The impact of permanent organic pollutants(POPs)on the health of human beings and the environment is drawing increasing attention of the international society. DDT was ranked as one of the first 12 controlled materials by the convention of POPs[1], but the knowledge on the impact of DDT on the ecology and environment is still not clear enough even now. This article makes an analysis of the harm of DDT on the ecology from the following aspects: its transformation and end-result in the environment, its function of biological magnification and its toxicity of environmental chemistry. Then is a relatively systematic discussion over the environmental impact of DDT and the products containing DDT in their production, transportation in their entire lifecycle. Based on this, an analysis and evaluation is carried out mainly on the impact of DDT on the environment of our country. The results show that the amount of residue of DDT in the soil of the main yielding regions is without exception high and that there is no apparent difference in terms of the amount of residue of DDT between different kinds of soils show that DDT has a prominent influence on the soils of the main yielding regions; The result of the environmental disaster monitoring showed that there were DDT and its catabolites DDD1 and DDE2 in the seawater and the marine deposits which are still the poisons with high hangover; the thickness of DDT and Cu in the bodies of the bred organism from the breeding zones in the sea water alongshore sometimes exceeded the standard; DDT and its catabolites have a very strong biologic feature of accumulation and amplification.


Background: Research on vision-related quality of life (QOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still limited. Tools such as the Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) and the Vision Performance Scale (VPS) facilitate assessments of the severity of visual impairment and its impact on daily life. Objective: The objective of this paper is to examine vision-related QOL, comorbid eye conditions, use of visual aids and utilization of eye-care providers in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) population, and to explore these issues in those with a history of optic neuritis (ON) and diplopia. Methods: In 2008, NARCOMS registrants reported on their use of visual aids, the VFQ-25, VPS, history of ON, diplopia, refractive error conditions (REC) and comorbid eye diseases (CED). We conducted regression analyses and correlations between select variables. Results: The response rate for the survey was 60.4%. Of the 9107 responders, 66.7% reported visual disability measured by VPS. Of respondents, 43.1% had a history of ON and 38.6% reported prior diplopia. Frequencies of myopia (51.8%), hyperopia (26.6%), and uveitis (3.4%) exceeded those expected for the general population. Mean (SD) VFQ-25 composite score was 82.0 (14.2). A history of ON or diplopia accounted for 9.7% of the variance in the VFQ-25; 90.6% of respondents used glasses or contact lenses. Rates of utilizations of eye-care providers were lower than expected. Conclusion: Prior ON, diplopia, REC and CED adversely impact vision-related QOL in MS. Increased utilization of eye-care providers and use of visual aids could improve vision-related QOL in people with MS.


The goals of this research study were to gain a better understanding of the effects of color and animation on visual short-term memory (STM) in computer-environment learning tasks. The research methodology was based on an investigative design that attempted to address weaknesses of previous visual STM research (Klauer & Zhao, 2004) to provide information readily applicable to instructional design and technology. A 3 x 2 x 3 totally-within participants, repeated-measures Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) design was utilized to investigate limitations on visual short-term memory learning processes in computer-learning environments. Participant scores for accuracy of visual learning tasks and participant latency in responses to visual learning tasks were measured. Findings suggest achromatic color information interferes with visual STM learning tasks in specific contexts. Findings also suggest that the use of animations in visual STM learning tasks may interfere with complex visual STM learning. Numerous questions are raised for further research utilizing experimental designs that focus on visual STM learning tasks in contrast to designs that focus solely on identifying visual STM parameters.
Keywords. Computer aided instruction; Computer based instruction; Double dissociations; Dual coding; Multimedia learning theory; Information processing, Instructional design, Phonological loop, Short-term memory, Visual and spatial short-term memory, Visual stimuli, Visuospatial sketch pad, Working memory


NASA has been interested in technology development for deep space exploration, and one avenue of developing these technologies is via the eXploration Habitat (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge. In 2013, NASA's Deep Space Habitat (DSH) project was in need of sensors that could monitor the power consumption of various devices in the habitat with added capability to control the power to these devices for load shedding in emergency situations. Texas A&M University's Electronic Systems Engineering Technology Program (ESET) in conjunction with their Mobile Integrated Solutions Laboratory (MISL) accepted this challenge, and over the course of 2013, several undergraduate students in a Capstone design course developed five wireless DC Smart Plugs for NASA. The wireless DC Smart Plugs developed by Texas A&M in conjunction with NASA's Deep Space Habitat team is a first step in developing wireless instrumentation for future flight hardware. This paper will further discuss the X-Hab challenge and requirements set out by NASA, the detailed design and testing performed by Texas A&M, challenges faced by the team and lessons learned, and potential future work on this design.


Many debates of effective online practice implicitly assume that those practices exist on one end or the other of a dichotomy. This article argues that this assumption inevitably limits the creation of effective and balanced online learning environments. Drawing upon relevant theory and research on teaching and learning, the article argues that learning goals should drive the creation, selection, and refinement of online learning environments. The article discusses two major areas of debate: information acquisition versus knowledge construction and teacher-centered versus student-centered learning. As an alternative to artificial dichotomies, the article proposes a learning-centered view of online practices where a combination of effective strategies support student progress toward identified learning goals.


The implementation of an all-optical scanning function utilizing twin-stripe injection lasers is discussed. Calculation are performed for 3-μm wide stripe devices allowing for stripe separations of 1 and 3 μm. The effect of optical injection under one of the stripes is computed for different injection currents. It is shown that the change in the gain profile brought about by optical injection leads to a rotation in the device far field. The merits of electronic and optical beam steering are briefly compared.


When prevalence rates of anemia exceed 40%, the World Health Organization recognizes this as a severe public health problem. In Peru, approximately 43.5% (urban) and 51.1% (rural) of children between the ages of 6 and 36 months have anemia. Currently, limited data exists regarding prevalence rates in many of the high altitude regions of Peru. The main purpose of this pilot study was to establish evidence of anemia in infants and children (7 months through 5 years of age) living in the rural, mountainous region of Ollantaytambo District. This pilot study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design to assess the presence of anemia in infants and children. Hemoglobin levels were collected from 160 children across 12 villages where elevations ranged from 2800 to 4100 meters above sea level. Chi Square tests compared anemia with age ranges, altitude, anthropometric measures, breastfeeding patterns, and types of communities. Adjusted hemoglobin levels established 47.5% of the 160 participants were anemic. Chi Square results indicated children aged 25-36 months and children living in communities at 3100 and 4100 meters displayed higher than expected rates of anemia. Results confirmed high rates of anemia and the need for education related to dietary factors.


BACKGROUND
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common cancer associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) has been reported to be involved in tumor progression.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to explore the specific role of PBX1 in BCa and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS
The relative expressions of PBX1 in muscle-invasive BCa tissues and cell lines were analyzed through RT-qPCR and western blotting. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the relationship between PBX1 levels and survival status. Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assays were adopted to verify the interaction between PBX1 and Estrogen receptors (ERs), and explore the estrogen receptors (ERs)-dependent genes transcription.

RESULTS
PBX1 was upregulated in invasive BCa patients and BCa cells, positively associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and poorer survival status. The overexpression of PBX1 promoted cell growth, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and cisplatin resistance in BCa cells, while the silence of PBX1 showed opposite effects. Furthermore, PBX1 interacted with ERs and was required for ER function. PBX1 overexpression aggravated the tumor-promoting effect of estrogen on BCa cells, while it partially suppressed the inhibitory effects of ER antagonist AZD9496 on BCa cells.

CONCLUSION
This study revealed that PBX1 participated in estrogen mediated BCa progression and chemo-resistance through binding and activating estrogen receptors. Hence, PBX1 may serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for BCa treatment.


Twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels have higher strength and ductility than conventional steels. Deformation mechanisms producing twins that prevent gliding and stacking of dislocations cause a higher ductility than that of steel grades with the same strength. TWIP steels are considered to be within the new generation of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). However, some aspects, such as the corrosion resistance and performance in service of TWIP steel materials, need more research. Application of TWIP steels in the automotive industry requires a proper investigation of corrosion behavior and corrosion mechanisms, which would indicate the optimum degree of protection and the possible decrease in costs. In general, Fe−Mn-based TWIP steel alloys can passivate in oxidizing acid, neutral, and basic solutions, however they cannot passivate in reducing acid or active chloride solutions. TWIP steels have become as a potential material of interest for automotive applications due to their effectiveness, impact resistance, and negligible harm to the environment. The mechanical and corrosion performance of TWIP steels is subjected to the manufacturing and processing steps, like forging and casting, elemental composition, and thermo-mechanical treatment. Corrosion of TWIP steels caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors has posed a serious problem for their use. Passivity breakdown caused by pitting, and galvanic corrosion due to phase segregation are widely described and their critical mechanisms examined. Numerous studies have been performed to study corrosion behavior and passivation of TWIP steel. Despite the large number of articles on corrosion, few comprehensive reports have been published on this topic. The current trend for development of corrosion resistance TWIP steel is thoroughly studied and represented, showing the key mechanisms and factors influencing corrosion processes, and its consequences on TWIP steel. In addition, suggestions for future works and gaps in the literature are considered.


For effective rough milling, an optimized criterion is required to select the feedrate. In this study, a method to obtain the most appropriate reference cutting force for rough milling was developed. The reference cutting force was determined by considering the transverse rupture strength of the tool material and the area of the rupture surface. A finite element method analysis was performed to accurately calculate the area of the rupture surface. Using the analyzed results, the effect of various cutting parameters on the chipping phenomenon was determined. The calculation method for the reference cutting force considered the area of the rupture surface, the effect of the rake angle, and the axial depth of cut. The experimental results clearly show that the reference cutting force obtained from the proposed method met the desired constraints.


We model the role of dealers in information diffusion in over-the-counter (OTC) markets. A dealer maintains relationships with a network of both informed customers who trade to profit from private information pertaining to asset values and risk-averse liquidity customers who trade to meet idiosyncratic liquidity needs. In our model, the dealer knows the type of every customer in her relationship network, so she can play the role of an information intermediary who at first willingly loses to informed customers to learn information from them and then relays that information to risk-averse liquidity customers for profits. We characterize the effects of a dealer's profit-driven choice of informativeness on liquidity trading and informational efficiency. We also study how dealer size affects bid-ask spreads and trading volume as well as how public information affects a dealer's choice of informativeness.


In Western democracies, the public harbors mostly negative attitudes toward ethnic minorities and favors policy programs intended to restrict immigration (Pettigrew, Wagner, & Christ, 2007). In some cases, these prejudices may stem from the coverage of ethnic minorities in the news media. On U.S. television, ethnic minorities are typically portrayed negatively, for example, as being poor or violent, as well as being loud politicians, or criminals (Dixon & Linz, 2000; Entman & Rojecki, 2000). Studies from Europe also reveal that racial bias is a core component of media reporting on ethnic minorities (e.g., Lubbers, Scheepers, & Wester, 1998; Ruhrmann, 2002). Given that media coverage of minorities is overwhelmingly negatively biased, exposure to such news is likely to perpetuate ethnic prejudice (Mastro, 2009).


: Bone scan with Technetium 99m is harmless method of evaluation of skeletal lesions. It is safe in pediatrics age group and it can be used in early diagnosis of infectious osteoarthritis. Bone scan differentiate osteomyelitis from cellulitis, and also it may help in diagnosis of subclinical involvement of rheumatoid arthritis, benign and malignant bone tumors, stress fractures and periositis. We report results of bone scan in 30 pediatric patients as follows: osteomyelitis 9 cases, cellulitis 4 cases, infectious arthritis 4 cases, tuberculous osteoarthritis 2 cases, rheumatoid arthritis 2 cases, and other different diseases 9 cases.


The world's first magnetoencephalography (MEG) system specifically designed for fetal and newborn assessment has been installed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This noninvasive system called SARA (SQUID Array for Reproductive Assessment) consists of 151 primary superconducting sensors that detect biomagnetic fields from the human body. Since the installation of SARA, significant progress has been made toward the ultimate goal of developing a clinical neurological assessment tool for the developing fetus. Using appropriate analysis techniques, cardiac and brain signals are recorded and studied to gain new understanding of fetal maturation. It is clear from our investigations that a combination of assessment protocols including both fetal heart and brain activity is necessary for the development of a comprehensive new method of fetal neurological testing. We plan to implement such a test protocol for fetuses at high risk for neurological impairment due to certain maternal risk factors and/or fetal diagnostic findings.


BACKGROUND
Although postpartum depression is a highly prevalent illness, antidepressant treatment studies of postpartum depression are sparse. Incomplete recognition and treatment of puerperal illness place women at risk for chronic depression and may have adverse effects on child development.

METHOD
An 8-week, flexible-dose, open study of venlafaxine (immediate release; mean dose = 162.5 mg/day) was performed in a group of 15 women who met DSM-III-R criteria for major depressive disorder with onset within the first 3 months postpartum. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks across the study. Measurements of outcome included the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire, and the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI).

RESULTS
Despite baseline scores of depression that were particularly high, response to treatment was robust. Twelve of 15 patients experienced remission of major depression (HAM-D score < or = 7 or CGI score < or = 2). Dramatic decrease in anxiety paralleled the decrease in depression across the sample.

CONCLUSION
Venlafaxine is effective in the treatment of postpartum major depression. Early identification of women who suffer from postpartum mood disturbance is critical to minimize the morbidity associated with untreated mood disturbance and the effect of depression on children and families.


BACKGROUND
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes disabilities that affect people in working age and can impair their working activity and quality of life (QoL).

OBJECTIVES
To assess work activity limitation and QoL among RA patients and to explore the associated risk factors.

METHODS
A cross-sectional study on 344 RA patients was conducted at the outpatient clinic using a number of standardized questionnaires including the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, Workplace Activity Limitation Scale, and RA QoL. Clinical examinations were also performed including the measurement of pain intensity, assessment of disease activity, and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale.

RESULTS
Most of the employed participants (87%) experienced high work activity limitations. Increasing work limitations were significantly associated with a decrease in QoL domains scores. The most significant risk factors affecting work limitation by logistic regression were high disease activity, the severity of the disease, married females, and a high health assessment disability index among RA patients.

CONCLUSIONS
RA patients experience limitations that affect their productivity at work and their QoL. Paying more attention to early management to prevent the upcoming unfavorable health and economic consequences for RA patients is significantly important.


ABSTRACT A recent controversial hypothesis suggested that the bactericidal action of antibiotics is due to the generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process requiring the citric acid cycle (tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle). To test this hypothesis, we assessed the ability of oxacillin to induce ROS production and cell death in Staphylococcus epidermidis strain 1457 and an isogenic citric acid cycle mutant. Our results confirm a contributory role for TCA-dependent ROS in enhancing susceptibility of S. epidermidis toward β-lactam antibiotics and also revealed a propensity for clinical isolates to accumulate TCA cycle dysfunctions presumably as a way to tolerate these antibiotics. The increased protection from β-lactam antibiotics could result from pleiotropic effects of a dysfunctional TCA cycle, including increased resistance to oxidative stress, reduced susceptibility to autolysis, and a more positively charged cell surface. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus epidermidis, a normal inhabitant of the human skin microflora, is the most common cause of indwelling medical device infections. In the present study, we analyzed 126 clinical S. epidermidis isolates and discovered that tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle dysfunctions are relatively common in the clinical environment. We determined that a dysfunctional TCA cycle enables S. epidermidis to resist oxidative stress and alter its cell surface properties, making it less susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics. Staphylococcus epidermidis, a normal inhabitant of the human skin microflora, is the most common cause of indwelling medical device infections. In the present study, we analyzed 126 clinical S. epidermidis isolates and discovered that tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle dysfunctions are relatively common in the clinical environment. We determined that a dysfunctional TCA cycle enables S. epidermidis to resist oxidative stress and alter its cell surface properties, making it less susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics.


Summary form only given. The rapid development of Internet, the fast dropping of storage cost and the great improvement of storage capacity have created an environment with enormous amount of data. How to get the data we want and how to manage these huge volumes of data become great challenges. The possible approaches under investigation include semantic Web and middleware. We are taking a different approach and believe that today's storage systems need to be fundamental changed. In this talk, we discuss the possible changes in storage systems and why these changes can create an environment that can allow us to locate the desired data and to manage the increasing amount of available data. We first present the intelligence to be included in future storage systems. With the intelligence, a new architecture of storage systems can be formed. The possible essential concepts to be parts of the future storage systems include active storage device, object-based storage device, autonomic storage, and application-aware storage. We argue the object-based storage device (OSD) concept is the most fundamental. We plan to show a number of challenging applications can be made easier with the support of OSD-enabled intelligent storage systems. We compare the disadvantages and advantages of semantic Web, middleware and intelligent storage.


A novel series of falvonols (16a-s) were synthesized by the reaction of respective chalcones (2a-s) and hydrogen peroxide. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by spectral data and tested for their antimicrobial activities against both gram positive B.subtilis, gram negative E.coli bacteria and antifungal activity against P.notatum C. tropicalis, A. niger and C. albicans by using cup plate method. Among the synthesized compounds, Flavanol derivatives bearing electron releasing functional group (16b, 16n and 16s) showed good activity against E.Coli . Derivative bearing dimethoxy group (16n) showed good activity againest B. Subtilis. Flavonol derivatives showed moderate to weak activity against A. niger, C. albicans and Penicillium notatum fungi.


Numerical results obtained for an Inconel-718 compressor blade rubbing a stationary casing of gas turbine at engine speed are described in this paper. Higher performances of gas turbine depend on minimum clearance between rotating blade and stationary casing. But tighter clearances result in rub event at blade tips, transferring load on different parts of gas turbine in radial, axial and tangential directions. The axial, radial and circumferential loads are noted for sudden incursions of varying severity, defined by incursion depths ranging from 0.02 to 0.7 mm. The effect of casing and blade tip rub forces being transmitted to the shaft are analyzed in terms of the dynamic stability of the rotor. The obtained results describe the transient dynamics of rotor and casing at engine operational speed of 10,000 rpm. On higher incursion the maximum circumferential load increases significantly, while the maximum axial load increases much less, demonstrating the non-linear nature of the rub phenomena. The stress-effective, deformation and temperature at the blade tip are simulated. The results are obtained using DEFORM software and compared with LS-DYNA solver. Cite this Article Harisha SK, Shivaraj Kumar DN, Ramachandra K et al. Effect of Blade-Casing Rub Event on Blade, Casing and Turbine Shaft in Gas Turbine Engine. Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology. 2016; 6(1): 43–54p.


Much controversy surrounds the issue of the natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many authorities view the disease as inexorably progressive with a high probability of advancing over time to cirrhosis and occasionally hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, therefore, likely to be responsible for causing death. Others regard chronic hepatitis C as having a variable outcome, the majority of infected persons not dying from the disease, but more likely from the comorbid conditions that so often accompany infection by this agent, or from more common medical conditions. Disagreements probably derive from the manner of conduct of the study and the populations studied. Efforts to determine natural history are handicapped by the primary characteristics of the disease, namely that its onset rarely is recognized and its course is prolonged exceedingly. Thus, different outcomes have come from retrospective rather than from prospective studies, but both have concluded that at least 20% of chronically infected adults develop cirrhosis within 20 years. More recent studies that used a retrospective/prospective approach, focusing largely on young infected individuals, have produced different results. Among these young people, particularly young women, spontaneous resolution of the viral infection is more common than previously thought and cirrhosis has been identified in 5% or fewer of them. The major failing for all groups studied, young and old, is that natural history studies have rarely exceeded the first 2 decades, so that outcome beyond this time is not known, other than through modeling. Several host‐related and extraneous factors probably affect the natural history.


One of Francois Truffaut's most poignantly memorable films, ""Jules and Jim,"" adapted a novel by the French writer and art collector Henri-Pierre Roche. The characters and events of the 1960s film were based on a real-life romantic triangle, begun in the summer of 1920, which involved Roche himself, the German-Jewish writer Franz Hessel, and his wife, the journalist Helen Grund. Drawing on this film and others by Truffaut, Robert Stam provides the first in-depth examination of the multifaceted relationship between Truffaut and Roche. In the process, he provides a unique lens through which to understand how adaptation works - from history to novel, and ultimately to film - and how each form of expression is inflected by the period in which it is created. Truffaut's adaptation of Roche's work, Stam suggests, demonstrates how reworkings can be much more than simply copies of their originals; rather, they can become an immensely creative enterprise - a form of writing in itself. The book also moves beyond Truffaut's film and the menage-a-trois involving Roche, Hessel, and Grund to explore the intertwined lives and works of other famous artists and intellectuals, including Marcel Duchamp, Walter Benjamin, and Charlotte Wolff. Tracing the tangled webs that linked these individuals' lives, Stam opens the door to an erotic/writerly territory where the complex interplay of various artistic sensibilities - all revolving around the same nucleus of feelings and events - vividly comes alive.


Water resources planning requires very good data set and accurate analyses, one of which is a trend identification procedure. Different trend analyses are available in the literature and one of the most commonly used one is the Mann-Kendall trend analysis. The biggest problem of this analysis is that trends change with the selection of different time periods. Although many researchers have tried to find different solutions to this problem, in this study, trends are set for all combinations of the available data to cover at least 10-year periods and the results are displayed on a 3-dimensional checkerboard. For the application precipitation and temperature data are considered from 5 meteorology stations in the Akarçay, Turkey.


Consultants practising clinical specialties other than psychiatry in six general hospitals were asked by questionnaire about reasons which might prevent the referral of patients to a psychiatrist. The purpose of the enquiry was to find out the causes of the discrepancy between the prevalence of psychiatric disorder among medical and surgical patients and the low rate of referral. Forty-five per cent of the consultants were influenced by the patient's dislike of referral; there was also evidence of marked dissatisfaction with existing psychiatric services at certain hospitals, felt chiefly by the younger consultants. Part-time consultants gave more reasons for non-referral, but there was no significant difference between medical and surgical specialties despite reported variations in referral practice. It is concluded that general hospital psychiatric units have a role to play in improving the relationship between psychiatrists and other specialties so that referral practice can meet the needs of the patient.


Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a waste produced from oil palm processing. It contains high biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Untreated pome release methane, which has 25 times greenhouse gases (GHG) potential more than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). However, trapped POME through anaerobic digestion produced biogas contained 40% to 70% methane. Biogas can be purified into bio-methane for transportation utilization. The potential of biogas production and bio-methane utilization for petrol car were evaluated based on biogas plant registered with clean development mechanism (CDM). It was found that a palm oil mill in Malaysia is capable of producing 1000 – 4200 tons of bio-methane per year and capable of fuelling 1,309, 2,129 and 3,240 cars per year from small, medium and large size palm oil mill. The bio-methane produced can be supplied to near petrol station around palm oil mill for local utilization and reducing GHG released to the atmosphere.


This study included 520 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (49.4% men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent CTA to evaluate large-vessel occlusion of the proximal anterior circulation. CTA scans were retrospectively reviewed by a consensus panel of 2 neuroradiologists. The prevalence of large-vessel occlusion was 16% (84/520 patients); 20% (17/84) of large-vessel occlusions were missed atthe initial CTA evaluation. In multivariate analysis, non-neuroradiologists were more likely to miss large-vessel occlusion compared with neuroradiologists, and occlusions of the M2 segment were more likely to be missed compared with occlusions of the distal internal carotid artery and/or M1 segment. Calcified emboli were present in 4 of 17 (24%) initially missed or misinterpreted large-vessel occlusions. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is currently not completely clear how well radiologists perform in evaluating large-vessel occlusion on CTA in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential factors associated with diagnostic error. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred twenty consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (49.4% men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent CTA to evaluate large-vessel occlusion of the proximal anterior circulation were included. CTA scans were retrospectively reviewed by a consensus panel of 2 neuroradiologists. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between several variables and missed large-vessel occlusion at the initial CTA interpretation. RESULTS: The prevalence of large-vessel occlusion was 16% (84/520 patients); 20% (17/84) of large-vessel occlusions were missed at the initial CTA evaluation. In multivariate analysis, non-neuroradiologists were more likely to miss large-vessel occlusion compared with neuroradiologists (OR = 5.62; 95% CI, 1.06–29.85; P = .04), and occlusions of the M2 segment were more likely to be missed compared with occlusions of the distal internal carotid artery and/or M1 segment (OR = 5.69; 95% CI, 1.44–22.57; P = .01). There were no calcified emboli in initially correctly identified large-vessel occlusions. However, calcified emboli were present in 4 of 17 (24%) initially missed or misinterpreted large-vessel occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors may have an association with missing a large-vessel occlusion on CTA, including the CTA interpreter (non-neuroradiologists versus neuroradiologists), large-vessel occlusion location (M2 segment versus the distal internal carotid artery and/or M1 segment), and large-vessel occlusion caused by calcified emboli. Awareness of these factors may improve the accuracy in interpreting CTA and eventually improve stroke outcome.


The multiplihedra $\mathcal{M}_{\bullet} = (\mathcal{M}_n)_{n \geq 1}$ form a family of polytopes originating in the study of higher categories and homotopy theory. While the multiplihedra may be unfamiliar to the algebraic combinatorics community, it is nestled between two families of polytopes that certainly are not: the permutahedra $\mathfrak{S}_{\bullet}$ and associahedra $\mathcal{Y}_{\bullet}$. The maps $\mathfrak{S}_{\bullet} \twoheadrightarrow \mathcal{M}_{\bullet} \twoheadrightarrow \mathcal{Y}_{\bullet}$ reveal several new Hopf structures on tree-like objects nestled between the Hopf algebras $\mathfrak{S}Sym$ and $\mathcal{Y}Sym$. We begin their study here, showing that $\mathcal{M}Sym$ is a module over $\mathfrak{S}Sym$ and a Hopf module over $\mathcal{Y}Sym$. An elegant description of the coinvariants for $\mathcal{M}Sym$ over $\mathcal{Y}Sym$ is uncovered via a change of basis-using Mobius inversion in posets built on the $1$-skeleta of $\mathcal{M}_{\bullet}$. Our analysis uses the notion of an $\textit{interval retract}$ that should be of independent interest in poset combinatorics. It also reveals new families of polytopes, and even a new factorization of a known projection from the associahedra to hypercubes.


A prospective randomized trial was performed to compare conservative functional treatment and operative functional treatment for rupture of the lateral ankle ligament. On the basis of the results observed 1 and 2 years after injury, primary functional therapy with a orthetic support appeared to be the method of choice. In a 100-point clinical check-up scale we were not able to find any statistical differences between the treatments. This type of conservative treatment gives a high degree of mechanical stability, a shorter time off work and the ability to take a full, active part in sports within 3 months in all cases. Operative treatment is indicated only in cases of dislocation of the foot and ankle, ankle ligament rupture with additional osteochondral talus fracture, and second-stage injuries or reruptures.


Non-binary LDPC codes offer higher performances than their binary counterpart but suffer from highest decoding complexity. A solution to reduce the decoding complexity is the use of stochastic decoding algorithm, but the computational complexity of probability generation in the first step is very high. In this paper, we propose a simple method to fast generate the probability especially in high-order modulation schemes. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm causes negligible performance degradation with reduction in computational complexity for stochastic decoding of non-binary LDPC codes, which gives some advantages in hardware implementation of the decoders.


Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images acquired during radiotherapy may allow early response assessment. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings on an association of CBCT-measured tumor volume changes with clinical outcomes. The purpose of this pilot study was twofold: (1) to characterize changes in CBCT-based radiomics features during treatment; and (2) to quantify the potential association of CBCT-based delta-radiomics features with overall survival in locally advanced lung cancer. We retrospectively identified 23 patients and calculated 658 radiomics features from each of 11 CBCT images per patient. Feature selection was performed based on repeatability, robustness against contouring uncertainties, and non-redundancy. We calculated the coefficient of determination (R2) for the relationship between the actual feature value at the end of treatment and predicted value based on linear models fitted using features between the first and kth fractions. We also quantified the predictive ability for survival with two methods by: (1) comparing delta-radiomics features (defined as the mean change between the first and kth fractions) between two groups of patients divided by a cutoff survival time of 18 months using the t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test; and (2) quantifying univariate discrimination of two groups divided by the median of delta-radiomics feature. All selected seven radiomics features during treatment (as early as the 10th fraction) were predictive of those at the end of treatment (R2  >  0.64). Three delta-radiomics features demonstrated significant differences (q  <  0.05, as early as the 10th fraction) between the two groups of patients divided by the cutoff survival time. Two of those three features were also predictive of survival according to the log-rank statistics. We provided the first demonstration of a potential association of CBCT-based delta-radiomics features early during treatment with overall survival in locally advanced lung cancer. Our preliminary findings should be validated for a larger cohort of patients.


Introduction Cochlear implantation (CI) is a common intervention for severe-to-profound hearing loss in high-income countries, but is not commonly available to children in low resource environments. Owing in part to the device costs, CI has been assumed to be less economical than deaf education for low resource countries. The purpose of this study is to compare the cost effectiveness of the two interventions for children with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in a model using disability adjusted life years (DALYs). Methods Cost estimates were derived from published data, expert opinion, and known costs of services in Nicaragua. Individual costs and lifetime DALY estimates with a 3% discounting rate were applied to both two interventions. Sensitivity analysis was implemented to evaluate the effect on the discounted cost of five key components: implant cost, audiology salary, speech therapy salary, number of children implanted per year, and device failure probability. Results The costs per DALY averted are $5,898 and $5,529 for CI and deaf education, respectively. Using standards set by the WHO, both interventions are cost effective. Sensitivity analysis shows that when all costs set to maximum estimates, CI is still cost effective. Conclusion Using a conservative DALY analysis, both CI and deaf education are cost-effective treatment alternatives for severe-to-profound SNHL. CI intervention costs are not only influenced by the initial surgery and device costs but also by rehabilitation costs and the lifetime maintenance, device replacement, and battery costs. The major CI cost differences in this low resource setting were increased initial training and infrastructure costs, but lower medical personnel and surgery costs.


It is not our purpose to attempt to cover the subject of hermaphrodism or even the various types of internal, external, complete or secondary pseudohermaphrodism. To those interested in this phase of the subject may be referred some of the literature encountered by us; namely, articles by Bell, 1 Goldjanitzki, 2 Kreuter, 3 Quimby, 4 Thorek, 5 Gibson 6 and others. We considered this case, however, to be one of sufficient rarity and interest to be included in the literature, and, furthermore, the satisfactory result prompted us to report it. The child was fortunately brought to our attention early enough to spare her the humiliation of being conscious of being different from her associates. As Bell 1 states, the secondary sex characteristic in all cases of partial hermaphrodism are opposite in type to the declared sex of the gonads. However, in spite of this, it was deemed essential to determine


2 Abstract: Images are transmitted through the internet for various purposes, such as confidential enterprise archives, document storage systems, medical imaging systems, and military applications. These images may contain secret or confidential information since it should be protected from leakage during transmissions. An approach for secure image transmission is needed, which is to transform a secret image into a meaningful Secret Fragment Mosaic Image with size almost same and looking similar to the preselected target image. The mosaic image is the outcome of arranging of the block fragments of a secret image in a way so as to disguise the other image called the target image. The mosaic image looks similar to a randomly selected target image. It is used for hiding of the secret image by color transforming their characteristics similar to the blocks of the target image. The appropriate information is embedded into the mosaic image for the recovery of the transmitted secret image.


While (mainly) designed to answer users' needs, search engines and recommendation systems do not necessarily guarantee the exposure of the data they store and index while it can be essential for information providers. A recent research direction so called "fair" exposure of documents tackles this problem in information retrieval. It has mainly been cast into a re-ranking problem with constraints and optimization functions. This paper presents the first steps toward a new framework for fair document exposure. This framework is based on document linking and document community detection; communities are used to rank the documents to be retrieved according to an information need. In addition to the first step of this new framework, we present its potential through both a toy example and a few illustrative examples from the 2019 TREC Fair Ranking Track data set.


Graphene-based devices constitute a pioneering field of research for their extraordinary electromagnetic properties. The incorporation of appropriate models into numerical simulators is necessary in order to take advantage of these properties. In this work, we propose a method to incorporate graphene-sheet models into the FDTD method. The use of vector-fitting techniques expands the permittivity of graphene into a rational function series of complex conjugate pole-residue pairs, which is implemented into FDTD by an auxiliary differential equation formulation. Simple waveguiding problems validate our approach.


Renal transplantation is a useful option for allowing female renal failure patients of childbearing age to achieve pregnancy. However, there have been a few reports on the effects of renal transplantation on infertility treatment in male renal failure patients. We herein report two cases in which male patients underwent infertility treatment after renal transplantation.

 Case 1: A 51-year-old Asian (Japanese) man underwent transplantation (the donor was his wife) for renal failure due to Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). At two years after transplantation, he visited the reproduction center in our institute due to infertility. A semen analysis revealed oligoasthenozoospermia. He ultimately failed to achieve pregnancy and gave up on infertility treatment.
 Case 2: A 47-year-old Asian (Japanese) man underwent renal transplantation (the donor was his sister) due to renal failure caused by diabetes mellitus. At three years after renal transplantation, he visited the reproduction center in our institute for infertility. Due to ejaculation disability and the absence of sperm in the patient's urine after masturbation, he was diagnosed with anejaculation. Thus, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) was performed. Twenty-three motile spermatozoa were successfully retrieved by microdissection TESE (micro-TESE). ICSI was subsequently performed and a good embryo was transferred. His wife achieved pregnancy and is expected to deliver this October.

 We report two cases of male infertility treatment after renal transplantation.


ABSTRACT Bacterial cell division and cell wall synthesis are highly coordinated processes involving multiple proteins. Here, we show that Rv0008c, a novel small membrane protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, localizes to the poles and on membranes and shows an overall punctate localization throughout the cell. Furthermore, Rv0008c interacts with two proteins, CrgA and Wag31, implicated in peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis in mycobacteria. Deletion of the Rv0008c homolog in M. smegmatis, MSMEG_0023, caused bulged cell poles, formation of rounded cells, and defects in polar localization of Wag31 and cell wall synthesis, with cell wall synthesis measured by the incorporation of the [14C]N-acetylglucosamine cell wall precursor. The M. smegmatis MSMEG_0023 crgA double mutant strain showed severe defects in growth, viability, cell wall synthesis, cell shape, and the localization of the FtsZ, FtsI, and Wag31 proteins. The double mutant strain also exhibited increased autolytic activity in the presence of detergents. Because CrgA and Wag31 proteins interact with FtsI individually, we believe that regulated cell wall synthesis and cell shape maintenance require the concerted actions of the CrgA, Rv0008c, FtsI, and Wag31 proteins. We propose that, together, CrgA and Rv0008c, renamed CwsA for cell wall synthesis and cell shape protein A, play crucial roles in septal and polar PG synthesis and help coordinate these processes with the FtsZ-ring assembly in mycobacteria.


A simple ultrasonic method was developed to synthesize rod-like SnS nanocrystals, using tin chloride and thioacetamide as starting materials, ethanolamine and water as solvents. The as-obtained nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV). From the XRD pattern, the reflection peaks of the as-obtained samples can be indexed to the orthorhombic structure with lattice constants a = 3.99, b = 4.34, c = 11.20 Å , which are very consistent with the values in the standard card of SnS phase (JCPDS No. 39-0354). No characteristic peak was observed for other impurities such as SnO2 and SnS2, implying the formation of single-phase tin monosulfide. The quantification calculation shows the ratio of Sn/S to be 51.30/48.70 via the EDS analysis. These data clearly indicate that the as-prepared rod-like nanostructures are exactly SnS. TEM results show that, the SnS nanorods have length about 100nm and width less than 30nm. The direct and indirect band gaps of the SnS nanorods are determined to be 1.53 eV and 1.34 eV, respectively. The band gaps of the as-obtained SnS nanorods showed blue shifts due to the quantum size effects. The ultrasonic condition is believed to be critical for the formation of SnS with pure phase. For it provides the energy to form rod-like nanostructures and helps preventing the hydrolysis of Sn2+ to form tin oxides and hydrates. Also, it prevents oxidation of the final products.


Complementarity has become an essential concept in energy supply systems. Although there are some other metrics, most studies use correlation coefficients to quantify complementarity. The standard interpretation is that a high negative correlation indicates a high degree of complementarity. However, we show that the correlation is not an entirely satisfactory measure of complementarity. As an alternative, we propose a new index based on the mathematical concept of the total variation. For two time series, the new index φ is one minus the ratio of the total variation of the sum to the sum of the two series' total variation. We apply the index first to an auto-regressive (AR) process and then to various Colombian electric system series. The AR case clearly illustrates the limitations of the correlation coefficient as a measure of complementarity. We then evaluate complementarity across various space-time scales in the Colombian power sectors, considering hydro and wind projects. The complementarity assessment on a broad temporal and geographical scale helps analyze large power systems with different energy sources. The case study of the Colombian hydropower systems suggests that φ is better than ρ because (i) it considers scale, whereas ρ, being non-dimensional, is insensitive to the scale and even to the physical dimensions of the variables; (ii) one can apply φ to more than two resources; and (iii) ρ tends to overestimate complementarity.


This paper reports on a study in which students self-graded an assessment task with the aid of an assessment rubric. On comparing student selfgrades with those of the tutor it was found that majority (72.6%) of the students failed to demonstrate good self-assessment skills with student grades ranging from 25 less than the tutor grade to an overestimation of 36 above the tutor grade. Consistent with other research studies the results further show that weaker students graded themselves higher than the better performing students. However, there was a tendency for male students to grade themselves higher than female students. Analysis of the qualitative data reveals that students' feelings about self-grading may play a role in the grades they assign themselves. The author therefore recommends that affective factors need to considered and addressed prior to the self-grading task. Furthermore, it is evident that rubrics alone may not necessarily improve selfgrading and that internalisation of the rubric criteria and standards, as well as practice is crucial. Finally, in order to produce graduates who are able to appraise their performance, selfassessment should be embedded early in the students degree programme and be sustained throughout the degree.Key words: grading, self-assessment, learner-centred assessment, higher education, assessment rubric


Quseir is a small city on the east African Red Sea coast, which in addition to being surrounded by rich coral reserves, boasts a valuable historical heritage that offers a significant potential as a tourist attraction. The aim of the action plan was to integrate and coordinate the life long sustainable utilization and historic preservation of the city. Historical buildings within the historic core were identified and surveyed to determine their physical condition. Infra structure and public services were also assessed. A questionnaire was designed for participatory feedback from local residents to assess their attitudes and wishes pertaining to the development of the city. Socio-economic study for the beautification of Al-Quseir was also conducted. A strategy for a comprehensive action plan has been developed in response to the constraints and requirements discovered through the assessment process.


This thesis documents the design, implementation and testing of a smart sensing platform that is able to discriminate between differences or small changes in a persons walking. The distributive tactile sensing method is used to monitor the deflection of the platform surface using just a small number of sensors and, through the use of neural networks, infer the characteristics of the object in contact with the surface. The thesis first describes the development of a mathematical model which uses a novel method to track the position of a moving load as it passes over the smart sensing surface. Experimental methods are then described for using the platform to track the position of swinging pendulum in three dimensions. It is demonstrated that the method can be extended to that of real-time measurement of balance and sway of a person during quiet standing. Current classification methods are then investigated for use in the classification of different gait patterns, in particular to identify individuals by their unique gait pattern. Based on these observations, a novel algorithm is developed that is able to discriminate between abnormal and affected gait. This algorithm, using the distributive tactile sensing method, was found to have greater accuracy than other methods investigated and was designed to be able to cope with any type of gait variation. The system developed in this thesis has applications in the area of medical diagnostics, either as an initial screening tool for detecting walking disorders or to be able to automatically detect changes in gait over time. The system could also be used as a discrete biometric identification method, for example identifying office workers as they pass over the surface.


Transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, are the major driver of increasing traffic congestion in San Francisco. This research examines whether transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, live up to their stated vision of reducing congestion in major cities. Existing research has produced conflicting results and has been hampered by a lack of data. Using data scraped from the application programming interfaces of two TNCs, combined with observed travel time data, we find that contrary to their vision, TNCs are the biggest contributor to growing traffic congestion in San Francisco. Between 2010 and 2016, weekday vehicle hours of delay increased by 62% compared to 22% in a counterfactual 2016 scenario without TNCs. The findings provide insight into expected changes in major cities as TNCs continue to grow, informing decisions about how to integrate TNCs into the existing transportation system.


Do managers behave territorially toward their employees? Despite accumulating evidence demonstrating the prevalence of territoriality over nonagentic organizational resources, key questions remain regarding the extent to which psychological ownership and territorial behavior occur within supervisor-subordinate relationships. To explore this question, we drew on territoriality and mate-guarding theory to ascertain how and why managers might utilize one form of territoriality, anticipatory defenses, toward their employees. In a four-study investigation, we find that managers consistently engage in two forms of anticipatory defense tactics, persuasion and nurturing, that are intended to defend ownership claims over their employees and limit employee defection. Our results demonstrate a positive relationship between psychological ownership of subordinates and employee guarding directed toward those subordinates. We also find that managers engage in employee guarding more when they anticipate an employee is likely to defect, and they adapt guarding tactics in response to the subordinate's general mental ability. Collectively, our results identify the motivations and conditions under which supervisors act territorially toward agentic subordinates, contributing to theory in territoriality and downward social influence.


In Nudge, Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler describe how public and private institutions can improve on individual choices by nudging individuals into making selections that are right for them. Rejecting the Econ-101 caricature of the rational utility maximizer as inaccurate, Sunstein and Thaler apply the insights of behavioral economics to show how institutions can improve the delivery of services. Moving beyond attempts to remedy individual cognitive errors, Sunstein and Thaler also argue for "libertarian paternalism" - which they herald as the "Third Way." This Review assesses their claims critically, finding their development of "nudge" and "choice architecture" to be welcome additions to public-policy analysis, but ultimately concluding that "libertarian paternalism" is a politically impoverished vision.


Abstract Over 8 months we surveyed the Lake Tumba landscape, Democratic Republic of Congo, walking 86 km of transects and 324 km of reconnaissance, to document the distribution and estimate the abundance of great apes. Five separate groups of bonobo Pan paniscus were located in the areas of Bolombo-Losombo, Mbala-Donkese, Ngombe-Botuali, Botuali-Ilombe, and Mompulenge–Mbanzi-Malebo–Nguomi, and one population of chimpanzees Pan troglodytes in the Bosobele-Lubengo area. Mean bonobo densities ranged from 0.27 individuals km-2 in the vicinity of Lake Tumba to 2.2 individuals km-2 in the Malebo-Nguomi area. In the latter they appear to be living at a higher density than reported for any other site. This may be due to the area's forest-savannah mosaic habitat, which may provide year-round fruit sources, with bonobos falling back on savannah fruits when forest resources are scarce. The bonobos of the Bolombo-Losombo area and the Bosobele-Lubengo chimpanzees have low relative abundances and live in marginal habitats of islands of terra firma within inundated forests.


From the Publisher:
This book presents XML programming from a conceptual perspective, teaching not just the technology, but the background and thinking behind it. Developers learn to do it right, gaining a thorough understanding of the hows and the whys from the ground up. Rather than teaching programmers to memorize specific APIs, this book teaches programmers how to think about XML programming in a language-neutral way, with examples in various languages (such as Java, C++, Perl, and VB) and provides guidance on how and when XML can be used in real-world situations.


beta-Endorphin and alpha-melanotropin immunoreactivity was demonstrated in some motor nerves in histological sections of soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles of the mouse. In two strains (C57BL/6J and 129/ReJ) which can inherit muscular dystrophy, the proportion of immunoreactive nerves was greater in the dystrophic individuals than in their healthy littermates. At 24 h after section of the sciatic nerve in the normal mice the proportion of immunoreactive nerve profiles had increased significantly in the denervated muscles even though most of the nerve axons had degenerated. Similar increases were also seen in nerves in the unoperated contralateral muscles.


A number of laws are derived which establish relationships between throughput, response time, device utilization, space-time products and various other factors related to computer system performance. These laws are obtained by using the operational method of computer system analysis. The operational method, which differs significantly from the conventional stochastic modeling approach, is based on a set of concepts that correspond naturally and directly to observed properties of real computer systems. Except for measurement errors, the operational laws presented in this paper apply with complete precision to all collections of observational data, and they are similar to fundamental laws found in other areas of engineering and applied science.


Smart grids (SG) are electricity grids that communicate with each other, provide reliable information, and enable administrators to operate energy supplies across the country, ensuring optimized reliability and efficiency. The smart grid contains sensors that measure and transmit data to adjust the flow of electricity automatically based on supply/demand, and thus, responding to problems becomes quicker and easier. This also plays a crucial role in controlling carbon emissions, by avoiding energy losses during peak load hours and ensuring optimal energy management. The scope of big data analytics in smart grids is huge, as they collect information from raw data and derive intelligent information from the same. However, these benefits of the smart grid are dependent on the active and voluntary participation of the consumers in real-time. Consumers need to be motivated and conscious to avail themselves of the achievable benefits. Incentivizing the appropriate actor is an absolute necessity to encourage prosumers to generate renewable energy sources (RES) and motivate industries to establish plants that support sustainable and green-energy-based processes or products. The current study emphasizes similar aspects and presents a comprehensive survey of the start-of-the-art contributions pertinent to incentive mechanisms in smart grids, which can be used in smart grids to optimize the power distribution during peak times and also reduce carbon emissions. The various technologies, such as game theory, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, used in implementing incentive mechanisms in smart grids are discussed, followed by different incentive projects being implemented across the globe. The lessons learnt, challenges faced in such implementations, and open issues such as data quality, privacy, security, and pricing related to incentive mechanisms in SG are identified to guide the future scope of research in this sector.


This paper is a result of research activities within wearable communications carried out at the Ericsson Norway Applied research center in collaboration with the University of Oslo. The research activities are based on the conviction that the user and usability should be in focus. The research is grounded on a field study conducted to investigate a highly mobile activity, namely bike messenger services in Oslo and New York City. Findings from this field study are the motivation behind the component-based terminal presented in this paper. Instead of building a terminal by integrating several terminals into "one", our approach suggests, first, a dissolution of the current terminals into pieces called "basic components", and then reassemble the selected "basic components" to form a customized terminal.


Within the past decade, the identification of two mutations that are relatively prevalent among the white population (the factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A gene mutations) has paved the way for a number of large cohort studies that have greatly advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is clearly a multigenic disorder, with well-characterized examples of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions underlying its pathogenesis. Increasing numbers of patients are being referred for testing, and many more diagnoses of inherited thrombophilia are being made. The purpose of this article is to discuss the practical applications of both diagnostic testing and genetic counseling for the major inherited thrombophilias: inherited resistance to activated protein C/factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A mutation, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, and antithrombin deficiency. A description of each entity is included along with a discussion of the indications for testing, selection of the most appropriate screening test, and proper interpretation of test results. Informed consent for testing, screening of asymptomatic individuals in special circumstances (such as during pregnancy or before initiation of estrogen therapy), screening of family members, and posttest education are also addressed. This article emphasizes that these polymorphisms should be regarded as risk factors for thrombosis whose clinical expression generally depends on the coexistence of additional thrombophilic mutations or environmental conditions that provoke the development of VTE.


The present work aims at setting up an index to rank different coastal territories. The objective is to provide insights for future developing paths: a tool in the service of public decisionmakers who govern the territories and optimize the local resources for the purpose of economic development, with the industry of boating involved. This paper offers indexes based on relevant indicators, all of which are available in advanced countries. The construction of the Nautical Quality Index (NaQi) follows a process that strictly adheres to the most reliable method of calculation: starting from 18 variables selected ad hoc, which are grouped into six synthetic indicators. The overall indicator is obtained as the sum of each partial indicator, appropriately restandardized and weighted for the vector of dimensional weighting. The resulting NaQi is therefore a general classification, obtained from the sum of six synthetic indices.


Infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is reported to be increasing and becoming a problem especially in health care systems with prolonged survival in the environment. In this study, we compared the performance characteristics of CHROMagar with conventional methods for detection of VRE in clinical urine specimens. A total of 7404 urine samples were entered in the study. All specimens were cultured by routine microbiological method and were simultaneously cultured in prepared CHROMagar plate for growth characteristics with positive and negative controls. Susceptibility tests were performed by disk diffusion method as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. We also used E-test minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for confirmation of VRE isolates. Total isolation rate was 22.19% of the tested specimens. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated in 10 (0.13%) and 72 (0.92%) cases, respectively while six were VRE belonging to admitted patients. Analyzed data of VRE cases revealed the results of all three applied methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing, E-test and CHROMagar were in agreement in all the six identified VRE cases. The obtained results in the present study indicate that CHROMagar method is easy to use, and is a cost- and time-effective procedure for the isolation of VRE especially in urine specimens.


Abstract. Observations from moored instruments are analyzed to describe the Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current at the Lofoten Escarpment (13∘ E, 69∘ N). The data set covers a 14-month period from June 2016 to September 2017 and resolves the core of the current from 200 to 650 m depth between the 650 and 1500 m isobaths. The along-isobath current, vertically averaged between 200 and 600 m depth, has an annual cycle amplitude of 0.1 m s−1, with the strongest currents in winter, and a temporal average of 0.15 m s−1. Higher-frequency variability is characterized by fluctuations that reach 0.8 m s−1, lasting for 1 to 2 weeks, and extend as deep as 600 m. In contrast to observations in Svinøy (2∘ E, 63∘ N), the slope current is not barotropic and varies strongly with depth (a shear of 0.05 to 0.1 m s−1 per 100 m in all seasons). Within the limitations of the data, the average volume transport of Atlantic Water is estimated at 2.0±0.8 Sv (1 Sv =106 m3 s−1), with summer and winter averages of 1.6 and 2.9 Sv, respectively. The largest transport is associated with the high temperature classes (>7 ∘C) in all seasons, with the largest values of both transport and temperature in winter. Calculations of the barotropic and baroclinic conversion rates using the moorings are supplemented by results from a high-resolution numerical model. While the conversion from mean to eddy kinetic energy (e.g., barotropic instability) is likely negligible over the Lofoten Escarpment, the baroclinic conversion from mean potential energy into eddy kinetic energy (e.g., baroclinic instability) can be substantial, with volume-averaged values of (1–2)×10-4 W m−3.


Detection of debris flow occurrence can be efficiently obtained through different types of sensors. A pair of ultrasonic sensors placed at a known distance from each other along a torrent have been used as a method to obtain mean front velocity of debris-flows, in addition to their use as detectors of debris flow occurrence. Also seismic and acoustic sensors have been employed to measure debris-flow front velocity and discharge in the same manner. In order to obtain velocity measurements, however, these methods require the presence of a well identifiable and defined main front in the debris flow wave. The time lag between the recordings of the front of the wave at two consecutive stations allows an estimation of its mean velocity. When a well-defined front is not present and no recurrent feature can be found along the wave, the measurement of velocity may prove difficult. The cross-correlation technique may help identifying the mean velocity of the flow in such cases. In fact, cross correlation allows to determine the mean time lag elapsed between the recording of two sets of data of the same event at different positions. This technique may be also used to measure velocity using signals coming from different types of sensors, for instance where a ground vibration detector has been placed along a torrent where an ultrasonic sensor was already present or viceversa. An application has been made using field data recorded through seismic and ultrasonic sensors in a small instrumented catchment in the Italian Alps (Moscardo Torrent).


Questions have been raised whether intrauterine transfusion (IUT) results in a better survival rate than premature delivery and intensive newborn care. A 20% mortality for each IUT seems the basis for the query. Our method of IUT is described which resulted in 75% survival in nonhydropic babies overall with a 3.6% mortality for each IUT. In the last 5 years the survivors were 84.6% with a mortality rate of 2.2% for each IUT. The results in hydropic babies are poor. Intrauterine transfusion by our method permits delivery of a more mature baby requiring much shorter hospitalization and reduced costs.


Faced with the problem of how to evaluate students' learning properly,many teachers begin to search for alternative assessments.Interest is growing in meaningful assessment and the use of portfolio assessment has become a good choice to improve both teaching and learning.In the article,the major principles and the approaches of portfolio assessment are explained.By analysing the benefits and limitations of portfolio assessment,the article concludes that despite the issues,portfolio assessment can contribute to the enhancement of students' learning and the improvement of teaching.


In this paper, we develop a general theory of fixed point combinators, in higher-order logic equipped with Hilbert's epsilon operator. This combinator allows for a direct and effective formalization of corecursive values, recursive and corecursive functions, as well as functions mixing recursion and corecursion. It supports higherorder recursion, nested recursion, and offers a proper treatment of partial functions in the sense that domains need not be hardwired in the definition of functionals. Our work, which has been entirely implemented in Coq, unifies and generalizes existing results on contraction conditions and complete ordered families of equivalences, and relies on the theory of optimal fixed points for the treatment of partial functions. It provides a practical way to formalize circular definitions in higher-order logic.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential impact of the utilization of game mechanics and game design techniques in the acceptance of mobile banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model was tested in a quantitative study using structural equation modelling, conducted in Brazil, with actual local banking customers.

Findings

The findings show that there is a direct and strong relationship between gamification and intention to use mobile banking services, supporting that, when used and designed properly, gamification can help make banking activities more exciting, more interesting and more enjoyable, and in turn increase customer acceptance, engagement and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), and prior research to include gamification impact. The result is a more descriptive model that better explains consumers' decision to use mobile banking services.

Practical implications

For practitioners, understanding the key constructs is crucial to design, refine and implement mobile banking services that achieve high consumer acceptance and value, and with the right amount of game techniques in them.

Originality/value

The globalization of business and systems is fuelling the need to acquire a deeper understanding of the impact of gamification in acceptance within the financial industry. This is the first time to the knowledge that UTAUT2 theory and a gamification construct are combined in a mobile banking acceptance work, supported by data from a South American country, enriching the existing literature on this subject and providing new insights into how game techniques influences individual behaviour.


In this article, an effective solution has been presented to assist a driver in taking decisions for overtaking under adverse night-time dark condition on a two-lane single-carriageway road. Here, an awkward situation of the road where a vehicle is just in front of the test vehicle in the same direction and another vehicle coming from the opposite direction is considered. As the environmental condition is very dark, so only headlights and taillights of any vehicle are visible. Estimation of distance and speed with greater accuracy, especially at night where vehicles are not visible is really a challenging task. The proposed assistance system can estimate the actual and relative speed and the distance of the slow vehicle in front of the test vehicle and the vehicle coming from the opposite direction by observing taillights and headlights respectively. Subsequently, required gap , road condition level, speed and acceleration for safe overtaking are estimated. Finally, the overtaking decision is made in a such way that there should not be any collision between vehicles. Several real-time experiments reveal that the estimation achieves a great accuracy with safe condition over the state-of-the-art techniques using a low-cost 2D camera.


Topics include efforts to accelerate computer bootups, a new data glove that records users' hand and finger motions to let them interact with various types of systems, a lithography technique for creating fast chips, and the world's smallest medical camera.


The aim of this research is, through empirical analysis, to understand the acceptance of low pay and low paid employment. The research is the first of its kind to look at people in low paid jobs through the framework of acceptance. The study builds upon the economic arguments of need and the psychological explanations of satisfaction by attempting to capture the effects of both. In doing so, the research employs new ways of looking at why people stay in low paid employment thus contributing towards advancement in pay research. The research was carried out in two phases. First, a review of literature was conducted that looked at both the economic and psychological explanations of acceptance. Second, an empirical analysis was undertaken based on a guiding proposition that was informed by the literature review and two preliminary studies. The empirical study tackles two difficult problems: namely, having to first define and measure the concept of acceptance and then collect data in the sensitive area of pay. The study uses a rough measure of acceptance that of 'not searching for a better job '. This is supplemented by data on extended effort, which is seen as additional evidence of acceptance. Information on pay and opportunity is collected through self-descriptive means using a questionnaire. Based on the understanding of the research question, a proposition was created that guided the study: 'The acceptance of low pay is conditioned by the need to extend labour supply and by low horizons engendered by perceived self evaluation and perceived opportunity' A questionnaire was distributed through trade unions by post and distributed by hand to occupations identified as low paid by the Low Pay Commission (1998). The resulting sample represented three major occupations including hotel, transport & communications and retail. In all 267 complete questionnaires were received and used in the study. The portrait of the 'working poor' which emerged during the study was of extended hours and low pay. The levels of pay were so low as to make individual differences hard to locate. The sample was working hard to maintain its income. There was evidence of limited aspirations in the unconfident perception of opportunities and in the low levels of target earnings, which were lower than national averages by occupational group. Although there was circumstantial evidence that organisational variables were at work, satisfaction levels were so extreme as not to differentiate the sample. Even though the measure was rough some differences were found between those searching and those not searching for a better job. From the results some key variables that influence the acceptance of low pay were identified as working in combination. These were multiple jobs, low perceived opportunities and limited horizons. In short although the results were too extreme to differentiate the sample in important respects, the study justifies the central proposition of examining pay through the concept of acceptance. The use of 'searching for a better job' as a methodological concept requires further investigation.


This article argues that the analytical pendulum has swung too far in prioritizing consumption in analyses of the cultural economy. The article adopts a version of the 'production of culture' perspective and is illustrated through discussion of three interrelated fields of the cultural economy: the new economy, creativity and consumption. The article argues in favour of studies of the material culture of production (redefined to take in the whole 'cycle' of the making and shaping of cultural commodities) and recommends this as a basis of policy development.


Experiments on male rats were made to study the effects of synestrol and diethylstilbestrol on the sexual organs. The drugs were administered subcutaneously and into the CSF. Diethylstilbestrol propionate produced the most potent inhibitory action on proliferative processes in the prostate. This inhibition was found to be the most demonstrable when the drug was administered into the CSF. During endo-CSF administration the dose of the hormone could be considerably decreased, with the inhibitory action on the target organs being unchanged and side effects on the animal body being minimal.


A series of novel polyamides containing triaryl imidazole pendent group was successfully synthesized by direct polycondensation of a new diamine monomer, N-(4-(4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole-2-yl)phenoxy)phenyl)-3,5- diaminobenzamide (DIDA),with various aromatic and aliphatic dicarboxylic diacids. These polyamides were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy techniques, and their physical properties such as solubility, viscosity, and thermal properties bymeans of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamicmechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)were investigated. These polyamideswith inherent viscosities of 0.37 to 0.51 dL/gwere readily soluble inmany organic solvents and gave tough and flexible films by solution casting. These polyamides exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tgs) between 194 and 296i'°C, and their initial decomposition temperature varied from250 to 380i'°Cand for a totalweight loss of 10%(T10) from360i'°C to 510i'°Cin nitrogen.


The paper deals with the identification of occupational injury among workers in selected cement industries of Bangladesh. In this regard, the case study was conducted to extract the overall scenario of the occupational injury. Injury data were collected by using questionnaires from the workers as well as supervisors of four cement industries. The data collected were analyzed in terms of different variables, such as body parts, agent of accident, experience, age, skill, and type of injury. Pareto analysis was then applied to find a pattern of occupational injury among the workers. The study disclosed that arm, leg, hand finger, Eye and head covered 82.81% of total i njury frequency, 76.56% of total injuries by welding, bucket elevator, belt conveyor and weight lifting, low experienced and high experienced workers have 84.38% of total injury frequency, age group of 21-25 and 51-55 have the maximum injury frequency, 78.13% injury occurred by highly skilled and unskilled workers and 79.1% of total injury is temporary disable type injury. The paper also provides specific suggestions followed by some action plans. Keywords injury; accident; workers; safety; cement industry; training. DOI: 10.3329/jce.v25i0.7236 Journal of Chemical Engineering , IEB Vol. ChE. 25, No. 1, December 2010 pp.22-28


The findings presented here suggest that mercury from dental amalgam may play a role in the etiology of oral cavity health. Comparisons between subjects with and without amalgam showed significant differences of diseases of the mouth. Subjects who had amalgams removed reported that symptoms of diminished oral health were improved or eliminated after removal. The data suggest that inorganic mercury from dental amalgam does affect the oral cavity.


Sparse matrix formats encode very large numerical matrices with relatively few nonzeros. They are typically implemented using imperative languages, with emphasis on low-level optimization. Such implementations are far removed from the conceptual organization of the sparse format, which obscures the representation invariants. They are further specialized by hand for particular applications, machines and workloads. Consequently, they are difficult to write, maintain, and verify.
In this dissertation we present LL, a small functional language suitable for implementing operations on sparse matrices. LL supports nested list and pair types, which naturally represent compressed matrices. It provides a few built-in operators and has a unique compositional dataflow model. As a result, LL programs are often direct analogs of high-level dataflow diagrams. This correspondence is useful when implementing sparse format construction and algebraic kernels such as sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV). Despite its limited expressiveness, LL can specify interesting operations on real-world sparse formats.
Next, we present a full functional verifier for sparse codes written in LL. We use a higher-order logic theorem prover, deploying standard simplification and introduction techniques. We use novel parametric predicates for tracking relationships between mathematical objects and their concrete representation. A simple heuristic tactic is used for automating proofs of different sparse formats. A qualitative analysis shows that our rule base exhibits good reusability and that the system easily extends to hierarchical formats.
Finally, we describe a compiler for LL programs that generates efficient, parallel C code. We systematically map high-level nested datatypes onto compact and efficient low-level types. This facilitates a straightforward, syntax-directed translation of code. Local optimizations improve the performance of nested loops and eliminate redundant memory accesses. A coarse-grained heuristic loop parallelization scheme produces data-parallel code for execution on shared-memory multicore machines. Empirical evaluation shows that the sequential throughput of generated SpMV code is within 0.94–1.09 of a handwritten implementation. Parallel execution is 1.82–1.98 faster on two cores and 2.44–3.59 faster on four cores.


Occupant presence and behaviour have a signi�cant impact on building energy performance.
An occupant present in a building generates pollutants like CO2, odour, heat,
which can directly change the indoor environment. Because of this change, the occupant
may interact with the building environment to maintain the comfort level, for example,
he or she may turn on air conditioning systems. Today's Building Energy Management
Systems (BEMS) are usually operated based on a �xed seasonal schedule and maximum
design occupancy assumption but fail to capture dynamic information. This is both
costly and ine�cient.
Recent e�orts on exploitation of environmental sensors and data-driven approaches to
monitor occupant behaviour patterns, have shown the potential for dynamically adapt
BEMS according to real user needs. Furthermore, this occupant information can also
be used for other applications such as home security, healthcare or smart environments.
However, most of existing models su�er from inaccuracy and imprecision for occupant
state classi�cation, could not adaptively learn from real-time sensor input and they
mainly focused on single occupant scenarios only. To address these issues, we present a
novel data-driven approach to model occupant behaviour patterns accurately, for both
single occupant and multiple occupants with real-time sensor information. The contributions
can be summarised as follows:
Firstly, we have conducted a thorough benchmark evaluation of classi�cation performance
of state-of-the-art Machine Learning (ML) methods and occupant related publicly
available datasets. Secondly, based on the �ndings in literature and our own experimental
evaluations, we have developed a novel dynamic hidden semi-Markov model
(DHSMM), which can accurately detect occupant behaviour patterns from sensor data
streams in real-time. Thirdly, built upon the online DHSMM model, we have developed
a novel incremental learning approach to allow dynamically learning over streaming
data. Finally, we have conducted an experimental evaluation of our proposed model
Online DHSMM Multi-Occupant for occupancy detection for both single and multiple
occupants. We have validated our approach using real datasets and the experimental results
show our proposed approach outperforms existing methods in terms of classi�cation
accuracy and processing time/scalability.
To the best of our knowledge, we have �rst developed a HSMM-based incremental online
learning approach to fast and accurate learn building occupant patterns over streaming
data for both single and multiple occupants in a holistic way. Additionally, our approach
signi�cantly improves the classi�cation accuracies of traditional Markov models (over
10% accuracy increase, while maintaining the model complexity and performing multioccupant
detection).


This paper focuses on the processing of medical data for scientific research and the protection of privacy. Attention will be given to the collection, storage and use of medical data for research. First, the international framework, as provided by the Council of Europe's Convention for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data--and Recommendation No. R (83) 10 on the protection of personal data used for scientific research and statistics, and Draft Recommendation on the protection of medical data, based on this Convention--and the European Directive on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, will be described in broad outlines. Within this international context, the relevant Dutch laws, that is to say the Law on Registration of Personal Data and the Medical Contract Act, will be discussed. The paper concludes with some remarks on the (Dutch) Code of Conduct on Health Care Research.


In cinema, landscape allows for two different understandings: firstly, in its literal form, in other words, as the background of the narrative action. Secondly, its background status can be raised to a character status in the narrative, through metonymies and metaphors. Therefore, this tension between the cinematic landscape as background and as character is, purely in filmic terms, what characterizes the dynamics of the landscape, especially in narrative cinema. (Lefebvre 2006, 29) According to Filipa Rosário and Iván Álvarez, the landscape as "character" appears when the action loses its narrative primacy, and also when the scene is presented through mechanisms that enhance its representation as a show. This happens when the director compels to the contemplation of the image by applying slowness to the scene and when the characters seem muted and their bodies fixed. (2017, 56) The purpose of this study is to explore how the long takes, the lack of dialogue and the use of silence are employed in Lisandro Alonso's Liverpool (2008). These formal mechanisms allow us to embrace the landscape through static takes, inviting the spectator to immerse in a contemplative state. Furthermore, they turn the landscape into a "bearer of the possibilities of a plastic interpretation of emoticons" (Eisenstein 1987, 217).


Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from May 1, 2022, to August 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers' rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Dilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseManuel Mendoza-Carranza, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), MexicoMohammad Aghababaei, Washington State University, USASyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil


While scalable coherence has been extensively studied in the context of general purpose chip multiprocessors (CMPs), GPU architectures present a new set of challenges. Introducing conventional directory protocols adds unnecessary coherence traffic overhead to existing GPU applications. Moreover, these protocols increase the verification complexity of the GPU memory system. Recent research, Library Cache Coherence (LCC) [34, 54], explored the use of time-based approaches in CMP coherence protocols. This paper describes a time-based coherence framework for GPUs, called Temporal Coherence (TC), that exploits globally synchronized counters in single-chip systems to develop a streamlined GPU coherence protocol. Synchronized counters enable all coherence transitions, such as invalidation of cache blocks, to happen synchronously, eliminating all coherence traffic and protocol races. We present an implementation of TC, called TC-Weak, which eliminates LCC's trade-off between stalling stores and increasing L1 miss rates to improve performance and reduce interconnect traffic. By providing coherent L1 caches, TC-Weak improves the performance of GPU applications with inter-workgroup communication by 85% over disabling the non-coherent L1 caches in the baseline GPU. We also find that write-through protocols outperform a writeback protocol on a GPU as the latter suffers from increased traffic due to unnecessary refills of write-once data.


BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are common in young children. It has been suggested that the lack of iron may have deleterious effects on children's psychomotor development and cognitive function. To evaluate the benefits of iron therapy on psychomotor development and cognitive function in children with IDA, a Cochrane review was carried out in 2001. This is an update of that review.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of iron therapy on psychomotor development and cognitive function in iron deficient anaemic children less than three years of age.

SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases in April 2013: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We also searched the reference lists of review articles and reports, and ran citation searches in the Science Citation Index for relevant studies identified by the primary search. We also contacted key authors.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies were included if children less than three years of age with evidence of IDA were randomly allocated to iron or iron plus vitamin C versus a placebo or vitamin C alone, and assessment of developmental status or cognitive function was carried out using standardised tests by observers blind to treatment allocation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts retrieved from the searches and assessed full-text copies of all potentially relevant studies against the inclusion criteria. The same review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the eligible studies. Data were analysed separately depending on whether assessments were performed within one month of beginning iron therapy or after one month.

MAIN RESULTS
We identified one eligible study in the update search that had not been included in the original review. In total, we included eight trials.Six trials, including 225 children with IDA, examined the effects of iron therapy on measures of psychomotor development and cognitive function within 30 days of commencement of therapy. We could pool data from five trials. The pooled difference in pre- to post-treatment change in Bayley Scale Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) between iron and placebo groups was -1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) -4.56 to 2.06, P value = 0.65; I(2) = 33% for heterogeneity, random-effects meta-analysis; low quality evidence) and in Bayley Scale Mental Development Index (MDI) was 1.04 (95% CI -1.30 to 3.39, P value = 0.79; I(2) = 31% for heterogeneity, random-effects meta-analysis; low quality evidence).Two studies, including 160 randomised children with IDA, examined the effects of iron therapy on measures of psychomotor development and cognitive function more than 30 days after commencement of therapy. One of the studies reported the mean number of skills gained after two months of iron therapy using the Denver Developmental Screening Test. The intervention group gained 0.8 (95% CI -0.18 to 1.78, P value = 0.11, moderate quality of evidence) more skills on average than the control group. The other study reported that the difference in pre- to post-treatment change in Bayley Scale PDI between iron-treated and placebo groups after four months was 18.40 (95% CI 10.16 to 26.64, P value < 0.0001; moderate quality evidence) and in Bayley Scale MDI was 18.80 (95% CI 10.17 to 27.43, P value < 0.0001; moderate quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no convincing evidence that iron treatment of young children with IDA has an effect on psychomotor development or cognitive function within 30 days after commencement of therapy. The effect of longer-term treatment remains unclear. There is an urgent need for further large randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up.


To design transducers or motors, it requires the analysis of a lot of parameters such as length, temperature, efficiency, weight, etc. To obtain the optimum results for given specifications, the solution is to analyze globally all the free parameters in one go, with an optimization algorithm based on the Matlab software including the optimization toolbox. A general module makes it possible then to get the optimum according to the constraints of the problem. In future, a module for each type of transducer or motor as well as a module for the driver will be developed.


The aim of the study was to investigate women's empowerment in water boards of South Africa. The study was carried out in all South African water boards (n=14) using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A non-probability sample (which used a purposive sampling frame) was used, resulting in a non-representative sample size (n=409). Qualitative data were collected through a combination of literature reviews, interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The results revealed that males have fair access to managerial and advisory positions such as junior  management and water expert categories at a relatively young age. However, at the governance level, males compared to females are dominant at executive level. Very little women empowerment at these boards was evident. Women appear to lack succession prospects in other critical governing positions of South African water boards. The study recommends for a special attention to affirm women in the water boards in a sustainable manner. Keywords : gender, representation, governance, empowerment, boards


There is a growing recognition of the importance of connections between streams and adjacent alluvial aquifers. The exchange of water, mass, and energy between these locations influences stream ecosystem structure and function by facilitating nutrient cycling, respiration, stream temperature buffering, and survival of macroinvertebrates. Near-surface aquifers that interact with surface water have been termed 'hyporheic zones', yet there are several accepted definitions of this term (biological, geochemical, and hydrological definitions), which do not necessarily agree with each other. Biologists refer to it as the subsurface inhabited by hyporheos ('stream' macroinvertebrates observed in the subsurface). Hydrologists support a conceptual model that suggests a 'flow-through' subsurface region containing flowpaths that originate and terminate at the stream. Geochemical definition suggests that the hyporheic zone is a mixing zone between surface water and deep-sourced groundwater, with intermediate conditions between these end members. Temporal and spatial scales over which we seek to define hyporheic zones constrain our ability to do so. It is recognized that stream water exchanges through the subsurface over many timescales. Proposed here is a definition based on the timescale of flow through the hyporheic zone, in which residence times of interest are explicitly distinguished and referred to – e.g. 'the 24-h hyporheic zone'. Thus the 'component' of the hyporheic zone that is of interest can be related to specific rates of processes of interest (e.g. denitrification rate). Adoption of this approach will reduce ambiguity in hyporheic science and hopefully contribute to interdisciplinary scientific advancements.