Tensegrity mechanisms benefit from a reduced inertia due to their extensive use of cables and springs. However, they must be prestressed at all times in order to keep the cables in tension. For a given mechanism architecture, this is only possible in a specific set of configurations such that the analysis of these mechanisms is relatively complex. This paper presents the development and analysis of a new three-degree-of-freedom positional tensegrity mechanism that has a modular architecture. The mechanism, actuated by cables, has a relatively large workspace. For the special case where external and gravitational forces are neglected, solutions are given for the mechanism's equilibrium configuration both for given actuator positions as well as for a specified position of its effector. It is shown that the mechanism can be considered as an assembly of construction elements based on Snelson's X-shape tensegrity system and that these behave independently from one another.


A 39-year-old man with Down syndrome presented with a long-standing history of an eruption over his hands and arms. The eruption, which was completely asymptomatic, had been an incidental finding by his general practitioner, who had been treating him for a fungal toenail infection. Physical examination revealed a pigmented papular eruption that tended to occur in clumps on the lateral and medial aspects of the patient's feet (Figure 1) as well as on his forearms (Figure 2). He also had dystrophy of his toenails.Theresultsof therestof theskinexaminationwere unremarkable.Apunchbiopsyspecimenwasobtainedfrom one of the lesions on the forearm (Figure 3). What is your diagnosis?


Educational or therapeutic measures of aggressive student behavior are often based on the judgments of teachers. However, empirical studies show that the objectivity of these judgments is generally low. In order to assess aggressive behavior in classroom settings, we developed a context-sensitive observational system. The observation system exists in a version for teachers in action as well as a version for the uninvolved observer. The teacher version allows categorizing aggressive behavior while teaching. The aim is to differentiate the perception and the judgments of teachers, so that the judgments can serve as trustable diagnostic information. The version for an independent observer, in addition, contains categories to collect information about the context in which aggressions take place. The behavior observation system was tested in four field-studies in regular and special classes. The empirical results show that, after training, teachers were able to make objective observations, and that aggressive behavior depends to a large extent on situational factors. The system allows identification of problematic people-environment relationships and the derivation of intervention measures.


Abstract This study explores the underrepresentation of female professionals, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and the efforts of one program, the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program, to ameliorate this situation. We chose female faculty members in universities as a research topic for several reasons. First, as a career, being an academic professional is seen as a "good" job not only because of its high earnings but also because of the prestige attached to it. Second, like other prominent occupations, working in a university is a time-consuming job. Moreover, junior faculty members need to devote significant time to build up their career and reputation. Third, unlike many other professions, being a member of an academic faculty affords flexibility in arranging one's time and schedule. However, this flexibility does not guarantee that female faculty members face fewer work–family conflicts, nor does it necessarily improve their chances of gaining upward mobility. In order to deal with the prevalent situation of female professionals' underrepresentation, the National Science Foundation is promoting the "ADVANCE program" to improve the status of women in academe. In this article, we use Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) as case studies to examine the results and implications of the program's implementation. Our findings suggest that although female faculty members in both schools benefit from the "ADVANCE Program," these policies and practices are still not sufficient to fundamentally change women's underrepresentation in STEM fields because the issues are rooted in the characteristics of these disciplines and institutions.


The Poisson-binomial probability density function (pdf) describes the numbers of successes in N independent trials, when the individual probabilities of success vary across trials. Its use is pervasive in applications, such as fault tolerance, signal detection, target tracking, object classification/identification, multi-sensor data fusion, system management, and performance characterization, among others. We present a closed-form expression for this pdf, and we discuss several of its advantages regarding computing speed and implementation and in simplifying analysis, with examples of the latter including the computation of moments and the development of new trigonometric identities for the binomial coefficient and the binomial cumulative distribution function (cdf). Finally we also pose and address the inverse Poisson-binomial problem; that is, given such pdf, how to find (within a permutation) the probabilities of success of the individual trials.


We analyze in full detail the geometric structure of the covariant phase space (CPS) of any local field theory defined over a space-time with boundary. To this end, we introduce a new frame: the ``relative bicomplex framework.'' It is the result of merging an extended version of the ``relative framework'' (initially developed in the context of algebraic topology by R. Bott and L. W. Tu in the 1980s to deal with boundaries) and the variational bicomplex framework (the differential geometric arena for the variational calculus). The relative bicomplex framework is the natural one to deal with field theories with boundary contributions, including corner contributions. In fact, we prove a formal equivalence between the relative version of a theory with boundary and the nonrelative version of the same theory with no boundary. With these tools at hand, we endow the space of solutions of the theory with a (pre)symplectic structure canonically associated with the action and which, in general, has boundary contributions. We also study the symmetries of the theory and construct, for a large group of them, their Noether currents, and charges. Moreover, we completely characterize the arbitrariness (or lack thereof for fiber bundles with contractible fibers) of these constructions. This clarifies many misconceptions about the role of the boundary terms in the CPS description of a field theory. Finally, we provide what we call the CPS-algorithm to construct the aforementioned (pre)symplectic structure and apply it to some relevant examples.


Among flowering plants, the synthesis of choline (Cho) from ethanolamine (EA) can potentially occur via three parallel, interconnected pathways involving methylation of free bases, phospho-bases, or phosphatidyl-bases. We investigated which pathways operate in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) because previous work has shown that the endogenous Cho supply limits accumulation of glycine betaine in transgenic tobacco plants engineered to convert Cho to glycine betaine. The kinetics of metabolite labeling were monitored in leaf discs supplied with [(33)P]phospho-EA, [(33)P]phospho-monomethylethanolamine, or [(14)C]formate, and the data were subjected to computer modeling. Because partial hydrolysis of phospho-bases occurred in the apoplast, modeling of phospho-base metabolism required consideration of the re-entry of [(33)P]phosphate into the network. Modeling of [(14)C]formate metabolism required consideration of the labeling of the EA and methyl moieties of Cho. Results supported the following conclusions: (a) The first methylation step occurs solely at the phospho-base level; (b) the second and third methylations occur mainly (83%-92% and 65%-85%, respectively) at the phospho-base level, with the remainder occurring at the phosphatidyl-base level; and (c) free Cho originates predominantly from phosphatidylcholine rather than from phospho-Cho. This study illustrates how computer modeling of radiotracer data, in conjunction with information on chemical pool sizes, can provide a coherent, quantitative picture of fluxes within a complex metabolic network.


Potential alleviation effects of Homobrassinosteroid (HBR) (0.5 and 1 µM HBR) on root germination, cell division and antioxidant system enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. 'Hilal') roots grown under different salt concentrations (150 mM and 250 mM) were investigated during 48 and 72 h at dark with their controls. Salt applications decreased primary root lengths, seminal root lengths, number of roots from one seed, mitotic activity and induced mitotic abnormalities. In addition, salt application decreased protein content but increased enzyme activities both at 48 h and 72 h when compared to control. Roots treated with HBR enhanced root lengths and root number. HBR-treated roots showed more mitotic activity, mitotic abnormalities and significant enlargements at the root tips when compared to controls and only salt-treated samples. Salt + HBR applications stimulated root lengths and showed more mitotic activity and mitotic abnormalities when compared to only salt-treated samples. Salt application increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities both at 48 h and 72 h.  However, HBR application decreased total soluble protein content and increased enzyme activities especially at 48 h compared to control. Depending on concentration and timing, salt + HBR treatments showed varying results in total soluble protein content and enzyme activities. There was also a significant change in protein banding patterns of experimental groups separated by SDS-PAGE. These findings are expected to contribute to understanding of how HBR affect barley roots grown under different salt concentrations.


The appeal of delivering new features faster has led many software projects to adopt rapid releases. However, it is not well understood what the effects of this practice are. This paper presents an exploratory case study of rapid releases at ING, a large banking company that develops software solutions in-house, to characterize rapid releases. Since 2011, ING has shifted to a rapid release model. This switch has resulted in a mixed environment of 611 teams releasing relatively fast and slow. We followed a mixed-methods approach in which we conducted a survey with 461 participants and corroborated their perceptions with 2 years of code quality data and 1 year of release delay data. Our research shows that: rapid releases are more commonly delayed than their non-rapid counterparts, however, rapid releases have shorter delays; rapid releases can be beneficial in terms of reviewing and user-perceived quality; rapidly released software tends to have a higher code churn, a higher test coverage and a lower average complexity; challenges in rapid releases are related to managing dependencies and certain code aspects, e.g. design debt.


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to enhance access, quality, and effectiveness in education. This paper examines the E-readiness implication on the adoption of e-learning in secondary schools in Kenya. The paper provides an opportunity for reflection on e-learning adoption and the potential role ICT can plays in education. The review has established that up to date, less than 10% of secondary schools in Kenya offer computer studies as a subject in the curriculum despite its perceived potential. The few schools that have an ICT programme limit the number of candidates who take up the subject considering it a specialty irrespective its being an essential subject as other compulsory subjects like Mathematics and Languages. Whereas the processing of information to build knowledge is one of the essential literacy skills vital for the workforce in the 21st century, it is often overlooked in current educational practices. the question of e-readiness of Kenyan schools cannot be overlooked if Kenya plans to use education as a platform for becoming an e-society of the 21 st century as envisaged in Vision 2030.Therefore, it is imperative that E-Readiness issues be effectively addressed lest new technology  introduced further marginalizes the already deprived Kenyan children. Desktop review of relevant literature was guided by Current Situation Analysis (CSA) which is equivalent to Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis. Keywords: E-Learning, E-Readiness, Secondary school, Education, Infrastructure, Internet


A theoretical framework is established by presenting an overview of Lorca criticism and of relevant work in gender and men's studies. Male invisibility (man viewed as universally human, woman, branded as different, viewed as the only sex), as expounded by De Beauvoir, emerges as a key issue. The thesis aims to demonstrate that Lorca's theatre refuses to accept male invisibility, preferring to use every opportunity to draw men out of the shadows and into the spotlight. It is argued that Lorca's theatre is constructed around defamiliarization techniques that set the theatrical space apart as a place in which the spectator is prompted to reflect on masculinity as an object of curiosity rather than as an unchallenged norm. The myriad processes that prompt the spectator to do so emphasise male characters. Men reflect on their own identity and women capture them in a powerful gaze, the inverse of the male gaze that objectifies women (as analysed by Mulvey with reference to cinema). An emphasis on female sexuality as need and on male eroticism as resolution further demonstrates male characters to be objects under observation. Chapter 4 shows male absence to be a variation of the above processes, ensuring that a man's masculinity is brought into focus even when he is not present. Offstage sound effects, the projection of the audience's gaze offstage, and the penetration of the stage space by metonymical objects are some of the techniques that achieve this, allowing reflection on concepts of masculinity without specific association with the male body and, therefore, alluding to the disassociation of sex and gender. Questions about the substance of masculinity are problematic due to frequent assaults on notions of innate fixed identity and the suggestion that gender may be nothing more than the process by which it is represented. It is the process of representation, therefore, that is the protagonist in the performance of gender, and whilst masculinity might be a hollow shell in Lorca' theatre, it is not, at least, one that hides in the shadows.


Background and purpose — Dislocation is one of the most common complications following hip arthroplasty. Delay until reduction leads to pain for the patient, and may increase the risk of complications. We investigated the safety aspect of a fast-track pathway for dislocated hip arthroplasties and evaluated its effect on surgical delay and length of stay (LOS). Patients and methods — 402 consecutive and unselected dislocations (253 patients) were admitted at our institution between May 10, 2010 and September 31, 2013. The fast-track pathway for early reduction was introduced on January 9, 2011. Fast-track patients with a suspected dislocation (with no radiographic verification) were moved directly to the post-anesthesia care unit and then straight to the operating room. Dislocation was confirmed under fluoroscopy with reduction under general anesthesia. Surgical delay (in hours), LOS (in hours), perioperative complications, and complications during the hospital stay were recorded. Dislocation status for fast-track patients (confirmed or unconfirmed by fluoroscopy) was also recorded. Results — Both surgical delay (2.5 h vs. 4.1 h; p < 0.001) and LOS (26 h vs. 31 h; p < 0.05) were less in patients admitted through the fast-track pathway than in patients on regular pathway. Perioperative complications (1.6% vs. 3.7%) and complications during the hospital stay (11% vs. 15%) were also less, but not statistically significantly so. Only 1 patient admitted through fast-track pathway had a fracture instead of a dislocation; all the other fast-track patients with suspected dislocation actually had dislocations. Interpretation — The fast-track pathway for reduction of dislocated hip arthroplasty results in less surgical delay and in reduced LOS, without increasing perioperative complications or complications during the patient's stay.


A generic propagation model has been proposed recently and, from it, a new unifying statistical model has been obtained for the irradiance fluctuations due to a turbulent atmosphere. The statistical model presented, termed M distribution, can be written in a closed-form expression, and it contains most of the statistical models for the irradiance fluctuations that have been proposed in the literature. Relying on this generic model, in this paper, the performance of a subcarrier intensity-modulated free-space optical (SIM-FSO) communication system is investigated, and a novel closed-form analytical expression is derived for the average bit error rate of the system. Since the turbulence-induced fading is modeled by a generic distribution, the expression presented can be applied for performance analysis of SIM-FSO communication systems over most of the proposed statistical models derived so far.


Objectives: make a biographical compilation of the first ones who described the WG and establish in a detailed way the main facts that marked the evolution of the WG to the present time. Material and methods: a systematic review of literature from 1866 to 2007 through Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, Sciencedirect, SpringerLink, Blackwell Synergy, Highwire and searches in the library of the National University of Colombia Results: There were 4588 articles found related to WG, from which we selected in English and German language, with emphasis in medical historical revisions, relevant clinical tests, controlled randomizeds studies and revisions in general, with interest for the main medical associations and also to the consideration of the authors of this review. Being left in the end a conglomerate of 89. The bibliographic data of the first describers are attached mainly to german literature, many of this information was lost in the German and Polish scrutinies. Conclusions: the descriptions of literature as far as the recognition of WG are focused in the northern Europe, its description was associated to those of other vaculitis and allowed to reinforce immunological knowledge which is basic in the present. We observed how the clinic, the treatment and later de paraclinic studies were extended every day, and how many concepts created more than 40 years ago are still part of actual regimes.


The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of the implementation of the Single Market and to propose ideas on how its potential can be better revitalized in times of economic crisis. First, the paper offers a broader perspective to the analysis of the Single Market by exploring its close links to the rapidly changing economic environment due to the global economic crisis. Second, it puts together a comprehensive body of empirical evidence, based on the analysis of EU FDI flows and trade in services which allows for a thorough analysis of what has been achieved in terms of European economic integration. Overall the paper concludes that the Single Market is a powerful instrument to promote economic integration and to increase competition within the EU and that it has been the source of large macro-economic benefits. Building on the evidence and analysis provided, the paper concludes with suggestions to redesign the policymaking for the Single Market in the future, having in mind the statements presented in the Draft Report (issued on 22nd of March 2010) on Delivering a single market to consumers and citizens (2010/2011(INI)) "The new agenda for the single market must be formulated in such a way as to enhance social justice, ensure market integrity, foster innovation and welcome the new digital age - all of which will enable the single market to have an edge over other major global economies."


The occurrence of landslides along a transportation route such as a railway line can have severe and even catastrophic consequences. The assessment and management of hazard and risk is, therefore, of paramount importance. This paper introduces an approach for assessing the hazard and risk of rainfall-induced landsliding along a 30 km section of railway track. Careful analysis is made of rainfall data for previous storms, which have led to widespread landsliding. The recurrence interval of a typical landslide triggering rainstorm is estimated. From this the annual probability of widespread landslide occurrence is then calculated. This value combined with information on the frequency of train operations enables the estimation of the annual risk of human casualty. This estimate is then compared with proposed tolerable or acceptable levels. Such a systematic quantitative procedure can facilitate efficient risk management. Moreover, the outcomes of the assessments proposed in this paper can be combined with information and analyses about the relative landslide susceptibility of different section of track based on knowledge of local geology, topography and other factors.


Background: Pancreatic β-cells are specialized for the production of insulin and susceptible to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Irremediable ER stress is coupled with terminal-unfolded protein response (T-UPR) through activating IRE1α, which leads to β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Previous reports show the effects of nAChR signaling against ER stress-induced neurotoxicity. However, it is still unknown if and how nAChR signaling affects T-UPR in β-cells. The aim of the study is to determine if and how nAChR signaling reduces T-UPR by regulating IRE1α activity in β-cells. Methods: We investigate the role of nAChR signaling on T-UPR signaling under ER stress or specific IRE1αactivation using rat insulinoma cell line, INS-1 cells. Cells were treated with Nicotine; an agonist of nAChR, α-Bungarotoxin(α-BTX); an antagonist of nAChR α7 subunit, and Tunicamycin(Tm) and Thapsigargin(Tg); ER stress inducers. Expression levels of spliced XBP1 and TXNIP/Insulin1 (Proinsulin), as T-UPR markers, were analyzed by real time PCR and/or Western blotting. Results: We first confirmed the expression levels of nAChR α7 subunits in INS1 cells. ER stress inducers (Tm or Tg) increased XBP1 splicing, and Nicotine (>10 μM) reduced it. Nicotine reversed ER stress-induced increase of TXNIP and decrease of Insulin1 (proinsulin) expression in both mRNA and protein levels. Further, Nicotine reversed increase of TXNIP and decrease of Insulin1 mRNA expression levels induced by IRE1α overexpression in Dox-inducible wild type IRE1α-overexpressing INS1 cells. Those effects of Nicotine were canceled by α-BTX. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nAChR signaling could prevent T-UPR induced by ER stress in INS1 cells. Disclosure T. Ishibashi: None. S. Morita: None. A. Doi: None. H. Iwakura: None. H. Ariyasu: None. M. Nishi: None. H. Furuta: None. T. Akamizu: None.


The modeling of climate over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) started with the introduction of Global Climate Models (GCMs) in the 1950s. Since then, GCMs have been developed to simulate atmospheric dynamics and eventually the climate system. As the highest and widest international plateau, the strong orographic forcing caused by the TP and its impact on general circulation rather than regional climate was initially the focus. Later, with growing awareness of the incapability of GCMs to depict regional or local-scale atmospheric processes over the heterogeneous ground, coupled with the importance of this information for local decision-making, regional climate models (RCMs) were established in the 1970s. Dynamic and thermodynamic influences of the TP on the East and South Asia summer monsoon have since been widely investigated by model. Besides the heterogeneity in topography, impacts of land cover heterogeneity and change on regional climate were widely modeled through sensitivity experiments.In recent decades, the TP has experienced a greater warming than the global average and those for similar latitudes. GCMs project a global pattern where the wet gets wetter and the dry gets drier. The climate regime over the TP covers the extreme arid regions from the northwest to the semi-humid region in the southeast. The increased warming over the TP compared to the global average raises a number of questions. What are the regional dryness/wetness changes over the TP? What is the mechanism of the responses of regional changes to global warming? To answer these questions, several dynamical downscaling models (DDMs) using RCMs focusing on the TP have recently been conducted and high-resolution data sets generated. All DDM studies demonstrated that this process-based approach, despite its limitations, can improve understandings of the processes that lead to precipitation on the TP. Observation and global land data assimilation systems both present more wetting in the northwestern arid/semi-arid regions than the southeastern humid/semi-humid regions. The DDM was found to better capture the observed elevation dependent warming over the TP. In addition, the long-term high-resolution climate simulation was found to better capture the spatial pattern of precipitation and P-E (precipitation minus evapotranspiration) changes than the best available global reanalysis. This facilitates new and substantial findings regarding the role of dynamical, thermodynamics, and transient eddies in P-E changes reflected in observed changes in major river basins fed by runoff from the TP. The DDM was found to add value regarding snowfall retrieval, precipitation frequency, and orographic precipitation.Although these advantages in the DDM over the TP are evidenced, there are unavoidable facts to be aware of. Firstly, there are still many discrepancies that exist in the up-to-date models. Any uncertainty in the model's physics or in the land information from remote sensing and the forcing could result in uncertainties in simulation results. Secondly, the question remains of what is the appropriate resolution for resolving the TP's heterogeneity. Thirdly, it is a challenge to include human activities in the climate models, although this is deemed necessary for future earth science. All-embracing further efforts are expected to improve regional climate models over the TP.


Article 17 of the final draft of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes the so-called 'right to be forgotten'. The provision reacts and relates to the decision by the European Court of Justice in the case of Google Spain v Mr. Gonzalez on the 'right to be de-listed' from an internet search engine. The decision in this case, and the final draft of the GDPR, both raise fundamental questions regarding the concept of protection of the corresponding fundamental rights and how the GDPR should be interpreted pursuant to these rights. This paper proposes a method of interpreting fundamental rights by referring not only to ontological categories such as 'personal data' per se but also - more normatively - to their substantial guarantees. It is our belief that this approach helps to differentiate precisely between several fundamental rights that are applicable in the case, such as the right to privacy of Article 7 CFR and data protection under Article 8 CFR, and balance them against opposing fundamental rights.


The effect of Zr and Zn doping on transport critical current density and microstructure of filamentary Dy-Ba-Cu-O superconductor was investigated. Precursor filaments prepared by a solution spinning method were partially melted in atmosphere gas and oxygenated. Samples doped with Zr and Zn showed dense microstructure, and finely dispersed Dy2BaCuO5 particles in the Dy123 matrix were observed. It was found that the superconducting properties of Dy123 filaments doped with Zr and Zn were strongly dependent on the heating condition and the atmosphere. A high Jc value more than 104 A/cm2 with good reproducibility was obtained when these samples partially melted in flowing 20%O2 + Ar gas. By controlling the heat treatment condition, the maximum Jc value of 2.7 × 104 A/cm2 at 77 K and self-field were attained for the sample doped with 0.1 at % Zr. In the case of the sample doped with 0.1 at % Zn, the Jc value around 2.5 × 104 A/cm2 was obtained, which was comparable with that of sample without doping. The relation between the field dependence of Jc and microstructure of the filamentary sample was also examined.


Objective: The plant kingdom has been used for health and medicinal purposes for several thousands of years. The usage of plants to treat a variety of different ailments is universal and exists in every human culture on earth. Every plant on the planet creates specific chemical compound which is a basic part of their metabolic function. In the present study, Ipomoea batatas is targeted which is regularly used in diet, to identify its potential therapeutic property. Methods: To discover new bioactive compounds from plant sources, which can be used as new lead molecules, the Ipomoea batatas extracts was to be subjected to various chemical screening techniques such as Column Chromatography, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HTLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which quickly provides plenty of structural information, resulting in partial or complete structure determination of natural products. Results: Totally 75 fractions were collected from column chromatography and they were pooled to five fractions according to their polarity and TLC patterns, and were subjected to MTT assay. Out of which, the active fraction 3 (ethylacetate:ethanolic fraction) showed increased cytotoxicty on HepG2 cells (liver cancer cells) at IC50 (μg/mL) as 33.52, compared to rest of the four active fractions of I. batatas. The chromatogram of HPTLC of active Fraction 3 (ethylacetate:ethanolic) extract of I. batatas showed four spots at the following Rf 0.45, 0.49, 0.85, 0.91 and were found to be more predominant as their area was 70.9, 315.5, 90.6, 125.0. GC-MS gave 44 compounds out of which more than 20 compounds showed medicinal property. Conclusion: It has been found that the pharmacological property shown by the active Fraction 3 (ethylacetate:ethanolic fraction) of I. batatas might be due to single compound or due to the cumulative effect of all the compounds in composite


The present paper describes a method used on a digital computer for calculating the effects of wave refraction and diffraction simultaneously at harbour sites. It is derived from the method used by Biesel and Ranson [3] in the case of uniform depth by consideration of the radiation of wave energy in water of gradually varying depth. The wave height and wavephase are given in complex forme ζ by formulae (1) and (2) where the Green function G2 (OM) is defined by (19) (20) and (21). For practical purposes the area is divided into theoretical basins of convex shape and the integral (2) is applied to the boundaries of these basins. The derivative normal to the boundary Γ is given by formulae (4) (5) and (6) and the derivative of the Green fonction is given by (22) (23) and (24). For calculation, the integrals (2) and (6) are given the form (8) (9) with an increment ΔSR chosen small enough with respect to the local wave length The coefficients RJK, SJK defined by (25) (26) are determined in the following manner : (i) The paths of a given number of wave rays, starting from the points Oi and Mk, where ζ and ∂ζ/∂n are to be found, are computed by means of formulae (28) to (31) inclusive; (ii) The auxiliary functions I, φ, β, σ, are computed at the points where the wave rays reach the bounndary Γ. Their values at the given points Mp Mg, are then derived by interpolation along Γ. At this step, the differential equation (33) is integrated with the initial conditions (36) for MK and (37) for Oi. This mathematical model was compared to laboratory scale models and proved to be satisfactory. Two examples are given here. (i) The wave pattern in the harbour illustrated in Figure 2 for a wave period of 10 sec. Owing to the narrowness of the breakwaters compared to the wave length, it was possible to consider them as thin walls in the mathematical model. The results given by both models as shown in Figure 3. (ii) The wave pattern just inside the harbour entrance illustrated in Figure 4. In a previous study by Montaz [7] the breakwaters were considered as thin walls and the mathematical model gave the results of Figures 5 and 7.2, which depart considerably from the results of Figures 5, 6 and 7.1 obtained with a physical model. An accurate reproduction of the sloping breakwater head on the mathematical model leads to the consistent results of Figures 6 and 7.3.


The present work investigates the optical properties of active coated spherical nano-particles excited by an arbitrarily located electric Hertzian dipole. The nano-particles are made of specific dielectric and plasmonic materials. The spatial near-field distribution as well as the normalized radiation resistance is examined. Both enhanced as well as reduced radiation effects are demonstrated. In particular, it is shown that specific active coated nano-particles can be designed to be resonant, leading to much larger values of the normalized radiation resistance than is the case with the corresponding passive coated nano-particles, thereby overcoming the intrinsic losses present in the plasmonic materials. Moreover, it is shown that other active coated nano-particle designs can significantly reduce the normalized radiation resistance; thus both the resonant as well as non-radiating/transparent states of the active coated nano-particle are identified. Implications of both the resonant and non-radiating states on the previously proposed localized sensors based on the active coated nano-particle will also be considered here.


: Clinical experience with gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG, vigabatrin) has accumulated mainly in Europe, where the drug has been licensed in several countries since 1989. Short-term efficacy studies in adolescent and adult patients with intractable drug-resistant epilepsy have shown that approximately 50% exhibit a reduction in seizure frequency of one-half or more but rarely complete seizure control. The best results are in patients with partial seizures with or without secondarily generalization. GVG responders have been followed for periods of up to 5 years, and overall 10-20% may exhibit subsequent seizure breakthrough, as probably occurs with any drug in such chronic patients. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Reversible behavior disorders, psychoses, and depression rarely occur in predisposed individuals. No new long-term side effects have been reported but vigilance is necessary. Studies of GVG as a first-line drug in newly diagnosed epileptic patients are proceeding.


In this work we describe the application of the graph decomposition algorithms for the development of a scalable high-performance agent-based model of population of Russia described in terms of demography, migration and transport flows. The simulated system consists of agents representing individuals and sets of links to other agents, which represent the social interactions of individual. Individual agents in the model participate in several independent processes, for which different sets of social links is important such as family and neighbors. To perform a load balancing of agents between cluster computer nodes the METIS graph decomposition algorithm was used. These algorithms allow to split the graph of agents and links into parts of similar size with least possible number of links between them. A number of numerical experiments was carried out for test model to estimate the influence of the parameters of the model on scalability.


The demand for seafood products on the global market is rising, particularly in Asia, as affluence and appreciation of the health benefits of seafood increase. This is coupled with a capture fishery that, at best, is set for stagnation and, at worst, significant collapse. Global aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of the food industry and currently accounts for approximately 45.6% of the world's fish consumption. However, the rapid development of extensive and semi-extensive systems, particularly intensive marine-fed aquaculture, has resulted in worldwide concern about the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of such systems. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research conducted on the development of sustainable saltwater-based food production systems through mechanical (e.g., recirculatory aquaculture (RAS) systems) methods and ecosystem-based approaches (e.g., integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)). This review article will examine the potential negative impacts of monocultural saltwater aquaculture operations and review established (RAS) and novel (IMTA; constructed wetlands; saltwater aquaponics) saltwater-based food production systems and discuss their (potential) contribution to the development of sustainable and environmentally-friendly systems.


When developing systems of systems, requirements tend to be redundant especially when running large numbers of projects,
with many requirements per project, and diverse sources of requirements. It is therefore necessary to consolidate requirements by identifying
the ones that are equivalent in order to avoid redundant work. The aim of this paper is to evaluate requirement similarity measurement to
support analysts when linking equivalent requirements. The evaluation is conducted based on the requirements management process of an
Italian company in the defense and aerospace domain. Our empirical investigation combines a controlled experiment with graduate students
and an industrial case study. Results clearly show that one cannot expect any significant advantage in general. The level of support provided
by similarity measures significantly depends on their level of credibility, that is the extent to which similarity measurement reliably indicates
the equivalence of requirements. On average, given the credibility distribution observed in our industrial case study, showing similarity
measurement to analysts is expected to: 1) improve by 20% the number of equivalence links identified per minute and 2) decrease by 40%
the number of incorrect links. Finally, we investigate whether there is an effective way to combine human judgment and similarity
measurement to effectively determine equivalence links. Based on machine learning, our approach yielded positive results both in terms of
the correctness of the links and the speed at which they are established. Moreover, this hybrid solution is effective even when the credibility
of similarity measurement is half the average we observed in our industrial case study. In conclusion, our results confirm and complement
past empirical studies on the practical benefit, in terms of both quality and speed, of adopting requirement similarity measurement for linking
equivalent requirements.


Objective: This study examines characteristics of individuals with bipolar disorder who sought psychotherapy versus those who did not. Methods: Bipolar CHOICE was an 11-site comparative effectiveness study of lithium versus quetiapine in symptomatic outpatients (N = 482) with bipolar disorder. At baseline, participants' psychotherapy use within the past 3 months, mood, functioning, and overall health were assessed. Logistic regressions were used to test whether psychotherapy users and non-users differed on various demographic and clinical variables at baseline. Mixed-effects regression was used to determine whether psychotherapy groups differed on response to treatment over the 6-month study. Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests were employed to test whether there were any differences in time to recovery (CGI-BP ≤ 2 for at least 8 weeks) between the groups. Results: Thirty one percent of participants reported using psychotherapy services. Psychotherapy users reported greater medication side effect burden than non-users and were more likely to have moderate to high suicide risk and at least one anxiety disorder. Participants not utilizing medications or psychotherapy had greater mania symptom severity, were younger, and less educated than medication only users. Medication only users were more likely to be married than the other participants. Conclusions: These data suggest that a minority of individuals with bipolar disorder attend psychotherapy services, and those that do have greater illness burden.


The aims of nursing training include not only mastering skills but also fostering the competence to make decisions for problem solving. In prenatal education, cultivating nurses' knowledge and competence of vaccine administration is a crucial issue for protecting pregnant women and newborns from infection. Therefore, obstetric vaccination knowledge has become a basic and essential training program for nursing students. However, most of these training programs are given via the lecture-based teaching approach with skills practice, providing students with few opportunities to think deeply about the relevant issues owing to the lack of interaction and context. This could have a negative impact on their learning effectiveness and clinical judgment. To address this problem, a mobile chatbot-based learning approach is proposed in this study to enable students to learn and think deeply in the contexts of handling obstetric vaccine cases via interacting with the chatbot. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an experiment was implemented. Two classes of 36 students from a university in northern Taiwan were recruited as participants. One class was the experimental group learning with the proposed approach, while the other class was the control group learning with the conventional approach (ie, giving lectures to explain the instructional content and training cases). The results indicate that applying a mobile chatbot for learning can enhance nursing students' learning achievement and self-efficacy. In addition, based on the analysis of the interview results, students generally believed that learning through the mobile chatbot was able to promote their self-efficacy as well as their learning engagement and performance. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic Issues relevant to AI technology in education have been extensively discussed and explored around the world. Among the various AI systems, the potential of chatbots has been highlighted by researchers owing to the user-friendly interface developed using the natural language processing (NLP) technology. Few studies using AI chatbots in professional training have been conducted. What this paper adds In this study, a mobile chatbot was used in a nursing training program to enhance students' learning achievement and self-efficacy for handling vaccine cases. The mobile chatbot significantly improved the students' learning achievement and self-efficacy in comparison with the conventional learning approach in the vaccine training program. From the interview results, it was found that the students generally believed that the mobile chatbot was able to promote their self-efficacy as well as learning engagement and performances in the vaccine training program. Implications for practice and/or policy Mobile chatbots have great potential for professional training owing to their convenient and user-friendly features. It would be worth applying mobile chatbots as well as other NLP-based applications to other professional training programs in the future. © 2021 British Educational Research Association.


Abstract Autism is a development disorder that is characterized by a significant disturbance of social development. Research strongly suggests that this disorder results from neurological anomalies or deficits. However, both the specific neural systems involved in autism, and the most pertinent behavioral functions of those systems remains unclear. One current topic of debate concerns the degree to which the social disturbance of autism may result from developmental anomalies in neurological systems that subserve cognitive, or affective processes. In this paper a model of the neurological, cognitive, and affective processes involved in the pathogenesis of autism will be described in the context of an attempt to understand dissociations in the early social-skill development of these children. Young children with autism are better able to use social-communication gestures to request objects or events than they are able to use similar gesture simply to initiate joint or socially shared attention relative to an object or event. An integration of recent research suggests that joint attention skill development differs from requesting skill development with regard to affective and cognitive processes that may be associated with frontal and midbrain neurological systems. In particular, this integration of the literature suggests the following: (a) there is a specific neurological subsystem that regulates and promotes what are called social-emotional approach behaviors; (b) the tendency to initiate joint attention bids is prototypical of a social-emotional approach behavior; and (c) attenuation of social-approach behaviors in children with autism leads to a specific impoverishment of social information processing opportunities. This impoverishment has a lifelong negative effect on the social cognitive development of these children.


Males of the Porcupine Caribou Herd separated from females from the onset of spring migration until they joined them on the calving grounds in late June or early July, 4-6 weeks later. From late May to late June males spent an average of 50% of their time feeding and less than 2% standing and trotting/running. Males spent an average of 29% of their time lying and 19% walking, except in mid-June (40% lying, 6% walking). The average lengths of active and resting periods were 112 minutes and 104 minutes, respectively, from late May to mid-June, but decreased sharply in late June to 78 minutes and 69 minutes, respectively. Tussock meadows were selected in late May and early June, wet sedge meadows were avoided until late June, dwarf shrub heaths were avoided after late May, and alluvial willow thickets were avoided in late May and early June but were selected in mid-June and late June. Caribou fed primarily on lichens and Vaccinium in late May, lichens and Eriophorum in early June, Eriophorum in mid-June and Salix in late June.


Terrestrial biota in the Antarctic are more globally distinct and highly structured bio-geographically than previously believed, but information on biogeographic patterns and endemism in freshwater communities is largely lacking. We studied biogeographic patterns of Antarctic freshwater diatoms based on the analysis of species occurrences in a dataset of 439 lakes spread across the Antarctic realm. Highly distinct diatom floras, both in terms of composition and richness, characterize Continental Antarctica, Maritime Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, with marked biogeographic provincialism in each region. A total of 44% of all species is estimated to be endemic to the Antarctic, and most of them are confined to a single biogeographic region. The level of endemism significantly increases with increasing latitude and geographic isolation. Our results have implications for conservation planning, and suggest that successful dispersal of freshwater diatoms to and within the Antarctic is limited, fostering the evolution of highly endemic diatom floras.


abstract Seismic gaps and recurrence periods of large, shallow interplate earthquakes along the Mexican subduction zone are reexamined after combining information from a catalog of nineteenth century9s earthquakes, some relocated epicenters of the early part of this century, source parameters of recent large earthquakes, and redetermined magnitudes of great, shallow earthquakes of this century. Tehuantepec and Michoacan gaps have not experienced a large shock in this century and perhaps none in the past century; they are either aseismic or have anomalously large repeat times. Guerrero, Jalisco, and Ometepec regions presently appear to have a high seismic potential. Observed average repeat times of large earthquakes ( M s ≳ 7.4) in six regions (east, central, and west Oaxaca, San Marcos, Petatlan, and Colima) are between 32 to 56 yr. Data of this century indicate that the strain is released mostly in large events ( M s ≳ 7.4). A simple dislocation model with parameters obtained from the studies of recent earthquakes explains the observed recurrence periods quite well. The b value for this zone is not meaningful, an observation which is of significance for seismic risk estimation. Most of seismic moment (or, equivalently, seismic energy) release since 1800 appears to occur for 15 yr followed by relative quiescence in the next 15 yr.


"This extended post is about Nursing Bags! YEAH!

Okay, it might sound like a humdrum topic… but nursing bags are in fact really important. Their importance is only rising with with increasing care in the home.

What David Swann revealed at the IEHF conference is therefore surprising - current nursing bags have not essentially changed for 100 years."

In one final comment: I am hella jealous. This what I want to do. Really work on the ideation and design of game changing products.

"At least David does prove that if you put humans at the centre of design, with a talented person who actually knows what this means, you get a great outcome. Congratulations David. You now enter the prestigious list of Heroes of HiD."


One of the particularities of the unsaturated zone (UZ) is that it places in physical contact (i) the atmospheric air; (ii) a solution of variable composition (that depends on both depth and interaction time with the solid matrix), either percolating as free water or held in pores by capillarity; and (iii) minerals and organic matter. Geochemically, the coexistence of two types of water (percolating vs. capillary), each having its own spatial and time dynamics of interactions with solids, organics, and air is a basic characteristic of the soil systems. The transport models have very early integrated the physical parameters associated with the unsaturated state of the medium. Meanwhile, most attempts to develop a model coupling chemistry and transport through the UZ have assumed that properties of water and minerals are the same as those in the Saturated Zone (SZ). Recently, different tentative efforts have been done to calculate explicitly the chemical potential of the capillary water and its influence on chemical properties of the capillary water--mineral--soil atmosphere system (e.g., Zilberbrand, 1997, 1999; Mercury and Tardy, 1997a,b, 2001, 2004; Mercury et al., 2003, 2004). The parameter proposed to control the capillary state within the UZ is the relative humidity of the close-contacting air. Mercury et al. (2003, 2004) determined the effect of capillarity on the aqueous speciation and the solubility of both minerals and gases in capillary solutions in general terms. Lassin et al. (2005) incorporated the osmotic aspects related to saline capillary solutions and tested this frame against some laboratory studies.


Modern technologies are increasingly enabling interactions between people who have never met face-to-face. In some cases, such as e-commerce, user-system interactions even replace human interactions. With the introduction of such systems came a widely publicised lack of trust online. In response, many researchers have focused on how to increase users' trust perceptions. Taking a systemic perspective, this thesis posits that long-term acceptance may largely depend on users' ability to make correct trust decisions rather than on high trust in the short term. Further shortcomings of HCI trust research were identified in a critical literature review: current trust research (1) is mostly based on users' self-reports, (2) lacks a coherent conceptual basis, and (3) focuses on cognitive trust, even though it is well established that trust is also based on affective reactions to interpersonal cues. To overcome these limitations, this thesis makes theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions. It (i) introduces an integrated framework for trust in mediated interactions that unifies existing HCI trust research, (ii) explores novel behavioural trust measures, and (iii) reports a series of experiments on users' ability to make correct trust decisions and on the effect of mediated interpersonal cues on trust and usability. The experiments on trust in e-commerce found that users could differentiate trustworthy from less trustworthy vendors, but only after a detailed exploration of a site. Judgements based on an inspection of the home page alone were not better than chance. Facial photos of assistants (which are commonly used by online vendors, but rarely researched) were found to affect users' self-reported trust in a vendor only when just the home page was inspected. No lasting negative effect of photos was found on task performance. For user trust in a human advisor interpersonal cues were researched in the form of video, avatar, audio, and photo representations. It was found that video could interfere with users' preference for trustworthy advice. An increase in risk led to an increase in interference. The avatar did not result in an increase in trust relative to other representations; rather there was some evidence for a marginally negative effect of this representation on trust. All representations that contained visual or para-verbal interpersonal cues (including the avatar) were rated as being more friendly and enjoyable than text-only representations.


Abstract High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) polystyrene foams have been made at LANL for the past decade. It is a robust system that offers flexibility in tailoring density and the incorporation of halogens and metals. As target designs become more complex the demands placed on the foams are more stringent. Parts are machined from 30 mg/cm3 foams to thicknesses of 50 μm. At three percent of full density these foams are to withstand extraction with ethanol to remove the wax utilized as a machining aid and not allow shrinkage or warpage. In order to accomplish this the formulation of the HIPE foam had to be modified. Recently some new processing issues have arisen. At low densities voids have become a problem. To determine a formulation that reduces void content and allows minimum shrinkage, experimental design was utilized. We also developed image analysis techniques that allow us to quantify the amount of voids in the system. These techniques also allow us to evaluate the surface finish of the foam. In order to machine these low density foams to the tolerance required with an optimum surface finish the foams are backfilled with Brij 78, an alcohol soluble wax. After the part is machined, the Brij is leached out. Recent batches of Brij have exhibited high shrinkage, which in turn affects the surface finish of the foam.


This paper presents a new development of a real time monitoring subsystem in a general-purpose real time monitoring and diagnosing system using controller area network (CAN) technology. To validate the designed concept, several vehicle electric utility devices are constructed as CAN nodes and are integrated into the CAN bus. An intelligent transducer to convert utility current and voltage is designed and fabricated with micro-controllers. An automatic node detection mechanism is also developed and added to detect the newly jointed/retrieved nodes and record the running history for further diagnosis when system or device malfunction happens. The system design configuration, implementation and verification are demonstrated with actual test data, and the test results demonstrate that the proposed system accomplishes real time electric power monitoring with diagnosis capability.


Abstract The current article is one of the rare studies to specifically focus on the contextual conditions under which the learning-related actions of transformational supervisors' help retailing supermarkets' store managers to learn and engage in behaviors that produce creative outcomes. We use a qualitative research approach with the data based on in-depth semi structured interviews with 40 retailing supermarkets' store managers in Nigeria, South Africa and the UK. Our findings show that transformational supervision significantly boosts store managers' creativity, facilitated by fostering store managers' learning orientation, creative role identity (CRI) and creative self-efficacy (CSE), in all three contexts. From our findings, we have developed a model that symbolize the role of transformational supervisors in fostering store managers' creativity, which provides a baseline for supermarkets in (re)evaluating the significance of their leadership styles on follower creativity.


Society's views largely impact the Deaf population's ability to thrive. The traditional "disability model" imparts a negative, individualistic view of a medical impairment needing remediation, while the more current "culturo-linguistic model" fosters a positive, collective view of a whole person with a rich language and culture. American Sign Language (ASL), identified by linguists as a true natural language distinct from spoken English, is the heart of American Deaf culture. Society benefits from education and increased cultural understanding between non-Deaf professionals and the Deaf community. This paper provides a rationale and a model for infusing study of ASL and Deaf cultural perspectives following the culturo-linguistic model across all disciplines in higher education Humanities programs. This model prepares students as future professionals and prepares current working professionals to embrace Deaf perspectives, to better communicate with the Deaf community, and to provide a higher quality of service. Key features of a successful American Sign Language program in the humanities include a practical application and approach to teaching ASL and Deaf culture, authority figures as educators, a student-centered environment, direct connections to the local Deaf community, and collaboration across disciplines.


short notes, one on linguistics, from the point of view of semiotic, and one on information theory. This paper is a detailed and sympathetic presentation of the contents of 35212. It follows the order of the book. The last few paragraphs compare Carnap's attitude toward language with Wittgenstein's and offer some critical remarks on conventionalism.


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 2 to 3 million children in the United States. Stimulant medication is one of the most common treatments for ADHD; however, adverse reactions from its use cause many parents to seek complementary or alternative treatments. Many individuals use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because they are attracted to CAM philosophies and health beliefs, dissatisfied with the process or results of their conventional care, or concerned about adverse effects of stimulants. The success of CAM in treating children with ADHD varies, and parents typically use a trial-and-error method when evaluating CAM. Alternative treatments often include neurofeedback, homeopathy, herbal medicines, iron supplements, and dietary modifications or supplements. Although anecdotal and empirical evidence is surfacing to support the efficacy of these alternatives, further research is needed before they can be regarded as effective, reliable treatments for ADHD. Therefore, the use of more conventional treatments should be considered if alternative interventions prove unsuccessful.


1. The metabolism of radioactive cholecalciferol was studied in control and phenobarbitone-treated rats and pigs. 2. Treatment with phenobarbitone enhanced the appearance in plasma of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (peak IV on silicic acid chromatography), and of more-polar metabolites (peak V), but not of the most-polar metabolites (peak VI). Peak IV had the chromatographic properties of authentic 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) and had biological activity. 3. There was no effect on the appearance of peaks V and VI in plasma after an injection of radioactive 25-HCC. 4. Treatment with phenobarbitone enhanced the excretion of metabolites of radioactive vitamin D 3 in bile. These metabolites were largely water-soluble conjugates of peaks IV, V and VI, which included glucuronides. Peak IV in bile was not identical with 25-HCC. 5. Prolonged treatment with phenobarbitone depleted the tissue radioactivity of rats given radioactive vitamin D 3 .


The use of a small circular hole in elastostatic photoelasticity to determine the stress tensor for any two-dimensional general loading situation is well known. The original application required fringe-order information at four points on the boundary, on opposite sides, along the axes of symmetry or principal stress directions. Later, to obtain greater precision, it was adapted so that fringe information inside the field could be used. This led to the also limited use of fringe-order information from four points at 1.4 and two times the radius of the hole, along the principal axes of symmetry. More recent work has even allowed the use of fringe-order information, at a fixed radius, anywhere along the two principal axes of symmetry. The greatest limitation of all of these approaches is that the majority of the fringe-order information that is available, away. from the axes of symmetry, is not utilized at all. The current work presents a least-squares approach to the hole method that allows the simultaneous use of information anywhere and at any radial distance from the center of the hole inside the stress field. The objectives of this paper are: to apply the use of the least-squares approach to the hole method in photoelasticity; and, to show the consistent and practical application of this least-squares approach to the hole method. The achievement of this last objective permits the use of the values of specimen birefringence at a large number of points, taken from anywhere in the field around the hole.


The p53 protein is an important tumour suppressor that is inactivated in many human cancers. Understanding how p53 is regulated and the downstream consequences of p53 function is helping us to devise novel therapies based on the reactivation of p53. Such approaches may be useful in the treatment of cancer, but a growing understanding of a role for p53 in other conditions suggests that modulation of p53 may have broader applications.


Twenty patients with hemophilia (HP) were diagnosed with HIV-1, one to two years after exposure to domestic clotting factor IX (DCF), in 1989–90. Previous analysis of pol and vif genes confirmed that HIV-1 transmission to 20 HPs occurred through infusion of DCF. In this study, we determined full-length env gene sequences (about 2,550 bp) in 21 HPs, three plasma donors whose plasma were used in DCF production, and 45 local controls. The env gene from frozen stored sera obtained 1–3 years after diagnosis as well as from samples collected years after infection, was amplified by RT-PCR, and subjected to direct sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences were subtype B, with 109 sequences from 64 patients (20 HPs, 3 serum donors, 41 local controls, LCs) belonging to the Korean subclade (KSB) and 13 sequences from 5 patients (1 HP infected outside Korea, 4 LCs) not in the KSB. Sequences of the env gene from donors O and P plus the 20 HPs comprised two subclusters within KSB. In addition, signature pattern analysis revealed signature nucleotides at 45 positions between the HPs and LCs (P< 0.05). Surprisingly, specific signature nucleotides positions were conserved 100% in clusters O and P only (at 4 and 1 positions, respectively) with none in LCs. Within both clusters, sequence identity was high. These results are consistent with our previous conclusion that these 20 HPs were infected with viruses in the DCF used for treatment. In addition, we found that there are 25 signature pattern residues in amino acids in env gene of KSB distinct from subtype B.


Objective: To assess the value of exercise ECG test in evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease and jeopardy of myocardium . Methods: A prospective study of 75 consecutive patients were all had history of angina, and they underwent both treadmill test (TMT) and coronary angiography in Mosul Center for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in the priod from April 2013 to August 2014 .Those with significant angiographic coronary artery stenosis (61 patients) were divided into four groups according to the size of myocardium supplied by and the resulting jeopardized myocardium. This division depends on identity of involved vessel, number of vessels and the site of the lesion on the involved vessel. Also, the result of TMT with ST depression was classed into class A (ST segment depression involving ≥ 5 leads) and class B (ST depression involving < 5 leads). Correlation between the angiographic groups and the results of TMT regarding the number of leads showing ST changes was done. Results: The study involved 53 (70.5%) male and 22 (29.5%) female patients. The sensitivity and specificity of TMT were 77% and 71.5%, respectively. There were significant difference between class A and class B in patients with group I angiographic changes (which is the most severe angiographic coronary artery lesions and the largest jeopardized myocardium) and in patients w ith group IV (which is the least severe of coronary lesions with the smallest jeopardized myocardium). These differences became more significant after excluding patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and/or patients who develop severe typical angina (STA) at low workload which preclude continuation of test before appearance of the ECG changes of ischemia. Also w hen comparing group I, II or III separately or collectively with group IV we noticed significant differences regarding both class A or class B, especially after excluding patients with MI and/or patients with STA at low workload. Conclusion: Our data suggest that exercise ECG test can b e useful in determining the severityof coronary artery disease and size of jeopardized myocardium rather than the location of lesion or number of vessels involved.


Cubosomes and hexosomes are emerging platforms for drug and nutraceutical delivery applications. In addition to common high- and low-energy batch emulsification methods for the preparation of these nano-self-assemblies, it is important to introduce suitable microfluidic devices with a precision control of the flow parameters for their continuous production. Microfluidics has several advantages including cost effectiveness, short-production time, and control of the nanoparticle size and size distribution. In the present study, a hydrodynamic flow focusing polyimide microfluidic device was employed for the continuous production of hexosomes based on docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride (MAG-DHA), in the presence of the stabilizer Pluronic F127. The size, structural, morphological and size characterizations of the continuously produced MAG-DHA nanodispersions were investigated through an integrated approach involving synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. We report on a simple process for the microfluidic synthesis of hexosomes with sizes ranging from 108 to 138 nm and relatively narrow size distributions as the polydispersity indices were in the range of 0.14-0.22. At the applied total volumetric flow rates (TFRs) ranging of 50-150 μL min-1 and flow rate ratios (FRRs) of 10-30, it was evident from SAXS findings that ethanol has only a slight effect on the lattice parameter of the internal inverse hexagonal (H2) phase of the produced hexosomes. In addition to hexosomes, cryo-TEM observations indicated the coexistence of vesicular structures and smaller nano-objects. The formation of these nano-objects that are most likely normal micelles was also confirmed by SAXS, particularly on increasing FRR from 10 to 20 or 30 at TFR of 150 μL min-1. Taking into account the reported positive health effects of MAG-DHA, which is a long-chain omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) monoglyceride, in various disorders including cancer, the produced hexosomes are attractive for the delivery of ω-3 PUFAs, drugs, nutraceuticals, and their combinations.


Strongly correlated systems are often associated with an underlying quantum critical point which governs their behavior in the finite temperature phase diagram. Their thermodynamical and transport properties arise from critical fluctuations and follow universal scaling laws. Here, we develop a microscopic theory of thermal transport in the quantum critical regime expressed in terms of a thermal sum rule and an effective scattering time. We explicitly compute the characteristic scaling functions in a quantum critical model system, the unitary Fermi gas. Moreover, we derive an exact thermal sum rule for heat and energy currents and evaluate it numerically using the nonperturbative Luttinger-Ward approach. For the thermal scattering times we find a simple quantum critical scaling form. Together, the sum rule and the scattering time determine the heat conductivity, thermal diffusivity, Prandtl number and sound diffusivity from high temperatures down into the quantum critical regime. The results provide a quantitative description of recent sound attenuation measurements in ultracold Fermi gases.


In recent years, interest has been growing in the 2-Stroke Diesel cycle, coupled to high speed engines. One of the most promising applications is on light aircraft piston engines, typically designed to provide a top brake power of 100-200 HP with a relatively low weight. The main advantage yielded by the 2-Stroke cycle is the possibility to achieve high power density at low crankshaft speed, allowing the propeller to be directly coupled to the engine, without a reduction drive. Furthermore, Diesel combustion is a good match for supercharging and it is expected to provide a superior fuel efficiency, in comparison to S.I. engines. However, the coupling of 2-Stroke cycle and Diesel combustion on small bore, high speed engines is quite complex, requiring a suitable support from CFD simulation. In this paper, a customized version of the KIVA-3v code (a CFD program for multidimensional analyses) has been used to address ports and combustion chamber design of a new project (a 3-cylinder 1.8L engine, with a power rating up to 150 HP). Multidimensional calculations have been supported by 1D engine cycle analyses, using GT-Power. Two types of combustion-scavenging system have been considered, both of them featuring direct injection: a configuration with exhaust poppet valves and another one with piston controlled ports. A development of both projects has been performed through a coupled 1d-3d computational approach. A first set of KIVA calculations has been performed, in order to characterize the scavenging and the port flow patterns of both configurations, considering three different operating conditions, representative an aircraft engine. Then, several combustion simulations have been run, for defining two chambers able to match the project goals (high fuel efficiency, limited in-cylinder peak-pressure). For the two best configurations, the most interesting calculation results are presented in the paper.


We discuss fundamental differences in electronic structure as reflected in one- and two-photon absorption spectra of semiconductor quantum dots and organic molecules by performing systematic experimental and theoretical studies of the size-dependent spectra of colloidal quantum dots. Quantum-chemical and effective-mass calculations are used to model the one- and two-photon absorption spectra and compare them with the experimental results. Currently, quantum-chemical calculations are limited to only small-sized quantum dots (nanoclusters) but allow one to study various environmental effects on the optical spectra such as solvation and various surface functionalizations. The effective-mass calculations, on the other hand, are applicable to the larger-sized quantum dots and can, in general, explain the observed trends but are insensitive to solvent and ligand effects. Careful comparison of the experimental and theoretical results allows for quantifying the range of applicability of theoretical methods used in this work. Our study shows that the small clusters can be in principle described in a manner similar to that used for organic molecules. In addition, there are several important factors (quality of passivation, nature of the ligands, and intraband/interband transitions) affecting optical properties of the nanoclusters. The larger-size quantum dots, on the other hand, behave similarly to bulk semiconductors, and can be well described in terms of the effective-mass models.


A speaker adaptation algorithm using formant frequencies is proposed. The formants extracted from the cepstral means in the reference codebook are iteratively shifted toward the formants of a test speaker. The number of cepstral means selected at each iteration decreases as the iteration increases. The decision of the number of selected cepstral means and a formant based distance measure are formulated. The proposed algorithm was implemented in two schemes and evaluated by speaker-independent, male speaker dependent, and female speaker-dependent recognition experiments. A combined scheme with the Bayesian adaptation obtained 9.7% enhancement for the average recognition accuracy in speaker-independent experiments and 52.6% in speaker-dependent recognition experiments.


Stock market predictions are one of the challenging tasks for financial investors across the globe. This challenge is due to the uncertainty and volatility of the stock prices in the market. Due to technology and globalization of business and financial markets it is important to predict the stock prices more quickly and accurately. Last few years there has been much improvement in the field of Neural Network (NN) applications in business and financial markets. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods are mostly implemented and play a vital role in decision making for stock market predictions. Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) architecture with back propagation algorithm has the ability to predict with greater accuracy than other neural network algorithms. In this research, neural works predict tools are used to predict the future stock prices and their performance statistics will be evaluated. This would help the investor to analyze better in business decisions such as buy or sell a


The performance of weaner lambs fed for 90 days Rhodes grass hay alone (A) or supplemented with silages containing 0, 20 or 40% (B, C, D) caged layer waste (CLW) was examined. Weaver sheep on the diet of hay supplemented with 40% CLW silage had higher total DMI (P<0.01) and average daily gain (ADG) than sheep on the other treatments. Mean DMI/kg W 0.75 and ADG were 59.4, 58.7, 60.0 and 65.0 g/day and 15.0, 20.5, 17.6 and 33.2 g/day for treatments A, B, C and D, respectively. Carcass composition did not (P>0.05) differ between treatments except that kidney fat was lower (P<0.05) for sheep on the B silage diet. Dressing percentage, % lean, % fat were: 30.4, 31.4, 32.1 and 33.5, 58.0, 59.0, 58.9 and 58:5, 8.3, 7.2, 8.2 and 8.9% for treatments A, B, C and D, respectively. The study showed that CLW was a suitable protein supplement for sheep when processed by ensilage for 42 days at a level of 40% inclusion with wheat straw.


This study provides an analysis of the successful diversification process from the perspective of "weak ties." Weak ties bring about new knowledge that does not overlap existing knowledge and are therefore useful to firms entering new markets. This study analyzes the diversification process using the example of Tokai Buhin Kogyo Co. Ltd., which successfully diversified from automobile components to medical equipment. The company's president initiated the formation of weak ties, which the company then developed into strong ties so that it could acquire the knowledge and competence needed for entering the medical equipment business. As a result, the company was able to successively overcome three types of critical obstacles—technological, regulatory, and market—to diversifying into the medical equipment business.


Background Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Allogeneic but not autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improve endothelial function in DCM patients. We hypothesized that these effects are modulated by release of stromal derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). Methods Plasma TNFα and endothelial progenitor cell-colony forming units (EPC-CFUs) were assessed at baseline and 3-months post-injection in a subset of POSEIDON-DCM patients that received autologous (n = 11) or allogeneic (n = 10) MSCs. SDF-1α secretion by MSCs, endothelial cell (EC) TNFα mRNA expression, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to SDF-1α were measured in vitro. Results As previously shown, DCM patients (n = 21) had reduced EPC-CFUs at baseline (3 ± 3), which were restored to normal by allogeneic MSCs 3-months post-treatment (Δ10 ± 4). DCM patients had elevated baseline plasma TNFα (n = 15, 22 ± 9.4 pg/mL). Allogeneic MSCs (n = 8) decreased, and autologous MSCs (n = 7) increased, plasma TNFα (−7.1 ± 3.1 vs. 22.2 ± 17.1 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.0005). In culture, autologous MSCs (n = 11) secreted higher levels of SDF-1α than allogeneic MSCs (n = 6) [76.0 (63.7, 100.9) vs. 22.8 (7.2, 43.5) pg/mL, P = 0.0002]. SDF-1α and plasma TNFα negatively correlated with EPC-CFUs in both treatment groups (R = −0.7, P = 0.0004). ECs treated with 20 ng SDF-1α expressed lower levels of TNFα mRNA than cells treated with 100 ng (0.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.0008). SDF-1α at low but not high concentration inhibited the generation of ROS. Conclusion MSC secretion of SDF-1α inversely correlates with EPC-CFU production in DCM patients and therefore may be a modulator of MSC therapeutic effect in this clinical setting. Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01392625, identifier NCT01392625.


Economic analyses based on cost alone are not sufficient for determining whether to include design for testability in complex or high-volume products. Cost avoidance and benefit terms should also be considered. The article proposes cost model components (as opposed to a complete cost model) that quantify cost avoidance and benefits terms for straightforward applications of scan design. For a large volume, complex IC such as the Texas Instruments TMS320C80, also known as the MVP, these components show how testability features have resulted in large revenue returns, both recurring and nonrecurring. Furthermore, there are other benefit and cost avoidance components that could be added beyond those discussed here. So the actual revenue increase may be larger than this analysis suggests. Note that all calculations and model parameter values given throughout the article are examples only and are not related to actual calculations witnessed in manufacturing.


This study examines the leadership practices of practitioners involved in implementing the UK Government's extended schools programme. It specifically explores how leaders deal with a variety of situations and tasks while working within an inter-organizational collaborative context involving schools, community and partner organizations. The study's conceptual framework is based on theories about social capital (Coleman, 1988; Putnam, 2000) and on the theory of collaborative advantage (Huxham & Vangen, 2005). A multiperspective qualitative case study design was adopted, utilising semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis, and observation to collect data during a ten-month period in one local authority in a city in England. The interview data were collected from 20 participants from schools, the local authority, and different partner organizations working with selected schools. These data were cross-referenced with observations of leadership practice and a range of available documentation. This study highlights the challenging task for practitioners of synthesising multiple government initiatives into a coherent strategy of partnership working. Findings indicate the value of the extended schooling programme as an opportunity for improving the life chances of children and their families, and illuminate the functioning of schools as `appropriable social organizations' (Coleman, 1990) which can not only assist educational purposes but build social capital more generally. This study shows that building and using aspects of social capital - such as networks, trust, shared values and norms - is essential if leadership practice is to promote effective inter-agency collaboration. However, the study argues that there is a danger of exaggerating the capacity of collaborative leadership, since the problems faced by people in deprived communities are not easily resolved by short-term inter-agency partnership working. Nevertheless, its potential contribution should not be underestimated, and this thesis provides a framework for understanding and promoting collaborative leadership in inter-organizational contexts.


A new conjugated polymer utilizing diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c′]dithiophene-4,8-dione (BDD) units as the backbone framework was designed, synthesized, and applied in polymer solar cells. A high efficiency of 9.18% was obtained using phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as acceptor, which was among the best results obtained for DPP-based photovoltaic polymers. Absorption spectra indicated that the new polymer exhibits a narrow optical band-gap and strong aggregation behavior in the solution state. It was found that by dissolving the donor and acceptor in different solvents and then mixing them before film casting, better performing solar cell devices and distinct film morphology could be achieved, rather than by dissolution in one solvent. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) profiles showed that PC71BM in solution impaired polymer aggregate formation, because of its favorable interaction with the polymer chain. This study demonstrated the importance of manipulating the aggregation state in bulk heterojunction solar cell fabrication and revealed the influence of polymer-fullerene interplay on the blend film morphology.


The experiment investigated locally ambiguous English sentences containing "complement" verbs such as believe, which can be followed either by a direct object or by a complement clause. These two sentence types were compared with unambiguous sentences in which the complement clause was introduced by the word that. Subjects processed numerous examples of these sentences in a word-by-word self-paced reading task. At the disambiguation point after the ambiguous noun phrase, longer reading times were obtained for reduced complement constructions compared with direct object sentences. Such an effect has been attributed to the operation of the parsing principle Minimal Attachment (Frazier and Rayner, 1982). This principle predicts that subjects assume falsely that the noun phrase after the complement verb in the reduced complement constructions is the direct object, resulting in the need for subsequent structural reanalysis. However, longer times in the disambiguating zone were also found for the unambiguous that complements. Thus, the complexity difference seems not to represent "garden-pathing" as a result of the operation of Minimal Attachment, but may instead reflect the extra complexity caused by having to handle two sets of clausal relations instead of just one.


The Upper Carboniferous Shannon Basin of western Ireland contains a more-than-2300-m-thick (7540 ft) basin-fill succession, shallowing upward from deep-water to deltaic and incised fluvial deposits. The deep-water basin floor and slope succession is world renowned as an analog for hydrocarbon-bearing deep-water sandstones on several continental margins such as the basins in East and West Africa, South America, the Gulf of Mexico, and not least offshore northwest Europe. The Shannon Basin is frequently visited by both academia and industry for research and training purposes. A series of behind-outcrop research boreholes reveals the subsurface expression of the deep-water rocks and is complemented by seismic-scale cliff exposures. The succession is interpreted as a first-order basin-scale linked sedimentary system. This system can be analyzed using the principles of source-to-sink analysis and leaves the visitor with a complete picture of the basin fill, enhanced by spectacular sedimentological and stratigraphic detail.


Objective:
 To identify factors and outcomes associated with timing of ruptured cerebral aneurysm obliteration treatment in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after hospitalization in United States.

 Background:
 Recent studies have shown that early surgical treatment of aneurysm in SAH patients can improve outcomes. These results have not been validated in actual clinical practice to date.

 Material and Methods:
 We analyzed the data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS 2005-2009) for all patients presenting with primary diagnosis of SAH, receiving aneurysm treatment (endovascular coil embolization or surgical clip placement). Early treatment was defined as aneurysm treatment performed within 48 hours of the hemorrhage and delayed treatment was performed after 48 hours. Clinical outcome was defined as minimal or no disability (self-care), moderate to severe disability (extended care facility) based on discharge disposition; and in-hospital death. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of delayed treatment.

 Results:
 Out of the 32,048 patients with SAH who underwent aneurysm treatment, 24,085 (75.2%) underwent early treatment and7,963 (24.8%) underwent delayed treatment. Female gender (p=0.0018), teaching hospital status (p=0.103), endovascular embolization (p<0.0001) and weekday admission (p<0.0001) were independent predictors of early treatment. The mean hospital stay was 17.3 days in early treatment group and 19.7 days in late treatment group (p<0.001). In the early treatment group, patients were more likely to discharge with minimal disability (51.1% vs. 47.1% p=0.004, adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.29) and less likely to be discharged with moderate to severe disability (34.4% vs. 41.8% p<0.0001, adjusted OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.67-0.86) as compared with those in the delayed treatment group. The in-hospital mortality was higher in the early treatment group compared with delayed treatment (14% vs. 11%, p=0.001, adjusted OR 1.4 95% CI 1.12-1.67).

 Conclusion:
 Patients with SAH who undergo aneurysm treatment within 48 hours of hospital admission are more likely to be discharged with minimal disability. Early treatment is more likely to occur in teaching hospitals, those undergoing endovascular treatment, and in patients admitted on weekdays.


The Bene-Anthony Family Relations Test is designed to assess the child's perception of family relations using projective techniques. This article describes the test and background to its development. The validity of the test is limited by the content of some items and their categorization, though there is evidence that the test can distinguish between populations that differ on other related variables. A survey of professionals who use the test is described. Despite their enthusiasm for it, the majority of respondents had modified the test in some way, and 86% regularly rephrased at least one item from the test. There were several criticisms of the test, including the positive scoring of 'sexualized items'. The respondents were also inconsistent in their administration and scoring of the test. This test is used less frequently in research, possibly because it is not perceived as a sufficiently robust psychometric instrument. However, there is a danger of 'throwing away the baby with the bath water'. Recommendations are made for the development of a test that reliably assesses the child's perception of the emotional content of relations.


Research consistently shows that personality development is a lifelong phenomenon, with mean–level and rank–order changes occurring in all life phases. What happens during specific life phases that can explain these developmental patterns? In the present paper, we review literature linking personality development in different phases of adulthood to developmental tasks associated with these phases. Building on previous work, we describe several categories of developmental tasks that are present in all phases of adulthood. However, the specific tasks within these categories change across adulthood from establishing new social roles in early adulthood to maintaining them in middle adulthood and preventing losses in old age. This trajectory is reflected in mean–level changes in personality, which indicates development towards greater maturity (increases in social dominance, conscientiousness, and emotional stability) in early and middle adulthood, but less so at the end of life. Importantly, developmental tasks are not only associated with mean–level changes, but the way in which people deal with these tasks is also related to rank–order changes in personality. We provide an outlook for future research on how the influence of historical time on the normativeness of developmental tasks might be reflected in personality development. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology


This is a comprehensive guidebook to the quantitative methods needed for Corpus-Based Translation Studies (CBTS). It provides a systematic description of the various statistical tests used in Corpus Linguistics which can be used in translation research. In Part 1, Theoretical Explorations, the interplay between quantitative and qualitative methodologies is explored. Part 2, Essential Corpus Studies, describes how to undertake quantitative studies, with a suitable level of technical and relevant case studies. Part 3, Quantitative Explorations of Literary Translations, looks at translations of classic works by Cao Xueqin, James Joyce and other authors. Finally, Part 4 on Translation Lexis uses a variety of techniques new to translation studies, including multivariate analysis and game theory. This book is aimed at students and researchers of corpus linguistics, translation studies and quantitative linguistics. It will significantly advance current translation studies in terms of methodological innovation and will fill in an important gap in the development of quantitative methods for interdisciplinary translation studies.


Simulation optimization is rapidly becoming a mainstream tool for simulation practitioners, as several simulation packages include add-on optimization tools. We are concentrating on an automated optimization approach that is based on adapting model parameters in order to handle uncertainty that arises from stochastic elements of the process under study. We particularly investigate the use of global search methods in this context, as these methods allow the optimization strategy to escape from sub-optimal (i.e., local) solutions and, in that sense, they improve the efficiency of the simulation optimization process. The paper compares several global search methods and demonstrates the successful application of the Particle Swarm Optimizer to simulation modeling optimization and design of a steelworks plant, a representative example of the stochastic and unpredictable behavior of a complex discrete event simulation model.


Salinity and water deficit are two major issues for agricultural development in Algeria. The Lower Cheliff plain, northwestern Algeria, is, furthermore, characterised by semi-arid Mediterranean climate, and soils with high clay content. Our study area was a 4 ha farm located in Oued Rhiou and another 1 ha farm located in Ouarizane, both upstream in the Lower Cheliff plain, and irrigated with waters of different salinities: 1.8 and 5.5 dS m-1, respectively. The plots were equipped with drip irrigation and subsurface drainage systems. Farmer's irrigation management of artichoke and melon were observed during the respective cropping seasons from September 2010 till June 2011, and from April till July 2011. The total irrigation amounts were, respectively, 364 mm and 240 mm, while the precipitations were 367 mm and 67 mm. The soil properties were determined in the entire rooting depths down to 80 cm for artichoke and 60 cm for melon. In addition to these, irrigation water composition, and crop development parameters were used to simulate soil salinity using the SALTIRSOIL_M model. Simulations and observations of soil pH, main ion concentrations and ECe showed reasonable agreements for June 2011. Next, the irrigation schedules that would have met the water needs of both crops, while simultaneously keeping soil salinity below harmful levels were estimated using the model. For the artichoke plot, a lower irrigation rate (290 mm yr-1) could have kept water deficit and soil salinity below their respective harmful thresholds. For the melon plot, on the contrary, a higher irrigation rate (480 mm yr-1) is able to neutralise the water deficit, though not completely the salinity stress would have been adequate. Farmers' irrigation practices in the context of the climate, water quality and soil properties of the Lower Cheliff plain can be analysed and improved with the aid of soil salinity modelling.


Abstract. Determining appropriate spatial resolution of digital elevation model (DEM) is a key step for effective landslide analysis based on remote sensing data. Several studies demonstrated that choosing the finest DEM resolution is not always the best solution. Various DEM resolutions can be applicable for diverse landslide applications. Thus, this study aims to assess the influence of special resolution on automatic landslide mapping. Pixel-based approach using parametric and non-parametric classification methods, namely feed forward neural network (FFNN) and maximum likelihood classification (ML), were applied in this study. Additionally, this allowed to determine the impact of used classification method for selection of DEM resolution. Landslide affected areas were mapped based on four DEMs generated at 1 m, 2 m, 5 m and 10 m spatial resolution from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. The performance of the landslide mapping was then evaluated by applying landslide inventory map and computation of confusion matrix. The results of this study suggests that the finest scale of DEM is not always the best fit, however working at 1 m DEM resolution on micro-topography scale, can show different results. The best performance was found at 5 m DEM-resolution for FFNN and 1 m DEM resolution for results. The best performance was found to be using 5 m DEM-resolution for FFNN and 1 m DEM resolution for ML classification.