The use of botanical extracts and essential oil in skin care has been increasing due to greater demand on the part of consumers to use natural ingredients. Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum really have   big potentials  for reaching the public and showcasing its benefits , thus this study could encourage growers to raise more Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum in their areas not only as  food but as a raw material in the production of natural products which are for health and wellness. Both Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum possess skin healing effect which may be attributed to their biologically active components. Tamarind  possess to have bioflavonoids and alkaloids which occur in its leaves, pulp and bark. The bark contains  tannin which are recommended for treatments of inflammation, ulceration and skin disease. Tamarind has  Tartaric acid that makes it possible for tamarind to works wonders on oily skin with pimples and on sun-damaged.  Sweet Sorghum on the other hand contains emulsion, a substance that can give a moisturizing effect on the skin. the majestic phytochemistry of Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum encouraged the researcher  to produce and test  the acceptability, efficacy and safety of different skin care products that are commonly needed by the community. The Tamarind Leaves soap was proven to be highly acceptable in terms of its color, odor, texture, hardness and overall appearance. Both the Tamarind soap and the Sweet Sorghum soap were safe and free from insoluble soap and fatty acid soap. The percent reduction of acne in using Tamarind soap, Sweet Sorghum and Commercial soap have similar effect on the tenth and twelve days of use. The initial means of the treatments ranges from 10.00 pustule to 2.00 pustule. After 12 days of treatment the mean decrease is zero or equivalent to 100% decrease in the number of acne. The result of this study maybe explained with the result on antibacterial property test ( against Staphylococcus A.) of Tamarind soap and Sweet Sorghum Soap. Tamarind soap with 8% extract was found to be most effective in reduction of pimples. The Tamarind shower gel and Sweet Sorghum shower gels were effective against Staphylococcus Aurous. Tamarind Bark Ointment was an effective anti – inflammatory agent particularly on swelling and redness as well as for wound healing. Tamarind scrub salt, shower gel  and liniment  were also highly acceptable and found to be safe and effective. Result on the acceptability of Sweet Sorghum natural products are comparable to the acceptability of Tamarind natural products.  The development of technology for the Production of Natural  Products from Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum is timely, considering the growing consciousness of consumers on safe, organic and healthy natural products. Likewise, this product diversification scheme can promote multi-uses and competitive of the Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum.


: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious disease and a major cause of illness and death throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. This article explores the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease, and discusses the pharmacological management of TB and issues around adherence to medication. Although TB is usually managed by specialist teams it is essential that all practitioners have an understanding of the signs and symptoms of the disease to ensure early referral and accurate diagnosis.


Two sets of null hypotheses are posed and tested: First, that levels of both deposits and loans are positively related to the size of the deposit market and unrelated to distance to that market. Second, competition has no effect on the loans or deposits from or to a bank office. New primary survey data is analyzed. Distance is significant in both deposit and loan markets. Bank lending is almost wholly contained within an hour's drive from the office. Local competition doesn't matter for deposits, suggesting deposit markets are spatially integrated. It matters for loans, suggesting spatial credit market segmentation.


The phytopathogenic fungus Venturia inaequalis causes scab of apple. Once this fungus penetrates the plant surface, it forms a specialized body called a stroma between the inner cuticle surface and the epidermal cell wall. A novel Venturia inaequalis 5704 (Cin3) and three expressed sequence tags (ESTs); 38, 6987, and 4010 are strongly up-regulated in the early stages of infection. The CIN3 and three ESTs using two vectors pMAL-c2 and pET 21 were expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant proteins expression, solubility and yields were analyzed. 38, 5704 (Cin3) and 6987 re- combinant proteins were expressed in soluble form and while 4010 was expressed in inclusion bodies. Re- solution on native-PAGE, the recombinant proteins; 38, 5704 (Cin3), 6987 were shown to be present in dimmer, tetramer and polymer. A method was de- veloped, consisting of induction of expression at va- rious temperatures, and using enriched broth with 4% glycerol together with slow shaking, led to a decrease in concentration of nascent polypeptide and production of soluble recombinant proteins of; 38, 5704 (Cin3), 6987 and 4010. Resolution on native- PAGE, the recombinant proteins were shown to be present as monomer.


Persian language has influenced Arabic language in many different ways; especially in the lexical area of language. Since many Persian words have entered Arabic language, this language has been affected by Persian language and culture. Many of these Persian words can be found in an Arabic lexicon called Lesan-al-Arab. The writers of this article have analyzed the Arabic form of the word Sepanjgani (Sefanjaghaniyeh, as it has been recorded in Lesan-al-Arab) from lexical, semantic and historical point of view.

Keywords: Lesan-al-Arab, Ibn Manzur Persian language, Arabic language, Sepanjgani, Sefanjaghaniyeh.


In this letter, an experimental and quantitative study on the resistance behavior of a photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) is reported. The study of the PCSS behavior is important for an accurate integration in a nanosecond pulse shaping generator. The effect of the bias voltage and the optical pulse energy on the switching efficiency is presented. The shift of the PCSS absorption threshold under the bias voltage is also described. The minimum resistance reached by the silicon semiconductor during the temporal switching is 3.8 Ω for 4-kV bias voltage and 48-μJ optical energy.


An investigation of a high-power piezoelectric transformer (PT) as a potential component for a fluorescent lamp (FL) ballast with power factor correction (PFC) is discussed. The attractiveness of the PT is primarily the simplicity of the resulting circuit, and it is easy to be produced in mass with a low cost. A single-stage charge-pump PFC ballast using a PT is proposed. The proposed ballast circuit improved the drawbacks of the conventional voltage-source charge-pump PFC (VS-CPPFC) scheme. Empirical PT modeling based on power level excitation is performed to design the proposed circuit, and the experimental and simulation results are provided to verify theoretical analysis.


I discuss the ontological assumptions and implications of General Relativity. I maintain that General Relativity is a theory about gravitational fields, not about space-time. The latter is a more basic ontological category, that emerges from physical relations among all existents. I also argue that there are no physical singularities in space-time. Singular space-time models do not belong to the ontology of the world: they are not things but concepts, i.e. defective solutions of Einstein's field equations. I briefly discuss the actual implication of the so-called singularity theorems in General Relativity and some problems related to ontological assumptions of Quantum Gravity.


Achieving efficient visible photoluminescence from porous-silicon (PSi) is demanding for optoelectronic and solar cells applications. Improving the absorption and emission features of PSi is challenging. Photo-electro-chemical etching assisted formation of PSi layers on n-type (111) silicon (Si) wafers is reported. Samples are prepared at constant current density (~30 mA/cm2) under varying etching times of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. The influence of etching time duration on the growth morphology and spectral properties are inspected. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurement is performed to determine the optical properties of as-synthesized samples. Sample morphologies are imaged via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The thickness and porosity of the prepared samples are estimated using the gravimetric method. The emission and absorption data is further used to determine the samples band gap and electronic structure properties. Results and analyzed, interpreted with different mechanisms and compared.


Secure digital environment is influenced by the systems we use and the people who interacts with it. Although media frequently reminds us of the emerging digital threats, we tend to skip even basic precautions to protect our digital property. This project explores the human and cultural aspect of digital security in Norwegian workplaces, and how interactive learning can support employees in making good risk assessments. Through simulated game scenarios employees increase their knowledge and train their ability to identify the risks in digital space. Our aim is to make employees aware of how their digital behaviour affects security within a business and why they should take responsibility.


Abstract Abstract. The vocal repertoire of mallard ducklings, Anas platyrhynchos, consists of only two call types, both of which are made up of trains of repeated notes. Recognition of separation-induced distress calls is known to depend on the degree to which a number of acoustic features match species-typical values. The present study extends these findings by examining the importance of spectral characteristics for recognition of contentment calls. Measurements were made of the dominant frequency at the temporal mid-point of contentment notes, created estimates of the population mean and variance for this feature. Synthetic calls were then created that either matched the mean dominant frequency, or differed from it in increments of two standard deviations. Ducklings received repeated computer-controlled playback presentations of one of these sounds, or of a control natural call. Stimuli were timed to occur just as the ducklings began a distress call, and the duration of the vocal inhibition elicited was used as an assay of call recognition. Ducklings were reliably less responsive to synthetic calls that had frequency characteristics that differed from the population mean by more than two standard deviations and were hence improbable in natural calls. Comparisons with song playback experiments suggest that such 'probability-based' recognition of conspecific acoustic signals may be a common perceptual process in birds. The effects of increasing and decreasing dominant frequency were similar, implying that processing of spectral information is based on absolute, rather than relative, frequency characteristics.


In a two-part paper, key computed results from a set of first-of-a-kind numerical simulations on the unsteady interaction of axial compressor stators with upstream rotor wakes and tip leakage vortices are employed to elucidate their impact on the time-averaged performance of the stator. Detailed interrogation of the computed flowfield showed that for both wakes and tip leakage vortices, the impact of these mechanisms can be described on the same physical basis. Specifically, there are two generic mechanisms with significant influence on performance: reversible recovery of the energy in the wakes/tip vortices (beneficial) and the associated nontransitional boundary layer response (detrimental). In the presence of flow unsteadiness associated with rotor wakes and tip vortices, the efficiency of the stator under consideration is higher than that obtained using a mixed-out steady flow approximation. The effects of tip vortices and wakes are of comparable importance. The impact of stator interaction with upstream wakes and vortices depends on the following parameters: axial spacing, loading, and the frequency of wake fluctuations in the rotor frame. At reduced spacing, this impact becomes significant. The most important aspect of the tip vortex is the relative velocity defect and the associated relative total pressure defect, which is perceivedmore » by the stator in the same manner as a wake. In Part 1, the focus will be on the framework of technical approach, and the interaction of stator with the moving upstream rotor wakes.« less


OBJECTIVE
This investigation examined whether raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, affects the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

METHOD
The Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The effect of raloxifene (60 or 120 mg/day) on vertebral fractures was the primary outcome. Development of mild cognitive impairment and dementia was a secondary outcome. Women were given clinical and cognitive evaluations at baseline and annually. After 3 years, among the 5,386 women enrolled at participating sites, those who had clinical symptoms of dementia or scored in the lowest 10th percentile on cognitive screening were evaluated by a blinded dementia specialist and had brain scans and laboratory tests to evaluate dementia etiology. Dementia was diagnosed by a blinded adjudication committee.

RESULTS
Of the 5,386 women, 5,153 (95.7%) were classified as cognitively normal, 181 (3.4%) had mild cognitive impairment, and 52 (1.0%) had dementia, 36 with Alzheimer's disease. Compared to those taking placebo, women receiving 120 mg/day of raloxifene had a 33% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (relative risk, 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.98) and somewhat lower risks of Alzheimer's disease (relative risk=0.52, 95% CI=0.22-1.21) and any cognitive impairment (relative risk=0.73, 95% CI=0.53-1.01). Risks of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and any impairment were not significantly different in the group taking 60 mg/day of raloxifene.

CONCLUSIONS
Raloxifene at a dose of 120 mg/day, but not 60 mg/day, resulted in reduced risk of cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women.


Owing to advances in polymer science over the past 50 years, a large number of polymers with differing properties have been developed for daily applications ranging from clothing and furniture to electronics, vehicles, and computers. However, most of these polymers are petroleum-based and hence are flammable. In order to reduce fire risks and meet fire safety regulations, certain chemicals collectively known as flame retardants are applied to combustible materials such as plastics, wood, paper, and textiles [1]. Currently, there are more than 175 compounds or groups of compounds with known flame-retarding properties, which are generally divided into four classes: inorganic, halogenated organic, nitrogen-containing, and phosphorus-containing compounds [2]. Among the halogenated flame retardants, brominated compounds comprise the largest market share because of their lower decomposition temperatures, higher performance efficiency, and low cost [2,3]. Thus, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been extensively used to improve the fire resistance of materials such as plastics, textiles, furnishing foam, and electronic circuit boards [4]. Based on their use in the chemical industry, BFRs can be classified as either reactive or additive. Reactive BFRs such as the tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are covalently bound to the polymer matrix. Compared to their reactive counterparts, additive BFRs are not chemically bound to the product and therefore tend to migrate out of the product much more easily and are thus more likely to be released into the environment. Examples of additive BFRs include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs). Production of PBBs in the United States was phased out in the 1970s after a farm product contamination incident in Michigan [5]. In turn, production of PBDEs has increased, peaking in the mid-1990s [6].


Background: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes are used to evaluate program and patient success. Despite this, factors driving and sustaining high rates of poor TB treatment outcomes in Vihiga County are not well understood. Objective: To evaluate treatment outcomes and associated factors among patients managed for TB in Vihiga County between 2012 and 2015. Design: Descriptive cohort study. Setting: Vihiga County. Subjects: Notified TB patients >15years who were on drug susceptible TB treatment. Results: Of the 3288 eligible patients more than half were male 1961 (60%), 85% were from the public sector while 23% were over 45years. Among the TB patients, 2865 (87%) were successfully treated, 299 (9%) died and 124 (4%) had other poor treatment outcomes. On multivariate analysis, advancing age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.3, 95% CI2.03‐5.38, P<0.001), HIV positive (AOR1.78, 95% CI1.27‐2.49, P0.001), previously treated (AOR1.78, 95% CI1.2‐2.49, P<0.001) and unknown HIV status (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.21‐3.68, P 0.008) increased the risk of death. TB patients with positive sputum results during initiation of treatment (AOR=0.68, CI=0.50‐0.94, P‐value 0.018) and those with normal body mass index (BMI) (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.24‐0.58, P<0.001), were less likely to die. Conclusion: While higher BMI and bacteriological confirmation reduced the risk of death, advancing age, unknown HIV status, HIV positive, being a previously treated TB case increased the risk of death. We recommend early and accurate diagnosis of TB cases, TB/HIV integration and active involvement of community health volunteers in TB management.


ABSTRACT. Seasonal changes in the mean size of tsetse, Glossina pallidipes Austen, as indicated by wing vein length, were monitored during 1983‐86 at Nguruman, southwestern Kenya. Changes in size of nulliparous females and wing fray category 1 males were shown to be correlated with the relative humidity 2 months before they were captured. Soil temperature when flies were in the pupal stage had much less effect. Size dependent mortality was demonstrated, with the mean size of flies emerging from pupae significantly less than that of field‐caught flies. This mortality must occur at emergence, since there was no evidence of size‐dependent mortality once the flies became available to the trap. Size was correlated with density‐independent mortality acting on the parent population 2 months previously. It might therefore be possible to use size as an index of the intensity of such mortality. This could be useful when assessing the level of additional mortality required to suppress tsetse populations.


Aims Torus fractures of the distal radius are the most common fractures in children. The NICE non-complex fracture guidelines recently concluded that bandaging was probably the optimal treatment for these injuries. However, across the UK current treatment varies widely due to a lack of evidence underpinning the guidelines. The Forearm Fracture Recovery in Children Evaluation (FORCE) trial evaluates the effect of a soft bandage and immediate discharge compared with rigid immobilization. Methods FORCE is a multicentre, parallel group randomized controlled equivalence trial. The primary outcome is the Wong-Baker FACES pain score at three days after randomization and the primary analysis of this outcome will use a multivariate linear regression model to compare the two groups. Secondary outcomes are measured at one and seven days, and three and six-weeks post-randomization and include the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity limb score, EuroQoL EQ-5D-Y, analgesia use, school absence, complications, and healthcare resource use. The planned statistical and health economic analyses for this trial are described here. The FORCE trial protocol has been published separately. Conclusion This paper provides details of the planned analyses for this trial, and will reduce the risks of outcome reporting bias and data driven results. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:205–213.


In this contribution a novel dielectric waveguide setup is introduced that enables the transition between radar front ends and antennas in harsh environments. Apart from the good propagation behavior it provides a nearly dispersion free transmission over large distances. Furthermore, it can be used as an electrical insulator in places with critical creep distances. Fundamentals concerning the ideal propagation mode and adequate waveguide-fiber transitions are presented. Results of electromagnetic simulations as well as measurements on a manufactured dielectric waveguide are discussed in detail. The presented excellent propagation behavior proves the effectiveness of the proposed setup.


Both constituents of the term 'Open Access' are of equal and vital importance for innovative scholarship to work effectively in a networked digital setting. 'Access' in such a context implies much more than just being able to freely read scholarly sources: the freedom to process and reaggregate such sources must also be part of such a setting (while fully respecting source authenticity and integrity). 'Open', as well, has at least three distinct connotations here: (1) absence of economic and legal barriers for access on the WWW, (2) availability of scholarly sources in open, transparent and non proprietary formats, (3) the processing methods to be used for processing sources should themselves be implemented as open source software. The presentation will explore all three aspects of 'openness' but will put particular stress on the issue of open document formats and models as well as on the reasons for open source based approaches being appropriate for effective scholarly work in the e-humanities. Economic considerations as well as the need to retain control of processing methods are considered in this context together with the implicate responsibilities such a strategy creates for an open source based community of scholarship in philosophy.


One kind of a film carrier tape semiconductor device manufacture, package size close to the size of the chip, and between the electrodes of the semiconductor chip and the connection portion of the semiconductor device and the manufacturing method is not exposed. With 26, the plating lead connected to the plating 26 is formed in the filling region of the molding material 36 and bonded to the semiconductor chip 42 and the pad electrode 40 on the lead portion 22 is connected 24, the plating lead connected to the connecting lead 24 electrode 28, and are all in the oN state becomes the purposes of electroplating, until the connection into the inner region of the molding material is filled up to the connecting portion 29 is die-cut portion 29, the connecting electrode 42 and lead 24 engagement, filled molding material 36. From the hole 32 is exposed to an end surface of the lead 24 is also covered with a molding material 36 is not exposed to.


OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of the timing of removal of indwelling urethral catheters (IUCs) on the duration to and volume of first void, length of hospitalization, number of patients developing urinary retention and requiring recatheterization, patient satisfaction, and the percentage of IUCs removed according to the scheduled time for removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Published and unpublished literature in English and other languages between January 1966 and June 2002, which compared the effects of the timing of removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters on patient outcomes, was systematically reviewed using multiple electronic databases. To determine eligibility of the trials for inclusion in the review, assessment of methodologic quality and data extraction was undertaken independently by 2 reviewers and verified by a third reviewer. Odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and a weighted mean difference for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where synthesis was inappropriate, a narrative overview has been undertaken. RESULTS Eight randomized controlled trials were eligible for this review. When IUCs were removed at midnight, the time to first void was significantly shorter (P = .012) after gynecologic surgery and significantly longer in patients after urologic surgery and procedures. Seven trials reported that the volume of the first void was greater in patients whose IUCs were removed late at night, and this was statistically significant in 4 trials. Patients who had their IUC removed at midnight were discharged from the hospital significantly (P < .00001) earlier than those who had their IUC removed in the morning, a finding that could result in potential cost savings for hospitals. CONCLUSION Based on the limited available evidence, this article suggests benefits in terms of patient outcomes and reduction in the length of hospitalization after midnight removal of the IUCs. Further trials should be undertaken in wider settings and on specific groups of patients to enhance generalizability.


Overall objectives or goalMost of the organizations that use population administrative data for research purposes have internal repository of validated definitions and algorithms of their own. Many of these concepts and definitions are applicable or at least adaptable to other organizations and jurisdictions. A comprehensive National (and potentially International) Concept Dictionary could help investigators to carry out methodologically sound work using consistent and validated algorithms using a shared pool of knowledge and resources.
The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Ontario, Canada has recently modernized its internal Concept Dictionary by adopting standard templates based on the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP) Concept Dictionary, reviewing and updating existing content and tagging the concept entries with appropriate MeSH terms and data sources, and adding standard computer code (e.g., SAS coding) where appropriate. A SharePoint® web-based application has been developed to provide advanced tagging, searching and browsing features.
We envision a wiki-based Concept Dictionary hosted on a cloud-based environment with very granular access controls to provide enough flexibility for each participating organization to control their own content. This means each organization will be able to decide on how to share their own concepts (or part of them) with the public or internal users.
All content will be tagged with MeSH terms and as well with the organization's name that initially posts each entry. Other organizations which find the same concept applicable to their own use can tag the same entry with their organization name or refer to a secondary adapted entry if adaptation to fit their data and methodologies is required.
The Search feature will allow refining the search criteria by MeSH terms, data sources, and also organization/jurisdiction name.
Multiple layers of access controls will allow each organization to have their own groups of users with different standard privileges such as Local Administrators, Authors and Approvers (or Publishers).
The Approver (Publisher) users within each organization can publish each entry for internal or public view. This way, for example, a definition/algorithm can be viewable only within the organization until the validation process is complete, and then the entry can be made publically available, while some sections, such as computer code, can remain restricted to the organization.
We will discuss challenges in developing and maintaining such a platform including the costs, governance, intellectual property rights, copyrights and liabilities for the participating organizations.
The intended output or outcomeWe aim to use this opportunity to form a working group from the interested organizations that are ready to participate and commit in developing this collaborative platform. After the conference, there will be follow up sessions with the members of the working group to plan and develop the online application.


Purpose: This study analyzes the motivational factors for ISO 9001 certification in Bulgaria
from the internal/external motivations perspective, or the so-called dual model.
Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on a mixed method research approach,
which employed two interviews with experts in the field of quality management at the
exploratory stage, and a survey involving 127 companies at the descriptive stage.
Findings: This study claims that enhanced company image and competitiveness – an external
motivation - is the leading motivational factor for ISO 9001 certification in Bulgaria. At the
same time, our primary investigation reveals that Bulgarian firms are not predominantly
externally driven, for internal motivations including process improvement and product quality
improvement seem to be an important driver for ISO 9001 certification. Last but not least, this
research asserts that enhanced company image and competitiveness has a stronger impact on the
motivations for ISO 9001 certification than customer and supplier pressure, which is in line with
previous research works on developing economy economies such as Bulgaria. Finally, our study
indicates a moderate, yet positive correlation between motivations for and benefits of ISO 9001
certification. Social implications: This research work casts some light on the evolution of quality
management in Bulgaria since the end of communism, which can serve as an important
foundation for the better understanding of quality management in former communist
economies in general and Eastern European states in particular.
Originality/value: Derived from the acute gap between ISO studies in Western and former
communist economies, this research work presents one of the first official, international studies
in the field of ISO certification in Bulgaria, and more precisely, a paper describing the motives
for ISO 9001 certification among Bulgarian businesses.


Aim: Drawing upon fundamental principles of social marketing, this thesis approached food advertising from the perspective of adolescents. Through development of in-depth consumer understanding, the aim was to establish how to advertise healthy eating in ways that would resonate with them. Methodology: A three-year, longitudinal study was conducted with English and Swedish 12-14-year-olds. Using a social constructionist perspective, meaning was sought through an emphasis upon verbal and visual language. Varied and creative research methods explored their understanding of/relationship to food advertisements (focus groups/online discussion boards), perception of themselves as consumers (collage construction) and their own creative recommendations (advertisement design). Findings: The study found adolescents' understanding of persuasive intent of food advertising to be still developing at age 12. When aged 14, the participants demonstrated unprompted criticism for a Coca-Cola advertisement. This criticism may have resulted from further consumer socialisation. Alternatively, the presence of a well-known brand for which the adolescents possessed both topic and agent knowledge may have enhanced their persuasion knowledge. However, 14-year-olds may remain vulnerable to persuasive attempts by less well-known brands. Adolescents' discretionary spending tends not to prioritise healthy options, with fast food brands often central to the acquisition of social experiences within a peer-context. In such situations, persuasion knowledge/health literacy may be less relevant. The healthy eating advertisements designed by the adolescents indicated the importance of strong, issue-relevant message arguments (e.g. detailing benefits of a healthy diet/dangers from an unhealthy diet). Research limitations: Non-probability sampling means the findings remain specific to the particular fieldwork sites. The participant-designed advertisements represent concept ideas, with research investigating general reception of the message formats/advertising appeals needed to confirm their transferability. Practical implications: Numerous recommendations for policy and practice of relevance to food advertising targeting adolescents are provided. For instance, it is recommended that the UK Government extends the Change4Life campaign to offer a brand specifically for adolescents encouraging healthy eating and exercise, informed by relational thinking associated with social marketing. Sweden should consider adopting Ofcom's ruling that HFSS (high fat/salt/sugar) advertising cannot target those under 16. Originality: Contributions to social cognitive theory (SCT) and research methodology are provided. For instance, Bandura's (2004) model of SCT is extended to include key concepts of social marketing, providing a better fit with adolescents and healthy eating. A method of analysing consumer collages from a social constructionist perspective is introduced.


Objective: A high-protein diet may decrease food intake through regulating satiety and appetite hormones and can be an effective strategy for weight loss. Few studies exist on obese Chinese adolescents. Methods and Materials: 156 obese Chinese adolescents were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two isoenergetic breakfasts, either with egg or steamed bread. Subsequent lunchtime food intake was recorded 4 h later. Appetite was assessed with a visual analog scale. Anorexigenic hormones peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and orexigenic hormone ghrelin were determined with radioimmunoassay at 0, 30, and 180 min. Body weight was recorded. The tests were repeated 3 months later. Analysis was performed between two tests and then two groups. Pearson's correlation was used for association analysis. Results: Subsequent lunchtime food intake and body weight were decreased while satiety was increased in subjects on an egg breakfast, which is associated with an increase of serum PYY and GLP-1 (p < 0.001, respectively). There were strong correlations between weight loss, appetite, subsequent food intake and changes of appetite hormones. Conclusion: A high-protein breakfast promotes weight loss in obese Chinese adolescents, possibly through its regulation of satiety, subsequent food intake and appetite hormones.


Periodic noise reduction is a fundamental problem in image processing, which severely affects the visual quality and subsequent application of the data. Most of the conventional approaches are only dedicated to either the frequency or spatial domain. In this research, we propose a dual-domain approach by converting the periodic noise reduction task into an image decomposition problem. We introduced a bio-inspired computational model to separate the original image from the noise pattern without having any a priori knowledge about its structure or statistics. Experiments on both synthetic and non-synthetic noisy images have been carried out to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method both qualitatively and quantitatively.


The paper focuses on three main problems I have found in teaching local development. The introduction shortly discusses the importance of a pragmatist theory of action to better understand dynamics of local development. The first drawback is linked with some prejudices that students frequently have on the costs structure of a firm, which is reduced to the only cost of labor. I argue that it is possible to face this hindrance deeply listening to the categories in use by students, and helping them doing short field works. The second difficulty comes from the use of case study research, and I argue that case studies can be used not only to compare and generalize, or to exemplify, but also to undermine, to open up space for conjectures. The third impediment comes from the students' attitude to consider strategic planning as a sort of panacea. This requires to use a theory of action that better articulate the level of planning with other levels, where incertitude or intimacy are more relevant, as in Laurent Thevenot's model. It also implies to conceptualize the relations among conflict, cohesion and development, and to stress didactic active instruments involving the witness of operators daily working in the field.


Small island states face some of the greatest vulnerabilities of any nations due to climate change and natural disasters but the threats can be reduced through adequate investment, technical expertise and hands-on support. Through its Small Island States Resilience Initiative (SISRI), Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is helping step up the rate of progress to safeguard these unique environments from climate impacts such as sea-level rise, storm events and droughts. SISRI is providing technical support, building a community of practice, and helping island nations harness predictable and long-term funding to ensure their resilience.


The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of a wet‐mount bacterial morphology scoring (BMS) system and Nugent's Gram stain analysis for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, using Amsel's criteria as the gold standard. The three diagnostic criteria were assessed independently. The BMS diagnosis was based on a scoring system which weighed the number of small bacterial morphotypes regarded as typical of bacterial vaginosis against lactobacillary morphotypes in phase‐contrast microscopy of wet‐mount preparations. Three groups of non‐pregnant women attending either because of vaginal discharge, other genitourinary symptoms, or for a routine check‐up, and a group of pregnant women attending for antenatal care were studied. The diagnostic accuracy was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio. The accuracy of the BMS diagnosis was substantially high in all of the examined groups (LR 15.4–20.3). The accuracy of the Gram stain diagnosis was lower (LR 7.6–10.9). In the total material, the accuracy of the BMS diagnosis was higher than that of the Nugent's Gram staining. Intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility of all three criteria applied was high. We propose greater routine use of the new BMS diagnosis for point‐of‐care testing in family practice as well as in research and in microbiology laboratories.


Background and purpose The Frank's sign is a diagonal earlobe crease running from the tragus to the edge of the auricle at an angle of 45°. Many studies have associated this sign with coronary artery disease and some with cerebrovascular disease. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of the Frank's sign in patients suffering from acute stroke with a particular focus on its prevalence in each of the five aetiopathogenic stroke subtypes. Special interest is given to embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), correlating the sign with clinical and radiological markers that support an underlying causal profile in this subgroup. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study including 124 patients admitted consecutively to a stroke unit after suffering an acute stroke. The Frank's sign was evaluated by the same blinded member of the research team from photographs taken of the patients. The stroke subtype was classified following SSS-TOAST criteria and the aetiological study was performed following the ESO guidelines. Results The Frank's sign was present in 75 patients and was more prevalent in patients with an ischaemic stroke in comparison with haemorrhagic stroke (63.9 vs. 37.5, p<0.05). A similar prevalence was found in the different ischaemic stroke subtypes. The Frank's sign was significantly associated with age, particularly in patients older than 70 who had vascular risk factors. Atherosclerotic plaques found in carotid ultrasonography were significantly more frequent in patients with the Frank's sign (63.6%, p<0.05). Analysing the ESUS, we also found an association with age and a higher prevalence of the Frank's sign in patients with vascular risk factors and a tendency to a high prevalence of atherosclerosis markers. Conclusion The Frank's sign is prevalent in all aetiopathogenic ischaemic stroke subtypes, including ESUS, where it could be helpful in suspecting the underlying cardioembolic or atherothrombotic origin and guiding the investigation of atherosclerosis in patients with ESUS and the Frank's sign.


BACKGROUND
Left atrial (LA) deformation analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has recently been proposed as an alternative approach for estimating left ventricular (LV) filling pressure and dysfunction.

AIM
To assess the LA myocardial function using 2D-STE in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (PLVEF) and to evaluate the relationship of the obtained results with echocardiographically estimated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (ePCWP).

METHODS
Eighty-five ESRD patients and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Images of the LA were acquired from apical two- and four-chamber views. The LA volumes (LAV) were calculated using the biplane area-length method. The LA volume indices (LAVI) were calculated by dividing the LA volumes by the body surface area. The LA strain (%) (LAS) parameters (systolic [LA(S-S)], early diastolic [LA(S-E)], late diastolic [LA(S-A)] during atrial contraction) were assessed, and the ePCWP was calculated according to the following formula: ePCWP = 1.25(E/E') + 1.9. LA stiffness was calculated non-invasively and based on the ratio of E/E' to LAS-S.

RESULTS
In patients with ESRD, the LA(S-S) (32.22 ± 7.64% vs. 57.93 ± 8.71%; p < 0.001), LA(S-E) (-15.86 ± 5.7% vs. -33.37 ± 7.71%; p < 0.001), and the LA(S-A) (-15.41 ± 4.16% vs. -24.57 ± 4.68%; p < 0.001) values were observed to be lower than the healthy group; while the LA stiffness (0.4 ± 0.19 vs. 0.17 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) value was higher. When the patients with ESRD were divided into two groups as those with a maximum LAVI value over 31.34 mL/m² and those with a maximum LAVI below this value, the LA(S-S) (30.36 ± 8.32% vs. 34.11 ± 6.43%; p = 0.023) and the LA(S-E) (-14.97 ± 5.88% vs. -16.76 ± 5.42%; p = 0.039) values were lower in the group with a LAVI value over 31.34 mL/m²; while the LA(S-A) (-16.06 ± 4.44% vs. -14.75 ± 3.8%; p < 0.001) and LA stiffness (0.4 ± 0.19 vs. 0.17 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) values were higher. An association was observed between the ePCWP and LA(S-S) (p < 0.001), LAS-E (p = 0.01), LA(S-A) (p < 0.001), and LA stiffness (p < 0.001) values.

CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study have demonstrated that LA myocardial function assessed using the 2D-STE method is associated with the ePCWP, which is an echocardiographically calculated marker of LV dysfunction. The LA deformation parameters may be used as echocardiographic findings to predict the LV dysfunction in ESRD patients with PLVEF. Further studies are needed to determine the independent prognostic power of the atrial strain measurement as a predictor of future cardiovascular events in ESRD patients.


Proof assistants often call automated theorem provers to prove subgoals. However, each prover has its own proof calculus and the proof traces that it produces often lack many details to build a complete proof. Hence these traces are hard to check and reuse in proof assistants. Dedukti is a proof checker whose proofs can be translated to various proof assistants: Coq, HOL, Lean, Matita, PVS. We implemented a tool that extracts TPTP subproblems from a TSTP file and reconstructs complete proofs in Dedukti using automated provers able to generate Dedukti proofs like ZenonModulo or ArchSAT. This tool is generic: it assumes nothing about the proof calculus of the prover producing the trace, and it can use different provers to produce the Dedukti proof. We applied our tool on traces produced by automated theorem provers on the CNF problems of the TPTP library and we were able to reconstruct a proof for a large proportion of them, significantly increasing the number of Dedukti proofs that could be obtained for those problems.


This paper explores the extent to which older Japanese can potentially expand the labor supply, based on two analytic approaches: the Milligan-Wise and Cutler et al. methods. First, we examine how much older individuals could work if they worked as much as those with the same mortality rate in the past (the Milligan-Wise method). Second, we estimate how much older individuals could work if they worked as much as younger ones in similar health (the Cutler et al. method). Results from both of these methods underscore a large work capacity in old age in Japan. We further investigate differences in health capacity across education groups and find that highly educated individuals tend to have more capacity to work after they are 65 years of age.


Female geriatric patients (mean age 80.9 years; n = 169) undergoing surgery for hip fracture were given epidural, neurolept analgesia, ketamine, enflurane or halothane anesthesia. The rate of survival in the different groups was studied up to 4 years after the operation and compared with the expected survival of normal groups of women with the same age distribution. Mortality at 1 month (6.5%) was equally distributed between the anesthetic methods and was not correlated to age or the type of fracture. The preoperative condition of the patient seemed to be the most important factor for survival. At 6 months, the rate of mortality was 17.2%. Together with age, the type of fracture was the most important determinant for survival. Differences in late survival between the groups were recorded, but the clinical significance of these differences is uncertain since many factors other than the anesthetic method may be more important.


Context: Orbital trauma occurs in a variety of settings, with road traffic accidents (RTAs) being the most common. Injuries vary in severity and have the potential for visual impairment and disfigurement. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical pattern of orbital injuries and its effect on visual acuity (VA). Settings and Design: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study of thirty patients who had attended Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai, with a history of orbital trauma. Patients were examined and information was gathered. The data were then computerized, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: RTA was the leading cause of orbital trauma (50%), with a female-to-male ratio of 7:23, left eye was the most commonly injured eye (57%), and the age group affected was from 21 to 40 years (60%). The most common fracture was involving the floor (47%), with direct force constituting 54% as the cause of trauma. VA remained 6/6 for a majority of cases (58%) and grossly reduced to perception of light in 6.67% of cases. The most commonly presented clinical feature was periorbital edema with ecchymosis (43%) followed by ocular movement restriction (40%). Out of the thirty cases, surgical intervention was done for 63% and medical management for 37%. Conclusion:The study concluded that each mode of injury of the orbit leads to varying clinical presentation with varying frequency of involvement of VA. Therefore, early recognition of trauma and timely intervention can result in better visual outcomes.


The concentration of elements were analyzed of twelve cultivation medium (Peat moss, Perlite and Hermon) selected from Iraqi markets using X-ray fluorescence techniques. The analytical results show that the cultivation medium contained high concentration of (Na, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Fe) and low concentration of (Mg, P, Cl, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn). The samples also contained trace concentration of (Ge, As, Se, Br, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, I, Hg, Pb, U). The results were compared using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique for measuring the concentration of (K, Ca, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb). The Results showed that there is significant difference in the concentration of each element in most of the samples. The concentrations of elements are in threshold levels except few elements such as aluminum. The Cd concentration was higher than the limit in some samples. To purpose of evaluating the precision of the analysis results, calculated the standard deviation SD and relative standard deviation, it was found in the range of (0.004561-0.328634) %, (1.09-19.23) % and accuracy was found in the range of (0.27-44.32) %.


An experimental study of a control policy for end-effector trajectory tracking of structurally flexible space-based manipulators is presented. The controller employs a fully feedback-driven approach using a series of steady-state linear regulators. An augmented dynamical description involving derivatives of the control inputs is employed to ensure smooth force and/or torque profiles at the a joints. Experiments were performed on Radius, a two-link planar manipulator with flexible links and rotary joints supported on a horizontal table by air pucks. Radius is designed so that its frequencies of vibration are comparable to those of space manipulators. The arm is instrumented with potentiometers for measuring joint angles and rates as well as strain gages for monitoring link deformation. The joints are actuated by DC motors coupled to harmonic drive gear reducers. Experimental results show that the controller is able to track demanding end-effector trajectories very well. These results agree closely with computer simulations. >


Abstract:This study is an attempt to examine the efforts of a governmental agency, namely, the United States Postal Service, to compete in the high technology field against the private sector. The study seeks to highlight the impact of technological, political, legal, and economic problems. A hoped-for by-product is producing some lessons for guidance in similar future ventures.The paper surveys the rapidly advancing and highly competitive electronic mail market and the use of telecommunication networks in the leading companies in the private sector. The Postal Service approach to competition in the market and its managerial policy for dealing with this technological evolution in information delivery are also examined. Recommendations are made based on the capabilities, competitive position, and cost-demand structure of the U.S. Postal Service.


While the beneficial effects on mental health of spirituality and creativity as separate entities have been well documented, little attention has been given to the interactive effect of the two constructs in coping. Recently, the theory of transformative coping and associated Transformative Coping Model have been developed and examined from both theoretical and quantitative perspectives. To extend this work, the present study critically examined the theory of transformative coping and associated Transformative Coping Model from a qualitative perspective. Ten interviews were conducted among Northern Irish and Irish artists, contemplative prayer group members, and mental health service users. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results showed that the majority of participants had experienced stress and trauma, and have suffered mental ill-health as a consequence. Most defined themselves as both creative and spiritual, and resorted to a spiritual attitude along with creative expression in order to cope with traumatic events and ongoing stressful situations. Most participants believed that their creativity was rooted in their spirituality and that the application of both helped them to transform negative emotional states into positive ones. This, in turn, gave them increased resilience to and a different perspective of stressful events, which aided and improved their coping skills throughout the lifespan.


Abstract Binding of integrin αIIbβ3 (glycoprotein [GP] IIb-IIIa) to soluble fibrinogen requires that the receptor undergo a conformational change (receptor activation), which occurs rapidly in agonist-stimulated platelets. Agonist stimulation of platelets also results in αIIbβ3 recruitment from intracellular membranes (α-granules and open canalicular system) to the platelet surface. Once activated and accessible, the receptor can engage, a process that corresponds to the binding of the receptor to its soluble fibrinogen ligand, leading to intracellular signaling reactions and centripetal migration of bound receptor molecules. Because these processes occur concurrently with a marked reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, we investigated the role of actin in fibrinogen receptor activation and surface recruitment. We used a flow cytometric assay to directly quantitate the binding of αIIbβ3 to fluorescently labeled fibrinogen on the platelet surface. Cytochalasin D, which inhibits elongation of actin filaments, was used to prevent the actin response to platelet agonists. Despite its ability to inhibit the actin response and αIIbβ3 binding to the actin cytoskeleton, cytochalasin D did not alter the agonist-induced intramolecular changes resulting in increased affinity of αIIbβ3 for soluble fibrinogen and therefore did not inhibit ADP-induced aggregation. Thus, disruption of the actin network with cytochalasin D had no effect on the dissociation constant of the complex between activated αIIbβ3 and fibrinogen (Kd=0.26 to 0.28 μmol/L). However, cytochalasin D suppressed the recruitment of cryptic αIIbβ3 molecules to the platelet surface. While the physiological consequence of exposing additional αIIbβ3 molecules on the surface of platelets is unclear, it is tempting to speculate that this process plays an important role in consolidating intra-arterial platelet thrombi, despite the shear strain generated by the arterial blood flow.


The term embodiment has become omnipresent within
prosthetics research and is often used as a metric for the progress made in technological
prosthetic development, as well as a hallmark for user acceptance. However,
despite frequent use of the term, the concept of prosthetic embodiment is often
left undefined or used interchangeably with other distinct notions such as
ownership. This terminological ambiguity complicates the comparison of studies
using embodiment as a metric of success, which in turn hinders the advancement
of prosthetics research. In an attempt to resolve these terminological
ambiguities, we reviewed the used definitions of embodiment in the prosthetics
literature, found common denominators, and developed a pragmatic perspective. We
found that embodiment is often conceptualized in either of two frameworks based
on body representations or phenomenology. We concluded that treating prosthetic
embodiment as the combination of ownership and agency allows for measurement
and thus improvement. Together with the measures and experiments to study ownership
and agency suggested herein, we provide a pragmatic definition of prosthetic
embodiment that allows for outcome comparisons between studies and creates a common
reference for further discussions within prosthetics research.


The rapid development of mobile devices and diversity of platforms require the adaptability and portability of the software. In order to automatically generate software interface on all kinds of mobile computing devices, the problem of dividing interface into screens automatically must be solved at first. This paper makes use of a constraint-based description method to describe the interface of mobile devices. In this way, the platform-independence of interface information is achieved. Taking advantage of the characteristics of interface components tree, this paper solves the problem of interface division. We discuss two division methods, depth-first principle and breadth-first principle and their advantages and disadvantages. Also the process ofgenerating interfaces is given in this paper


Titanium is a class of material difficult to common machine. Laser processing is a feasible method for machining of titanium. This paper presents cutting investigation of industry pure titanium sheet with conventional laser and water-jet guided laser, and analyses their processing features by means of the surface morphology of kerf obtained from Scanning Electron Microscope. The result shows that the machining quality and cleanliness of water-jet guided laser processing is much better than conventional laser processing. The impact and cool effects of the high-speeds water jet are more effective to trim the cut surface and remove molten waster.


In Star Athletica v. Varsity Brands, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve confusion in the lower courts regarding the "separability" predicate to copyright protection of decorative features of useful articles. The case involved the "surface decorations" of stripes, chevrons, and color blocks applied to cheerleader uniforms. While the Supreme Court clarified the meaning and application of the "separability" standard for the kinds of decorative elements there at issue, the fate of other artistic "features" of useful articles, particularly their three dimensional forms, remains murky. Much of the Court's analysis points toward a prophylactic rule excluding the entire shape of a useful article, but some aspects of the majority opinion indicate that the Court has yet to devise a coherent application of the statutory standard.


In recent years research on credit risk modelling has mainly focused on default probabilities. Recovery rates are usually modelled independently, quite often they are even assumed constant. Then, however, the structural connection between recovery rates and default probabilities is lost and the tails of the loss distribution can be underestimated considerably. The problem of underestimating tail losses becomes even more severe, when calibration issues are taken into account. To demonstrate this we choose a Merton-type structural model as our reference system. Diffusion and jump-diffusion are considered as underlying processes. We run Monte Carlo simulations of this model and calibrate different recovery models to the simulation data. For simplicity, we take the default probabilities directly from the simulation data. We compare a reduced-form model for recoveries with a constant recovery approach. In addition, we consider a functional dependence between recovery rates and default probabilities. This dependence can be derived analytically for the diffusion case. We find that the constant recovery approach drastically and systematically underestimates the tail of the loss distribution. The reduced-form recovery model shows better results, when all simulation data is used for calibration. However, if we restrict the simulation data used for calibration, the results for the reduced-form model deteriorate. We find the most reliable and stable results, when we make use of the functional dependence between recovery rates and default probabilities.


Zakat Institution (OPZ) is the intermediary organizations based on social. The entire of operating expense is taken from the zakat and infaq funds collected. The Zakat Core Principles are a starting point for the frameworks and standards of zakat-based governance best practices. The Zakat Core Principles is mainly aimed to improve the quality of the zakat systems by identifying such weaknesses in the existing of supervision and regulation. This study try to prioritize the Principles of ZCP and also the essential criteria from each level using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).There are five core principles of charity principle, consisting of: regulation, supervision, collection and disbursement management, risk management, and audit and transparency. From these principles, the main priority is regulation following with audit and transparency.


A direct numerical simulation of turbulent flow in a straight square duct was performed in order to determine the minimal requirements for self-sustaining turbulence. It was found that turbulence can be maintained for values of the bulk Reynolds number above approximately 1100, corresponding to a friction-velocity-based Reynolds number of 80. The minimum value for the streamwise period of the computational domain is around 190 wall units, roughly independently of the Reynolds number. We present a characterization of the flow state at marginal Reynolds numbers which substantially differs from the fully turbulent one: the marginal state exhibits a four-vortex secondary flow structure alternating in time whereas the fully turbulent one presents the usual eight-vortex pattern. It is shown that in the regime of marginal Reynolds numbers buffer-layer coherent structures play a crucial role in the appearance of secondary flow of Prandtl's second kind.


In the coming decades, world agricultural systems will face serious transitions. Population growth, income and lifestyle changes will lead to considerable increases in food demand. Moreover, a rising demand for renewable energy and biodiversity protection may restrict the area available for food production. On the other hand, global climate change will affect production conditions, for better or worse depending on regional conditions. In order to simulate these combined effects consistently and in a spatially explicit way, we have linked the Lund-Potsdam-Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ) with a "Management model of Agricultural Production and its Impact on the Environment" (MAgPIE). LPJ represents the global biosphere with a spatial resolution of 0.5 degree. MAgPIE covers the most important agricultural crop and livestock production types. A prototype has been developed for one sample region. In the next stage this will be expanded to several economically relevant regions on a global scale, including international trade. The two models are coupled through a layer of productivity zones. In the paper we present the modelling approach, develop first joint scenarios and discuss selected results from the coupled modelling system.


The objective of this paper is to determine the utility of activity-based budgeting (ABB) taking into account advantages, possibilities, and difficulties associated with the implementation of this approach by an illustration of the budgeting process in a service company. This article is the result of literature studies in which techniques, such as critical analysis, generalization of other authors' views, and conclusion formulation have been used. To illustrate and extend, the case study method has been chosen for the analysis. Literature studies have led to the conclusion that companies do not plan to move away from traditional budgeting altogether; they prefer modifying it and adapting to management needs with the possible use of new techniques, such as activity-based budgeting. The case study has offered the possibility to present advantages and disadvantages of using the method in a service company and has also served as a confirmation of surveys conducted by other researchers. It has added a more holistic and richer contextual understanding of the ABB nature and helped explain how it could change the budgeting procedure, and, further, the management. This paper bears theoretical and practical significance. From a theoretical point of view, it contains critical analysis of the possibilities for implementing new trends in budgeting. From a practical point of view, it could expand managers' knowledge about a new approach to budgeting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ss.82.4.6604


Recently, a novel technique to compute sine and cosine has been proposed. By rewriting the expressions using trigonometric equations a weighted sum of bit-products are used to compute the values. This can then be mapped onto a bit-product generator followed by an adder tree. This provides an efficient architecture that can be pipelined to an arbitrary degree. It was shown in previous work that it is possible to remove a large portion of the bit-products and still obtain accurate results. The effects of this removal and also the finite worldlength representation of the weights has also been discussed in previous work. The objective of this work is to study different ways to split the architecture into sub-blocks that may be disabled to decrease the power consumption.


Obstetric complications are a common cause of brachial plexus injuries in neonates. Failure to restore sensation leads to trophic injuries and poor limb function. It is not known whether the infant suffers chronic neuropathic or spinal cord root avulsion pain; in adults, chronic pain is usual after spinal root avulsion injuries, and this is often intractable. The plexus is repaired surgically in severe neonatal injures; if no spontaneous recovery has occurred by 3 months, and if neurophysiological investigations point to poor prognosis, then nerve trunk injures are grafted, while spinal cord root avulsion injuries are treated by transferring an intact neighbouring nerve (e.g. intercostal) to the distal stump of the damaged nerve, in an attempt to restore sensorimotor function. Using a range of non-invasive quantitative measures validated in adults, including mechanical, thermal and vibration perception thresholds, we have assessed for the first time sensory and cholinergic sympathetic function in 24 patients aged between 3 and 23 years, who had suffered severe brachial plexus injury at birth. While recovery of function after spinal root avulsion was related demonstrably to surgery, there were remarkable differences from adults, including excellent restoration of sensory function (to normal limits in all dermatomes for at least one modality in 16 out of 20 operated cases), and evidence of exquisite CNS plasticity, i.e. perfect localization of restored sensation in avulsed spinal root dermatomes, now presumably routed via nerves that had been transferred from a distant spinal region. Sensory recovery exceeded motor or cholinergic sympathetic recovery. There was no evidence of chronic pain behaviour or neuropathic syndromes, although pain was reported normally to external stimuli in unaffected regions. We propose that differences in neonates are related to later maturation of injured fibres, and that CNS plasticity may account for their lack of long-term chronic pain after spinal root avulsion injury.


Based on the sedimentary character of six time cells in P1 Beierxi of Sabei developed region in Daqing oil field, this paper applies fuzzy mathematics method to divide reservoir flow unit. At present, there is no uniform division method, because flow unit is a fuzzy set with multi factor influence. There is great uncertainty among every influential factor, so does the influence extent of every factor to flow unit division. It isn't objective to divide flow unit by one factor or simple congruence of several factors. However, the fuzzy mathematic method is fit to analyze the uncertainty relation in system or among systems. When the data of core well is in defect, applying the fuzzy clustering method to divide flow unit and combining development practice can reduce human factor greatly and make classification more objective and rational.


This volume of Medieval European Coinage is the first English-language survey to bring the latest research on the coinage of Spain and Portugal c.1000–1500 to an international audience. A major work of reference by leading numismatic experts, the volume provides an authoritative and up-to-date account of the coinages of Aragon, Catalonia, Castile, LA©on, Navarre and Portugal, which have rarely been studied together. It considers how money circulated throughout the peninsula, offering new syntheses of the monetary history of the individual kingdoms and includes an extensive catalogue of the Aragonese, Castilian, Catalan, Leonese, Navarrese and Portuguese coins in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. This major contribution to the field will be a valuable point of reference for the study of medieval history, numismatics and archaeology.


A high-energy pulse-discharge is needed to drive an electromagnetic (EM) or an electrothermal-chemical (ETC) launcher. Various pulse power generators have been examined and used. Capacitor-based power supplies are convenient for laboratory launchers, but supplies based on rotating machines-alternators and homopolar generators-are generally more weight efficient and practical for storing, generating and shaping pulses for multi-shot, fieldable launchers. Alternators are the most flexible of the rotating machines, are better matched to the variable impedance of the launcher and avoid the use of opening switches which are difficult to implement for repetitive and reliable operation. Also, a single pulse generator can be used to power several lethality and survivability platforms. Several alternator configurations are possible, each involving different pole geometries, numbers of poles and output phases. These configurations are in turn associated with a power converter system. The switch requirements can be met for small-caliber EM railguns and for ETC guns of all caliber by near-term silicon thyristors. For large caliber EM railguns, triggered vacuum switches are viable, although they may have to be augmented with diodes or other devices to ensure their recovery after each cycle. In the long term, thyristors based on silicon carbide offer the most promise for all applications because they can operate at 3 to 5 times the current density and electric field intensity of silicon devices.


Gruhadhoomadi churna has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation, burning sensation and swelling in case of gout and arthritis. A simple, precise, specific, accurate high performance thin layer chromatography method was developed for simultaneous estimation of berberine and curcumin form gruhadhoomadi churna. Thin layer chromatographic aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F254 were used as the stationary phase for chromatographic separation of the drugs. n-Propanol:water:glacial acetic acid (8:1:1 v/v/v) was selected as the mobile phase and analysis was carried out in the absorbance mode at iso-absorptive wavelength of 358 nm. This method exhibited good resolution for both drugs with retention factor 0.32±0.03 and 0.77±0.03 for berberine and curcumin, respectively. Regression analysis data indicated good linear relationship for the calibration plots for berberine and curcumin in the range of 200-600 and 400-1200 ng/spot and the regression coefficients were 0.9904 and 0.9934, respectively. The method was validated according to the International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines for accuracy, precision, limit of detection, linearity, limit of quantification, robustness and specificity. In conclusion, the developed method was rapid, simple, reliable and specific for the identification and quantification of berberine and curcumin.


Youth exposure to violence, criminal activities and deviant peer affiliation may impact overall development and the transition into adulthood. Low income African American youth are disproportionately exposed to chronic stressors, but little is known about how they conceptualize challenges and success once they enter adulthood. We examine how low incomes African Americans reflect on exposure to chronic stressors during adolescence that impact their description of challenges and successes in emerging adulthood. We interviewed thirteen African American males and females who are former participants of Chicago Youth Programs. Participants identified three challenges: neighborhood violence, familial stress and financial instability as barriers to success in emerging adulthood. Participants identified conditions that facilitated success in emerging adulthood: perseverance and access to Chicago Youth Programs. Understanding challenges and successes associated with emerging adulthood for low-income African Americans may lead to better informed support services for low income African Americans across the life course.


The project of Strengthening Garden Mazingira Group on household waste collection services in Mwananyamala Mwinjuma street started with Participatory need Assessment conducted in the year 2013 where problems were identified and prioritized by the community and planned for solutions. The problem identified was poor household waste collection services which was contributed by number of factors including weak coordination between key stakeholders involved in waste management due to poor governance, limited community mobilization skills, limited fund to finance solid waste collection service at the mtaa, lack of proper primary dumping facilities, poor town planning and untimely waste collection led to accumulation of waste becoming unmanageable in the mtaa. Efforts taken to improve the situation include community sensitization on Waste collection, storage at household level; sensitizing on Municipal environmental bi laws; contribution to waste collection fees as well as sharing community roles and responsibilities in waste management through community (cell) meeting. Moreover other efforts included training conducted to ten cell leaders, GMG members and environmental committee members on Good governance and effective waste management. In the period of 15 months of CED program, the project almost successfully accomplished all the planned activities except for one of capacitating Garden Mazingira Group with proposal write up skills and that was due to insufficient financial resources. Had all the project activities implemented, Garden Mazingira Group managed to collect enough waste collection fund from own source & external and all people/household sensitized through community meetings the project could have achieved tremendously its goal. Moreover, it should be noted that the time spent on the project implementation was too short for the project to show sufficient impact.


For most wireless services with variable rate transmission, both average rate and rate oscillation are important performance metrics. The traditional performance criterion, utility of average transmission rate, boosts the average rate but also results in high rate oscillations. We introduce a utility function of instantaneous transmission rates. It is capable of facilitating the resource allocation with flexible combinations of average rate and rate oscillation. Based on the new utility, we consider the time and power allocation in a time-shared wireless network. Two adaptation policies are developed, namely, time sharing (TS) and joint time sharing and power control (JTPC). An extension to quantized time sharing with limited channel feedback (QTSL) for practical systems is also discussed. Simulation results show that by controlling the concavity of the utility function, a tradeoff between the average rate and rate oscillation can be easily made.


Cross-linking of Fc receptors for IgA, FcalphaR (CD89), on monocytes/macrophages is known to enhance phagocytic activity and generation of oxygen free radicals. We provide evidence here that the FcalphaR signals through the gamma subunit of FcepsilonRI in U937 cells differentiated with interferon gamma (IFNgamma). Our results provide the first evidence that FcalphaR-mediated signals modulate a multimolecular adaptor protein complex containing Grb2, Shc, SHIP, CrkL, Cbl, and SLP-76. Cross-linking of FcalphaRI using anti-FcalphaRI induces the phosphorylation of the gamma subunit as detected by mobility retardation on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Stimulation of FcalphaRI induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and increased the association of Grb2 with Shc and CrkL. Grb2 associates constitutively with Sos, and the latter undergoes mobility shift upon FcalphaRI stimulation. The complex adapter proteins, Cbl and SLP-76, are physically associated in myeloid cells and both proteins undergo tyrosine phosphorylation upon FcalphaR stimulation. These data indicate that the stimulation of FcalphaR results in the modulation of adaptor complexes containing tyrosine-phosphorylated Cbl, Shc, SHIP, Grb2, and Crkl. Experiments performed with the Src kinase inhibitor, PP1, provide the first evidence that Src kinase activation is required for FcalphaRI-induced production of superoxide anions and provide insight into the mechanism for FcalphaR-mediated activation of downstream oxidant signaling in myeloid cells.


Increasing threat of climate change is aggravating the problem of declining agricultural productivity in the face of rapid population growth. This implies that rural sustainance and food security is under threat and stress. Given that crops differ in climate requirements and economic importance, analysis of the attendant effect of climate change on specific crop remains to be adequately explored. This study uses Ricardian approach to examine the effects of climate change on maize production in Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Data were collected on 346 maize-based farming households in three different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Average age of the farmers and household size were 45years and 8 persons respectively. Average years of farming experience and years of schooling were 25.6 and 6.5 years respectively. The empirical results showed that maize net revenue is sensitive to climate change. Seasonal marginal impact analysis showed that increase in rainfall during rainy season increased Maize Net Revenue (MNR) in rainforest, guinea and montane savanna respectively. Marginal increase in rainfall during the dry season increased MNR in rainforest while it decreased MNR in guinea and montane savanna respectively. However, marginal increase in temperature during dry season has positive impacts on MNR in all AEZs. The predicted results using a range of climate scenarios confirm that climate change will have negative impact on maize net revenue in the future. Maize Farmers have taken adaptive measures against climate change which are changing the planting dates, changed land-use practices, mixed cropping and mixed farming. The major barriers to adaptation are inadequate credit or saving and inadequate knowledge of appropriate adaptation strategies suited for the local climate conditions.


Using sine and cosine terms as predictors in modeling periodic time series and other kinds of periodic responses is a long-established technique, but it is often overlooked in many courses or textbooks. Such trigonometric regression is straightforward in Stata through applications of existing commands. I give various examples using classic periodic datasets on the motion of the asteroid Pallas and the daily rhythm of birth numbers. I make a brief connection to polynomial-trigonometric regression.


Fault attacks are active, physical attacks that an adversary can leverage to alter the control-flow of embedded devices to gain access to sensitive information or bypass protection mechanisms. Due to the severity of these attacks, manufacturers deploy hardware-based fault defenses into security-critical systems, such as secure elements. The development of these countermeasures is a challenging task due to the complex interplay of circuit components and because contemporary design automation tools tend to optimize inserted structures away, thereby defeating their purpose. Hence, it is critical that such countermeasures are rigorously verified post-synthesis. Since classical functional verification techniques fall short of assessing the effectiveness of countermeasures (due to the circuit being analyzed when no faults are present), developers have to resort to methods capable of injecting faults in a simulation testbench or into a physical chip sample. However, developing test sequences to inject faults in simulation is an error-prone task and performing fault attacks on a chip requires specialized equipment and is incredibly time-consuming. Moreover, identifying the fault-vulnerable circuit is hard in both approaches, and fixing potential design flaws post-silicon is usually infeasible since that would require another tape-out. To that end, this paper introduces SYNFI, a formal pre-silicon fault verification framework that operates on synthesized netlists. SYNFI can be used to analyze the general effect of faults on the input-output relationship in a circuit and its fault countermeasures, and thus enables hardware designers to assess and verify the effectiveness of embedded countermeasures in a systematic and semi-automatic way. The framework automatically extracts sensitive parts of the circuit, induces faults into the extracted subcircuit, and analyzes the faults' effects using formal methods. To demonstrate that SYNFI is capable of handling unmodified, industry-grade netlists synthesized with commercial and open tools, we analyze OpenTitan, the first opensource secure element. In our analysis, we identified critical security weaknesses in the unprotected AES block, developed targeted countermeasures, reassessed their security, and contributed these countermeasures back to the OpenTitan project. For other fault-hardened IP, such as the life cycle controller, we used SYNFI to confirm that existing countermeasures provide adequate protection.


Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of Aflibercept in patients with age-related macular degeneration who had received prior treatment with Bevacizumab.
Material & Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted in "Oftalmos, Centro Oftalmologico de Alta Complejidad". We reviewed the clinical records of 41 eyes that had received at least three (3) intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab (1.25 mg) with a period no longer than 4 weeks between each application, prior switch to Aflibercept (2 mg). Of the selected patients, 27 had a diagnosis of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), 5 had CNVM associated with neuroepithelium detachment and the remaining 9 eyes only had retinal pigment epithelium detachment (RPED). Rotation of anti-VEGF was due to the persistence or increase in central macular thickness observed in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients received a loading dose of three intravitreal 2 mg Aflibercept injections at 4-week intervals. Evaluation included central macular thickness and maximum pigment epithelium (PED) height measured by spectral domain OCT and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) prior to the switch of therapy and 4 weeks after the last Aflibercept injection.
Results: A significant decrease in central macular thickness in spectral domain OCT (= or > 50 μm) was observed in 18 eyes (43.9%). In 17 eyes (41.46%) no changes in thickness were observed after the switch. In the remaining 6 eyes (14.63%) increased thickness was appreciated. There was an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (= or>4 letters) in 22 patients (53.65%) while 15 (36.5%) maintained the same BCVA and the remaining 4 (9.75%) lost one line.
Discussion: Recent publications suggest that the use of Aflibercept in patients with AMD that do not have satisfactory response to treatment with Bevacizumab, could present better results. Despitethis, they have not yet obtained scientifically significant results. However, it is important to emphasize that both drugs have different mechanisms of action.
Conclusion: Although the number of patients, who had improved with the switch to Aflibercept, is not statistically significant, the rotation of antiangiogenic is a valid option in the absence of response.


Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether TNF-α inhibits mPL-II secretion through TNF-RI or TNF-RII, and to investigate the gestational profile of TNF-RI and TNF-RII gene expression. The mouse trophoblast cells from day 12 pregnancy were cultured with or without agonistic polyclonal antibodies directed against the individual TNF-α receptors, and mPL-II secretion in the medium was assessed by RIA. Anti-TNF-RI antibody significantly inhibited the dose- and time-dependent manner, but anti-TNF-RII antibody did not. Moreover, the TNF-RII antibody did not influence the inhibitory effect of the TNF-RI antibody on mPL-II secretion. TNF-RI antibody inhibited the mPL-II gene expression by Northern blot analysis. Amount of the gene expression of TNF-RI in the second half of pregnancy was higher than those in the first half of pregnancy both in vitro and in vivo, although the gene expression of TNF-RII was not detectable by Northern blot analysis using poly(A)+RNA. These results suggest that TNF-RI is a main receptor for TNF-α in mouse placenta and that TNF-α may have an important role in regulating mPL-II secretion after midpregnancy.


Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), or Rendu-Osler-Weber disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder of localized angiodysplasia, although it is sometimes mistakenly identified as a hemostatic disorder due to its associated characteristic bleeding. The vascular lesions that develop consist of direct arteriovenous connections without an intervening capillary bed. Germline mutations in one of two different genes, endoglin or ALK-1, can cause HHT. Both are members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor family of proteins, and are expressed primarily on the surface of endothelial cells. They are associated together in a receptor complex on the cell surface. Biochemical studies suggest that endoglin modulates TGF-β signaling through ALK-1 and the type I TGF-β receptor. Most mutations identified in endoglin and ALK-1 create null alleles, which lead to reduced message or protein levels. A model of haploinsufficiency is proposed, in which inheritance of a mutation predisposes an individual to develop HHT-associated vascular lesions. The factors that initiate lesion formation are unknown, but disruption of these genes in mice should provide animal models to address these and other important questions about the pathogenesis of HHT.


Many studies have been concentrated on the degradation of toxic organic compounds in waste water via photocatalysis of various semiconductors. It has attracted great attention in modern science because of its potential in solving many current environmental problems such as air and water pollution. The common photocatalysts are primarily nanocomposite metal oxides, are known to be good photocatalysts for the degradation of several environmental contaminants due to their high photosensitivity, stability and non-toxic nature. There are different approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials: Top down and bottom up approaches. Top- down approach is best approach and refers to successive cutting of a bulk material to get nano sized particles. These applications have their interest in controlling particle size, particle shape, size distribution, particle composition and degree of particle agglomeration. Some nanoparticles have large band-gap which leads to high recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs limit their utilization for photocatalytic applications. More recently, significant efforts have also been made to develop new or modified semiconductor photocatalysts that are capable of using visible-light (λ = 400–700 nm) including semiconductor coupling, metal ion doping, nonmetallic element doping, and sensitization with organic dyes. Coupling of two semiconductor nanoparticles with different band gap widths has been demonstrated in many studies as one of the most effective ways to reduce the recombination of electron–hole pairs and consequently, achieving a higher photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the ternary nanocomposites have high visible light photocatalytic activity and organic dyes can be decomposed efficiently, implying the higher photocatalytic activity of the ternary nanocomposites.


Small cursorial birds display remarkable walking skills and can negotiate complex and unstructured terrains with ease. The neuromechanical control strategies necessary to adapt to these challenging terrains are still not well understood. Here, we analyzed the 2D- and 3D pelvic and leg kinematic strategies employed by the common quail to negotiate visible step-up and step-down perturbations of 1 cm, 2.5 cm, and 5 cm. We used biplanar fluoroscopy to accurately describe joint positions in three dimensions and performed semi-automatic landmark localization using deep learning. Quails negotiated vertical perturbations without major problems and rapidly regained steady-state locomotion. When coping with step-up perturbations, the quail mostly adapted the trailing limb to permit the leading leg to step on the elevated substrate in a similar way as it did during level locomotion. When the quail negotiated step-down perturbations, both legs showed significant adaptations. For small and moderate perturbations (not inducing aerial running) the quail kept the function of the distal joints (i.e., their kinematic pattern) largely unchanged during uneven locomotion, and most changes occurred in proximal joints. The hip regulated leg length, while the distal joints maintained the spring-damped limb patterns. However, to negotiate the largest visible step perturbations, more dramatic kinematic alterations were observed. For these large perturbations, all joints contributed to leg lengthening/ shortening in the trailing leg and both the trailing and leading legs stepped more vertically and less abducted. This indicates a shift from a dynamic walking program to strategies that are focused on maximizing safety.


ABSTRACT
 Background Unpredictability, the risk of harm and possibility of rewards, are integral elements of encounter. Risk literature offers insight on the complex ways in which risk perceptions and attunements shape behaviours and interactions in encounter between people with and without intellectual disability. Method The paper draws on risk literature, encounter literature, and examples from the authors' previously published studies on encounter and work integrated social enterprises. Results Encounters between people with and without intellectual disability are shaped by perceptions of possible rewards and harms skills and experience in attunement to risk signals; disposition towards, and strategies of, risk aversion, management or enablement and environmental attributes of encounter settings. Conclusions There is a need to shift community and disability services' understanding of risk in encounter, by developing a positive appreciation of encounter risk, and development of risk enablement strategies that are learned through experiential practice.


Abstract. The response of the hydrological cycle to anthropogenic climate
change, especially across the tropical oceans, remains poorly understood due to the scarcity of long instrumental temperature and hydrological records. Massive shallow-water corals are ideally suited to reconstructing past oceanic variability as they are widely distributed across the tropics,
rapidly deposit calcium carbonate skeletons that continuously record ambient environmental conditions, and can be sampled at monthly to annual
resolution. Climate reconstructions based on corals primarily use the stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O), which acts as a proxy for sea surface temperature (SST), and the oxygen isotope composition of
seawater (δ18Osw), a measure of hydrological variability. Increasingly, coral δ18O time series are paired with time series of strontium-to-calcium ratios (Sr/Ca), a proxy for SST, from the same coral to quantify temperature and δ18Osw variability
through time. To increase the utility of such reconstructions, we present
the CoralHydro2k database, a compilation of published, peer-reviewed coral Sr/Ca and δ18O records from the Common Era (CE). The database contains 54 paired Sr/Ca–δ18O records and 125 unpaired Sr/Ca or δ18O records, with 88 % of these records providing data coverage from 1800 CE to the present. A quality-controlled set of metadata with standardized vocabulary and units accompanies each record, informing the use
of the database. The CoralHydro2k database tracks large-scale temperature
and hydrological variability. As such, it is well-suited for investigations
of past climate variability, comparisons with climate model simulations
including isotope-enabled models, and application in paleodata-assimilation projects. The CoralHydro2k database is available in Linked Paleo Data (LiPD) format with serializations in MATLAB, R, and Python and can be downloaded from the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information's Paleoclimate Data Archive at https://doi.org/10.25921/yp94-v135 (Walter et al., 2022).


This thesis studies three important issues in portfolio management: the impact of
estimation risk on portfolio optimization, the role of fundamental analysis in portfolio
selection and the power of the bootstrap approach for separating skill from luck across a
sample of portfolio managers.
The first study examines the practical value of the mean-variance portfolio
optimization. This issue arises from the concern that the performance of the meanvariance
portfolio suffers seriously from estimation errors in input parameters. Based on
simulated asset returns, we compare the performance of selected popular portfolios
against the naive equally weighted portfolio (1/N) in terms of the Sharpe Ratio. We
conclude that given relatively small and persistent anomalies, some sophisticated
portfolio rules can outperform the naive one at estimation windows of reasonable
lengths. We find that (1) an estimation window of 120 months is needed for the
optimization-based portfolio rules to outperform the 1/N rule when annual abnormal
returns lie between a certain range; (2) given the same abnormal returns, even longer
estimation windows are needed when asset returns exhibit fat tails; (3) our preferred
portfolio rule, which combines optimally the sample tangency portfolio with MacKinlay
and Pastor's (2000) portfolio, performs well relative to other rules.
Our second study examines the role of fundamental analysis in portfolio
selection. Fundamental analysis assumes implicitly that asset prices mean-revert to their
fundamental values. We solve the instantaneous mean-variance portfolio choice problem
when asset prices mean-revert to their fundamentals and analyze how this meanreversion
feature affects the performance of the optimal portfolio. Our analytical results
show that the expected appraisal ratio of the optimal portfolio is increasing in the meanreversion
speed for a given stationary distribution of the mispricing and it is increasing
in the standard deviation of the stationary distribution for a given level of the meanreversion
speed. The contribution from dividends is positive, increasing in the dividend
yield and is tantamount to increasing the mean-reversion speed. Our numerical examples
indicate that fundamental analysis can be more helpful than practitioners' performance shows. One implication of this is that it must be very challenging to obtain reasonable
forecasts of the mispricing.
Our third study provides a simulation analysis of the power of the bootstrap
approach for identifying skill among a large population of mutual funds. Unlike the
standard t-test, this approach does not require ex ante parametric assumption on fund
alphas and allows us to infer on the existence of genuine skill across a large sample of
fund managers. Its recent applications in mutual fund performance analysis have
produced strikingly different findings from those documented in the classical literature.
However, as far as we know, its power has not been subject to any rigorous statistical
analysis. We provide a Monte Carlo simulation analysis of the validity and power of this
method by applying it to evaluating the performance of hypothetical funds under
varieties of parameter assumptions. We find that this method can be misleading, which
is true regardless of using alpha estimates or their t-statistics. This makes the recent
findings dubious. The major problem with this method lies in the inappropriate use or
misinterpretation of what Fama and French (2010) call "likelihoods" in testing for
difference between realized and bootstrapped alphas at selected percentiles. We also
show that the variance decomposition and the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test can lead to
correct inferences on fund managers' skill when likelihoods fail to do so.


Abstract This paper solves, in closed form, the optimal portfolio choice problem for an investor with utility over consumption under mean-reverting returns. Previous solutions either require approximations, numerical methods, or the assumption that the investor does not consume over his lifetime. This paper breaks the impasse by assuming that markets are complete. The solution leads to a new understanding of hedging demand and of the behavior of the approximate log-linear solution. The portfolio allocation takes the form of a weighted average and is shown to be analogous to duration for coupon bonds. Through this analogy, the notion of investment horizon is extended to that of an investor who consumes at multiple points in time.


Kinetic control is a powerful means for maneuvering the twin structure and shape of metal nanocrystals and thus optimizing their performance in a variety of applications. However, there is only a vague understanding of the explicit roles played by reaction kinetics due to the lack of quantitative information about the kinetic parameters. With Pd as an example, here we demonstrate that kinetic parameters, including rate constant and activation energy, can be derived from spectroscopic measurements and then used to calculate the initial reduction rate and further have this parameter quantitatively correlated with the twin structure of a seed and nanocrystal. On a quantitative basis, we were able to determine the ranges of initial reduction rates required for the formation of nanocrystals with a specific twin structure, including single-crystal, multiply twinned, and stacking fault-lined. This work represents a major step forward toward the deterministic syntheses of colloidal noble-metal nanocrystals with specific twin structures and shapes.