La(1-x)Ca(x)FeO3 (X = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, abbreviated as LCF) as cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) was synthesized by new route of glycine nitrate method. LCF materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The powder LCFs exhibited single phase with orthorhombic structure, highly porous and small nanoparticles with average size of 200-300 nm. The electrical conductivities of LCFs increased as increasing the Ca content and achieved the maximum electrical conductivity of 148 Scm(-1) for La0.6Ca0.4FeO3 (X = 0.4) at 550 degrees C. The improved conductivity of LCFs could be a promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs. In the impedance analysis of fabricated symmetry cell with the optimized La0.6Ca0.4FeO3 cathode and Ce0.8Sm0.2O3 (SDC) electrolyte, the minimum area specific resistance (ASR) of 0.15 omegacm2 was observed at 850 degrees C, which may due to the lowest activation energy (1.55 eV), resulting from the reduction of oxygen molecules into oxygen ions. It was found that calcium doping was essential to increase the charge carrier concentration of lanthanum iron oxide materials, resulting in the high conductivity at intermediate temperature.


This paper begins by describing the thermal inputs to the cut zone when cutting mild steel with oxygen as the assist gas. The investigation concentrates on the chemical thermo-dynamics in the cut zone and pays particular attention to the influence of oxygen dilution. A detailed experimental program has allowed the authors to theoretically clarify why the process is highly sensitive to small levels of contamination of the oxygen jet.This paper begins by describing the thermal inputs to the cut zone when cutting mild steel with oxygen as the assist gas. The investigation concentrates on the chemical thermo-dynamics in the cut zone and pays particular attention to the influence of oxygen dilution. A detailed experimental program has allowed the authors to theoretically clarify why the process is highly sensitive to small levels of contamination of the oxygen jet.


Filamentous microorganisms represent the majority of natural producers of antibiotics and other active pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs). Lentzea aerocolonigenes is a filamentous actinomycete producing the antitumor antibiotic
rebeccamycin. The addition of glass beads (100 g/L, ⌀ = 969 μm) in shake flask cultivations led to a significant increase
in rebeccamycin production compared to an unsupplemented cultivation by inducing mechanical stress. To achieve larger
amounts of rebeccamycin a scale-up was conducted. A bubble free membrane aeration was chosen to reduce the power
input to stirrer and particle induced stress. Glass bead addition (50 g/L, ⌀ = 969 μm) in this membrane aerated stirred
bioreactor increased rebeccamycin concentration compared to an unsupplemented cultivation as well. Moreover it
reduced biomass growth on the aeration membrane which is a widespread challenge in membrane aerated bioreactors.


Economic zones have grown rapidly in the past 20 years. In 1986, the International Labor Organization's (ILO's) database reported 176 zones in 47 countries; by 2006, it reported 3,500 zones in 130 countries. This huge growth occurred despite many zones having failed to meet their objectives; however, many others are contributing significantly to growth in foreign direct investment (FDI), exports, and employment, as well as playing a catalytic role in integration into global trade and structural transformation, including industrialization and upgrading. This study aims to address some of these questions and deliver an analysis that is both data-driven and policy-focused. The objective of the study is to explore the experience of zone programs, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, to understand the factors that contribute to static and dynamic outcomes. It aims to provide input to the question of whether and how zones can make a significant contribution to job creation, diversification, and sustainable growth in African and other low-income countries.


World Economy: Positive outlook almost across the board - Western Europe: Economic expectations brighten - North America: Economic climate indicator continues to rise - Eastern Europe: More positive expectations - CIS: Solid performance - Asia: Economic climate indicator starts to rise again - Oceania: Economic climate indicator drops - Latin America: Economic climate friendlier - Near East: Buoyant economic climate - Africa: No unified economic trend


We study the effects of bursty Internet traffic through simulations. Both short-range dependency (SRD) traffic and long-range dependency (LRD) traffic are simulated over different burst parameters. The results are collected for 10 different 24 hour simulated periods in order to study and measure day-to-day statistical fluctuation. Effects of employing different traffic admission constraints are examined. An alternative for improving network throughput and utilization is proposed. Finally, a case when arrival patterns of traffic are correlated is explored.


Poplar is a tree species with a considerable growth rate and the ability to produce high yield in a short period of time, and is one of the main sources of wood in Iran. Considering its importance, the identification of poplar pests could have a significant effect on improving production and forest management. The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera), is an important pest of forest trees in Guilan province, northern Iran. Therefore, host preference of this pest on the clones of Populus deltoids Bartram ex Marsh., P. euramericana (Dode), and P. caspica (Bornm.) was analyzed. The host preference of the pest was analyzed by olfactometric analysis, and the multiple choice method was also utilized to determine the rate of feeding and its effect on different clones. Some nutritional indices of 4 th instar larvae, such as consumption rate (CR), frass production rate (FR), approximate digestibility of food (AD), growth rate (GR), and efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food (ECI and ECD) were measured on these clones. The data obtained demonstrate that 4 th instar larvae had the greatest host preference for P. e. triple (P > 0.5). Additionally, the lowest level of larval preference was for P. caspica and P. d. 72/51 clones, as the highest feeding level was observed on P. e. triple. The results show that the local species P. caspica not only has low palatability for this pest, but also due to an interruption in larval food intake, low larval biological performance.


Emerging Market equity returns have proved challenging to model using conventional statistical tools. In this paper we use the conditional capital asset pricing model (CCAPM) together with an explicit expectations structure to arrive at a framework which can be easily estimated. We take the perspective that US equity corresponds to the market and that our investors are US dollar investors and use this approach to explain emerging market country index equity returns. Different choices of US equity index provide, unsurprisingly, different results. A noteworthy finding is that the Russell 2000 seems a better explanatory variable than the Russell 1000 suggesting that it is the small to medium capitalised US companies that help us understand emerging market returns JEL Classification: C22; G11, G15;


AgNWs@SCO nanocomposites were constructed by in situ growing spin-crossover (SCO) nanoparticles on silver nanowires (AgNWs). The obtained AgNWs@[Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) (AgNWs@SCO-1) and AgNWs@Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4] (AgNWs@SCO-2) nanomaterials were characterized by FT-IR, PXRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and TEM. SEM images show that SCO NPs grow on the surface of the AgNWs, and their size and shape can be tuned by controlling the amount of added iron(II) salt. The magnetic measurements exhibit hysteresis loops with 45 K (Tc↑ = 385 K, Tc↓ = 340 K) for SCO-1 and 31 K (Tc↑ = 290 K, Tc↓ = 259 K) for SCO-2. It is interesting that both AgNWs@SCO nanocomposites retain spin-crossover behaviour with hysteresis loops with 50 K (Tc↑ = 395 K and Tc↓ = 345 K) for AgNWs@SCO-1 and 34 K (Tc↑ = 289 K and Tc↓ = 255 K) for AgNWs@SCO-2. The hot pressing method is used to transfer AgNWs@SCO nanocomposites to flexible PET substrates for a four-probe conductivity test. The conductivities of AgNWs@SCO-1 and AgNWs@SCO-2 are consistent with that of the individual AgNWs over the 100–350 K range, indicating that AgNWs@SCO nanocomposites exhibit good conductivity. The combination of both spin-crossover properties and conductive properties in AgNWs@SCO materials provides a great prospect for their application in devices.


Due to its low digestibility in the small intestine, a major fraction of the polyol isomalt reaches the colon. However, little is known about effects on the intestinal microflora. During two 4-week periods in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, nineteen healthy volunteers consumed a controlled basal diet enriched with either 30g isomalt or 30g sucrose daily. Stools were collected at the end of each test phase and various microbiological and luminal markers were analysed. Fermentation characteristics of isomalt were also investigated in vitro. Microbiological analyses of faecal samples indicated a shift of the gut flora towards an increase of bifidobacteria following consumption of the isomalt diet compared with the sucrose diet (P<0·05). During the isomalt phase, the activity of bacterial β-glucosidase decreased (P<0·05) whereas β-glucuronidase, sulfatase, nitroreductase and urease remained unchanged. Faecal polyamines were not different between test periods with the exception of cadaverine, which showed a trend towards a lower concentration following isomalt (P=0·055). Faecal SCFA, lactate, bile acids, neutral sterols, N, NH3, phenol and p-cresol were not affected by isomalt consumption. In vitro, isomalt was metabolized in several bifidobacteria strains and yielded high butyrate concentrations. Isomalt, which is used widely as a low-glycaemic and low-energy sweetener, has to be considered a prebiotic carbohydrate that might contribute to a healthy luminal environment of the colonic mucosa.


An experimental investigation of reverberation of sound at frequencies of 500 and 1000Hz in a room of 35.27m3 has been carried out using B & K Type acoustic instruments. Varied amount of Celotex ceiling board was used as the sound absorber. The result showed that the reverberation time falls progressively with increasing number of the absorbers. This result was found consistent with those of other investigations measured under standard conditions. In this investigation, it was found that in small-sized rooms typical of those used for office accommodation, broadcasting and recording studios, reverberation time can be simply controlled to achieve desired results.


This investigation was carried out in order to obtain morbidity statistics in a large industrial population with special reference to the effects of ageing. The population chosen, the "railway research population," consisted of a sample of Scottish railwaymen, drawn from five of the eight areas in the Scottish Region of British Railways. Only certain occupational grades were studied. Information was obtained over a period of one year by means of a detailed monthly return of (a) sickness absence data and (b) job changes. Indices of sickness absence were defined. The sickness absence experience of the railway research population was compared with that of other populations. It is a healthier group than the total insured population but differs in some respects from that of London Transport. The nature of sickness absence within the railway research population was then studied. It was shown in all but one measure used that sickness tends to increase with age, the most important factor being the increase of long episodes. Examination of the frequency distribution of the duration of sickness episodes revealed that sickness absence tends to be taken in terms of weeks off rather than days off. Analysis of the daily variation in sickness absence showed that the total absence rate increased from Monday to Friday. There was a well defined tendency for sickness to start on Mondays, and in longer episodes an additional tendency to start on Fridays. This was interpreted in terms of morale, both positive and negative. Marked differences of the same order of magnitude as those due to age were noted in the sickness experience of the various grades, related to both conditions of work and responsibility. The reasons for job changes were analysed and the grades to which men were transferred were identified. The choice of suitable grades for older workers was discussed. It was concluded that working conditions might be important factors in the type of sickness absence experienced and that comparisons with other populations might be helpful in this context. More detailed work was also called for on the psychological as well as physical aspects of the work situation for both the individual and the grade.


Brazilian research has grown intensely in all areas of microbiology, with the increase in the amount of governmental resources for the sector and the strengthening of a greater number of research groups. However, very few academic studies deal with research about teaching and science communication in microbiology. There is no in-depth study of how this topic is currently being divulgated in communication journals, didactic books and the Internet, or about the interest and the difficulties faced by researchers in communicating microbiology to the general public. This paper investigates academic production on science communication and the teaching of microbiology in Brazil and contextualizes the need for studies about the ways and means through which this activity is being carried out.


Gastric cancer is the third main cause of cancerous tumors in humans in Chile. It is well-accepted that a diet rich in antioxidant plants could help in fighting cancer. Blueberry is a fruit crop with a high content of antioxidants. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a phytohormone involved in plant defenses under stress conditions. The exogenous application of MeJA can improve the antioxidant properties in plants. We studied in vitro and in vivo anticancer action on human gastric cancer (cell line AGS) and the antioxidant properties of extracts from blueberry plants untreated and treated with MeJA. The results demonstrated that leaf extracts displayed a higher inhibition of cancer cell viability as well as greater antioxidant properties compared to fruit extracts. Besides, MeJA applications to plants improved the antioxidant properties of leaf extracts (mainly anthocyanins), increasing their inhibition levels on cell viability and migration. It is noteworthy that leaf extract from MeJA-treated plants significantly decreased cancer cell migration and expression of gastric cancer-related proteins, mainly related to the mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Interestingly, in all cases the anticancer and antioxidant properties of leaf extracts were strongly related. Despite highlighted outcomes, in vivo results did not indicate significant differences in Helicobacter pylori colonization nor inflammation levels in Mongolian gerbils unfed and fed with blueberry leaf extract. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA increased antioxidant compounds, mainly anthocyanins, and decreased the viability and migration capacity of AGS cells. In addition, leaf extracts from MeJA-treated plants were also able to decrease the expression of gastric cancer-related proteins. Our outcomes also revealed that the anthocyanin-rich fraction of blueberry leaf extracts showed higher in vitro antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects than the crude leaf extracts. However, it is still uncertain whether the leaf extracts rich in anthocyanins of blueberry plants are capable of exerting a chemopreventive or chemoprotective effect against gastric cancer on an in vivo model.


46 patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) were investigated by chest radiographs (n = 46), plain film tomograms (n = 16), CT (n = 8) and MRI (n = 13). Radiologic characteristics of early IPA were nodular or patchy infiltrates in the upper lobes of all patients. Enlargement of the infiltrates and/or development of segmental/lobar consolidations were typical for fully developing IPA. Air crescent signs were seen in 40% of patients during or after bone marrow restitution. CT added additional information by visualisation of small pleural based infiltrates, demonstration of air crescents and identification of halo phenomena. MRI revealed the target character of nodular aspergillomas with hypointense centres and rims of higher signal intensity. A gadolinium-DTPA rim enhancement could be observed in almost all nodular lesions. Hyperintense areas in nodular and segmental infiltrates on T1-weighted images were interpreted as aging haemorrhage (methemoglobin) in aspergillus-induced haemorrhagic infarcts or in focal parenchymal bleeding.


Electronic structure calculation of bulk and monolayer MoS2 has been performed using plane wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory. The indirect band gap in the bulk MoS2 was found to be 0.9 eV, whereas in the monolayer-MoS2 the band gap of 1.57 eV was found to be direct one. The calculated physical parameters of monolayer MoS2 are found to be very close to the bulk MoS2 and compare well with available experimental and other theoretical results. The calculated density of states (DOS) may help explain this change in the nature of band gap in bulk and in monolayer MoS2. A further variation in band gap has been observed in MoS2 monolayer on applying biaxial strain.


Background: Nowadays, paying attention to sports nutrition, particularly focus on using supplements among athletes is increasing rapidly. Objectives: This study has been carried out in order to investigate the frequency and causes of consuming supplements and understanding the side effects related to their consumption among bodybuilders in Kermanshah City. Methods: The samples of this cross-sectional study include teenagers and young adults who are the members of fitness gyms around Kermanshah City. 244 individuals were selected as samples using simple random sampling. In order to gather the required data, a four-sectioned questionnaire designed by the research team was used. The data analysis was done using chi-square, independent ttest, and Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients by SPSS-20. Results: The majority of bodybuilders participating in the study (95.3%) have used supplements. The sources suggesting the consumption of supplements included other athletes, the coach, the media, nutrition specialists, and medical doctors, respectively. Generally, 37 types of sports supplements are used by the bodybuilders. Based on their rank, the supplements include vitamin C, Creatine, vitamin E, multivitamin, and iron. The most frequent reasons for consuming sports supplements included muscle building, increasing energy, and improving athletic performance. There is a significant difference between male and female athletes with regards to knowing the psychological and sexual side effects of consuming sports supplements (P<0.05). In general, the level of understanding and knowing the side effects of consuming sports supplements among athletes is not desirable. Conclusion: Since a significant percentage of athletes, particularly male athletes, have a history of consuming sports supplements, it is necessary that the people related to this issue including athletes, coaches, doctors, and nutrition specialists, get sufficient information about the ingredients, side effects, benefits, and applications of various nutritional supplements. Dysfunctional beliefs about the supplements consumption or non-consumption should be discussed. A R T I C L E H I S T O R Y Received: January 29, 2018 Revised: May 26, 2018 Accepted: October 24, 2018 DOI: 10.2174/1573401315666181218150450


This paper aims to stimulate discussion on the operationalisation of learning process approaches to community development and rural extension. It attempts to systematise a participatory extension approach into process phases and steps, which allow extension agents to understand the process dynamics, while preventing a blueprint implementation. The systematisation, in combination with an intensive training learning process over one to two years, is seen as the foundation for the development of field staff. The cornerstones of this approach are social mobilisation which includes local organisational development, action planning, experiential learning through trying out new ideas and options and evaluation of the action by the people involved in the process. Innovation is seen as a product of social negotiation and the spreading of innovation as a product of good effective social organisation and communication at community level. Therefore the extension intervention is geared toward strengthening mechanisms for joint learning and sharing of experiences and communication among farmers and between farmers and outsiders. The immediate impact is a more efficient development and spreading of technologies, but secondary, non-agricultural impacts such as improved self-governance, are equally important.


Hydrogen ion showers (Hn +) of current densities 50 to 400 mA/m2 were irradiated on AlyllDiglycol Carbonate (CR-39) ophthalmic lenses. The substrate lenses measured 6×6×2 mm3 and were fabricated through hot deformation polymerization process. Irradiation time was fixed at 15 minutes per sample. The study aimed to correlate Hn + ion beam characteristics to the physicochemical and optical changes of the treated lenses. Beam current densities were measured using a cast steel mass spectrometer and emittance contours at 90 % beam fraction were measured using a single-slit multi-detector emittance meter. Unnormalized emittances ranged from 180 to 310 mm-mrad for 1 to 5 mA discharges. Low energy beams ( 8 produced a ubiquitous feature of tapered nanostructures on the surfaces. AFM histograms showed that average substrate surface roughness decreased from 30.91 nm (pristine sample) to 12.94 nm (treated samples) when low energy beams were used, but increased to 20.33 for high energy beams. Lens hydrophobicity improved with contact angles increasing from 61.23o (pristine) to 122.64o (treated). Spectral transmittance improved by about 1.5 times from 60% (pristine) to 90% (treated). An interplay between the roughening action of ion etching and the smoothing action of surface diffusion serves as the physical basis for the formation of sharp-tipped, tapered nanostructures on the lens surfaces. The introduction of nanostructures on the surface effectively created a hydrophobic, antireflective interface. Pre- and post-treatment FTIR-ATR transmittance peaks remained unaltered. Hence surface changes are attributed to physical factors and not to any chemical reactions.


Background: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the 2 most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Additionally, the number of reported cases is lower than the estimated total number of cases due to a variety of factors including: unawareness of infection, lack of symptoms, social stigma, and the fact that chlamydia and gonorrhea are still not routinely screened for in many clinical settings. Past studies suggest that individuals prefer at-home sampling and would even get tested more often if STI selfcollection were available. Numerous studies investigating the effectiveness, screening uptake, and safety of athome sampling have been performed. However, the question of treatment rates in relation to at-home sampling remains. Can the use of at-home STI screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea lead to increased rates of treatment compared to traditional STI screening methods in sexually active adults? Methods: An extensive search was conducted using MEDLINE-PubMed, MEDLINE-Ovid, and TRIP with the keywords: ((home OR "internet access*" OR "specimen handling" OR "self-sampling") AND (screen* OR test*) AND (gonorrhea OR chlamydia) AND (treatment OR therapy)). The eligibility criterion was applied to the results and duplications were removed. References of selected studies were considered. Quality of included studies was assessed using GRADE. Results: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. The first study recruited 2072 participants who were then randomly allocated to receive a text message with a link containing instructions to either complete at home screening (intervention) or clinic-based screening (control). The proportion of participants treated was 1.1% in the intervention group versus 0.7% in the control group. The second study conducted a population-based trial that included all people between ages 18-25. The intervention group, 10 000 individuals, received information on chlamydia and a mail-back urine sampling kit by post. The control group, 31 519 individuals, received nothing by mail and was not made aware of the study. The intervention led to 2.5 times more individuals receiving treatment. Conclusion: At-home chlamydia and gonorrhea sampling may lead to increased rates of treatment. Degree Type Capstone Project Degree Name Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies


The main focus of thesis work addresses one of the functional key points of Cooperative Collision Warning application which is an accurate estimation of the range data of neighboring vehicles during persistent GPS outages under both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) situations. Cooperative Collision Warning, based on vehicle-to-vehicle radio communications and GPS systems, is one promising active safety application that has attracted considerable research interest. One of the severe estimation error is due to NLOS that can be mitigated by applying biased Kalman filter on range measurements. For our algorithm these inter-vehicle distances are measured from using one of the radio-based ranging techniques. Main objective is to establish an accurate map of positions for neighboring vehicles in the persistance of GPS outages. GPS outages can be possible in multipath environments where NLOS component is introduced to the true range measurements. These position estimates mainly depend on two factors: (i) Preprocessed inter-vehicle distances (range data is processed from biased Kalman filter); (ii) Road constraints (the vehicle uncertainty is more in the direction of road than the uncertainty in the direction opposite the road); This thesis suggests smoothing and mitigating the NLOS for radio-based ranging measurements under multipath conditions. In order to find accurate positions of neighboring vehicles an extended Kalman filter is implemented along with road constraints. Unbiased Kalman filter, biased Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter performances are experimentally verified using Matlab simulation tool with random number of vehicles at unknown random distinct positions in some physical region along a section of road for vehicular environment.


The noise figure of a low noise amplifier (LNA) is a function of the quality factor of its inductors. The lack of high-Q inductors in silicon has prevented the development of completely integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) LNAs for high sensitivity applications like global system for mobile communications (GSM) (1.9 GHz) and wideband code-division multiple-access (W-CDMA) (2.1GHz). Recent developments in the design of high-Q inductors (embedded in low cost integrated circuit (IC) packages) have made single-package integration of RF front-ends feasible. These embedded passives provide a viable alternative to using discrete elements or low-Q on-chip passives, for achieving completely integrated solutions. Compared to on-chip inductors with low Q values and discrete passives with fixed Q/sub s/, the use of these embedded passives also leads to the development of the passive Q as a new variable in circuit design. However, higher Q values also result in new tradeoffs, particularly with respect to device size. This paper presents a novel optimization strategy for the design of completely integrated CMOS LNAs using embedded passives. The tradeoff of higher inductor size for higher Q has been adopted into the LNA design methodology. The paper also presents design issues involved in the use of multiple embedded components in the packaging substrate, particularly with reference to mutual coupling between the passives and reference ground layout.


Electrocardiography (ECG) is an investigative procedure in PPCM screening and monitoring. Although ECG features among PPCM patients have been shown to vary among different ethnicities, this has not been fully described among the Hausa/Fulani ethnicity. In the present study therefore, we described the ECG features of PPCM among Hausa/Fulani ethnic group of Nigeria and we relate same with left ventricular (LV) functions and dimensions. One hundred women who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PPCM were evaluated. A standard resting 12-lead ECG and echocardiographic examination were performed on the patients. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistical software (version 22). Mean age of the patients was 27.11 ± 7.83 years and were 98% of the Hausa/Fulani ethnicity. The heart rate (HR) was fast (117.54 ±15.02). Most patients had abnormal ST and T-waves (70% and 83%, respectively). The mean QTc index was 460.97 ±40.69, with 47% of them having prolonged QTc. However, the mean QRS interval was within normal (89.89 ±20.00ms). Although, ejection fraction (EF) showed a significant inverse relationship with the left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd) (r = - 0.234, p = 0.021, β-coefficient =-0.013, R2 =0.027), neither of the EF nor the LVIDd showed significant relations with the indices of QRS voltage amplitudes, even though about 82% of the patients had LV dilatation. We conclude that ECG abnormalities are rife among PPCM patients of Hausa/Fulani extraction of Nigeria and may be used alongside other standard protocols to screen and monitor treatment of the patients in this region.


This article is focused on optimization of fundamental utility properties and technological process of advanced low alloy steel 15NiCuMoNb5 used for power engineering mainly for production of large capacity steam boilers. Consequently problem critical locality in weld after post weld heat treatment is studied. Optimization of welding technology is proposed. Fracture behaviour of welded joint made from boiler plates 80 mm in thickness of 15NiCuMoNb5 type steel after N + T PWHT regime after welding procedure were studied. Stable crack growth measurement and evaluation of fracture toughness of base material as well as weld metal in temperature region from 0 up 350°C were carried out. Unstable cleavage fracture and fracture toughness KJc of both parts of welded joint at test temperatures cover the transition region were evaluated. The reference temperature T0 approach was used for evaluation of temperature dependence of fracture toughness in transition range.


In 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced its Vision 2030 strategic plan incorporating major changes to the economic structure of the country, including an intention to deploy 9.5 GW of renewable energy in an effort to reduce the penetration of oil in the electricity generation system. This paper assesses the macroeconomic impact of such changes in the KSA, coupled with reductions in implicit energy subsidies. Based on a dynamic general equilibrium model, our analysis suggests that if the KSA government were to deploy a relatively small quantity of renewable technology, consistent with the country's Vision 2030 plans, there would be a positive impact on the KSA's long run GDP and on households' welfare. However, we demonstrate that if the integration costs of renewable technology were high, then households' welfare would be maximized at around 30-40% renewables penetration. In addition, we show that a policy favoring renewable energy would increase the dependence of the KSA on oil, given that a larger share of GDP would be linked to oil exports and so, potentially, to oil price shocks. Finally, it is shown that exporting significantly more oil onto the international market could have a negative impact on the international oil price and thus could offset the potential gains from the renewable energy policy.


Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social cognition at its core. Human and animal studies converge in the existence of a network of key brain structures involved in the perception, integration, and coding of social cues. These structures mainly involve areas traditionally associated with cognitive function, such as the prefrontal cortex; processing of emotions, such as the amygdala; and motivation and reward, such as the nucleus accumbens. The cerebellum, conventionally associated with motor functions, is lately being considered as a key structure within the social circuitry. Cerebellar neuroanatomical alterations are among the most replicated findings in postmortem brain samples of patients with autism. In addition, cerebellar defects have been proposed to affect the functioning of distal brain areas to which the cerebellum projects. In fact, animal studies support the inclusion of the cerebellum as part of the brain network regulating social cognition and provide a mechanistic tool to study its function within the social network. In this chapter, we review current evidence from human and animal studies, opening a new avenue for further research.


Single wool fibers were coated with TiO2 by using the sol-gel method. The uniaxial tensile properties of TiO2 coated single wool fibers heated at different temperatures from 25 to 200°C were investigated and compared with those of uncoated single wool fibers. It was observed that the shape of the stress–strain curve of TiO2 coated wool fibers became the same as uncoated wool fibers and showed a similar tendency of change to uncoated wool fibers with increasing temperature. But, the TiO2 coated wool fibers obtained higher rigidity than uncoated wool fibers and up to their rupture points; they obtained higher stress levels in three deformation regions in the stress–strain curves, which indicates stronger wool fibers. Although the breaking extension of TiO2 coated wool fibers decreased little by about 8%, the Young's modulus of TiO2 coated wool fibers increased significantly by 19%, which was caused mostly by an increment in the stiffness of the cuticle layer of the wool fiber, and remained relatively higher than that of uncoated wool fibers after heat treatments. Structural changes in both uncoated and TiO2 coated single wool fibers due to thermal effect, which caused the changes in the uniaxial tensile properties and the thermal behaviors of these fibers were discussed by using spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods in detail. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 898-907, 2013


The maxillofacial region is the most prominent and expressive part of the human body. It is the harmony and symmetry of each segment that contributes towards the total beauty of the face. The maxillofacial deformities, which may be posttraumatic or due to untreated pathology, are also more common in India. The treatment of complex cases such as fractures of highly atrophic edentulous mandibles, discontinuity defects and comminuted fractures with the use of mini plates is often difficult and unsatisfactory. Hence in such cases Titanium mesh has been successfully used. Titanium mesh when compared to mini plates provides a three-dimensional stability. Hence it is more advantageous in treating discontinuity defects. Production of Titanium mesh started in 1968, and its refinement occurred over time with better instrumentation. The malleable and semi-rigid nature of titanium mesh, coupled with lack of elastic memory, prevents subsequent stress shielding in the areas of use. The semi rigid nature of the mesh fixation allows micro movement at the healing bone ends, which may improve bone healing and it is further postulated that this may prevent the stress-shielding which occurs under rigid plates in mandibular continuity defects and where mandibular bone grafts are overlaid by rigid plates. Szivek and colleagues in their study on bone remodeling, have shown that increasing plate stiffness causes bone remodeling and resorption due to stress shielding. The applications of titanium mesh in the maxillofacial region include osteosynthesis in traumatology especially for comminuted fractures, craniofacial reconstruction, mandibular reconstruction, augmentation of atrophic maxilla and mandible and orthognathic surgery (stabilization of LeFort I and ramal osteotomies). It has been found that Titanium mesh of their own design particularly useful in reconstruction of jaw defects because it provided immediate stability and was able to support the highly osteogenic iliac medullary hone graft. Efficacy of Titanium mesh in various maxillofacial surgeries it throws light on the fact that these plates do offer a good amount of malleability, rigidity & biocompatibility. Hence it would be advantageous to use Titanium mesh in various maxillofacial surgeries thus restoring the form and function of the maxillofacial region to near normal without causing functional disability and morbidly of the patient.


Where long-term monitoring data is not available, or the nature of the watershed is changing rapidly, or data is limited, a cost-effective monitoring plan must be developed to ascertain nutrient concentrations in streams, stream nutrient load, and watershed nutrient yield. To accomplish this, nutrient monitoring must occur during baseflow, stormflow, and wetflow conditions. Wetflow refers to flow regimes between stormflow and baseflow. Using a 12-hr sampling interval before, during, and after rainfall events of different intensities allows accurate measurement of nutrient concentrations. These data allow determination of nutrients (ammonia-N, nitrite-nitrate-N, and total phosphorus) correlation with flow. Research on three different-sized watersheds in the Piedmont of west Georgia ranging from about 1 to 6295 km 2 (0.4 to 2430 mi 2 ) (Chattahoochee River at Whitesburg, Georgia) indicate that the best sampling methods are dependent on the size of the watershed, proportions of forest cover and impermeable surface, and intensity of nutrient influx from point sources and nonpoint sources.


We explored the ensemble effects of pore density, pore geometry, and pore stiffness on the permeability evolution of an ellipsoidal pore under both applied uniaxial stress and relative pore pressure change. We found that rocks undergoing identical compressional strain and pore pressure can undergo significantly different magnitudes of pore closure or dilation based on the concomitant influence of these three variables. This is especially important in gas shales, where nano-porosity is challenging to characterize and heterogeneity at all scales has led to disparate permeability responses in both the field and laboratory. Simulations were carried out using a finite element solver, a method that allowed each variable to be studied in isolation and concomitantly. We found that the aspect ratio is the most sensitive parameter influencing pore compressibility. The pore density becomes important when external stress is applied, but it has no significant effect when pore pressure is varied in the absence of external stress. To capture the effects of mineral precipitation and transformation in pore walls, we simulated mismatches between the mineral stiffness of the pore and the surrounding matrix. We determined that for a given strain, mineralogically soft pores (soft relative to the bulk material) experience higher increase in permeability than pores that are mineralogically stiff relative to the surrounding matrix. While soft pores experience greater closure than stiff pores for a given applied stress, they also experience a greater amount of dilation when pore pressure increases.


Don Quijote en la Calle (Don Quixote on the street) is a popular show that takes place in Argamasilla de Alba (Ciudad Real). It is currently performed during the town's Cervantine Days (April-June). At the moment, around 150 locals take part in this show, bringing the adventures of Don Quixote to life: horses, live music, dances from the Golden Age, fireworks, etc. In doing so, this unusual type of show achieves a unique staging. Heir to Estampas del Quijote (a street theatre that was formerly performed in the town), the Town Council of Argamasilla de Alba has applied to the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha for Don Quijote en la Calle to be declared worthy of 'Regional Tourist Interest'.


Thymulin (formerly called "Facteur Thymique Sérique or FTS) is a metallopeptidic hormone selectively produced by thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and known to induce intra and extra-thymic T cell differentiation. It was initially isolated from porcine serum and shown to be present in calf thymus extract. Its amino-acid sequence was determined (<Glu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn). It is a nonapeptide whose biological activity is dependent on the presence of zinc, in an equimolecular ratio. The metallopeptide thus formed bears a specific tridimensional conformation detected by nuclear magnetic resonance studies, and that yielded a new monoclonal antibody-defined epitope. The presence of zinc and metallothionein has been demonstrated within TEC which produce the peptide, suggesting that the molecule is secreted in its active zinc-containing form. The zinc/thymulin relationship, was further studied using various models of mild zinc deficiency in experimental animals and in humans. Serum thymulin activity was decreased as a result of zinc deficiency, and was corrected by in vivo and in vitro zinc supplementation, suggesting that this parameter could be a sensitive indicator of zinc deficiency. When considered together with the parallel variations seen in T-cell subpopulations and lymphokine production, these observations could provide a possible explanation of the role of zinc on T cell functions.


Using a complete sample of US equity options, we find a positive, highly significant relationship between stock returns and lagged implied volatilities. The results are robust after controlling for a number of factors such as firm size, market valuation, analyst recommendations and different levels of implied volatility. Lagged historical volatility is – in contrast to the corresponding implied volatility – not relevant for stock returns. We find considerable time variation in the relationship between lagged implied volatility and stock returns.


The empirical nature of Information Retrieval (IR) mandates strong experimental practices. The Cranfield/TREC evaluation paradigm represents a keystone of such experimental practices. Within this paradigm, the generation of relevance judgments has been the subject of intense scientific investigation. This is because, on one hand, consistent, precise and numerous judgements are key to reduce evaluation uncertainty and test collection bias; on the other hand, however, relevance judgements are costly to collect. The selection of which documents to judge for relevance (known as pooling) has therefore great impact in IR evaluation. In this paper, we contribute a set of 8 novel pooling strategies based on retrieval fusion methods. We show that the choice of the pooling strategy has significant effects on the cost needed to obtain an unbiased test collection; we also identify the best performing pooling strategy according to three evaluation measure.


The abundance and habitat associations of overwin- tering birds in Platte River Valley of central Nebraska may influence their long-term survival. I observed a total of 51 species over a three-year period in shrub-grassland, forest, grassland, and cropland habitats during the winter. Grassland habitats had the lowest abundance of wintering birds, while abundances in shrub-grassland, forest, and cropland habitats were higher and similar. Species richness was highest in forests ( %= 2.97 species) and lowest in grasslands (Z = 0.73 species) and croplands (x = 0.57 species). Overall, horned larks (Eremophila alpestris), American tree sparrows (Spizella arborea), black-capped chickadees (Parus atricapillus), dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglects), and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were the most abundant wintering birds in the Platte River Valley. American tree sparrows (34%) accounted for most of the birds in shrub- grasslands, while black-capped chickadees (la%), dark-eyed juncos (11%), and American tree sparrows (10%) accounted for most of the birds in forests. Grasslands were dominated by American tree sparrows (39%) and western meadowlarks (27%), and croplands were dominated by horned larks (43%), red-winged blackbirds (25%), and western mead- owlarks (16%). The winter bird community in the Platte River Valley is dominated by woodland-associated species. Many of the woodland-asso- ciated species that overwinter in the Platte River Valley have likely benefited from the development of woodlands in the region.


ABSTRACT This paper focuses on how theoretical work developed in deliberative policy analysis (DPA) can contribute to action research (AR) through a better understanding of the policy world. It is based on a programme in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country (Spain) where action researchers have been collaborating with policymakers since 2009. Our paper shows how concepts like pluralism, agonism and escalation have helped to reframe the approach to conflict in action research for territorial development (ARTD). The aim of the case is not exclusively to demonstrate how this can be done at a micro level, but also to show the usefulness of further interaction between the fields of DPA and AR, based on this experience.


Within the perspective of discussion over various aspects of strategic value creation this paper investigates the degree and direction of the influence investment in innovation has on value creation in emerging markets. An analysis of empirical studies in the area is presented as well as the results of numerical testing of the formulated hypothesis. Our analysis confirms the validity of the hypothesis about "locomotive" nature of investment in innovations in emerging markets.


This guide contains information to help first year law students (1Ls) survive their first year of law school. It provides information on many different library resources to help them succeed in their first year classes and beyond.


Histamine H3 receptor antagonists are being developed to treat a variety of neurological and cognitive disorders that may be ameliorated by enhancement of central neurotransmitter release. Here, we present the in vitro pharmacological and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles for the nonimidazole, benzofuran ligand ABT-239 [4-(2-{2-[(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidinyl]ethyl}-benzofuran-5-yl)benzonitrile] and compare it with several previously described imidazole and nonimidazole H3 receptor antagonists. ABT-239 binds to recombinant human and rat H3 receptors with high affinity, with pKi values of 9.4 and 8.9, respectively, and is over 1000-fold selective versus human H1, H2, and H4 histamine receptors. ABT-239 is a potent H3 receptor antagonist at recombinant human and rat receptors, reversing agonist-induced changes in cAMP formation (pKb = 7.9 and 7.6, respectively), guanosine 5′-O-(3-[35S]thio) triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding (pKb = 9.0 and 8.3, respectively), and calcium mobilization (human pKb = 7.9). ABT-239 also competitively reversed histamine-mediated inhibition of [3H]histamine release from rat brain cortical synaptosomes (pKb = 7.7) and agonist-induced inhibition of contractile responses in electric field stimulated guinea pig ileal segments (pA2 = 8.7). Additionally, ABT-239 is a potent inverse agonist, inhibiting constitutive [35S]GTPγS binding at both rat and human H3 receptors with respective pEC50 values of 8.9 and 8.2. ABT-239 demonstrates good pharmacokinetic characteristics in rat, dog, and monkey with t1/2 values ranging from 4 to 29 h, corresponding with clearance values and metabolic turnover in liver microsomes from these species, and good oral bioavailability ranging from 52 to 89%. Thus, ABT-239 is a selective, nonimidazole H3 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist with similar high potency in both human and rat and favorable drug-like properties.


To build up an advantageous strategy for sensitive determination of catechol (CC), a poly (proline) modified graphene paste electrode (PPMGPE) was fabricated and used as a voltammetric sensor for the determination of CC.

 The performance of the modified electrode was studied using cyclic voltammetric (CV) and differential pulse voltammetric method (DPV). The modified electrode was characterized by CV and DPV. The surface of the modified electrode was examined by FESEM. The electrochemical behavior of CC in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.5) was inspected using bare graphene paste electrode (BGPE) and PPMGPE.

 The PPMGPE shows a lower limit of detection, calculated to be 8.7×10–7mol L−1 (S/N=3). This modified electrode was applied successfully for the determination of CC in water samples without applying any sample pretreatment.


All of the anuran amphibians examined so far have genetic sex-determining systems, which include female heterogametic ZZ/ZW and male heterogametic XX/ XY types. For example, the Japanese wrinkled frog Glandirana rugosa has both types. Most of frog species including the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis possess homomorphic sex chromosomes, while most mammalian and avian species have heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Thus, there should be a variety of sexdetermining genes and sex chromosomes in frogs, although only X. laevis W-linked gene dm-W has been reported as a sex-determining gene. Interestingly, estrogen or androgen can induce sex reversal in many frog species, suggesting a vital role of sex steroid hormones on sex identity. In other words, frogs in the same order are good examples for the understanding of diversity of sex-determining systems. In this chapter, I summarize the diversity of frog sex-determining systems and discuss why sex-determining genes and systems have been unstable in frogs.


We propose new soft-prior approach for incorporating structural a priori in FDOT reconstruction. The technique is a non-linear regularization scheme based on the penalization of the (2, 1)-mixed norm. We solve the numerical reconstruction problem with an iterative thresholding-type algorithm. We present simulation results that demonstrate an improvement both in resolution and fluorophore concentration estimation, compared to prior-free approaches.


Abstract: While most current Web Engineering methodologies model the separate aspects, content, navigation, business logic, and presentation, of Web systems in separate models, integration of the different models and in particular the validation of their interaction is not yet sufficiently supported. We propose a systematic approach of building a UML state machine that integrates the separate concerns content, navigation, and business logic of a Web system into a big picture, which can then be validated formally for consistency and behavioural properties.


Post-translational modifications are vital aspects of functional proteins. Therefore, it is critical to understand their roles in biological processes. Glycosylation is particularly challenging to study among these modifications due to the heterogeneity displayed by the glycans in terms of their isomers. Thus, researchers continue to strive for the development of efficient liquid chromatography techniques for isomeric separation of glycans. Porous graphitized carbon (PGC) nano column has been one of the most widely used columns for this purpose, but poor stability and lack of reproducibility led to its discontinuation. In our endeavor to find an alternative stationary phase for isomeric glycan separation, we tested the mesoporous graphitized carbon (MGC) material. Unprecedentedly, satisfactory results were obtained with a column only 1 cm long, which was tested on permethylated N-glycans derived from model glycoproteins as well as biological samples. The column was found to be reproducible across months as well as across different column preparations. Additionally, to decrease the dead volume and attain a better resolution, MGC was utilized to pack a 1 cm length of a pulled capillary nanospray emitter and again demonstrated efficient isomeric separation. Thus, MGC proved to be a suitable stationary phase to obtain efficient isomeric separation of permethylated N-glycans with 1 cm-long packing length, in both capillary columns and packed nanospray emitters.


The south-west of Western Australia has a Mediterranean climate and flora endemic to this area, including the keystone species, jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), have adapted to the droughted summer conditions. The introduction of an exotic soil borne pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, has challenged the survival of this and many other species. The expectation might be that plants stressed by drought are more susceptible to disease and this study examined the development of disease caused by P. cinnamomi in E. marginata and the significance of water status to that development.

Seedlings of E. marginata, clonal plants resistant to P. cinnamomi and clonal plants susceptible to P. cinnamomi, were subjected to different watering regimes in a number of field and glasshouse experiments. To determine the level of drought stress that could be imposed on container-grown E. marginata seedlings without killing them, a preliminary experiment progressively lowered the moisture levels of the substrate in their containers, until the plants reached wilting point, at which time moisture was restored to a predetermined droughted level and the process repeated. With each subsequent droughting the wilting point was lower until it was found that the seedlings could survive when only 5% of the moisture lost from container capacity to wilting point was restored.

No deaths had occurred after seedlings had been maintained at this low level for 14 days (Chapter 2). Based on these findings, the level of droughting maintained in all experiments conducted under controlled glasshouse conditions was 10% restoration. After testing the appropriateness of underbark inoculation, and a zoospore inoculation method for which no wounding was necessary, a new, non-invasive stem inoculation technique was developed. Stems were moistened in a pre-treatment, then agar plugs colonized with P. cinnamomi mycelium were held against the stem with wads of wet cotton wool and bound in place with tape. This technique resulted in a high proportion of infection in E. marginata (Chapter 4) without the need for underbark inoculation or the use of zoospores (Chapter 3). It was successfully used in a large field trial in a rehabilitated bauxite mine site with 2-year-old E. marginata clonal plants, resistant to P. cinnamomi (Chapter 5). Inoculation was in late spring after the winter and spring rainfall. This timing was to allow comparison of disease development in stressed plants under normal droughted summer conditions compared with itsdevelopment in non-stressed, irrigated plants. However, two months after inoculation, the area was deluged with unseasonal and abnormally heavy summer rainfall, negating any difference in the treatments and causing an outbreak of P. cinnamomi in the soil from an adjacent infested site. This resulted in the infection and death of some noninoculated control clones.

Monitoring of the site continued for twelve months and the advance of P. cinnamomi at the site was mapped. To test the effect of drought on the expression of P. cinnamomi under more controlled conditions, a series of glasshouse experiments was set up that simulated two possible summer conditions; drought or drought followed by abnormally high summer rainfall. These experiments utilised E. marginata seedlings and clonal plants, some resistant and some susceptible to P. cinnamomi. Plants were inoculated with P. cinnamomi prior to or after droughting. Results were compared to those of control plants that had not experienced water deficit. In both seedlings and clonal plants, the greatest extent of colonization was found in plants which had experienced no water deficit. These results indicated that drought stress played a role in inhibiting the in planta development of P. cinnamomi in all genotypes (Chapter 8). This finding was consistent for both clones, susceptible and resistant to P. cinnamomi. Most recoveries were made from non-stressed clonal plants, resistant to P. cinnamomi (Chapter 6) and more colonization was found in non-stressed clonal plants, susceptible to P. cinnamomi (Chapter 7), than was recorded for droughted plants.

The results of the field trial showed that P. cinnamomi was not recovered from some inoculated stems, which had obvious lesions, when segments were plated onto selective agar. This led to an intensive in vitro investigation into improved methods of recovery. Dark brown exudates from some segments of inoculated stems stained the surrounding agar onto which they were plated, suggesting the presence of phenolic compounds. Recovery of the pathogen from stems increased by about 10% when segments were first soaked in distilled water to leach out the phenolic compounds, then replated onto agar. Other recovery methods were also tested, including (1) baiting with Pimelea ferruginea leaves floated on the surface of water or soil filtrate, in which the infected stem segments were immersed and (2) the application of different light and temperature regimes. It was clearly shown that exudates from infected stems of field grown E. marginata inhibited the outgrowth of P. cinnamomi onto the agar. To counter the possible toxic effect that oxidized phenolics had on the growth of the P. cinnamomi, an antioxidant was added to the agar. P. cinnamomi was grown on media whichincorporated exudates from infected stems and different concentrations of ascorbic acid, with and without adjusted pH levels. There was a pronounced pH effect, with less growth on media with lower pH and no significant increase in growth of the mycelium with increased ascorbic acid concentration on pH adjusted agar (Chapter 9).

The inhibitory effect of the exudates from the stem segments led to an investigation of the possibility that, if seedlings to be planted in the rehabilitation process could be pre-treated with phenolic compounds to render them more resistant, they may have an advantage when establishing in areas where there was a potential threat of P. cinnamomi. E. marginata seeds were germinated and the seedlings grown hydroponically in a constant temperature growth room. Different concentrations of synthetic catechol, a phenolic compound naturally occurring in E. marginata, were added to the nutrient solution. Roots remained immersed in the catechol solutions for three days, before being inoculated at the root tip with zoospores of P. cinnamomi. Roots in higher concentrations of catechol were less colonized than those in lower concentrations, indicating an increased resistance to the pathogen (Chapter 10). Further work is required to determine if seedlings treated before being planted in areas threatened by an outbreak of P. cinnamomi have a greater capacity for survival, and for how long the protection persists.

The improved recovery of P. cinnamomi from infected plants is important for accurate assessment of the spread of the disease in an area and for the subsequent implementation of management strategies of containment and control. An outbreak of P. cinnamomi can impact on the revegetation of rehabilitated mine sites and the aetiology of the pathogen in mine sites needs to be more fully understood. The interaction of plant defences with the invasive pathogen has been examined in a range of environments in the field, the glasshouse, in a hydroponics system and in vitro. The results indicate that summer droughting increases the resistance of E. marginata to P. cinnamomi. However, more work is required to understand the mechanisms involved. The study also indicates that clones of E. marginata, selected as resistant to P. cinnamomi, are not resistant under all conditions and that environmental interactions should be further investigated. Lastly, for effective management strategies to be implemented it is critical that the pathogen can be confidently isolated from plants. It was shown that exudates from infected hosts inhibit the recovery of P. cinnamomi. Recovery methods that can overcome these inhibitory compounds are required. The findings invite further research into the complexity of host-pathogen relationships.


In this paper, we continue our W-band photoinjector work. We discuss the production of a high brightness femtosecond bunch using our proposed W-band photoinjector under different parameters. The parameters of the produced bunch are the energy of 1.2 MeV, the length of 60 fs, the peak current of 90 A, the normalized emittance of 0.4 mm mrad and the energy spread of 1.9%. Finally, we present some application examples of the proposed photoinjector.


In the modem world, there are a proliferation of media choices available to the discerning, (and not so discerning), audience. It is a rare moment indeed when, in the crowded television, radio and print media schedules, something approaching a united front occurs, and only one subject is debated, only one topic is talked about, everywhere. The number of times this has happened could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The death of Diana, Princess of Wales was one such media moment.

For those of us who were not around for the death and funeral of John F. Kennedy, this was the first media-event we experienced, in terms of the tragic death and funeral of such a world famous person. And the coverage was phenomenal. Entire British television and radio networks stopped in their tracks, abandoned schedules and talked incessantly about the many angles and implications of the loss of the Princess in a fatal car crash in Paris. Myriad opinions, speculations and tributes bombarded the audience for a week, from the day of the death, (31st August 1997), to the day of the funeral, (6th September 1997).

My interest here is how this spectacle affected the Irish public / audience / media consumer. As The Gerry Ryan Show on 2FM often reflects the 'feelings' and 'emotions' of stories, whilst leaving the 'hard news' side of things to the information programming on RTE Radio 1, I decided to use this one show, over one week as a case-study of how the Irish general public reacted to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.


Numerous studies in the international economic literature suggest that foreign trade has a large positive effect on growth. From the theoretical aspects there are several reasons to be¬lieve in both export- and import-led productivity growth as well as productivity-led exports. The empirical results have been mixed, with earlier studies indicating a strong relationship and more recent studies that question the exogeneity assumption, finding endogenous results in several directions. In this study I develop a theoretical model, based on Aghion and Howitt's (1990) Schumpeterian framework, which explain important parts of the diverging results by showing that trade can affect the incentives and probabilities for innovations. I also investigate the relevance of the relationship between aggregated exports, imports and TFP in a Johansen approach for cointegration with error correction models and short-run Granger cau-sality tests, for five OECD countries. I conclude that there is some weak support of long-run relations in all except two cases, and that the strong support for trade induced productivity en-hancements cannot be found. The results are generally varying between countries and do not get more conclusive when studying the short-run effects. The heterogeneous results from this study therefore tend to question the previous assumption that trade, and especially export, positively affects productivity growth.


We propose that power increases how severely people punish transgressors. Further, we argue that this greater severity stems from an increased sense of moral clarity instilled by the psychological experience of power. We investigate the linkages among power, moral clarity, and punishment across multiple studies. Individuals with an increased sense of power advocated more severe punishments for transgressors than did those with a diminished sense of power. Further, moral clarity mediated the link between power and severity of punishment. We discuss the implications of these findings for managers in organizations and researchers interested in punitive reactions to moral transgressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]


Excessive accumulation of platelets at sites of athero-sclerotic plaque rupture leads to the development of arterial thrombi, precipitating clinical events such as the acute coronary syndromes and ischemic stroke. The major platelet adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb–IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3) plays a central role in this process by promoting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. We demonstrate here a novel mechanism down-regulating integrin αIIbβ3 adhesive function, involving platelet factor XIII (FXIII) and calpain, which serves to limit platelet aggregate formation and thrombus growth. This mechanism principally occurs in collagen-adherent platelets and is induced by prolonged elevations in cytosolic calcium, leading to dramatic changes in platelet morphology (membrane contraction, fragmentation, and microvesiculation) and a specific reduction in integrin αIIbβ3 adhesive function. Adhesion receptor signal transduction plays a major role in the process by sustaining cytosolic calcium flux necessary for calpain and FXIII activation. Analysis of thrombus formation on a type I fibrillar collagen substrate revealed an important role for FXIII and calpain in limiting platelet recruitment into developing aggregates, thereby leading to reduced thrombus formation. These studies define a previously unidentified role for platelet FXIII and calpain in regulating integrin αIIbβ3 adhesive function. Moreover, they demonstrate the existence of an autoregulatory feedback mechanism that serves to limit excessive platelet accumulation on highly reactive thrombogenic surfaces.


The fresh water in China occupies 6%of that of the whole world, while the population occupies 21.29% of that of the whole world. The shortage of the freshwater is a key factor limiting the development of China.According to the distribution of the water resources in the mainland China, with the aim of protecting the water resources, we give the priority to the earth surface water resource and regard it as the total amount of water resource to do the analysis and movement of the water. Firstly, by consulting the data and combining the Chinese national conditions, we reckon the provinces with water shortage. Using the combinationmodel of greymodel andBP neural network, thewater shortage inYear 2025 of the provinces with water deficiency can be predicted. The prediction relative error of themodel is 0.31%. The prediction precision is high. The water resource strategy set according to the prediction value can satisfy the needs of the water resources in Year 2025. Secondly, according to the different location of the provinces, the provinces with water shortage can be divided into inland areas and coastal areas. So we can get the best way of obtaining the water resources is to allocate. In the coastal areas, besides the movement of the water, we should consider the impacts of desalination to the economy, physics and the environment.


Despite advancement in neuroimaging, the link between motor and cognitive processes, and the role of oscillations in motor behaviour remain unclear. Current research in neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease) indicates that changes in oscillatory brain rhythms (OBRs) observed from electroencephalographic (EEG) studies could be utilized to quantify and understand the neural network changes in the presence of pathology. Research suggests, that rhythmicity is a common feature amongst biological entities, and cyclic fluctuations in neurological systems in response to incoming stimuli from the environment, grant a great degree of flexibility to such systems in order to interact with their surroundings at an optimal level. This reciprocity between exogenous stimuli and endogenous mechanisms in the brain creates a two-way pathway that awards a bi-directional relationship between the environment, and the brain. Here, in this mini review we explore the role of OBRs, and review the current literature supporting the putative role of frequency-specific OBRs as potential biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders, mainly Parkinson's disease (PD), which in turn, may allow clinicians to identify effective therapies based on these biomarkers, expanding the armamentarium for delaying the rate of disease progression and symptom management.


The objective of this study was to investigate changes in enzymatic activity and gene expression related to antioxidant defense in two passion fruit cultivars (FB100 and FB200) exposed to aluminum. The specific activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were analyzed, in addition to their relative expression pattern. The characterization of gene expression was achieved by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique followed by densitometric analysis. Plants were irrigated every two days with a nutrient solution: pH 6; pH 4; 0.2 and 2.0 mM Al (pH 4). The leaves were collected at the times 0 h, 2 days, 5 days and 10 days. The analysis of the potential oxidative stress induced by aluminum demonstrated increased expression of catalase and superoxide dismutase gene, and only on the cultivar FB100 this increase was accompanied by an increase of SOD enzymatic activity, which indicates its higher efficiency on the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to cultivar FB200.

 Key words: oxidative stress, Passiflora edulis, aluminum, semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), differential expression.


Late Roman and late antique North Africa (c. AD 200-500) possessed a vibrant clothing culture which frequently discussed and debated sartorial practice. Echoes of dressing behaviours survive in a variety of forms – literary, visual and archaeological. While much of this material is known to scholars, clothing is often reduced to a passive entity, misrepresenting its polyvalent nature. My thesis explores how our understanding of processes of identity construction in the African diocese improves with better recognition of the North African sartorial grammar. Drawing on a range of evidence, artefacts such as Christian apologetic discourse, epigraphic documentation, Patristic correspondence and secular and religious figurative mosaics, I examine four key areas of identity: gender, Christian, elite and cultural.To achieve my aims, I employ the concept of 'dress rhetoric' to synthesise the diverse evidence. Adapted from Barthes' 'language of fashion', my interpretative framework appreciates that dress rhetoric – in the guise of 'written-clothing, 'image-clothing and 'real-clothing' – does not always produce a consistent picture of clothing realities as individuals endeavour to advertise or repress identity traits. This does not negate contradictory interpretations, but rather reflects the multifaceted historical experience.My discussion demonstrates that dress-codes were dynamic and malleable commodities, adapted to suit changing contexts, namely, the evolving gender and Christian discourse, new modes of elite representation and the political disruption caused by the Vandal invasion. My conclusions confirm that groups exploited aspects of clothing communication and its plethora of benefits. Encoded in dress rhetoric were significant social anxieties, as well as positive ideologies and exempla. Consideration of these dress-ways highlights pertinent power structures, those who decided acceptable or transgressive clothing practice and the enduring role of dress in manifesting social mores. This, in turn, articulates the relationship between the individual and their context and, most importantly, how they negotiated their place in society.


Measurement of 99mTc-MAG3 plasma clearance based on 1-compartment model (MPC method) were applied to 12 pediatric patients and evaluated for the factors which might affect the calculated results. Depth correction is a critical factor for the measurement of renal uptake. Three different equations for estimating renal depth were compared with the real depth measured by ultrasonography. The equation proposed by K. Itoh was suitable though the equations by T. Ito and Raynaud were insufficient. Estimation of distribution volume, which is regarded as circulating plasma volume (CPV), is also critical for the calculation of MAG3 clearance by MPC method. Precisely, hematocrit measured by venous sampling and circulating blood volume (CBV) calculated as 7.5% of body weight are used for estimation of CPV. However, assumed CPV as 5% of body weight was acceptable if the hematocrit was not severely deviated from the normal value. Simplified MPC method utilizing two factors mentioned above gave a positive correlation with Russell's one point sampling method. In conclusion, MPC method is applicable for pediatric patients.


OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of patients over 65 years of age with potential problems derived from the consumption of medications, and identify associated variables. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Otero y Paulino Prieto Health Centers (Oviedo). PATIENTS: A randomly selected group of 298 patients over 65 years. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A questionnaire using both interview and clinical case notes provided data about sociodemographic details, perceived state of health, and functional status of patients, and qualitative and quantitative aspects of pharmacological treatment. 222 valid questionnaires were obtained. Once having identified patients with potential treatment problems, the associated variables were studied using bivariant and multivariant analysis. The mean consumption of medications was 3.1. 32.9% of patients had treatment problems (95% CI, 26.7-39.1), identified as drug interactions (54.8%), inappropriate use (36.9%) or both (8.3%). The bivariant analysis showed an association between the presence of problems and number of medications consumed (p < 0.001), prescribers (p < 0.001), diagnostic (p < 0.001), number of visit/year (p < 0.004), patient's own perception of health (p = 0.006), age (p = 0.018), socioeconomic status (p = 0.024) and cultural level (p = 0.039); the associations was not significative for functional status (p = 0.150), sex (p = 0.246), and number of UTB (Use Therapeutic Low) drug used (p = 0.751). Logistic regression showed an association between the presence of problems and patient's perceived state of health (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.36) and the number of medications consumed (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.41-2). CONCLUSIONS: A third of the population studied showed potential problems derived from the consumption of medications, through drug interactions and/or inappropriate use. Variables associated with this problems are the patient's perceived ill-health, and the highest consumption of medications.


A probability distribution over {-1, 1}^n is (eps, k)-wise uniform if, roughly, it is eps-close to the uniform distribution when restricted to any k coordinates. We consider the problem of how far an (eps, k)-wise uniform distribution can be from any globally k-wise uniform distribution. We show that every (eps, k)-wise uniform distribution is O(n^(k/2) eps)-close to a k-wise uniform distribution in total variation distance. In addition, we show that this bound is optimal for all even k: we find an (eps, k)-wise uniform distribution that is Omega(n^(k/2) eps)-far from any k-wise uniform distribution in total variation distance. For k = 1, we get a better upper bound of O(eps), which is also optimal.
One application of our closeness result is to the sample complexity of testing whether a distribution is k-wise uniform or delta-far from k-wise uniform. We give an upper bound of O(n^k/delta^2) (or O(log n/delta^2) when k = 1) on the required samples. We show an improved upper bound of O~(n^(k/2)/delta^2) for the special case of testing fully uniform vs. delta-far from k-wise uniform. Finally, we complement this with a matching lower bound of Omega(n/delta^2) when k = 2.
Our results improve upon the best known bounds from [AAK+07], and have simpler proofs.


Reader spent four years traveling, observing, and photographing a wide variety of human cultures. Whether invoking the peacefulness and gentleness of the rice growers of Bali, the murderous proclivities of the Ypese Islanders, the violent territorial defense of fishing rights in Maine, the luxuries of life in the Kalahari, or the hardships of nomadism on the east African plains, he is always concerned to show that these widely different cultures all spring naturally from their native soil. Each is a unique response to the conditions created by the land, the weather, the availability of food, and other environmental factors.


«Apuntes en Neurologia» is an initiative in which prominent national and international leaders, with broad academic recognition, came together to synthesise the most outstanding clinical aspects within their area of interest and to discuss the latest developments in a more accessible language. Understanding the factors that affect the onset and progression of any neurological disease through a review is important to be able to develop strategies to reduce the burden of these diseases. Moreover, knowledge of the clinical aspects is essential to solve the problems of daily clinical practice. The data collected here reflect the weight of evidence and some of them anticipate a promising future in the treatment of these diseases. This first edition focuses on common paroxysmal neurological disorders such as migraine, epilepsy and sleep disorders, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and cognitive impairment. These are clearly different pathologies, although some of them such as migraine and epilepsy, may share clinical symptoms. Sleep disorders, however, are important manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases that are sometimes clinically apparent long before the onset of other neurological symptoms. After recalling pathophysiology and diagnosis, the current review focuses on bringing together the main advances in five of the major neurological diseases.


Semantic scene completion (SSC) requires the estimation of the 3D geometric occupancies of objects in the scene, along with the object categories. Currently, many methods employ RGB-D images to capture the geometric and semantic information of objects. These methods use simple but popular spatial- and channel-wise operations, which fuse the information of RGB and depth data. Yet, they ignore the large discrepancy of RGB-D data and the uncertainty measurements of depth data. To solve this problem, we propose the Frequency Fusion Network (FFNet), a novel method for boosting semantic scene completion by better utilizing RGB-D data. FFNet explicitly correlates the RGB-D data in the frequency domain, different from the features directly extracted by the convolution operation. Then, the network uses the correlated information to guide the feature learning from the RG- B and depth images, respectively. Moreover, FFNet accounts for the properties of different frequency components of RGB- D features. It has a learnable elliptical mask to decompose the features learned from the RGB and depth images, attending to various frequencies to facilitate the correlation process of RGB-D data. We evaluate FFNet intensively on the public SSC benchmarks, where FFNet surpasses the state-of- the-art methods. The code package of FFNet is available at https://github.com/alanWXZ/FFNet.


Responding to calls about the need to 'give voice' to groups previously marginalized in research and to challenge meta-narratives about men in sports this paper explores the use of a narrative approach to illuminate men's experiences—and the doing of gender—within equestrian sports, a sport dominated by women in Sweden. Adopting the position of a storyteller three literary short-stories were constructed from interviews with men active in equestrianism. (Re)presenting research findings in this way evoke a lot of questions in academic circles. We have often been asked how the stories were constructed and how one judges whether they are representative and trustworthy. These are legitimate questions, no doubt. But questions that are of importance to all qualitative research. It is as if the writing of stories is some kind of mysterious abracadabra activity and not a deliberate and theoretically informed creative process. While reading critique of narrative ways to (re)present research findings, where some researchers suggest that narrative inquiry is a retreat from the difficult academic work of generating new and important ideas, our assumption is that it stems from this misunderstanding about story writing. And maybe the construction of stories has not been given enough attention in narrative research. The purpose of this article is therefore to illustrate the difficult but inspiring activity of transforming 19 interviews into literary short-stories and to highlight methodological concerns relating to presenting these stories. We also demonstrate that creative analytical writing is not just a way of presenting research findings but also a method of inquiry.


All of the world's major religions teach the concepts of kindness, acceptance, tolerance, love, peace, and harmony. The ten essays in this collection come from questions posed to the author during his lifetime of working with comparative religious studies. Some of the pieces were composed as lectures for predominantly Christian audiences; others were written with the Buddhist viewpoint in mind. The book represents more than half a century of "the study of and the actual experience of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the deeply sympathetic study of other religions." Pallis (who died in 1990) first encountered Tibetan Buddhism while climbing the Himalayan Peaks in the 1920s. Born of Greek parents who lived in Liverpool, England, he received his education at Harrow and Liverpool University and served in the British Army during "The Great War." A lover of nature, a student of religion, an accomplished musician with specialties in Renaissance English music, and a mountain climber, Pallis was one of the first to bring his knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism to Christians and to address the concerns in Christian circles regarding Buddhism. The author also refers to Hinduism and Islam, offering "a multiplicity" of religious ideas. In his attempts to answer questions about the differences and similarities among faiths, Pallis addresses: Living One's Karma, The Marriage of Wisdom and Method, Is There A Problem of Evil?, Is There Room for "Grace" in Buddhism?, Considerations on the Tantric Alchemy, Nembutsu as Remembrance, Dharma and the Dharmas, the Metaphysics of Musical Polyphony, Anatta and Archetypes as Seen Through Buddhist Eyes. Because of the nature of the book, there are some redundancies, but the overall effect is one of meditation, despite the book's sexist language (i.e., using "man" for "humanity"), which dates the collection and distracts the reader. The essay called "Living One's Karma" offers one of the better examples of the comparisons and contrasts between Christian and Buddhist tenets. Discussing self-identification, the identification of good karma, and karma as a determinant of one's vocation or specific dharma, the author interprets Buddhist beliefs using biblical scriptures. During his lifetime, Pallis was widely respected as a teacher, musician, composer, and translator of Traditionalist works. For many years, he corresponded with Ananda Coomaraswamy, Rene Guenon, and Frithjof Schuon. Many of the essays included here were first published in the British journal, Studies in Comparative Religion. Pallis's 1939 book, Peaks and Lamas, was a bestseller; The Way and the Mountain, published in 1960, is scheduled for republication. (February 14, 2004)


We introduce Markov Decision Evolutionary Games with N players, in which each individual in a large population interacts with other randomly selected players. The states and actions of each player in an interaction together determine the instantaneous payoff for all involved players. They also determine the transition probabilities to move to the next state. Each individual wishes to maximize the total expected discounted payoff over an infinite horizon. We provide a rigorous derivation of the asymptotic behavior of this system as the size of the population grows to infinity. We show that under any Markov strategy, the random process consisting of one specific player and the remaining population converges weakly to a jump process driven by the solution of a system of differential equations. We characterize the solutions to the team and to the game problems at the limit of infinite population and use these to construct almost optimal strategies for the case of a finite, but large, number of players. We show that the large population asymptotic of the microscopic model is equivalent to a (macroscopic) Markov decision evolutionary game in which a local interaction is described by a single player against a population profile. We illustrate our model to derive the equations for a dynamic evolutionary Hawk and Dove game with energy level.


The study provides empirical evidence that the shari'ah screening process does not seem to have an adverse impact on the absolute or the risk-adjusted performance of Islamic equity mutual funds in Saudi Arabia, compared to their conventional counterpart equity mutual funds and compared to their market benchmarks. This is regardless of the subgroup examined and the market benchmark used whether Islamic or conventional. In addition, the systematic risk analysis shows that in most cases Islamic equity mutual funds in Saudi Arabia tend to be significantly less exposed to the market risk compared to their conventional counterpart equity mutual funds and compared to their conventional market benchmarks. Thus, the assumption that shari'ah investment constraints lead to inferior performance and riskier investment portfolios because of limited investment universe seems to be rejected. This implies that Muslim investors in Saudi Arabia can choose Islamic investments that are consistent with their beliefs without being forced to either sacrifice performance or become exposed to higher risk.


Over a one-year period we evaluated subjective and objective factors associated with extended wear of Boston IV rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Patients wore the lens on an extended wear schedule, with removal at 2-week intervals for cleaning. We performed keratometry and endothelial cell counts and measured visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, refraction, and corneal thickness at the initial visit (with patients wearing their former glasses or soft or hard lenses) and again at 6 and 12 months (with patients wearing the Boston IV lens). Twenty-four of 31 patients (77%) completed the study. All measured parameters were checked for statistically significant change over time. Contrast sensitivity increased at all spatial frequencies tested, with the largest increments occurring at higher frequencies (P less than .001). The other parameters showed no significant changes (P greater than .05). Our data support the use of contrast sensitivity for qualitative assessment of visual function among contact lens wearers and suggest that contrast sensitivity testing may prove to be a more effective means of evaluating visual acuity in contact lens wearers over time than Snellen acuity.


Extracellular Ca2+ can reverse the Mg(2+)-dependent, alpha 2 beta 1- mediated adhesion of WI38 human fibroblasts to type I collagen substrates. Affinity chromatography data also demonstrate that Ca2+ can specifically elute the fibroblast alpha 2 beta 1 integrin bound to type I collagen-Sepharose in Mg2+. In modified Boyden chamber migration assays, Mg2+ alone supports the alpha 2 beta 1-mediated migration of fibroblasts on type I collagen substrates, while Ca2+ does not. However, a twofold enhancement in migration was observed when combinations of the two cations were used, with optimal migration observed when the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio was higher than one. Inhibitory mAbs directed against various integrin subunits demonstrate that these observed cation effects appear to be mediated primarily by alpha 2 beta 1. These data, together with reports that under certain physiological conditions significant fluctuations in the concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ can take place in vivo, suggest that the ratio between these two cations is involved in the up- and downregulation of integrin function, and thus, may influence cell migratory behavior.


This work relates the study of system performance in operational conditions for an isolated micro-grid powered by a photovoltaic system and a wind turbine. The electricity produced and not used by the user will be accumulated in two different storage systems: a battery bank and a hydrogen storage system composed of two PEM electrolyzers, four pressurized tanks and a PEM fuel cell. One of the main problems to be solved in the development of isolated micro-grids is the management of the various devices and energy flows to optimize their functioning, in particular in relation to the load profile and power produced by renewable energy systems depending on weather conditions. For this reason, through the development and implementation of a specific simulation program, three different energy management systems were studied to evaluate the best strategy for effectively satisfying user requirements and optimizing overall system efficiency. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ATI NAZIONALE.


Mervyn J. Bain, Soviet-Cuban Relations, 1985 to 1991: Changing Perceptions in Moscow and Havana. Lanham, Md.: Lexington Books, 2007. 164pp.Patrick J. Haney and Walt Wanderbush, The Cuban Embargo: The Domestic Politics of an American Embargo. Pittsburgh, Pa.: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005. 222pp.H. Michael Erisman and John M. Kirk, Redefining Cuban Foreign Policy: The Impact of the "Special Period." Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2006. 360pp.The scholarly works under review here discuss three major political events in me history of the Cuban revolutionary government, complementing one another in their subject, scope, and significance. Two of the studies cover parallel international issues: one examines the final years of the three-decade-long association with the Soviet Union and European socialism, while the other one covers the domestic American political forces mat have driven Washington's never-ending dispute with revolutionary Cuba - which has become entrenched even further under President George W. Bush. The third study deals with the nature and conditions of Havana's more recent foreign relations policy (launched following the collapse of the Soviet Union and me socialist bloc), which has been carried out under the Special Period in peacetime, an emergency program that seeks to keep the regime alive. As happened earlier, a creative approach to foreign policy strengthens Havana's survival power at a particularly critical time and avoids following the self-destructive history of fellow socialist European regimes.Using primary and secondary sources, and th published memoirs of some of the political actors involved, Mervyn J. Bain provides an insightful account of some historic events that occurred while Mikhail Gorbachev was heading the Soviet Union. He examines some developments marking the end of the Soviet regime and how and why the Soviet-Cuban relationship ended.Although Gorbachev sought to improve socialism in his country and elsewhere, and even held the Cuban Revolution in high regard, his antidote for a sluggish economy and a political yearning for civic freedoms brought down the closed communist state. His two central reform policies, perestroika first (administrative and political reorganization) and later glasnost (openness in communication) created a bitter internal argument about the urgency for freedom of the press and a mixed economy. With respect to Cuba, Soviets argued that they should no longer subsidize Cuba's inefficient economy, especially while the Soviet Union was undergoing economic austerity programs.The powerful Cuban lobby in Moscow nevertheless worked vigorously to solidify and safeguard the special relationship with Havana. However, the combined effect of American pressure that demanded an end to the SovietCuban relationship, the material losses and human casualties of the ill-advised military intervention in Afghanistan, the increasingly poor performance of me economy, the assertiveness expressed by different nationalities in the country, the spreading secessionism among Soviet republics, and me separatist dynamics of socialist bloc members made me situation unmanageable for Gorbachev. The Soviet Union had to curtail its generous economic and military support of Cuba. In late summer 1991, Prime Minister Gorbachev announced in front of U.S. Secretary of State James Baker (without having notified Havana in advance) the withdrawal of the Soviet brigade that had been deployed in Cuba for decades, symbolizing an end to socialist solidarity and support for the island's national security.Bain renders an enlightening account of a remarkable historic period, one full of miscalculations and unintended consequences. His proclivity to repeat himself almost verbatim throughout the narrative detracts somewhat from the study, but the summaries appearing at the end of the chapters are a welcome feature.Patrick Haney's and Walt Wanderbush's intelligent and needed study of the Cuban embargo makes one wonder why this book has not been written before. …


The request depending on electrochemical machining (ECM) technique has progressed in a large scale according to different points of view such that; cost or energy consuming, environment protection, reliable performance etc. This work aims to predict and optimize ECM process parameters for important, economic and applicable material (6061 aluminum) by employing L9 Taguchi method as a design of experiment (DOE) approach. This has led to experimental designing, developing a mathematical model and optimizing the entire ECM operation. This was carried out by controlling the chosen process variables (voltage, flow rate speed and electrolyte concentration) in order to optimize and predict the responses namely material removal rate (MRR) and dissolution rate. ANOVA, 3D contour graphs and perturbation plots have been employed to identify the analysis of variance of each response as well as to show the significant model terms. The process parameters i.e. voltage, flow rate speed and electrolyte concentration have been ranged to be 15-25V, 8-12 l/min and 3.36-7 % respectively. In both cases of MRR and dissolution rate the voltage parameter has seen to be the prominent factor that affects the responses so as to investigate highest value of MRR and dissolution rate, 0.477 g/min and 2.149 mm/min, respectively. This has been confirmed due to the results obtained from the ANOVA analysis which shows maximum F-valu for the voltage in the MRR and dissolution rate such that; 921.91 and 1608.34 respectively. But, still there was a considerable enhancement in the MRR and dissolution rate due to the increment in the flow rate speed and electrolyte concentration. Model validation has been carried out and thus the results invistigated that all the considered models were adequate since the residuals in prediction of each response were ignored, because the residuals were semi-matched with the diagonal line. Optimizations of responses were performed in this work numerically by using two types of criteria (restricted and non-restricted). According to these criteria, important increment in the MRR can be obtained which reaches 37%. A considerable enhancement has been obtained in the dissolution rate due to the comparison between the two criteria which results in increment by around 11% as well.


OBJECTIVES
To describe adult oral health inequalities using an area-based and household-based measure of socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS
Self-report questionnaires (seeking information on sociodemographic, oral health and oral self-care) were sent to a random sample of adults from the Dunedin South Electorate, New Zealand. Household- and area-based SES measures were collected. The main outcome measures were edentulism prevalence, average-poor self-rated oral health and not having visited a dentist for 2+ years. Data were weighted to produce population-based estimates.

RESULTS
The response rate was 78.2%; the sample mean age was 47 years (sd, 17; range 18-92 years) and females comprised 54.0%. Edentulism was most prevalent among those from low-SES households who were resident in high-deprivation areas (P<0.0001). Poor self-rated oral health (P<0.0001) and 2+ years since the last dental visit (P<0.0001) were also most prevalent among these same individuals. In contrast, respondents from high-SES households located in the least deprived areas had the lowest prevalence of edentulism, poor self-reported oral health or 2+ years since their last dental visit. Those from the other household/area SES combinations occupied intermediate positions.

CONCLUSIONS
There may be added value to dental public health in using a dual socio-economic measurement approach to population research, with greater oral health gains perhaps being possible by concentrating resources and clinical effort on people living in low-SES households in highly-deprived areas, rather than those living in low-SES households in areas that are not deprived.