PURPOSE
It is well-accepted that Monte Carlo algorithm (MCA) methods are superior to Ray-Tracing algorithm (RTA), i.e., effective path length (EPL), methods for computing radiation dose, especially for structures with heterogeneous tissue compositions. In this study, the differences of dose distribution in target volumes (kidneys and adrenal glands) and adjacent organs at risk (OARs) were evaluated while the treatment plans were computed using MCA and RTA for Cyberknife™ stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

METHODS
A total of 14 renal tumor (10 kidney and 4 adrenal gland) patients who had prescriptions in the range of 24Gy-48Gy (mean=42Gy) were selected. Treatment plans were computed using RTA and MCA in Cyberknife MultiPlan™ (version-3.5.2). First, dose was calculated using RTA and then was recomputed using MCA, keeping total MU the same. Liver, heart, stomach, spleen, bowel, and contralateral kidney were considered as OARs. Dosimetric parameters considered for the target and OARs were minimum dose, mean dose, and maximum point dose. Additionally, dose delivered to 95% and 5% of the target volumes were evaluated. Dose computed with two algorithms were compared and statistically analyzed using two-tailed t-tests.

RESULTS
This study revealed that differences (average) in mean dose (0.79Gy), maximum dose (2.02Gy), 95% (0.76Gy) and 5% (0.83Gy) of target coverage dose were not statistically significant (p-value>0.05). Differences in minimum dose (average=0.04-3.75Gy) to OARs exhibited significance (p-value< 0.05), though differences in minimum dose to target volumes (average=1.14Gy) showed no significant difference (p-value>0.05).

CONCLUSION
Although Monte-Carlo is more accurate compared to Ray-Tracing for dosimetric computation, especially tumors in heterogeneous tissue composition, dose computation and delivery using MCA are quite involved due to additional computational time and associated patient-specific quality assurance. This study indicated that both RTA and MCA are almost equally effective as dosimetric computation methods for renal tumors, and RTA can be used without compromising dosimetric accuracy.


In this work, nano-TiO2 powders were deposited onto Ti-6Al-4V substrates to produce coating using plasma spraying. The TiO2 coatings were respectively by acid, alkali and heat treatment to produce the bioactive surface. The bioactivity of TiO2 coating was examined by simulated body fluids test. The results obtained indicated apatite was formed on the surfaces of nano-TiO2 coatings treated by H2SO4, HCl and HF solutions, while it could not be formed on the surface of the nano-TiO2 coating treated by NaOH solution at low concentration. After alkali attack and heat treatment at 600°C, the bioactivity of nano-TiO2 coating disappeared.


Both ears from 494 wild nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and nose specimens from 224 animals were collected and histopathologically studied. Lepromatous granulomas were present in the ear specimens of ten of 494 animals. There were thorns in the ears of 22.5% of animals, and in 36.6% of the nose specimens. In one armadillo, there was evidence to suggest that Mycobacterium leprae entered the tissue through the thorn pricks. In the normal habitat of the armadillo in Louisiana there are thorny bushes consisting mostly of the green briar and the southern dewberry. Thorn pricks as a means of transmission of leprosy in the wild armadillos is suggested.


Objective: The evidence of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities has been demonstrated by echocardiography in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigated whether left ventricular (LV) asynchrony is present in patients with CKD and normal QRS duration. Methods: Tissue synchronization imaging (TSI) was performed in 25 (56 ± 14 years) patients with CKD and narrow QRS complexes and 25 (51 ± 12 years) control subjects. LV asynchrony was identified on TSI images and the time to regional peak systolic velocity (Ts) in LV was measured by the six‐basal–six‐midsegmental model. Four TSI parameters of systolic asynchrony were computed when Ts was measured in ejection phase. Results: The standard deviation of Ts of 12 LV segments (33.6 ± 17.8 vs 16.7 ± 10 ms, P = 0.0001), standard deviation of Ts of the six basal LV segments (30 ± 20 vs 17.6 ± 9.6 ms, P = 0.008), maximal difference in Ts between any two of the 12 LV segments (102 ± 45 vs 54 ± 32 ms, P = 0.0001), and maximal difference in Ts between any two of the six basal LV segments (78 ± 50 vs 46 ± 22 ms, P = 0.007) were prolonged in patients with CKD compared with controls. The prevalence of LV systolic asynchrony was significantly higher in patients with CKD compared with controls (44% vs 12%, P = 0.01). The standard deviation of Ts of 12 LV segments were significantly associated with LV diameters, LV volumes, LV mass, blood pressure levels, and renal functions in univariate analysis. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that LV systolic asynchrony may develop in patients with CKD.


markdownabstractHow to assess and improve the effectiveness of corporate governance to accommodate the demands of strategic decision making has been one of the top concerns among both scholars and practitioners. While extensive research has taken an economic view when investigating corporate governance mechanisms in previous research, more recently, an increasing number of studies have gradually shifted attention to alternative views to incorporate factors that have been rarely addressed before.

This thesis seeks to join the conversation and contribute to corporate governance and strategic management literature by taking a behavioral perspective and investigating the contextual factors through three studies.
_Study 1_ examines the relationship between board gender diversity and firm's strategic change. Building on Status Characteristics Theory and Role Congruity Theory, the study shows that a gender diverse board may have difficulties in internalizing gender-related resources and utilizing them for firm's strategic change. It further shows that bringing legitimacy to the presence of female directors is important to facilitate the utilization of resources brought in by female directors.
_Study 2_ takes the Symbolic Management Perspective to explore how the founder CEO succession events could be used as symbolic actions to signify strategic change without substantial changes. It shows that the founder's retention could largely influence the occurrence of strategic change in the post-succession period, and the impact is affected by post-succession firm performance and founder tenure as CEO.
_Study 3_ investigates the relationship between politically connected independent directors and firm performance in short and long run. By building a Professional-Identity Based View of independent directors, this study shows that independent directors who have different identities derived from respective professions will lead them to exert different influences on firm's financial outcomes. The three studies together contribute to different but related aspects of corporate governance and strategic management research and add to a better understanding of corporate governance effectiveness in both emerging and developed economies.


The metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) is known to lead to a large number of oxygenated compounds, some of which can bind covalently to DNA. We have studied the integrated metabolism of BP in vivo in germ-free rats given (14)C-labeled BP. Urinary metabolites were separated into groups according to acidity using lipophilic ion exchangers. The groups were analyzed by mass spectrometry and were further fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The fraction of urinary metabolites previously shown to contain N-acetylcysteine and glucuronic acid conjugates was found to contain derivatives of 7-oxo-benz[d]anthracene-3,4-dicarboxylic acid as major components. These compounds, which were identified by mass spectrometry and NMR, accounted for about 30% of the total metabolites in urine, demonstrating that, surprisingly, ring opening is a major pathway for metabolism of BP in the germ-free rat. The dicarboxylic acid may be excreted in urine as an ester glucuronide. By using the single cell gel electrophoresis or COMET assay, we were able to demonstrate that the anhydride of 7-oxo-benz[d]anthracene-3, 4-dicarboxylic acid was an efficient inducer of DNA damage. Taken together, these results indicate that the novel ring opening metabolic pathway may provide alternative mechanisms for the toxicity of BP.


Both Richard Dawkins's book The God Delusion and Philip Kennedy's book A Modern Introduction to Theology: New Questions for Old Beliefs were published in 2006. This article aims to compare the two books and to argue that Kennedy does not oppose Dawkins's views but, in fact, debates along similar lines. Kennedy is adamant that the Augustinian paradigm of Christianity no longer makes sense, because it is based on an outdated cosmology and anthropology. He firmly maintains that Christianity requires a new paradigm, which is informed by our current knowledge and worldview. Thomas Kuhn's ideas of paradigm and paradigm changes in the history of natural sciences are utilised in comparing the books, seeing that Dawkins accepts and works within the Darwinian paradigm of evolutionary biology, and Kennedy argues that Christians and Christian theologians adhere to the Augustinian paradigm of Fall-Redemption-Judgement. It is argued that Dawkins should have referred to the paradigm change in the study of the Bible, which occurred towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, and the plea of theologians, like Kennedy, for a paradigm change in theology. The article concludes that only a paradigm change in Christianity, which is in line with the modern worldview, will enable Christians to keep the tradition alive.


Purpose: The paper presents the evolution of average unit prices of apartments in selected primary local markets in Poland in 2006-2019. The period covers the end of the price increase phase, their correction, and then stabilization and another upward phase. A characteristic feature of the study is that prices of apartments were presented not only in nominal terms, but also in several real term approaches. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted using publicly available data on residential prices in selected cities. Prices were adjusted in a traditional way, i.e. by means of inflation indices, but also through the perspective of salary growth and creditworthiness. The results were presented graphically by means of charts. Findings: It turns out that the above approach to the evolution of housing prices may lead to conclusions that are quite different from the stereotypical ones concerning the assessment of the housing market situation, its forecasts, as well as the assessment of threats and consequences of relations among prices viewed in varying ways. In particular, it has been shown that the observed tendencies do not seem favorable, since they lead to the perception of an apartment as an exceptionally expensive good, which, unfortunately, will not become apparent until turbulence of interest rates and income hit the market. Practical Implications: The results of the research can be applied to forecasts of housing market trends and are particularly useful to developers, banks, realtors, potential apartment buyers as well as the government bodies responsible for housing policy. Originality/Value: Similar research has not yet been conducted in the local housing markets in Poland. The conclusions from the study can provide an important signal regarding the direction of changes on the housing market.


Among the numerous contentious issues with which United Methodists struggle, statements in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church exemplify tensions within the denomination regarding war. Outside the doctrinal standards in the Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith, changes in The Book of Discipline each four years show how the denomination is subject to the historical and political circumstances associated with a given General Conference.  Although John Wesley had no developed theory on the ethics of war, one can find in his writings occasional references, that, taken cumulatively, provide helpful guidance.  This article reads Wesley's comments through the lens of his doctrine of Christian perfection and finds a trajectory that calls for qualification of what is commonly considered Wesley's practical just war stance.


CoffeeScript is JavaScript done right. In the first book on this exciting new language, CoffeeScript guru Trevor Burnham shows you how to hold onto all the power and flexibility of JavaScript while writing clearer, cleaner, and safer code. You'll start with the basics of CoffeeScript, as Trevor gets you quickly - and entertainingly - up to speed on functions, collections, and classes. You'll learn how CoffeeScript cleans up JavaScript syntax yet maintains full compatibility with all your existing JavaScript code. And you'll dive deep, writing a full multiplayer online game in CoffeeScript, step by step, adding features to the game as you learn new features of CoffeeScript. You'll test your newfound skills with exercises in every chapter that help you extend your CoffeeScript knowledge Trevor takes you beyond the language to show you how to integrate CoffeeScript into the whole JavaScript development environment. You'll discover how to exploit all the power of the JQuery library in CoffeeScript. And you'll take your CoffeeScript apps server-side with Node.js. CoffeeScript civilizes JavaScript, letting you write clean, readable, powerful JavaScript code. This book lets you start doing it today. You'll need CoffeeScript 1.0 and Node.js.


China's melamine milk adulteration crisis highlights the challenges that arise as large well capitalized companies procure raw materials from a diffused supply chain of scattered small farmers and milk collection stations. As milk prices climbed sharply in 2007 and companies branched out into new territories, intense competition for raw milk supplies strengthened incentives to water down and adulterate milk. Effective food safety measures must account for incentives, the distribution of market power in the supply chain and market dynamics.


Objective Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress and chronic anovulation. The present study was designed to assess ameliorative effect of auto-locating platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as a novel method, for inhibiting PCOS-induced pathogenesis in experimentally-induced hyperandrogenic PCOS. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 30 immature (21 days old) female rats were assigned into five groups, including control (sampled after 30 days with no treatment), 15 and 30 days PCOS-sole-induced as well as 15 and 30 days PRP auto-located PCOS-induced groups. Serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), ovarian total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Expression of estrogen receptor α (Erα), β (Erβ) and c-Myc were assessed. Finally, the numbers of intact follicles per ovary and mRNA damage ratio were analyzed. Results PRP groups significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and androstenedione and remarkably (P<0.05) increased estrogen and progesterone syntheses versus PCOS-sole groups. The PRP auto-located animals exhibited increased TAC, GSH-px and SOD levels, while they showed diminished MDA content (P<0.05) versus PCOS-sole groups. The PRP auto-located groups exhibited an elevated expression of Erα and Erβ versus PCOS-sole groups. Moreover, PRP groups significantly (P<0.05) decreased c-Myc expression and mRNA damage compared to PCOS-sole groups, and remarkably improved follicular growth. Conclusion PRP is able to regulate hormonal interaction, improve the ovarian antioxidant potential as well as folliculogenesis and its auto-location could be considered as a novel method to prevent/ameliorate PCOS-induced pathogenesis.


Perhaps the best tribute I am in a position to make to Professor McKeown, who died in June of 1988, is simply to praise this, presumably his final book. I find that easy to do because it is obviously the product of deep reading and years of pondering, but I would like to take one step more. Thomas McKeown was a philosopher and a moralist, as well as a historian, of medicine. In an age when medical "miracles" are commonplace, he did not kneel before technology, but maintained and taught the ancient wisdom that the practice of medicine is as much ethical and philosophical as scientific. For instance, he repeated again and again that the "cure" for the maladies of poverty today is the same one that began to work in Great Britain 200 years ago, i.e., decent diet. A few magical clinics, an investment of a few millions in tomography X-ray machines, will not provide humanity a sufficiency of good food. For that you have to change society. Professor McKeown knew that; and I wish I had known him.


An adaptive technique for a partial diierential system automatically adjusts a computational mesh or varies the order of a numerical procedure to obtain a solution satisfying prescribed accuracy criteria in an optimal fashion. We describe data structures for distributed storage of nite element mesh data as well as software for mesh adaptation, load balancing, and solving compressible ow problems. Processor load imbalances are introduced at adap-tive enrichment steps during the course of a parallel computation. To correct this, we have developed three dynamic load balancing procedures based, respectively, on load imbalance trees, moment of inertia, and octree traversal. Computational results on an IBM SP2 computer are presented for steady and transient solutions of the three-dimensional Euler equations of compressible ow.


A better understanding of the drivers of the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of emerging (biobased) technologies and products in early development phases can help decision-makers to identify sustainability hurdles and opportunities. Furthermore, it guides additional research and development efforts and investment decisions, that will, ultimately, lead to more sustainable products and technologies entering a market. To this end, this study developed a novel techno-sustainability assessment (TSA) framework with a demonstration on a biobased chemical application. The integrated TSA compares the potential sustainability performance of different (technology) scenarios and helps to make better-informed decisions by evaluating and trading-off sustainability impacts in one holistic framework. The TSA combines methods for comprehensive indicator selection and integration of technological and country-specific data with environmental, economic, and social data. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is used to address data uncertainty and to enable scenario comparison if indicators are expressed in different units. A hierarchical, stochastic outranking approach is followed that compares different weighting schemes and preference structures to check for the robustness of the results. The integrated TSA framework is demonstrated on an application for which the sustainability of a production and harvesting plant of microalgae-based food colorants is assessed. For a set of scenarios that vary with regard to the algae feedstock, production technology, and location, the sustainability performance is quantified and compared, and the underlying reasons for this performance are explored.


Objectives The Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS) is a comprehensive measure of menstrual self-care experience including access to sufficient, comfortable materials to catch or absorb bleeding, supportive spaces for managing menstruation and for disposal and laundering of used materials. It addresses a critical measurement gap to improve quantitative menstrual health research and programme evaluation. The scale was validated in a population of adolescent schoolgirls. This study appraises its performance among adult women. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting and participants Seven cognitive interviews provided insights into the interpretability of scale items. A survey of 525 working women who had menstruated in the past 6 months (435 working in markets, 45 in schools and 45 working in healthcare facilities) in Mukono District, Uganda was used to test the dimensionality, reliability and validity of the measure. Results The 36 scale items were well understood by the study population. Dimensionality was tested for the 28 items relevant to women disposing of menstrual materials and 32 items relevant to those washing and reusing materials. The original subscale structure fit with the data, however, fell short of recommended thresholds for those disposing of materials (root mean squared error of approximation, RMSEA=0.069; Comparative Fit Index, CFI=0.840; Trucker-Lewis Index, TLI=0.824). An alternative subscale structure was an acceptable fit for those disposing (RMSEA=0.051; CFI=0.911; TLI=0.897) and reusing materials (RMSEA=0.053; CFI=0.915; TLI=0.904). MPNS total and subscale scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Higher scores reflected more positive menstrual experiences and were associated with well-being (total score r=0.24, p<0.001), not missing work due to the last menstrual period (total score OR=2.47 95% CI 1.42 to 4.30) and confidence to manage menstruation. Conclusions The MPNS offers a valid and reliable way to assess menstrual health needs. The revised factor structure can be used for samples of adult workers. Findings also highlight challenges in assessing the variety of experiences relevant to managing menstrual bleeding.


This report provides an assessment of constraints and opportunities for the creation of more and better quality jobs for Lebanese in the more fragile and conflict-affected regions. The geographical focus is North Lebanon, including Tripoli. This analysis, accompanied by further dialogue with the key public and private sector professionals, can serve to inform the design and development of a jobs-focused program of financial support for North Lebanon. This diagnostic and program development approach can also be replicated in other high-priority, lagging regions of the country. The diagnostic followed a three-pronged approach in order to assess the gaps that need to be overcome to respond effectively to job opportunities, foster productivity, and increase earnings: 1) an assessment of the investment climate in North Lebanon; 2) a value chain analysis (VCA) of selected sectors and the interventions required to unlock competitiveness and job creation; and 3) a review of the supply of labor and skills in the region, a stock-taking of training providers. Enterprise surveys were conducted of the key agents in two targeted value chains, as well as a household-level skills survey of the working age population in North Lebanon. Complementary semi-structured interviews and focus group meetings were also undertaken. Consultations with the Government and other stakeholders took place from May through August, 2016.


Background: Infertility is the most important reproductive health and social issue confronting married couples in developing countries. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) offer a chance at parenthood to couples, who until recently would have had no hope of having a "biologically related" child. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at determining the factors influencing the utilization of ART services at a public health facility in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of consecutively consenting infertile couples seen at the ART unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015. Results: The patients aged 22–52 years with a mean age of 36.1 ± 6.6 years and mean duration of infertility of 7.3 ± 5.8 years. Majority (87.3%) was aware of ART services; only a few (15.6%) had ever used it. Most (63.3%) were of the opinion that ART is financially accessible. Reasons for nonutilization of ART were high cost (44.3%) and nonavailability (29.4%). Measures to enhance the utilization of ART were cost reduction (61.2%) and awareness creation (27.2%). Knowledge on ART practices showed that 56.7% were aware that the procedure could fail and 35.1% knew that it could address male infertility. Female partner age and parity had a significant influence on awareness and utilization of ART services. Conclusion: Awareness of ART services is high; however, utilization is abysmally low. Efforts should be made to make the procedure more affordable and accessible to the masses.


: The origin of spinal locomotor strip fibers was studied in the cat by means of electrical stimulation combined with horse-radish peroxidase transport technique. It was revealed that a corticospinal tract presumably formed the locomotor strip. Some reticulospinal and trigeminal tract fibers were also found. Descending catecholaminergic fibers do not pass through the investigated regions of dorsolateral funiculus; probably they are not a part of the spinal locomotor strip.


The main differences between artists and non-artists can be discovered in information processing, drawing performance and aesthetical preferences. Aesthetical preference is influenced by stimulus complexity and by the symmetry-asymmetry dimension of the presented stimulus. Although the differences between artists and non-artists are clear regarding aesthetical evaluation, there are evidence supporting the assumption that symmetry is preferred over asymmetry regardless of domain specific knowledge. In the current study we investigated the role of expertise in visual art on aesthetical evaluation of symmetrical and asymmetrical, simple, and complex geometrical forms, using visual stimuli based on Jacobsen and Höfel (2001). Participants from art highschool and university have been gathered (N = 56) and were distributed into three separate groups by their visual art and art history experience (experts, novice, and medium experience). Our main result shows a significant effect of experience in visual art on aesthetical preference, participants in the expert group preferred complex asymmetrical stimuli more compared to participants in art novice group. Asymmetrical simple and complex forms were aesthetically preferred more by expert group than the two other groups. We also found that symmetrical forms are preferred over asymmetrical ones regardless of level of expertise in art, however preference of art experts tends to be more unified over stimulus complexity. Our results are in line with results from previous studies regarding symmetryasymmetry preference. We can conclude that beside the general preference for symmetrical forms, experience in art alters asymmetry preference and it regulates the preference over simplecomplex symmetrical and asymmetrical stimuli.


The off-the-line primary side regulation flyback LED lamp driver is proposed based on LED forward voltage tracking (VFT) and duty variation tracking (DVT) methods, which satisfy good line/load regulation, high power factor and TRIAC dimming possibility. This paper introduces that four derivative types (TYPE-I to IV) are possible to implement using supply voltage, MOSFET drain voltage and duty cycle signal with the four types of sensing circuits on the basis of VFT and DVT concepts. The load regulations of TYPE-I to IV show 0.89%, 0.51%, 0.43% and 0.56% [A/V], respectively. TYPEI to IV show ±8%, ±2%, ±2% and ±4% of line regulation over 180 to 260 VAC variation, respectively. Each type satisfies above 81% of efficiency when it delivers 6 to 12 W to the LED load at 220 VAC. The power factors of all types are above 0.9. The chip is implemented using 0.35 μm BCD process and occupies 0.76 mm2 .


ABSTRACT The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda has recently started to gain traction in Central Europe, notwithstanding discussion in the region about the harms that the so-called "gender ideology" allegedly causes. In 2017, the Czech Republic was the first Central European country to adopt its National Action Plan (NAP) on WPS. Through analyzing the Czech NAP, we explore what kinds of WPS policies can emerge in a seemingly hostile institutional environment, where the pursuit of gender equality is frequently ridiculed and the WPS agenda itself is nicknamed "wine, women, and song." By combining a feminist institutionalist approach with feminist discourse analysis, we uncover the interplay of formal and informal institutional practices and anti-"gender ideology" discourses during the creation, adoption, implementation, and review of the Czech NAP. We show that, due in part to this glocalized backlash against "gender ideology," the Czech NAP has been driven from the top down by a small group of femocrats who tend to focus on "small victories" and are careful not to draw too much attention to gender-related agendas. The resulting NAP, however, becomes a declaratory instrument grounded in gender essentialism, a narrative of victimhood, and conventional assumptions about women's roles in peace and security.


In early 2020, reports emerged about the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic having a negative effect on the productivity of female researchers who spent their time in lockdown taking care of their families but a positive effect on the productivity of male researchers who spent it writing more papers. We wondered if the pandemic had affected caregivers (mostly female) in the information systems (IS) discipline in the same way. If we found that it did, we hoped to be able to suggest what actions caregivers might take in response. As an approximate way to distinguish caregivers from non-caregivers in our analysis, we used gender. Our analysis yielded mixed results, but those results do suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had some negative impacts on IS researchers who are caregivers. We offer several recommendations to caregiving IS researchers for mitigating the effect that the pandemic has on their professional lives. © 2021, Association for Information Systems. All rights reserved.


The effects of the grinding procedure on the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) yields of eugenol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and eugenyl acetate from clove are discussed in detail in this paper.

 For this purpose, five grinding procedures were employed: 1) continuous 1-min grinding, 2) continuous 2-min grinding, 3) two 1-min grinding periods with 6-min stop in between 4) continuous 4-min grinding, and 5) four 1-min grinding periods with 6-min stops in between. After that, the extractor was filled with 12 g of milled clove obtained using one of the grinding procedures while the other SFE parameters were kept constant (pressure of 150 bar, temperature of 40 °C, supercritical CO2 flow rate of 1.03×10−4 kg/s, static time of 20 min, and dynamic extraction time of 15 min). Then, the composition of the extract was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC).

 It was found that the grinding procedure has considerable effects on the recoveries of eugenol, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and eugenyl acetate from clove, and employing four 1-min grinding periods with 6-min stops in between as the grinding procedure gave the highest content of the aforementioned components in the extract.


It has been suggested by a range of established commentators that digital technology may have potentially created a 'mental change' within the creative process of making images and objects. Although this statement is somewhat broad and our ability to understand change often requires a certain amount of time to have passed (before the significance of an event may be better understood) the compulsion to begin considering these ruminations has been central to my own practice and the subsequent initiation of the 'Looking Through the Eyes of Machines as Students' exhibition. The project is an international print exchange between Graphic Arts programmes at UWE (University of the West of England, Bristol, UK); MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA) and UCM (Faculty of Fine Arts of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid).

The curatorial premise for the exhibition is a practice based inquiry that aims to begin mapping a Postdigital response to making in the graphic arts. The exhibition presents a cohort of emergent student and graduate practitioners from the disciplines of Fine Art Printmaking, Graphic Design and Illustration. The exhibition is part of a growing international portfolio of work that selects graphic art students from BA, MA and PhD levels. Current institutions in the project include the University of the West of England, Bristol; Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore and the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.


The advent of electronic commerce has induced many organizations to develop a Web presence and exploit the opportunities offered by the Internet. In an environment that commoditizes products and allows for easy imitative behavior through instant access to information on competitor's offerings, it is not clear how to build a sustainable competitive advantage. This study endeavors to facilitate an understanding of this complex issue. Electronic commerce competence is posited as a key driver of organizational performance, and it is argued that this effect is mediated by the generation of "customer value" through Web site functionality. By empirically analyzing primary and secondary data from over 100 companies, the relationship between electronic commerce competence, customer value, and both short- and long-term firm performance is examined. The results show that firms with high electronic commerce competence exhibit superior performance and that customer value generated through Web site functionality partially mediates this relationship. In addition, the results show that companies can enhance short-term performance by providing value to the customer in prepurchase situations. But in order to build customer loyalty and thus long-term performance, companies need to enhance the product ownership experience of customers.


Chang's liver cells and 3T6 mouse embryo fibroblasts contain high amounts of catecholamine-sensitive adenyl cyclase, whereas HeLa cells contain relatively low amounts of activity. Both epinephrine and fluoride ion stimulate activity of each cell line. In contrast to normal liver, Chang's liver cells show greater response to epinephrine and no detectable stimulation by glucagon.


Urban flood control system is in relation to the concentration of the urban population and security of the social wealth, but there has yet to a mature evaluation system. This article establish a security assessment model of urban flood control system which is based on the variable fuzzy set theory. First of all, building an evaluation indicator system according to the influencing factors; secondly, using fuzzy pattern recognition model to introduce model parameters and the time the two variable factors and get multiple levels of membership, then to conduct a consistency inspection; Finally, averaging the effective levels of membership and getting the final evaluation. Choosing the case of Heze in Shandong, it came to the conclusion that the city's flood control system level is between mild warning state and severe alert state, the evaluating result is in accordance with heze flood conditions.


»'Man muss die Sache mit Vernunft machen.' Reaktionen der DDR auf die Ölkrisen der 1970er Jahre«. This article examines the SED leadership's perception of the global oil price increases at the beginning of the 1970s, as well as the consequences this had for the GDR. On this basis, the article then deals with the economic and political reactions within the GDR. The country waived a reform of the wage payment system and increased the use of brown coal in the production of electricity, heating, and elsewhere, as well as extended opencast mining in consequence. The intention was to also cut costs on heating oil, petrol, and diesel throughout the economy. The article reveals the difficulties of and limitations to the realization of this strategy and the unfortunate consequences. In the short-term, the political and economic survival of the GDR could be secured. In the long run, however, these processes played their part in the GDR's economic collapse.


A fast calculation of the most-significant carry in an addition is required in several applications, such as comparisons of two operands by performing their difference, sign detection, and overflow detection. It has been proposed to calculate this carry by detecting the most-significant carry chain and collecting the carry after this chain. The detection can be implemented by a prefix tree of AND gates and the collecting by a multi-input OR or by a connection with tristate buffers. We have performed an estimate of the delay of this implementation for a datapath width of 64 bits and conclude that it is not significantly faster than the traditional carry-lookahead based method. We propose a multilevel implementation, which allows the overlap of successive levels thereby reducing the overall delay. For 64-bit operands we estimate a delay reduction of about 15% with respect to the traditional carry-lookahead based method, with a similar number of gates and number and length of interconnections.


Basic research considering the minimum achievable grain size of severe plastic deformation (SPD) materials is often performed with high purity metals. However, a literature study reveals large discrepancies in the microstructural size of high purity nickel processed by SPD. The focus of this work is the influence of small impurity concentrations on the resulting saturation microstructure. The microstructure of SPD nickel was systematically investigated using different purities ranging from 99.79 wt% up to 99.99 wt%. The materials were deformed by high pressure torsion (HPT) at different temperatures from liquid nitrogen temperature (-196°C) up to 400°C. It was found that carbon concentration is the governing element in achieving the finest microstructures and the highest strength. Therefore, further experiments with well defined carbon doped samples were performed. By changing the carbon content from 0.008 wt% up to 0.06 wt% tensile strength in the saturation regime increases by more than 700 MPa. It will be shown that even small variations (<0.01 wt%) lead to significant changes in ductility and tensile strength values.


Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of baclofen for the treatment of tics in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). Background:Baclofen, which contains both &ggr;-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and phenylethylamine moieties, was suggested in an open-label protocol to be an effective treatment for TS. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate this medication in children with TS. Methods:Subjects received, in a randomized sequence, 4-week medication cycles of baclofen (20 mg three times daily) and placebo with a 2-week intervening washout period between the cycles. Outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), the latter including subscales for total tics and overall impairment. Measures were assessed at baseline and on days 28, 42, and 70 of the study. Results:Ten children (seven boys and three girls, aged 8 to 14) with TS participated. Nine subjects completed the protocol; one dropped out for psychosocial reasons. No major side effects were reported. The mean change in CGI score (−0.9) after 4 weeks of baclofen treatment as compared with placebo treatment showed a significant improvement (95% CI, −1.7 to −0.1;p = 0.04). All subjects showed some amelioration in total YGTSS score during baclofen treatment. The mean change in total YGTSS score (−14.7) approached significance (95% CI, −30.3 to 0.9;p = 0.06). Examination of differences between baclofen and placebo treatment groups expressed as a percent change from baseline showed that baclofen had a statistically significant effect on both outcome measures. Subscales of the YGTSS showed that the reduction in total tic scores was primarily due to a reduction in the impairment score rather than a decrease in tics. Conclusions:Children with TS may benefit from treatment with baclofen, although improvements may be related to factors other than tics. Larger studies directly comparing baclofen against other tic-suppressing agents are recommended.


OBJECTIVE
Patients with arthritis and Crohn's disease may be more susceptible to periodontitis associated alveolar bone loss (ABL). HLA-B27 transgenic (TG) rats spontaneously develop arthritis and colitis. Based on the hypothesis that TG rats would also be susceptible to ABL, we compared the naturally occurring ABL in TG and Fischer 344 wild-type (WT) rats.

METHODS
Eighteen TG and 18 WT virgin female rats were used. Pairs (I TG, I WT) were housed in suspended wire cages. At age 2.6, 6, and 11 months, 8, 5, and 5 pairs were sacrificed, respectively. ABL was measured as exposed molar root surface area (mm2). Western blotting was used for analysis of serum reactivity against bacteria associated with arthritis, colitis, and periodontitis development.

RESULTS
At 2.6 months of age, there was no difference in ABL between TG and WT rats. At 6 and 11 months ABL was significantly greater in TG animals by 28% and 53%, respectively. For TG rats, ABL was significantly different between the 3 age groups. For WT rats, ABL was not significantly different between 6 and 11 months. Western blotting revealed distinct TG serum reactivity against extracts of Bacteroides vulgatus, B. fragilis, Prevotella intermedia, and to a lesser extent against extracts of B. forsythus.

CONCLUSION
The accelerated ABL in HLA-B27 TG rats is an adult onset condition, independent of husbandry conditions or parity status. HLA-B27 rats exhibit strong immunoreactivity against bacteria implicated in arthritis, colitis, and periodontitis.


Over the last two decades, creative, lean and strategic design approaches have become increasingly prevalent in the development of interactive technologies, but tensions exist with longer established approaches such as human factors engineering and user-centered design. These tensions can be harnessed productively by first giving equal status in principle to creative, business and agile engineering practices, and then supporting this with flexible critical approaches and resources that can balance and integrate across a range of multidisciplinary design practices.


Since the first report on electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of 2D Ti3C2Tx in 2016, MXenes have captured the leadership position among lightweight shielding materials due to many advantages, including their excellent shielding performance, outstanding metallic conductivity, low density, large specific surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and solution processability. MXenes triggered a huge interest in the materials research community, leading to over 100 reported publications on MXenes' EMI shielding within 3 years. Many MXenes composites and hybrids in different structural forms, such as compact and laminate structures, layer‐by‐layer assemblies, porous foams and aerogels, and segregated structures, have been explored to further improve the intrinsic EMI shielding properties of MXenes. This article comprehensively reviews the recent advancements in MXene‐based EMI shielding materials with different structural morphologies and provides an insight into future challenges and guidelines for finding material solutions for the next‐generation shielding applications.


Purpose To develop a deep learning-based AI agent, DDD-PIOP (Dose-Distribution-Driven PET Image Outcome Prediction), for predicting 18FDG-PET image outcomes of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in response to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods DDD-PIOP uses pre-radiotherapy 18FDG-PET/CT images and the planned spatial dose distribution as the inputs, and it predicts the 18FDG-PET image outcomes in response to the planned IMRT delivery. This AI agent centralizes a customized convolutional neural network (CNN) as a deep learning approach, and it incorporates a few designs to enhance prediction accuracy. 66 OPC patients who received IMRT treatment on a sequential boost regime (2 Gy/daily fraction) were studied for DDD-PIOP development. 61 patients were used for AI agent training/validation, and the remaining five were used as independent tests. To evaluate the developed AI agent's performance, the predicted mean standardized uptake values (SUVs) of gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV) were compared with the ground truth values. Overall SUV distribution accuracy was evaluated by gamma test passing rates under different criteria. Results The developed DDD-PIOP successfully generated 18FDG-PET image outcome predictions for five test patients. The predicted mean SUV values of GTV/CTV were 3.50/1.41, which were close to the ground-truth values of 3.57/1.51. In 2D-based gamma tests, the average passing rate was 92.1% using 5%/10 mm criteria, which was improved to 95.9%/93.2% when focusing on GTV/CTV regions. 3D gamma test passing rates were 98.7% using 5%/10 mm criteria, and the corresponding GTV/CTV results were 99.8%/99.4%. Conclusion The reported results suggest that the developed AI agent DDD-PIOP successfully predicted 18FDG-PET image outcomes with high quantitative accuracy. The generated voxel-based image outcome predictions could be used for treatment planning optimization prior to radiation delivery for the best individual-based outcome.


The rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat, and international bodies have called for action against it. Studies show that Singapore is not spared from its effects. There was strong local political support for action and One Health agencies assembled a One Health AMR Workgroup to jointly develop the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) for Antimicrobial Resistance. The NSAP would set the framework for Singapore's response to AMR and would be aligned with the World Health Organisation's Global Action Plan on AMR with reference made to the standards and guidelines established by intergovernmental bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health. This paper describes existing initiatives to combat AMR, and lists priority areas for further action akin to the WHO Global Action Plan for AMR. These priority areas include education, surveillance and risk assessment, research, prevention and control of infection, and optimisation of antimicrobial use. Today, the One Health AMR Workgroup comprises of the Ministry of Health, the Health Promotion Board, the National Environment Agency, National Parks Board, PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency and the Singapore Food Agency.


An exploration of the adaptation of the Dimensions of Learning framework to promote thinking skills in a 21st century Adult Learning environment through the development of digital media narrative. A Case Study Approach Vivienne Purcell The worlds of education and learning in the 21 century are being shaped by rapidly changing environments of digital medias and new technologies which require new learning and communication skills. The aim of this exploratory and descriptive study is to examine and foster the 21 century thinking skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity (4Cs) through the creation of digital narrative against the backdrop of the Dimensions of Learning framework. Based on research into the cognitive process, the framework proposes that five dimensions of "thinking" (learning) are inherent in the learning process and should be considered in curriculum design, teaching and assessment:  Dimension 1: Positive attitudes and perceptions about learning.  Dimension 2: Thinking used to acquire and integrate knowledge.  Dimension 3: Thinking used to extend and refine knowledge.  Dimension 4: Thinking involved in using knowledge meaningfully.  Dimension 5: Productive habits of mind. Each dimension links to and supports the other dimensions. Learner centered instruction in a constructivist manner is promoted in which the learner takes responsibility for their own learning. The methodological approach to the research was multimodal. Adult learners on a VTOS programme participated in the research process. A pre survey was conducted to explore Adult Learner's attitudes and perceptions to IT, digital media and learning. The creation of digital narrative fostered an opportunity to apply the Dimensions of Learning framework. A post research e-survey enabled an evaluative review of the process to reflect on the application of this framework in the adult learning environment. The research findings indicate that it is eminently feasible to introduce the strategies of the Dimensions of Learning framework to an adult learning environment to support learning. On analysis of the empirical evidence and digital narrative, thinking skills were demonstrated by the learners to varying degrees. However, it cannot be deduced that this is as a direct result of strategies introduced to the learners as part of the Dimensions of Learning framework. It may be that the learners have developed the thinking skills based on their own life experiences and as part of lifelong learning.


Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important biological control agent in pistachio orchards, especially against Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), which is the most damaging pest of pistachio. In this project we exposed M. sexmaculatus adults to two important commonly-used insecticides through feeding on treated prey ( A. pistaciae ) to evaluate the side-effects on this predator. We tested spirotetramat, which belongs to the keto-enol group inhibiting lipid biosynthesis in insects, at 2/1, 1/1 and 1/2 of the maximum field recommended concentration (MFRC), and abamectin, which is a mixture of avermectins and a natural fermentation product of the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis , at 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 of its MFRC. Spirotetramat did not affect adult survival of M. sexmaculatus at all three concentrations when ingested via treated prey, while in marked contrast abamectin caused 100% adult mortality of M. sexmaculatus when ingested via treated prey at 1/1, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 of the MFRC. At sublethal levels, spirotetramat reduced total and daily fecundity of M. sexmaculatus at all three concentrations tested, but did not affect egg hatching at 1/1 and 1/2 of the MFRC. Moreover, prey consumption was decreased when beetles were exposed to the prey treated with spirotetramat at 1/1 and 2/1 of the MFRC concentrations. With abamectin, even at 1/16 of the MFRC, total fecundity, daily fecundity and prey consumption of M. sexmaculatus adults were significantly affected. In conclusion, no acute toxicity was observed on M. sexmaculatus by ingestion of prey treated with spirotetramat, although reproduction parameters and prey consumption were affected at MFRC and lower concentrations. In marked contrast, abamectin was notably very harmful at its MFRC and also at lower concentrations. This research highlighted the importance of toxicity risk assessments, including lethal and sublethal effects, to obtain a more accurate estimation of the compatibility of insecticides in current integrated pest management (IPM) programs.


"Survival of the fittest" is often seen as the driving force behind adaptation and evolution. For sure, all evolutionary algorithms use fitness based selection. However, it is not necessary to know where you are, to know where you are going. Similarly, it is not necessary to know the fitness of a solution, to find a better solution. The GENIE algorithm uses random parent selection and a non-elitist generational replacement scheme. Experiments on a non-trivial instance of the Traveling Salesman Problem show that heuristic operators in GENIE can converge to the optimal solution without evaluating fitness.


The aqueous extract of Cassia sieberiana stem bark was administered to groups of 4 albino rats (160 ± 10 g) at 0, 20, 60 or 180 mg/kg body weight daily by gavages for six weeks. A 7% decrease in mean body weight gain was observed in the group treated with the highest concentration of the extract (180 mg/kg). Groups treated with the extract showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum ALT and AST activity. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum urea and creatinine concentrations, together with decrease in serum total protein concentrations were observed in the group treated with 180mg/kg body weight of the extract. These results indicate that oral administration of aqueous extract of Cassia sieberianastem bark to rats result in hepatotoxicity even at lower dose levels of 20 - 60 mg/kg and nephrotoxicity at higher doses of 180 mg/kg.

 Key words: Cassia sieberiana, oral, rats, repeated dose toxicity.


The Energy Saving Trust's work in small-scale domestic wind dates back to 2005. A report compiled for the DTI1 concluded that 'with the appropriate support, small wind could supply four per cent of the UK electricity requirement and reduce domestic CO2 emissions by six per cent'. Subsequently, our reports 'Microwind Electricity Generation in the UK Residential Sector' and 'Generating the Future', both completed in 2007, provided further predictions of the potential market for small wind turbines in the UK by 2050. These projections were based on modelled data and were produced before actual performance data from small-scale wind turbines was widely available. As such, it was difficult at the time to determine the accuracy of such future projections. Since these reports were published, the UK market for domestic small-scale wind has developed rapidly.


The cytologic findings in the cerebrospinal fluid of a 25-year-old male who presented with a diffuse neurologic disease clinically diagnosed as meningoencephalitis are described. Primary leptomeningeal sarcomatosis was subsequently diagnosed at postmortem examination. The potential value of cerebrospinal fluid cytology as a primary diagnostic tool in this rare and unusual tumor is discussed.


: For the purpose of improving the effectiveness of the chemotherapy of gastrointestinal tract tumours, the experimental investigation of the possibility to deposit the various antitumour preparations in the abdominal cavity by including them into acetylcellulose microspheres was carried out. It was shown that the use of the polymeric drug complexes permits obtaining a significantly more pronounced antitumour effect than the introduction of the same preparation in a free form. A decrease of the toxic effect of the deposited preparations was established.


Summary
1.Trait-based models of ecological communities typically assume intraspecific variation in functional traits is not important, though such variation can change species trait rankings along gradients in resources and environmental conditions, and thus influence community structure and function.

2.We examined the degree of intraspecific relative to interspecific variation, and reaction norms of 11 functional traits for 57 forest understory plant species, including: intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), Δ15N, 5 leaf traits, 2 stem traits and 2 root traits along gradients in light, nitrogen, moisture and understory cover.

3.Our results indicate that interspecific trait variation exceeded intraspecific variation by at least 50% for most, but not all traits. Intraspecific variation in Δ15N, iWUE, leaf nitrogen content and root traits was high (47-70%) compared with most leaf traits and stem traits (13-38%).

4.Δ15N varied primarily along gradients in abiotic conditions, while light and understory cover were relatively less important. iWUE was related primarily to light transmission, reflecting increases in photosynthesis relative to stomatal conductance. Leaf traits varied mainly as a function of light availability, with some reaction norms depending on understory cover. Plant height increased with understory cover, while stem specific density was related primarily to light. Resources, environmental conditions and understory cover did not contribute strongly to the observed variation in root traits.

5.Gradients in resources, environmental conditions and competition all appear to control intraspecific variability in most traits to some extent. However, our results suggest that species cross-over (i.e., trait rank reversals) along the gradients measured here are generally not a concern.

6.Intraspecific variability in understory plant species traits can be considerable. However, trait data collected under a narrow range of environmental conditions appears sufficient to establish species rankings and scale between community and ecosystem levels using trait-based models. Investigators may therefore focus on obtaining a sufficient sample size within a single set of conditions rather than characterizing trait variation across entire gradients in order to optimize sampling efforts.

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Most build systems start small and simple, but over time grow into hairy monsters that few dare to touch. As we demonstrate in this paper, there are a few issues that cause build systems major scalability challenges, and many pervasively used build systems (e.g. Make) do not scale well. This paper presents a solution to the challenges we identify. We use functional programming to design abstractions for build systems, and implement them on top of the Shake library, which allows us to describe build rules and dependencies. To substantiate our claims, we engineer a new build system for the Glasgow Haskell Compiler. The result is more scalable, faster, and spectacularly more maintainable than its Make-based predecessor.


This is a review of the literature and author's own data on determination of various cell types of adenohypophysis during embryonic development. Recent studies using techniques of organ culture and immunohistochemistry have established the time of determination of glandular cells of adenohypophysis. It has been shown in rat embryos that the direction of differentiation of all major cell types of adenohypophysis is programmed late during the development of the epithelial anlage of this organ. Similar data as concerns somatotropic and prolactin cells have been obtained on chick embryos. Chick embryos possess regional type of determination of prolactin and somatotropin-containing cells in the anlage in correspondence with their location in definitive adenohypophysis.


Background: Human resource (HR) practices, such as training and communication, have been linked to positive employee job commitment and lower turnover intent for direct care workers (DCWs). Not many studies have looked at the combined interaction of HR practices and organizational structure. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational structure (centralization, formalization, and span of control) and HR practices (training, horizontal communication, and vertical communication) on DCW's job satisfaction and turnover intent. Methodology: Data were collected from 58 long-term care facilities in five states. We used latent class analysis to group facility characteristics into three sets of combinations: "organic," "mechanistic," and "minimalist." We used multivariate regression to test the relationship of each of these groups on DCW's job satisfaction and turnover intent. Findings: After controlling for state, organizational, and individual covariates, the organic group, which represents decentralized and less formalized structures and high levels of job training and communication, was positively related to job satisfaction and negatively related to intent to leave. On the other hand, the minimalist group, which is characterized by low levels of job-related training and communication, showed no significant differences from the mechanistic group (referent) on job satisfaction and intent to leave. Practice Implications: These findings imply that managers in long-term care facilities may want to consider adopting organic, decentralized structures and HR practices to retain DCWs.


Hybridization has presented a challenge for taxonomists and conservation biologists, since hybridizing forms could be stable evolutionary entities or ephemeral forms that are blending together. However, hybrid zones also provide a unique opportunity for evolutionary biologists who study the interaction between gene flow and reproductive isolation in speciation. Three forms of woodpeckers (sapsuckers; genus Sphyrapicus) in North America that are mostly geographically separated but hybridize with each other where they come into contact present a remarkable system for the study of hybridization. We provide the first comprehensive analysis of phenotypic and genetic variation across a hybrid zone between two of these forms, the red-breasted Sphyrapicus ruber and yellow-bellied S. varius sapsuckers. The objective was to infer whether selection maintains the differences between forms. Our analysis of eight morphometric and 20 plumage traits, and two molecular markers showed clear differences between the forms and roughly concordant clinal variation across a narrow hybrid zone. Thirty percent of sampled birds in the hybrid zone had mixed west/east genotypes at the genetic markers examined. The center of the genetic cline was located 20 km west of the crest of the Rocky Mountains. The width of the zone was 122 km, narrower than would be expected under neutral blending given reasonable estimates of the age of the zone and individual dispersal distances. Heterozygote deficit and cytonuclear disequilibrium at the centre of the hybrid zone suggested nonrandom mating or limited hybridization. Given these patterns and lack of evidence for habitat segregation we conclude that this hybrid zone is maintained by selection, most likely in the form of hybrid inferiority. This study provides an illustrative example of extensive hybridization between stable entities, providing additional evidence against the historical practice of treating hybridizing forms as members of the same species.


Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder resulting from hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia contributes to oxidative stress, and the release of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) further promotes disease pathogenesis. Uncontrolled diabetes reflects great oral complications and affects human oral health. So, the present study aimed to assess the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and Metformin on proliferation and viability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSCs) cultured in high glucose medium.

Methods
HPDLSCs were collected, isolated, and characterized and then divided into eight groups. Addition of extra glucose to diabetic groups 24 hours before cell irradiations. Metformin was added to half of the diabetic groups. Cells were irradiated with 808 nm diode laser 24, 48 hours. Cell viability was analyzed with MTT assay 24 hours post-irradiation to detect cell viability in each group. Real-time (PCR) was used to evaluate gene expression of Nrf2, Keap1, PIK3, and HO-1 and the effect of PBMT on Keap1/Nrf2/Ho-1 Pathway. ELISA reader was used to evaluating cell viability through (ROS, TNF-α, IL-10) protein levels after cell irradiation.

Results
Photobiomodulation at 1, 2, and 3 J/cm2 combined with metformin significantly promoted diabetic cell lines of HPDLSCs viability (in MTT assay and ELISA reader of ROS, TNF-α, IL-10 results) and gene expression of Nrf2, Keap1, PIK3, and HO-1 levels (p< 0.05).

Conclusion
photobiomodulation with 3 J/cm2 combined with metformin enhanced proliferation and viability of diabetic cell lines of HPDLSCs and thus could improve differentiation and function of diabetic cell lines of HPDLSCs with minimum side effects.


Purpose - Environmental performance measurement systems (EPMS) in supply chains are increasingly important. The aim of this paper is to investigate the purposes of having an EPMS in logistics and in what ways the purpose of an EPMS can influence its focus in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a survey of shippers and logistics service providers in Sweden. Exploratory factor analysis grouped the EPMS purposes. Regression analysis investigated the relation between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus. Findings - Those companies that had an EPMS had several purposes. The most common EPMS purpose was target setting. The seven purposes could be grouped into one external demand and one internal management factor. The most common focus was company-internal, and the least common was to have a downstream focus. Significant relationships were verified between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus; companies seem to design their EPMS mainly out of internal management purposes. Research limitations/implications - The study contributed to theory on performance measurement in logistics by expanding it to include environmental performance. The richest theoretical contribution is related to the descriptive first research question, which provided theoretical structures and empirical knowledge on EPMS, which to the best of our knowledge has not been published before. Logical, valid and reliable factors or scales for measuring the purpose of EPMS were provided. The conceptualized relation between EPMS purpose and focus is an additional theoretical contribution. Practical implications - Managers are provided with descriptions, structure and input to EPMS design. This paper has increased the understanding on EPMS design, related both to the own company's and other supply chain actors' EPMS. It indicates the complex practices of having many purposes for the EPMS and offers explanation to why companies may be reluctant to expand EPMS beyond their company boundaries. Originality/value - Despite the increasing importance of environmental performance, few studies on EPMS are conducted. This study expands performance measurement knowledge by providing empirical evidence in a Swedish context.


The contribution of research with lactate infusion to an understanding of agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder (PD) was reviewed. Lactate-induced panic seems to differentiate panic disorder from generalized anxiety disorder. Panic disorder seems to have important links to depression; both respond to tricyclic antidepressant drugs and neither responds well to the benzodiazepine antianxiety drugs. Response to pharmacotherapy, epidemiological surveys, and familial studies support the distinction between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and the overlap between major depression and panic disorder. Understanding the mechanism of lactate-induced attacks may provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of naturally occurring panic.


Tackling climate change requires not only reducing GHG emissions but also removing GHG from the atmosphere. Carbon-offset producers purport to provide such removals. But existing carbon-offset markets have been criticized for poor measurement practices and inadequate controls, resulting in transaction of products that do not materially sequester carbon. To address these challenges, we apply basic financial-accounting principles to develop an accurate and auditable framework for offset accounting. The offset-accounting principles in this paper complement and extend the E-liability method of accounting for GHG emissions. Together, rigorous accounting for emissions and offsets can improve and expand markets for impactful decarbonization.


Globally and nationally, the vast majority of professional singers work in the contemporary commercial music (CCM) industry, yet little is known about them as a population. CCM singers use a very different vocal production to their classical contemporaries, this difference being fuelled by specific style demands of the music and the disparate performance conditions of venue and environment. In this book Irene Bartlett has drawn from her extensive pedagogical work with CCM singers in private studio and tertiary settings and her life-long experience as a professional contemporary gig singer. Her 'insider' knowledge of this significant group of professional voice users is supported by research data from her study of professional contemporary gig singers (PCGS) where the lived-experiences of the PCGS participants provided important generic contextual information about the challenges faced by the group as they grew and maintained their careers.


The surge of local climate policy is a puzzling political-economic phenomenon. Why have local policy-makers, incapable of mitigating global warming through individual emissions reductions, adopted ambitious policies while national governments refrain from action? I construct a game-theoretic model of two-level climate policy with incomplete information over political benefits. In equilibrium, the government selects a lax national regulation, and local policy-makers with private information on high local benefits choose more ambitious policies despite incentives to free ride. The analysis also suggests that even though local policy-makers prefer not to reveal information to the government, they must do so to pursue short-term political gains. Counterintuitively, new information can lead to more ambitious national regulation even if the government learns that the local political benefits are likely lower than expected. As an empirical application, I study the evolution of climate policies in the United States.


Aliphatic carboxylic acids are used in many industrial sectors and their importance from an economical point of view is increasing. They are currently produced in large quantities, through processes exploiting the mostly non-renewable C0 as C1 synthon. Carbon dioxide is a potential environmentally friendly, renewable and abundant C1 building block. The aim of this work is to provide a catalytic protocol converting C02, H2 and oxygenated substrates to obtain useful chemicals, like carboxylic acids.To this end a homogeneous catalytic Rh system, used to produce aliphatic carboxylic acids starting from oxygenated substrates, C02 and H2 was investigated and optimized. The system consists of a Rh precursor, iodide additive and PPh3 ligand working in a batch reactor under C02 and H2 pressure. The reaction conditions were optimized for each class of investigated substrates: primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and epoxides. The reaction scope was investigated and 30 different molecules were converted into carboxylic acids, leading to yields of up to 80%. ln addition, the system was studied using a Design of Experiment approach, obtaining additional information regarding the studied parameters.The reaction mechanism and the catalytically active species were studied, by different experiments like competitive reactions, NMR and labelling experiments. This investigation resulted in a deeper knowledge of the reaction pathway, composed of some non-catalytic transformations and two catalytic steps. The reaction proceeds through a reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction (rWGSR) transforming C02 and H2 into C0 and H20, which are consumed in the following hydrocarboxylation of the in-situ formed alkene to give the final carboxylic acid product. The catalytic system is similar to traditional Rh carbonylation and Water Gas Shift catalysts. The PPh3 is needed to supply additional ligands allowing the catalyst to work in reaction conditions with a minimal amount of toxic C0 ligand. ln addition, a heterogeneous catalytic system was investigated for the same reaction. Single atom catalysts (SACs) are receiving much attention as catalytic solution, since they have both the advantages of homogeneous (selectivity, high activity) and heterogeneous (easy separation and recycling) catalysts. Single Rh atoms dispersed on N-doped graphene were synthesized and characterized, obtaining information regarding the chemical and physical structure of the material. Eventually, they were tested as catalysts for C02 activation, carboxylic acid production, hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis reactions


Author(s): Ma, Jian | Abstract: The optimization of the strength distribution of the floating runway under wave loads was explored and the techniques needed to make this optimization possible were developed.The "Hydrodynamic Influence Matrix" was defined to capture the hydrodynamic properties of the floating structure and to incorporate these into the motion equations of the floating structure. Great effort was made to improve the accuracy of the Hydrodynamic Influence Matrices for short waves.A low-order panel method was developed first to compute the Hydrodynamic Influence Matrices, which were then incorporated into the finite-difference form of the motion equations for the floating-mat model. The spectra of the responses of the floating runway were computed by discretizing the incident wave spectrum into elemental waves and solving the finite-difference equations for each elemental wave. The low-order method required a huge number of variables to treat a realistic floating runway and the resulting numerical accuracy of the computation was insufficient.A high-order method was then developed to improve the accuracy in the hydrodynamics computation for short waves. Double fifth order interpolation functions were used to represent the source distribution on a high-order panel. Analytically exact formulations and approximate formulations using asymptotic series were developed and combined to compute the singular integrations involving the Rankine part of the Green function and its gradient. Gaussian quadrature was used to compute the integrations involving the remnant part of the Green function. The high-order Hydrodynamic Influence Matrices were then computed with acceptable accuracy for waves with wavelength close to the panel dimension and were incorporated into the high-order motion equations for the floating-mat model. These were solved using a Galerkin method to get the responses of the floating runway in a wave system.The optimization for the strength distribution of the floating runway was carried out based on consideration of the structural reliability using gradient projection method. Preliminary optimization results for various model structures and the full-size floating runway have been achieved. For the small model structures local optima satisfying the Kuhn-Tucker condition were found. For the large model structure and the full size floating runway preliminary optimized results with reduced total weight were presented as a reference for future work.


Background Current gold standard diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) relies on categorising Gram-stained vaginal smears through Nugent scoring. We have recently described an alternative method of diagnosis, based on visualisation through fluorescence-in-situ-hybridisation (FISH) of the BV biofilm on desquamated vaginal epithelial cells present in urine sediments. Methods A vaginal swab and a first void urine specimen were obtained from 72 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. The vaginal swab was used to assess the vaginal microbiota status through Nugent scoring. The urine specimen served for FISH-based diagnosis of the Gardnerella dominated polymicrobial adherent biofilms attached to desquamated vaginal epithelial cells. Results Among the 12 women with BV on urine assessment, 10 had BV according to Nugent's score and 2 had intermediate microbiota. Presence of Gardnerella in a planktonic mode of growth occurred with 8 women and all have Nugent scores ≤3. Among the 52 women in which no Gardnerella could be documented through FISH, 2 had a Nugent score of ≥ 7, 2 a Nugent score of 4 to 6, and the remainder a Nugent score of ≤ 3. Accordingly, when comparing the FISH based analysis to Nugent scoring, it may be inferred that FISH based analysis has an accuracy for the diagnosis of BV of 0.94 [95% CI 0.86 – 0.98] (sensitivity 0.83 [95% CI 0.51 – 0.97], specificity 0.97 [95% CI 0.87 – 0.99], PPV 0.83 [95% CI 0.51 – 0.97], and NPV 0.97 [95% CI 0.87 – 0.99]. Conclusion Urine-based diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis has a high accuracy. This method is particularly suited for epidemiological and clinical studies as fixated urine sediments can be stored for prolonged periods of time and the aliquots can be used for repeated FISH hybridisations under standardised conditions. In addition, urine samples are easily obtained in a non-invasive manner.


Chemotaxis is the physical phenomenon that bacteria adjust their motions according to chemical stimulus. A classical model for this phenomenon is a kinetic equation that describes the velocity jump process whose tumbling/transition kernel uniquely determines the effect of chemical stimulus on bacteria. The model has been shown to be an accurate model that matches with bacteria motion qualitatively. For a quantitative modeling, biophysicists and practitioners are also highly interested in determining the explicit value of the tumbling kernel. Due to the experimental limitations, measurements are typically macroscopic in nature. Do macroscopic quantities contain enough information to recover microscopic behavior? In this paper, we give a positive answer. We show that when given a special design of initial data, the population density, one specific macroscopic quantity as a function of time, contains sufficient information to recover the tumbling kernel and its associated damping coefficient. Moreover, we can read off the chemotaxis tumbling kernel using the values of population density directly from this specific experimental design. This theoretical result using kinetic theory sheds light on how practitioners may conduct experiments in laboratories.


roglobulin, antimicrosome, or antiskeletal muscle autoantibodies whereas the generalised type showed a high titre and incidence of autoantibodies including AChR antibody.5 Seronegative patients or those with low AChR antibody may form a low responder subgroup of myasthenia gravis distinct from the high responders, who show a high titre of AChR antibody. Twelve patients (37 5%) were of the ocular type, which is higher than the incidence in the report of Confalonieri et al.' All subjects in Cohen-Kaminsky's report had generalised myasthenia gravis of type hIa or IIb.2 Chiu et a16 reported a difference in myasthenia gravis expression between Chinese and Caucasians. The characteristic population pattern in our study may be common to east Asians and may partly cause a different correlation between sIL-2R and disease activity. 2 The study of this characteristic population may lead to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of low responder myasthenia gravis.


A series of anal fistulae is presented in which a high proportion were anterior horseshoe fistulae. The incidence of this type of fistula in this series is higher than that previously reported. It can be recognised by a study of the position of the track by palpation, and the distance from the anal verge of the external opening. A meticulous dissection at operation is required. In order to get good results it is important that this clinical entity be recognised and managed with the same care and attention that is required for a posterior horseshoe fistula.


Safety is impaired when drivers are required to perform main driving task (tracking of own car, distance maintenance between own car and a leading car, and response to target objects) and secondary task simultaneously, for example, responding to target cars on the road while operating in-vehicle equipment. A two-factor (presence or absence of tactile warning by input modality (no secondary task, voice command for a secondary task, and manual input for a secondary task)) within-subject design of ten licensed males was used to investigate how to compensate for safety impairments (decreased performance of a main and a secondary task such as increased tracking error during driving or increased reaction time to target cars on the road). We investigated whether the use of tactile warnings transmitted via left and right thighs for detecting road objects and voice command to operate in-vehicle equipment could compensate for safety impairments such as the increased reaction time to target cars on the road, the increase of detection error of target cars, or increased tracking error in driving. The accuracy and speed of responses to target cars encountered during driving were reduced when a driver was asked to perform the main and the secondary task simultaneously compared to situations performing only the main driving task (tracking, distance maintenance, and response to target cars). The availability of a tactile warning system for road objects compensated for these diminished performance measures, including slower response times and the increased detection error of target cars. Likewise, voice command contributed to enhanced performance of the main driving task such as decrease of tracking error.


PurposeThis study aims to analyze the content on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Gucci, Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna on the social networks Instagram, Facebook and TikTok in order to examine the focus of the publications of these luxury brands, what type of content is more frequent and which ones generate more interaction and engagement.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive content analysis of a sample of 92 posts on CSR published between December 2021 and June 2022 is used. For this purpose, an analysis sheet validated through theoretical constructs and pilot testing is used.FindingsMost of the social responsibility content of the fashion brands analyzed is linked to the use of sustainable materials, the protection of natural spaces and, in the particular case of Prada, the protection of the oceans. The posts that achieve the highest interactions are videos and photo reels. Although the strategies that significantly increase brands' reach on social networks are collaborations and joint posts with other fashion brands, as is the case of Gucci with NorthFace and Prada with Adidas. Also, one of the main findings of this research has been to identify that brands may be using TikTok – perhaps experimentally – to reach stakeholders in Asian countries, especially China, where other platforms such as Instagram or Facebook may have a more limited reach.Originality/valueThis research shows that the social responsibility activities of luxury fashion brands leverage the content marketing strategy in social networks. It also demonstrates the importance of the Asian market (mainly Chinese) in the outreach strategies of brands, as is the case of Gucci and Prada, which bet on CSR activities for the protection of the Asian tiger in the framework of the year of the tiger in the Chinese horoscope, as well as the publication of certain content on TikTok.


Research in instrumental stakeholder theory often discusses the benefits of a stakeholder strategy that balances all stakeholders' interests as if the firm's managers were not constrained much in choosing a strategy. Yet, through their value appropriation behavior, stakeholders with high bargaining power can significantly constrain managers' choices. Our objective is, therefore, to understand when powerful stakeholders give managers the latitude to balance all stakeholders' interests, rather than forcing them to satisfy primarily their own interests. Building on enlightened self-interest and the justice literature, we identify five motivational drivers that help explain powerful stakeholders' value appropriation behavior. We next explore the endogenous relationship between the stakeholder strategy adopted by the firm and its effect on powerful stakeholders' value appropriation behavior. This article complements instrumental stakeholder theory by looking at powerful stakeholders' motivation to exercise their bargaining power, and in so doing brings powerful stakeholders' moral responsibility in the treatment of weak stakeholders to the forefront.


In‐beam gamma‐spectroscopy using fragmentation reactions of both stable and radioactive beams have been performed in order to study the structure of excited states in the neutron‐rich 18,20C, 21–24O and 23,25F isotopes. For the produced fragments, γ‐ray energies, intensities and γγ coincidences have been measured. Based on this information new level schemes are proposed up to the neutron separation energy for some of these isotopes. The systematics of the 2+ energy has been extended up to 20C in the C isotopic chain. Level schemes are suggested for 21O and 22O. The non observation of any γ‐ray from 23O and 24O suggests that their excited states lie above the neutron decay thresholds. The study of F isotopes provides hint of the possible change in nuclear structure between the F and O isotopic chains. These results, together with the size of the N=14 and N=16 shell gaps in C,O,F isotopes are discussed in the framework of shell model calculations.


Most books in cryptography deal with theory, generally introducing mathematically expressed algorithms without taking into account new research or showing how they are realised in actual software and hardware technology. This book, on the other hand, introduces new current cryptographic systems while giving practical details and implementations in order to ensure the dissemination of new knowledge and the transfer of this research into the field of applied engineering. This book focuses on new data encryption designs and data protection schemes from academic research results and their practical implementation in several application fields. It covers the theory and practice of the research of robust encryption, including chaotic encryption and decryption systems, chaotic synchronisation encrypter/decrypter, data confidentiality protection and integrity, data authentication, key generation, hyperchaotic or chaotic random number generators and hardware/software realisations. This book also addresses the digital media (audio, image, and video) protection and the encryption- compression technique. "Progress in Data Encryption Research" is a comprehensive text that is suitable as a handbook for understanding the novelty of data encryption and security, as well as for hardware and software engineers who are interested in building new secure systems. Researchers who want to know the trend of developing new practical data encryption and data protection schemes, engineers from the industry and students can use this book as a first step to encryption engineering.


Multiscale morphological operators are studied extensively in the literature for image processing and feature extraction purposes. In this paper, we model a nonlinear regularization method based on multiscale morphology for edge-preserving super resolution (SR) image reconstruction. We formulate SR image reconstruction as a deblurring problem and then solve the inverse problem using Bregman iterations. The proposed algorithm can suppress inherent noise generated during low-resolution image formation as well as during SR image estimation efficiently. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed regularization and reconstruction method for SR image.


The Internet-based market is rising as a viable venue for the procurement of innovation solutions. There are two major procurement mechanisms existing in the market practices: contest and RFP. We investigate the factors that affect a firm's preference of one mechanism over the other. We divide innovation problems into two categories: exploitive innovation problem and exploratory innovation problem. For an exploitive innovation problem, technologies used in solutions already exist, and the outcome of the solution is determined by the type and the effort of a solver. For an exploratory problem, technologies are not available; solvers need to go through an exploratory process but the result of his effort is uncertain. We establish the boundary condition for solution seeker's decision on procurement mechanism. For an exploitive innovation problem, RFP is preferred in an open-participation market unless the distribution of the solvers' type has a big variance; for an explorative innovation problem, contest will be preferred in most cases except that the solver pool of the market is small. Moreover, the amount of a cash award, the effort coefficient, and the degree of the randomness endowed in a technology exploratory process all have effect on seekers' decision.


Rules of name management in Hungarian library processes
The paper describes the currently valid rules for recording proper nouns in Hungarian library cataloguing. For publications and manuscripts, the name types that must be recorded include, among others, authorship (name or organisational name), the place of publication (geographical name), personal and geographical names, and in the 'about' field event names and organisational names may be recorded. According to the rules of data processing, a distinction is made between description and classification, i.e. the name forms on the documents and the standardized name forms in descriptions. This latter type is regulated by Hungarian standards published between the end of the 1970s and the mid-1980s and a 2005 regulation. As these documents were made in the period of pre-computerized index cards, many libraries have created their own local rules for the present day. Technical development, the request for libraries to match their databases and the pos-sibilities of turning to foreign catalogues put emphasis on the need for updating Hungarian stan-dards and introducing so-called name spaces to ensure consistency.


In this paper we analyze sample solutions of a number of problems and relate them to their level as prescribed by Bloom's taxonomy. We relate these solutions to a number of other frameworks, too. Our key message is that it remains insufficient to analyze written forms of these tasks. We emphasize careful observations of how different students approach a solution before finally assessing the level of tasks used. We take the arithmetic series as our starting point and point out that the objective of the discussion of the examples here in no way is to indicate an optimal way towards a solution. Instead, our intent is to demonstrate the potential of well selected tasks and the variation that could be observed as students develop their solutions. A large part of this work is devoted to an analysis of the richness of the square triangular number problem.


The forest cover of the country has declined significantly and the remaining natural forests provide valuable environmental services. Since logging reduces the supply of environmental services, alternative sources of timber play an important role in sustainable management of forestlands. Forest plantations are alternatives to logging natural forests for timber and other wood products. The objective of this study is to examine the financial and economic feasibility of selected forest plantation species. According to the study, at a 10% discount rate, Mahogany, Teak, Jak and Eucalyptus result in positive financial NPVs. At higher discount rates, all considered species result in negative financial NPVs. Teak provides the highest financial NPV. In a social context, when environmental services are incorporated, Mahogany, Teak, Jak, Eucalyptus and Pine yield higher economic NPVs at 6% social discount rate. This shows that there is a divergence between financial and economic returns to forest plantations. Therefore, government interventions are necessary to get the private sector involved in plantation forestry.


BACKGROUND
Complete rectal prolapse is a debilitating condition, which affects both the very young and the elderly and can cause faecal incontinence. The range of surgical methods available to correct the underlying anal sphincter or pelvic floor defects in complete rectal prolapse poses the question about the choice of the best operation.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of surgery on the treatment of rectal prolapse in adults. The following specific issues have been addressed: I. Whether surgical intervention is better than no treatment; II. Whether an abdominal approach to surgery is better then a perineal approach; III. Whether one method for performing rectopexy is better than another; IV. Whether laparoscopic access is better than open access for surgery; V. Whether resection should be included in the procedure.

SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group trials register, the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 2, 1999), Medline (up to March 1999), Embase (1998 up to January 1999), Sigle (1980 up to December 1996), Biosis (1998 up to March 1999), SCI (1998 up to March 1999), ISTP (1982 up to March 1999) and the reference lists of relevant articles. We hand searched the British Journal of Surgery 1995-8, and the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 1995-8. We also searched the proceedings of the Association of Coloproctology, meeting 1999. Date of the most recent searches: March 1999.

SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of surgery in the management of rectal prolapse.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently selected studies from the literature, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials. The three primary outcome measures were number of patients with recurrent rectal prolapse, or residual mucosal prolapse or faecal incontinence.

MAIN RESULTS
Eight trials were included with a total of 264 participants. No trial included a group receiving no treatment, or anal encirclement, or Delormes procedure, or laparoscopic suture rectopexy, or laparoscopic resection rectopexy. One trial (20 participants) compared both perineal and abdominal resection rectopexy with pelvic floor repair; four trials (175 participants) compared different types of open rectopexy techniques; one trial (21 participants) compared laparoscopic with open mesh rectopexy; and two trials included comparisons between open resection rectopexy and rectopexy alone. In all comparisons data were few. There were no detectable differences in recurrent prolapse between abdominal and perineal approaches, although there was a suggestion that residual faecal incontinence was less common after abdominal surgery. There were no detectable differences between the methods used for fixation during rectopexy. Division, rather than preservation, of the lateral ligaments was associated with less recurrent prolapse but more post-operative constipation, although these findings were found in small numbers. There were too few data with which to compare laparoscopic with open surgery. Bowel resection during rectopexy was associated with lower rates of constipation, but again numbers were small.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
The small number of relevant trials identified, and their small sample sizes together with other methodological weaknesses severely limit the usefulness of this review for guiding practice. It was impossible to identify or refute clinically important differences between the alternative surgical operations. Larger rigorous trials are needed to improve the evidence with which to define optimum surgical treatment.


The present special issue brings together papers that focus on relevant theoretical perspectives and empirical research concerning individual and collective processes of radicalization, and social dynamics and conflicts associated with them. It also examines strategies to prevent the initiation of such processes and thereby connects analyses and transfer. Eight articles advance the current state of the art with regard to three aspects of radicalization within the context of Islamist terrorism, namely: 1) radicalization as a relational process; 2) social challenges and the role of foreign policy; and 3) prevention strategies. Together they represent important current empirical studies and point to directions where research is urgently needed.


Although milk production is widespread, several barriers remain that limit its competitiveness, including those related to low performance parameters in milk production systems (MPS), which can be minimized through the adoption of effective nutritional strategies. The increased use of corn can provide benefits to both rural production and the entire milk production chain. Moreover, it represents the major economic strategy of adding value to grain produced in Brazil, via the transformation of milk. The objective of this study was to characterize MPS in the north and northwest regions of Parana, Brazil, and identify the relationship between productive and structural variables across the supply of concentrate containing corn and grain corn for dairy cows. Data were collected from 185 MPS and analyzed via multivariate statistical techniques, including the analysis of hierarchical clusters, as well as hypothesis testing and means comparison using ANOVA. A cluster analysis was performed based on two qualitative and dichotomous variables: (i) concentrate containing corn fed to dairy cows and (ii) grain corn fed to dairy cows. Four groups were defined: Group 1 (N = 99 MPS) was characterized by systems where cows were fed corn only in the form of a concentrate, referred to as "Concentrate"; Group 2 (N = 41 MPS) where cows were fed corn incorporated in both concentrate and grain form, referred to as "Concentrate + Grain"; Group 3 (N = 14 MPS), where corn was supplied to cows solely in the form of grain, referred to as "Corn Grain"; and finally, Group 4 (N = 41 MPS), which included systems where no corn was supplied to cows, referred to as "Zero Corn." When weighed against the productive and structural variables, Groups 1 and 2 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), nor did Groups 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). However, Groups 1 and 2 were significantly different from Groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the strategy of supplying corn either exclusively as concentrate or in combination with grain corn resulted in better responses to the structural and productive variables analyzed in the MPS. Our results indicate that this is an important strategy for aggregation of grain value via transformation of milk. In addition, no difference was noted between exclusive use of grain corn and non-use of corn.