The studies were undertaken to see whether job factor and non job factor can determine the level of job satisfaction among teachers in 6 secondary school in Felda Jengka. Job factors, such as salary, years of service, job situation and promotional opportunities. Where as non job factors are gender, age, colleague and working place.
205 teachers were choosen by simple random sampling in this study. The questionaire instrument by Brayfield-Rothe (1951) were used to measure the job satisfaction. T-Test
and One Way ANOVA were used to test the differences. To test the relationship, Coeffecient Pearson Correlation 'r' were used. Significant are at the probability of P<0.05.
Findings shows that 134 teachers (65.37%) were moderately satisfied, 62 teachers (30.24%) were highly satisfied and 9 teachers (4.39%) were less satisfied.The overall job satisfaction mean score are 61.20 shows that job satisfaction are moderate. Findings also shows that for job factor only job situation and promotion opportunity
are significantly related with job satisfaction. Where as salary and years of service can't determine job satisfaction. In non job factor only colleague and working place shows the significant relationship with the job satisfaction, where as gender and age can't determine job satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis shows that teacher's satisfaction are strongly influenced by the non job factor i.e working place.


Life activity of parents raising a child with a disability as an important element of their health protectionDiagnosis of a child's disability becomes a cause of stress that applies to the whole family, above all the mother, who most often deals with the care and upbringing of the child. Disability absorbs the physical and mental resources in the family, because much of the attention is focused on the child. Parents, and above all mothers, are tired both physically and mentally. Life activity, understood as professional activity, as well as spending free time away from home, enables disengagement from the child's disability, which may have a beneficial effect on the improvement of well-being. The aim of the article is to present the professional activity of parents bringing up a child with disabilities, free time, tourism, and leisure outside the place of residence. The study was based on unpublished data from the Household Budget Survey BBGD 2014 and data from the study "Entrepreneurial and Consumer Behaviors in Families Caring for Children and Teenagers with Disabilities" financed by the National Center for Science OPUS 4 and individual interviews.


In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in local products which are a major field of short supply chains. A considerable amount of literature has been published on SFSCs, which mainly deal with the benefits and detriments of this kind of cooperation. Being regarded as the aim and focal point of this current scrutiny, SFSCs are especially studied in the context of producing and selling local products and whether they can be viewed as the most favorable way of distributing locally generated (food) products. Within that category major emphasis should be placed on farmer markets and community supported agriculture systems considering both consumers and producers. It has been put forth that the number of such organizations would indicate an increasing tendency in Hungary in line with their growing role in the trade of local products. Relying on data from multiple databases, both traditional and neo-traditional forms of SFSCs have been shown to be viable in Hungary, although, as in other Central and Eastern European countries in terms of numbers, traditional SFSC types play a decisive role, in particular local farmer markets. As a result of the study, besides these forms, the formation and aid of neo-traditional organizations is considered to be useful for stakeholders in order to exploit the potential of short supply chains.


Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) has progressed from the visualization aided stage of computer aided designs (CAD) to rapid prototyping of structural parts. Among the promising techniques for producing structural prototypes is the technology ofchemical vapor deposition (CVD) ofpolycrystalline diamond. This paper discusses the thermodynamic and kinetic theories that suggest that structural diamond may be rapidly deposited at rates approaching 1 mmJhr from the vapor phase at metastable thermodynamic conditions. The design of a reactor that will produce structural diamond prototypes is discussed. This reactor combines downstream microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (DMWPECVD) with a scanned CO2 laser that locally heats the substrate to diamond deposition temperatures. The input:Fases are H2, 02' CH4, and Ar. The operating pressure range of the reactor is 1 x 10to 7 x 10 Torr. The reactor is designed for in situ determination of deposit thickness while deposition occurs as well as having the capacity of fitting on an existing resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (REMPITOFMS) apparatus that will allow for plasma diagnostics immediately above the heated substrate. Plasma diagnostics will be employed to determine the active metastable species that results in diamond deposition so that optimization can be made of the operating parameters to maximize diamond selectivity and deposition rate.


Cell tensile technique is an important and widely used tool in cell mechanical research. However, the strain control condition in traditional tensile experiments is not satisfied and would result in big errors. These strain errors will seriously impact the experimental accuracy and decrease the reliability and comparability of experimental results. In order to achieve the accurate strain control of the membrane during stretching, a strain feedback compensation method based on the digital image correlation is proposed in this paper. To evaluate the effect of the proposed compensation method, a series of stretching experiments in different strains ranging from 5% to 20% were performed. The results showed that our proposed method significantly decreased the errors of strain control. These results indicate that the strain feedback compensation method is very effective in controlling strain and can greatly improve the experimental accuracy.


The principal of a good state namely freedom in the exercise of religion, was realized in the Maratha kingdom of Thanjavur. A notable feature of the Maratha period in Thanjavur was that people belonging to different religious denominations such as Hindus, Muslims and Christians were found living together in the Maratha Kingdom. The Maratha rulers of Thanjavur right from the beginning were generous in their attitude towards the followers of different faiths and were uniformly tolerant in their religious policy. They went further, and though themselves pious Hindus, they gave their State bounty to Muslim Saints Hindu Saints without destination and respected the Quran.


A new addition to Europa's popular 'Territories of the World' series, The Territories of Indonesia provides invaluable information on this diverse country. The book supplies an in-depth guide to both the regional dimensions of the area and its inter-provincial politics. Key Features: * informative introductory essays provide an impartial background on regional aspects of the Republic * a chronology covers the major events in the area's political and economic history including: colonial rule, independence, guided democracy, Suharto and recent terrorist activities * information is provided about the national governments, structures and organizations. Individual chapters on each of the provinces and special districts, providing: * a map of the area, with geographical and historical information * an economic survey presenting the latest available statistics on performance and conditions in each of the provinces and districts * a directory of the names and addresses of leading administrative and political officials. This key publication offers a unique insight into the relationship between provinces and central government within Indonesia.


Findings from a qualitative study of Time Bank members from the first Time Bank in New Zealand are reported. Using focus groups, this study identifies benefits of Time Banking in terms of physical, human, social, and cultural capital. Unlike previous research, this study explores Time Banking in a relatively affluent community thus allowing us to understand why those from other populations may participate in Time Banking. This study also identifies a range of obstacles that may prevent individuals from fully utilising Time Banking and may hinder the full development of individual Time Banks. Finally, a number of recommendations for practitioners are discussed.


1 Kinlen LJ. Can patemal preconceptional radiation account for the increases of leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Seascale? BMY 1993;306:1718-21. (26 June.) 2 Black D. Investigation of the possible incraosed incidence of cancer in west Cumbna. London: HMSO, 1984. 3 Draper GJ, Stiller CA, Cartwright RA, Craft AW, Vincent TJ. Cancer in Cumbria and in the vicinity of the Sellafield nuclear installation, 1963-90. BM3 1993;306:89-94.


Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a method used to detect and quantify nucleic acids even when present in exceptionally low numbers. While it has proven to be valuable for clinical studies, it has failed to be widely adopted for environmental studies but despite some limitations, ddPCR may represent a better option than classical qPCR for environmental samples. Due to the complexity of the chemical and biological composition of environmental samples, protocols tailored to clinical studies are not appropriate, and results are difficult to interpret. We used environmental DNA samples originating from field studies to determine a protocol for environmental samples. Samples included field soils which had been inoculated with the soil fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (environmental positive control), field soils that had not been inoculated and the targeted fungus was not naturally present (environmental negative control), and root samples from both field categories. To control for the effect of soil inhibitors, we also included DNA samples of an organismal control extracted from pure fungal spores (organismal positive control). Finally, we included a no-template control consisting only of the PCR reaction reagents and nuclease free water instead of template DNA. Using original data, we examined which factors contribute to poor resolution in root and soil samples and propose best practices to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, we evaluated manual and automatic threshold determination methods and we propose a novel protocol based on multiple controls that is more appropriate for environmental samples.


We address the problem of part-of-speech tagging for English data from the popular micro-blogging service Twitter. We develop a tagset, annotate data, develop features, and report tagging results nearing 90% accuracy. The data and tools have been made available to the research community with the goal of enabling richer text analysis of Twitter and related social media data sets.


Intramuscular injection has been used to administer medications for more than a hundred years. However, despite our profession's long experience with intramuscular administration, preventable complications such as injection nerve palsies are still prevalent in developing countries. Injections account for one-fifth of all traumatic nerve injuries. These injuries largely occur due to indiscriminate use of intramuscular injections for treating common illnesses, frequently by unlicensed or undertrained practitioners administering unnecessary treatment to impoverished patients. The sciatic nerve is the most commonly injured, and frequently the resulting muscle weakness and associated disability are irreversible. This case report includes a video of a patient with foot drop 6 weeks after gluteal intramuscular injection. Such injuries can be prevented by proper awareness and training, the implementation of safer injection techniques, and quality assurance methods.


ABSTRACT The term 'Generation Rent' denotes young people who are increasingly living in the private rented sector for longer periods of their lives because they are unable to access homeownership or social housing. Drawing on qualitative data from two studies with young people and key-actors, this paper considers the phenomenon of 'Generation Rent' from the perspective of youth transitions and the concept of 'home'. These frameworks posit that young people leaving the parental home traverse housing and labour markets until they reach a point of 'settling down'. However, our data indicate that many young people face difficulties in this 'settling' process as they have to contend with insecure housing, unstable employment and welfare cuts which often force them to be flexible and mobile. This leaves many feeling frustrated as they struggle to remain fixed in place in order to 'settle down' and benefit from the positive qualities of home. Taking a Scottish focus, this paper further highlights the geographical dimension to these challenges and argues that those living in expensive and/or rural areas may find it particularly difficult to settle down.


The consistent review of developing patterns in any healthcare profession is important, as this allows the determination of whether the current practitioner registry meets the healthcare demands, or whether the patient market has become oversaturated with practitioners. The South African Biokinetics profession has been established for 35 years, but as never undergone an examination of its developing trends. The aim was to determine the emerging trends of the HPCSA registered students-in-training, intern-biokineticists, and practitioners. Additionally to ascertain whether the practicing biokinetic registry is equitable to the potential South African private healthcare demand.  The HPCSA Annual Reports of 2012/2013 and 2016/2017 identified the number of students-in-training, intern-biokineticists and biokineticists. CMS reports of 2013-2015 identified the South African NCDs and HIV/AIDS prevalence. Annual students-in-training, intern-biokineticists, and practitioner registrations are growing at average of 4.6%, 43.5% and 6.5% per year. However, the conversion of intern-biokineticists to practitioners is progressively dwindling, nevertheless, this attrition of intern-biokineticists is not significant (p>0.05). Positive growth in students-in-training, intern-biokineticists and practitioners HPCSA registrations were identified. The number of practicing biokineticists in the South African private healthcare sector is reaching saturation point relating to the rehabilitation of NCDs and HIV/AIDS patients.

 Key words: Intern-biokineticist, attrition and growth.


All methods for assessing the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of food samples are strongly affected by the solvents used during extraction. In recent years a sequential solvent extraction procedure utilising water and acetone has been widely used for TAC measurements of foods. To better understand the efficiency of this procedure in terms of the amount of extracted antioxidants and the subsequent measurement of TAC, two vegetables (onion and spinach) and two fruits (orange and tomato) were sequentially extracted with water, acetone and chloroform. Each extract fraction was analysed separately for its content of known antioxidant compounds by specific procedures and for its TAC by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. The results showed that the compounds in the water and acetone extracts were the main contributors to TAC. The chloroform extracts did not contribute to TAC, with the exception of the spinach extract, owing to the presence of low levels of carotenoids. In conclusion, the analysed extraction procedure was more effective for foods rich in water-soluble antioxidants than for those rich in lipid-soluble antioxidants.


Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that varies widely in its clinical expression. Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, induration, and scaling, and controlling the extent of the disease. While significant data on tazarotene in psoriasis has been available for over 20 years, its main utility is in acne.
Objective: To review the clinical studies with tazarotene in psoriasis and establish its future role in the management of this chronic, incurable condition.
Methods: An English language literature review was performed utilizing Medline, EMBASE, and the Web of Science to identify relevant articles, both clinical trials and reviews.
Results: Tazarotene is a very effective treatment for plaque psoriasis, with significant reductions in both plaque elevation and scaling after 12 weeks. Efficacy appears to be dose and formulation dependent, and erythema less responsive. Tazarotene sustains clinical response posttreatment and may have an important role in maintenance therapy. The most common side effect is mild-to-moderate local irritation, which limited its role as a single agent for psoriasis.
Efficacy is enhanced through combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS). Tazarotene may circumvent the problem of TCS tachyphylaxis, due to its sustained efficacy and provide tolerability benefits; tazarotene increases epidermal thickness and may reduce the risk of steroid-induced atrophy. In addition, tazarotene-induced irritation is reduced by the anti-inflammatory effect of TCS. A new fixed combination, well-tolerated tazarotene/halobetasol topical formulation is now available, which provides synergistic efficacy that is both rapid and sustained posttreatment.
Conclusions: Tazarotene is a highly effective psoriasis treatment whose efficacy and tolerability can be enhanced through combination therapy with TCS, and a new fixed combination topical formulation of tazarotene and halobetasol may provide an optimal management approach.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(12):1280-1287.


Simulation of Indian summer monsoon features by latest coupled model of National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEPs) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) is attempted in its long run. Improvements in the simulation of Indian summer monsoon as compared with previous version (CFSv1) is accessed and areas which still require considerable refinements are introduced. It is found that, spatial pattern of seasonal mean rainfall and wind circulations are more realistic in CFSv2 as compared with CFSv1. Variance and northward propagation of intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), which also contribute to the seasonal mean rainfall are remarkably improved. However, the central Indian dry bias still persists and amplified. Pervasive cold bias in surface (2 m air temperature) as well as in the whole troposphere is further increased in CFSv2. These cold biases may be partly attributed to the lack of model's ability to realistically simulate the ratio of convective and stratiform rainfall. Sea‐surface temperature (SST) over the Indian Ocean is underestimated in CFSv2. However, CFSv1 shows east–west dipole structure in the bias. The teleconnection of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) in terms of Niño3 SST and monsoon rainfall correlation is more realistic in the latest version of the model. Overall, there are substantial improvements in CFSv2 as compared with CFSv1, but it has to evolve further to realistically simulate the mean and variability of ISMR.


The flood of spam promotes the development of anti-spam technology. In this paper, we bring forward the Bayesian filter technology based on the distributed architecture, which can realize the sharing of the Bayesian learning outcomes among servers within the system, so as to increase the accuracy of spam recognition. We, in the paper, discuss the sharing model of information with spam features under the distributed architecture and the spam identification process; analyze the Bayes algorithm and carry out the relevant improvements; design the Bayes Filter based on distributed architecture on the above basis and verify the effect of the filter by experiments.


Abstract. Water infrastructure development is crucial for driving economic growth in the developing countries of the Mekong. Yet it may also alter existing hydrological and flood conditions, with serious implications for water management, agricultural production and ecosystem services, especially in the floodplain regions. Our current understanding of the hydrological and flood pattern changes associated with infrastructural development still contain several knowledge gaps, such as the consideration of overlooked prospective drivers, and the interactions between multiple drivers. This research attempts to conduct a cumulative impact assessment of flood changes in the Cambodian part of the Mekong floodplains. The developmental activity of six central sectors (hydropower, irrigation, navigation, flood protection, agricultural land use and water use) as well as climate change were considered in our modelling analysis. Our results show that the monthly, sub-seasonal, and seasonal hydrological regimes will be subject to substantial alterations under the 2020 planned development scenario, and even larger alterations under the 2040 planned development scenario. The degree of hydrological alteration under the 2040 planned development is somewhat counteracted by the effect of climate change, as well as the removal of mainstream dams in the Lower Mekong Basin and hydropower mitigation investments. The likely impact of decreasing water discharge in the early wet season (up to −34 %) will pose a critical challenge to rice production, whereas the likely increase in water discharge in the mid-dry season (up to +54 %) indicates improved water availability for coping with drought stresses and sustaining environmental flow. At the same time, these changes would have drastic impacts on total flood extent, which is projected to decline up to −18 %, having potentially negative impacts on floodplain productivity whilst at the same time reducing the flood risk to the area. Our findings urge the timely establishment of adaptation and mitigation strategies to manage such future environmental alterations in a sustainable manner.


Background: Dental caries is considered to be one of the most prevalent dental diseases among humans. It involves cycles of demineralization and remineralization. The etiology and pathogenesis of dental caries are multifactorial. The role of diet plays an important aspect in occurrence and progression of dental caries. Indians have differing dietary habits due to various religious and personal reasons. A substantial number of Indians are vegetarian by choice. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vegetarian and mixed diet over the prevalence of dental caries. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 individuals. Healthy subjects who were 20–40 years of age, with no systemic disease, and not on any medications were included in this study. A thorough dental examination was performed by a single investigator with the help of mouth mirror and probe. The examination of patients involved the sequential assessment of teeth starting from 1 to 32. All the exposed and accessible surfaces of the teeth were examined for dental caries, and the data were recorded. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 11.0, and the results were tabulated. Univariate analysis was performed to find an association between caries and diet. Results: Distribution of the respondents according to dietary practices revealed 51% of the population consuming mixed diet and 49% consuming vegetarian diet. Oral hygiene was measured in terms of frequency of brushing tooth. Among the enrolled subjects, 57% brushed their teeth once a day and 42% brushed twice a day. No significant association was found between vegetarian and mixed dietary habits and dental caries. Two-sample independent t test was carried out to find the mean age. The mean age of caries group was 30.93 ± 12.27 and in without caries group, 27.83 ± 11.58, which is statistically not significant (P = 0.218). Conclusion: The study did not show any significant association between dietary habits and prevalence of dental caries.


This study concerns the behavioural aspects of strategic decisions and focuses on the role of executive values in strategic decisions and its performance impact. The study investigates the relationship between strategic-, executive values- and goal orientation, contextual variables and their impact on performance.
The research extends Thomas and Ramaswamy's (1996) examination into the leadership-strategy relationship, which confirmed that particular executive characteristics impact performance of the Miles and Snow's (1978, 1994, 2003) strategic typologies. The current study extends their research by:
i. Using primary rather than secondary data,
ii. Expanding the number of Miles and Snow (1978, 1994, 2003) typologies tested from two (prospectors and defenders) to all four (including analyzers and reactors),
iii. Introducing the new constructs of executive values and goals,
iv. Extending the performance construct to include operational as well as financial measures of performance.
The current research tests hypotheses based on theoretically expected outcomes concerning the main and interaction (alignment) effects of the research constructs of strategic-, executive values- and goal orientation and manageria/-,firm- and industry characteristics on organisational performance.
Data was collected from 163 owner/managers, senior managers and middle managers and the sample frame was broad in size and scope including the international business community without particular profiling. Biases were examined but none were found. Empirical investigation involved the use of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Multi-way Analysis of Variance.
The results of the current research found that organisational performance is best explained by mangers' strategic choices in an industry context as predicted by the strategic choice (Child, 1972) view. An overall model including industry characteristics produced more significant results than without contextual variables indicating that the interaction effects of industry are more important than previous leadership-strategy studies.
Empirical support for the performance impact of executive values contributes to the understanding of executive values in strategic decisions by confirming the upper echelon theory (Hambrick and Mason, 1984) and theoretical conjecturing concerning its importance in strategy formulation (Andrews, 1987; Finkelstein and Hambrick, 1996; Guth and Taguri, 1965; Hambrick and Brandon, 1988; Learned et al., 1965; Porter, 1980). Moreover, executive values had the greatest performance impact in alignment with entrepreneurial organisational goals substantiating executive values' impact on the direction of the firm (Donaldson and Lorsch, 1983; Steiner, 1969) and affinity with Senge's (1990) notion of 'shared values', 'strategic intent' (Hamel and Prahalad, 1989, 1994) and Reich's (1998) 'sense of mission'. A contribution to the debate concerning the association of psychological and observable factors of strategic choice (Finkelstein and Hambrick, 1996) is made by executive values' greater performance impact than tenure indicating that values are more important than demographic variables in the causal chain of fundamental executive characteristics to performance. Furthermore, a two-way interaction between executive values and tenure was also found as predicted by ·Finkelstein and Hambrick (1996). Finally, tenure's interaction with strategic and goal orientation supports previous studies concerning tenures' linkage with strategic persistence (Finkelstein and Hambrick, 1990) and commitment to the status quo (CSQ) (Hambrick et al., 1993).
Further research is indicated in the development of executive values categorisation, values-based management ideal-typing of the Miles and Snow types, exploration of other executive orientation factors and further investigation into the relationship between strategic orientation and industry differentiation.


Ocular allergy is commonly encountered by the allergist, general physician, and ophthalmologist. Diagnosis can usually be made by history, especially a history of itching and an allergic background. The diagnosis can be confirmed by skin testing, in vitro testing, and conjunctival scrapings to look for eosinophils. Once the diagnosis is made, a decision can be reached as to whether treatment is necessary. Often, supportive treatment, or removal of the allergen is preferred. When pharmacologic treatment is necessary, it is advisable to choose a benign form of therapy such as topical vasoconstrictor-antihistamine eyedrops or cromolyn sodium. Topical steroids are rarely necessary and should be used with great caution since they can induce serious sight threatening complications. If topical steroids are required, the patient should be monitored by an ophthalmologist.


Rotation schemes reducing daily working time with knife to 6 hours were planned and implemented at a meat cutting plant in a participatory process. These changes were evaluated concerning results, the change process and consequences on organizational performance. A questionnaire to the meat cutters and interviews with the production leaders were conducted. The results support that the meat cutters experienced the changes positively and that a reduction in physical and mental fatigue was reached. Other experiences were mixed indicating that both work organizational characteristics and local history should be taken more into consideration. The organizational performance was not particularly affected.


Currently the majority of buildings are designed and constructed as bespoke creations
to suit a particular use at a certain time, with little thought for the future. The Adaptable Futures
project, introduced in this paper, aims to facilitate the development of adaptable buildings in the
UK that take account of an often uncertain future. This paper gives a brief overview of the project
and then goes on to describe the two industrial case studies being used as the main sources of data
collection for the project. These are a pre-configured concept, Newways, developed by
Pharmaceutical organization GSK and a re-configurable concept, Multispace, created by architect
3DReid. Findings from a recent workshop looking at adaptable buildings are then presented.


Brontomerus mcintoshi is a new genus and species of sauropod dinosaur from the Hotel Mesa Quarry in Grand County, Utah, USA, in the upper part of the Ruby Ranch Member (Aptian—Albian) of the Lower Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation. It is known from at least two fragmentary specimens of different sizes. The type specimen is OMNH 66430, the left ilium of a juvenile individual; tentatively referred specimens include a crushed presacral centrum, a complete and well-preserved mid-to-posterior caudal vertebra, the partial centrum of a distal caudal vertebra, a complete pneumatic anterior dorsal rib from the right side, the nearly complete left scapula of a much larger, presumably adult, individual, and two partial sternal plates. Brontomerus is diagnosed by five autapomorphies of the type specimen: preacetabular lobe 55% of total ilium length, longer than in any other sauropod; preacetabular lobe directed anterolaterally at 30° to the sagittal, but straight in dorsal view and vertically oriented; postacetabular lobe reduced to near absence; ischiadic peduncle reduced to very low bulge; ilium proportionally taller than in any other sauropod, 52% as high as long. In a phylogenetic analysis, Brontomerus was recovered as a camarasauromorph in all most parsimonious trees, but with uncertain position within that clade. The large preacetabular lobe of the ilium anchored powerful protractor and abductor muscles, but precise interpretation is impossible without functionally related elements such as femora and proximal caudal vertebrae. Brontomerus is the eighth sauropod genus named from the Early Cretaceous of North America, and more remain to be described: North American sauropod diversity did not decline catastrophically at the end of the Jurassic as often assumed. The most striking differences between Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous sauropod faunas in North America is that the former are abundant and dominated by diplodocids, whereas the latter are comparatively scarce— though still diverse—and dominated by macronarians.


Farmers use pesticides to reduce yield losses. The efficacies of pesticide treatments are often evaluated by analyzing the average treatment effects and risks. The stochastic efficiency with respect to a function is often employed in such evaluations through ranking the certainty equivalents of each treatment. The main challenge of using this method is gathering an adequate number of observations to produce results with statistical power. However, in many cases, only a limited number of trials are replicated in field experiments, leaving an inadequate number of observations. In addition, this method focuses only on the farmer's profit without incorporating the impact of disease pressure on yield and profit. The objective of our study is to propose a methodology to address the issue of an insufficient number of observations using simulations and take into account the effect of disease pressure on yield through a quantile regression model. We apply this method to the case of strawberry disease management in Florida.


© КRUHLOV, V.V., and TERESHCHENKO, D.A., 2019 Introduction. The modern direction of infrastructure development is the attraction of the private owner by the state under public-private partnership (PPP) agreements. Problem Statement. Analysis of the possibilities of PPP for the development of labor potential in the modern labor market, taking into account the peculiarities of interaction between public and private capital and on the basis of their economic and social objectives, is an important issue of our time. Purpose. Justification of the objectives and directions of public-private partnership as a tool for the development of labor potential, taking into account the main objectives of the implementation of infrastructure projects. Materials and Methods. Method of theoretical generalization and systematization (to determine the specific features of forming PPP and labor potential in the modern labor market); monographs (a review of scientific ideas about the problem of developing PPP, and the sphere of education); statistical method (to present the key figures that characterize PPP and labor potential); the analytical method (to identify factors that influence implementation of PPP projects as a tool for labor potential development). Results. The implementation of PPP projects has been found to stimulate the labor market and to enhance labor capacity. In case of successful implementation of PPP projects, social problems will be solved due to improved quality of services in the field of education, healthcare, culture, etc. Implementation of the innovation projects of public-private partnership in education and science shapes actually the prerequisites for an increase in figures that characterize labor potential as a whole, and involves staff in specific projects where the key approach is satisfaction of the need for highly qualified specialists. Conclusions. The state policies of PPP development, innovational development of the economy and strengthening labor potential should be aimed at establishing a legislative basis for the institutional environment; introduction of effective economic mechanisms; establishing up-to-date standards which apply to the key development paths of knowledge-based economy.


Natural disasters in the u.S. demonstrate the lack of and need for integrated disaster plans for the u.S. dairy industry. It is demonstrated how a spatial model of the Northeast dairy industry can be used to assess and analyze potential impacts of local and regional disasters on market levels in the industry. A hypothetical radioactive release from a nuclear power plant reactor in the Northeast provides an example.


ABSTRACT There is lack of research on old indigenous women's experiences. The aim of this study was to explore how old women narrate their experiences of wellbeing and lack of wellbeing using the salutogenetic concept of resilience. Interviews from nine old Sami women were analysed according to grounded theory with the following themes identified: contributing to resilience and wellbeing built up from the categories feeling connected, feeling independent and creating meaning; and contributing to lack of lack of resilience and wellbeing built up from the category experiencing lack of connectedness. The old Sami women's narratives showed that they were to a high extent resilient and experienced wellbeing. They felt both connected and independent and they were able to create meaning of being an old Sami woman. Having access to economic and cultural capital were for the old Sami women valuable for experiencing resilience. Lack of resilience was expressed as experiences of discrimination, lack of connectedness and living on the border of the dominant society. Analysis of the Sami women's narratives can give wider perspectives on women's health and deepen the perspectives on human resilience and increase the understanding of minority groups in a multicultural world.


In one of the poorest countries in Africa, AMKA assists small-scale producers to export to markets in rich countries. AMKA selects clients whose operations accord with principles of 'fair trade', thereby aiming to have a greater impact on poorer people. The article points out, however, the tension between reaching poorer producers who require greater levels of assistance, but cannot pay high fees, and achieving sustainability. One possible option is identified: dividing the organization into two and carrying out the more developmental work through a not-for-profit trust, while offering the more profitable services such as brokering through a trading arm. A number of lessons are drawn from AMKA's experience: the need for a good information system to make effective decisions on which services to concentrate upon; the advisability of staying focused on a sector; and the strong sense of ownership within AMKA which has been fostered by participatory relationships with its main stakeholders, Traidcraft Exchange...


To accomplish the appropriate treatment strategies of epilepsy action mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures should be lightened. The identification of epileptic seizure-induced alterations on the brain related to their pathologies may provide information for its action mechanism. Therefore, the current study determined molecular consequences of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), which is a widely used convulsant agent, on rat brain. The rats were administered subconvulsant (25 mg/kg) and convulsant (60 mg/kg) doses of PTZ during a week, and brain tissues were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results revealed a decrease in lipid fluidity and lipid and protein content and also the differences in membrane packing by changing the nature of hydrogen bonding as indicated by the C═O, the PO(-)2 symmetric, and asymmetric bands. Monitoring of the olefinic band elicited seizure-induced lipid peroxidation further confirmed by the thiobarbituric acid (TBAR) assay. Additionally, PTZ-induced convulsions led to alterations in protein structures obtained by neural network (NN) predictions like an increase in random coils. On the basis of the spectral changes, treated samples could be successfully differentiated from the controls by cluster analysis. Consequently, the convulsive dose of PTZ caused more significant molecular variations compared to the subconvulsive one. All findings might have an important role in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptic activities.


The breastand ovarian-specific tumor suppressor BRCA1 has been implicated in numerous cellular processes, including transcription, ubiquitination, and DNA repair. Its tumor suppression activity is tightly linked to that of BARD1, a protein that heterodimerizes with BRCA1. It has been previously shown that BRCA1 binds to DNA, an interesting functional observation in light of the genetic data linking BRCA1 to DNA repair pathways. In this work, we reexamine the DNA-binding properties of BRCA1, comparing them with the DNA-binding properties of the BRCA1/BARD1 heterodimer. Because nuclear BRCA1 exists as a heterodimer with BARD1, it is likely that in vitro studies of the heterodimer will provide a more accurate model of physiologic conditions. Our results indicate that whereas BARD1 cannot directly bind DNA, it does enhance DNA binding by BRCA1. This is a surprising observation as both DNA-binding domains are distal to the BARD1-interacting RING domain of BRCA1. Further analysis of the dimerization reveals that the BRCA1/ BARD1 interaction is not limited to the amino-terminal RING domains of each protein. The carboxyl terminus of BRCA1 contributes significantly to the stability of the heterodimer. We also show that the presence of BARD1 has a secondary effect, as autoubiquitination of BRCA1/BARD1 heterodimers additionally enhances the affinity of BRCA1 for DNA. Together, these data suggest that BRCA1 and BARD1 heterodimerization is stabilized via domains not previously thought to interact and that BARD1 acts in both ubiquitination-dependent and ubiquitination-independent ways to influence the role of BRCA1 in DNA repair. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(4): 2012-8)


Salen complexes are a versatile and standard system in oxidation catalysis. Their reduced derivatives, called salan, share their versatility but are still widely unexplored. We report the synthesis of a group of new vanadium-salen and -salan complexes, their characterization and application in the oxidation of simple organic molecules with H2O2. The ligands are derived from pyridoxal and chiral diamines (1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) and were easily obtained in high yields. The VIV complexes were prepared and characterized in the solid state (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR, and magnetic properties) and in solution by spectroscopic techniques: UV–vis, circular dichroism (CD), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and 51V NMR, which provide information on the coordination geometry. Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies were obtained from solutions containing the VIV-pyr(S,S-chan) complex: [VVO{pyr(S,S-chen)}]2(μ-O)2·2(CH3)2NCHO, where the ligand is the "half" Schiff base formed by pyridoxal and 1S,2S-diaminocyclohexane. The dinuclear species shows a OVV(μ-O)2VVO unit with tridentate ligands and two μ-oxo bridges. The VIV complexes of the salan-type ligands oxidize in organic solvents to a VV species, and the process was studied by spectroscopic techniques. The complexes were tested as catalysts in the oxidation of styrene, cyclohexene, and cumene with H2O2 as oxidant. Overall, the V-salan complexes show higher activity than the parent V-salen complexes and are an alternative ligand system for oxidation catalysis.


Two proposed approaches are presented for optimal scheduling of unit commitment (UC) in competitive market. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is used to find out the solution of both optimal UC scheduling and power generation dispatching problems, simultaneously. These approaches depend on two sigmoid functions to obtain the binary values for the PSO technique. The first approach considers the fuzzification of power generation costs as a sigmoid function, while the second approach considers the fuzzification of power generation as a sigmoid function. An exponential function is proposed to minimize power generation costs as well as maximize their own profit, while all load demand and the power generation constraints are satisfied. Therefore, the generations companies (GENCO) can schedule their output power according to a maximum own profit. This means that, the GENCO must take a decision, how much power and reserve generations should be sold in the markets to obtain a maximum own profit. Different applications are carried out using various standard test systems to show the capability of the proposed approaches the competitive market.


Introduction Supragastric belching (SGB) is considered a behavioural disorder. SGB can manifest as a large number of belch episodes during daytime, or can be associated with reflux symptoms or rumination. Supragastric belches can be immediately followed by acid reflux and in some GORD patients, SGB-associated reflux can contribute to up to 1/3 of the total acid exposure (AET) (Koukias, 2015). Current treatments for SGB are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Baclofen. We hypothesised that reducing SGB might improve QOL and reduce acid GOR. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of CBT on subjective and objective outcomes in patients with pathological SGB. Method Patients were recruited from the upper GI Physiology Unit after performance of pH-impedance (Sandill Sci, USA). Visual analysis of tracing was performed to identify SGB and patients with more than 13 SGB/day were invited to participate. Patients attended a total of 5 CBT sessions. The CBT protocol was adapted from Katzka et al (2013) and consisted of teaching 1. diaphragmatic breathing, 2. mouth opening/tongue position and 3. recognition of a warning signal/feeling pre-belching. Patients exercised these manoeuvres daily and tried to apply them to prevent belching. Before and after CBT, subjective evaluation included a 4-item visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding severity of belching. Objective evaluation included pH-impedance at baseline and after CBT. Parameters were number of SGB, the acid exposure time, and proportion of AET associated with SGB. Results 45 patients were recruited since March 2016. So far, 21 patients completed the protocol (age: 44, (21-72), 10 females) of which 17 had a second pH-impedance study. Subjective evaluation : VAS scores decreased after CBT in 20/21 patients [before: 250 (210-310) mm vs. after: 130(80-200) mm, p<0.0001]. 9/21 patients had VAS score improvement >50%. Objective evaluation: Number of SGB decreased significantly after CBT in 15/17 patients [before: 90 (51-228) vs. after 45 (24-149), p=0.0041]. 8/17 patients had reduction of SGB by more than 50%. Ten patients had increased AET pre-treatment, [AET: 8.6 (SEM 0.93). In these patients SGB contributed to 32% of the AET. Overall, AET after CBT was: 6.08 (SEM 0.82), p=0.06). In 5/10 patients with baseline increased AET, we observed after CBT a reduction of number of reflux episodes driven by SGB and AET (by 31.5%). Conclusion Cognitive behavioural therapy ameliorates supragastric belching. It reduces the number of belches and improves social and daily activities in 50% of patients. Careful analysis of pH-impedance allows identification of a subgroup of GORD patients with acid reflux predominantly driven by SGB. In these patients, CBT can reduce daytime esophageal acid exposure. Disclosure of Interest E. Glasinovic: None Declared, E. Wynter: None Declared, J. Arguero: None Declared, J. Ooi: None Declared, P. Hajek: None Declared, D. Sifrim Conflict with: Reckitt Benckiser (Hull, UK); Sandhill Scientific (CO, USA)


One of the main concerns of the IFIAS is the future of the global environment, the sustainability of global resources, and how scientific research relates to the problem of global survival. This book is the first in a series of annual reports designed by IFIAS to make findings of member institutes more widely available, to assess the future implications and consequences of their scientific research, and to contribute to knowledge and understanding of the Earth's fragile systems. In essays and commentaries, the distinguished contributors to this volume examine the consequences of their work for the intermediate future, concentrating on how research in different scientific disciplines affects global systemic patterns.


Abstract A generalized Fokker-Planck (GFP) model is introduced for application to the problem of the angular spreading of a broad beam of charged particles. This approach extends the classic Fokker-Planck (FP) approximation of the scattering operator to instances when the differential scattering cross section is not sufficiently forward peaked for the strict FP representation to be valid. Our previously developed (1 – μ)n-moments method is used to construct a truncated hierarchy of moment equations from the GFP and transport equations. For slab thicknesses that are small compared to the transport mean-free-path, the scalar flux is explicitly represented as a Taylor expansion in the depth variable for different truncation orders and for different orders of the generalized Fokker-Planck expansion. Numerical results indicate that the GFP method is a viable method for dealing with larger scattering angles than are possible with the classic FP approximation.


This article considers a power allocation problem in energy harvesting downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems in which a transmitter sends desired messages to their respective receivers by using harvested energy. To tackle this problem, we make use of a reinforcement learning approach based on a shallow neural network structure. We prove that the optimal power allocation policy and the optimal action-value function depend monotonically on some of their input variables and the shallow neural network structure is designed based on properties revealed in the proof. Different from inefficient deep learning methods that tend to require tremendous computational resources, this structure is capable of fully capturing the characteristics of the desired function with a single hidden layer. The optimized structure also allows learning agents to be robust and highly reliable in learning about randomly occurring data. Furthermore, we provide comprehensive experimental results in harsh environments where various arbitrary factors are assumed in order to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed learning approach compared with deep neural networks without proper grounds. It is also shown that the proposed learning process converges to a policy that outperforms existing power allocation algorithms.


In this paper, we study distributed power control in an interference network. In particular, distributed power control mechanisms are devised by exploiting a one-shot non-cooperative game based on a suitably chosen utility function. The utility is a function of quality of service (QoS) objectives defined in terms of fading-induced outage probabilities. Equilibrium analysis of the resulting power control game is made, and its relationship with admission control is discussed. The main contribution of the paper is a mechanism for obtaining smooth non-monotonic reaction curves, in contrast to sharp cut-offs with increasing interference that are characteristic of admission control. This is done via the introduction of a factor ƒd(.) into the utility function, allowing users to smoothly decrease their objectives in response to interference. The resulting algorithm is called non-monotonic power control (NMPC). We provide sufficient conditions for a unique Nash equilibrium (NE) under NMPC. The equilibria are studied in numerical examples, which exhibit that NMPC increases the number of users who achieve their objectives, without removing any user, as compared to previous utility-based power control algorithms with harsher reaction curves. Considerable energy efficiency is gained by a transfer of resources from the disadvantaged user to the advantaged: users whose SIR objectives are infeasible under current channel gains reduce their own transmit power thus helping on others. We view this solution as an attractive alternative to pricing in wireless networks formed by cooperative nodes (such as sensor networks) where an economic model is not natural.


Abstract This article describes and analyses the process in which the establishment of a Christmas market led to an attempt to establish a regional destination brand named "Delightful Christmas". Our focus is on the network dynamics of the process, in particular its multi-project network characteristics. Empirical findings are based on qualitative data from personal interviews, participant observation and documentation in an action research approach. The process is analysed as a so-called project network (Hellgren & Stjernberg, 1995) involving different actors having different aims in event and destination brand development, thus creating a process with actors of existing, but resource-lacking, dependencies. Despite the disagreements between actors, the common beliefs and hopes for the integrated destination theme remained and innovative work continued for about three years in an environment where conditions were difficult due to insufficient financial resources, project coordination and long-term strategic planning. Conclusions concern the dynamics of a complex multi-project network organization and how its failure can be explained.


Direct numerical simulation was used to study various aspects of vortex ring evolution and interaction with a free surface. An investigation of a single unbounded vortex ring at various Reynolds numbers and core thicknesses showed qualitative differences between the evolution of thin- and thick-core rings, leading to a correction factor to the classical equation for the ring translational velocity. The obtained linear modal growth rates were compared with previous work, highlighting the role of the wake in triply periodic numerical simulations. The transition from a laminar to a turbulent ring is marked by the rearrangement of the outer core vorticity into a clearly defined secondary structure. The onset of the fully turbulent state is associated with shedding of the structure in a series of hairpin vortices. A Lagrangian particle analysis was performed to determine the ring entrainment and detrainment properties and to investigate the possibility of an axial flow being generated around the circumference of the core region prior to the onset of turbulence. The orthogonal interaction of laminar, transitional and turbulent rings with an initially undisturbed free surface was investigated. At small depths, the expanding ring is unstable to the Crow instability but its dominant mode is predetermined by the prior development of the Widnall instability. The presence of opposite-signed vorticity, due to surface curvature, affects the ring dynamics at the surface. The interaction of a transitional ring modifies the surface displacements, reflecting the structure of the ring below. The secondary structure associated with a transitional ring reconnects to the surface in addition to the inner core. In the presence of the surface, the turbulent ring finds greater coherency of the core due to stretching and aligning of vorticity filaments. The addition of a planar surface wave field modified the ring interaction greatly due to the higher surface curvature and associated surface vorticity. The ring expands asymmetrically and even rebounds locally if sufficient opposite-signed vorticity is generated. The ring diffracts the surface wavefield and the generation of secondary small-amplitude waves was noted.


The innermost layer (L00) of the Run IIa silicon detector of CDF was planned to be replaced for the high luminosity Tevatron upgrade of Run IIb. This new silicon layer (L0) is designed to be a radiation tolerant replacement for the otherwise very similar L00 from Run IIa. The data are read out via long, fine-pitch, low-mass cables allowing the hybrids with the chips to sit at higher z(/spl sim/70 cm), outside of the tracking volume. The design and first results from the prototyping phase are presented. Special focus is placed on the amount and the structure of induced noise as well as signal-to-noise values.


Indramayu district experiences frequent droughts that leads to many paddy fields harvest failure. Since the district is one of the national granary, this disaster needs to be addressed urgently. This study aimed to assess the level of dryness in Indramayu using Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and its relation with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The study used monthly rainfall data from 1996 to 2013 observed by 19 stations and the score of SOI that came from the Bureau of Meteorology of Australia. The method used quantitative approach using SPI and software SPI_sl_6.exe. Drought indices was measured in four different time scale which are 1, 3, and 6 month(s) (for the short term period) and the 12 months time scale (for the long term period). SPI's assessment was classified in accordance with the classification of WMO (World Meteorological Organization) which consist of seven classes, ranging from wet extreme to dry extreme class. The results showed that the occurence of "very dry" to "dry extreme" drought was occured mainly from February 1997 to January 1998 at most stations, while for some stations, it lasted until March 1998. The drought period was lasted from nine to ten months. In 2002 to 2003, the droughts that classified as "very dry" on a 3 and 6 months time scale lasted about five months, while the 12 months time scale was lasted about nine months. SPI value that obtained from different time scales has a strong relation with the value of SOI. The negative value of SOI tends to be followed by the negative value of SPI, and vice versa. SOI that has negative value below -7 and occured in a long period (more than three months) indicates a prolonged El Nino which occurred in 1997 and 2002/2003 when the research area was struck by "being dry" to "dry extreme" drought state.


The beginning of the 1980's witness a new approach of collecting zakah on monthly bases in some of the Muslim countries such as Sudan, Pakistan and Malaysia. At first, this creates an ambiguous situation amongst Muslim scholars as to its legitimacy, since the payment of zakah is known to be given on annual bases and once it reaches the nisab (the minimum assigned). Recently, a consensus has been given amongst contemporary Muslim scholars that it is lawful to pay the zakah on monthly basis. Malaysia is one of the countries that start implementing zakah deduction on monthly basis through participating in a scheme called the Salary Deduction Scheme. This raises the question on some of the conventional created funds, such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and whether zakah is applicable on them or not. The main objective of this paper is to study the Shariah aspect not only on the validity of the payment of zakah on monthly salaries in Malaysia but the validity of the payment of zakah on other funds such as the EP.


The ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 gene ABCG2/BCRP locates in a gout-susceptibility locus (MIM 138900) on chromosome 4q. Recent genome-wide association studies also showed that the ABCG2 gene relates to serum uric acid levels and gout. Since ABCG2 is also known as a transporter of nucleotide analogs that are structurally similar to urate, and is an exporter that has common polymorphic reduced functionality variants, ABCG2 could be a urate secretion transporter and a gene causing gout. To find candidate mutations in ABCG2, we performed a mutation analysis of the ABCG2 gene in 90 Japanese patients with hyperuricemia and found six non-synonymous mutations. Among the variants, ATP-dependent urate transport was reduced or eliminated in five variants, and two out of the five variants (Q126X and Q141K) were frequently detected in patients. Haplotype frequency analysis revealed that there is no simultaneous presence of Q126X and Q141K in one haplotype. As Q126X and Q141K are a nonfunctional and half-functional haplotype, respectively, their genotype combinations are divided into four estimated functional groups. The association study with 161 male gout patients and 865 male controls showed that all of those who had dysfunctional ABCG2 had an increased risk of gout, and that a remarkable risk was observed in those with ≤1/4 function (OR, 25.8; 95% CI, 10.3–64.6; p = 3.39 × 10−21). In 2,150 Japanese individuals, the frequency of those with dysfunctional ABCG2 was more than 50%. Our function-based clinicogenetic analysis identified the combinations of dysfunctional variants of ABCG2 as a major contributing factor in Japanese patients with gout.


Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are systems that integrate digital cyber computations with physical processes. The software embedded in CPSs has a long life-cycle, requiring constant evolution to support new requirements, bug fixes, and deal with hardware obsolescence. To date, the development of software for CPSs is fragmented, which makes it extremely expensive. This could be substantially enhanced by tightly connecting the development and operation phases, as is done in other software engineering domains (e.g., web engineering through DevOps). Nevertheless, there are still complex issues that make it difficult to use DevOps techniques in the CPS domain, such as those related to hardware-software co-design. To pave the way towards DevOps in the CPS domain, in this paper we instantiate part of the reference architecture presented in the H2020 Adeptness project, which is based on microservices that allow for the continuous deployment, monitoring and validation of CPSs. To this end, we elaborate a systematic methodology that considers as input both domain expertise and a previously defined taxonomy for DevOps in the CPS domain. We obtain a generic microservice template that can be used in any kind of CPS. In addition, we instantiate this architecture in the context of an industrial case study from the elevation domain.


Previous research in moral psychology and human-robot interaction has shown that technology shapes human morality, and research in human-robot interaction has shown that humans naturally perceive robots as moral agents. Accordingly, we propose that language-capable autonomous robots are uniquely positioned among technologies to significantly impact human morality. We therefore argue that it is imperative that language-capable robots behave according to human moral norms and communicate in such a way that their intention to adhere to those norms is clear. Unfortunately, the design of current natural language oriented robot architectures enables certain architectural components to circumvent or preempt those architectures' moral reasoning capabilities. In this paper, we show how this may occur, using clarification request generation in current dialog systems as a motivating example. Furthermore, we present experimental evidence that the types of behavior exhibited by current approaches to clarification request generation can cause robots to (1) miscommunicate their moral intentions and (2) weaken humans' perceptions of moral norms within the current context. This work strengthens previous preliminary findings, and does so within an experimental paradigm that provides increased external and ecological validity over earlier approaches.


An Automated Visual Inspection System has great potential in quality monitoring of products in a bottling line. The amount of the liquid in each bottle varies with the precision level of the machine and also due to human errors during initial setup. Improper filling in a bottle, forces the manufacturers to cast aside entire batches of a product leading to huge financial losses. A low-cost automated inspection system for inline bottling plants, which can detect filling anomalies has been investigated. The system will be tasked with monitoring the level of the liquid filled inside each bottle as that bottle passes through the inspection system installed around the existing bottling line. It will help maintain the product quality and also monitor the precision of the filling machines. The portion of the empty space between the surface of liquid inside the bottle and bottle cap will be used to check for filling anomalies specifically underfilling and overfilling. A simple initial calibration step has also been proposed to simplify setting up the system to account for different bottle types. The filing status for each bottle will be available for the user on the cloud and can be analysed for further insight.


In this paper a multi-objective optimal design method of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) for traction applications so as to maximize average torque and to minimize torque ripple has been presented. Based on train motion equations and physical properties of train, desired specifications such as steady state speed, rated output power, acceleration time and rated speed of traction motor are related to each other. By considering the same output power, steady state speed, rated voltage, rated current and different acceleration time for a specified train, multi-objective optimal design has been performed by Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method and Finite Element Method (FEM) has been chosen as an analysis tool. BFGS method is one of Quasi Newton methods and is counted in classic approaches. Classic optimization methods are appropriate when FEM is applied as an analysis tool and objective function isn't expressed in closed form in terms of optimization variables.


This paper explores the traumatic memories of aging Shoah survivors who attend a social and therapeutic support facility in London (UK). The study investigates the perceived differences in trauma within a diverse group of members who partake in the day center. I discuss how this gradient is shaped by a controversial dialogue over who is ascribed the status of "survivor." Differences in Shoah experience contextualise how survivors of ghettos and concentration camps possess a salient relationship with food, notably bread which acts as an enduring symbol of catastrophe for participants. A conscious strategy of care is provided to these elderly survivors by returning elements of their pre-war lives in Eastern Europe, and by metaphorically reinscribing lived experience of violence with new meanings. This study then details how religious and cultural elements of Judaism, which are made available to aging survivors and refugees within the field-site, mediate the trauma that has become thoroughly embodied for participants. The case study presented here offers a novel contribution to the anthropological study of genocide and the consequences which come into sight with the passing of time.


The genus Ocimum belongs to the family Labiatae and is distributed worldwide, growing in the warmer parts of both hemispheres. It is an important genus with many medicinal, veterinary, pesticidal and culinary uses. The taxonomic classification of Ocimum is difficult and confusing. Accordingly, a joint effort began in 1999 between the PI Station at Ames, Iowa and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Auchincruive, Ayr to classify the Ocimum germplasm collection using classical morphological comparison coupled with chemotaxonomy (GC and GC-MS). Overall, fifty species of O. basilicum, thirteen O. americanum, seven O. tenuiflorum, three O. gratissimum and a single accession of O. selloi were characterised. Novel chemical profiles were discovered in the collection including O. americanum species containing up to 71% fenchone, 47% camphor and 30% limonene and a caryophyllene chemotype of O. tenuiflorum. Considering components ≥5%, limonene was restricted to accessions of O. americanum. Also, on examination of components ≥5%, several appeared to be species specific within this collection. High oil yields (up to 5%) were found in O. americanum species from Zambia. These yields are exceptional for plants of the genus Ocimum. Plants of O. basilicum were found to differ in phenotype while producing a similar chemical profile. Plants grown in both Iowa and the west of Scotland produced oil of almost identical quality and quantity. In contrast, O. americanum plants were phenotypically alike but produced an array of essential oil profiles. In addition, variation between essential oils from leaves and flowers of O. tenuiflorum was also found. Antifungal testing of selected O. basilicum oils and individual components demonstrated activity in vitro with concentrations as low as 2ppm, with methyl chavicol and linalol giving the largest reductions in fungal growth in vitro. In glasshouse experiments, good control of Botrytis fabae and Uromyces viciae-fabae infection of broad bean was also achieved with foliar application of selected Ocimum essential oils and individual chemical components. O. basilicum essential oils and individual components on polyamine biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion were investigated. As an initial approach to determining the mode of action of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum, it was decided to study effects on fungal polyamine metabolism. Although test compounds did not significantly deplete intracellular levels of the major polyamines spermine, spermidine, putrecine and cadaverine, definite effects were seen on the activity of key biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes. This work provides, for the first time, a detailed chemotype analysis of the genus Ocimum and shows that the whole essential oil and some of its individual components possess fungicidal activity. With increasing interest in the use of plant essential oils as crop protection agents, the essential oil of Ocimum may provide a useful additional means of controlling plant pathogens.


Cloud computing has sweeping impact on the human productivity. Today it's used for Computing, Storage, Predictions and Intelligent Decision Making, among others. Intelligent Decision Making using Machine Learning has pushed for the Cloud Services to be even more fast, robust and accurate. Security remains one of the major concerns which affect the cloud computing growth however there exist various research challenges in cloud computing adoption such as lack of well managed service level agreement (SLA), frequent disconnections, resource scarcity, interoperability, privacy, and reliability. Tremendous amount of work still needs to be done to explore the security challenges arising due to widespread usage of cloud deployment using Containers. We also discuss Impact of Cloud Computing and Cloud Standards. Hence in this research paper, a detailed survey of cloud computing, concepts, architectural principles, key services, and implementation, design and deployment challenges of cloud computing are discussed in detail and important future research directions in the era of Machine Learning and Data Science have been identified.


Introduction Limited research has examined primary care providers' communication with patients about maintaining cognitive functioning. Our study's objective was to compare the perceptions of consumers and primary care providers related to beliefs and communication practices about lifestyle behaviors beneficial for overall health and for maintaining cognitive functioning. Methods In 2009, we submitted 10 questions to Porter Novelli's HealthStyles survey and 6 questions to their DocStyles survey. We compared consumers' (n = 4,728) and providers' (n = 1,250) beliefs, practices, and information sources related to maintaining health and cognitive functioning. We made comparisons using nonparametric statistics. Results Approximately 76% of consumers considered their health to be good or very good; 73.4% were concerned or very concerned about the possibility that their memory may worsen with age. Women were significantly more concerned than men, and white consumers were more concerned than black and Hispanic consumers. Consumers reported they believed that intellectual stimulation (86.6%), physical activity (82.6%), and healthful diet (82.5%) prevented or delayed cognitive impairment. Providers reported advising patients to reduce cognitive impairment risk through physical activity (85.9%), intellectual stimulation (80.3%), and social involvement (67.4%). Few consumers (7.8%) reported receiving this information from providers but reported learning about strategies to maintain memory, primarily from television (50.1%), magazines (44.1%), and newspapers (33.7%). Conclusion Providers reported advising patients about how to reduce risks of cognitive impairment. Consumers reported receiving this information from other sources. Findings suggest a need to examine and assess media messages and to better understand patient–provider communication about cognitive functioning.


Applying the TPM system in practice is not only a technical and organisational matter. Equally significant and not to be overlooked is the process of education, training and practice (initial and continuous) for everyone who will be directly or indirectly engaged in the maintenance system based on TPM principles. Attention must be paid to the comprehensive and systematic provision of education in this area, especially in terms of the professions involved, the internal and external educational entities, and, last but not least, also in terms of resources allocated to technical and personnel costs. The article presents the concept of solving the process of educating entities involved in the process of maintenance management on the TPM principles. It connects internal and external educational subjects and proposes a process structured according to the level of management and professional orientation. It is intended for academics dealing with business processes as well as the management of new and established companies in which maintenance departments are established or restructured.


In order to have optimum results in oncological patients, precise evaluation, diagnosis and staging of the patient is necessary. Positron emission tomography (PET) yields a high negative predictive value through exploration of the entire body. It diagnoses the benign or malignant state of a neoplasm that has been detected by other imaging methods and establishes an extensive diagnosis previous to therapeutic treatment of a known cancer. It identifies residual tumor and changes produced after surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy and locates suspicious residual tumor clinically or by elevation of the tumor markers. It allows for a new extension study or re-staging after diagnosis of recurrence and permits early evaluation of response to a therapeutic regime and permits the search for a primary tumor in patients with metastasis of unknown origin. PET leads to a molecular functional imaging of cancer in the entire body.


The Project German Indexing and Retrieval Test Data base (GIRT) provides a framework for the comparison of indexing and retrieval systems using German scientific information which is based on the social sciences. The aims and methods of the test environment are described. Some results of the pre-test, which was carried out with the retrieval systems Messenger and freeWAISsf, are shown and the consequences are discussed. The results are shown with respect to the precision and recall values, to the intersection of hits and the distribution of the hits on both systems, to the transformation of the queries into searches by the test persons.


The development of a small PWR for district heating applications has been started at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the pre-conceptual design phase was completed by the end of year 2020. The heating plant consists of one or multiple 50 MW reactor modules, operating on natural circulation at around 120°C temperature. This paper presents the neutronics design and fuel cycle simulations carried out using VTT's Kraken computational framework. The reactor is operated without soluble boron, which together with low operating temperature and pressure brings certain challenges to the use of control rods and burnable absorber. The reactor core is loaded with 37 truncated AP1000-type fuel assemblies with 2.0–3.0% fuel enrichment and erbium burnable absorber. The resulting cycle length is around 900 days. The results show that the criteria set for stability, reactivity control and thermal margins are fulfilled. More importantly, it is concluded that the new Kraken framework is a viable tool for the core design task.


Supercritical CO2 extraction of the pigments from Bixa orellana seeds was carried out in a flow apparatus at a pressure of 200 bar and a temperature of 40 oC at two fluid flow rates (0.67g/min and 1.12g/min). The efficiency of the extraction was low (only about 1% of the pigment was extracted). The increase in flow rate led to a decrease in pigment recovery. A large increase in recovery (from 1% to 45%) was achieved using supercritical carbon dioxide with 5 mol % ethanol as extraction fluid at pressures of 200 and 300 bar and temperatures of 40 and 60 oC. Although the increase in temperature and pressure led to an increase in recovery, the changes in flow rate did not seem to affect it. Furthermore, two plug flow models were applied to describe the supercritical extraction of the pigments from annatto seeds. Mass transfer coefficients were determined and compared well with those obtained by other researchers with similar models for the supercritical extraction of solutes from plant materials.


Background. The World Health Organization announced a strategy to eliminate childhood leprosy infections, visible deformities and discriminatory legislation against leprosy patients by 2020. However, challenges in achieving a leprosy-free world and preventing neurological sequelae still exist. HIV infection is a challenge in South Africa (SA). HIV-leprosy co-infection may result in an increase in the frequency of leprosy reactions without affecting the spectrum of leprosy. From 1921 to 1997, the prevalence of leprosy remained <1 patient per 10 000 population. Current SA literature has very scanty information regarding leprosy infections. Objectives. To describe the trend of new leprosy patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, SA, from 1999 to 2015, including demographics, clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes. Methods. A retrospective review of patients' clinical records was undertaken. Data on demographics, clinical spectrum including the leprosy classification, reactions, neurological involvement, association with HIV infection and treatment outcomes were extracted. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics and a time series analysis. Results. An upward trend from 1999 to 2001 was followed by a decline in the number of new patients. Eighty patients were registered over a period of 17 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Thirty-six patients were immigrants, and 5 were children aged <15 years. Multibacillary leprosy was the most common type ( n =71 patients). Thirty-six patients had the lepromatous leprosy subtype, 22 were borderline lepromatous, 13 were borderline tuberculoid, 6 were borderline borderline, and 3 had tuberculoid leprosy. Thirty-one patients presented with reactions, type 1 in 9 patients and type 2 in 21 patients, with both types in 1 patient. Grade 2 neurological deformities were diagnosed in 37 patients, of whom 2 were children. Eight patients were found to have HIV-leprosy co-infection. Of 52 patients who completed treatment, 26 were cured and 26 were lost to follow-up. Twenty-one patients defaulted from treatment, while 3 patients relapsed. Conclusions. This study highlights the current status of leprosy in a low-endemic centre with declining numbers of new patients. Multibacillary forms with grade 2 disabilities (G2Ds) are common. The constant emergence of leprosy in our population highlights shortfalls in our control campaigns. Furthermore, a high rate of G2Ds necessitates scrutiny of education directed at early patient detection and follow-up strategies.


[1] This paper discusses the quality and the accuracy of the Joint Research Center (JRC) fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) products generated from an analysis of Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) data. The FAPAR value acts as an indicator of the presence and state of the vegetation and it can be estimated from remote sensing measurements using a physically based approach. The quality of the SeaWiFS FAPAR products assessed in this paper capitalizes on the availability of a 6-year FAPAR time series over the full globe. This evaluation exercise is performed in two phases involving, first, an analysis of the verisimilitude of the FAPAR products under documented environmental conditions and, second, a direct comparison of the FAPAR values with ground-based estimations where and when the latter are available. This second phase is conducted following a careful analysis of problems arising for performing such a comparison. This results in the grouping of available field information into broad categories representing different radiative transfer regimes. This strategy greatly helps the interpretation of the results since it recognizes the various levels of difficulty and sources of uncertainty associated with the radiative sampling of different types of vegetation canopies.


Sn-3.5Ag (Sn-Ag) and Sn-3.5Ag-0.75Cu (Sn-Ag-Cu) solder balls were reflowed on electroless Ni-P/Au plated Cu pad with varying thickness of Au layer (0 to 500nm). In the Sn-Ag solder joint, a P-rich layer including voids, which resulted from Ni diffusion from the Ni-P plating to form Ni3Sn4 interfacial reaction layer, formed at the interface regardless of Au plating thickness. This caused the degradation of the joint strength. On the contrary, the Sn-Ag-Cu solder joint had no continuous P-rich layer formed and showed a higher joint strength than the Sn-Ag solder joint in the case of Au plating of 50nm or less. Cu alloying to the solder promote the formation of (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 instead to Ni3Sn4 as the interfacial reaction layer. The (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 reaction layer can suppress the diffusion of Ni from the N-P plating and thereby inhibit the formation of the P-rich layer. However, in the case of thick Au plating of 250nm or more, a thin P-rich layer formed at the interface even in the Sn-Ag-Cu solder joint and the joint strength was degraded. Au dissolving into the solder from the Au plating during the reflow process may encourage the diffusion of Ni from the Ni-P plating into the solder. As a result, the Sn-Ag-Cu solder joints with 50nm Au coating provided the best joint strength, although its joint strength considerably degraded after the aging treatment at 423K.


This paper studies the problem of allocating band-width and computation resources to data analytics tasks in Internet of Things (IoT) networks. IoT nodes are powered by batteries, can process (some of) the data locally, and the quality grade or performance of how data analytics tasks are carried out depends on where these are executed. The goal is to design a resource allocation algorithm that jointly maximizes the network lifetime and the performance of the data analytics tasks subject to energy constraints. This joint maximization problem is challenging with coupled resource constraints that induce non-convexity. We first show that the problem can be mapped to an equivalent convex problem, and then propose an online algorithm that provably solves the problem and does not require any a priori knowledge of the time-varying wireless link capacities and data analytics arrival process statistics. The algorithm's optimality properties are derived using an analysis which, to the best of our knowledge, proves for the first time the convergence of the dual subgradient method with time-varying sets. Our simulations seeded by real IoT device energy measurements, show that the network connectivity plays a crucial role in network lifetime maximization, that the algorithm can obtain both maximum network lifetime and maximum data analytics performance in addition to maximizing the joint objective, and that the algorithm increases the network lifetime by approximately 50% compared to an algorithm that minimizes the total energy consumption.


Author(s): Kirschenbaum, Greta Marie | Advisor(s): Seyer-Ochi, Ingrid | Abstract: This dissertation examines the district initiated community outreach and grassroots activism that occurred around the development of new schools in Southeast Los Angeles as part of Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) multi-billion dollar new school construction program. By examining the process by which local communities were involved in this significant public infrastructure program, I explore whether and how community involvement in new school planning informed the development of new school facilities and built a foundation for sustained parent and community engagement in schools. I look at Southeast Los Angeles, where chronically overcrowded campus conditions, and the concomitant need to return schools to two-semester calendars and students to neighborhood schools, necessitated construction of a number of the first new schools under LAUSD's ongoing facilities development program. This qualitative study examines, in particular, LAUSD's Local District 6, which encompasses six small Southeast cities, as a case study to critique the District's outreach practices and to examine the importance of community involvement in schools in underserved immigrant communities. Data was collected from interviews, public meetings and events, school site visits, newspaper articles, websites, and published reports. This research is framed by two areas of literature, which together, characterize the primary realms within which civic engagement around new school development in Southeast Los Angeles has occurred: participatory planning and community organizing for school reform. In conversation with advocates of a "community approach" to school reform, I contend that parent and community engagement in schools is of the utmost importance in improving urban public schools, and that if building schools is to be integrated into the larger mission of optimizing educational opportunities for all students, school development should authentically capture and address local knowledge and concerns, and capitalize on stakeholder support for new schools to foster sustained engagement. In the context of LAUSD's Local District 6, I argue that despite limitations in institutional and civic capacities, public engagement in the process of new school development has resulted in benefits to school and neighborhood communities, and has established a foundation for sustained parent and community involvement in schools.


In this study a model for regional waste management in Central Norway is presented, with a special focus on challenges and different disposal strategies concerning waste incineration residues, such as bottom ash, fly ash and filter cake from flue gas cleaning systems. The main objective of this study is evaluating the total environmental performance of different waste incineration and ash disposal strategies, using a combined material flow accounting (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.Different incineration technologies, and technology-specific performance regarding residues generation, are presented. Properties of different incineration residues, existing ash disposal strategy for the region and different alternative ash treatment strategies are also presented and discussed.An existing waste model for Central Norway is expanded to also include the amounts and flows of incineration residues generated in the region. The chemical composition of the residues is also accounted for. This dynamic waste model describe the development in waste generation and incineration residues generation, and is used as a basis for the further development of scenarios.To different scenarios are developed for waste incineration and residues disposal for the region; a centralized waste incieration scenario with disposal of incinerator ashes to landfills (Scenario A), and a decentralized waste incineration scenario with regional vitrification of the incineration residues (Scenario B). These two scenarios' potential environmental impacts are compared using life cycle assassment methodology. The timespan of this assessment starts in year 2002 and ends in 2020.The results from this assessment show that Scenario B clearly has the lowest overall potential for environmental impacts. The results also show that the impacts from the subprocesses connected to the residuals downstreams from the incineration, are of minor importance to the total impacts. An exception here is the impact category "terrestrial ecotoxicity", where landfilling of bottom ash is the dominant contributor for the total impact potential for this impact category.The subprocesses connected to the residuals disposal/treatment for both scenarios have also been compared separately. This comparison showed that it is difficult to say which of the two residual strategies that has the best overall environmental performance. The landfilling strategy in Sceanrio A causes highest potential impacts for certain impact categories such as "terrestrial ecotoxicity" and "eutrophication", while the vitrification strategy causes highest potential impacts for other impact categories such as "global warming potential" and "acidification". A change in the residuals treatment strategy will thus not necessarily reduce the total potential for environmental harm, but instead change the main impacts from one impact category to another - a situation often reffered to as "problem shifting".


A number of studies in the homicide clearance literature combine arrest and exceptional clearances into a single category. This study addresses the question of whether these divergent homicide case outcomes are influenced differently by various aspects of the case. Using National Incident-Based Reporting System data on homicides from 1996 to 2002, the authors analyze logistic regression models of cases cleared by arrest and exceptionally cleared. Our results show that although certain factors have similar influences on both arrest and exceptional clearances, victim gender, offender race, weapon use, victim/offender relationship, and circumstances have differing impacts on case outcomes. The findings challenge recent research findings on clearances suggesting that exceptional clearances are almost solely politically motivated, and implications for measuring clearance are discussed.


Objective The goal of this study was to identify mental, behavioral, and cognitive disorders that may be triggered or exacerbated during heat waves, predisposing individuals to heat-related morbidity and mortality. Design Using health outcome data from Adelaide, South Australia, for 1993–2006, we estimated the effect of heat waves on hospital admissions and mortalities attributed to mental, behavioral, and cognitive disorders. We analyzed data using Poisson regression accounting for overdispersion and controlling for season and long-term trend, and we performed threshold analysis using hockey stick regression. Results Above a threshold of 26.7°C, we observed a positive association between ambient temperature and hospital admissions for mental and behavioral disorders. Compared with non–heat-wave periods, hospital admissions increased by 7.3% during heat waves. Specific illnesses for which admissions increased included organic illnesses, including symptomatic mental disorders; dementia; mood (affective) disorders; neurotic, stress related, and somatoform disorders; disorders of psychological development; and senility. Mortalities attributed to mental and behavioral disorders increased during heat waves in the 65- to 74-year age group and in persons with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders. Dementia deaths increased in those up to 65 years of age. Conclusion Our results suggest that episodes of extreme heat pose a salient risk to the health and well-being of the mentally ill. Relevance to Clinical or Professional Practice: Improvements in the management and care of the mentally ill need to be addressed to avoid an increase in psychiatric morbidity and mortality as heat waves become more frequent.


One of the casualties of the Asian financial crisis has been the comforting notion that arbitration permits international transactions to avoid unpredictable local courts. A string of rulings by Indonesian, Pakistani, and Indian courts illustrate the limits of arbitration. These rulings have been prompted by foreign exchange crises, allegations of corruption, disputes about privatization, political instability, and, sadly, limited respect for contractual obligations. To project developers operating in an unstable country, it may appear that international arbitration has most value if the developers are prepared to obtain recovery solely from offshore assets. Even then, the time and expense involved in recovery efforts is significant.


Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) has many advantages such as fast building speed, wide range of materials, complicate shape of prototype and simple post-treatment. However, the shrinkage and mechanical stresses result in lost of the accuracy. This paper investigates the dimension precision of polymer SLS prototypes and proposes methods to control dimensions in suitable degree. The influencing factors of dimensional precision in the file preparation of CAD model, manufacturing system of SLS prototype and sintering process are analyzed. It indicates that the sintering shrinkage in sintering process is the main reason of dimensional changes. To improve the dimensional precision, the measures are proposed to diminish the shrinkage: improving material of prototype, optimizing the sintering process and compensating the lost of dimension. After analysis the experimental results, the rule of error changes is summarized by fitting equations and feedback to controlling software of SLS system to improve the dimensional precision effectively. The SLS prototype could be controlled in 100±0.20mm through compensation.


Disaster recovery requires a vision of the community. This study will introduce the concept of 'symphonicity' which can be defined through the use of a 2X2 table. One axis of the table includes voluntary and pre-voluntary corresponding to intentional and unintentional respectively. The other axis includes the traditional distinction between community and association or Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft." Symphonicity, lies in the voluntary-community cell, which can be realized by moving the society either from voluntary-association or from pre-voluntary-community; however, moving a society from one quadrant to the other requires effort and vision. The authors of this study have been conducting fieldwork in Noda Village, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and have identified two possible tools for community recovery. One is a movement to establish a community-radio-station for which various village groups produce their own program; while the other is "Pircturescue" in which volunteers picked up tsunami-damaged photos taken before the tsunami and returned them to the original owners. Our participant-observations revealed that these two activities motivated the survivors toward Symphonicity: community-radio led survivors to establish a sense of community with local pride, while Picturescue reminded survivors of the community before the disaster, further reinforcing their rationale for choosing to remain in the community. The socio-psychological and practical implications for utilizing such tools for recovery are discussed.


The implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has been the focus of scholars for the past few decades. The tool is viewed as vital for transmission of business data electronically. Despite the substantial benefits, only a fraction of companies worldwide have implemented EDI. Thus, this research is intended to examine the actual scenario of EDI implementation by focusing on manufacturers in Malaysia. The key objectives of this research are to identify EDI barriers, benefits, determinants and present integration levels; to discover the differences existed in EDI barriers, benefits, determinants and integration level based on demographic variables; to examine the influence of barriers, integration level and determinants towards the extent of received or perceived benefits; and to investigate influence of benefits on the improvement in firm performance, based on users' perception. This research employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain comprehensive findings. Mail surveys were conducted resulting in 108 usable questionnaires while in-depth interviews were conducted with 6 manufacturers. The findings indicate that there are more "mandated� (type of) users and indirect implementation has become a common practice among the respondents. Organizational aspects are the major determinants; time-based benefits are the key benefits; financial aspects are the critical barriers; and only a few respondents have highly integrated EDI. The findings also indicate that the extent of received or perceived EDI benefits is significantly influenced by the determinants, barriers and level of integration. The level of EDI integration is found to be similar among different types of users; however it differs according to firm size. Only few respondents (44.5%) agreed that EDI benefits have brought positive impacts on their firm. In brief, EDI implementation among these respondents is still at the infancy stage where significant efforts from both authorized parties and users are needed to improve the present scenario.