In this study, energy and exergy analysis of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) unit was carried out at a biomass-based forest products manufacturing plant. The ORC unit is used for the production of electricity and heat, by using thermal oil as a heat source in the plant. The actual data were obtained from the ORC unit during the energy production process. Studies were realized for the energy and exergy analysis of the main components of the ORC unit, which are the evaporator, condenser, turbine, and regenerator, at two different working conditions. The effect of condenser pressure on the energy and exergy efficiencies of the system was studied in the context of this study. Under the working conditions of Case-1, the energy and exergy efficiencies were calculated as 12.59% and 33.26%, respectively. As for Case-2, the energy and exergy efficiencies were calculated as 13.22% and 35.5%. The gradation of the exergy destructions of the components from greater to lower can be listed as evaporator, condenser, turbine, regenerator, and pump.


Three different types of carbonate deposits are included within the "Calcare di Base," commonly envisaged to record the Messinian salinity crisis onset: type 1 consists of sulfur-bearing limestones, representing the biogenic product of bacterial sulfate reduction after original gypsum; type 2 comprises dm-thick, laminated dolomitic limestones interbedded with diatomites, sapropels, and marls found at the top the Tripoli Formation; type 3, the most common variety, consists of m-thick, brecciated limestones interbedded with shales and clastic gypsum. Type 3 shows sedimentary features suggesting a clastic origin and deposition from high- to low-density gravity flows; thus, these deposits can be regarded as an end-member of a large variety of evaporite-bearing, gravity-flow deposits, with a dominant carbonate component. The genetic and stratigraphic characterization of these carbonates has strong implications for a better comprehension of Messinian events; the three types of Calcare di Base seem to have formed during different stages of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). Type 2 formed in the first stage (5.96–5.60 Ma), and is the only type that can be regarded as the Lower Gypsum time-equivalent. Type 3 was deposited in the second stage (5.60–5.55 Ma), and its base is associated with a regional-scale hiatus and erosion (Messinian erosional surface). Type 1 formed even later, likely in post-Messinian time, through diagenetic processes affecting resedimented gypsum deposited during the second stage of the MSC. It follows that not all the Calcare di Base deposits record the onset of the Messinian salinity crisis, as commonly thought. Thus, a detailed facies characterization of these carbonate deposits is fundamental for both stratigraphic reconstructions and a better comprehension of Messinian events.


This article addresses a global phenomenon: mediated selfrepresentations by 'ordinary people', and focuses on public cultural institutions. In order to address how processes of mediation shape institutionally mediated self-representations, the article explores two UK projects, the Museum of London's London's Voices and BBC Wales' Capture Wales. It is suggested that processes of institutional mediation are constituted through tensions in four key areas: the purposes of the projects; the construct of the 'ordinary person'; the construct of 'community'; and defining and achieving quality. I argue that critical analysis of the production processes shaping self-representations is crucial to examining the challenge to the power of media institutions implied by their inviting 'ordinary people' to represent themselves. The article concludes that, while institutional power is not fundamentally altered in the projects discussed, nevertheless empowerment of participants does have the potential to effect shifts in the role of public cultural institutions; and this is important at a time when that role is questioned, worldwide, as a result of technological, social and political developments. Finally, I suggest that the notion of mediation processes as constituted through tensions, provides analytic tools with which to critically examine the self-representation landscape.


This paper explores the system-level power-performance tradeoffs of dynamically varying CPU speed. Previous work in CPU speed-setting considered only the power of the CPU and only CPUs that vary supply voltage with frequency. This work takes a broader approach, considering total system power, battery capacity, and main memory bandwidth. The results, which are up to a factor of four less than ideal, show that all three must be considered when setting the CPU speed.


ABSTRACT Interferon inhibits virus replication through multiple mechanisms. Here we show that herpes simplex virus proteins ICP0 and ICP34.5 overcome interferon-induced barriers to viral transcription and translation, respectively. These cytokine-induced antiviral mechanisms are differentially expressed in established cell lines: U2OS cells do not mount the IFN-induced mechanism targeted by ICP0, and Vero cells may be defective for the mechanism targeted by ICP34.5.


The pile-raft foundation is a combination of a raft foundation with piles. Pile-raft foundation has been widely designed, assuming all structure loads to be transferred to piles without considering contribution of the load taken by contact surface between raft and soil. Methods of analysis currently used in practice are based upon relatively conservative assumptions of soil behavior or on the less realistic soil-structure interaction. In this study the bearing -settlement behavior of combined pile-raft foundations on medium dense sand was investigated. 1g physical model test was performed on a circular rigid raft underpinned with four model piles. Numerical simulation was also carried out on the model test, using FLAC-3D, to show compatibility of the numerical analysis with the test. The obtained results showed very good accuracy of the numerical method used in this study as long as the applied load does not exceed the working load, while the performance of numerical model was relatively good for the loads beyond working load.


The high dense pure cordierite ceramics and liquid-phase-sintering cordierite ceramics were prepared with the starting powder made by sol-gel progress. The porosities of them are less than 6.21%, and some can be up to 1.0% especially. The flexural strength of the sample can get to 167 MPa, which is greater than that of 103 MPa of pure cordierite ceramics. The composition, fracture behavior and microstructure of the liquid-phase-sintering cordierite ceramics are investigated. The result shows that the increased flexural strength is mainly attributed to the change in cell parameters of cordierite and the small grain size.


Much of financial regulation is built on a convenient fiction. In regulation, all investors are identically reasonable investors. In reality, they are distinctly diverse investors. This fundamental discord has resulted in a modern financial marketplace of mismatched regulations and misplaced expectations — a precarious marketplace that has frustrated investors, regulators, and policymakers.This Article examines this fundamental discord in financial regulation and offers a better framework for thinking anew about investors and investor protection. This Article presents an original typology of heterogeneous investors that exposes the common regulatory fallacy of homogeneous investors. It explains that the simple paradigm of perfectly reasonable investors, while profoundly seductive, is an inadequate foundation for designing investor protection policies in a complex, contemporary marketplace. It demonstrates how this critical divergence has harmed investors and regulators in the modern, high-tech marketplace. To begin addressing such harms, this Article advocates for a novel algorithmic investor typology as an important step towards better reconciling financial regulation with financial reality. Specifically, it illustrates how core concepts of financial regulation like regulatory design, disclosure, and materiality can pragmatically improve as a result of the new typology. This Article ultimately argues that in order to better protect all investors, financial regulation must shift from an elegantly false, singular view of reasonable investors towards a more honest, pluralistic view of diverse investors — from protecting one type of reasonable investors to protecting all types of reasonable investors.


Anthropology continues to grapple with pervasive racism and sexism. Although we have made strides to distance ourselves from our colonial roots, our field remains dominated by white men. More pointedly, despite the diversity of our discipline, people of color generally, and Black women particularly, continue to be excluded from the anthropological canon. Nowhere is this more evident than in the relative absence of Black women from the bibliographies and citational rituals of mainstream anthropology. Although Black women have been practicing, theorizing, and revolutionizing North American anthropology since Zora Neale Hurston's groundbreaking work in the early twentieth century, they have remained largely excluded from our disciplinary conceptualizations of what constitutes serious anthropological theory. Inspired by the work of Cite Black Women, this colloquy critically examines the race and gender politics of citation in anthropology and the urgent need for anthropologists to reimagine "conceptual collaboration" to move our discipline toward justice. The anthropologist Lynn Bolles (2013) notes, "If the citation wars have meaning in the modern academy . . . then in both short and long runs African American scholars are/will be faceless and voiceless." With the advent of the #MeToo movement and with increasing attention paid to the politics of authorship and representation inside and outside of the academy, this colloquy critically reflects on how anthropologists might re-think approaches to theory, methodology, conceptual framing, and pedagogy to bring Black women to the center of anthropological debates.


First-semester freshmen have little experience with engineering graphs. To become successful engineers, students need to develop skills in presenting and interpreting graphical data. An introductory materials course is an ideal place to introduce these concepts because the topic is data-rich, and successful interpretation of graphs leads to understanding of materials engineering and economic concepts. For example, the shape of the liquidus curve on the iron-carbon phase diagram helps explain why cast steels are more expensive to manufacture than cast irons. In this course, students develop graphical skills from lectures, handouts, and assignments. For example, students plot their own hardness readings together with an empirically-derived ASTM curve, then they evaluate how well their data matches the curve. They create phase diagrams from alloy data. They create stress-strain diagrams from their own laboratory readings, and calculate mechanical properties from the results. They learn how to deal with outliers on a homework assignment. They learn that Excel's built-in curve-fitting choices do not cover all data patterns, such as the S-curves for impact vs. temperature graphs. Student performance is assessed with a grading rubric which evaluates graphs within laboratory reports. Low performance on three laboratory reports has led to instructional improvements, including additional focus in the lecture and detailed handouts. Subsequent assessment shows continued improvement in skill levels from one laboratory report to the next, and from one semester to the next.


The text of the book is voluminous and it is composed of a preface, introduction, three parts, epilogue and an index (personarum & rerum). The Preface outlines how the project was born, the conditions under which it was carried out as well as the objectives it is aimed at. The Introduction is preceded by a List of participants in the project, the Contents of the book, as well as the List of acronyms that appear in the text. The Introduction shows the attractiveness of the name "Macedonia" to the students and their wish to help their country. The First part contains historical, cultural, political, commercial and legal aspects of the subject of the dispute. The Second part outlines analysis of the proposals related to the name as well as analysis of the issues related to the war that Macedonia was faced with in 2001. The Third part gives documents that are relevant to the dispute over the name and the Greek veto imposed at the Bucharest Summit on 3 April 2008. The Epilogue contains the conclusions drawn by the students in relation to the project. It has been approved of by all the participants following a debate that was organized; during the debate all the participants were given the opportunity to make specific remarks and comments. The Index contains approximately 560 names of people who appear in the text. The First and the Second part are divided into several sections. Each section contains source texts, student essays and talks (interviews). The texts elucidate the aspects of the dispute, the essays outline students' views, while the interviews explain certain issues better through vivid conversation, description of the interlocutor and his/her attitude towards the topic and the students. The documents contained in the third part have been chronologically arranged ranging from 1913 to 2009. The publication of this book in English ensures that the debate over Macedonia is experienced in other milieus, especially in the universities in Greece and in Europe. That is the reason why the Teachers' Council of the Faculty of law "Iustinianus Primus" (State University "Ss. Ciril an Methodius") in Skopje, with the Resolution No. 02-300/6 (from May 05, 2008), approved of the printing of this book.


Background The most common cause of heart failure (HF) is ischemic heart disease (IHD). Evaluation of IHD with non-invasive examinations is useful for the treatment of HF, and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a good parameter for detecting systemic arteriosclerosis. However, the relationship between IHD and CAVI in acute HF (AHF) patients is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of non-invasive examinations, including CAVI to detect IHD. Methods We studied 53 consecutive patients (average age of 66.5 ± 10.9 years old, 36 males) with AHF from January 2009 to December 2012. These patients were classified into the IHD group (n = 19) and non-IHD group (n = 34) according to the coronary artery angiography results. We evaluated the vital signs, laboratory findings and CAVI. Results According to the laboratory findings, the C-reactive protein (CRP) in IHD group was significantly higher than non-IHD group (1.5 ± 2.1 mg/dL vs. 0.4 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P = 0.002). CAVI in IHD group was significantly higher than non-IHD group (9.58 ± 1.73 vs. 7.83 ± 1.86, P < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for discriminating the probability of IHD, the cut-off point of the CRP plus CAVI was 9.00. At that cut-off point, the sensitivity and the specificity were 69.7% and 89.5%, respectively. The mean area under the ROC curve (AUC) defined by the CRP plus CAVI was the greatest at all parameters. Conclusion The CRP and CAVI were useful parameters for the identification of IHD in patients with AHF.


Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are cardiovascular complications frequently occurring in patients with diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. All these metabolic disorders are characterized by insulin resistance, defined as decreased sensitivity and/or responsiveness to metabolic actions of insulin promoting glucose disposal. Insulin resistance is not only a hallmark of metabolic abnormalities, but also a prominent feature of haemodynamic disorders. Indeed, insulin-stimulated release of endothelial factors takes part into the physiological regulation of vascular function, and altered insulin actions may profoundly affect cardiovascular homeostasis under metabolic derangement. The signpost of impaired vascular reactivity is endothelial dysfunction, a condition in which the endothelium loses its physiological ability to produce the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). A number of molecular, cellular, physiological, and clinical studies have indicated that insulin resistance may impair NO release and damage endothelial function through several patho-physiological mechanisms reciprocally interconnected. Although considered the earliest marker of impaired vascular health, endothelial dysfunction is initially asymptomatic; additional changes in the vessel structure are usually required before vascular complications manifest. Nevertheless, endothelial dysfunction may become clinically evident when endothelial-mediated relaxation is necessary and sufficient to exert a specific effect. ED may be the first expression of endothelial dysfunction, and therefore represents a sentinel event in the clinical appearance of silent CAD. Thus, insulin resistance triggers endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction may manifest as ED long before CAD or other vascular complications become clinically evident. This review briefly outlines the main characteristics of endothelial function and dysfunction, and describes the signaling pathways involved in cardiovascular actions of insulin under physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, potential cellular and molecular mechanisms linking insulin resistance to early CAD-ED detection are also illustrated.


Manufacturing technology of bulk titanium by milling and sintering was studied for recycling of pure titanium tuning chip. Ti chips were milled at RT under H2 pressure of 0.5MPa. All titanium chips were pulverized and hydrided within several minutes, which is very short time comparing to other thermal processes. The hydrided powders were hot pressed at 750°C. After hot pressing, bulk sample was identified to α-phase Ti by XRD measurement and measured density(4.509g/cm3) was very close to theoretical density(4.512g/cm3) of pure Ti. Consequently, it is carefully suggested that hydriding and sintering process is efficient and practicable solution for recycling of pure titanium tuning chip.


Sex-disaggregated financial inclusion data can help to inform better financial inclusion policies and products. This case study explores the case of Mexico, where a combination of an evidence-based policy environment, robust gender equality policies, and strong statistical competence led to an increase in women's financial inclusion data. The Mexican experience also illustrates that collaboration across government institutions is key to facilitating the production of data to inform women's financial inclusion. The combination of demand-side data (survey data collected from clients) and supply-side data (administrative data from banks and other financial sector providers) has provided key information about gender and financial inclusion in Mexico. For example, demand-side data highlights trends on overall access in the country: between 2012 and 2018, the number of women with access to at least one financial product has been growing; and gender gaps in access have been narrowing nationally, although at a slower pace from 2015-2018. Sup-ply-side data provides further detail on the types of products and services reaching women; according to this data, women are more likely than men to be customers in development banks and in commercial banks in lower income states. This study explores the Mexican government's process of generating sex-disaggregated demand-and supply-side data to understand women's financial inclusion. This report also summarizes insights that have emerged through the combination of demand and supply-side financial services data. Many of the enabling elements and processes described in this case study offer examples and lessons to countries in the region and elsewhere.


The importance of reference collections of genetic stocks encompassing the known variation in a crop are of high strategic importance to the international research and breeding communities. Since the John Innes Centre took over the formal responsibility for the international Pisum genetic stock collection from Stig Blixt of the Nordic Gene Bank in 1993, the collection has continued to grow and a web searchable gene list has been developed (1). This collection is maintained on behalf of the Pisum Genetics Association and forms an integral part of the larger John Innes Pisum collection. In addition to stock curation, there are ongoing genetic studies and further mutation resources are being developed that are incorporated into the main collection over time. The collection is further promoted through the growing out of an annual demonstration of a subset of mutants in cultivated P. sativum forms offering visitors the opportunity to look over a range of mutations that cover plant habit, foliage, flowers, pods and a host of other phenotypic traits. The demonstration is updated each year to include new mutations or combinations thought worth promoting. The wider understanding and appreciation of these stocks and the variation they represent, is only possible through regular contact with the growing plants exhibiting the traits as in many instances they exhibit variable penetrance and expressivity. The USDA genetic stock collection is incomplete, only 101 genes (mutations) are represented with no alleles from another 246 published pea genes represented in the collection. The USDA pea genetic stock collection is primarily the life work of the pea geneticist Dr. Gerald A. Marx (www.ars-grin.go v/cgibin/npgs/html/li stdsc.pl?PEA-GEN STOCKS). In his lifetime, he endeavored to cross all known pea mutations into a common background in complex mutation combinations (2). Dr. Marx referred to this as a dynamic crossing program. The strength of this collection is that the interaction of pea mutations can be studied to explore epistatic and pleiotropic interactions. The weakness of the Marx pea collection is that the lines were received into the NPGS as still segregating populations. Scientists using the collection understand the limitations and several researchers have assisted in fixing some traits in the Marx lines (N.F. Weeden, D.A. DeMason). However, there is an increasing demand by USA researchers for the rest of the published pea genes not in the USDA collection. This germplasm is desired for pea breeding programs for crop improvement through fundamental studies on pea genetic processes (functional genetics/genomics). A formal collaboration has been initiated between the John Innes Pisum Collection and the USDAARS where a mirror of the mutation collection will be incorporated into the National Plant Germplasm System where it will be curated on behalf of the U.S. Government and will be available to all qualified scientists/organ izations, domestic and foreign under the Standard Material Transfer Agreement set up by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa). Funding enabled Clare Coyne to visit the John Innes Centre during the summer of 2008 to observe stocks growing in both glasshouse and field and for both curators to work together on the range of mutations. The exchange was expanded to include a demonstration set of lines selected by JIC to cover the widest possible range of variation represented in the John Innes Pisum Collection. In addition to the seed stocks, the visit afforded the opportunity to work with some of the associated bibliographic and image resources held at the JIC and a significant body of duplicate reprints will be sent to the USDA collection along with the stocks themselves. This project will increase the number of downloadable digital images available of specific allelic variation. 1. Pisum Genetics Association Gene List. Pgene, http://www.jic.a c.uk/GERMPLAS/pi sum/Zgc4g.htm 2. Marx GA (1985) The pea genome: a source of immense variation. In: Eds Hebblethwaite PD, Heath MC, Dawkins TCK. The pea crop: A basis for improvement. Butterworths. London.486 p.


Based on viscoelastic fluid mechanics, this paper presents a simulation model of the flow behaviour of thin polymer film during nanoimprint lithography (NIL). The polymer is imprinted at a constant temperature of 180oC and at a constant imprint speed of 100nm/s by using a tool with a single convex feature of 100 nm in width and 500 nm in height. At the imprint beginning, only a very limited area adjacent to the tool top is affected by the imprint, but subjects to a sudden change of pressure. With the imprint process forward, the wave-like polymer front and the trumpet-shaped profile are predicted to travel out from the imprint patterns. When the tool base intimately contacts the polymer film, another sudden change of the pressure occurs in the area under the interface between the polymer surface and the tool base. These results are of significance to understand the flow behaviour of NIL.


Recently, there is a considerable gap between what is learned in the classroom and the real life context of vocational and technical students? present and future workplace. This problem mostly occur in developing countries where lecturers in vocational and technical education have limited knowledge and experience of the real practice of industry and thus their experience is limited within the bounders on their institutions. This paper examine whether lecturers take into consideration those skills mostly needed by industry in their classes. In other words, do lecturers know the skills needed for today?s workplace? The study also examines the degree of industrialist?s involvement with vocational and technical lecturers in determining the types of knowledge, skills and attitudes that need to be stressed in the classroom. The study would consists of: a review of the related literature; a questionnaire that would be distributed to a sample of lecturers at the College of Technological Studies; Personal interviews with the head of the department; dean of industrial liaison offices; and the department trainee?s direct supervisors in local industry. This paper would conclude that lecturers must emphasis and develop the mostly needed knowledge, skills and attitudes by industries in their classes, otherwise industries would heavily depend on expatriates for years to come.


Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the world, and it has been estimated that about one tenth of the world's population, aged over 60, have symptoms that can be attributed to OA. Despite the size of the global impact of OA, there is a significant unmet need for effective treatments. Knee replacement surgery is commonly used in patients with moderate to severe knee OA, in order to reduce pain. However, 10-34% of patients report an unfavourable long-term outcome with persistent pain after surgery. The neural mechanisms for the generation of pain in knee OA are not fully understood. Previous work has shown that around 20% of patients have features of neuropathic pain, and that the underlying mechanism for this may be through central sensitisation. This mechanism-based understanding of pain is important in order to aid targeted intervention, and it may be that this patient group is more likely to have an adverse outcome following surgery. This thesis uses a combination of methods to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying pain experienced by patients with knee OA, across the full spectrum of disease severity. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was initially used in a community-based cohort to show that pain sensitisation can be detected in early disease, and also contributes to the observed discordance between radiographic structural and symptomatic disease. The clinical relevance of neuropathic pain was then investigated in patients with knee OA, who were awaiting knee replacement surgery. Prior to surgery patients with neuropathic pain had increased sensitivity to experimental pain, as well as higher symptom severity and psychological distress. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was then used to confirm that these features were also associated with central sensitisation in the form of increased descending facilitation as well as reduced descending inhibition prior to surgery. The presence of neuropathic pain prior to surgery was associated with statistically and clinically significantly worse outcome following surgery, compared to those with purely nociceptive pain in the absence of any significant structural differences between the two groups. Taken together, this mechanism-based understanding of the pain provides an opportunity for targeted therapy prior to surgery, which may enhance outcome following surgery.


From a post-colonial and gender perspective I examine R.K. Narayan's The Mahabharata (1978), Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions (2008) and Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi" (1997), in order to analyze how they have rewritten the ancient myth of the Mahabharata. To be more precise, I look into the story of Draupadi, one of the most popular female protagonists, who has become an archetype of the Hindu woman. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate by confronting these narrations that Narayan's modern prose responds to the dominant Brahmanical discourse that has built up essentialist models of masculinity and femininity. In contrast, Divakaruni's and Devi's texts go a step further and 1) hark back to a Brahmanical patriarchy that has exercised control over the feminine throughout history; 2) offer a form of counter discourse by interrogating and deconstructing gender; 3) expose with their rebellious voices the limits of the colonizing power and 4) give us a more accurate understanding of women's realities in contemporary India.


BACKGROUND
Because sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young mainly occur in individuals with structurally normal hearts, improved screening techniques for detecting inherited arrhythmic diseases are needed. The QT interval is an important screening measurement; however, the criteria for detecting an abnormal QT interval are based on Bazett formula and older populations.

OBJECTIVE
To define the normal upper limits for QT interval from the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of healthy young individuals, compare the major correction formula and propose new QT interval thresholds for detecting those at risk of SCD.

METHODS
Young active individuals underwent ECGs as part of routine preparticipation physical examinations for competitive sports or community screening. This was a nonfunded study using de-identified data with no follow-up.

RESULTS
There were 31 558 subjects: 2174 grade school (7%), 18 547 high school (59%), and 10 822 college (34%). Mean age was 17 (12-35 years), 45% were female, 67% white, and 11% of African descent. Bazett performed least favorably for removing the effect of heart rate (HR), whereas Fridericia performed the best. Fridericia correction also closely fit the raw data best (R of 0.65), and at percentile values applicable to screening. The recommended risk cut points using Bazetts correction identified less than half of the athletes in the 99th or 99.5th percentiles of the uncorrected QT by HR range. Use of Fridericia correction increased capture rates by over 50%.

CONCLUSION
Our results support the application of the Fridericia-corrected threshold of 460 for men and 470 milliseconds for women (and 485 milliseconds for marked prolongation) rather than Bazett correction for the preparticipation examination.


PURPOSE
Advances in cataract surgery merits changes in its indication as well as related preoperative eye examinations. This, however, has not been reported in Japan. We performed a questionnaire survey to provide data for these changes.

METHOD
The subjects were 121 facilities in university hospitals and 1,413 randomly sampled doctors from 14,134 Japanese Ophthalmology Society members. The questionnaire involved the indications and pre-operative examinations for cataract surgery. The results were compared separately amang two groups: operating and non-operating facilities.

RESULTS
The number of respondents was 552 (36%). Operating facilities were 72%, and the annual operation volume was an average of 568 cases (0-4,000). The most important item when the surgery was recommended was the degree of life inconvenience, followed by corrected visual acuity, and there was no difference between the two groups in either. As for the examination to determine the surgery, distant visual acuity, specular microscopy, near visual acuity and corneal topography were high. The highest value of corrected visual acuity was less than 0.7 to indicate surgery in both groups. However, there were significantly more operating facilities in which the corrected visual acuity for the indication of the surgery was 0.7 or more. There was little use of the interview list and image analysis equipment.

CONCLUSION
There was no difference in the indications for cataract surgery and the pre-operative examinations between the two groups; the most important item among the indications was the degree of life inconvenience. The corrected visual acuity to indicate surgery in operating facilities was higher than in non-operating facilities.


The potential for maximizing conversion of room-temperature, photoactivated resin composite in the oral environment is limited. Pre-heating composite prior to light-curing is hypothesized to increase monomer conversion and reduce the duration of light exposure. Composite temperature was controlled at between 3°C and 60°C prior to exposure with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen curing unit: 5, 10, 20, or 40 sec. Monomer conversion was calculated from infrared spectra at 0 mm (top) and 2-mm-deep surfaces 5 min after light initiation. A strong, positive correlation existed between temperature and monomer conversion: top r2 = 0.999, 2 mm r2 = 0.998. Conversion ranged from 31.6% (3°C) to 67.3% (60°C). The duration of light exposure, reduced by 50 to 75% with pre-heated composite, yielded the same or significantly higher conversion (p = 0.001) than with control (22°C, 20 sec). Both hypotheses were accepted: Pre-heating composite prior to photoactivation provides greater conversion requiring reduced light exposure than with room-temperature composite.


It has been shown that doped topological insulators, up to a certain level of doping, still preserve some topological signatures of the insulating phase such as axionic electromagnetic response and the presence of a Majorana mode in the vortices of a superconducting phase. Multiple topological insulators such as HgTe, ScPtBi, and other ternary Heusler compounds have been identified and generically feature the presence of a topologically trivial band between the two topological bands. In this Letter we show that the presence of such a trivial band can stabilize the topological signature over a much wider range of doping. Specifically, we calculate the structure of vortex modes in the superconducting phase of doped topological insulators, a model that captures the features of HgTe and the ternary Heusler compounds. We show that, due to the hybridization with the trivial band, Majorana modes are preserved over a large, extended doping range for p doping. In addition to presenting a viable system where much less fine-tuning is required to observe the Majorana modes, our analysis opens a route to study other topological features of doped compounds that cannot be modeled using the simple Bi(2)Se(3) Dirac model.


We present the second XMM-Newton observation (85 ks) of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy (NLS1) I Zw 1 and describe its mean spectral and timing characteristics. On average, I Zw 1 is ∼35 per cent dimmer in 2005 than in the shorter (20 ks) 2002 observation. Between the two epochs the intrinsic absorption column density diminished, but there were also subtle changes in the continuum shape. Considering the blurred ionized reflection model, the long-term changes can be associated with a varying contribution of the power-law component relative to the total spectrum. Examination of normalized light curves indicates that the high-energy variations are quite structured and that there are delays, but only in some parts of the light curve. Interestingly, a hard X-ray lag first appears during the most distinct structure in the mean light curve, a flux dip ∼25 ks into the observation. The previously discovered broad, ionized Fe Kα line shows significant variations over the course of the 2005 observation. The amplitude of the variations is 25-45 per cent and they are unlikely due to changes in the Fe Ka-producing region, but perhaps arise from orbital motion around the black hole or obscuration in the broad iron-line-emitting region. The 2002 data are re-examined for variability of the Fe Kα line at that epoch. There is evidence of energy and flux variations that are associated with a hard X-ray flare that occurred during that observation.


The present study describes aspects of the epidemiology of malaria in a migrant population living in a hypoendemic area in Brazil using an open cohort study design. Rural settlement residents in Leonislândia, Peixoto de Azevedo, Mato Grosso, Brazil were followed from September 1996 to April 1997. At baseline, an interview and malaria diagnoses were carried out and spleen size was measured. Incident cases were detected through follow-up visits and laboratory records. Cox regression was used to assess risk factors for time to malaria onset. Eighty percent (n = 414) of the study population (n = 521) contributed follow-up data. Overall, malaria prevalence during any study visit ranged from 0.3% to 5.4% and the malaria incidence rate (IR) was 4.49 (95% confidence interval = 3.66, 5.46) per 100 person-months. The IR of Plasmodium vivax malaria was approximately four times higher than the IR for P. falciparum malaria during follow-up. Among individuals who had had malaria during his or her lifetime, 14.03% reported hospitalization (median duration = 3 days) and 70.1% reported days of work lost (median duration = 4 days for P. falciparum malaria and 3 days for P. vivax malaria) related to the last malaria episode. No important risk factor was associated with the malaria IR. The fact that neither work-related factors nor age was associated with the risk of malaria indicates that indoor/peri-domiciliary transmission by the local vector is more important or as important as workplace-related transmission.


Global imbalances (current account imbalances) have become an important issue for economists and policy makers. Greater exchange rate flexibility is often suggested as a means to achieve faster and more efficient adjustment in the current account. However, previous empirical studies show little support for this hypothesis. This paper revisits this issue with a large panel dataset and a threshold VAR model and finds that (1) some existing popular exchange rate classifications may not capture actual exchange rate variability as well as expected; (2) Once exchange rate variability is correctly identified, the speed of mean reversion in the current account balance is indeed higher in a regime with greater exchange rate variability.


The emerging accumulation of microplastics (MPs) within global waters and the risks they pose to both humans and aquatic species are of increasing concern, yet suitable technologies to remove MPs are lacking. In this study, bacteria with potential to degrade MPs were isolated from activated sludge as promising biocatalysts for the removal of MPs in water. The bacterial communities in activated sludge were first screened for their potential to degrade thermallytreated MPs from PET. The consortium exhibited growth on a mineral medium with PET MPs as the sole carbon and energy source, indicating the presence of degrading bacteria. To further assess its biodegradability potential, the consortium was put through a CO2 evolution test where the degradation of MPs was monitored through measuring the CO2 evolved. The test was carried out in an experimental device that was engineered and constructed according to ISO 14852. The biodegradation extent was further validated through assessment of morphological and structural changes on the MPs by means of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Upon incubation, the consortium degraded 17 % of PET MPs. Three bacterial strains within the consortium were isolated and identified as
 Lysinibacillus macroides RW13-2, Bacillus cereus SEHD031MH and Agromyces mediolanus PNP3. The latter two thrived individually with PET while only B. cereus showed enzymatic activity during a clear-zone test. The examined bacterial strains possess a promising PETdegrading activity that can be further investigated and applied to the elimination of MPs in water/wastewater through innovative and effective technologies


This study elucidated the characteristics of climatological seasonal changes in the diurnal variations of precipitation at four ground stations in the upper Río Chagres basin in the Panama Canal watershed. The seasonal changes differed among the stations, although they are located within an area of only 414 km2. Precipitation peaks in the early afternoon at 1500 local standard time (LST) were observed at all the stations. At Chamon, monthly-mean hourly precipitation at every hour exceeded 0.3 mm h–1 throughout November and December. The occurrence of morning precipitation in January and March distinguished the seasonal precipitation pattern at Esperanza from the pattern at the other stations. Analyses of the seasonal changes in the diurnal variation with pattern correlations and rotational empirical orthogonal functions grouped the stations into two pairs: no morning peak at Chico and Río Piedras in the downstream basin and morning peak at Chamon and Esperanza in the upstream basin.


The effect of coaggregation of the two bacterial strains Propioniferax-like PG-02 and Comamonas sp. PG-08 on phenol degradation and aerobic granulation was investigated. While PG-02 was characterized as a phenol-degrader with a low half-saturation kinetics constant, PG-08 possessed strong aggregation ability with poor phenol degradation ability. The two strains coaggregated through involvement of lectinsaccharide interactions with the adhesin protein on strain PG-02 and the complementary sugar receptor on strain PG-08. Using the V. harveyi reporter strain BB170, it was found that both strains could produce autoinducer-2like signals. If incubated together, the two strains showed cooperation for phenol degradation. In batch, the coculture degraded phenol at an initial concentration of 250 mg L-1, faster than each strain separately. Bioaugmentation with simultaneously the two strains in sequencing batch reactors significantly improved phenol removal and aerobic granulation as compared to monoculture bioaugmentation. Bacterial coaggregation might be an integral component of the aerobic granulation process. Investigation of in situ occurrence of coggregation in aerobic granulation would help unveil its molecular mechanism. Then the granulation process could be improved through selection of specific microbial groups.


Now a day's telecom industry is facing real problem of improving IT processes. PI projects are widely used to overcome these challenges but unfortunately these projects do not have long lasting success results. In this tech savvy era, IT projects are crucial for survival in Telecom industry. Therefore, there is a need for reengineering of PI projects and identification of the critical success factors which are inattentive. The present study was conducted to fill this gap and robust the existing process of implementation of PI in IT projects. Field survey was conducted using 5 likert scale questionnaire, based on extracted critical success factors. In order to collect the data, Purposive sampling was used along Delphi technique. 6 out of 10 experts responded in each subsequent round. Data was analyzed in SPSS. Statistical analysis showed the consensus of experts on 10 CSF's which played an important role for the successful implementation of PI in IT projects. Implementation of these results was only specifiedto telecom industry which is a limitation of this study. Results of this research can be used for increasing the chances of success of PI implementation in IT projects prior to their initiation.


The aim of this study was to prove the existence of a correlation between corneal thickness and glycaemic control in insulin-dependent patients. Ultrasound pachometry and blood glucose measurements were taken in 87 patients three times a day: fasting, two, and four hours after lunch. The sample was divided into three groups of patients: 30 of them did not have retinopathy, 30 presented background retinopathy and 27 proliferative retinopathy. Thirty normal age-matched subjects were the control group. No correlation was found between pachometry values, blood glucose and duration of diabetes in the three groups (p > 0.05). A significant increase in corneal thickness was found in patients with background and proliferative retinopathy compared to the others (p < 0.01). No corneal thickness differences resulted between background and proliferative retinopathy (p = 0.74).


1. Man is both creature and moulder of his environment, which gives him physical sustenance and affords him the opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual growth. In the long and tortuous evolution of the human race on this planet a stage has been reached when, through the rapid acceleration of science and technology, man has acquired the power to transform his environment in countless ways and on an unprecedented scale. Both aspects of man's environment, the natural and the man-made, are essential to his well-being and to the enjoyment of basic human rights the right to life itself.


Introduction: This case study will explore the innovative development of the BA (Hons) Integrated Health and Social Care (BAIHSC) programme at the University of the West of Scotland. Across Scotland integration planning and delivery principles are seen as the primary way in which the delivery of national health and wellbeing outcomes will be delivered (Scottish Government, 2014). It is recognised that this requires a flexible, multi-skilled labour force to meet service provision which has been further validated following the introduction of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill (2013). This articulated, undergraduate programme is primarily for people working in health and social care including the third sector in care or administrative roles. Its ethos reflects the integration agenda striving to deliver a person centred, flexible, outcome focused service, which recognises and builds on strengths and provides students with autonomy and encouraging individual responsibility (Mussellbrook 2013) Short description of practice change implemented: The BAIHSC programme was developed collaboratively between the School of Health, Nursing and Midwidfery and the School of Business and Enterprise. The programme is targeted at those who currently work within health, social care and the third sector either in care or administrative roles who not want to undertake vocational programmes, such as nursing, but want the opportunity to progress within their chosen field. The BAIHSC programme equips them with an essential set of graduate skills necessary for a future career within the sector. The aims of the programme are to develop graduate skills required for the changing landscape of health and social care, enabling graduates to support the most vulnerable in society through the delivery of evidence-based, integrated, person-centred services. This is developed through a shared understanding of integrated service provision – including the study of policy, practice, factors that influence health and social welfare and person-centred care. This then leads onto the development of professional, leadership and management skills enabling graduates to contribute confidently to evidence-based practice, informed by a value base of rights and respect for all within an integrated service. The educational focus of the programme builds on existing knowledge and skills viewing the students as co-producers, thus adopting and supporting the philosophy underpinning integration. The aim is to enable students to develop academically, personally and professionally supporting the concept of lifelong and career-long learning. Key findings: The BAIHSC programme brings together students from various backgrounds and experiences who often lack confidence in their own capabilities and in valuing the role they play in the delivery of services. Students develop reflective and critical thinking skills, together with the application of evidence-based solutions, to justify the care and support provided. This reflects an asset- base approach to learning, recognising strengths and helping them feel they can contribute to their own educational growth. This is supported and encouraged through shared experiences and recognition of the importance of the roles they play in achieving positive outcomes for the people requiring their service. This in turn promotes confidence and autonomous decision making, which, the programme team view, as a key aspect of the current integration agenda within Scotland. From the perspective of the academic staff, a key impact is in recognising that, whilst professional identity is important, the impact that having a shared understanding and valuing the roles played by all health and social staff in the delivery of person-centred services can be a crucial influence in the delivery of an integrated service. This ethos enables a shared and appreciative understanding of the experiences of those using and those providing the service. Highlights: Although the impact of this programme has not yet been formally evaluated, positive feedback has been obtain through the UK National Student Survey 2015. The results demonstrated 100% participation with 100% of students overwhelmingly satisfied with every aspect of their programme. The qualitative feedback from this survey highlighted the following:- _"It has given me greater knowledge of what is required in the private and public sectors to provide better care for our ageing population and how complex this provision can be"._ _"This course is a very good and broad especially if you want to progress in public services"._ _"I have enjoyed this course very much and feel it has widened my knowledge and will enable me to progress in my career"._ _ "My confidence has dramatically improved since being at university, I am able to present myself in a more positive and confident way. If it wasn't for the lecturers and my colleagues, I would not be as confident as I am now"._ _ "As a very mature student, it has definitely increased my confidence and made me very self-aware"._ Conclusion: The programme continues to develop with an increasing number of applicants recognising the value of this degree to their work and ongoing career progression. People who graduate with this degree will have a considerable amount they can bring to integrated services. This is not only from the graduate skills they have developed but also from their own personal and professional experiences. Finally, employers need to recognise the untapped talent they often have within their workforce who already influencing person-centred and integrated services. Providing staff with graduate skills will only enhance this further and enrich the services delivered. References: 1- Mussellbrook, K. Imaging the future workforce. Glasgow: Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services. 2013. 2- Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014. 2014 asp 9, Edinburgh: The Stationery Office. 3- Scottish Government. Topics: Health and Social Care Policy and Legislation: Integration of Health and Social Care: Principles. 2014.  Available from: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Policy/Adult-Health-SocialCare-Integration/Principles [Accessed: 20th March 2015]


We address the problem of shoulder-surfing attacks on authentication schemes by proposing IllusionPIN (IPIN), a PIN-based authentication method that operates on touchscreen devices. IPIN uses the technique of hybrid images to blend two keypads with different digit orderings in such a way, that the user who is close to the device is seeing one keypad to enter her PIN, while the attacker who is looking at the device from a bigger distance is seeing only the other keypad. The user's keypad is shuffled in every authentication attempt, since the attacker may memorize the spatial arrangement of the pressed digits. To reason about the security of IPIN, we developed an algorithm which is based on human visual perception and estimates the minimum distance from which an observer is unable to interpret the keypad of the user. We tested our estimations with 84 simulated shoulder-surfing attacks from 21 different people. None of the attacks was successful against our estimations. In addition, we estimated the minimum distance from which a camera is unable to capture the visual information from the keypad of the user. Based on our analysis, it seems practically almost impossible for a surveillance camera to capture the PIN of a smartphone user when IPIN is in use.


Background: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in animal production has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens. Transmission of AMR foodborne pathogens from reservoirs, particularly chickens to the human population does occur. Recently, we reported that occupational exposure was a risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) among poultry-workers. Here we determined the prevalence and genetic relatedness among MDR E. coli isolated from poultry-workers, chickens, and poultry environments in Abuja, Nigeria. This study was conducted to address the gaps identified by the Nigerian AMR situation analysis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among poultry-workers, chickens, and poultry farm/live bird market (LBM) environments. The isolates were tested phenotypically for their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, genotypically characterized using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in silico multilocus sequence types (MLST). We conducted a phylogenetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analysis to determine relatedness and clonality among the isolates. Results: A total of 115 (26.8%) out of 429 samples were positive for E. coli. Of these, 110 isolates were viable for phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The selection comprised 47 (42.7%) isolates from poultry-workers, 36 (32.7%) from chickens, and 27 (24.5%) from poultry-farm or LBM environments. Overall, 101 (91.8%) of the isolates were MDR conferring resistance to at least three drug classes. High frequency of resistance was observed for tetracycline (n = 102; 92.7%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 93; 84.5%), streptomycin (n = 87; 79.1%) and ampicillin (n = 88; 80%). Two plasmid-mediated colistin genes—mcr-1.1 harboured on IncX4 plasmids were detected in environmental isolates. The most prevalent sequence types (ST) were ST-155 (n = 8), ST-48 (n = 8) and ST-10 (n = 6). Two isolates of human and environmental sources with a SNPs difference of 6161 originating from the same farm shared a novel ST. The isolates had similar AMR genes and plasmid replicons. Conclusion: MDR E.coli isolates were prevalent amongst poultry-workers, poultry, and the poultry farm/LBM environment. The emergence of MDR E. coli with novel ST in two isolates may be plasmid-mediated. Competent authorities should enforce AMR regulations to ensure prudent use of antimicrobials to limit the risk of transmission along the


Breast-fed infants have lower incidence of diarrhea, respiratory disease, and otitis media. The protection by human milk has long been attributed to the presence of secretory lgA. However, human milk contains large numbers and amounts of complex carbohydrates, including glycopro
teins, glycolipids, glycosaminoglycans, mucins, and especially oligosaccharides. The
oligosaccharides comprise the third most abundant solid constituent of human milk, and contain a myriad of structures. Complex carbohydrate moieties of glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides are synthesized by the many glycosyltransferases in the mammary gland; those with homology to cell surface glycoconjugate pathogen receptors may inhibit pathogen binding, thereby protecting the nursing infant. Several examples are reviewed: A fucosyloligosaccharide inhibits the diarrheagenic effect of stable toxin of Escherichia coli. A different fucosyloligosaccharide inhibits infection by Campylobacter jejuni. Binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae arid of enteropathogenic E. coli to their respective receptors is inhibited by human milk oligosaccharides. The 46-kD glycoprotein, lactadherin, inhibits rotavirus binding and infectivity. Low levels of lactadherin in human milk are associated with a higher incidence of symptomatic rotavirus in breast-fed infants. A mannosylated glycopeptide inhibits binding by enterohemorrhagic E. coli. A glycosaminoglycan inhibits binding of gp120 to CD4, the first step in HIV infection. Human milk mucin inhibits binding by $-fimbriated E. coli. The ganglioside, GM 1,
reduces diarrhea production by cholera toxin and labile toxin of E. coli. The neutral
glycosphingolipid, Gb3, binds to Shigatoxin. Thus, many complex carbohydrates of human milk may be novel antipathogenic agents, and the milk glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides may be a major source of protection for breastfeeding infants.


In many modern systems, applications or services are realized as compositions of multiple existing services that can be enacted by Service Composition Engines (SCEs), which provide the required functionality to enable their definition and execution. SCEs typically use the capabilities of an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) which serves as the messaging hub between the composed services aiming at ensuring their integration. Together, an SCE and ESB solution comprise the service middleware required for the definition and execution of service-based composite applications. Offering a service middleware solution as a service creates a PaaS offering that allows the service consumers to share the service middleware solution in a multi-tenant manner. However, multi-tenancy support for service middleware solutions remains an open issue. For this purpose, in this work we introduce a general architecture for the realization of a multi-tenant service middleware PaaS solution. This architecture is prototypically realized based on open-source, multi-tenant ESB and SCE solutions. The resulting service middleware provides configurability for service compositions, tenant-aware messaging, and tenant-based administration and management of the SCE and the ESB. We also present an empirical evaluation of the multi-tenant service middleware with focus on the SCE. The results of these experiments show a performance degradation within acceptable limits when scaling the number of tenants and tenant users.


The giant cytoskeletal kinases of the titin-like family are emerging as key mediators of stretch-sensing in muscle. It is thought that their elastic conformational deformation during muscle function regulates both their catalysis and the recruitment of regulatory proteins to signalosomes that assemble in their vicinity. In the present article, we discuss the speciation of mechanosensory mechanisms in titin-like kinases, their scaffolding properties and the kinase/pseudokinase domain variations that define a rich functional diversity across the family.


The massive proliferation of mobile phones and internet-based technologies are creating opportunities for unprecedented levels of engagement with patients and clients to support their activation toward health and prevention priorities. This presentation will provide an overview of several technology platforms from teams with development support in Los Angeles, with examples of their applications in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment support. The presentation will focus on responding to the most common questions that service providers and organizations have when considering adoption of technology-based innovations, such as, ''What can technologies do realistically?'', ''How much will it cost?'', ''Is it feasible and acceptable with our clients or patients''; and ''How can service organizations and researchers partner to leverage our complementary expertise and goals to fund, design, test, and refine technology support tools.'' The presentation will also focus on client/patient feedback on their user experiences rather than statistical evidence of efficacy, which is notably lacking in this field and frequently cited as needing much more research to demonstrate efficacy. Specific technologies and projects presented will include: 1) Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and text-messaging (SMS) for adherence and appointment reminders, and supporting coping and mental health support with people living with HIV (PLH); 2) smartphone application for daily self-monitoring of physical and mental health symptoms, stress, substance use and triggers, sexual behaviors, and adherence, for both selfmanagement and supporting treatment and intervention programs; 3) mobile phone and web applications to support supervisors and frontline field workers for case management, intervention delivery, outcome/ evaluation monitoring, and fidelity monitoring and support. ABSTRACT #JOURNAL OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE VOL. 3 | ISSUE 1S | MAY 2014 5


We investigate, for limit order book equity markets, how trading, liquidity provision, and the overall market quality in one security are influenced by correlated inventory risk exposures of liquidity providers to other securities in their portfolios. We find strong support for Ho and Stoll (1983). Our results are also consistent with large and correlated portfolio inventories worsening different measures of market quality – including bid-ask spreads and pricing errors – and increasing the number and likelihood of extreme price movements and transitory jumps in stock returns. We accordingly highlight a significant but often overlooked source of market frictions, contagion, and fragility.


Ureteral-iliac artery fistula (UIAF) is a rare life threatening cause of hematuria. The increasing frequency is attributed to increasing use of ureteral stents. A 68-year-old female presented with gross hematuria. She had prior low anterior resection for rectal cancer and a retained ureteral stent. CT abdomen and pelvis showed a large recurrent pelvic mass and a retained stent. The patient underwent cystoscopy which showed a normal bladder. Upon removal of the stent, brisk bleeding was noted coming from the ureteral orifice. Antegrade pyelogram was done which revealed a UIAF. Angiography was done and a covered stent was placed. Multiple treatment options are available. All must consider management of the arterial and ureteral side. The arterial side may be addressed by primary open repair, embolization with extra-anatomic vascular reconstruction, or endovascular stenting. The ureter can be managed with nephroureterectomy, ureteral reconstruction, placement of a nephrostomy tube, or ureteral stenting. Being minimally invasive, we believe that endovascular stenting should be the preferred therapeutic option as it also corrects the source of bleeding while preserving distal blood flow. License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


This review critically analyzes experimental data relevant to the concept of conditioned reinforcement. The review has five sections. Section I is a discussion of the relationship between primary and conditioned reinforcement in terms of chains of stimuli and responses. Section II is a detailed analysis of the conditions in which the component stimuli in chained schedules of reinforcement will become conditioned reinforcers; this section also analyzes studies of token reinforcement, observing responses, switching responses, implicit chained schedules, and higher-order conditioning. Section III analyzes experiments in which potential conditioned reinforcers are used either to prolong responding or to generate responding during experimental extinction. This section discusses hypotheses that have been offered as alternatives to the concept of conditioned reinforcement and hypotheses concerning the necessary and sufficient conditions for establishing a conditioned reinforcer. Section IV discusses other variables that act when a conditioned reinforcer is being established or that act when an established conditioned reinforcer is used to develop or maintain behavior. Section V is a general discussion of conditioned reinforcement. The evidence indicates that the conditioned reinforcing effectiveness of a stimulus is directly related to the frequency of primary reinforcement occurring in its presence, but is independent of the response rate or response pattern occurring in its presence. Results from chained schedules comprised of several components indicate that a stimulus can be established as a conditioned reinforcer by pairing it with an already established conditioned reinforcer rather than a primary reinforcer; however, this type of higher-order conditioning has not been clearly demonstrated with respondent conditioning procedures. Although discriminative stimuli are usually conditioned reinforcers, the available evidence indicates that establishing a stimulus as a discriminative stimulus is not necessary or sufficient for establishing it as a conditioned reinforcer. Discriminative stimuli in chained schedules with several components are not always conditioned reinforcers; stimuli that are simply paired with reinforcers can become conditioned reinforcers. The hypotheses that have been offered as alternatives to the concept of conditioned reinforcement are too limited to integrate the data that exist. The concepts of conditioned reinforcement and chained schedule, however, can be used to integrate the data obtained with diverse techniques. Recent experiments have revealed several techniques for the development of effective conditioned reinforcers. These techniques provide a powerful tool for advancing understanding of conditioned reinforcement and for extending control over behavior.


Introduction Increasing levels of physical activity (PA) may help to reduce the risk of some obesity related pregnancy complications and NICE guidelines advise at least 30 minutes of moderate PA per day. However, women receive limited advice concerning PA from midwives. This study investigated perceived implementation difficulties for midwives advising obese pregnant women regarding PA. Methods A self-completion, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all midwives employed by three Trusts in Tyne and Wear (n = 365; response rate 52.6%). It was designed to identify barriers to midwives 'discussing PA with obese pregnant women and advising them in accordance with national guidelines'. The design used the Theoretical Domain Framework approach proposed by Michie (2005), which describes 11 domains of behavioural determinants used to investigate perceived implementation difficulties. Results Midwives scored highest on knowledge, social-professional role and beliefs about consequences and lowest on skills, beliefs about capabilities and environment/context/resources domains. There were no differences in mean domain scores between hospital Trusts but midwives providing antenatal care scored higher than ward midwives, indicating they perceived fewer barriers to the behaviour. Regression analysis indicated that skills and memory/attention/decision domains had a significant influence on discussing /advising on PA. Conclusions Midwives feel knowledgeable about PA advice for obese women and believe it is part of their role, but perceive they lack necessary skills, capabilities and resources. Designing interventions that improve skills, promote routine enquiry regarding PA and provide resources (eg. Information, referral pathways) may help improve midwives' PA advice. Reference Michie S, et al. Quality and Safely in Health Care 2005;14:36–35


Polyamides have many application fields due to their good mechanical strength, high impact strength, good sliding properties etc. Recently, electrically conductive polyamides can be produced by adding carbon black, graphene, metals and carbon nanotubes and their usage have increased. Polyamides are generally manufactured by injection molding and extrusion method but drilling is often needed for the final product. In literature, there are not many studies on the drilling of polyamides and polyamide composites. In this study, drill bit temperature and chip forms were investigated during the drilling of unreinforced polyamide and carbon black reinforced electrically conductive polyamide. Drilling experiments were performed at three different feeds and cutting speeds. Depending on the experimental results, the drill bit temperature increased with increasing the cutting speed and decreasing the feed. Higher drill tip temperatures were measured in the drilling of carbon black reinforced polyamide than that occurred in the drilling of unreinforced polyamide. The chips were more deformed at high cutting speed and low feed. In addition, the chip forms of carbon black reinforced polyamide were observed more regular than that of unreinforced polyamide due to the fact that the chips of carbon black reinforced polyamide could conduct the heat to the drill bit and they were less affected by the heat.


The transition from command to market-oriented economies drastically affected land ownership and land management in Eastern Europe and resulted in widespread cropland abandonment. To examine these phenomena, we analysed the causes of post-socialist cropland abandonment in Argeş County in southern Romania between 1990 and 2005. Based on Landsat-derived maps of cropland use and a suite of environmental and socioeconomic variables hypothesized to drive cropland abandonment, we estimated spatially explicit logistic regression models for two periods (1990–1995 and 1995–2005) and three elevation groups. Our results showed that isolated cropland patches were more likely to become abandoned than more homogenous cropland areas. Unfavorable topography was an important determinant of abandonment in the plain and, to a lesser extent, hilly areas, but not in the mountains where locations with adverse market access and higher farm fragmentation exhibited higher likelihoods of cropland abandonment.


Iron is an essential nutrient for most living organisms. Due to the low solubility of ferric iron at physiological pH, the transition from an anaerobic atmosphere to the actual oxidant environment caused a dramatical decrease of iron bioavailability. Therefore, most organisms had to adapt their lifestyle to survive under an iron-depleted environment. In cyanobacteria, the electron transport chains involved in photosynthesis and respiration, as well as the enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism have a high content of iron. Hence, cyanobacterial iron requirements are much higher than those of heterotrophic organisms. In this chapter, we revise different strategies developed by this important group of microorganisms to cope with iron deficiency, as well as the regulatory networks involved in the homeostasis of this indispensable element.


To what extent does voluntary association participation correlate with reduced Ebola duration in districts across Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone during the 2013-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic? In this first cross-national quantitative study of Ebola outcomes across the three countries with nearly all the Ebola cases globally, I investigate how social capital influences epidemic outcomes. The epidemic struck along the border of three countries with similar health indicators, human development indicators, as well as cultural practices yet resulted in different outcomes. In this article, I examine the role of social trust, political trust, voluntary association participation, religious organization membership, and community meeting attendance in explaining international policy failure to reduce Ebola outcomes. Overall, in districts with a culture of raising issues and participating in voluntary and religious organizations, Ebola duration rates were lower.


Abstract Not Available – First paragraph follows:
Sprouting of seeds, a physiological disorder in ripe canning tomatoes, has been observed in fruits harvested from various growing areas of California during the past several years. This disorder is of particular concern in the canning of whole tomatoes because the germinated seeds appear as, foreign materials. Green or pink colored fruits have not been observed to contain sprouted seeds. Fruits from the mechanical harvesting varieties VF 145 and VF 13L and selections from these lines have shown sprouted seeds. With some of the other varieties, reports of occurrence of the seed sprouting have been quite infrequent (table 1).


The computation of the tertiary aberration coefficients of symmetrical optical systems composed of spherical surfaces has been fully dealt with previously. To show that it is quite feasible to calculate in the same way coefficients of still higher order, the present paper deals with the coefficient of quaternary (i.e., ninth order) spherical aberration. The intrinsic contributions are first brought into a remarkably simple form. Thereafter the required iteration formula is developed, and, by way of example, the actual computations are carried out for a certain triplet, the computing scheme in this instance being treated as an appendix to that for the set of tertiary coefficients.


The personality characteristics of the nonprofessional staff of Soteria House, an innovative residential treatment program for schizophrenics, are assessed and compared with characteristics of representative staffs from two more traditional mental health programs for schizophrenics: a university psychiatric ward and a community-based program staffed by a specially trained group of state hospital aides. A battery of self-report personality questionnaires was used. Analysis of the data indicates an over-all similarity of personality profiles in the three groups. All groups demonstrated two sets of characteristics considered desirable for therapists of schizophrenics: the ego-strength qualities of self-assurance, emotional maturity, independence, and autonomy, and the affective qualities of warmth, sensitivity, and empathy. However, within a third set of characteristics, descriptive of cognitive-attitudinal qualities, the Soteria staff possessed significantly more intuition, introversion, flexibility, and tolerance of altered states of consciousness. The authors speculate that it is this last set of characteristics that allows the Soteria staff to function in the program's intensive, unstructured treatment environment.


In auctions where a seller can post a reserve price but if the object fails to sell cannot commit never to attempt to resell it, revenue equivalence between repeated first price and second price auctions without commitment results. When the time between auctions goes to zero, seller expected revenues converge to those of a static auction with no reserve price. With many bidders, the seller equilibrium reserve price approaches the reserve price in an optimal static auction. An auction in which the simple equilibrium reserve price policy of the seller mirrors a policy commonly used by many auctioneers is computed. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C78, D44, D82. Q 1997 Academic Press


Several progresses have been made in evaluating the development policies for rural areas in the last years; many indicators1 have been set for assessing the effectiveness of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Rural Development Policies (RDPs) and their role on the convergence process of the EU members, but a shared definition of rurality is still missing. The results obtained at the level of growth and development by the most lagging behind areas, are far from being satisfactory (Brasili, 2005). The evaluation of the policies and programmes introduced evidenced lack of institutional planning and implementing abilities, and an insufficient targeting of policies and payments (Mantino, 2010). The experience of the 10 New Member States (NMSs)2 showed how the current CAP and Cohesion policy, designed for the EU-15 (Csaki et al. 2010), aren't enough for addressing the regional specificities, hindering a process of development which is already weakened by the effects of the unfinished transition. This paper aims at offering a methodological contribution for evaluating the EU membership, with particular attention to the CAP, in Hungary. We chose this Country among the 10 NMSs because of the relevance (96%) of the rural areas on the total land3, and given the historical socio-economic role played by agriculture. The authors believe that more targeted – and therefore efficient – policies for agricultural and rural areas require a deeper knowledge of their structural and dynamic characteristics. Therefore, in order to identify the changes occurred before (2003) and after (2007) the EU membership on agricultural and rural areas, we use the following multivariate statistics methodologies: Principal Components Analysis, applied to the set of 42 variables, and Cluster Analysis on the results obtained by the Principal Components Analysis. Then, we offer a preliminary evaluation of the distribution of Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS)4, using the information on the applications provided at the County level by the Hungarian Paying Agency to show correlations with the leading factors.


Abstract In this paper, we analyze the sensitivities of coherent optical receivers and microwave receivers. We derive theoretical limits of signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate. By applying a generic approach to a broad range of receivers, we can compare their performance directly. Other publications have considered some of these receivers. However, their diverse nature obscures the big picture. Using our results as a unifying platform, previous publications can be compared and discrepancies between them identified.


Inventory, cost, and the level of service are three interrelated key metrics that most supply chain organizations are striving to optimize. One way to achieve this goal is to create a simulation model to conduct sensitivity analysis and optimization on several different supply chain policies that can be implemented in actual operation. In this paper, a case of Xerox global supply chain modeling and analysis to assess several "what if" scenarios for the consumable policy safety stock is presented. The simulation model, combined with analytical cost model and optimization module, is used to optimize the policy safety stock level to achieve the lowest total value chain cost. It was shown quantitatively that the policy safety stock can be reduced, but it is offset by the inbound premium transportation cost to expedite supplies in shortage, and the outbound premium transportation cost to send supplies to customers via express shipment, requiring fine balance.


Recent research on consumer culture and working-class femininity in the United States has argued that attention to fashionable clothing and dime novels did not undermine female working-class identities, but rather provided key resources for creating those identities. In this essay I consider whether we can see a similar process of appropriation by working-class women in Latin America. There women employed in factories had to contend with widespread denigration of the female factory worker. Looking first at the employer-run "Centers for Domestic Instruction" in São Paulo, I argue that "proper femininity" in these centers—frequented by large numbers of working-class women—reflected middle-class notions of the skilled housewife, and situated working-class women as nearly middle class. What we see is a process of "approximation," not appropriation. I then look at the case of Argentina (especially Greater Buenos Aires) where Peronism also promoted "traditional" roles for working-class women but where Eva Perón emerges as a working-class heroine. The figure of Evita—widely reviled by women of the middle and upper classes—becomes a means to construct an alternative, class-based femininity for working-class women.


Summary Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressively invasive human brain cancer, which lacks effective treatment. The axonal guidance protein, netrin-1, is overexpressed in glioblastoma tumor biopsies. In Matrigel invasion assays we observed that experimental overexpression of netrin-1 increased cell invasiveness and its downregulation decreased invasiveness. Using tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry protein identification we found that netrin-1 forms a complex with both Notch2 and Jagged1. Recombinant netrin-1 colocalized with Jagged1 and Notch2 at the cell surface and was also present in the intracellular vesicles with Jagged1, but not with Notch2. Netrin-1 activated Notch signaling and subsequent glioblastoma cell invasion. Interestingly, the recombinant central domain of netrin-1 counteracted the effects of the full-length netrin-1: it inhibited glioblastoma cell invasion and Notch activation by retaining the Notch signaling complex at the cell surface. This finding may give rise to therapeutic applications. These results reveal a new mechanism leading to glioblastoma cell invasion, in which netrin-1 activates Notch signaling.


Background: The study of dorsalis pedis artery and variations in its branching pattern has been reported sporadically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the arterial. Supply on the dorsum of the foot. Methods: The study was carried out of forty dissected limbs of unknown sex and age from the department of Anatomy, Aarupadai veedu Medical College, Pondicherry. Results and Discussion: The incidence of classical text-book description was found to be very less in present study. In 5% of cases the dorsalis pedis artery was replaced by the peroneal artery. In 5% of cases the anterior tibial artery was found on lateral side of leg, dorsalis pedis artery is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery seen passing above lateral malleolus and then it passes forwards along the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot has a poor nourishment.


Background: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal cancers of the gastrointestinal tract PDGFRA genes. Sporadic Multiple Primary GISTs (MPGs) are a rare entity that could occur in adult patients characterized by multiple synchronous lesions generally located in the same organ and even more rarely by metachronous neoplasms. The differential diagnosis among MPGs and disseminated disease or recurrent primary GIST is critical as it affects clinical management. Case report: Here, we present a case of an 86-year-old female who underwent emergency surgery in June 2016 for a giant GIST of the stomach occupying most of the left side of the abdomen. After two years, during adjuvant imatinib 400 mg daily, emergency sigmoid resection was performed due to subacute obstruction and a colonic GIST carrying the same KIT mutation (deletion 557-558 at exon 11) of the previous gastric neoplasm was detected. In this case, we hypothesized the primary nature of the two tumors despite being metachronous and occurring in different organs. However, the same mutational pattern suggested a clonal relationship between the two neoplasms. The onset of a third duodenal lesion, that could corroborate the assumption of the primary metachronous nature of the disease, still remains an unsolved question since its malignancy was not confirmed. Conclusion: Differentiating among metachronous multiple primary GISTs or relapse on imatinib is relevant for staging and choosing the most proper therapeutic approach. Further investigations are surely needed in order to asses a diagnostic tool that may help clinicians to distinguish this rare entity (both synchronous or metachronous) from recurrences. In this scenario, molecular analysis may add essential data to discriminate sporadic MPGs and recurrent or metastatic GISTs.


The present study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of newly designed motor-driven fiberglass burs in root planing and compare it to manual instrumentation using universal curette. Twelve patients complaining from periodontitis with deep periodontal pockets were involved in this study. A total number of 139 pocket sites received root planing by motor-driven fiberglass burs and 131 pocket sites were planed manually by curette. The root planing procedure was opened type; it was performed by modified widman flap operation. The clinical parameters that were used in this study are (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and relative attachment level). They were recorded in 4 periodic visits 2 of them before treatment and 2 after treatment to assess the improvement and to make a comparison between the two methods of treatment. The results revealed that there was a significant improvement in all of the clinical parameters after treatment with fiberglass burs. Also the results showed that that there was no significant difference between the improvement that was implemented by the two methods of treatment.


Purpose
Solar-driven water desalination technologies are rapidly developing with various links to other renewable sources. However, the efficiency of such systems severely depends on the design parameters. This paper presents results from an investigation on the effect of the glass cover inclination angle on the performance of two stepped solar still geometries (flat and convex) and the amount of produced distilled water.

Design Methodology Approach
Studied inclination angles of 25°, 27.5°, 30°, 32.5° and 35° were chosen, while other design parameters were fixed.

Findings
The investigation showed that the unit with the convex absorber plate had higher average water daily production rate, compared to the output of the flat absorber plate unit. The results also depicted that the inclination angle of the still has a noticeable effect on the performance of solar stills. The value of the critical angle is 32.5°, and the higher inclination angle results in less heat transfer coefficient. This value can be used for design purposes and erases the typical assumption to use lower angles to optimize the productivity of the still.

Practical Implications
Finally, obtained data were used to correlate the Nusselt number for the flat and convex surfaces with different inclination angles of the glass cover.

Originality Value
The outcome of this investigation may find applications to develop highly efficient solar stills to secure more drinkable water in warm, dry lands.


Objectives for the simulation day:

• To provide students with the necessary knowledge to effectively assess a sick child
• To teach the practical skills necessary for the effective management of childhood emergencies
• To embed the acquisition of skills and knowledge through simulated practice
• To practice working as a team using simulation
• To foster inter-professional relationships and learning

Process:
Twenty-four undergraduate healthcare students (12 medical students and 12
children's nursing students) participated in a one-day inter-professional clinical simulation event, which explored the assessment and treatment of acutely unwell children. The students were given pre-course reading based upon the Advanced Paediatric Life Support materials two weeks prior to their participation in the simulation. The day commenced with a number of short lectures and demonstrations, including: assessment of the acutely unwell child; basic life support for children; airway and breathing assessment and cardiac arrest protocols. Following this the students participated in workstations that explored all of the issues included in the lectures to enhance their skills and knowledge. The afternoon consisted of the students participating in three simulation scenarios: a child in asystole who had been electrocuted, a child with bronchiolitis who requires assessment and stabilisation and a child with an inflamed appendix who needs assessment, treatment and referral to a surgical team. Each student participated in one of the scenarios and feedback was given by the faculty and peers after each simulation. The faculty did not define the roles of the students and students were encouraged to think about their shared knowledge, skills and experience, rather than stereotypical performances of medical and nursing roles.
Results and Outcomes:
All of the students reported that attending the day, as well being enjoyable, increased their skills, knowledge and confidence in assessing acutely unwell children. This poster will present the data obtained from the post course evaluation.


Donor-π-acceptor complexes for solar energy conversion are commonly composed of a chomophore donor and a semiconductor nanoparticle acceptor separated by a π bridge. The electronic coupling between the donor and acceptor is known to be large when the π systems of the donor and bridge are coplanar. However, the accessibility of highly coplanar geometries in the excited state is not well understood. In this work, we clarify the relationship between the bridge structure and excited-state donor-bridge coplanarization by comparing rhodamine sensitizers with either phenylene (O-Ph) or thiophene (O-Th) bridge units. Using a variety of optical spectroscopic and computational techniques, we model the S1 excited-state potential surfaces of O-Ph and O-Th along the dihedral coordinate of donor-bridge coplanarization, τ. We find that O-Th accesses a nearly coplanar (τ = 8°) global minimum geometry in S1 where significant intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character is developed. The S1 coplanar geometry is populated in <10 ps and is stable for ca. 1 ns. Importantly, O-Ph is sterically hindered from rotation along τ and therefore remains at its initial S1 equilibrium geometry far from coplanarity (τ = 56°). Our results demonstrate that donor-bridge dye sensitizers utilizing thiophene bridges should facilitate strong donor-acceptor coupling by an ultrafast and stabilizing coplanarization mechanism in S1. The coplanarization will result in strong donor-acceptor coupling, potentially increasing the electron transfer efficiency. These findings provide further explanation for the success of thiophene as a bridge unit and can be used to guide the informed design of new molecular sensitizers.


Background Catheter-related infections(CRI) are highly prevalent and often associated with fatal complications. One year ago, intensive care unit (ICU) of our Hospital implemented a 'Zero Bacteremia Project.' Purpose To determine the rate of CRI in hospitalised patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and to determinate whether there is any relationship with the route of administration and place of insertion (hospital ward or operating room). Materials and methods Prospective study conducted in a General Hospital during 13 months. All patients who received PN by central line were included, and The authors registered the Medical Department, insertion date, localisation (peripherally inserted central line, subclavian, jugular, femoral or implanted ports), the place of insertion and, in case of infection, the date and the causal agent. Results 177 central vascular catheters (CVC) were registered in 159 patients, of whom 62% were inserted by the surgery department, 20% by ICU, 12% by internal medicine and 6% by other ones. 71% of the CVC were inserted in the operating room. Subclavian route was mainly used in surgery and digestive departments (62% and 67% respectively), while in internal medicine and ICU there were more jugular vein insertions (76% and 63%). A total of 42 CVC were removed for suspected infection (24%), with positive cultures in 22 of them (12% of total). There were no case of infection in ICU patients, while digestive department had the highest rate (37%) followed by surgery (12%) and internal medicine (11%), probably because CVC were inserted in patients that had been hospitalised longer. Mean time between catheter insertion and infection was 11 days. The genus found in 73% of the cases was Staphylococcus and the most frequent species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (38%) and Staphylococcus hominis (19%). In three cases, polymicrobial infection was found. Conclusions There is no uniformity among departments in using jugular or subclavian route. It was necessary to remove a high percentage of CVC on suspicion of infection, but only half of them had positive cultures. Based on these results, the Hospital Infections Committee has agreed to extend the 'Zero Bacteremia Project' to other inpatient Units.


ABSTRACT Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine represents a critical juncture for the role gender plays in European security. We argue that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is not only gendered in the way other conflict are, but the war's essential novelty lies in the fact that it is explicitly fought for the so-called traditional values, against gender and sexual equalities. Drawing on local decolonial insights and theoretical concepts of liberal/illiberal gender orders, we contrast the Russian neo-traditionalism with the Ukrainian account of the Russian invasion, while seeking to uncover how an imagination of Europe is constitutive for these gendered discourses. We show that the construction of the narratives is a circular process of ever more pronounced neo-traditionalism by Russia which sees Europe as its decadent Other. We demonstrate that these discourses have real consequences as the Russian illiberal gender order justifies and wages real war against Ukraine and gender is turning into the central battlefield both in the figurative and the literal sense of the word. Russian accounts contrast with Ukraine's hybridised, but increasingly emancipatory discourses and practices which have been playing a fundamental role in Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion.


The ability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to learn from experience rather than from mechanistic descriptions makes them the preferred choice to model processes with intricate variable interrelations. Some of these processes can be found in the area of biotechnology. The authors aim to use ANNs and data fusion to provide better instrumentation for a fermentation process and eventually optimise its performance. Of particular interest is the robust estimation of biomass in the production of an antibiotic. Several feed-forward backpropagation neural networks (BPNs) have been chosen for the experiments using the Levenberg-Marquardt learning algorithm. Work has been carried out to test the generalisation capabilities and performance in the presence of noise and sensor failure. It has been observed that, given the appropriate training, data fusion and ANN methodology lead to estimation of these parameters with an accuracy comparable to instrumentation errors.


Question Answering (QA), as a research field, has primarily focused on either knowledge bases (KBs) or free text as a source of knowledge. These two sources have historically shaped the kinds of questions that are asked over these sources, and the methods developed to answer them. In this work, we look towards a practical use-case of QA over user-instructed knowledge that uniquely combines elements of both structured QA over knowledge bases, and unstructured QA over narrative, introducing the task of multi-relational QA over personal narrative. As a first step towards this goal, we make three key contributions: (i) we generate and release TextWorldsQA, a set of five diverse datasets, where each dataset contains dynamic narrative that describes entities and relations in a simulated world, paired with variably compositional questions over that knowledge, (ii) we perform a thorough evaluation and analysis of several state-of-the-art QA models and their variants at this task, and (iii) we release a lightweight Python-based framework we call TextWorlds for easily generating arbitrary additional worlds and narrative, with the goal of allowing the community to create and share a growing collection of diverse worlds as a test-bed for this task.