Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share information on how the advantages of tourism are both a result and a determinant of the quality of life in rural areas. Consequently, it is one of the main factors for sustainable development in the social context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative and qualitative research was undertaken of 36 villages that have been developing rural tourism for at least 20 years in Poland. In-depth interviews were conducted with destination management organizations (DMO) leaders and members of the local communities. Direct observation was used to gain an understanding of the realities in the field. Round table discussions with managers of rural tourism and members of the communities helped to perform the cost-benefit analysis of the development of rural tourism. This study was conducted between the years 2009 and 2014.

Findings

– This study monitored patterns and changes in residents' quality of life and measured their perceptions of rural tourism. The findings showed that negligence and errors during the planning stage results in a negative opinion of tourism, leading to unfavorable effects on future development, causing intolerable material, financial and social costs. Three types of factors influencing tourism were identified: social and technical infrastructure, ecology and lifestyle. These findings are important for local policymakers and rural tourism business.

Research limitations/implications

– Readers need to remember that only clearly determined population was considered in the research and specific sampling settings; reference to other settings may have produced different results. The extent to which the findings can be generalized certainly requires further investigation.

Practical implications

– The development of rural tourism is considered a viable means to attract tourists to a destination and to enhance residents' overall quality of life. However, the perception of tourism's influence on the overall quality of life depended on internal marketing and proper communication. This study yielded interesting conclusions that have practical implications for DMO and tourism leaders who continually evaluate rural tourism initiatives.

Social implications

– The experience of 20 years in the Polish modern agrotourism industry represent a set of observations concerning both the improvement within the quality of life of rural residents, as well as the danger of social conflict, depending on the management tools and practices applied at rural tourist destinations. Negligence and errors during the planning stage may result in a negative opinion of tourism, leading to unfavorable effects on future development of tourism and causing intolerable material, financial and social costs.

Originality/value

– Although this study referred to communities living in Polish villages, the findings show that detailed planning and the DMO's communication efforts resulted in positive opinions from local residents with regard to tourism, and helped to avoid high material, financial and social costs. The case studies from Poland offer a universal benchmark in managing rural tourism destinations and show the challenges that needed to be addressed for the development of sustainable rural tourist destinations.


Abstract An analysis is made of the compression wave generated when a high-speed train enters a tunnel with a flared portal. Nonlinear steepening of the wavefront in a very long tunnel is responsible for an intense, environmentally harmful, micro-pressure wave , which propagates as a pulse from the distant tunnel exit when the compression wave arrives, with amplitude proportional to the maximum gradient in the compression wavefront. The compression wave profile can be determined analytically for train Mach numbers M satisfying M2⪡1, by regarding the local flow near the tunnel mouth during train entry as incompressible . In this paper, the influence of tunnel portal flaring on the initial thickness of the compression wave is examined first in this limit. The shape of the flared portal is "optimal" when the pressure gradient across the front is constant and an overall minimum, so that the pressure in the wavefront increases linearly . This linear behaviour is shown to occur for a flared portal extending a distance l into the tunnel from the entrance plane (x=0) only when the tunnel cross-sectional area S (x) satisfies S ( x ) A = 1 [ A / A E −( x /l)(1− A / A E )] , −l where x increases negatively with distance into the tunnel, A is the cross-sectional area in the uniform section of the tunnel (x A Eis the tunnel entrance cross-section. The optimum portal is achieved by adjusting the value of A / A Eto make the pressure gradient continuous, and a formula is derived for this ratio for tunnels of semi-circular cross-section. For optimal flaring, the pressure rises linearly as the front of the train traverses the flared section of length l, and the thickness of the compression wavefront ∼l/M . A formula is proposed for extrapolating these predictions to train Mach numbers as large as 0·4, which is expected to be typical of future high-speed rail operations. It is validated for the special case of a circular cylindrical tunnel, for which an exact solution is known for arbitrary subsonic Mach numbers, and by comparison with scale model experiments using trains of various nose profiles.


The process of gastrulation [6] allows for the formation of the germ layers [7] in metazoan embryos, and is generally achieved through a series of complex and coordinated cellular movements. The process of gastrulation [6] can be either diploblastic or triploblastic. In diploblastic organisms like cnidaria or ctenophora, only the endoderm [8] and the ectoderm [9] form; in triploblastic organisms (most other complex metazoans), triploblastic gastrulation [6] produces all three germ layers [7]. The gastrula [10], the product of gastrulation [6], was named by Ernst Haeckel [11] in the mid-1870s; the name comes from Latin, where gast?r means stomach, and indeed the gut (archenteron) is one of the most distinctive features of the gastrula [10].


We discuss simulator units for calibrating across-the-road Doppler traffic radar transceivers used in enforcement of highway speed limits. Two units of very s imilar design were developed, one operating at K-band (24 GHz) and the other at Ka-band (35 GHz). The signal received from the radar transmitter is frequency-modulated at rates that correspond to the expected Doppler shift for approaching and receding vehicles travelling at speeds of 25 to 200 km/h. The modulated signal is subsequently retransmitted back to the radar receiver, which demodulates it and then displays the simulated speed . The required calibration accuracy is 1.6 km/h at 90 km/h.


Purpose: Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is an advanced radiotherapy technique to improve the radiotherapy delivery. We aimed to compare the overall survival (OS) for localized breast cancer (LBC) patient treated with adjuvant conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) using IGRT vs those without IGRT via a population-based analysis. Patients and Methods: Eligible LBC patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2013 were identified via the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We used propensity score (PS) weighting to balance observable potential confounders between groups. The hazard ratio (HR) of death and other outcomes were compared between IGRT and non-IGRT. We also evaluated OS in various supplementary analyses. Results: Our primary analysis included 6490 patients in whom covariates were well balanced after PS weighing. The HR for death when IGRT was compared with non-IGRT was 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.80–1.31, P = 0.86). There were also no significant differences in the supplementary analyses. Conclusion: We found that OS of LBC patients treated with adjuvant CFRT was not statistically different between those treated with IGRT versus without IGRT. This was the first study in this regard to our knowledge but randomized controlled trials were needed to confirm our finding.


Mechanical and energetic effects of 2-n-butyl-3-dimethylamino-5,6-methylenedioxyindene (2-butyl-MDI) were investigated in isolated frog semitendinosus muscles at 0 degrees C. Previous research on various tissues suggested that this compound functions as an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist. The effects of 2-butyl-MDI (2 X 10(-4) M) with respect to time were progressive and reversible with exposures of 30 min or less. A 30-min exposure to the agent significantly decreased twitch and tetanus force and energy liberation, increased the twitch-to-tetanus ratio, prolonged kinetics of force development, induced a stimulus frequency-dependent tetanic fatigue, and decreased contractile economy (measured as force per unit energy liberation). Energy associated with Ca2+ cycling, activation heat, was depressed by 31 +/- 4%. The significant reduction of activation heat production by 2-butyl-MDI suggests that the quantity of Ca2+ released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum upon stimulation is reduced. However, the complexity of the results summarized above suggests multiple sites and/or modes of action for the agent.


Participatory evaluation models that invite community coalitions to take an active role in developing evaluations of their programs are a natural fit with Healthy Communities initiatives. The author describes the development of a participatory evaluation model for New Mexico's Healthier Communities program. She describes evaluation principles, research questions, and baseline findings. The evaluation model shows the links between process, community-level system impacts, and population health changes.


PurposeTo provide insight into mothers' perceptions of their children's development of diabetes-related capabilities and identify factors that influence these capabilities. Study Design and MethodMothers' perceptions of children's self-care practices were solicited using an 84-item fixed choice instrument authored by this investigator. Items that were based on the literature and results of a preliminary qualitative study solicited information regarding self-care practices, independence in management, parental involvement, dietary adherence, precision in skills, attitude about diabetes, and ability to manage abnormal blood glucose levels. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. ResultsForty-six boys and 42 girls aged 6 to 18 years were represented by the 88 mothers in this study. According to the mothers, children demonstrated higher levels of self-care abilities, independence, precision, and ability to manage blood glucose levels as they aged. The mothers believed, however, that older children had more negative attitudes about diabetes than did younger children. Girls learned skills earlier and were more independent in diabetes-related self-care, yet they had more difficulty than boys in adhering to dietary requirements. Some findings indicated the children engaged in behaviors that were potentially life-threatening or at least deleterious to their future health. Clinical ImplicationsNurses can use this study to help encourage parents to stay involved with their children's self-care practices into the adolescent years. Providing opportunities for communication with others who have type 1 diabetes should be encouraged. Knowledge of age and gender differences can help establish realistic expectations for self-care.


A sulfonated carbon catalyst was conveniently prepared via multistep processes, involving the polymerization of fructose with p-toluene sulfonic acid (TsOH), followed by the oxidation with H2O2 and then the sulfonation and cabonazation with concentrated sulfuric acid. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that such carbon material consists of aromatic carbon sheets bearing -SO3H, -COOH and phenolic -OH groups. Notably, the addition of oxidation treatment in the preparation of carbon catalyst can obviously enhance the densities of -SO3H groups (3.01 mmolg-1) and total H+ sites (6.13 mmolg-1), as supported by thermogravimetry and chemical titration analyses. As a result, such catalyst with numerous hydrophilic groups showed a high catalytic activity and an excellent repeatability for the Beckmann rearrangement of hydrophilic ketoximes


Colonial hydroid Laomedea flexuosa inhabits the narrow belt of low littoral zone in the White Sea. What is a reason of so limited habitat? The authors studied the time of planulae release and its behavior during free swimming stages and settlement of larvae in nature and under laboratory conditions. Three methods were used to registrate the tidal dependent dynamic of planulae release: 1) plankton collecting bags around Fucus inflatus kelp with mature hydroids colonies; 2) active stirring kelps with hydroids in container with water, which is an old way to stimulate planulae release; 3) direct account of the mature planulae into gonangia. The dynamic of intensity of L. flexuosa planulae release was investigated according 3-4 phases of tidal cycle. All data were statistically tested. For L. flexuosa a moment of general larvae release was found in phase with the period of low water. This correlation could explain strict limitation in occurrence of L. flexuosa only in the lower part of intertidal zone. Laboratory experiments show that planulae release is stimulated by littoral drainage, and renewal of water movement during the beginning of tide. The decrease in time of planulae settlement is an affective way for marine sedentary species to stay in a narrow zone of optimal habitat.


In resource-dependent countries, natural resources constitute one of the main assets available for financing local governments because the economy is not greatly diversified. The goal of this note is to highlight different critical dimensions of intergovernmental fiscal relations in these settings, present a survey of the range of arrangements used for managing resource rents across multiple levels of government, and synthesize basic principles or considerations in the implementation of revenue-sharing systems across different contexts. The design and implementation of measures to improve intergovernmental management of the oil, gas, and mining sector must consider the core policy objectives, fiscal context, and overall political structure. Paying attention to the constraints and political economy drivers that shape intergovernmental relations is critical to identify the feasible reforms and alternatives to improve performance that are available in a given country.


BACKGROUND
Plasma-derived immunoglobulins (IgG) are essential medicines that are in worldwide shortage, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Optimised manufacturing processes can increase supply. We evaluated various new process steps for IgG fractionation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A crude, worst-case, IgG intermediate obtained by caprylic acid fractionation of cryoprecipitate-poor plasma was used as starting experimental material. It was processed inline by Fractogel® (Merck) TMAE anion-exchanger to deplete IgA and IgM, Eshmuno® P (Merck) anti-A and anti-B affinity chromatography to remove anti-A and anti-B isoagglutinins, 0.3% TnBP-1% Triton X-100 (S/D) treatment, C18 chromatography for removal of S/D agents, and single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) concentration to 20%. Quality, safety, and recovery were evaluated at small and pilot scales to assess purity, removal of IgA, IgM isoagglutinins, S/D agents, thrombogenic factors, and lack of toxicity in a cell model.

RESULTS
The starting IgG intermediate contained approximately 90% IgG, IgA, and IgM and 10% albumin. Fractogel® TMAE, equilibrated in 25 mM sodium acetate-pH 6.0 and loaded with up to 225 mg of IgG/mL, could remove IgA and IgM, with over 94% IgG recovery with preserved sub-class distribution in the flow-through. Sequential Eshmuno®-P anti-A and anti-B columns efficiently removed isoagglutinins. The C18 packing, used at up to 17 mL of S/D-IgG solution per mL, removed TnBP and Triton X-100 to less than 1 and 2 ppm, respectively. The 20% purified IgG was devoid of activated factor XI and thrombin generation activity.

DISCUSSION
This purification sequence yields a >99% pure, 20% (v/v) IgG product, depleted of IgA, isoagglutinins, and thrombogenic markers, and should be implementable on various IgG intermediates to help improve the supply of immunoglobulins.


Background SLE is an archetypical systemic autoimmune disease, which has been attributed to interactions between genetic and environmental factors that are currently not well understood. Yet recent reports have begun to elucidate how intestinal bacteria influence the development of physiologic B-cell/T-cell responses, and can affect the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Our studies are designed to shed light on the potential roles of the gut microbiome in SLE pathogenesis. Methods We have assembled and characterised a cohort of 60 female SLE patients and 20 healthy controls. DNA from the unfractionated bacteria in faecal samples, and from the sorted endogenous IgA-coated and non-coated bacterial fractions, was then extracted. 16 S bacterial rRNA genes were then barcoded and amplified, and over 20,000 reads were determined per sample using illumina NGS technology. Faecal and serum total Ig and autoantibodies were measured by ELISA. Results Our analysis showed less microbiome diversity in SLE than healthy controls (p = 0.002). This dysbiosis was treatment independent, with more severe intestinal dysbiosis and decreased bacterial diversity in patients with high disease activity, based on SLEDAI. In addition, SLE patients had increased representation of certain bacterial families, genus's and species, based on 16 S rRNA assignments of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Patients with active disease displayed contractions of bacterial taxa with reported protective properties and reciprocal expansions of taxa with putative pathobiont properties. We also assessed IgA, which is the most prevalent antibody isotype made by the human body, and found evidence of exuberant levels in both intestinal and blood samples of SLE patients. While only a minority of bacterial taxa are specifically coated by endogenous intestinal IgA, IgA-coated bacteria in SLE patients had differential representation with recurrent taxa-specific expansion in SLE patients. Strikingly, Prevotella copri, which has recently been linked to new-onset RA, was significantly over-represented among the IgA-coated taxa only in SLE patients with high disease activity, and was not detected in healthy controls. Conclusion Our studies provide the first evidence that SLE is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis with expansions of specific bacterial taxa that may contribute to immune dysregulation. This imbalance was more significant in patients with high disease activity Characterisation of in vivo IgA-coated bacteria demonstrated that certain microbes taxa/species are preferentially recognised by the adaptive immune system of SLE patients, and these differ significantly from healthy adults. We are now studying these candidate pathobionts in longitudinal studies to address whether the microbiome predicts and/or tracks flares. Acknowledgements Supported in part by the Lupus Research Institute and the Judith and Stewart Colton Foundation


A lot of research effort is put in developing enzymatic treatment of textiles by focusing on the performance of enzymes on lab-scale. Despite all this work upgrading of these developments from lab-scale to industrial scale has not been really successful. Companies are nowadays confronted with rapid developments of markets, logistics and social and environmental responsibilities. Moreover these organizations have to supply an evenincreasing amount of information to the authorities, shareholders, lobbyists and pressure groups. Companies have tried to fulfill all these demands, but this led often to the loss of focus on new product and process development. However, both theory and practices of breakthrough innovations has shown that those rightfully proud on previous successes in the past, are usually not the ones that lead the introduction of new technology, aswas shown and excellently documented by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen [Christenson, 2003]. The textile industry is no exception in this observation. With the lack of management impulses on new product and process developments companies began to reduce the investments in these activities. Finally, however, this will result in a reduction of the size of the company or even closing down. Besides the hesitation from the topmanagement of textile companies to focus on new developments it is also seen that the middle management level is reluctant to evaluate and implement developments in new products and processes. One of the reasons for this reluctance is that many processes in textile industry are not fully explored and known yet. From this lack of knowledge it is easy to explain that there is hesitation for changes, since not all consequences of a change inprocessing or production can be overseen. Often new developments cannot be fully tested and evaluated on labor pilot scale level. This is caused by the impossibility to mimic industrial scale production in a lab. Besides of that, pilot scale equipment is very expensive and for many companies it is not realistic to invest in this type of equipment.Fortunately an increasing number of textile companies realize that they have to invest in new products and processes for their future survival and prosperity. New developments are decisive for future successes. If such companies decide to invest in new developments it is obvious that with the scarcity of capital for product- and process developments, the chance of failures should be minimized. For successful process- and product development it is necessary to organize the development process with external partners, as it is clear that it is almost not possible for individual textile companies to control the process from idea generation, academic research, implementation research and development and industrial testing. These issues are specially characteristic for small and medium sized enterprises (SME's). In the present work the collaboration has been organized on two research levels. The first research level is knowledge and know-how based. Here the universities and the chemical supplier worked closely together to investigate the new process. The aim was to explore the influence of process conditions and interaction of the chemicals in the sub process steps on the result of the treatment. The second level is that of the industrialimplementation of the new process. Here universities and chemical supplier worked closely together with different industries to implement the newly developed process. The focus in this part of the research was the interaction between the chemistry of the new process, equipment and fabrics.A co-operation between the beneficiaries of the new process has been established. The selection criterion for the co-operation was "who will earn something with the new process".
Paper from the Saxion Research Centre for Design and Technology for Proceedings of IPTB Conference, Milan, Italy, March 2-4 2011.


BACKGROUND
The role of alcohol-containing mouthwash as a risk factor for the development of oral cancer is a subject of conflicting epidemiological evidence in the literature despite alcohol being a recognised carcinogen. The aim of this study was to use in vitro models to investigate mechanistic and global gene expression effects of exposure to alcohol-containing mouthwash.

METHODS
Two brands of alcohol-containing mouthwash and their alcohol-free counterparts were used to treat two oral cell lines derived from normal (OKF6-TERT) and dysplastic (DOK) tissues. Genotoxicity was determined by Comet assay. RNA-seq was performed using the Ion Torrent platform. Bioinformatics analysis used R/Bioconductor packages with differential expression using DEseq2. Pathway enrichment analysis used EnrichR with the WikiPathways and Kegg databases.

RESULTS
Both cell lines displayed dose-dependent DNA damage in response to acute exposure to ethanol and alcohol-containing mouthwashes as well as alcohol-free mouthwashes reconstituted with ethanol as shown by Comet assay. The transcriptomic effects of alcohol-containing mouthwash exposure were more complex with significant differential gene expression ranging from >2000 genes in dysplastic (DOK) cells to <100 genes in normal (OKF6-TERT) cells. Pathway enrichment analysis in DOK cells revealed alcohol-containing mouthwashes showed common features between the two brands used including DNA damage response as well as cancer-associated pathways. In OKF6-TERT cells, the most significantly enriched pathways involved inflammatory signalling.

CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol-containing mouthwashes are genotoxic in vitro to normal and dysplastic oral keratinocytes and induce widespread changes in gene expression. Dysplastic cells are more susceptible to the transcriptomic effects of mouthwash.


The shock wave and quasi-static state gas that were created by tradition block holing would influence the wall-rock and damage it in quarrying and cutting. For the purpose of the cutting level off and the scatheless wall-rock, the shaped charge was used for the inner cutting and quarrying in the paper. The simulation of the whole course of shaped change metal jet was performed by the ANSYS AUTODYN. The simulation shows: the top and bottom of the metal liner were collapsed slowly; the collapse velocity of the middle of liner was quicker, and a velocity gradient was formed, the focal point was the maximum velocity point. It could be concluded that the study could be used in the engineering design for stone inner cutting and the calculation of penetration parameters.


Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and Linear Dynamical Systems (LDSs) are based on the same assumption: a hidden state variable, of which we can make noisy measurements, evolves with Markovian dynamics. Both have the same independence diagram and consequently the learning and inference algorithms for both have the same structure. The only diierence is that the HMM uses a discrete state variable with arbitrary dynamics and arbitrary measurements while the LDS uses a continuous state variable with linear-Gaussian dynamics and measurements. We show how the forward-backward equations for the HMM, specialized to linear-Gaussian assumptions, lead directly to Kalman ltering and Rauch-Tung-Streibel smoothing. We also investigate the most general possible modeling assumptions which lead to eecient recursions in the case of continuous state variables.


Abstract This is a general account of metavaluations and their applications, which can be seen as an alternative to standard model-theoretic methodology. They work best for what are called metacomplete logics, which include the contraction-less relevant logics, with possible additions of Conjunctive Syllogism, (A→B) & (B→C) → .A→C, and the irrelevant, A→ .B→A, these including the logic MC of meaning containment which is arguably a good entailment logic. Indeed, metavaluations focus on the formula-inductive properties of theorems of entailment form A→B, splintering into two types, M1- and M2-, according to key properties of negated entailment theorems (see below). Metavaluations have an inductive presentation and thus have some of the advantages that model theory does, but they represent proof rather than truth and thus represent proof-theoretic properties, such as the priming property, if ├ A $\vee$ B then ├ A or ├ B, and the negated-entailment properties, not-├ ∼(A→B) (for M1-logics, with M1-metavaluations) and ├ ∼(A→B) iff ├ A and ├ ∼ B (for M2-logics, with M2-metavaluations). Topics to be covered are their impact on naive set theory and paradox solution, and also Peano arithmetic and Godel's First and Second Theorems. Interesting to note here is that the familiar M1- and M2-metacomplete logics can be used to solve the set-theoretic paradoxes and, by inference, the Liar Paradox and key semantic paradoxes. For M1-logics, in particular, the final metavaluation that is used to prove the simple consistency is far simpler than its correspondent in the model-theoretic proof in that it consists of a limit point of a single transfinite sequence rather than that of a transfinite sequence of such limit points, as occurs in the model-theoretic approach. Additionally, it can be shown that Peano Arithmetic is simply consistent, using metavaluations that constitute finitary methods. Both of these results use specific metavaluational properties that have no correspondents in standard model theory and thus it would be highly unlikely that such model theory could prove these results in their final forms.


Manual human-computer interfaces for virtual reality are designed to allow an operator interacting with a computer simulation as naturally as possible. Dexterous haptic interfaces are the best suited for this goal. They give intuitive and efficient control on the environment with haptic and tactile feedback. This paper is aimed at helping in the choice of the interaction areas to be taken into account in the design of such interfaces. The literature dealing with hand interactions is first reviewed in order to point out the contact areas involved in exploration and manipulation tasks. Their frequencies of use are then extracted from existing recordings. The results are gathered in an original graphical interaction map allowing for a simple visualization of the way the hand is used, and compared with a map of mechanoreceptors densities. Then an interaction tree, mapping the relative amount of actions made available through the use of a given contact area, is built and correlated with the losses of hand function induced by amputations. A rating of some existing haptic interfaces and guidelines for their design are finally achieved to illustrate a possible use of the developed graphical tools.


A novel procedure to design axial and transverse superresolving pupil filters for the 4Pi-confocal microscope is presented. The method is based on the use of a series of figures of merit developed to describe the effect of inserting two identical filters in the two arms of the illumination path of the microscope. As a practical implementation, we have applied our method to obtain superresolving continuous phase-only filters. Different resolution-improving phase functions are shown for the transverse and the axial direction. These filters provided axial gain up to 1.3 and transverse gain up to 1.4 without an increase in sidelobes.


Extra-territoriality can mean many things to many people. Most frequently the term has been used to characterize an aggressive application of antitrust laws, and the United States is often cited as the most vigorous practitioner. The author hopes to establish in this paper that extra-territoriality is essentially defensive and domestic in nature and then discuss other possible solutions to the problems that it seeks to solve.


The power consumption of microprocessors is increasing at an alarming rate leading to 2X reduction in the power distribution impedance for every product generation. In the last decade, high I/O ball grid array (BGA) packages have replaced quad flat pack (QFP) packages for lowering the inductance. Similarly, multilayered printed circuit boards loaded with decoupling capacitors are being used to meet the target impedance. With the trend toward system-on-package (SOP) architectures, the power distribution needs can only increase, further reducing the target impedance and increasing the isolation characteristics required. This paper provides an overview on the design of power distribution networks for digital and mixed-signal systems with emphasis on design tools, decoupling, measurements, and emerging technologies.


Exomoons may play an important role in determining the habitability of worlds outside of our solar system. They can stabilize conditions, alter the climate by breaking tidal locking with the parent star, drive tidal heating, and perhaps even host life themselves. However, the ability of an exoplanet to sustain an exomoon depends on complex tidal interactions. Motivated by this, we make use of simplified tidal lag models to follow the evolution of the separations and orbital and rotational periods in planet, star, and moon systems. We apply these models to known exoplanet systems to assess the potential for these exoplanets to host exomoons. We find that there are at least 36 systems in which an exoplanet in the habitable zone may host an exomoon for longer than one gigayear. This includes Kepler-1625b, an exoplanet with an exomoon candidate, which we determine would be able to retain a Neptune-sized moon for longer than a Hubble time. These results may help provide potential targets for future observation. In many cases, there remains considerable uncertainty in the composition of specific exoplanets. We show the detection (or not) of an exomoon would provide an important constraint on the planet structure due to differences in their tidal response.


Objective
To compare the early change of posterior corneal elevation with femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) by Oculyzer and analyze the related factors after FS-LASIK.

Methods
A longitudinal observational study was designed.Ninety-one eyes of 46 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January to April in 2016 were divided into FS-LASIK group (53 eyes of 27 patients), SBK group (38 eyes of 19 patients) according to the patients' wishes and each part of corneal elevation change values were explored after FS-LASIK and SBK surgeries.The posterior corneal elevation was measured at twenty-seven measuring points along the central, paracentral, midperipheral and peripheral zone (vertex and 1, 2 and 3 mm radius) using Oculyzer preoperatively, l day, 7 days and 1 month postoperatively, respectively.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before the surgery.

Results
In the FS-LASIK group, the posterior corneal elevation difference values in the central zone were (-0.924±1.859), (-1.151±1.586) and (-0.940±1.994)μm 1 day, 7 days and 1 month postoperatively, respectively.In the periphery zone, the elevation difference values were (1.046±1.667), (1.172±1.566) and (1.023±1.622)μm.In the paracentral and midperipheral zone, the cornea displayed slightly backward or forward shift.In SBK group, the posterior corneal elevation difference values of the vertex were (-0.684±1.454), (-1.053±1.723) and (-0.553±1.572)μm 1 day, 7 days and 1 month after operation, respectively.In the paracentral and midperipheral zone displayed the same trend with FS-LASIK group, and in the periphery, the values were (1.207±1.317), (1.327±1.529) and (1.208±1.415)μm.There were no statistically significant differences in posterior corneal elevation between the two surgery modes among the three time points (all at P>0.05). At 1 month postoperatively, only two independent variables, which were spherical equivalent (SE) and ablation depth (AD) entered the regression in the central and paracentral zones.Independent variables, such as central thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), SE, AD, residual bed thickness (RBT) and the ratio of AD and TCT (AD/TCT) did not enter the regression in other two areas.

Conclusions
The posterior corneal elevation in the central 6 mm area shows tiny change in the early stage and the variation is larger 7 days after operation in the two groups, but it does not result in keratectasia.With the increase of SE and AD, the posterior corneal elevation is more likely to be affected.

Key words:
Myopia; Femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis; Sub-Bowman keratomileusis; Posterior corneal elevation; Oculyzer


Context: Cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) among pediatric population is underappreciated and often misdiagnosed in clinical settings. Furthermore, epidemiologic data on only cutaneous adverse reactions among this population are limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the CADRs with reference to the pattern, causative drugs, its subgroup analysis, and other clinical characteristics among children. Settings and Design: This was an observational, hospital-based study over a period of 12 months. Materials and Methods: The CADRs occurring and referred to the inpatient and outpatient department of dermatology were actively monitored and the collected reports were analyzed for CADR pattern, drug groups, clinicodemographic profile, and severity of adverse drug reaction (ADR). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were documented in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Results: A total of 33 CADRs were documented. Most of the ADRs (40%) occurred between the age of 11 and 15 years. Antimicrobials comprised the major group of drugs causing ADRs (42.4%). Maculopapular rash (54.5%) and urticaria (15.2%) were the most common type of ADR. A single case of death due to anticonvulsant-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis had been observed in the study period. There were more occurrences of ADRs with multiple drugs compared to single-drug therapy. About 80% of reactions were of mild to moderate. Conclusion: Knowledge of the pattern and the offending drug helps in better diagnosis, management, reduced complications in this population, and also helps in preventing recurrences, thereby helps in promoting the safe use of drugs, which can overall impact the quality of health care among children positively.


Abstract The judiciary has relied on a firm's market share to evaluate the presence of monopoly power for a Sherman Act monopolization violation. However, an allegation that a firm's market share constitutes monopoly power may be refuted by evidence that there exists a contestable market. Contestable market theory shows that there is no monopoly power where there exists a threat of entry of other firms. This theory thereby offers agricultural cooperatives, which may have a large market share by reasons of the antitrust immunity provided by the Capper-Volstead Act, an argument to overcome allegations of a Sherman Act monopolization violation.


Privacy by Design (PbD) is the most common approach followed by software developers who aim to reduce risks within their application designs, yet it remains commonplace for developers to retain little conceptual understanding of what is meant by privacy. A vision is to develop an intelligent privacy assistant to whom developers can easily ask questions to learn how to incorporate different privacy-preserving ideas into their IoT application designs. This article lays the foundations toward developing such a privacy assistant by synthesising existing PbD knowledge to elicit requirements. It is believed that such a privacy assistant should not just prescribe a list of privacy-preserving ideas that developers should incorporate into their design. Instead, it should explain how each prescribed idea helps to protect privacy in a given application design context—this approach is defined as "Explainable Privacy." A total of 74 privacy patterns were analysed and reviewed using ten different PbD schemes to understand how each privacy pattern is built and how each helps to ensure privacy. Due to page limitations, we have presented a detailed analysis in Reference [3]. In addition, different real-world Internet of Things (IoT) use-cases, including a healthcare application, were used to demonstrate how each privacy pattern could be applied to a given application design. By doing so, several knowledge engineering requirements were identified that need to be considered when developing a privacy assistant. It was also found that, when compared to other IoT application domains, privacy patterns can significantly benefit healthcare applications. In conclusion, this article identifies the research challenges that must be addressed if one wishes to construct an intelligent privacy assistant that can truly augment software developers' capabilities at the design phase.


Interests of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) in series compensated electric networks with wind power penetration have arisen recently. To better understand the nature of such systems, modal analysis of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy system interconnected with a series compensated electric network is conducted in this paper. The system model is built in Matlab/Simulink. The major contributions of the paper include: 1) identification of the four system modes (SSR, supersynchronous, electromechanical, and shaft modes) of a DFIG-based wind farm interfaced with a series compensated network, 2) investigation of the impacts of various parameters and operating conditions on those modes, and 3) prediction of the dynamic performance of the system using modal analysis and confirmation of such prediction via time-domain simulation results.


In recent years the logistic needs have created tremendous pressure on the 'hard' transport infrastructure. Logistics and the harness of information technology are the key facilitators of mobility. The Chinese logistics market is still in its infancy and creates tremendous opportunities for investors. It recognized as one of important driving forces both for national economy and business. Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guanzhou aspire to be regional or international logistics hubs and have adopted preferential policies in attracting FDIs in logistics. From 1996 to 2001, foreign capital invested in transportation, storage, post and telecommunications increased from USD6.96 billion to USD15.16 billion. This study looks at the location decisions of foreign logistics firms and identifies with the aid of a multinomial logit model factors that are crucial in attracting them to China. This is important as they have an important role to play in filling in the gap left by traditional Chinese firms, which largely concentrate, on warehousing and distribution. The results suggest that location of logistics firms depends on transport infrastructure, market size, labor quality and cost, agglomeration economies, communication cost, economic privatization degree, as well as government incentives. The importance of the above factors varies by source of region. European and North American firms favor higher population densities, lower labor cost, convenient airway transport and large cities while logistics firms from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan put more emphasis on communication infrastructure.


Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) concentration profiles of the lowest 2 m of the water column and particle size distribution at 2 m above the bed were measured in a coastal turbidity maximum area (southern North Sea) during more than 700 days between 2006 and 2013. The long-term data series of SPM concentration, floc size, and settling velocity have been ensemble averaged according to tidal range, alongshore residual flow direction, and season, in order to investigate the seasonal SPM dynamics and its relation with physical and biological processes. The data show that the SPM is more concentrated in the near-bed layer in summer, whereas in winter, the SPM is better mixed throughout the water column. The decrease of the SPM concentration in the water column during summer is compensated by a higher near-bed concentration indicating that a significant part of the SPM remains in the area during summer rather than being advected out of it. The opposite seasonality between near-bed layer and water column has to our knowledge not yet been presented in literature. Physical effects such as wave heights, wind climate, or storms have a weak correlation with the observed seasonality. The argument to favor microbial activity as main driver of the seasonality lies in the observed variations in floc size and settling velocity. On average, the flocs are larger and thus settling velocities higher in summer than winter.


This paper presents experimental results carried out to develop co-relation and comparison between vehicle and stationary dynamometer-engine emissions with same engines specifications and brands. The dynamometer-engine has been setup with same load and speed as the vehicle's engine which is carried on the road. The vehicle's road load power carried by engine has been calculated and used in this investigation. The stationary engine's rotational speed has been converted to linear distance to compare specific fuel consumptions (SFC) with real specific fuel consumption (SFC) of the vehicle on the road. The vehicle has been run on road test at 70km/h, 90 km/h and 100 km/h for 100 km each time to measure fuel consumption. Beside this, both the engine and vehicle have been operated in idling condition to measure fuel consumption, CO and HC emissions. Proton vehicle with magma engine (4 cylinders) has been used in this investigation. Both the engine and vehicle have been retrofitted for two fuels namely gasoline fuel and compressed natural gas (CNG). An eddy current dynamometer model Froude Consine (model AG150) is used to test the engine. All the electronic equipment, together with its manipulative controls and indicators such as thermocouples are mounted on 'CP Cadet10 (UK)' engine control unit. The engine control unit can control any speed and load applied to the dynamometer-engine. An autocheck model (974/5) and Bacharach model CA300NSX analyzers (standard version, k-type probe) have been used to measure the concentration CO and HC emissions. The results of this investigation will be used to predict the emissions and fuel consumption for road vehicles from stationary dynamometer–engine test.Copyright © 2005 by ASME


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rather common. It is nearly always associated with excessive smoking. In advanced stages of COPD, patients have severe obstruction of airways and develop often acute episodes of respiratory failure, commonly due to broncho-pulmonary infections. This review addresses nonpharmacological treatment of these episodes of acute decompensation. The value of mechanical ventilation is discussed in view of two recent advances: noninvasive ventilation by face or nose mask as alternative to tracheal intubation and improved notions about the pathogenesis of fluids and salt retention as causes of occasionally occurring edema.


Failure analysis labs are fairly well equipped for dealing with shorts and leakages in stacked-die packages, but are at a disadvantage when it comes to opens, particularly those at the die or die interconnect level. This article presents a new FA technique that has the potential to make up for this shortcoming. The new method, called space domain reflectometry (SDR), is based on radio-frequency magnetic current imaging, and as the authors show, is capable of accurately locating a dead open in a double-stacked BGA package, even when the full stack is encapsulated in molding compound.


This paper deals with the analysis of sports discourse in Croatian through the theoretical framework offered by conceptual metaphor theory. Within this framework, certain metaphorical expressions found in sports discourse are analyzed as expressions of two conceptual metaphors: sport is war and sport is force. The analysis of these metaphorical expressions combines the methodology of cognitive linguistics with corpus linguistics, resulting in the proposal of a new method for discourse analysis in general. In our research, we introduce the notion of the specialized digitized corpus as a basis for further quantitative and qualitative research. On the basis of the specialized digitized corpus created for the purposes of this research, it is shown how the formation of sports discourse is dependent on three categories of metaphorical expressions relative to the degree of their conventionalization within sports discourse: (a) conventionalized, (b) semi-conventionalized, and (c) innovative metaphorical expressions. Each of these categories is analyzed according to their frequency and various aspects of meaning that it entails. Through the introduction of the semi-conventionalized metaphorical expression category, we aim to examine the gradable line between language creativity and conventionality as it is formed within the discourse of sports.


HOXA1, a member of the HOX gene family, has been implicated in tumor progression. However, the role of HOXA1 in prostate cancer is not well-established. In the present study, we found that HOXA1 was highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. We then repressed the expression of HOXA1 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to investigate the function of HOXA1 in prostate cancer cells. Our in vitro data showed that knockdown of HOXA1 attenuated the growth, invasion and migration of prostate cancer DU-145 and PC-3 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of HOXA1 resulted in an increased E-cadherin level and decreased Snail and MMP-3 levels in the DU-145 cells. In addition, knockdown of HOXA1 inhibited activation of ERK1/2 and AKT in the DU-145 cells. Our in vivo data revealed that knockdown of HOXA1 suppressed the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that HOXA1 is involved in the regulation of prostate cancer progression, including cell growth, migration, invasion and metastasis. Thus, downregulation of HOXA1 may be a novel approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.


This paper presents a new southern North Atlantic plate model from Late Cretaceous to present, with the aim of constraining the kinematics of the Iberian plate during the last 83.5 Myr. This model is presented along with a detailed isochron map generated through the analysis of 3 aeromagnetic tracks and ~400 ship tracks from the National Centers for Environmental Information database. We present a new technique to obtain well‐constrained estimates of the Iberia‐North America plate motions from magnetic anomalies, overcoming the scarcity of large‐offset fracture zones and transform faults. We build an integrated kinematic model for NW Africa, Morocco, Iberia, Europe, and North America, which shows that the deformation is partitioned between Pyrenees and Betic‐Rif orogenic domain during the Late Cretaceous‐Oligocene time interval. In the Eastern Betics domain, the calculated amount of NW Africa‐Iberia convergence is ~80 km between 83.5 and 34 Ma, followed by ~150 km since the Oligocene. The motion of Iberia relative to Europe in the Central Pyrenees is characterized by overall NE directed transpressional motion during the Campanian and the Paleocene, followed by NW directed transpressional movement until the Lutetian and overall NNW directed convergence from Bartonian to Chattian. This motion occurs along the axis of the Bay of Biscay from the Santonian–Campanian boundary to the middle Priabonian, subsequently jumping to King's Trough at Anomaly 17 (36.62 Ma).


Infiltration by IgG-positive plasma cells is a common finding in tubulointerstitial nephritis. Indeed, it has been thought that CD138-positive mature plasma cells secrete mainly IgG, and the occurrence of tubulointerstitial nephritis with CD138-positive plasma cells secreting IgM has rarely been reported. Routine immunofluorescence of fresh frozen sections is considered the gold standard for detection of immune deposits. However, the immunoenzyme method with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections is superior for detecting IgM- or IgG-positive cells within the renal interstitium, thus histologic variants may often go undetected. We recently discovered a case of tubulointerstitial nephritis showing IgM-positive plasma cell accumulation within the interstitium. To further explore the morphologic and clinical features of such cases, we performed a nationwide search for patients with biopsy-proven tubulointerstitial nephritis and high serum IgM levels. We identified 13 patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis and IgM-positive plasma cell infiltration confirmed with the immunoenzyme method. The clinical findings for these patients included a high prevalence of distal renal tubular acidosis (100%), Fanconi syndrome (92%), and anti-mitochondrial antibodies (82%). The pathologic findings were interstitial nephritis with diffusely distributed CD3-positive T lymphocytes and colocalized IgM-positive plasma cells, as well as tubulitis with CD3-positive T lymphocytes in the proximal tubules and collecting ducts. Additionally, levels of H+-ATPase, H+, K+-ATPase, and the HCO3--Cl- anion exchanger were markedly decreased in the collecting ducts. We propose to designate this group of cases, which have a common histologic and clinical form, as IgM-positive plasma cell-tubulointerstitial nephritis.


This study provides the first description of the reproductive features of a red coral Coral- lium rubrum population. This circum-Mediterranean octocoral has been over-harvested and com- mercial stocks are depleted. The population we studied was gonochoric at both the colony and polyp levels, and its sex ratio was significantly biased toward females. The minimum age at first reproduc- tion was 2 yr. The percentage of fertile colonies increased with age, reaching 100% fertility for those over 5 yr. Due to the low frequency of older colonies, 2 /3 of the population was unreproductive. The seasonal cycle of oocyte maturation resulted in a rapid increase in diameter after March, correspond- ing to a significant reduction in fecundity and fertility. Larval release occurred between late July and August, and settlement ended by mid-September. No significant difference was found in fecundity or fertility between colonies living at different depths (25 and 35 m). Both reproductive parameters de- pended on polyp position on the colony branches, being significantly lower in the tips of 1st order and proximal parts of 2nd order branches. Due to these opposing trends, no significant overall difference was found between branches of different orders. Female polyp fecundity (0.87 gonads per polyp) was considerably lower than fecundity measured in other octocorals, and the larval production depends on the size/age of the colony: while reproductive colonies in Class 2 (diameter 1.82 mm) produce on average 24 planulae, the larger, older colonies in Class 6 (diameter > 4.6 mm) produce 157 planulae on average. This clearly indicates large differences in larval production between populations with different size and/or age structures. A better understanding of red coral reproduction will help to match harvesting levels to recovery rates in overexploited populations.


This paper describes an exploratory study of different gestures and body movements of a viola player resulting from the variation of bow strokes length and quantity. Within the theoretical framework of embodied music cognition and the study of musical gestures, we aim to observe how the variation of a musical feature within the piece affects the body movements of the performer. Two brief pieces were performed in four different versions, each one with different directions regarding the bow strokes. The performances were recorded using a multimodal recording platform that included audio, video and motion capture data obtained from high-speed tracking of reflective markers placed on the body of the performer and on the instrument. We extracted measurements of quantity of motion and velocity of different parts of the body, the bow and the viola. Results indicate that an increased activity in soundproducing and instrumental gestures does not always resonate proportionally in the rest of the body and the outcome in terms of ancillary gestures may vary across upper body and lower body.


EXD2 (Exonuclease 3'-5' Domain Containing 2) is a known gene and reported to be an essential tool in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination through its 3′–5′ exonuclease activity. At this time, there is no report indicating any relation to human disease resulting from alteration in the EXD2 gene. However, several laboratories works illustrated that EXD2 has critical roles in cell function. Zebra fish facilitated the functional study of novel genes as a model for human diseases by utilizing morpholinos as knocking down agents. Disturbing the EXD2 gene showed multiple deformities in the body, which may reflect the critical role in animal tissues and development at the early stages. The expression profile of the exd2 differed in several organs from an adult AB-zebra fish, and also the expression of exd2 increased with an advance in age. Disturbing exd2 caused multiple defects and embryos dead at five-days old. Human RNA suppressed the phenotypes and helped the embryos to grow normally.


Highly indebted countries, particularly the Latin American ones, presented dismal economic outcomes in the 1990s, which are the consequence of the 'growth cum foreign savings strategy', or the Second Washington Consensus. Coupled with liberalization of international financial flows, such strategy, which did not make part of the first consensus, led the countries, in the wave of a new world wide capital flow cycle, to high current account deficits and increase in foreign debt, ignoring the solvency constraint and the debt threshold. In practical terms it involved overvalued currencies (low exchange rates) and high interest rates; in policy terms, the attempt to control de budget deficit while the current account deficit was ignored. The paradoxical consequence was the adoption by highly indebted countries of 'exchange rate populism', a less obvious but more dangerous form of economic populism. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)


This paper presents the numerical validation of the impact response of a hot formed B-pillar component with tailored properties. A laboratory-scale B-pillar tool is considered with integral heating and cooling sections in an effort to locally control the cooling rate of an austenitized blank, thereby producing a part with tailored microstructures to potentially improve the impact response of these components. An instrumented falling-weight drop tower was used to impact the lab-scale B-pillars in a modified 3-point bend configuration to assess the difference between a component in the fully hardened (martensitic) state and a component with a tailored region (consisting of bainite and ferrite).Numerical models were developed using LS-DYNA to simulate the forming and thermal history of the part to estimate the final thickness and strain distributions as well as the predicted microstructures. A strain-rate-sensitive constitutive model is used to model the as-quenched behavior of the hot-formed components with tailored microstructures.With an impact mass of 300 kg and total energy of 1.7 kJ, the measured maximum impactor displacement of the tailored components was approximately 9% (7.6 mm) greater than the fully hardened components. The measured peak impact load of the tailored components was approximately 24% (9.3 kN) lower than the fully hardened components. The numerical impact models are able to capture the force-displacement and deformation trends observed in the experiments. Language: en


Conformational analyses of PRP1, a proline-rich acidic salivary protein and major component of the acquired enamel pellicle, have been carried out in solution and upon binding to two enamel prototypes, hydroxyapatite (HA) and carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA), using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode. We have shown for the first time that, in solution, large portions of PRP1 adopt the hydrated polyproline type II (PPII) helical structure in addition to the random coil structure, with the maximum absorbance of the amide I band around 1620 cm(-1). Upon binding to HA or CHA, the protein undergoes significant conformational changes, loosing a considerable portion of hydrated PPII and random coil domains with a shift in the maximum absorbance to 1666 cm(-1), indicating that a large fraction of the protein is composed of beta turns. A small fraction of PPII in a calcium-bound or anhydrous form (approximately 1642 cm(-1)) was also observed in the HA- and CHA-bound proteins, which could play a role in protein-mineral interactions. The conformational changes in PRP1 adsorbed on CHA and HA were similar in nature; however, these changes were greater in the protein bound to HA. Interestingly, these results are in agreement with protein adsorption data that show that less protein is adsorbed onto CHA than onto HA. Our results demonstrate that binding to apatitic mineral surfaces leads to major conformational changes in PRP1, which might reflect the expulsion of water and the formation of protein-mineral and/or protein-protein interactions in the adsorbed layer.


The falling fertility rate in Australia, as in other developed countries, has been the focus of much policy and research interest for some years, particularly in relation to the contribution this makes to an ageing population and the implications of these population changes for intergenerational sustainability. It is well-established that the fertility rate for women with a tertiary education is lower than for women without a tertiary education, however there has been little research examining whether the gap in fertility between women with higher education and in professional occupations and other women has narrowed or widened across time. In this paper, focusing on childlessness only, we use data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census for 1986, 1996 and 2006 to explore this question. We examine both working women (using occupational categories) and all women (using educational attainment) aged between 20 and 44. We have focused particularly on women working in, or qualified for, some selected high prestige professions – doctors, lawyers, dentists and vets, as well as on women with other tertiary qualifications and working in other professional or managerial occupations. Our findings suggest that, between 1986 and 2006, childlessness has grown at a slower rate for women with tertiary education than for all women, although these women continue to have the highest rates of childlessness. For working women, rates of childlessness for women in prestige occupations, although still higher than was the case for women in other occupational groups, have grown at a slower rate. This slowing of the growth of childlessness among highly educated professional women has taken place in the context of very much larger numbers of women completing these types of degrees and entering professions over the period of our study.


A new approach of transistor modeling is developed for fast statistical circuit simulation in the presence of variations. For both I-V and C-V characteristics of a transistor, finite data points are identified by their physical meaning; the impact of process and design variations is embedded into these points as closed-form expressions. Then, the entire I-V and C-V are extrapolated using polynomial formulas. This novel approach significantly enhances the simulation speed with sufficient accuracy. The model is implemented in Verilog-A at 65nm node. Compared to simulations with the BSIM model, the computation time can be reduced by 7times in transient analysis and 9times in Monte-Carlo simulations


Today's students are totally different from the previous generations. They think, act, communicate, and even learn differently. Many of them know how to work on a computer, especially how to play games, before knowing how to read or write. There is no doubt about the educational role of the computer. More and more teachers have become interested in the potential role of the computer to support and motivate pupils' learning not only in computer science classes, but also in languages, arts, social sciences and many other classes. Teachers try to adjust their teaching methods to the new realities so that they might create a successful and motivational learning context close to students' every day life. The students' interest in computer games should be addressed in the classroom, as they are an important part of their lives. Thus, the knowledge will be achieved faster, better, in a more pleasant way, and for a longer period of time. The learners will have the opportunity not only to use the existing games, but also to create their own ones to fit their own individual learning needs. The method is supported by learning theories, such as Constructivism which strongly recommends the teachers to be aware of the experiences, the knowledge and the skills the pupils have when they come to school.
The paper examines the role that the computer games might play in teaching, learning and practicing English grammar. The paper focuses on: advantages and disadvantages of using computer games in the classroom, types of games, teaching and learning strategies, the roles of the teacher and of the students in game based teaching and learning classes.


We investigate the problem of reasoning in the propositional fragment of MBNF, the logic of minimal belief and negation as failure introduced by Lifschitz, which can be considered as a unifying framework for several nonmonotonic formalisms, including default logic, autoepistemic logic, circumscription, epistemic queries, and logic programming. We characterize the complexity and provide algorithms for reasoning in propositional MBNF. In particular, we show that skeptical entailment in propositional MBNF is Π3p-complete, hence it is harder than reasoning in all the above mentioned propositional formalisms for nonmonotonic reasoning. We also prove the exact correspondence between negation as failure in MBNF and negative introspection in Moore's autoepistemic logic.


Over the last two decades, several thousand exoplanets have been identified, and their study has become a high scientific priority. Direct imaging of nearby exoplanets and the circumstellar disks in which they form and evolve is challenging due to the high contrast ratio and small angular separation relative to the central star. Exoplanets are typically within 1 arcsec of, and between 4 and 10 orders of magnitude fainter than, the stars they orbit. To meet these challenges, ground-based telescopes must be equipped with extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) systems optimized to acquire high-contrast images of the immediate surrounding of nearby bright stars. Current ExAO systems have the sensitivity to image thermal emission from young massive planets in near-IR, while future systems deployed on Giant Segmented Mirror Telescopes will image starlight reflected by lower-mass rocky planets. Thanks to rapid progress in optical coronagraphy, wavefront control, and data analysis techniques, direct imaging and spectroscopic characterization of habitable exoplanets will be within reach of the next generation of large ground-based telescopes.


Although research shows that acceptance, trust, and risk perception are often related, little is known about the underlying patterns of causality among the three constructs. In the context of a water-borne disease outbreak, we explored via zero-order/partial correlation analysis whether acceptance predicts both trust and risk perception (associationist model), or whether trust influences risk perception and acceptance (causal chain model). The results supported the causal chain model suggesting a causal role for trust. A subsequent path analysis confirmed that the effect of trust on acceptance is fully mediated by risk perception. It also revealed that trust is positively predicted by prior institutional trust and communication with the public. Implications of the findings for response strategies to contamination events are discussed. [120 words]


The high failure rate of new small enterprises in Angola calls to attention the fact that they are not equipped enough to meet the challenges of sustainable economic growth, equitable distribution of wealth and job creation. The worrying impact on the Angolan landscape, as a consequence, has had economists scrambling for solutions in recent years. Moving from on the assumption that the current business climate has been a contributing factor, this paper attempts to examine the role of external environmental factors in the context of Angola. Adopting a quantitative approach, the questionnaire was utilized as the primary data collection tool with snowballing as the sampling technique. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software delivered a result to the quantitative data that indicate a severe lack of economic support and availability of fundamental business resources such as raw material, skilled people and finance, and rigid policy-making regulations. The doomed-to-fail death knell to the Angolan small business comes in the form of a high level of corruption and theft in the country.


The information on food labels is an important source to guide consumers in making choices of food. The objective of this study is to analyze factors affecting consumers' awareness of food labeling information. The survey was conducted among 375 people with age of above 18-year-old in Vietnam. Using the method of descriptive statistical analysis, testing the reliability of scale (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory factor analysis, and multivariate regression analysis, the results showed that there are 04 factors affecting consumers' intention of using the information on food labels: Attitudes toward information on food labels, effect of society, perceived behavioral control, and concern about diet-health. In addition, the customers' intention of using the information on food labels has a positive impact on their use behavior of information on food labels.


Although the protective effect of transient ureteral obstruction (UO) prior to ischemia on subsequent renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has been documented, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be understood. We showed in the current study that 24 h of UO led to renal tubular hypoxia in the ipsilateral kidney in mice, with the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, which lasted for a week after the release of UO. To address the functions of HIF-2α in UO-mediated protection of renal IRI, we utilized the Mx-Cre/loxP recombination system to knock out target genes. Inactivation of HIF-2α, but not HIF-1α blunted the renal protective effects of UO, as demonstrated by much higher serum creatinine level and severer histological damage. UO failed to prevent postischemic neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis induction in HIF-2α knockout mice, which also diminished the postobstructive up-regulation of the protective molecule, heat shock protein (HSP)-27. The renal protective effects of UO were associated with the improvement of the postischemic recovery of intra-renal microvascular blood flow, which was also dependent on the activation of HIF-2α. Our results demonstrated that UO protected the kidney via activation of HIF-2α, which reduced tubular damages via preservation of adequate renal microvascular perfusion after ischemia. Thus, preconditional HIF-2α activation might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic acute renal failure.


This paper presents the results of Phase 1 study investigating how and why secondary school students use computer tools (spelling and grammar checkers) to aid them in their English writing and how their patterns of use related to their literacy development. The study was centred on how some students use computers effectively to support their writing, while others struggle to read and write in English. Sixty-five Year 8 students sat the standardised literacy tests, followed by a survey. The survey covered many variables including students' perceptions on the usefulness of the spelling and grammar checkers while composing their English writing. The students' responses indicated that their regular use of computer tools (spelling and grammar checkers) at Year 8 level aided them in their English writing, but they did not retain the skills that the tools offered. Some students were unsure of their spelling so they resorted to the computer tools to aid them with their spelling and grammatical sentence structure. Their general reasons were that they did not have to remember any of the corrections due to the computer tools availability when they needed them.


Learning communities are a proven method for engaging groups of people who share common goals for personal growth and knowledge acquisition (Gabelnick, MacGregor, Matthews, & Smith, 1990; Taylor, Moore, MacGregor, & Lindblad, 2003). However, little is known about the usefulness of this approach in the context of alternative education. This article describes the evaluation of a temporary, immersive learning community for self-directed teen learners, Project World School (PWS), which was based on a new, pedagogical approach to learning called worldschooling. Findings indicate that regardless of demographic characteristics and personal interests, PWS attendees experienced learning and progress in three main areas: social development, personal development, and experiential academics. The PWS model shows evidence of the benefits of worldschooling and has potential to be successfully replicated and translated to other international settings. ___________________________________________________________________________


In the present paper, boron-doped diamond was synthesized by static pressure method using Fe-Ni-C-B system catalyst, whose resistance-temperature characteristic curve was studied. Experiments results proved that the boron-doped diamond has different ionization energy in different temperature interval and the reasons were analyzed. The maximum operating temperature is about 773K for such boron-doped diamond. The research provides experimental basis for high-temperature semiconductor diamond.


Reinforcement learning algorithms can autonomously learn to search a design space for high-performance solutions. However, modern engineering often entails the use of computationally-intensive simulation, which can lead to slower design timelines with highly iterative approaches such as RL. This work provides a reinforcement learning framework that leverages models of varying fidelity to enable an effective solution search while reducing overall computational needs. Specifically, it utilizes models of varying fidelity while training the agent, iteratively progressing from low- to high-fidelity. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, we apply it to two multimodal multi-objective constrained mixed integer nonlinear design problems involving the components of a ground and aerial vehicle. Specifically, for each problem we utilize a high-fidelity and a low-fidelity deep neural network surrogate model, trained on performance data generated from underlying ground truth models. A tradeoff between solution quality and the proportion of low-fidelity surrogate model usage is observed. Specifically, high quality solutions are achieved with substantial reductions in computational expense, showcasing the effectiveness of the framework for design problems where the use of just a high-fidelity model is infeasible. This solution quality-computational efficiency tradeoff is contextualized by visualizing the exploration behavior of the design agents.


This article considers the professionalization of parenthood as one of the key tendencies in contemporary Russian parenting culture. Parenting culture is a set of care practices that are embedded within the certain meanings and ideological contexts of both a particular social group and society in general. Professionalization can be conceptualised as a process whereby expert knowledge (medical, psychological, pedagogical) penetrates into the everyday practice of child care. The professionalization of parenting involves a variety of actors: the mass media, social policy, public and independent experts of childhood. In this article we examine self-help literature for parents as one of the agents in the parenthood professionalization process. Handbooks published for parents represent one part of an expert knowledge system that has been adapted for mass readers and contains criticism of everyday and conventional ideas about childcare. On the basis of methodology used to assess the popularity of books, such as the number of published copies, readership levels on parent Internet-forums and the evaluation of sealed copies by vendors, a sample of fifteen Russian books was formed. Employing the use of discourse analysis, the meaning behind the responsibility zones of experts and parents is reconstructed in these popular books. The authors found and conceptualized three types of parent professionalization in these books. Firstly, there is professionalization based on individual experience, which prioritize individual, often biologically defined, care practices as the basis of knowledge about the child. This corresponds to the institutionalized, standard expert view of a 'normal child'. Secondly, we found professionalization based on expert knowledge. This type of professionalization is found in books where the experts are prior agents in signifying parenting practices. Parent's specific knowledge and everyday understandings are ignored or presented as harmful and dangerous for child. The knowledge and practices of childcare are medicalized and related to treatment and hygiene. Thirdly, there is professionalization based on 'common sense'. This type of professionalization is based on critical reflection that parents should undertake, both in relation to the expert's advice and everyday notions about good childcare. In conclusion, we consider why these three types of professionalization are popular in a Russian context. It can be argued that the current neo-liberal trend in social policy strengthens the demand for parents handbooks.


Solid dispersions are commonly used to overcome bioavailability issues of poorly water soluble drugs. Various preparation methods along with carrier systems have been used to develop solid dispersions. However, this study investigates the application of microwave heating methods in formulation development alongside associated analytical investigations.

Formulations of poorly soluble drugs, namely, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, ibuprofen (+) S and phenylbutazone were prepared using a microwave technique and compared with standard formulation techniques. Mesoporous silicas and polyethylene glycol were used as excipients. Then in vitro dissolution analysis was carried out for the performance evaluation of the resultant formulations. It was found that effective products were produced as a result of microwave processing compared with the traditional techniques. Analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ((FTIR) were employed to determine the solid state properties, i.e. thermal stability, crystalline state, physical appearance and chemical stability of developed formulations. The overall findings indicate that successful formulation can be achieved using microwave heating.

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to probe the interactions of model drugs, namely, caffeine, diprophylline, etofylline, paracetamol and theophylline with excipients such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) and PEG. Thermodynamic data suggests the successful use of ITC to investigate drug-excipient interactions. In summary, the potential of microwave heating in formulation development and ITC to characterise drug-excipient interactions was thoroughly investigated and both found as potential alternatives to more traditional techniques.


This article describes an approach for designing various low-cost, fault-tolerant uniprocessor applications using a multiprocessor. The proposed software-based fault-tolerant model is an economic and effective solution towards tolerating transients and intermittent faults that may occur during the run time of a multiprocessor application system. In this article, the proposed technique adopts the strategy of defensive programming based on time redundancy. This article focuses on protecting an application from faults by running multiple copies of the application on a shared-memory multiprocessor. It saves the costs of developing various independent versions of an application program. This is a significant step towards designing a reliable system at a low cost.


This paper proposes a qualification method of a point cloud created by SfM (Structure-from-Motion) software. Recently, SfM software is popular for creating point clouds. Point clouds created by SfM Software seems to be correct, but in many cases, the result does not have correct scale, or does not have correct coordinates in reference coordinate system, and in these cases it is hard to evaluate the quality of the point clouds. To evaluate this correctness of the point clouds, we propose to use the difference between point clouds with different source of images. If the shape of the point clouds with different source of images is correct, two shapes of different source might be almost same. To compare the two or more shapes of point cloud, iterative-closest-point (ICP) is implemented. Transformation parameters (rotation and translation) are iteratively calculated so as to minimize sum of squares of distances. This paper describes the procedure of the evaluation and some test results.


A case of localized tracheal aspergillosis in 6 1/2-week-old single-comb white leghorn pullets caused by Aspergillus flavus is documented. Yellow caseous plaques adherent to the mucosal surface of the tracheas were observed grossly. In several tracheas, the plaques occluded the lumina, and the surrounding tracheal walls were reddened. Histologically, the mucosa was necrotic and infiltrated with macrophages, and fibroplasia was evident in the subadjacent tracheal wall. The lumen of the trachea was almost completely occluded by a combination of fungal mycelia and pyogranulomatous exudate. Portions of tracheal cartilage were elevated into the lumen of the trachea. Other than a sudden increase in mortality to 0.5% per day, there was no evidence of disease in the flock. Depletion of bursal lymphocytes, with concomitant cryptosporidiosis, was evident on histological examination. Acute infectious bursal disease was diagnosed in the succeeding flock at this ranch based upon serology and typical histology.


Although paracetamol is recommended as first line pharmacological therapy for mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees, it is deemed to be not as efficacious as other pharmacological agents. One of the reasons could be due to poor adherence and persistence to therapy. This study examines the efficacy of the early response and the response after four weeks to paracetamol in mild to moderate OA of the knees in daily clinical practice. This is an open label study. Consecutive patients with mild to moderate OA of the knees were given 1.3 grams extended-release paracetamol three times per day for 4 weeks. Pain based on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) v3 VAS osteoathritis index was used as a measure of efficacy. Serial liver and renal profiles were done for safety monitoring. An early assessment of efficacy was done at week 1 and a later at the end of 4 weeks of therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was a 30 reduction in global pain score at week 4 compared to baseline Analysis was done using the SPSS Version 18. Thirty patients entered the study. 73.3 were females. Mean age, BMI and duration of OA was 58.5years (SD +/- 6.9), 28.1 kg/m2 (SD +/- 6.4) 22.8 (SD +/- 32.2) months respectively. The mean VAS WOMAC at baseline for pain was 35.4mm (SD +/- 17.5). At the end of the first week of therapy, there was no difference in the WOMAC pain score compared to baseline. (95 CI -0.54-12.1, p=0.07). However by the end of 4 weeks there was a statistically significant 46.6 (95 CI 27.6-72.6, p<0.001) reduction in global pain compared to baseline. An absolute reduction of 16.5mm in global pain (95 CI 9.9-23.0, p<0.001) compared to baseline was also seen. No serious adverse events were encountered. Paracetamol used to treat OA of the knees is not efficacious in the first week of therapy. However persistence with therapy for a further three weeks results in significant reduction in pain. Therefore every effort should be made to ensure persistence with the recommended full four weeks of treatment. Chia Yook Chin, Rabia Khartoum, Mohazmi Mohamed, Nik Sherina Hanafi, Ng Chirk Jenn. Evidence for Persisting with Treatment with Paracetamol in Patients with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis of the Knees. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):1131-1137]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 157


Gamma irradiation is a well-known method for sterilizing different foodstuffs, including fresh cow milk. Many studies witness that the low dose irradiation of milk and milk products affects the fractions of the milk protein, thus reducing its allergenic effect and make it potentially appropriate for people with milk allergy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the gamma radiation dose and size of the protein fractions, as potential approach to decrease the allergenic effect of the milk. In this paper, an approach for prediction of the dose in gamma irradiated products by using a Bayesian regularized neural network as a mean to save recourses for expensive electrophoretic experiments, is developed. The efficiency of the proposed neural network model is proved on data for two dairy products – lyophilized cow milk and curd.


Regional inequalities represent a continuing development challenge in most countries, especially those with large geographic areas. Globalization heightens these challenges because it places a premium on skills: since rich regions typically also have better educated and better skilled labor, the gulf between rich and poor regions widens. While central governments in unitary states are relatively unconstrained in their choice of policies for reducing regional disparities, in a federation the division of powers curtails federal flexibility in policy choice. Thus in federal states large regional disparities can represent serious threats, with the state's inability to deal with such inequities creating potential for disunity and, in extreme cases, for disintegration. Inequalities beyond a threshold may lead to calls for separation by both the richest and the poorest regions. While the poorest regional may consider the inequalities a manifestation of regional injustice, the richest regions may view the union with the poorest regions as holding them back in their drive toward prosperity. Under these circumstances, there is a presumption in development economics that decentralized fiscal arrangements would lead to ever widening regional inequalities. The authors provide an empirical test of this hypothesis. The authors conclude that regional development policies have failed in almost all countries, federal and unitary alike. Among 10 countries with high or substantial regional income inequality, only one (Thailand) has experienced convergence in regional incomes. Still, federal countries do better in restraining regional inequalities, because of the greater political risk these disparities pose for such countries. The authors classify countries by degree of convergence in regional incomes: a) Countries experiencing regional income divergence - Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Romania, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. b) Countries experiencing no significant change in regional income variation - Canada and Mexico. c) Countries experiencing regional income convergence - Chile, Pakistan, Thailand, the United States, and Uzbekistan. Regional development outcomes observed in these countries provide a revealing look at the impact of regional development policies. While countries experiencing divergence tend to focus on interventionist policies, those experiencing convergence have taken a hands-off approach to regional development and instead focused on promoting an economic union by removing barriers to factor mobility and ensuring minimum standards in basic services across the nation. In Chile, for example, convergence in regional incomes is largely attributable to liberalizing the economy and removing distortions so that regions could discover their own comparative advantage. In Pakistan and the United States convergence is attributable to greater factor mobility. Paradoxically, creating a level playing field helps disadvantaged regions more than do paternalistic protectionist policies.


reported in a similar study on cemented UKA. DESIGN: A case-series cross-sectional study. SETTING: The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax. PATIENTS: Fifty-one patients who underwent a total of 57 UKAs between May 1989 and May 1997. Inclusion criteria were osteoarthritis involving the predominantly the medial compartment of the knee, relative sparing of the other compartments, less than 15° of varus, minimal knee instability, and attendance at the postoperative clinical visit. INTERVENTION: Cementless UKA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical parameters that included pain, range of motion and the Knee Society Clinical Knee Score. Roentgenographic parameters that included α, β, γ and σ angles and the presence of periprosthetic radiolucency or loose beads. RESULTS: Age, weight, gender and follow-up interval did not significantly affect the clinical results in terms of pain, range of motion or knee score. Knees with more than 1 mm of radiolucency had significantly lower knee scores than those with no radiolucency. Knees that radiologically had loose beads also had significantly lower knee scores. The clinical outcomes of cementless UKA were comparable to those already reported on cemented UKA. Cementless femurs had less radiolucency than the cemented femurs, whereas cementless tibias had more radiolucency than their cemented counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Cementless UKA seems to be as efficacious as cemented UKA. However, there is some concern about the amount of radiolucency in the cementless tibial components. A randomized clinical trial comparing both cementless and cemented tibial components with a cementless femur (hybrid knee) is needed to further assess this controversial issue in UKA.


Pecan (Carya cathayensis) is an important economic crop, and its hydrolyzed peptides have been evidenced to reduce the effect of oxidative stress due to their antioxidant capacity. Hence, the protocols of ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography were established to obtain bioactive peptides from by-products of C. cathayensis (pecan cake). As measured by DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging, the peptides with less molecular weight (MW) possess higher antioxidant capacity. PCPH-III (MW < 3 kDa) presented higher radical scavenging capacity than PCPH-II (3 kDa < MW < 10 kDa) and PCPH-I (MW > 10 kDa) measured by DPPH (IC50: 111.0 μg/ mL) and measured by ABTs (IC50: 402.9 μg/mL). The secondary structure and amino acid composition varied by their MW, in which PCPH-II contained more α-helices (26.71%) and β-sheets (36.96%), PCPH-III contained higher ratios of β-turns (36.87%), while the composition of different secondary of PCPH-I was even 25 ± 5.76%. The variation trend of α-helix and random experienced slightly varied from PCPH-I to PCPH-II, while significantly decreased from PCPH-II to PCPH-III. The increasing antioxidant capacity is followed by the content of proline, and PCPH-III had the highest composition (8.03%). With regard to the six peptides identified by LC-MS/MS, two of them (VYGYADK and VLFSNY) showed stronger antioxidant capacity than others. In silico molecular docking demonstrated their combining abilities with a transcription factor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and speculated that they inhibit oxidative stress through activating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway. Meanwhile, increased activity of SOD and CAT—antioxidant markers—were found in H2O2-induced cells. The residue of tyrosine was demonstrated to contribute the most antioxidant capacity of VYGYADK and its position affected less. This study provided a novel peptide screening and by-product utilization process that can be applied in natural product developments.


A new antibacterial with two reactive groups was synthesized from isothiazolin-3-one and characterized by 1H-NMR and ESI-MS. Through the orthogonal experiments the optimal finishing process was got, that was bath ratio 1:20, Na2SO4 20 g/L, NaHCO315 g/L, T1:60°C, T2:70°C, t1:10 min, t2:20 min, t3:30 min (as shown in fig.1). The antibacterial evaluations of treated cotton fabrics showed that the antibacterial rates for Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus were 95.64% and 97.83% respectively, and 88.13% and 90.05% respectively after 30 washing cycles. The results indicated that the treated fabric had excellent antibacterial performance and washing durability.


Objective: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern with negative effects on perioperative period but is usually ignored. The objectives of this study are to identify the preoperative anxiety levels of surgical patients and to evaluate the associated factors affecting this level. Methods: One hundred volunteer patients scheduled for elective surgery were included the study. Data were collected by using "Personal Information Form "and "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I". Evaluations were based on a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The percentage of female to male patients was 48% and 52%. The mean anxiety levels of both gender were 42.46 ± 8.95 and 42.10 ± 9.49 respectively (p=0.85). There was no difference between females and males in terms of anxiety. Age, occupational condition, marital status, and education level was not found as determinant factors on preoperative anxiety levels. Male individuals of large families were more anxious than the others, but this difference was not significant (p=0.11). Previous surgical experience was not a predictive factor for preoperative anxiety. The anxiety level was significantly high in men using cigarette and alcohol (p<0.01). Fear, apprehension, and stress was highly related with high level of anxiety, but insecurity and inexperience were not a predicting factor. The anxiety levels of cool patients were significantly lower than the others (p<0.01). Conclusions: Preoperative anxiety is a multifactorial issue and must be good handled. The aim must be based on reduction strategies. It must be considered that preoperative information is the best way to decrease preoperative anxiety.


Despite a wide range of feature detectors developed in the computer vision community over the years, direct application of these techniques to surgical navigation has shown significant difficulties due to the paucity of reliable salient features coupled with free--form tissue deformation and changing visual appearance of surgical scenes. The aim of this paper is to propose a novel probabilistic framework to track affine-invariant anisotropic regions under contrastingly different visual appearances during Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). The theoretical background of the affine-invariant anisotropic feature detector is presented and a real-time implementation exploiting the computational power of the GPU is proposed. An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) parameterization scheme is used to adaptively adjust the optimal templates of the detected regions, enabling accurate identification and matching of the tracked features. For effective tracking verification, spatial context and region similarity have also been incorporated. They are used to boost the prediction of the EKF and recover potential tracking failure due to drift or false positives. The proposed framework is compared to the existing methods and their respective performance is evaluated with in vivo video sequences recorded from robotic-assisted MIS procedures, as well as real-world scenes.


The aim of this article is to introduce a conceptual, integrative model of the adaptation of teams in high risk environments. The model is a combination of previous theoretical frameworks of adaptation and task execution, with the aim of providing a comprehensive model for understanding team adaptation specific to high risk environments. We give equal importance to adaptation as an input, a mediator, and an outcome by putting it in an Input-Mediator-Outcome model, although we further wish to emphasize the relevance of team cognition in team adaptation. In addition, we aim to highlight that, depending on the trigger and the already existing characteristics of the team, adaptation might either follow an algorithm-based or a knowledge-based pattern.


Philosophy teachers owe their students a little more than mere formal instruction of topics popular in philosophy. What they owe their students is largely influenced by philosophy's claims to be a discipline that is principally dedicated to the study and fostering of wisdom. Therefore, there is an obligation to be wise on the part of philosophy teachers so that they can deliver that wisdom. A big part of this would involve a sort of transformation in knowledge and character that the teachers themselves must go through as a result of engaging in philosophy. Such transformation will not only show in ways that philosophers live their private lives, as wise people, but will certainly show in the topics they teach their students and how they help their students to wisely respond to their environment through an enlightened, relevant and empowering curriculum. If philosophers fail at this task, they will only dispatch fragmented pieces of information about philosophical topics and method that are of no use to their students. If philosophers are unable to see the shortcomings of this approach, then they can just as well count themselves unfit to be called (wise) teachers but technical philosophers. The fees must fall and Rhodes must fall movement coupled with demands for decolonisation, caught philosophers underprepared for such demands from students. Hence, in this article, I seek to examine the legitimate demands for transformation of the curriculum and how philosophical instruction in the country contributed to this protest, which eventually was caricatured in some sections as unreasonable. I argue that beyond what appears as unreasonable demands by students, there is an obligation by philosophy teachers to be responsible and responsive to the students' context in what they teach.