This study aims to develop a method for calculating the carbon footprint of rice during its life cycle by combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the 2006 Guideline of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (GL 2006) for paddy rice grown in Phu Luong commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province, Vietnam. In the course of the study, a LCA survey that included activities in the upstream processes, the agricultural process, and the post-farm stage was conducted based on interviews with three groups of 30 farmer households that apply the conventional practice of rice production, the system of rice intensification (SRI), or the wide-narrow row method. These cultivation practices are applied for both the winter-spring crop and summer-autumn crop seasons. The emissions were calculated by multiplying the activity data by the default emission factors in GL 2006 or in other relevant studies. The emission factors of methane (CH4) from rice cultivation and nitrous oxide (N2O) from agricultural soil were adjusted using actual measurement results from the Institute of Agricultural Environment (IAE) in 2016. The results of the calculations show that the main sources of the emissions that constitute the carbon footprint of rice include: (i) CH4 emissions from rice cultivation; (ii) electricity generation for irrigation; (iii) diesel combustion for the operation of agricultural machinery, and (iv) fertiliser production. Emissions from other activities were negligible. The carbon footprint of spring rice is 2.69kgCO2e/kg of rice grown using the conventional paddy cultivation method, 2.35 kgCO2e/kg for rice grown using the SRI method, and 2.29 kgCO2e/kg for rice grown using the wide-narrow row method. In summer, the carbon footprint for rice grown using the conventional method is 3.72kgCO2e/kg of rice, 3.56 kgCO2e/kg of rice using SRI, and 3.3kgCO2e/kg of rice using the wide-narrow row method. Three mitigation options are proposed: integrated crop management for rice; alternate wetting and drying; and the substitution of urea fertiliser (CO(NH2)2) with ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4).


There is an on-going debate on the effects of participatory development interventions; some scholars claim that participation is the key driver of change while others show that these interventions are vulnerable to unintended consequences and often only empower the already leading elites.
The Brazilian agrarian reform created a large migration flow into villages inside sugar cane plantations (engenhos) that became agrarian reform settlements (assentamentos). The main novelties in assentamentos are the presence of households with heterogeneous background and free use of land.
The main question is whether the agrarian reform and producers' cooperatives supported the emergence in assentamentos of new forms of social organization.
This research argues that that impact of development intervention is not only related to participants but to the entire target social structure. Applying theory of adaptiveness, the main hypothesis is that the capacity of assentamentos to respond to the changes promoted by these external interventions depends on the level of overlap between multiple social networks that define the social structure of assentamentos.
This research explores qualitatively and quantitatively the network formation of three assentamentos in Northeast Brazil. Furthermore it analyzes how one cooperative supporting family farming influences and it is influenced by the social network structure. The agrarian reform and the creation of a producers' cooperative can be considered as participatory interventions, as they were community driven. The unit of analysis is the household. Households are the nodes in the network. Villages are considered as social relational systems. The analysis focuses on the study of multiple networks that connect households in each village.
By analyzing three agrarian reform settlements that were created by three different social movements, the research shows that different households' recruitment strategies and different villages' histories led to different village composition and social processes behind network formation. Family farming plays a crucial role in allowing for the possibility to create new rural villages that differ from previous sugar cane plantation production units. The possibility of family farming to become a relevant livelihood strategy is associated with the features of villages' social networks. The producers' cooperative, supporting the introduction of new labor-intensive crops and guaranteeing a market for some crops, sustains family farming employment network. However the brokering role of the cooperative is hampered by the cooperative political positioning and by the path of specialization towards high value and labor-intensive crops.


Crop biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural strategy to reduce micronutrient malnutrition arising from iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies. A large number of hybrids and open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] have been released and/or commercialized in India. Eighteen OPVs and 15 high-Fe candidate hybrids were evaluated in multi-location trials for Fe and Zn density to identify those with high density of these micronutrients. The Fe density in OPVs varied from 42 mg/kg to 67 mg/kg, and Zn density from 37 mg/kg to 52 mg/kg with ICTP 8203 having the highest Fe density (67 mg/kg) followed by ICMV 221 (61 mg/kg) and AIMP 92901 (56 mg/kg). While ICTP 8203 had also the highest level of Zn density (52 mg/kg), ICMV 221 and AIMP 92901 had 45-46 mg/kg Zn density. The Fe density in hybrids varied from 46 mg/kg to 56 mg/kg and Zn density from 37 mg/kg to 44 mg/kg. Four hybrids, viz. Ajeet 38, Proagro XL 51, PAC 903 and 86M86 had the highest Fe density of 55-56 mg/kg and 39-41 mg/kg Zn density. The six commercial cultivars (2 OPVs and 4 hybrids) identified in this study with high Fe and Zn densities can be undertaken for expanded cultivation in their recommended ecologies to specifically address the Fe and Zn deficiencies in India. This study also enabled to re-define base line for Fe density at 42 mg/kg for hybrids, the most dominant cultivar type grown in India.


The study of teaching mathematics is a complex endeavor. In fact, attempting to understand how teachers orchestrate mathematically sound, engaging, and meaningful lessons often generates more questions than answers. For many years, mathematics educators conducted quantitative studies—intended to show a correlation between the instructional decisions made by teachers and the number of content courses taken in college; however, no such correlation emerged. In the 1980s, researchers began to examine more affective or cognitive issues—such as attitudes, beliefs, or knowledge—using methods that were more qualitative in nature. The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs that middle grades mathematics teachers hold about teaching functions, the knowledge that middle grades mathematics teachers have regarding functions, and the interplay between beliefs and knowledge during classroom instruction. This study is timely and appropriate given that there is not a large body of literature on middle grades mathematics education. Two middle grades mathematics teachers, Melodie and Rachel, taught Algebra I in different (yet similar) schools within the same district. The two teachers took part in completing an initial survey, three hour-long interviews, a card sorting activity that dealt with families of functions, selecting a favorite definition for the term function, and modeling a function using a Calculator-Based Ranger. Classroom observations were completed and artifacts were collected while each teacher provided instruction on quadratic functions. Data analysis was on-going throughout the study, and a theoretical framework was derived from literature pertaining to teacher beliefs, teacher knowledge, and teacher authority. Melodie's belief that functions are the cornerstone of high school mathematics, coupled with her deep and flexible knowledge of mathematics, allowed her to teach procedures as well as to treat concepts. Her students were engaged in inquiry-based activities on a regular basis, and technology was a staple in her classroom. Rachel was a conveyor of direct instruction and believed that good mathematics teaching consisted of step-by-step instructions for her students to follow. She taught functions because they were part of her district's Algebra I curriculum because her high school colleagues told her that functions were important in later mathematics courses. INDEX WORDS: Middle School Mathematics Teaching, Reform, Teacher Beliefs, Mathematical Knowledge of Teachers, Teaching Functions BELIEFS AND KNOWLEDGE OF MIDDLE GRADES TEACHERS REGARDING FUNCTIONS: TWO CASE STUDIES


We consider grounding open domain dialogues with images. Existing work assumes that both an image and a textual context are available, but image-grounded dialogues by nature are more difficult to obtain than textual dialogues. Thus, we propose learning a response generation model with both image-grounded dialogues and textual dialogues by assuming that the visual scene information at the time of a conversation can be represented by an image, and trying to recover the latent images of the textual dialogues through text-to-image generation techniques. The likelihood of the two types of dialogues is then formulated by a response generator and an image reconstructor that are learned within a conditional variational auto-encoding framework. Empirical studies are conducted in both image-grounded conversation and text-based conversation. In the first scenario, image-grounded dialogues, especially under a low-resource setting, can be effectively augmented by textual dialogues with latent images; while in the second scenario, latent images can enrich the content of responses and at the same time keep them relevant to contexts.


Purpose: To describe the planning and technique for implantation of the t-Branch off-the-shelf multibranched aortic endograft. Technique: Total endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) with branched endografts is one of the most important paradigm shifts in the past decade. The t-Branch endograft, an off-the-shelf multibranched graft introduced in the European market in late 2012, allows treatment of patients with suitable anatomy in both the elective and urgent settings to avoid delays related to manufacturing time of custom-made devices. The steps required for the planning and implantation of the device are described, including some tips and tricks. Conclusion: The use of an off-the-shelf multibranched device is an appealing option in the treatment of TAAAs, especially in the acute setting. Nevertheless, results of complex aortic repairs with this specific device are associated with a learning curve and can be improved by identifying a number of intraoperative risks and paying heed to several technical details.


Ten mixed fuels were prepared using soybean biodiesel and 0# diesel oil with different blend ratios (in vol %). The effects of the blending ratio on physical-chemical properties of biodiesel-diesel mixed fuels and engine power were investigated. The results shows that, with the increase of the blending ratio, a increase in gelatine, carbon residue, acidity and ash content is found and a decrease in sulfur content and mechanical impurities appears. Furthermore, no distinct affection of the blending ratio on engine power is found.


VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) is one of coco-diesel source, made without high heating and chemicals. Commercial processes production, such fermentation and centrifugation usually need more time and expensive in cost and investment. Circulating by pumping through a nozzle is a new process method invented to produce VCO. The process followed by coalescence method, breaking emulsion by hitting particles through pipe and nozzle. The problem of this method was that the product gave lower yield than another method and not yet qualified. This research was purposed to discover correlation between pressure and time of circulation variables against yield and content (FFA, Peroxide, water content) represented by SNI (national Indonesian standard). Producing VCO initiated by producing coconut milk from fresh old coconut, then each 1 litre milk were pumped through the pipe and nozzle with variation of circulations pressures and time. The results were decanted for 10 hours so the oil and water would be separated. The oil at upper layer was taken as final product. Then the last step was analysed the oils and oil cake (blondo). The results showed that pressure and time of circulating variables gave impact to the yield. On optimum variables, 2 atm pressure and 15 minutes of circulating gave better results with 97% yield. This operating variables also affecting oil quality. The minimum water content is 0.1%, free fatty acid is 0.18% and peroxide value is 2 mg/kg eq. The results showed that all of parameters meet the SNI standard.


We study the power of interactivity in local differential privacy. First, we focus on the difference between fully interactive and sequentially interactive protocols. Sequentially interactive protocols may query users adaptively in sequence, but they cannot return to previously queried users. The vast majority of existing lower bounds for local differential privacy apply only to sequentially interactive protocols, and before this paper it was not known whether fully interactive protocols were more powerful. We resolve this question. First, we classify locally private protocols by their compositionality, the multiplicative factor by which the sum of a protocol's single-round privacy parameters exceeds its overall privacy guarantee. We then show how to efficiently transform any fully interactive compositional protocol into an equivalent sequentially interactive protocol with a blowup in sample complexity linear in this compositionality. Next, we show that our reduction is tight by exhibiting a family of problems such that any sequentially interactive protocol requires this blowup in sample complexity over a fully interactive compositional protocol. We then turn our attention to hypothesis testing problems. We show that for a large class of compound hypothesis testing problems --- which include all simple hypothesis testing problems as a special case --- a simple noninteractive test is optimal among the class of all (possibly fully interactive) tests.


The introduction of renewable biofuels was associated with global food crisis and unintended environmental consequences. This paper incorporates energy environment and agricultural sector to the classic Hecksher-Ohlin model to address these issues. A household production function model was introduced to model consumer energy choices and concern about externalities related to climate change and open space. The conceptual model links energy and food markets and derives guidelines for the development of climate change and land-use policies. The results suggest that globalization and capital flows increase demand for energy, leading to decline in food production, increase in food prices, and loss of environmental land. Globally optimal outcomes may require introducing an emission tax and a land-use tax. The introduction of these policies may undermine the factor price equalization theorem. Policies that allow enhancing either agriculture productivity (e.g., agriculture biotechnology) or biofuel productivity (e.g., second-generation biofuels), are shown to lessen the resource constraint associated with the cost of introducing renewable energy.


For better or worse, social and legislative pressures are forcing universities to reexamine their current tendency to privilege reseach as the almost exclusive measure of productivity. Departments, 50-70 year old sites of remarkable productivity, are now becoming blocks to needed flexibility in examining faculty roles and rewards. However, for teaching to be valued more, it will need to be evaluated more carefully. While universities must never become society's servants, they are civilization's supporters and as such may well find that teaching merits more attention than is currently accorded.


PURPOSE
To develop a screening programme for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy using non-mydriatic retinal photography.

METHODS
A community based screening service was offered to all people with known diabetes mellitus in selected townships in the LaTrobe and Goulburn Valleys in Victoria. At the local examination centre, basic sociodemographic information was collected as well as details of previous use of eye care services for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. The examination included visual acuity (VA), glycosylated haemoglobin level and Polaroid photographs of each fundus using a Canon CR5-45NM non-mydriatic retinal camera (Canon, Tochigiken, Japan). Dilating drops were not used. Photographs were subsequently reviewed and letters were sent to all participants (with copies to their general practitioners) with recommendations for appropriate follow up.

RESULTS
A total of 1177 people with diabetes attended the screening service, which is estimated to be 40% of the total population with known diabetes in the study area. The mean age was 65 years (range 20-94 years); 559 (48%) people reported not having a dilated fundus examination within the past 2 years; 345 (29%) people had never had a dilated fundus examination. Of the 2354 eyes, 2126 (90%) of the photographs were gradable. A total of 704 people (60%) had normal VA and no evidence of diabetic retinopathy, 209 people (18%) had diabetic retinopathy, 101 people (9%) had evidence of other fundus pathology, 42 people (3%) had reduced acuity (< 6/18) in one or both eyes (with no fundus pathology evident) and 121 people (10%) had ungradable photographs in one or both eyes.

CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrates the usefulness of a screening programme with non-mydriatic retinal photography as an adjunct to current eye care services for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy.


Diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased NO bioavailability in the myocardium. Ginsenoside Rb1 has been shown to confer cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts cardioprotective effects during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in diabetic rats and whether this effect is related to increase the production of NO via enhancing eNOS expression in the myocardium. The myocardial I/R injury were induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. An eNOS inhibitor L-NAME or Rb1 were respectively administered 25 min or 10 min before inducing ischemia. Ginsenoside Rb1 preconditioning reduced myocardial infarct size when compared with I/R group. Ginsenoside Rb1 induced myocardial protection was accompanied with increased eNOS expression and NO concentration and reduced plasma CK and LDH (P < 0.05). Moreover, the myocardial oxidative stress and tissue histological damage was attenuated by Ginsenoside Rb1 (P < 0.05). L-NAME abolished the protective effects of Ginsenoside Rb1. It is concluded that Ginsenoside Rb1 protects against myocardium ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rat by enhancing the expression of eNOS and increasing the content of NO as well as inhibiting oxidative stress.


Health care has entered an era where value and quality have become more important than just quantity. Patient-reported outcomes are a critical aspect of the value equation. Orthopaedic surgeons will need to demonstrate that their treatment regimens actually are enhancing their patients' quality of life. In order to do this, the collection of prospective patient-reported outcome data will be critical. For most patients, this will require the use of a general health survey and a disease-specific questionnaire. Currently, most orthopaedic surgeons are not collecting this type of data. The questions are: What types of patient-generated questionnaires can provide the information needed, and how can these data be collected in a cost-effective manner? We will discuss what value means to payers and what the outcome measures are that are selected by various orthopaedic subspecialty societies to evaluate patients who undergo total hip and knee arthroplasty as well as patients with shoulder and knee problems, and we will review potential strategies to collect prospective patient-outcome data in a cost-effective manner in the office.


ABSTRACT This study explored parents' views on kindergarten and primary school students' distance learning experience and support needed as well as the amount of time children spend on screen media at home during COVID-19 class suspension. Between February 19 and 22, 2020, three weeks after classes were suspended in Hong Kong, responses from 6,702 parents (93% mothers) of kindergarten students and primary school students were collected via an online survey. Research Findings: Three major findings emerged: (a) Most children encountered difficulties in completing distance learning tasks at home, with major difficulties being children's lack of learning interests and home environment related limitations. Most children were not able to complete the learning tasks independently; (b) More parents without online learning were dissatisfied with distance learning during class suspension than those with online learning. Parents wanted more interactive online learning to facilitate children's learning during class suspension and desired better learning support from schools, flexible work arrangements, and government subsidies; (c) There was a high usage of electronic devices without parental mediation during class suspension. Practice or Policy: Together, the findings have important policy and pedagogical implications for delivering a distance learning curriculum and working with families during class suspension. The findings also suggest the need for schools to work on a balance of types of learning during class suspension by introducing diversified on- and off-line activities as well as supporting parents in navigating children's screen time.


In this study, inelastic constitutive modelling is considered for the simulation of shear-thinning fluids through a circular channel. Numerical solutions are presented for power-law inelastic model, considering axisymmetric Poiseuille flow through a channel. The numerical simulation of such fluid is performed by using the Galerkin finite element approach based on artificial compression method (AC-method). Usually, the Naiver-Stoke partial differential equations are used to describe fluid activity. These models consist of two partial differential equations; a continuity equation (mass conservation) and time-dependent conservation of momentum, which are maintained in the cylindrical coordinate system (axisymmetric) flow in current study. The effects of many factors such as Reynolds number (Re) and artificial compressibility parameter (sac) are discussed in this study. In particular, this study confirms the effect of these parameters on the convergence level. To meet the method analysis, Poiseuille flow along a circular channel under an isothermal state is used as a simple test problem. This test is conducted by taking a circular section of the pipe. The Findings reveal that, there is a significant effect from the inelastic parameters upon the the velocity temporal convergence-rates of velocity, while for pressue, the change in convergence is modest. In addition, the rate of convergence is increased as the values of artificial compressibility parameter (sac) are decreased.


: A study was made of the rate of HLA system antigens in 75 patients with different clinical versions and immuno-pathological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 350 normal subjects comprised the control group. During SLE, a high rate of DNW3, B8 and AI antigens was revealed. Associative relations were established between individual clinical syndromes of SLE and immuno-pathological manifestations of the disease and definite antigens of the HLA system. The results of typing HLA system antigens can be used as additional criteria of SLE diagnosis, disease prediction, and choice of adequate therapy schemes.


Introduction Sleep impairment is a common problem in older persons and is associated with adverse health and economic consequences. The most prescribed hypnosedatives in Switzerland are benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-like hypnosedatives and clomethiazole. In the elderly persons, these medications have been associated with decreased cognitive performance, an increased risk of addiction and an increased risk of falls. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, incidence and indications of hypnosedative prescriptions in older in-patients admitted to a Swiss university hospital. Furthermore, we planned to investigate the possible relationship between hypnosedatives' prescription and patients' falls during the hospital stay and we compared the prevalence of hypnosedative drugs' prescribing between geriatric and non-geriatric clinical wards.Materials & Methods This observational study included all patients aged 75 years or older admitted to a Swiss university hospital for 24 h or more. Prescription-related data were recorded every day for 26 consecutive days in the two geriatric wards, and twice, a week apart, in three non-geriatric wards.Results A total of 204 patients (mean age 84.7 ± 0.7 years, 66% women) were included. The prevalence of hypnosedative drugs prescription was 73% and the incidence was 28% on the two geriatric wards. The most common indications for a prescription on geriatric wards was insomnia (51%), followed by continuation of usual treatment (12%). The most frequently prescribed hypnosedative drug was clomethiazole (64% of the patients), followed by lorazepam (11%). We were not able to demonstrate any significant correlation between the number of hypnosedative drugs prescribed and the number of falls during hospital stay. The prevalence of hypnosedative drugs prescriptions was similar between geriatric and non-geriatric wards. The proportion of patients treated by at least one hypnosedative increased between hospital admission (32%) and discharge (45%).Discussions, Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of hypnosedative prescription in medical in-patients aged 75 years or older. Main indication was insomnia and the most frequently prescribed hypnosedative molecule was clomethiazole. Prescription incidence was also very high and the proportion of patients being prescribed a hypnosedative increased during hospital stay. Systematic interventions need to be integrated in order to reduce elderly inpatient exposure to treatments that are associated with adverse health outcomes.Conference information: ESCP 40th International Symposium on Clinical Pharmacy. Clinical Pharmacy: Connecting Care and Outcomes Dublin Ireland, 19-21 October 2011


The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) inhabits Tennessee forests, and as forest landowners, we should be prepared to deal with the insect. Each year SPB causes thousands of dollars worth of damage to stands of Southern yellow pines, e.g., Loblolly, shortleaf and Virginia pines. Landowners living near or on their property can reduce losses to SPB by knowing the symptoms of a SPB attack, what to do about it and how to prevent it.


The aim of this retrospective, multicentre, observational study was to assess the durability, safety, immune recovery and effectiveness on viral suppression of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a maraviroc (MVC)-based cohort. We collected clinical, demographical, immunological and virological parameters of adult HIV patients who were infected by CCR5-tropic virus and started an ART regimen containing MVC from 2005 to 2012. We created a longitudinal mixed model to assess the change over time of data. We enrolled 126 drug-experienced patients; the median duration of MVC treatment was 25 months. The probability of stopping ART at one year was 13.3%, and at three years was 27.3%. Statistically significant changes were observed for CD4+ cell count increase (p < 0.001), HIV-RNA decrease (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol decrease (p = 0.005). Ninety-four patients (79.7%) had CD4 ≥ 200 cells/mm3 at baseline while nine of them reached this threshold at nine months (7.6%), 17 (13%) after nine months and six (5%) remained below 200 cells/mm3 at the end of the study. Overall, 114 patients (90.5%) achieved an HIV-RNA ≤ 50 cp/ml. A majority of patients maintained CD4 cell counts of ≥ 200 cells/mm3 and achieved an undetectable HIV viral load within three months. MVC-containing regimens are safe and appear to be a feasible therapeutic option for ART.


Insect pollinators community on avocado (Persea americana) and citrus (Citrus limon) at Horticulture orchard of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan was assessed during March-April, 2013. Eight insect pollinator species viz. Apis florea, Xylocopa sp, Pieris brassicae, Danaus plexippus, Papilio demoleus, Papilio hyale, Eumerus tuberculatus and Musca domestica were observed visiting regularly on fruiting trees. Foraging activity of pollinating insects from Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera was observed during flowering season both fruit trees at four time intervals viz., 0800-0900, 1100-1200, 1400-1500 and 1700-1800 hours. Foraging activity of insect pollinators was highest at 0800-0900 and lowest during 1700-1800 hours. Hymenopteran pollinators were higher in numbers (42%) followed by Lepidopterans (33%) and Dipterans (25%). A. florea, E. tuberculatus, and P. demoleus were consistent and frequent visitor on both fruit plants.


Mitochondria have long been known to play a critical role in maintaining bioenergetic status under physiological conditions. Our previous studies have shown that acute heat stress increases production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skeletal muscle of chickens. This increased ROS production may lead to nonspecific modification of lipids and proteins, which may then result in bioenergetic dysfunctions. If increased mitochondrial ROS production in heat-stressed chickens causes oxidative damage, changes in mitochondrial peroxidized lipids and oxidatively modified proteins can be detected. To study this, 3-week-old male broiler chickens (n=4-8) were exposed to acute heat stress (34°C for 18h) while control chickens were kept at thermoneutral condition (25°C). Skeletal muscle subsarcolemmal mitochondria were isolated and used to study mitochondrial malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups. Mitochondrial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation was measured colorimetrically with 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and expressed as MDA equivalent. To detect oxidation-sensitive mitochondrial proteins, polypeptides resolved by two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis were immunostained with DNP-specific antibodies for carbonylated proteins using Western blotting. In heat-stressed chickens, mitochondrial MDA was 2.7-fold higher, and 82 mitochondrial proteins were oxidized when compared to that of control chickens. These results suggest that in heat-stressed chickens, increased mitochondrial ROS production leads to oxidative damage to mitochondrial lipids and proteins.


Background : Administration of preload in section caesarian rarely completed with BGA analysis previously so could cause base – acid inbalance and worse metabolic and healing process. post operative pH examination are important.
Because, fluid intervention during surgery influence to pH.
Methods : this study is research with II stage experimental design (true – experimental pre test and post test design) that data collection is done by consecutive random sampling. Study sample consisted of 48 patients who were
divided by 2 treatments group of section caesarian. Group I with 500 ml preload of HES 6% in a balanced solution and Group II with 500 ml preload of HES 6% in NaCl 0.9%. pH analysis by BGA test and data record for statistical
calculations. Analysis of the data processed using SPSS for windows with a limit of significance p =0.05.
Results : the difference between pre test and post test data in the paired t – test is normally distributed with p > 0.05. the post test results data between group I and
group II had no differences in the independent t – test with p = 0.773.
Conclusion : There is no decrease in pH in the HES 6% in NaCl 0.9% versus 6% HES in a balanced solution. 500 ml HES 6% in a balanced solution and 500 ml HES 6% in NaCl 0.9 can be used as a preload without significantly affecting the pH value.
Keywords : preload fluid, section caesarian, regional anesthesia, pH
1) Student of Medical Faculty Diponegoro University
2) Lecturer of Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical Faculty Diponegoro University


In recent years, increasing numbers of people have been choosing herbal medicines or products to improve their health conditions, either alone or in combination with others. Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal "renaissance" occurs all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, 75% of the world's populations are using herbs for basic healthcare needs. Since the dawn of mankind, in fact, the use of herbs/plants has offered an effective medicine for the treatment of illnesses. Moreover, many conventional/pharmaceutical drugs are derived directly from both nature and traditional remedies distributed around the world. Up to now, the practice of herbal medicine entails the use of more than 53,000 species, and a number of these are facing the threat of extinction due to overexploitation. This paper aims to provide a review of the history and status quo of Chinese, Indian, and Arabic herbal medicines in terms of their significant contribution to the health promotion in present-day over-populated and aging societies. Attention will be focused on the depletion of plant resources on earth in meeting the increasing demand for herbs.


Colorectal cancer exerts a strong influence on the epidemiological panorama worldwide, and it is directly correlated to etiologic factors that are substantiated by genetic and environmental elements. This complex mixture of factors also has a relationship involving the structural dependence and composition of the gut microbiome, leading to a dysbacteriosis process that may evolve to serious modifications in the intestinal lining, eventually causing the development of a neoplasm. The gastrointestinal tract presents defense strategies and immunological properties that interfere in intestinal permeability, inhibiting the bacterial translocation, thus maintaining the integrity of intestinal homeostasis. The modulation of the intestinal microbiome and the extinction of risk factors associated with intestinal balance losses, especially of environmental factors, make cell and defense alterations impossible. This modulation may be conducted by means of functional foods in the diet, especially soluble fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and prebiotics that signal immunomodulatory effects in the intestinal microbiota, with preventive and therapeutic action for colorectal cancer. In summary, this review focuses on the importance of dietary modulation of the intestinal microbiota as an instrument for dysbacteriosis and, consequently, for the prevention of colorectal cancer, suggesting anticarcinogenic, and antiangiogenic properties. Among the intestinal modulating agents considered here are functional foods, especially flaxseed, oat and soy, composing a Bioactive Food Compound.


Recommender systems (RS) have to select the top-n items from a massive item set. For the sake of efficient recommendation, RS usually represents users and items as latent embeddings and relies on approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNs) to retrieve the recommendation results. Despite the reduction of running time, the representation learning is independent of ANNs index construction; thus, the two operations can be incompatible, which results in a potential loss of recommendation accuracy. To overcome the above problem, we propose the Recommender Forest (a.k.a., RecForest), which jointly learns latent embedding and index for an efficient and high-fidelity recommendation. RecForest consists of multiple K-ary trees, each of which is a partition of the item set via hierarchical balanced clustering such that each item is uniquely represented by a path from the root to a leaf. Given such a data structure, an encoder-decoder-based routing network is developed: it first encodes user information into user representation; then, leveraging a transformer-based decoder, it identifies the top-n items via beam search. Compared with the existing methods, RecForest brings in the following advantages: 1) the false partition of the near-boundary items can be effectively alleviated by the use of multiple trees; 2) the routing operation becomes much more accurate thanks to the powerful transformer decoder; 3) the branch parameters are shared across different tree levels, making the index to be extremely memory-efficient. The experimental studies are performed on six popular recommendation datasets: with a significantly simplified training cost, RecForest outperforms competitive baseline approaches in terms of both recommendation accuracy and efficiency. The code is available at https://github.com/wuchao-li/RecForest .


The analysis of the elementary processes of fragmentation (broken sub-boundaries and a misorientation band formation) is performed by the discrete dislocation computer simulation method. It is shown that a fragmentation driving force is a decrease of the system energy due to the dislocations redistribution in the elastic field of primary mesodefects (disclinations, dipoles of disclinations et al.) accumulating on the grain boundaries and triple junctions during plastic deformation. The comparison of the results with the results obtained by continual approach is made. The misoriented structures formation inside shear bands during plastic deformation of mono-crystals is considered. It is shown that this process is similar to the polycrystal fragmentation, but in this case dislocation clusters accumulating near shear band interface act as the primary mesodefects. An analysis of conditions of low- angle sub-boundaries trasformation into medium-angle boundaries is performed.


Chemical stabilization with cementitious and chemical additives such as portland cement, lime, fly ash, and calcium chloride (CaCl2) is now being extensively used in road base or subgrade primarily to enhance mechanical strength and improve resistance to chemical attack, resulting in a more durable roadway. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the combined use of these additives to induce a synergistic effect on the strength, as well as to improve deficiencies of a single-chemical treatment process (e.g., slow early strength development of fly ash and susceptibility to leaching of CaCl2 in wet environments). The effect of adding CaCl2 to the fly ash–treated roadbed during construction was investigated. The role of CaCl2 in the system was studied, where determination was made as to how the soluble calcium species plays a role in bringing particles closer in the aggregate system and how it has an effect on the setting time, compaction efficiency, and ultimate strength. Laboratory test data revealed that the addition of CaCl2 not only accelerated the setting rate but also increased the initial and long-term strength of the constructed roadbed. On the basis of these laboratory tests, a mathematical model was developed that predicts the strength of the composites. Finally, field performance data showed that fly ashes can be effectively used in road construction if CaCl2 is added to the system.


The Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD; available via the Web site at http://cmbi.bjmu.edu.cn/hmdd and http://188.8.131.52/hmdd/tools/hmdd2.html) is a collection of experimentally supported human microRNA (miRNA) and disease associations. Here, we describe the HMDD v2.0 update that presented several novel options for users to facilitate exploration of the data in the database. In the updated database, miRNA–disease association data were annotated in more details. For example, miRNA–disease association data from genetics, epigenetics, circulating miRNAs and miRNA–target interactions were integrated into the database. In addition, HMDD v2.0 presented more data that were generated based on concepts derived from the miRNA–disease association data, including disease spectrum width of miRNAs and miRNA spectrum width of human diseases. Moreover, we provided users a link to download all the data in the HMDD v2.0 and a link to submit novel data into the database. Meanwhile, we also maintained the old version of HMDD. By keeping data sets up-to-date, HMDD should continue to serve as a valuable resource for investigating the roles of miRNAs in human disease.


Fifty nine survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest unassociated with an acute myocardial infarction were referred for intracardiac electrophysiological study. Thirty patients who had no clinically significant coronary artery disease (group 1) were compared with 29 who did (group 2). Ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation was induced in significantly more patients in group 2 than in group 1 (69% vs 40%). Median duration of follow up, which was achieved in all patients, was 31 months in group 1 and 14 months in group 2. In group 1, an effective treatment was identified electrophysiologically in seven patients, and none died; an arrhythmia was induced, but no effective treatment was identified in five patients, and one patient died subsequently; an arrhythmia was not induced in 18 patients, 15 of whom were treated empirically with anti-arrhythmic drugs, and one died. In group 2, effective treatment was identified electrophysiologically in seven patients and three died (two of pump failure) during follow up. In 13 an arrhythmia was induced but no effective drug was identified, and six died or had a recurrence; in another nine patients without inducible arrhythmias, six subsequently died or had a recurrence. A Cox proportional hazards analysis identified previous myocardial infarction as the only predictor of recurrence. Patients without coronary artery disease who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have a low inducibility rate at electrophysiological study and an excellent prognosis compared with patients who have coronary artery disease. Electrophysiological testing seemed to be of value in predicting the response to antiarrhythmic drugs, but non-inducibility of arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease was of no predictive value.


As a result of a systematic NIR H-band (1:65 m) imaging survey of normal galaxies in the local universe that includes objects both in the Virgo cluster and in the \Great Wall" (including A1367, A1656 as well as the \isolated" population in the bridge between the two clusters), we are able to measure in a highly homogeneous way photometric and structural properties for a sample of 1143 galaxies. We base our analysis on a quantitative structural parameter, the concentration index C31 (dened as the ratio between the radii that enclose 75% and 25% of the total luminosity), instead of relying on the galaxies' morphological classication. The C31 parameter provides a model independent, quantitative and continuous characterization of the light distribution within galaxies, and it is thus to be preferred to either the Hubble type or a parameter like the bulge-to-disk or bulge-to-total light ratio. Low C31 objects are typically found among disk galaxies, while high C31 describes bulge- dominated systems. We conrm our previous claim that C31 correlates strongly and non-linearly with the galaxy total luminosity. C31 > 5 values are found only at LH > 10 10 L (giant ellipticals mixed with early-type spirals), while at LH < 10 10 L galaxies have C31 < 3 (dwarf Irregulars mixed with ellipticals). At high luminosity, low C31 are allowed (bulge-less giant Scs). ThusC31 and the total luminosity are not sucient to fully characterize the family of galaxies. However we nd that galaxies can be completely described by three parameters, namely: a scale parameter (the H-band luminosity), a shape parameter (the concentration index C31) and a colour parameter (e.g. the B H colour). At low luminosity dEs and dIs, having similar C31, are colour-discriminated, while at very high luminosity dierent C31 discriminate S0s from Scs, otherwise undistinguishable on the basis of their colour. A single, monotonic relation exists between luminosity and e in the H-band, as opposed to the two separate regimes that are generally observed in the B-band. As NIR luminosity traces quite accurately the galaxy mass distribution, this relation re-enforces the indication in favour of a scale-dependent mass collapse mechanism which produces higher surface-brightness and more centrally peaked galaxies with increasing mass. However, the presence of high-luminosity low-C31 galaxies hints at other machanisms and physical properties (such as angular momentum) playing an important role in galaxy formation.


Experience from the clinic suggests that many people equate the term 'epilepsy' with the occurrence of convulsions, with the corollary that attacks involving shaking are likely to be due to epilepsy. However, just as many seizure types do not involve shaking, the differential diagnosis of intermittent shaking is wide and includes vasovagal syncope, cardiac disorders, concussive convulsions, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, 'shaking transient ischaemic attacks', parasomnias, breath-holding attacks in children, hypoglycaemia and movement disorders.


The potential influence of rainfall, habitat quality and group size on breeding success in Superb Fairy-wrens was investigated in a study of 161 nesting attempts by 62 breeding units over five breeding seasons near Armidale, New South Wales. Breeding seasons started earlier, and lasted longer, in years with higher than average rainfall, and resulted in higher seasonal breeding success. Proportionately more four-egg clutches than three-egg clutches were laid in years of higher rainfall. Breeding success was correlated with habitat quality (bramble area per territory) and Superb Fairy-wrens on territories with larger areas of brambles made more nest attempts and fledged more offspring per season than did birds with smaller areas of brambles. Brarnbles appeared to have a cumulative effect on breeding success due to better protection from nest predators. No effect of helpers on breeding success per nest attempt was evident and groups with helpers hatched no more nestlings per egg laid and fledged no more offspring per nestling hatched than did pairs. Groups and pairs did not differ significantly in the number of nesting attempts made or the number of fledglings produced per season although groups tended to re-nest sooner after successful nesting attempts than did pairs. It is suggested that the maintenance of cooperative breeding in Superb Fairy-wrens is not reliant on reproductive advantages arising from the presence of helpers at the nest but may be favoured by variation in territory quality.


Abstract The Human Development Index, which is multidimensional by construction, is criticized on the ground that it is insensitive to any form of inequality across persons. Inequality in the multidimensional context can take two distinct forms. The first pertains to the spread of the distribution across persons, analogous to unidimensional inequality. The second, in contrast, deals with interactions among dimensions. The second form of inequality is important as dimensional interactions may alter individual level evaluations as well as overall inequality. Recently proposed indices have incorporated only the first form of inequality, but not the second. It is an important omission. This paper proposes a two‐parameter class of Human Development Indices that reflects sensitivity to both forms of inequality. It is revealed how consideration of interactions among dimensions affects policy recommendations. Finally, the indices are applied to the year 2000 Mexican census data to contrast the present approach with the existing approaches.


When the cold atom clock operates in microgravity around the near-earth orbit, its performance will be affected by the fluctuation of magnetic field. A strategy is proposed to suppress the fluctuation of magnetic field by additional coils, whose current is changed accordingly to compensate the magnetic fluctuation by the linear and incremental compensation. The flight model of the cold atom clock is tested in a simulated orbital magnetic environment and the magnetic field fluctuation in the Ramsey cavity is reduced from 17 nT to 2 nT, which implied the uncertainty due to the second order Zeeman shift is reduced to be less than 2×10−16. In addition, utilizing the compensation, the magnetic field in the trapping zone can be suppressed from 7.5 μT to less than 0.3 μT to meet the magnetic field requirement of polarization gradients cooling of atoms.


This research summarizes intriguing evidence on the impact of an asset manager's overall investment operations on individual portfolio performance. This exploratory analysis of operational data associated with 61 institutional portfolios across 14 managers (over the October 1999–August 2009 period) suggests that robust investment operations can mitigate potential outflows of excess return within a portfolio ranging from 51–242 basis points (relative to the benchmark and gross of fees). The dissipation of returns stems from implementation shortfalls associated with a broad spectrum of activities performed within investment operations. The author's inquiry was motivated by the insufficiency of existing approaches that evaluate "ops" simply through the lens of expenses, workflows, and best-practices adoption while ignoring the more central question of how overall operational efficiency contributes directly to performance of the firm's portfolios.


This paper mainly researched how polyfunctional monomers affect the Compatibilization of PP/TPU blends. With triallylisocyanurate (TAIC) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) which belong to polyfunctional monomers as compatibilizers, various PP/TPU blends were prepared via melt mixing by using a twin-screw extruder. It is investigated that the effect of polyfunctional monomer on the mechanical properties, morphology and melt flowing behavior of the blends. The results show that the compatibility of PP/TPU is improved by adding moderate TAIC or TMPTA, and the compatibilization effect of TMPTA is superior to TAIC, especially when the content of monomers is 3 phr.


This paper is concerned with the development of a computational methodology based on fractal geometry for determining 3D structure of protein with imagery projection operations. In this investigation, the density-map image is a 2D projection of the 3D electron density map according to its depth of the density distribution along the projection direction. We extract fractal features of the density-map image in a region and use these features to look for candidate regions with similar patterns of density-map. We analyze its fractal signatures for determining 3D pattern of regions of density distribution. This paper presents preliminary results of such a study, wherein the protein surface was assumed to be a fractal, and computed fractal features (fractal dimension and fractal signature) were analyzed and found to possess fairly reasonable pattern for improving the discrimination abilities of the protein structure.


(Chemical Equation Presented) Not like the others: A molecular palladium oxide cluster was formed by self-assembly of palladium(II) and arsenic(V) using mild reaction conditions. The resulting heteropolypalladate [Pd II 13AsV 8O34(OH) 6]8- has a distorted cubic shape and edge lengths of about 1 nm. The thirteen PdII ions retain four-coordinate square-planar geometry, in marked contrast to all other known discrete polyoxometalates.


An historical overview is given of the relevant steps that allowed the genesis of the quantum
theory of the chemical bond, starting from the appearance of the new quantum mechanics and
following later developments till approximately 1931. General ideas and some important details
are discussed concerning molecular spectroscopy, as well as quantum computations for simple
molecular systems performed within perturbative and variational approaches, for which the Born-
Oppenheimer method provided a quantitative theory accounting for rotational, vibrational and
electronic states. The novel concepts introduced by the Heitler-London theory, complemented by
those underlying the method of the molecular orbitals, are critically analyzed along with some of
their relevant applications. Further improvements in the understanding of the nature of the
chemical bond are also considered, including the ideas of one-electron and three-electron bonds
introduced by Pauling, as well as the generalizations of the Heitler-London theory firstly performed
by Majorana, which allowed the presence of ionic structures into homopolar compounds and
provided the theoretical proof of the stability of the helium molecular ion. The study of intermolecular interactions, as developed by London, is finally examined.


Fair Trade has emerged in recent years as a model for sale of goods that seeks to address global inequity by bringing the rich consumer of the Global North in closer proximity to the life of the poor producer of the Global South. With the interest of creative practice in the global economies of consumption and exchange, a phenomenon called 'transnational art' has emerged in recent years seeking to make transparent the terms of participation engaged by cultural producers. This new ethical sensibility reflects a growing understanding of art as grounded in a political context. The paper examines three examples of artists from the Global North commissioning work from artisans in the Global South. The circumstances of these collaborations vary according to the level of control maintained by those from the Global North. As with Fair Trade, these collaborations can be criticised as failing to reach the state of true equality between participants. A critical framework is proposed to contextualise such works as models of collaboration that extend our understanding of the relative interests of North and South.


This case is appropriate for strategy courses and courses that focus on competitive dynamics. It follows FedEx from when it was the only international express-freight-delivery company with direct flights into such key Chinese cities as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen and a virtual monopoly over South China's international express delivery market up to the competitive events that had taken some of the shine off FedEx operations in China. Leadership in the fast-growing, highly competitive Chinese express delivery market was key to FedEx's international strategy. Some of the issues students must decide are what these agreements and joint ventures could mean to FedEx's business in China and how it should respond to the increasingly crowded market.


Abstract The Kokiwanee (56 ha) and Hathaway (29 ha) preserves are located in northeastern Indiana. Both sites include gorges cut by tributaries of the Wabash River, which produce a range of microenvironments that are unusual for this part of Indiana. Floristic inventories were done from 2004 through 2011. Kokiwanee had 467 vascular plant species, while Hathaway had 316. A total of 529 species, representing 325 genera and 104 families, were found in the two sites combined, with 254 species being found in both. Many of the 213 species found only at Kokiwanee occurred in mature forest on a southwest-facing bluff or in fens; most of the 62 species found only at Hathaway were found in a crop field, old fields, or an east-facing gorge wall. Forty-three percent of the species found were county records. Nineteen percent of species were exotic, a significantly lower proportion than for the state as a whole. One state threatened-list species (Dactylorhiza viridis) and three state watch-list species (Liparis loeselii, Panax quinquefolius, and Veratrum woodii) were found. A number of species are near their northern range limits at these sites. Floristic quality is relatively high.


Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence of pathogens in public areas in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy). To determine the degree of environmental contamination, samples of dog faeces and bird guano were collected from different areas in the city of Bari (park green areas, playgrounds, public housing areas, parkways, and a school). A total of 152 canine faecal samples, in 54 pools, and two samples of pigeon guano from 66 monitored sites were examined. No samples were found in 12 areas spread over nine sites. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected in seven canine and two pigeon guano samples. Salmonella species were not found. On the other hand, four of 54 canine faecal samples were positive for reovirus. Thirteen canine faecal samples were positive for parasite eggs: 8/54 samples contained Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina eggs and 5/54 samples contained Ancylostoma caninum eggs. Our study showed that public areas are often contaminated by potentially zoonotic pathogens.


background: Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with increasing incidence worldwide. We have investigated whether epithelia from Fallopian tubes (FTs) bearing an ectopic pregnancy differ from normal tubes in expression of MUC1. methods: Since it is not possible to collect FTs from women carrying a healthy pregnancy, we studied tissue collected at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease. Women were injected with hCG in the days leading up to hysterectomy, and pseudopregnancy confirmed by the presence of high serum progesterone levels and the decidualization of the endometrium. FTs from the different stages of the menstrual cycle (n 1⁄4 24), tubes bearing an ectopic pregnancy (n 1⁄4 15) and pseudo-pregnant tubes (n 1⁄4 6) were collected and examined using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT–PCR. results: MUC1 was present at the apical surface of the tubal epithelial cells throughout the menstrual cycle, but intracellular localization was minimal in the follicular phase, increasing to a maximum in the luteal phase. MUC1, including the glycoform recognized by antibody 214D4, was found at the apical surface of tubal epithelium in both the ectopic and pseudo-pregnant groups and the intracellular expression was much stronger in the pseudo-pregnant group than in the ectopic group. The 214D4 epitope was absent from tubal tissue adjacent to ectopic implants. conclusions: The decrease in MUC1 expression and altered glycosylation in tubal epithelium from ectopic pregnancy may reflect an increase in receptivity.


The paper presents the measurement and calculation of the optical amplifier gain and the optimal length of the active optical amplifier waveguide doped with Bi-Ge radiation complexes compared to an optical amplifier with active doping with ions Er3+, Yb3+. At present are using optical amplifiers for the high-capacity optical communication systems in the narrow spectral region of 1530–1560 nm, determined by the gain bandwidth of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) or erbium-doped optical planar amplifiers (EDPA) realized as active planar waveguides in the optical integrated circuits technique. However, it is possible increase wavelength region up to 1610 nm, where optical losses of telecommunication fibers are less than 0.3 dB per km, if appropriate amplifiers are available. In this regard, the development of novel optical amplifiers operating in this spectral region have of great importance. The paper summarizes the results measurement of the attenuation and emission spectra for net gain spectra calculation of the new ion exchange Ag+ – Na+ optical Er3+ and Yb3+ doped active planar waveguides realized on silica glass substrates and parameters of novel optical amplifiers for extension of the bandwidth from 1530 to 1610 nm doped by bismuth – erbium ions.


This work addresses for the first time in chapter 1, the synthesis of globally minimum volume reactor networks featuring SFR/MMR, with the same normalized residence time density function. Global optimality is ascertained by demonstrating that the input-output information maps of SFR and MMR with general RTd/RTD models satisfy all properties required for the application of the IDEAS to the RTd/RTD reactor network problem. The resulting formulation is shown to possess a number of novel properties, which can be used to facilitate its solution. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on three case studies featuring SLFR model in which the Trambouze reaction scheme is carried out.In chapter 2, the concept of NRT is defined, as a production normalized, capital cost measure for a reactor network. For networks consisting of CSTR's, PFR's, and RTD-SFR/MMR, described within the IDEAS conceptual framework, it is shown that NRT is independent of the network's inlet flowrate. The novel concept of Network Residence Time Constrained Attainable Region for Reactor Networks is then introduced. It is shown to be a convex set, points on the boundary of which are identified through repeated solution of increasingly accurate finite linear program approximations of infinite linear programs. A case study featuring a network of reactors in which the Trambouze reaction scheme is carried out. In chapter 3, the optimization of an isothermal monolith reactor is carried out. First, a reaction-diffusion 3-D mathematical model for a monolith reactor is developed. The analytical nature of the obtained solution enables the optimization of a multi-channel 3-D monolith reactor to be carried out. The obtained optimization results are discussed and conclusions are drawn. Chapter 4 presents a novel method for determining reaction kinetics using the reaction invariant reduction method for any set of complex chemical reactions. An effective way for reducing the dimension of chemical reaction mechanisms and to predict the kinetics from a given set of data. The new method will be developed based on a convex formulation of the associated optimization problem. A case study on the Trambouze reaction scheme carried out in a PFR will be used to illustrate the proposed methodology


This thesis investigates the participation of Maori (New Zealand's indigenous people) in the impact assessment process. Traditionally, Maori have had limited involvement in the management of New Zealand's environment. One possible solution to this could be through the adoption of a collaborative management framework. Unfortunately, there is limited information and research on tools that could facilitate collaborative management between iwi and applicants for resource consent (including, developers, planning consultants and local authorities). Therefore, this research attempts to fill a gap in current literature and to investigate the potential of the cultural impact assessment as a tool for collaborative management. Despite some criticisms of collaborative management, there are examples where this form of communicative planning has resulted in a very positive outcome for indigenous groups. Therefore, the specific aim of this research is to analyse the extent to which cultural impact assessments can be used as a tool to promote collaborative management between iwi and applicants. In achieving the research objectives of the thesis, the theoretical background of collaborative management and impact assessment theories are explored. In addition, democracy and participation theories are also investigated. In particular, in the discussion of these theories emphasis is placed on the potential involvement of indigenous peoples. The thesis argues that the application of collaborative management via the use of cultural impact assessments may potentially increase Maori involvement in planning. Analysis of collaborative management and impact assessment theories is supported by empirical research. This includes; 1) an exploration of the New Zealand setting for the two theories, 2) a content analysis of cultural impact assessments from eight different iwi authority in New Zealand, and 3) a case study analysis of two iwi organizations that have an established system for undertaking cultural impact assessments (Kai Tahu ki Otago and the Wellington Tenths Trust). The research finds that cultural impact assessments are very similar to other impact assessment reports. However, they should be viewed as evolving . documents, as there are some areas of the assessment process that need to be improved upon. The research concludes by suggesting that cultural impact assessments do have the potential to be a tool for collaborative management between iwi and applicants. Further research and education in relation to the content~ value and process of cultural impact assessments is required. It is also argued that increased resourcing, training and legislative requirements are needed to further increase Maori participation in planning.


Freshwater pools commonly form eccentric crescent patterns in peatlands, an important atmospheric methane (CH4) source, and show an apparent spatial association with eskers in some deglaciated regions. However, the role of underlying permeable glacial deposits such as eskers in regulating hydrogeology, and perhaps even carbon cycling, in peatlands is rarely considered. In this study, ground-penetrating radar imaging and direct coring confirmed that clustered pools coincide with buried esker crests in contact with peat soil in Caribou Bog and Kanokolus Bog in Maine (USA). Hydraulic head and geochemical data combined with lidar indicate vertical water flow from shallow peat toward the permeable esker crests, suggesting enhanced downward transport of labile organic carbon that presumably accelerates rates of methanogenesis in deep peat. Eskers might therefore serve as proxies for enhanced CH4 production in deep peat, as supported by differences in dissolved CH4 profiles depending on proximity to pools. Geographic data compiled from multiple sources suggest that many peatlands with eccentric pools appear to be located proximal to esker systems in Maine and Fennoscandia. These geological factors may be important, previously unrecognized controls on water and the carbon cycle in peatlands.


Distributed systems such as SOA are typically heterogeneous systems that are opened to a wide variety of partners, customers,clients and resources, which introduce a new security threats. The organizations must protect their information assets from attacks. Their information assets would be accessed typically through services, which come in different technologies. Therefore in order to obtain security in the access control,suitable approaches must be designed. Since the most important way in implementing SOA is the use of web services, in this article we proposed an architecture for web services in access control to protected services and to adopt some policies on the applications based on ABAC model and SAML standard and XACML languages. The possible activity in the architecture and the implementation stages are explained using use case diagram and sequence diagram in UML.


Cocaine, cannabis, heroin, and other opioids are among the prevalent drugs in Europe. The use of these drugs is demonstrated by the determination of either parent drugs or related metabolites in a variety of biological samples. Various analytical methodologies can be applied for this purpose, all of which might show relevant differences in analytical performance. In this work we used different GC-MS configurations for the quantitation of cocaine, cocaethylene, benzoylecgonine, morphine, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol with the aim of comparing the analytical performance of different GC-MS instruments, different injectors, ion sources, ionization modes, mass analyzers, operating modes, and acquisition modes, in order to find the optimal configuration in terms of sensitivity and precision. Other important factors, such as the derivatization process for GC analysis or the injection mode, were also investigated for the same purpose. A comparative study of different methods used for the calculation of the limits of detection was also performed, in order to compare them in terms of the obtained values and their veracity. Differences found in the results obtained with different configurations showed different limits of detection and different precision. These results allowed us to indicate advantages and limitations, which depended on the configuration of the GC-MS used. Finally, differences up to seven orders of magnitude were found in the LOD values obtained with different methods, some of them being too small to show any measurable peak.


In 77 patients with port-wine stain under 18 years of age we performed 100 test treatments with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm, 450 microseconds, 5 mm beam diameter). In 54% of cases we could obtain excellent or good lightening with one test treatment. In only 9% of cases did the patients show bad or no response to laser therapy. In the following treatment of larger areas (n = 125), the rate of good or excellent lightening was even higher (60%). Side effects were infrequent and consisted mostly of transient hyperpigmentation. In contrast to argon laser therapy, the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser is safe and effective for treatment of port-wine stains in childhood and adolescence. Our results and the good results reported in the literature confirm the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser as the laser of choice for port-wine stain treatment in young patients.


The effects of 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) (a putative phosphorylation inhibitor) on the state of assembly of microtubules and intermediate filaments have been studied during the first cell cycle of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Changes in the spatial organization of cytoskeletal structures were studied by indirect immunofluorescence with anti-tubulin and anti-IFa antibodies. The rates and patterns of protein phosphorylation in control and treated eggs were also investigated. The transfer of fertilized eggs to 600 microM 6-DMAP within 4 min following insemination inhibits pronuclear migration and syngamy. This also prevents male pronuclear decondensation, while chromatin condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown do not occur in the female pronucleus. Immunolabeling with anti-tubulin antibodies reveals the presence of cortical microtubules as early as 15 min after fertilization in both control and treated eggs. However, no sperm astral microtubules could be detected in the treated eggs. At later stages, from syngamy (40 min) up to nuclear envelope breakdown (90 min), 6-DMAP affects neither cortical microtubule organization nor the state of chromatin condensation but it precludes nuclear envelope breakdown and entry into mitosis. Treatment of the fertilized eggs after nuclear envelope breakdown induces permanent chromosome decondensation and premature disappearance of the mitotic apparatus. This last event involves disruption of the spatial organization of both microtubules and putative intermediate filaments. Quantitative measurements of protein phosphorylation show that 6-DMAP efficiently and reversibly inhibits 32P incorporation into proteins. Qualitative analysis of the autoradiograms of 32P-labeled proteins separated by SDS-PAGE reveals that a major protein band, migrating with an apparent molecular weight of 31 x 10(3)Mr, is specifically dephosphorylated in eggs treated with 6-DMAP. This study suggests that protein phosphorylation is required for sperm aster microtubule growth and migration, but not for cortical microtubule polymerization. It also strengthens the hypothesis that, in sea urchin eggs, putative intermediate filaments are tightly associated with spindle microtubules. Finally, it confirms that inhibiting protein phosphorylation before nuclear envelope breakdown reversibly prevents the entry into mitosis.


Dynamic capability equations (DCE) provide a new description of robot acceleration and force capabilities. These refer to a manipulator's ability to accelerate its end-effector and to apply forces to the environment at the end-effector. The key features in the development of these equations are that they combine the analysis of end-effector accelerations, velocities, and forces, while addressing the difference in units between translational and rotational quantities. The equations describe the magnitudes of translational and rotational acceleration and force guaranteed to be achievable in every direction, from a particular configuration, given the limitations on the manipulator's motor torques. They also describe the effect of velocities on these capabilities contributed by the Coriolis and centrifugal forces, as well as the reduction of actuator torque capacity due to motor speed. This article focuses on nonredundant manipulators with as many actuators as degrees of freedom.


Exogenous transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1) was shown in earlier studies to reversibly inhibit mouse mammary ductal growth. Using small plastic implants to treat regions of developing mammary glands in situ, we now report that TGF-beta 1 growth inhibition is associated with an ectopic accumulation of type I collagen messenger RNA and protein, as well as the glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate. Both macromolecules are normal components of the ductal extracellular matrix, which, under the influence of exogenous TGF-beta 1, became unusually concentrated immediately adjacent to the epithelial cells at the tip of the ductal growth points, the end buds. Stimulation of extracellular matrix was confined to aggregations of connective tissue cells around affected end buds and was not present around the TGF-beta 1 implants themselves, indicating that the matrix effect was epithelium dependent. Ectopic matrix synthesis was specific for TGF-beta 1 insofar as it was absent at ducts treated with other growth inhibitors, or at ducts undergoing normal involution in response to endogenous regulatory processes. These findings are consistent with the matrix-stimulating properties of TGF-beta 1 reported for other systems, but differ in their strict dependence upon epithelium. A possible role for endogenous TGF-beta 1 in modulating a mammary epithelium-stroma interaction is suggested.


Problem-based learning mini-projects ('PBL mini-projects') are used as an alternative to the traditional 'recipe-style' laboratory teaching method with the aim of enhancing students' experience of chemistry laboratory practicals. Small groups of students (3–4) in the second year of their degree are assigned a project title and they must devise the experimental protocol to carry it out. This teaching method better reflects real-life problem solving situations. The students responded favourably in their feedback on these laboratory classes. Class attendance and general class morale were found to be noticeably higher than in previous years. This paper describes the implementation of the PBL mini-projects in our teaching laboratories and examines some feedback obtained from the students (42 in total) and teaching staff involved over a two year period (2004/5 and 2005/6). [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2007, 8 (2), 130-139]


The structure of the Chalkidhiki ophiolite belt, located at the border between the Vardar Zone and the Serbomacedonian Massif of the Internal Hellenides, has been investigated by gravity and magnetic methods. New density measurements and pre-existing magnetic susceptibility measurements have been used to constrain geophysical models of subsurface structure. The northern part of the ophiolite belt, which crops out locally, is interpreted as a shallow body extending to a depth of about 2.5 km and having a width of about 10–15 km. The concealed extension of the ophiolite belt to the south, under the sediments of Toroneos Gulf, is interpreted as a massive body up to 35 km wide and 8-10 km thick. The ophiolite belt represents a major allochthonous tectonic unit overlying a continental crustal basement. Its overall subsurface geometry may be explained by the early obduction of an ophiolite slab with major thickness variations along strike, modified by later Alpine thrusting.


m-AMSA is a new drug in the National Cancer Institute Drug Development Program. The drug has moderate but tolerable toxicity and has demonstrated tumor activity in acute leukemia and breast cancer. Numerous phase II studies are completed or in progress and phase III trials will soon begin. We review the preclinical and phase I clinical information on this drug. We then enumerate the present ongoing studies and make some suggestions for future studies that will allow a rapid and orderly assessment of its value.


SUMMARY 1. This paper introduces, and summarises the key messages of, a series of papers that emanated from a symposium on the Role of Drought in the Ecology of Aquatic Systems, held in Australia in 2001. 2. Defining drought hydrologically is problematic because the return times, intensity, duration and long-term trends in low-flow periods are specific to regions and times. Droughts may instead be referred to as 'significant low-flow periods', many of which have been replaced by 'anti-drought' conditions in rivers as they are used increasingly as irrigation conduits. 3. Droughts can be divided into those that cause predictable, seasonal press disturbances and less predictable, protracted 'ramp' disturbances. However, while droughts may be 'ramp' disturbances, their effects on aquatic biota are most likely to be 'stepped' when geomorphological or hydrological thresholds are crossed, causing abrupt changes in biological community structure and ecosystem processes. 4. Physical, morphological, physiological or behavioural refugia confer resistance or resilience to riverine populations and communities that experience drought conditions. The physical and chemical parameters associated with refugia habitats and their formation, influence population parameters within, and interactions among, species and can have protracted reproductive consequences, even well after the cessation of the drought. 5. Fish, invertebrate and plant populations and assemblages seem to recover rapidly from drought. Most studies of the effects of drought, however, have arisen fortuitously and have involved relatively short temporal, and small spatial, scales. Innovative approaches, such as microsatellite DNA analyses, can reveal that the effects of drought may be profound and long-lasting, resulting in population bottlenecks and altering the course of the evolution of species. 6. During periods of drought, decreases in inputs of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus may lead to carbon limitation to microbial metabolism, resulting in autotrophic production being favoured over heterotrophic production. 7. Long-term climate trends, as indicated by palaeoecological evidence, suggest that, at least for Australia, droughts are likely to occur more frequently in the future. Anthropogenic effects on climate are likely to exacerbate this. 8. It is important that drought is seen for what it is: a natural extreme of the flow continuum, with flooding at the other extreme. Thus, despite the potential for dramatic impacts on aquatic biota and the negative social connotations associated with such events, drought must be incorporated into river management plans.


Since the seminal work of Mikolov et al. (2013), word vectors of log-bilinear svms have found their way into many nlp applications as an unsupervised measure of word relatedness. Due to the rapid pace of research and the publish-or-perish mantra of academic publishing, word vector experiments contain undisclosed parameters, which make them difficult to reproduce. In our work, we introduce the experiments and their parameters, compare the published experimental results with our own, and suggest default parameter settings and ways to make previous and future experiments easier to reproduce. We show that the lack of variable control can cause up to 24% difference in accuracy on the word analogy tasks.


There has been much discussion about the merits of various testing and integration strategies. Top-down, bottom-up, big-bang, and sandwich integration strategies are advocated by various authors. Also, some authors insist that modules be unit tested, while others believe that unit testing diverts resources from more effective verification processes. This article addresses the ability of the aforementioned integration strategies to detect defects, and produce reliable systems. It also explores the efficacy of spot unit testing, and compares phased and incremental versions of top-down and bottom-up integration strategies. Relatively large artificial software systems were constructed using a code generator with ten basic module templates. These systems were seeded with known defects and tested using the above testing and integration strategies. A number of experiments were then conducted using a simulator whose validity was established by comparing results against these artificial systems. The defect detection ability and resulting system reliability were measured for each strategy. Results indicated that top-down integration strategies are generally most effective in terms of defect correction. Top-down and big-bang strategies produced the most reliable systems. Results favored neither those strategies that incorporate spot unit testing nor those that do not; also, results favored neither phased nor incremental strategies. >


Recently, indirect evidence was obtained for inhibition of soil net N mineralization by sterols in soil organic matter, which could have been caused by their antioxidant or antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to test the effect of potential inhibitors (i.e., individual compounds with known antioxidant and/or antimicrobial properties) on soil microbial mineralization processes during incubation for 7 and 14 d. A sandy agricultural soil was amended with four substances: two phenolic acids differing in their antioxidant capacity (AOC) (acetovanillone with no AOC, ferulic acid with large AOC), Trolox, an analogue of vitamin E (large AOC), and β-sitosterol (no AOC, but potential antimicrobial properties). The two compounds with large AOC (ferulic acid and Trolox) showed no significant inhibition of C and net N mineralization; and the Trolox amendment actually caused a significant increase in C and net N mineralization after 7 d of incubation. Acetovanillone with no measurable AOC caused a significant increase in C mineralization (109% of substance C added), indicating degradation of the substance, and a very pronounced negative net N mineralization within 7 d (–356%), which was interpreted as N immobilization. Only β-sitosterol showed strong inhibition of net N mineralization after 7 and 14 d (–59% and –26%, respectively) which was not interpreted as N immobilization, since there was no concomitant increase in C mineralization. Thus, an antimicrobial effect of β-sitosterol specificly on microorganisms of the N cycle was suggested, but there was no clear inhibitory effect caused by the antioxidant compounds.


: The report provides examples of two innovative solutions using nitrogen-containing steels. The use of nitrogen-containing steels allows to increase the durability and reliability of products; to reduce the thickness of work sections; to reduce the cost of maintenance and repair downtime. The proposed solutions: 1. Austenitic corrosion resistant cast steel with 0,5%N. After homogenizing heat treatment the steel surpasses traditional cast austenitic steels at yield strength at ~1.5-2 times, impact toughness ~ 4.5 times, hardness - by about 25%. It is recommended for the manufacture of cast valves. 2. The martensitic steel grade with 0,11-0,17% N. This steel is well proved as a material for the manufacture by cold heading of very high strength corrosion resistant fasteners.


Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQDs) are of increasing interest, thanks to their quantum size effect that gives rise to their usage in various applications, such as biological tagging, solar cells and as the sensitizing layer of night vision devices. Here, we analyze the optical absorbance of chloride passivated PbS CQDs as well as revealing a correlation between their photoluminescence and sizes distribution, using theoretical models and experimental results from the literature. Next, we calculate the CQDs resistivity as a film. Although resistivity can be calculated from sheet resistance measurement using four point probes, such measurement is usually carried-out on the layer's surface that in most cases has dangling bonds and surface states, which might affect the charges flow and modify the resistivity. Therefore; our approach, which was applied in this work, is to extract the actual resistivity from measurements that are performed along the film's thickness (z-direction). For this intent, we fabricated gold capped PbS mesas devices using a single step Ion Beam Milling (IBM) process where we milled the gold and the PbS
film continually, and then measured the vertical resistance. Knowing the mesas' dimensions, we calculate the resistivity. To the best of our knowledge, no previous work has extracted, vertically, the resistivity of chloride passivated PbS CQDs using the above method.


In this paper, we describe the facile preparation of a chiral catalyst by the combination of the amino acid, l-proline (Pro), and the enzyme, porcine pancreas lipase (PPL), immobilized on a microporous metal-organic framework (PPL-Pro@MOF). The multipoint immobilization of PPL onto the MOF is made possible with the aid of Pro, which also provided a chiral environment for enhanced enantioselectivity. The application of the microporous MOF is pivotal in maintaining the catalytic activity of PPL, wherein it prevented the leaching of Pro during the catalytic reaction, leading to the enhanced activity of PPL. The prepared biocatalyst was applied in asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formation, demonstrating the potential of this simple approach for chemical transformations.


An objective internal departmental review of course data indicates that a one credit hour fall seminar course which allows many preparatory topics to be engaged by the senior capstone teams makes the spring laboratory portion of the course run more smoothly. Professional topics such as team building, oral and written communication skills, and organizational interaction have been suggested by industrial partners and are now integrated into the course sequence before the students perform their physical work, reducing issues during the lab component. Course adjustments are on-going, and in the spirit of continuous improvement, those adjustments are periodically evaluated for effectiveness. It has been statistically demonstrated that the addition of an internally reviewed feasibility pitch early in the fall semester has resulted in better external reviews for both the fall management and spring technical design presentations. Likewise, providing the chance for the teams to see a video tape of their final presentation, before it is reviewed by various outside parties, has resulted in significantly better final presentations. In general, the formation of all engineering and mixed teams has been found to produce better end projects than those created by all technology-based student teams. These elements and other demonstrated positive changes to the Xxxxxx Agricultural & Biological Engineering capstone sequence can be described as cultivating professional attributes, and the experience is reviewed in this paper.


Previously, our group carried out a series of studies using branched polyethyleneimine with 25 000 g mol-1 molar mass (bPEI-25k) as a gene delivery vector and came up with the theory that free cationic chains un-complexed with plasmid DNA (pDNA) can greatly increase the gene transfection efficiency and influence the intracellular delivery process. These free chains can penetrate the membrane quickly, with some of them embedded inside the lipid bi-layers. The "stuck-out" cationic chain ends would shield the signal protein, prevent/delay the development of the later endolysosomes and enhance the efficiency of gene delivery. To mimic the effect of cationic polymers, we selected to use vesicle associated membrane protein-8 (VAMP8) and modified its N-terminus with different cationic cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). The modified fusion proteins are expressed in an Escherichia coli system and purified after extraction. These modified VAMP8 proteins are used as free chains for gene transfection, while using bPEI-25k to condense the pDNA. The results show that the gene transfection efficiency of bPEI-25k/pDNA polyplexes is obviously enhanced in the 293 T cell line. Furthermore, the gene sequences encoding these modified VAMP8 proteins are sub-cloned to pcDNA-3.1 vector and then transferred to 293 T before the treatment with bPEI-25k/pDNA polyplexes. From the result, the transfection efficiency of bPEI-25k/pDNA complexes is enhanced at a similar level to that using modified VAMP8 as free chains. Our current results prove that free cationic chains are probably embedded with the membrane and influence intracellular trafficking, pointing out a new idea to design an effective non-viral gene delivery system.


Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative condition characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). A loss of proteasome function participates to the pathogenesis of PD, leading to the development of rodent models in which a proteasome inhibitor is applied to the nigrostriatal pathway. We recently characterized the intranigral lactacystin (LAC) mouse model, leading to nigrostriatal degeneration, motor dysfunction and alpha-synuclein accumulation. In the present study, we compared the effect of two commonly used anesthetics for generating animal models of PD—i.e., ketamine (KET) and isoflurane (ISO)—on the vulnerability of mouse dopaminergic neurons to proteasome inhibition-induced degeneration. Both anesthetics have the potential to affect the susceptibility of the nigrostriatal pathway for toxin-induced degeneration, and are known to modulate dopamine (DA) homeostasis. Yet, their impact on nigrostriatal degeneration in the proteasome inhibition model has not been evaluated. Unilateral injection with LAC in the SNpc of mice induced motor impairment and significantly reduced the number of dopaminergic cells to ~55%, irrespective of the anesthetic used. However, LAC-induced striatal DA depletion was slightly affected by the choice of anesthetic, resulting in a significant increase in DA turnover in the ISO- but not in KET-treated mice. These results suggest that the extent of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neural loss caused by LAC is not influenced by the choice of anesthetic, and that compared to other PD models, KET is not neuroprotective in the LAC model.


Wireless sensors network (WSN) security is a major concern and many new protocols are being designed. Most of these protocols rely on cryptography, and therefore, require a cryptographic pseudo-random number generator (CPRNG). However, designing an efficient and secure CPRNG for wireless sensor networks is not trivial since most of the common source of randomness used by standard CPRNGs are not present on a wireless sensor node. We present TinyRNG, a CPRNG for wireless sensor nodes. Our generator uses the received bit errors as one of the sources of randomness. We show that transmission bit errors on a wireless sensor network are a very good source of randomness. We demonstrate that these errors are randomly distributed and uncorrelated from one sensor to another. Furthermore, we show that these errors are difficult to observe and manipulate by an attacker.


The subdermal plexus was pictured angiographically in five fresh cadavers injected systemically with a lead oxide-gelatin mixture. Subdermal plexus was found either in the subdermal plane or in the deep part of the dermis. Diameters of vessels in the subdermal plexus are not uniform and there are differences in vascular continuity, which means that the subdermal plexus does not always have a random pattern. This observation is important when designing a thin flap.


Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in precolostral calves affected with weak calf syndrome (WCS), clinically normal calves, and calves which were congenitally infected during the 3rd trimester of gestation with microbial agents isolated from calves with WCS were determined by the quantitative radial immunodiffusion test. Significant difference was not seen in immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G concentrations between serums obtained from precolostral calves affected with WCS and clinically normal calves. However, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G concentrations for precolostral calves which were congenitally infected were significantly greater (14 and 5 times, respectively) than those in serums from normal calves.


Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different design communication media in helping clinical end users understand spatial and functional information and in supporting their ability to provide design feedback. Background: It is critical to involve clinical end users early in the design process to test design solutions and ensure the design of a new healthcare facility supports their ability to deliver high-quality care. Traditional architectural design communication media such as floor plans and perspectives can be challenging for clinical design team members to understand. Physical and virtual mock-ups are becoming more popular as design communication media. However, nominal evidence exists comparing the effectiveness of different design media in supporting clinical end-user engagement and contribution during the design process. Method: An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted with clinical end users to evaluate the effectiveness of four different media commonly used in design communication. Results: Traditional architectural representations convey limited useful information to clinical end users, impacting the amount and type of feedback they can provide. More immersive media, such as physical and virtual mock-ups, support an increasingly holistic understanding of proposed design solutions, inciting more design solutions that range from the inclusion and exclusion of design features to location, position, and functionality of those features. Conclusions: When used in combination, each media can contribute to eliciting clinical end-user feedback at varying scales. The overall preference and higher effectiveness in eliciting design feedback from clinical end users highlights the importance of physical mock-up in communicating healthcare design solutions.


Purpose: To propose a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) protocol including early-dynamic and late-phase acquisitions to evaluate graft patency and aneurysm diameter, detect endoleaks, and rule out graft or vessel wall inflammation after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in one examination without intravenous contrast medium. Technique: Early-dynamic PET/CT of the endovascular prosthesis is performed for 180 seconds immediately after intravenous injection of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose. Data are reconstructed in variable time frames (time periods after tracer injection) to visualize the arterial anatomy and are displayed as PET angiography or fused with CT images. Images are evaluated in view of vascular abnormalities, graft configuration, and tracer accumulation in the aneurysm sac. Whole-body PET/CT is performed 90 to 120 minutes after tracer injection. Conclusion: This protocol for early-dynamic PET/CT and PET angiography has the potential to evaluate vascular diseases, including the diagnosis of complications after endovascular procedures.