The interstellar medium is characterized by a rich and diverse chemistry. Many of its complex organic molecules are proposed to form through radical chemistry in icy grain mantles. Radicals form readily when interstellar ices (composed of water and other volatiles) are exposed to UV photons and other sources of dissociative radiation, and if sufficiently mobile the radicals can react to form larger, more complex molecules. The resulting complex organic molecules (COMs) accompany star and planet formation and may eventually seed the origins of life on nascent planets. Experiments of increasing sophistication have demonstrated that known interstellar COMs as well as the prebiotically interesting amino acids can form through ice photochemistry. We review these experiments and discuss the qualitative and quantitative kinetic and mechanistic constraints they have provided. We finally compare the effects of UV radiation with those of three other potential sources of radical production and chemistry in interstellar ices: electrons, ions, and X-rays.


This review deals with the epidemiology and ecology of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a subset of the verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), and subsequently discusses its public health concern. Attention is also given to the outbreak strain O104:H4, which has been isolated as causative agent of the second largest outbreak of the hemolytic uremic syndrome worldwide, which started in Germany in May 2011. This outbreak strain is not an EHEC as such but possesses an unusual combination of EHEC and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) virulence properties.


The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan insurgency seriously challenged the Pakistani government's writ of state in FATA from 2004 to 2008. However, by 2017, the insurgency collapsed. This paper argues that Pakistan's counterinsurgency campaign after 2009 caused the decline of the Taliban insurgency by targeting the TTP through a true counterinsurgency operation, rather than the conventional warfare tactics used earlier. This counterinsurgency shift involved a more judicious use of force, rather than simply more force, and deployed both enemy-centric and population-centric approaches, but with a marked emphasis on the former over the latter.


This book is in five sections. 'Wear and Tear' contains poems about the birth of my son Gruffydd in 2009, a brother to Robert and Brendan they may not have expected, and the worlds he produced on his arrival. The poems in the 'Partly in Riga' section are from a few years earlier, and a result of a residency in Riga, Latvia as part of the 'Sealines' project. They try to talk about some of the difficulties of knowing and not knowing, of being there and immersed in the place and the culture, but not always understanding. 'Partly Local' tracks a number of journeys both within and outside north Wales, ranging from the Llyn Peninsula to Sussex and the Greek mainland, as well as journeys into the Welsh past through the poetry and landscapes of Dafydd ap Gwilym. The poems in 'Poor Relations' are an attempt to think consistently about contemporary politics at a time when, to me, that seemed to be impossible. They try to locate places of resistance and moments of compassion, however fleeting. The final section, 'The People Poems', takes forward the ideas in 'Poor relations' and explores a developing interest in the human figure, and a the changing and partial contexts produced by human activity. But they try to be about more than the figure, or the politicised human body; they try to be about people and the complexities of their histories, an inter-related present and their possible futures.


We propose an algorithm to construct a 3-D surface model from a set of range data, based on non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) surface-fitting technique. It is assumed that the range data is initially unorganized and scattered 3-D points, while their connectivity is also unknown. The proposed algorithm consists of three stages: initial model approximation employing K-means clustering, hierarchical decomposition of the initial model, and construction of the NURBS surface patch network. The initial model is approximated by both a polyhedral and triangular model. Then, the initial model is represented by a hierarchical graph, which is efficiently used to construct the G/sup 1/ continuous NURBS patch network of the whole object. Experiments are carried out on synthetic and real range data to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. It is shown that the initial model as well as the NURBS patch network are constructed automatically with tolerable computation. The modeling error of the NURBS model is reduced to 10%, compared with the initial mesh model.


Decision-making in corporate technology management and government technology policy is increasingly influenced by the environmental impact of technologies. Technology foresight (TF) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) are analyzed with regard to the roles they can play in developing long-term strategies and policies for reducing the environmental impact of technologies. The methods for TF and EIA are quite well developed, but remain within a tradition of rational decision-making. However, recent studies of tecnology management and innovation have shown that technology development can be explained only to a certain degree by rational decision-making. EIA is usually presented as an objective and scientific method, based on normative underpinnings that usually remain hidden. Thus, systematic information-providing instruments such as TF and EIA can play only a limited role. We propose a procedure for environmental technology foresight. The case is made that environmental technology management will be mo...


Recommender system is a system that provides a recommendation, prediction or opinion
that can assist the user in computerized solution. It is a new type of Internet technology
since market trading nowadays migrated into e-commerce, which as a marketing tools to
increase revenue. This technology had increased the competition among businesses.
Thus, consumers are faced with too many choices without any guide or help for them to
make decision. The fashion industry itself has now migrated to e-commerce where many
fashion outlets offered on the Internet. One added value service to enhance customer
relationship is by providing expert help in fashion consultation. Image Advisor - Muslim
Women Office Wear expert system has been incorporated in the website to support
fashion industry service. The system is to verify the suitable office wears for Muslim
women in Malaysia. This system used Rule-based (RB) approach to achieve the
objectives. Forward chaining (FC) and backward chaining (BC) are the two techniques
that being used to get the result. The analysis and the comparison of office wear are based
on Asian countries. Middle East countries and Western countries. From the knowledge
acquisition, the information filtered and being classified, and the result used as
information in the system to guide and give advice to the Muslim women about
appropriate garment that follow Islamic dress requirements thus, project corporate image
in the organization. A computational result, which is the most valuable from among the
available solution, is presented.


Quality of health services as an essential topic for marketing the healthcare services. Therefore, this study aims to measure of the quality of perceived healthcare services and identify the satisfaction rate about the services offered at one of Baghdad city hospitals. This research is based on a questionnaire; two samples were taken. These samples involved patients and the hospital staff to perform the current study. "SERVPERF" model has been used to measure the service quality that consists of five dimensions including (Tangible, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy). In this study, "SERVPERF" model was developed to measure of the availability as a sixth dimension to cover all services quality factors in the healthcare centers. It was found that there aren't statistically significant differences between the levels of quality healthcare services provided in the hospital respect to the two samples that have been studied. Also, the quality of the healthcare services provided at this hospital was below the required level and with moderate satisfaction rate. Where, the Responsiveness was the highest satisfaction rate, while the Availability was the lowest satisfaction rate, which negatively affected on the level of quality of the healthcare services provided in that hospital. Keywords—Service quality, SERVPERF, Patient satisfaction, Healthcare.


Introduction: The assessment of mediator components of behavior change based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can be carried out with a questionnaire instrument. Meanwhile, the questionnaire to assess the mediator of adolescents' balanced dietary behavior in post-disaster areas has not yet been developed. Failure to recognize nutritional problems in this period can increase morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this present study attempts to provide the overview of the implementation of content and face validity as well as reliability of the TPB questionnaire on the balanced dietary behavior of adolescents in the post-disaster area by taking a study case in Palu City, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.Methods: By involving nine expert panelists, the content validity was conducted qualitatively and quantitatively by calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Kappa statistics scores. Face validity was conducted qualitatively by interviewing ten adolescents'. Meanwhile, Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha was calculated to measure the reliability by interviewing 30 adolescents aged 15–17 years old living in the disaster site with their mothers during the massive disaster in 2018.Results: The results showed that the Item CVI and the kappa statistics scores were between 0.75 and 1 and 0.72 and 1, respectively. The final version of the questionnaire was resolved based on the panelists' recommendation, the face validity's findings, and the results of the questionnaire reliability assessment. There were 14 items of attitude, 12 items of subjective norms, 17 items of behavioral control, and eight items of intention components with acceptable questionnaire reliabilities.Conclusion: Overall, the TPB questionnaire on the balanced dietary behavior of adolescents has excellent validity and reliability to measure the mediator of balanced dietary behavior changes of adolescents.


The results of trajectory reconstruction for re-entrant albedo deuteron fluxes obtained in the PAMELA experiment are presented in this work. PAMELA is an international experiment aimed on measurements of cosmic ray particle fluxes in wide energy range. In particular, analysis of PAMELA data gives possibility to identify deuterons. Classification of re-entrant albedo deuterons with energies from 70 to 400 MeV/nucleon depending on theirs reconstructed lifetimes and generation zones is presented here at first time.


Environmental enrichment is a key component in improving the psychological and physiological well-being of animals under professional care. Environmental enrichment involves the addition of stimuli, including objects and cognitive challenges, into the environment in order to increase species-specific behaviour and provide opportunities for choice and control. The effectiveness of enrichment should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the desired result has been achieved. Environmental enrichment devices (EEDs) can be utilised to present novel problems to animals under professional care. Here, a submerged interactive cognitive apparatus was presented to eight bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) five days a week for 18 weeks and behavioural indicators of animal welfare assessed. As a group, dolphins spent more time in social swims compared to solitary swims and more time at the bottom of the habitat than the middle or top throughout the day, even when the apparatus was not immediately available. Individuals' differences were apparent in the type and amount of engagement with the apparatus. Three dolphins engaged with the apparatus by solving it or consuming the reward. Two dolphins, D4 and D8, engaged simultaneously with the apparatus and participated in more social swimming with each other. D4 solved the interactive apparatus and engaged in more social active and solitary active behaviours. D1 and D4 increased their use of the bottom of the habitat. This study is the first report of underwater enrichment increasing dolphins time at depth throughout the day even when the enrichment device is not available. The interactive apparatus was an effective form of enrichment for dolphins participating in successful trials.


Eid Al-Fitr Mubarak Developing Understanding A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: "Puppies For Sale" Signs like this always have a way of attracting young children, and to no surprise, a boy saw the sign, approached the owner and asked about the price. Upon receiving the answer, the little boy pulled out some change from his pocket and asked the shop owner "Can I please look at them?" The shop owner smiled and whistled. Out of the kennel tiny puppies came out. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little puppy?" The shop owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy that I want to buy." The shop owner said, "No, you don't buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you." The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said; "I don't want you to give him to me. That little puppy is worth every bit as much as all the other puppies and I'll pay full price." The shop owner countered, "You really don't need to buy this little puppy. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies." To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the shop owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!"


Spectral pixels are often a mixture of the pure spectra of the materials, called endmembers, due to the low spatial resolution of hyperspectral sensors, double scattering, and intimate mixtures of materials in the scenes. Unmixing estimates the fractional abundances of the endmembers within the pixel. Depending on the prior knowledge of endmembers, linear unmixing can be divided into three main groups: supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised (blind) linear unmixing. Advances in Image processing and machine learning substantially affected unmixing. This paper provides an overview of advanced and conventional unmixing approaches. Additionally, we draw a critical comparison between advanced and conventional techniques from the three categories. We compare the performance of the unmixing techniques on three simulated and two real datasets. The experimental results reveal the advantages of different unmixing categories for different unmixing scenarios. Moreover, we provide an open-source Python-based package available at https://github.com/BehnoodRasti/HySUPP to reproduce the results.


Information technology Services is considered as the key driver for the changes taking place around the world.Internet banking (IB) is the latest and most innovative service and is the new trend among the consumers. The shift from the formal banking to e-banking has been a 'leap' change. This study determines the factors influencing the consumer's adoptionof internet banking in India and hence investigates the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk on use of IB. It is an essential part of a bank's strategy formulation process in an emerging economy like India. Surveybased questionnaire design with empirical test was carried out. The results have supported the hypothesis.


Material on this guide supports courses for general chemistry in addition to other chemistry-related courses or topics at Alabama State University.


Variable pay not only creates a link between pay and performance but may also help firms in attracting the more productive employees (Lazear 1986, 2000). However, due to lack of natural data, empirical analyses of the relative importance of the selection and incentive effects of pay schemes are so far thin on the ground. In addition, these effects may be influenced by the nature of the relationship between the firm and its employees. This paper reports results of a laboratory experiment that analyzes the influence of other-regarding preferences on sorting and incentives. Experimental evidence shows that (i) the opportunity to switch to piece-rate increases the average level of output and its variance; (ii) there is a concentration of high skill workers in performance pay firms; (iii) however, in repeated interactions, efficiency wages coupled with reciprocity and inequality aversion reduce the attraction of performance related pay. Other-regarding preferences influence both the provision of incentives and their sorting effect.


OBJECTIVE
Atrial tachyarrhythmias frequently develop after the Fontan operation. Patients with Fontan physiology rely on atrial contribution to cardiac output, and thus control of atrial arrhythmias is important. Outcomes after cardioversion in patients after Fontan have not been reported. We sought to determine if cardioversion results in improved echocardiographic parameters or clinical symptomatology; and, discern risk factors for arrhythmia recurrence.

DESIGN
We retrospectively analyzed the Mayo Clinic echocardiographic database to capture patients after the Fontan operation who underwent transesophageal echocardiography-guided electrical cardioversion from 2000-2015. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected and compared at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS
Eight hundred ninety patients with prior Fontan operation underwent echocardiographic evaluation; 341 (38%) developed atrial arrhythmias. Thirty-six patients [20 males, median age 29 (12-51)] underwent transesophageal echocardiography-guided cardioversion of atrial arrhythmias [atrial flutter/intraatrial reentrant tachycardia (75%); atrial fibrillation (25%)]. At follow-up, improvements were noted in ejection fraction by 10% (P < .0001); atrioventricular valve regurgitation grade (39%) (P = .002); New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (61%) (P < .001); and resolution of spontaneous echo contrast in the Fontan circuit (65%) (P < .01). No embolic events occurred following cardioversion. Eighteen patients (50%) developed recurrent atrial arrhythmias at 15 (3-36) months after cardioversion. Five-year freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was 61%. Significant univariate predictors of arrhythmia recurrence were atrial flutter/intraatrial reentrant tachycardia (HR = 4.3, P = .02); NYHA ≥ II (HR = 4.1, P = .03); systemic right ventricle (HR = 5.2; P = .02); and ejection fraction ≤ 40% (HR = 2.8; P = .04). On multivariate analysis, only systemic right ventricle (HR = 3.7; P = .02) remained an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence.

CONCLUSION
After the Fontan operation, cardioversion of atrial arrhythmias improves ventricular function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation grade, and NYHA class. Arrhythmia recurrence was common and patients with atrial flutter/intraatrial reentrant tachycardia, systemic right ventricle, or reduced ventricular function may be at risk of arrhythmia recurrence. Further studies are required to identify additional risk factors and protective factors for arrhythmia recurrence.


The seismicity data from 1825 to the present for the Assam (north-eastern India) region show that seismicity rates there deviate from normal before and after major earthquakes. Along this 1,000-km-long section of a plate boundary, all shocks with magnitude M > 6.6 were preceded and sometimes followed by periods of significant seismic quiescence. No major earthquakes occurred without an associated seismic quiescence, and no such quiescence occurred at times other than before or after a major event. The most remarkable periods of quiescence lasted about 28 and 30 y before the two great (M = 8.7) Assam earthquakes of 1897 and 1950. Other periods of anomalously low seismicity preceded main shocks of magnitudes 6.7 (in 1950 and 1975), 7.8 (in 1869), and 7.7 (in 1947), with durations of 6, 8, 23, and 17 y, respectively. These durations fit (with approximately the scatter of the original data) a published relation between precursor time and magnitude. Since these changes of seismicity rate were observed at the edges of and within the Assam gap, defined by the 1897 and 1950 great earthquakes, it is likely that a future major or great earthquake in this gap will be preceded by seismic quiescence. Whether amore » preparatory phase for an earthquake has begun in the Assam gap cannot be stated for certain because of the changing earthquake-detection capability in the area and because of poor location accuracy. 4 figures.« less


Objective: To examine whether the outcome of patients after successful percutaneous coronary revascularization is influenced by diabetic status. Design: Retrospective analysis of the Mayo Clinic PTCA Registry. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the occurrence of all-cause death and death/myocardial infarction among diabetic (n = 2,155) and nondiabetic patients (n = 9,354) after successful percutaneous coronary revascularization at Mayo Clinic from October 1979 through December 1998. Results: Of the 11,509 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary revascularization during the study period, 2,155 were diabetic at the time of their index percutaneous coronary revascularization. The clinical success rate was similar for the two groups (≈87%). Among the patients with clinically successful interventions, the median (25th, 75th interquartiles) time of follow-up was 3.1 (1.1, 6.1) years for diabetic patients and 4.3 (2.0, 8.2) years for nondiabetic patients (p < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was associated with increased adjusted risk (95% confidence interval) of death (1.73 [1.54, 1.94]) and death/infarction (1.62 [1.46, 1.79]). Conclusions: Although diabetic and nondiabetic patients had similar clinical success rates for percutaneous coronary revascularization, diabetic patients had significantly worse long-term outcomes.


My research and publications over the past 25 years can be related to two major themes: building up the case for business ethics education in UK Business schools, and the development of a virtue ethics approach to institution building in business and management. My business ethics research papers have been focused on the exploration and use of virtue theory as an approach to applied ethics in the context of business and organisational life, exploring subjects such as loyalty, codes of conduct, executive remuneration, job security, health hazards, service work, shareholder responsibilities, temperance, maritime piracy. Virtue theory is a useful framework to approach ethical issues in work organizations. First, this is because its emphasis on the shared values in a community (rather than a set of universal rules) lends itself to understanding ethical standards within communities of practice or professions. Second, because of its emphasis on moral education and development, virtue ethics has useful purchase on issues around management and professional development. These two themes were combined in the study of corporate governance and accountability. The relationship between business and society is a complex phenomenon and requires a multi-disciplinary approach to understand its full ramifications. My book, Corporate Governance and Accountability is an analysis and a synthesis of the politics of corporate governance and draws upon economics, management, law, politics, ethics, and sociology to examine the representative institution of business in our society, the company. An analysis is made of how its legal form has changed over the years in response to social drivers and political imperatives. The book attempts to track the nature and course of these developments and tries to understand the present situation, and then attempts to give some insights into how companies may be expected to develop in the future. The perspective of the study, although multi-disciplinary, in many aspects is perhaps, in the final analysis, predominantly political, because it is the relationship of the company to society that is the major focus of the analysis. In this respect, a major theme of the study is to examine to what extent the corporate form changed in response to socio-political factors as well as economic factors.


Lucefin C25, C25E, and C25R are low-carbon, non-alloy steels that are used in the normalized, cold worked, or quenched and tempered condition. These steels are typically used for small, moderately stressed parts, where higher strength levels are needed than can be achieved in the lower carbon grades; they also are used for applications in which toughness is more important than high tensile strength. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, and elasticity. It also includes information on forming, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: CS-211. Producer or source: Lucefin S.p.A.


Methods on the measurement of progressive addition lenses (PALs) are summarized. Principles and characteristics of several comparatively promising kinds of methods based on Computer-aided Focimeters, optical sampling (Hartmann Testing, Ronchi Inspecting etc.) and Moiré Deflection Technology (MDT) are described. Corresponding typical arrangements of the measurement devices used in these methods are provided too. After being compared with each other in their features, their respective advantages and application limitations are analyzed. Also, the new development tendencies of these methods are discussed. Based on foregoing comparison and analysis, key problems and difficulties on the measurement of progressive addition lenses are put forward. In the end, the future of the inspection of progressive addition lenses is proposed.


New item or topic profiling and recommendation are useful yet challenging, especially in face of a "cold-start" situation with sparse user-item ratings for the new arrivals. In this paper, a method of acquiring review opinions of the "sentinel" users on the cold-start items is proposed to elicit those items' latent profiles, and thus both user-specific ratings and future popularity of the items can be predicted simultaneously. Specifically, such a joint prediction task is formulated as a two-stage optimization problem, and a sentinel user selection algorithm is devised to facilitate effective latent profiles extraction for both item ratings and popularity predictions. Experiments with microblogging and movie data sets corroborate that the proposed method is capable of mitigating the cold-start problem and it outperforms several competitive peer methods.


In this paper, we address a non-preemptive task scheduling problem with an objective function of minimizing the makespan. We consider online scheduling with release date on identical parallel processing system with centralized and no splitting structure. Multi-steps heuristic algorithms are proposed to solve this non-deterministic scheduling problem. A computational experiment is conducted to examine the effectiveness of the proposed multi-steps method in different size problem. The computational results show that all the proposed heuristics obtain good results with the gap between optimal solutions are less than 10% even for a large date set. The experiment is performed using Microsoft Visual C++ programming software in windows environment. Keywords: Online scheduling; Minimizing makespan; Identical parallel processor; Release date. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 68M20, 90B36, 90C27.


1/spl times/EV-DO, also known as high rate packet data (HRFD-0), was introduced to provide spectrally efficient high speed forward link packet data services. To enable high speed services, advanced techniques such as adaptive modulation and coding, hybrid ARQ, and fast scheduling were introduced in HRPD-0. In this paper, link and system level performance of the HRPD-0 forward link are presented. In addition, HRPD-0 system performance is compared to that of the baseline cdma2000-1/spl times/ and 1/spl times/EV-DV. The results show that the spectral efficiency of HRPD-0 is similar to 1/spl times/EV-DV, but is much higher than cdma2000-1x. However, analysis indicates that the performance of HRPD-0 is limited by the reliability of the reverse-link data rate control channel.


The hypothesis to be tested was whether characteristics of work situations affect the physiology of people when the effects of individual differences in medical/behavioral factors are minimized. Four prisons with different objective work conditions were chosen. The psychosocial work situation was recorded in a self-administered questionnaire. Morning plasma cortisol, blood pressure, and urinary excretion of catecholamines were measured. Analyses of variance showed that the four prisons differed significantly as to mean levels of decision latitude and skill discretion. Analyses of variance also showed significant differences between the prisons with regard to mean levels of noradrenaline at night during leisure time and a tendency towards differences in work time. The rank order of mean levels of noradrenaline in the four prisons was the same as the inverted rank order of mean levels in self-reported work conditions. Thus it seems that when collective data are used and when adjusted for other variables which might have an association with the dependent variables, differences in self-reported work conditions are reflected in the urinary excretion of noradrenaline. Of the three physiological variables used as dependent variables, urinary excretion of noradrenaline reflected arousal as an effect of work conditions more accurately than the other variables.


The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of the workers who have been displaced, transitioned to community college where they earned a degree, and then joined the new work force. Specifically, the research explored how the participants' identities were affected with each transition and how each transition was successfully negotiated. Previous studies have examined the numerical data associated with displacement. Only a few studies have included qualitative data. This qualitative study filled a gap by striving to expose a more personal story from three displaced workers in a rural county in western North Carolina. Two semi-structured interviews with each candidate allowed the researcher a glimpse into the lived experiences of each participant. The application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis allowed for a case-by-case and a cross-case analysis which yielded eight emergent themes. The results can be used by community college employees who work with non-traditional students and other community resource personnel who assist displaced workers. The findings also contribute to the growing body of literature about student identity of non-traditional students. Future research might seek to understand the experiences of displaced workers and other non-traditional students who did not complete the community college degree.


This lecture focuses on the Mediterranean, the meeting point between Africa, Asia, and Europe – an area attributed with a higher propensity to cultural mediation than most other regions. Academic discourse on syncretism, hybridisation, and transfer has been particularly eager to focus on this "Great Sea" of small dimensions. Reflecting on such approaches and their motivations might serve as a base for more general thoughts on the relation between space and communication within and between societies. Which places were particularly apt for the performance and display of communicative practices? What motivated such processes and how were they brought about? What is the relation between cultural mediation and cultural brokerage? Some mediaeval Mediterranean case studies can help to answer these and other questions. The lecture opened the sixth annual conference of the Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context". The conference was titled "Cultural Mediation: Creativity, Performance, Display."


Abstract:The question of the relationship between Jews and Judaism, on the one hand, and democracy on the other, is of extraordinary complexity. It requires examining both the Jewish religion, and above all its holy book, the Hebrew Bible, plus three thousand years of Jewish historical and political experience. Today, Jews everywhere are among democracy's strongest supporters and the Jewish state, modern Israel, is the only securely democratic regime in the entire Middle East. The Bible cannot exactly be called a handbook of modern political democracy, but it does often recommend an ethical approach of working toward the good or righteous with and through flawed human persons and institutions, and approach that has a certain affinity with modern democracy's need for sobriety, moderation, and prudence.


Background The prolonged use of biomass fuels and exposure to traffic related air pollution has been shown to increase the risk of developing adverse reproductive outcomes. Informal street traders are exposed on a daily basis to traffic emissions and biomass fuel smoke containing a variety of pollutants, ranging from carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. Aim The main aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes among street traders exposed to pollutants from their work-related activities and traders without such exposure. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 female traders selected from exposed and non-exposed areas within the Warwick Junction trading hub, located in the centre of the city, Durban, South Africa. Validated reproductive questionnaires and clinical assessments were conducted on all participants. Adverse reproductive outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and infertility were assessed. Traders who were pregnant while working at WWJ were analysed for adverse reproductive outcomes (n = 120). Results The mean age of the traders were 43.6 years (SD:12.1) who were single and worked in WWJ for an average of 14 years. There were 876 pregnancies reported in the in the total sample. Traders pregnant while working in WWJ accounted for 120 pregnancies There was an increased risk of exposed traders having a low birth weight infant as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 3.7; CI: 1.8, 7.6). Exposed traders were also almost 3 times more likely to be infertile as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 2.6; CI: 1.6, 4.3). Conclusions Working as a street trader may have a causal association with developing adverse reproductive outcomes in females. The use of biomass fuels and working and working in dusty environments whilst trading may have increased risk of developing adverse reproductive outcomes.


Several scholars have examined how sport stars and other celebrities establish personal brands on social media, but few studies have used a longitudinal research design to study the self-branding process itself and measure changes in self-branding behaviors over time. Based on a content analysis of 6,240 images posted on Instagram by 112 top-ranked professional disc golfers, this study shows how self-branding is a common practice even among the players of this lesser known sport. Drawing on Goffman's work on impression management, self-branding is conceptualized as goal-oriented, strategic communication. The players' uptake in self-branding may be a response to the disc golf industry's rapid growth and new opportunities to market products on social media. While the study partially supports this perspective, it also reveals an interesting contradiction. Many players engaged in self-branding regardless of their social status or ability to monetize their personas. Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, field, and capital may help explain why self-branding is so widespread among lifestyle athletes.


The ubiquity of many different networking options with diversified wireless radio access technologies creates an exciting opportunity to use heterogeneous networks (HetNets) for localization systems. Toward this motivation, in this paper, we propose two different inter-network localization frameworks based on maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for HetNets with multi-connectivity by considering the propagation characteristics of individual network tiers in a realistic manner. The first is inter-network noncooperative (INN) based on the weighted superposition of the location estimates of individual network tiers along with their reliability. The second is inter-network cooperative (INC) grounded on the joint utilization of raw received power measurements from all network tiers. We also derive Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) expressions for both frameworks as a theoretical performance benchmark. Furthermore, we obtain another performance criteria called as spatial quantization error bound to analytically determine the effect of grid search algorithm, which is used for solving the INN and INC ML cost functions, on localization performance. Extensive simulations validate our proposed localization frameworks.


IMPORTANCE
The role of aspiration-associated extraesophageal reflux disease (AERD) in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms is not well defined. Identifying the frequency of AERD in these patients may provide guidance in their treatment.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of AERD in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms and to assess the utility of pepsin as a new marker for AERD.

DESIGN
Case-control study performed from 2008 through 2012.Western blot analysis for pepsin and oil red O staining for lipid-laden macrophages (LLMs) was performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens.

SETTING
Tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS
Sixty-five patients (aged 4.5 months to 24 years) with chronic pulmonary disease, with or without tracheostomy, were compared with controls undergoing elective surgery who had no history of pulmonary disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Presence of pepsin and LLMs and quantity of LLMs in specimens.

RESULTS
Seventy-six total patients participated: 34 patients who underwent bronchoscopy, 31 patients with tracheostomy, and 11 controls. Pepsin-positive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens were identified in 25 patients who underwent bronchoscopy (74%) and 22 patients with tracheostomy (71%). All specimens from controls were negative for pepsin. Presence of LLMs was identified in specimens from 31 patients in the bronchoscopy group (91%), 16 patients in the tracheostomy group (52%), and 7 controls (64%), with a similar distribution of the quantity of LLMs in each lavage fluid specimen among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Patients with chronic pulmonary disease have a high prevalence of AERD, which may have important treatment implications. The presence of pepsin was a better predictor of AERD in patients with respiratory symptoms compared with controls than presence of LLMs. Detection of pepsin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens can serve as a biomarker for AERD and is potentially superior to the current method of measuring LLMs. Whereas there is a significant association between AERD and the presence of chronic respiratory symptoms, this study does not verify causation. Additional study investigating the mechanism of pepsin on the respiratory epithelium may further our understanding of the pathophysiologic characteristics of this association and provide additional management options for these patients.


The role of beneficial microorganisms, such as mycorrhizas, in improving the resistance to environmental stress of colonized plants is well-known. Plants of Brassicaceae family are of large economic importance, especially for the synthesis of anticarcinogenic compounds such as glucosinolates and their derivatives isothiocyanates. The endophyte fungus Piriformospora indica is able to colonize them and improves their growth and response to environmental stress. However, no information are available on the impact of colonization on glucosinolate metabolism. In this work, colonization of black cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv. Acephala sabellica) is reported as well as the effects on plant growth and on the expression of myrosinase encoding genes, the isothyocianate producing enzymes. Results indicate that P. indica successfully colonized black cabbage as validated by the expression of the marker gene Ptef1. Colonized plants showed increase of biomass weights and shoot length respect to the uncolonized plants and a decrease of myrosinase gene expression. This last finding indicates that P. indica might affect the resistance against biotic stress of black cabbage.


The strongly connected or coupled grain boundaries (GBs) between adjacent grains and their macroembodiment as flowing intergrain supercurrents crossing the GBs inside multi- seeded bulk high-temperature superconductors were elucidated by trapped-flux evaluation. Trapped-fleld measurements, after cutting and polishing two multiseeded YBCO bulk samples, were conducted to present the existence of coupled GBs and their distribution along the c-axis growth. The intensive trapped-flux density observed near the GB areas inside the whole sample is direct evidence of a strongly connected or coupled GB. The relatively strong trapped flux near the GB areas and the significant improvement of the total trapped flux compared with the isolated single-grain bulks were ascribed to the intergrain supercurrent flowing across the GBs in large macroscopic loops with coordination of the intragrain supercurrent circulating in each grain of the multiseeded bulk. Based on the experimental results, a simplified simulation model that incorporates two forms of the intra- and inter supercurrents flowing inside the multiseeded bulk is introduced to reproduce the trapped-flux density features, and qualitative agreement is obtained by comparison with the experimental ones.


Plants produce thousands of compounds, collectively called the metabolome, which mediate interactions with other organisms. The metabolome of an individual plant may change according to the number and nature of these interactions. We tested the hypothesis that tree diversity level affects the metabolome of four subtropical tree species in a biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiment, BEF‐China. We postulated that the chemical diversity of leaves, roots and root exudates increases with tree diversity. We expected that the strength of this diversity effect differs among leaf, root and root exudates samples. Considering their role in plant competition, we expected to find the strongest effects in root exudates. Roots, root exudates and leaves of four tree species (Cinnamomum camphora, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Daphniphyllum oldhamii and Schima superba) were sampled from selected plots in BEF‐China. The exudate metabolomes were normalized over their non‐purgeable organic carbon level. Multivariate analyses were applied to identify the effect of both neighbouring (local) trees and plot diversity on tree metabolomes. The species‐ and sample‐specific metabolites were assigned to major compound classes using the ClassyFire tool, whereas potential metabolites related to diversity effects were annotated manually. Individual tree species showed distinct leaf, root and root exudate metabolomes. The main compound class in leaves was the flavonoids, whereas carboxylic acids, prenol lipids and specific alkaloids were most prominent in root exudates and roots. Overall, plot diversity had a stronger effect on metabolome profiles than the local diversity. Leaf metabolomes responded more often to tree diversity level than exudates, whereas root metabolomes varied the least. We found no uniform or general pattern of alterations in metabolite richness or diversity in response to variation in tree diversity. The response differed among species and tissues. Synthesis. Classification of metabolites supported initial ecological interpretation of differences among species and organs. Particularly, the metabolomes of leaves and root exudates respond to differences in tree diversity. These responses were neither linear nor uniform and individual metabolites showed different dynamics. More controlled interaction experiments are needed to dissect the causes and consequences of the observed shifts in plant metabolomes.


As a typical model of steep-tilt or moderate-tilt bedding rock slopes, buckling failure differs greatly from tensile or shear failure. The mechanical characteristic of buckling failure is analyzed, and the geo-mechanics model of buckling failure is put forward. The process of buckling failure includes three phases: slope terrane creep deformation, the lower of slope terrane bend deformation, and terrane structure collapse. Using pressure bar failure theory, a formulation for calculating critical load of buckling failure is developed, which shows that critical load decreases with bend length increasing. The relationship between critical slope length and bend length is analyzed. It is indicated that critical slope length decreases with bend length increasing, and that critical slope length reaches minimal value while critical load is zero. The minimal slope length can be considered as a limit value while analyzing buckling failure of bedding slope, and its calculation equation is developed.


The aim of this paper is to give an overview of domain adaptation and transfer learning with a specific view on visual applications. After a general motivation, we first position domain adaptation in the larger transfer learning problem. Second, we try to address and analyze briefly the state-of-the-art methods for different types of scenarios, first describing the historical shallow methods, addressing both the homogeneous and the heterogeneous domain adaptation methods. Third, we discuss the effect of the success of deep convolutional architectures which led to new type of domain adaptation methods that integrate the adaptation within the deep architecture. Fourth, we overview the methods that go beyond image categorization, such as object detection or image segmentation, video analyses or learning visual attributes. Finally, we conclude the paper with a section where we relate domain adaptation to other machine learning solutions.


Integrated writing tasks that involve different language modalities such as reading and listening have increasingly been used as means to assess academic writing. Thus, there is a need for understanding how test-takers coordinate different skills to complete these tasks. This study explored second language writers' strategy use and its relationship to test performance on an integrated reading-listening-writing test task using a structural equation modeling approach. The results reveal that integrated writing strategy use was a multifaceted construct consisting of three factors: self-regulatory strategy use (SELFS), discourse synthesis strategy use (DSS), and "test-wiseness" strategy use (TWS). SELFS had an executive control over other types of strategy use. DSS had a direct, positive impact on test performance, and TWS had a direct, negative impact on test performance. The study suggests that the task requires not only comprehension and production abilities, but also regulation skills for managing reading, listening, and writing interactions. The findings provide insight into the nature of integrated reading-listening-writing tasks and contribute to validity arguments for the test. The study has implications for second language academic writing assessment, learning, and instruction.


The increasing complexity of embedded systems renders verification of software programs more complex and may require applying monitoring and formal techniques, like model-checking. However, to use such techniques, system engineers usually need formal experts to express software requirements in a formal language. To facilitate the use of model-checking tools by system engineers, our approach consists of using a UML model interpreter with which the software requirements can directly be expressed as observer automata in UML as well. These observer automata are synchronously composed with the system, and can be used unchanged both for model verification and runtime monitoring. Our approach has been evaluated on the user interface model of a cruise control system. The observer verification results are in line with the verification of equivalent LTL properties. The runtime overhead of the monitoring infrastructure is 6.5%, with only 1.2% memory overhead.


From the perspective of poverty alleviation, socially relevant, or pro-poor, rural innovation is of particular interest in a country like India since it is in rural areas that most of the poor live. Pro-poor innovation in rural areas is more likely to occur through small-scale ventures and entrepreneurs than industrial research and development. The Indian banking system does not efficiently support such rural pro-poor entrepreneur-based innovation. Instead a pioneering alternative financing sector has been emerging recently. There are three broad categories of organisations in this sector: grassroots innovators and incubators, micro venture capital firms, and small-scale financiers beyond microfinance. This paper considers why the core of India's financial system, its banking sector, does not support rural entrepreneur-based innovation. It ends by discussing the emerging alternative financing sector at the periphery which on the other hand appears able to do so.


We discuss the generation, detection, and long-haul transmission of single-polarization differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) signals at a line rate of 53.5 Gbaud to support a net information bit rate of 100 Gb/s. In the laboratory, we demonstrate 10-channel wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) point-to-point transmission over 2000 km on a 150-GHz WDM grid, and 1200-km optically routed networking including 6 reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) on a 100-GHz grid. We then report transmission over the commercial, 50-GHz spaced long-haul optical transport platform LambdaXtremereg. In a straight-line laboratory testbed, we demonstrate single-channel 700-km transmission, including an intermediate ROADM. On a field-deployed, live traffic bearing Verizon installation between Tampa and Miami, Florida, we achieve 500-km transmission, with no changes to the commercial system hardware or software and with 6 dB system margin. On the same operational system, we finally demonstrate 100-Gb/s DQPSK encoding on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and the transmission of real-time video traffic.


The use of high voltage allows a power processing system to operate with low currents, improving efficiency. Nevertheless, final applications usually require low voltage inlet, which can be provided using modular multilevel converters submodules, for instance. However, every submodule's gate-unit requires energy from an isolated low power auxiliary supply. Generally, this is done by using an external converter since it is not practical to directly step-down the high voltage to required levels. In this context, this paper proposes a multi-cell solution based on stacking of buck-boost converters intended to be the first non-isolated stage of an isolated high step-down voltage ratio converter. Analysis and design are presented together with experimental verification of a 200 W rated power converter with 1.5 kV to 3.0 kV input voltage range and a nominal output voltage of 350 V.


Motivated by previous studies we revisit the well known transient spin up problem, with and without buoyancy forcing, using a new experimental technique. In so doing, we are able to examine the fluids behavior by extracting a series of two-dimensional velocity fields at multiple levels simultaneously thereby producing a three-dimensional view of the evolving flow. The results provide startling detail of the rich three dimensional structure of the flow, and reveal, amongst other things, depth dependent axisymmetric pattern formation and breakdown. Vertical slices of the velocity field reveal highly localized up and downwellings. Our quantitative probing produces continuous velocity fields amenable to direct comparison with simulations.


A study of the chemistry of the blood in patients suffering from senile cataract was undertaken because we felt that since this type of cataract is always bilateral, it must be due to systemic changes. It was thought that changes in the blood might possibly point out lines of study which would eventually lead to a discovery of the etiology of these senile changes so frequently seen in the crystalline lens. As far back as 1881, Cahn, 1 in Hoppe-Seyler's laboratory, following some earlier observations of Jacobsen, reported data on the composition of cataractous lenses, in comparison with those of normal eyes. In lenses exhibiting cataractous changes the figures show a marked increase in all lipids: cholesterol, lecithin and fats. The increase in cholesterol is particularly striking, being 0.62 per cent per hundred parts of the solid residue in normal lenses and 6.22 per cent in cataractous lenses. In the


In light of continuing debates about shortages in health professional workforces, and decisions over the past few years to increase the number of medical, dental and physiotherapy schools across Australia, this paper reports on a study of the careers of medical, dental and physiotherapy graduates from South Australian universities from 1960 to 2003. We found substantial change over time, including recent graduate cohorts having proportionally more females and fewer having attended a private secondary school. A significant minority reported job dissatisfaction and burnout, with recent cohorts reporting higher levels of stress than older respondents. They were also working part-time more than was the case for older cohorts at equivalent points in their careers. We argue that strategies to increase graduate numbers in the near future can reduce shortages of health professionals, but increased numbers alone may not be sufficient to promote a sustainable health professional workforce.


ABSTRACT We illustrate the application of mixture IRT models to evaluate respondent confusion due to the negative wording of certain items on a social-emotional learning (SEL) assessment. Using actual student self-report ratings on four social-emotional learning scales collected from students in grades 3–12 from CORE Districts in the state of California, we also evaluate the consequences of the potential confusion in biasing student- and school-level scores as well as the estimated correlational relationships between SEL constructs and student-level variables. Models of both full and partial confusion are examined. Our results suggest that (1) rating scale confusion due to negatively worded items does appear to be present; (2) the confusion is most prevalent at lower grade levels (third–fifth); and (3) the occurrence of confusion is positively related to both reading proficiency and ELL status, as anticipated, and consequently biases estimates of SEL correlations with these student-level variables. For these reasons, we suggest future iterations of the SEL measures use only positively oriented items.


Although recent developments in imaging biomarkers have revolutionized the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at early stages, the utility of most of these techniques in clinical setting remains unclear. The aim of this review is to provide a clear stepwise algorithm on using multitier imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease to be used by clinicians and radiologists for day-to-day practice. We summarized the role of most common imaging techniques and their appropriate clinical use based on current consensus guidelines and recommendations with brief sections on acquisition and analysis techniques for each imaging modality. Structural imaging, preferably MRI or alternatively high resolution CT, is the essential first tier of imaging. It improves the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and excludes other potential pathologies. When the results of clinical examination and structural imaging, assessed by dementia expert, are still inconclusive, functional imaging can be used as a more advanced option. PET with ligands such as amyloid tracers and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis particularly at the early stages of the disease. There are, however, limitations in using these techniques in wider community due to a combination of lack of facilities and expertise to interpret the findings. The role of some of the more recent imaging techniques including tau imaging, functional MRI, or diffusion tensor imaging in clinical practice, remains to be established in the ongoing and future studies.


Interrelations of various common beech vitality indicators (crown defoliation, foliar chemistry, radial growth) as well as their possible dependencies on climatic conditions were investigated over the course of 12 years in a mature and healthy beech stand. Our results confirm the importance of temperature variables for defoliation, as high temperatures during spring and summer months induce the increase of defoliation. The same negative influence was observed with high maximum temperatures and low precipitation during previous year summer months. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium nutrition of beech trees suffers from high temperatures during current year summer and benefits from more precipitation. High temperatures in current year May positively influence beech radial growth, while a wide range of minimum temperatures during March and June has a negative effect. In summary, high summer temperatures and low precipitation were shown to have a negative effect on all vitality indicators, and for defoliation and nutrition this effect can last into the following year.


Proton transfer is one of the most fundamental processes in nature. Metastable-state photoacids can reversibly generate a large proton concentration under visible light with moderate intensity. which provides a general approach to control various proton transfer processes. Several applications of mPAHs have been demonstrated recently including control of acid-catalyzed reactions, volume-change of hydrogels, polymer conductivity, bacteria killing, odorant release, and color change of materials. They have also been utilized to control supramolecular assemblies, molecular switches, microbial fuel cells and cationic sensors. In this talk, the mechanism, structure design, and applications of metastable-state photoacids are introduced. Recent development of different types of metastable-state photoacids is presented. Challenges and future work are also discussed.


Design professors detail a new ecodesign framework that integrates urban design with environmental conservation to make cities more desirable, low-carbon, transit-oriented communities. Jonathan Barnett and Larry Beasley seek to demonstrate that a sustainable built and natural environment can be achieved through ecodesign, which integrates the practice of planning and urban design with environmental conservation, through normal business practices and the kinds of capital programmes and regulations already in use in most communities. In six comprehensively illustrated chapters, the authors explain ecodesign concepts, including the importance of preserving and restoring natural systems while also adapting to climate change; minimizing congestion on highways and at airports by making development more compact, and by making it easier to walk, cycle, and take trains and mass transit; crafting and managing regulations to ensure better place making and fulfil consumer preferences while incentivizing preferred practices; creating an inviting and environmentally responsible public realm from parks to streets to forgotten spaces; and finally, how to implement these ecodesign concepts.


Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of nasal airflow has been carried out by several researchers. Virtual surgical treatment and aerosol deposition studies have also been conducted. However, the appropriateness of such modeling practices with regards to modeling and medical constraints needs careful consideration. The current numerical models for the study of nasal airflow, developed from the scanned images obtained from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are influenced by postural changes. These models neglect the mucous layer, other vital anatomical features, and nasal cycle effects, CFD studies make numerous assumptions that seriously limit their usefulness. Unless these constraints can be addressed, the interpretation of results from a CFD output cannot be considered as an appropriate definition of the flow behavior. This review provides a critical overview of the limit actions of the CFD mode ling of nasal air-low. Some of the limitations and constraints associated with CFD modeling are reviewed and possible studies that could be carried out in the future to ascertain the effect of neglecting these parameters are discussed. This study also proposes a standard station of the computational modeling procedure, which is necessary for studying airflow inside the nasal cavity.


The reforms driven by New Public Management (NPM) led to the introduction of management principles in local governments, marketisation and outsourcing. They made the greatest impact in the United Kingdom, but were also put in place in other European countries such as Ireland, Sweden, Germany, and – to the least degree – in France (compared to other countries discussed in this paper). There is a risk that NPM-inspired reforms may come to lose sight of the underlying social purpose of public services. NPM has not however become a new, universal model for public sector management. Issues tackled in the debate concerning the reform of public services have moved (mostly in the UK) beyond the concerns of NPM towards the emerging concept of networked community governance.


Purpose: Polo-like kinase 1 (plk1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase essential for multiple mitotic processes. Previous observations have validated plk1 as a promising therapeutic target. Despite being conceptually attractive, the potency and specificity of current plk1-based therapies remain limited. We sought to develop a novel plk1-targeting strategy by constructing an oncolytic adenovirus to selectively silence plk1 in tumor cells. Experimental Design: Two artificial features were engineered into one wild-type adenovirus type 5 (wt-Adv5) genome to generate a new oncolytic adenovirus (M1). First, M1 contains a 27-bp deletion in E1A region, which confers potent, oncolytic efficacy. Second, M1 is armed with a fragment of antisense plk1 cDNA that substitutes the E3 region encoding 6.7K and gp19K. In this design, tumor-selective replication of M1 would activate the native adenovirus E3 promoters to express the antisense plk1 cDNA preferentially in tumor cells and silence tumor-associated plk1 protein. Results: By virtue of combining oncolysis with plk1 targeting, M1 exhibited potent antitumoral efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Systemic administration of M1 plus cisplatin induced complete tumor regression in 80% of orthotopic hepatic carcinoma model mice that were otherwise resistant to cisplatin and disseminated metastases. Conclusions: Coupling plk1 targeting with oncolysis had shown superior antitumor efficacy. Present findings would benefit the development of novel oncolytic adenoviruses generally applicable to a wide range of molecule-based therapeutics.


The association of large Au–Cu–Ag ore deposits with convergent margins is commonly attributed to the higher content of chalcophile elements in the parental magmas generated at subduction zones compared with mid-ocean ridges. We present new geochemical data for arc-like, relatively oxidized mantle-derived basalt to rhyolite magmas from the Pual Ridge and vicinity, Eastern Manus Basin, which show that the initial abundances of base and precious metals in the parental basalts are similar to those of mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The contents of Au, Cu, and Ag are built up in the evolving Pual Ridge liquids to levels considerably in excess of those in MORB because, unlike MORB, they are not saturated in a sulfide phase, which is a consequence of their being more oxidized than MORB. The behaviour of S during the evolution of the Pual Ridge magmas is obscured by late-stage SO2 loss during eruption, but we show that it may be inferred by using Se as a proxy, because this element follows S closely during magmatic evolution except it is not lost during low-pressure (near sea-floor) degassing. The onset of magnetite fractionation at ~60 wt % SiO2 and an Mg-number of ~40 is accompanied by an abrupt decrease in the contents of Au, Cu and Ag, previously attributed to separation of Cu–Au-rich fluid, which is also shown by Se, implying that magnetite fractionation triggers sulfide saturation. Petrological modelling reveals that the amount of magnetite fractionation involved is sufficient to convert most of the S originally dissolved in the magma as sulfate (SO42–) to sulfide (S2–), triggering saturation in a Cu-rich sulfide phase, tentatively identified as bornite (Cu5FeS4). This sulfide phase sequesters Au and Ag, elements with the same valence as Cu in sulfides, but not other potentially chalcophile elements such as Ni, Re, and Pt, which suggests that the phase is crystalline rather than an immiscible sulfide melt. The relatively high contents of Cu and Au characteristic of evolved convergent margin magmas requires no enrichment from subducted material. Instead, the association of major Cu–Au deposits with convergent-margin magmatism results specifically from the process of magmatic evolution under oxidizing conditions. This same property also leads to early magnetite fractionation, triggering the abrupt saturation in the Cu-rich sulfide. Hence the easily recognizable trend of magmatic evolution under oxidizing conditions (i.e. the sharp drop in chalcophile element concentrations) may be an exploration guide to economic Au–Ag–Cu provinces, or a crucial pre-enrichment step in the formation of such deposits. The decrease in P2O5 and Sr at the same stage in the fractionation sequence (~60 wt % SiO2) indicates that saturation in apatite is concomitant with magnetite–sulfide saturation in the Eastern Manus Basin


At University management majors of Muhammadiyah Unlucky consist of 4 concentration area that is finance management, marketing management, operational management and human resource management. Election of concentration at management majors student conducted to focussed ability / interest had by student. In chosening the concentration, student have to earn to take correct decision. This matter because of election of correct concentration will affect at achievement assess eye of college concentration to be reached for by student. Besides, with election of correct
concentration earn to fluent compilation of skripsi as final duty to fulfill conditions in reaching college degree. This matter represent phenomenon which is proper to be checked. This research represent research of survey with title " Analysis Factors Influencing Decision of Individual in Chosening Concentration at Student Majors Management University of Muhammadiyah Unlucky". Target of this research is to know factors which forming decision of individual in chosening concentration at University management majors student of Muhammadiyah Unlucky and to know factor of formation prima facie in election of concentration at University management majors student of Muhammadiyah Unlucky. Population in this research is entire/all generation management majors concentration student 2004 University of Muhammadiyah Unlucky that is equal to 281 student. Sampel the taken is 25% from 281 people that is 70 one who divided in 4 concentration, where way of its intake use sampling random proposional. used analysis that is factor analysis. Pursuant to result of research identified that factor influencing decision of student in chosening concentration in University management majors of Muhammadiyah Unlucky is ability factor totally eigenvalue equal to 7,896 and is total of variance equal to 35,889%. Second factor that is personal factor totally eigenvalues 5,131 and is total of variance 23,323%. Third factor that is study factor totally eigenvalues 2,985 and is total of variance 13,570.


Automated essay scoring (AES) generally computes essay scores as a function of macrofeatures derived from a set of microfeatures extracted from the text using natural language processing (NLP). In the e-rater® automated scoring engine, developed at Educational Testing Service (ETS) for the automated scoring of essays, each of four macrofeatures (grammar, usage, mechanics, and style [GUMS]) is computed from a set of microfeatures. Statistical analyses reveal that some of these microfeatures might not explain much of the variance in human scores regardless of the writing tasks. Currently, the microfeatures in the same macrofeature group are equally weighted to produce the macrofeature score. We propose an alternative weighting scheme that gives higher weights to the microfeatures that are more predictive of human scores in each macrofeature group. Our results suggest that even though there is negligible difference between the proposed and the current equal weighting schemes and the current model in terms of the prediction of human scores and the correlation with external measures, our scheme improves the consistency of the resultant macrofeature scores across writing tasks to a considerable extent.


Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii is an important emerging nosocomial pathogen of alarming significance. It has the propensity not only to cause much morbidity and mortality, but is also leading to the uselessness of the available limited antibiotic drugs due to the rampant resistance. Materials and Methods: The present study aims to document and evaluate the current situation on the available treatment options for A. baumannii nosocomial infection, mainly the carbapenem drug- imipenem, colistin, and tigecycline and to analyze the drug safety and any/all of the adverse drug reactions related to this drug therapy. Results: Results of this study probe that carbapenem resistance is seen in about 86% of all Acinetobacter isolates. Colistin is the best available treatment for multi-drug resistant species with 100% cure rate and fewer serious life threatening adverse effects with the long duration therapy that is required in this case. The only concern remained the patient compliance to the abdominal symptoms (56.7% of nausea, 14.43% vomiting and 4.12% diarrhea) which was statistically significant (P = 0.049). Conclusion: Overall, colistin therapy can be regarded as the best treatment for multi-drug resistant A. baumannii, which opens avenues for further studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this drug.


Background and Hypothesis: Self and informant reports of everyday cognitive functioning have been shown to be associated with incipient neurodegenerative disease. The 20-item Cognitive Change Index (CCI) [1] and the 39-item Measurement of Everyday Cognition (ECog) [2] were each developed to characterize early changes in cognitive function. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the CCI and ECog self- and informant-evaluations to improve early detection and longitudinal assessment of cognitive decline for observational research and clinical trials.
Experimental Design or Project Methods: Self-evaluation data included 803 participants (49.3% male, mean age=69.9yrs) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center (IADC), and the Indiana Memory and Aging Study (IMAS). Informant-evaluation data included 288 participants (39.9% male, mean age=66.9yrs) from the IMAS and IADC studies. Study participants from 2012 to 2019 were included if they had completed both the CCI and ECog at the time of their baseline visit. Pearson correlations, regression analyses, and frequency distributions were used to assess the relationship between the CCI and ECog. Sex, years of education, race, ethnicity, APOE ε4 carrier status, and baseline diagnosis were also analyzed as potential relevant covariates.
 Results: CCI and ECog total scores were highly correlated for the self (r=0.778, p<0.001) and informant (r=0.892, p<0.001). The highest associations were between the mean item scores for each instrument for both self (r=0.801, p<0.001) and informant (r=0.913, p<0.001). Frequency distributions showed distinct patterns between self and informant total scores. Polynomial regressions for self (R2=0.673) and informant (R2=0.873) total scores were used to create a translation table between the CCI and ECog.
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Self and informant total scores can be harmonized and translated between the CCI and ECog to facilitate cross-sectional and longitudinal assessment of perceived cognitive change, an important patient reported outcome
[1] Rattanabannakit et al. (2016). Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 51(4), 1145-1155.
[2] Farias et al. (2008). Neuropsychology, 22(4), 531-544.


Maize (Zea mays) is the staple food for the majority of people in Tanzania which plays a key role in subsistence and a cash crop among actors of the maize value chain. Environmental factors such as soil contamination by fungi, water stress, warm and humid conditions are among several factors contributing to fungal growth and aflatoxins contamination in maize, leading to significant economic loss, reduced household income, health problems to humans and animals and interferes with food security to communities. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on awareness associated with aflatoxin contamination in maize from 160 smallholder farmers, 160 consumers and 60 traders in Kondoa and Chemba districts in Dodoma Region. A total of 90 maize samples (40 from smallholder farmers, 30 from consumers and 20 from traders) were analyzed for AFB1 using immunoaffinity high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) type Agilent Technologies 1200 serial. Data were statistically analyzed to assess awareness levels among maize main stakeholder and to check the current levels of aflatoxins B1 contamination in the study community. AFB1 was detected in five samples. About 3.3% of the contaminated maize had AFB1 levels above TBS acceptable levels (5 μg/kg). The highest mean concentration of AFB1 was in maize samples taken from traders with a mean of 9.88±5.904 μg/kg. The majority 56% of smallholder farmers and 52% of traders were aware of aflatoxins contamination and associated health effects on animals and humans. However, 74% of consumers were unaware of aflatoxins contamination in maize. The levels of contamination are low in the sample taken along maize value chain. An effective and broad awareness programme for community especially consumers on good management for prevention of aflatoxins contamination is necessary, as maize is the most consumed grain in the study area.


BACKGROUND
The degree to which transplant recipients are immunosuppressed influences their risks of rejection, infection and cancer. Current measures of immune suppression are crude (clinical events) or indirect (drug exposure). We assessed a direct measure of immune status, leukocyte phenotype and function (LPF, a composite measure of five aspects of peripheral blood leukocyte phenotype and function), as a predictor of infection.

METHODS
A double-blind, prospective, cohort study was conducted, to determine the burden of infection in stable renal transplant recipients with moderate-severe (Group I, n = 34) or minimal (Group II, n = 36) impairment of LPF, a composite score of: (i) CD4 count; (ii) lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA); (iii) serum Ig concentrations; (iv) neutrophil phagocytic function; and (v) reactive oxygen species generation. Subjects completed a 6 month diary and each recorded infection was scored 1-4: 1, minor undefined infection (e.g. URTI); 2, minor, microbiologically defined infection (e.g. UTI); 3, major defined infection (requiring hospitalization); 4, opportunistic infection (e.g. Herpes zoster). Final infection score was the sum of all infective episodes. Subjects were then followed-up for 5 years for outcome measures.

RESULTS
Groups were well matched for age, sex, diabetes, serum creatinine, rejection and trough cyclosporin concentrations. Group I (moderate to severe impairment of LPF) recorded a higher infection score, 2.4+/-2.8 vs 1.2+/-1.2 for Group II, P = 0.02, due to a higher incidence of moderate to severe infection. This relationship was confirmed by multivariate analysis (OR 1.83, CI 1.08, 3.11, P = 0.03 per unit increase in infection score). During the 5 year follow-up period they had significantly more episodes of admission to hospital, and twice as many admissions due to infections, but no difference in malignancy, graft or patient outcome.

CONCLUSION
LPF testing prospectively identified a cohort who incurred a higher burden of infection. Further studies are required to determine the predictive value of LPF for acute rejection, infection and cancer, and to determine whether adjustments to therapy on the basis of LPF can lead to improved outcomes.


This paper develops a cross-sectionally augmented distributed lag (CS-DL) approach to the estimation of long-run effects in large dynamic heterogeneous panel data models with cross-sectionally dependent errors. The asymptotic distribution of the CS-DL estimator is derived under coefficient heterogeneity in the case where the time dimension (T) and the crosssection dimension (N) are both large. The CS-DL approach is compared with more standard panel data estimators that are based on autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) specifications. It is shown that unlike the ARDL type estimator, the CS-DL estimator is robust to misspecification of dynamics and error serial correlation. The theoretical results are illustrated with small sample evidence obtained by means of Monte Carlo simulations, which suggest that the performance of the CS-DL approach is often superior to the alternative panel ARDL estimates particularly when T is not too large and lies in the range of 30≤T


Random noninbred full-sib families (generation 1) out of diploid Syn. O.P., [composite of 36 open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.] varieties were inbred on an ear-to-row basis through 7 generations of sib-mating (SBF2 to SBF8) and 4 generations of selfing (SLF2 to SLF5) evaluate the effects of inbreeding and the correlations between generations. Generations 1, SBF2, SBF3, SBF4, SLF2 and SLF3 of 60 families were studied in 1970 and all 12 generations of 42 families in 1971. Characters studied were grain yield, plant height, ear height, percent moisture at harvest, percent oil, and kernel weight.

All characters except percent moisture showed significant inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression, when significant, was linearly related to coefficient of inbreeding (F), except for percent oil, which showed significant quadratic effects. The linear rate of inbreeding depression for plant height, ear height, and grain yield was greater under selling than under sib-mating. Generation SBF4 was significantly higher in grain yield than SLF2 (both with F = 0.5) in 1970. Significant generation ✕ family interactions were found for all characters.

Genetic correlations between generations were lower for characters that showed greater inbreeding depression and were lowest for yield. Correlations of generation 1 means with estimates of regression on level of homozygosity in partially inbred generations were generally negative, but significant only for ear height. Correlations of generation 1 means with predicted means of homozygous lines suggest that selection among noninbred families should result in a response in the desired direction in homozygous lines ultimately to be obtained. For yield, however, these correlations were so low that they indicated that yield of noninbred families is of little value as a predictor either of rate of inbreeding depression or of yield of homozygous lines (as lines) ultimately obtained


This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the stem and bulb nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci Kuhn (Tylenchida: Anguinidae) on yield parameters of some onion varieties in Karaman Province, Turkey. Experiments were established in a naturally infested onion field during two consecutive years (2012-2013). Nematode population development was followed at the beginning and end of the experiment. The reproduction rate was also calculated. Onion yield and the representative average diameter and length of the onion cultivar bulbs were determined. Yield parameters of six onion varieties were compared on nematicide-treated and untreated control plots in the experiments. Nematode populations significantly decreased in the nematicide-treated plots at the beginning of the experiment during both growing seasons. The average population density of D. dipsaci was 104 individuals/100 g dry soil in the first year and 68 individuals/100 g dry soil in the second year of the experiment. The initial and final nematode populations were significantly positively correlated with Betapanko, Pan88, and Local variety1 cultivars, whereas they were negatively correlated with the Valenciana cultivar during the first year. This suggests that Betapanko, Pan88, and Local variety1 were susceptible to D. dipsaci, whereas the Valenciana cultivar could have some resistance. The overall reproduction rate of D. dipsaci was negatively correlated with initial population density and was primarily


Abstract This paper brings a comprehensive review of the main petrophysical and mechanical properties of calcarenite rocks used from time immemorial in Apulia (south Italy), with load-bearing and decorative functions both in constructions of specific historic and architectonic interest and in more common buildings. These soft and porous rocks show a reduced ability to maintain their characteristics of strength, appearance and resistance to decay over a considerable period of time. Even more than other sedimentary rocks, calcarenites belonging to the same formation can change considerably in terms of physical properties and mechanical behaviour due to the complex spatial arrangement of facies strongly conditioned by depositional fabric and diagenetic processes. A number of calcarenite varieties belonging to the Calcarenite di Gravina Fm. and Pietra Leccese Fm. was selected from different parts of Apulia and characterized according to petrographical, physical and mechanical properties. These included porosity, pore size distribution, density, water absorption, degree of saturation, permeability, thermal properties as well as compressive strength and flexural strength. Particular attention was given to the relationships between rock fabric features and physico-mechanical behaviour of the calcarenites. In addition, a comparison of data for the examined varieties was also discussed. A classification of the Apulian calcarenites based on rock fabric features and uniaxial compressive strength was proposed. Critical observations regarding the durability of the Apulian calcarenites were made, taking into account other data from literature.


Web service paradigm allows applications to interact electronically with one another over the Internet. Standards and languages, such as BPEL and OWL-S provide a platform with which Web services can be integrated. Moreover, various AI planning techniques have also been adapted to integrate services. However, the autonomous and distributed nature of an integrated service presents unique challenges to the reliability of the composed Web services. Resilience of the process execution can be achieved through self-healing, that is, the capability to detect failures autonomously and to recover from them. This paper presents a self-healing cycle for Web service composition that can be used to evaluate self-healing techniques in Web service composition. Having a full understanding of the interaction between different modules in a self-healing cycle provides the designer of a composition with the knowledge necessary to build more effective self-healing systems with minimum runtime overhead.


Limited research has been carried out on school buildings in Africa, especially for children below the age of 11. The aim of this research was to assess the thermal performance of the building envelopes of selected public school classrooms in Lagos Metropolis, in order to have an assessment of the impact of thermal performance (measurement of the environmental factors) on pupils' comfort. A two stage method of sampling was used; a purposive method to select 5 samples from each of the 6 educational districts in Lagos and then random selection of schools. Questionnaires were administered to 5 pupils per school. Subjective and objective measurements were carried out according to class II field experiment method and in consonance with ASHRAE's (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning, Engineers) standards. Results showed that classrooms on the mainland had a significantly higher performance than those on the Island. Recommendations were made for future provisions of classroom designs to be suited to the microclimate of their locations and tailored towards enhancement of activities at the hottest periods of the day and year, and no single design template should be adopted for use on various sites.


Both the regio- and stereo-chemistries of the photoreactions of 1-naphthyl (R)-2-phenylpropanoate have been investigated in poly(vinyl acetate) films in their glassy (at 5 degrees C) and melted (at 50 degrees C) states and in ethyl acetate. These results are compared with those from irradiations in polyethylene films and in n-hexane. The regioselectivity of the intermediate 1-naphthoxy/(R)-2-phenylpropanoyl radical pair combinations is much higher in both the melt and glassy states of poly(vinyl acetate) films than that in the melt state of completely amorphous polyethylene films, but the stereoselectivity of intermediate prochiral 1-naphthoxy/1-phenylethyl radical pair combinations is much lower in poly(vinyl acetate). The results emphasize the need to control the ratio between the rates of radical tumbling and translation, as well as the ratio between the rates of in-cage motions and cage-escape, if high stereo- and regio-selectivities of combination products are to be achieved. A mechanistic picture of how the radicals of the intermediate pairs are affected by and interact with the various media is advanced.


We combine a model of combined inter-spatial and inter-temporal trade between countries recently — used by Huang, Whalley and Zhang (2004) to analyze the merits of trade liberalization in services when goods trade is restricted — with a model of foreign exchange rationing due to Clarete and Whalley (1991) in which there is a fixed exchange rate with a surrender requirement for foreign exchange generated by exports. In this model, when services remain unliberalized there is an optimal trade intervention, even in the small open price-taking economy case. Given monetary policy and an endogenously determined premium value on foreign exchange, an optimal setting of the exchange rate can provide the optimal trade intervention. We suggest this model has relevance to the current situation in China where services remain unliberalized and tariff rates are bound in the WTO. Since there is an optimal exchange rate, a move to a free Renminbi float can be welfare worsening. We use numerical simulation methods to explore the properties of the model, since it has no closed form solution. Our analysis provides an intellectual counter argument to those presently advocating a free Renminbi float for China.


Beta solution heat treatment is used to increase the fatigue crack growth resistance of Ti-6AL-4V. Unfortunately, the beta solution heat treatment is very sensitive to maximum temperature, time at temperature and cooling rate. In order to determine the effect of these parameters on mechanical properties, several different titanium billets and forgings were heat treated at various times and temperatures. The forgings had differing amounts of work, reflecting the potential for thermomechanical processing differences seen in a die forged component. Fracture toughness and tensile tests were conducted on the billets and forgings. In addition, sections of each work piece were excised and examined microscopically. The results from the study indicate there is a significant effect of heat treatment on thicker section components. In these cases, grains near the surface may grow large, while being barely transformed near the center. The change in microstructure has an effect on mechanical properties. Material with the larger grains tends to have worse ductility, while the fracture toughness properties of the material tend to decrease with grain size.


RESPONSE OF AN INSTRUMENTED MASONRY SHEAR WALL BUILDING WITH FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGMS DURING THE LOMA PRIETA EARTHQUAKE The subject structure of this study is a two-story office building located at Palo Alto, California. The structure was built in 1974. Recorded peak ground accelerations were as high as O.21g and peak roof accelerations as high as O.S3g. Considerable amplifications of the peak accelerations between the ground and the roof were observed. The building withstood the Lorna Prieta Earthquake with little damage. Masonry construction used in Northern California is similar throughout the United States. Because moderate earthquakes are expected east of the Rocky Mountains, the response of the office building at Palo Alto can help foretell the earthquake hazard in the eastern and midwestern United States. The ground motions recorded at the office building at Palo Alto represent an upper bound for assessing possible hazards associated with similarly constructed buildings in the eastern United States. Since the building was not appreciably damageg, even with these high accelerations, there is hope that similar historic buildings across the nation may survive a future earthquake. However, such extrapolation is not warranted unless a detailed investigation is done to examine the reasons for the superior performance. The objectives of this study are the following: 1) Investigate the reasons of the survival of the office building at Palo Alto with the use of both simplified and state-of-the-art methods. 2) Assess the effectiveness of a discrete :MDOF dynamic model on the seismic evaluation of this building and similar masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms. 3} Correlate the recorded, observed and computed response at the office building at Palo Alto with estimates of dynamic response and prescribed strength by state-of-the-art masonry and seismic codes.


In this paper, edge crack problems under mechanical loads have been analysed using extended finite element method (XFEM) as it has proved to be a competent method for handling problems with discontinuities. The XFEM provides a versatile technique to model discontinuities in the solution domain without re-meshing or conformal mesh. The stress intensity factors (SIF) have been calculated by domain based interaction integral method. The effect of crack orientation and interaction under mechanical loading has been studied. Analytical solutions, which are available for two dimensional displacement fields in linear elastic fracture mechanics, have been used for crack tip enrichment. From the present analysis, it has been observed that there is monotonous decrease in the SIF-1 value with the increase in inclination, while SIF-II values first increases then it also decreases. Next study was performed for first edge crack in the presence of second crack on opposite edge. The results were obtained by changing the distance between the crack tips as well as by changing the orientation of second crack. SIFs values decrease with increase in distances between the crack tips for collinear cracks. In next study, for the first crack in presence of inclined second edge crack and it was found that SIFs increase initially with the increase in inclination and decrease after that. It emphasizes the fact that cracks at larger distances act more or less independently. In next study, with the use of level set method crack growth path is evaluated without remeshing for plate with hole, soft inclusion & hard inclusion under mode-I loading and compare with available published results. © 2014 IAU, Arak Branch. All rights reserved.


AIM
To identify factors associated with negative child behaviour in the dental setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 324 mother-child pairs (children aged 3 to 12 years) seen at a university clinic in Canoas, southern Brazil. Mother's anxiety was measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Oral examinations were performed to determine caries experience (dmft/DMFT index) in the mothers and children. Child behaviour was evaluated at six moments of the dental visit using the Frankl scale. Statistical analysis involved Poisson regression with robust variance.

RESULTS
The prevalence of negative child behaviour was 9.3%, with a greater frequency among younger children, those with no previous use of dental services and those whose mothers exhibited a moderate to severe level of anxiety. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that the probability of negative behaviour was 2.4-fold greater among children who had not previous dental services attendance (PR = 2.37, 95% CI:1.13-4.95; p=0.022) and 3.1-fold greater among those whose mothers had a moderate to severe level of anxiety (PR = 3.08, 95% CI:1.64-5.75; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION
Mother's anxiety, younger age and no previous history of visiting a dentist are associated with negative behaviour during a dental appointment and therefore merit special attention.


The purpose of this study was to define and better understand business school students' opinions and preferences on the design of a mobile marketing education application. To accomplish this purpose an explanatory mixed methods study design was used and the data was collected sequentially. First, a questionnaire was conducted with 168 business school students from Anadolu University to define their learning styles. The learning orientation questionnaire produced five factors: visual, auditory, dependent, collaborative, and reading & writing learning styles. In the second phase of the study, semi-structured in depth interviews were conducted with nine graduate students at Anadolu University to better understand their preferences and explore their opinions on the mobile application. After the coding process three themes emerged: learning styles, content, and tools. Added to these themes, eight motives for the use of a mobile marketing education application were also identified.


BACKGROUND
This article updates mammography use by Canadian women aged 50 to 69, and reports trends from 1990 to 2008 among the provinces. Characteristics of non-users are examined.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
Data from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used to update mammography use and to examine factors associated with non-use. Historical estimates were produced using the 2000/2001,2003 and 2005 CCHS, the 1994/1995, 1996/1997 and 1998/1999 National Population Health Survey and the 1990 Health Promotion Survey. Frequency estimates, cross-tabulations and logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS
In 2008, 72% of women aged 50 to 69 reported having had a mammogram in the past two years, up from 40% in 1990. The increase occurred from 1990 to 2000/2001; rates then stabilized. Between 1990 and 2000/2001, the difference in participation between women in the highest and lowest income quintiles gradually narrowed-from a 26- to a 12-percentage-point difference. In 2008, the disparity widened to 18 percentage points. Non-use was high in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut. Non-use was associated with being an immigrant, living in a lower income household, not having a regular doctor and smoking.


There is evidence from earlier studies that the probability to be traumatized by pictures of disasters is associated with a high level of exposure, the traumatic significance of the pictured event, prior exposure to similar real-life events, and personality variables. Preexisting symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety are predictors of the higher impact of mass media (MM) and social media (SM) contributing to a vicious cycle. We aimed to discuss mechanisms through which MM and SM may cause massive indirect traumatization of populations and that may be relevant for the psychosocial conditions that emerged during COVID-19 pandemic news bombardment. The current pandemic is an example of a serious and deadly disease with extremely enhanced representation in the MM and SM and high rates of unverified, false, and sometimes apocalyptic information. Both mass as well as social medial tendencies to select their news according to their controversial and often negatively affective load contribute to this. This phenomenon is characterized as "infodemic" – a situation that may have profound consequences for mental health due to undermining feelings of personal safety, corroding social cohesion, and inducing conflicts and bitterness. Pandemic-infodemic situation has shown that complicated but inevitable turn to higher transparency including ethically motivated restrictions of anonymity and the contents of the web– measures that, however, have to be sensitively balanced with the demands guaranteeing the freedom of opinion, the freedom of speech and the avoidance of censorship. In general, there is a need for complex solutions, difficult decisions, and intricate balances.