Purpose

This study aims to examine the causes of citizenship pressure and to investigate the relationship between citizenship pressure, job stress and turnover intentions. Specifically, the current study examines the effects of the personality trait of neuroticism and the organizational cultures of bureaucracy and the market.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 224 hotel employees in the People's Republic of China using a self-administered survey questionnaire. The participants completed measures examining citizenship pressure, personality, organizational culture, job stress and intention to quit. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that employees who are more neurotic are more likely to experience citizenship pressure. Moreover, citizenship pressure was found to increase job stress and turnover intentions. However, a bureaucratic culture, which prizes stability, was found to reduce citizenship pressure.

Practical implications

This study presents factors that may influence hotel employees' perceptions of citizenship pressure and reveals the negative consequences of such pressure. Thus, the study results contribute to a better understanding of citizenship pressure and can be used to develop guidelines to reduce citizenship pressure in work environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first empirical study to examine the antecedents and consequences of citizenship pressure in the hotel industry. Moreover, previous citizenship pressure studies have mainly been conducted in a Western cultural context; it is unclear whether citizenship pressure can be similarly observed in China, where the nature and form of employment relationships differ significantly from those in Western countries.


There are many problems in construction process, such as fragmentation, budget overrun, time overrun and high waste, most of which are supply chain problems and often caused by the lack of coordination and information sharing across organizations in the supply chains. Supply chain coordination (SCC) is a critical success factor for the application of supply chain management to effectively improve construction performance. An agent-based multi-attribute negotiation framework for construction SCC (MANS3C) is designed, which adopts the agent technology and regards construction supply chain as a typical multi-agent system. This framework integrates the specialty agents (contractor agent, designer agent, supplier agent, owner agent, etc.) and service agents (coordinator agent, monitor agent, name server agent) into a multi -agent system on the Internet to improve decision-making efficiency and information sharing. Since different participants in the supply chain have different preferences on decision -making attributes, such as cost, time, quality, safety and environment, a multi -attribute negotiation mechanism is established by constructing a multi-attribute negotiation model, describing the multi -attribute negotiation process, and designing the multi-attribute negotiation protocol. The establishment of this mechanism is based on the negotiation theory and utili ty theory, and aimed at promoting the coordination between specialty agents. A prototype system is developed and tested on a hypothetical construction project. The test indicates that MANS3C can solve problems in construction supply chain and provides a so lution to construction SCC.


The responses of an articulated loading platform (ALP) in random waves and currents are investigated both in frequency and time domain. The firstand second-order wave diffraction-radiation is solved by the ring source boundary integral equation method, and the viscous drag forces are computed from the modified Morison equation using relative velocity squared. In the frequency-domain analysis, the nonlinear drag is stochastically linearized and the resulting equation is solved iteratively. In the time-domain analysis, the nonlinear equation including the quadratic drag term and a convolution integral is directly integrated using a Newmark-beta method. From our numerical examples, it is shown that the slowly varying resonant responses in random waves are significant compared to wave-frequency responses when there is no current or when the current is normal to the wave direction, while they are greatly reduced when there exists strong in-line (coplanar or adverse) current. However, the presence of strong in-line current significantly increases the mean pitch angle.


An experimental system was designed, built and used to determine the optical constants of matenals in the Vacuum Ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. An optical analysis chamber was designed to mount onto the back end of an existing monochromatic VUV imaging beam system, which covers a wavelength range from 30-200nm. The chamber may accommodate three different expenmental configurations, allowing transmission and reflection measurements to be taken separately or at the same time.

A versatile computational analysis system was developed to process the data obtained with this experimental system Recorded CCD images are aligned using a novel interpolation method, and reflection or transmission values are calculated from these. A Kramers-Kromg analysis program was developed and used to obtain a complete set of optical constants in the VUV region if reflection data is available over a sufficiently extensive wavelength range. The absorption coefficient of aluminium in the region between 30 and 85 5nm was determined to demonstrate the capabilities of the suite of expenmental and computational analysis systems. The absorption coefficient of aluminium is shrouded in controversy in this region of the spectrum due to two papers with conflicting results ref [19] & [21].


The MOBILITY model is a stylized representation of a dynamic population of agents moving and harvesting a renewable resource. Cooperators (harvest an amount close to the maximum sustainable yield) and selfish agents (harvest higher levels of resource) are simulated in the model. The purpose of the model is to analyze how agents' mobility (i.e. the extent agents can move) affects the performance of social-ecological systems in different landscape configurations (spatial distribution of resource richness: homogeneous, uniform, normal, and exponential). Three indicators of the outcomes of the system are analyzed: number of settlements, resource level, and proportion of cooperators in the population.


A superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) genetic defect has been identified in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron degeneration has been described in SOD-1 transgenic mice. Because an excitotoxic mechanism has been implicated in ALS, we undertook studies to provide a description of excitotoxic degeneration of spinal motor neurons for comparison with the degenerative process observed in SOD-1 transgenic mice. Excitotoxin agonists selective for each of the three major types of ionotropic glutamate receptors were applied directly onto the lumbar spinal cord of 21-day-old rats following posterior laminectomy. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) preferentially affected dorsal horn neurons, whereas the non- NMDA agonist, kainic acid, preferentially affected motor neurons. Cytopathological changes in motor neurons closely resembled those described in SOD-1 mice. These changes consist of massively swollen dendritic processes in the presence of wellpreserved presynaptic axon terminals; cell bodies of motor neurons filled with vacuoles that originate both from endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria; pleomorphic changes in mitochondria; axons of motor neurons becoming swollen proximally with accumulation of vacuoles, organdies, filaments, and degeneration products in the swollen segment. The observed changes in motor axons resemble changes described in the spinal cord of ALS patients. These findings are consistent with the proposal that motor neuron degeneration in ALS may be mediated by an excitotoxic process involving hyperactivation of non-NMDA glutamate receptors.


Background Economic and social hardships have worsened food insecurity, particularly among low income and racial-ethnic minority groups. Given the core goal of the 150+ member Houston Health Equity Collective (HEC) to reduce food insecurity by 5% in 2025, we explored member organizations' capacity and challenges faced in screening and responding to food insecurity through care coordination efforts. Methods A twice-administered Qualtrics XM survey (Provo, Utah) with 76 organizations, followed by five focus groups with 22 of these organizations, explored reach and response efforts to food insecurity. Qualitative assessments lasted between 0.5 to 1.5 h, were audio-recorded, cleaned, coded, and thematically analyzed using NVivo, version 11 (Burlington, Massachusetts). The qualitative study was guided by a general inductive approach. In total, over 6 h of audiovisual recording were extracted, and over 100 pages of text exported to NVivo for data analysis. The research team read and coded transcripts independently using the codebook, and met routinely to discuss and resolve codes -resulting in numerous revisions to the codebook. Coding structure was discussed at multiple meetings and differences were addressed through consensus. Predominant qualitative themes impacting food insecurity screening were "stigma and cultural-related barriers", "clinic capacity and attitudes", "need to focus on upstream influences of food insecurity and SDOH needs", "impact of COVID-19", and "need for HEC system responses". Main recommendations to enhance screening and reach included improving staff culture, enhancing cultural sensitivity across organizational practices, and using shared technology to coordinate care. Respondents stated that the HEC can drive these recommendations through networking opportunities, use of shared resource directory, and placing focus on upstream factors. Conclusions Recommendations to target food insecurity must focus on organizational staff responsiveness and sensitivity to patients' needs. Of equal importance is the need for increased attention to the upstream influencers and integration of systems-level interventions to holistically target the barriers impacting food insecurity.


Climate change will increase the vulnerability of species across the globe to population loss and extinction. In order to develop conservation strategies to facilitate adaptation to this change, managers must understand the vulnerability of the habitats and species they are trying to manage. For most biodiversity managers, conducting vulnerability assessments for all of the species they manage would be prohibitively costly, time consuming, and potentially misleading since some data required does not yet exist. We present a rapid and cost-effective method to estimate the vulnerability of biodiversity to climate change impacts across broad areas using landscape-scale indicators. While this method does not replace species-specific vulnerability assessments, it allows biodiversity managers to focus analysis on the species likely to be most vulnerable and identify the categories of conservation strategies for implementation to reduce biodiversity's vulnerability to climate change. We applied this method to California, USA to map the portions of the state where biodiversity managers should focus on minimizing current threats to biodiversity (9%), reducing constraints to adaptation (28%), reducing exposure to climatic changes (24%), and implementing all three (9%). In 18% of the state, estimated vulnerability is low so continuing current strategies and monitoring for changes is likely sufficient, while in 12% of the state, vulnerability is so high that biodiversity managers may have to reassess current conservation goals. In combination with species-specific vulnerability assessments or alone, mapping vulnerability based on landscape-scale indicators will allow managers to take an essential step toward implementing conservation strategies to help imperiled species adapt to climate change.


Respiration rates of Parechinus angulosus collected from intertidal pools at Dalebrook, False Bay, were measured in the laboratory at 16 #x00B0;C using the sealed-vessel method. No respiratory rhythms were detected over three 26-hour runs each Involving eight animals of different sizes. Respiration rates, expressed for an animal of standard diameter, increased proportionally to gonad Index. Annual production of the intertidal P. angulosus population was calculated from the respiration and population data using the P/R regression of Miller, Mann and Scarratt (1971), and was estimated to be about 1200 kJ m-2 year-1.


Objectives: Traditional networks were complex and difficult to manage. S.D.N is the future of programmable networks. Our objective is to find out how host communicates in realistic networking environment. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In order to find out how actual network works. We have used an emulator i.e. mininet. We have compared various mininet topologies. Finally we have used one of the topology to find out how host communicate in mininet environment. We have made one of host as the server and other may serve as a clients. Client host will request to the server to download particular. We have used the wget linux feature to make this possible. Findings: Today S.D.N has become an important part of networking. So it is important to emulate its behaviour. Mininet provides us with the inbuilt hosts, switches and controller. Each of these hosts assigned with unique IP address. Each host also corresponds to xterm display option. We can use these xterm display to make particular host as a server. Similarly we can use other xterm display for client hosts to connect to the server through wget commands. Our finding are novel because this works has not been done before. The works we have done shows that how client request and how server respond. When request is made by client to download particular file. One of the advantage of using emulator is that, application that works on emulator can be easily deployable in realistic networks. As S.D.N is a new platform so it enable the chances for the innovation of new research. As each past work helps us to make further research. So this work also benefit other researcher somewhere. Application/ Improvements: We can make use of S.D.N in various areas like in campus area, Labs, cellular networks etc. There is always a chance of improvement and betterment, as S.D.N is new paradigm so chances of improvement are much more. As there are risk of security. So there are wide areas of improvements.


Trunk-only bath rewarming has often been recommended over whole-body bath rewarming as a method for the treatment of immersion hypothermia. At present, no report of a direct comparison of the relative merits of these techniques has been made. Authorities in favor of trunk-only bath rewarming base their proposal on the assumption that core temperature afterdrop would be minimized by preventing peripheral vasodilation when the subject's limbs are not immersed in the rewarming bath. In the present study, trunk-only and whole-body bath rewarming are compared by rewarming eight mildly hypothermic male subjects twice, once via each technique. It was concluded that trunk-only rewarming is not superior to whole-body bath rewarming as a therapy for mild immersion hypothermia, based on the findings that no significant differences existed between the two techniques, either in size or duration of core temperature afterdrop, or in rate of rewarming.


Biomass gasification offers several advantages; primarily the potential for higher electrical efficiency and the possibility to synthesise for example biofuels for transportation. Gasification based processes have a considerable surplus of heat that can be used in other processes in order to raise the overall efficiency. In this paper we study system aspects of integrating biomass gasification with a pulp and paper mill having a steam deficit, thus creating a biorefinery. Two different gasification concepts are considered: BIGCC (electricity production in biomass integrated gasification combined cycle) and BIGDME (biomass integrated gasification production of dimethyl ether, DME, for use as transportation fuel). Heat from the gasification processes replaces boiler steam in the pulp and paper mill. The systems analysis is made with respect to economic performance and global fossil CO2 emissions. As reference cases, BIGCC and BIGDME integrated with a district heating network are considered. The results show that in particular BIGCC can be economically profitable for the pulp and paper mill, with a calculated investment opportunity of 120-150 MEUR, but that the results are highly dependent on the assumed level of certificates promoting green electricity. For the BIGDME case the policy tools are of even larger importance. When strong policies promoting biofuels are assumed the investment opportunity is estimated at 300-330 MEUR, while there is no investment opportunity if no policies are in place. If BIGCC or BIGDME technologies are integrated instead with a district heating network, the investments only become profitable if the heat price is high and the annual heat delivery time is long (8000 hours). Biomass gasification has a larger CO2 reduction potential when integrated with a pulp and paper mill than when the mill and the gasification plant operate separately. The potential for the mill to implement biomass gasification as a means to reduce CO2 emissions is, however, uncertain and strongly dependent on the surrounding system.


Plant water extracts typically contain organic materials that may cause spectral interference when using isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS), resulting in errors in the measured isotope ratios. Manufacturers of IRIS instruments have developed post-processing software to identify the degree of contamination in water samples, and potentially correct the isotope ratios of water with known contaminants. Here, the correction method proposed by an IRIS manufacturer, Los Gatos Research, Inc., was employed and the results were compared with those obtained from isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Deionized water was spiked with methanol and ethanol to create correction curves for δ(18)O and δ(2)H. The contamination effects of different sample types (leaf, stem, soil) and different species from agricultural fields, grasslands, and forests were compared. The average corrections in leaf samples ranged from 0.35 to 15.73‰ for δ(2)H and 0.28 to 9.27‰ for δ(18)O. The average corrections in stem samples ranged from 1.17 to 13.70‰ for δ(2)H and 0.47 to 7.97‰ for δ(18)O. There was no contamination observed in soil water. Cleaning plant samples with activated charcoal had minimal effects on the degree of spectral contamination, reducing the corrections, by on average, 0.44‰ for δ(2)H and 0.25‰ for δ(18)O. The correction method eliminated the discrepancies between IRMS and IRIS for δ(18)O, and greatly reduced the discrepancies for δ(2)H. The mean differences in isotope ratios between IRMS and the corrected IRIS method were 0.18‰ for δ(18)O, and -3.39‰ for δ(2)H. The inability to create an ethanol correction curve for δ(2)H probably caused the larger discrepancies. We conclude that ethanol and methanol are the primary compounds causing interference in IRIS analyzers, and that each individual analyzer will probably require customized correction curves.


A xylanolytic bacterium, strain S1-3(T), was isolated from soil collected in Nan province, Thailand. It was characterized taxonomically based on phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. The strain was a Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major menaquinone was MK-7. Iso-C₁₆:₀ (39.5 %) and anteiso-C₁₅:₀ (26.8 %) were predominant cellular fatty acids. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content was 53.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S1-3(T) was affiliated to the genus Cohnella, and was closely related to Cohnella ginsengisoli GR21-5(T) and Cohnella thermotolerans CCUG 47242(T) with 95.7 and 95.3 % sequence similarity, respectively. Strain S1-3(T) could be clearly distinguished from related species of the genus Cohnella by its physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as by its phylogenetic position. Therefore, the strain represents a novel species of the genus Cohnella, for which the name Cohnella thailandensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1-3(T) (=KCTC 22296(T) =TISTR 1890(T) =PCU 306(T)).


The prevalence of symptoms in the community is sometimes used as an index of untreated morbidity. However, such an index can be very misleading unless it makes allowance for differences in symptom severity between declared and undeclared patients. Recent attenders at one health centre were compared with controls who had not seen their GPs for at least three months. Comparisons of symptom severity were made between attenders who had reported one or more of seven selected symptoms and non-attenders who said they were troubled by the same symptoms. For the symptoms selected, it was found that a high proportion of sufferers in both groups were of at least two months' chronicity. Prevalence rates of up to 33% for backache and tiredness in older women were found in non-attending controls, but symptom severity was significantly less than in patients who had recently consulted their doctors with the same symptom. Symptoms were both more prevalent and more severe among women than among men. It seemed unlikely, however, that this difference could explain the higher consultation rates for women, because the same excess of women over men persisted among consulters. It seems that for these symptoms increasing severity is associated with an increasing probability of attending the surgery but that the symptoms functions more often as a background factor than as a precipitant.


Introduction Despite its frequent occurrence, external-traction headache (previously named as "ponytail headache") is scarcely documented in the literature. Objective In the present study we set out to estimate the prevalence of ponytail headache and its relationship with migraine. Methods One hundred and thirty women (27.7±11.1 years of age), 108 of them reported a previous history of primary headache [81/130 (62.3%) migraine or probable migraine and 27/130 (20.8%) non-migraine headache; 22/130 (16.9%) did not report any previous episode of headache], were requested to wear a ponytail for 60 minutes, removing it only in case of pain. When pain occurred, it was recorded for the latency between the placement of the ponytail and the onset of the pain, its duration and characteristics. The women also filled out a questionnaire on previous headache episodes. Results During the 60 minute-period, 52/130 (40%) women had ponytail headache elicited by the experiment. There was a higher prevalence of ponytail headache in those who reported previous episodes of primary headache [48/108 (44.4%)], compared to those who did not [4/22 (18.2%)] (p=0.022). The migraineurs had more ponytail headache than non-migraneurs [39/81 (48.2%) versus 9/27 (33.3%), p=0.180] with a positive history of primary headache and they also had more than those without [4/22 (18.2%)] (p=0.012). The group of women with migraine also presented more ponytail-induced headache than non-migraineurs combined with the group of individuals without a previous history of headache [13/49 (26.5%), OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.195.55; p=0.015]. Migraine-like episodes were trigged in 3/52 (5.8%) by the experiment, all three migraineurs. The latency time for the beginning of ponytail headache during the experiment was 21.5 ± 15.4 min and the duration was 76.0±159.3 min. Conclusion The prevalence of ponytail headache in our study was 40% and was statistically higher in migraineurs. Marcelo Moraes Valença email@example.com Edited by Mario Fernando Prieto Peres


Electricity consumption has increased substantially over the last decade. According to the Gulf Research Center (2013), residential sector represents the largest portion of electricity consumption (about 50%) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, due to substantial growth of electrical residential appliances. Therefore, we present a novel online smart residential load management system that is used to online monitor and control power consumption of the loads toward optimizing energy consumption, balancing electric power supply, reducing peak demand, and minimizing energy bill, while considering residential customer preferences and comfort level. The presented online algorithm manages power consumption by assigning the residential load according to utilities power supply events. The input data to the management algorithm is set based on the categorized loads according to: importance (vital, essential, and non-essential electrical loads), electrical power consumption, electricity bill limitation, utilities power limitation, and load priority. The data are processed and fed to the presented algorithm, which accurately manages the power of dwelling loads using external controlled disconnectors. The proposed online algorithm yields to improve the overall grid efficiency and reliability, especially during the demand response periods. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.


OBJECTIVES
To describe the epidemiology of pertussis, and to identify changes in the source of pertussis in infants 6 months of age and under, during the 2008-2012 epidemic in south metropolitan Perth.

DESIGN AND SETTING
Analysis of all pertussis cases notified to the South Metropolitan Population Health Unit and recorded on the Western Australian Notifiable Infectious Disease Database over the study period. Information on the source of pertussis was obtained from enhanced surveillance data.

RESULTS
Notification rates were highest in the 5-9 years age group, followed by the 0-4 years and 10-14 years age groups. There was a significant increase in the proportion of known sources who were siblings from the early epidemic period of 2008-2010, compared with the peak epidemic period of 2011-2012 (14.3% versus 51.4%, p = 0.002). The majority of sibling sources were fully vaccinated children aged 2 and 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of pertussis was highest in children aged 12 years and under in this epidemic. At its peak, siblings were the most important sources of pertussis in infants 6 months and younger, particularly fully vaccinated children aged 2 and 3 years. Waning immunity before the booster at 4 years may leave this age group susceptible to infection. Even if cocooning programs could achieve full vaccination coverage of parents and ensure all siblings were fully vaccinated according to national schedules, waning immunity in siblings could provide a means for ongoing transmission to infants. Recent evidence suggests that maternal antenatal vaccination would significantly reduce the risk of pertussis in infants 3 months of age and under.


For a class of semilinear parabolic equations on a bounded domain Ω, we analyze the behavior of the solutions when the initial data varies in the phase space H 1(Ω). We obtain both global solutions and finite time blow-up solutions. Our main tools are the comparison principle and variational methods. Particular attention is paid to initial data at high energy level; to this end, a basic new idea is to exploit the weak dissipativity (respectively antidissipativity) of the semiflow inside (respectively outside) the Nehari manifold.


In the preantibiotic era laryngeal tuberculosis was the most frequent pathology of the larynx. In the last decades some changes in the presentation and evolution of the pathology have occurred due to the new chemiotherapy and the improvement of the nutrition. Actually it presents less incidence and infectivity and less evidence of pulmonary disease. In this article we analyse, on occasion of a clinical case and with a revision of the literature, the actual patterns of the laryngeal tuberculosis.


Since a recent meta-analysis of non-steroidal anti-androgen therapy in metastatic prostate cancer concluded that survival was worse compared with medical or surgical androgen withdrawal, we analyzed our experience with flutamide monotherapy and other forms of neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT) prior to radiation therapy in clinically localized prostate cancer. A total of 45 patients received flutamide and 328 patients received other NHT. Flutamide patients had higher PSA levels at diagnosis and shorter duration of treatment, which could bias the results against flutamide monotherapy. Kaplan Meier analysis of PSA -- disease free survival showed significantly poorer outcome with flutamide monotherapy. Multivariate analysis supported this conclusion. Until equivalence to other forms of NHT is shown, we do not recommend flutamide monotherapy prior to radical radiation. A prospective randomized trial would be necessary to confirm this conclusion.


ABSTRACT Whooping cough is an acute respiratory disease caused by the small, gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. B. pertussisexpresses several factors that contribute to its ability to cause disease. These factors include surface-associated molecules, which are involved in the adherence of the organism to respiratory epithelial cells, as well as several extracellular toxins that inhibit host defenses and induce damage to host tissues. The expression of virulence factors in B. pertussis is dependent upon thebvg locus, which consists of three genes: bvgA,bvgS, and bvgR. The bvgAS genes encode a two-component regulatory system consisting of a sensor protein, BvgS, and a transcriptional activator, BvgA. Upon modification by BvgS, BvgA binds to the promoter regions of thebvg-activated genes and activates transcription. One of thebvg-activated genes, bvgR, is responsible for the regulation of the bvg-repressed genes, the functions of which are unknown. The fact that these genes are regulated by thebvg locus suggests that they play a role in the pathogenesis of the bacterium. In order to evaluate the contribution ofbvg-mediated regulation to the virulence of B. pertussis and determine if expression of thebvg-repressed genes is required for the virulence ofB. pertussis, we examined the ability of B. pertussis mutants, defective in their ability to regulate the expression of the bvg-activated and/or thebvg-repressed genes, to cause disease in the mouse aerosol challenge model. Our results indicate that thebvgR-mediated regulation of gene expression contributes to respiratory infection of mice.


The present study aims to develop a process to make ultrafine grained (UFG) Ti-47Al-2Cr (at %) alloy using elemental Ti, Al and Cr powders. The process involves mechanical milling of a mixture of the elemental powders to produce a Ti/Al/Cr composite powder, compaction of the milled powder, and consolidation of the powder compact using hot isostatic pressing (HIP) or powder compact forging. This paper is to give an overview of microstructure and the mechanical properties of the alloy samples obtained using the above processing technique. Inhomogeneous microstructures with high amounts of (α2) Ti3Al phase, along with, elemental Ti, were observed in some samples. An attempt has been made to explain the formation of (α2) Ti3Al, and elemental Ti, in the alloy and the processing conditions appropriate for the specific alloy are also discussed.


The western spread of raccoon rabies in Alabama has been slow and even appears to regress eastward periodically. While the disease has been present in the state for over 30 years, areas in northwest Alabama are devoid of raccoon rabies. This variation resulting in an enzootic area of raccoon rabies primarily in southeastern Alabama may be due to landscape features that hinder the movement of raccoons (i.e., gene flow) among different locations. We used 11 raccoon-specific microsatellite markers to obtain individual genotypes to examine gene flow among areas that were rabies free, enzootic with rabies, or had only sporadic reports of the disease. Samples from 70 individuals were collected from 5 sampling localities in 3 counties. The landscape feature data were collected from geographic information system (GIS) data. We inferred gene flow by estimating FST and by using Bayesian tests to identify genetic clusters. Estimates of pairwise FST indicated genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow between some sites, and an uneven distribution of genetic clusters was observed. Of the landscape features examined (i.e., land cover, elevation, slope, roads, and hydrology), only land cover had an association with genetic differentiation, suggesting this landscape variable may affect gene flow among raccoon populations and thus the spread of raccoon variant of rabies in Alabama.


ABSTRACT In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) mandated the use of a fair value-based measurement attribute to value employee stock options (ESOs) via Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 123-R. In anticipation of FAS 123-R, between March 2004 and November 2005, several firms accelerate the vesting of ESOs to avoid recognizing existing unvested ESO grants at fair value in future financial statements. We find that the likelihood of accelerated vesting is higher if (1) acceleration has a greater effect on future ESO compensation expense, especially related to underwater options, and (2) firms suffer greater agency problems, proxied by fewer blockholders, lower pension fund ownership, and top five officers holding a greater share of ESOs. We also find a negative stock price reaction around the announcement of the acceleration decision. Furthermore, stock returns are significantly negative before the new vesting dates and positive afterward, suggesting that vesting dates could have been backdated. Copyright (c), University of Chicago on behalf of the Institute of Professional Accounting, 2008.


: A diverse group of compounds inhibit the action of chemical carcinogens when administered prior to and/or simultaneously with the carcinogen. The inhibitors include naturally-occurring constituents of foods as well as synthetic compounds introduced into the environment. Three general mechanisms of inhibition exist. The first, illustrated by disulfiram inhibition of dimethylhydrazine-induced neoplasia of the large bowel, is the direct blocking of enzymatic activation of the carcinogen to its reactive ultimate carcinogenic form. The second mechanism of inhibition entails the stimulation of a coordinated detoxification response which results in increased activity of detoxifying enzymes in the microsomes and also the cytosol. At least two subdivisions of this response occur. One, for which butylated hydroxyanisole is a prototype, shows enhanced activity of some microsomal enzymes but not aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH). However, it does have a rapidly active component which results in marked alteration of microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene. Another, for which a prototypical inhibitor is beta-naphthoflavone is characterized by induction of increased AHH activity. The third general mechanism of carcinogen inhibition entails the direct scavenging of reactive carcinogenic species by the inhibitor. Evidence supporting the psosibility that inhibitors play a role in the response of humans to carcinogens consists of three types. The first is the chemical diversity of the inhibitors and their actual occurrence in the environment. The second is the resposiveness of the detoxification systems, particularly those in the tissues of the major portals of entry, to the naturally-occurring or synthetic inhibitors. The third is a group of epidemiological studies which suggest that individuals consuming relatively large quantities of vegetables, a major source of naturally-occurring inhibitors, are at lower risk from gastrointestinal cancers.


The purpose of this research is to know the student learning activity on the implementation of Demonstration model. The type of this research is quantitative with experimental research method with pretest description posttest control group design or experimental control group design. The population in this study were all students of class X MA AlMuhajirin Tugumulyo, two classes were taken randomly that is class X1 as experiment class and class X2 as control class. Technique of collecting data using test technique, test score data of student analyzed by using t-test. Based on the analysis of posttest data of experimental class and control class with significant level α = 0,05 obtained tcount: 6.87 and ttable: 2.02 because t countn more than t table then Ha accepted which means the average of experiment class grade is not same with class control. So it can be concluded that there is a significant influence Demonstration Method on Physics Learning Results class X Ma Al-Muhajirin Tugumulyo 2016/2017.
Keywords: Demonstration Learning Model, Learning Outcomes.


In the thymus, dendritic cells (DC) are functionally associated with thymocytes and are recognized to play a major role in the intrathymic differentiation of T cells. Several studies have previously investigated the role of DC during HIV-infection, but the status of thymic DC in HIV-1 pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of purified human thymic DC to HIV-1 infection in vitro. HIV-1 was not detected in cell-free supernatants collected from HIV-infected DC. However, these cultures were shown to transmit HIV-1 infection since coculture with permissive MT4 cells resulted in virus production. The exposure of DC in culture to HIV-1 was shown to promote severe DC morphological changes and killing. We also found that one or several heat labile soluble cytotoxic agents present in the HIV-1-infected DC supernatant mediated the killing of thymocytes. Our observations raise the possibility that (1) the HIV-1-induced DC killing, (2) the capacity of DC to transmit viral infection, and/or (3) the release of HIV-1-mediated cytotoxic agent(s) from DC may contribute to AIDS pathogenesis in vivo.


Background Several evidences described a considerable prevalence of alexithymia among patients with chronic diseases, such as systemic autoimmune diseases. In patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), alexithymia seems to be related to mood disorders and personality. Objectives In this study we evaluated alexithymia in relation to HR-QoL (Health related Quality of Life) and to factor associated to HR-QoL, such as mood disorders, fatigue, work ability, sleep quality and physical activity. Methods We consecutively enrolled SLE patients and healthy controls in a cross sectional study with a retrospective design. We wvaluated alexithymia by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 (TAS-20). AHR-QoL was expressed by MOS-SF-36. Mood disorders was assessed by BDI and HAM-H. Fatigue was evaluated by Facit-Fatigue. Physical activity was quantified using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Work ability was assessed by Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI). Cognitive impairment was defined according to MOCA screening test. Results Fifty-two SLE patients and 50 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Mean TAS-20 score was significantly higher in SLE compared to controls (p<0.01). Alexithymic patients presented increased values of BDI score and HAM-H score (p<0.01 and p<0.05) and reduced Facit-Fatigue score (p<0.05). We found increased values of Work missed due to health problems and Activity impairment in alexithymic SLE subjects (p<0.05). SF-36 summary components PCS and MCS and SF-36 individual components did not significantly differ between alexithymic and non-alexithymic SLE. A greater proportion of alexithymic SLE patients presented fibromyalgia (p<0.05), low scholastic education (p<0.01), cognitive impairment according to MOCA test (p<0.01) and mild-to-severe depression according to BDI (p<0.01). We did not find differences among alexithymic and non alexithymic in MeS, obesity and physical inactivity prevalence. TAS-20 values positively correlated with BDI score (p<0.001), HAM-H score (p<0.01) and activity impairment score (p<0.01) and negatively with Facit-Fatigue score (p<0.01). In multiple linear regression, predictors of TAS-20 values were to be fibromyalgic and to have mild-to-severe depression according to BDI. In multiple logistic regression, alexithymia was significantly associated to BDI score (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4) and inversely associated to cognitive impairment (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02–0.8). Conclusions SLE patients frequently present alexithymic tract. Alexithymia seems to be associated neither to disease feature, to disease course (activity and damage) and to SLE therapy, nor to HR-QoL expressed by SF-36. Nevertheless, alexithymia could be tightly related to QoL-associated factors as depression and fibromyalgia Disclosure of Interest None declared


The monthly near-surface air temperature dataset with 1 km * 1 km spatial resolution during 1961-2020 over the glaciers of the TP is useful and important. The data and method are reasonable. The data especially satellite data used in this research are huge and the methods of big data processing (regression, machine learning algorithm) are close to the advanced international level. Evaluations and warming trend analysis results are acceptable. Logical analysis and English expression in the manuscript are good. The figures, tables and results are enough. This paper may cause higher impact factor with more citations, considering the high spatial resolution, long time-series and the special location. The key problems in this research are well resolved and described in the manuscript. (1) Parameter: from LST to air temperature. (2) Temporal preprocessing: from day/night MODIS observation to monthly data, from 2002-2020 to 1961-2020. (3) Spatial preprocessing: from observations at hundreds of stations and satellite retrieval LST in clear sky with 1 km * 1 km to this dataset with 1 km * 1 km spatial resolution. (4) clear/cloudy circumstance. (5) Choose ERA-5 land to evaluate, and select the typical stations (shown in Figure 1A, in blue) to reconstruct air temperature time series as basis functions.


This thesis describes phytochemical investigations on the medicinally important plants namely i) Buxus papillosa ii) Tinospora malabarica and iii) Fumaria, which have resulted in the isolation and characterization of six new constituents. In addition, five previously known constituents from other plant sources have also been isolated for the first time from these plant. Modern spectroscopic techniques including mass spectroscopy (EI, CI, HERIMS, FDMS etc.). Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), and one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments (1H, 13C, COSY-45AƒÂƒA''AƒÂ'A'Âo, HOHAHA, 2D-J-resolved, HeteroCOSY, including inverse experiments HMQC and HMBC) were employed to elucidate their structure. The stereochemistry of the various asymmetric centres were established by NOE difference and X-ray diffraction studies

In addition to the isolation of natural products, syntheses of effective protecting groups for the gunaidino function of arginine were also under taken. Fmoc-based solid phase peptide synthesis is an ever growing interest in peptide synthesis but the side chain protection of arginine is still causing problems. Chapter five deals with the synthetic development of five new ary1 sulfony1-type guanidine protecting groups of arginine to study the factors influencing the acid liability of these groups. Three alkyl substituted synthons Tip (2,4,6-triisoprophylbenzenesulfony1), Mtbs (4-Methoxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzenesulfonyl) and Tbs (4-Methoxy-3-tert-butylbenzenesulfonyl) were synthesized. Furthermore, to observed the extended aromaticity over alkyl substituents, on the acid liability bicyclic Bip (Biphenyl-4-sulfonyl) and tricyclic Phen (Phenanthrene-3-sulfonyl) residues were synthesized. Kinetic investigations of these synthons were made with the conventionally used Mtr (4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl). The results obtained will provide fruitful help for the rational designing of new arylsulfonyl NG protecting groups cleavable under milder acidolytic condition and with less side effects.


In the SHIFT-BRIBERY problem we are given an election, a preferred candidate, and the costs of shifting this preferred candidate up the voters' preference orders. The goal is to find such a set of shifts that ensures that the preferred candidate wins the election. We give the first polynomial-time approximation scheme for the case of positional scoring rules, and for the Copeland rule we show strong inapproximability results.


Total renewable energy capacity in Stand-alone Power Supply (SPS) systems has increased dramatically over the past few years in Western Australian remote off-grid agricultural regions. Capital cost subsidies provided by governments has allowed the replacement of aging diesel generators with photovoltaics and wind turbines, which are known to be as reliable as traditional systems in addition to providing 24-hour availability of electricity. Over the last 30 years renewable energy SPS system technologies have seen some notable developments. However, in many respects they have also failed to live up to the expectations of many people in regional areas. There are still many technical, social and economic barriers to the use of renewables in SPS systems in Australia. A significant collaborative research and development (R&D) approach in regards to small renewable system integration into conventional power systems in Australia is literally non-existent. The last 10 years of energy policies has seen institutions that promote and provide R&D into renewable energy, such as the Energy Research and Development Corporation (ERDC), Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE), and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) endure renewable energy funding cuts or have been discontinued. This research illustrates that the performance and reliability of remote SPS systems in pastoral regions of WA has improved slowly in the past 30 years. This research also explores the strengths and weakness of government and industry policy approaches over time and their relationship to performance of SPS systems in pastoral Western Australia. The recommendations provide direction for policy makers to improve the utilisation of taxpayer funds to achieve climate change, energy, social equity and technological development policy objectives.


BACKGROUND: To correlate the findings of median nerves somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) with clinical manifestations and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in cervical radiation myelopathy after therapeutic irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded in 10 patients with cervical radiation myelopathy. Seven patients were studied by SEP once, two patients received SEP twice, and one patient, three times. RESULTS: On the basis of the median nerve SEP findings, three groups were identified: Group I, normal SEP responses (N9, N13 and N20); Group II, normal N13 with abnormal N20; Group III, Normal or abnormal N9 with both abnormal N13 and N20. CONCLUSIONS: The size, eccentricity and extension to the dorsal columns of the lesions correlated well with SEP findings. When the lesions were confined mainly to the lateral column without much involvement of the dorsal columns, SEP findings were normal; with more extensive lesions involving the dorsal columns, SEPs became abnormal.


Marking of the largest (F1) and the second largest (F2) follicles of the ovaries of the sheep with India ink has allowed us to observe the fate of these follicles after different treatments.All the F1 and F2 follicles of the controls marked on the 10th day of the cycle became atretic, but when the marking was done on the 14th day, only the F1 (of the marked follicles) ovulated. Destruction of the F1 with or without removal of the corpora lutea allowed some of the F2 to ovulate, whereas only removal of the corpora lutea decreased the number of F1 ovulating. It thus appears that the fate of the F1 is related to the time of the cycle and that the F1 could have an inhibitory effect on the ovulation of the F2. Removal of the corpora lutea also induced the development of several cystic follicles and decreased the total ovulation rate.


During the last decade there has been a huge interest in Grid technologies, and numerous Grid projects have been initiated with various visions of the Grid. While all these visions have the same goal of resource sharing, they differ in the functionality that a Grid supports, the grid characterisation, programming environments, etc. In this paper we present a new Grid system dedicated to deal with data issues, called DGET (Data Grid Environment and Tools). DGET is characterized by its peer-topeer communication system and entity-based architecture, therefore, taking advantage of the main functionality of both systems; P2P and Grid. DGET is currently under development and a prototype implementing the main components is in its first phase of testing. In this paper we limit our description to the system architectural features and to the main differences with other systems.


A facilitated technique of porcine donor hepatectomy is reported underlying the possibility to make an easy procedure without in situ portal perfusion, so other abdominal organs supplied by superior mesenteric system can be harvested at the same time. The viability of those grafts procured without in situ portal perfusion has been compared with an other group of livers harvested with in situ aortic and portal flushing. The evaluation of the histology and early graft function two hours after riperfusion has shown no differences between both groups.


Establishing direct and causal relationships among the confederacy of activated cell types present in psoriasis has been hampered by lack of an animal model. Within psoriatic plaques there are hyperplastic keratinocytes, infiltrating immunocytes, and activated endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if psoriasis is primarily a disorder of keratinocytes or the immune system. Using a newly developed experimental system in which full-thickness human skin is orthotopically transferred onto severe combined immunodeficient mice, autologous immunocytes were injected into dermis, and the resultant phenotype characterized by clinical, histologic, and immunophenotypic analyses. Engraftment of samples included both uninvolved/ symptomless (PN) skin removed from patients with psoriasis elsewhere, or from healthy individuals with no skin disease (NN skin). In 10 different experiments involving 6 different psoriasis patients, every PN skin was converted to a full-fledged psoriatic plaque skin by injection of autologous blood-derived immunocytes. In all but one psoriatic patient, the immunocytes required preactivation with IL-2 and superantigens to convert PN skin into psoriatic plaque skin. In every case, resultant plaques were characterized by visible presence of flaking and thickened skin, loss of the granular cell layer, prominent elongation of rete pegs with a dermal angiogenic tissue reaction, and infiltration within the epidermis by T cells. Lesional skin displayed 20 different antigenic determinants of the psoriatic phenotype. None of the four NN skin samples injected with autologous immunocytes converted to psoriatic plaques. We conclude that psoriasis is caused primarily by the ability of pathogenetic blood-derived immunocytes to induce secondary activation and disordered growth of endogenous cutaneous cells including keratinocytes and vascular endothelium.


Objectives: To evaluate the placental vessels angio-architecture by preoperative ultrasonography with the view of placental surface rendering. Methods: Six cases affected with TTTS were examined by power Doppler with 3D surface rendering (Accuvix XQ, Medison, Seoul Korea) preoperatively, and compared the images to fetoscopic placental surface view. Gestational ages at examination were average of 20 weeks' gestation (18 to 23). Three cases were anterior placenta, and the other three were posterior placenta. Results: One case of anterior placenta obtained a sufficient image of vasculature running through the placental surface compared to fetoscopical view. All three posterior placentae were not able to get adequate images because of its technical limitation; motion noise of amniotic fluid or fetus, far distance of placenta location, and far distance between both umbilical cord insertion. Conclusions: 3D power Doppler surface rendering, which still has technical limitations, may have the potential of preoperative ultrasound guide to simulate the angio-architecture of communicating vessels especially for anterior placenta cases, if the sufficient view is obtained.


Large-scale data analysis is growing at an exponential rate as data proliferates in our societies. This abundance of data has the advantage of allowing the decision-maker to implement complex models in scenarios that were prohibitive before. At the same time, such an amount of data requires a distributed thinking approach. In fact, Deep Learning models require plenty of resources, and distributed training is needed. This paper presents a Multicriteria approach for distributed learning. Our approach uses the Weighted Goal Programming approach in its Chebyshev formulation to build an ensemble of decision rules that optimize aprioristically defined performance metrics. Such a formulation is beneficial because it is both model and metric agnostic and provides an interpretable output for the decision-maker. We test our approach by showing a practical application in electricity demand forecasting. Our results suggest that when we allow for dataset split overlapping, the performances of our methodology are consistently above the baseline model trained on the whole dataset.


Propagation of a guided mode (eigenmode) through an integrated optical generalised waveguide Luneburg lens is numerically simulated for the first time in terms of the previously obtained analytical solution of the vector electrodynamic problem in a smoothly irregular four-layer integrated optical 3D waveguide. The dispersion relation for a four-layer continuously irregular integrated optical 3D waveguide is calculated within the approximations of the asymptotic method of comparison waveguides and the method of adiabatic modes, in particular, taking into account the shift of the propagation constants of quasi-TE and quasi-TM modes. A generalised waveguide Luneburg lens with a full aperture is synthesised in the zero-order approximation. The results of numerical simulation demonstrate, on the one hand, a very good coincidence of the solution to the stated problem obtained in the approximation of the method of comparison waveguides with the previous results, and, on the other hand, advantages of our method: more rigorous solution of the problem, more complete consideration of its physical peculiarities, and higher accuracy of calculations. Another undoubted advantage of the analytical method proposed here is that it can be used to analyse similar structures fabricated of dielectrics, magnetics, and metamaterials, including nonlinear materials, in a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths.


Brain categorized the type of presentation that was described by Lederman as "resembles the disorder of function which occurs in hysterical paralysis";" This seemedan ill-considered statement since it did not refer to the body of the already known literature and since no evidence was quoted to support the proposition. To return to the theme of my article," psychosocial factors are certainly important, but I do not believethat there is one jot of evidence that they are the root cause of overuse syndrome in musiciansand the 19th century writers did not think so either. Neither was such evidence offered in Dr Bell's letter. I even had the sneaking feeling that he was prepared to acknowledge that overuse syndrome in musicians might be accepted as being different from conversion hysteria and malingering. I would like to think so. Hunter J.H. Fry, MS 16 Howard Street Kew, VIC 3101 I. Fry HJH. Overuse syndrome of the upper limb in musicians. Med J Aust 1986; 144: 182-185. 2. Fry HJH. Overuse syndrome in musicians 100 years ago: an historical review. Med J Aust 1986; 145: 620-625. 3. Fraser D. Meeting of the Pathological and Clinical Society. Glasgow Med J 1879; II: 75-77. 4. Gowers WR. A manual of diseases of the nervous system. Vol 2. London: Churchill, 1888: 656-676. 5. Poore GV. Writer's cramp. In: Quain R. ed. A dictionary of medicine. Part II. London: Longmans Green, 1885: 1792-1794. 6. Brain WR. Diseases of the nervous system. 1st edn. London: Oxford University Press, 1933: 804-806.


ObjectiveWe aim to develop a prediction model for the number of imported cases of infectious disease by using the recurrent neural network (RNN) with the Elman algorithm1, a type of artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm. We have targeted to predict the number of imported dengue cases in South Korea as the number of dengue cases is greater than other mosquito-borne diseases2.IntroductionIn recent years, mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue have become particularly problematic due to global climate change. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation are considered to be associated with habitat suitability of mosquito vectors3 and viruses 4. To address such cross-border infectious diseases, countries have come up with various strategies to control and manage mosquito-borne diseases. In line with this, international efforts have been made to minimize the burden of global infectious diseases. In 2014, Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)5 has been launched in collaboration with the international organizations, member countries of GHSA, and non-governmental organizations in order to improve national and global capacities against global public health threat. In addition, various quarantine programs have been operated in and between countries borderlines and airports with cutting edge ICT technologies.These efforts could be made more effective when the authorities have reliable predicted future trends or events6, utilize their capacities more efficiently and provide timely alerts to the public. However, very few studies have been conducted to deal with imported disease, while much attention has been paid to the endemic diseases.In this study, we aim to develop a prediction model for imported infectious disease by using the approach of ANN. We have chosen to model the imported cases of dengue in Korea, as the number of imported dengue cases is larger than other mosquito-borne diseases. Additionally, Japan, one of South Korea's neighboring countries, has recently experienced autochthonous dengue virus transmission, which has raised concerns about localization in Korea as well as in Japan7.MethodsAs our prediction target was the monthly number of imported dengue cases, among the alternative types of ANN, our study used recurrent neural network (RNN) models, which has been developed to model the temporal sequenced data. Specifically, Elman algorithm1 was used to develop an RNN and the model was implemented by an R package "RSNNS".A conventional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was also developed to compare and verify the predictabilities between the RNN and conventional ARIMA modeling approach. The ARIMA model predicted the number of dengue cases that are likely to be imported from Indonesia in 2016, based on the reported number of imported dengue cases from the country between the year 2011-2015. The analysis was conducted by an R package "forecast."To develop an RNN, the number of hidden layers and the number of nodes for each hidden layer need to be determined. The grid searching method was employed for the determination based on rooted mean squared error (RMSE), a measurement of the model performance under which a lower value indicates a better model fit. For the grid search, we chose a range of 1-3 for the number of hidden layers, and a range of 10-40 for the number of nodes for each hidden layer (29,791 combinations in total for the RNN model).To this end, we have divided the dengue importation data into two sets, i.e., the training set versus validation set. The training data set included data which had a time period of 48 months from 2012 to 2015, and the validation set had data for over 12 months in 2016, which was the latest data set available during the time of our study. As the sequential external validation approach was adopted, we used 12 RNNs for each data point in the validation set. In other words, we predicted the number of imported dengue cases from the given target country at the point in time in January 2016, using the RNN developed based on the data from January 2012 to December 2015. We then subsequently predicted the cases in February 2016 by using the data from 2012 to January 2016 and iterated the process similarly for predictions at other time points in 2016. Through the process, we have obtained the predicted number of imported dengue cases in 2016, and computed an RMSE by comparing the value to those in the observed data. Via the grid searching method used, a total of 29,791 RMSE values were calculated for models of each target country, and a model with the least RMSE was selected as the best-fitting model.ResultsThe RMSE for the best-fitting RNN model was 14.152. In comparison to the ARIMA model, of which RMSE was 16.466, the RNN model showed improved predictability. The RNN-based prediction model can be utilized to improve the effectiveness of both national and individual level interventions for preventing the imported cases of dengue and its subsequent localization in Korea.ConclusionsSince Dengue's enlistment in 2000 as nationally notifiable infectious disease, it has been reported to be one of the most common infectious disease imported into South Korea8. Concerning the rapid change in climate and disease patterns, the South Korean government should be prepared to be more responsive towards any potential imported cases of infectious disease (especially Dengue) by developing an active surveillance system and specific countermeasures.In this context, our prediction model can be utilized to enhance the response system which is designed to reduce the number of imported cases in the future and prevent any possible localization of the disease. Our analysis also suggests areas for future research to further advance the prediction models for infectious disease importation in general. Since the current RNN-based prediction model still has its limitations, it would be crucial to put in more efforts in improving the model performance and applicability. The ANN algorithms need further development in order for it to effectively manage the availability of relevant big data in the near future.References1. Elman JL. Finding structure in time. Cognitive science. 1990;14(2):179-211.2. Choe YJ, Choe SA, Cho SI. Importation of travel-related infectious diseases is increasing in South Korea: An analysis of salmonellosis, shigellosis, malaria, and dengue surveillance data. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2017;19:22-7.3. Kraemer MU, Sinka ME, Duda KA, Mylne AQ, Shearer FM, Barker CM, et al. The global distribution of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Elife. 2015.4. Alto BW, Bettinardi D. Temperature and dengue virus infection in mosquitoes: independent effects on the immature and adult stages. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. 2013;88(3):497-505.5. Arthur GF, Michael M, Leah FM, Maureen B, Mitsuaki H, Wenshu L, et al. Contributions of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Implementing the Global Health Security Agenda in 17 Partner Countries. Emerging Infectious Disease journal. 2017;23(13).6. Eisen L, Eisen RJ. Using geographic information systems and decision support systems for the prediction, prevention, and control of vector-borne diseases. Annual review of entomology. 2011;56:41-61.7. Yoshimura Y, Sakamoto Y, Amano Y, Nakaharai K, Yaita K, Hoshina T, et al. Four Cases of Autochthonous Dengue Infection in Japan and 46 Imported Cases: Characteristics of Japanese Dengue. Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan). 2015;54(23):3005-8.8. Yeom J-S. Current status and outlook of mosquito-borne diseases in Korea. Journal of the Korean Medical Association. 2017;60(6):468-74.


We simulate interbank lending. Each bank faces fluctuations in deposits and stochastic investment opportunities which mature with delay. This creates the risk of liquidity shortages. An interbank market lets participants pool this risk but also creates the potential for one bank's crisis to propagate through the system. We study banking systems with homogeneous banks, as well as systems in which banks are heterogeneous. With homogeneous banks, an interbank market unambiguously stabilises the system. With heterogeneity, knock-on effects become possible but the stabilising role of interbank lending remains so that the interbank market can play an ambiguous role.


The catalytic epoxidation of styrene was carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in the presence of Prussian blue analogues (PBA) as catalysts and the reaction parameters of the epoxidation, such as temperature, solvent and reaction time, have been optimized. Optimum reaction conditions led to 96% conversion of styrene with selectivity in styrene epoxide equal to 64%. Furthermore, a kinetic investigation of the epoxidation of styrene with TBHP has been studied, a first order with respect to the concentrations of styrene, TBHP and catalyst were determined and an apparent activation energy value of 100.4 kJ mol−1 was obtained.


TRL Limited has been commissioned by the Highways Agency to identify, investigate and report on a number of case studies in which a relocation of services has been required within the median. In order to obtain detailed information relating to such relocation, one area of the Highways Agency's Network, the M25 Sphere, was identified, and details of Works involving the movement and/or replacement of services were collated. From this list of case studies, the following were selected for further analysis: Replacement of drainage and safety fence (like-for-like); Replacement of drainage and safety fence (Tensioned Corrugated Beam to Open Box Beam); Replacement of metal safety fence with concrete barrier, and associated works; Crack and seat and overlay of the carriageway and installation of concrete barrier in the verge; Replacement of drainage and safety fence (Tensioned Corrugated Beam to Open Box Beam); In each case, details of the Works completed were collated and the associated costs obtained. In addition a letter was also distributed to all of the Highways Agency's regional Traffic Operations Departments, their Agents and their Term Maintenance Contractors. The report concludes that the costs associated with an incident are highly dependant on the impact parameters surrounding the incident, and the costs associated with the individual costs associated with repairs, traffic delay and the severity of the resulting injuries caused by the incident. Each potential hazard should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and each of these factors quantified using a statistical approach, including the implementation of a risk analysis procedure. (A)


The main issues related to the atmospheric pollution are the stratospheric ozone depletion, the transboundary air pollution, the troposphere air quality and the climate change. The three last decades have seen the birth of several measures for the atmosphere safeguard. Agricultural activities play a key role in determining, preventing and mitigating atmospheric pollution. The emission to atmosphere of different ozone-depleting substances is regulated by the Montreal Protocol. The role of agriculture activity in ozone depletion is linked to the utilization of methyl bromide as soil sterilant and to the emission of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide, from agricultural soils. The Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution regulates the emission of several pollutants, i.e. sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, non methane volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and tropospheric ozone. The agriculture sector is responsible for a large part of the emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides, mainly through manure management and nitrogen fertilization, and of most persistent organic pollutants, largely used in the past as insecticides and fungicides. The increase of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) concentration in the atmosphere is under the control of the Kyoto Protocol. Agriculture accounts for 59-63% of global non-CO2 GHGs emissions but at the same time it contributes to the atmospheric CO2 concentration stabilisation through the substitution of fossil fuels by biofuels and the sequestration of C in soil and vegetal biomass. In this paper we provide an outline of the numerous scientific and legislative initiatives aimed at protecting the atmosphere, and we analyse in detail the agriculture sector in order to highlight both its contribution to atmospheric pollution and the actions aimed at preventing and mitigating it.


There is increasing research attention to the integration of ethnic minority youth in Hong Kong. Within this attention lies an interest in how these young people make sense of their identities in relation to their schooling experiences. From a qualitative methodological viewpoint, researchers' positionalities, including their cultural background and scholarly motivations, have implications on the ways in which they (re)present their findings. Using the axes of insider and outsider, we reflect on and compare how we have approached two studies with ethnic minority youth in Hong Kong. We discuss the potential affordances and tensions of cultural insider and outsider roles in our research to highlight the cultural dynamics in our interactions with our participants. As we advance dialogue on how researchers approach their work through their own cultural positionalities, we offer a nuanced account of the complexities surrounding the 'making' of ethnic minority young people's identities in Hong Kong.


Rapid formation of thermally robust polymeric Lewis adducts between the poly(N-heterocyclic carbene) [poly(NHC)] Lewis base and the carbon Lewis acid C60 is utilized to develop a powerful synthetic strategy for the convenient and efficient synthesis of C60-containing polymers with an unprecedented level of C60 incorporation (up to 69.3 wt%). The resulting polymer Lewis adducts, poly(NHC–C60), exhibit several intriguing properties pertaining to their molecular weights, thermal stability, cross-linking, and morphologies of donor(D)/acceptor(A) blends. Most significantly, the morphology of the D/A bulk heterojunction (BHJ) using poly(NHC–C60) appears to be more controlled and the C60 domain size is apparently much smaller and more uniform, as compared to the D/A BHJ directly using C60 with the same D/A ratio.


The Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a graphical recording of the electrical signals generated by the heart. The signals are generated when the cardiac muscles depolarize in response to electrical impulses generated by the pacemaker. In this work, we propose an efficient method to monitor and classify the ECG signals. The initial task carried out was to eliminate the noise, which involved extracting the required cardiac components by rejecting the background noise. The second task was to perform R peak detection, which was achieved by using the Windowed Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT). The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was also found by calculating the difference between two simultaneous R-Peaks. The simulations were carried out in the MATLAB environment. The experiments were carried out using data from the MIT-BIH Database. This paper proposes an algorithm to monitor cardiac atrial fibrillation, which is an essential precursor to myocardial infarction.


This study presents the performances of an inverse modelling approach aiming to identify position and emission rate of a localised pollutant source placed within a city district. To that purpose we combine wind tunnel experiments and an urban dispersion model. Experiments are performed in an idealised urban canopy, made up of regularly spaced blocks, and provide the pollutant concentration field downwind from the source within the canopy. The urban dispersion model, named SIRANE, is an operational model that simulates the main mechanisms governing the pollutant transfer within a network of streets.


A central feature of the conflict-ending measures contained in the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) was the release of republican and loyalist measures. The prisoners were released as part of a political agreement which did not de-legitimise their ideological approach, but instead merely rejected their methodology. For the GFA to extend beyond mere conflict management however, some ideological convergence might be required.

Drawing upon extensive (60+) research interviews and group discussions with former prisoners, funded via a two year Leverhulme Trust award, this paper explores the extent to which republican and loyalist prisoners have altered their ideological perceptions as a result of the peace process and the GFA. Are views of the 'other' side still characterised by mutual incomprehension, or have the peace and political processes led to greater recognition of rival forces? Is long-term reconciliation between two different armed traditions possible as a consequence of the diminution of ideological division between republican and loyalist former combatants?


Rats fed on atherogenic diets containing 2% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid with or without 0.15% thiouracil were exposed to carbon disulphide (CS2) vapours (1 mg/l of air), five hours a day, six days a week for 6-10 months. Serum and aorta lipid contents were determined, and the extent of atherosclerotic changes was investigated. The following effects of chronic exposure to CS2 were found: (1) slower gain in body weight when rats were fed on atherogenic diet; (2) greater increase in serum cholesterol content (after thiouracil supplemented diet); (3) moderate increase in total cholesterol content in the aorta wall with a significantly increased esterified cholesterol fraction but none in phospholipid level in this tissue; and (4) more advanced lipid infiltrates of coronary arteries and endocardium, the latter predominantly in the aortic valves. These results together with data from previous studies indicate that metabolism of arterial lipids participates in the process of artheroma formation after chronic exposure to CS2 vapours.


The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the impact retention has had on the lived experiences of adults in the North Georgia area that were retained in their K-12 education. The 10 participants were adults over the age of 18 that live in a rural North Georgia community and have experienced retention. The sampling was purposive and took place at public schools in Mountain Town, Georgia. The research questions for this study were: • How is the experience of grade retention remembered by adults retained in their K-12 education? • How has K-12 retention impacted self-efficacy, the belief in the ability to succeed, and quality of life of adults who were retained during their K-12 education? o How did retention impact their self-esteem? o How did retention impact their employment successes and socioeconomic status? o How did retention impact their home life and relationships? Data collection took place using a survey, questionnaires, interviews, and a focus group discussion. Data analysis was conducted using Moustakas' Seven Steps (Moustakas, 1994) and included enumeration, selecting quotations to provide authentication, and coding that identified themes, significant statements, and shared experiences.


Based on experimental and computational fluid dynamics analysis, the phenomenon of particle back-mixing near the dust outlet in cyclone separator with tangential inlet was studied. The results show that particle back-mixing appears near the dust outlet geometry. Particle back-mixing can be divided into dust hopper back-mixing and discharge cone back-mixing for different generation mechanism. The upward flow coming from dust hopper, which occupies 17.7% of the inlet gas, can induce dust hopper back-mixing. The particle mass flow rate that caused by dust hopper back-mixing occupies 46.6% of total inlet particle mass flow rate. Precessing vortex core, bias flow and high turbulent intensity near the dust outlet can induce discharge cone back-mixing. For both dust hopper back-mixing and discharge cone back-mixing, particle back-mixing is serious near the dust outlet geometry, which occupies 56.8% of total inlet particle mass flow rate. Particle which is smaller than 18μm can mix backward. The axial distribution of particle concentration decreases sharply in a range of 1.5 D (cyclone diameter) height above the dust discharge port. At last, only 2.6% of back-mixing particles with diameter no bigger than 13μm escape from vortex finder. This effect on separator efficiency increases with the particle diameter decreases.


Abstract This paper reports on a qualitative inquiry that investigated a group of Hong Kong university students' perceptions of their linguistic identities in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) communication. The participants of the study were proficient second language (L2) speakers of English who reported to have participated in intercultural ELF communication on a regular basis. By analyzing data gathered via two rounds of in-depth interviews, the study revealed that these participants did not evaluate their "non-native" status negatively but embraced their identities as legitimate and empowered speakers of English in ELF interactions. In addition, they validated their identities as multilingual, multicompetent, and translingual speakers of English with the ability to draw upon a diverse set of multilingual resources flexibly in ELF contexts. The analysis also found that these participants' linguistic identities were constructed and negotiated in relation to the perceived linguistic competence of other ELF speakers, especially L2 speakers of other cultural/national backgrounds. This paper sheds light on the complexity of linguistic identities in ELF contexts and contributes to the growing ELF research in the Asian context.


Patients with skin and soft tissue infections may appear with the abscess. Erroneous diagnosis of these entities is common, and should carefully consider the possible alternative diagnoses. Risk for developing skin abscess factors includes disruption of the skin barrier, edema, venous insufficiency, and immune suppression. However, healthy individuals who have no risk factors may also develop these diseases. The most common microbiologic cause of abscess, a commonly group Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes; Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) is a notable but less common cause. The most common microbiologic cause of skin abscess is S. aureus; a skin abscess can be caused by more than one pathogen. The diagnosis is based on skin abscess usually on the clinical manifestations. It must be subject to patients with disposable abscess incision and drainage, with a test of culture and susceptibility of materials wet. There is no justification for the blood of patients in the cultures of the abovementioned circumstances. It can be a useful radiographic examination to determine whether the skin abscess is present (via ultrasound) to distinguish cellulitis from osteomyelitis (via magnetic resonance imaging). There may be a justification for radiological assessment in patients with immune suppression, diabetes, venous insufficiency, or lymphedema in patients with persistent symptoms of systemic lymphatic obstruction.


Wetland use by nonbreeding ducks in coastal Texas in the areas between Galveston Bay and the Rio Grande were studied, September 1991 to March 1993, to determine the most important wetland types based on density. Twenty-five species of ducks were observed using wetlands on a stratified (based on dominant land use) random sample of 64.75 ha (one-quarter section) plots. Ranks of density for all ducks, as a group, were highest in lacustrine littoral emergent nonpersistent wetlands. Anatini density ranks were greatest in wetlands with scrub-shrub vegetation, but individual species' ranks varied. Dendrocygnini and Aythyini density ranks were highest in lacustrine littoral wetlands, particularly those with aquatic-bed vegetation. Ducks depend on a wide array of wetland types (including 48 of 82 available subclasses), and management should provide complexes of wetlands. Management should concentrate on protecting, enhancing, and/or creating 15 of 1,201 wetland types occurring in the coastal plains of Texas that were prioritized for management actions. These wetlands were predominantly aquatic-bed, scrub-shrub, and unconsolidated substrate types.


Federated search has the tremendous potential to make a wide range of diverse information and viewpoints available to scientists, researchers and the public. Traditional federated search engines provide access to a relatively small number of content sources, – typically several dozen or fewer. But, depending on the discipline, there may exist hundreds of databases with relevant content. And, given the value of searching content sources in fields that are seemingly unrelated, a researcher will benefit from simultaneously searching hundreds, or thousands of sources. The greater the number of relevant and diverse high quality sources a researcher can access, the faster he or she will make discoveries that advance science and improve the quality of our lives.

The current paradigm for federated search suffers from a number of problems that hinder the development of large and scalable federated search engines. Search speed, relevance ranking, and source selection all suffer in today's paradigm as the number of sources increases. Deep Web Technologies, a Santa Fe New Mexico-based federated search technology company, is pioneering the effort to build applications that overcome these obstacles. Deep Web Technologies has created a hierarchical "divide-and-conquer" architecture that distributes the federated search work flow to eliminate the traditional bottlenecks and allow for massive scalability.

Deep Web Technologies built the search engine behind WorldWideScience.org, a global gateway to government-produced and government-supported science research information. WorldWideScience.org employs Deep Web Technologies' hierarchical approach to search sources that are themselves federated search engines. WorldWideScience.org searches 140 sources through this approach. Deep Web Technologies is building, by mid-2009, a 500-source science research portal. Deep Web Technologies will describe, in the ASIS 2009 poster session, its architecture and how it facilitates large-scale scalability of federated search applications.


In this correspondence, the ergodic channel capacity at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is established for variable-gain and fixed-gain amplify-and-forward (AF) relay systems in a generic noise environment. Long-term path loss and short-term channel fading are considered in evaluating the capacity. Since analytic solutions to the capacity are difficult to obtain, we seek approximations and derive corresponding optimal amplification coefficients and power loadings. Useful insights are revealed for the impact of generic noise and relay locations on the capacity and relay-operating status for both variable-gain and fixed-gain relaying. Simulations are provided to verify the derived results.


Objective To investigate the relationship between HIF-1α expression and neuron apoptosis in hypoxia/hypoxia ischemia brain injury and elucidate the role of HIF-1α in regulating neuron apoptosis. Methods Postnatal day 10 SD rats were divided into three groups: the hypoxia ischemia group (HI), the hypoxia group and sham controls. Rat brains were collected at 4 h, 8 h and 24 h after hypoxia from each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of HIF-1α and actived caspase-3. Apoptosis positive cells were determined by TUNEL staining. HE staining was used to detect histopathological damage. Results The expression of HIF-1α protein was significantly upregulated at 4 h, peaked at 8 h, and decreased at 24 h after hypoxia/HI. The expression level of HIF-1α protein in hypoxia/HI group was much higher than that in sham controls (P<0.01). The expression of activated caspase-3 protein was increased at 4 h and 8 h after hypoxia/HI and significantly upregulated at 24 h, but in sham controls the activated caspase-3 protein remains at a very low level (P<0.01). TUNEL staining showed that positive cells significantly increased at 24 h after hypoxia/HI. HE staining showed that neuronal degeneration and edema became prominent at 24 h after hypoxia/HI. The expression of HIF-1α protein was higher in hypoxia groups than that in hypoxia ischemia groups at the same time points (P<0.05). However, the expression of activated caspase-3, the number of TUNEL positive cells and the degree of histopathological damage were lower in hypoxia groups than that in hypoxia ischemia groups at the same time points (P<0.05). Conclusions The variation tendency of HIF-1α and activated caspase-3 expression was opposite, and the expression of HIF-1α protein and histopathological damage degree was inverse correlation in HIBD. Therefore, it suggested that HIF-1α may play a protective role in neuron after hypoxia/HI.


Many U.S. elections provide voters with precious little information about candidates on the ballot. In local contests, party labels are often absent. In primary elections, party labels are not useful. Indeed, much of the time, voters have only the name of the candidate to go by. In these contexts, how do voters make decisions? Using several experiments, we find that voters use candidates' race, ethnicity, and gender as cues for whom to support—penalizing candidates of color and benefiting women. But we also demonstrate that providing even a small amount of information to voters—such as candidate occupation—virtually erases the effects of candidate demographics on voter behavior, even among voters with high levels of racial and gender prejudice.


Aqueous oil-modified polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) were synthesized using alcoholysis derivatives of vegetable oil, hydroxyl-terminated polyether, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and dimethylolbutyric acid (DMBA). Alcoholysis was performed in order to insert alcoholysis derivatives, which were used as the polyol composition. The structures of alcoholysis derivatives, polyurethane dispersions and their dry films were confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), respectively. The effect of alcoholysis derivatives on the properties of PUD films was investigated. The results show that tack-free time and gloss of PUD films would change with the amount of alcoholysis derivatives. When compared to aqueous polyurethane dispersions, aqueous oil-modified PUDs have shorter tack-free time, higher gloss and tensile strength and lower elongation at broken.


Today's intraoral scanners allow clinicians to improve their data and information, eliminate poor impressions, and best of all, help deliver great restorations to patients in a quicker, more comfortable fashion. Take a close look at the intramural scanner systems on the following pages and make sure to look into finding a system that can help you and your patients take advantange of this great technology


Earth system forecasting has traditionally relied on complex physical models that are computationally expensive and require significant domain expertise. In the past decade, the unprecedented increase in spatiotemporal Earth observation data has enabled data-driven forecasting models using deep learning techniques. These models have shown promise for diverse Earth system forecasting tasks but either struggle with handling uncertainty or neglect domain-specific prior knowledge, resulting in averaging possible futures to blurred forecasts or generating physically implausible predictions. To address these limitations, we propose a two-stage pipeline for probabilistic spatiotemporal forecasting: 1) We develop PreDiff, a conditional latent diffusion model capable of probabilistic forecasts. 2) We incorporate an explicit knowledge control mechanism to align forecasts with domain-specific physical constraints. This is achieved by estimating the deviation from imposed constraints at each denoising step and adjusting the transition distribution accordingly. We conduct empirical studies on two datasets: N-body MNIST, a synthetic dataset with chaotic behavior, and SEVIR, a real-world precipitation nowcasting dataset. Specifically, we impose the law of conservation of energy in N-body MNIST and anticipated precipitation intensity in SEVIR. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of PreDiff in handling uncertainty, incorporating domain-specific prior knowledge, and generating forecasts that exhibit high operational utility.


As researchers are increasingly seeking tools and specialized support to perform research data management activities, the collaboration with data curators can be fruitful. Yet, establishing a timely collaboration between researchers and data curators, grounded in sound communication, is often demanding. In this paper we propose manual content analysis as an approach to streamline the data curator workflow. With content analysis curators can obtain domain-specific concepts used to describe experimental configurations in scientific publications, to make it easier for researchers to understand the notion of metadata and for the development of metadata tools. We present three case studies from experimental domains, one related to sustainable chemistry, one to photovoltaic generation and another to nanoparticle synthesis. The curator started by performing content analysis in research publications, proceeded to create a metadata template based on the extracted concepts, and then interacted with researchers. The approach was validated by the researchers with a high rate of accepted concepts, 84 per cent. Researchers also provide feedback on how to improve some proposed descriptors. Content analysis has the potential to be a practical, proactive task, which can be extended to multiple experimental domains and bridge the communication gap between curators and researchers.
[This paper is a conference pre-print presented at IDCC 2020 after lightweight peer review.]


Several fuses made of nickel silver (57 to 61% Cu, 11 to 13% Ni, bal Zn) exposed to air containing ammonium and nitrate ions failed by SCC. Test solutions of 1 N ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and a 1:1 mixture of 1 N sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and 1 N calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3) 2) were prepared. In addition, stressed fuses made of nickel silver and of cupro-nickel (80Cu-20Ni) were exposed to a drop of corrosive solution in the stressed area. All nickel silver specimens failed after two days of exposure to NH4NO3 solution. However, 17% of them failed and 67% showed crack initiation but no failure after 42 days of exposure to NaNO3 + Ca(NO3)2 solution. None of the cupro-nickel specimens failed, but among those exposed to NH4NO3, 17% displayed crack initiation and 83% showed partial dealloying after 42 days. Based on the test results, the fuse material was changed from nickel silver to cupro-nickel, solving the SCC problem.


Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are often ascertained via self-reports but can be subject to overreporting bias. Asking about intention to get screened before asking about past screening may minimize overreporting of cancer screening. In a statewide survey conducted from July through October of 2005, we embedded an experiment that tested the effect of question ordering (asking about future intention to get screened before or after asking about past screening; "future first" and "future second," respectively), crossed with survey mode (mail versus telephone), on CRC screening rates. Weighted analysis focused on 752 respondents who were ages 50 years or older. We found (a) that asking about future intentions to get screened before asking about past screening (future first) statistically significantly lowers reports of past CRC screening [70.9% future second versus 58.0% future first; odds ratio (OR), 1.83; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.08-3.13]; (b) that there was no main effect of survey mode; and (c) that the effect of the ordering of the future intentions item varies by survey mode. In the mailed survey, the odds of reporting past CRC screening were almost thrice greater in the future second condition compared with the future first condition (72.4% versus 49.0%, respectively; OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.22-6.17). In the telephone condition, the odds of reporting were only 28% higher in the future second (69.5%) condition than in the future first condition (63.9%; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.64-2.57). The results suggest that asking about future intentions to get screened before the actual behavior elicits lower, and arguably more truthful reports of CRC screening but mainly in mailed surveys. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(4):785–90)


Sporological study of 21 bore-core coal samples from Bhatgaon, Khargaon and Songara blocks of Bisrampur coalfield, M.P., has been done. The qualitative as well as quantitative distribution of various palyno-taxa among the samples, has suggested the occurrence of four distinct miospore assemblages. Assemblage-A is marked by the higher representation of Microbaculispora associated with Dentatispora. Assemblage-B is characterized by the dominance of Indotriradites, while Assemblage-C has the dominance of Brevitriletes in association with Sulcatisporites and Assemblage-D is dominated by an association of Brevitriletes, and Horriditriletes. These four palynological assemblages suggest the occurrence of four coal seams among the samples investigated.


A class of sites described as scooped enclosures are characterised by a hillside location. The area marked off by an enclosing rampart or wall is mostly lower than the ground outside. This is markedly so on the uphill side, where the enclosing wall stands on the level of the ground outside and is clearly not meant to be defensible against attack from above. The interior is not uniformly level, but consists of a number of separate level "floors," quasi-circular, arranged in the main in two horizontal rows. The downhill side of the lower row is probably levelled up by terracing. The general shape of the enclosure is oval, usually with the long axis\r\nhorizontal. The partial excavation of one of these is described and its function as a dwelling is confirmed. Excavation of a nearby hut-circle failed to recover any dating evidence.


The implementation of productivity tools in multinational companies is usually well
documented. Two of the fundamental productivity methods used are waste elimination and
variation reduction. The objective of this research is to identify the Critical Success Factors
(CSFs) of six sigma methodology implementation in Malaysian Multinational Corporations
(MNCs). This research used the method of exploratory survey conducted via online
questionnaire. The survey was conducted among 22 MNCs in Malaysia which used six sigma
methodology in their organisations. The list of 22 companies was retrieved from Internet
search. Of the 22 companies surveyed, 20 returned their completed responses. The study
concluded that Project/Process Assessment and Training/Awareness are the most significant
factors in the successful implementation of six sigma. The results support the Null Hypothesis
(H0) that the success of six sigma implementation in Malaysia is directly impacted on by the
identified CSFs. This research finding provides the necessary foundation for local companies
to adopt and to ensure the correct approach is used in implementing six sigma in their
organisations. (Abstract by authors)


Abstract : The U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center (TEC) initiated this program to keep abreast of new and promising color image processing and printing methods that could be used by the Army. In 1990, new nonimpact printing technologies and derived products were rapidly emerging alongside high speed digital image processing capabilities. Linking these two areas held the promise of creating highly flexible digital demand color printing which had not been imagined 10 years earlier. This report studies the feasibility of creating a Full Color Recorder System from available technologies, hardware and software. The next three years of R and D under this contract produced results which have been adopted by the Army into the baseline QRMP system; a system designed to provide troops' real-time terrain graphic images in the field. This final report documents the rationale, history, processes, technologies and results of this program. Color, Reproduction, Image processing, Digital, Scanner


Cooperative problem solving with peers plays a central role in promoting children's cognitive and social development. This article reviews research on cooperative problem solving among preschool-age children in experimental settings and social play contexts. Studies suggest that cooperative interactions with peers in experimental settings are not as consistently beneficial to young children's cognitive growth as they are for school-age children. In contrast, both theory and empirical research suggest that social play like that seen in early childhood classrooms is a context in which young children gain critical knowledge from peer cooperation. However, these contexts differ in how much they allow children to create and sustain their own joint goals, which likely influences their learning from cooperative interactions in experimental settings. Features of cooperative social play that allow preschool children to create joint goals are considered, and suggestions for future research are proposed to integrate these features into experimental settings in order to provide a fuller understanding of the development of cooperative problem solving in young children and its benefits.