Abstract Designing new shielding materials and calculating their shielding parameters are important task to keep living in safe from hazardous effects of radiation. In this study, the lithium borate glasses with chemical formula (Li2B4O7)(100−x)Yx (x = 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt % and Y = magnetite, siderite and zinc-borate) were fabricated via melt quenching technique. X-ray diffraction method was employed to confirm amorphous structure of fabricated glass samples. The glass sample's shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, and half value layer were measured experimentally by the narrow beam transmission method for 81, 276, 302, 356, and 383 keV of incident photon energies. Also, WinXCom software was used to calculate theoretical shielding parameters from 1 keV to 105 MeV photon energy. Moreover, Geometric Progression (G–P) method was used to calculate exposure buildup factor (EBF) values for incident photon energy 0.015 MeV–15 MeV up to penetration depths of 40 mfp (mean free path). Among the obtained results, while Li2B4O7 glass with magnetite 40 % has the highest mass attenuation and effective atomic number, it has the lowest half value layer and exposure buildup factor. The results show that the fabricated glass systems could be considered as a good candidate for radiation safety.


This paper provides an analytical insight into the observed nonlinear behaviour of a simple widely used power electronic circuit (the buck converter) and draws parallels with a wider class of piecewise-smooth systems. After introducing the buck converter model and background, the most fascinating features of its dynamical behaviour are reviewed. So-called grazing and sliding solutions are discussed and their role in determining many of the buck converter's dynamical oddities is demonstrated. In particular, a local map is studied which explains how grazing bifurcations cause sharp turning points in the bifurcation diagram of periodic orbits. Moreover, these orbits are shown to accumulate onto a sliding trajectory through a `spiralling' impact adding scenario. The structure of such a diagram is derived analytically and is shown to be closely related to the analysis of homoclinic bifurcations. The results are shown to match perfectly with numerical simulations. The sudden jump to large-scale chaos and the fingered structure of the resulting attractor are also explained.


The risk of over-reliance on external credit ratings by investors and market participants was highlighted in the context of the recent post-crisis credit rating agencies' reforms. This problem stems from the inclusion of credit ratings into legislation. Accordingly, regulators agreed upon an approach based on a review of the credit rating references found in legislation and regulatory frameworks. At the EU level, this approach has been set out in the European regulation of CRAs. This paper aims to investigate the hardwiring of credit ratings into the EU's financial legislation in order to assess the extent to which this poses a significant risk of over-reliance. The present analysis relies on the outcomes of the recent joint report that the European supervisory authorities has issued with regard to the risk of over-reliance on credit ratings in their own recommendations, guidelines and draft technical standards. These can form the platform for a wider discussion on the degree of importance that European regulators gave to credit ratings in legislation and regulatory frameworks.


Elevated temperature tensile tests of different microstructures arising from different heat treatments of the Fe-based metallic glass Vitroperm (Fe 73.5 Cu 1 Nb 3 Si 15.5 B 7 ) are presented. An anneal at 600°C for 1h yields a single phase μ-Fe microstructure with equiaxed, randomly oriented 15 nm grains, which is an ideal candidate for study of material properties at diminishing length scale. This microstructure has good stability during tensile testing at 600°C, showing a strain rate exponent correlating to grain boundary sliding (m=0.5), but little ductility, and strengths to 1250 MPa. The brittle behavior could be attributed to the lack of dislocation activity at such length scales. At temperatures up to 725°C, grain growth occurs, leading to elongations as large as 65% at flow stresses of 250 MPa. Precipitation of a second Nb-rich phase accompanies the grain growth. This investigation is supported by NSF, Division of Materials Research, grant NSF-DMR-0240144.


Background: Dioctophyma renale or giant worm is a parasite that has hematophagous habits and it is found worldwide. It is most commonly observed in stray and wild domestic carnivores. It affects several wild and herbivore animals. Even though it is a zoonosis, it rarely affects humans. Its diagnosis is occasionally made during surgeries and necropsies, by the presence of eggs or the parasite itself in the urine. Its epidemiology, with a complex life cycle, starts with the eggs containing the first stage larvae, which are then ingested by its intermediate host, an aquatic oligochaete (annelid) (Lumbriculus variegatus) and the definitive host is infected by ingestion of this latter or its paratenic host, namely fish and frog. The purpose of this study was to report two Dioctophyma renale cases with different life cycles, one in the left inguinal region of a dog and the other one in an ulcerated tumor in the right I2 teat of a bitch. Case: The first case consisted of a 5-month old mongrel dog weighting 8 kg, whose owners main complaint was a large growth observed in the left inguinal region of the animal. No other alterations were identified at the general physical examination. An exploratory surgical procedure was immediately chosen, at which time the parasite was detected. The antibiotic prophylaxis used enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg and the pre-emptive analgesic was flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg, both applied intramuscularly. Ketamine5 mg/kg associated with xylazine 2 mg/kg, administrated intravenously was used in the anesthesia, and its maintenance was made with ketamine. An incision was made to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles and peritoneum in order to access the inguinal region, at which time the parasite was found. The second case was an 8-year-old mongrel bitch, not spayed and weighting 15 kg, which was taken to the Hospital of Universidade Estadual do Maranhao (UEMA), Brazil. At clinical examination, an increase in volume and the presence of an ulcer were observed in the right I2 abdominal teat. Based on this, regional mastectomy was indicated for T3, I1 and I2. The hemogram did not reveal any important alterations. The antibiotic prophylaxis used benzathine penicillin 40 mg/kg and the pre-emptive analgesic was flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg, applied intramuscularly. Ketamine5 mg/kg associated with diazepam 0.5 mg/kg, administrated intravenously, was used for the induction of anesthesia. The anesthesia was maintained with halothane in a semi-closed circuit. An elliptical incision was made to the medium caudal line, with dilatation and ligation of the mammary artery, followed by removal of the teats. After surgery, the parasite was found upon incision of the part removed. During the entire transoperative procedure, the animals received 10 mL/ kg Ringer Lactate/hour. Discussion: The identification of the parasite was based on its morphological characteristics, particularly regarding size and color. The surgical findings were accidental. The parasite is identified during necropsy or when its eggs are found in urine, or when the parasite itself is eliminated. Excretory urography and ultrasound do not reveal the parasite, but they may indicate a renal dysfunction. Several parasites can be found in the same host. Only one female and one male were observed in each of the cases. The most efficient treatment is the surgical removal of the parasite and, in some cases, nephrotomy and nephrectomy are also indicated. The patients fully recovered from the condition. Organs must always be observed in procedures involving or not cavities.(AU)


This study presents an approach to leak detection of pipeline review in terms of theoretical analysis such as acoustics and hydromechanics that should be accompanied by explanation of leakage. The acoustic emission signals during leak from circular hole of different geometries were studied both analytically and experimentally. The relationships between acoustic parameters and fluid mechanical parameters also were derived analytically. A quadrupole aerodynamic model was applied for the analysis of leak from the circular hole. Computer simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. In addition, it was confirmed that the wavelet transform (WT) was an effective tool to determine source location. That is, arrival times of each frequency component needed in the velocity calculation could be determined from the peak of the magnitude of wavelet transform data on the time-frequency plane.


MHC-I-restricted cytotoxic responses are considered a critical component of protective immunity against viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). CTLs directed against accessory and early regulatory HIV-1 proteins might be particularly effective; however, CTL epitopes in these proteins are rarely found. Novel artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to quantitatively predict HLA-A2-binding CTL epitope peptides from publicly available full-length HIV-1 protein sequences. Epitopes were selected based on their novelty, predicted HLA-A2-binding affinity and conservation among HIV-1 strains. HLA-A2 binding was validated experimentally and binders were tested for their ability to induce CTL and IFN-gamma responses. About 69 % were immunogenic in HLA-A2 transgenic mice and 61 % were recognized by CD8(+) T-cells from 17 HLA-A2 HIV-1-positive patients. Thus, 31 novel conserved CTL epitopes were identified in eight HIV-1 proteins, including the first HLA-A2 minimal epitopes ever reported in the accessory and regulatory proteins Vif, Vpu and Rev. Interestingly, intermediate-binding peptides of low or no immunogenicity (i.e. subdominant epitopes) were found to be antigenic and more conserved. Such epitope peptides were anchor-optimized to improve immunogenicity and further increase the number of potential vaccine epitopes. About 67 % of anchor-optimized vaccine epitopes induced immune responses against the corresponding non-immunogenic naturally occurring epitopes. This study demonstrates the potency of ANNs for identifying putative virus CTL epitopes, and the new HIV-1 CTL epitopes identified should have significant implications for HIV-1 vaccine development. As a novel vaccine approach, it is proposed to increase the coverage of HIV variants by including multiple anchor-optimized variants of the more conserved subdominant epitopes.


The Zinnia elegans cell suspension culture is excellent for xylogenesis studies at the cellular and molecular level, due to the high and synchronous in vitro differentiation of tracheary elements (TEs). The percentage TE differentiation (%TE) in the culture is, however, influenced by a number of factors before and during cell differentiation. One of the factors that is potentially important but has not gotten much attention is the initial osmolarity of the plant material. To examine whether the growth conditions that determine leaf osmolarity (LO) affect the final %TE, we used three light intensities (50, 70 and 100 μmol.m -2 s -1 ) and three electrical conductivity (EC) levels (EC 2, 4 and 6 dS.m -1 ) in hydroponic systems to induce different osmolarities in leaf materials from two cultivars (cvs) of Z. elegans , Envy and Purple Prince. The isolated leaf mesophyll cells were subsequently cultured in a liquid medium (300 mOsm extracellular osmolarity) containing α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (1 mg.l -1 ) and benzylaminopurine (BA) (1 mg.l -1 ). The LO increased in both Zinnia cvs with increasing light intensity and increasing EC during growth. Mesophyll cell size correlated negatively with EC, but the correlation was positive with light intensity in both Zinnia cvs . There was an overall positive correlation between %TE and LO although the degree of %TE change versus LO differed between light and EC treatments and also between the two Zinnia cvs . Envy cv is the best known Z. elegans cv for establishing xylogenic cultures. However, it turned out that by subjecting the plants to different growth conditions, the Purple Prince cv produces a higher %TE as compared to the Envy cv. At EC4 the TE differentiation for the Purple Prince cv was 75%, a level that is 25 to 60% higher than those earlier reported. We conclude that light intensity and EC of the root environment affect the LO of Z. elegans which in turn influences the development and therefore dimensions of TEs in an in vitro xylogenic culture. Thus, proper optimization of the growth conditions for the Zinnia plants prior to establishment of xylogenic cultures leads to enhancement of in vitro TE formation. Keywords: Electrical conductivity, in vitro culture, leaf osmolarity, light intensity, osmotic potential, tracheary element, xylogenesis, Zinnia elegans .


Bangladesh's IPRSP was finalised in June 2003 and the full PRSP was finalised in January 2006. The broad objective of the Bangladesh study is to assess progresses made in implementation of policies (in PRSP) aimed at reducing chronic poverty. All policies and programs (often not explicitly backed by a written policy), which are deemed either directly or indirectly to have reduced chronic poverty are within the scope of the current study. In the process the study identifies areas where improvements may be made in policy and policy processes relevant for reducing chronic poverty in the country. In realising the broad objective, the study team undertook a mapping exercise, identified policy space meant for the chronic poor, assessed in selected areas if these were implemented, and assessed possible determinants of implementation. The study involved desk reviews and analyses of secondary data. The team also undertook field studies through interviews and FGDs for selected programs/projects in selected areas. The study was undertaken during October 2006 till February 2007, with additional inputs obtained till May 2007. These were difficult times for Bangladesh – the elected government made way for a caretaker government to oversee the parliamentary election in late October 2006, after several changes there is now a caretaker government undertaking major administrative and political reforms with supports from the military. While one would hesitate to predict on any outcome, there is a broad consensus that politics, policymaking and policy implementation will no more be the same in Bangladesh. In such a context, the findings of the study will hopefully be useful inputs to shaping a new future.


Megaloblastic anemia in childhood is uncommon and usually due to nutritional deficiency rather than to congenital metabolic disease.1Individuals who subsist on diets that exclude eggs, meat, and dairy products are known as vegans and are particularly susceptible because of a virtually complete lack of dietary vitamin B12. A case of profound vitamin B12deficiency in the exclusively breast-fed infant of a vegan, manifesting the triad of megaloblastic anemia with pancytopenia, aminoaciduria, and neurologic changes, is reviewed to alert physicians to this easily preventable nutritional problem and to the need for early parental counseling and dietary supplementation. Report of a Case.—A previously well 6-month-old boy was admitted to Children's Hospital Medical Center, Oakland, Calif, because of severe anemia. The patient was the product of an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy and delivery. The family had been strict vegans for a period of seven years, and the infant had


Sinusoidal modulation of illumination on the compound eye of the horseshoe crab, Limulus, produces a corresponding variation in the rate of discharge of optic nerve impulses. Increasing the area of illumination decreases the variation at low frequencies of modulation, but unexpectedly enhances—or "amplifies"—the variation at the intermediate frequencies to which the eye is most sensitive. Both effects must result from inhibition since it is the only significant lateral influence in this eye.


This study explores the experience of self-doubt of four self-employed coaches. The study sought to explore the metaphorical meaning-making of the participants, and semi-structured interviews were augmented by imagery created by the participants to visually depict their experience of self-doubt. The data were gathered and analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. The findings suggest that the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the roles of both coach and business owner are dynamic and complex and take time to master. As well, the experience of self-doubt has symbolic, psychological and economic impacts, and has the potential to prevent the self-employed coach from being able to do their work in the world. The findings point to the need for safe places for the self-employed coach to explore the increased complexity of their world. The implications of the use of participant-created imagery in qualitative research are also considered.


"Consumption Intensified" examines how self-identified middle class Brazilians in Sao Paulo redefined their class during Brazil's economic crisis of 1981-1994. With inflation soaring to an astounding 2700 percent, their consumption practices intensified, not only in relation to the national crisis but also to the expanding global consumer culture. Drawing on her observations of everyday practices and on representations of the middle class in popular culture, anthropologist Maureen O'Dougherty explores both the logic and incoherence of middle- to upper-middle-class Brazilian life. With the supports of middle-class living threatened - job security, quality education, home ownership, savings, ease of consumption - the means and meaning of "middle class" were thrown into question. The sector thus redefined itself through both class- and race-based claims of moral and cultural superiority and through privileged consumption, a definition the media underscored by continually addressing middle-class Brazilians as consumers - or rather, as consumers denied. In these times, adults became more flexible in employment, and put stakes in their children's expensive private education. They engaged in elaborate comparison shopping, stockpiling of goods, and financial strategizing. Ongoing desire for distinction and "first-world" modernity prompted these Brazilians to buy foreign goods through contraband, thereby defying state protectionist policy. Discontented with the constraints of the national economy, they welcomed neo-liberalism. By uncovering connections between culture and politics, O'Dougherty complicates understandings of the middle class as a social group and category. Illuminating the intricate relation between identity and local and global consumption, her work will be welcomed by students and scholars in anthropology and Latin American studies, and those interested in consumption, popular culture, politics, and globalization.


Impact and sustainability are the leitmotiv of current Research Policies in Europe. Science is required to show its positive socio-economic influence on Society, and Humanities Research is not exempted from this requirement. Within this context, Digital Humanities might enhance the external impact of Humanities Research, more specifically the commitment to public engagement, by means of strategic opportunities offered by digital techniques. To pursue this objective, intermediation seems necessary in order 'to switch Humanities on' within Society. Actually, virtual objects might be as speechless as real ones, i.e. books in a library without users. The value of a Digital approach lies in its usability, in the additional tools and helps it supplies, and in stimulating users in becoming active agents of their reading. As in a good storytelling the attention to what can provoke reactions is as important as the action narrated itself, digital objects need hints to stimulate and activate users' curiosity, questions and original solutions. The paper concentrates on three elements: the requirement for external impact of research activities; the need for intermediary agents and a concrete experimentation of intermediation. Digital Humanities are analysed in the context of the Humanities and beyond the academic realm, in their targeting diverse recipients, external to the scientific community. The test conducted so far is addressed to the specific stakeholder community of teachers, called to act as intermediaries between Humanities Research outcomes and the Scholastic Community.


The research analyses the way in which online education can be addressed to very specific target groups:
a) training business consultants working with firms in counseling these companies how to deal with applying the equal opportunity principle in the selection or the maintaining of persons with special needs in the company;
b) training human resources departments in companies how to maintain people with special needs and how to evaluate what change management processes are needed in order to be successful for this goal;
c) teaching company management how the company can focus on the process of equal opportunities in personnel selection without diminishing the quality of the services and products offered, without having a diminished profit margin or/and an increased complaints statistics and strategically planning an investment that reflects a modern vision related to corporate social responsibility.
The project in which the implementation of this research has been taking place is a two-year Leonardo Da Vinci project, UEmploy (510784-LLP-1-2010-1-RO-LEONARDO-LMP) with 7 partners from BG, HU, FI, IE and RO.
What this project underlines is that although in Europe employment inclusion is an important objective there is no common standardized scheme. The online component of the training is meant to contribute to the standardization of the approaches and contents.
The focus of the project is modern rehabilitation, a range of services and processes designed to enable all disabled people to live their lives as fully as possible. For organizations, SMEs and professionals the project provides an opportunity to introduce/train innovative employment inclusion and rehabilitation approaches in dealing with people with disabilities throughout the work processes. The project develops methods and professional support in English and partners\' languages to help SMEs employ people with disabilities. The scheme manager's and the consultant's handbooks and materials for company management and HR departments have already been developed and tested in each partner country. Materials have been validated by social partners and a blended learning system is in place for all the categories of beneficiaries described.

UEmploy looks into modern rehabilitation, a range of services and processes focused on enabling all disabled people to live their lives as fully as possible. At the same time, the project addresses representatives of the employers: organizations, SMEs and professionals. For this category of beneficiaries UEmploy provides training opportunities in the direction of innovative employment inclusion and rehabilitation approaches for people with disabilities.

Thus UEmploy addresses the matter of employment inclusion both from the perspective of the employee and that of the employers facilitating access and working to improve approach.

Many European countries still have a very low rate of disabled employment despite the progress made by the EU over the past decade towards this policy. People with disabilities are still at a major scale excluded from work activities which could provide financial support and also ensure an active profesional life and development.

However, more and more companies realise that inclusive employment is an effective strategy to meet their social responsibility. With no real experience in the field employers are not properly equiped to develop on employment inclusion. Therefore, proactive cooperation with employers is necesary to counteract stereotypes and encourage them to understand skills and capacities of people with disabilities.


This paper aims to investigate the effects of the early adoption of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) on Financial Market Indicators (FMIs) from a diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory perspective.,Using panel data from 110 countries in a period that spans from 1995 to 2014, this study applies an ordinary least squares regression model to investigate the financial consequences of adopting ISAs. This analysis was supplemented with estimating a fixed-effects and two-stage least squares regression models to address any concerns regarding the possible existence of endogeneity problems.,This study reports three key findings. First, the authors find that early ISAs adoption has a negative effect on several financial market consequences, namely stock market integration, market capitalisation, market turnover, market return, market development, stock price volatility and stock trading volume. Second, using an alternative measure to the one that is proposed by DOI theory, the authors found that some financial indicators have been significantly improved after ISAs adoption, but only for listed firms that prepared their financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards and audited by ISAs simultaneously. Finally, the financialindicators of European stock markets, however, have insignificantly shrank post the mandatory adoption of ISAs in 2006.,The empirical evidence raises questions about how ISAs were enforced and implemented. For example, countries that adopted ISAs at early stages may have been dominated mostly by recently established stock exchanges. This implies a crucial need to determine and apply the best type of auditing regime that can increase investors trust and enhance the credibility of stock markets information, which might ultimately advance the FMIs over time significantly.,To-date, studies investigating the impact of the adoption of ISAs on FMI from a DOI theory perspective are virtually non-existent. The study, therefore, seeks to contribute to the extant literature by examining the influence of ISAs adoption on a wide range of FMIs.


Polymer nanocomposite technology has had significant impact on material design. With the environmental advantages of photopolymerization, a research has recently focused on producing nanocomposites utilizing inexpensive clay particles based on in situ photopolymerization. In this research, novel polymerizable organoclays and thiol-ene photopolymerization have been utilized to develop advanced photopolymer clay nanocomposites and to overcome several limitations in conventional free radical photopolymers. To this end, factors important in nanocomposite processes such as monomer composition, clay dispersion, and photopolymerization behavior in combination with the evolution of ultimate nanocomposite properties have been investigated. For monomer-organoclay compositions, higher chemical compatibility of components induces enhanced clay exfoliation, resulting in photopolymerization rate increases due to an amplified clay template effect. Additionally, by affecting the stoichiometric ratio between thiol and acrylate double bond in the clay gallery, thiolated organoclays enhance thiol-ene copolymerization with increased final thiol conversion while acrylated organoclays encourage acrylate homopolymerization. In accordance with the reaction behavior, incorporation of thiolated organoclays makes polymer chains more flexible with decreased glass transition temperature due to higher formation of thio-ether linkages while adding acrylated organoclays significantly increases the modulus. Photopolymer nanocomposites also help overcome two major drawbacks in conventional free radical photopolymerization, namely severe polymerization shrinkage and oxygen inhibition during polymerization. With addition of a low level of thiol monomers, the oxygen inhibition in various acrylate systems can be overcome by addition of only 5wt% thiolated organoclay. The same amount of polymerizable organoclay also induces up to 90% decreases in the shrinkage stress for acrylate or thiol-acrylate systems. However,


As the trade and information flows in the financial markets have grown, they have become increasingly volatile and sensitive to extreme events. Markets are now characterized by more frequent extreme events. Generally, such extreme events in the market are not normally distributed and need to be modeled separately. Extreme value theory (EVT) is highly successful and is dedicated to modeling these catastrophic events. The question now is which extreme values can be better estimated monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Hence, in this study, returns are divided into blocks of various sizes, and minimum return in these blocks is modeled using GEV distribution. Gumbel, Frechet, and Weibull type GEV distribution parameters for blocks of minimum monthly, quarterly, and yearly returns are estimated for NASDAQ returns of the last 30 years. The study also seeks to determine the accuracy of return level estimates obtained using GEV distribution. Return levels can be useful in characterizing bearish and bullish trends and predicting the same.


There has been a considerable amount of research generally into the benefits associated with low carbon development, showing that it can be synergistic with development priorities – such as job creation, improved public health, social inclusion and improved accessibility (see for example, Gouldson et al., 2018). However, this rapid review finds limited evidence and information around these benefits specifically for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. There has been much interest in green growth in Jordan in the last ten years, particularly as Jordan is seen as having a large renewable energy potential for solar and wind. International organisations have been working with Jordan to develop comprehensive national plans and strategies to encourage green growth investment. Within the Jordanian government, the green growth concept has mainly been promoted by the Ministry of Environment. The World Bank in particular has produced a number of reports that have fed into this review, that explore or touch on green growth in Jordan – however, they themselves recognise that there is a lack of research on the economic and job-generating impacts of a green growth pathway in Jordan, and emphasise the need for further analysis (see specifically Hakim et al., 2017). Many of the green growth statistics referenced are from single reports undertaken a number of years ago – for example, that environmental degradation costs Jordan 2% of its GDP per year comes from a World Bank report written in 2010 and based on data from 2006 (World Bank, 2010). No more recent reviews were found during this rapid review. This review draws on a mixture of academic and grey literature from government and international organisations.


The objective of this research was to assess the Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation on
Business Performance. This was assessed by determining the relationship between the
EO and Business Performance in Kinondoni Municipal. The methodology employed
Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis as well as Multiple Linear Regression. The
study used a sample of 150 entrepreneurs who are registered and doing business in
Kinondoni Municipal. Questionnaires were used to collect data, Factor Analysis,
Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to analyze data so as to make
it easier to interpret in which the EO was the independent variable where as Business
Performance was the Dependent Variable. The study revealed that the study Predictors
(proactiveness, Innovation, Risk Taking, Competitive Aggressiveness and Autonomy)
as the dimensions of EO as well as Sales growth, profit and market share as the
dimensions of Business Performance. The study found a positive relationship between
the dimensions of EO and Business Performance. Moreover the study confirms the
dimensions of EO as important in the success of the Business and therefore suggests
that all SME's in Kinondoni District should adopt EO strategies for the success of
their businesses by putting policies and procedures that enable employees to be
innovative, proactively and encourage autonomy, which will help to attain competitive
aggressiveness.


Barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) of the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd (TCH) inhabit the western portion of Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain within the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska (NPR-A). Alaska's North Slope communities, management agencies, and private industry are interested in this herd because of its importance as a subsistence resource and location relative to potential petroleum development. From 1998 through 2000, we monitored caribou distribution during the calving period within the Northeast Planning Area of the NPR-A using systematic strip-transect aerial surveys, as well as VHF and satellite telemetry for cow caribou. Aerial survey and telemetry data indicated cows with calves were distributed around Teshekpuk Lake, with a concentration south of the lake in 1999 and 2000. Inconsistencies in weather conditions, survey timing (both strip-transect and VHF surveys), 100% coverage survey areas, and small sample sizes confound interpretations of our results. However, several patterns were apparent. Later transect survey timing (7—12 June versus 4—7 and 5—8 June) resulted in more cow/calf pairs recorded. Our 18% coverage area, originally based on VHF telemetry data for the extent of TCH calving, covered a consistently high proportion (95% to 100%) of the annual calving ranges (95% kernel utilization distributions), but accounted for only 24% to 46% of the adult cows in the TCH based on the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game population estimate (1999) and average 1998¬2000 herd composition. It appears that either our transect survey methodology significantly underestimated the true number of caribou cows in the study area, many cows calved outside the area or moved into the area and calved after our surveys, or we have over estimated the number of reproductive cows in the herd. Our 100% coverage transect areas covering oil and gas lease areas, contained 38% of the calving range with 23% of TCH cows in 1999; and 18% of the calv¬ing range with 8% of TCH cows in 2000. Based on 95% minimum convex polygon ranges, satellite collared cow/calf pairs were not stationary during either our survey period (14.7 ± 6.56 km2; mean ± standard error of the mean; 4—12 June) or during the calving period (86.9 ± 72.30 km2; 1—20 June) during 1998—2000. Site specific pre-development data on caribou distribution during calving in NPR-A will be useful for assessing the importance of specific areas to caribou during calving and for designing oilfields that minimize impacts should oil development occur.


Pseudocyst of spleen is a rare clinical condition, and it usually develops secondarily to trauma. A 37-year-old female patient admitting with the complaint of pollakiuria is reported in this article. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a cystic lesion with the size of 14x10x10 cm in the spleen. Considering also the findings of computed tomography, the cystic mass was interpreted as a hydatid disease, and the patient underwent partial splenectomy. Histopathological examination showed a cystic lesion with a thick fibrous capsule and without a lining epithelium. There were no findings supporting the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. In the present case report histopathological differential diagnoses of cystic lesions of the spleen, including epithelial cyst and cyst hydatid are reviewed with literature review.


There are growing populations of Korean parents who wish their children to have study abroad experience in the ESL (English as a second language) context due to their beliefs that early exposure to an English-speaking environment is beneficial for children's English proficiency. However, many children return to South Korea before reaching college age for various reasons, and Korean returnees are concerned on how to maintain (or improve) their children's English proficiency in the EFL (English as a foreign language) context. Although there are some studies related to Korean English language learners' study abroad experiences and second language acquisition, few studies have been conducted to investigate how study abroad experience influences Korean returnees' English language learning experience. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate English language learners who recently returned to South Korea after learning English in the U.S. for more than two years. The research questions were as follows: 1) How do Korean returnees perceive the change of learning status from ESL learners to EFL learners, and 2) What characteristics influence the extent to which Korean returnees maintain or lose their English proficiency after having returned to South Korea? The theoretical framework of this dissertation is based on the related literature of second language acquisition (SLA) theories and study abroad (SA) studies. Among second language acquisition studies, second language attrition theories are investigated and specific Korean education backgrounds are introduced. By using a case study method, I provide an extensive and in-depth description of Korean returnees' English language learning experiences. Data were collected through the researcher's field notes and semi-structured interviews with five participants and their mother. By analyzing Korean returnees' perceptions on ESL and EFL learning contexts, this study extends the literature in the field of second language acquisition and contributes knowledge about factors that motivate English language learners to maintain and improve their English proficiency. This study has implications for English language learners within the U.S. and from other countries who struggle to achieve or at least maintain their second language proficiency. INDEX WORDS: Second language maintenance, Second language attrition, Returnees, ESL and EFL learners. Study abroad, language acquisition FROM ESL LEARNERS TO EFL LEARNERS: A CASE STUDY OF ADOLESCENT KOREAN RETURNEES By Ji Hye Shin


All you wanted to know about digital photography - How you can get professional results with your equipment. You enjoy photography as a hobby and own (or are out to get) a great digital camera. This book, with advise from over a hundred experts, emphasizes the importance of getting the best possible shot when taking the picture, to make your hobby more enjoyable. You don't have to work as hard if you make the correct exposure to begin with. Each chapter helps you to really understand what you need; a clear bottom line on how to approach the person or subject you want to photograph. You'll see some improvement in your pictures the moment you pick up your camera after going through this book. It has equipment recommendations and shooting tips for the person that has just bought a digital camera to the person that uses it to make a living. There are even tips on how to process the digital photographs and how to best print them. Photography can be more fun if you get results you like by using some of the basic principles used by professional photographers. This is one of the least expensive camera related purchases that you will make to bring your excitement of photography to a new level. We're quite certain you won't be disappointed, and you can expect your copy to become dog eared from use. Covering - Simple Digital Photography Tips You Can Put to Work Immediately For Professional Quality Results - How to Take Beautiful Bird Photos - 5 Digital Photography Tips to Take Better Pictures of Birds - Digital Photography - Little Marketing Steps That Will Boost Your Photography Sales Part 4 - The Magical World of Insect Digital Photography - A Digital Camera Adventure in Miniature - Digital Photography Boom - Why Taking Pictures Using a Digital Camera is So Appealing? - Learn Digital Photography - How to Use Your Shutter Speed Effectively in 6 Easy Steps - Digital Photography Tips - Using Exposure Compensation To Improve Your Digital Photos - Digital Photography - Using Advanced Photograph Settings on a DSLR Digital Camera And much, much more


The moments method is applied to the problem of calculating nuclear distributions in an infinite medium. Several comparisons are given of these results with similar data calculated by the discrete ordinates method. New calculations are presented on the distribution of doses from neutrons, originating in a plane-slant fission source and incident, at various angles, on concrete utilized in radiation measurements at the Tower Shielding Facility of the Oak Ridge Nationai Laboratory (TSF concrete). For a given set of neutron cross sections, these results give reliable estimates of the dose distribution at deep penetrations, i.e., attenuation of six orders of magnitude or more. Functional representations of the distributions are included in order to facilitate the use of the data in shield design calculations. (auth)


Objective: The objective of this research is to provide the first empirical data to support the phenomenon of coprogression, which can be defined as the extent to which progressing toward healthy criteria on one behavior is associated with progressing toward healthy criteria on a second behavior at the same follow-up time point for individuals who met risk criteria for both behavior risks at baseline. Methods: Participants (N=9,461) were predominantly middle-aged (M= 43.9 years, SD=10.74), White (93.8%), and female (65.4%) adults from the United States who were proactively recruited by telephone. Each participant met criteria for both behavior risks at baseline and were assessed at 24-month follow-up for the following three behavior pairs: 1) smoking and diet, 2) smoking and unprotected sun exposure, and 3) unprotected sun exposure and diet. All participants were randomized to either the TTM-tailored treatment condition (N=4,800) or the assessment-only control (N=4,661). Results: Twenty-six out of 27 odds ratios (ORs) revealed that participants were more likely to progress toward healthy criteria on both behaviors in each behavior pair than progressing to criteria on only the second behavior in each behavior pair. Conclusion: The significant results and occurrence of 26/27 ORs being greater than 1.0 provide empirical support for including coprogression as a phenomenon in the emerging science of multiple health behavior change (MHBC).


Abstract In past, the materials used for denture bases were vulcanite, celluloid & phenol formaldehyde. Acrylic resins were introduced to dentistry in 1930's. There are certain limitations of acrylics like residual monomer allergy, poor mechanical strength, low fatigue strength, brittle on impact, poor conductors of heat, low hardness, high coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal shrinkage, poor color stability of self-cured resins, porosity, crazing, warpage, poor adhesion to metal and porcelain and requirement of mechanical retention. But still they are the most widely used denture base materials till date. But recently there has been much advancement in the field of denture base resins to overcome their drawbacks and to obtain an ideal denture base material. This article reviews the various advancements in the field of denture base resins.


The aim of this paper is to discuss how the masculinity position cool boy is articulated in interviews, and performed in lessons and playground activities among boys in three Swedish primary school classes and are discussed by three teenage boys. Taking point of departure in Feminist poststructuralism, Queer theory and Critical Studies on Men and Masculinities the focus is directed at ambivalences and contradictions in the discourses constituting the subjects position boy. The position cool boy can be understood as fluid, classed, ethnicified and sexualised position that is both articulated as a stereotypical masculinity position performed as opposition to school and teachers discipline and as a subversive, masculinity position contesting and questioning this stereotypical masculinity. The paper is a report from a project in progress, Becoming a Real Boy, studying how masculinity and masculinity hierarchies are constructed and embodied in preschool, in primary school and in leisure activities


Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used currently in the management of drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE), and is in development for treating chronic heart failure (HF). HF is accompanied by autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, consisting of sustained sympathetic hyper-activation and withdrawal of parasympathetic tone, and associated with progressive worsening of cardiovascular (CV) function and increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to compare how VNS is utilized for DRE and may potentially be employed for HF. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed for all published articles using the search terms "vagus" OR "vagal" OR "VNS" AND "epilepsy", and a separate search used similar search terms AND "heart failure". Further filtering yielded the articles available as free full text, and clinical trial, prospective study, and retrospective study publications. The final selection of clinical trial/study publications in epilepsy or HF was based upon at least 3 months of follow-up and exclusion of pediatric studies. Additional information was obtained subsequently from references within these publications, and technical manuals available in the public domain. Results: For DRE, VNS is administered via the left cervical vagus nerve (CVN), and directed toward the central nervous system (CNS). No known biomarkers exist currently for real-time VNS adjustment. VNS is titrated empirically, using large and infrequent adjustments of VNS intensity and based upon achieving long term reduction in seizure frequency (RSF) and/or reaching the maximum tolerated VNS intensity. A significantly greater mean RSF has been observed after 3 months of VNS delivery using pulse frequency 30 Hz and duty cycle 9% (30 seconds on, 5 minutes off) when compared to using 1 Hz and duty cycle 14% (30 seconds on, 3 minutes off). A further reduction of mean RSF has been observed after 12 months by increasing the pulse frequency at 3 months from 1 to 30 Hz. For HF, VNS has been administered via the left or right CVN, targeting both the CNS and/or peripheral hierarchical autonomic reflex arcs that control cardiovascular function. Real-time changes in heart rate dynamics (HR and HR variability) have served as a biomarker of ANS engagement (ANSE) for titration. Titration to ANSE has been completed in 2.5 (median; range 1.6-3.6) months using 10 Hz and duty cycle 23% (18 seconds on, 1 minute off), using smaller and more frequent adjustments of VNS intensity, and has been associated with significant improvements after 6 months in HR, HR variability, CV function, and HF symptoms. Use of 1 Hz may have less clinical efficacy than occurs with a higher pulse frequency, however, intolerable side effects have occurred before ANSE using 20 Hz. Conclusions: Neuromodulation for the treatment of epilepsy and HF is not a one-size-fits-all therapy. The magnitude of long term reduction of seizure frequency in DRE, and improvements in function and symptoms in HF, may have a potential dose-dependent relationship to the intensity of VNS delivery. However, VNS for these disorders differs in neurologic targets, the technology platforms and paradigms used for titration, and the time and the frequency needed for up-titrating VNS. *Corresponding author: Inder S Anand, MD, FRCP, DPhil (Oxon), Division of Cardiology, VA Medical Center, University of Minnesota, Cardiology 111-C, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA, Tel: +1-(612)-467-3663, Fax: +1-(612)970-5899 OrIgInAL ArtICLe


Dr. Angelou was a teacher to millions who savored her lectures, prose, and poetry. As we continue to mourn her passing, may we apply her wisdom to our nation's ongoing freedom struggles. The non-indictment in the Michael Brown case, the non-indictment in the Eric Garner case, and the killing of twelve-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot while holding a toy gun, all raise questions about the ways Black bodies get policed and have led many to publicly affirm that "Black lives matter." The national protests and movements these incidents sparked have drawn large multiethnic and multigenerational crowds demonstrating a coalitional consciousness such as Dr. Angelou would champion. In this collective spirit we must continue to tackle structural racism in the criminal justice system, and confront longstanding disparities in health, housing, lending, and wealth.


This article presents the new method of self-interviewing as an empirical tool specifically for use in memory studies research. The article traces some of the empirical limitations specific to the field of memory studies and reviews the existing tools used in this area. It particularly focuses on some of the limitations of qualitative interviewing, the memory work method and diary methods in generating data on the processes of vernacular remembering at the same time as making visible the meaning that remembering has for participants in their everyday lives. We propose the self-interview as a method which addresses some of these limitations. In elaborating the value of the self-interview, we draw extensively on fieldwork that we have conducted using this method. Although the self-interview does not divest memory studies of the need for a range of other methods, the self-interview is an important addition to its currently rather sparse methodological tool kit.


Current I/O benchmarks suffer from several chronic problems: they quickly become obsolete; they do not stress the I/O system; and they do not help much in understanding I/O system performance. We propose a new approach to I/O performance analysis. First, we propose a self-scaling benchmark that dynamically adjusts aspects of its workload according to the performance characteristic of the system being measured. By doing so, the benchmark automatically scales across current and future systems. The evaluation aids in understanding system performance by reporting how performance varies according to each of five workload parameters. Second, we propose predicted performance, a technique for using the results from the self-scaling evaluation to estimate quickly the performance for workloads that have not been measured. We show that this technique yields reasonably accurate performance estimates and argue that this method gives a far more accurate comparative performance evaluation than traditional single-point benchmarks. We apply our new evaluation technique by measuring a SPARCstation 1+ with one SCSI disk, an HP 730 with one SCSI-II disk, a DECstation 5000/200 running the Sprite LFS operating system with a three-disk disk array, a Convex C240 minisupercomputer with a four-disk disk array, and a Solbourne 5E/905 fileserver with a two-disk disk array.


In polar region operations, drift ice positioning and tracking is useful for both scientific and safety reasons. At its core is a Multi-Target Tracking (MTT) problem in which currents and winds make motion modeling difficult. One recent algorithm in the MTT field, employed in this paper, is the Labeled Multi-Bernoulli (LMB) filter. In particular, a proposed reformulation of the LMB equations exposes a structure which is exploited to propose a compact algorithm for the generation of the filter's posterior distribution. Further, spatial indexing is applied to the clustering process of the filter, allowing efficient separation of the filter into smaller, independent parts with lesser total complexity than that of an unclustered filter. Many types of sensors can be employed to generate detections of sea ice, and in this paper a recorded dataset from a Terrestrial Radar Interferometer (TRI) is used to demonstrate the application of the Spatially Indexed Labeled Multi-Bernoulli filter to estimate the currents of an observed area in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.


IntroductionNotwithstanding Canada's exceptional longitudinal health data and research centres with extensive experience transforming data into knowledge, many Canadian studies based on linked administrative data have focused on a single province or territory. Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada), a new not-for-profit corporation, will bring together major national, provincial and territorial health data stewards from across Canada. HDRN Canada's first initiative is the $81 million SPOR Canadian Data Platform funded under the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR).
Objectives and ApproachHDRN Canada is a distributed network through which individual data-holding centres work together to (i) create a single portal and support system for researchers requesting multi-jurisdictional data, (ii) harmonize and validate case definitions and key analytic variables across jurisdictions, (iii) expand the sources and types of data linkages, (iv) develop technological infrastructure to improve data access and collection, (v) create supports for advanced analytics and (vi) establish strong partnerships with patients, the public and with Indigenous communities. We will share our experiences and gather international feedback on our network and its goals from symposium participants.
ResultsIn January 2020, HDRN Canada launched its Data Access Support Hub (DASH) which includes an inventory listing over 380 datasets, information about more than 120 algorithms and a repository of requirements and processes for accessing data. HDRN Canada is receiving requests for multi-province research studies that would be challenging to conduct without HDRN Canada.
Conclusion / ImplicationsThus far, HDRN Canada services and tools have been developed primarily for Canadian researchers but HDRN Canada can also serve as a prompt for an international discussion about what has/has not worked in terms of multi-jurisdictional research data infrastructure. It can also present an opportunity for the development of metadata, standards and common approaches that support more multi-country research.


Theoretical and experimental research indicates that radial loads have a significant influence on the value of belt-on-idler rolling resistances. Computational models discussed in literature use the notion of unit rolling resistance, i.e. rolling resistance per unit length of the idler. The total value of the rolling resistance of belt on a single idler is determined by integrating unit rolling resistance with respect to the length of the contact zone between the belt and the idler. This procedure requires the knowledge of normal load distribution along the contact zone between the belt and the idler. Loads acting on the idler set have been the object of both theoretical analyses and laboratory tests. Literature mentions several models which describe the distribution of normal loads along the contact zone between the belt and the idler set (Krause & Hettler, 1974; Lodewijks, 1996; Gładysiewicz, 2003; Jennings, 2014). Numerous experimental tests (Gładysiewicz & Kisielewski, 2017; Król, 2017; Król & Zombroń, 2012) demonstrated that the resultant normal loads acting on idlers are approximate to the loads calculated in theoretical models. If the resultant normal load is known, it is possible to assume the distribution of loads acting along the contact zone between the belt and the idler. This paper analyzes various hypothetical load distributions calculated for both the center idler roll and for the side idler roll. It also presents the results of calculations of belt rolling resistances for the analyzed distributions. In addition, it presents the results of calculations with allowance for load distribution along the generating line of the idler.


Immunochemical studies support the view that carcinoembryonic antigens from entodermally derived adenocarcinomata are incomplete blood group substances of the ABO system. The deficient antigens have a tumor-specific activity, due to unmasking of a structural sequence that is cryptic in the normal situation. Two other serological activities of the tumor antigens are determined by ./V-acetylgalactosaminyl peptide and antigenic Complex I sequences identical to those found in blood group substances. The structural results imply that the genetic changes in oncogenesis include deletion or repression of the gene(s) controlling the transferase(s) for the terminal sequences of classical ABO-active glycoproteins. The development of specific sérodiagnostic tests for tumors of entodermal origin will probably depend on the production of sera with high activity for the tumor-specific determinant and little or no activity for the normal blood group sequences also found in carcinoembryonic antigen.


HD 106906b is an , ∼15 Myr old directly imaged exoplanet orbiting at an extremely large distance from its host star. The wide separation (7.″11) between HD 106906b and its host star greatly reduces the difficulty in direct-imaging observations, making it one of the most favorable directly imaged exoplanets for detailed characterization. In this paper, we present HST/WFC3/IR time-resolved observations of HD 106906b in the F127M, F139M, and F153M bands. We have achieved ∼1% precision in the lightcurves in all three bands. The F127M lightcurve demonstrates marginally detectable (2.7σ significance) variability with a best-fitting period of 4 hr, while the lightcurves in the other two bands are consistent with flat lines. We construct primary-subtracted deep images and use these images to exclude additional companions to HD 106906 that are more massive than 4 and locate at projected distances of more than ∼500 au. We measure the astrometry of HD 106906b in two HST/WFC3 epochs and achieve precisions better than 2.5 mas. The position angle and separation measurements do not deviate from those in the 2004 HST/ACS/HRC images for more than 1σ uncertainty. We provide the HST/WFC3 astrometric results for 25 background stars that can be used as reference sources in future precision astrometry studies. Our observations also provide the first 1.4 μm water band photometric measurement for HD 106906b. HD 106906b's spectral energy distribution and the best-fitting BT-Settl model have an inconsistency in the 1.4 μm water absorption band, which highlights the challenges in modeling atmospheres of young planetary-mass objects.


Educational aims To understand how to identify those patients at substantial risk of anaphylaxis who are likely to be encountered in everyday practice. To explain how to undertake initial preventive strategies to reduce risk and facilitate specialist care aimed at further risk reduction and treatment. To detail the prescription of an adrenaline self-administration device and provide instructions on its proper use. Summary Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction. It is also potentially life-threatening. Acute treatment depends on the administration of adrenaline. It is possible to identify those at greatest risk of anaphylaxis and to reduce the danger, by helping them to modify their behaviour and by prescribing them an adrenaline self-administration device. Education and prevention are vital.


Thesis (M.S.)--American University of Beirut. Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, 1998;"Advisor : Dr. Raja Tannous. Professor, Food Technology and Nutrition--Member of Committee: Dr. Nahla Hwalla Baba, Professor, Food Technology and Nutrition--Me


Carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx rank sixth of all malignant tumours worldwide. They are responsible for 10% of the newly diagnosed malignant tumours. The median five year survival rate is 50%, depending on tumour localisation and size, but mainly determined by lymph node metastases. Carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx cause symptoms that resemble those of common harmless diseases of the head and neck such as pharyngitis. This can lead to misinterpretation by both, the patient and the doctor. Since the initial delay by the patient is difficult to influence it is very important that the doctor is aware of a possible malignant disease. Persistent common symptoms such as swallowing impairment or hoarseness, mucosal lesions, such as leukoplakia, a persistent cervical lymph node and unresponsiveness to initial treatment, must prompt the doctor to initialise appropriate diagnostic steps (incisional biopsy, e.g.). Only early diagnosis can help to improve the prognosis of patients with carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx.


We study the "percolation" of information of common interest through a large market as agents encounter and reveal information to each other over time. We provide an explicit solution for the dynamics of the cross-sectional distribution of posterior beliefs. We also show that convergence of the cross-sectional distribution of beliefs to a common posterior is exponential and that the rate of convergence does not depend on the size of the groups of agents that meet. The rate of convergence is merely the mean rate at which an individual agent is matched. ( JEL D83 )


Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is a powerful technique to help improve measurement precision and reduce the total number of items required in educational, psychological, and medical tests. In CATs, tailored test forms are progressively constructed by capitalizing on information available from responses to previous items. CAT applications primarily have relied on unidimensional item response theory (IRT) to help select which items should be administered during the session. However, multidimensional CATs may be constructed to improve measurement precision and further reduce the number of items required to measure multiple traits simultaneously. A small selection of CAT simulation packages exist for the R environment; namely, catR (Magis and Raiche 2012), catIrt (Nydick 2014), and MAT (Choi and King 2014). However, the ability to generate graphical user interfaces for administering CATs in realtime has not been implemented in R to date, support for multidimensional CATs have been limited to the multidimensional three-parameter logistic model, and CAT designs were required to contain IRT models from the same modeling family. This article describes a new R package for implementing unidimensional and multidimensional CATs using a wide variety of IRT models, which can be unique for each respective test item, and demonstrates how graphical user interfaces and Monte Carlo simulation designs can be constructed with the mirtCAT package.


Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease that affects many children and adolescents. The disease causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar level Insulin is a hormone that lowers the blood glucose concentration by catalyzing storage of glucose. In this work, the mathematical model describing the whole blood glucose-insulin system was considered where it was derived both based upon the two minimal models of Bergman's minimal model, which is primarily used to interpret an IVGTT. Our objective is to propose a therapeutic scheme adapted to the needs of the diabetic patient and this through a mathematical model describing type 1. To illustrate the obtained results using Matlab/Simulink TM, various examples are presented.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in many aqueous environments and is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause both acute and chronic infections. Environmental conditions and host defenses cause differing stresses on the bacteria, and to survive in vastly different environments, P. aeruginosa must be able to adapt to its surroundings. One strategy for bacterial adaptation is to self-encapsulate with matrix material, primarily composed of secreted extracellular polysaccharides. P. aeruginosa has the genetic capacity to produce at least three secreted polysaccharides; alginate, Psl, and Pel. These polysaccharides differ in chemical structure and in their biosynthetic mechanisms. Since alginate is often associated with chronic pulmonary infections, its biosynthetic pathway is the best characterized. However, alginate is only produced by a subset of P. aeruginosa strains. Most environmental and other clinical isolates secrete either Pel or Psl. Little information is available on the biosynthesis of these polysaccharides. Here, we review the literature on the alginate biosynthetic pathway, with emphasis on recent findings describing the structure of alginate biosynthetic proteins. This information combined with the characterization of the domain architecture of proteins encoded on the Psl and Pel operons allowed us to make predictive models for the biosynthesis of these two polysaccharides. The results indicate that alginate and Pel share certain features, including some biosynthetic proteins with structurally or functionally similar properties. In contrast, Psl biosynthesis resembles the EPS/CPS capsular biosynthesis pathway of Escherichia coli, where the Psl pentameric subunits are assembled in association with an isoprenoid lipid carrier. These models and the environmental cues that cause the cells to produce predominantly one polysaccharide over the others are subjects of current investigation.


Plasmons are collective oscillations of free electrons in a metal. At optical frequencies plasmons enable nanoscale confinement of light in metal nanostructures. This ability has given rise to many applications in e.g. photothermal cancer treatment, light trapping in photovoltaic cells, and sensing. Metal nanostructures also allow for manipulation of optical energy, providing such functionalities as guiding or redirecting light at the nanoscale.

This thesis focuses on nanoscale control of light using three types of metal nanostructures: 1) arrays of coupled metal nanoparticles, 2) metal nanowires, and 3) (coupled) coaxial waveguides.

Chapter 3 describes the optical behavior of a metal nanoparticle array illuminated sideways along the array axis. Confocal microscopy shows that field concentrates on just a few particles at the front or back side of the particle chain. By changing the illumination wavelength we can control which side of the chain becomes excited.

In chapter 4 we discuss angle resolved transmission measurements to determine the dispersion relation of plasmon modes in Au and Ag particle arrays. Our results confirm that far-field dynamic interactions between particles are important, even for structures five times smaller than the wavelength. Taking into account dynamic interactions we calculate that the propagation length in plasmon particle arrays can be as much as 10 m, which is an order of magnitude higher than previously estimated using quasi-electrostatic theory.

In chapter 5 we show that metal nanowires behave as plasmon resonators. We use cathodoluminescence imaging spectroscopy to determine the eigenmodes in 500-1200-nm-long Au nanowires at a resolution less than 10 nm. By combining spectral and spatial information we determine the dispersion relation for plasmons confined within the metal nanowires.

Chapter 6 focuses on coaxial plasmon waveguides. Optical transmission measurements on coaxial apertures in a Ag film point out that the plasmon dispersion in coaxial waveguides depends greatly on the refractive index and thickness of the dielectric channel. A plasmon phase shift up to  occurs upon reflection off the aperture ends. The phase shift depends greatly on the coax geometry, thereby providing further tunability of the optical behavior of coaxial nanostructures.

In chapter 7 we report on calculations of plasmon dispersion relations in coaxial waveguides. We find that certain coax geometries sustain modes of negative refractive index at optical frequencies. The spectral region of negative index can be shifted throughout the entire visible spectral range by changing the dielectric channel width. Furthermore, by fine-tuning the dielectric width, the special cases n=-1 and n=0 can be achieved in the coax, while maintaining a propagation length of 500 nm or more.

Finally, in chapter 8 we present a novel optical metamaterial, composed of a single functional layer containing coupled coaxial Ag/GaP/Ag channels, that exhibits a negative index of refraction n=-2 in the blue. Using time-domain simulations we find that the metamaterial index is independent of the angle-of-incidence over an angular range 50 degrees and is independent of polarization.

Altogether, this thesis demonstrates several new opportunities for resonant plasmonic nanostructures to control optical fields at the nanoscale. The presented concepts and insights hold great promise for new applications in integrated optics, photovoltaics, solid-state lighting, imaging below the diffraction limit, and even invisibility cloaking.


Methane drainage method should be used before coal mining of many modern collieries because ventilation air methane is in sufficient to keep methane level within regulation values. The technology of high drilling methane drainage (HDMD) has been used for methane drainage although its effect is not very stable due to parameter design. The height of the fracturing zones is determined mostly according to empirical formula, on-site observation and numerical simulation analysis. In this paper, a method was introduced for determining the height of the air fracturing zones (AFZs) based on its high similarity to the characteristics of Fracturing zones and the relationship between the height of Fracturing zones and the strain of overlying rock strata. The application of water injection in both Shuangdingshan and Dongrong collieries found that the theoretically calculated the height of the Fracturing zones was approximately equal to the measured one in field tests within a permissible error of less than 5%, proving that the method is feasible. Based on the designed drainage parameters, the utilization of HDMD technology in the collieries mentioned above found that the methane concentrations in both tail gate and upper corner were controlled in the ranges of 0.17% to 0.32% and 0.26% to 0.84%, respectively. These results showed that the water injection verified HDMD in Fracturing zones could effectively solve the problem of methane overrun and also verified the accuracy and reliability of its related theory.


Log monitoring techniques to characterize system and user behavior have gained significant popularity. Some common applications of study of systems logs are syslog mining to detect and predict system failure behavior, Web log mining to characterize Web usage patterns, and error/debug log analysis for detecting anomalies. In this paper, we discuss our experiences with applying log mining techniques to characterize the behavior of large enterprise telephony systems. We aim to detect, and in some cases, predict system anomalies. We describe the problems encountered in the study of such logs and propose some solutions. The key differentiator of our solutions is the use of individual message frequencies to characterize system behavior and the ability to incorporate domain-specific knowledge through user feedback. The techniques that we propose are general enough to be applicable to other systems logs and can easily be packaged into automated tools for log analysis.


Quality assessment on emerging stereoscopic 3D media is still in an early stage when compared to 2D image/video quality assessment. New characteristics (e.g. specific artifact perception, visual strain, perceived depth) and various requisite factors in stereoscopic systems (e.g. system-introduced crosstalk, screen size, viewing position, scene content, camera baseline) should be taken into account. However, most subjective quality assessments on stereoscopic 3D have been focused on coding artifacts and their influence on the perceived viewing experience. Thus, demand on sharing datasets on perceived visual quality under various requisite factors of stereoscopic systems is increasing. In this paper, we publish three visual quality datasets, including crosstalk stereoscopic (relates crosstalk perception to scene content, crosstalk level and camera baseline), crosstalk auto-stereoscopic (relates crosstalk perception to scene content, crosstalk level and viewing position) and QoE stereoscopic (relates QoE to scene content, camera baseline, screen size and viewing position). Moreover, the laboratory environments, visual stimuli, testing methodologies for generating these datasets and results analysis are also detailed in the paper.


Controversy shrouds the role of Nigerian Legislature in national development. Though some believe that the legislature has contributed significantly to the development of the nation, many others are of the view that since from its inception as a sovereign state legislature in Nigeria has not shown a significant and genuine commitment to the social, economic and political wellbeing of the country. This work assesses the role of Nigerian legislature in national development. The work is of the view that legislature is a veritable instrument and institution for national development whose effectiveness is determined by some local variables. The descriptive- diachronic methodology was used in comprehending and interpreting the role of the legislature in national development. For Nigerian legislature to be instrument of national development, the work suggests among others the need for moral politicians.


This study reported four cases of disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection caused by local puncture, and elaborated the pathway of infection, their clinical manifestations, the process of diagnosis and treatment. The study aimed to improve the clinicians' recognition on the sterilization of acupuncture, and prevent the iatrogenic infection. Both the 4 cases had a history of local puncture, and diagnosed as disseminated NTM infection. They recovered to a better situation after receiving the anti- NTM infection treatment. Recently, there were few reports about disseminated NTM infection caused by local puncture. The clinical manifestation is not obvious, it usually misdiagnosed as tuberculosis mycobacteria. Thus, it's necessary to improve the recognition of infection routes and clinical manifestations of NTM, and establish a standard operational disinfection procedure.


Phytotoxic effects of allelopathic crop residues are important to trickle for their use as a source of organic amendments to improve soil fertility. In present study, through pots and two year field studies, we examined the integrated effect of allelopathic residues and NPK fertilizer treatments including T0 (control), T1 (200-150-100 kg NPK ha 1), T2 (100-75-50 kg NPK ha-1 + mung bean straw 4 t ha-1), T3 (100-75-50 kg NPK ha-1 + rice straw 4 t ha-1), T4 (mung bean straw 8 t ha-1) and T5 (rice straw 8 t ha-1) under different water regimes on soil fertility and wheat crop. Solo application of mung bean residue and rice straw caused significant inhibition of various germination and growth traits of wheat while minimal inhibition occurred when allelopathic straws were integrated with NPK fertilizer both under laboratory and field conditions, especially under 14 days of alternate wet/dry cycles. Among fertilizer treatments, mung bean residue caused a greater increase in soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus, while there was maximum percent increase in available potassium with T1 (200-150-100 kg NPK ha-1). Maximum increase in grain yield (30% and 33%) was achieved with T2 (100-75-50 kg NPK ha-1 + mung bean straw 4 t ha-1) during 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively. Integration of allelopathic crop residues with inorganic fertilizers and alternate wet/dry cycles can help to reduce the possible phytotoxic effect of allelopathic residues for sustainable wheat production.


PURPOSE
To evaluate the short-term efficacy of a biodegradable collagen matrix (BCM) as an adjuvant for Ahmed valve implantation surgery to prevent the hypertensive phase.

METHODS
This prospective study included 43 refractory glaucoma eyes, all followed for 6 months. Refractory glaucoma was defined as an IOP higher than 20 mm Hg with antiglaucoma eye drops without previous glaucoma surgery. Conventional method was performed in 21 eyes and BCM-augmented Ahmed valve implantation (BAAVI) in 22 eyes. In the BAAVI group, a 10 × 10 × 2-mm BCM was sutured on an Ahmed glaucoma valve FP7 model. Complete success was defined as an IOP of 21 mm Hg or lower (target IOP 1) or 17 mm Hg or lower (target IOP 2) without antiglaucoma medications and qualified success as an IOP of 21 mm Hg or lower with or without medications. Maximal bleb thickness was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography images.

RESULTS
The preoperative IOPs and numbers of preoperative antiglaucoma medications were similar for both groups. Complete target IOP 1 success rates were 38.1% and 86.4%, complete target IOP 2 success rates were 19.0% and 59.1%, and qualified success rates were 52.4% and 90.9% in the conventional and BAAVI groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The hypertensive phase rate was lower in the BAAVI group (4.5% vs. 47.6%, P = 0.002). Maximal bleb thickness was increased in the BAAVI group on postoperative days 30 and 180 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Success rates were higher in the BAAVI group than in the conventional group with the change of bleb morphology. Furthermore, use of BCM significantly decreased the need for antiglaucoma medications for at least 6 months postoperatively.


We have measured the parallel velocity distribution of a lithium supersonic beam produced by seeding lithium in argon. The parallel temperature for lithium is considerably lower than the calculated parallel temperature of the argon carrier gas. We have extended the theory of supersonic cooling to calculate the parallel temperature of the seeded gas, in the limit of high dilution. The theoretical result thus obtained is in good agreement with ourobservations.


The conjugation of magnetic nano- and microparticles with biomolecules and its analysis very often require a dense coating of the iron oxide to prevent any reaction with redox-sensitive molecules or ions. The shielding of the iron oxide cores in different types of magnetic particles was compared by rapid assays that are based on the analysis of redox reactions. The oxidation of cysteine to the corresponding cysteine disulfide in the presence of incompletely covered iron oxide was analyzed with Ellman's reagent. Similar results were obtained by analysis of the reduction of copper (II) to copper(I) by the magnetite containing particles under the conditions of the Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) assay. We show the assay results for different commercially available magnetic particles in the size range of 20 nm to 30 μm and conclude that an incomplete coverage of the iron oxide cores requires the comparison with reference particles in redox-sensitive assays, e.g., for the characterization of the protein coating or of the density of functional groups on the particle surface.


Aims: There is increasing interest in the use of smartphone applications (apps) for delivering child obesity management interventions and supporting lifestyle behaviour change; however, there has been very little academic research on their development. Our aim is to review nutrition-related apps designed for children currently available in Australia for their usefulness in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity. Methods: Apps available for download in iTunes Australia between 2 April and 3 June 2013 which were suitable for children >12 years were identified. Key words were chosen to identify apps applicable to children, focusing on nutrition. Results: A total of 27 apps were included. Most apps (24/27) were not based on evidence-informed recommendations. A third of apps were developed in the USA (n = 10; 37%) and were free (67%), nine apps required upfront payment, with a mean cost of $A2.80 (range $A0.99-$A7.49). The most common nutrition features were the promotion of energy balance (n = 12 apps) and guidance on appropriate portion size (n = 15). The most common behaviour change feature was goal setting (n = 15). The five apps that scored most highly against the characteristics reviewed were: Calorie Counter Pro by My Net Diary, Weight Watchers, Swap It Don't Stop It, Control My Weight by CalorieKing and Rate What I Ate-Photo Diet Tracker. Conclusions: Very few apps were identified that could be used in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity. There is a need to harness this technology and evaluate the applicability and use within childhood obesity research interventions.


For protection of both the doctor and patient, infection control is of utmost importance in preventing the spread of infectious disease. This is of special significance in dentistry because more microorganisms are found in the oral cavity than in any other part of the body. According to a study Orthodontists have the second highest incidence of hepatitis B among dental professionals [1]. Individuals undergoing treatment in dental office may be undetected hepatitis-B carriers and patients secreting herpes simplex viruses in saliva may be asymptomatic. Such patients have the potential for transmitting diseases. Diseases such as hepatitis-B, HIV and tuberculosis have long incubation period and hence, it is difficult to identify the source of such infections to the dental practioners and other patients. The greatest danger for orthodontist and his staff is from puncturing of the skin with contaminated instruments, sharp edges of orthodontic appliance, as any cuts or abrasions will allow micro-organisms to enter into the body. The microorganisms can also spread by direct contact with a lesion, by indirect contact through contaminated instruments or office equipments, by inhalation of aerosols induced by hand pieces and ultrasonic cleaners, and while scrubbing of instruments.


This paper presents a direct power flow method for radial distribution systems that include different system components. When step voltage regulators are installed on strategic buses along the distribution feeders, the system will have multi reference buses. Using graph theory, a modified branch path incident matrix of multi reference buses is built and used with the current injection technique to derive a direct mathematical expression. This expression can be used to solve the load flow problem for radial distribution system with multi reference buses. The test results of IEEE 13 and 34 bus unbalanced test feeders indicate that the proposed method is efficient, robust, and accurate.


This paper seeks to understand how the collective South, as institutionally represented by the Group of 77 (G77), manages its unity as a negotiating collective despite its many internal differences and in the face of external pressures. Negotiations leading to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) are used as an empirical case study. This is a particularly interesting case because a) it was manifestly South-driven, b) it saw uncommonly intense South-South bargaining within the context of a global environmental negotiation, and c) it also saw intense North-South differences. In focusing on how the G77 managed its internal (South-South) as well as external (South-North) negotiations, the paper uses a negotiation analytical framework to derive generalizable lessons about the collective negotiating behavior of the developing countries' caucus in global environmental politics.


The qubit Rabi oscillations are known to be non-decaying (though with a fluctuating phase) if the qubit is continuously monitored in the weak-coupling regime. In this paper we propose an experiment to demonstrate these persistent Rabi oscillations via low-frequency noise correlation. The idea is to measure a qubit by two detectors, biased stroboscopically at the Rabi frequency. The low-frequency noise depends on the relative phase between the two combs of biasing pulses, with a strong increase of telegraph noise in both detectors for the in-phase or anti-phase combs. This happens because of self-synchronization between the persistent Rabi oscillations and measurement pulses. Almost perfect correlation of the noise in the two detectors for the in-phase regime and almost perfect anticorrelation for the anti-phase regime indicates a presence of synchronized persistent Rabi oscillations. The experiment can be realized with semiconductor or superconductor qubits.


After one considers all of the technical reasons for the economic melt-down and the collapse of large financial institutions, one is left with some basic conclusions. Perhaps the failure was human; the will to be unethical in ignoring those basic moral and ethical obligations to stakeholders, professional societies, and the public was stronger than legal and regulatory restraints placed on those who collectively caused the crisis. To be sure, there were failures in maintaining statutory or administrative rules and in Congressional oversight and regulatory supervisory process. Even in the absence of adequate rules and governmental supervision, firms in the financial and mortgage lending industries still maintained the ethical requirements of corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, corporate managers, directors, and employees, who were agents of those very firms, owed ethical duties to their firms, owners of those firms, and to society that trusted all of them to do right. In passing the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, Congress has beefed up regulatory requirements and oversight of mortgage lenders, large financial institutions, and hedge funds. This paper discusses the ethical lapses within the financial industry, the failure of governmental oversight, and some specifics of Dodd-Frank. It reviews the favorable provisions and shortcomings of the new legislation and asks whether the legislation will be effective. Without ethics of the players, it probably will not be effective in the end.


The fragmentation of forest habitats in urban areas has aroused increasing interest in recent years according to the growing environmental problems. The fragmentation of theses ecosystems is caused, in general, by the pressure of housing, agriculture and industry, causing losses in biodiversity and problems of soil degradation in the border areas of theses remnants. The establishment of indicators of soil degradation becomes essential for the implementation of conservation and reclamation. This study analyzes physical and chemical characteristics of soil under different forms of vegetation in the forest surrounding the Quilombo Forest, located in Campinas/SP – Brazil, and examines the possibility of using these indices as indicators of environmental degradation in urban remnants. The parameters analyzed were: specific weight natural ( n), specific weight of solids ( s) Ca, P, K, Mg, pH, organic matter, H + Al, Sum of Base (SB) Percent Base Saturation (V%), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) . The study shows that in general the different forms of land used in the study area significantly changed (or according to) the physical aspects of soil The porosity and voids of the soil stood out as the best indicators of soil physical degradation in the layer 0-20 cm deep. In relation to chemical indices, the soil under the cultivation of cane sugar had a significantly higher pH, K, Ca, Mg and sum of bases. The areas of forest showed higher levels of phosphorus, organic matter and CEC, indicating the importance of maintaining vegetation and replacement for the cycling of organic matter.


Background Search for therapeutic targets in giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is hampered by the scarcity of functional systems. We developed a new model consisting of temporal artery culture in tri-dimensional matrix and assessed changes in biomarkers induced by glucocorticoid treatment. Methods Temporal artery sections from 28 patients with GCA and 22 controls were cultured in Matrigel for 5 days in the presence or the absence of dexamethasone. Tissue mRNA concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators and vascular remodelling molecules was assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Soluble molecules were measured in the supernatant fluid by immunoassay. Results Histopathological features were exquisitely preserved in cultured arteries. mRNA concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (particularly IL-1β and IFNγ), chemokines (CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL5/RANTES) and MMP-9 as well as IL-1β and MMP-9 protein concentrations in the supernatants were significantly higher in cultured arteries from patients compared with control arteries. The culture system itself upregulated expression of cytokines and vascular remodelling factors in control arteries. This minimised differences between patients and controls but underlines the relevance of changes observed. Dexamethasone downregulated pro-inflammatory mediator (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, MMP-9, TIMP-1, CCL3 and CXCL8) mRNAs but did not modify expression of vascular remodelling factors (platelet derived growth factor, MMP-2 and collagens I and III). Conclusions Differences in gene expression in temporal arteries from patients and controls are preserved during temporal artery culture in tri-dimensional matrix. Changes in biomarkers elicited by glucocorticoid treatment satisfactorily parallel results obtained in vivo. This may be a suitable model to explore pathogenetic pathways and to perform preclinical studies with new therapeutic agents.


Introduction: The evaluation of antero-posterior apical base relationship is crucial before orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Aim and Objectives: The present study is aimed to compare the credibility of five cephalometric measurements in assessing the antero-posterior jaw relationship and to assess the correlation between various measurements used for antero-posterior discrepancy, including ANB, Yen angle, Beta angle, Wits appraisal, and horizontal appraisal. Materials and Methods: A total of 99 patients aged 16 years and above patients were subdivided into skeletal Classes I, II, and III groups of 33, each based upon the ANB angle derived from the pretreatment cephalogram. Results: The results showed that AH/BH and ANB had very high sensitivity and specificity to discriminate a Class II from Class I and Class III from Class I. Wits, YEN, and Beta showed lower specificity to differentiate Class II from Class I and Wits and Yen to differentiate Class III from Class I except Beta which had 100% sensitivity to differentiate Class III from Class I. Conclusion: The horizontal appraisal method enriches the current cephalometric tools available for the clinician to assess the antero-posterior jaw relationship accurately and reproducibly.


Laboratory experiments in which blood‐borne parasitic microbes evolve in their animal hosts offer an opportunity to study parasite evolution and adaptation in real time and under natural settings. The main challenge of these experiments is to establish a protocol that is both practical over multiple passages and accurately reflects natural transmission scenarios and mechanisms. We provide a guide to the steps that should be considered when designing such a protocol, and we demonstrate its use via a case study. We highlight the importance of choosing suitable ancestral genotypes, treatments, number of replicates per treatment, types of negative controls, dependent variables, covariates, and the timing of checkpoints for the experimental design. We also recommend specific preliminary experiments to determine effective methods for parasite quantification, transmission, and preservation. Although these methodological considerations are technical, they also often have conceptual implications. To this end, we encourage other researchers to design and conduct in vivo evolution experiments with blood‐borne parasitic microbes, despite the challenges that the work entails.


Abstract Background: Exercise in humans augments the mobilization of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+) from the bone marrow. We investigated the effect of inflammation on erythroid marrow activity by mobilization of erythroid progenitor cells (EPs) along with soluble markers of erythropoiesis. Methods: Ten healthy athletes who participated in an ultradistance foot race participated in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, before (phase I), at the end (phase II), and at 48 h post-race (phase III). EPs were detected as burst colony forming units (BFU-e) and colonies were scored at day 14. Markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A, interleukin-6, ferritin and S100B) and bone marrow activity (erythropoietin, soluble transferrin receptor and lipocalin-2) were assessed. Results: An approximately three-fold decrease in BFU-e number was observed at phase II. sTfR concentrations were also decreased at phase II and remained decreased at phase III. However, EPO and lipocalin-2 concentrations reached a maximum value at phase II, with a tendency to decrease at phase III. Conclusions: These findings indicate that exercise-induced inflammation modulates bone marrow homeostasis leading to an increase in leukocyte turnover and a decrease in erythroid compartment. It appears that lipocalin-2 is the main factor that regulates the production and mobilization of EPs. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:199–203.


In the present paper an effort is made to study the effect of aging parameters solution time, aging temperature and aging time on thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Al 6082 alloy by using central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Three different parameters at five levels each are chosen for the experimentation. A second order polynomial mathematical model is developed for thermal conductivity and CTE to study the main and interactive effect of parameters on thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion. The aging parameters are also optimised for the optimum value of thermal properties. The results reveal that aging temperature is most significant parameter for change in thermal conductivity and CTE followed by aging time and solution time. Thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion has been improved by 17% and 20% respectively as compared as-received alloy. The improvement in thermal properties is attributed to the precipitation of Mg2Si particles in the alloy matrix.


This paper explores potential pathways for promoting and scaling up the uptake of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in Myanmar, using qualitative methods. Key informant interviews with stakeholders from government, research institutes, international and local development agencies, and the private sector identified technology development as an important investment and action area. A desk review of policy documents revealed that considerations on climate change adaptation in agriculture are embedded in Myanmar's international commitments and national plans, including policies on making the agriculture sector resilient. Moreover, climate change resilience has been framed as a key component of the country's sustainable development plans. This means the basic framework for advocating and promoting CSA is already in place. However, policies on land, water, environment, seed, and fertilizer and pesticide management are poorly enforced. In addition, the extension system has an inadequate coverage and reach of the remote communities. In the current political context of Myanmar, the process of policymaking has changed. Thus, the impetus for shaping an enabling environment for scaling up CSA will likely shift toward more active citizen engagement via local nongovernment organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and independent academic institutions. There are opportunities for policy integration to effectively scale up CSA, but much remains to be done. Donors of Myanmar have a special opportunity to support the integration of CSA into their respective country program strategies. Likewise, local and international NGOs may take this opportunity to mainstream CSA into various conventional development programs, such as livelihood development, women's empowerment, and food security and nutrition. On the other hand, academic institutions can pursue research opportunities to support the development of CSA technologies and approaches and to generate evidence for input to capacity development, advocacy, and policymaking.


Employing a cross-layer approach, the explicit relationships between the fading channel characteristics and the significant teletraffic variables as well as the performance metrics in wireless network evaluation are formulated. In particular, the channel holding time, handoff probability, handoff call arrival rate, call blocking probability, call completion probability, and forced termination probability are developed, taking into account the carrier frequency (or equivalently wavelength), maximum Doppler frequency, and fade margin. In addition, the set of formulas are derived with the generalized assumptions for the call holding time and cell residence time. The analytical model has been validated by the simulation with the conventional exponential model and, additionally, the relaxed models for call holding time and cell residence time, e.g., Erlang and hyper-Erlang. The comparison demonstrates that the traditional result without considering the fading channel characteristics leads to substantially overestimated call blocking probability and call completion probability. The methodology presented in this paper provides a feasible manner for the wireless network cross-layer design and optimization


This article will show that research on competence-oriented assessment does not meet the criteria of analytic research but is to be considered as systemic. Indeed, competence-oriented assessment is complex and marks a turning point in epistemology in the field of language learning and teaching. It thus upsets the traditional representations based on knowledge assessment. As a result, after presenting the fundamental concepts of competence-oriented assessment and its impact on language learning and teaching, we'll explain why words are useless to make representations change. Teachers won't apply a theoretical framework which does not fit in with their representation. This is why it seems difficult to envisage any research on competenceoriented assessment without reflecting on how teachers can adapt to a new paradigm.