The aim of this thesis was to improve understanding of the role of organic inputs and soil organic matter (SOM) for crop production in contemporary arable farming in Europe. For this purpose, long-term experiments were analysed on the additional yield effect of organic inputs and savings in mineral fertiliser. In addition, a farm survey was conducted to find drivers and barriers for the use of organic inputs and to assess if arable farmers in Europe perceive a deficiency of SOM. The findings in this thesis suggest that at least on the shorter term, on average, there seems to be no immediate threat from a deficiency of SOM to crop production in arable farming in Europe. The long-term experiments showed that with sufficient use of only mineral fertilisers, on average, similar yields could be attained over multiple years as with the combined use of organic inputs and mineral fertiliser. This was reflected in the farm survey, in which a large majority of farmers indicated not to perceive a deficiency of SOM. Analysis of long-term experiments also showed that more mineral fertiliser N was saved when using farmyard manure at high N rates (with mineral fertiliser application) than at low N rates (without mineral fertiliser application), based on comparisons at equal yield. Specific crops and environments did benefit from organic inputs and more SOM in terms of crop production. Long-term experiments showed that organic inputs give benefit to crop production in wet climates and on sandy soils. In addition, farmers perceived a higher deficiency of SOM on steep slopes, sandy soils, wet and very dry climates. The additional yield effect of organic inputs was significant for potatoes. More in general, farmers who cultivated larger shares of their land with specialized crops (including potatoes, sugar beets, onions and other vegetables) than cereals perceived a higher deficiency of SOM. It seems that while the functions of SOM can be replaced with technical means to a large extent (e.g. tillage, use of mineral fertilisers), there are limits to this technical potential when environmental conditions are more extreme and crops are more demanding. The farm survey revealed that farmers perceive a trade-off between improved soil quality on the one hand and increased pressures from weeds, pests and diseases and financial consequences on the other hand when using organic inputs. If policies aim to stimulate the maintenance or increase of SOM, more insight is needed into the conditions that regulate the pressures of weeds, pests and diseases in response to organic inputs. Financial consequences (at least on the short term) should also be accounted for. More importantly however, benefits from SOM for crop production cannot be taken for granted. Only in specific situations such benefits will exist. If European policies on SOM aim to include benefits for crop production, focus should be on areas with more extreme environmental conditions (very dry or wet climates, steep slopes, sandy soils), or cropping systems with more specialized or horticultural crops rather than cereals.


What good is self-control? We incorporated a new measure of individual differences in self-control into two large investigations of a broad spectrum of behaviors. The new scale showed good internal consistency and retest reliability. Higher scores on self-control correlated with a higher grade point average, better adjustment (fewer reports of psychopathology, higher self-esteem), less binge eating and alcohol abuse, better relationships and interpersonal skills, secure attachment, and more optimal emotional responses. Tests for curvilinearity failed to indicate any drawbacks of so-called overcontrol, and the positive effects remained after controlling for social desirability. Low self-control is thus a significant risk factor for a broad range of personal and interpersonal problems.


To explore further the descriptive epidemiology of sarcomas of the uterus, we examined the distribution of marital status among 1479 white women diagnosed as having one of these tumors between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 1986, in 7 geographically defined areas of the United States. We estimated incidence rates based on the distribution of marital status of the female population of these seven areas as of 1980; adjustment for the prevalence of intact uteri in the estimated populationat-risk was performed using data from a survey of a representative sample of the United States population in 1982-1984. The incidence of uterine sarcoma was higher among never-married compared to ever-married women (rate ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence intervals, 1.3, 1.8). The associa tion with marital status was similar for each of the three major histolÃ3g ica! categories (leiomyosarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, and endometrial stromal sarcomas). These results provide evidence that one or more characteristics associated with a woman's marital status may play a role in the etiology of one or more histolÃ3gica!types of uterine sarcoma.


Since the advent of computers and internet in everyday life, we are more than ever surrounded by systems that exhibit intelligent behavior. However, intelligent behavior doesn't necessarily imply creativity: computers are often programmed to achieve specific results. When the results are not explicitly specified, the space of possible outcomes is implicitly present in the program's design.
Can artificial systems be capable of creating new possibilities - in other words, can they be creative? In the eight chapters of this thesis, presented in three separate parts, this question is explored.
The first part features an artificial society of creative agents that occasionally invent new ideas, but will often also imitate other agents in their surroundings. Using computer simulation, the ideal conditions for the development of good ideas are investigated, as well as how the diversity of ideas can be improved, and how creative leadership may affect an organization.
The central part of this thesis deals with the question of whether artificial systems can transcend their own constraints. After a theoretical analysis of the systemic requirements for creativity, following a chapter on simulating language understanding using neural networks, the final chapter of this part presents a bio- chemical model for the emergence of a system that creates and eliminates its own constraints – a necessary and sufficient condition for transformational creativity.
In the third and final part, two applications that support creative processes are presented: a computer program for automatic classification of arrowheads basis on cultural inheritance, and a dual model for generating video game content.
This thesis displays a wide variety of topics, ranging from innovation and imitation, to language understanding in chimpanzees, to the relevance of constraints to creativity, to the origins of life, to archeology and computer games; each chapter representing a variation on the central theme of artificial creativity.


Purpose
The pulsed-laser powder bed fusion (PBF) process is an additive manufacturing technology that uses a laser with pulsed beam to melt metal powder. In this case, stainless steel SS316L alloy is used to produce complex components. To produce components with acceptable mechanical performance requires a comprehensive understanding of process parameters and their interactions. This study aims to understand the influence of process parameters on reducing porosity and increasing part density.

Design/methodology/approach
The response surface method (RSM) is used to investigate the impact of changing critical parameters on the density of parts manufactured. Parameters considered include: point distance, exposure time, hatching distance and layer thickness. Part density was used to identify the most statistically significant parameters, before each parameter was analysed individually.

Findings
A clear correlation between the number and shape of pores and the process parameters was identified. Point distance, exposure time and layer thickness were found to significantly affect part density. The interaction between these parameters also critically affected the development of porosity. Finally, a regression model was developed and verified experimentally and used to accurately predict part density.

Research limitations/implications
The study considered a range of selected parameters relevant to the SS316L alloy. These parameters need to be modified for other alloys according to their physical properties.

Originality/value
This study is believed to be the first systematic attempt to use RSM for the design of experiments (DOE) to investigate the effect of process parameters of the pulsed-laser PBF process on the density of the SS316L alloy components.


SUMMARY Tillage and use of organic manure are important agronomic practices that sustain high crop and soil productivity. Hence, a three-year (2007 to 2009) study was conducted to evaluate the effect of site, tillage and poultry manure (PM) treatments on soil and plant nutrients composition, growth and yield of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). The study was a 2 × 5 × 5 factorial experiment with two sites (Owo – site 1 and Obasooto – site 2), five tillage methods; manual clearing (MC), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing plus harrowing (P+H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P+2H) and five levels of PM (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 t ha−1). Treatments were replicated thrice. Soil OM, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and leaf nutrients reduced with increase in tillage intensity, thus MC conserved soil nutrients the most, and increased nutrient uptake. Soil and plant nutrient concentration was lowest under the P+2H treatment. The MC, MR and MM treatments led to faster growth and higher tuber yield. As PM increased from 0 to 10.0 t ha−1 soil pH, OM, soil and plant N, P, K, Ca and Mg increased. The 7.5 t ha−1 PM gave the highest leaf K, Ca and Mg values. Owo site had significantly higher yield and growth parameters of cocoyam compared with Obasooto site. Yield and growth parameters of cocoyam increased with increase in PM level up to 7.5 t ha−1. Out of all tillage cum manure treatments, MC+7.5 t ha−1 PM gave the highest values of yield and growth parameters.


In Zora Neale Hurston's Moses, Man of the Mountain (1939), Pharaoh establishes his new rule of law by penetrating the Hebrew womb with his "rod of state," which is intent upon genocide: Pharaoh had entered the bedrooms of Israel. The birthing beds of the Hebrews were matters of state. The Hebrew womb had fallen under the heel of Pharaoh. A ruler great in his newness and new in his greatness had arisen in Egypt and he had said, "This is law. Hebrew boys shall not be born. All offenders against this law shall suffer death by drowning." (1; italics added) So ends the first paragraph of Zora Neale Hurston's Moses, Man of the Mountain, establishing the novel as a meditation on the nature of the authoritarian state and of absolute political power. "Hardly less than Machiavelli in The Prince," Blyden Jackson observed in his 1984 Introduction to Moses, "she discusses power--the kind of power, political in its nature, which is the prime object of concern for the Florentine in his famous treatise on statesmanship" (152). Yet is it Machiavellian political power Hurston discusses, or, in 1939, Hitlerian? This essay shows that Hurston's Machiavellian turn serves to orient her analysis of absolute political power not toward Florence, but Berlin (Gilroy 234-35). Moses' Pharaoh presents Hurston's examination of the ideological content invested in the creation of the fascist state along the lines of the Fuhrerprinzip (Fuhrer principle, or principle of the male, charismatic, authoritarian guide or leader) at work in National Socialist Germany, and the role that ultranationalism plays as a religious faith in supporting fascist political power. Through not only the figure of Pharaoh, but of Moses himself, Hurston critiques the ideological premises of National Socialism while at the same time conceding the value of generic European fascism for a program of African American uplift via black cultural nationalism. Indeed, the black cultural nationalism that Hurston advocates with her appropriation of the Mosaic myth is achieved according to the dictates of "generic" fascist ideology. By generic fascism and generic fascist ideology, I mean the operative terms of the current scholarly discourse in which characteristics of the various fascisms present before and during WWII are synthesized or discarded in order to create a working theory of fascism in general. (1) Indeed, in however diverse national manifestations it appeared or however contradictory its impulses and ideology within a single, national political milieu, the various European fascisms consistently propounded certain principles and ideological precepts. Historians and theorists of fascism gather these characteristics under the heading of "generic" fascism as a correlate to the study of any one given form of historical fascism, and as a field of study in its own right. In other words, "generic fascism" means no specific manifestation of the phenomenon, such as Italian Fascism, or, if one considers it a form of fascism, Nazism. There has been considerable debate in the field of the study of fascism as to whether Nazism can be considered a form of fascism, owing usually to the virulent racism central to Nazi ideology. I am of the mind that Nazism was a form of fascism; for, as Roger Griffin asserts, "[t]o treat Nazism as a form of fascism is not to deny its uniqueness, but to claim that some of its causal factors and empirical aspects are thrown into relief if it is seen as a permutation of a generic phenomenon called 'fascism'" (Griffin 96). (2) Removing the national specificity and virulent racism of a general notion of fascism informed solely by Nazism, Stanley G. Payne lists six characteristics of generic fascist ideology under the heading "Style and Organization," five of which will be central to this book: Emphasis on esthetic structure of meetings, symbols, and political choreography, stressing romantic and mystical aspects. …


In friction stir welding (FSW), the semi-circular shaped FSW pin tool feed marks that are left behind varied in depth and shape which are detrimental not only in fatigue performance but also in further processing such as superplastic forming (SPF). Experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of changes to the FSW process parameters on the surface roughness of the weld of fine grain 2 mm thick titanium alloy, Ti- 6Al-4V. In addition to optimizing the surface texture of the welds, the superplastic performance of the weld nugget was made to be equal to the superplasticity of the parent metal by altering the spindle speed and feed rate used during FSW to identify the quality in terms of cold weld or hot weld. FSW process conditions of spindle speed of 500 RPM and a feed rate of 150 mm/min was found to produce a uniform deformation in both weld and parent metal when the joint was superplastc formed.


There has long been interest in describing emotional experience in terms of underlying dimensions, but traditionally only two dimensions, pleasantness and arousal, have been reliably found. The reasons for these findings are reviewed, and integrating this review with two recent theories of emotions (Roseman, 1984; Scherer, 1982), we propose eight cognitive appraisal dimensions to differentiate emotional experience. In an investigation of this model, subjects recalled past experiences associated with each of 15 emotions, and rated them along the proposed dimensions. Six orthogonal dimensions, pleasantness, anticipated effort, certainty, attentional activity, self-other responsibility/control, and situational control, were recovered, and the emotions varied systematically along each of these dimensions, indicating a strong relation between the appraisal of one's circumstances and one's emotional state. The patterns of appraisal for the different emotions, and the role of each of the dimensions in differentiating emotional experience are discussed.


Training neural networks with batch normalization and weight decay has become a common practice in recent years. In this work, we show that their combined use may result in a surprising periodic behavior of optimization dynamics: the training process regularly exhibits destabilizations that, however, do not lead to complete divergence but cause a new period of training. We rigorously investigate the mechanism underlying the discovered periodic behavior from both empirical and theoretical points of view and analyze the conditions in which it occurs in practice. We also demonstrate that periodic behavior can be regarded as a generalization of two previously opposing perspectives on training with batch normalization and weight decay, namely the equilibrium presumption and the instability presumption.


Abstract Introduction: The present study aimed at determining the reliability and validity of the Persian translation of Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ; Luyten, Mayes, Nijssens, & Fonagy, 2017). Method: Therefore, the Persian version of the scale prepared by translation and back translation the original questionnaire, and after a pilot study, was completed by 308 parents (233 female and 75 male) who had children under three-years-old in Tehran, accompanied with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28; Goldberg, 1972) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz and Roemer, 2004). Results: Cronbach's alpha for three subscales, "pre-mentalizing mode", "certainty about mental states" and "interest & curiosity in mental states" were 0/90, 0/89 and 0/79 prospectively. Three subscales achieved in construct validity that was equal to the original version. All subscales of DERS had significantly negative correlation with "interest & curiosity in mental states" and most of subscales had significantly positive correlation with "pre-mentalizing mode", "certainty about mental states" which confirms the convergent and divergent validity of PRFQ. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Persian version of this scale has good validity and reliability and can efficiently use in studies with Iranian sample.


For life testing when the life times of items are continuous random variables, it is important to know the total number of individuals in the sample which is drawn from an assumed failure model, the total number of individuals may be unknown for many causes, either due to the omission in the records or perhaps because of physical conditions of the experiment, and then the sample size should be estimated. The Lomax distribution (Pareto distribution of the second kind) has, in recent years, assumed a position of importance in the field of life testing because of its uses to fit business failure data, Lomax(1954). In this paper we consider the Lomax distribution as an important model of lifetime models and will derive the non-Bayesian and Bayesian estimators of sample size in the case of type I censored samples according to Marcus and Blumenthal (1975) approach. Numerical results for these estimators are presented in the last section of this work. An iterative procedure is used to obtain the estimators numerically.


Drawing on recent research from a project which included both textual and audience research, this paper will explore the involvement of women viewers with 'reality' TV as 'circuits of value'. These relationships cannot be adequately described as deconstructions of representations as in a text-reader framework of media theory. Rather, we examine these relationships as an extended social realm, whereby the immanent structure of reality television generates emotional connections to the labouring undertaken by participants on the programmes. 'Reality' television develops different traditions of women's genres from melodrama, magazines to lifestyle television, it drawing attention to those who need transformation. By promoting different forms of women's emotional, appearance and domestic labour, it parallels broader political shifts to an 'affective economy'. Rather than these texts producing wholly divisive moral reactions in viewers, we noticed how our audience participants assessed the forms of labour performed through their different classed resources, made judgements through pursuing connections with their own lives, and ultimately tended to value care over condemnation.


Recent developments in the audio- authentication field include basic, preliminary audio analysis and advanced audio- authentication techniques that exploit audio recording conditions and compressed audio features. Multimedia is involved in every aspect of our lives, and many of us rely on various websites for information on events taking place all over the world. We form opinions based on the content of camera footage, phone conversations, and other recordings. Although some sources give us authentic information, others contain forged content. Concerns regarding how to authenticate multimedia data have led to research in forgery detection, but studies in audio are generally still limited compared to those in image and video.


Few topics elicit greater controversy within psychoanalysis today than the role of research in justifying or expanding upon analytic theory. The text collects papers from a London conference, along with additional material, to explore the work of discussants Daniel Stern and Andre Green. Stern, whose work and psychoanalysis and infant observation is world-renowned, and Green, the French psychoanalyst whose trenchant views on the limitations of research are equally well known, each focus on the issue of infant research and its long history within the psychoanalytic movement.Additional discussions by three prominent British psychoanalysts, Anne Alvarez, Irma Brenman Pick, and Rozine Jozef Perelberg, expose a different point of view from that of green and Stern. Also included is a previous debate on this topic between Andre Green and Robert S. Wallerstein, former president of the International Psychoanalytic Association. An illuminating introductory chapter by Riccardo Steiner further describes the main points of the debate with marvelous clarity. This book will be invaluable for all those who wish to involve themselves with contemporary views on this important topic.


The three parameters of the earthquake ground motions(peak amplitude, spectrum and duration) and dynamic elasto-plastic properties of the building structure can be considered in elasto-plastic history analysis method, therefore it is significant for seismic performance assessment, nonlinear development progress and failure mechanic analysis of building structures under different level earthquake. The accuracy and availability for constitutive model of concrete and reinforcement subjected to cyclic loading have an important influence on reliability of the elasto-plastic history analysis of building structure based on material model. However, due to the complexity of concrete material, there is no unified constitutive model can be used to analyze nonlinear mechanical behavior of concrete until now. In this paper, a practical uniaxial hysteretic constitutive model of concrete and reinforcement is proposed, a computer program of material model is developed and the model is inserted into ABAQUS software with the user subroutine, using fiber beam element model and explicit time integration method, a elasto-plastic history analysis for shaking table test model of 12-story reinforced concrete frame is carried out. The comparison between computation analysis and experimental results shows that the model has a higher accuracy, efficiency and better availability, it is suitable for the constitutive model of concrete and reinforcement used in elasto-plastic history analysis of building structure.


Three lowland rice varieties viz. Durga, Gayatri and Sarala were introduced in the submergence prone area of Orissa state and the varieties have spread to 51 percent of the lowland area within three years in the target villages. Durga was adopted much faster than the other two varieties because of its higher submergence tolerance ability. The returns from all the three modern varieties were found to be attractive in comparison to traditional varieties and the additional income generated ha−1 was Rs 4736 from these varieties. The additional employment generation by the cultivation of these modern varieties was found to be 23 man days ha−1. These varieties have added 825 kg of rice ha−1, which has improved the household food security of poor farmers. Due to popularity of the varieties, seed exchange of 1802 kg has taken place among farmers, both within and outside the village.


Adipose tissue metabolism is exquisitely sensitive to caloric intake. With increasing adiposity more triglyceride and cholesterol are stored within increasingly large adipocytes, whereas less triglyceride and cholesterol are stored as the size of the fat cell decreases. A portion of the uptake of cholesterol by adipocytes is mediated by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. The present studies addressed whether LDL receptors are differentially regulated in adipose tissue and the liver during fasting in the rat. Two days of fasting caused a reduction in body weight with an approximately 40% decrease in the epididymal fat depot and fat cell size. No changes in serum cholesterol were noted, but serum triglycerides fell approximately 55% with fasting. LDL receptors detected by immunoblotting decreased progressively with fasting to levels that were 95% below controls in adipocytes isolated from epididymal fat pads by 2-3 days. In contrast, hepatic LDL receptor expression was unaltered by fasting. After 2 days of fasting, the rate of synthesis of LDL receptors in isolated adipose cells was decreased approximately 35%, whereas levels of LDL receptor mRNA were diminished approximately 55%. It is concluded that the expression of LDL receptors in rat adipocytes is markedly downregulated during fasting through transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Furthermore, LDL receptor expression is differentially regulated in adipose tissue and liver during fasting in the rat.


This work presents a framework that monitors particular symptoms such as respiratory conditions (abnormal breathing pattern) experienced by hyperthyreosis, sleep apnea, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) patients. The proposed framework detects and monitors respiratory condition using S-Band sensing technique that leverages the wireless devices such as antenna, card, omni-directional antenna operating in 2 GHz to 4 GHz frequency range, and wireless channel information extraction tool. The rhythmic patterns extracted using S-Band sensing present the periodic and non-periodic waveforms that correspond to normal and abnormal respiratory conditions, respectively. The fine-grained amplitude information obtained using aforementioned devices is used to examine the breathing pattern over a period of time and accurately identifies the particular condition.


Commonly understood as a modern conceptual invention rather than the discovery of a psychic reality, the notion of the unconscious is often criticized by traditional classicists as an anachronistic lens, one that ineluctably subjects ancient experience to modern patterns of thought. The book challenges this ambivalent theoretical disposition toward the psychoanalytic concept by offering an interpretation of the unconscious, explaining why this concept is in fact inseparable from, and crucial for, the study of the ancient text and more generally for the methodology of classical philology. The book thus examines the complicated, often conflicted, relationship between classical studies and psychoanalytic theory. The Ancient Unconscious considers the debate over whether the ancients had an unconscious as an invitation to rethink the relationship between antiquity and modernity. While antiquity does not provide organic provenance for modernity, it is nevertheless the case that despite the cultural and historical distance, the two epochs are firmly connected. The book investigates the meaning of the textual ties created by arbitrary, spontaneous, and unintentional contacts between the past and its future. Understanding the meaning of textuality through contact between times, historical moments that have no priority under the law of chronology, goes hand in hand with the book's interpretation of the unconscious. Associations and connections between the past and its future—including the present—belong to the sphere of the unconscious. This latter is primarily employed here in order to study the inherent, often hidden links that bind modernity to classical antiquity, modern to ancient experiences.


On February 7, 2005 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland authorized the repatriation by Switzerland to Nigeria of funds deposited by the Abacha family in Switzerland. Switzerland is the first country to repatriate to Nigeria funds looted by earlier military administrations. The total amount received by the Federal Government of Nigeria was equivalent to US$500m (NGN 65 billion). The Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) clarified that, partly in anticipation of the repatriation of the recovered (looted) funds from Switzerland and in line with its comprehensive economic reform program (NEEDS), the Government increased its outlays to key sectors in the 2004 budget. A major objective of the budget was to target specific sectors that could move the country towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These sectors include Health, Education, Water, Electricity and Roads and it was commonly understood that repatriated Abacha funds would be spent within these 5 sectors, mostly on new and ongoing investment projects. As a part of repatriation process, the Nigerian and Swiss Governments, and the World Bank, agreed for a study to be carried out to analyze the use of the repatriated funds, particularly in terms of the contribution for these funds to the NEEDS as part of a review of public expenditures to be carried out by Nigeria and the Bank under the Country Partnership Strategy. This report is prepared in line with those earlier agreements. The report objective was to verify that additional budget resources went to the agreed development projects and were effectively utilized for achieving the government's development goals. The report has not sought to substitute for a regular government audit of its budget spending.


: Obesity has been calculated traditionally by body mass index, but measuring waist circumference might be a more accurate way of identifying people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Excess visceral fat predisposes to several diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The total cost to the NHS of obesity in 2001 was pounds sterling 2.5 billion. Waist circumference correlates well with visceral fat content.


In this paper, we consider the distributed consensus problem of the second-order multi-agent system where the agents are connected via distance-dependent networks. For the feasibility of information processing, we introduce dwell times which may be different at different sampling time instants. Each agent can only receive the information and update its control laws at discrete sampling time instants, which in combination with the continuous-time dynamics yields the hybrid closed-loop dynamics. By analyzing the discrete-time system at the sampling instants and the continuous-time system between the sampling instants, we establish the sufficient condition for consensus of the hybrid second-order multi-agents system, without relying on the properties of the dynamics of the neighbor graphs.


An endophytic bacterium, MA-69T, was isolated from the storage liquid in the stems of Populuseuphratica trees at the ancient Ugan River in Xinjiang, PR China. Strain MA-69T was found to be short rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic and motile by means of a monopolar flagellum. According to phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain MA-69T was assigned to the genus Pseudomonas with highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.5 % to Pseudomonas azotifigens JCM 12708T, followed by Pseudomonas matsuisoli JCM 30078T (97.5 %), Pseudomonas balearica DSM 6083T (97.1 %), Azotobacter salinestris ATCC 49674T (96.1 %) and Pseudomonas indica DSM 14015T (95.9 %). Analysis of strain MA-69T based on the three housekeeping genes, rpoB, rpoD and gyrB, further confirmed the isolate to be distinctly delineated from species of the genus Pseudomonas. The DNA G+C content of strain MA-69T was 64.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization with Pseudomonas azotifigens JCM 12708T, Pseudomonas matsuisoli JCM 30078T and Pseudomonas balearica DSM 6083T revealed 62.9, 60.1 and 49.0 % relatedness, respectively. The major fatty acids in strain MA-69T were summed feature 3 (25.7 %), summed feature 8 (24.0 %), C19 : 0cyclo ω8c (19.9 %), C16 : 0 (14.6 %) and C12 : 0 (6.3 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Q-9 was the major quinone in strain MA-69T. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain MA-69T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas tarimensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA-69T (=CCTCC AB 2013065T=KCTC 42447T).


International treaties impose a comprehensive range of obligations on states parties and raise the expectations of citizens. Most states, however, cannot give equal effect to all their international obligations, so a hierarchy or preferential ranking emerges. Inevitably there is an uneven playing field. Although increasingly the United Nations has recognised the particular needs of small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), as well as the rights of Indigenous peoples, the right to development gives rise to tensions which may undermine or threaten certain other fundamental rights. Determining the pace and form of development is rarely within the sole control of those states which wield the least power in the international arena despite their constitutional sovereignty. This note is concerned with the most basic of human needs, access to food and the question of food security, providing an overview of a number of issues which have an actual or potential impact on food security in Pacific island states. While food poverty is not absent in developed economies, in many developing countries, food security either is, or is becoming, a key issue for a number of reasons including: the impact of climate change and the related experience of more extreme weather patterns; dependency on imported food and consequential health and nutrition problems; changing patterns of agriculture to meet development agendas; and the introduction of new intellectual property laws as a result of trade agreements, which have the potential to impact on traditional ways of sharing and exchanging food resources. The island countries of the Pacific region experience these aspects of food security in different ways, but increasingly few are escaping the consequences of one or more of these issues. This note argues for a holistic appreciation of the threats to food security in the region and suggests that answers should be informed by a human rights approach.


We prove that, under certain conditions, the topology of the event horizon of a four-dimensional asymptotically flat black-hole spacetime must be a 2-sphere. No stationarity assumption is made. However, in order for the theorem to apply, the horizon topology must be unchanging for long enough to admit a certain kind of cross section. We expect this condition is generically satisfied if the topology is unchanging for much longer than the light-crossing time of the black hole. More precisely, let M be a four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetime satisfying the averaged null energy condition, and suppose that the domain of outer communication to the future of a cut K of is globally hyperbolic. Suppose further that a Cauchy surface for is a topological 3-manifold with compact boundary in M, and is a compact submanifold of with spherical boundary in (and possibly other boundary components in ). Then we prove that the homology group must be finite. This implies that either consists of a disjoint union of 2-spheres, or is non-orientable and contains a projective plane. Furthermore, , and will be a cross section of the horizon as long as no generator of becomes a generator of . In this case, if is orientable, the horizon cross section must consist of a disjoint union of 2-spheres.


OBJECT The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify risk factors for incidental durotomies in lumbar spine surgery. The authors hypothesized that the incidence of durotomy would be higher in cases involving multiple operations. METHODS The authors prospectively evaluated 523 patients who underwent lumbar and thoracolumbar spine surgery. They compared data on patients in whom a dural tear occurred and those in whom a dural tear did not occur. Data from patients in whom a dural tear occurred were compared with data from patients who did not experience durotomy. The data included basic demographic information, intraoperative data, and clinical information from a medical record review. RESULTS One hundred thirty-one patients underwent discectomy and 392 patients underwent laminectomy. Among the 131 patients who underwent discectomy 6 patients had a dural tear. Among the 392 patients who underwent discectomy 49 patients had dural tear. Patients with incidental durotomy were older (mean 65 ± 13 vs 60 ± 14 years of age; p = 0.044, t-test), and had longer surgery (146 ± 59 vs 110 ± 54 minutes; p = 0.025, t-test), compared with the patients without dural tear. The incidence of dural tear was more common in patients with a history of previous spine surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients who underwent lumbar and thoracolumbar spine surgery for degenerative problems, previous surgery and older age were found to be predisposing factors for dural tear.


In this paper, the behaviour of cavitation erosion, influence of corrosion and corrosion control on slide bearing metals for internal combustion engine were investigated, and this experiment was done by the vibratory cavitation erosion tester. The main results obtained are as follows: 1. With decreasing the space between horn and specimen, the weight loss and its rate increased step by step. But the weight loss and its rate of 0.2mm space decreased conversely more than that of 0.4mm space at early stage. 2. The weight loss and its rate with change of pH were appeared to the order of pH2>pH12>pH7>pH4. And the weight loss and its rate at pH 4 decreased at best. 3. The weight loss and its rate by cavitation erosion for bearing metals were shown to the order of W.M7>W.M1>K.M4. 4. There appeared mainly small pit hole at pH2, and appeared the pit of netting thread type at pH12 by the results of the damaged surfaces at pH2 and pH12 environments that were sensitive to cavitation erosion. 5. With increasing the viscosity of lubricating oil, the weight loss rate by cavitation erosion became dull at the space below 0.5mm. 6. The protective efficiency of cavitation erosion-corrosion is superior inhibitor of chormate(25 ppm) to cathodic protection.


Following binding to receptors in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN), insulin increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and baroreflex control of SNA via a pathway that includes the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Previous studies in males indicate that the sympathoexcitatory response is mediated by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which binds to PVN melanocortin type 3/4 receptors (MC3/4R). The present study was conducted in α-chloralose-anesthetized female rats to test the hypothesis that suppression of inhibitory neuropeptide Y (NPY) inputs to the PVN is also involved. In support of this, blockade of PVN NPY Y1 receptors with BIBO 3304 (NPY1x), ArcN insulin nanoinjections, and PVN NPY1x followed by ArcN insulin each increased lumbar SNA (LSNA) and its baroreflex regulation similarly. Moreover, prior PVN injections of NPY blocked the sympathoexcitatory effects of ArcN insulin. Finally, PVN nanoinjections of the MC3/4R inhibitor SHU9119 prevented both the acute (15 min) and longer, more slowly developing (60 min), increases in LSNA in response to ArcN insulin. In conclusion, in females, ArcN insulin increases LSNA, in part, by suppressing tonic PVN NPY inhibition, which unmasks excitatory α-MSH drive of LSNA. Moreover, the steadily increasing rise in LSNA induced by ArcN insulin is also dependent on PVN MC3/4R.


ABSTRACT Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., but knowledge of leptospiral pathogenesis remains limited. However, the development of mutagenesis systems has allowed the investigation of putative virulence factors and their involvement in leptospirosis. LipL41 is the third most abundant lipoprotein found in the outer membranes of pathogenic leptospires and has been considered a putative virulence factor. LipL41 is encoded on the large chromosome 28 bp upstream of a small open reading frame encoding a hypothetical protein of unknown function. This gene was named lep, for LipL41 expression partner. In this study, lipL41 was found to be cotranscribed with lep. Two transposon mutants were characterized: a lipL41 mutant and a lep mutant. In the lep mutant, LipL41 protein levels were reduced by approximately 90%. Lep was shown through cross-linking and coexpression experiments to bind to LipL41. Lep is proposed to be a molecular chaperone essential for the stable expression of LipL41. The roles of LipL41 and Lep in the pathogenesis of Leptospira interrogans were investigated; surprisingly, neither of these two unique proteins was essential for acute leptospirosis.


The molecular cloning and subsequent engineering of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of the jellyfish Aequoria victoria allowed a novel approach to the investigation of cell signalling. GFP and its mutants can now not only be used to target specific organelles in living cells but also function as a basis for a variety of sensors for biologically important ions and molecular interactions. GFP-based Casensors have been successfully used for studies in mammalian and plant cells. In filamentous fungi, however, they have not yet been reported to work. Since only little is known about calcium signalling in filamentous fungi, this project aimed to improve existing GFP-based Casensors by exchanging the original fluorophores for improved versions and expressing those in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. During this project, the donor and acceptor fluorophores of 3 existing Ca-FRETprobes based on cameleons and troponin C-sensors, have been changed, 2 novel positive FRET controls have been designed and these , as well as donor and acceptor fluorophores alone, have been expressed in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. The probes were assessed using different imaging techniques, such as conventional confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and spectral imaging using a Leica TSC SP5 confocal and IRIS, a novel spectral imaging device designed at Heriot Watt University. Problems were encountered that prevented FRET analysis using CLSM and IRIS. These were due mainly to the difference in expression level of the constructs and the distribution of the emission bandpasses of the IRIS system. Analysis of the spectral data obtained on the Leica confocal system and analysis of the FLIM results, however, revealed significant differences between the donor only and the positive FRET controls. Spectra of the positive FRET controls and the Ca-sensitive probes showed emission peaks of both the donor and the acceptor fluorophores upon excitation of the donor fluorophore alone while analysis of the FLIM results revealed an additional decay component in the positive FRET controls. Both results are very strong indicators that we can detect FRET in living hyphae of Aspergillus niger transformed with the probes designed during this project.


In the article, the authors evaluate the computational thinking skills according to gender of a group of male and female students of industrial engineering and systems engineering from universities located in the Andean region of Peru; the five key skills were evaluated: abstraction, decomposition, generalization, algorithmic design, and evaluation. To strengthen computational thinking, activities related to agriculture, livestock, the environment, safety, and education were proposed, which are of interest to the community where the students live. The research methodology followed is quasi-experimental of the post-test type with intentional non-probabilistic sampling. During the development of the activities, the students used microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators; thus, they also used block-based programming to implement hardware and software prototypes. The results have shown, according to the inferential analysis, that there are no significant differences between male and female students in any of the computational thinking skills. These results were due to the educational strategy applied in the development of STEM activities, which focused on solving real problems in the student community and generated the same enthusiasm in female and male students compared to other activities that only generated motivation in male students.


As HLA matching has been progressively de‐emphasized in the American deceased donor (DD) kidney allocation algorithm, concerns have been raised that poor matching at first transplant may lead to greater sensitization and more difficulty finding an acceptable donor for a second transplant should the first transplant fail. We compared proportion of total observed lifetime with graft function after first transplant, and waiting times for a second transplant between individuals with different levels of HLA mismatch (MM) at first transplant. We studied patients recorded in the United States Renal Data System (1988–2009) who received a first DD transplant at age ≤21 years (n = 8433), and the subgroup who were listed for a second DD transplant following first graft failure (n = 2498). Compared with recipients of 2–3 MM first grafts, 4–6 MM graft recipients spent 12% less of their time and 0–1 MM recipients 15% more time with a functioning graft after the first transplant (both p < 0.0001); 4–6 MM recipients were significantly less likely (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87 [95% confidence interval 0.76, 0.98]; p = 0.03), and 0–1 MM recipients more likely (HR 1.26 [0.99, 1.60]; p = 0.06) to receive a second transplant after listing. The benefits of better HLA matching at first transplant on lifetime with graft function are significant, but relatively small.


In 2019, 254 samples were collected from five aquifer systems to evaluate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) occurrence in groundwater used as a source of drinking water in the eastern United States. The samples were analyzed for 24 PFAS, major ions, nutrients, trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, and tritium. Fourteen of the 24 PFAS were detected in groundwater, with 60 and 20% of public-supply and domestic wells, respectively, containing at least one PFAS detection. Concentrations of tritium, chloride, sulfate, DOC, and manganese + iron; percent urban land use within 500 m of the wells; and VOC and pharmaceutical detection frequencies were significantly higher in samples containing PFAS detections than in samples with no detections. Boosted regression tree models that consider 57 chemical and land-use variables show that tritium concentration, distance to the nearest fire-training area, percentage of urban land use, and DOC and VOC concentrations are the top five predictors of PFAS detections, consistent with the hydrologic position, geochemistry, and land use being important controls on PFAS occurrence in groundwater. Model results indicate that it may be possible to predict PFAS detections in groundwater using existing data sources.


This study analyzed the impact of various fiscal incentives (export promotion schemes) in the East African Community on promoting exports in the region. The schemes in place are; the manufacturing under bond scheme, export processing zones and duty remission facility for Kenya; Duty draw back scheme, excise duty relief, export processing zones and VAT exemption scheme for Tanzania; for Uganda it has duty drawback, manufacturing under bond  and foreign exchange liberalization schemes. These schemes are stated in the East African Community customs union protocol, 2005. Effectively, this study was to investigate the actual impact of these schemes for each country and carry out a comparison on which ones have performed better than which ones (if actually there is any performance). Using an augmented gravity model, results showed that duty drawback scheme was the most significant export promotion scheme in promoting export volumes in EAC partner states. The results showed that duty drawback scheme boosted the volumes of exports in both Uganda and Tanzania. In Kenya duty remission facility and export processing zones were the most effective export promotion schemes in promoting the volumes of exports. Export processing zones though effective for Kenya, the results showed opposite impact for Tanzania. Manufacturing under bond scheme, though being in existent in Kenya and Uganda for a very long time, was not effective in promoting volumes of exports in both countries according to the study results. Also, Value added tax remission and excise duty relief schemes are not effective in promoting the volumes of exports in Uganda and Tanzania respectively.


Background and Aims: This study compared if perianal block using ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine was as good as spinal anesthesia (SA) using bupivacaine (heavy) for closed hemorrhoidectomies. Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted in sixty patients who underwent closed hemorrhoidectomy. Thirty patients of Group A received SA. Thirty patients in Group B received local perianal block. Patients were evaluated for onset of the block, total pain-free period, and time to ambulation. Patient satisfaction in terms of pain during injection and satisfaction with the anesthesia technique was assessed after 2-week telephonically. Data were statistically analyzed using unpaired t-test for the continuous variables and Fischer's exact test for categorical variables. Results: Onset of anesthesia was significantly earlier in Group B, mean (standard deviation [SD]) value being 3.17 (1.28) min as compared to Group A, 6.24 (4.28) min (P = 0.0004). Total pain-free period (mean [SD]) in minute was longer in Group B, 287 (120) min as compared to Group A, 128 (38) min. Time to ambulation was significantly earlier in Group B, 22.83 (29.32) min as compared to Group A 302 (92.41) min. Pain during injection between the two groups was comparable. However, more patients in Group B (60%) were satisfied with the anesthesia technique as compared to Group A (27.5%). Conclusion: Perianal block for hemorrhoidectomy with ropivacaine 0.2% using dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant is an effective and reliable technique which is as effective as SA. It provides prolonged postoperative analgesia and early ambulation.


BACKGROUND
Ultrasonography (US) changes have been noted in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). Here, we report that some patients with late stage AT have a distinctive, previously unreported finding on US that we call the "hypoechoic triangle sign" (HET).

METHODS
On US, the HET sign was characterized as a well-defined area of low echogenicity, about 10 mm in diameter, between the lateral margin of one or both thyroid lobes, the medial wall of the carotid artery, and, posteriorly, the prevertebral muscles. Twenty-six patients with AT who had the HET sign (Group 1) were compared with 71 patients with AT who had normal serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroid hormones levels (Group 2) and with 154 normal controls (Group 3). TSH was tested at least twice, first as part of their regular clinical care and then in follow-up. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and body mass index. Thyroid volume by US, TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroid antibodies, and l-thyroxine treatment were evaluated. Sonographic gray-scale analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of HET region were performed in five of the Group 1 patients.

RESULTS
Thyroid volume was significantly smaller (p < 0.01) in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 (6.9 ± 2.18 vs. 10.4 ± 2.1 and 9.8 ± 2.5 mL, respectively). In Group 1, 61.5% of subjects were taking l-thyroxine for hypothyroidism; none of the Group 2 or 3 patients was taking thyroid hormone. Serum TSH was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in Group 1 versus Groups 2 and 3 (3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.18 ± 1.4 and 1.9 ± 1.1 mIU/L, respectively). None of the Group 2 or 3 patients had the HET sign. Gray-scale US demonstrated an overlap between HET zone and the surrounding muscle tissue.

CONCLUSIONS
The HET sign seems to be specific for overt thyroid failure in patients with AT as it was not noted in patients with AT not having overt thyroid failure. The incidental finding of the HET sign during cervical US examination should prompt obtaining thyroid function tests to rule out hypothyroidism. Our study provides data regarding specificity but not sensitivity of the HET sign for AT and thyroid failure because a consecutive group of AT patients with thyroid failure was not studied. In addition, the specificity of the HET sign for AT needs to be evaluated further by studying a diverse group of thyroid diseases.


Sociotechnical systems are large technical systems comprising many stakeholders (e.g.: Supply chains, Transportation networks, Energy distribution systems etc.). Decision making in such systems is complex, as the stakeholders are inter-dependent and the large size of the systems leads to insufficient Shared Situational Awareness (SSA), which is important for participatory decision making. The aim of this paper is to develop a framework to understand the goals and requirements for designing processes to create SSA in such systems. The framework is based on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and systems thinking perspective. The framework is initially validated by experts and will be further validated with experiments with stakeholders in several workshop settings.


Background Because of concerns regarding increasing microbial resistance to vancomycin, adult treatment guidelines recommend higher trough concentrations based on the type of infectious process. Although these recommendations are not specific to pediatrics, the principles can be extrapolated. Desired higher trough serum concentrations will require escalated dosages of vancomycin in children. Objective: To evaluate current dosing regimens and subsequent trough serum concentrations of vancomycin in children, compare these to reference recommended dosages and guidelines, and predict a dosing equation to achieve desired serum concentrations. Methods: Pharmacokinetic parameters of children in a community teaching hospital who were prescribed vancomycin from January 2005 to May 2010 were evaluated in this retrospective chart review. Vancomycin dosing and subsequent serum concentrations were analyzed. Therapeutic serum concentrations were evaluated and compared to vancomycin prescribing and monitoring guidelines by year. Results: Four hundred thirty-five trough serum concentrations determined in 295 patients were analyzed. The average dosages, when evaluated by year, were 48 mg/kg/day (2005-2008) and 59 mg/kg/day (2009-2010). Using trough concentration recommendations of 5-15 mg/L, vancomycin regimens provided therapeutic trough concentrations 78% of the time from 2005 to 2008. Using 10-20 mg/L as the trough recommendations in 2009-2010, only 49% of serum concentrations reached a therapeutic level. Based on our predictive equation for children aged 1 month-18 years with normal renal function, a vancomycin dosage of 70 mg/kg/day is required to provide trough serum concentrations of 10 mg/L; a dosage of 85 mg/kg/day is required to provide trough serum concentrations of 15 mg/L. Conclusions: Our institution was primarily using vancomycin dosing regimens that were recommended in pediatric references (40-60 mg/kg/day), which resulted in subtherapeutic serum concentrations in our population based on new monitoring recommendations. Considering that the currently desired therapeutic trough concentrations of vancomycin are 10-20 mg/L, the total daily dosage should be increased.


The size of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) has been used in drawing both phylogenetic and ecological inferences regarding fossil taxa. Within the order Primates, frugivores have relatively larger IOFs than folivores or insectivores. This study uses relative IOF size in lemurs to test prior trophic inferences for subfossil lemurs and to explore the pattern of variation within and across lemur families. The IOFs of individuals belonging to 12 extinct lemur species were measured and compared to those of extant Malagasy strepsirhines. Observations matched expectations drawn from more traditional approaches (e.g. dental morphology and microwear, stable isotope analysis) remarkably well. We confirm that extinct lemurs belonging to the families Megaladapidae and Palaeopropithecidae were predominantly folivorous and that species belonging to the genus Pachylemur (Lemuridae) were frugivores. Very high values for relative IOF area in Archaeolemur support frugivory but are also consistent with omnivory, as certain omnivores use facial touch cues while feeding. These results provide additional evidence that the IOF can be used as an informative osteological feature in both phylogenetic and paleoecological interpretations of the fossil record.


Purschke, G., Bleidorn, C. and Struck, T. 2014. Systematics, evolution and phylogeny of Annelida – a morphological perspective . Memoirs of Museum Victoria 71: 247–269. Annelida, traditionally divided into Polychaeta and Clitellata, is an evolutionary ancient and ecologically important group today usually considered to be monophyletic. However, there is a long debate regarding the in-group relationships as well as the direction of evolutionary changes within the group. This debate is correlated to the extraordinary evolutionary diversity of this group. Although annelids may generally be characterised as organisms with multiple repetitions of identically organised segments and usually bearing certain other characters such as a collagenous cuticle, chitinous chaetae or nuchal organs, none of these are present in every subgroup. This is even true for the annelid key character, segmentation. The first morphology-based cladistic analyses of polychaetes showed Polychaeta and Clitellata as sister groups. The former were divided into Scolecida and Palpata comprising Aciculata and Canalipalpata. This systematisation definitely replaced the old concept of dividing polychaetes into Errantia and Sedentaria, whereas the group Archiannelida had already been abandoned. The main critics came from a contradicting hypothesis relying on scenario based on plausibility considerations regarding Clitellata as highly derived annelids nesting within polychaetes and rendering the latter paraphyletic. In this hypothesis the absences of typical polychaete characters were regarded as losses rather than as primary absences. However, to date attempts to unambiguously identify the sister group of Clitellata on the basis of morphological characters have failed. Thus, two hypotheses on the last common annelid ancestor have been put forward either being an oligochaete-like burrowing animal or a parapodia-bearing epibenthic worm. These attempts to understand the major transitions in annelid evolution are reviewed and discussed in the light of new morphological evidence such as photoreceptor cell and eye evolution as well as the evolution of the nervous system and musculature. We also discuss the plausibility of these scenarios with regard to recent advances in molecular phylogenetic analyses.


The central question of this paper is how to understand and characterize the parallel development of global private partnerships and other partnerships at the global level or national level, that all aim to promote sustainability of a global commodity. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the discussion on the role and use of global private partnerships in coping with sustainability as a wicked problem. For this purpose we have constructed and used a theoretical framework on complex decision-making processes with a grounded theory that explains diversity of private governance networks in terms of rivalry and exclusion. Focusing on five partnerships that promote sustainable production of soy in Brazil, the paper concludes that their development is highly interdependent and dialectical. One of the five partnerships is the Round Table on Responsible Soy. Both the start and development of this global private partnership have not ended but fuelled rivalry between different partnerships, herewith reproducing the wickedness of governance of sustainable production of soy. Managing sustainability as a wicked problem requires an understanding of the dialectical development of partnerships. Instead of embracing one partnership as the best or the benchmark, it may be wiser for policymakers to invest in managing interactions and articulating relationships between different partnerships at the global and national level.


SIO Reference 58-42. A simple model for radiance distributions in optically deep natural hydrosols is derived from the equation of transfer* for radiance Using a special form of the path function derived from the classical two-flow Schuster differential equations for irradiance. The model yields explicit expressions for the apparent radiance of submerged objects and the contrast transmittance for arbitrary paths of sight in the hydrosol. The model reproduces the major features of experimentally determined radiance distributions under a variety of external lighting conditions.


A comprehensive revision of the genus Charletonia Oudemans, 1910 (Acarina: Erythraeidae) is made from (1) representative specimens of the Oudemans collection, Leiden Museum, of European, Asian, African, and Australasian species; (2) the South Australian Museum collection containing Australian material, as well as European material collected by Womersley; (3) the author's collection containing Australasian, Asian, and European material; and (4) the collection of larval erythraeid mites ectoparasitic upon Australian grasshoppers (and, to a small extent, phasmatids) of the Australian National Insect Collection, Division of Entomology, CSIRO. The genus is left with 32 species, comprising 5 European (1 new), 7 African (1 new), 5 Asian (1 new), and 16 Australasian (10 new). One species, C. volzi (Oudemans), is recorded from both Asia and Australasia. No North or South American material was seen. It has been possible to key all of these species, the only exception being that of C. ojirnai (Kishida) from Japan. Some reference is made to the life history of C. kvendowskyi (Feider) from Europe, and the egg stage described from preserved material. The fragmentary holotype larva of Callidosoma dasypodiae (Womersley) is redescribed, and brief reference is made to the rediscovery of this species, which has allowed its correct generic placing, previously impossible from loss of diagnostic parts of the original material.


In this paper, we propose a model which predicts the timing, location and form of early eastern Mediterranean fishing villages. A submerged late 9th-7th millennium BP settlement off the Carmel coast of Israel is described and presented as a case study to consider the initial development of Mediterranean fishing villages which would have been based upon a combined agro-pastoral-marine economy. The unique development of water-well technology enabled late 9th millennium BP populations to occupy previously unsettled territories near the coastline and to exploit marine and terrestrial resources simultaneously. This complex economy enabled year-round occupation of settlements and a relatively secure subsistence, based on agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing, supplemented by hunting and foraging. During the subsequent Pottery Neolithic (PN) period, olive oil was added to the Mediterranean subsistence base, and on the verge of historical times the production of wine completed the formation of the traditional Mediterranean economy as it is known today.


Background: Little is known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on fetal anomalies. Case presentation: We described a case report of fetal anomalies during second-trimester (25+3 weeks) pregnancy. The fetal autopsy was found with abnormal heart anatomy (including ventricular septal defect, oval hole valve missing, and pericardial effusion), polycystic kidney, and acute chorioamnionitis. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection in second-trimester pregnancy not the direct factor resulted in congenital defects, and multiple risk factors contribute to these changes.


Eco-refurbishment ofheritage buildings, addressing energy efficiency, presentsparticular challenges to Euro-Mediterranean countries,compounded by sensitive adaptive reuseand occupant behaviour. ThisPhDresearchseeks to develop a validatedsimulationmodel to profile the impact of proposed interventions and retrofitting solutions: an innovative assessment tool, enabling best practice decision-making, effective planning and optimal results in the drive towards maximising sustainability in historicbuildings.The Presidential Palace of SanAnton in Malta has been chosen as the case study. This national 17thcentury treasure represents a typology of heritage buildings, typifyingthe climatic and cultural profile of Mediterranean countries. Having undergone several transformations to accommodate its periodic reuse, the building is nowan important multi-functional activity hub.This paper will focus on one aspectof the research: assessing occupantbehaviour andcomfort inthissetting.An understanding of occupant behaviouris pivotal in identifyingenergy efficiencygoals: it is crucial to assessthe users' perception, and examine how the internal environment isadapted to meet comfort requirements and functionality. Semi-structured interviewswith the buildings'occupants are currently being undertaken. The analysis of these interviews will be presented in the full conference paper. Results will be used to identify critical sustainability issues.


Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are deposited in large amounts in the developing central nervous system, and concentrations are particularly high in synaptic plasma membrane and retina ethanolamine phospholipids. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are present in human milk. The precursors linoleic [18:2(n-6)] and alpha-linolenic [18:3(n-3)] acid, but not arachidonic acid or docosahexaenoic acid, are present in formulas. Desaturation and elongation of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) to arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively, depend on the dietary content and ratio of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3), but appropriate levels and ratios of 18:2(n-6) and 18:2(n-3) for formula are not well defined. The effect of formula with 1 or 4% fatty acids 18:3(n-3) and 16, 30 or 35% fatty acids 18:2(n-6) on synaptic plasma membrane and retina ethanolamine phospholipid fatty acids was therefore studied in piglets, with reference to piglets fed milk. Piglets fed 4% fatty acids 18:3(n-3), but not those fed 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3), had similar central nervous system docosahexaenoic acid levels but had significantly lower brain weights than piglets fed sow milk. Synaptic plasma membrane and retina arachidonic acid were lower in piglets fed the formulas with 4% rather than 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3). The dietary 18:3(n-3) content, rather than the 18:2(n-6) to 18: 3(n-3) ratio, seemed more important for deposition of docosahexaenoic acid in brain. However, synaptic plasma membrane and retina docosahexaenoic acid levels were further reduced in piglets fed 1% fatty acids 18:3(n-3) (0.4% energy) with 30% rather than with 16% fatty acids 18:2(n-6). The need for further study of upper limits of dietary 18:3(n-3) during development is suggested.


AbstractCoupled GCM simulations are analyzed to quantify the dynamic effect of Southern Ocean (SO) winds on transports in the ocean. It is found that the closure for skew diffusivity in the non-eddy-resolving ocean model does not allow for a realistic eddy saturation of the zonal transports in the SO in response to the wind changes and that eddy compensation of the meridional transports in the SO is underestimated too. Despite this underestimated eddy compensation in the SO, however, and in contrast to previous suggestions, the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) strength is almost insensitive to SO winds. In the limit of weak SO winds the AMOC waters upwell not in the SO but rather in the tropical Indo-Pacific. Through their effect on sea ice, weaker SO winds also lead to less production of Antarctic Bottom Water and therefore a deeper and stronger AMOC.


The wingless(Wg)-Int1 (Wnt) proteins are important regulators of development. Most current models of Wnt signaling propose that transcriptional regulation through the Wnt pathway results from accumulation of β-catenin in the nucleus where it interacts with TCF-LEF transcription factors to regulate target genes. Studies reported by Chan and Struhl now challenge this view, suggesting instead that β-catenin may have its regulatory effects outside the nucleus independent of transcriptional complexes that bind target promoters. Their results in Drosophila show that forms of β-catenin that are targeted to the cell membrane and excluded from the nucleus still transmit Wg signals that regulate transcription of target genes. In fact, targeting of β-catenin to the nucleus inhibited its transcriptional effects. They also found that addition of viral VP16 activation domain could not substitute for the COOH-terminal domain of β-catenin (which is thought to mediate its effects on transcriptional activation), but that such modification of the Drosophila TCF homolog did suffice to allow activation of target genes. The authors propose that rather than acting as part of a nuclear complex that regulates target genes, β-catenin may act to remove a repressor form of TCF from the nucleus or function in the cytoplasm to promote formation of activated TCF. S.-K. Chan, G. Struhl, Evidence that Armadillo transduces wingless by mediating nuclear export or cytosolic activation of pangolin. Cell 111, 265-280 (2002). [Online Journal]


The paper studies an often-observed phenomenon of diversification of manufacturing firms into real estate development in East Asian economies. Utilizing a sudden change in Chinai¯s accounting standards that requires firms to disclose information about their real estate holdings for investment purpose (or investment property), we examine both the impact of such diversification on firmsi¯ investment in their original business and the stock market response to such diversification. Our results confirm there exists underinvestment in original business (or hollowing out of the real economy) for firms diversifying into real estate, and that there is a lack of investor response to such diversification, in both short-run and long-run. Our study calls for further research on the role of real estate development in the long-run competitiveness of developing economies.


Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an important enzyme in adipocyte and lipid metabolism with complex cellular regulation. Previous studies demonstrated an inhibition of LPL activity and synthesis following depletion of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms with long term treatment of 3T3-F442A adipocytes with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. To identify the specific PKC isoforms involved, we treated cells with antisense oligonucleotides that block expression of specific PKC isoforms. An antisense oligonucleotide to PKCα inhibited LPL activity by 78 ± 8%, whereas antisense oligonucleotides directed against PKCδ or PKCε had no effect on LPL activity. The change in LPL activity was maximal at 72 h and was accompanied by a decrease in LPL protein and LPL synthetic rate but no change in LPL mRNA, suggesting regulation at the level of translation. However, PKC depletion resulted in no change in the polysome profile, indicating that translation initiation was not affected. However, the addition of cytoplasmic extracts from adipocytes treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate or PKCα antisense oligomers inhibited LPL translation in vitro. This inhibition of LPL translation in vitro was lost when the LPL mRNA transcript did not contain nucleotides 1599–3200, thus implicating the 3′-untranslated region of LPL in the regulation of translation by PKC depletion. Both LPL activity and Raf1 activity were decreased in parallel following depletion of either total PKC or specific inhibition of PKCα. An antisense oligonucleotide to RAF1, which inhibited RAF1 activity, also inhibited LPL activity by 48 ± 10%, and this decrease in LPL activity was not accompanied by a change in LPL mRNA. Cells were treated with U0126, a specific inhibitor of the ERK-activating kinases MEK1 and MEK2. Although U0126 inhibited ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, U0126 had no effect on LPL activity, indicating that MEK/ERK pathways were not involved in this mechanism of LPL regulation. Together, these data indicate that PKCα and RAF1 are important in the translational regulation of LPL in adipocytes and that the mechanism of regulation is probably through an ERK-independent pathway.


Technological evolution opens an unlimited number of possibilities, but at the same time generates multiple doubts; In the case of transgenic seeds, the debate not only takes place in the technological field, also involves the social, cultural, political, economic and philosophical fields. Since then the advances of modern biotechnology and genetically modified foods have had a great growth and adoption at a global level and considered of great value to society. However, there are controversies and public concern about transgenic foods and crops, which focus on food security and environmental conservation, whether the consumer has the right or not to choose, if they are needed to face hunger in the world now or in the future, on intellectual property rights and ethics. In the almost 20 years since they were commercialized for the first time, the technologies of transgenic crops have experienced a dramatic breakthrough and it is undoubtedly one of the most controversial technologies that appear in the market in recent decades. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pros and cons in relation to the use of GMO for planting and human consumption was made, and an analysis of the findings from the bioethical perspectives, which allowed us to make a synthesis with which we established what is most appropriate regarding this subject in the light of bioethical principles. In summary, we can say that 70% of the articles reviewed, see the need to regulate the use and application of GMOs and 44% of the articles support a regulation of biosafety. In other words, most countries, seek to follow the same rules of control and prevention for the consumption of foods derived from genetically modified organisms in order to avoid any risk to human health or environment. Our main recommendation is to continue scientifically founded research on genetically modified foods and to evaluate them through an International Committee periodically, in order to detect early negative effects on ecology, economy and human and animal health.


Gas turbine systems are among potential energy converters to substitute the internal combustion engine in future series hybrid electric vehicle. Fuel consumption of these powertrains strongly relies on the energy converter efficiency, the energy management strategy deployed on-board as well as on the transient operation during start-up phase. This paper presents a dynamic modeling and the fuel consumption calculation of an intercooled regenerative reheat gas turbine system used as an auxiliary power unit on a series hybrid electric vehicle. A vehicle model is developed and an optimization method is proposed to optimize the powertrain operation. It consists of using the dynamic programing as an energy management strategy in order to minimize the fuel consumption and the number of switching On/Off of the power unit. Fuel consumption simulations are performed on the worldwide-harmonized light vehicles test cycle while considering the electric and the thermal comfort vehicle energetic needs. Then, a gas turbine dynamic model is developed, where turbomachinery and heat exchanger components are modeled by taking into account their dynamic inertias. The efficiency, the power, and the fuel consumption are calculated during transient operations. Based on the optimization results of switching ON and OFF the system, the fuel consumption dynamic simulation results are considered instead of the dynamic programming results. A constant power start-up strategy and a constant fuel strategy were investigated. Results show an increase in fuel consumption between 2.4% and 3.8% with the first start-up scenario and between 5.7% and 6.4% with the second scenario, compared with static model.


Phytoestrogens, the most common of which are isoflavones, are plant-derived estrogens present in a variety of plant products such as alfalfa, red clover, and fodder crops, as well as in soybeans and plants used in fermenting 22 . Isoflavones, such as genistein and diadzein, are heterocyclic phenols that are very similar in structure to human steroidal estrogen16. Previous research has found that Perinatal dietary exposure to phytoestrogens alters ultrasonic vocalizations differentially in male and female rats5. Both of these behaviors are thought to be a measure of separation stress or anxiety 2,3,20 . Results of the present study suggest that a change in phytoestrogen content of the diet early in development can alter behavioral expression in an open field during a10-minute isolation from the home cage.


Correct and quick identification of the change point of a process shift is very important for process improvement. Although several studies have been devoted to the estimation of the change point of the process shifts for a univariate process, little research has been done on a multivariate process, particularly for a multivariate proc ess where the quality characteristics cannot be measured in a numerical scale. In this study, an effective approach that combines th e method of maximum likelihood and the generalized p control chart is developed to estimate the starting time of a process disturbance for a multinomial process. An illustrative example is provided to show how to apply the proposed approach in practice. The positive results with the use of the proposed approach are also demonstrated by a series of simulation studies. It is found that the proposed approach has better performance than the original generalized p control chart.


The excellence of corporate governance in companies lies in their ability to adopt the corporate social responsibility (CSR), which enhances their growth. This study examines the effect of agency cost, firm size, and CSR disclosure on the firms' growth. Specifically, the study analyzed the agency cost and firms' size as the moderators that influence the firms' performance asymmetrically. In its approach, the study compiled data of 300 Pakistani listed companies, which have a significant concern with CSR for the period 2010–2018. Using the 2SLS and GMM instrumental panel regressions, our empirical results show that the agency cost is detrimental to the firms' growth. In contrast, the firms' size boosts the firms' growth. Moreover, the growth of firms with leverage declines and the presence of independent directors improves the firms' growth.


An experiment was conducted at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during 2001-02 and 2002-03, under irrigated conditions to study the effect of different sources of nitrogen viz., prilled urea, farmyard manure (FYM) and Azotobacter on growth, yield and NPK removal by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and their residual effects on a succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The results indicated considerable improvement in growth, yield attributes and NPK removal by cotton with addition of higher doses of fertilizer N through prilled urea. The performance of cotton with application of FYM 12 t ha-1 was found to be intermediate between 30 and 60 kg N ha-1 applied through prilled urea. Highest growth, yield (2333 kg kapas ha-1) and NPK removal was observed with integrated application of 30 kg N ha-1 applied as prilled urea and FYM 12 t ha-1 along with Azotobacter (M4). The same treatment combination also gave maximum residual effect on the succeeding wheat crop realized in terms of higher growth and yield attributes. Direct application of 120 kg N ha-1 through prilled urea to succeeding wheat resulted in 67.4 and 17.7 % increase in mean grain yield of wheat over no N and 60 kg N ha-1, respectively. Combined and judicious applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers are therefore recommended for realizing higher yield potential of the cotton - wheat cropping system on Ustochrepts of Indo-Gangetic plain.


A reusable learning object (RLO) is a web-based multimedia digital resource based on a single learning objective, comprising a stand-alone collection of presentation, activity, assessment and links (Leeder et al, 2002, 2003), the advantage of which allow instructional designers to build small instructional components that can be re-used a number of times in different learning context (Wiley 2001). Reusable e-learning materials (REM) are known as the e-learning resources generated in the form of RLOs that utilise a wide range of multimedia components such as assessments and activities (Leeder tl al, 2003). REM offers a competitive advantage over interactive multimedia due to its cost effectiveness, reusability and scalability (Leeder et al, 2003, 2004; Muzio et al, 2001). Maximising learners' engagement and motivation in the process of learning is critical towards learning outcomes (Alexander 2001). The integration of REM and face-to-face learning, known as interactive learning (IL), has been proposed in order to achieve this (Katzy, 2000; Sloman, 2001; Chang, 2002, 2003). There are problems involved during the integration, and technical problems often become the centre of attention (Grudin 1994). However, focus on the needs of educators and demands of their teaching and learning practice are ignored but important aspects in IL (Katzy, 2000; Sloman, 2001; Chang, 2002, 2003). Engaging educators in the creative process of REM content development is a recommended way for motivating educators and also allowing them to understand the benefits of using technology for teaching, learning and sharing purposes. (Leeder et al, 2002). By making "human factor" at the centre of practising e-learning, reuse of learning resources is further encouraged from active participation, feedback, peer sharing and IL, thus maximising learners' engagement and motivation. In order to effectively create REM, a virtual learning environment (VLE) is often adopted at the heart of learning activities. But one such a disadvantage is the expectation of high quality materials required due to its principle of self-directed learning. However, a place for providing a forum for circulating ideas and resolving both technical and pedagogic problems is a solution (Leeder et al, 2003). This offers different educators and learners a collaborative environment face-to-face and in VLE, thus encouraging educators creating and sharing REM. User feedback on the use and effectiveness of REM delivered in the VLE is also an important step, since the peer review process can reflect REM evaluation (Leeder et al, 2003). This provides essential information for (1) knowing whether REM is helping to create and share REM and (2) knowing the extent of acceptance, adoption and uses of REM among educators. If the outcomes of (2) are not up to the expectation, providing practical workshops is a key factor, since this offers educators hand-on experience in creating, discussing and sharing REM, thus increasing their interests and enthusiasm in using REM. Finally, the active involvement of an organisation for providing learning assistance, workshops, consultancy, VLE and a series of interactive learning, is critical for maintaining momentum for encouraging educators in creating and sharing REM. This is an ongoing process that requires a strong collaboration and support between educators and this organisation, which can act as (1) a centre for learning, training and sharing and (2) a centre for providing recommended ways of practicing REM that suit individual cases, thus delivering the most effective REM by maximising the adoption of REM.


The control of water air content is often necessary during transient cavitation tests of inducers. But no method is really defined or imposed to control it quantitatively, especially during tests where a continuous decrease of available NPSH at pump inlet is used in order to analyze, for example, the occurrence of instabilities. The paper intends to show how a well-known in-duct hydro-acoustics intensimetry, using three pressure transducers can be used accurately for the instantaneous determination of waves celerity in ducts during such transient tests, with an appropriate treatment of the measured pressures. The instantaneous wave celerity can then be related to an instantaneous value of air content using a model. An application to cavitation tests of an inducer at various speeds of rotation and a given non-dimensional flow rate is proposed, analyzed and discussed.


We derive an R&D-based semi-endogenous growth model where technological progress depends on the available amount of technological opportunity. Incremental innovations provide direct increases in the knowledge stock but they reduce technological opportunity and thus the potential for further improvements. Technological opportunity can be renewed only by radical innovations (which have no direct impact on factor productivity). Investigating the model for its implications on economic growth leads to two basic observations. One, in the long-run, a balanced growth path with a constant and semi-endogenous long-run economic growth rate exists only in a specific knife-edge case which implies that technological opportunity and knowledge grow at equal rates. Two, the transition need not be monotonic. Specifically, we show under which conditions our model generates endogenous business cycles via complex dynamics without uncertainty.


This thesis examines the developments in architecture and construction of the maritime villas of southern Latium and uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining information from archival research, field surveys, and historiographical information. The geographic area examined corresponds to the modern territories of Ardea, Anzio, Nettuno, Latina, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Terracina, Fondi, Sperlonga, Itri, Formia, Gaeta, Minturno, the Pontine Islands, Mondragone, and Cellole, in which 109 maritime villa sites were identified. The chronological span of this study is the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD.
The thesis argues that the early maritime villas were already located in close proximity to the shoreline and that their appearance and diffusion along the coasts of southern Latium preceded that on the Bay of Naples. Southern Latium emerges as the geographic area where the maritime villa architectural typology was perfected. This thesis also shows that, despite the incomplete documentation, an attentive analysis of the visible or known structures can still reveal architectural innovations considered experimental due to their early date and uniqueness. Finally, this thesis also considers the presence of production activities in which the villas were involved, with particular attention given to the marine fishponds. By using the 3-D models of several of these fishponds created for this thesis, approaches to quantifying the costs of labour for their construction and their potential production capacity have been suggested. The results suggest that these structures not only provided fresh fish for consumption within the villa, but probably also for sale at local markets.


This paper is based on the responses from the undergraduate students at Faculty of Agriculture (Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania). This research investigated the level of stress associated with assessment during winter examination session. Relationships between I-E Locus of Control and level of stress, were explored. Four demographic variable were used Age, Environment, Gender, Year of Study. A total of 83 students participated voluntary in this research, asking them to accept to be part of an interventional program "Stress Management", if the level of stress is high. Database were obtained through two questionnaire: Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (29 items) and Cohen-Williamson's Perceived Stress Scale (14 items). The results, sustain that there is a statistically significant correlation between level of stress and I-E Locus of Control, but contrary to study in the field, the level of stress during assessment, was low to medium. This results was an obstacle in implementing a training program for stress management. The research present correlation between each of four demographic variable, and level of stress, and I-E Locus of Control. © 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk


Professional sports has evolved from an activity of game to an activity of organization that has been codified, strategized, and commercialized. One factor that is shaping the sports industry is the pervasiveness of social media. On the one hand, social media is used as a powerful medium for distributing and getting news, engaging in topical discussions, and empowering brands. On the other hand, social media has become a crucial mouthpiece for athletes to interact with peers and share opinions, thoughts, and feelings. However, millions of followers, tweets, and likes later researchers, practitioners, and athletes alike ask whether social media has an impact on athlete's performance. We conduct a social media usage and a sentiment analysis of 124'341 Twitter tweets extracted from 31 tennis athletes. We link these data to 8'095 corresponding match day performances. The results show that excessive social media usage has a significant negative impact on athlete's performance.


Interactive impacts of climate change and human activities (e.g. hydropower production) have posed urgency in examining the patterns of hydrological and thermal response in riverine ecosystems, and the potential ecological implications manifested. Hydro-geomorphic conditions are the major factors in shaping water qualities in river networks, especially under the extreme climatic events. However, when the power of nature is encountered with human regulations, represented by hydropower production, it would be well worth discussing how the pictures of riverine hydro- and thermal regimes would change over the certain range of time and space. Moreover, the possible utility of hydropower regulation as mitigation of extreme climate changes is still open question to be verified.
Above-mentioned questions are answered in three aspects specifically:
• Governing factors and spatial distribution model for water residence time in river networks across Germany. Based on the machine learning technique of boosted regression trees (BRT), spatial distribution of water residence time is estimated for the long-term annual average hydrological conditions and extreme cases of flood and drought.
• Impacts of hydropower over temporal and spatial range are investigated by analyzing the mechanisms of hydropeaking propagation. Hydrologic and geomorphic contribution framework is proposed and applied for the upper Rhone River basin in Switzerland, a typical hydropower exploited river basin in the mountainous area.
• River water temperature response as an indication for ecological status is investigated for the alpine rivers across Switzerland, excellent representatives of sensitivity and vulnerability to climate change while under highly exploitation of hydropower activities. Extreme climate change case of heatwaves in 2003 and 2006 are selected and analysed especially.
Results of the three research components in correspondents to listed research questions showed that river hydrological regimes have more directly/important influence on the variation of flow availability in comparison with the geomorphologic settings. Nevertheless, geomorphologic and topologic conditions (e.g. river width, slope, and roughness coefficient) that largely control the hydraulic waves diffusion processes in a hydropower-dominated river basin determine the spatial range of hydropeaking impacts. A hierarchy framework of geophysical obstructions, hydrology, and hydraulic waves diffusion process is proposed for analyzing the spatial range of hydropeaking propagation. When the effects of hydropeaking and thermopeaking that induced by hydropower production activities are dominated in the river reach, hydropower regulation offers as great potential to mitigate extreme climate events (i.e. heatwaves).
By looking into specific perspective of river hydro- and thermal regimes, hydropower regulation, and climate extremes via different scales, we investigated the interactive effects between riverine ecosystem and human-climatic impacts. We expanded the approach of water residence time estimation into the field of machine learning with spatial predictions. Impacts of hydropower regulation are first elaborated with a framework of hydropeaking propagation mechanisms. Hydropower regulation has been identified to have great potential to mitigate extreme heatwaves through altering thermal regimes in rivers. Results of the study not only contribute to river hydrology and ecology studies, but also to the river management and climate change mitigation practices.


Knowledge of market economic cycles and the relationship of specific property type performance characteristics is crucial to the proper evaluation of commercial mortgage-backed securities. Loan pools that appear equally well diversified may, in fact, behave quite differently. In this article, the authors show that unexpected and undesirable results may occur if a full range of specific market level factors are not considered and appropriately modeled.


People often utilise online media (e.g., Facebook, Reddit) as a platform to express their psychological distress and seek support. State-of-the-art NLP techniques demonstrate strong potential to automatically detect mental health issues from text. Research suggests that mental health issues are reflected in emotions (e.g., sadness) indicated in a person's choice of language.Therefore, we developed a novel emotion-annotated mental health corpus (EmoMent),consisting of 2802 Facebook posts (14845 sentences) extracted from two South Asian countries - Sri Lanka and India. Three clinical psychology postgraduates were involved in annotating these posts into eight categories, including 'mental illness' (e.g., depression) and emotions (e.g., 'sadness', 'anger'). EmoMent corpus achieved 'very good' inter-annotator agreement of 98.3% (i.e. % with two or more agreement) and Fleiss' Kappa of 0.82. Our RoBERTa based models achieved an F1 score of 0.76 and a macro-averaged F1 score of 0.77 for the first task (i.e. predicting a mental health condition from a post) and the second task (i.e. extent of association of relevant posts with the categories defined in our taxonomy), respectively.


It is well known that angiogenesis is a complex process that accompanies neoplastic growth, but pituitary tumours are less vascularized than normal pituitary glands. Several analytical methods aimed at quantifying the vascular system in two‐dimensional histological sections have been proposed, with very discordant results. In this study we investigated the non‐Euclidean geometrical complexity of the two‐dimensional microvasculature of normal pituitary glands and pituitary adenomas by quantifying the surface fractal dimension that measures its space‐filling property. We found a statistical significant difference between the mean vascular surface fractal dimension estimated in normal versus adenomatous tissues (P = 0.01), normal versus secreting adenomatous tissues (P = 0.0003), and normal versus non‐secreting adenomatous tissues (P = 0.047), whereas the difference between the secreting and non‐secreting adenomatous tissues was not statistically significant. This study provides the first demonstration that fractal dimension is an objective and valid quantitator of the two‐dimensional geometrical complexity of the pituitary gland microvascular network in physiological and pathological states. Further studies are needed to compare the vascular surface fractal dimension estimates in different subtypes of pituitary tumours and correlate them with clinical parameters in order to evaluate whether the distribution pattern of vascular growth is related to a particular state of the pituitary gland.