Abstract The western model of development is experiencing a generalized crisis manifested by economic, political, ecological and sociological worldwide instabilities and heated popular responses sparking in several points of the globe. As illustrated by Kate Raworth in Doughnut Economics, 13% of the world population lives in a situation of food insecurity and 19% lives without electricity, meanwhile society experiences increasing rate of green gas emissions, biodiversity degradation, and deposits of reactive nitrogen. Aims at proposing an economic theory that supports access to basic human rights to every human being without depredating the quality of the environment have led a group of post-Keynesian/neo-Kaleckian economists to push for a framework that couples economic stability with concerns related to the broader social and environmental systems. To contribute to the newly intensified push of a post-Keynesian/neo-Kaleckian ecological economics, the present article introduces a metric for green jobs, using non-dichotomous measurements as proposed by "fuzzy logic," as a tool to operationalize economic policies such as an ecological employment-guarantee program, for instance.


Ethical medical care of pregnant women in Australia should include the real provision of information regarding the risks and benefits of vaginal birth. Routinely obtaining consent for the different ways in which childbirth is commonly intervened on and the assistance involved (such as midwife-led care or a planned caesarean section) and providing sufficient information for women to evaluate the harms and benefits of the care on offer, would not only enable the empowerment of women but would align with the current standard of care as established by Rogers v Whittaker.


coResearchers have long appreciated the significant relationship between body size and an animal's overall adaptive strategy and life history. However, much more emphasis has been placed on interpreting body size than on the actual calculation of it. One measure of size that is especially important for human evolutionary studies is stature. Despite a long history of investigation, stature estimation remains plagued by two methodological problems: (1) the choice of the statistical estimator, and (2) the choice of the reference population from which to derive the parameters. This work addresses both of these problems in estimating stature for fossil hominids, with special reference to A.L. 288-1 (Australopithecus afarensis) and WT 15000 (Homo erectus). Three reference samples of known stature with maximum humerus and femur lengths are used in this study: a large (n=2209) human sample from North America, a smaller sample of modern human pygmies (n=19) from Africa, and a sample of wild-collected African great apes (n=85). Five regression techniques are used to estimate stature in the fossil hominids using both univariate and multivariate parameters derived from the reference samples: classical calibration, inverse calibration, major axis, reduced major axis and the zero-intercept ratio model. We also explore a new diagnostic to test extrapolation and allometric differences with multivariate data, and we calculate 95% confidence intervals to examine the range of variation in estimates for A.L. 288-1, WT 15000 and the new Bouri hominid (contemporary with [corrected] Australopithecus garhi). Results frequently vary depending on whether the data are univariate or multivariate. Unique limb proportions and fragmented remains complicate the choice of estimator. We are usually left in the end with the classical calibrator as the best choice. It is the maximum likelihood estimator that performs best overall, especially in scenarios where extrapolation occurs away from the mean of the reference sample. The new diagnostic appears to be a quick and efficient way to determine at the outset whether extrapolation exists in size and/or shape of the long bones between the reference sample and the target specimen.


Objective: To analyse the psychometric properties of the Top Down Motor Milestone Test (TDMMT), an internationally used instrument in the planning and evaluation of movement-oriented interventions. Setting: Centres for special education in the Netherlands. Subjects: Children with profound multiple disabilities. Methods: Validity, reliability and utility of the TDMMT were evaluated. Validity was assessed by conducting a principal component analysis. Reliability was determined by evaluating the internal consistency, test=retest and inter-rater reliability. With regard to utility, the hierarchical item ordering was evaluated with a Mokken scale analysis. Inter-item and item-rest correlations were calculated to confirm the allocation of the items in the TDMMT. Results: Principal component analysis did not support the presence of three underlying factors. The internal consistency was high and test=retest and inter-rater reliability varied from moderate to perfect. Scale analysis showed that the subscales of the TDMMT are strong one-dimensional scales with good internal consistency, however, the order of the items could only partly be confirmed as well as the allocation of the items into four levels of functioning. Conclusion: The reliability of the TDMMT is good, but validity is moderate. Results indicate that adaptations to the structure of the TDMMT should be made when used for children with profound multiple disabilities. Further psychometric evaluation of the TDMMT is necessary.


Energy Efficiency Obligation Schemes (EEOS) as suggested in the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) could help remove barriers to energy efficiency. However, despite the fact that such schemes have been successfully implemented and proven cost-effective in several Member States, not all countries are convinced of their potential benefits. In this paper, we investigate the policy instruments that Sweden has introduced or is planning to introduce for achieving increased industrial efficiency under the EED's requirements. Our preliminary results show that these instruments are not exploiting the full potential of energy savings, especially in energy intensive industries. We present the design of an EEOS as an alternative policy instrument to alleviate some of the barriers to energy efficiency that the industries face today. The implications of the EED for industries in Sweden are evaluated together with the insights from EEOSs carried out in other Member States and the practices of industrial energy efficiency policies in Sweden. Finally, we identify possible pathways that could engage the industries in energy saving measures including the EEOS for removing non-economic and regulatory barriers to energy efficiency in the industrial sector.


Perioperative personnel are at risk for sharps injuries when using devices with sharp points and edges and therefore are at risk for infection from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration bloodborne pathogens standard is the regulatory document that health care employers must follow to protect personnel who are at risk for sharps injuries. The AORN "Guideline for sharps safety" provides guidance to perioperative personnel for identifying sharps hazards and implementing best practices to prevent injuries. This article discusses the guideline recommendations for developing and implementing work practice controls and administrative controls for handling sharps. A scenario describes an interdisciplinary team's efforts to decrease specific sharps injuries and develop policies and procedures based on the identified risks and practice changes. Perioperative RNs should review the entire guideline for additional information when creating and updating policies and procedures for sharps safety.


D lenticular printing technology can be used to display three-dimensional art objects on a flat medium. Such pictures can be viewed naturally without any aids or impediments, and be easily duplicated. This makes them a very attractive alternative to making physical sculptures in displaying three-dimensional art objects. In principle, any object, real or virtual, can be displayed in a 3D lenticular picture. This paper outlines how artwork can be submitted for lenticular print and describes the main characteristics of 3D lenticular depth imaging.


The purpose of this article is to review the current research on preference assessment and reinforcer testing for individuals with profound multiple disabilities (PMD). It briefly reviews the literature that describes a subpopulation of individuals with PMD distinct from the general population of individuals labeled as having profound disabilities. The article describes the types of preference assessment procedures that have been used with individuals with PMD. Results from 13 published studies, which assessed preferences and tested reinforcers with individuals with PMD, suggest that preference procedures currently used with individuals at the higher levels of profound disabilities and individuals with severe disabilities are not always successful in identifying preferred stimuli that function as consistent reinforcers for individuals with PMD. Based on this review and other studies over a 3-year period, this article provides a rationale for conducting preference assessments to assist in curriculum development and describes a process for conducting preference assessments and targeting social, affective, and motor behaviors to increase with individuals with PMD.


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Future multiprocessor chips will integrate many different units, each tailored to a specific computation. When designing such a system, a chip architect must decide how to distribute the available limited system resources, such as area and power, among all the computational units.In this paper, we introduce MultiAmdahl, an analytical optimization technique for resource sharing among heterogeneous units. MultiAmdahl takes into account the workload, the performance of each computational unit, and the total available resource. The results obtained by MultiAmdahl allow us, for example, to provide a closed-form solution for an optimal asymmetric-offload chip, and to analyze the impact of different design constraints on an optimal chip architecture.


The paper examines issues related to citizenship and political participation of dalit women. The disadvantages of caste, class and gender and the exclusionary mechanisms entrenched in hierarchical social relations have had differential outcomes for dalit women in citizenship and politics. The experiences of marginality, which they encounter, defines how identity is perceived and constructed. The participation of dalit women in citizenship is constrained by high levels of deprivation, minimal participation in civil society, and low political activity of any kind.


This paper describes an experimental study of string plucking for the classical harp. Its goal is to characterize the playing parameters that play the most important roles in expressivity, and in the way harp players recognize each other, even on isolated notes--what we call the "acoustical signature" of each player. We have designed a specific experimental setup using a high-speed camera that tracks some markers on the fingers and on the string. This provides accurate three-dimensional positioning of the finger and of the string throughout the plucking action, in different musical contexts. From measurements of ten harp players, combined with measurements of the soundboard vibrations, we extract a set of parameters that finely control the initial conditions of the string's free oscillations. Results indicate that these initial conditions are typically a complex mix of displacement and velocity, with additional rotation. Although remarkably reproducible by a single player--and the more so for professional players--we observe that some of these control parameters vary significantly from one player to another.


The present issue analyses bluefin tuna (Thynnus thunnus) and swordfish (Xiphias glaudis) diet, caught by professional long-line fishing in the middle Adriatic Sea (Pomo pit). These species represent apex predators in pelagic environment that may play key roles in determining food web structure and ecosystem dynamics.
The studies about their feedings habits, based upon stomach contents analysis, are important for the comprehension of biological and ecological interaction. Over the years, many studies have been performed on the diet of tuna and swordfish in the Mediterranean Sea. This research is based on a fairly wide number of analyzed stomach contents, in comparison with the previous ones.
In this work, the analysis of 340 stomach contents of bluefin tuna caught by long-line in the central Adriatic sea confirms in general the opportunistic behaviour of this species. Finding support the hypothesis that Adriatic tuna and swordfish chase their food over a wide bathymetric zone and probably near the surface at night. No indication of food preference respect to size of predator or sample season are found. It seems that the two species are able to cohabit because their trophic niche are not overlapped, changing during the time and the vertical and horizontal space.


Purpose: To describe the tobacco use behavior, attitudes, and training and curriculum of nursing students towards tobacco use. To examine if smoking status or progression through nursing school impacts attitudes and tobacco use.

Background: As the most trusted profession, nurses have great influence on his/her patient's health. Worldwide, tobacco use among health care professions students, especially nurses, varies greatly by country and region. In the United States, college aged students, including nursing students, have higher rates of intermittent (non-daily) smoking than daily smoking. Other forms of tobacco, including hookah and electronic cigarettes, are also becoming more popular.

Methods: This study used a descriptive survey adapted from the Global Health Professions Student Survey. Data was collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools. Four baccalaureate schools of nursing granted permission to survey their students. A public survey link was emailed to a contact person at each school to forward to students. Participants were excluded if they were less than 18 years of age. Frequency and descriptive analysis was done using SPSS.

Results/Conclusions: The majority of participants were nonsmokers (79.4%), with 14.3% being intermittent smokers and 2.4% daily smokers. The majority of those who had experimented with cigarettes (48.4%) had first done so from 16-19 years of age (63.1%). Most students agreed with the attitude questions regarding tobacco use and policy, and that healthcare professionals need specific raining on tobacco cessation techniques. While 99% believed that healthcare providers have a role in giving out smoking cessation advice, only 24.5% had received formal cessation training. By the fourth year of school, less than half (45.9%) had received such training. Daily and intermittent smokers were the least likely to agree with smoking bans. The higher numbers of intermittent smokers suggest that students are willing to smoke occasionally and do not view occasional use as dangerous. Education on the dangers of tobacco use, including both cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, should come in middle school/high school before the students begin using those products. Nursing students do not have the proper training to educate their patient's on tobacco cessation upon graduation from school.


ABSTRACrThe amino-terminal sequences of two peptides of type 24 streptococcal M protein show similarities with that of rabbit skeletal muscle tropomyosin, having up to 40% identical residues and probabilities of occurring by chance as low as P < 10-5. In addition, a hexapeptide (Glu-Ala-Glu-Lys-AlaAla) that is found five times in the M24 protein was shown to be identical to a sequence in tropomyosin. Similarities are also seen in the amino acid compositions and physicochemical properties of tfie two proteins. The amino-terminal sequences of peptides from another bacterial surface protein, staphylococcal protein A, are highly correlated with segments of two other myofibrillar proteins, rabbit actin (P < 10-7) and rabbit myosin Al light chain (P < 10-6). The data presented suggest that a close structural relationship exists between mammalian muscle proteins and the biologically active surface proteins of staphylococci and streptococci. In addition, the correlation between sequences in M protein and tropomyosin represents direct evidence of a structural similarity at a molecular level between a streptococcal protein and a mammalian muscle component and may therefore prove relevant to the pathogenicity of the streptococcus.


A dye study was conducted to track an intrusion generated at the boundary of a small lake. Persistent turbid layers offshore presented evidence of possible intrusions from boundary mixing. After high winds, a streak of Rhodamine WT was injected at the boundary of the lake where the slope was between 5% and 10%. Both vertical profiles and longitudinal transects of the dye concentration were measured. The three‐dimensional dye mapping showed a distinct dye intrusion, ranging between 0.5 and 1 m thick, over 200 m in horizontal extent offshore, 1 day after the injection. Profiles of temperature microstructure measured soon after the injection both at the injection site and offshore showed an elevated eddy diffusivity near the boundary where the dye was injected, indicating that the intrusion resulted from boundary mixing. Because the dominant internal waves are subcritical, the mixing is most likely due to seiching currents interacting with the boundary. The propagation characteristics of the intrusion were predicted most closely by a formulation for a radially spreading intrusion governed by a balance between buoyancy and inertia. These results show that intrusion generation and propagation may be a significant process for mass transport in stratified lakes and reservoirs.


Cellulose nanowhiskers separated from two different industrial residues, sludge from cellulose production (CNWSL) and lignin residue from ethanol production (CNWER), were compared in order to evaluate their characteristics and their potential as a source for the production of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). It was found that CNWSL and CNWER suspensions exhibited flow birefringence when they were studied through cross-polarized filters. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study showed that the CNWSL were longer (377 nm) than CNWER (301 nm). It was also demonstrated that most CNWSL had nanowhiskers between 375-449 nm and CNWER between 300-374 nm. The UV/Vis spectroscopy showed a stronger interference in the UV and visible region for the CNWSL films. The crystallinity, obtained by X-ray analysis, was higher for CNWSL (86%) than for CNWER (78%). Finally, the thermal stability appeared to be slightly higher for the CNWER than for CNWSL. Both studied residues seem to be suitable sources for large-scale production of CNWs.


Laser‐accelerated particles are a promising option for radiation therapy of cancer by potentially combining a compact, cost‐efficient treatment unit with the physical advantages of charged particle beams. To design such a treatment unit we consider different dose delivery schemes and analyze the necessary devices in the required particle beam line for each case. Furthermore, we point out that laser‐driven treatment units may be ideal tools for motion adaptation during radiotherapy. Reasons for this are the potential of a flexible gantry and the time structure of the beam with high particle numbers in ultrashort bunches. One challenge that needs to be addressed is the secondary radiation produced in several beam line elements. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)


Abstract We surveyed all articles in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP), Psychological Science (PS), and the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General (JEP:G) that mentioned the term "Likert," and found that 100% of the articles that analyzed ordinal data did so using a metric model. We present novel evidence that analyzing ordinal data as if they were metric can systematically lead to errors. We demonstrate false alarms (i.e., detecting an effect where none exists, Type I errors) and failures to detect effects (i.e., loss of power, Type II errors). We demonstrate systematic inversions of effects, for which treating ordinal data as metric indicates the opposite ordering of means than the true ordering of means. We show the same problems — false alarms, misses, and inversions — for interactions in factorial designs and for trend analyses in regression. We demonstrate that averaging across multiple ordinal measurements does not solve or even ameliorate these problems. A central contribution is a graphical explanation of how and when the misrepresentations occur. Moreover, we point out that there is no sure-fire way to detect these problems by treating the ordinal values as metric, and instead we advocate use of ordered-probit models (or similar) because they will better describe the data. Finally, although frequentist approaches to some ordered-probit models are available, we use Bayesian methods because of their flexibility in specifying models and their richness and accuracy in providing parameter estimates. An R script is provided for running an analysis that compares ordered-probit and metric models.


Background Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Few studies have evaluated the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk simultaneously using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine and non-invasive vascular tests in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Methods Participants (n=380; aged 20 to 81 years) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were free of clinical evidence of CVD. The 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke risks were calculated for each patient using the UKPDS risk engine. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), flow mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) were measured. The correlations between the UKPDS risk engine and the non-invasive vascular tests were assessed using partial correlation analysis, after adjusting for age, and multiple regression analysis. Results The mean 10-year CHD and 10-year stroke risks were 14.92±11.53% and 4.03±3.95%, respectively. The 10-year CHD risk correlated with CIMT (P<0.001), FMD (P=0.017), and PWV (P=0.35) after adjusting for age. The 10-year stroke risk correlated only with the mean CIMT (P<0.001) after adjusting for age. FMD correlated with age (P<0.01) and systolic blood pressure (P=0.09). CIMT correlated with age (P<0.01), HbA1c (P=0.05), and gender (P<0.01). Conclusion The CVD risk is increased at the onset of type 2 diabetes. CIMT, FMD, and PWV along with the UKPDS risk engine should be considered to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.


The board of non-little cell lung malignant growth (NSCLC) with EGFR exon 20 transformations is a neglected clinical need. Poziotinib is an intense irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor of wild kind and EGFR and HER2 exon 20 inclusion freaks. Understanding pharmacokinetics exhibited a portion relative increment in plasma (half-existence of 7.9 hr at 16 mg QD) with and no gathering. Adequacy and security of Poziotinib in NSCLC patients with EGFR exon 20 inclusion transformations (ZENITH20-1) was concentrated in a multi-focus stage 2 examination. Patients got Poziotinib 16 mg QD (portion decreases allowed for AEs) until movement, or terrible AE for 24 mo. essential endpoint was target reaction rate (ORR), RECIST v1. (Focal radiographic read). ORR was accomplished if the 95% CI>17% in the ITT Population. Auxiliary endpoints were malady control rate (DCR), term of reaction (DOR), movement free endurance (PFS) and security. One hundred fifteen patients middle age 61 years with a middle of two earlier treatments comprising of chemo and immunotherapy were examined. Results show 65% had tumor decrease; DCR of 69%; PR 15% affirmed 4% unsubstantiated; 54% SD; ORR 15%; DOR 7.4 mo. furthermore, PFS 4.2 mo. wellbeing profile was system related and like others of the class with understanding consistence improvement saw with portion decrease to 12 mg QD. In outline, ORR was lower than anticipated; be that as it may, Poziotinib showed unequivocal clinical action with tumor decrease in dominant part of patients. Effect of medication consistence/occasions combined with its short half-life due to AEs may have diminished viability. Studies to streamline portion and calendar for continuous and future investigations are in progress.
This introduction contains forward-looking proclamations with respect to future occasions and the future execution of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals that include dangers and vulnerabilities that could make real outcomes contrast tangibly. These announcements depend on the executives' present convictions and desires. These announcements incorporate however are not constrained to articulations that identify with our business and its future, our technique, the accomplishment of our medication competitors, the security and viability of our medication items, item endorsements, showcase potential, item deals, income, advancement, administrative and endorsement courses of events, item dispatches, item acquisitions, capital assets and any explanations that identify with the purpose, conviction, plans or desires for Spectrum or its administration, or that are not an announcement of authentic certainty. Dangers that could make real outcomes contrast incorporate the likelihood that our current and new medication competitors may not demonstrate sheltered or powerful, the likelihood that our current and new medication applicants may not get endorsement from the FDA and other administrative offices in an opportune way or by any means, the likelihood that our current and new medication up-and-comers, whenever affirmed, may not be increasingly successful, more secure or more cost proficient than contending drugs, the likelihood that cost and other serious weights may make the promoting and offer of our medications not financially achievable, the likelihood that our endeavors to gain or in-permit and build up extra medication up-and-comers may fall flat, our absence of continued income history, our restricted involvement with setting up key unions, our constrained showcasing experience, our client focus, the opportunities for changes in client orders, developing business sector elements, our reliance on outsiders for clinical preliminaries, fabricating, dispersion, data and quality control and different dangers that are depicted in further detail in the Company's reports recorded with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We don't plan to refresh any such forwardlooking proclamations and explicitly disavow any obligation to refresh the data contained in this introduction with the exception of as legally necessary.
Lung malignant growth is the most widely recognized harmful infection and the main source of disease mortality around the world, with non-little cell lung malignancy (NSCLC) containing by far most (85%) of all lung malignancies. In the course of the most recent decade, our comprehension of NSCLC has developed past expansive histological subtypes and 'one size fits all' treatment approaches toward a refined illness arrangement supported by characterized hereditary changes and accuracy treatments guided by atomic delineation. For the adenocarcinoma subtype of NSCLC specifically, huge upgrades in movement free endurance (PFS) have been accomplished for patients with epidermal development factor receptor (EGFR) transformations, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations, ROS1 proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) adjustments and, B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) changes because of the viability and accessibility of treatments that explicitly focus on these sub-atomic drivers. Among these advances, the fruitful utilization of EGFR inhibitors to treat EGFR freak positive adenocarcinoma and the ensuing improvement of third era inhibitors to handle procured sedate obstruction have become the perfect example of focused treatment in oncology.


This study investigated the ecology of the marsupial brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa; phascogale) in jarrah forest of Western Australia (WA). The thesis provides a descriptive account of the species' population dynamics, the phascogale's size and growth, foraging ecology and nesting behaviour. The main work was undertaken between 1992-1995 and information was gathered by capture and by using radiotelemetry. The availability of food sources and refuge sites was examined and the species' immediate response to a logging operation was investigated. On a broader scale, the taxonomy of phascogales in WA was reviewed and their past and present distributions were explored by modelling and examination of museum records. The species has previously been subject to only one detailed study and this was undertaken in the State of Victoria.

Both similarities and differences were observed between the phascogales in WA and Victoria. Many of the differences appeared to have a nutritional basis. Phascogales are primarily arboreal insectivores and some of the invertebrates most commonly found in scats and stomachs were not abundant on trees. Nectarivory was very rarely observed (cf. Victoria). While phascogales are generalists in diet, they clearly show preferences for certain foods. The strongly seasonal climate in the southwest (long dry summers and wet winters) and the lack of diversity in tree species and low nectar availability probably limit food for WA phascogales. The dispersed nature of tree invertebrates and the apparent scarcity of some preferred prey, such as beetles, possibly explain the exclusive and often large size of female territories.

Phascogales in the study area were smaller and less sexually dimorphic than those in Victoria. Males were 30%, and females 20%, less in weight than those in Victoria. They were similarly smaller in skeletal size. Overall size was also found to vary' between habitat type and between years. In a year of drought phascogales did not achieve typical body size with mature males in that year weighing an average 25% less than usual. The evidence strongly suggests that annual and local availability of food is a major determinant of body size and growth.

Such variability in food availability may also be the evolutionary basis behind the litter sizes of WA phascogales. These are smaller than those in Victoria (mode WA = 6, Victoria = 8). The timing of major life-history events was as described for Victorian phascogales, although births occur a little later in the year. All males died at the end of the single annual breeding season (male semelparity) and young took some five to six months to raise to weaning. Some females survived to breed in a second year but the number encountered was low. The toll of lactation probably reduces lifespan and females were often in poor condition at late lactation and maximum maternal effort appears selectively invested in the first litter.

Typical of the semelparous species, females initially tried to raise as many young as they have teats. However, there was variation in litter sizes among females. The basis for this was anatomical as females had six, seven or eight teats. Such variation occurred throughout the study area, within litters and appears a State-wide phenomenon. Except in a hybrid Antechinus population, there appears to be no marsupial precedent for intrapopulation and intralitter variation in teat number. In such a strongly selected trait, it is speculated that such variation could only persist if the environment was spatially and/or temporally unstable in terms of food availability. There was no evidence that reduction in teat number was a direct trade-off that improved the chance of surviving to breed on a second occasion, but data were limited. The teat trait is presumably under genetic control and the promiscuous mating behaviour of phascogales may contribute, via multiple paternity, to the intralitter variability observed.

In the year of drought litters were significantly female biased. Neither sex were sexually dimorphic until they began foraging for themselves, therefore such bias was unlikely to reduce maternal stress during the drought conditions. The adaptive advantage of the bias was undetermined, but current literature indicates that such bias occurs at conception. However, female offspring probably have better post-weaning survival than males.

Examination of refuge requirements showed that natural nest sites were located in tree hollows. The profile of the trees chosen agree with most studies on hollow-nesting species. There was no apparent preference for particular tree species but there was a preference for nesting in older and senescent or dead trees. Females with dependent young showed particular preference for these trees' forms. However, once a tree was used, no tree characteristics measured were predictors of the tree being used on further occasions. Excluding females with young, phascogales typically spent 2-5 days nesting in the one refuge before moving to another. Females moved between alternative refuges more than males and home range maintenance is proposed to account for the difference (males were not territorial cf. females). For both sexes, parasite avoidance might account for the generally low level of nest-site fidelity. Individuals were estimated to use around 27 (males) and 38 (females) different nest-sites during one year of adult life. The parameters of hollows examined showed a preference for using hollows with small entrances. More than predator avoidance, interspecific competition for hollows may explain such selectivity.

Following the year of drought, communal nesting was common in autumn and winter. This was in marked contrast to data gathered early in the study and to the nesting behaviour of Victorian phascogales. Communal nesting was probably an energy conserving strategy adopted to compensate for unusually small body size. This behaviour may have been a single year event. However, as phascogales in the area are normally much smaller in body mass than those studied in eastern Australia, they may tend to nest communally in winter or when under conditions of hardship.

The immediate response of phascogales to logging was examined. Those affected continued to travel through and feed in the logged areas, which reinforces the concept of high site fidelity among animals. Phascogales were commonly found feeding among ground debris in cut areas indicating flexibility in foraging mode. With rare exceptions they ceased nesting in trees in the logged parts of their territories and confined such nesting to surrounding uncut forest. This suggests that the forestry practice of retaining a select number of hollow-bearing trees/ha may be insufficient to meet the species' refuge requirements in logged areas. Of concern is that currently unlogged sections in logged forest can be cut within 10-20 years yet trees take some 200 years to develop hollows. Additionally, the value of young regrovvth as a food source to this species is questionable. The study highlights the concerns that many scientists have regarding the preservation of hollow-nesting fauna in areas that are impacted by logging.

A revision of the species taxonomy (including the subspecies P. t. pirata) indicates that southern WA phascogales warrant subspecies status. Differences in basiacranial features were found between the regional groups in Australia. However, the issue of long-term geographic and reproductive isolation is perhaps the greater argument for suggesting subspecific status for WA phascogales. This is currently being examined using mitochondrial DNA techniques. This will provide not only a DNA profile of similarities and presumed differences between WA and southeastern phascogales, but will give an estimation of the time that the two groups have been separated.

A modelling exercise undertaken to examine the potential past distribution of WA phascogales showed that climatic conditions favourable to this species are found throughout the southern part of WA. For many of these areas there are no records of phascogales although a single historical work (1909) indicated that they were present in these areas. At that time they were apparently already extinct in some areas and dying out in others. A survey of the northern jarrah forest and a few other areas (by using nestboxes) failed to detect phascogales. The population examined during this study was therefore quite unusual in density, as phascogales were readily found in nestboxes. A myriad of factors culminating in low feral predation in the area seems the most likely explanation for the high densities observed. The conservation status of phascogales in areas other than the study region requires examination. Predation by exotic predators might account for the species' rarity, but food appears a generally limiting factor for phascogales and processes that alter habitat productivity may significantly impact this species.


The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and estimate market risk for the ten major industries in Vietnam. The focus of the empirical analysis is on the energy sector, which has been designated as one of the four key industries, together with services, food, and telecommunications, targeted for economic development by the Vietnam Government through to 2020. The oil and gas industry is a separate energy-related major industry, and it is evaluated separately from energy. The data set is from 2009 to 2017, which is decomposed into two distinct sub-periods after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), namely the immediate post-GFC (2009–2011) period and the normal (2012–2017) period, in order to identify the behavior of market risk for Vietnam's major industries. For the stock market in Vietnam, the website used in this paper provided complete and detailed data for each stock, as classified by industry. Two widely used approaches to measure and analyze risk are used in the empirical analysis, namely Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR). The empirical findings indicate that Energy and Pharmaceuticals are the least risky industries, whereas oil and gas and securities have the greatest risk. In general, there is strong empirical evidence that the four key industries display relatively low risk. For public policy, the Vietnam Government's proactive emphasis on the targeted industries, including energy, to achieve sustainable economic growth and national economic development, seems to be working effectively. This paper presents striking empirical evidence that Vietnam's industries have substantially improved their economic performance over the full sample, moving from relatively higher levels of market risk in the immediate post-GFC period to a lower risk environment in a normal period several years after the end of the calamitous GFC.


In the context of speech and speaker recognition systems, it is well known that the combination of different feature streams can improve significantly their performance. However, the application of multi-stream (MS) techniques to speaker diarization systems has not been extensively studied. In this paper, we address this issue: we formulate different MS techniques, such as feature combination, probability combination and selection, for their specific application to the segmentation and clustering modules of a speaker diarization system. We evaluate the different methods proposed for the meetings domain (RT04s database) and two different pairs of streams: first, MFCC and PLP and second, MFCC and prosodic features. For both types of multi-streams, results show that the MS probability combination approach applied to the segmentation stage clearly outperforms the single-stream, MS feature combination and MS selection systems.


This paper describes a new method for mammographic image noise suppression and enhancement based on the wavelet transform. At each resolution, coefficients associated with noise are modelled by Gaussian random variables; coefficients associated with edges are modelled by generalized Gaussian random variables, and a shrinkage function is assembled based on posterior probabilities. The shrinkage functions at consecutive scales are combined, and then applied to the wavelet coefficients. Given a resolution of analysis, the image denoising process is adaptive (i.e. does not require further parameter adjustments), and the selection of a gain factor provides the desired detail enhancement. The enhancement function was designed to avoid introducing artifacts in the enhancement process, which is essential in mammographic image analysis. Our preliminary results indicate that our method allows us to detect microcalcifications and other suspicious structures in situations where their detection would be difficult otherwise. Compared to other approaches, our method requires less parameter adjustments by the user.


The aim of this study was to develop a statistical thermodynamic theory for the adsorption of linear flexible block copolymers from a multicomponent solution. This has been accomplished by a more general derivation of the self-consistent field theory of Scheutjens and Fleer for adsorption of homopolymer from a binary mixture, introducing local segment potentials for any type of segment.In chapter 1 the statistical thermodynamic analysis for a multicomponent mixture (including block copolymers) near a surface is given in detail. Near the surface, a density gradient for every type of molecule is found due to spatial restrictions and mutual interactions between segments and between segments and the surface. Every individual segment is subjected to a local (segment) potential, which depends on the distance from the surface and on its chemical nature. We use a lattice model to evaluate the contact energies and the conformation count. The segment potential is derived from the maximum term in the canonical partition function. Like in the original derivation of Scheutjens and Fleer we maximize the canonical partition function with respect to the number of molecules in each particular conformation. However, to perform the necessary partial differentiations under the appropriate boundary conditions we apply the method of Lagrange multipliers. From the segment potentials we can calculate for every particular conformation its statistical weight as a multiple product of Boltzmann factors (one for each segment) and its contribution to the overall segment density profile. In Appendix III of chapter 1 a set of equations is formulated from which the segment potentials can be found in a self-consistent manner by standard numerical techniques.A number of results on the segment distribution of di- and triblock copolymers is given. Diblock coplymers are found to adsorb with the adsorbing block rather flat on the surface and the less or non-adsorbing block in one dangling tail protruding far into the solution. A comparison with terminally anchored chains shows overall agreement but also typical differences.In chapter 2 the physical background of the theory is briefly reviewed. Results on the adsorbed amount and the hydrodynamic layer thickness of adsorbed di- and triblock copolymers are given. We find a strong dependence of these parameters on the chain composition. When the total length and bulk solution volume fraction of a diblock copolymer are kept constant, a maximum is found in the adsorbed amount as a function of the fraction of adsorbing segments. The fraction of adsorbing segments corresponding to this maximum could be named "the optimal fraction"; it is found to decrease with increasing chain length, increasing bulk solution volume fraction, increasing surface affinity of the more strongly adsorbing block, and decreasing surface affinity of the weakly adsorbing block. From these results we have been able to relate in a simple way the adsorbed amount of an AB-diblock copolymer (where A adsorbs more strongly than B) to the adsorbed amount of an A-homopolymer of equal length. A linear relation is obtained between the adsorbed amount of AB-diblock copolymer (as compared with an A-homopolymer) and the block length ratio r B /r A . where r A and r B are the lengths of the A-block and the B-block, respectively. Usually, diblock copolymers form thick adsorbed layers, with a hydrodynamic layer thickness that depends strongly on the adsorbed amount. This thickness is of the order of 10 to 30 % of the length of the B-block. For BAB-triblock copolymers with adsorbing A-segments and non- adsorbing B-segments we find lower adsorbed amounts as compared to an AB-block copolymer with the same total number of A- and B-segmentsThe interaction between adsorbed layers of block copolymers is examined in chapter 3. The calculation of the free energy of interaction is straightforward. We elaborate the concept of full equilibrium and that of restricted equilibrium for a multicomponent mixture. Full equilibrium refers to the case that all molecules in the mixture are free to diffuse out or into the gap between the surfaces. Hence, in full equilibrium all molecules have a constant chemical potential when the surfaces are brought closer. If one or more of the components are unable to leave the gap when the surfaces come closer we have a restricted equilibrium and the chemical potentials of those molecules will not be constant. Usually, the interaction between adsorbed layer of adsorbed diblock copolymers at full equilibrium is found to be repulsive. in contrast to the case of homopolymers where the interaction is always attractive. At full equilibrium, when the surfaces are brought closer, homopolymers desorb and form bridges resulting in attraction between the surfaces. Since diblock copolymers hardly form any bridges when the surface affinities of both blocks differ enough, no attraction is found at full equilibrium. For the same reason we find always repulsion in a good solvent when the amount of diblock copolymer is kept constant (restricted equilibrium). The onset of the repulsion increases with increasing adsorbed amount and with increasing length of the non-adsorbing block. The interaction curves at various lengths of the adsorbing- and non-adsorbing block could be scaled onto approximately one master curve. When the solvent quality for the non-adsorbing block becomes poor (χ>0.5). there is an attraction at large separation as a result of osmotic forces (phase separation), even at restricted equilibrium. In fact, adsorbed diblock copolymers behave like infinitely long homopolymer chains in solution, which phase separate when χis above 0.5. For ABA-triblock copolymers with adsorbing A-segments and non-adsorbing B-segments, we find attraction at not too small separations in a good solvent for the B-blocks, because now bridging is again possible: adsorbing segments are found at both extremities of the chains.This model has provided a detailed insight in the properties of adsorbed block copolymer layers and should be a useful tool for the development and optimization of experiments and products in which copolymer adsorption plays a role.


ABSTRACT The purpose of this written report of my thesis is to discuss the visual element presented as partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree. My creative work proposes a dialogue about the violation of women's reproductive rights in our culture. I am focusing on the inequalities set in place for all women through the interweaving of religion politics and visual culture. The extended scope of the church's belief system is fueled by the media and threads itself throughout our politics affecting all women in our culture. My visual work specifically addresses the church's intrusion into women's reproductive rights. In my creative work I juxtapose iconic symbols of the Catholic Church with contraceptives not only to show the violation of women but also the way in which power is abused.


Summary Some strains of Escherichia coli belonging to serogroups O26, O55, O111 or O128 produce Vero cytotoxin (VT). These serogroups are included in the range of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) serogroups for which commercial antisera are available. In an attempt to obtain information on VT-producing strains other than those of serogroup O157, 122 strains belonging to these four serogroups and isolated in 1991 from patients with diarrhoea in the United Kingdom were tested for hybridization with VT probes. Only 18 of the 122 strains were VT-positive and these were O26 or O128. However 90 strains hybridized with the E. coli attaching and effacing (eae) probe (including 14 VT-positive strains) and 17 with the enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) probe. For 78 eae-positive and 9 EAggEC-positive strains, tissue culture tests correlated with the probe results as the strains gave, respectively, either localized adhesion and a positive fluorescent-actin staining test or a characteristic aggregative attachment. A total of 111 of the 122 strains belonging to serogroups O26, O55, O111 or O128 possessed properties that may be associated with the ability to cause human diarrhoeal disease, and similar studies are needed on strains from the other classical EPEC serogroups.


We have performed extensive computational and experimental dosimetry of the Henschke applicator with respect to high dose-rate 192Ir brachytherapy using a GAMMAMED remote afterloader. Our goal was to generate clinically useful two- and three-dimensional look-up tables. Dose measurements of the Henschke applicator involved using TLD chips placed in a polystyrene phantom. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the MCNP code. The computational models included the detailed geometry of 192Ir source, tandem tube, and shielded ovoid. The measured dose rates were corrected for the dependence of TLD sensitivity on the distance of measurement points from the source. Transit dose delivered during source extension to and retraction from a given dwell position was estimated by Monte Carlo simulations, and a correction was applied to the experimental values. For the applicator tandem, the ratio of dose rates obtained by MCNP to those measured by TLD chips ranges from 0.92 to 1.10 with an average of 0.98 and a standard deviation of 0.02. The measured and calculated dose rates at 1 cm on the transverse axis are 1.10 cGy U-1 h-1. For the shielded ovoid, the ratio ranges from 0.88 to 1.16 with an average of 1.00 and a standard deviation of 0.07. Causes of the discrepancy between the Monte Carlo and TLD results were identified. We found that the combined uncertainty of measured dose rates due to these causes is 5.6% for the applicator tandem and 8.4% for the shielded ovoid. Therefore, the results of the Monte Carlo simulation are considered to have been validated by the measurements within the uncertainty involved in the calculation and measurements.


This study aims to identify biodiversity in Pinnus mercusii forest in Karo District. Observations on plants using the quadratic method by making 10 plots, 2 x 2 m, recording seedling plants that exist in each plot. In addition, carbon sequestration was performed on Pinnus mercusii plants by using allometric equations to extrapolate biomass. Carbon calculations are performed using the quadratic method. Aves observation is done by point count or indices ponctuele d'abundance method. Using 5 observation stations by walking, stopping and silent at certain observation posts. Observation of mammals using survey methods and point determination. Drawn 200 m at point 1, 2 and 3, observed the type and number of mammals. Herpetofauna cluster using visual encounter survey method (VES). The results show that there are 14 species of seedling, 15 species of aves, 2 species of mammals, 2 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. The result of carbon calculation on Pinnus mercusii plants is 6,365,063 ton /ha.


OBJECTIVES
It has been demonstrated that intracoronary stem cell transplantation may have beneficial effects on left ventricular function and perfusion both in patients with acute and chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP). We evaluated the safety and feasibility of intracoronary autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear stem cell (MSC) implantation in patients with ICMP.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 15 patients (14 males, 1 female; mean age 49+/-11 years) with ICMP. All the patients received MSC transplantation via a balloon catheter to the target vessel which had been revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention and was patent before the procedure. Evaluations were made at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 months after the procedure with complete clinical and laboratory examinations, and by treadmill exercise test, conventional echocardiography, and SPECT imaging.

RESULTS
At six months, left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (p=0.001), hypoperfused areas on SPECT images reduced (p=0.002), and both myocardial oxygen consumption (p=0.001) and metabolic equivalents (p=0.001) increased. These beneficial effects of stem cell therapy were also observed at 12 and 18 months. No complications or in-hospital events occurred related with the procedure.

CONCLUSION
Due to its beneficial effects on heart failure symptoms, left ventricular function, and perfusion, intracoronary stem cell transplantation can be used as an alternative, adjunctive treatment option in patients with ICMP.


The real driving cycle (RDC), which aims to reflect the real driving behaviour of vehicles, plays an important role in evaluating the performance or pollution of vehicles. At present, the related researches most focus on developing RDCs of different functions or regions, while the influence factors and the rules of RDC construction are not involved. In this study, through statistical analysis and theoretical analysis of RDC construction process, the influence factors of candidate RDC are explored. These factors include statistical characteristics, common factors number, cluster number, number selection principle, and order principle. A different value of factors means a different candidate RDC and different proximity of RDCs to the real driving data. Through the dynamic time warping index, the proximity of candidate RDCs is calculated, then the factors rules and the optimum RDC are obtained. When the slope is added as one statistical characteristic, the common factors number is set as 5, the cluster number is set as 6, the number selection principle is set as ratio principle, and order principle chooses positive sequence, the candidate RDC is the optimal cycle which is closest to the real vehicles driving conditions.


The research consists of three successive and interdependent parts. The 1st part seeks to reconstruct the typological evolution of primary schools and their associated daylighting strategies between 1945 and 2015 in Switzerland – a country widely recognized for its constructive quality and its concern for integration of natural light in schools – while demonstrating the significant impact of foreign influences on Swiss production. To do this, a large chronological and systematic census of schools is carried out in four major architectural journals: Werk, L'architecture d'Aujourd'hui, Techniques & Architecture and Architectural Review. The formal and constructive evolution of the projects is detailed and the daylighting mechanisms of the class units are identified, while looking at the impact of the evolution of child pedagogy on architecture. Then an identification and selection of school models, that are most representative of the typological evolution and the use of lighting throughout the different epochs, is carried out for the second part of the thesis. The 2nd part begins with the observation, that many recent research findings demonstrate the importance of a significant and controlled amount of natural light for reading and writing tasks and more generally, its role in the physical and psychic well-being of the students. Thus, it is now necessary for designers to reflect more and be aware of the use of ideal natural lighting strategies, no longer relying on electrical lighting – often permanently lit – to provide the necessary light levels, although electrical light is less comfortable for the human eye and synonymous with significant energy expenditure. The second part proposes to analyze the daylighting performance of the selected schools by using 3D simulation. This in order to quantify the different levels of illuminance and to study the resulting luminous atmospheres. Several observations and measurements are also carried out in situ following a precise protocol. The objective is to compare the principles and typological families of our initial theoretical census, by iteratively varying the different architectural elements constituting the units of modeled classrooms (geometry, openings, solar protections, types of glazing, etc.), while questioning the recommendations and regulations related to the daylighting of school buildings that are in force in Switzerland and abroad. Based on the results obtained, the 3rd part proposes to accurately identify criteria and architectural models that offers adapted and controlled levels of illuminance for students. The first aim is to reconstruct the evolution of 70 years of school construction in Switzerland, based on the original perspective of daylight integration principles. The second aim is to propose a library of examples of good architectural practices, while also objectively criticizing the daylighting strategies in Swiss schools – and of the literature that made it known – by comparing contemporary production and recommendations in terms of lighting with the constructions built from 1945, and which placed – at least for certain typologies – natural light in schools at the center of the projecting process. By combining the daylight performance of school spaces with a wider historical, spatial, and pedagogical approach, the objective is to positively influence decisions related to the design of naturally lit spaces in the school of tomorrow.


Linking information across databases fosters new research in the medical sciences. Recent European privacy regulations recommend encrypting personal identifiers used for linking. Bloom filter based methods are an increasingly popular Record Linkage method. However, basic Bloom filter encodings are prone to cryptographic attacks. Therefore, hardening methods against these attacks are required. In this paper, a new method for such a hardening method for Privacy-preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) technique is presented. By using a Markov chain-based language model of bigrams of identifiers during the encryption, protection against attacks is increased. Based on real-world mortality data, we compare unencrypted and state of the art PPRL methods with the results of the proposed hardening method.


The effects of adrenergic drugs on the release of immunoreactive angiotensin II (ANG II-ir) from brain cells in culture were examined. In neuronal cultures, basal release of Ang II-ir was 43.65 +/- 7.44 pg/5-min incubation period (n = 14 experiments; 52 individual determinations), and in astrocytic glial cultures, it was 21.76 +/- 5.7 pg (n = 8 experiments; 24 individual determinations) when cells were exposed to buffer alone. Incubation of neuronal cultures with the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine (0.1-50 microM, 5 min) caused concentration-dependent increases in ANG II-ir release above basal levels. Analysis of the released material by high-pressure liquid chromatography revealed that authentic ANG II was present. No increase in the release of ANG II-ir was seen from glial cells. Experiments using neuronal cultures revealed that the yohimbine-induced release of ANG II-ir may be secondary to increased norepinephrine (NE) release. Incubation of neuronal cultures with NE (10 nM-50 microM) caused concentration-dependent increases in the release of ANG II-ir. This effect of NE was not inhibited by the alpha 1-adrenergic blocker prazosin. However, a weaker release of ANG II-ir from neuronal cultures was stimulated by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol at 100 microM. These data show that ANG II-ir can be released from neuronal but not glial cell cultures by adrenergic receptor-mediated mechanisms.


This article presents an analysis of Portuguese horror works, focusing mainly on the use of special effects for narrative strengthening while discussing the potential of digital special effects in the production of audio-visual content. The analysis, supported by the construction of a theoretical corpus based on an extensive literature review of work done by Portuguese and foreign authors, touches base with current practices and is complemented with the analysis of some recent works in the area of audio-visual production linked with the horror genre. The results of the work done allow us to consider that the progressive simplification of the access to technical tools and the functional literacy needed for audio-visual content production, including digital special effects, has created a more extensive space for exploring these solutions for storytelling and enhancing the creativity of those who want to tell engaging stories.


In this study, microstructure and electrical properties of Ag-TiO2 powders, which were prepared by a simple sol-gel method, are investigated. The sol was prepared from titanium iso-propoxide, Ti(OC3H7)4 in iso-propanol (CH3CHOHCH3), used as solvent. AgNO3 was used as the precursor for Ag. For the structural studies, the corresponding gels were allowed to dry naturally for about seven days, dried in an oven at 180 ◦C for 30 min and then calcined at different temperatures (900, 1000 and 1100 ◦C). The Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized using differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction. The results X-ray diffraction indicate that pure Ag and TiO2 powders are in rutile phase. However, calcination temperature had not significantly affected the crystalline structure of TiO2. Scanning electron microscopy images of powders show an aggregation of small spherical particles of dispersed sizes. Annealing of the Ag-TiO2 sample at high temperature produced more spherical particles, which aggregated to form bigger particles with porous structures. The electrical properties of the samples were measured using HMS-3000 Hall measurement system. The samples were found to be of n-type. The conductivity of TiO2 samples have been explicitly increasing with calcination temperature and with Ag doping.


Abstract. Sophisticated flood simulation in urban areas is a challenging task due to the difficulties in data acquisition and model verification. This study incorporates three rapid-growing technologies, i.e. volunteered geographic information (VGI), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and computational flood simulation (CFS) to reconstruct the flash flood event occurred in 14 June 2015, GongGuan, Taipei. The high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) generated by a UAV and the real-time VGI photos acquired from social network are served to establish and validate the CFS model, respectively. The DEM data are resampled based on two grid sizes to evaluate the influence of terrain resolution on flood simulations. The results show that flood scenario can be more accurately modelled as DEM resolution increases with better agreement between simulation and observation in terms of flood occurrence time and water depth. The incorporation of UAV and VGI lower the barrier of sophisticated CFS and shows great potential in flood impact and loss assessment in urban areas.


This paper addresses the issue of channel estimation (CE) for multiple antennas. Multi-antenna systems at the transmitter and/or receiver can improve the receiver's performance in the presence of fading. Comparing space-time coding (STC) schemes and the receiving diversity (RD) scheme employed at the receiver, simulation results indicate that space-time coding is less robust to the channel-estimation error than receiving diversity. The linear minimum-mean-squared error (LMMSE) estimator outperforms its least-squares (LS) counterpart. Using a low-rank linear minimum-mean-squared error estimator, the computational complexity is reduced compared to a full-rank linear minimum-mean-squared error estimator, while showing good performance.


The notion of metamorphism (but not the noun itself) was originated by Hutton, two centuries ago. It took about 100 years for the old Neptunian concept of "terrains primitifs" to be definitively abandoned, in France, and replaced by the new one of transformations imposed by the rising temperature. During the first half of the 20th century, zoneographic systems were developed. In the French Massif central, that one of Jung and Roques was almost exclusively used, for more than twenty years. Such a theory has been invalidated by a great amount of field observations and with the aid of new working methods. The search of solutions to the problems arising from observations of reverse metamorphic series and of leptyno-amphibolic complexes largely helped to advance ideas on metamorphism. To day, metamorphism appears as intimately linked to tectogenesis. Both of them permit to dissipate the energy brought upwards from the interior of the Earth to particular regions of the lithosphere, according to the theory of plate tectonics.


A compendium of different solid carbonaceous materials detected in space is presented, focussing on the search for organic matter of prebiotic interest. This journey takes us from the carbon grains likely formed in the atmospheres of evolved stars to organic grain mantles made from ice processing thought to be present in dense interstellar clouds and circumstellar regions, making a stop in solar system objects that could have delivered organic species to the early Earth. The most abundant carbon materials detected to date in space appear to be of little biological relevance. On the other hand, organic refractory residues, made in the laboratory from UV-photoprocessing followed by warm-up of interstellar ice analogs, are a hydrocarbon material rich in O and N containing chemical compounds that could act as initiators of prebiotic chemistry. A similar material might be present in dust grains inside dense clouds or circumstellar regions, some comets, and as a minor component in carbonaceous chondrites. We use infrared spectroscopy as a tool to spot organic refractory matter in various space environments. The delivery of organic materials via comets, (micro-) meteorites, and interplanetary dust particles to the primitive Earth might have contributed as a starting material for prebiotic chemistry. To test this hypothesis, it is first essential to characterize the composition of exogenous organic matter.


Our daily lives and welfare rely heavily on products. Considering that climate change is caused by humans, it is important to handle and use products in a sustainable manner; remanufacturing is one such way to accomplish this. Remanufacturing is an industrial process where products are restored into useful life. However, few products are designed for remanufacturing, which sometimes makes remanufacturing impossible or difficult to perform. Traditionally, the design focus has been on the manufacturing and use phases. The product life-cycle perspective, however, is required to obtain a more sustainable product life-cycle.As the remanufacturing process is characterised by process steps such as inspection, disassembly, cleaning and reprocessing, the often labour-intensive remanufacturing process has specific requirements on the design. Further, the remanufacturing process is characterised by uncertainties such as when used products are expected and what state they will be in when they arrive. Information from the product life-cycle such as drawings and service reports could potentially facilitate the remanufacturing process. Further, feedback from remanufacturing to product design could improve the design of the next generation of products.The objective of this thesis is to identify and analyse product life-cycle information flows with a particular focus on remanufacturing.The design research methodology framework has been used to outline, plan and support the research. Previous research in the area has been assessed through a literature study, while the case study methodology was applied for carrying out the empirical studies. The data collection methods used in the case studies were semi-structured interviews, workshops and document analysis.The result from the literature study shows that feedback such as suggestions for improvement from remanufacturing personnel, process data, and data about wear on components could help to improve the design of the next generation of products. Further, design changes could lead to a more efficient remanufacturing process. The three industrial cases presented in this licentiate thesis fail to explore the full potential of remanufacturing feedback to product design. All in all, remanufacturing is sufficiently included in the information flows of the product life-cycle. Design for remanufacturing is not applied in any of the industrial cases studied.


The Australian wine industry has been under the pressure of oversupply for many years. Export promotion appears to potentially serve as an effective strategy to partially address this problem. An Hedonic price function is employed to estimate premia and discounts for various varieties, regions and vintages of Australian wine, within the US retail market. Some preliminary results are presented. These results may be used to develop an optimal allocation of Australian wine to various overseas and domestic markets.


Latent space models are effective tools for statistical modeling and exploration of network data. These models can effectively model real world network characteristics such as degree heterogeneity, transitivity, homophily, etc. Due to their close connection to generalized linear models, it is also natural to incorporate covariate information in them. The current paper presents two universal fitting algorithms for networks with edge covariates: one based on nuclear norm penalization and the other based on projected gradient descent. Both algorithms are motivated by maximizing likelihood for a special class of inner-product models while working simultaneously for a wide range of different latent space models, such as distance models, which allow latent vectors to affect edge formation in flexible ways. These fitting methods, especially the one based on projected gradient descent, are fast and scalable to large networks. We obtain their rates of convergence for both inner-product models and beyond. The effectiveness of the modeling approach and fitting algorithms is demonstrated on five real world network datasets for different statistical tasks, including community detection with and without edge covariates, and network assisted learning.


Background Patients with major depression respond to antidepressant treatment, but 10%–30% of them do not improve or show a partial response coupled with functional impairment, poor quality of life, suicide ideation and attempts, self-injurious behavior, and a high relapse rate. The aim of this paper is to review the therapeutic options for treating resistant major depressive disorder, as well as evaluating further therapeutic options. Methods In addition to Google Scholar and Quertle searches, a PubMed search using key words was conducted, and relevant articles published in English peer-reviewed journals (1990–2011) were retrieved. Only those papers that directly addressed treatment options for treatment-resistant depression were retained for extensive review. Results Treatment-resistant depression, a complex clinical problem caused by multiple risk factors, is targeted by integrated therapeutic strategies, which include optimization of medications, a combination of antidepressants, switching of antidepressants, and augmentation with non-antidepressants, psychosocial and cultural therapies, and somatic therapies including electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, deep brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation. As a corollary, more than a third of patients with treatment-resistant depression tend to achieve remission and the rest continue to suffer from residual symptoms. The latter group of patients needs further study to identify the most effective therapeutic modalities. Newer biomarker-based antidepressants and other drugs, together with non-drug strategies, are on the horizon to address further the multiple complex issues of treatment-resistant depression. Conclusion Treatment-resistant depression continues to challenge mental health care providers, and further relevant research involving newer drugs is warranted to improve the quality of life of patients with the disorder.


When the embedded zerotree wavelet (EZW) algorithm was first introduced by Shapiro, four types of symbols (zerotree (ZTR), isolated zero (IZ), positive (POS), and negative (NEG)) were used to represent the tree structure. An improved version of EZW, the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm was later proposed by Said and Pearlman. SPIHT removed the ZTR symbol, while keeping the other three symbols in a slightly different form. In the SPIHT algorithm, the coding of the parent node is isolated from the coding of its descendants in the tree structure. Therefore, it is no longer possible to encode the parent and its descendants with a single symbol. When both the parent and its descendants are insignificant (forming a degree-0 zerotree (ZTR)), it cannot be represented using a ZTR symbol. From our observation, the number of degree-0 ZTRs can occur very frequently not only in natural and synthesis images, but also in video sequences. Hence, the ZTR symbol is reintroduced into SPIHT in our proposed SPIHT-ZTR algorithm. In order to achieve this, the order of sending the output bits was modified to accommodate the use of ZTR symbol. Moreover, the significant offspring were also encoded using a slightly different method to further enhance the performance. The SPIHT-ZTR algorithm was evaluated on images and video sequences. From the simulation results, the performance of binary-uncoded SPIHT-ZTR is higher than binary-uncoded SPIHT and close to SPIHT with adaptive arithmetic coding.


Architects theorise their work through the practices of writing and drawing, but they largely ignore theorisation of, or through the architectural model. Whilst architectural drawings are often discussed in relation to ideas, architectural models are more likely to be discussed in relation to matter. The division between intellectual and material aspects of architecture can be traced back to the Italian Renaissance when architectural labour became associated with intellectual rather than manual labour. Architectural models have tended to escape theoretical consideration because they have been associated with matter, manual labour and craft, and therefore dissociated from the intellectual. With reference to mediaeval models of divinity, the paper discusses how the mind was considered superior to matter because it permitted access to the spiritual. Whilst we live in a predominantly secular age where the spiritual dimension itself is suspect, the supremacy of the intellectual is maintained. With reference to a levitating architectural model constructed by the author, the paper discusses how the strategy of design by making challenges the hierarchy of the intellectual over the material by adopting an embodied approach. Furthermore it examines how the division and dissociation between spiritual and material dimensions might be rethought through the notion of 'ensoulment'.


In this paper we examine the problem of balancing load in a large-scale distributed system when information about server loads may be stale. It is well known that sending each request to the machine with the apparent lowest load can behave badly in such systems, yet this technique is common in practice. Other systems use round-robin or random selection algorithms that entirely ignore load information or that only use a small subset of the load information. Rather than risk extremely bad performance on one hand or ignore the chance to use load information to improve performance on the other, we develop strategies that interpret load information based on its age. Through simulation, we examine several simple algorithms that use such load interpretation strategies under a range of workloads. Our experiments suggest that by properly interpreting load information, systems can (1) match the performance of the most aggressive algorithms when load information is fresh relative to the job arrival rate, (2) outperform the best of the other algorithms we examine by as much as 60% when information is moderately old, (3) significantly outperform random load distribution when information is older still, and (4) avoid pathological behavior even when information is extremely old.


Abstract. All wetland ecosystems are controlled by water table and
soil saturation dynamics, so any local-scale deviation in soil elevation and
thus water table position represents variability in this primary control.
Wetland microtopography is the structured variability in soil elevation and
is typically categorized into a binary classification of local high points
(hummocks) and local low points (hollows). Although the influence of
microtopography on vegetation composition and biogeochemical processes in wetlands has
received attention around the globe, its role in forested
wetlands is still less understood. We studied relationships among
microtopography and understory vegetation communities, tree biomass, and
soil chemistry in 10 black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall) wetlands in northern Minnesota,
USA. To do so, we combined a 1 cm resolution surface elevation model
generated from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) with colocated water table,
vegetation, and soil measurements. We observed that microtopography was an
important structural element across sites, where hummocks were loci of
greater species richness; greater midstory and canopy basal area; and higher
soil concentrations of chloride, phosphorus, and base cations. In contrast,
hollows were associated with higher soil nitrate and sulfate concentrations.
We also found that the effect of microtopography on vegetation and soils was
greater at wetter sites than at drier sites, suggesting that the distance-to-mean water table is a primary determinant of wetland biogeochemistry. These
findings highlight clear controls of microtopography on vegetation and soil
distributions while also supporting the notion that microtopography arises
from feedbacks that concentrate biomass, soil nutrients, and productivity on
microsite highs, especially in otherwise wet conditions. We therefore
conclude that microtopography is a fundamental organizing structure in black
ash wetlands.


In many scenarios of Person Re-identification (Re-ID), the gallery set consists of lots of surveillance videos and the query is just an image, thus Re-ID has to be conducted between image and videos. Compared with videos, still person images lack temporal information. Besides, the information asymmetry between image and video features increases the difficulty in matching images and videos. To solve this problem, we propose a novel Temporal Knowledge Propagation (TKP) method which propagates the temporal knowledge learned by the video representation network to the image representation network. Specifically, given the input videos, we enforce the image representation network to fit the outputs of video representation network in a shared feature space. With back propagation, temporal knowledge can be transferred to enhance the image features and the information asymmetry problem can be alleviated. With additional classification and integrated triplet losses, our model can learn expressive and discriminative image and video features for image-to-video re-identification. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method and the overall results on two widely used datasets surpass the state-of-the-art methods by a large margin.


Abstract. The ionospheric response to solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) variability during 2011–2014 is shown by simple proxies based on Solar Dynamics Observatory/Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment solar EUV spectra. The daily proxies are compared with global mean total electron content (TEC) computed from global TEC maps derived from Global Navigation Satellite System dual frequency measurements. They describe about 74 % of the intra-seasonal TEC variability. At time scales of the solar rotation up to about 40 days there is a time lag between EUV and TEC variability of about one day, with a tendency to increase for longer time scales.


The importance of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in innate immunity is well established but the molecular mechanisms responsible for their formation are still a matter of scientific dispute. Here, we aim to characterize a possible role of the receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and the mixed lineage kinase domain‐like (MLKL) signaling pathway, which are known to cause necroptosis, in NET formation. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated whether this programmed form of necrosis is a prerequisite for NET formation. NETs have been defined as extracellular DNA scaffolds associated with the neutrophil granule protein elastase that are capable of killing bacteria. Neither Ripk3‐deficient mouse neutrophils nor human neutrophils in which MLKL had been pharmacologically inactivated, exhibited abnormalities in NET formation upon physiological activation or exposure to low concentrations of PMA. These data indicate that NET formation occurs independently of both RIPK3 and MLKL signaling.


The purpose of this research is to test the systematic variation in the perception of travel time among travelers and relate the variation to the underlying street network structure. Travel survey data from the Twin Cities metropolitan area (which includes the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul) is used for the analysis. Travelers are classified into two groups based on the ratio of perceived and estimated commute travel time. The measures of network structure are estimated using the street network along the identified commute route. T-test comparisons are conducted to identify statistically significant differences in estimated network measures between the two traveler groups. The combined effect of these estimated network measures on travel time is then analyzed using regression models. The results from the t-test and regression analyses confirm the influence of the underlying network structure on the perception of travel time.


In order to obtain robust cosmological constraints from Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) data, we have applied Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to SN Ia lightcurve fitting. We develop a method for sampling the resultant probability density distributions (pdf) of the SN Ia lightcuve parameters in the MCMC likelihood analysis to constrain cosmological parameters, and validate it using simulated data sets. Applying this method to the 'joint lightcurve analysis (JLA)' data set of SNe Ia, we find that sampling the SN Ia lightcurve parameter pdf's leads to cosmological parameters closer to that of a flat Universe with a cosmological constant, compared to the usual practice of using only the best-fitting values of the SN Ia lightcurve parameters. Our method will be useful in the use of SN Ia data for precision cosmology.


Early medieval strongholds are a significant phenomenon in the archaeology of East Central Europe, as they mirror the political and socio‐economic changes occurring towards the end of the Early Middle Ages. This contribution is concerned with the site of Břeclav‐Pohansko (Czech Republic), which graphically illustrates the rise and fall of the Moravian principality during its short existence from the second half of the 9th to the beginning of the 10th century. The site has been systematically excavated over more than 60 years. The excavation work has been accompanied by numerous geophysical surveys. Based on comparing previous knowledge of settlement on the site and the results of magnetic prospection, we evaluated similarities and differences in the central district of the stronghold using statistics and spatial analysis. Upon analysis of the success rate of the applied geophysical method, we present the resulting model of the settlement structure. The results confirm that the structure of the built‐up area in the central district at Pohansko follows an original pattern which has no analogues in the Central Danubian region in the given period.


Pathogenic yersiniae secrete a set of 11 anti‐host proteins called Yops. The yop genes, scattered around the pYV plasmid, constitute a thermoinduced regulon controlled by the product of virF gene. The secretion of the Yops also requires the presence of the products of the other vir genes and operons, namely virA, virB and virC. The large virC operon and presumably some genes of the virA region encode a new secretion system. Mutations in any of these vir genes impair the production of all the Yops. In contrast, mutations in the yerA locus, located close to yopf, specifically abolish the expression of the cyto‐toxin YopE. We describe here the counterpart of yerA in Yersinia enterocolitica W22703. We demonstrate that the gene product of yerA regulates the production of YopE at a post‐transcriptional level. It specifically binds the YopE protein. We consider that it acts as a specific chaperone and we call it SycE (for specific YopE chaperone). We hypothesize that SycE is a link between translation and the specific Yop export machinery. It is the first representative of a new family of pYV‐encoded proteins.


Population politicians and population planners face great difficulties in the realization of their goals. They are obliged to set preferences in their work such as an increase in the birth rate. They overlook that preferences are not empirical phenomena which can be measured in the same way as the rate marriage, death and birth. Therefore the population politician makes his decisions according to ideological concepts which is not too successful. Appeals to the common sense only surface old prejudices and views. The same is true of an appeal to religious principles. Myths, misconceptions and dubious rules of thumb are unnecessarily generated. An attempt is made to explain demographic problems in industrial societies with the example of the development of the death rate. The goal is to bring problems closer to a solution by documentation and interpretation which have far reaching consequences for the society and its economy.


Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] have excellent electrical, mechanical, optical and thermal properties. However, efficient dispersion of CNTs in any medium requires their functionalization. In this work, CNTs prepared from the catalytic process have been functionalized under three different conditions using the same acid oxidizing media. The effect of the reaction conditions on the CNTs, in terms of the extent of covalent functionalization has been determined by employing SEM, FTIR, XRD, Zeta meter, UV, Oxygen percentage analysis, Boehm's titration and visual dispersion as the characterization techniques . Results show that CNTs functionalized by reflux in the oxidizing acid are the best dispersed.


Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) is the most common renal tumor in children. It is uncommon in adolescent and skeletal metastasis at the time of presentation is even rare. The present case is a rare monophasic blastemal variant of Wilms tumor presenting with multiple skeletal metastases in a young female. We report a case of 23-year-old female presented with severe low backache and colicky right loin pain of 1 month and constant dull aching left upper arm pain of 20 days duration. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen revealed heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue density mass with central nonenhancing areas arising from the upper pole of the right kidney. Whole body 18F-Sodium Fluoride (NaF) Positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) bone scintigraphy revealed multiple skeletal metastases. The patient underwent right radical nephrectomy and the tumor was confirmed as adult Wilms tumor by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Skeletal metastasis may be the first presentation in a case of adolescent Wilms tumor, and this possibility should be considered when an adolescent patient presents with flank pain and a renal mass. The clinical course of adult Wilms tumor with blastemal component is very aggressive with high chances of recurrence and mortality.


Background and aims This study aimed to evaluate the hand perfusion scintigraphic features of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and to compare these with the features of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) associated with rheumatic diseases. Methods Hand perfusion scintigraphy was performed in 57 patients with primary RP, 71 patients with HAVS-related RP, and 36 patients with rheumatic disease-related RP. Patients' clinical details were collected by a retrospective review of medical records. We calculated 6 ratios by using the time-activity curve and static blood pool images, the chilled to ambient hand and wrist ratios of the first peak height, initial slope, and blood pool uptake. We analysed 3 morphologic characteristics: slow progress pattern, paradoxically increased uptake pattern in the time-activity curve, and the inhomogeneous radioactivity uptake in the blood pool image. Results All of the 71 patients with HAVS-related RP were mine workers. The onset of RP after exposure to vibration was at 21.8±7.3 years, with 26.3±7.0 years of vibration exposure time. The chilled to ambient hand ratios of the first peak height and the initial slope were significantly lower in patients with HAVS-related occupational RP than in patients with primary RP. The presence of a paradoxically increased uptake pattern was significantly lower in HAVS than in primary RP. Conclusions There were significant differences in hand perfusion scintigraphic features between primary RP and HAVS. These results suggest that the underlying pathophysiology of the two diseases differs; thus, different criteria should be applied for their evaluation.


Light acquires or loses coherence and coherence is one of the few optical observables. Spectra can be derived from coherence functions and understanding any interferometric experiment is also relying upon coherence functions. Beyond the two limiting cases (full coherence or incoherence) the coherence of light is always partial and it changes with propagation. We have implemented a code to compute the propagation of partially coherent light from the source plane to the observation plane using parallel computing devices (PCDs). In this paper, we restrict the propagation in free space only. To this end, we used the Open Computing Language (OpenCL) and the open-source toolkit PyOpenCL, which gives access to OpenCL parallel computation through Python. To test our code, we chose two coherence source models: an incoherent source and a Gaussian Schell-model source. In the former case, we divided into two different source shapes: circular and rectangular. The results were compared to the theoretical values. Our implemented code allows one to choose between the PyOpenCL implementation and a standard one, i.e using the CPU only. To test the computation time for each implementation (PyOpenCL and standard), we used several computer systems with different CPUs and GPUs. We used powers of two for the dimensions of the cross-spectral density matrix (e.g. 324, 644) and a significant speed increase is observed in the PyOpenCL implementation when compared to the standard one. This can be an important tool for studying new source models.


Solvent effect is a vital subject in the domain of coordination chemistry. In this connection, previous researches mainly focus on the role of solvents in reaction kinetics and thermodynamics during the coordination processes. In virtue of the recent efforts on coordination supramolecular systems, especially coordination polymers or metal–organic frameworks, this feature article aims to demonstrate the solvent effect on regulating such diversiform metallosupramolecular solids, incorporating their crystal growth/assembly, structural modulation, dynamic transformations, and potential applications, which may provide new insights into the rational design and construction of such advanced crystalline materials.


Previous pricing strategies including time-of-use price and dynamic price reflect system marginal cost and calculate consumers' bills according to the quantity of their electricity usage. Little effort is made to understand the impact of power volatility on total production costs. This paper thus proposes a novel pricing strategy reflecting the cost arising from power volatility. Firstly, the impact of volatility on the production cost is investigated to quantify volatility cost. Secondly, a novel pricing model is proposed to allocate the volatility cost to consumers and renewable energy generations (REGs). It can reveal the coupling relationship between an individual load/REG curve and the system load curve. Thirdly, under the proposed pricing strategy, customers/REGs help to flatten the system load curve and reduce the production cost in a decentralized manner, which is certificated theoretically based on the Haar wavelet transforms. Validation on residential level loads shows that the volatility and peak-to-valley difference of aggregated load curve is reduced by 34.07% and 19.81%, respectively. The problem of synchronous response among customers faced by hourly price strategies is addressed by the proposed strategy. A test on megawatt-level loads shows a 61.95% reduction in system load volatility and a 2.21% reduction in production cost. It also reduces the peak-to-valley difference by 6.52%.


Much of the earlier work on the prehistory of Sudanese Nubia has emphasized discontinuity between early Nubian populations. However, recent investigations suggest the converse - that a remarkable degree of cultural and biological continuity exists among indigenous Nubian groups, perhaps as far back as the Paleolithic. Thus, cultural and biological differences between Nubian populations can be most effectively perceived as the result of in situ evolutionary development. The present analysis has two major purposes: (1) to describe the morphological differences in the craniofacial complex between indigenous Nubian populations extending from the A-Group (c. 3,400 B.C.) through the Christian (c. 1,500 A.D.) horizons; and (2) to account for these differences within an evolutionary framework. The multiple discriminant analysis of radiographically derived variables revealed a trend from a substantially lower and more elongated cranial vault to a shorter and taller vault throughout the almost 5,000 year time span. Associated with this pattern was a tendency for the face to become more inferiorly-posteriorly located with respect to the vault in the latter groups. Finally, the masseter and temporalis muscles underwent a reduction and slight relocation through time. We speculate that this trend may be associated with behavioral changes associated with transition from a hunting and gathering to a totally agricultural subsistence pattern.


Abstract Nitrogen-rich porous materials have outstanding gas sorption and separation capacity. Using cage amines in the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks is a simple approach for generating the free nitrogen donor centers within the channels of porous materials without the post-synthetic modification. 1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane has a linear arrangement of nitrogen centers and can be used as a linear linker for the design of porous MOF materials. Urotropine has four nitrogen atoms and can act as a tetrahedral four-connected, pyramidal three-connected or bent two-connected linker. Such a diversity of coordination possibilities enriches the structural chemistry of MOFs and allows obtaining the frameworks with unique secondary building units and topology. The presence of cage amines in the structure affects the sorption characteristics of the materials. They demonstrate high selectivity to CO2 and can participate as a heterogeneous base catalyst in the organic reactions. Besides that the cage-amine based metal–organic frameworks demonstrate photoluminescent properties and can be used as nanoreactors for photochemical transformations. These compounds are also an important object of thermodynamic studies helping us better understand the nature of host–guest interaction in the supramolecular systems.


Although much has been written about climate change and poverty as distinct and complex problems, the link between them has received little attention. Understanding this link is vital for the formulation of effective policy responses to climate change. This paper focuses on agriculture as a primary means by which the impacts of climate change are transmitted to the poor, and as a sector at the forefront of climate change mitigation efforts in developing countries. In so doing, the paper offers some important insights that may help shape future policies as well as ongoing research in this area.