Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and ranks the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide. India is the highest TB burden country accounting for more than one fifth of the global burden of tuberculosis. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Objective: The objective of the current study was to find out about the socio-demographic profile of the TB patients registered under RNTCP in district Bareilly.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on TB patients registered during 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2016 under RNTCP for DOTS in Bareilly. Purposive sampling was done, 10 DMCs were selected in district Bareilly in which a total of 2010 TB patients were interviewed.
Result and Conclusion: In the present cross-sectional study, total 2010 TB patients were interviewed, in which maximum number i.e. 489 (24.3%) of the study subjects belonged to the age group of less than 20 years, 1119 (55.7%) were male, 1050 (55.9%) were from urban population, Hindu by religion 1123 (55.9%), OBC caste 1403 (69.8%), married 1358 (67.6%), educated up to primary class 704 (35%), unskilled worker 769 (38.3%) and 777 (38.7%) were from nuclear family.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, RNTCP, DOTS


Humans recognize optical reflectance properties of surfaces such as metal, plastic, or paper from a single image without knowledge of illumination. We develop a machine vision system to perform similar recognition tasks automatically. Reflectance estimation under unknown, arbitrary illumination proves highly underconstrained due to the variety of potential illumination distributions and surface reflectance properties. We have found that the spatial structure of real-world illumination possesses some of the statistical regularities observed in the natural image statistics literature. A human or computer vision system may be able to exploit this prior information to determine the most likely surface reflectance given an observed image. We develop an algorithm for reflectance classification under unknown real-world illumination, which learns relationships between surface reflectance and certain features (statistics) computed from a single observed image. We also develop an automatic feature selection method.


This paper deals with an intelligent inspection system, capable of combining intensity- and range-data in order to solve inspection tasks in the area of non-tactile, three-dimensional coordinate-measurement and object-recognition. The two sensors, i.e. a laser range-finder (triangulation system) and a CCD-camera are mounted on a four-axis displacement-set, which consists of stepper-motor-driven high-precision translation and rotary stages. Intensity-data coming from the camera's CCD-sensor is segmented by performing edge-detection and Kalman-filter-based contour-tracking. The segmentation result is compressed by approximating the extracted contours by a sequence of linear and circular geometric features. This symbolic edge description enables the system to classify both objects and features on their surface very rapidly, because the recognition task is reduced to scanning the scene for a small number of geometric features. The edge description is used to guide the laser range-finder to interesting areas visible in the scene, leading to a significant saving of time required for range sensing, i.e. for the 3D-inspection task in general. Because the sensor data integration heavily depends on the quality of the sensor models, the paper depicts important measurement errors and uncertainties introduced by camera and range-finder.


SUMMARY To determine the regional shear wave velocities in the lithosphere it is frequently necessary to use two-station dispersion curves. We investigate the influence of non-plane wave energy on such dispersion curves, and compare them to two other better known sources of error: deviations from great-circle paths and uncorrelated noise. To study the influence of nonplane waves created from distant heterogeneities we create complex wavefields in a laterally homogeneous medium by adding interfering waves to a main plane wave. We then calculate the apparent phase velocity between two seismic stations located 100–400 km apart. Using realistic values for the sources of error, we conclude that the contribution of each is similar for 200-km-long profiles. Our conclusions on non-plane waves are made under the assumption that non-plane energy from distant heterogeneities varies randomly with hypocentre location. If this is correct, then only five to 10 events with different hypocentres are required to obtain a stable dispersion curve with less than 1 per cent error. The influence of uncorrelated noise and non-plane waves diminish for longer profiles, while the errors due to great-circle deviations are independent of profile length and systematically bias the dispersion curve to higher velocities. We recommend the inclusion of some off-profile broad-band stations for surface wave studies on a regional scale, because such supplementary stations make it possible to apply first-order corrections for off great-circle propagation. The strong influence from the different sources of error, combined with our lack of precise knowledge of the nature and amplitude of non-plane energy, implies that the interpretation of two-station measurements should be restricted to major changes in regional earth structure.


Caching is a key technique for improving data retrieval performance of mobile clients in mobile environments. The emergence of robust and reliable peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies now brings to reality what we call "cooperative caching" in which mobile clients can access data items from the cache in their neighboring peers. This paper considers a COoperative CAching scheme for mobile systems, called COCA. A cache signature scheme is devised for COCA that provides hints for the mobile clients to determine whether a required data item is cached by their neighboring peers based on their local state. The trade-off between the improvement in system performance and the overheads of the cache signature scheme in COCA is discussed. The performance of COCA with and without the cache signature scheme is evaluated through a number of simulated experiments. COCA is shown to be capable of effectively reducing the number of server requests and power consumption, as well as shortening the access latency as the number of neighboring peers increases. The inclusion of cache signature scheme further improves on the access latency.


Why do some governments--both in different countries and in regions within those countries--employ more workers than others? Existing theories focus on the level of economic development, political redistribution, and social insurance. But they raise additional puzzles and do not account for all evidence or for a global trend toward decentralization of public employment. The authors propose a new theory, inspired by Russia's recent experience, that locates one motive for subnational public employment growth in a political and fiscal game between central and subnational governments. In countries with weak legal systems, local and regional officials may deliberately set their employment levels beyond their fiscal capacity, prompting bailouts from the central government, which fears the political cost to it if wage arrears accumulate and provoke strikes. The authors model the logic of such brinkmanship, derive several propositions, and show that they--and the model's assumptions--fit empirical evidence from Russia in the 1990s. Deficiencies of that country's overstaffed, underequipped, irregularly paid, ineffective, and strike-prone public sector appear to result in part from a system of dysfunctional incentives created by the interaction of electoral pressures with the system of fiscal federalism. The authors suggest parallels with Latin American countries such as Argentina and Brazil.


Hydrocarbon drops impacting on a flat solid surface were experimentally and computationally studied to identify the key issues in the dynamics of drop spreading. Three hydrocarbon liquids were tested: diesel, methanol and glycerin. The evolutions of dynamic contact angle and spreading diameter were measured at each time step after impact from the recorded images. Two distinguishable regimes were observed during the evolutions: an initial kinetic regime followed by a spreading regime. While the kinetic regime could be accurately predicted with a single static contact angle (SCA) model, in this work, a general empirical expression (in terms of the Ohnesorge number) was constructed that accurately describe the spreading regime. The transition threshold, from the kinetic regime to the spreading regime, follows with a power law, changing as a function of Reynolds number. In addition to the experimental investigations, the drop spreading process was studied numerically with a volume-of-fluid (VOF) approach. Based on these investigations, a new combined static contact angle-dynamic contact angle (SCA-DCA) model was proposed and applied to compute the hydrocarbon drop spreading process. The predicted time-dependent drop shapes agree well, within 5% of both previously published results and the experimental data presented here, while previous models showed at least a 10% deviation from the experiments. This proposed model also avoids the requirement for experimental measurement with specific fluids and only requires the general fluid properties. An added benefit of this methodology is that the computational cost is greatly reduced compared with the existing (full DCA-based) models. To broaden the applicable range of this new model, water drop spreading on the solid surface was also studied. It was concluded that this model could predict the liquid drop spreading on a flat smooth solid surface (clean glass) with the range of (0.001) (0.1) Oh O O   , (1) (100) We O O   , Re (10) (1000) O O   .


Objective Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) as the major glucose transporter present in human cells is found overexpressed in a proportion of human malignancies. This meta-analysis is attempted to assess the prognostic significance of GLUT-1 for survival in various cancers. Materials and Methods We conducted an electronic search using the databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, from inception to Oct 20th, 2016. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Fourty-one studies with a total of 4794 patients were included. High GLUT-1 expression was significantly associated with poorer prognosis [overall survival: HR = 1.833 (95% CI: 1.597–2.069, P < 0.0001); disease-free survival: HR = 1.838 (95% CI: 1.264–2.673, P < 0.0001); progression-free survival: HR = 2.451 (95% CI: 1.668–3.233, P < 0.0001); disease specific survival: HR = 1.96 (95% CI: 1.05–2.871, P < 0.0001)]. Conclusions High GLUT-1 expression may be an independent prognostic marker to predict poor survival in various types of cancers. Further clinical trials with high quality need to be conducted to confirm our conclusion.


Paper presents the overall scope and actual results of the project for evaluation of representative scenarios for reuse of conditionally released materials from decommissioning. Aim of the project is to evaluate the possibilities of reuse of conditionally released steels and concrete in technical constructions which guarantee the long-term preservation of design properties over periods of 50–100 years. Interaction of conditionally released materials with public is limited and predictable due to design and purpose of selected constructions and due to fact that in many scenarios these materials are embedded in non-radioactive materials such as bars in reinforced concrete. Worker's scenarios for preparation, operation and maintenance of these constructions are analysed in detail including the manufacturing of elements for these constructions. Project aims to evaluate the scenarios of reuse of conditionally released materials in a complex way in order to develop the data for designers of scenarios and to evaluate the volumes of conditionally released materials based on facility (to be decommissioned) inventory data. The long-term constructions considered are bridges, tunnels, roads, railway constructions, industrial buildings, power industry equipment and others. Evaluation covers following areas: • Analysis of activities for manufacturing of reinforcement bars, rolled steel sheets and other steel elements and analysis of activities for construction of evaluated scenarios in order to evaluate the external exposure of professionals performing these activities; • Analysis of external exposure of professionals involved in operation and maintenance of the long-term constructions; analysis of external exposure of public groups which are exposed to evaluated constructions; • Analysis of internal exposure of public groups from the radionuclides released from the evaluated scenarios based on models for migration of radionuclides from the long-term constructions to critical groups of public; • Based on evaluation of external and internal exposure both for public and workers, maximal concentration of individual radionuclides is defined for construction elements of evaluated scenarios, manufactured from conditionally released materials; • Evaluation of volumes of steels and concrete in the frame of a decommissioning project which fulfil the defined radioactivity concentration limits. Visiplan 4.0 3D ALARA software is used for evaluation of external exposure of professionals and public, GOLDSIM software for evaluation of internal exposure of public and OMEGA code for evaluation of volumes of conditionally releasable materials. Several other parallel papers proposed for ICEM 11 are presenting selected details of the project.Copyright © 2011 by ASME


In addition to inhibiting the cyclooxygenasemediated biosynthesis of prostanoids, various widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) enhance endocannabinoid signaling by blocking the anandamidedegrading membrane enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The X-ray structure of FAAH in complex with the NSAID carprofen, along with studies of site-directed mutagenesis, enzyme activity assays, and nuclear magnetic resonance, now reveal the molecular details of this interaction, providing information that may guide the design of dual FAAH-cyclooxygenase inhibitors with superior analgesic efficacy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), one of the most widely used classes of therapeutic agents, alleviate pain and inflammation 1 by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2, 2 which catalyze the conversion of membrane-derived arachidonic acid into the prostaglandin endoperoxides, PGG2 and PGH2. 3 This reaction is the first committed step in the biosynthesis of the prostanoids, 4 lipid messengers that cause pain and inflammation by engaging G protein–coupled receptors present on the surface of innate-immune and neural cells. 5 Evidence indicates that the analgesic actions of the NSAIDs are enhanced in a synergistic manner by drugs that inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), 6 a serine enzyme responsible for the deactivation of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist anandamide. 7 By increasing anandamide levels, FAAH inhibitors 8 heighten the ability of this compound to control emerging nociceptive


Atmospheric inversions allow us to estimate the terrestrial carbon sink by combining atmospheric observations with atmospheric transport models. However, these inverse estimates remain highly uncertain. Here we quantify uncertainties in simulations of North American atmospheric CO2 concentrations using a probabilistic approach. We demonstrate that uncertainty in fossil fuel emissions is a key factor in the uncertainty surrounding biospheric flux estimates. We show that atmospheric transport uncertainties in state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather models diminish when averaged over time, while uncertainties in large‐scale CO2 boundary inflow considerably impair our ability to quantify regional fluxes. Current estimates of the North America land sink that neglect the uncertainties in CO2 boundary inflow and fossil fuel emissions are likely overconfident. Our findings suggest that targeted use of new atmospheric observations and improved quantification of uncertainty components are a promising avenue to improve atmospheric inversions with the goal to refine estimates of biospheric CO2 fluxes on regional and continental scales.


: The cardiovascular effects of medetomidine were evaluated in conscious spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats, anaesthetized normotensive rats and cats, and in the cardiovascular system of the pithed rat. The drug proved to be a highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist in the cardiovascular system of pithed rats so that both its pre and postsynaptic actions could be antagonized by atipamezole but not by prazosin. Medetomidine showed high stereoselectivity, the pharmacologically active enantiomer being dexmedetomidine. Medetomidine was bradycardic and, after an initial increase in blood pressure, hypotensive in anaesthetized and conscious rats and in anaesthetized cats. The mechanism is activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors since atipamezole efficiently antagonized the hypotensive and bradycardic action of medetomidine in anaesthetized cats. Finally, it was observed that atropine was not efficient in antagonizing the medetomidine-induced bradycardic response in anaesthetized rats.


Conference: Proceedings of the conference MOL2NET International Conference on Multidisciplinary Sciences (4th edition), 2018 is part of a year-round worldwide conference series hosted by MDPI Sciforum, Basel, Switzerland. This conference series has had organized more than 20 associated workshop series in universities worldwide: USA, France, Portugal, Spain, China, Chile, Brazil, India, etc. These workshop series run in person and/or online. Some of these workshops are the SRI-10 St Thomas University (STU)- Miami Dade College (MDC), Miami, USA; USINEWS-02 University of Minnesota, USA; BIOCHEMPHYS-01 CNAM, Paris, France; WCUCW, West Coast University, Miami, USA; IWMEDIC UDC, Coruna, Spain, LAWSCI-02, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain, etc. Workshops allow both in person and/or online only publication of papers, research highlights of previous papers, letters, short reviews, etc. Topics: The topics are multidisciplinary covering, but not limited to, Chemistry (All areas), Physics, Biology, Ecology, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Education, Nanotechnology, Materials, Computational, Complex Networks, Legal, and Social sciences, etc. Statistics: This edition hosted >10 workshops that attracted >300 communications submitted by >700 authors. We organized 7 special issues published in JCR journals (MDPI editorial) such as Molecules, Entropy, and Appl. Sci. We also organized 3 bootcamps, hand-training, or capstone courses in MDC, Miami, WCU Miami, and UPV/EHU Bilbao. Proceedings Book: The present book of proceedings have been released in two versions. The first is a short version without communications including links to online versions of all communications (only 94 pages). The second one is the long version including full text of all communications and abstracts (2985 pages). Download short version from MDPI AG Sciforum publisher link: https://sciforum.net/paper/view/conference/6143. We released long versiong to Researchgate public repository: https://www.researchgate.net/project/Mol2Net-conf-series. Thank you very much to all colleagues for your kind support.


Conditions for polymerase chain-reaction amplification of ten exon regions (Exons 3, 7, 11 through 13, and 15 through 19) of the collagen COL4A5 gene and four exon regions (Exons 2, and 12 through 14) of the COL4A6 gene were sequenced and established in this study. These Type IV collagen genes contain 51 and 48 exons, respectively. The sequences of these exons were determined in the two genes in 250 male patients with hematuria and suspected Alport syndrome. Seventeen mutations were found in nine of the ten exons studied in the COL4A5 gene in 17 patients, whereas no mutations were identified in COL4A6. One mutation was identical in two patients known to be unrelated. The results indicate that mutations in COL4A5 that leading to renal failure are more frequent than those involved in classic Alport syndrome, and also that mutations in COL4A6 are not likely to cause this disease. Furthermore, mutations in COL4A5 are distributed quite randomly and no "hot spots" were found.


Racially Writing the Republic: Racists, Race Rebels, and Transformations of American Identity. Edited by Bruce Baum and Duchess Harris. (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2009. Pp. x, 330. Cloth, $84.95; Paper, $23.95.)A Faithful Account of the Race: African American Historical Writing in Nineteenth- Century America. By Stephen G. Hall. (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2009. Pp. xv, 334. Cloth, $65.00; Paper, $22.95.)Reviewed by Robert S. LevineThe two books under review share an interest in the crucial role of race in American history. Baum and Harris's edited collection traces racial conflict and ideologies from the early national period to the election of Obama; Hall provides an account of nineteenth-century African American historians' efforts to make sense of these conflicts and ideologies from ancient times to their present moment. Both books offer important insights on race and American history, though Baum and Harris's volume would have profited from a more nuanced approach to racial conflict and to ideologies of race itself.The fourteen essays in Racially Writing the Republic (five of which focus on the pre- 1865 period) explore what the editors call "the debasing role of 'race' and racism in the development of American political thought and national identity" (2). For Baum and Harris, American political history can be understood in terms of a conflict between "canonical thinkers" (4), who are invariably "white, and generally racist" (5), and the "race rebels" (4), or "brave souls" (2), invariably nonwhite, who resist white racism and inspire us, as George Lipsitz puts it in his Afterword, to address our own challenge of "Racially Righting the Republic" (281). There is of course considerable truth to the editors' vision. Slavery and freedom were intertwined in the minds of Jefferson and other founders, and as essays in this collection clearly show, racism can be found even among those who espouse democratic beliefs. But in the overall volume, there are relatively few considerations of conflict and division within particular individuals, white or black, and scant consideration of the fluidity of race. Historical continuity rather than contingency guides the overall collection. Harris's and Baum's own contribution, "Jefferson's Legacies: Racial Intimacies and American Identity," adds little to the recent work of Annette Gordon-Reed on Jefferson and Hemings, and insists instead on the trajectory running from Jefferson to Strom Thurmond. Harris and Baum conclude their essay by calling on white America to offer reparations to black America, but overlook how notions of "white" and "black" become destabilized through interracial sexuality. Moreover, as their volume makes clear, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos have also experienced racial injustice.Although there is much to learn from all of the essays, some are more tendentious than others. Catherine Holland argues that "Lincoln's turn to Jefferson also entailed an embrace of Jefferson's white nationalism" (99). Without taking account of diachronic unfolding (and the possibility of change), Holland maintains that even when Lincoln appeared to imagine possibilities for blacks in the United States, he "embodied an American liberalism that found coherence only through the displacement of racial equality" (100). In this volume, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Samuel Gompers, whose anti-Chinese racism is discussed by Gwendolyn Mink (in an essay drawn from her 1986 Old Labor and New Immigrants in American Political Development), are basically all of a piece. The "race rebels" are similarly flattened in some essays, most of which deal with post-Civil war America figures, such as Sara Winnemuca, W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida ?. Wells Barnettt, and Carlos Bulosan. Jerry Thompson provides an interesting biographical sketch of the Mexican rebel Juan Nepomuceno Cortina (1824-1894), who resorted to violence to challenge U.S. imperial rule along the Rio Grande, though I'm not fully convinced that the illiterate Cortina imagined his actions as an attack on "a racist system" (86). …


This paper considers the use of cubic splines, instead of polynomials, to represent the static nonlinearities in block structured models. It introduces a system identification algorithm for the Hammerstein structure, a static nonlinearity followed by a linear filter, where cubic splines represent the static nonlinearity and the linear dynamics are modeled using a finite impulse response filter. The algorithm uses a separable least squares Levenberg-Marquardt optimization to identify Hammerstein cascades whose nonlinearities are modeled by either cubic splines or polynomials. These algorithms are compared in simulation, where the effects of variations in the input spectrum and distribution, and those of the measurement noise are examined. The two algorithms are used to fit Hammerstein models to stretch reflex electromyogram (EMG) data recorded from a spinal cord injured patient. The model with the cubic spline nonlinearity provides more accurate predictions of the reflex EMG than the polynomial based model, even in novel data.


The introduction of Kinect-style RGB-D cameras has dramatically revolutionized robotics research in a very short span. However, despite their low cost and excellent indoor performance in comparison with other competing technologies, they face some basic limitations which prevent their use in outdoor environments. Perhaps for the first time, we report an outdoor application of Kinect-style cameras in a robotics application. We report the use of benchmark RGB-D SLAM algorithm in a land-mine detection application. We argue that due to the slow nature of mine-detection tasks, basic limitations of RGB-D outdoor performance are overcome or gracefully negotiated. We report results from extensive experimentation in a variety of terrains & lighting conditions for three different types of robots.


Increasingly complex and autonomous systems require machine ethics to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks to society arising from the new technology. It is challenging to decide which type of ethical theory to employ and how to implement it effectively. This survey provides a threefold contribution. First, it introduces a trimorphic taxonomy to analyze machine ethics implementations with respect to their object (ethical theories), as well as their nontechnical and technical aspects. Second, an exhaustive selection and description of relevant works is presented. Third, applying the new taxonomy to the selected works, dominant research patterns, and lessons for the field are identified, and future directions for research are suggested.


The plaguing plaques of progressive nodular nonLangerhans histiocytosis M. Hunjan, P. Boesch and A. Mehta Solihull Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust; College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham; and Corbett Hospital, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK A 92-year-old woman was referred by her general practitioner to a rapid-access plastic surgery skin cancer clinic with a lesion on the right side of her neck suspicious for cutaneous malignancy. She gave a few-years' history of an increasing number of multiple, annular, indurated lesions on her scalp and neck that were increasing in size. The lesions were completely asymptomatic. Her past medical history included hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and IgG lambda paraproteinaemia. Clinically, there were foul-smelling yellow, waxy plaques over her left occiput and the right side of her neck. The initial impression was that these were ulcerated basal cell carcinomas. She had no palpable lymphadenopathy. She was booked in to have incisional biopsies from each of the lesions. The biopsy showed a spindle-cell proliferation through the full thickness of the dermis. These cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm, vesicular nuclei, thin nuclear membrane and nuclear folds. There were also multinucleated giant cells, some of Touton type. There were scattered small lymphocytes. Foci of necrobiosis were noted. There were scattered mitoses and apoptosis. Ziehl–Neelsen and periodic acid–Schiff stains were negative. Lesional cells were positive for CD4 and CD68. Langerhans cell immunochemistry was negative. Features were consistent with non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis-progressive nodular type. Non-Langerhans histiocytosis compromises a spectrum of diseases, of which progressive nodular histiocytosis (PNH) is one. It predominately affects those in their twenties and thirties. Patients usually present with multiple yellowish–brown papulonodules, which vary in size, affecting the head, neck, limbs and trunk, and can be cosmetically disfiguring. The lesions tend to be asymptomatic; however, there has been an isolated report of fatal laryngeal involvement. Although not typically associated with underlying conditions, there have been reports of PNH associated with Earle disease and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized histologically by a diffuse infiltrate of spindleshaped histiocytes, admixed with xanthomatized histiocytes and Touton giant cells, in the dermis. In addition, lesional cells stain positively for CD4 and CD68, and Langerhans immunochemistry is negative. PNH is a very rare entity with a progressive, although largely benign, course. Spontaneous resolution has yet to be reported. Treatment should be guided by the extent of disease and patient preference. Therapeutic options include surgical excision and methotrexate, to help slow down progression of disease. DP08 Leprosy unmasked by COVID-19 infection: a new diagnosis of leprosy with development of type 1 reversal reaction E. Keeling, S. Nestor, T. Fitzgerald, A. Alani and A. Murphy Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland The global incidence of leprosy (or Hansen disease) is falling, but the disease can still present in the most unexpected places. Leprosy can be difficult to diagnose outside endemic areas, leading to serious consequences. In the UK, a delay in diagnosis occurs in 82% of cases. We present a challenging case of leprosy in Ireland, unmasked by COVID-19 infection. A 30year-old Brazilian man living in Ireland was admitted to hospital with confirmed COVID-19 infection. He gave an incidental 2-year history of tingling and numbness of the digits, accompanied by a nonspecific rash on the hands and face. Dermatological examination revealed numerous raised erythematous plaques on his face and hands with tense bullae accompanied by superficial erosions along the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Reduced sensation to light tough was identified in both hands and feet. Biopsy of the plaques revealed non-necrotizing epithelioid granulomas within the dermis, involving cutaneous nerves. Ziehl– Neelsen (ZN) stain highlighted numerous organisms within the granulomas. Alcian blue/periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain and direct immunofluorescence were negative. Based on these findings a diagnosis of lepromatous/borderline lepromatous leprosy was made. The infectious disease team was consulted and triple therapy of dapsone (100 mg), rifampicin (600 mg) and clofazimine (50 mg) was commenced, resulting in some improvement of cutaneous manifestations. However, 7 months later, progressive symptoms resulted in the clawing of both hands, symmetrical hyperpigmented linear plaques on the cheeks and ichthyosis of the lower limbs. Sensory deficit to light touch extended from fingers to wrists. Further skin biopsies of the facial plaques revealed neurotropic dermal granulomatous inflammation composed of small collections of histiocytes in the dermis associated with a mild lymphocytic periadnexal infiltrate. ZN and PAS stains were negative, with no organisms identified. Oral steroids (prednisolone 40 mg once daily) were added to his therapeutic regime for what was thought to be a type 1 reversal reaction with subsequent improvement in cutaneous plaques. At the time of writing, he continues on oral steroids and the cutaneous features have remained stable. The dysregulated immune response in severe COVID-19 infection is associated with a cytokine storm. This may act as a stimulus in triggering leprosy reactions leading to significant complications. With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases globally, the number of leprosy cases with COVID-19 is likely to increase, especially in endemic areas. Although rare in developed countries, as clinicians it is important to have a high index of suspicion of leprosy in patients with chronic skin conditions who have travelled to or emigrated from endemic areas.


Reverse correlation was used in conjunction with ternary white noise to estimate the first-order spatiotemporal receptive-field structure of LGN cells in the anesthetized, paralyzed cat. Based on a singular-value decomposition of these data, we conclude that most LGN cells are approximately space–time separable. An analysis of the timecourses of the first singular values revealed a strongly bimodal but continuous distribution of rise times and waveforms. The two modes represented cells generally associated with the lagged and nonlagged classes of Mastronarde (1987a,b), and this was confirmed by their responses to step and sine-modulated spots in their field centers. The intermediate cells, rather than appearing to constitute a separate group, smoothly filled the region between the obviously lagged and nonlagged cells in every respect. These conclusions are limited to X-cells although the data from a much smaller population of Y-cells conform to the same scheme. We conclude that lagged and nonlagged cells represent the modes of a continuous and very broad distribution of temporal responses in the cat LGN.


Companies that innovate tend to prosper. Yet the process used by the most innovative firms remains a mystery. Is there a way that any company can discern whether to commit resources to an innovation idea? Kiriti Rambhatla has blended the fields of science and management and offers a new way of thinking about innovation inside any company.


The aim was to investigate whether there are differences in the spontaneous and gamma-ray-induced genomic instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes between untreated cervical cancer patients and healthy women using the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay as an indicator of chromosomal instability. Lymphocyte cultures from whole venous blood of 10 patients with cervical neoplasia and 10 healthy female volunteers were cultivated in vitro and irradiated using a 60Co-gamma source. Slides were prepared using the standard air-drying procedure and stained by the fluorescence-plus Giemsa (FPG) technique. The number of SCE and the number of chromosomes were assessed in second-division metaphases. A radiation dose-dependent increase of SCE/cell and SCE/chromosome values were found in healthy women as well as in patients, while statistical analysis has shown significantly higher SCE frequencies in healthy women as compared with patients. Cellular kinetics expressed as replication indices (RI) calculated from the frequency of cells in first cell division (M1), second cell division (M2) and third cell division (M3) were also significantly different, while observed RI were higher for patients than for control individuals. The results suggest that patients with carcinoma of the cervix uteri have chromosomal stability changes reflected in statistically different levels of spontaneous and induced SCE in comparison with healthy individuals. Despite the unknown mechanisms of SCE formation, it is felt that the changed SCE frequency, especially after mutagen treatment, may be used as a marker of increased cancer risk.


In Japanese corporations, the backgrounds of corporate accountants do not necessarily match their university majors. Under the lifetime employment system, accountants are rotated to other departments every five to ten years. Those who are rotated to the accounting department do not necessarily arrive with sufficient accounting knowledge. In addition to receiving on‐the‐job training, corporate accountants generally attend training courses offered by outside Institutions and get new knowledge to be used in practice. Some corporations belong to specific study groups, which meet periodically. The latter groups provide opportunities for establishing informal human relations with government officials and accountants of other corporations. Training is offered to newcomers, candidates for promotion, salespersons and management staff in the fields of financial analysis, cost management and accounting in general. Sometimes, the training lasts for several days in a training facility of the corporation. It is thought useful not only for utilizing the knowledge required, but for furthering relationships within the organization, as well as for the evaluation of employees through their attitudes about participation. It reflects the policy of long‐range performance evaluation. Employees are evaluated not only by sales volume, but also by their loyalty to the corporation and their contribution to the team effort.


The aim of this study was to determine an infectious bronchitis (IB) infection, caused by an Israel variant 2 (IS/1494/06)-like IBV, in a layer chicken flock regularly vaccinated with vaccines containing IBV H120 and 4/91 strains. Mild respiratory symptoms, drop in egg production and soft-shelled eggs and eventually death were observed in a layer chicken flock. Clinical samples from four diseased chickens were examined for the detection and genotyping of IBV by virus isolation, a commercial real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing. Both Israel variant 2 (IS-Var2) and 793/B serotypes were detected from samples by rRT-PCR, but sequencing results of a 345 bp part of S1 gene revealed that our IBV isolate, HFT-IBV, was IS/1494/06 (IS-Var2)-like with the 97.7% genetic similarity. These results suggested that immunity against vaccination with a combination of different genotypes (H120 and 4/91) could not be protective for IS-Var2 IBV field infection. In addition, identification of genotypes from the clinical samples, such as swabs and organ samples by commercial rRT-PCR assays failed to find correct IBV genotype responsible for the IB infection, whereas analysis of nucleotide sequencing of S1 gene of IBV as a gold standard test undoubtedly detected causative genotype of the infection. Also, the findings indicated that there is an urgent need for consider genotype- or protectotype-match vaccination strategies in the field to prevent vaccine- and IB-dependent economic losses of the poultry sector and logically protect chickens from IBV infection.


Four tetrandrine (TET) derivatives (IVa-IVd) have been synthesized by Suzuki reaction of boronic acid derivatives and 5-bromo-tetrandrine obtained by bromination using tetrandrine as the starting material. The structures are analyzed by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and ESI-MS. The inhibition activities of IVa-IVd against HL60 and A549 cancer cell lines have been investigated by CCK-8 assay. The compounds having significant ( P <0.040) inhibition activities are secondarily screened by MTT assay. The inhibitory activities of IVa-IVd against protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are tested by ELISA. The results show that IVa, IVb and IVc exhibit significant inhibition activities against the two cancer cell lines. The IVb and IVc show highly significant ( P <0.001) inhibition activities against fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1).


textabstractPatients with similar characteristics can be grouped together in a prognostic
classification to estimate a patient's prognosis and guide treatment decisions. The
topic of this thesis is methodological aspects of defining prognosis classifications.
We specifically looked at patients with advanced testicular cancer, who are
currently classified into good, intermediate and poor prognosis groups according
to the International Germ Cell Consensus (IGCC) Classification. The IGCC
classification aims to guide treatment decisions, it is used as a stratification
method for clinical trials.
Two main topics are investigated: (1) the validity of the IGCC classification: are
the assumptions underlying the IGCC classification method valid and can the
survival estimates of the IGCC classification be generalised to currently diagnosed
patients, (2) alternative methods of defining prognostic groups, especially for
poor prognosis patients.
Validity of the IGCC classification
Issues in the development of prognostic classifications are discussed, and
background on testicular cancer and the development of the IGCC classification
is given in Chapter 1.


People's mobility is increasing rapidly, especially in how to communicate each other. Everyone has a cellphone for work, school, business and so fort. Mobile phones today are increasingly sophisticated with the latest technology called smartphones. Competition between smartphone manufacturers is getting tougher. Mobile phones today are increasingly sophisticated with the latest technology called smartphones. Competition between smartphone manufacturers is getting tougher. One of the smartphone brands that becomes market leader in Indonesia is Samsung. Price and brand image are factors that influence consumer to purchase Samsung smartphones. This research aims to determine the effect of price and brand image on consumer's decisions to purchase Samsung smartphone. The type of research that used in this study is explanatory research. The sampling technique uses accidental sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection using questionnaires and google form. The number of samples taken was 100 respondents, who were users of the Samsung smartphone in Semarang. The study used to determine the effect of prices and brand image on cunsomer purchasing decisions using statistics with system of IBM SPSS version 21.0. The results of the research showed the price variable and brand image influence consumer's decision to purchase Samsung smartphones. Correlation coefficients of price variables and brand image on purchasing decisions have a strong relationship. Price and brand image gave positive and significant influence on the purchase decision. The advice that can be given to improve consumer's purchasing decisions in this research is companies can pay attention to pricing in order to be able to compete with other products and improve the brand image of Samsung smartphones.


Background: The aim of this research was to study the technical feasibility of recycling waste cooking oils (WCO) produced in Qom to biodiesel. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Qom in the first half of 2013. In this study, 147 domestic, commercial, and industrial sources producing WCO were identified, selected, and asked to collect and deliver the WCO produced by them within a week. The samples obtained from the sources were mixed separately at a ratio of one to one, and finally, a WCO sample was obtained from each source. Then, some characteristics of samples such as chemical profiles were analyzed and the esterification and transesterification process were used to convert WCO into biodiesel. Finally, some of the technical characteristics of produced biodiesel such as flash point, viscosity, density, moisture, and acidic number were determined and compared with the standard. Results: In terms of basic properties, domestic WCO had the best quality for conversion to biodiesel. Also, in terms of viscosity, density, acidic number and flash point, biodiesel produced from domestic WCO had more favorable conditions. In terms of the percentage of humidity, biodiesel produced from industrial WCO was the best one. Conclusion: WCO produced from domestic and commercial sources has the potential to be converted into biodiesel with standard features but WCO produced from industrial sources due to their very poor quality needs more pre-treatment processes.


Abstract. The long-term variability in stratospheric ozone mass mixing ratio (O3) and temperature (T) from 1979 to 2013 is investigated using the latest reanalysis product delivered by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), i.e., ERA-Interim. Moreover, using the Mg II index time series for the same time period, the response of the stratosphere to the 11-year Schwabe solar cycle is investigated. Results reveal the following features: (i) upward (downward) trends characterize zonally averaged O3 anomalies in the upper (middle to lower stratosphere) stratosphere, while prevailing downward trends affect the T field. Mg II index data exhibit a weaker 24th solar cycle (though not complete) when compared with the previous two; (ii) correlations between O3 and Mg II, T and Mg II, and O3 and T are consistent with photochemical reactions occurring in the stratosphere and large-scale transport; and (iii) wavelet cross-spectra between O3 and Mg II index show common power for the 11-year period, particularly in tropical regions around 30–50 hPa, and different relative phase in the upper and lower stratosphere. A comprehensive insight into the actual processes accounting for the observed correlation between ozone and solar UV variability would be gained from an improved bias correction of ozone measurements provided by different satellite instruments, and from the observations of the time behavior of the solar spectral irradiance.


ABSTRACT Attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens adhere intimately to intestinal enterocytes and efface brush border microvilli. A key virulence strategy of A/E pathogens is the type III secretion system (T3SS)-mediated delivery of effector proteins into host cells. The secreted protein EspZ is postulated to promote enterocyte survival by regulating the T3SS and/or by modulating epithelial signaling pathways. To explore the role of EspZ in A/E pathogen virulence, we generated an isogenic espZ deletion strain (ΔespZ) and corresponding cis-complemented derivatives of rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and compared their abilities to regulate the T3SS and influence host cell survival in vitro. For virulence studies, rabbits infected with these strains were monitored for bacterial colonization, clinical signs, and intestinal tissue alterations. Consistent with data from previous reports, espZ-transfected epithelial cells were refractory to infection-dependent effector translocation. Also, the ΔespZ strain induced greater host cell death than did the parent and complemented strains. In rabbit infections, fecal ΔespZ strain levels were 10-fold lower than those of the parent strain at 1 day postinfection, while the complemented strain was recovered at intermediate levels. In contrast to the parent and complemented mutants, ΔespZ mutant fecal carriage progressively decreased on subsequent days. ΔespZ mutant-infected animals gained weight steadily over the infection period, failed to show characteristic disease symptoms, and displayed minimal infection-induced histological alterations. Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining of intestinal sections revealed increased epithelial cell apoptosis on day 1 after infection with the ΔespZ strain compared to animals infected with the parent or complemented strains. Thus, EspZ-dependent host cell cytoprotection likely prevents epithelial cell death and sloughing and thereby promotes bacterial colonization.


It is shown how it is possible to reconstruct the initial state of a one-dimensional system by sequentially measuring two conjugate variables. The procedure relies on the quasicharacteristic function, the Fourier transform of the Wigner quasiprobability. The proper characteristic function obtained by Fourier transforming the experimentally accessible joint probability of observing ``position'' then ``momentum'' (or vice versa) can be expressed as a product of the quasicharacteristic function of the two detectors and that unknown of the quantum system. This allows state reconstruction through the sequence (1) data collection, (2) Fourier transform, (3) algebraic operation, and (4) inverse Fourier transform. The strength of the measurement should be intermediate for the procedure to work.


ABSTRACT The advent of cinematic special effects and console gaming since the late 1990s suggests an increasing and sustained emphasis on combining elements from the arts and computer science. The author presents a 10-year synopsis of a degree program created in 2000 to build an undergraduate curriculum using this emphasis as a catalyst. The degree program has resulted in steady student enrollment over the past decade as well as a significantly higher female student participation compared with the university's other three computer science degree programs. The article presents an overview of the program, qualitative and quantitative assessments, lessons learned and recommendations for continued improvement.


Background: Meningioma approximately accounts for 20% of intracranial mass. It is usually located in the subdural space which is represented as the most common non-glial intracranial primary mass. Extracranial extensions of meningioma are rare. The main goal of this report was to evaluate of radiologic specific features on circumferential meningioma especially invasion to the inner ear canal and cervical spinal canal.

Case presentation: An 18-year-old boy was admitted for the gradually progressive weakness of both upper limb and voiding dysfunctions for the last 2 week. Neurologic examination demonstrated a bilateral hemiparesis with 2/5 force in upper extremities and 4/5 force in lower extremities. Brain and cervical spine MRI showed irregular thickening of Dura of clivus with extension to foramen magnum, bilateral internal auditory canal, planum sphenoidal, tentorium and encircling of upper cervical spine. By pathologic result diagnosis of meningioma was confirmed.

Conclusions: This is the first reported case of a cervical spine meningioma that completely encircling the cervical spinal cord with widespread intracranial extension in Iran. Although early diagnosis and strategy of surgery have shown dramatic results for meningioma, these lesions may be associated with poor prognosis because complete resection is impossible and suitable method of treatment for this case is unknown. Destiny of treatment in cases like this is decompression of spinal cord for symptom relief.


23 Forty-three patients having 49 treatment protocols for periprosthetic total joint infections were staged prospectively, using an osteomyelitis classification system designed to stratify treatment selection according to patient risk factors. Implant salvage was possible in 66% of the infections treated within 30 days of the surgical procedure or within 14 days of symptom onset after a late, septic event. After debridement and implant removal, 88% of the patients with long-standing, refractory infections now have infection-free, functional reconstructions; 64% of these patients have a new, total joint replacement at the original site of treatment. All of the treatment failures, deaths, and amputations occurred in the high-risk patient cohorts prospectively identified within the staging system. Infection duration and the condition of the host are the two most important variables in predicting outcomes in patients with periprosthetic infections.


Luxembourg is a de facto multicultural country, with 179 different nationalities represented. It is, however, complex to identify who among the latter is perceived as an immigrant by public opinion. In the same vein, immigration stories rarely make the headlines of some of the most prominent outlets of Luxembourg's mainstream media. This study covers the print content of some of Luxembourg's dominant media outlets in the search for the representation of (im)migrants and refugees. It thus takes a perspective whereby media act as a vehicle for a quintessential aspect of interculturalism, that of local meaningful interaction. Its overarching question regards the role that both local mainstream and minority media sectors can play in promoting integration through intercultural dialogue. It is hereby argued that immigrants are foremost represented and given a voice in media outlets created for the immigrant and cross-border communities as well as in mainstream media with more local (Tageblatt) and independent political views (D'Lëtzebuerger Land). In stronghold media such as RTL Lëtzebuerg and Luxemburger Wort, immigrants are, instead, scarcely represented.


Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research is to understand the relationship between fashion designers' cultural value, Confucian thought, as these are both influences that can be integrated into the design process and practices. This study is aimed at filling a gap in the current literature by describing how successful fashion designers solve design problems, and how cultural values related to or reflected in creating apparel. Methods: A qualitative approach with semi-structured, in-depth and one-on-one, long interview is used to gain an understanding of the complex meanings held by the participants. Twelve South Korean fashion designers, each with a minimum of three-years experiences, were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Constant comparison process was used to analyze the data. Results: Results show that cultural values have an indirect influence on South Korean fashion designer's design process in creating fashion objects. Cultural factors, including system, groups, individuals, and family, all deeply affect the designers' creative design process. Conclusion: Overall, South Korean designers are not aware of the impact accrued from their personal cultural values and background. However, the Confucian perception of chemyon has an influence on consumers' tastes, and such influence can lessen creativity in design, particularly for the creative thinking process of South Korean designers


Many NLP tasks need accurate knowledge for semantic inference. To this end, mostly WordNet is utilized. Yet WordNet is limited, especially for inference between predicates. To help filling this gap, we present an algorithm that generates inference rules between predicates from FrameNet. Our experiment shows that the novel resource is effective and complements WordNet in terms of rule coverage.


Solid particle erosion-corrosion is the wear caused by the combined action of the mechanical process of solid particle erosion and the electrochemical process of corrosion. This joint action leads to a synergistic interaction that enhances the wear rate of the material, causing severe problems to engineering components exposed to these aggressive conditions. This poses a problem to designers and engineers, as there are currently no robust models available to predict erosion-corrosion rates due to the incomplete understanding of the physical erosion-corrosion mechanisms and synergy. The aim of this project is to develop a systematic understanding towards modelling erosion-corrosion by investigating the erosion-corrosion mechanisms of stainless steel UNS S31603. An integrated approach is used in this study consisting of three main thrusts from an environmental, electrochemical and materials perspective. The first part of the thesis, examines the robustness of the semi-empirical model based on an active area principle, which was developed recently at the University of Southampton on a passive metal UNS S31603. Gravimetric experiments were performed using a slurry pot erosion tester. The slurry pot erosion tester was also modified to perform in-situ electrochemical investigations. Results from this novel modification, showed that the erosion-corrosion rates and synergy levels increased with increasing velocity, temperature and sand concentration. Electrochemical current noise measurements for multiple particle impact experiments showed that this was partly due to the continuous rupture of the oxide film leading to an erosion enhanced corrosion synergistic effect. The erosion-corrosion rates were found to be a function of the kinetic energy of the particles, the number and the size of the particles impacting the surface. The amount of charge consumed and the repassivation kinetics were derived from the single particle impact experiments. Lips also appear to crack on the surface believed to be caused by corrosive action accelerating material removal. The results were analysed statistically and for the first time, interaction contour plots have been used to decouple the interactions between the test parameters. These studies showed that the largest interaction occurred between velocity and sand concentration and empirical models were also derived from these analyses. Although the model provided reasonable prediction of the synergy values, the unanswered question of whether the right mechanisms were being modelled formed an important basis for this work. For the first time, in-depth investigation was performed on the evolution of wear on the surface and subsurface of UNS S31603 using SEM, FIB, STEM and TEM. Investigations revealed that a three layer grain structure consisting of nano-grains, micro-grains and deformed bulk grains was seen to evolve with time. An explanation is proposed on reasons why the mass loss rates vary at different stages of erosion-corrosion, by correlating the surface and subsurface wear with the trend of mass loss rate versus time. TEM investigations also revealed the formation of numerous fatigue cracks and folding of lips on the surface believed to be due to strain imposed during repeated particle impact. Other unique features observed are embedment of erodent fragments and chromium oxide layer as well as strain induced phase transformation. It is believed that a thin composite structure consisting of these elements are formed and enhanced by the formation of lips over this structure. All these factors combined with grain refinement and work hardening enhances the fatigue crack formation process. This process is then accelerated by corrosion as confirmed by the higher density of cracks observed in the erosion-corrosion sample, compared to the sample subjected to pure erosion. This is proposed as one of the main corrosion enhanced erosion synergistic mechanism present during erosion-corrosion. Physical models have been developed based on these micro and nano-scale wear observations to integrate the surface and subsurface erosion-corrosion mechanisms. This work has generated an enhanced physical model to explain the erosion-corrosion mechanisms at the subsurface of UNS S31603. The findings of this work would greatly assist engineers and designers in the development of future erosion-corrosion models and in the understanding of synergy between erosion and corrosion


Being able to handle organizational change effectively in practice can be seen as a key component of organizational survival. This especially holds true in an increasingly turbulent environment. Thus, this thesis aims to answer not only the question of what approaches to organizational change management look like in the current state but also what they will look like in the future state, namely in 2025. The focus hereby is on the three key elements of change management: process, people, principles. To come up with reasonable answers, a two-round Delphi survey with experts in the field has been conducted. The main findings are that organizational change appears to be a top-down approach which can be strategically planned and managed in the current state. In contrast to this, organizational change in 2025 will emerge in a more constant and natural way and hence will increasingly require the involvement of all stakeholders affected by the change initiative. When linking these results to already existing organizational metaphors, it appears that organizations currently work like a "Machine" in practice, whereas they will be a combination of the "Organism" and "Flux and Transformation" metaphor in the future. Consequently, Lewin´s three-step-model (1951) as well as Bullock and Batten´s planned change model (1985) describe best how organizational change is approached in the current state while Stacey and Shaw´s complex-responsive-processes model (2001) could become the most important organizational change management model in 2025.


All business organizations have vision, mission and organisational objectives, which are geared towards improved performance and survival thus forming the driving force behind the decisions made by its management team. The organizational objectives of the company, however, is what deterimnes the type of structure the company puts in place in an attempt to achieve the set objectives. Corporate governance has been acliamed to be a major tool for enhancing corporate image, reduce missapropriation of fund, attract investors as well as improve the performance of the company. This study however examines the role of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of listed companies in Nigeria. Using return on asset (ROA) as a proxy for financial performance, the weighted fixed effect regression method of analysis was used to determine the type of relationship that exists between the corporate governance variables and financial performance of Nigerian companies. The study found that there is a significant positive relationship between board composition and management ownership with financial performance of Nigerian companies. There is a significant negative relationship between audit committee size, block ownership and duality of chairman and ceo position with financial performance of Nigerian companies. This study therefore recommends that regulators of business entities in Nigeria should consider the corporate governance variables and their impact on the financial performance of companies listed in Nigeria as the businesses are major instruments for improving economic development and attracting foreign investment.
Keywords: Financial Performance, Corporate Governance Mechanisms, Nigerian Companies


Polyamines have been implicated in numerous biological processes, including inflammation and carcinogenesis. Homeostatic regulation leads to interconversion of the polyamines putrescine and the downstream metabolites spermidine and spermine. The enzyme spermine oxidase (SMOX), which back-converts spermine to spermidine, contributes to regulation of polyamine levels, but can also have other effects. We have implicated SMOX in gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis due to infection by the pathogen Helicobacter pylori. In addition, we reported that SMOX can be upregulated in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we utilized Smox-deficient mice to examine the role of SMOX in two murine colitis models, Citrobacter rodentium infection and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced epithelial injury. In C. rodentium-infected wild-type (WT) mice, there were marked increases in colon weight/length and histologic injury, with mucosal hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration; these changes were ameliorated in Smox−/− mice. In contrast, with DSS, Smox−/− mice exhibited substantial mortality, and increased body weight loss, colon weight/length, and histologic damage. In C. rodentium-infected WT mice, there were increased colonic levels of the chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL10, and the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, CSF3, IFN-γ, and IL-17; each were downregulated in Smox−/− mice. In DSS colitis, increased levels of IL-6, CSF3, and IL-17 were further increased in Smox−/− mice. In both models, putrescine and spermidine were increased in WT mice; in Smox−/− mice, the main effect was decreased spermidine and spermidine/spermine ratio. With C. rodentium, polyamine levels correlated with histologic injury, while with DSS, spermidine was inversely correlated with injury. Our studies indicate that SMOX has immunomodulatory effects in experimental colitis via polyamine flux. Thus, SMOX contributes to the immunopathogenesis of C. rodentium infection, but is protective in DSS colitis, indicating the divergent effects of spermidine.


Tomato is one of the most commonly grown vegetables in Malawi. However, considerable attention has not been given for its production and marketing aspects among smallholder farmers. Therefore, this study was conducted in six major tomato growing districts in Malawi with the objective of identifying production and marketing practices and constraints affecting tomato productivity. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to 404 respondents comprising 368 farmers and 36 input suppliers and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that male dominated tomato farming in the study area. It further revealed that 27.2% had post primary school education, 65.5% attended primary school education and 7.3% had no formal education. The survey indicated that 95.9% of respondents grow tomatoes in an open field and very few use tunnel/greenhouses (4.1% of the respondents). The survey results identified four major production constraints: pests, diseases, marketing and input cost. Red spider mite and bacterial wilt were identified as major pest and disease, respectively. Regarding marketing of tomatoes, the major constraint is price fluctuations. Major problems faced by input suppliers included lack of capital (27.8% of respondents). These findings indicate urgent need to invest heavily in promotion of tomato production and marketing.


With the continuous increase of user requirement, the
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has developed rapidly. As a result,
both capacity and coverage performances have been improved, and at the same time,
the communication networks have been more energy-intensive. In order to improve
the energy efficiency of cellular networks, the green communication must be realized
in the future networks. In this article, we present a short survey on energy-efficient
technology of cellular networks. Moreover, we classify them into three categories
based on theirapplication scenarios: energy-efficient architectures, energy-efficient resource management
and energy-efficient radio technologies. For the first scenario, the applications
of relay, Coordinated Multiple Points (CoMP) and heterogeneous network
are discussed in detail. For the second scenario, the switching off scheme will
be introduced as an emphasis of this part. And for the third scenario, the Multiple-Input
Multiple-Output (MIMO) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) will
be introduced as the representatives of the Energy-Efficient
Radio Technologies. Finally, based on the technologies introduced above, a prospect
forecast of the energy-efficient wireless cellular network is presented.


Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) prepared by sol-gel spin-coating deposition was treated with post-sulfurization in a sulfur vapor atmosphere. The crystallinity degree of the CZTS could be significantly improved through post-sulfurization treatment. Granular structures of the CZTS as synthesized at a temperature of over 240 °C and treated with post sulfurization were obtained. The composition ratios of the as-sulfurized CZTS were close to the composition stoichiometry of CZTS with an electrical resistance of ~ 1.7 Ω cm. An as-prepared CZTS based solar cell shows an open-circuit voltage of 300 mV, and a short-circuit current of 2.48 mA cm-2.


The Student Pack contains the introductory versions of PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D software, and a special version of the Tutorial Manual 2010.PLAXIS software is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and intended for 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional geotechnical analyses of deformation and stability of soil structures, as well as groundwater flow, and used in geo-engineering applications such as excavation, foundations, embankments and tunnels.Though the various lessons deal with a wide range of interesting practical applications, this Tutorial Manual is intended to help new users become familiar with PLAXIS. The lessons should therefore not be used as a basis for practical projects. This Tutorial Manual does not provide theoretical background information on the Finite Element Method, nor does it explain the details of the various soil models available in the program. The latter can be found in the Material Models Manual, included in the full manual, and the theoretical background is given in the Scientific Manual.


Abstract. The geomagnetic field variations measured at the surface of the Earth are composed of both internal and external parts. The external field arises from the sources in the magnetosphere and ionosphere, whereas the internal field is generated by the currents induced within the Earth. The internal part may in some situations comprise a notable part of the measured total field and thus a blind usage of geomagnetic field recordings potentially produces significant errors to estimated ionospheric currents. In this paper the role of geomagnetic induction in auroral ionospheric studies is investigated by modeling the induction using simultaneously the realistic ionospheric source and a realistic three-dimensional Earth conductivity structure. The modeling results imply that the effects of the lateral ground conductivity anomalies on ionospheric equivalent current patterns are, though clearly detected, less severe than anticipated for fields varying with periods from 5 to 120min. However, the amplification of the determined currents caused by induction is significant, leading to an overestimation of up to 30% of the main current flow intensities, with the overestimation increasing sharply when moving away from the region of the main flow. In addition to the 3-D modeling, a simple method is introduced to help estimate the internal contribution to the measured variations of the IL index (local variant of the AL index). A test with the 26 June 1998 substorm event indicates that the method can help to extract the internal contribution from the IL index.


The in-vitro bactericidal effect of serum for Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis was tested. Experiments with C2-deficient and hypogammaglobulinaemic human sera suggested that killing depended on activation of the classical complement pathway, although the alternative pathway probably amplified the effect. Serum from a patient with active rhinoscleroma, and another cured of the disease, showed normal killing.


Background and objective: Healthy individual�s nasopharynx is colonized with several organisms. In some situations. soch as inflammation tonsils or adenoid infection, the nasopharyngeal microbial natural make up messy and opportunistic pathogens will growth more and causes upper respiratory tract infection. Tonsillectomy should be performed in this condition. This study was designed to compare nasopharynx flora before and after tonsillectomy. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, microbial culture obtained from pharynx of 50 Children between 3 to 8 years old with tonsillitis or adenoiditis and recurrent pharyngitis or nightly snoring candidate for Adeno(tonsillectomy). Microbial culture obtained before and at days 10th day and 30th following surgery. Data were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The average of age was 5.72. 56% of children were female and 44% male. Seven bacterial species isolated before surgery that reduce to six species at day 10th and four at day 30th study. Hemophillos influenza from 28% before surgery reduced to 10% at day 10th and 3% at day 30th after surgery. Staphylococcus areus from 26% before surgery reduced to 16% at day 10th and 10% at day 30th after surgery. Conclusion: Adeno(tonsillectomy) is effective in reductiun of pharynx pathogens and revert to normal flora and can prevent recurrent infections of upper respiratory tract. More studies with a wider sample size and higher technology are needed for detection of differat microbial varieties..


Summary: The effective impact of climate changes on the coffee plant physiology, promoted by enhanced air [CO2] and global warming remain to be fully elucidated through biological studies. Therefore, this work aims at linking important coffee physiological responses to environmental changes of enhanced growth [CO2] and temperature on genotypes from the two major producing species. Potted plants from C. arabica cv. IPR 108 and of C. canephora cv. Conilon Clone 153 were grown under environmental controlled conditions, either at 380 or 700 ?L CO2 L-1 air, for 1 year, without water, nutrient or root development restrictions. After that the temperature was gradually increased from 25/20 oC (day/night) up to 42/34 oC. The long-term impacts of enhanced growth [CO2] and enhanced temperature on the photosynthetic functioning were assessed at 25/20 oC, 31/25 oC, 37/30 oC and 42/34 oC, through leaf gas exchanges (rates of net photosynthesis, Pn, stomatal conductance, gs, transpiration, Tr, and photosynthetic capacity, Amax), instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE), fluorescence parameters (photochemical efficiency of the photosystem II under dark, Fv/Fm, and light, Fv?/Fm?, conditions, as well as the photochemical, qP, and non-photochemical, NPQ, quenchings, and quantum yield of the linear electron transport, ?e), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) and some molecules with antioxidant role (ascorbate and ?-tocopherol). The results showed that enhanced [CO2] stimulates photosynthetic functioning, without negative down-regulation. Minor impacts were found in the photochemical performance until 37 oC, but extensive impacts were shown at 42 oC, especially in IPR108. Remarkable was the finding that enhanced [CO2] preserved a higher functional status (Pn, Amax, Fo, Fv/Fm) at high temperatures (37 and 42 oC), what seems quite relevant under the predicted climate changes and global warming scenarios.


Abstract Curve sawing means advantages for yield and quality of sawn boards. However, for circular saw machinery deviations of saw kerfs give losses of valuable board volume. Deviations give thinner boards but also slight cupping of the cross sections. Theoretical calculations show that even with moderate (large) curve radii, these saw kerf deviations are typically 0.2–0.6 mm for normal circular saw machinery and Swedish log material. The test sawing reported here was made in order to give experimental values that can be compared to theoretical values. Fifty normal logs and 50 curved with top diameter 236–248 mm were cut with sawing pattern 3X with center boards 51 × 149 mm. The average curve radius of the curved cants that were cut in the resaw was 132 m (bow height 19 mm) and the theoretical saw kerf deviation for this radius is 0.31 mm. The experimental results show that the thickness reduction at the measuring points for curve sawn boards compared to straight sawn boards was in average 0.19 mm to be compared with the theoretical value of 0.20 mm. Cupping was more difficult to measure but results seem to agree well between theory and experiments.


God revealed to man during the history of his salvation in two ways: through word and through image. In other words, the divine message was addressed to the hearing and seeing of man. In the second case, revelation was achieved in a complete form. Man was part of a theophanic act, he was enveloped by the divine light and with the help of his spiritual eyes he was able to see, as much as it was permitted, God who is light. This light was not completely strange to man, even though he could not see it with his physical eyes. The uncreated light that God made even from the first day of creation did not disappear when the great light were put in the sky. It had the purpose to arrange creation and to be the environment within which man could meet God and talk to Him face to face. Even though the fall took man out of sight, God established that from time to time this bright environment should be revealed to man in order to call him back to the life within light. These presentations of the Lord in the light of His glory continued after His incarnation. The mystical experiences of the Fathers of the Church (Saint Symeon the New Theologian or Gregory Palamas) constitute a testimony to this respect. But seeing this divine light is not reserved exclusively to the mystics, but may be experienced, partly, by the faithful nowadays. The present study endeavours to provide contemporary man with the necessary premises to experience the sight of the deifying light by means of religious imagery. Whether we have in view (in a proper sense of the expression) icons painted on wood or walls or stained glass imagery, they all contain, hidden within, the kind of light which, once experienced, illuminates man and fills him with light.


There is little data on whether school discipline or juvenile justice sanctions are directed disproportionately toward sexual minority youth (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning; LGBQ) compared with heterosexual youth and even less on factors that may relate to such disparities. We tested for sexual orientation-based disparities in school suspension and juvenile justice system involvement, and tested a model linking students' sexual orientation to victimization, punishable infractions (substance use, truancy, weapon carriage on school property), and disciplinary actions. Using cross-sectional data from the 2012 Dane County Youth Assessment, we compared 869 LGBQ youth to 869 heterosexual youth (a comparison sample selected through propensity score matching) in Grades 9 to 12 (60.6% female; 74.7% White). LGBQ youth were more likely to report school suspension and juvenile justice system involvement than heterosexual youth. We documented minimal support for a differential behavior explanation: sexual orientation-based differences on discipline were only weakly mediated through victimization and punishable infractions. Instead, a multiple group comparison showed that the paths from infraction engagement to discipline sanctions were not invariant for LGBQ and heterosexual youth: With higher rates of infractions, the odds were greater for LGBQ youth to have experienced punitive discipline than for heterosexual youth. Our findings underscore the need for psychologists, educators, and juvenile justice professionals to give attention to discipline disparities faced by sexual minority youth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)


This paper studies the inference problem of an infinite-dimensional parameter with a shape restriction. This parameter is identified by arbitrarily many unconditional moment equalities. The shape restriction leads to a convex restriction set. I propose a test of the shape restriction, which controls size uniformly and applies to both pointand partially identified models. The test can be inverted to construct confidence sets after imposing the shape restriction. Monte Carlo experiments show the finite-sample properties of this method. In an empirical illustration, I apply the method to ascending auctions held by the US Forest Service and show that imposing shape restrictions can significantly improve inference. JEL codes: C12, C14


Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and related chemicals are fascinating because of their combination of physical-chemical properties and complex effects. Most are man-made, but some also have natural origins. They are persistent in the environment, but they can be broken down variously by biodegradation, atmospheric reactions, and abiotic transformations. They can exist in the gas or particle phases, or both, in the atmosphere and in the dissolved or particulate phases, or both, in water. These combinations mean that they may undergo long-range transport in the atmosphere or oceans, or they may stay close to sources. Hence, emissions from one country are frequently a source of contamination to another country. They are also usually lipophilic, so-combined with persistence-this means they can accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food chains. We all have a baseline of POPs residues in our tissues, even the unborn fetus via placental transfer and the newly born baby via mother's milk. POPs in biological systems occur in mixtures, so confirming effects caused by POPs on humans and other top predators is never straightforward. Depending on which papers you read, POPs may be relatively benign, or they could be responsible for key subchronic and chronic effects on reproductive potential, on immune response, as carcinogens, and on a range of behavioral and cognitive end points. They could be a factor behind diseases and conditions which have been increasingly reported and studied in modern societies. In short, they are endlessly fascinating to scientists and a nightmare to regulators and policy makers.


This paper investigates the possibility of providing aggregated regulation services with small loads, such as water heaters or air conditioners. A direct-load control algorithm is presented to aggregate the water heater load for the purpose of regulation. A dual-element electric water heater model is developed, which accounts for both thermal dynamics and users' water consumption. A realistic regulation signal was used to evaluate the number of water heaters needed and the operational characteristics of a water heater when providing 2-MW regulation service. Modeling results suggest that approximately 33, 000 water heaters are needed to provide a 2-MW regulation service 24 hours a day. However, if water heaters only provide regulation from 6:00 to 24:00, approximately 20, 000 will be needed. Because the control algorithm has considered the thermal setting of the water heater, customer comfort is maintained. Therefore, the aggregated regulation service provided by water heater loads can become a major source of revenue for load-serving entities when the smart grid enables the direct load control.


We present a satellite-derived glacier inventory for the whole Patagonian Andes south of 45.5°S and Tierra del Fuego including recent changes. Landsat TM/ETM+ and OLI satellite scenes were used to detect changes in the glacierized area between 1986, 2005 and 2016 for all of the 11.209 inventoried glaciers using a semi-automated procedure. Additionally we used geomorphological evidence, such as moraines and trimlines to determine the glacierized area during the Little Ice Age for almost 90% of the total glacierized area. Within the last ~150 years the glacierized area was reduced from 28.091±890 km2 to 22.636±905 km2, marking an absolute area loss of 5.455±1.269 km2 (19.4%). For the whole study region, the annual area decrease was moderate until 1986 with 0.10±0.04% a-1. Afterwards the area reduction increased, reaching annual values of 0.33±0.28% a-1and 0.25±0.5% a-1 for the periods of 1986-2005 and 2005-2016, respectively. There is a high variability of change rates throughout the Patagonian Andes. Small glaciers, especially in the north of the Northern Patagonian Icefield (NPI) and between the latter and the Southern Patagonian Icefield (SPI) had over all periods the highest rates of shrinkage, exceeding 0.92±1.22% a-1 during 2005-2016. In the mountain range of the Cordillera Darwin (CD), and also accounting for small ice fields south of 52°S, highest rates of shrinkage occurred during 1986-2005, reaching values up to 5.6±4.2% a-1, but decreased during the 2005-2016 period. Across the Andean main crest, the eastern parts of the NPI, SPI and adjoined glaciers had in absolute values the highest area reduction exceeding 2.145±482 km2 since the LIA. Large calving glaciers show a smaller relative decrease rate compared to land-terminating glaciers but account for the most absolute area loss. In general, glacier shrinkage is dependent on latitude, the initial glacier area, the environment of the glacial tongue (calving or non-calving glaciers) and in parts by glacial aspect.


Self-assembly is the process by which complex systems are formed and behave due to the interactions of relatively simple units. In this thesis, we explore multiple augmentations of well known models of self-assembly to gain a better understanding of the roles that geometry and space play in their dynamics. We begin in the abstract Tile Assembly Model (aTAM) with some examples and a brief survey of previous results to provide a foundation. We then introduce the Geometric Thermodynamic Binding Network model, a model that focuses on the thermodynamic stability of its systems while utilizing geometrically rigid components (dissimilar to other thermodynamic models). We show that this model is computationally universal, an ability conjectured to be impossible in similar models with non-rigid components. We continue by introducing the Flexible Tile Assembly Model, a generalization of the 2D aTAM that allows bonds between tiles to flex and assemblies to therefore reconfigure. We show how systems in this model can deterministically assemble shapes that adhere to a number of certain restrictions. Finally, we introduce the Spatial abstract Tile Assembly Model, a variation of the 3D aTAM that restricts tiles from attaching without a diffusion path. We show that this model is intrinsically universal, a property of computational models to simulate themselves which has been shown for the 3D aTAM and other similar models. We conclude this thesis with a summary of the presented results, a brief impact analysis, and potential directions for future research within this area.


Part 1 General principles: the nature of structured settlements the history of structured settlements how a structured settlement works conventional lump sum or structured settlement? the criteria for a structured settlement the negotiation, arrangement and approval or a structured settlement the arrangement of the structure the future. Part 2 Case law: "Foley v Fletcher and Rose" "Inland Revenue Commissioners v Ramsay" "Dott v Brown' "Stachnik v Mitchell" "Kelly v Dawes" "Everett v Everett and Norfolk County Council" "Payne v Thackray" "Moxon v Senior" "Heeley v Britton" "Grimsley v Grimsley and Meade" "Everett v Carter" "Beck v Plasticisers Ltd" "Field v Herefordshire Health Authority "Tombs v Merton and Sutton Health Authority" "O'Toole v Mersey Regional Health Authority" "Lovell v Southampton and SW Hampshire Health Authority" "Boobbyer v Johnson" "Kearney v Caldwell" "Marshall v Westminster City Council" "Re A.M." "Wickens v J & J Steel Erection Ltd" "Rackshaw v Stallard" "Smith v Jr Pembroke" "Re L.O.M. Re W.B." "Fournier v Canadian National Railway Company" "Metcalfe v London Passenger Transport Board" "Burke v Tower Hamlets Health Authority" "Braybrooke v Parker and Bicks" discounts and diversity. Part 3 The plaintiff's solicitor's approach" what cases may be appropriate for "structuring"? advising the plaintiff approaching the defendants the defendants agree in principle - what next? trial directions the "without prejudice" meeting interest the conventional sum agreed - the next steps case study - "Everett v Carter" payments into court the discount involvement of accountants costs commission. Part 4 Defendants' perspectives: the benefits of structured settlements for defendants and insurers the costs of structured settlements for defendants and insurers benefits versus costs task analysis - who does what? particular defendants security new environment. Part 5 A view from the Exchequer: the claims handling process reasons to structure how do structures operate? design annuity package obtain annuity quotation formalizing the settlement problems with and barriers to structured settlements moves afoot. Part 6 Accountancy and taxation issues: general the forensic accountant's role in structured settlements the forensic accountant's report the annuity structured settlement or traditional lump sum taxation issues further practical considerations. Part 7 A case study. (Part contents).


This paper describes the different food policy courses pursued in recent years by four countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, and documents their differential effects on farmer and consumer behavior. Results are based primarily on a survey and synthesis of recent analysis. The paper highlights lessons learned from the different policy paths pursued in each country, and thus provides insights into the costs and benefits of alternative strategies for promoting national food security and enhancing producer and consumer options.


INTRODUCTION This article provides the authors' preliminary conclusions concerning the maturity of Total Quality Management (TQM)1 in the public sector. They define the public sector as all primary employers of Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduates, including non-profit and quasi-public organizations and agencies as well as governmental units. Their long-term research objective is to determine how TQM should be addressed in Master of Public Administration curricula. This is the third report on research that began over two years ago but can still be classified as in the pre-experimental stage. The first two reports were presented as papers at the Fifteenth and Sixteenth National Conference on Teaching Public Administration. The first paper described the less than enthusiastic response to TQM instruction at NASPAA-member institutions (Rosenhoover, 1992); the second paper concluded that many public officials want TQM taught in MPA programs (Rosenhoover and Kuhn, 1993). In addition to updating the conclusions reached in the first two papers, this article explores the authors' theory that differences in acceptance and maturity of TQM in the private and public sectors may account for the apparent lack of interest in TQM in the academic community. Quality management gained many adherents in corporate America during the 1980s as American industry attempted to reassess itself in the global marketplace. Almost a decade ago, a few governments began experimenting with quality management as a way of providing acceptable services in the face of declining revenue. Since 1990 tight budgets and growing demands by citizens have accelerated the rush of federal, state, and local governments to adopt quality management as a cure for many of their problems. Despite growing public interest in quality management, many critics claim that quality management techniques practiced in the private sector are inappropriate for use in the public sector (see, for instance, Swiss, 1992). The authors believe that the primary differences between quality management or total quality management (TQM) in its most common form, as practiced in industry and government, are differing levels of maturity and acceptance. To demonstrate this point, they examined three measures of any new technique's acceptance and maturity. First, the literature devoted to the subject; second, awards created to reward successful implementation of the technique; and finally, academic interest in the technique. WHAT IS TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT?2 TQM is a term that the U.S. Department of Defense first used in reference to a management philosophy which focuses on customer satisfaction through quality improvements. It has been defined as "a customer-oriented philosophy of management that utilizes total employee involvement in the relentless daily search for improvement of quality of products and services through the use of statistical methods, employee teams, and performance methods" (Partain, 1991/92:21). According to its proponents, TQM must be adopted as a package and continued over a long period of time to be truly effective. TQM principles include the following: commitment and support by top management; empowerment of employees at all levels to make decisions; training of employees so they can make informed decisions; and an institutional commitment to continual quality improvements of the product or service being provided. TQM embodies the concepts used by Japan to become an industrial world leader and that is why it has caught on in this country. It was first applied to quality improvements in industrial products. Unlike the standard practice of inspecting at the end of the production line and rejecting products that failed quality standards, TQM sought, through the use of statistical quality control techniques, to improve the production process. There are many noted experts on TQM (Joseph Juran, Armand V. …


This paper reviews the quality and characteristics of the physical environment upon children's holistic development. Since children are primarily a large consumer of their physical environment, it is thus important to understand how the role of these physical structures and facilities influence their cognitive, emotional, social, physical development and behaviours. However, most of their needs are often ignored by relevant dominant groups, especially in planning and renewal processes of nature or built environments. Children's usage of their physical environment does not only confine to the home, school, home yard or playground, but also the neighbourhood at large that can undoubtedly sustain or deprive their development. Researchers from the disciplines of developmental psychology and environmental sciences have tried to examine the effects and impact of the physical environment on children's overall development. However, the studies present a major challenge due to scant empirical research that links the quality of the physical setting and human development. Research findings are however still conflicting in these areas and one needs to explore further to substantiate the previous findings. The theories proposed by Ulric Neisser (1980) and Jean Piaget (1971) stressed on the independent mobility for the development of cognitive representations in children as users of the physical environment. However, the theories failed to look at the role of the environment as a cyclic process. On the contrary, a theory proposed by J.J. Gibson (1977) offered a psychologically significant approach to estimate the qualities of different environmental properties. In this paper, the researchers will also focus on the risks factors pertaining to the environmental stressors such as outdoor children's play behaviour, school performance setting, mental health, traffic and road safety, social relations and physical health


The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a barrel-shaped nitinol mesh deployed within the aneurysmal sac. The absence of metallic mesh in the aneurysm's parent vessel lumen obviates the need for potent antiplatelet therapy, making this device appealing for acutely ruptured aneurysms not amenable to clipping or coiling. To assess the literature regarding WEB treatment of these aneurysms, we performed a comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Keywords were combined with Boolean operators to increase search sensitivity and specificity ('woven endobridge device' AND 'ruptured'). Nine studies comprising 377 acutely ruptured aneurysms were included. Overall, 82.7% were wide-necked, 85.9% were located in the anterior circulation, and 26.9% of patients presented with poor subarachnoid hemorrhage grade. Intraprocedure and postprocedure complications occurred in 8.4% (95% CI 3.6% to 13.3%) and 1% (95% CI 0% to 2%), respectively. The post-treatment rebleeding rate was 0%. Rates of adequate occlusion (complete occlusion to neck remnant) and retreatment at last follow-up were 84.8% (95% CI 73% to 96.6%) and 4.5% (95% CI 2.2% to 6.8%), respectively. The favorable outcome rate (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was 62.2% (95% CI 53% to 71.4%); mortality was 13.6% (95% CI 9.7% to 17.6%). WEB treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms results in high adequate occlusion rates, low perioperative complication rates, no rebleeding, and low recurrence requiring retreatment. This device is promising for acutely ruptured aneurysms not amenable to clipping or coiling, considering the lower need for antiplatelet regimens during the procedure or follow-up.


SDG 10 calls for reducing inequalities within and among countries. This chapter evaluates the potential effects of addressing SDG 10 from an environmental justice perspective, which comprises three interrelated dimensions: representative, recognition and distributive justice. We find considerable synergies and complementarities between the SDG 10 targets and goals of environmental justice. However, the disjuncture between SDG 10 and environmental goals within the SDGs may undermine efforts to promote environmental justice. Trade is not included in SDG 10; this is an important gap as markets for forest products can drive forest resource extraction, exacerbating inequalities among actors within global production networks. If SDG 10 addresses structural inequalities, it is also likely to support distributive, representational and recognition justice for forest-dependent populations. However, the myopic translation of its aspirational targets into easily measurable indicators may dampen the potential effects of addressing SDG10 in advancing environmental justice. Addressing 'migration' related targets and indicators is likely to elevate the importance of these issues in forestry policy and research, while also prompting a re-thinking of some of the underlying assumptions informing existing research in forestry.


Three multivariate calibration-prediction techniques, classical least squares (CLS), inverse least squares (ILS) and partial least squares (PLS) were applied to the spectrometric multicomponent analysis of the drug containing levofloxacin (LEVO) and norfloxacin (NORF) without any separation step. The selection of variables was studied. A series of synthetic solution containing different concentrations of LEVO and NORF were used to check the prediction ability of the CLS, ILS and PLS. The results obtained in this investigation strongly encourage us to apply these techniques for a routine analysis and quality control of the two drugs.