Introduction: The thymus is the site of T cell maturation. Children born with a congenital heart defect often endure surgery early in life, and during surgery their thymus is routinely removed, as it blocks the surgeons access to the heart. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the long-term immunologic and clinical effects of early childhood thymectomy. Objectives: Investigation of the immunologic effects of early childhood thymectomy at 18 months and 18 years of age with regards to the subset composition of T cells, thymic output and the T cell receptor repertoire diversity (I, II). Investigation of the association between early childhood thymectomy and risks of autoimmune diseases, cancer, infectious diseases and atopic diseases (III). Methods: Lymphocyte subsets were characterized with flow cytometry in eleven subjects preoperatively, at 18 months and 18-years follow-up. In addition, the T cell receptor repertoire was analyzed with TCR Vß flow cytometry, T cell receptor excision circles were quantified with PCR and telomere lengths of T and B cells were analyzed with PCR at 18-year follow-up (I). Also, the diversity of the T cell receptor and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes was determined using next generation sequencing (II). A nationwide population based cohort study was conducted using Swedish patient registers to identify subjects and controls and to analyze clinical outcome measures (III). Results: Thymectomy was associated with a reduction in the number of T cells, especially the naive subset. The naive regulatory T cells and recent thymic emigrants (CD31 T cells) were also reduced. TRECs, indicative of thymic output, were below detection level in all but one thymectomized individual. Telomere lengths were shorter in CD8 T cells of thymectomized individuals (I). Disturbances were found in the TCR Vß repertoire (I), and sequencing of the T cell receptor confirmed reduced diversity (II). Compared with surgery controls, thymectomized individuals were at increased risk for hypothyroidism, type 1 diabetes and both viral and bacterial infections. Compared with the general population they were at increased risk for hypothyroidism, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatic diseases, celiac disease, cancer, infections and asthma (III). Conclusion: Early childhood thymectomy is associated with immunologic aberrations as well as with increased risks of autoimmune diseases, cancer and infections. These observations stress that avoidance of total thymectomy during early cardiac surgery is advisable.


A presumption of a principal-agent relationship between the elected branches and the bureaucracy permeates administrative law and scholarship. This typical framework consistently casts agencies as agents, never principals. This Article challenges that assumption and explores the ways in which agencies can act as principals to the elected branches. Agencies, in fact, commonly manipulate the elected branches. The challenge posed by the Article to the typical understanding of the relationship between agencies and the elected branches not only provides a more nuanced understanding of the modern administrative state but also raises serious questions about administrative law, which regularly employs this same faulty assumption.


Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by episodes of muscle weakness due to depolarization of the muscle cell membrane associated with elevated serum potassium. Electrophysiological studies have implicated the adult muscle sodium channel. Here, portions of the adult muscle sodium channel alpha-subunit gene were cloned and mapped near the human growth hormone locus (GH1) on chromosome 17. In a large pedigree displaying HYPP with myotonia, these two loci showed tight linkage to the genetic defect with no recombinants detected. Thus, it is likely that the sodium channel alpha-subunit gene contains the HYPP mutation.


Background In our previous study, we reported the neuro-muscular function after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament was changed compared with healthy subjects by electrophysiological study. In this study, the electrophysiological findings were reported in the patient with ankle sprain. Objective To clarify that the fluctuation of the excitability of spinal neural function after ankle sprain, we studied the alteration of H-reflex from the soleus muscle in a patient with ankle sprain. Design and setting This study was the single case research, which belonged to the basketball team in university first division. Patient Subject was 21-year-old male college basketball player, left ankle inversed sprain (grade II). There were swelling, pain and instability. As for the activity of daily life, walking in pain was appeared, and going up and down stairs was needed too much time. Main outcome measurements H-reflex from soleus muscle was recorded at before injury (medical check), three days after injury and one month after injury. H-reflex and maximal M wave from the bilateral soleus muscle were evoked at rest and amplitude ratio of H/Mmax (H/Mmax) was calculated and H/Mmax was compared between after and before injury. Results H/Mmax was increased at three days after ankle sprain on both injured side and non-injured side compared with both before and one month after injury, and long-latency-reflex was appeared on the only injured side after three days. After one month, electrophysiological findings became the same as before injury. Conclusions It was cleared that the excitability of spinal and supra-spinal neural function related to soleus muscle at three days after was increased due to pain, joint effusion and/or instability. Even if a slight injury like ankle sprain, the neural function has to be paid attention at least one month after injury in the field of physiotherapy.


ABSTRACT AL-HULAIL, F and NEELAMANI, S., 2011. The Variation of Total Suspended Sediments Due to the Change in Sea Water Depth, Tidal Phase and Elevation of Sea Water Sample Collection in Khor Sabiya Inlet of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 369–374. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208. The seawater intake channel in one of the power plans in Kuwait is attracting significant settlement of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Maintenance dredging of about 400,000 m3/year of silt and clay is carried out with a total annual maintenance cost of about 1.4 million Kuwaiti Dinar. There is a proposal to increase the seawater intake for a proposed 2050 MW additional power plant and hence further increase in the TSS settlement is anticipated, if the present sea water intake system is used. Alternative types of seawater intake systems, which can reduce the entry of total suspended sediments, is explored. Before going for another alternative seawater intake system, it is necessary to assess the TSS level in the seawater at different water depths, at different tidal phases and at different elevations. Seawater samples at two different locations (one in a shallow water of 1.37 m and another in a deep water with water depth of 5.67 m with respect to the Kuwait Land Chart Datum (KLCD) is selected. At each location, 24 water samples were collected, at three different elevations (one at the surface, one at mid-depth and one closer to the sea bed) and at 8 different tidal phases, covering the low tide and high tide. The TSS is expected to vary when the tide is varying due to the change in flow velocity of sea water, which results in different sediment carrying capacity of the flowing water. The average TSS value at seabed, mid-depth and at the surface in shallow water is obtained as 289.75 mg/l, 278.63 mg/l and 258.38 mg/l respectively. The average TSS value at seabed, mid-depth and at the surface in deeper water is obtained as 431.88 mg/l, 355.63 mg/l and 248.13 mg/l respectively. It is hence advisable to draw water closer to the free surface in order to reduce the TSS load entering into the power plant system. It is also found that the TSS level reduces significantly (40% to 60%) when the flow velocity of sea water is minimum. Hence it is better to avoid taking in the seawater when the sediment carrying capacity of the seawater is high during high currents. This paper provides the details of variation of TSS with tide level variation at two locations and at three different elevations in Khor-Sabiya, Kuwait. This study will be useful for similar locations around the world for selecting a suitable seawater intake system which will help in the reduction of sediment load entering into the power plant.


Most large commercial buildings have digital controls for their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems with the potential to implement advanced control strategies and data analytics. However, advanced control strategies and data analytics are rarely deployed at scale due to non-standard naming conventions and heterogenous building configurations. Semantic metadata standards, like Brick, show promise to proliferate these applications across many buildings, but they have not been widely adopted by industry due to barriers such as perceived risk and unfamiliarity with the technology. This paper describes the workflow we established and evaluated while using it to develop over ten Brick models of existing buildings. Through this process, we observed that digitizing existing commercial buildings is a cost and labor-intensive effort in which understanding the buildings' data streams is the major bottleneck. Yet, we conclude this investment is worthwhile since various use case applications such as fault detection and diagnostics, thermal comfort analysis, and HVAC control optimization can utilize the same Brick model. The paper also explores the challenges and lessons learned we encountered while creating these data models, such as: 1) difficulties in finding metadata descriptions and relationships for existing buildings; 2) handling missing concepts in the schema needed to model a building; 3) lack of guidance on how to structure the data model or how much detail to include; 4) unfamiliarity with technologies, which makes the learning curve steep for applications developers. Finally, we also describe future directions for semantic metadata research and development to make such transformative technologies more accessible to practitioners.


Introduction Large sessile or flat intestinal lesions > 2 cm are optimally removed en-bloc for more accurate histology and for completeness of resection. Current submucosal dissection devices are technically challenging to use resulting in long and sometimes incomplete procedures with a high risk of major complication. We describe, for the first time, a simple to use, multi-modality endoscopic device ("Speedboat") for wide-field, en-bloc mucosal resection. Methods The 'Speedboat' cuts in forward, lateral and oblique planes using bipolar radio frequency (RF) cutting, provides haemostasis with microwave coagulation and incorporates a retractable needle for submucosal injection and tissue irrigation. The instrument blade has an insulated 'hull' to prevent thermal injury and the device catheter is partially torque stable allowing rotation and orientation of the hull to protect the underlying muscularis propria. The electrosurgical generator is comprised of 2 power sources, one operating at 400 KHz (RF) and the other at 5.8 GHz (microwave). Speedboat submucosal dissection technique (SSD) was performed and video recorded on 3 consecutive 60 kg pigs. Mucosal areas to be resected were marked prior to submucosal injection. The mucosa was then circumferentially incised and resected by SSD. The time taken to complete resection, complications encountered and power settings used were recorded. Immediately after the procedure, the animals were euthanized, and the resection defects measured and assessed histologically. Results Eight consecutive resections were performed (2 per animal), 7 in the colorectum and 1 in the antrum of the stomach. The median time to complete a resection was 37 minutes range (30–60 minutes) using RF cutting 24 W, voltage circa 300 Vrms. Median defect size (longest diameter) was 53.5mm, range 40–80 mm. Microwave coagulation was applied for either minor bleeding or visible vessels on 32 occasions (mean energy 7.5 W). An endoclip was used once to control arteriolar bleeding but no other haemostatic device was required. There were no perforations and histology showed an intact and viable muscle layer with some remaining submucosa in all cases. Conclusion This initial evaluation of the "Speedboat" suggests that it facilitates rapid and safe en-bloc mucosal resection in the colorectum and gastric antrum. Disclosure of Interest Z. Tsiamoulos Grant/Research Support from: Creo Medical Ltd, Consultancy agreement, C. Hancock Shareholder of: Creo Medical Ltd, L. Bourikas: None Declared, P. Sibbons: None Declared, B. Saunders Consultant for: Creo Medical Ltd, Consultancy and Intellectual Property agreement


Abstract. This study reports abundance and distribution of gaseous NH3 and particulate NH4p at Delhi. Gaseous NH3 and particulate NH4p concentrations were measured during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of the years 2010 and 2011. Average concentrations of gaseous NH3 during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons were recorded as 26.4, 33.2 and 32.5 μg m−3, respectively. Gaseous NH3 concentrations were the highest during monsoon, thought to be due to decay and decomposition of plants and other biogenic material under wet conditions, leading to increased NH3 emission. The results showed that particulate NH4p was always lower than the gaseous NH3 during all the seasons. The concentrations of particulate NH4p were recorded as 11.6, 22.9 and 8.5 μg m−3 during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. The percent fraction of particulate NH4p was noticed to be highest during the monsoon season, which is attributed to increased humidity levels favouring partitioning into the aerosol phase. On an average, 33.3% of total N-NHx was present as particulate NH4p. Higher concentrations of NH3 noticed during night time may be due to stable atmospheric conditions. The study highlighted that, as compared with rural sites, urban sites showed higher concentrations of gaseous NH3 in India, which may be due to higher population density, human activities and poor sanitation arrangements.


The phenomenon of ion induced sputtering is integral to many applications. In magnetically confined fusion, this sputtering is important for both the lifetime of the plasma facing components and the contamination of the plasma. A method has been developed to obtain both the angular distribution and the total sputtering yield. The total yield is determined by collecting the sputtered material on a quartz crystal microbalance. The sputtered material is also collected on a pyrolytic graphite collector plate. By mapping the concentrations of the sputtered material on this plate, both the polar and the azimuthal angular distribution can be determined. Utilizing this set-up, data have been obtained for 10 to 700 eV D+ on beryllium at a 45° angle of incidence to the normal. Subthreshold sputtering (0.004 ± 0.003 at 10 eV) has been observed. These data are some of the first to become available, especially at the lower energies.


This paper focuses on the effect of different fiber content on the mechanical properties of specimens with and without weld lines. The effect of three different melt temperatures and holding pressures were also investigated. For the experiments dumbbell shaped standard tensile specimens with and without weld lines were injection molded from PP (TVK's H116F homopolymer) and short glass fiber (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 wt%). The mechanical properties of these composites were determined by quasi-static (standard tensile testing) and dynamic (Charpy impact test) testing methods and the corresponding weld line factors were calculated. The fracture surfaces were analyzed with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results of the tensile and Charpy-impact tests, it was ascertained that the temperatures and the holding pressures during injection molding did not affect the tensile and impact properties, but fiber length had a major impact on the mechanical properties of this specific composite. By increasing the fiber content, the tensile strength increased until a peak and declined after. Whereas the impact resistance decreased by the increasing fiber content in the whole examination window. Comparing the weld lined and weld line free specimens, it was concluded that weld lines did significantly decrease the tensile strength and impact properties due to the unfavorable fiber orientation beside the weld line which was visualized by scanning electron microscopy.


Refactoring is a program transformation aiming to improve the quality characteristics of the code (such as consistency, maintainability, transparency, execution time) while strictly preserving its functionality. Since functional programming languages, such as Erlang, are gaining more and more territory in this field of technology it is a highly significant and current task to develop a refactoring tool for this language. The present paper describes the elaboration of an Erlang refactoring tool where developers were striving to employ already existing (off-the-shelf) components and technologies. Refactoring cannot be performed without creating the model of the source code. Authors modeled the source code with an extended syntax tree represented in XML. Using XML as representation offers various tools available for transforming and visualizing the model. In the present article authors introduce the prototype version of the proposed refactoring tool and describe it in more details while solving a specific refactoring problem.


Insulin action may involve the intracellular generation of low molecular weight substances that modulate certain key enzymes. The production of two substances that regulate the activity of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase was evaluated in cultured myocytes by incorporation of radiolabeled precursors. Insulin caused the rapid hydrolysis of a chemically undefined membrane glycolipid, resulting in the production of two related complex carbohydrates as well as diacylglycerol. Both the glycolipid precursor and the aqueous products were monitored by labeling with radioactive inositol and glucosamine. Depletion of the labeled precursor and the appearance of labeled water-soluble products and diacylglycerol occurred within 30 seconds after hormone treatment and was followed by rapid resynthesis of the precursor. The aqueous products that were radioactively labeled appeared chromatographically and electrophoretically identical to phosphodiesterase modulating activities produced by insulin from the same cells. The purified radiolabeled and bioactive substances had similar chemical properties. Hydrolysis of the glycolipid precursor and subsequent generation of products could be reproduced by incubation of extracted lipids with a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. These studies suggest that insulin stimulates an endogenous, selective phospholipase C activity that hydrolyzes a novel glycolipid, resulting in the generation of a complex carbohydrate-phosphate substance containing inositol and glucosamine that may mediate some of the actions of the hormone.


This present research addresses the mix of the two innovative ideas: the focus on the DC loads for avoiding the conventional conversion losses in the building and the comparative analysis between the innovative Grid-connected PV Microgrid models in two different French Cities, Paris and Nice. The DC load profile of the Office and the proposed models can also demonstrate the enhancement of the sustainability by saving the Energy Consumption and Energy Charges as well as the reduction of GHG Emissions. The modeling and simulation are performed in HOMER Pro (Version 3.6.2). The techno-economic results of the optimistic models are beneficial for the planning and the implementation of PV Microgrid projects at the buildings in nowadays Green Revolution. Key Words: PV Microgrid models, Paris, Nice, HOMER Pro, DC Office


An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with correct ballast will be energy efficient and will easily follow its programmed mission path. A ballast error may result in increased power consumption. It can also prevent an AUV from following its mission path and in severe cases a ballast error can cause an AUV to crash. The correct ballasting is achieved by carefully adjusting the ballast of the AUV so that it gains a stable state of equilibrium with neutral buoyancy. The state of equilibrium and buoyancy are affected by changes in the AUV's weight due to its payloads and variations in the water salinity. The ballasting, therefore, has to be checked and possibly re-done between missions to correct any ballast errors. Kongsberg Maritime has an AUV called HUGIN 1000. Today, the ballasting process of HUGIN 1000 is done manually, which is time-consuming and requires experience. For this reason, Kongsberg Maritime commissioned this Master Thesis, with the objective of developing a software tool that will automate the ballasting process by identifying ballast errors and determine suitable ballast adjustments. The software tool will form a static ballast system for AUVs, which will identify necessary adjustments in ballast based on different vehicle measurements and mission data. The system includes three modes of operation that have been developed to perform different tasks and handle the varying access to mission data. These modes include a first, pre and post mission mode. The first mission mode is used before the very first mission when no mission data is available. It will calculate a suitable ballast adjustment based on manual measurements. The pre mission mode will calculate an improved ballast adjustment based on collected mission data, which has been collected by the AUV during a mission. It is the task of the post mission mode to process the data and then identify any ballast errors based on the data. The result of the Master Thesis is a software tool that has been designed and implemented including the results of tests performed on it. Based on the results and a literature survey, possible improvements are suggested and discussed. These improvements include additions and extensions to the implemented system and a new active ballasting system. Finally, the conclusion is that a system for identification and adjustments of ballast errors in AUVs, which has been developed and implemented, can be justified by the AUVs' requirement for correct ballast. Moreover, it would be beneficial as it will make the process of ballasting quicker and easier.


The purpose of this paper is to extend and test a model proposed by McMillan and colleagues in 1995. That model posited that research-intensive firms that are more 'cooperative' or open in publishing their scientific findings will have higher research and development R&D productivity than more secretive firms. In addition, four possible predictors of this scientific information openness are proposed in lieu of two in the 1995 article. Our current effort includes an empirical examination of twenty pharmaceutical firms over thirteen years, and finds substantial support for many of the proposed relationships. In addition, interviews with field practitioners independently confirmed many of the findings. The managerial implications are also discussed.


This research examined the use of geospatial technologies in secondary geography education in Australian secondary schools (students aged 13-18 years). Geospatial technologies (GST) are hardware and software used to collect and analyse geospatial (geographical) data and include geographical information systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing. The use of these technologies for geography education has been incorporated into the recently developed Australian Curriculum: Geography (Years 7-10) curriculum framework. Despite their inclusion in the curriculum, however, existing research continues to report low levels of GST adoption by teachers.
This research investigated the experiences of 'early adopters' of geospatial technologies teaching in Australian schools. As teachers who have adopted the technologies prior to most of their peers, early adopters are well placed to identify challenges and opportunities that stem from the use of GST in geography teaching. Accordingly, this study examined the characteristics of early adopters of GST (such as their knowledge, confidence and experience for teaching with GST), the influence of context on their use of GST, and the ways in which they employ GST to enhance their geography teaching. Furthermore, this study identified the mechanisms through which these early adopters support and encourage their peers to also adopt the technology within their own practices.
A quantitatively-driven mixed-methods research design was employed to collect and analyse data. An initial survey collected data from 53 Australian secondary geography teachers about their technological, pedagogical and content knowledge for teaching with GST. Follow-up semi-structured interviews with eight of these early adopters were also conducted and 'teaching artefacts' (such as lesson and unit plans, worksheets and de-identified student work samples) were collected.
Statistical analyses (t-tests and descriptive statistics) and thematic interview analysis revealed that early adopters are highly knowledgeable in their geographical knowledge, their capacity to teach geography and their understanding of how geospatial technologies can be embedded within geography teaching. These teachers identified a range of micro-, meso- and macro-level context conditions that influence (both constrain and enable) their GST teaching practices. Analysis of the teachers' lesson plans and student work samples revealed how the skilful and purposeful application of GST in teaching can engage students in higher-order thinking and develop their geography knowledge. Finally, this study also concluded that early adopters encourage the widespread diffusion of geospatial technologies amongst other geography teachers by experimenting with and sharing resources, providing for professional learning opportunities and exercising curriculum leadership in schools.


A 18-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with right sided migraine and blurred vision of the right eye. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed multiple bilateral exudative retinal detachments, with increased choroidal thickness measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Acute renal dysfunction contraindicated fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. The presence of choroidopathy was the first presentation of lupus nephritis. She was treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents with resolution of serous retinal detachments and complete remission of proteinuria and renal function. OCT may be a key exam for the early diagnosis of choroidopathy and implementation of appropriate therapeutic measures, necessary to prevent permanent damage.


In the present work we describe the comparison of the fluxes predicted by the latest version of the CHIANTI database (version 5.2) with the observed X-ray spectra of two solar flares from the Flat Crystal Spectrometer on board the Solar Maximum Mission on 1980 August 25 and 1985 July 2. The two flares were of GOES classes M1.5 and M4.5, respectively, and were observed in the 7.47-18.97 Å wavelength range. The aim of the present work is to benchmark the CHIANTI database in this range in an effort to assess its accuracy and completeness. Very good agreement is found at all wavelengths, except for Fe XVIII and Fe XIX lines between 14.7 and 16.4 Å. These discrepancies are discussed. A list of lines recommended for future diagnostic studies of X-ray sources is presented.


A V-band frequency doubler monolithic microwave integrated circuit with a current re-use buffer amplifier is presented. The circuit is designed and fabricated using 0.13 mum CMOS technology. The buffer amplifier uses a current re-use topology, which adopts series connection of two common source amplifiers for low dc power consumption. The suppression of the fundamental frequency is obtained by shunting the input frequency at the output node of the doubler and the drain nodes of two common-source stages of the buffer amplifier. The fabricated frequency doubler exhibits an output power of -4.45 dBm and a conversion gain of -0.45 dB at input frequency of 27.1 GHz with an input power of -4 dBm. The suppression of the fundamental signal is 49.2 dB. The total dc power dissipation is 9 mW while the buffer amplifier consumes 5 mW. The integrated circuit size including pads is 1.24 mm times 0.75 mm. To our knowledge, this is the highest suppression with low-power dissipation among V-band frequency doublers.


OBJECTIVES
In fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), the Rességuier Method (RM) and Qi Gong (QG) can be efficacious. QG aims to improve posture, respiration, concentration, while RM aims to obtain patient awareness and control of pain perception. We evaluate 2 protocols integrating RM and QG in FMS.

METHODS
Thirty FMS patients were assigned to Group 1, treated by RM and then by QG or Group 2, treated by QG and then by RM. In both protocols, patients are treated 7 weeks by each technique (with 1 week interval), and followed up for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at T0, at end of 1st (T1) and 2nd intervention (T2), at follow-up (FU) by number rating scale (NRS) for sleep quality and pain, Regional Pain Scale (RPS),Tender Points (TPs), FIQ, HAQ, SF36, HADS for anxiety and depression (HADS-a/d).

RESULTS
In Group 1 at T1 (after RM), NRS for pain, RPS, FIQ, HAQ were reduced, HADS-a and SF36 ameliorated; at T2 (after QG) FIQ were further reduced and TPs and HADS-d improved; HADS-a and SF36 maintained. In Group 2 at T1 (after QG), NRS for pain, RPS, TPs, FIQ, HAQ, reduced with reduction maintained at T2 (after RM). HADS-a and -d and SF36 ameliorated at T1, with improvement confirmed at T2; sleep quality ameliorated only at T2. Effects of both protocols are similar at T2 and maintained at FU.

CONCLUSIONS
In FMS, both protocols improve pain, disability, quality of life, tenderness, anxiety. RM also ameliorates sleep and QG improves depression. Sequential integration of RM and QG is efficacious in FMS.


Aircraft de-icing fluid at 7 000 mg COD/l was successfully treated in an anaerobic baffled reactor operated with and without recycle at volumetric organic loading rate of between 4 and 11 g COD/lreactor·d. Reactor recycle was found to improve reactor performance. The anaerobic baffled reactor operated with a 6:1 recycle ratio achieved a minimum hydraulic retention time of 17 h with an acceptable COD removal efficiency of 93% at a volumetric organic loading rate of 9.9 g COD/lreactor·d.
This corresponded to a specific organic loading rate of 0.35 g COD/g VSS·d and specific organic removal rate of 0.32 g CODrem/g VSS·d. Without recycle similar removal efficiency was achieved; however, the loading rates were about 40% less. Due to biomass growth specific organic loading rate was not found to vary significantly through most of the experimental period despite loading rate increases.
Hydrodynamically, an anaerobic baffled reactor may be characterised as an in-series continuously stirred tank reactor where the number of continuously stirred tank reactors corresponded to the number of actual compartments. Volatile fatty acid profiles tend to indicate that anaerobic baffled reactor compartmentalisation served to separate acidogenic and methanogenic
activities longitudinally through the reactor, with the highest proportion of acidogenic activity in the first compartments.
The net accumulated yield within the anaerobic baffled reactor was found to be of 0.007 g VSS/g CODrem when the ABR was operated without recycle and of 0.016 g VSS/g CODrem for the ABR operated with recycle. Water SA Vol.31 (3) 2005: pp.377-384


In this study titanium dioxide cluster was incorporated onto NaY zeolite and characterized with X-Ray diffractometer and X-ray spectroscopy. These composites have many advantages such as high stability and high porosity. The adsorption behavior of methylene blue was investigated for NaY zeolite and TiO2/NaY zeolite. The efficiency of time, pH, temperature and initial concentration of methylene blue (MB) on removal effect of methylene blue was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. And, the optimum conditions were determined 8h time, basic pH and high initial concentrations of methylene blue and absorbent. With increasing of temperature, the removal efficiency of NaY zeolite and TiO2/NaY increased. Results showed that 92% and 85% of methylene blue was absorbed by synthesized NaY zeolite and TiO2/zeolite, respectively. Adsorption isotherm as studied by fitting data to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models, showed monolayer adsorption and Langmuir equilibrium model to be more relevant.


During the last century, India has experienced a drastic reduction in mortality and a vast improvement in life expectancy. However, a question is raised regarding quality of life. Have the extra years gained with respect to life expectancy really improved the quality of life in India? Such a question becomes pertinent particularly when one considers the changes in morbidity in the country. No study, to date, has combined mortality and morbidity changes into a single index by to represent the health status in India. This paper is an exploration of quality of life, based on Disability-Free Life Expectancy (DFLE) rates in India. It follows the methodology developed by Sullivan (1971), using three levels of disability rates – perceived morbidity, restricted activity and confined to bed. Mortality data given by SRS and morbidity data given by NSSO are used for the analysis. The study finds higher rates of decline in DFLE in developed states with high life expectancy indicating a considerable decline in the quality of life with improvement in life expectancy. Such reduction is much higher in the older ages. On the other side, females and urbanites experienced considerable decline in the quality of life compared to males and rural people respectively. This indicates that even though females and urban people have more expected years of life, they spend more years in morbidity. An assessment based on the effect of diseases shows that chronic/degenerative diseases cause major losses in DFLE. The study concludes that a mere increase in longevity does not mean a better life, especially in the older ages. It is time for India to have effective interventions to improve the quality of life along with life expectancy.


Multi-agent systems (MAS) which communicate with intra-domain and inter-domain agent platforms have access control requirements. Instead of a central mechanism, a fine-graned access control mechanism could have been applied to MAS platforms. This paper emphasizes MAS-based domain and security ontologies with XACML-based access control approach for MAS platforms. The domain dependent behaviour and access control parameters in agent ontologies could be combined within a common XACML policy document that is used through different MAS applications. Agent-based access control requirements and common XACML policy documents should be consistent to enforce policies for MAS. To obtain this condition, the translation of organizational policies and platform based policies have to be considered in detail and the verified policy features have to be enforced in MAS to provide access for resources.


Monheit, Hagan, Berk, and Farley, in an earlier issue of this journal, made a major contribution to our understanding of health system problems of access and uncompensated care by correcting the widespread misimpression that lack of health insurance coverage is predominantly related to unemployment. Their research, based on the 1977 National Medical Care Expenditure Survey, indicated that 75% of the uninsured were workers and their dependents. The authors observed that industry, unionization, full- or part-time status, and geographic region are among the interrelated factors that influence the availability of employment-related health insurance coverage. This comment augments their findings through an examination of U.S. employment trends since 1977 as well as projections of future employment.


A tumor also known as neoplasm is a growth in the abnormal tissue which can be differentiated from the surrounding tissue by its structure. A tumor may lead to cancer, which is a major leading cause of death and responsible for around 13% of all deaths world-wide. Cancer incidence rate is growing at an alarming rate in the world. Great knowledge and experience on radiology are required for accurate tumor detection in medical imaging. Automation of tumor detection is required because there might be a shortage of skilled radiologists at a time of great need. This paper reviews the processes and techniques used in detecting tumor based on medical imaging results such as mammograms, x-ray computed tomography (x-ray CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We find that computer vision based techniques can identify tumors almost at an expert level in various types of medical imagery assisting in diagnosing myriad diseases.


Creditors' committees under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code have the statutory duty to perform essential functions to maximize recovery for the bankrupt estate. One potential supply of funds for the bankrupt estate consists of recovery from directors and officers whose breach of their fiduciary duties contributed to the company's insolvency. Due to the many complexities and untraditional characteristics of dot-com entities, creditors typically experience difficulties in recovering losses if the dot-com entity becomes insolvent. Creditors' committees, however, can often obtain funds for the bankrupt estate from personal assets of errant directors and officers of the insolvent dot-com entity, or from director and officer (D&O) insurance policies. The purpose of this article is to analyze the potential liability of the debtor's directors and officers resulting from those directors' or officers' mismanagement of the of the bankrupt dot-com company. Specifically, the multiple facets of the responsibilities of directors and creditors' committee litigation will be addressed.


Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) experiments have provided information about the orientation of adsorbed small molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and polymers. Long fluorocarbon chains are known to have a twisted (or helical) structure due to the steric interactions of the fluorine atoms. Carbon K-edge and fluorine K-edge NEXAFS spectra of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) have been calculated using FEFF8 to determine how changing the helical structure of the PTFE chains affects the NEXAFS spectra. Specific structural parameters varied in the calculations included unwinding the helix, changing bond angles, and theoretically "stretching" the PTFE chains. Changing these structural parameters resulted in changes in the calculated NEXAFS spectra. Experimental NEXAFS spectra were obtained at beamline U7A of the NSLS on highly oriented, rubbed PTFE samples. A large polarization dependence is observed at the fluorine K-edge for the C-F σ * peak and at the carbon K-edge for the C-F σ * peaks (at 292.3 and 299 eV) and the C-C σ * peak (at 295.7 eV), consistent with the fluorocarbon chains oriented parallel to the gold surface along the "rubbing" direction. FEFF8 NEXAFS spectra calculated with self-consistent spherical muffin-tin potentials, a full multiple-scattering formalism, the structural coordinates for bulk PTFE, and no adjustable physical parameters are in good agreement with the experimental NEXAFS spectra, showing the fluorocarbon chains in the rubbed PTFE films have a helical structure.


The predicted activity of Al in the soil solutions of acid forest soils often differs from that observed in the field. We have investigated the influence of soil structure and flow rate of the soil solution on the aluminum release to explain this divergence. Disturbed and undisturbed samples of soil were collected from the A and B horizons of a dystric cambisol at Waldstein (Fichtelgebirge, Germany). The samples were irrigated with solutions mixed according to field data on throughfall or soil solution composition with pH 3.5 with flow rates of 4 mm d -1 , 12 mm d -1 and 36 mm d -1 . The percolates were analysed for major ions. Resulting relations between pH and pAl were compared with batch experiments. In neither the A horizon nor in the B horizon did soil structure influence the relation between pH and pAl. The apparent equilibrium between pH and pAl was described as the pK app value with pK app = pA1-a pH (where a is an empirical constant). It was found that the pK app values for the column percolates were in the range of variation of those found in batch experiments. Flow rate had no influence on pK app at 4 and 12 mm d -1 . At 36 mm d -1 a significant increase of pK app was observed. This relative undersaturation of Al was more pronounced in the A horizon than in the B horizon. When flow is fast Al release into the percolating soil solution might be limited by diffusion.


Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Conventional therapies have shown moderate efficacy with severe adverse effects, therefore there is an urgent need for safer alternatives. In this study, Cistanche tubulosa, local name Thanoon, was considered as a potential phytotherapeutic strategy because of its known high therapeutic potential in traditional medicine and wide abundance in the Middle East region. Bioactive compounds were extracted from powdered C. tubulosa and tested for their anticancer properties against four colon cancer cell lines including two derived from primary tumor (CaCo2 and HCT116) and two derived from metastatic site (LoVo and SW620). Effect of C. tubulosa on induction of apoptosis and cellular redox homeostasis were also investigated. C. tubulosa exhibited a concentration and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation of all tested cancer cell lines by more than 60% upon 72 hours treatment with 1 mg/mL of crude extract. Inhibition of proliferation was marked by induction of apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial superoxides. This data suggest that C. tubulosa is a promising candidate for additive anti-colon cancer therapy. This is the first study showing anticancer bioactivity of C. Tubulosa against colon cancer cells.


We propose an extension to the four-level nested model of design and validation of visualization system that defines the term "guidelines" in terms of blocks at each level. Blocks are the outcomes of the design process at a specific level, and guidelines discuss relationships between these blocks. Within-level guidelines provide comparisons for blocks within the same level, while between-level guidelines provide mappings between adjacent levels of design. These guidelines help a designer choose which abstractions, techniques, and algorithms are reasonable to combine when building a visualization system. This definition of guideline allows analysis of how the validation efforts in different kinds of papers typically lead to different kinds of guidelines. Analysis through the lens of blocks and guidelines also led us to identify four major needs: a definition of the meaning of block at the problem level; mid-level task taxonomies to fill in the blocks at the abstraction level; refinement of the model itself at the abstraction level; and a more complete set of mappings up from the algorithm level to the technique level. These gaps in visualization knowledge present rich opportunities for future work.


In this work simulation results of a round spray jet are presented using the combination of Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) and Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT). The simulation setup serves as a synthetic model of non-atomizing spray particles taken from the Rosin-Rammler size distribution that enter a chamber filled with gas through an inlet hole with diameter D. At the inlet gas velocity and droplet velocities are specified in addition to the initial size distribution of droplets. The Reynolds number as referred to the gas inflow velocity and jet diameter is Re=10000. The setup is advantageous for understanding the details of diesel sprays since it avoids near-nozzle spray modeling and thereof the corresponding error which is especially important in LES. Here, the implicit LES is applied so that the compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved directly with a numerical algorithm in a fine mesh without a subgrid scale model. In this approach the subgrid scale diffusion becomes 'implicitly' modeled by the ever-present numerical diffusion of low order numerical schemes typical in engineering computations and the approach is assumed thereby to give a more clear picture of the two-way particle-turbulence interaction. Two-way momentum coupling between the phases is considered to be adequate for the relatively dilute droplet loadings that are smaller than 0.002. Results with two given mass loading ratios are presented varying the Sauter mean diameter of the distribution so that the Stokes number of the mean particle sizes is St > 2. The results show that in these setups the droplets enhance mixing in comparison to a single phase jet. It is demonstrated that the spray dispersion pattern and spray profile depend on the Sauter mean diameter of the distribution. Spatial structure of the spray is visualized and accumulation of the particles in certain regions of the flow is visualized. The results are explained in physical terms related to the flow conditions and the droplet sizes.


The automation of pesticide spraying is one of the new techniques in agriculture field lately. This automation is very important since conventional pesticide spraying method
that been used nowadays can be hazardous and at the same time brings handful toxic effect to fanner. Pesticide is a toxic solution or formulation which been used to control
the pests and also unwanted plants. This project focuses .mainly to develop automated pesticide fluid delivery subsystem for the pesticide automation system. This automated spraying subsystem is a combination of mechanical and electronic concepts. The mechanical components used in this subsystem are such as DC pump, nozzle, hose and container. While the electronic components used relay as a main component to control
the system.


Background Changes in estradiol and progesterone during the human menstrual cycle may impact vascular and cardiac function. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) hormones increase during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and may antagonize the vascular effects of estradiol. This study was designed to investigate central arterial changes, cardiac function, and RAAS activity in response to gonadal steroid variations during the menstrual cycle. Methods We studied 15 women during the follicular and midluteal phases with determination of estradiol, progesterone, hormones of the RAAS, and spot urine sodium and creatinine levels. Central pulsatile hemodynamics was evaluated using calibrated carotid tonometry and central aortic Doppler flow. Systolic ejection period (SEP) and systolic pressure time integral (SPTI) were computed from carotid pressure waveforms. Results Levels of estradiol, progesterone, and RAAS hormones were higher in the luteal phase. SEP and SPTI were lower during the luteal phase, whereas central and peripheral blood pressures and measures of arterial stiffness were unchanged between the two phases. The urine sodium-to-creatinine ratio was similar at both phases. Conclusion Central arterial stiffness does not differ between the follicular and midluteal phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy women, despite significant changes in estradiol and progesterone levels. Systole was shortened during the midluteal phase. RAAS activation during the luteal phase may be responsible for a lack of the expected estradiol-mediated reduction in arterial stiffness between the two phases of the menstrual cycle. Because load was unchanged, the decrease in SEP and SPTI may represent a direct effect of estrogen, progesterone, or RAAS activation on ventricular function.


A principal aim of habitat selection studies is to understand the roles of the different factors that influence the spatial distribution of individuals. The relationship between microhabitats in farmland, estuary, and island and breeding density of barn swallow are still poorly known. The principal objectives of this study are to compare: i) the proportion of microhabitats in different habitat types and ii) breeding density (i.e., pairs and individuals in a colony) among three habitat types. I hypothesize that i) no microhabitat would be dominant portion across all habitat types and ii) farmland that contains relatively greater portion of crop fields has higher breeding density than estuary and island that relatively greater portion of non-crop fields. Although microhabitats in farmland, estuary, and island revealed clear proportional difference, densities of breeding pair and individual in a colony did not differ.


Aim: To review our experience with hemi-epiphysiodesis using different methods for the correction of angular deformity about the knee. Method: This was a retrospective review of 73 patients (101 knees) who underwent hemi-epiphysiodesis from 1999 to 2008. Assessment looked at the type and degree of deformity, implants used, average operating time and hospital stay, complications, degree of correction and the average time to correction. Results: There were 50 boys and 23 girls with bilateral deformity in 28 cases. There were 88 valgus and 13 varus knees. Average follow-up was 17 months. Staples were used in 28 cases, "8" Plates in 24, Screws in 16 and Drilling in 5 cases. The distal femoral physis was involved in 46 knees, the proximal tibial physis in 21 and both physes in 34 knees (total 135 physes). Average operation time and hospital stay were similar for all methods. There were 6 minor and 3 major complications with staples with an average correction time of 14 months, 3 minor complications with an average correction time of 11 months with "8" plates, 3 minor and 1 major complication with an average correction time of 14 months with screws and 1 minor complication with drilling with an average correction time of 13 months. The outcome was considered as resolved in 47 and pending in 26 cases, with all showing progressive correction of deformity. Conclusions: Hemi-epiphysiodesis by any method is an effective way to correct angular deformities about the knee in skeletally immature individuals within a reasonable time limit and with minimal morbidity when compared to a corrective osteotomy. Our experience suggests that "8" plates achieve faster correction with the least complications when compared to other methods. Valgus knee deformities corrected faster than varus ones.


ABSTRACT Populism studies tend to understand populism as a purely political phenomenon (MUDDE; KALTWASSER, 2017; MÜLLER, 2016). To categorize someone as a populist or not, is in many cases solely based on an evaluation of discourse, style or even ideology. It is much rarer to see approaches to populism that focus on the relation between politics and media and digital media in particular (welcome exceptions are CESARINO 2019 e SILVA, 2019). Throughout this contribution, I will argue that we cannot understand populism in full without focusing in detail on how populists and others actually construct the populist voice, how they communicate themselves on different platforms as the 'true representatives of the people'. This inevitably means taking the changing media landscape into account as a key-context that shapes contemporary populism. The hybrid media system, its media logics, affordances and its culture of connectivity need to be considered when trying to make sense of populism and politics in general in the 21st century.


The primary aim of this paper is to present a new content-based, non-intrusive quality of experience (QoE) prediction model for low bitrate and resolution (QCIF) H.264 encoded videos and to illustrate its application in video quality adaptation over Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTS) networks. The success of video applications over UMTS networks very much depends on meeting the QoE requirements of users. Thus, it is highly desirable to be able to predict and, if appropriate, to control video quality to meet such QoE requirements. Video quality is affected by distortions caused both by the encoder and the UMTS access network. The impact of these distortions is content dependent, but this feature is not widely used in non-intrusive video quality prediction models. In the new model, we chose four key parameters that can impact video quality and hence the QoE-content type, sender bitrate, block error rate and mean burst length. The video quality was predicted in terms of the mean opinion score (MOS). Subjective quality tests were carried out to develop and evaluate the model. The performance of the model was evaluated with unseen dataset with good prediction accuracy ( ~ 93%). The model also performed well with the LIVE database which was recently made available to the research community. We illustrate the application of the new model in a novel QoE-driven adaptation scheme at the pre-encoding stage in a UMTS network. Simulation results in NS2 demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptation scheme, especially at the UMTS access network which is a bottleneck. An advantage of the model is that it is light weight (and so it can be implemented for real-time monitoring), and it provides a measure of user-perceived quality, but without requiring time-consuming subjective tests. The model has potential applications in several other areas, including QoE control and optimization in network planning and content provisioning for network/service providers.


Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) released from sensory neurons, which are closely apposed to mast cells and blood vessels, mediates gastric hyperemia in response to acid challenge of the damaged mucosa. Substance P (SP) is coreleased with CGRP from sensory neurons, but the role of this peptide in gastric blood flow regulation is largely unknown. Chambered rat stomachs were exposed to 1.5 M NaCl and acidic saline after treatment with SP, aprotinin (serine protease inhibitor), and the mast cell stabilizers ketotifen and sodium cromoglycate (SCG). Gastric hyperemia (measured with a laser Doppler flow velocimeter) after hypertonic injury and acid challenge was nearly abolished by SP. Aprotinin infused together with SP and pretreatment with ketotifen and SCG before SP restored the gastric hyperemia. Ketotifen and SCG inhibited mast cell degranulation in SP-treated rats. Preservation of gastric hyperemia was correlated with improved mucosal repair. These data suggest that impaired hyperemia by SP during acid challenge of the gastric mucosa may be mediated by a mast cell-dependent mechanism involving the release of proteases from mast cells.


Seven years' experience with acrylic anterior chamber lenses has proved the biological tolerance of the eye to methyl methacrylate, as demonstrated by some of my cases operated on since 1953, in which the lens is still perfectly tolerated. However, endothelial dystrophy and bullous keratitis may sometimes be caused by friction with the edges of all methyl methacrylate lenses, particularly if the size is inaccurate. Research was undertaken to find a more suitable type of lens and technique. After the various models of lenses made entirely of acrylic (Strampelli, Baron, Scharf, Schreck, Bietti, Apollonio, Barraquer, Salleras, Ridley, Boberg, and Choyce), the idea was conceived of making the central optic part of the lens of acrylic material and the external portion of flexible loops, so as to act as a spring (in Supramid * or other similar material), as first advocated by Dannheim and later adopted by Lieb and Guerry. But even with


Recent literature in automotive research indicates that studies of the environmental impact mostly concern with metal-based components. Environmental effects are mainly analysed using "environmental performance indicators" and "life cycle assessment" techniques. Therefore a knowledge gap in the field of studying automotive plastic components should be conducted based on analysing material and manufacturing processes selection at the design stage. The research is focused on a plastic component previously unexplored and analyses it using tools that have not been employed for this application. A computer-aided tool was used to model the part and its associated sustainability function was used to analyse its environmental impact. The component was analysed using different materials and manufacturing processes, then redesigned to be more ergonomic. The improved component design was manufactured using rapid prototyping and a consumer preference survey was conducted to determine which component was preferred. The research found that by changing the material to high density polyethylene there would be approximately a 30% reduction in carbon footprint, 24% reduction in air acidification, 26% reduction in water eutrophication and 15% reduction in total energy consumption. Injection moulding is found to be the most sustainable manufacturing process.


BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease encountered in dogs. Glucocorticoids are commonly recommended for symptomatic therapy and well-tolerated adjunctive therapies may help to reduce the necessary dose and associated risks of chronic glucocorticoid use.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complementary efficacy of oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei K71 in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD).

ANIMALS
Forty one dogs with mild to moderate cAD were recruited by19 animal hospitals.

METHODS
Dogs were assigned to receive either the investigational agent (K71 group; n = 20) or cetirizine hydrochloride (control group; n = 21). Previously prescribed medications were allowed to be continued during the 12 week trial. Dogs were assessed by the investigators using the cAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and a medication scoring system. Pet owners assessed their dogs using a visual analog scale (VAS) and pruritus scores.

RESULTS
The CADESI scores, VAS and pruritus scores in both groups at 12 weeks were improved compared with their baselines. The CADESI and pruritus scores in the K71 group were slightly lower than those in the control group and the reduction of medication scores in the K71 group was significantly lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05; Student's t-test).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Oral administration of K71 can be useful in dogs with cAD as a complementary therapy, by providing a steroid-sparing effect.


The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reduced stocking density in combination with provision of additional enrichment material on pig welfare on-farm. On three growing-finishing farms in Austria, in total 974, 413, and 70 pigs were kept at 1 m2/pig and straw or hay in a rack as additional enrichment material (improved pens, IP; n = 6–38 pens per farm) or in pens complying with the minimum legal requirements of 0.7 m2/pig (control pens, CP; n = 6–37 pens per farm). Behavior as well as skin, tail and ear lesions and pig soiling were assessed at the beginning and in the middle of the fattening period, while performance data were recorded at the end of the fattening period. Data analysis was performed for each farm separately using generalized linear and linear mixed models or Mann-Whitney U-Test. Pigs in IP less frequently manipulated pen mates' ears (Farm 1: Ptreatment*assessment = 0.002; Farm 2: P = 0.002) and body (Farm 1: P = 0.021; Farm 2: P = 0.015) than in CP. Prevalence of skin, tail and ear lesions and soiled pigs did not differ between treatments. In only one farm, average daily weight gain was higher in IP than in CP (Farm 1: P = 0.003). Our findings indicate that increased space allowance and provision of substrate can improve aspects of animal welfare within existing pig fattening systems, without requiring irreversible constructional modifications to the system.


This paper describes a visual decision support system that supports marketers in the advertising field. The purpose of this system is to help users estimate the effect of advertising based on the extraction of expert knowledge when there is no fresh data to go on. This system includes the following functions: a) To check the dispersion of data and the behavior of models using 3D plot displays, and b) To make prediction models capable of estimating the effect of advertising using a constrained learning algorithm for neural networks. These functions have each of the following features: a) The ability to easily check the dispersion of data and the behavior of models in the various axes, allowing a marketer to delete unnecessary data in 3D spaces. b) The basic premise that the relationship between the input and output monotonously increases. This system is useful for domains where only deficient data is available like estimating the effect of advertising. Experimental simulations using real data have shown that experts can easily check the dispersion of data and the behavior of models, and have shown that the algorithm makes more reasonable models for estimating the effect of advertising than other conventional algorithms.


Sate is a typical food of Ponorogo which its existence tends to increase from year to year in line with the increasing  of population and welfare. The existence of sate has multiplier economy effect particularly in society and region in general. Sate sellers are almost spread in all over subdistrict both of within and outside the city. Relatedted to the availability of skewer which is still made traditionally with the result under capacity and not hygienic. Thus the main problem is how to produce skewer in sufficient quantities with good quality and hygienic. Ipteks Bagi Masyarakat (IbM) of skewer from Economic Faculty Muhammadiyah University of Ponorogo attempts to solve the problem with production pattern approach from conventional into mechanical. Mechanical production is expected capable to provide skewer in sufficient quantities, qualified and hygienic skewer. Moreover, in society aspect it is expected to increase prosperity of skewer producer and sate seller by provide workfield.


This book covers the practical aspects of database design, data cleansing, data analysis, and data protection, among others. The focus is on what you really need to know to create the right database for your small business and to leverage it most effectively to spur growth and revenue. Databases for Small Business is a practical handbook for entrepreneurs, managers, staff, and professionals in small organizations who are not IT specialists but who recognize the need to ramp up their small organizations use of data and to round out their own business expertise and office skills with basic database proficiency. Anna Manninga data scientist who has worked on database design and data analysis in a computer science university research lab, her own small business, and a nonprofitwalks you through the progression of steps that will enable you to extract actionable intelligence and maximum value from your business data in terms of marketing, sales, customer relations, decision making, and business strategy. Dr. Manning illustrates the steps in the book with four running case studies of a small online business, an engineering startup, a small legal firm, and a nonprofit organization. Databases for Small Business teaches non-techie entrepreneurs and professionals how to:Design a small business database from scratch Extract the maximum profit from your data Follow guidance on data protection law Effectively use data collection and data cleansing techniques Train staff to leverage your data


Introduction: Complex Multi-dimensional relationships between social, economic and cultural and biological factors determine the nutritional status and health of children. Poverty and vulnerability lead to limited access to food and basic services including basic health services. Poverty makes families have limitations in providing care and attention to children, thus contributing to morbidity and mortality. To reduce the burden of morbidity and nutritional deficits produced by poverty, many countries have adopted strategies that include conditional cash transfer (CCT), combined with health and education  actions . Methods: Using a systematic review, search using strategies and studies compiled from database sources include: PubMed, Proquest and Google Schoolar from January to February 2019, using basic keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria with PICO-S techniques (Population Intervention Compare Outcome-Study design), resulting in some keywords: (1) "conditional cash transfer", (2) "child health", (3) "impact OR Effect", (4) "Quasi Experimental". 2,933 studies were found and 4 studies were included in this study . Results: The CCT program has a significant effect on reduced odds of thinness and higher BMI-for-age z-scores, increase in immunization rates of fully vaccinated children, increase in body weight and height and to cut malnutrition . Conclusion: from the results of studies in several countries, all the results of the study showed that the CCT program had a positive impact on children's health including improving nutritional status and fulfilling basic immunization


Two experimental models have been used to study T-cell differentiation. The first, a graft-vs.-host reaction, was induced by injecting thymocytes or cortisone-resistant thymocytes into lethally irradiated allogeneic mice. The second was tumor graft rejection in allogeneic hosts. Ultrastructural studies at various time intervals revealed two differentiated T-cell types. One of these (the "pale" cell) is probably high cytotoxic as measured in the chromium-release assay, the other (the "dark" cell) may be an "amplifier" cell, helping in the differentiation of cytotoxic cells.


The brain is the perfect place to look for inspiration to develop more efficient neural networks. The inner workings of our synapses and neurons provide a glimpse at what the future of deep learning might look like. This paper serves as a tutorial and perspective showing how to apply the lessons learnt from several decades of research in deep learning, gradient descent, backpropagation and neuroscience to biologically plausible spiking neural neural networks. We also explore the delicate interplay between encoding data as spikes and the learning process; the challenges and solutions of applying gradient-based learning to spiking neural networks; the subtle link between temporal backpropagation and spike timing dependent plasticity, and how deep learning might move towards biologically plausible online learning. Some ideas are well accepted and commonly used amongst the neuromorphic engineering community, while others are presented or justified for the first time here. A series of companion interactive tutorials complementary to this paper using our Python package, snnTorch , are also made available. 1


BACKGROUND
The last 15 years several studies have evaluated the quality of the Norwegian Cancer Registry. A pilot study from 1981 showed that the registration quality of non-solid tumours was significantly weaker than that for solid tumours. We wanted to study the registration quality of multiple myeloma in the Norwegian Cancer Registry during the 1990s.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
In the 1990s, the majority of younger Norwegian patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed in certain time periods were included in clinical studies. 348 patients were included, whereas 440 patients were registered in the Norwegian Cancer Registry during the same time period. We compared the patients included in studies with those in the Registry. When a discrepancy was found the diagnostic data and the registration process were looked into.

RESULTS
Registration of multiple myeloma in the Norwegian Cancer Registry in the 1990s had a completeness of 92.7 % and an accuracy of 92.5 %.

INTERPRETATION
The quality of multiple myeloma registration in the Norwegian Cancer Registry has improved from the 1970s (the data had a completeness of 77-82%) to the 1990s, but is still not as good as the registration of solid tumours. Increased awareness of this problem at pathological and haematological departments can probably improve the quality of registration further.


The reaction mechanism of the LiH addition to α-chiral ketones and acylsilanes was calculated at the ab initio MP2/6-311+G**//RHF/6-31G* level. The selectivities predicted on the basis of the computed transition states and reaction barriers compare well with the experimental data. For compounds possessing very large groups, anti-Cram selectivity was found; silicon-containing compounds should show the same types of selectivity as their carbon analogs. The calculations suggest that a revision of the Felkin−Anh model is necessary and a proposal for such a revision is given. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)


On-line vibration monitoring plays an important role in the fault diagnosis and prognosis of industrial belt drive systems. This paper presents a novel measurement technique based on electrostatic sensing to monitor the transverse vibration of power transmission belts in an on-line, continuous, and non-contact manner. The measurement system works on the principle that variations in the distance between a strip-shaped electrode and the naturally electrified dielectric belt give rise to a fluctuating current output. The response of the sensor to a belt moving both axially and transversely is numerically calculated through finite-element modeling. Based on the sensing characteristics of the sensor, the transverse velocity of the belt is characterized through the spectral analysis of the sensor signal. Experiments were conducted on a two-pulley belt drive system to verify the validity of the sensing technique. The belt vibration at different axial speeds was measured and analyzed. The results show that the belt vibrates at well-separated modal frequencies that increase with the axial speed. A closer distance between the electrode and the belt makes higher order vibration modes identifiable, but also leads to severer signal distortion that produces higher order harmonics in the signal.


ABSTRACT The biogeochemistry and ecology of the Arctic environment have been heavily impacted by anthropogenic pollution and climate change. We used ICP-MS to measure concentrations of 26 elements in the AD 1300–2000 tree rings of larch from the Taymyr Peninsula in northern Siberia for studying the interaction between environmental change and wood chemistry. We applied a two-stage data reduction technique to identify trends in the noisy measurement data. Statistical assessment of variance of normalized time series reveals pronounced depletion of xylem Ca, Mg, Cl, Bi and Si concentrations and enrichment of P, K, Mn, Rb, Sr and Ba concentrations after ca. AD 1900. The trends are unprecedented in the 700-year records, but multiple mechanisms may be at work and difficult to attribute with certainty. The declining xylem Ca and Mg may be a response to soil acidification from air pollution, whereas increasing P, K, and Mn concentrations may signal changes in root efficiency and excess water-soluble minerals liberated by the permafrost thaw. The changes seem consistent with mounting stress on Arctic vegetation. This study supports the potential of tree rings for monitoring past and ongoing changes in biogeochemistry of Arctic ecosystems related to pollution and permafrost thaw.


As the usage of BIM increased in the construction industry, some construction owners started exploring the use of BIM for maintaining their facilities. Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBIE), a spreadsheet data format suggested in 2007 to manipulate building information, is considered as one of the solutions that would facilitate the process of transferring information from BIM to applications for facilities management. Several BIM and Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) applications offer functions to export or import the COBIE data. To facilitate the process of generating the COBIE data out of Building Information Model, some add-in applications, such as COBIE Toolkit for Revit, also were developed. However, most of these applications handle a limited amount of COBIE data. Professionals using these add-in applications therefore sometimes end up spending a significant amount of time to add additional data manually to the COBIE data file. To automatically get a data-rich COBIE file, we developed a prototype application that extracts information from Revit, which is one of the BIM authoring tools, stores them in an external database, and then produces the COBIE file using information stored in the database. We applied our application to a pilot project and produced 8 COBIE worksheets automatically, which demonstrated a significant amount of time saving. This paper presents how our prototype application produces 8 COBIE data sets automatically. It also addresses our attempt to handle more COBIE data sets.


Abstract. Secondary succession on arable fields is a popular system for studying processes influencing community assembly of plants. During early succession, the arrival and establishment of those propagules that can pass the environmental filters operating at a given site should be among the dominant processes leading to an initial increase in species richness. With ongoing succession, environmental filtering should decrease in relative importance compared to competitive interactions, which then should decrease species richness. Thereby, the phylogenetic structure of communities should change from random or clustered patterns during early succession to overdispersion. Disturbance is supposed to act as an additional filter, causing communities to be phylogenetically clustered. By analysing the species richness and phylogenetic structure of secondary succession in two different regions in Germany with three different disturbance levels each, we tested this general model. Although in one of the regions (Gimritz) we found the expected trajectory of species richness, phylogenetic structure did not follow the expected trend from random or clustered towards overdispersed communities. In the other region (Bayreuth), species richness did not follow the expected trajectory and phylogenetic structure remained clustered over the course of succession. A preliminary analysis of autecological characteristics of the species involved (Ellenberg indicator values) nevertheless showed clear contrasting trends. The idiosyncrasies of successional trajectories across sites might be due to the environmental context, the regional species pool as well as the legacy of former land use reflected in the seed bank.


We report findings from interviews with new undergraduate students, in which they identified particular items as supporting a sense of connectedness with home. We characterize ways in which artifacts underpinned a sense of connection, including by conveying the character of the parental home, supporting a sense of continuity with it, and enabling a physical presence to be maintained there. We then consider how simple affordances offered by these artifacts, such as being able to move, position and sort them, enabled participants to reinforce the meanings that were associated with them. Such actions are normally taken for granted, but we describe how they are compromised for social media especially, due to functional limitations and questions of ownership. We highlight design opportunities for making the transition from home more gradual, and supporting the archiving and display of social media.


The Resource and Agricultural Policy System (RAPS) is upgraded and documented in this technical report. RAPS was developed to estimate the environmental impacts of farming practices and policy in 128,591 National Resources Inventory (NRI) sites in the Central United States (the Corn Belt, Lake States, and Northern Plains). This modeling system integrates the effects of soils, climate, crops, and management practices on several environmental indicators including nitrate runoff and leaching, pesticide runoff and leaching, water and wind erosion, and soil organic carbon. RAPS can be used to provide timely information on the nation's environmental health as it is impacted by agriculture and by changes in agricultural and resource policies.


Paleoseismic studies conducted along the surface rupture of the Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008 (the 5.12 event) provide important information regarding the earthquake reccurrence intervals and slip rates of the Longmen Shan fault zone. The Leigu trench was excavated along the middle segment of the surface rupture of the Yingxiu–Beichuan fault zone. Based on the syntectonic sedimentary structure, two earthquake events, including the 5.12 event, were identified at this site. This study utilizes optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of samples collected from the Leigu trench section, using SMAR (sensitivity-corrected multiple aliquot regenerative-dose) protocols. AMS![Graphic][1] dating was also carried out on charcoal from the same sediments. OSL ages are generally consistent with the calibrated AMS![Graphic][2] ages (calibrated year B.P.) for the same units. The last major earthquake event in this region, on the scale of the 5.12 event, occurred between 2.1±0.2 ka and 1.1±0.2 ka.

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The transcriptional activity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is affected by many cellular factors. Homologies near the HIV-1 initiator region to the DNA-binding sequences of YY1, a multifunctional transcription factor known to regulate diverse viral and cellular promoters, suggested that YY1 might regulate HIV-1. Antibody to YY1 blocked the formation of complexes by HeLa cell nuclear extract and a DNA oligonucleotide encoding the HIV-1 initiator region. HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) expression, as measured the expression of a transfected LTR-CAT reporter gene, was repressed more than 12-fold by the cotransfection of a YY1 expression vector. HIV-1 production by both COS-1 and CEM cells after transfection of an infectious molecular HIV-1 clone was repressed 7- to 20-fold by cotransfection of a YY1 expression vector. HIV-1 production was also decreased threefold in a CD4-positive lymphocyte cell line chronically infected with HIV-1 (8E5) after transfection of YY1. In situ hybridization studies confirmed that YY1 reduced HIV-1 RNA expression. YY1 may play an important role in the regulation of HIV-1 LTR expression in vivo and virus production by infected cells.


Aim: Prolactinoma is the most pituitary adenomas that affect young women at fertile age. Visual impairment is a common presentation of this condition. Retina is a part of visual system may be affected in these patients. Flash electroretinography is one of the techniques to screen the retina. The aim of present work is to search for probable adverse effect of prolactinoma on retina using flash electroretinography. Patients and Method: Fifteen female patients (30 eyes) with age range of 20-40 years were selected. The patients had healthy visual system as for as visual J Opthalmol Res 2021; 4 (4): 321-326 DOI: 10.26502/fjor.2644-00240051 Journal of Opthalmology and Research Volume 4, Issue 4 322 acuity, field of vision and magnetic resonance imaging of brain were concerned. The amplitude and latency of electroretinogram b-wave was recorded for these patients and 15 age and sex matched controls with healthy visual system. Results: The mean age was 29.4±6.68 and 29.13±6.82 in case and control groups respectively. The mean visual acuity was 0.00±0.00 (LogMar) in both groups. The difference in values were not statistically significant as far as age (P = 0.967) and visual acuity (P=1) were concerned. The values obtained for amplitude were 113.93 ± 9.14 and 114.4 ± 6.83 in case and control groups respectively. On other hand the values for latency were 34.13 ± 1.56 and 34.13 ± 1.65 in case and control groups respectively. The values for ERG were not statistically significant as for as amplitude and latency (P = 0.682 and P = 0.925 respectively) of ERG, bwave were concerned. Conclusion: Prolactinoma does not affect retina of the patients as for as flash electroretinography is concerned.


Keywords: Scene understanding Activity analysis Fuzzy logic Activities of daily living Eldercare Depth images Image features a b s t r a c t We describe a novel technique to combine motion data with scene information to capture activity characteristics of older adults using a single Microsoft Kinect depth sensor. Specifically, we describe a method to learn activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) in order to study the behavior patterns of older adults to detect health changes. To learn the ADLs, we incorporate scene information to provide contextual information to build our activity model. The strength of our algorithm lies in its generalizability to model different ADLs while adding more information to the model as we instantiate ADLs from learned activity states. We validate our results in a controlled environment and compare it with another widely accepted classifier, the hidden Markov model (HMM) and its variations. We also test our system on depth data collected in a dynamic unstructured environment at TigerPlace, an independent living facility for older adults. An in-home activity monitoring system would benefit from our algorithm to alert healthcare providers of significant temporal changes in ADL behavior patterns of frail older adults for fall risk, cognitive impairment, and other health changes.


Background The implication of the immune system in the physiopathology of pregnancy complicated by diabetes has been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of insulin treatment on the frequencies of immune cell subpopulations as well as T cell-derived cytokines in type 2 diabetic (T2D) pregnancy compared to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Fifteen (15) women with GDM, twenty (20) insulin-treated T2D pregnant women, and twenty-five (25) pregnant controls were selected. Immune cell subpopulation frequencies were determined in blood using flow cytometry. The proliferative capacity of T cells was performed, and serum and cell culture supernatant cytokine levels were also quantified. Results The frequencies of total CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and nonclassical monocytes significantly increased in insulin-treated T2D pregnant women compared to pregnant controls. The proportions of CD4+ T cells as well as B cells were significantly higher in women with GDM than in pregnant controls. GDM was associated with high frequencies of total CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and B cell expansion, suggesting a concomitant activation of cellular and humoral immunity. Concomitantly, Th1/Th2 ratio, determined as IFN-γ/IL-4, was shifted towards Th1 phenotype in women with GDM and insulin-treated T2D pregnant women. Besides, isolated T cells elicited similar proliferative capacity in the three groups of women. Insulin-treated T2D pregnant women and women with GDM exhibited a low serum IL-10 level, without any change in the number of Treg cells. Conclusion Our study showed that, despite insulin treatment, pregnant women with T2D displayed a proinflammatory status consistent with high proportions of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells, upregulation of Th1 cytokines, and low IL-10 production, suggesting a reduced immune-suppressive activity of regulatory T cells. However, GDM, although associated with proinflammatory status, has shown increased humoral immunity consistent with high proportion of CD19+ B cells. Thus, the lack of response to insulin in diabetes during pregnancy and clinical implications of these immunological parameters deserves further investigations.


Biodiesel is one of the alternative fuels produced from the transesterification reaction between triglycerides and alcohols with glycerol by-products. So far, the resulting crude glycerol has not been maximally utilized because of its low purity. So, it is necessary to purify glycerol before turning it into a more useful compound. The purified glycerol can be reacted with acetic acid within esterification reaction (acetylation process) using an acid catalyst to produce glycerol triacetate (triacetin). One of the uses of triacetin as an additive in gasoline and biodiesel. The purpose of this study is to utilize glycerol from by-products from biodiesel production to bio-additive materials that can improve fuel quality and are environmentally friendly. The method used in this study begins with the purification of crude glycerol, modification of zeolite catalyst with impregnated of nickel metal followed by an acetylation reaction which held on temperature of 100°C for 60 min. The experimental results are analyzed using base titration to determine the remaining unreacted acids and are applied as bio-additives by adding them to commercial fuels and measured the increasing octane numbers. The result shows that the reaction conversion increases with increasing mole ratio of reactants and catalysts with the best results in the mole ratio of acetic acid and glycerol is 9:1 and catalyst 5% by weight of acetic acid with a conversion of 66.02%. As bio-additives the reaction product could increase the octane number of commercial fuel by 6.5 up to 8.5%. Keywords: glycerol, acetylation reaction, mofified zeolite, bio-additive


The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different rates of kefir on growth performance and immunoglobulin (IgM) levels of Coruh trout ( Salmo coruhensis ). The experiment was carried out with the four following treatments: Control group (not supplemented kefir), D1, D2 and D3 (kefir supplemented diet 10, 20, 40 g kg -1 fish body mass, respectively). Condition factor (CF), food conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, and specific growth rate (SGR) were monthly determined and IgM level was measured at the end of the 4 months. Survival ranged from 88.2 to 89.1%, and was independent of dietary treatments (P>0.05). The highest specific growth rate was found for the fish fed D2; although, there was no significant difference in growth parameters between the control, the fish fed D1, D2 and D3 (P>0.05). However, diets contained kefir (D1, D2) increased immunoglobulin level in S. coruhensis (P<0.05). It can also be concluded that kefir is crucial for fish production as a potential probiotic. Keywords: Salmo coruhensis , kefir, probiotic, growth, immunoglobulin (IgM)


MULTIMODAL RECOGNITION USING SIMULTANEOUS IMAGES OF IRIS AND FACE WITH OPPORTUNISTIC FEATURE SELECTION Name: Tompkins, Richard Cortland University of Dayton Advisor: Dr. Vijayan Asari Techniques for establishing a person's identity are characterized by several shortcomings. Identification documents may be forged or altered, signatures are difficult to authenticate and verify, tokens or seals may be stolen or counterfeited, and physical descriptions are difficult to quantitatively assess. Establishing identity continues to be important for the same purpose it has been for centuries—for banking transactions, establishing legal presence, entering contracts, gaining entry to secured premises, identifying fugitives, etc. Recently biometrics—the science of recognizing an individual based on his physiological or behavioral traits—has gained increasing acceptance as a legitimate method for these tasks. Currently, most deployed biometric systems are unimodal—they rely on a single feature to identify a person. Although these features, such as face, iris, ear, fingerprint, signature, or voice, may be sufficiently unique, systems must still contend with a variety of problems such as noisy data, intra-class variations, restricted degrees of freedom, non-universality, spoof attacks, and unacceptable error rates. Some of these issues may be eliminated and system accuracy increased through a multimodal biometric system. iii In this dissertation we formulate and investigate a method for processing multimodal biometric data—collected from a single source—to extract multiple biometric features from a sample and subsequently classify the identity of the sample using multiple biometric methods in such a way that some or all of the identity features may be opportunistically selected. In this context, opportunistic selection is meant to refer to techniques used to identify sporadic but consistently unavailable features which may be used to improve the classification rate of a more reliably present feature. Specifically, we work with three biometrics extracted from a single high-resolution near infrared face image: iris, face, and skin irregularity features. To implement this system, we present an original pupil boundary estimation method for localizing irises, as well as an iris feature encoding technique using the discrete cosine transform. We then describe a face detection scheme which provides motivation for a novel skin irregularity feature recognition component. In this module, skin features are detected using the Speeded-Up Robust Features method and encoded using fully connected skin irregularity feature graphs. Additionally, we describe a face recognition step using two-dimensional principal components analysis. With these components, we fuse the recognition decision results using a voting method. The accuracy of the system, both as separate components and together, is evaluated on the CASIA-IrisDistance database, a long-range and high-quality face/iris data set. Finally, following the results achieved using structural information features in face component detection and skin irregularity details, we discuss future work for flexible, targeted feature extraction.


The relation between testosterone and aggression has been relatively well documented in men, but it is less well understood in women. Here we assessed the relationship between salivary testosterone and reactive aggression (i.e., rejection rate for unfair offers) in the Ultimatum Game. Forty naturally cycling women were tested twice, once in the late follicular phase (around ovulation) and once during the luteal phase. Ovulation was determined using urine test strips measuring luteinizing hormone levels. Salivary samples were assayed for testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol at both test sessions. There was no association with the cycle, but multilevel modeling revealed a significant within-participant association between testosterone and rejection rate for extremely unfair offers (i.e., high reactive aggression), indicating that women showed greater reactive aggression when their testosterone levels were higher. Additionally, we found that women with relatively high individual concentrations of testosterone were more likely to reject extremely unfair offers than women with relatively low concentrations of testosterone. This study is the first to demonstrate that women react more aggressively in response to provocation when their testosterone level is high than when their testosterone is low, suggesting that testosterone plays an important role in the regulation of women's aggressive behavior following social provocation.


Power electronics plays an important role in controlling the grid-connected renewable energy sources. This paper presents a novel adaptive neuro-fuzzy control approach for the renewable interfacing inverter. The main objective is to achieve smooth bidirectional power flow and nonlinear unbalanced load compensation simultaneously, where the conventional proportional-integral controller may fail due to the rapid change in the dynamics of the highly nonlinear system. The combined capability of neuro-fuzzy controller in handling the uncertainties and learning from the processes is proved to be advantageous while controlling the inverter under fluctuating operating conditions. The inverter is actively controlled to compensate the harmonics, reactive power, and the current imbalance of a three-phase four-wire (3P4W) nonlinear load with generated renewable power injection into the grid simultaneously. This enables the grid to always supply/absorb a balanced set of fundamental currents at unity power factor even in the presence of the 3P4W nonlinear unbalanced load at the point of common coupling. The proposed system is developed and simulated in MATLAB/SimPowerSystem environment under different operating conditions. The digital signal processing and control engineering-based laboratory experimental results are also provided to validate the proposed control approach.


Abstract Background In 2007, the American Board of Internal Medicine eliminated numeric procedure requirements for licensing. The level of exposure to procedures during residency, and subsequent competence of graduating residents, is variable. In 2015, our institution developed a bedside procedure service (BPS) with the intent to teach ultrasound guidance and procedural training to internal medicine residents with direct supervision of technique by Hospital Medicine faculty to optimize learning, increase confidence, and improve patient safety. Objective In this study, we review the number and complication rates of resident procedures on a dedicated internal medicine bedside procedure service (BPS) as a resident elective. Methods In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, we reviewed internally collected data from BPS procedures performed from 2015–2019. The BPS offers a variety of procedures done with ultrasound guidance at an adult tertiary care referral center. BPS services are available to all inpatient hospital services. A rotation with the BPS was offered as a stand-alone resident elective for the first time in 2015. Results 69 residents performed a total of 2700 ultrasound-guided/assisted procedures and 146 diagnostic ultrasound scans from 2015–2019. Residents performed an average of 40 procedures during their elective month. There were 5 resident performed procedural complications with an overall complication rate of 0.19%. Conclusions Our BPS increased procedural opportunities for residents and allowed for real-time feedback by an experienced faculty member in a one-on-one setting. A dedicated rotation allows the time to focus on becoming proficient in invasive procedures with expert supervision.


We report on the observation of magnetic vortex domain wall chirality reversal in ferromagnetic rings that is controlled by the sense of rotation of a magnetic field. We use time-resolved X-ray microscopy to dynamically image the chirality-switching process and perform micromagnetic simulations to deduce the switching details from time-resolved snapshots. We find experimentally that the switching occurs within less than 4 ns and is observed in all samples with ring widths ranging from 0.5 μm to 2 μm, ring diameters between 2 μm and 5 μm, and a thickness of 30 nm, where a vortex domain wall is present in the magnetic onion state of the ring. From the magnetic contrast in the time-resolved images, we can identify effects of thermal activation, which plays a role for the switching process. Moreover, we find that the process is highly reproducible so that the domain wall chirality can be set with high fidelity.


In this paper, a variable step-size filtered-x LMS (VSS-FXLMS) algorithm is proposed for a typical narrowband active noise control system. The new algorithm converges much faster than the conventional FXLMS algorithm does, and indicates a convergence rate quite similar to that of the filtered-x recursive least square (FXRLS) algorithm in stationary noise environments. It also considerably outperforms these two existing algorithms in nonstationary situations. The proposed algorithm requires some more computations as compared with the FXLMS algorithm; however, its computational complexity is significantly less than that of the FXRLS algorithm. Numerous simulations for stationary and nonstationary scenarios are conducted to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed VSS-FXLMS algorithm as compared with the FXLMS and the FXRLS algorithms.


This paper proposes to address online and offline attacks to passwords without increasing users' efforts in choosing and memorising their passwords. In CSPS, a password consists of two parts, a user-chosen short password and a server-generated long password. The short password should be memorised and secured by its user while the long password be encrypted and stored on the server side. To keep the secret key for protecting the long password secure, an additional sever is introduced to store the secret key and provide encryption/decryption services. On top of balloon, CSPS integrates expensive hash with secure encryption. It is mathematically proved that computationally unbounded attackers cannot succeed in offline dictionary or brute-force attacks or a combination of offline and online attacks. The criteria of security are established, which quantifies the security. To our best knowledge, CSPS is the first technique to make security quantifiable in password authentication mechanisms.


As winner of the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2006 Hodes was invited to participate in 'Drawing Breath'. The exhibition included prize winning artwork celebrating ten years of 'The Jerwood Drawing Prize' the annual open exhibition and competition of contemporary drawing in the UK.

Hodes exhibited 2 large scale papercuts in 'Drawing Breath', one of which was her prize winning piece.