are provided by Slovenian architect Marko Music, commissioned to design an annex to the library.


The behavior of S420 steel under cathodic polarization in low pH aqueous environment is analyzed following the assumptions of the Theory of Critical Distances. This methodology has been successfully applied in fracture and fatigue analysis, but it has not been employed yet under stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen embrittlement conditions. This work focuses on the problem of environmentally assisted cracking by using the Point Method and the Line Method, both of them belonging to the Theory of Critical Distances. Fracture mechanic tests were carried out, using a slow strain rate machine, at two different solicitation rates (6·10−8 m/s and 6·10−9 m/s). The study is based on an experimental program composed of C(T) specimens with notch radii varying from 0 mm up to 2 mm. Cathodic polarization with a 5 mA/cm2 current has been employed and the aqueous aggressive environment was made using the Pressouyre's method. The study has been completed with finite elements simulation analysis. The results reveal that the Theory of Critical Distances provides accurate predictions of the environmentally assisted cracking behavior of S420 steel in notched conditions.


Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are associated with the life history of all organisms. Soil microbes play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics. As compared to plants, however, our understanding of the soil microbial N versus P scaling relationship remains limited. In this study, we used a comprehensive dataset comprising 2210 observations from 422 sites worldwide to examine microbial C, N, and P concentrations and C:N:P ratios, and to determine the scaling of microbial N versus P in different ecosystems and spatial scales (i.e. soil depths, latitudinal zones, and local sites). The global mean values of microbial C, N, and P concentrations were 721.5 mg kg−1, 84.7 mg kg−1, 37.6 mg kg−1, respectively, whereas C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios were 9.5, 30, and 3.4, respectively. Microbial C, N, and P concentrations varied within and across different ecosystems and spatial scales, but C:N:P ratios varied surprisingly little. The numerical value of the scaling exponent (i.e. the slope of the log-log linear relationship) of microbial N versus P was 0.89 across the entire dataset and for different ecosystems. However, the numerical value of the exponent varied significantly across different spatial scales. Soil total P was the largest contributor to the variation observed in the scaling of microbial N versus P at different local sites. These findings have important implications for predicting soil microbial growth rates and improving our understanding of nutrient cycling in plant-soil-microbe systems.


The influence of negative climate changes on physical development of urban and rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been analysed in the paper. So, economy and society in urban and rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina are susceptible to environmental consequences of climate changes. In practice, this means that poorer countries in development of economic activities will suffer most due to climate changes, while some developed countries can be in a position to use new commercial possibilities. Presently, there is a significant scientific consensus that human activity affected the increase of atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, respectively the carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and chlorofluorocarbon, as a result of global changes of climate that will probably change dramatically during the next centuries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More and more intensive industrialisation and urbanisation, as well as tourism, a growing phenomenon of the 21st century, have numerous negative direct, indirect and multiplicative effects on flora and fauna habitats of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For all mentioned above, this paper tries to indicate to a need for more significant investing into tourism development, which is presently at a very low level of development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the past ten years a dynamical development of tertiary activities in urban and rural areas has been distinguished; among which shopping centres take a significant position.


The realization of integrated frequency-based smart sensor for flow measurement requires a precise frequency to digital converter. A VHDL-based implementation of such converter for a royalty-free solution with 1 ppm resolution is reported. This work is part of a correlator under development to measure total flow of multiphase fluids. This intellectual property block can also be used with other frequency encoded transducers. The converter has been prototyped with a Xilinx™ XC3S500E Spartan-3E FPGA, and has been tested up to 10MHz.


This paper deals with the problem of estimating the covariance structure of a compound-Gaussian process and of its application to adaptive radar detection in clutter-dominated disturbance. The proposed estimator exploits the persymmetry property typical of Toeplitz covariance matrices and is based on secondary data, free of signal components, and with the same covariance structure of the cell under test. We prove that, plugging the proposed covariance estimator into the normalized matched filter (NMF) [E. Conte, M. Lops, and G. Ricci, 1995], leads to an adaptive detector which, irrespective of the shape of the clutter power spectral density (psd), ensures the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property with respect to both the clutter covariance matrix as well as the statistics of the texture. Finally, we show that this adaptive receiver has an acceptable loss with respect to its non-adaptive counterpart and outperforms the previously proposed CFAR adaptive NMF (ANMF) [E. Conte, A de Maio, and G. Ricci, 2002].


The socio-economic and political changes which have taken place in Spain since the political transition to democracy in 1975 until today have generated two clearly differentiated reception contexts for the incorporation of immigrant workers. Specifically, this article deals with the case of Latin American immigration in Madrid, an immigrant group which speaks the same language as the local population, as a clear example of the importance of the integration of immigrants into the workforce. It shows that the historical moment in which their incorporation has taken place has been a determining factor in the type of job, especially as regards their job dependence, and the success of the evolution of their working and economic situation. The contextual changes in Spanish policy with respect to immigration and the socio-cultural and ideological transformation of the Spanish people within the framework of the ongoing process of Spanish integration into international economic and political circles.


Using the Congressional record, press articles and the extensive literature on the theme of Americanism published in the early decades of the twentieth century, this article seeks to offer a new approach to the history of the idea of "un-Americanism" in the early years of the twentieth century, particularly in the period between the First World War and the Great Depression. It argues that a key distinction may be drawn between a procedural or "negative" concept of un-Americanism, in which the enemy is defined as the person who refuses to accept the liberal political order and therefore exempts themselves from the privileges of citizenship, and a "positive" definition of un-Americanism based on identity and status politics, in which the un-American is seen as the person who fails to meet the criteria for membership in the mythic community from which the modern nation is assumed to have been founded – usually defined in racial, ethnic and gendered terms; through religious affiliation; or by assertions of culture and character. The history of un-Americanism should therefore be understood principally in terms of the contestations that developed between these two concepts rather than as the evolution of a singular concept and shared understanding of its meaning.


BACKGROUND
Dietary supplements are regularly used by at least half of the American population, yet the health benefits of these agents are unclear.

OBJECTIVE
A systematic review to determine the benefits and risks of dietary supplements in Westernized societies.

DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and citation review of relevant articles.

STUDY SELECTION
Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in non-pregnant Westernized adults that evaluated clinical outcomes of nutritional supplements.

DATA EXTRACTION
Data were abstracted on study design, study size, study setting, patient population, dietary intervention and clinical outcomes. The outcome of each study was classified as non-beneficial, beneficial or harmful according to whether the end-point(s) of interest reached statistical significance.

DATA SYNTHESIS
Sixty-three studies met the criteria for our systematic review. No benefit was recorded in 45 studies, with 10 of these showing a trend towards harm and with two showing a trend towards benefit. Four studies reported harm with increased cancer deaths (n=2) and increased fractures (n=2). Two studies reported both a harmful as well as a beneficial outcome. A beneficial outcome was reported in 12 studies; 6 which studied vitamin D and three which investigated omega-3 fatty acids. While a benefit was reported in one study each which investigated Vitamin E, folic acid and Ginkgo biloba this benefit was not confirmed by larger and more adequately powered studies.

CONCLUSIONS
With the possible exceptions of Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids there is no data to support the widespread use of dietary supplements in Westernized populations; indeed, many of these supplements may be harmful.


The fifth generation (5G) wireless system will deal with the growing demand of new multimedia and broadband application. The 5G network architecture is based on heterogeneous Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In such implementation the Vertical handover is a key issue. Up till now, systems are using simple mechanisms to make handover decision, based on the evaluation of the Received Signal Strength (RSS). In some cases these mechanisms are not Efficient.This paper presents a new vertical handover algorithm based on Genetic Algorithm (GAfVH). It aims to reduce the number of unnecessary handovers, and optimizes the system performance. We compare our simulation results to the Received Signal Strength (RSS) based method. The results show that the number of handovers decreases. Moreover, we demonstrate that the network selection result can differ from an application to another.


Abstract Word of mouth marketing (WOMM) does not travel as unidirectionally and straight as previously assumed. Rather, consumers are active co-producers of value and translate and transform marketing meanings. Word of mouth resulting from marketing communications can be anything from euphoric to resistant, and the discourse evolving around a product seeding has a strong impact on how this product is perceived. As messages become translated into meaningful, communally shared material, particular cultural restraints cause possibilities open up, rules to become less constraining, and the principles and guidelines for successful social branding engagement to become much more about human relationships than one-way communication. Social brand engagement is a genuine, natural interconnection between brand mentions and consumer-to-consumer social experiences. Therefore, simply observing the reach and valence of product mentions is too short sighted. To effectively attain social brand engagement, promotions need to seem authentic and congruent with people, media, other content and the offline or online context. A deep analysis of what is going on in the prospective environment of a message to be seeded is a precondition for the optimal design of a WOMM campaign and the accurate interpretation of its success.


OBJECTIVE
To explore a surgical treatment of advanced schistosomiasis with cavernous transformation of the portal vein.

METHOD
The clinical data of 18 patients who suffered from advanced schistosomiasis with cavernous transformation of the portal vein were collected and analyzed retrospectively in the Affiliated Xiangyue Hospital of Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases.

RESULTS
Two cases were undertaken the endoscopic variceal ligation, and the upper gastrointestinal bleeding happened 32 months and 40 months after the treatment respectively, and they received the splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization again; 16 cases were undertaken the splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization. During the follow-up of 6-72 months, no esophageal and gastric varices were found.

CONCLUSION
Splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization is effective in the treatment of advanced schistosomiasis with cavernous transformation of the portal vein.


Unilateral parotid gland involvement with synchronous benign and malignant tumors is extremely rare. This paper reported 1 case of primary unilateral pleomorphic adenoma and lymphoepithelial carcinoma of parotid gland and reviewed the literatures. The clinical diagnostic procedure and the necessary indication of pathological diagnosis was outline in the paper.


Sex hormone‐dependent vascular reactivity is an underlying factor contributing to sex differences in salt‐dependent hypertension. This study evaluated the role of androgens (testosterone) in high salt‐induced increase in blood pressure (BP) and altered vascular reactivity in renal blood flow and perfused hind limb preparation. Weanling male rats (8 weeks old, 180–200 g) were bilaterally orchidectomised or sham operated with or without testosterone replacement (Sustanon 250, 10 mg/kg intramuscularly once in 3 weeks) and placed on a normal (0.3%) or high (4.0%) NaCl diet for 6 weeks. The high‐salt diet (HSD) increased arterial BP, renal vascular resistance (RVR) and positive fluid balance (FB). These changes were accompanied by decreased plasma nitric oxide levels. The increased BP, RVR and FB observed in the rats fed a HSD were reversed by orchidectomy while testosterone replacement prevented the reversal. Phenylephrine (PE)‐induced increased vascular resistance in the perfused hind limb vascular bed was enhanced by HSD, the enhanced vascular resistance was prevented by orchidectomy and testosterone replacement reversed orchidectomy effect. Vasorelaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were impaired in HSD groups, orchidectomy attenuated the impairment, while testosterone replacement prevented the orchidectomy attenuation. These data suggested that eNOS‐dependent and independently‐mediated pathways were equally affected by HSD in vascular function impairment and this effect is testosterone‐dependent in male Sprague‐Dawley rats.


Abstract Background: Recent studies suggest that the common variant in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) gene is associated with the risk of smoking-related coronary artery disease (CAD). Intra-ethnic as well as inter-ethnic differences are known to impact the frequencies of GST gene polymorphisms, thus influencing its interactive effect with tobacco smoking on CAD risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interaction of the genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 with cigarette smoking and the risk of CAD in a Chinese population. Methods: We conducted a study with 277 CAD patients and 277 controls matched by age and sex to examine the prevalence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism in CAD. Results: We found that homozygous deletion of GSTM1 had a frequency of 32.1% among patients with CAD and 21.3% among those without CAD (p=0.004). The frequency of the GSTT1null genotype was 27.8% among the patients with CAD and 19.1% among CAD-free subjects (p=0.016). Patients who smoked having both the wild-type genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were protected from developing coronary heart disease (p<0.001). Moreover, smokers with combined GSTM1nullGSTT1null genotypes had a significantly higher number of stenosed vessels than those with the positive genotype (p=0.02). Conclusions: Our results suggest that GST polymorphisms may be a susceptibility factor to smoking-related CAD in the Chinese population. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1720–5.


Background : Among individuals diagnosed with substance dependence, major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common co-occurring Axis I disorder and is associated with greater treatment costs and poor treatment response. Recently revised models recognize substance use behaviors as a complex interplay of distal risk, proximal risks, intrapersonal processes, and contextual factors but few studies have examined mediators and moderators of change in this population, which would inform the development and delivery of clinical interventions. Methods : Veterans (N = 209) meeting DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence with recent use and substance-independent MDD with current depressive symptoms received group Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) or Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (ICBT). Both groups received adjunct pharmacotherapy. Measures were assessed at baseline and at 3-month intervals during 6 months of treatment and 12 months of follow-up. Outcomes were percent days drinking and percent days using drugs. Results : In Study 1 TSF had superior improvement in depression during treatment, which was mediated by greater Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA /NA) meeting attendance. In both groups the effects of AA/ NA attendance on future drinking were mediated through depression. In Study 2 TSF was significantly higher than ICBT on AA/NA attendance and affiliation at end-of- treatment, but during follow-up TSF had greater decreases in AA/NA attendance and affiliation, which mediated greater increases in drinking. In Study 3 greater self- efficacy and lower social network drinking/drug use predicted lower future drinking and drug use. Social network effects were moderated by context, with greater effects of social networks for veterans with less time in constrained environments. In Study 4 greater neurocognitive impairment predicted greater drinking and drug use indirectly through lower self-efficacy, lower AA/ NA affiliation, and greater depressive symptoms. Furthermore, AA/NA affiliation interacted with depression and neurocognitive impairment to predict future drinking, such that the effects of 12-step affiliation were strongest for those with severe neurocognitive impairment when they were severely depressed. Discussion : In adults receiving treatment for co-occurring substance dependence and major depression, negative affect, AA/NA attendance, self-efficacy, and social network substance use are key proximal factors linked to drinking and drug use outcomes, and severity of neurocognitive impairment impacts treatment through indirect associations with these proximal variables


Flux compression generators (FCGs) are high-energy power supplies that are capable of delivering joules to megajoules to loads. There are different types of generators, where each type has its advantages and disadvantages. One possible significant disadvantage of all FCGs is high G-force survivability. To address this issue, a new FCG design is being developed. This new generator, called a Shock Wave Generator (SWG), replaces the standard air filled armature with a powder or a solid, which under shock pressures transitions from a dielectric to a metallic state. This moving metallic shock front is used to convert the chemical energy of high explosives into electrical energy. In this paper, we will report on recent experimental studies of these generators.


CONTEXT
Although metformin is widely used to improve insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its mechanism of action is complex, with inconsistent effects on insulin sensitivity and variability in treatment response.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to delineate the effect of metformin on glucose and insulin parameters, determine additional treatment outcomes, and predict patients with PCOS who will respond to treatment.

DESIGN AND SETTING
We conducted an open-label, interventional study at an academic medical center.

SUBJECTS
Women with PCOS (n = 36) diagnosed by the National Institutes of Health criteria participated in the study.

INTERVENTIONS
Subjects underwent fasting blood sampling, an IV glucose tolerance test, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, transvaginal ultrasound, and measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated androgen levels before and after 12 weeks of treatment with metformin extended release 1500 mg/d. Interval visits were performed to monitor anthropometric measurements and menstrual cycle parameters.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Changes in glucose and insulin parameters, androgen levels, anthropometric measurements, and ovulatory menstrual cycles were evaluated.

RESULTS
Insulin sensitivity did not change despite weight loss. Glucose effectiveness (P = .002) and the acute insulin response to glucose (P = .002) increased, and basal glucose levels (P = .001) decreased after metformin treatment. T levels also decreased. Women with improved ovulatory function (61%) had lower baseline T levels and lower baseline and stimulated T and androstenedione levels after metformin treatment (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS
Using an IV glucose tolerance test, which distinguishes improvements in glucose effectiveness and insulin sensitivity, metformin does not improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS but does improve glucose effectiveness. The improvement in glucose effectiveness may be partially mediated by decreased glucose levels. T levels also decreased with metformin treatment. Ovulation during metformin treatment was associated with lower baseline T levels and greater T and androstenedione decreases during treatment, but not with insulin or LH levels. Thus, the action of metformin in PCOS primarily affects glucose levels and steroidogenesis, which may be mediated by mechanisms that affect both pathways, such as inhibition of mitochondrial complex I.


The current study is designed to see the effects of water access on the well-being of the farming community in rural areas of Pakistan. The data were collected from 300 households of ten villages in rural Faisalabad, Pakistan where the population is facing serious water quality and access issues due to industrial pollution, lack of clean water supply system and limited access to fresh water for agricultural use. We employed ordinary least square and ordered probit methods to measure the association between water access variables and households' well-being. We found that source and quality of drinking water, access to irrigation water, and percentage of crop water requirement fulfilled, and water expenses were statistically significant influencing the households' well-being. The study concluded that water access conditions strongly influence the life satisfaction and water access conditions must be considered in future research. Acknowledging the contribution of village-level economic activities to economic growth, a strong policy is proposed to re-evaluate the existing rural water supply strategy to enhance the households' well-being and enhance livelihood generation among neglected pro-poor farmers in rural areas of Pakistan.


Rats were trained on the repeated reversal of a position habit in a T-maze. Test trials of memory were given at varying intervals after the completion of each reversal. Those animals exhibiting a consistent preference for one side failed to retain the effects of training to the non-preferred side for more than a few minutes.


The results on Vandermonde-like matrices were introduced as a generalization of polynomial Vandermonde matrices, and the displacement structure of these matrices was used to derive an inversion formula. In this paper we first present a fast Gaussian elimination algorithm for the polynomial Vandermonde-like matrices. Later we use the said algorithm to derive fast inversion algorithms for quasiseparable, semiseparable and well-free Vandermonde-like matrices having $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ complexity. To do so we identify structures of displacement operators in terms of generators and the recurrence relations(2-term and 3-term) between the columns of the basis transformation matrices for quasiseparable, semiseparable and well-free polynomials. Finally we present an $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ algorithm to compute the inversion of quasiseparable Vandermonde-like matrices.


Calcinosis universalis is characterized by the deposit of calcium salts in skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons and muscles. Most cases become apparent during the first decade of life. Clinical aspects may vary from arthralgia to movement limitation, with calcification of soft tissues. Differential diagnosis should exclude fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive, progressive osseous heterodysplasia, myositis ossificans and dermatopolymyositis. There is no specific treatment, but the use of calcium chelates (EDTA), biphosphonates (disodium etidronate) and steroids are mentioned. This paper presents a review of the literature and adds a new case of calcinosis universalis and its evolution in 28 months, describing laboratory and radiograph findings and suggesting the differential diagnosis among processes of soft tissue calcification.


The purpose of this review paper is to analyse and evaluate the development of sustainable agriculture in Lithuania from 1990 to the present and to evaluate possibilities, willingness and motivation of farmers to participate in sustainable agriculture. It was established that sustainable agriculture developed from environmentally friendly agriculture and later from organic agriculture. Initially, organic agriculture prevailed and included compliance with environmental requirements; however, later it incorporated social and economic approaches as well. This paper analyses the organic farming practices that stimulated the development of sustainable agriculture. Agri-environmental agriculture has been found to be more popular with farmers as it provides compensatory payments and requires basic environmental knowledge. This work compares farmers' motivation to participate not only in agri-environmental measures, but also in sustainable agriculture. Noteworthy, agri-environmental measures also have elements of sustainable development. The work compares the results of previous research on farmers' motivation and willingness to participate in environmentally friendly farming measures. The research reveals that participation in voluntary programmes has to be economically encouraged. The main findings are as follows: sustainable agriculture developed from organic agriculture gradually by integrating principles of sustainable development; the results of comparative analysis discovered that farmers with deeper understanding of environmental protection are more motivated to implement farming that relies on sustainable agriculture approaches. The research is based on analysis and evaluation through such methods as descriptive and comparative data analysis in previous and recent periods and questionnaire based data collection in order to evaluate new types of farming.


The use of natural fibers obtained from plants and trees are reinforcing materials has attracted many researcher to widen their applications. Natural fibers are low cost, low density, have high specific properties, biodegradable and non-abrasive. Oil palm fiber (OPF) can be obtained directly from natural resource; it is cheap and also has advantages due to its renewable nature, low cost and easy viability. The study aims to give the improvement to composite from plastic reinforced with oil palm empty fruit bunch along with to determine the mechanical performances of the composite. In this research, the sample will through the alkali treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) follow by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the last is using acetic acid (C2H4O2). NaOH is use as a solvent extraction and it will break the lignin bonding. Remove lignin will decrease the absorption of water in composite. Addition different type plasticizer and MAPP will give better improvement to mechanical performance to composite. From the analysis that have done, compatibilized and plasticizers systems an enhanced fibre dispersion and interfacial adhesion has been observed, supporting the occurrence of effective interactions between the functional groups on the copolymer chains and the polar groups of the fibres, as demonstrated by FT-IR analysis. Besides that, the density and melt flow index of composites with different plasticizer was determined and from the all test that have been done it showed that polyethylene glycol is the good plasticizers compared to sorbitol and glycerol.


. In the universal composability framework we consider ideal functionalities for secure messaging and signcryption. Using traditional formal methods techniques we show that the secure messaging functionality can be UC-realized by a hybrid protocol that uses the signcryption functionality and a public key infrastructure functionality. We also dis-cuss that the signcryption functionality can be UC-realized by a secure signcryption scheme.


Purpose of review To evaluate current reviews and assess scientific validity of the recent literature on penile reconstruction after trauma, penile reconstruction in gender reassignment surgery, concealed penis, and aphallia. Recent findings Technical advances in penile reconstruction have been highlighted. The few long-term follow-up studies available confirm the difficulty of such surgery, in terms of complications and the limits of the final achievable outcomes. The surgery necessitates several steps and a high number of revisions. Scientific progress in penile reconstruction seems slow, with a lack of controlled studies, high rate of loss to follow-up (especially in sex reassignment surgery) and a lack of validated assessment measures. However, a few recent studies are making the problems clearer, especially in patient selection and the avoidance of raising false expectations in patients.


OBJECTIVE
To uncover the mechanism by which chondroitin sulfate (CS) enhances hyaluronan (HA) production by human osteoarthritic (OA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS).

METHODS
The production of HA was investigated by exposing human OA FLS to CS in the presence or absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). HA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for HA synthase 1 (HAS-1), HAS-2, and HAS-3 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effect of CS and IL-1beta on signaling pathways was assessed by Western blotting. Specific inhibitors were used to determine their effects on both HA production and HAS expression. The molecular size of HA was analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

RESULTS
CS increased HA production by FLS through up-regulation of the expression of HAS1 and HAS2. This was associated with activation of ERK-1/2, p38, and Akt, although to a lesser extent. Both p38 and Akt were involved in CS-induced HA accumulation. IL-1beta increased HA production and levels of mRNA for HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3. CS enhanced the IL-1beta-induced level of HAS2 mRNA and reduced the level of HAS3 mRNA. IL-1beta-induced activation of p38 and JNK was slightly decreased by CS, whereas that of ERK-1/2 and Akt was enhanced. More high molecular weight HA was found in CS plus IL-1beta-treated FLS than in FLS treated with IL-1beta alone.

CONCLUSION
CS stimulates the synthesis of high molecular weight HA in OA FLS through up-regulation of HAS1 and HAS2. It reduces the IL-1beta-enhanced transcription of HAS3 and increases the production of HA of large molecular sizes. These effects may be beneficial for maintaining viscosity and antiinflammatory properties in the joint.


A method is described for the simultaneous determination of major glucocorticoids in bovine plasma, that is, Cortisol, Corticosterone and Cortisone, which includes separation by high-pressure liquid chromatography and measurement using a UV detector (254 nm). Chromatography on the Zorbax CN column is carried out with the eluent system, that is, n-hexane/ethanol (=87/13 v/v). First, Dexamethasone was selected as the best internal standard under the previously mentioned conditions. The calibration curves for the glucocorticoids were all clearly linear. The recoveries for each 5 ng of added Cortisol, Corticosterone and Cortisone were 96.7 +/- 3.2%, 100.4 +/- 2.3% and 96.1 +/- 2.2%, respectively. The reproducibility of Cortisol was good and its coefficient of variation of intraassay was small (2.7%), whereas such coefficient was not so in Corticosterone (7.7%) and Cortisone (7.3%). This appears to be due to low concentrations of Corticosterone and Cortisone in the plasma. Specificity of this method to each glucocorticoid was ascertained using plasma from adrenalectomized wethers. In addition, the correlation coefficient between measurements of Cortisol by radioimmunoassay and those by this method was 0.978. In conclusion, the method described in this paper appears to be satisfactory for the simultaneous quantification of plasma glucocorticoids.


This paper gives a formal elaboration of the theory of legal reasoning and argumentation that was described in Hage et al. [1994]. Legal reasoning is considered to be procedural, and the way this procedure is modeled is a two person dialogue. Basic elements of this two person dialogue are defined, such as moves, and rules are formulated that describe how dialogues run.


Several new species of oviparous skates of the genus Bathyraja have been identified over the past 2 decades, yet it is possible that a complete understanding of species diversity among this group has not been achieved. We used genetics and morphology to screen for the presence of species-level differentiation among embryos from nursery areas in the eastern Bering Sea that were initially identified as the Alaska skate B. parmifera. A sample of 57 embryos from Pervenets Canyon differed significantly at single nucleotide polymorphism loci from 297 other B. parmifera samples, and differences were on the order of those observed between B. parmifera and the leopard skate B. panthera. This sample of embryos was similar to B. parmifera at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial locus. We discuss whether this group of embryos may represent an undescribed cryptic species. Although morphological description of adults is required for a complete species description, only embryo samples were available. Even so, results presented here are a step toward understanding, managing, and conserving the diversity of skate species in the North Pacific Ocean.


Metaphor identification in order to describe what meaning patients associate with their experiences with a nurse practitioner

 To explore interpretations and meanings of individuals' experiences, it is normal to conduct open in-depth interviews. Asking participants to express their meanings and beliefs through metaphors or other symbolic representations can enhance insight in their experiences. Also it will support those who find it difficult to describe their feelings in words alone.
 This article describes some methodological considerations, the process of using and analyzing metaphors, and the identified metaphors.
 The article ends by reflecting on the impact of using metaphors as a way to collect experiences, both from the researcher and participant perspective. Furthermore, we recommend using metaphors or other symbolic representations in future research studying lived experiences and meanings participants associate with these experiences.


Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the first-line drug for prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and for prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients. Evidence indicating intolerance related to the dose of SMX led us to examine the efficacy of altered TMP-SMX ratios in a corticosteroid-treated rat model. Infections were assessed by counting P. carinii cysts in lung and by titration of Toxoplasma gondii burdens in tissue culture. For prophylaxis, the reference regimen of 20 mg/kg TMP plus 100 mg/kg SMX was effective. Reduced doses of SMX (5 and 20 mg/kg) effective against PCP were effective against toxoplasmosis, provided the TMP dose was increased to 100 mg/kg. For curative treatment, the reversed ratio of 100 mg/kg TMP plus 20 mg/kg SMX was not effective. These results may provide a basis for altering the TMP-SMX ratios in setting of prophylaxis for both infections, especially in HIV infected patients who often poorly tolerate sulfonamides.


The aim of the present study was to assess the consequences of maternal vitamin B deficiency in mice during early development on the offspring's biochemical and biometric parameters. Female mice received vitamin deficient or standard control diets for one month prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation. Their offspring were then divided into three groups: Control "CT" (offspring of control, breastfed by control mothers), deficient pregnancy "DP" (offspring of deficient mothers, breastfed by control mothers) and deficient pregnancy and lactation "DPL" (offspring of deficient mothers, breastfed by deficient mothers). The body, perigonadal white adipose tissue (PWAT), pericardial white adipose tissue (PCWAT), liver, kidney, spleen, heart and brain were weighed, and blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides evaluated in female and male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 0, 28, 90 and 210. The results indicated that the dams exposure to vitamin B2, B9, B12 and choline deficiencies contributed to increased events related to cannibalization and/or dead pups observed at PND 1 (p 0.8) and male (p>0.09) offspring body weight, however a decrease in PWAT of DPL males was observed. The early exposure to methyl donor deficiency was not associated with increased body weight or changes in glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol metabolism, typical markers of the metabolic syndrome.


IntroductionBereavement support comes in different forms and degrees of formality, reflecting the varying needs of bereaved people. Following the Covid-19 pandemic there is renewed interest in improving the support available for bereaved people, seen in the UK Commission on Bereavement. This (pre-pandemic) Marie Curie funded study identified core outcomes for the evaluation of adult bereavement support interventions. The first part of this study involved a stakeholder-workshop with people from professional and lived experience backgrounds.AimsThe workshop aimed to gather stakeholder views on what good bereavement support looks like and the impacts that it should have for bereaved service users.Method21 bereaved and professional stakeholders were divided into three groups and asked to discuss how support services should benefit their service users. Key themes were identified from these sessions.ResultsThree main themes emerged from the discussions;informal support and self-management;the purpose and impacts of bereavement service support and the timing, accessibility and quality of support. It was agreed that support services should work to promote resilience, enable coping and improve social functioning and relationships, offering practical as well as emotional support. Support should be tailored to individual needs, be accessible to people from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and be available at different stages of the bereavement process. Identifying and responding to those with more complex grief or mental health problems is vital.ConclusionThis stakeholder workshop identified key support functions, impacts and goals for adult bereavement services, which align with resilience and public health approaches to bereavement support.ImpactWorkshop themes featured centrally in the two core outcomes identified in the wider study ('ability to cope' and 'quality of life and wellbeing').Identifying the best mechanisms and modalities for achieving these outcomes presents a challenge and opportunity, as we respond to the adaptations and renewed interest in bereavement support brought by the pandemic.


We have determined the metabolic effects induced by the use of extradural blockage with 0.5 per cent bupivacaine hydrochloride in a group of surgical patients. Turnover rates of glucose and urea were determined isotopically using radioisotopes and studies were performed both in the basal state and during total parenteral nutrition. In the basal state, extradural blockade resulted in a decrease in the turnover rates of both glucose and urea. In addition, when extradural blockade was instituted while the patients were receiving total parenteral nutrition, there was also a significant fall in glucose turnover. We conclude that the use of extradural blockade is effective as a means of conserving bodily resources in surgical patients both in the basal state and during total parenteral nutrition.


Since the end of the 1970's, excess mortality among girls, from the end of the neonatal period until the age of 4 years, has been observed in some South Asian countries. Explanatory hypotheses for this situation have in fact noted differences by sex in food allocation and in care during illness. In some North African and sub-Saharan countries in Africa, mortality data suggest the same type of phenomenon, but less reliable statistics and a lack of data analysis by sex on use of health services does not really allow clarification of the problem. The objective of this study was to analyse health seeking behaviour by sex and to identify explanatory factors for any differences found. A cross sectional study of 1560 consultations of under-5 children was carried out in 6 university and regional hospitals in 3 African countries: Algeria (the zones of Aïn Taya and Tigzirt); Togo (the zones of Lomé, Atakpamé and Kara) and the Congo (Brazzaville). Results confirm the existence of discrimination against girls. In ways which vary according to zones, and in comparison to boys, observations of girls show: under-representation among outpatients (29% in Tigzirt, 40% in Kara), especially when they have many siblings, of which some are sisters; longer duration of the development of symptoms before first resort (leading to increased severity of symptoms); less investment in health care; detrimental feeding practices. Higher SES of the father plays a favourable role, especially for girls, and children of both sexes benefit when the mother has a good educational level. The large regional differences demonstrate the complex interaction among explanatory factors: rurality, problems of access to the hospital, low economic level, low social status of women. This research opens the way so that, in Africa, research will no longer be carried out on health seeking behaviour and utilisation of health services without examining separately the situation of boys and girls, and analysing the possible causes of any differences.


504 (five hundred four) 1 day old male chicks from a commercial broiler line (Ag Ross 308) were used, distributed in 12 treatments, with 6 replicates per treatment. The experimental design was casually blocked and treatments were organized in a 2x2x3 factorial arrangement: two available phosphorus levels (0.45 and 0.34%), two phytase inclusion levels (0 and 1200 FTU/kg) and three crude protein levels (22.5; 20.5 and 18.5%). Tibia calcium percentage was influenced by protein and phosphorus levels in the diet, when using phytase. Tibia ash levels showed a linear effect when enzymes were added and showed a quadractic effect without it, and the higher value was observed with 22.5% crude protein in the diet. With higher phosphorus levels a linear effect was observed between crude protein in the diet and tibia ash weights, as a higher protein level had lower tibia ash weight.


The role of human resource management is continously improved to enhance the performance of employees. PT GSI, as one of Indonesian company producing shoe products to meet demand from all around the world, needs employees with high performance. On the other side, the employees need reasonable compensation and safe work environments. This research is conducted to investigate the relationships and the effects of the compensation and work environment variables on the job performance. Using causal descriptive research method, samples of 77 units are randomly taken from 328 labors at the Quality Inspection Production Divison. The questionaire comprising eighteen questions is applied to explore the employee minds and perceptions on the relationships and effects of the compensation and work environment variables toward the job performance variable. The result of this research shows that compensation ( X 1 ) and work environment ( X 2 ) variables simultanously effect to the job performance variable ( Y ). The linier regression equation constructed is represented by Y = 4,375 - 0,181X1 + 0,382X2.


In Focus: Beton, C. H., Delahay, R. J., Smith, F. A. P., Robertson, A., McDonald, R. A., Young, A. J., Burke T. A., & Hodgson, D. (2018). Inbreeding intensifies sex- and age-dependent disease in a wild mammal. Journal of Animal Ecology, 87, 1497-1499. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12878 Increasing crossbreeding of relatives promotes inbreeding which, in turn, can cause a reduction in fitness and the emergence of a phenomenon known as inbreeding depression. Benton et al., used the badger (Meles meles)-Mycobacterium bovis model system to study the relationship between inbreeding, disease, ageing and sex. A link between multilocus homozygosity (general effect) and TB progression (measured as antibody response to infection) and between homozygosity at specific loci (local effect) and TB progression were established in this study, highlighting the importance of host genetic background in determining host disease outcomes, and thus on shaping disease dynamics in wild populations. Moreover, the authors demonstrated for the first time in a natural population that this positive association might be modulated by sex and age. In infected individuals, inbreeding only affects disease progression in adult females.


The paper presents a new iterative receiver algorithm which is proposed for the high order modulation system. It has low complexity and good performance. Firstly, the algorithm uses zero forcing multiuser detection (MUD) algorithm. Then it is performed by a soft-input soft-output (SISO) multiuser detector and a bank of SISO channel decoders, through an iterative process. And the SISO multiuser detector adopts a novel soft interface cancellation method based on a linear minimum mean-squared error (LMMSE) filter. This makes the detector overcome the limitation of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) while the complexity is polynomial in terms of codes to be detected in the system. Simulation results show that, the performance of the proposed iterative receiver can approach that of single code maximal likelihood detection (MLD) only after two iterations.


To provide a grill installation structure that is capable of firmly supporting an air outlet of a grill body of an air-conditioning grill to a grill installation part of an installation member even when the grill installation part of the installation member is designed to have a notched shape. A finisher of the grill installation part is formed in a notched shape such that an air-conditioning grill unit is insertable in a direction (grill insertion direction Ig) orthogonal to an opening direction of the air outlet, and the finisher includes a grill fixing part on the back. The air-conditioning grill unit includes an outer peripheral flange disposed frontward to a front surface side of the finisher, and the air-conditioning grill unit includes a grill holding plate that is installed in the grill fixing part from a back thereof.


A prospective phase II study was conducted to define the analgesic efficacy, acceptability and toxicity of the transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) of fentanyl in Chinese patients with severe cancer-related pain. A total of 14 patients was treated with TTS fentanyl at doses ranging from 25 to 100 μg h-1; initial doses were chosen according to their previous opioid requirement. Standard supportive therapy was given as required. A brief pain inventory (using a 10-point scale) was used to assess patients at days 0, 7 and 14. Pain control on day 14 with TTS fentanyl was successful in six patients, with a reduction in the common side-effects of other opioids and improvement in general well-being. Seven patients did not complete the 14-day trial: two developed dizziness and nausea within 3 h of application; and in five, TTS fentanyl was insufficiently flexible to control increasing pain during the first week. TTS fentanyl was effective and well tolerated in 43% of patients. Acute dizziness and nausea within the first few hours after application and the relative inflexibility of dose-adjustment both limited the use of TTS fentanyl.


Automatic detection of commercials in digital multimedia material is a challenging task with many applications. This paper presents a novel approach to fast commercial detection based on audio retrieval. It is based on the idea of segmenting energy envelope of audio into units, using only audio signal for matching on a commercial database. Fast searching and matching can be performed with high accuracy, by searching and by novel similarity function based on units. Experimental results show that 96.8% recall rate and 98.7% precision rate can be achieved under 0.125 real-time.


Sera from 37 patients with scleroderma were studied for the presence of auto-antibodies. Rheumatoid factors and antibodies to smooth muscle and thyroid were seen in some patients. Ten of 31 patients (32%) had antibodies to nuclear antigens. They were not related to the extent or severity of disease but were often associated with other complications or coincidental diseases. These serological changes only occurred in the patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and did not occur in morphoea. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA were found in only one case, and neither clinical nor serological overlap with systemic lupus erythematosus were seen in this group of patients.


This article is a critical assessment of a report on pensions recently published by the World Bank. It takes issue with the report's assertion that public pension systems have failed both socially and economically, demonstrating that many of the shortcomings identified by the World Bank apply with equal or greater force to private systems. It argues that the strategy outlined in the report, involving the replacement of social insurance by mandatory savings schemes, would involve an unacceptably high degree of risk for workers and pensioners, that it would make old-age protection more costly, and that the transition would impose a heavy burden on the current generation of workers. The article concludes that a more efficient and less disruptive approach to the provision of retirement pension would be to focus efforts on measures to rectify design deficiencies and inequities in existing schemes.


Inspired by the computational simplicity and numerical stability of QR decomposition, a nonparametric method for estimating the number of signals without eigendecomposition (MENSE) is proposed for the coherent narrowband signals impinging on a uniform linear array (ULA). By exploiting the array geometry and its shift invariance property to decorrelate the coherency of signals through subarray averaging, the number of signals is revealed in the rank of the QR upper-trapezoidal factor of the autoproduct of a combined Hankel matrix formed from the cross correlations between some sensor data. Since the infection of additive noise is defused, signal detection capability is improved. A new detection criterion is then formulated in terms of the row elements of the QR upper-triangular factor when finite array data are available, and the number of signals is determined as a value of the running index for which this ratio criterion is maximized, where the QR decomposition with column pivoting is also used to improve detection performance. The statistical analysis clarifies that the MENSE detection criterion is asymptotically consistent. Furthermore, the proposed MENSE algorithm is robust against the array uncertainties including sensor gain and phase errors and mutual coupling and against the deviations from the spatial homogeneity of noise model. The effectiveness of the MENSE is verified through numerical examples, and the simulation results show that the MENSE is superior in detecting closely spaced signals with a small number of snapshots and/or at relatively low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)


An energetic bedtime romp in the land of dinosaurs. It's a dark, thundery night and two children lie in bed, afraid and unable to sleep. Then their cat says he wants to show them where all the noise outside is really coming from! And so begins a magical journey as the cat leads the children back through millions of years to a jungle of long, long ago. There, a group of dinosaurs are dancing the night away. The children romp and stomp, whoop and swoop with a tyrannosaurus rex, a brontosaurus and a stegosaurus. And, when they become sleepy and can dance no more, there is only one place they want to be!back home, safe in bed.


Library stocktake, inventory control or stock verification as it is variously called is a necessary but time consuming exercise for any library. It is a topic that authors have only sporadically addressed. It took an intervention of the Internal Audit Unit of the University of Botswana (UB) which revealed anomalies in the purported stock of the library, to compel one of the branch libraries to conduct a stocktake and blaze the trail for the rest of the library. With no precedent in sight, three senior library staff were given the mandate to undertake the verification exercise of the Francistown Campus branch library of UBL, otherwise known as CCE North Library. The staff had to develop procedures for the stocktake as no policy was in place. The experience gained showed the importance of the exercise and was applied to formulate a policy document to be adopted by the rest of the UB branch libraries. This article gives an account of the conduct of the stocktake, procedures undertaken, problems encountered and solutions proffered. It also examines the follow-up exercise and presents recommendations for a stocktake policy.


The prevalence of degenerative joint disease (DJD), of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adolescents and its clinical and radiographic presentation has not been widely described. During a 2-year period, 174 patients with TMJ pain or dysfunction were referred to the Division of Oral Radiology, College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, for radiographic evaluation. Twenty-one patients were 18 years or younger and, of these, eight were diagnosed as having DJD of one or both joints on the basis of the radiographic appearances. The clinical and radiographic features of these eight adolescent patients are described and the factors potentially associated with the development of the condition discussed. The prevalence in this study appeared to be higher than previously reported.


To the Editor.— The article "Adolescent Suicide Attempters: Response to Suicide-Prevention Programs," by Shaffer et al 1 has received considerable public attention. Problems in the selection of outcome measures, however, limit the use of research findings for prevention planning purposes. The aims of the study were to determine (1) whether there was a high-risk group of children with distorted attitudes about suicide; (2) if the intervention was effective for the group in greatest need; and (3) if exposure to the program led to distress or imitation of behavior in students who had not previously attempted suicide, with imitation expected to occur most often among symptomatic adolescents. The first goal of the study was achieved. A number of adolescents were identified who had made previous suicide attempts, and these students also reported distorted attitudes regarding suicide. However, firm conclusions cannot be drawn concerning the latter two goals of the study. Findings


Background. Amoebiasis is a global health problem affecting poor regions in the world. Few drugs such as metronidazole are available to treat this disease; unfortunately, it is associated with several serious side effects. Tsaang gubat and ampalaya have been used by traditional healers from different cultures to treat dysentery.
Objective. The aim of this research was to provide evidence to validate the use of tsaang gubat and ampalaya leaf extracts for dysentery by determining their anti-amoebic activity.
Methods. The tsaang gubat and ampalaya leaves were sourced from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos and processed into a lyophilized aqueous extract. Anti-amoebic activity was determined in an in vitro assay using Entamoeba histolytica HK-9 strain against 10 dose levels (18-10,000 µg/mL). The amoeba and leaf extracts were incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The trophozoites were stained with Trypan blue and dispensed into chambers of a Neubauer hemocytometer. The live trophozoites (unstained) were counted under a binocular microscope. The MIC and IC50 were determined. Metronidazole and DMSO served as positive and negative controls, respectively.
Results. Tsaang gubat and ampalaya leaves failed to show anti-amoebic activity and even had increased growth of amoeba at all dose levels. The IC50 of tsaang gubat and ampalaya leaf extracts were >500 µg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Metronidazole was able to eradicate the amoeba parasite at 24 and 72 hours, while exposure to DMSO did not result in inhibition nor death of the parasite.
Conclusion. Tsaang gubat and ampalaya aqueous leaf extracts did not exhibit any anti-amoeba activity.


This study aimed to evaluate the results and complications of image-guided percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) using computed tomography (CT) and C-arm fluoroscopy, with finger-touch guidance to determine the needle entry point. Of the 86 patients (106 PKP) examined, 56 were treated for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and 30 for vertebral tumors. All patients underwent image-guided treatment using CT and conventional fluoroscopy, with finger-touch identification of a puncture point within a small incision (1.5 to 2 cm). Partial or complete pain relief was achieved in 98% of patients within 24 h of treatment. Moreover, a significant improvement in functional mobility and reduction in analgesic use was observed. CT allowed the detection of cement leakage in 20.7% of the interventions. No bone cement leakages with neurologic symptoms were noted. All work channels were made only once, and bone cement was distributed near the center of the vertebral body. Our study confirms the efficacy of PKP treatment in osteoporotic and oncological patients. The combination of CT and C-arm fluoroscopy with finger-touch guidance reduces the risk of complications compared with conventional fluoroscopy alone, facilitates the detection of minor cement leakage, improves the operative procedure, and results in a favorable bone cement distribution.


The present study aims at using dye industry effluents for crop irrigation following treatment by low cost semiconductor material. Orange G dye solution was used and treated with TiO2 under sunlight. The resulting photobleached solution was used for growth of analysis studies in Allium cepa. Growth parameters for onion bulb like shoot growth, shoot density, root growth and root density were reported. The effect of this photocatalytic treatment was observed in terms of certain biochemical parameters like chlorophyll, sugar and protein content. The findings of the investigation reinforce the fact that effluents from dyeing industries can be reused effectively.


Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common pediatric condition with significant developmental, social, educational, and safety implications. The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed guidelines to support quality care of children with ADHD, but studies demonstrate that the guidelines are variably followed. Methods: This review highlights patterns of diagnosis and treatment of children with ADHD nationally and in Louisiana and provides examples of system- and practice-level opportunities to improve adherence to quality standards. Results: Possible contributors to the higher prevalence of ADHD and medication use in Louisiana compared to the nation are specialty workforce shortages, factors in the educational system, and factors associated with race and geography. Innovative system approaches have been developed to address workforce shortages and training limitations. Practice-level innovations include improving the use of validated measures, offering adequate scheduling, and identifying relevant resources and sharing the information with families. Conclusion: Despite the availability of evidence-based recommendations and resources, significant opportunities exist to provide enhanced ADHD care at the primary care level, especially in Louisiana where the high prevalence of some risk factors for ADHD and the high rates of ADHD and medication prescriptions have been noted nationally and at the state level. Attention to these factors can potentially help address these disproportionalities. Additionally, innovative models of training and collaboration in pediatrics are imperative. Pediatric clinicians, mental health providers, and families can work together to increase awareness about the needs of children and families affected by ADHD in medical, educational, and policy arenas and move the system forward for children.


Maritime traffic surveillance requires a very accurate and continuous analysis of the sea. This area consists of many different objects, actors and rules. Monitoring such a wide and complex area requires adapted visual tools, such as Maritime Surveillance Systems. These tools help identifying abnormal behaviours, which can lead to risky situations. We investigate the usability of visual analytics and geovisualization methods that will improve these systems: a better synthesis of the data and more effective tools lead to improved situation awareness. Visualization methods and needs of controllers being very specific, there is no single solution for modelling, visualizing and analysing maritime data. In this paper, we identify the limits of current research in geovisual analytics for maritime surveillance. A new approach for guiding the selection of visual analytics methods is proposed. The profile of the user, the purpose of use and the situation to analysis are considered together; a knowledge-based system will guide the user toward the most suitable visualization methods.


Results of a large-area ultralow-capacitance lateral p-i-n photodiode in a thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) film are presented. Silicon-on-insulator wafers are used for manufacturing of this photodiode. The ultralow-capacitance photodiode possesses and antireflection coating optimized for blue light and is, therefore, appropriate for scintillation detector applications. An external quantum efficiency of 78% and 67.0% is achieved for wavelengths of 430 and 400 nm, respectively. The rise and fall times of the lateral p-i-n photodiode for light with a wavelength of 400 nm are 10.9 and 11.5 ns, respectively. A capacitance of 1.47 pF was measured inclusive of the bondpad capacitance for the lateral p-i-n photodiode with an area of 3.66 mm/sup 2/. The capacitance of the lateral thin-film photodiode alone is actually only 0.61 pF. This photodiode combines an ultralow capacitance with a high quantum efficiency and a high speed.


Abstract : Progress in the understanding of energetic materials from the initial synthesis, in the nonreacting state, and finally during decomposition on timescales from hours to picoseconds has markedly advanced in recent years, A major factor has been the incorporation of advanced diagnostics, such as AFM, broadband time-resolved spectroscopy, laser methods, high-level theory, and high-speed computing. New and unusual compounds, which have been sought on the basis of theoretically optimized properties, are progressing from imagination to reality. Control over physical properties, such as defect number and crystal growth characteristics, is occurring. Promising new levels of understanding about reaction pathways, kinetics, sensitivity mechanisms, combustion mechanisms, and shock fronts are being gained. The focus on component materials has continued to expand beyond studies of the neat oxidizers and monopropellants to the behavior of binders, metals and metalloids, and whole new classes of compounds. Many novel materials were mentioned throughout this symposium.


Multiple gas detection in mixed-gas environments is a challenging issue in many engineering industries because some of the gases can raise defect rates and reduce production efficiency. For chemo-resistive gas sensors, a precise estimation can be challenging because of the measurement variance and non-linear nature of the gas sensors, especially in a low concentration environment. A simple application of the deep learning models, however, does not yield sufficiently accurate predictions of the concentrations of multiple gases in gas mixtures; thus, it is essential to develop basic strategies for enhancing the accuracy in all possible ways. In this study, we develop a deep learning framework for achieving high accuracy of gas concentration prediction by studying the essential pre-processing techniques, learning task design, and architecture design. For the pre-processing, we study several aspects of processing time-series sensor data and identify the key techniques for complementing deep learning models' limitations. We utilize the mixed-gas nature for the learning task design and show that multi-task learning can generate a synergistic effect. Additionally, we show that a further improvement is possible by considering on-off classification as a part of the hybrid learning task. Concerning architecture design, we investigate Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) models after applying the identified pre-processing techniques. CNN outperformed other models in a joint analysis with the learning task. The effectiveness of our framework is confirmed with the UCI gas mixture dataset acquired using a chemical detection platform where 16 chemical sensors are exposed to ethylene, CO, and methane gases. Using the dataset, we study the basic techniques that can be effective to mixed-gas prediction. For the UCI dataset, our deep learning framework achieves a significant improvement in estimation accuracy when compared to the previous studies.


We report a case of locally advanced granular cell tumor of the orbit treated by a multidisciplinary surgical approach. A 49-year-old woman with a recently biopsied granular cell tumor of the orbit was referred to our tertiary care cancer center for evaluation of a right-sided globe ptosis and a palpable mass in the right orbit that had been present for approximately two years. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large orbital mass that extended posteriorly to the orbital apex and anteriorly to the levator and superior rectus muscle complex. A workup including computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not show any metastatic foci. Surgical resection of the mass was undertaken via a frontozygomatic craniotomy supplemented by an anterior orbitotomy to repair the levator aponeurosis and the superior oblique tendon, which were partially resected with the mass. Histologic evaluation of the mass revealed solid nests of polygonal cells that had centrally located, round nuclei with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic granules were positive on the periodic acid-Schiff reaction and were diastase-resistant. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for S-100 protein. During the most recent follow-up visit six months after surgery, the patient had no clinical evidence of tumor recurrence, had minimal residual ptosis and exposure keratopathy, and had stable visual function.


Background Little is known about perceived norms about cigarette smoking in Uganda or the extent to which perceptions drive personal cigarette smoking behaviour. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2016–2018 that targeted all adults who resided within eight villages in Rwampara District, southwestern Uganda. Personal cigarette smoking frequency was elicited by self-report. We also asked participants what they believed to be the cigarette smoking frequency of most other adult men and women in their villages (i.e., perceived norms). Frequent cigarette smoking was defined as 4+ times/week. We compared perceived norms to cigarette smoking frequency reports aggregated at the village level. We used multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the association between perceived norms and personal cigarette smoking behaviour. Results Among 1626 participants (91% response rate), 92 of 719 men (13%) and 6 of 907 women (0.7%) reported frequent smoking. However, 1030 (63%) incorrectly believed most men in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. Additionally, 116 (7%) incorrectly believed that most women in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. These misperceptions were pervasive across social strata. Men who misperceived frequent cigarette smoking as the norm among other men in their villages were more likely to smoke frequently themselves (adjusted relative risk=1.49; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.97). Conclusions Most adults overestimated cigarette smoking frequency among village peers. Men who incorrectly believed that frequent smoking was the norm were more likely to engage in frequent smoking themselves. Applying a 'social norms approach' intervention by promoting existing healthy norms may prevent smoking initiation or motivate reductions in smoking among men in rural Uganda.


Estimation of the area complexity of a Boolean function from its functional description is an important step towards a power estimation capability at the register transfer level (RTL). This paper addresses the problem of computing the area complexity of single-output Boolean functions given only their functional description, where area complexity is measured in terms of the number of gates required for an optimal implementation of the function. We propose an area model to estimate the area based on a new complexity measure called the average cube complexity. This model has been implemented, and empirical results demonstrating its feasibility and utility are presented.


Abstract The mobilized sediments expelled by the mud volcanoes in Trinidad correspond to liquefied argillaceous and sandy material in which the solid fraction is systematically polygenic and originating from several formations (Cretaceous to Pliocene). The mud is notably rich in thingrained quartz that is angular and frequently mechanically damaged related to shearing at great depth, during the sedimentary burial, and/or hydraulic fracturing processes. The exotic clasts are mostly fractured fragments from various formations of the tectonic wedge (mostly Palaeocene to Miocene). The origin of the solid particles of the mud is polygenic, including deep Cretaceous-Palaeogene horizons close to the décollement, and various materials from the stratigraphic pile pierced by the mud conduits. Moreover, the fluids expelled by the mud volcanoes have a deep origin and notably the gas phase is thermogenic methane generated probably below a depth of 5000 m. The effusions occur either during cycles of moderate effusion of mud and fluids (quiescence regime), or during catastrophic events responsible for the expulsion of huge volumes of mud, clasts and fluids (transient regime). Available subsurface data suggest that the deep structure of the mud volcanoes includes: (1) a focused deep conduit at depth in the zone of overpressure; (2) a mud chamber intruding the surrounding formations around and above the top of the abnormal pressure zone; and (3) a superficial outlet leading to the surface vents.


Intrahepatic sarcomatoid cholangiocarcinomais is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis due to its biologically aggressive tumor behavior. We report a patient who presented with subcapsular hemorrhage and a rapidly growing liver mass. A 57 year-old man was admitted with severe abdominal pain. CT and MRI images showed the presence of a 10 cm-sized subcapsular hemorrhage connected with a multi-lobulated mass with hemorrhage and necrotic foci in the right liver. The patients underwent right hemihepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. The operation findings revealed metastatic nodules to the diaphragm and omentum. Detailed histopathological analysis through immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid cholangiocarcinoma with a poorly undifferentiated sarcomatous component. The patient underwent chemotherapy. To date, the patient is doing well for 8 months after initial diagnosis.


Based on the study of biodiversity features of forested areas,the irreplaceability values of conservation planning units can be calculated using the Systematic Conservation Planning(SCP) approach and C-Plan conservation planning software(C-plan).This approach selects representative endangered species as indicator species and their spatial distributions are then estimated using C-Plan.To analyze biodiversity hotspots in northeast China we used the planning function of C-Plan.According to existing conservation areas and the priority ratings of the area under study,a GAP analysis of biodiversity was performed.Depending on the irreplaceability value of each conservation planning unit,we divided areas into three levels of conservation priority,mandatory reservd areas(MR),negotiated Reserved areas(NR) and partially reserved areas(PR).The result shows that areas for MR priority,most of which lie in the core areas of Changbai Mountain and the virgin forests of the northern Great Khingan Mountains,accounts for 8.17% of the entire area under study;the NR areas,which mainly lie in the southeast of Great Khingan Mountains and the Songnen Plain wetland,accounts for 7.51%;and Partially reserved areas account for 9%.Results of GAP analysis show there are some evident protection gaps between priority planning areas and existing national nature reserves in northeastern China.Those are Changbai mountain area,north Great Khingan Mountains,the transitional area between western grassland and north Great Khingan Mountains area.In addition we studied the contribution existing nature reserves make to achieve the target of protection in different periods by using C-Plan,the results of which show the contribution value of the existing conservation areas to be 17.5% by the year 2000.By comparing contribution values of existing and planned nature reserves,we can decide the level of protection,guide the systematic planning of conservation areas,and support further development and strategies for conservation accordingly.Our research created a new approach to SCP for planning units,using natural polygons,such as vegetation types and landforms,instead of the traditional method using symmetrical shapes vastly improving the accuracy of the distribution range of species.


We show that quantum fluctuations should violate the weak equivalence principle in the Brans - Dicke theory, which implies that the Jordan frame can no longer be interpreted as physical. In the Pauli frame the violation of the equivalence principle could be attributed to the existence of the dilatonic fifth force. We argue that the present fifth force experiments could put a much more stringent constraint on the Brans - Dicke coupling constant than accepted so far.


The objective of the study is to investigate the role of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) synergy in higher maintenance of Ca in fruit buds during senescence. To study the hypothesis, an experiment was conducted for two years in two 'Starking Delicious' apple (Malus domastica Borkh.) orchards established on seedling rootstocks in Banaz, Usak, Turkey. Treatments composed of postharvest foliar sprays of Ca at rate of 15.13 kg h−1, B at rate of 2.47 kg h−1 and their combination (Ca+B) compared with control trees sprayed with water. Fruiting spurs, flower ovaries, young and mature fruits were sampled and analyzed for their Ca, B, potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) contents. Fruit were stored for six months and quality attributes were studied. Results put forth that Ca+B treatments significantly increase fruit Ca and B concentrations and firmness. The results displayed that postharvest B spray improves Ca nutrition of fruits through synergism of Ca+B on Ca translocation.


Aim: To study the relationship between hyperglycaemia and the onset/progression of retinopathy, blindness/moderate visual impairment or death, as well as the impact of improved glycaemic control on retinopathy in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Methods: Between January 1990 and October 1995 a total of 3,220 diabetic patients were enrolled in a programme for control and screening for retinopathy. Of them 483 (15%) were below 30 years of age, and 2,737 (85%) 30 years or more at diagnosis and were considered representative of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and NIDDM, respectively. Retinopathy was graded on fundus photographs using the Wisconsin scale. The time points for detection of blindness (visual acuity 0.1 or less)/ moderate visual impairment (visual acuity 0.2-0.4), progression of retinopathy or death were recorded. The average HbA1c for each patient was used to estimate long-term glycaemic control. Results: Prevalence, development and progression of retinopathy were significantly associated with poor glycaemic control in all diabetic patients. The presence of retinopathy at baseline predicted progression in the NIDDM group. A non-linear relationship was found in NIDDM between mean HbA1c and progression of retinopathy 3 levels or more with a threshold value of about 8.0 %. Patients who changed treatment from oral agents to insulin therapy had an increased risk for progression of retinopathy, which most likely was due to rapid lowering of blood glucose. Poor glycaemic control, severe retinopathy, and blindness were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Poor glycaemic control and intensified treatment with insulin are risk factors for progression of retinopathy in patients with NIDDM. (Less)


Lothar Collatz had proposed in 1937 a conjecture in number theory called Collatz conjecture. Till today there is no evidence of proving or disproving the conjecture. In this paper, we propose an algorithmic approach for verification of the Collatz conjecture based on bit representation of integers. The scheme neither encounters any cycles in the so called Collatz sequence and nor the sequence grows indefinitely. Experimental results show that the Collatz sequence starting at the given integer , oscillates for finite number of times, never exceeds 1.7 times (scaling factor) size of the starting integer and finally reaches the value 1. The experimental results show strong evidence that conjecture is correct and paves a way for theoretical proof.


There has been an increased focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, especially on cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors. In this essay, we scrutinize the prevailing narrative that cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are no longer confined to the economically advantaged groups but are an increasing burden among the poor in India. We conducted a comprehensive review of studies reporting the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and CVRF, CVD, and CVD-related mortality in India. With the exception of smoking and low fruit and vegetable intake, the studies clearly suggest that CVRF/CVD is more prevalent among high SES groups in India than among the low SES groups. Although CVD-related mortality rates appear to be higher among the lower SES groups, the proportion of deaths from CVD-related causes was found to be greatest among higher SES groups. The studies on SES and CVRF/CVD also reveal a substantial discrepancy between the data presented and the authors' interpretations and conclusions, along with an unsubstantiated claim that a reversal in the positive SES-CVRF/CVD association has occurred or is occurring in India. We conclude our essay by emphasizing the need to prioritize public health policies that are focused on the health concerns of the majority of the Indian population. Resource allocation in the context of efforts to make health care in India free and universal should reflect the proportional burden of disease on different population groups if it is not to entrench inequity.


Eddy-current losses in laminated ferromagnetic material are computed, using the finite-element and finite-difference methods. The excitation is periodic with only one component, and the theoretical development uses a quasistationary analysis in which only the planar component is considered in the laminated stack that is exposed to the time-varying field. Good agreement is found between analysis and test results for tooth ripple loss in the pole face of an alternator. >


The majority of publications in the recent years emphasizes the importance of mucolytic preparations in the upper respiratory tract diseases. There have been very few report about the important role which mucolytic drugs may play in the diseases of the upper respiratory tract. This paper undertakes the task of attempting to evaluate the usefulness of Mucosolvan preparation in laryngological diseases. The main condition of the successful treatment of otolaryngological diseases is maintaining the efficient mechanism of the clearing of upper respiratory tract. This is achieved by means of the mucocilia apparatus, namely cilia and mucosa protecting the epithelium from harmful factors. Tests were carried out on 60 patients with paranasal sinuses and ear diseases. The first group comprised 45 patients who were qualified on the basis of inflammatory changes in paranasal sinuses. The second group comprised 12 children and 3 adults with otitis media with effusion. Mucosolvan which was used in the supplementary treatment fulfilled our expectations. The use of the mucolytic drug accelerated the healing process, proper regeneration of the epithelium and the reduction of the period of drug administration.


This paper develops a sequential model of the individual's economic decision problem under risk. On the basis of this model, optimal consumption, investment, and borrowing-lending strategies are obtained in closed form for a class of utility functions. For a subset of this class the optimal consumption strategy satisfies the permanent income hypothesis precisely. The optimal investment strategies have the property that the optimal mix of risky investments is independent of wealth, noncapital income, age, and impatience to consume. Necessary and sufficient conditions for long-run capital growth are also given.


The study aimed to identify the attitudes of teachers in Ajloun Governorate, Jordan, towards e-learning, and the effect of the variables (gender, marital status, educational level and job experience) on their perspectives. One; It was applied to an intentional random sample of (329) male and female teachers. The results of the study showed that the attitudes of teachers in public schools in Ajloun Governorate obtained a total average of (3.14 out of 5), i.e. a (neutral) degree. The results of the study also revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in teachers' attitudes towards e-learning according to the variable of gender, marital status, educational level and job experience. For the results, the researcher recommended holding courses, seminars and workshops for teachers and administrators; To introduce them to e-learning; Improving their attitude towards it, and enhancing the attitudes of teachers and administrators towards e-learning.


Teaching writing in English is a particularly daunting task for EFL teachers. Much of it concerns teaching accuracy in text production, development and thought expression which is usually not the teachers' stated aim. Thus, teachers' perceptions to the teaching of writing and the actual classroom practices need examination, which is the aim of this study, a prerequisite to recommending pedagogical changes to bridge the gap that exists between educational aims and outcomes so far as the teaching of writing to EFL learners in Saudi tertiary level educational institutions is concerned. The study applies a quantitative approach via a survey conducted with one hundred EFL teachers at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMBSIU, henceforth), Qassim University and King Khaled University, Saudi Arabia. Results suggest that inadequate English resources and inefficient teaching methods are, in general, the main causes of poor writing skills. Further, the teachers perceive limited lexis, irregular sentences, and orthographical differences with the mother tongue as impediments in the learners' ability to write well in English. The study concludes with some pertinent recommendations to remedy the situation.


A linear secondary instability mechanism is presented that leads to the occurrence of subharmonic three‐dimensional disturbances in wall‐bounded shear flows. The instability originates from the periodic redistribution of vorticity in the shear flow by small but finite‐amplitude Tollmien–Schlichting waves. Low threshold amplitudes and other characteristics of this instability are consistent with experiments and may elucidate various obscure observations.