Abstract. In this study, we investigated the application and the
transferability of the Soil Water and Assessment Tool (SWAT) in a partly
glacierized Alpine catchment characterized by extreme climatic conditions
and steep terrain. The model was initially calibrated for the 10 km2
watershed of the Damma glacier Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) in central
Switzerland using monitoring data for the period of 2009–2011 and then was
evaluated for 2012–2013 in the same area. Model performance was found to be
satisfactory against both the Nash–Sutcliffe criterion (NS) and a benchmark
efficiency (BE). The transferability of the model was assessed by using the
parameters calibrated on the small watershed and applying the model to the
approximately 100 km2 catchment that drains into the hydropower
reservoir of the Göscheneralpsee and includes the Damma glacier CZO.
Model results were compared to the reservoir inflow data from 1997 to 2010
and it was found that the model predicted successfully snowmelt timing and
autumn recession but could not accurately capture the peak flow for certain
years. Runoff was slightly overestimated from late May to June, when it is
dominated by snowmelt. Finally, we investigated the response of the greater
catchment to climate change using three different climate change scenarios,
and the results were compared to those of a previous study, where two
different hydrological models, PREVAH and ALPINE3D, were used. The
methodology presented here, where SWAT is calibrated for a small watershed
and then applied for a bigger area with similar climatic conditions and
geographical characteristics, could work even under extreme conditions like
ours. However, greater attention should be given to the differences
between glacier melt and snowmelt dynamics. In conclusion, this assessment
test on the transferability of SWAT on different scales gave valuable
information about the strengths and weaknesses of the model when it was
applied under conditions different to those under which it was calibrated.


Primary biliary peritonitis was diagnosed in a 14-year-old girl by means of gallbladder scintigraphy. The girl was treated conservatively and subsequent investigations revealed a normal hepatobiliary system. The initial scan showed free entry of the isotope into the general peritoneal cavity and its absence from the bowel. After 7 days, the scan and oral and intravenous cholangiography showed no abnormality.


The present study aimed to reveal the role of neuroticism on the relationship between self-esteem and aggressive emotion. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which a battery of self-report questionnaires was used to assess self-esteem, neuroticism and aggressive emotion in 1085 Chinese adolescents (N = 1085, Mage = 16.38 years, 753 boys). We found that self-esteem could make a negative prediction of aggressive emotion both in males and females. And also, we found the mediating role of neuroticism was in both males and females, on the relations between self-esteem and aggressive emotion, especially, the moderating role of neuroticism among males in the aspect of relationship between self-esteem and aggressive emotion. In conclusion, neuroticism was of importance for aggressive emotion, which was conducive to interventions. According to these findings, at the same time, implications and limitations were discussed in the content.


Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E is an inhibitory ligand of natural killer cells and γ/δ T-cells. Differential expression of HLA-E alleles on the cell surface has been reported to influence outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We performed HLA-E genotyping in 116 HSCT patients and their HLA-matched unrelated donors. The impact of HLA-E genotypes on patient's overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), cumulative incidences for relapse, transplant-related mortality (TRM) and acute graft vs host disease (aGvHD) was assessed. Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed any influence of HLA-E polymorphisms on the investigated endpoints of HSCT in our cohort. We could not confirm any of the previous observations in our cohort and consider it unlikely that HLA-E polymorphisms affect outcome of HSCT.


The San Franciso Symphony's Keeping Score video series presents performances of a featured work (Beethoven's Eroica , Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique , Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring ) under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas followed by the story of the music with Thomas's own analysis and interpretation. The performances are powerful and offer revelatory perspectives on these standard works. As tools for teaching music history, however, the DVDs are limited because the singular dramatic narrative of Thomas's analysis does not offer the complexity, tension, and more nuanced perspectives that provide students with the necessary skills for thinking critically about the musical past. The DVDs work best for viewers already interested in classical music who prefer a single narrative explanation of the works.


The study of heme is important to our understanding of cellular bioenergetics, especially in cancer cells. The function of heme as a prosthetic group in proteins such as cytochromes is now well-documented. Less is known, however, about its role as a regulator of metabolic and energetic pathways. This is due in part to some inherent difficulties in studying heme. Due to its slightly amphiphilic nature, heme is a "sticky" molecule which can easily bind non-specifically to proteins. In addition, heme tends to dimerize, oxidize, and aggregate in purely aqueous solutions; therefore, there are constraints on buffer composition and concentrations. Despite these difficulties, our knowledge of heme's regulatory role continues to grow. This review sums up the latest methods used to study reversible heme binding. Heme-regulated proteins will also be reviewed, as well as a system for imaging the cellular localization of heme.


Biological desulfurization is a novel technology for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from some biogas or sour gas, in which there are always a certain amounts of carbon disulfide together with much hydrogen sulfide. Nowadays, carbon disulfide is found to have negative effect on the biological desulfurization, but seldom research is afforded to investigate how carbon disulfide inhibits the process of biological desulfurization. In this paper, we investigated the effect of carbon disulfide both on the growth of Thiobacillus thioparus and the resting cells under various concentrations, including 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20%. In this process, the rate of the cell growth was characterized by the rate of nitrogen consumption in order to solve the problem that the adsorption of cells to sulfur granules have on the accuracy of biomass test. Under the cell density of 23.92 mg N/L, which is lower than the maximum of cell density 36.13 mg N/L, the average rate of thiosulfate oxidation reached the maximum (26.50 S 2 O 3 2- mg/L-h). Carbon disulfide at titers of 0.01% significantly inhibited the growth of cells, but hardly affected the biological desulfurization of resting cells. Although carbon disulfide at titers of 0.05% had negative effect on the biological desulfurization of resting cells, the effect of inhibition could be relieved by the increased density of resting cells. For the resting cells, the parameters of Michaelis-Menten equation were calculated by the method of Lineweaver-Burk. The V max of biological desulfurization was decreased from 27.93 to 14.0 S 2 O 3 2- mg/L-h, and the K m was increased from 0.264 to 0.884 mM, with the concentration of carbon disulfide rising up from 0.0 to 0.1%. These results show that the growth of cells was sensitive to carbon disulfide, and the resting cells had resistance to the low level of carbon disulfide (0.05%). Thus, the inhibition of carbon disulfide to biological desulfurization should be attributed to T. thioparus growth suppression function. Keywords: Carbon disulfide, bio-desulfurization, inhibition, Thiobacillus thioparus , resting cell, gases purification African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(16), 1739-1744


Attention, the awareness and selection of elements in our physical or mental environments, is a central concept in neuroscience. Michael I Posner and colleagues have proposed a three-network model of attention. 'Alerting' involves increased readiness for immanent stimuli, 'orienting' refers to selecting amid various stimuli; whereas 'executive attention' links attention to decision making, planning and other higher cognitive functions. Though ignorant of the neural mechanisms underlying human attention, magicians are skilled at exploiting human attention to achieve their effects. Recent interest in the neuroscience of magic has built bridges between the practice of magic and the study of attention. However, beyond illustrating how our attention systems can be tricked, magic can be employed in research to explore otherwise unachievable conditions. Such methods provide a unique opportunity to study atypical attention, providing important insights into the function of human attention and other key cognitive domains.

Key Concepts

Attention refers to the preparedness for and selection of particular aspects of our environment or of ideas in our mind.

Attention can be overt, that is tied to fixation, or covert, like when we attend to something we are not looking at.

There are three attentional networks – alerting, orienting and executive – each with distinct neural correlates.

Magicians exploit change blindness, inattentional blindness and choice blindness to achieve many effects.

Neuroscientists have recruited magic as a tool for uncovering the nature of many cognitive processes, most notably attention.

Pushing healthy individuals towards atypical attention – via hypnosis, deception and other methods – introduces unique experimental opportunities.

Aside from helping direct investigations of attention, magic tricks can be effectively incorporated into certain experimental designs.

Keywords:

attention;
magic;
alerting;
orienting;
executive;
atypical attention


BACKGROUND: Mixtures of plant species provide biochemical diversity to pastures which may enhance productivity while decreasing reliance on herbicides and insecticides. All plants contain secondary metabolites (PSMs) that interact in plant communities in a variety of ways. For instance, tannins are a group of highly reactive chemical compounds with the potential to interact with other PSM such as alkaloids and saponins, neutralizing their negative effects. Our objective was to determine whether tannins modify the foraging behavior of sheep grazing on varieties of alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil and tall fescue with high and low concentrations of saponins, tannins and alkaloids, respectively.

RESULTS: Lambs that received intraruminal infusions of tannins increased their consumption of the high-saponin variety of alfalfa and the high-alkaloid variety of tall fescue relative to lambs not infused with tannins (controls). Lambs infused with tannins and then offered choices among the three high-PSM varieties of the forages also manifested higher consumption of the high-alkaloid variety of tall fescue than control lambs. In contrast, lambs infused with tannins reduced their consumption of the high-tannin variety of birdsfoot trefoil. Thus lambs modified their foraging behavior as a function of the presence/absence of tannins in their rumens.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that ruminants are able to discriminate the specific post-ingestive effects of forage varieties with high concentrations of PSM, and that PSM complementarities are likely to increase the efficiency of use of diverse forages with different biochemistries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry


Placekicking (PK) is becoming more important in the game of rugby union contributing 40-60% of points in a game. Techniques have evolved by raising the ball off the ground which is where the focus of this investigation lies with different angles of placement. In 1986 Paul Thorburn set the record for the longest successful kick in international rugby of 64.2m with the ball leant back; the opposite of the current elite level kickers who choose to set the ball leant forwards. The aim of the investigation is to discover which is the most effective method for achieving distance. Five volunteer male representative level rugby union kickers took five kicks in four conditions (total of 20 kicks). The independent variable of different angles of ball placement; leant backwards (LB), straight up (SU), leant forward (LF) and 'torpedo style' (TS). Three-dimensional kinematic data was gathered at 250 Hz (Vicon T-Series). The dependent variables of overall distance (m) (OD), functional distance (m)(FD), launch angle (°) (LA),ball velocity (m/s) (BV), longitudinal spin (rpm)(LOS), foot velocity (m/s) (FV), the amount of distance lost from the height of the crossbar and the between the centre of masses of the kicking foot (FCOM) and ball (BCOM). The investigation was conducted with a multiple case study design with each variable compared between the conditions to understand which condition produced the greatest functional distance. Two out of three participants showed that LB produced there greatest FD with a group mean (GM) of 46.72±7.38m. The GM's for LB (the most effective method) were as follows: BV-24.01±2.3m/s, LOS- 421.7±38.7rpm, LA-30.57±2.9° and COM distance- 0.13±0.04m. The distance lost from the height of the cross bar was 1.95m for all conditions. The GM for FV ranged 17.84-18.17m/s. LB producing a greater FD comes as result of the interaction of the foot with the ball. With the ball leant back the FCOM is closer to the BCOM as well as placing more of the mass of the ball behind the centre of mass of the foot. It is a case of LB maximising BV, minimising distance between FCOM and BCOM and optimising LA and LO. This investigation's findings can be used to inform practitioners on how to improve FD without the use of specific strength training, instead a minor change in the angle of ball placement on the tee.


BACKGROUND
A unique dose of prasugrel has been approved exclusively for Japanese patients, but real-world data for prasugrel at that dose in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are limited. Therefore, large-scale, real-world data are needed. Methods and Results: A 2-year observational study of Japanese patients with IHD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and being treated with prasugrel to evaluate safety and effectiveness. This report is an interim analysis of data from case report forms (CRFs) after 3 months. CRFs were collected from 4,270 patients, 4,157 of whom were eligible for the safety and effectiveness analysis sets (mean age, 68.3 years; male, 76.5%). The median treatment period was 112 days, and 92.3% of patients continued treatment with prasugrel. The incidence of non-coronary artery bypass grafting-related bleeding adverse events (AEs) was 3.1%, of which Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major and minor bleeding accounted for 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The most common bleeding AEs were gastrointestinal disorders, which accounted for 43.2% of the sum of "TIMI major and minor bleeding AEs". The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was 1.0%, and the cumulative incidence of MACE was 1.4%. The incidence of stent thrombosis was 0.2%.

CONCLUSIONS
Interim study results indicated that prasugrel was safe and effective during the early phase of treatment in Japanese patients with IHD in real-world clinical settings.


Background: The clinical success of fixed prosthodontics and dental implants is dependent on the dimensional accuracy of the impression obtained. Although there are many studies on different impression materials and the accuracy of the dies, only a few studies on the techniques of impression making hence this study was taken to evaluate and compare the dimensional accuracy of casts made from four different impression techniques. Aim: This study aims to assess the dimensional accuracy of the resultant casts made from a monophase, one-step, two-step, and novel two-step putty light body impression technique. Settings and Design: An in vitro study. Materials and Methods: A stainless steel model of two abutments with specific distance was fabricated. An impression of this model was made with four different impression techniques using a polyvinyl siloxane impression material using custom made trays. Ten impressions were made with each impression technique. Total 40 impressions made and casts poured with type IV gypsum, and accuracy of the casts measured using a traveling microscope. Three dimensions, i.e., diameter, height, and inter-abutment distance measurements were obtained. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and Student Newman-Keuls test. Results and Conclusion: The casts obtained from all four techniques had significant differences in dimensions as compared to that of the master model. The order for highest to lowest accuracy from, the stainless steel model was; monophase < one-step < two-step < two-step injection technique. The two-step and two-step injection techniques produced the most accurate cast, with the two-step injection technique performance being better than the two-step technique casts obtained.


Nowadays, sports are used to establish the identity of a place. From a tourist industry point of view, they contribute to increasing the cultural supply of a country, region or town. In anticipation of the 2010 World Cup and consequent flow of foreign visitors, the town of Stellenbosch in South Africa created a tourist site dedicated to football. The building, which was erected at the entrance to its township, Kayamandi, exhibited a Black-only version of football. This study includes an analysis of the failure of that tourist site through an approach of how it was received by the local football communities. The study of the football context in Stellenbosh, where several communities play football and African footballers are a minority in the township, of the creation of the tourist project, with a marketing choice in which the building is identified as hosting an exclusively Black football culture, and the meaning that the various football communities in the town give to the building and the symbols it carries – that football is the main sport or the property of the township businessmen alone – show the limited effects of using a sports identity as a lever for tourism. The results of this study show the weight of the local football communities in the failure of the project. Because the latter was exceedingly disconnected from the local sports context, it enlisted no support – neither from the majority football community, i.e. the Coloureds, nor from the African football community, who had divergent views on the matter, nor of the institutions that officially represent football in Stellenbosch, though they were the only ones who could have given a unified version of the project.


Mechanisms underlying Down syndrome (DS)-related mental retardation (MR) remain poorly understood. In trisomic offspring, non-disjunction may result in the reduction to homozygosity of a susceptibility allele inherited from a heterozygous parent. Accordingly, we sought evidence for allelic non-disjunction in the GluK1 gene that encodes the critical kainite-binding glutamate receptor subunit-5, maps to chromosome 21q22.1 in the DS critical region and is expressed in brain regions responsible for learning and memory. Three polymorphisms of GluK1 [522(A/C) rs363538; 1173(C/T) rs363430 and 2705(T/C) rs363504] were genotyped in 86 DS patient families by means of PCR-coupled RFLP assays and evaluated with respect to allele frequency, heterozygosity, linkage disequilibrium, stage and parental origin of allelic non-disjunction. We report that the distribution of allele frequencies is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Moderate heterozygosity (0.339) and a major allele frequency of 0.78 render the 1173(C/T) marker informative. Pair-wise comparisons reveal that 522(A/C)-1173(C/T) [χ2 = 31.2, df = 1, p = 0.0001; D' = 0.42] and 1173(C/T)-2705(T/C) [χ2 = 18.3, df = 1, p = 0.0001; D' = 0.34] are in significant linkage disequilibrium of weak magnitude. The estimated ratio of meiosis-I to meiosis-II errors arising from allelic non-disjunction of 1173(C/T) is 4:1 in maternal cases and 2:1 in paternal cases. Studies including additional markers and patient samples are warranted to further substantiate present findings.


Phase diversity coherent systems are gaining increasing interest with the increase of the bit rate in optical transmissions. In this work, an accurate approach for the evaluation of the error probability in ASK phase-diversity lightwave systems is presented. The approach is based on a Gaussian quadrature rule integration, which takes into account the exact characterization of the filtered phase noise through its moments. The effects of the laser linewidth on the error probability for hybrid circuits with different number of ports are derived and discussed. Also, the effects of the frequency offset are considered. >


Background: Resistance to quinolone and fluroquinolone is being increasingly reported from clinical isolates but also from veterinary isolates and environmental isolates. Different plasmid mediated quinolone resistance has been reported 1998. Also, different transferable mechanism were identified, which correspond to production of qnr proteins, of the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase aac(6')Ib-cr. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate occurrence as well as of quinolone resistance determinants within environmental and food isolates and their transmission dynamics.
Method and findings: Samples were collected from five different sites of river, water bodies near waste disposal points and ready to eat food sample during March 2015 to August 2015. All the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing for quinolone resistance and further analysed for the presence of qnr determinants and aac(6')Ib-cr genes. Qnr and aac(6')Ib-cr positive isolates were transformed into E.coliDH5? and horizontal transferability was determined by conjugation in streptomycinresistant E. coli recipient strain B and selecting in media containing ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. 89.17% of the studied enterobacterial isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid followed by norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. On performing multiplex PCR, aac(6')Ib-cr was found in 23 isolates whereas qnrD in 7, qnrA in 5 and qnrS in 2 isolates. Only qnrS and aac(6')Ib-cr could be transformed into E.coli DH5?.
Conclusion: Identification of fluroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteria strain in the environment could be important to curb the rapid emergence and spread of FQ-resistance.


The "internationalization" of the guerrilla war in Colombia signals a different course for resolving the 40-year-old conflict. Upon close scrutiny, it may actually prolong the war. This is the case since both groups, Colombian publicists and US policy-makers, who stand in the position of stewards to an international approach, oppose substantial political negotiation. The bulk of this Article examines the positions of international law taken by Colombian publicists. The author focuses on two issues which have been the subject of much recent debate. The first is the status of Colombia's guerrilla forces. The second issue concerns the rules of conduct of non-international war. The last portion of this Article examines the meaning of US-led internationalization of the Colombian conflict. Colombia is the last site of major civil strife in our hemisphere.President Bill Clinton, 28 October 1998.Colombia's people […] should know that we understand the many dimensions and long-term nature of the problems they face, and that we will do all we can to help them.Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, 10 August 1999.


Lynch syndrome (LS) is a genetic predisposition to adult-onset of multiple cancers. Some high risk women report significant cancer-specific distress (Ritvo et al., 1999) and highly anxious high risk women may utilize more medical services than those who are less anxious (e.g., Bish et al., 2002). Trust in one's physician has been found to be associated with less anxiety and distress in patients and a reduction in medical visits. The current study examined the association between intolerance of uncertainty and prior cancer diagnosis with cancer-specific worry interference and medical utilization in women with LS (N=128) via self-report measures. Additionally, trust in physician was examined as a moderator. Findings indicated higher intolerance of uncertainty was associated with more worry interference, and having more trust in one's physician moderated this relationship. Having a greater number of prior cancer diagnoses was also associated with both outcomes, but trust in physician did not moderate these relationships. The implications for potential intervention are discussed.


The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor consists of a recognition site for NMDA, a cation-selective ion channel, and binding sites for glycine, Zn2+, and phencyclidine-like compounds. In addition, the channel can be blocked by Mg2+. We have studied the NMDA receptor using the potent and specific phencyclidine-like compound [3H]MK-801. Drugs that bind to the NMDA, glycine, Zn2+, and Mg2+ recognition sites profoundly affect both the association and the dissociation rate of [3H]MK-801. NMDA-like agonists, glycine, and Mg2+ all increase the rates of association and dissociation of [3H]MK-801, whereas the NMDA antagonists AP5 and Zn2+ decrease these rates. These data allow the construction of a model of drug interaction at the NMDA receptor that is based on the binding of MK-801 within the NMDA-operated channel. Using this model it is possible to clearly distinguish between drug action at any of the five binding sites proposed.


Recent evidence suggests that cells from bone marrow can acquire neuroectodermal phenotypes in cell culture or after transplantation in animal models and in the human brain. However, isolation of the bone marrow cell subpopulation with neuronal differentiation potential remains a challenge. To isolate and expand neural progenitors from whole murine bone marrow, bone marrow was obtained from hind limb bone of C57BL6 mice and plated in culture with neuronal medium with basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor. After 5-7 days in culture, cellular spheres similar to brain neurospheres appeared either floating or attached to culture dishes. These spheres were collected, dissociated, and expanded. The bone marrow-derived spheres were positive for nestin as assessed by immunocytochemistry and by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Thy-1- and Sca-1-positive bone marrow cells selected by magnetic cell sorting resulted in a higher yield of nestin-positive spheres. After exposure to neuronal differentiative medium retinoic acid with and without Sonic hedgehog, cells positive for neuronal markers tubulin III (TuJ-1) and neurofilament (NF) were detected. The mRNA profile of these cells included the expression of TuJ-1, neuronal-specific enolase (NSE), and NF-light chain. To evaluate the in vivo behavior of these cells, spheres derived from bone marrow-derived cells of transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice were transplanted into newborn mouse brain. Two months later, the mouse neural cortex contained a minor proportion of GFP(+) cells co-expressing neuronal markers (TuJ-1, NF, MAP-2, NeuN). Although cell fusion phenomena with the host cells could not be ruled out, bone marrow-derived neurosphere transplantation could be a strategy for cellular mediated gene therapy.


This paper presents the interrelationship between the concepts of educational milieu and educational area, characterized by systematic, internal integrity. The attempt is also undertaken to specify the relationship of the educational milieu with the determination of the culture role in the education itself. The author notes the fundamental role of cultural and mental components inscribed in the very structure of the educational milieu in the process of getting education. In the context of educational process elements unification educational milieu contributes to the preservation of the socio-cultural persistent forms developed on the basis of cultural traditions.


Study to determine the ecological status of Opa reservoir, Ile Ife Nigeria was conducted based on the plankton's diversity and physicochemical characteristics of the reservoir. Water samples for the analyses were collected from three established investigated stations on the reservoir for a period of one year between November 2012 and October 2013. Most of the physicochemical parameters' result were within recommended limits of the NESREA for aquatic life, but some heavy metals (Ni and Cr) were above permissible limits. One hundred and thirty-six (136) plankton species belonging to thirteen taxa were encountered whose total abundance and distribution were influenced greatly by dissolved oxygen, salinity and light obstruction parameters. Notable, recorded species at the riverine (Cryptomonas ovata, Branchionus angularis and Cyclops) revealed the unacceptable quality of the reservoir's influx. Besides, the observed low species diversity index, at all zones of the reservoir investigated, revealed dominance by few species that characterized eutrophicated waters. Furthermore, the presence of plankton pollution tolerant species (Anabaena sp., Navicula sp. and Peridinium sp.) also suggested a minimal level of organic pollution in the reservoir. The water qualities of Opa reservoir at the Lacustrine zone (76.14) and Transition zone (67.89) were of occasional threatened while Riverine zone (63.57) was frequently impaired according to the CCME Water Quality Index.


Information on winds and waves near the coast is critical to scientists and engineers working on a variety of problems on the Great Lakes. These include design of coastal structures, estimation of erosion rates, and aspects of navigational and recreational safety. Very few measurements of winds and waves are available along the coastlines of the lakes and none are of long duration. The Wave Information Study (WIS) at the Coastal Engineering Research Center (CERC) has addressed this lack of information by completlng a 32-year hindcast of wind and wave conditions at locations 10 miles apart along the shorelines of the Great Lakes. Results are summarized in reports for each lake. Wind speed and direction are available every 3 hours for the 32·year period from 1956-1987 over a 10 mile grid on each lake. Directional wave spectra also are available each 3 hours for the 32 years at each location near shore and other selected points over the lakes. The procedures used to produce this information are discussed and examples of verification against measurements are shown.


This paper describes the capacity of food-crop production for improving regional food security in Central Java, Indonesia. It is also identify crops which have high and prospective economic-values. The results of the study might help in formulating a proposed model to improve food crops production in supporting food security. The case study was conducted in districts which play the important roles on agriculture (rice) production in Central Java, Indonesia. These are Klaten and Magelang districts. Data were collected from farmers and officers from agriculture-related institutions. The results show that Central Java Province has the capacity on food crop (rice) production for securing food availability, distribution, and accessibility for people in the region. It has a moderate on food security for the products, and surplus of production have distributed to other regions within the country. However, other food crops still facing shortage of supply since lack of productions. It requires a commitment from government and stakeholders for improving capacity building on agricultural development.


The corrosion behaviour of Al (6061)-B4C-Graphite was investigated. The Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMC) was fabricated through two step stir casting method. The composites were fabricated with various volume percentages of Boron Carbide (5, 10 &15%) and Graphite (5, 10& 15%). Corrosion studies of AMMC was investigated with 4%, 8%, 12% wt. % NaCl solution at room temperature. Also erosion-corrosion test were performed on the specimens in the NaCl solution with silica sand. Erosion-corrosion tests indicated that the rate of material loss mechanism is mechanical abrasion with enhanced corrosion. The material loss mechanism was significantly higher in the case of erosion-corrosion tests.


Tribological performances are significantly affected by the tribo-chemical reaction of the mating materials, while the effect on the B4C film under high relative humidity conditions are poorly investigated. Therefore, fiction tests of three tribo-pairs (B4C/WC, B4C/steel and B4C/Al2O3) under 85 % RH with various normal loads and sliding frequencies were performed. The results show that the B4C/WC tribo-pair exhibits excellent tribological properties, including very stable friction curves, minimum friction coefficients & wear rates, maximum carrying-load capacity and the smallest fluctuations with the change of the normal load. Similar results have been obtained for the B4C/WC tribo-pair with the increase in the sliding frequency. This is mainly attributed to the oxidation of WC to form WO3 that is conducive in enhancing the tribological performances. Therefore, the sliding contact of B4C/WC is the desirable design for engineering applications under high relative humidity.


This paper presents a literature review of business process reengineering (BPR). Although there are a number of BPR articles in the literature, there is still lack of literature review in this field that focuses on pinpointing the success and failure factors behind implementing BPR. The drive of this review is to gain a basic as well as greater understanding of the critical success and failure factors in implementing BPR. In doing so, this review illustrates a brief overview of the concept of BPR, overview of BPR success and failure factors along with selected BPR success and failure models, and it will also portray the distinction between BPR and (continuous) improvement, and it finally concludes with outlining concluding remarks with due emphasis on BPR success and failure factors. However, the study is limited to the author's ability to review already existing literature in the field of BPR. Cite this Article Yohannes Workeaferahu Elifneh. A Review of Business Process Re-engineering with Focus on Critical Success and Failure Factors. Journal of Production Research and Management. 2017; 7(2): 1–7p.


The Automated Military Outpatient System (AMOS) Project was developed to improve the ambulatory care of patients with episodic and chronic illnesses. During the development of its episodic care component, the relative frequency of problems treated by the walk-in clinic staff was analyzed and showed a high volume of acute minor illnesses. A simple, conservative triage system run by non-professionals was developed to screen patients to a clinic for benign, self-limited illnesses run by physician-extenders. This group, the equivalent of civilian licensed practical nurses and nurses' aides, was trained in a task-oriented fashion to treat 44 common minor illnesses. Clinical algorithms for these illnesses were developed and used as training tools, memory aids, and auditing instruments. This program is now operating in 26 US Army hospitals and caring for some 44,000 patients a month in the continetal United States. We report the results of a prospective audit of the corpsmen and a study of the patient attitude and acceptance of the program.


Blind image quality assessment (BIQA) is an important yet difficult task in image processing related applications. Existing algorithms for universal BIQA learn a mapping from features of an image to the corresponding subjective quality or divide the image into different distortions before mapping. Although these algorithms are promising, they face the following problems: (1) they require a large number of samples (pairs of distorted image and its subjective quality) to train a robust mapping; (2) they are sensitive to different datasets; and (3) they have to be retrained when new training samples are available. In this paper, we introduce a simple yet effective algorithm based upon the sparse representation of natural scene statistics (NSS) feature. It consists of three key steps: extracting NSS features in the wavelet domain, representing features via sparse coding, and weighting differential mean opinion scores by the sparse coding coefficients to obtain the final visual quality values. Thorough experiments on standard databases show that the proposed algorithm outperforms representative BIQA algorithms and some full-reference metrics.


Failure of tube bundles due to excessive flow-induced vibrations continues to affect the performance of nuclear power plant Early experimental studies concentrated on rigid structures and later investigators dealt with elastic structures because of their importance in many engineering fields. On the other hand, much less numerical work has been carried out. because of the numerical complexity associated with the problem. Conventional approaches usually decoupled the flow solution from the structural problem. The present numerical study proposes the methodology in analyzing the fluidelastic instability occurring in tube bundles by coupling the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with the tube equation of motions. The motion of the structures is modeled by a spring-damper-mass system that allows transnational motion in two directions (a two-degree-of-freedom system). The fluid motion and the cylinder response are solved in an iterative way. so that the interaction between the fluid and the structure can be accounted for propery. The aim of the present work is to predict the fluidelstic instability of tube bundles and the associated phenomena. such as the response of the cylinder, the unsteady lift and drag on the cylinder. the vortex shedding frequency.


Witkovsky argues that decades into photography's institutional acceptance as art, widespread inadequacies remain in the art historical treatment of photographs, which can no longer be defended as manifestations of a separate or distinctive "medium." Insufficient attention to formal procedures, such as darkroom interventions between the stages of negative and print, as well as to disciplinary history—including the introduction of the very term "medium" in photographic discourse around 1930—remain commonplace. Yet despite a persistent tendency to totalize photography as a creative domain, photography as a museum department or academic field of study offers the promise to counter far larger impulses toward totalization, above all in a marketplace beset by an obsession with global contemporary art. What the study of photographs can model is a field of creation that moves in, under, and against "art in general."


Opposing life history strategies are a common result of the different ecological settings experienced by insular and continental species. Here we present a comprehensive compilation of data on sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and life history traits of Microlophus, a genus of lizards distributed in western South America and the Galápagos Islands, and test for differences between insular and continental species under life history theory expectations. Contrary to our predictions, we found no differences in SSD between localities or evidence that Microlophus follows Rensch's rule. However, as expected, head dimensions and maturity sizes were significantly larger in insular species while continental species had larger clutches. Our results show that Microlophus exhibits some of the patterns expected from an island-mainland system, but unexplained patterns will only be resolved through future ecological, morphological and behavioural studies integrating both faunas.


Peer evaluations of performance increasingly are being used to make organizational decisions and to provide individuals with performance related feedback. Using Kenny's social relations model (SRM), data from 14 teams of undergraduate students who completed performance ratings of themselves and other team members were analyzed. Results indicated a significant target variance effect for the majority of performance dimensions and a significant perceiver variance effect for all performance dimensions. Results further indicated that, in general, how individuals see themselves is not congruent with how others see them, how individuals see themselves is congruent with how they see others, how individuals are seen on a particular dimension is related to how they are seen on other performance dimensions, and, how a person is seen by others does not relate to how that individual sees others. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research using the SRM are discussed.


This paper is situated in a long line of phonetic studies that seek to determine and qualify the acoustic cues humans use to identify stop place. The present study draws from a database of 1500 CV tokens of American English and their values for the acoustic features thought to be cues for stop place identification, including (1) VOT, (2) energy of the burst and release, (3) spectrum at the burst, and (4) formant transitions into the following vowel. Decision trees are used to determine the relative invariance of these acoustic features, which indicates their potential to serve as useful cues for listeners cross-contextually. Decision trees thus allow the evaluation of vocalic effects on this hierarchy of features for the purpose of guiding classic perceptual confusion studies.


Over the past five years, visitations of American holidaymakers to Ireland have grown exponentially owing to the online strategies of Tourism Ireland, a Destination Marketer (DMO) with a meagre budget which is extended by their understanding of best practices to maximise their monetary allowance. This suggested framework incorporates a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as financial, marketing and operational that offer a scale of measurement from which the Irish DMO can monitor the success of each promotional campaign when targeting the US and Canada. These are presented not as final solutions but rather as suggestions based on empirical evidence obtained from both primary and secondary sources. This research combines the wisdom extracted through qualitative methodologies with the objective of understanding the processes that drive both emergent and agile strategies. The study extends the work relative to performance and examines the role of social media in the context of promoting Ireland to North America. There are two main themes that are identified and analysed in this investigation, these are the approach of the DMO when advocating Ireland as a brand and the benefits of digital platforms set against a proposed scale of KPIs, such as destination marketing, brand positioning and identity development. The key narrative of this analysis is to focus on the power of social media when capitalising upon marketing opportunities, operating on a relatively small budget. This will always be a relevant theme of discussion due to the responsibility of an organisation like Tourism Ireland operating under the restraints imposed by government funding. The overall conclusions of this research may help inform those concerned with the implementing of social media strategies develop clearer models of measurement when promoting a destination to North America. The suggestions of this study will benefit small and medium enterprises particularly.


Owner managers of small companies (OMSCs) present an important group for tax research, as they constitute a majority of taxpayers, although little is known about their tax compliance behaviour. Hence, the key purpose of this study is to understand how OMSCs' tax compliance and tax morale, intrinsic motivation to pay taxes, are shaped through their social roles: as an individual and as a manager. Moreover, the study explores the influential factors on OMSCs' tax morale such as religiosity. This study is particularly important for providing a detailed picture of the factors that are key to successful tax compliance, which might help OMSCs and policy design. Additionally, it is one of the first studies to understand OMSCs' tax morale, particularly the first one in the context of Turkey, with a predominant by Muslim population.
This study is based on three phases. First, the OMSCs' tax morale model is developed building on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. In this phase, the factors that are grouped under Personal Norms, Corporate Norms and Perceived Behavioural Control are identified with the critical review of literature and their influences on OMSCs' tax morale and tax compliance are discussed. Next, in the qualitative exploratory phase of the research, the model's relevance to the research context is confirmed and necessary modifications to the model are made according to the results of the thematic analysis of 20 face to face interviews with OMSCs. The third phase comprised the confirmatory phase of the research. Based on 447 responses from an on-line survey, the model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling via Partial Least Squares.
The results of this study show a strong positive relationship between tax morale and tax compliance of OMSCs. Interestingly, the most influential factor in predicting and explaining tax morale are Personal Norms, which refer to OMSCs' personal beliefs and values, including religiosity. In contrast, Corporate Norms, which refer to normative beliefs of an OMSC about his/her company, were found to be affecting negatively on tax morale but in terms of magnitude are far less influential than Personal Norms. Perceived Behavioural Control positively influences tax morale but again to a smaller extent compared to Personal Norms. These findings suggest that OMSCs' personal beliefs and values are the main determinant of their tax compliance behaviour rather than their corporate concerns.
Overall, the current study illustrates how tax morale and tax compliance of OMSCs are shaped by using the model that utilises the factors that are discussed in the literature alongside additional factors that have emerged from the qualitative phase of this study. The model benefits policy makers by portraying OMSCs' tax morale that might help policymakers to identify problems and aid them in devising policies to improve tax compliance of OMSC.


cases (16.2%). Resolution occurred in 94.5% of the cases with a primary success rate of 91.8%. Only one case required multiple doses (2.8%). The mean time of resolution was 21.03 ± 8.95 days. Surgical treatment (salpingectomy) was necessary in 2 cases (5.4%). As for the reproductive outcome, 27 cases were eligible for the analysis. The overall pregnancy rate was 44.4% (12/27) with a 3.7% rate of recurrent ectopic pregnancy. Tubal patency was assessed in 19 cases. It was preserved in 84.2% (16/19). Conclusion: According to the studies in literature, our results support the use single dose MTX for the treatment of unrupted tubal pregnancy in carefully selected cases.


BACKGROUND
Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most frequent anomaly of the anterior chest wall. Before 2001, all patients in Denmark were referred to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon for implantation of a subcutaneous silicone prosthesis, because the modified Ravitch procedure was not used. Since 2001, all patients have been treated with a modified Nuss procedure, which today has become the gold standard for correction of PE.

METHODS
From September 2001 to March 2016, 1,713 patients have been operated by a modified Nuss procedure using the short bar at Aarhus University Hospital with a male-female ratio 6:1. The median age was 16 years (range 7-58 years). All operations were done in general anesthesia with epidural analgesia and all patients were operated by the same surgeon. All patients were seen routinely 6 weeks after surgery and the bars were removed after 3 years.

RESULTS
Patients were younger than 18 years in 1,109 cases (65%). The number of bars needed for optimal correction was one in 1,209 patients, two in 486 patients and three in 18 patients. The median length of bar changed from 11 inches to 10 inches during the study period. The annual number of procedures continued to rise during the study period [833 patients during the first 10 years and 880 patients in the last 6 years, though more patients received two bars in the later period, (34%) versus (24%)] and the proportion of patients older than 30 years increased from 7.7% to 10%. The average duration of the operation was 36 minutes (range 12-270 minutes) and did not change significantly during the study period, change in operation time which was around half an hour. The median postoperative hospital stay decreased over time from 6 to 2 days. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
The modified Nuss procedure with the short bar technique is effective for the correction of PE. The results are stable with a low rate of bar malrotations, and in may most cases can be done in less than an hour in experienced hands.


OBJECTIVES The Response Adjusted for Days of Antibiotic Risk (RADAR)-statistic was proposed to improve efficiency of antibiotic stewardship trials. We studied the behavior of RADAR in a non-inferiority trial in which a beta-lactam monotherapy strategy (BL, n=656) was non-inferior to fluoroquinolone monotherapy (FQL, n=888) for moderately-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. METHODS Patients were ranked according to clinical outcome, using five or eight categories, and antibiotic use. RADAR was calculated as the probability that the BL group had a more favorable ranking than the FQL group. To investigate the sensitivity of RADAR to detrimental clinical outcome we simulated increasing rates of 90-day mortality in the BL group and performed the RADAR and non-inferiority analysis. RESULTS The RADAR of the BL-group compared to the FQL group was 60.3% (95% confidence interval 57.9%-62.7%) using five and 58.4% (95% CI 56.0%-60.9%) using eight clinical outcome categories, all in favor of BL. Sample sizes for RADAR were 250 and 580 patients per study arm using five or eight clinical outcome categories, respectively, reflecting 38% and 89% of the original non-inferiority sample size calculation. With simulated mortality rates, loss of non-inferiority of the BL-group occurred at a relative risk of 1.125 in the conventional analysis, whereas using RADAR the BL-group lost superiority at a relative risk of mortality of 1.25 and 1.5, with eight and five clinical outcome categories, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RADAR favored BL over FQL therapy for CAP. Although RADAR required fewer patients than conventional non-inferiority analysis, the statistic was less sensitive to detrimental outcomes.


Nanostructured layers were fabricated on the surface of 0.4C-1.0Cr and 1.0C-1.5Cr low alloy steels by using an ultrasonic particulate peening (USPP) technique. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the nanocrystallized layers were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, and nano-indentation test. Results showed that the average grain size in the surface nanocrystallized layer of 0.4C-1.0Cr and 1.0C-1.5Cr low alloy steel was about 5nm and 10nm, respectively. The nano-indentation hardnesses of the surface nanocrystallized layer were enhanced significantly and reach upwards of 8.0 GPa and 12.5 GPa, respectively.


: Scintigraphic image of the superior rectal and inferior mesenteric lymph nodes 7-8 cm up from the anus was obtained by presacral administration of finely divided 99mTc-colloid (close to the posterior rectal wall). The results of radiometry of the lymph nodes dissected at radical operation for rectal cancer have shown that due to the above method the radioactive indicator is accumulated in these groups of lymph nodes. Several variants of a scintigraphic picture were defined on the basis of analysis of scintigrams of 23 patients with extrarectal tumors and nontumorous diseases and 40 rectal cancer patients. Evaluation of the lymphoscintigraphy results compared with the morphological findings of the lymph nodes dissected at operation in 32 rectal cancer patients, has shown that the overall accuracy of the above method is 0.81, specificity--0.63, sensitivity--1.0.


The authors draw on Klinenberg's (2002) ethnography and recent neighborhood theory to explain community-level variation in mortality during the July 1995 Chicago heat wave. They examine the impact of neighborhood structural disadvantage on heat wave mortality and consider three possible intervening mechanisms: social network interaction, collective efficacy, and commercial conditions. Combining Census and mortality data with the 1995 Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods Community Survey and Systematic Social Observation, the authors estimate hierarchical Poisson models of death rates both during the 1995 heat wave and comparable, temporally proximate July weeks (1990-94, 1996). They find that neighborhood affluence was negatively associated with heat wave mortality. Consistent with Klinenberg's ethnographic study of the Chicago heat wave, commercial decline was positively associated with heat wave mortality and explains the affluence effect. Where commercial decline was low, neighborhoods were largely protected from heat-related mortality. Although social network interaction and collective efficacy did not influence heat wave mortality, collective efficacy was negatively associated with mortality during comparable July weeks (when no heat wave occurred). Unequal distribution of community-based resources had important implications for geographic differences in survival rates during the Chicago heat wave, and may be relevant for other disasters.


Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a pilot study to compare fathers of very low birth weight (VLBW; <1,500 g) infants and term infants at 2- 4 years postpartum for self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) related to the previous birth of their baby and for depression and anxiety. The prevalence of paternal PTSS was compared with that of a historical cohort of mothers of VLBW infants followed up at a similar postnatal age. Method: Twenty-six fathers of VLBW infants and 22 fathers of term infants completed 4 validated psychological questionnaires at 2- 4 years postpartum. Results: PTSS levels were significantly higher in fathers of VLBW infants than in fathers of term infants, and PTSS levels did not differ significantly between fathers and the mothers of VLBW infants of a historical cohort. There was a significant association between perceived levels of social support and PTSS severity in fathers of VLBW infants but not for their anxiety or depression severity. Conclusion: PTSS directly related to the birth of their VLBW infants are present in fathers at 2- 4 years postpartum and occur at similar levels to those found in mothers of VLBW infants. Routine screening for PTSS in fathers of VLBW infants is important, and targeted psychological support should be offered. Larger-scale studies in the area are needed to elucidate further information about PTSS in fathers postpartum.


The relationship between n-3 PUFA and metabolic syndrome (MS) is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between plasma phospholipids (PL) n-3 PUFA and MS in Chinese subjects. Nine hundred and twenty-nine subjects were recruited in Hangzhou, China. Two hundred and ten (183 males, 27 females) with MS and 719 (545 males, 174 females) healthy subjects were identified in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of MS in females (24.56%) was significantly higher than that in males (10.04%) in this population. Total PUFA (p<0.001), n-3 PUFA (p<0.001), and n-3:n-6 (p<0.001) were significantly lower in MS subjects compared to healthy subjects. Plasma phospholipid (PL), n-3 PUFA was significantly inversely associated with MS (p = 0.013). In addition, subjects with high levels of PL total fatty acids (FA) had a more than threefold higher likelihood of MS (OR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.60-7.39) than the subjects with low levels of PL total FA. Our results suggest that plasma PL n-3 PUFA was significantly inversely associated with MS, while high total FA were positively associated with MS in Chinese.


Abstract : AD-257 105N3 AD-257 106Div. 2U (12 June 61) OTS price $1.60Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center, WrightPatterson Air Force Base, Ohio. VARIATION OF COSMIC RAY INTENSITY ASSOCIATED WITH SOLAR ACTIVITY (Izmeneniya Intensivnosti Kosmicheskikh Luchey, Svyazannyye S Deyatel'Nost' Yu Solntsa), by A. I. Ol'. Oct 60. 11p. incl. illus. table. (Trans. no. MCL-66 from Priroda (Periodical) 40: 48-52, 1951) Unclassified report DESCRIPTORS: *Cosmic rays, Intensity, *Solar disturbances, Magnetic storms, Ionization, Sun. The relationship existing between cosmic ray intensity (I) and the active processes on the sun is investigated. The changes of the I value are of dual character: They are, first, the shortlasting increase of I, and, second, the more prolonged diminishing of I, frequently observed during magnetic storms. The investigation considers the increase of I, aided by a large amount of new observational data collected in recent years. (Author)


Purkinje cells (PK) are neurons with large cell bodies found in the central nervous system and are mostly distributed in the cerebellar region of the hindbrain. Several novel markers for PK cells have been developed and are used for characterization of neurobehavioral disorders. The present study was aimed to identify endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) as a potential marker of PK cells and evaluate them as a molecular target of alcohol and cerebellar functions using Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) as an animal model. Previously, we have observed that medaka genome consist three CB receptor paralogs; two of them (cnr1a and cnr1b) showed structural identity with human. We have also observed that expression of cnr1a mRNA in medaka embryos was disrupted by developmental ethanol exposure. Moreover, exposure to waterborne ethanol (300mM) is able to alter the swimming behavior of the adult male medaka within 1 hour of exposure. Preliminary data indicate that the CB1 receptor protein is expressed in the dendritic region and axon terminals of PK cells. It also indicates that the morphology of the PK cells and the density of CB1 receptors was altered due to alcohol exposure. We expect that these alterations are mediated by disruption of the expression of cnr1a receptor (CB1) in the brain.


Climate change, globalisation, water dynamics and multicultural living are only some of the complex phenomena shaping urban landscape performances today. What does design mean for acting and gaining knowledge in this context? How can innovative design strategies be formulated? What part is played by creativity and understanding? Starting out from design processes at the STUDIO URBANE LANDSCHAFTEN experts from philosophy, neurobiology, psychology, art and landscape architecture unfold their perspectives of how creativity and understanding are connected. Examples of internationally renowned landscape architecture indicate how closely the production of ideas, design practice and aesthetic expression are bound up with an understanding and investigation of landscape. Creating Knowledge thus formulates a contemporary, interdisciplinary approach of design


In March 2021 several cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) accompanied by thrombocytopenia were reported that occurred within two weeks after immunization with a viral vector-based COVID-19 vaccine. This study aimed to assess the background incidence of CVST and CVST with concurrent thrombocytopenia in adults using anonymized claims data from 2015-2019 in Germany. The average annual CVST incidence was 1.9 per 100,000 individuals (95%-CI 1.4-2.3). It was higher in women aged 18 to 59 years as compared to same-aged men. In contrast to the currently reported immunization-related cases, CVST was rarely associated with concurrent thrombocytopenia or death.


While there is growing demand for wireless bandwidth, the most pressing problem affecting this situation today is the attempt to increase bandwidth by extending the same technologies with tricks - rather than by using innovation. Opportunities for innovation are quite good with higher carrier frequencies, since these enable simplicity and low power consumption - opening the door to ubiquitous wireless networking. Numerous challenges exist in technology and design methods; however, meeting these intellectual challenges is the only route to next-generation wireless data technologies.


Cross sections have been computed for non-reactive rovibrational transitions of H(_2) and HD, induced by collisions with H atoms, using the H+H(_2) interaction potential calculated recently by Mielke et al. [39] and an earlier potential of Boothroyd et d. [38]. The calculations relate explicitly to non-reactive scattering, excluding the proton-exchange channels. Cross sections derived using a simple harmonic oscillator approximation to the vibrational motion are compared with results obtained using numerically 'exact' solutions of the rovibrational eigenvalue equation. The convergence of the cross sections with respect to the size of the rovibrational basis set is investigated. Convergence is found to be slow, owing to the strength of the collisional coupling between vibrational manifolds. The cross sections are used to derive the rate coefficients for the rovibrational excitation of H(_2) and HD by H. For vibrationally inelastic transitions, the new rate coefficients at T ~ 1000 K are larger than the results of earlier calculations in which the vibrational motion was treated approximately, by means of a simple harmonic oscillator model. As a result, much better agreement is obtained with the empirical estimates by Allers et al. [59] of the rate coefficients for vibrational relaxation of the levels (v,j) = (1, 3) and (2, 3) of H(_2) . However, the effects of the new data on the resists of illustrative astrophysical models are less pronounced than the changes to the rate coefficients for vibrationally inelastic transitions might suggest.


It is known that various polyoxovanadates interact specifically with enzymes, which is the main way of their biochemical activity. Therefore we have synthesized ammonium decavanadate, (NH4)6V10O28·6H2O. The novel compound was characterized by elemental and thermal analysis, X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction and IR and Raman spectroscopy. Its conductive properties have been studied, too. The spectroscopic analysis has shown the presence of hydrogen bonds of different strengths. In order to improve the biochemical activity of this compound and having in mind the presence of strong hydrogen bonds, we essayed the synthesis of complex of polyoxovanadate with alanine. The obtained product was characterized by the mentioned methods.


In this paper, on the base of a new variable — deviation of population from an average value, we propose a new extension of the Malthusian model (see equations (10), (15) and (20)) using differential equations with piecewise constant argument which can be retarded as well as advanced. We study existence of periodic solutions and stability of the equations by method of reduction to discrete equations. Equations (15) and (20) with advanced argument are systems with strong anticipation. Moreover, we obtain a new interpretation of known results for differential equations with piecewise constant argument (6) and (8).


The growing use of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and the need to adjust N fertilization rates in maize (Zea mays L.) currently constitute a key research issue. In this study, different multispectral vegetation indices (green-band and red-band based indices), SPAD and crop height (derived from a multispectral compact camera mounted on a UAV) were analysed to predict grain yield and determine whether an additional sidedress application of N fertilizer was required just before flowering. Seven different inorganic N rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400 kg·N·ha−1), two different pig slurry manure rates (Ps) (150 or 250 kg·N·ha−1) and four different inorganic-organic N combinations (N100Ps150, N100Ps250, N200Ps150, N200Ps250) were applied to maize experimental plots. The spectral index that best explained final grain yield for the N treatments was the Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI). It identified a key threshold above/below 250–300 kg·N·ha−1. WDRVI, NDVI and crop height showed no significant response to extra N application at the economic optimum rate of fertilization (239.8 kg·N·ha−1), for which a grain yield of 16.12 Mg·ha−1 was obtained. This demonstrates their potential as yield predictors at V12 stage. Finally, a ranking of different vegetation indices and crop height is proposed to overcome the uncertainty associated with basing decisions on a single index.


Nowadays the energy storage challenge is to develop a low cost, ecofriendly, high energy density material, showing a reversible capacity higher than 250 mA h g−1. We demonstrate that the first oxidation process of the nanostructured well-known Li2MnO3 material leads to the formation of a completely disordered material. Then, in situ formation of a manganese-based oxide with a disordered rock salt structure leads to a stable electrode material showing a reversible capacity of 290 mA h g−1.


Dense prediction is concerned with predicting a label for each of the input units, such as pixels of an image. Accurate dense prediction for time-varying inputs finds applications in a variety of domains, such as video analysis and medical imaging. Such tasks need to preserve both spatial and temporal structures that are consistent with the inputs. Despite the success of deep learning methods in a wide range of artificial intelligence tasks, time-varying dense prediction is still a less explored domain. Here, we proposed a general encoder-decoder network architecture that aims to addressing time-varying dense prediction problems. Given that there are both intra-image spatial structure information and temporal context information to be processed simultaneously in such tasks, we integrated fully convolutional networks (FCNs) with recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to build a recurrent encoder-decoder network. The proposed network is capable of jointly processing two types of information. Specifically, we developed convolutional RNN (CRNN) to allow dense sequence processing. More importantly, we designed CRNNbottleneck modules for alleviating the excessive computational cost incurred by carrying out multiple convolutions in the CRNN layer. This novel design is shown to be a critical innovation in building very flexible and efficient deep models for timevarying dense prediction. Altogether, the proposed model handles time-varying information with the CRNN layers and spatial structure information with the FCN architectures. The multiple heterogeneous modules can be integrated into the same network, which can be trained end-to-end to perform time-varying dense prediction. Experimental results showed that our model is able to capture both high-resolution spatial information and relatively low-resolution temporal information as compared to other existing models.


A geophysical investigation was carried out at Shika, using seismic refraction method. The aim was to delineate, map and characterize the different strata of the subsurface within the flanks of a dam. In order to achieve this aim, varying geometric spreads were used with geophone spacings of 5m, 4m, 3m and 2m successively for different traverse on the same profile. The Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM) results gave average velocities of 1356 ms -1 , 2543 ms -1 and 4065 ms -1 for the overburden, weathered basement and fresh Basement, respectively. In some profiles, the model suggests a sedimentary thickness of not less than 20m overlying the Basement. The results showed that as the geometric spread is reduced, the shallow structures within the overburden strata become enhanced. Hence making it possible to recover the velocities of hidden and undetected layers within the overburden and weathered Basement respectively. These overburden deposits consisting of consolidated and unconsolidated conglomerates were identified from the velocity values and correlated with the available borehole log data collected from within the area. In addition, a picture of the subsurface layering was successfully mapped from the refraction results despite the geologically complex environment. Keywords : Offset distance, Refractor, Forward and Reverse rays, Velocity analysis function, Generalized time depth, Depth sections


Because obesity increases the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), efficient and sustainable interventions are needed to promote colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among obese individuals. A novel approach would be to empower members of Internet weight loss communities to promote CRCS screening among other members by sharing personal narratives about CRCS experiences or providing navigational guidance through the healthcare system to undergo CRCS. However, feasibility and acceptability of this strategy have not been evaluated. Therefore, we conducted an online survey of members of an Internet weight loss community who were eligible for CRCS to assess: CRCS status (colonoscopy within 10 years, sigmoidoscopy within 5 years, or fecal occult blood test within 1 year was considered up-to-date with CRCS); predictors of CRCS; stage of change for CRCS; attitudes towards CRCS (4-point Likert-type items — strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree); and interest in an intervention featuring narratives or navigation. The 2508 respondents were primarily female (92%) and white (90%). Sixty-eight percent were up-to-date with CRCS, mostly by colonoscopy. Being up-to-date with CRCS was associated with male gender, older age, lower body mass index, being married, Bachelor9s degree education, healthcare provider9s CRCS recommendation, other cancer screening in the past year, primary care visit in the past year, health insurance, and non-smoking. Among those not up-to-date with CRCS, taking steps to be screened for CRC (compared to earlier stages) was associated with a one point increase in scores for social influence of others (OR = 7.5, 95% CI: 4.5-12.6), perceived salience of CRCS (OR = 5.1, 95% CI: 3.1-8.5), self-efficacy for navigating the healthcare system (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.3-6.2), self-efficacy for CRCS (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.9), and perceived susceptibility to CRC (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.1). Considering CRCS within 6 months or taking steps to be screened (compared to earlier stages) was associated with a one point increase in scores for social influence of others (OR = 12.2, 95% CI: 7.8-19.1), perceived salience of CRCS (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 4.1-8.3), self-efficacy for navigating the healthcare system (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.6-5.3), perceived susceptibility to CRC (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.5), perceived efficacy of CRCS (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.6-3.0), self-efficacy for CRCS (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-2.0), and CRC worries (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6). Among those not up-to-date, 63% were interested in learning about other members' CRCS narratives and 36% were interested in receiving navigational guidance for undergoing CRCS. Among those who were up-to-date, 39% were interested in promoting CRCS by sharing narratives and 37% by providing navigational guidance. In conclusion, leveraging social relationships within Internet weight loss communities may be a feasible and acceptable strategy for promoting CRCS among obese individuals. Results inform how we could tailor the intervention according to demographic characteristics and healthcare experiences; target specific attitudes; and utilize narratives and navigational guidance. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B15.


This study contributes to critical information systems research understanding of the broader strategic context of information systems initiatives in developing countries. It investigates contextual influences with structural impacts that may lead to instabilities and discontinuities in the immediate project context using a critical realist paradigm. It was informed by literature on development as discourse, ICT4D policy and technology transfer, E-Government adoption, and information systems research paradigms and applications in developing countries. A disconnection was observed between ICT4D policy practice that favors positivist technology diffusion models and research findings that suggest interpretive and critical contextual approaches. A theoretical framework was developed to reconsider ICT4D from a postcolonial country perspective by integrating critiques of modernity from Critical realism and postcolonial theory. An empirical case study investigation of change in Kenya's transition to E-Governance was then conducted and analyzed using a critical realist research framework, the Morphogenetic approach, supplemented by Q-methodology to study subjectivity. Finally ICT change was interpreted using critical realist concepts for structure, culture, and agency, with an overriding direction towards greater freedom.
The main research contribution is a new approach to ICT4D where change is conceived within a dialectical framework that assumes people are moral and ethical beings possessing values. Research findings have implications for understanding the strategic context of E-Governance and ICT4D, time and temporality in contextual integrative frameworks, and suggest an alternative approach to strategy analysis in situations of rapid political and institutional change. They highlight the importance of political leaders and development agencies as mediators and interpreters of the strategic context. Development was conceived as a dialectical process towards transformative praxis, which together with the suggested approach to the strategic context, may require us to rethink the meaning of IS project success or failure in postcolonial developing countries.


The objective of this contract is to develop a consistent technical data base on the use of iron-based catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis reactions. This data base will be developed to allow the unambiguous comparison of the performance of these catalysts with each other and with state-of-the-art iron catalyst compositions. Particular attention will be devoted to generating reproducible kinetic and selectivity data and to developing reproducible improved catalyst compositions.


Although cutting fluids and cryogenic cooling have been shown to improve the performance of metal machining processes, there has been little research on their application to conventional drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) where the tool wear and damage are known to be a problem. This work investigated the drilling of a CFRP when machined dry, with conventional cutting fluid and with a tool cooled to liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperature. A Guhring DIN 6537 K, TiAlN (titanium, aluminum, nitride) coated, solid carbide twist drill was used to produce 6 mm diameter through-holes in an 18 mm thick plaque of woven carbon fiber/epoxy composite using a constant cutting speed and feed rate of 94 m/min and 0.065 mm/rev respectively. Performance was evaluated based on thrust force, tool wear, entry and exit delamination, damage of the drilled surface and temperature generated during cutting. It was found that the highest forces and tool wear were produced when drilling with cutting fluid, followed by drilling with a LN2 cooled tool and the lowest by drilling dry. A Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) investigation of the drilled surface indicated a more brittle appearance of the machined surface produced with cutting fluid and LN2 cooled drills compared to that produced by dry machining which showed evidence of more ductile deformation of the epoxy. Based on these observations, it is suggested that the reduction of the drilling temperature due to the application of cutting fluid and LN2 cooling resulted in a higher strength and abrasiveness of the workpiece during machining. This, combined with the associated faster rate of tool wear, resulted in the higher forces observed when drilling with cutting fluid and the LN2 cooled drill. However, it was also shown that drilling with cutting fluid and the LN2 cooled drill produced less exit delamination and a reduction in the damage of the drilled surface compared to dry machining. The lowest level of damage was observed with the LN2 cooled drill. It is proposed that this reduction in damage (whilst cutting forces increased) was due to the increased strength of the workpiece during drilling as a consequence of the lower cutting temperature. This indicated that the application of cutting fluid or LN2 cooling to the drilling process can improve the drilling performance with respect to the quality of drilled hole compared to dry machining, even though there was no improvement with respect to thrust force and tool wear.


Understanding and controlling chemical dynamics at electrode interfaces is key to electrochemical applications in sensing, electrocatalysis, and energy storage. Here, we introduce colocalized surface-enhanced Raman scattering-scanning electrochemical microscopy (SERS-SECM) as a multimodal tool able to simultaneously probe and affect electrochemical interfaces in real time. As a model system to demonstrate SERS-SECM, we used a self-assembled monolayer of 4-mercaptopyridine (4MPy), a pH sensitive Raman indicator, anchored to silver nanoparticles as a substrate. We modulated the local pH at the surface with chronoamperometry, inducing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the SECM tip and observed subsequent Raman peak height changes in the 4MPy. We then performed cyclic voltammetry of HER at the SECM tip while measuring SERS spectra every 200 ms to highlight the technique's real-time capabilities. Our results show the capability to sensitively interrogate and trigger chemical/electrochemical dynamic surface phenomena. We hope SERS-SECM will provide insight on the link between heterogeneous and homogeneous reactivity at electrochemical interfaces.


The paper delves into the relationship between upper class Filipino women and women workers during the American colonial period. The relationship encompasses the struggle for women's suffrage led by upper class Filipino women and their support for workers' struggles.  In the early part of colonial rule, possibly because of  the shared experience of participation in the revolution against Spain and the resistance to American colonialism, upper class women provided direct support to workers' organizations and struggles. In the last two decades of American colonial rule and with the sharpening of class differentiation among Filipinos, the support given by upper class women to the workers was in the form of projects based on "elite responsibility" for the poor.


Speech summarisation techniques take human speech as input and then output an abridged version as text or speech. Speech summarisation has applications in many domains from information technology to health care, for example improving speech archives or reducing clinical documentation burden. This scoping review maps the speech summarisation literature, with no restrictions on time frame, language summarised, research method, or paper type. We reviewed a total of 110 papers out of a set of 153 found through a literature search and extracted speech features used, methods, scope, and training corpora. Most studies employ one of four speech summarisation architectures: (1) Sentence extraction and compaction; (2) Feature extraction and classification or rank-based sentence selection; (3) Sentence compression and compression summarisation; and (4) Language modelling. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these different methods and speech features. Overall, supervised methods (e.g. Hidden Markov support vector machines, Ranking support vector machines, Conditional random fields) performed better than unsupervised methods. As supervised methods require manually annotated training data which can be costly, there was more interest in unsupervised methods. Recent research into unsupervised methods focusses on extending language modelling, for example by combining Uni-gram modelling with deep neural networks. Protocol registration: The protocol for this scoping review is registered at this https URL.


The causes and consequences of nuclear proliferation have received a great deal of academic attention.However, nuclear weapons are rarely discussed in isolation in policy circles. Instead, nuclear weapons are relevant as part of a category of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that includes chemical and biological weapons (CBWs). Are the factors that drive CBWs proliferation similar to those that drive nuclear proliferation? What is the relationship between these weapons types? In this article, we explore whether nuclear weapons andCBWs serve as complements or substitutes. Using newly collected data on both CBWs pursuit and possession over time, we find that nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons generally function as complements at thepursuit stage. In addition, countries that acquire nuclear weapons become less interested in pursuing other types of WMDs and are even willing to give them up in some cases.


: 1. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) changes during natural sleep of rats with mild renal hypertension (MAP less than 160 mmHg) were similar to those of normotensive rats. No significant change in MAP was observed in 35 episodes of synchronized sleep (SS) but a significant increase (6.2 +/- 1.4 mmHg) was detected in 23 episodes of desynchronized sleep (DS). 2. Rats with severe renal hypertension (MAP greater than 160 mmHg) behaved more like rats with sinoaortic denervation. MAP increased significantly (6.1 +/- 1.4 mmHg) in 40 episodes of SS studied in 8 rats. In 6 of these rats MAP decreased during DS, while in the other 2 it increased. When all 39 episodes of DS were considered, the decrease in MAP (2.2 +/- 1.5 mmHg) was not statistically significant. 3. Sinoaortic denervation increased the MAP of 3 rats with mild renal hypertension from 154 +/- 4 to 181 +/- 21 mmHg. In 30 episodes of SS MAP increased (19.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg) and in 16 episodes of DS, MAP decreased markedly (27.0 +/- 5.0 mmHg). 4. These data suggest that rats with severe renal hypertension have altered baroreceptor function during natural sleep that is probably due to modification of the central integration of the baroreceptor reflex.


Abstract The Taipan galaxy survey (hereafter simply 'Taipan') is a multi-object spectroscopic survey starting in 2017 that will cover 2π steradians over the southern sky (δ ≲ 10°, |b| ≳ 10°), and obtain optical spectra for about two million galaxies out to z < 0.4. Taipan will use the newly refurbished 1.2-m UK Schmidt Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory with the new TAIPAN instrument, which includes an innovative 'Starbugs' positioning system capable of rapidly and simultaneously deploying up to 150 spectroscopic fibres (and up to 300 with a proposed upgrade) over the 6° diameter focal plane, and a purpose-built spectrograph operating in the range from 370 to 870 nm with resolving power R ≳ 2000. The main scientific goals of Taipan are (i) to measure the distance scale of the Universe (primarily governed by the local expansion rate, H 0) to 1% precision, and the growth rate of structure to 5%; (ii) to make the most extensive map yet constructed of the total mass distribution and motions in the local Universe, using peculiar velocities based on improved Fundamental Plane distances, which will enable sensitive tests of gravitational physics; and (iii) to deliver a legacy sample of low-redshift galaxies as a unique laboratory for studying galaxy evolution as a function of dark matter halo and stellar mass and environment. The final survey, which will be completed within 5 yrs, will consist of a complete magnitude-limited sample (i ⩽ 17) of about 1.2 × 106 galaxies supplemented by an extension to higher redshifts and fainter magnitudes (i ⩽ 18.1) of a luminous red galaxy sample of about 0.8 × 106 galaxies. Observations and data processing will be carried out remotely and in a fully automated way, using a purpose-built automated 'virtual observer' software and an automated data reduction pipeline. The Taipan survey is deliberately designed to maximise its legacy value by complementing and enhancing current and planned surveys of the southern sky at wavelengths from the optical to the radio; it will become the primary redshift and optical spectroscopic reference catalogue for the local extragalactic Universe in the southern sky for the coming decade.


We present a case of Wegener's granulomatosis in which otitis media symptoms masked the disease in first phases. Progressive, unilateral hearing loss, almost deafness, together with facial nerve paresis allowed us to make proper diagnosis and apply therapy.


The concept of competition is frequently regarded with ambivalence. While its champions wholeheartedly endorse it for reasons of efficiency, critics believe competition undermines ethics. They denounce competitive thinking, call for modesty in profit-making, and rail against economisation. However, Christoph LA¼tge argues convincingly that intensified competition can work in favour of ethical goals, and that many criticisms of competition stem from an inadequate understanding of how modern societies and economies function. The author illustrates his view with examples from ecology, healthcare and education, and concludes with a call for more entrepreneurial spirit.


In this report we present 302 measurements of either the adrenal secretion of aldosterone or the urinary excretion rate of the acid-labile conjugate of the hormone in 168 patients with various forms and stages of hypertensive disease. The measurements were compared with results obtained in normal subjects studied under similar circumstances of sodium balance. Studies of 73 consecutive patients with essential hypertension provided no indication that an abnormality in aldosterone secretion or metabolism participates in the pathogenesis of this condition. Furthermore, no instances of occult primary aldosteronism were discovered. These results give no support to the claims of other groups of a 20 to 44% incidence of aldosteronism in uncomplicated benign essential hypertension. Our total experience indicates that primary aldosteronism is a rare cause of hypertensive vascular disease. Increased aldosterone secretion was frequently observed in the more advanced forms and stages of hypertensive diseases. Oversecretion occurred in certain patients with the hypertension of unilateral renal disease, it was more common in more advanced hypertensive disease, and it was practically always present in malignant hypertension. These findings suggest that excess aldosterone secretion is probably not critically related to the initiation or maintenance of the hypertensive process. However, when increased secretion develops, it may accelerate the pace and severity of the disease. This possibility is supported by a good correlation between the degree of aldosteronism and the severity of the hypertensive condition. In 40 patients studied with essential, renal, advanced, or malignant hypertension, a direct correlation was observed between the rate of aldosterone secretion and plasma renin levels. This pattern suggests that increased plasma renin is usually the basis for the aldosteronism. There was no evidence in the group for the reverse relationship, characteristic of primary adrenal overactivity, i.e., for plasma renin to be suppressed when aldosterone secretion is increased. Indeed, in essential hypertension, when plasma renin levels were low, aldosterone secretion also tended to be low. The adrenal cortex has an unusual capacity to form nodules and adenomas. This tendency seems more pronounced in hypertensive subjects, especially when the disease has been of long duration. Because of this and because, at least in the population that we have examined, oversecretion of aldosterone usually appeared to be secondary to increased renin levels, the possibility has been raised that at least some adrenal nodules might arise from extra-adrenal stimulation. One patient with aldosteronism and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia was greatly improved following a total adrenalectomy. The presence of markedly swollen and degranulated juxtaglomerular cells suggests that a unique renal mechanism may have been involved in the pathogenesis of this particular hypertensive disorder. Full understanding of the sequential participation of renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone in hypertensive diseases will depend on a more complete understanding of the many factors which seem to be involved in this complex hormonal interaction.


INTRODUCTION Over the years, it has not been uncommon for scholars or jurists to analogize the right of free expression to a marketplace in which contrasting ideas compete for acceptance among a consuming public.1 Many have questioned whether the analogy is an appropriate one.2 But whether or not such a characterization was ever accurate or appropriate, a number of respected scholars have in recent years suggested that the right of free expression does suffer from many of the inequities and inequalities that have historically been thought to plague the economic darwinism of the actual capitalist marketplace.3 No one could reasonably dispute that, for much of the twentieth century's second half, economic power and the ability to get oneself heard became significantly intertwined. The simple realities were-and, to a certain extent, may still be-that one must either control or at least have meaningful access to institutionalized modes of communication in order to reach an extended audience. Yet for the large majority of individuals and organizations the costs of doing so have generally been prohibitive. Not surprisingly, then, most effective means of modern communication have been controlled largely by economically powerful entities or individuals. The result, some have argued, has been a harmful inequity in the relative ability of members of the populace to communicate their messages and a resulting impoverishment of the scope and substance of public debate.4 Certain scholars have further argued that control of expressive resources by economically powerful interests enables those interests to shape the modern political agenda and thereby heavily influence political decisionmaking.5 This strategic by-product of such concentration of expressive power, they suggest, circularly assures that government will refuse to adopt modes of economic redistribution that would both allow change in the political agenda and, ultimately, the readjustment of societal economic power in a more equitable manner.6 The only means to break the cycle, these scholars contend, is to recognize some form of a governmentally enforced right of access on the part of private individuals and entities to existing sources of privately owned expression and information. Such a right of access, they assert, not only would fail to contravene the core values protected by the First Amendment, it would actually foster them.7 A right of expressive access can assume a variety of concrete forms. For example, it may require that broadcast licensees provide an opportunity for the expression of varying viewpoints on issues of public concern,8 or that the print media provide an opportunity for reply to those whom it has criticized,9 or that cable operators provide channels for local broadcasters.10 The arguments in support of a right of expressive access may at first appear intuitively appealing. But many of the empirical assumptions concerning the alleged link between financial resources and the ability to contribute meaningfully to public debate fail to take into account the impact of several relatively recent and important advances in communications technology, which may have ameliorated the communicative problems caused by financial concentration. Surely, the growth of cable television (with its opportunities for both smaller and more specialized stations as well as for numerous public access channels) and the Internet (with its opportunity for immediate and inexpensive world-wide communications and information retrieval abilities) suggests the possibility of an explosion in the common person's ability to influence and communicate with her local community, as well as with broader national and international communities.11 To be sure, despite the potentially dramatic impact of such modern technological advances, it remains arguable that the scope and substantive diversity of public debate would be even further enriched by the extension of a right of expressive access to those who normally lack the opportunity to speak through institutional communicative sources. …


Brucellosis is known to cause economic losses to livestock farmers around the world. The amount of direct economic loss suffered by farmers has not been reported in Malaysia. This study reports the cost benefit analysis of goat farming and the economic impact attributable to brucellosis in goat farms in four states of Malaysia. Data about production indices and management was collected from farms through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The cost-benefit analysis of goat farming in Malaysia shows that it is a profitable business with 42 farms yielding about RM 2 million (USD 645,161.29) a month. Comparing fifteen farms from the four states when they had no brucellosis infection and after they were infected with brucellosis using the culling of the goats and farm value as criteria the fifteen farms had a financial loss of at least RM 156,212.50 (USD 50,391.13) which was found to be significant (P<0.05) at 95% confidence level using Wilcoxon signed rank test with IBM SPSS version 20. There was no significant difference in the economic impact on the farms between the various states at 95% confidence level using Kruskal-Wallis test with IBM SPSS version 20. Based on reported seroprevalence rate of 2.9% using complement fixation test it was estimated that annually the economic impact due to caprine brucellosis was RM7,974263.8 (USD 2,572343.1). This study highlights the colossal waste to the economy due to caprine brucellosis and underscores the urgent need to take more drastic measures to eradicate brucellosis in Malaysia through a combination of test and slaughter policy with vaccination of goats and a total ban on importation of live goats into Malaysia from any endemic country


We present an efficient decoding algorithm for constant rate quantum hyper graph-product LDPC codes which provably corrects adversarial errors of weight proportional to the code minimum distance, or equivalently to the square-root of the block length. The algorithm runs in time linear in the number of qubits, which makes its performance the strongest to date for linear-time decoding of quantum codes. The algorithm relies on expanding properties, not of the quantum code's factor graph directly, but of the factor graph of the original classical code it is constructed from.


This book argues that a third wave of research on the EU is needed to adequately understand the increased interconnectedness between the European and national political levels. We posit that this third wave should be sensitive to the temporal dimension of European integration and Europeanization. In particular, we seek to link the processes of Europeanization and European integration in a new way by asking the question: how has Europeanization affected current modes of integration and cooperation in the EU? Preparing the ground for the third wave, the first part of the book concerns Europeanization. In order to fully understand the feedback of Europeanization on cooperation and integration it is important to analyze how European integration has had an impact on member states in the first place, in particular indirectly, beyond the direct mechanism of compliance with European policies. The research presented here stresses the role which domestic actors and in particular governments have in guiding the Europeanization impact on the member states. The second part of the book concerns integration and cooperation, in line with what we see as a third wave of research. Here we analyze how prior integration effects, that is Europeanization, influences current preferences for integration. We find that earlier integration effects have had a significant influence on those preferences, resulting however, somewhat surprisingly not always for a preference for closer integration. The multi-faceted interrelationships between the EU level and the national level and the increased interconnectedness between them cast doubt on the appropriateness of traditional readings of central concepts of political science and international relations such as territory, identity and sovereignty. The final section of the book therefore concerns the conceptual challenges faced by the continued development of multi-level governance. These contributions show that a conceptual reorientation is necessary because up until now these concepts have been almost exclusively linked to the nation state. One of the key findings of the book is the astonishing variation in modes of cooperation and integration in the EU. We suggest that this variation can be explained by taking into account the sources of legitimacy at the national and at the EU level on which cooperation and integration are based. We argue that whereas economic integration, in particular the creation of a single market, could be sufficiently backed by output legitimacy, deeper integration in other areas requires a degree of input legitimacy that is currently lacking in the EU. Therefore, non-economic integration is often taking the form of looser types of cooperation, such as the open method of coordination and benchmarking, allowing domestic actors more control over the Europeanization of these policies onto the member state. We elaborate on this speculation in the conclusion and believe that it should be part of the future research agenda of the third wave of European research. This book emerged from the European Research Colloquium of the Netherlands Institute of Government, in which a small group of researchers from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark met every 6 months over the past three years to debate substantive topics, the choice of research design and methodology, and, in particular, the empirical research presented by each author in this book.