The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the global economy and the livelihoods of disadvantaged populations. Bangladesh, like other developing countries, has been hit hard, and marginalized groups have suffered the most. Before the pandemic, Bangladesh's economy was growing rapidly, and the country was known for its steady improvement in health and education development indicators. Yet in its pandemic response, the government has been unable to provide adequate aid and health facilities for the large population living in poverty. The response has been hampered by lack of resources, corruption in the delivery of economic support, and existing health inequalities.


Climate warming is more pronounced in the Arctic than in other parts of the world. This warming affects the terrestrial cryosphere including permafrost with consequences ranging from societal impacts to changes in hydrology and feedbacks in the climate system such as those imposed by changing greenhouse gas exchanges. Permafrost dynamics in a marginal zone for its very existence is in this context of outmost importance as it represents a very sensitive environment where changes may appear first. The main objective of this project was to understand the current status of such sensitive lowland permafrost in the Tornetrask area, sub-arctic Sweden and to explore its development over the past 1000 yrs in relation to various environmental drivers of change. Monitoring of permafrost temperatures and active layer thickness showed that permafrost was during the last three decades degrading in the Tornetrask catchment. Increasing ground temperatures and active layer thickness were correlated with increases in air temperatures and in some cases with snow depth. A manipulation experiment that simulated future scenarios of increases in winter precipitation showed that permafrost and vegetation were sensitive to changes in snow depth after only three years of treatment. Modelled ground temperatures showed two periods of lowland permafrost degradation during the last Century. Over the last 1000 yrs, the modelled ground temperatures at one site currently with permafrost indicated that permafrost existed throughout this period. However, this contradicts proxy data from the area that suggests that permafrost formation occurred during the Little Ice Age (around AD1300). This study has improved our understanding of current and past dynamics of lowland sub-arctic permafrost in northernmost Sweden. The presence or absence of permafrost in the Tornetrask catchment is determined by many factors, but air temperatures, snow depth, vegetation and soil type are the most important. A major conclusion of the study is that the strength of the relationship between snow and permafrost dynamics varies considerably and is not only determined by the snow depth. The manipulation study indicated that the structure of the vertical snow profile, for example an occurrence of a bottom ice layer, could potentially affect the thermal regime of the soil via lateral runoff of melt water. Another important conclusion was that the lowland permafrost in the Tornetrask catchment is thawing from above but also from underneath, most likely caused by slightly warmer or more freely flowing ground water around and below the frozen body. This opens the possibility for permafrost degradation at the top and bottom surfaces, thereby making it very sensitive to the projected climate change during the 21st Century. (Less)


Purpose: Lend support to the idea that city branding is not just an economic activity inspired by market considerations, but also related to social and cultural goals. Study whether Shanghai is an inclusive city and how is it internally in order to be inclusive.Method: Case study approach using secondary materials such as policy documents, news articles, online data, etc. The empirical context is the mega-city of Shanghai.Findings: The study shed light on the way inclusiveness plays out in the city of Shanghai, and show that Shanghai – through visions, strategies and concepts as well as the World Expo 2010 – is moving in the direction of being more inclusive, and striving towards becoming a city for old and new Shanghai residents.Research implications: The research on city branding towards internal audiences is to be further explored. So is research on how and in what ways city branding can steer a city towards social and cultural goals, and created positive change of society.Practical implications: The study can supply city brand managers with insights into the importance of branding a city for social and cultural goals, and highlight the importance of having an inclusive approach towards city residents.Originality/value: Contributing with a theoretical and empirical contribution to the literature on internal city branding.


Patients with mannosidosis, an inherited deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, accumulate large amounts of mannose-rich oligosaccharides (the "core" of the carbohydrate units of many glocoproteins) in brain and liver and excrete these partial degradation products in their urine. A profound alpha-mannosidase deficiency was demonstrated in fibroblasts cultured from a skin biopsy obtained from a child with mannosidosis. Further, abnormal glycopeptides rich in mannose and similar to oligosaccharides found in the patient's urine were isolated from fibroblast extracts by a variety of chromatographic procedures and by virtue of their binding to a concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B affinity column. This storage material contained mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, and asparagine in the ratio 3 : 1 : 1 together with a few toher amino acids and had a molecular weight of approximately 1,100. There was no evidence for excretion of storage material by mannosidosis fibroblasts or for any abnormality in cell surface glycoprotein composition. The glycopeptide nature of the storage material isolated from cultured skin fibroblasts may be attributed to the low level of N-aspartyl-beta-glucosamindase (EC 3.5.1.-) activity in these cells.


The potential of Gayo coffee production in Aceh Province, Indonesia, has not been thoroughly well optimized, especially the low quality of coffee products and an inadequate quality management. Resulting in a demand of a holistic mapping problem system to elaborate the problem and discover the root and the most suitable solution. This article explains the development strategy for quality management system of Gayo coffee agro-industry using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) approach. The SSM approach is able to provide solutions for unstructured problems. In this case, it is recommended to initiate an improvement from the farmers and exporters regarding the planning, controlling, and improving the quality under a control of local government, research institutions, and universities. Building a union and tools for the quality observation, control, and improvement is highly needed with a continuous process to achieve a sustainable improvement.


Rolling contact between two surfaces plays an important role in robotics and engineering such as spherical robots, single wheel robots, and multi-fingered robotic hands to drive a moving surface on a fixed surface. The rolling contact pairs have one, two, or three degrees of freedom (DOFs) consisting of angular velocity components. Rolling contact motion can be divided into two categories: spin-rolling motion and pure-rolling motion. Spin-rolling motion has three (DOFs), and pure-rolling motion has two (DOFs). Further, it is well known that the contact kinematics can be divided into two categories: forward kinematics and inverse kinematics. In this paper, we investigate the inverse kinematics of spin-rolling motion without sliding of one timelike surface on another timelike surface in the direction of timelike unit tangent vectors of their timelike trajectory curves by determining the desired motion and the coordinates of the contact point on each surface. We get three nonlinear algebraic equations as inputs by using curvature theory in Lorentzian geometry. These equations can be reduced as a univariate polynomial of degree six by applying the Darboux frame method. This polynomial enables us to obtain rapid and accurate numerical root approximations and to analyze the rolling rate as an output. Moreover, we obtain another outputs: the rolling direction and the compensatory spin rate.


Lithium metal batteries have been plagued by the high reactivity of lithium. Reactive additives that can passivate the lithium metal surface and limit electrolyte accessibility to a fresh lithium surface have been widely explored, but can have limited utility with continuous consumption of the additive. In this work, an alternative strategy is explored. The use of nonreactive cosolvents such as nonpolar alkanes is studied and its is shown that hexane and cyclohexane addition to ether solvents (1,3‐dioxolane and 1,2‐dimethoxyethane) halves the nucleation and growth overpotentials for lithium deposition, increases the cell coulombic efficiency, improves the lithium deposition morphology, increases the electrolyte oxidative stability (>0.2 V), and doubles the cycle life—even when compared to a widely used fluorinated ether. The nonpolar alkanes modify the lithium‐ion solvation environment and reduce the solvation free energy; hence reducing the reaction barrier for lithium deposition. Exploration of nonpolar alkanes as part of the electrolyte mixture is a promising strategy for controlling metal deposition.


This paper presents an analysis of the higher-order dynamics of key financial quantities in asset-pricing models with recursive preferences. For this purpose, we first describe a projection-based algorithm for solving such models. The method outperforms common methods like discretization and log-linearization in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Our algorithm allows us to document the presence of strong nonlinear effects in the modern long-run risks models which cannot be captured by the common methods. For example, for a prominent recent calibration of a popular long-run risks model, the log-linearization approach overstates the equity premium by 100 basis points or 22.5%. The increasing complexity of state-of-the-art asset-pricing models leads to complex nonlinear equilibrium functions with considerable curvature which in turn have sizable economic implications. Therefore, these models require numerical solution methods, such as the projection methods presented in this paper, that can adequately describe the higher-order equilibrium features.


[Abstract] It is generally recognised that creativity is crucial in research organisations to enable breakthrough ideas and the discovery of new solutions that are novel, valuable and substantive. However, knowing how to cultivate a culture of creativity inside a research organisation is often not so clear. We present a new model, called the LCD Model, for supporting creativity in research organisations that builds on previous models, but emphasises the importance of the 'State of Being' of the researcher to enhance creativity and how that can be supported. The model aims to support sustained creativity and is derived from a number of empirical studies conducted over recent years as well as from personal experiences working in research organisations over the last twenty years. The model is explained in detail together with why each of the elements of the model is important based on our research findings and the findings of others. We also highlight the importance of the dynamic movement between the different elements to cultivate creativity, with the researcher's 'state of being' at the centre of the process. In conclusion, we discuss how the model can be implemented inside a research organisation to support and enhance the creativity of individual researchers and the research organisation as a whole.


Letter from Birdie McKinley to Mary Moore, Claude and Linnet White. She says that she is not going to write as often, not because she doesn't think of them. She asks about the weather. She talks about killing hogs and making lard. She is trying to move into her new house, but the contractors haven't finished yet. She wishes they could spend Christmas with them. She gives news on everyone. Mr. Thornhill died of a locked jaw. She receives news from Minnie and Sallie. She has a picture she wants to send them. She talks about her future neighbors. She mentions the next time she writes will be in her new home. She asks that they write to her and tell her how they are doing.


Objectives: Researchers have used both self-reports and official records to measure the prevalence and frequency of crime and delinquency. Few studies have compared longitudinally the validity of these two measures across gender and race/ethnicity in order to assess concordance. Methods: Using data from the Pathways to Desistance, a longitudinal study of 1,354 serious youthful offenders, we compare official records of arrest and self-reports of arrest over seven years. Results: Findings show moderate agreement between self-reports and official arrests, which is fairly stable over time and quite similar across both gender and race/ethnicity. We do not find any race differences in the prevalence of official arrests, but do observe a gender difference in official arrests that is not accounted for by self-reported arrests. Conclusions: Further work on issues on the validity and reliability of different forms of offending data across demographic groups is needed.


When President Eisenhower had a heart attack while in office, the nation was instantly focused on coronary artery disease. In the ensuing half century, the general public has been made increasingly aware of the risks factors associated with heart disease. This growing body of knowledge on the part of North Americans has fueled much of the revolution in lifestyle habits that we have seen over the past generation.


We consider lift-and-project methods for combinatorial optimization problems and focus mostly on those lift-and-project methods which generate polyhedral relaxations of the convex hull of integer solutions. We introduce many new variants of Sherali--Adams and Bienstock--Zuckerberg operators. These new operators fill the spectrum of polyhedral lift-and-project operators in a way which makes all of them more transparent, easier to relate to each other, and easier to analyze. We provide new techniques to analyze the worst-case performances as well as relative strengths of these operators in a unified way. In particular, using the new techniques and a result of Mathieu and Sinclair from 2009, we prove that the polyhedral Bienstock--Zuckerberg operator requires at least $\sqrt{2n}- \frac{3}{2}$ iterations to compute the matching polytope of the $(2n+1)$-clique. We further prove that the operator requires approximately $\frac{n}{2}$ iterations to reach the stable set polytope of the $n$-clique, if we start with the fractional stable set polytope. Lastly, we show that some of the worst-case instances for the positive semidefinite Lov\'asz--Schrijver lift-and-project operator are also bad instances for the strongest variants of the Sherali--Adams operator with positive semidefinite strengthenings, and discuss some consequences for integrality gaps of convex relaxations.


Exposure-based therapy is currently the treatment of choice for a number of specific phobias (Antony & Barlow, 2002). While a myriad of studies have been conducted investigating exposure characteristics, such as frequency and duration, or comparing exposure to other forms of treatment, few studies have investigated the mechanisms of change underlying fear reduction. The emotional processing model (Foa & Kozak, 1986, 1998) claims that full attention to the feared stimulus during exposure is required for fear reduction to take place. However, some studies have found that directing attention away from the feared stimulus can facilitate greater and more rapid fear reduction than exposure, where attention is directed toward the phobic stimuli (Johnstone & Page, 2004; Oliver & Page, 2003, 2008; Penfold & Page, 1999). Further, some studies have observed an interaction between fear level and distraction load, whereby high levels of fear benefit more from high-load distracters, while low levels of fear benefit more from low-load distracters or no distraction at all (Johnstone & Page, 2004, 2007c; Penfold & Page, 1999).

Study 1 investigated jointly the roles of distraction load, operationalised using a continuous performance task (CPT) and fear level over time with a sample of spider-fearful individuals. Specifically, it was hypothesised that fear level and distraction load would interact, such that participants with relatively high levels of stimulus-bound fear in exposure one would benefit more from a high-load distracter, while those with relatively low stimulus-bound fear in exposure two would benefit more from a low-load distracter. Contrary to the emotional processing model's prediction, results demonstrated that treatment was effective for all groups, regardless of distraction load, as evidenced by within- and between-exposure session reductions in fear (as assessed by self-report, behavioural, and physiological measures of fear). Subjective ratings of anxiety demonstrated partial support for the fear level-distraction load interaction. However, results were contaminated by practice effects of the distracter for the groups with constant load across both exposure sessions and by the relatively low anxiety sample used.

Study 2 aimed to overcome the practice effects of the distraction tasks observed in Study 1 for individuals repeating the same counting task for both exposure sessions. A CPT was used to operationalise new counting tasks. These new tasks were confirmed to load equally on working memory, providing a more consistent load than that used in Study 1.

Study 3 applied the newly operationalised counting-based distraction tasks to a higher anxiety sample of spider fearful subjects in a replication of Study 1. It was again predicted that all groups would experience a reduction in fear, further supporting the beneficial effects of distracted exposure, and that the fear level-distraction load interaction would be demonstrated. Support for distracted exposure was found with both within- and between-exposure session reductions on most indices for all groups. The interaction was partially supported, as evidenced by blood pressure ratings. However, this trend did not generalise to other measures, which was attributed to
desynchrony between the physiological, subjective, and behavioural response systems. Results indicated that fear reduction can occur under distracted conditions, but did not offer consistent support for the fear level - distraction load interaction. Results are discussed with respect to both their theoretical contribution to the literature on the processing of phobic stimuli and to their implications for clinical practice.


Deregulation of Notch signaling has been linked to the development of T-cell leukemias and several solid malignancies. Yet, it is unknown whether Notch signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, the most common subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. By immunohistochemistry of 40 biopsies taken from skin lesions of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, we demonstrated prominent expression of Notch1 on tumor cells, especially in the more advanced stages. The γ-secretase inhibitor I blocked Notch signaling and potently induced apoptosis in cell lines derived from mycosis fungoides (MyLa) and Sézary syndrome (SeAx, HuT-78) and in primary leukemic Sézary cells. Specific down-regulation of Notch1 (but not Notch2 and Notch3) by siRNA induced apoptosis in SeAx. The mechanism of apoptosis involved the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB, which is the most important prosurvival pathway in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Our data show that Notch is present in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and that its inhibition may provide a new way to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.


A common explanation for why companies engage in CSR is that they aspire for external legitimacy. Companies try to prove themselves responsible through different activities and strategies that may meet with moral approval in a wider social context. A corollary of such approval is said to be the granting of legitimacy or a licence to operate. Although a possible explanation, this article analyses such a proposition as inadequate to capture the general functionality of CSR. The article claims that even though CSR may be seen as a legitimacy-seeking activity aimed to exhibit ideological correspondence with external social norms, many CSR activities have functional aims and follow another logical path. Such functional CSR tends to be employee-oriented and focuses on practical aspects of business rather than ideological ones. Another feature of functional CSR is that it is more oriented towards internal than external legitimacy. An implication of this is that ideological and functional CSR build on contrarian logics and processes for legitimation.


Ultrasonic welding is the application of high-technology for welding thermoplastic products. Various thermoplastic parts can be treated by ultrasonic welding without adding any solvent, adhesive or other auxiliaries, which can increase productivity many times, reduce cost and improve the quality of products. Ultrasonic welding technology is being used widely. This article focuses on the application of ultrasonic welding technology, and has a detailed statement of the design of welding spot by using ultrasonic welding technology, the welding structure, the design requirement for ultrasonic welding, and the ultrasonic welding process.


The interaction of cells with components of the extracellular matrix through their integrin receptors results in the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, suggesting that these receptors play a key role in signal transduction. Here we report that antibody-mediated ligation and clustering of α3β1 and α6β1/α6β4 integrins resulted in the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins that are specific for each heterodimer. Thus, ligation and clustering of the α3β1 integrin on human prostate carcinoma cells (PC-3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with anti-α3 antibodies resulted in the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of a 55 kDa protein. In contrast, ligation and clustering of the α6β1 integrin on these cells with anti-α6 antibody resulted in the dramatic stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of a 90 kDa protein in addition to a 52 kDa protein, and ligation and clustering of α5β1 on HUVEC did not result in the apparent stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of any proteins. Clustering with anti-β1 antibodies triggered the tyrosine phosphorylation of all of these proteins, whereas ligation and clustering of PC-3 cells with an anti-β4 antibody resulted in the tyrosine phosphorylation of a distinct 62 kDa protein. Since the PC-3 cells express both α6β1 and α6β4, these data suggest that these two receptors can transduce distinct signals. All of the phosphorylations could be inhibited by treating the cells with Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Antibody-mediated ligation and clustering of integrins on the two types of cells did not result in the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125 focal adhesion kinase, although this was observed upon cell attachment and spreading on fibronectin, laminin and anti-α3 monoclonal antibody. Collectively, these data demonstrate that cross-linking of different integrin heterodimers can stimulate tyrosine kinase activities, leading to the phosphorylation of distinct proteins, which are also different from those observed when cells are allowed to spread on a matrix.


Vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, micronutrients and fiber making them healthy food with high biological value. Many Lao farmers are using their own selections, adapted well to the specific environmental conditions in their local areas. Landraces are important resources for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. For this reason, local varieties are invaluable not only for the present but also for future generations. Between 2002 and 2006, the research team of the Haddokkeo Horticulture Research Center (HHRC), belonging to the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), conducted nine collection trips in cooperation with the German Development Service (DED). The aim was to collect local vegetable varieties in 76 districts of all the 18 provinces of Lao PDR. As a result of these efforts, 2,100 accessions of vegetable were assembled and stored in the vegetable gene bank at HHRC. A part of the gene bank material was subjected to screenings under natural field conditions in order to identify landraces possessing desirable characters. Activities were concentrated on locally important vegetables, such as chili, tomato, lettuce, yard long bean, and cucumber. After five years, new varieties were identified and released for seed multiplication for distribution to Lao farmers. First varieties were such of tomato and lettuce for rainy and dry seasons. At present, the research is focused on detailed description of eggplant biodiversity. Indochina was considered as a secondary area of origin and the crop possesses a very rich diversity. More than 150 accessions from the whole country are characterised by morphological and agronomical traits to provide information for future breeding programs. At the same time, a vegetable seed production network has been established that involves farmers around Vientiane. At present, 23 farmers' families in 11 villages are under contract system. In the season 2006/2007, they produced about 880 kg seeds of 18 open-pollinated vegetable species. Most of the seeds were sold to various projects throughout the country, to special shop owners in Vientiane or directly to the farmers. Every seed-producing family was able to earn an additional average income of 2 Million LAK (about 200 USD) through seed production.


Stevia a 'Latin American herb' is the world's only natural sweetener with zero calories, zero carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index. In the present investigation, the in vitro regeneration of Stevia rebaudiana was performed through callogenesis and organogenesis from different explants (Leaves, Inter node, Shoot discs). Leaves explants showed best callus induction response when cultured on MS + (2.0 μM BAP + 1.0 μM NAA). However, the best callus initiation from leaf explants was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM NAA + 1.0 μM Kn. Optimization results of medium type and carbon source confirm 1X MS medium and glucose (3%) respectively best for callus initiation. Shoot initiation was achieved on 1X MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BAP + 1.0 μM NAA. In vitro raised shoots of Stevia showed best rooting on 1X MS + (1.0 μM IAA). The methanolic extracts of regenerated plants and callus culture of Stevia showed best antibacterial and antifungal activity against a number of microorganisms. Antiprotozoal activity of methanolic extract was also tested and found satisfactory. In vitro regeneration protocol of Stevia through callus culture is advantageous for enhanced multiplication of superior Stevia cultivars. Furthermore, callus from leaf explants can be a good source for production of antimicrobial and antiprotozoal compound of Stevia through bioreactor.


Australia and China at 40, edited by James Reilly and Jingdong Yuan. Sydney: UNSW Press, 2012. xii + 244 pp. AU$49.99 (hardcover).Chinas rise has met with mixed reactions internationally and in Australia. One school of thought doubts that this rise will persist beyond a few years; another predicts that it will go on transforming international relations in the coming decades. The divergence is important, because devising policy depends on sensible expectations for the future.This book does not aim to present a summation of Australia-China relations in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1972. Instead, it takes the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an "opportune moment for Australians to reflect on their past, present and future relations" with China (p. 2). It fulfills its aim brilliantly by offering timely, perceptive and important reflections on the bilateral relationship. There is already a substantial literature on this topic, but the editors are right to point out the lack of a book on the implications of the deepening strategic and economic engagement which has characterized Australia's relations with China in the 21st century.The book has chapters on various aspects of the relationship's history. Several cover strategic factors; others consider the very important area of economic dealings. A couple of them deal with the highly pertinent interrelationships between economic and strategic matters. One chapter deals closely with Australian perceptions of China, especially the implications of the latter's rise.The contributors are all well versed in this subject. They include both Australian and Chinese specialists, providing well-informed insights from points of view coming from both countries. This is important, because interests, assumptions and experiences differ by country, no matter how international and globalized scholars aspire to be.One of the central themes in this book follows from the fact, remarked on repeatedly by the authors, that China is now the country with which Australia has the largest volume of trade, while the United States remains its main strategic partner. It is not the first time that Australia's main strategic and trading partners have been different countries, but for the first time the country topping Australia's trade is now not even allied with its most important strategic partner. This leads to a central question of this book: how should Australia react to this dichotomy?Although many chapters touch on this problem in one way or another, three in particular address it directly, presenting somewhat different views. They are by John Lee of the University of Sydney, You Ji of the University of New South Wales and Nick Bisley of La Trobe University.John Lee sees China's position as quite weak. Its rise has not been accompanied by any increase in the kind of influence that matters. As China rises, most of its neighbors react by seeing it as a threat to their security and trying to strengthen traditional alliances with the US, even though China is now their top trading partner. China has only limited leverage to "punish" countries acting against its interests. …


Welcome to the Library Guide for Biological Sciences at Clemson. It is designed to help you find books, articles, quality internet resources and other materials; learn about library services; and easily (and properly) cite your sources.


Back-arc basins represent the best-known present-day sites of ongoing massive sulfide deposition in subduction-related tectonic settings. Here we present results obtained from shallow-water sea-floor sampling of barium-rich zinc and lead sulfides genetically analogous to Kuroko-type black ore on an active island arc. The samples come from a newly discovered, hydrothermally active depression on the submerged volcanic edifice of Panarea in the Aeolian island arc (Tyrrhenian Sea). Hydrothermal activity in the area is represented by extensive gas venting associated with white sea-floor aprons of sulfate and iron oxide precipitates. A series of barite-rich sediment samples containing galena, sphalerite, and pyrite was recovered 40 cm below the sea bed at a water depth of 80 m. The deposits represent a unique example of massive-sulfide deposition in an active island arc not yet affected by strong extensional tectonics and reveal that, in this environment, the formation of Kuroko-type black-ore sulfides can take place at shallow water depths.


Output quotas are known to be more efficient than input quotas in transferring surplus from consumers to producers. Input quotas, by distorting the shadow prices of inputs, lead to inefficient production and generate larger deadweight losses, for a given amount of surplus transferred. Yet, input quotas have been a ubiquitous tool in agricultural policy. Practicality considerations, as well as the difficulty to control outputs that heavily depend on stochastic weather conditions, are arguments that help understand why policy makers may favor input quotas over output quotas. In this paper, we offer an additional explanation that rests on efficiency considerations. Assuming that the regulator only has limited knowledge about the market fundamentals (supply and demand elasticities, among others), seeks to transfer at least a given amount of surplus to producers and is influenced by the industry in his choice of the quota level, we show that an input quota becomes the optimal policy.


This paper sheds light on an apparent paradox: managers continue to accept offers of international assignments even though they tend to view them as a risky career move. Based on a review of the literature and a survey of expatriate managers of 20 French and 30 German companies on assignment in 59 countries, the paper examines the nature of the expatriate career concept, the career development implications of international assignments, and the effectiveness of corporate expatriate career management and repatriation systems. Most of the research on the career implications of international assignments has been conducted using the US samples of expatriates. By exploring expatriate career issues in a cross‐national sample of French and German expatriates, this study seeks to yield new and significant insights into whether the emerging concept of boundaryless careers is beginning to take hold in countries other than the US, and whether there are cross‐national differences in the nature of the expatriate career concept. The findings show that many expatriates are frustrated with how their companies manage their international assignments, especially the long‐range planning of their repatriation. However, there are clear differences between the French and German expatriates in terms of repatriation concerns. Despite widespread dissatisfaction in both groups, the German expatriates seem relatively nonchalant regarding their repatriation. This finding can be explained by the fact that the German expatriates are more willing to leave their companies upon return than their French counterparts, thus showing strong evidence of a "boundaryless career" orientation. An important finding is that companies that fail to take an integrated approach to international assignments and do not have effective international career development and repatriation systems, tend to end up with highly dissatisfied managers who, depending on their nationalities, may be quite willing to leave their companies upon repatriation.


The advancement of educational technology enables universities to provide various online courses to fit the needs of different learners. However, the question is – how do adult learners learn in this digital age, especially for those who had learned and developed their digital skills through experience and by self-exploring at their workplace? As such, a case study in Malaysia was conducted to examine learning experiences exhibited by middle-aged learners, also known as digital immigrants, in an e-learning environment. Fourteen new students from the first semester of a first-year programme in a private university, with ages ranging from 40–55 years, participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and observations were performed in Learning Management System (LMS) and WhatsApp groups for a semester. This study has pointed out that the digital immigrants require human-to-human interaction in e-learning. The forming of virtual groups using the WhatsApp application is also very important to digital immigrants. Conclusively, blended learning mode in the e-learning environment which still allows interaction between humans is still the best choice for these digital immigrants, while technology is an alternative tool for the learners to complete their studies.


The panel aims to update ASIS&T members and information professionals about important standards, specifications and best practice guidelines that have been developed or initiated by the international standards institutions and communities in dealing with open data. The openness and flexibility of the web have created both new opportunities and new challenges for data publishers and data consumers, such as how to represent, describe and make data available (by publishers) in a way that it will be easily found, understood, used and re‐used (by consumers). The panelists will introduce related standards, bring insight to the adoption and implementation of new standards, comment on success and progress in the realm of certain areas such as research data, data on the web (in terms of publishing, annotation and use), metadata in for special domains (such as electronic health records, space debris and genealogical archives) and look at the raising questions and issues. Using the chart from the 2017‐01 W3C recommendations, Data on the Web Best Practices, as context for the panel's presentations, the benchmarks to be used by the panel include the comprehension, processability, discoverability, reuse possibility and effectiveness, trust, linkability, accessibility and interoperability.


Palaeomagnetic measurements have been made on rocks of Jurassic age from the Antarctic Peninsula to determine whether there has been relative movement between the region and East Antarctica. Samples were collected from the Oscar II Coast and the Cole Peninsula. Reliable results have been obtained from Jurassic dykes dated in one area at 174 ± 5 Ma, from an acid pluton of approximately the same age and from lavas of middle Jurassic age. Combining these results a position for the palaeopole was obtained at 48°S 238°E. If a reconstruction of Gondwana consistent with sea-floor spreading, palaeomagnetic and geological data is adopted, such as that of Norton & Sclater (1979), then a well-determined position for the Antarctic Peninsula within the reconstruction is obtained. Space considerations suggest that during the Jurassic the relative positions of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Ellsworth block were not very different from the present day, though palaeomagnetic measurements (Watts & Bramall 1981) indicates that the orientation was different.


The Performance of the bituminous binder plays important role in the overall performance of the pavement system. One of the major cause of pavement failure is the bitumen grade, i.e selection of suitable grade of bitumen. Therefore, performance grading of bituminous binder is inevitable for the specific temperature and climatic zones. This study is focused on the determination of performance grading of bituminous binder for various temperature zones in Nepal. In this study, twenty one years' daily maximum and minimum secondary temperature data of 70 meteorological stations were collected and were analyzed for temperature zoning. Performance grading of bituminous binder was conducted with the help of Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and Long-Term Pavement Performance Program (LTPP) prediction models. The concept of Superpave has been adopted for the analysis, which stands for superior performing asphalt pavement. The Superpave mix design includes a new analysis system based on performance characteristics of the pavement layer. The bituminous binder grades for Nepal have been determined on the basis of air temperature thereafter predicting the pavement temperatures. The study has determined seven different performance grade zones based on SHRP and four different performance grade zones based on LTPP model. The study synthesized the Performance Grade (PG) map of the country. Keyword: Superpave, Performance grade, Performance grade zone, Pavement temperature, Performance grading map


A previously unknown form of compromising emanations has been discovered. LED status indicators on data communication equipment, under certain conditions, are shown to carry a modulated optical signal that is significantly correlated with information being processed by the device. Physical access is not required; the attacker gains access to all data going through the device, including plaintext in the case of data encryption systems. Experiments show that it is possible to intercept data under realistic conditions at a considerable distance. Many different sorts of devices, including modems and Internet Protocol routers, were found to be vulnerable. A taxonomy of compromising optical emanations is developed, and design changes are described that will successfully block this kind of "Optical Tempest" attack.


The neurogenic tumors in the posterior mediastinum sometimes extend into the vertebral canal, known as dumbbell tumors, but cases in which the neurogenic tumor extends to the cervical region are rare. A 19-year old female with a right-sided posterior mediastinal mass, without either Horner's syndrome or pain on the right upper extremity, was referred to our hospital. The chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a large posterior mediastinal mass, measuring 80x50x50 mm in size, which was suspected to be a neurogenic tumor, and the right vertebral artery (RVA) was involved in the tumor at the Th1 to C7 spinal level. Surgical removal of the tumor using video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures through a limited axillary route combined with a supraclavicular approach by a right semi-collar incision was successfully performed. The RVA had to be sacrificed in order to remove the tumor. She was discharged from the hospital on the 12(th) postoperative day. The combined approach using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), with a limited mini-transverse axillary and supraclavicular incision was useful for the removal of a cervico-mediastinal tumor.


Three-dimensional seismic reflection data from offshore Mauritania reveal a base hydrate reflection, beneath which are 56 stratigraphically trapped gas accumulations (∼0.08 Gt methane). Only 2 are sealed by the base of the hydrate (∼0.004 Gt methane) and therefore constitute the free gas zone. Some of the stratigraphically trapped gas accumulations are critically pressured. There are also 360 gas chimneys beneath the gas hydrate, but not outside the region covered by it. They are evidence for repetitious leaking from the accumulations. Only 12 of the chimneys terminate at a contemporaneous seabed, showing that methane venting was not significant. Instead, upward resetting of the base hydrate triggered gas dissociation and caused the traps to become charged and critically pressured. Vertical leaking to intermediate, shallower stratigraphic traps or to the gas hydrate itself, where it was reincorporated, occurred once the seal capacity was exceeded. Most (95%) of the free gas is stored stratigraphically and re-migrates in this way, and this trapping mechanism may be typical of fine-grained passive margin continental slopes. Only 5% of the gas is within the free gas zone. The role of recycling of methane between the hydrate and stratigraphic traps has not previously been recognized and represents a store for this greenhouse gas that is not susceptible to changes in ambient conditions.


ABSTRACT Background: The current work involved monitoring two biomarkers in the plasma of children with ASD: the cofactor thiamine that is involved in neurotransmitters modulation for acetylcholine, and the compound histamine, which acts as a neuromodulator by regulating the release of other neurotransmitters. This is the first report to highlight the potential utilization of plasma levels of the selected two brain-related biomarkers in children with ASD. Methods: A total of 43 children with ASD of both genders (age 4–12 years) were involved in this study and compared to age and gender-matched control children (n = 42). The diagnosis of ASD was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5), followed by an additional assessment using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). All participants were Jordanian children on Mediterranean diet, and had no history of chronic illness or medications. Measurement of thiamine and histamine in plasma was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The outcomes revealed that average histamine levels (31.7 ± 18.5 ng/ml) of ASD group were 5.3× higher (p < .001) compared to their control (0.013 ± 0.011 ng/ml; 6.03 ± 4.25 ng/ml), while thiamine (10.78 ± 7.49 ng/ml) levels of ASD group were significantly lower (p < .001) than the control (37.92 ± 26.87 ng/ml; 0.209 ± 0.054 ng/ml). Conclusions: The study is proposing that monitoring of the plasma levels of thiamine and histamine as biomarkers for future evaluation and development of ASD therapies and nutritious diets.


Abstract As use of Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) for model selection has become increasingly common, so has a mistake involving interpretation of models that are within 2 AIC units (ΔAIC ≤ 2) of the top-supported model. Such models are <2 ΔAIC units because the penalty for one additional parameter is +2 AIC units, but model deviance is not reduced by an amount sufficient to overcome the 2-unit penalty and, hence, the additional parameter provides no net reduction in AIC. Simply put, the uninformative parameter does not explain enough variation to justify its inclusion in the model and it should not be interpreted as having any ecological effect. Models with uninformative parameters are frequently presented as being competitive in the Journal of Wildlife Management, including 72% of all AIC-based papers in 2008, and authors and readers need to be more aware of this problem and take appropriate steps to eliminate misinterpretation. I reviewed 5 potential solutions to this problem: 1) report all models but ignore or dismiss those with uninformative parameters, 2) use model averaging to ameliorate the effect of uninformative parameters, 3) use 95% confidence intervals to identify uninformative parameters, 4) perform all-possible subsets regression and use weight-of-evidence approaches to discriminate useful from uninformative parameters, or 5) adopt a methodological approach that allows models containing uninformative parameters to be culled from reported model sets. The first approach is preferable for small sets of a priori models, whereas the last 2 approaches should be used for large model sets or exploratory modeling.


Motivated by the lack of literature linking actual to perceived relative deprivation, this paper assesses the role of visibility in goods and assets vis-à-vis income behind perceptions of relative deprivation. We rely on household survey data that include unique information on reported perceived deprivation with a pre-specified reference group, namely others in the same town or village. Based on a large number of asset and consumption items, we create an index of visible wealth by aggregating visible goods and assets using principal component weights. We show that relative deprivation in visible wealth has a significantly stronger effect than income in determining levels of perceived relative deprivation. The finding is robust under various sensitivity checks and for a number of controls. Our result sheds light on the importance of the visibility of the objects of comparison on an individual's assessment of the own relative economic situation and proposes that future research should not only rely on income-based deprivation measures.


What would constitute a legitimate global order? Dirk Peters argues that current research on this issue is one-sided: it takes Western democracy as a universal standard and focuses discussion on how aspects of democracy can be applied at the global level. But instead of promoting a universal standard, says Peters, research needs to listen to the actors involved in global governance. There can be no legitimate global order without taking into account what these actors regard as legitimate, and this will not necessarily be a model based on Western democracy. This point of view is endorsed by Frank Gadinger, who proposes a methodological technique from sociology to facilitate empirical research in this area. By reconstructing the arguments that 'ordinary actors' employ in the global political arena, we can reveal what they consider legitimate. Daniel Gaus, by contrast, takes issue with Peters's critique of democracy as a universal standard. Peters may well be correct in contending that Western democratic institutions are not suitable as a basis for legitimizing global politics, says Gaus, but the very act of listening to the governed, and making their conceptions of legitimacy the yardstick of legitimate governance, is itself a democratic endeavour.


This study is the first to investigate theoretically and empirically the determinants of Diaspora Bonds for eight developing countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri-Lanka) and one developed country Israel for the period 1951 and 2008. Empirical results are consistent with the predictions of the theoretical model. The most robust variables are the closeness indicator and the sovereign rating, both on the demand-side. The spread is not significant, suggesting Diaspora Bonds differ from normal investments. Good governance and wars are also important demand-side determinants of Diaspora Bonds. Among the supply-side factors; FDI, ODA, foreign exchange, inflation, external debt and remittances significantly determine the issue of Diaspora Bonds. Most importantly, this study is able to make predictions of the most promising candidate countries in issuing Diaspora Bonds in the future.


This is a book based on the proceedings of an international meeting held at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. The book emphasises the usefulness of quantitative cytochemistry as a simple, non-disruptive technique whereby biochemical functions of subcellular organelles and their membranes can be studied without isolating them in a foreign medium. The references are well up to date (many of the chapters contain references up to 1979), and both the organisers of the symposium and the editors of the book are to be congratulated for compiling this interesting account, which was greatly needed, of the latest advances in quantitative cytochemistry and its applications.


This article extends the concept of street-level bureaucracy to address the problem of the inflexibility and rigidity of governmental rules and regulations, a problem at the heart of the standard economic argument against an active government role in the management of the economy. In so doing, it seeks to create a conceptual bridge over which a range of social science disciplines can be drawn into the debate about public sector management and thereby expand the repertoire of policy tools. The article draws primarily on research on one class of street-level bureaucratic organizations, labor inspection organizations in Latin America and southern Europe, and secondarily on a project focusing on DARPA, the research arm of the US Department of Defense. In both organizations, line officers have wide discretion in program development and management and in effect adjust to changing economic and social conditions in a way not unlike the market. These adjustments are grounded in tacit rules that evolve through discussion among the line agents coping day-to-day with novel cases. Management can influence that evolution by entering into the ongoing discussion and giving it direction. Various ways in which it might do so are examined.


The identity and role of writing has evolved in the age of digital media. But how did writing itself make digital media possible in the first place? Lydia H. Liu offers here the first rigorous study of the political history of digital writing and its fateful entanglement with the Freudian unconscious.Lius innovative analysis brings the work of theorists and writers back into conversation with one another to document significant meetings of minds and disciplines. She shows how the earlier avant-garde literary experiments with alphabetical writing and the word-association games of psychoanalysis contributed to the mathematical making of digital media. Such intellectual convergence, she argues, completed the transformation of alphabetical writing into the postphonetic, ideographic system of digital media, which not only altered the threshold of sense and nonsense in communication processes but also compelled a new understanding of human-machine interplay at the level of the unconscious.Ranging across information theory, cybernetics, modernism, literary theory, neurotic machines, and psychoanalysis, The Freudian Robot rewrites the history of digital media and the literary theory of the twentieth century.


The factor having a strong inhibitory effect on bacterial luminescence was isolated from the luminous bacteria species Photobacterium sp. The inhibitor purified by gel filtration on the biogel and by DEAE chromatography was homogenous (single bound during electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel), it reacted with coomassie brilliant blue and gave a positive Lowry reaction on protein. Molecular weight was about 30,000 as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The absorption spectrum was characterised by the maximum at 209 nm and unexpressed maximum in the region of 260 nm. It was shown that the inhibitor had an efficient inhibitory effect on both partially- and highly purified luciferase preparations from different species of luminous bacteria, but it produced no effect on the activity of specific NADH: FMN-oxidoreductase.


An analytical comparing study of Land Art and its national and international aspects, dealing with Andy Goldsworthy in the first place. Material and Form are not the main subject of the discussion but the language in which the artists show their views on nature. The paper gives a translation of the artists' language and makes it readable. Connections are made between several cultural and social aspects such as religion, spirituality, Zeitgeist, science, art, music, theatre, literature, mass media, sport and nature. Description leads to an analysis of the metaphysical level of Land Art.


The results of reoperations on the extrahepatic bile ducts in 82 patient s performed, mainly, for undetected and uncorrigated changes in the extrahepatic bile ducts caused by diagnostic, tactical and technical errors made during the first operation are presented.


Port development work involves laborious activities and sub sequential use of large amount of energy. Modular construction has facilitate labour require, energy usage, hence carbon footage has gain approval of efficient product development in recent year. The use of such mobile equipments equally gives advantage to port to reduce port traffic, safety preservation of environment reduction in maintenance and berth allocation. Heavy seaborne traffic in port leads to the requirement of port terminal development or improvement. Port terminal involved problem related to traffic and high cost. The use of mobile floating protection facilities can offset this problem. The study involved design and modeling of a safe loading and unloading facilities to ensure the smooth flow of the work and reduction in the work delay. The berthing facility is moveable, floating structure that act as a protection for ships berthing in port. The modeling involve design of that determine the safe berthing velocity and, the berthing energy, environmental load (wind and current) and material which are the important parameters for fender selection and to ensure that it is safe to carry out its function as loading and unloading facilities. By using light weight less energy can be employ to build berth, and to conduct berthing operation, and by providing safety the system can be provided discount for environmental conservation. The result of this study hoped to improve safety and efficiency of the port operation in handling of the ships entering and leaving the port. The model is designed for prototyping physical system that can be use for experiments and commercialization.


Recent outbreaks of influenza A highlight the importance of rapid and sufficient supply for pandemic and inter‐pandemic vaccines. Classical manufacturing methods for influenza vaccines fail to satisfy this demand. Alternatively, cell culture‐based production systems and virus‐like particle (VLP)‐based technologies have been established. We developed swine‐origin pandemic H1N1 influenza VLPs consisting of hemagglutinin (A/California/04/2009) and matrix protein. Hemagglutinin and matrix protein were co‐expressed in insect cells by the baculovirus expression system. VLPs were harvested from infection supernatants, purified and used for intraperitoneal immunization of BALB/c mice. Immunization induced high serum antibody titers against A/California/04/2009 as well as hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies. Additionally, we compared VLP production in two different insect cell lines, Sf9 and BTI‐TN5B1‐4 (High Five™). Taken together VLPs represent a potential strategy for the fight against new pandemic influenza viruses.


Over the past decade, the leading breast reconstruction modality has shifted from autologous tissue to implants. This trend reversal is multi-factorial but includes increasing bilateral mastectomies and the more widespread acceptance of implants due to stringent quality and safety regulatory surveillance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2012, the US FDA has approved several new implant styles, shapes and textures, increasing the choices for patients and surgeons. Predictable, superior aesthetic results after prosthetic breast reconstruction are attainable, but require thoughtful planning, precise surgical technique and appropriate device selection based on several different patient and surgeon parameters, such as patient desires, body mass index, breast shape, mastectomy flap quality and tissue based bio-dimensional assessment. This article briefly reviews historic devices used in prosthetic breast reconstruction beginning in the 1960s through the modern generation devices used today. We reflect on the rigorous hurdles endured over the last several decades leading to the approval of silicone gel devices, along with their well-established safety and efficacy. The various implant characteristics can affect feel and performance of the device. The many different styles and features of implants and expanders are described emphasizing surgical indications, advantages and disadvantages of each device.


Researchers have been looking for easily accessible and straightforwardly useable paradata and auxiliary data to improve survey data. Lately, there is also attention for the evaluation and validation of this external data, such as the assessment of the quality of interviewer-generated paradata. For these purposes, we investigated how useful Google Street View can be as auxiliary data and whether it allows us to assess the quality of interviewer observations on the houses and neighbourhoods of sample units. Additionally, we test whether Google Maps can inform us about the reachability of sample units and which data can predict non-response better. Although it is rather simple to use Google Maps and Street View in daily life, using it to code auxiliary data for surveys is more challenging than expected. Hence, this paper also offers a thorough discussion of the pitfalls of coding these auxiliary data as well as their current solutions.


A total of 81 sera samples from  Murrah (34), Surti (20) and non-descript buffaloes (27) with the history of respiratory and reproductive disorders were collected from northern part of Tamil Nadu, India to detect bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) antibodies. All samples were subjected to indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Virus neutralization test (VNT) and Passive haemagglutination test (PHA) to detect BoHV-1 antibodies. Among the serological tests, PHA, VNT and ELISA revealed 27.16 %, 43.21 % and 50.62 % BoHV-1 positivity respectively. The overall positivity irrespective of tests was found to be 54.32 %. The sensitivity, specificity of PHA and VNT in comparison with ELISA were 46.34 %, 70.73 % and 85.00 %, 92.50 % respectively. Moderate agreement between ELISA and VNT (Kappa statistic, kappa = 0.56) and fair agreement between ELISA and PHA (kappa =0.38) were found for the detection of BoHV-1 antibodies. Significant difference was found between indirect ELISA and PHA. VNT and PHA were found to be useful as the quantitative tests to estimate antibody level in buffalo where as ELISA could be performed at field level for large scale screening programme as it is rapid, efficient, reliable and highly sensitive.


We previously found that exogenous GSH enhances mucosal GSH and promotes lipid hydroperoxide metabolism by rat small intestine (AW, T. Y., and M. W. WIlliams, 1992. Am. J. Physiol. 263:G665-G672). In this study, we have developed an in vivo bile and lymph fistula rat model to test the hypothesis that biliary GSH is an important luminal source of GSH. Peroxidized fish oil was infused into the proximal intestine, and hydroperoxide accumulation in lumen, mucosa, and lymph was determined. Diversion of bile decreased mucosal GSH and increased hydroperoxide accumulation in all fractions. Supplementation with GSH, but not with GSSG, increased tissue GSH and attenuated hydroperoxide accumulation (50-60%), consistent with enhancement of hydroperoxide removal by exogenous GSH. Addition of native bile deficient in GSH, but not cysteine, cystine, or GSSG, decreased luminal and lymph hydroperoxide levels by 20-30%. Amino acid supplementation concurrently attenuated hydroperoxide recoveries in these fractions by 30-40% and increased mucosal GSH by 40%, indicating a role for biliary amino acids in hydroperoxide elimination. The effect of amino acids was abolished by buthionine sulfoximine, confirming their role in GSH biosynthesis. Collectively, the results demonstrate that bile is a rich source of reductant for maintaining mucosal GSH to promote intestinal metabolism of luminal peroxidized lipids.


Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (mTMDs) possess a direct band gap and strong PL emission that is highly sensitive to doping level and interfaces, laying the foundation for investigating the contact between mTMD and metal via PL spectroscopy. Currently, electrical methods have been utilized to measure the contact resistance (RC), but they are complicated, time-consuming, high-cost and suffer from inevitable chemical disorders and Fermi level pinning. In addition, previously reported contact resistances comprise both Schottky barrier and tunnel barrier components. Here, we report a simple, rapid and low-cost method to study the tunnel barrier dominated contact resistance of mTMD based junctions through PL spectroscopy. These junctions are free from chemical disorders and Fermi level pinning. Excluding the Schottky barrier component, solely tunnel barrier dominated contact resistances of 1 L MoSe2/Au and 1 L MoSe2/graphene junctions were estimated to be 147.8 Ω μm and 54.9 Ω μm, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that the larger RC of the former was possibly due to the existence of intrinsic effective potential difference (Φbarrier) between mTMD and metal. Both junctions exhibit an increasing tendency of RC as temperature decreases, which is probably attributed to the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) mismatch-triggered interlayer spacing (d) increase and temperature-induced doping. Remarkably, a significant change of RC was observed in 1 L MoSe2/Au junctions, which is possibly ascribed to the changes of their orbital overlaps. Our results open new avenues for exploring fundamental metal-semiconductor contact principles and constructing high-performance devices.


BACKGROUND
Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in women and is thought to arise from the clonal expansion of a single myometrial smooth muscle cell transformed by a cellular insult. Leiomyomas cause a variety of symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and recurrent pregnancy loss, and are the most common indication for hysterectomy in the USA. A slow rate of cell proliferation, combined with the production of copious amounts of extracellular matrix, accounts for tumor expansion. A common salient feature of leiomyomas is their responsiveness to steroid hormones, thus providing an opportunity for intervention.

METHODS
A comprehensive search of PUBMED was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature published since 1980 pertinent to the roles of steroid hormones and somatic stem cells in leiomyoma, including literature on therapeutics that target steroid hormone action in leiomyoma. Reviewed articles were restricted to English language only. Studies in both animals and humans were reviewed for the manuscript.

RESULTS
Estrogen stimulates the growth of leiomyomas, which are exposed to this hormone not only through ovarian steroidogenesis, but also through local conversion of androgens by aromatase within the tumors themselves. The primary action of estrogen, together with its receptor estrogen receptor α (ERα), is likely mediated via induction of progesterone receptor (PR) expression, thereby allowing leiomyoma responsiveness to progesterone. Progesterone has been shown to stimulate the growth of leiomyoma through a set of key genes that regulate both apoptosis and proliferation. Given these findings, aromatase inhibitors and antiprogestins have been developed for the treatment of leiomyoma, but neither treatment results in complete regression of leiomyoma, and tumors recur after treatment is stopped. Recently, distinct cell populations were discovered in leiomyomas; a small population showed stem-progenitor cell properties, and was found to be essential for ovarian steroid-dependent growth of leiomyomas. Interestingly, these stem-progenitor cells were deficient in ERα and PR and instead relied on the strikingly higher levels of these receptors in surrounding differentiated cells to mediate estrogen and progesterone action via paracrine signaling.

CONCLUSIONS
It has been well established that estrogen and progesterone are involved in the proliferation and maintenance of uterine leiomyoma, and the majority of medical treatments currently available for leiomyoma work by inhibiting steroid hormone production or action. A pitfall of these therapeutics is that they decrease leiomyoma size, but do not completely eradicate them, and tumors tend to regrow once treatment is stopped. The recent discovery of stem cells and their paracrine interactions with more differentiated cell populations within leiomyoma has the potential to provide the missing link between developing therapeutics that temper leiomyoma growth and those that eradicate them.


OBJECTIVE To study the association of long-term deposited plaque, due to lack of oral hygiene, with acidogenesis of the plaque bacteria. METHODS Seventy-seven subjects with poor oral hygiene were selected. Debris index (DI) and calculus index (CI) were recorded. Among them, 16 were DMFS > 8, and comprised the caries active (CA) group; 27 were caries free, and comprised the caries free (CF) group. Plaque fluids in both groups were analyzed for organic acids, phosphate, and inorganic cations by use of capillary electrophoresis, while pH was measured by microelectrodes. RESULTS No differences were found on debris index (CF group measured 2.07-0.47, CA group measured 2.01-0.53) or calculus index (CF group measured 2.47-0.50, CA group measured 2.48-0.53) relative to carious status, although there was a positive relationship between DI and CI (r = 0.52, P < 0.001). The main finding in this study was that the quantity of lactic acid produced by sucrose exposure in these individuals with poor oral hygiene was much less (increased no more than 2 times, compared with content at rest) than in a previous report (increased 3 to 5 times, compared with content at rest) on subjects with good oral hygiene habits. CONCLUSIONS Long-term deposited plaque due to lack of oral hygiene may have less cariogenic capability, although patients' susceptibility to periodontal disease would increase.


ABSTRACT Until 2018 right-wing populism was regarded as an irrelevant phenomenon in Spain. The recent success of Vox provides clear evidence that the transformation of Spanish politics is still under way. Today, both right-wing and left-wing populism – the latter represented by Podemos – coexist in an increasingly fragmented party system. This article shows that territorial mobilization has been an important factor in the emergence of these two competing forms of populism. In fact, their positioning on the so-called 'centre-periphery cleavage' at the moment of their initial success is their most notable element of differentiation. Right-wing populism in Spain is strongly anti-localist and anti-regionalist and this is clearly reflected in the territorial distribution of its support. On the other hand, left-wing populism had its electoral breakthrough particularly in those areas where demands for autonomy and even independence were stronger. This makes the Spanish case extremely interesting since most studies have not sufficiently considered the territorial dimension as a defining, and distinguishing, feature of right-wing and left-wing forms of populism.


ABSTRACT Extensive, fresh exposures of reddish brown mudstones in the Rock Lake Shale Member in a quarry in southeastern Nebraska show pedogenic features (calcite glaebules, blocky spar crystallaria, peds, silt and clay- or micrite-filled pedotubules, slickensides, mottling, and overall horizonation) which indicate protracted subaerial exposure under increasingly arid conditions. The Rock Lake paleosol is bounded above and below by marine cyclothem deposits. Probable events represented by the paleosol are 1) clay and silt illuviation under humid conditions, 2) subsequent carbonate precipitation under progressively drier conditions, and 3) gleying of the A horizon during a marine transgression. The Rock Lake paleosol developed on a flat and laterally extensive, semiarid to arid plain during a low stand of sea level. Examination of the Rock Lake at other localities (well cores and exposures) in nearby counties shows a distinct eastward facies change toward lower topography, earlier marine transgression, and arrested pedogenesis, which is consistent with transect direction from the Nemaha Uplift to the Forest City Basin.


The remarkable impact of human-computer interaction research and user experience design compels researchers, practitioners, and journalists to ask: What is the next big thing? Therefore, it may be useful for our community to lay out grand challenges that steer the direction of future research, design, and commercial development. As HCI researchers, we are profoundly aware of the immense problems of our age: Growing human populations consume natural resources, flourishing cities require housing and transportation, families demand education and safety, and rising expectations from patients put pressure on healthcare and social systems. National priorities include economic development, political participation, civil rights, and achieving the delicate balance between appropriate security and excessive surveillance while pursuing open government policies that limit corruption and prevent waste. The U.S. National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges [1] provide a thoughtful list and international efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals [2] suggest additional challenges. While addressing these problems, researchers, designers, and developers who recognize the aspirations of individuals, their desire for selfdetermination, and their hopes to contribute to their communities are more likely to deliver constructive products and services. These forward-looking innovators will manifest their sensitivity to individual and community norms, respect individual differences, and observe ethical codes of conduct. With these considerations in mind, the authors of Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction (6th Ed) [3] described 16 grand challenges for researchers, designers, and developers: 1. Develop a handbook of human needs. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs from the 1940s provides some guidance, establishing a foundation of survival and safety, embracing love and esteem, and supporting self-actualization that realizes personal potentials. However, a contemporary and detailed handbook of human needs would help in the refining of designs and invention of new tools or services. 2. Shift from user experience to community experience. User experience designers have cleverly invented interfaces and processes that support work, communication, and fun. Now there is an opportunity to shift to community experience design, social media participation, game theoretic mechanisms, and motivational strategies to engage growing communities in constructive ways. Successful examples, such as Wikipedia or citizen science projects, show what is possible, but the common outcome of community experience design is insufficient response, raising the question of how to make more consistently successful outcomes. This shift is mirrored in the theory shift from emphasis on micro-HCI to macro-HCI. 3. Refine theories of persuasion. Theories of persuasion could lead to more rapid progress in smoking cessation, obesity reduction, medication compliance, and cancer prevention. A periodic table of persuasion strategies would chart the micro-structure of motivation for designers who create applications for individuals, friends and family, colleagues and neighbors, and citizens and markets. 4. Encourage resource conservation. The needs of a growing population will have to be trimmed by efficient strategies for reducing the use of water, energy, and natural resources while increasing production from renewable sources. User interfaces and community engagement will play key roles in providing feedback that encourages winning strategies. 5. Shape the learning health system. A grand opportunity for HCI researchers and designers is to help shape massive healthcare systems that support patients seeking wellness, clinicians delivering care, and providers eager to reduce costs while increasing the quality of care. Macro-HCI thinking and big data analytic tools could provide insights at every level that could be shared with relevant stakeholders, but producing meaningful changes in such massive systems remains a challenge. Bottomup strategies could propel patient and clinician participation, while top-down governance is needed to set policies, cope with malicious actors, and guide continuous improvement. 6. Advance the design of medical devices. Researchers have been rapidly developing medical devices that go far beyond current hearing aids, pacemakers, body sensors, and datarecording tools. As implanted insulin pumps, vision-restoration systems, prosthetic limbs, brain-computer interfaces, and nanodevices mature, user interfaces to monitor performance, log activity, and enable appropriate controls will be required. 7. Support successful aging strategies. The growing population of older adults want to maintain their health and independence while aging in place. They could benefit from interfaces that collect data from sensors, encourage healthy diet and exercise, promote social connectedness, and enable balanced involvement from caregivers. How might the growing Internet of Things help older adults improve quality of life?


The mechanisms by which concrete suffers durability problems and subsequent damage are freeze-thaw; ion flow, absorption and moisture movement within concrete; all of which relate to aspects of durability. Durability is defined within Eurocode 2 (2006), which states: 'A durable structure shall meet the requirements of serviceability, strength and stability throughout its intended working life, without significant loss of utility or excessive maintenance.' The satisfactory durability of CEM 1 (Portland cement) concrete, with or without additives, is a major reason why it is the world's most widely used construction material. Areas of concern that will adversely affect the durabiltiy of concrete are material limitations; design and construction practices; and severe exposure conditions that can cause concrete to deteriorate, which may result in aesthetic, functional or structural problems. Concrete can deteriorate for a variety of reasons, and concrete damage is often the result of a combination of factors, starting with the initiation of cracks which lead to processes that involve deleterious chemical reactions and hydrostatic breakdown, The rate of crack propagation is controlled by ionic/molecular transport systems, producing microstructural changes degrading the physical properties of the concrete. Concrete is subject to deterioration caused by the absorption of moisture and thermal expansion and contraction. Extreme temperature ranges of both hot and cold can cause spalling. Moisture absorbed by the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, and the resulting mechanical action can cause fractures and spalling. Airborne pollutants, such as acid rain and carboni dioxide, can cause adverse chemical reactions which can result in surface deterioration. Environmental factors such as seasonal temperature variations, cyclical freezing and thawing, rainfall and relative humidity changes, and the concentration of deletrious chemicals in the atmosphere/water in contact with the concrete, are the main causes of degradation. Geographical location is an important consideration with regard to durability, as are multiple, severe freeze-thaw cycles, which are worse for the destructive stresses applied within the concrete than ann extremely low constant temperature. All processes affecting durabiltiy are reliant upon the ingress of water or ions into the concrete. Therefore, three main areas for durability testing are: - freeze-thaw damage, - ion transfer, - factors affecting diffusion and absorption. Without proper concrete design and production control, deteriorating concrete can compromise structural integrity, pose serious liabiltiy issues, and create significant problems throughout a structure.


ABSTRACT The author played clarinet in accompaniment with a singing male humpback whale off the coast of Maui. A sound spectrogram suggests that the whale may have altered his song in response to the clarinet. This observation is consistent with the fact that humpback whales rapidly change their song during breeding season from week to week. A male humpback whale may be able to quickly match new pitched, musical sounds it has never heard before—a result different from those of most humpback whale playback experiments. This experiment suggests that interspecies music-making might be a valuable tool in helping understand the complex communication strategies of humpback whales, as well as in extending our own music making beyond the human realm.


Background Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in childhood. Its prevalence in Indonesia is 6.7 10%. Asthma influences growth, development and quality of life in affected children. Studies abroad have shown that children with asthma have a decreased quality of life (QoL), yet such data is limited in Indonesia. Objective To assess quality of life of asthmatic children in Indonesia, the influence of sociodemographic and medical characteristics on QoL, and to compare child self-reporting to their parents' proxy-reporting. Methods This descriptive analysis, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2010. We assessed the quality of life of asthmatic children aged 2-18 years using the PedsQLTm 4.0 generic scale. Results A total of 100 asthmatic children and their parents were included, with 43% of the subjects aged 8-12 years and a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. We observed that 26.8% of children who selfreported had impaired QoL, while 35% of children who reported by proxy had impaired QoL. In a multivariate analysis, we found the following characteristics to independently influence QoL: male gender (P 0.018 OR 0.26 95% CI 0.08 to 0.9) based on child selfreport, and having partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma based on self-report and proxy-report (P 0.013 OR 6.24 95% CI 1.48 to 26.37 and P 0.018 OR 3.43 95% CI 1.24 to 10.05, respectively). There was good correlation between the self-report and the proxy-report on emotional and social functioning (r > 0.5), yet we found physical and school functioning to be weakly correlated (r < 0.5). Conclusions We observed a relatively high (26.8-35%) impaired QoL in asthmatic patients. Parental assessment of their child's QoL was generally lower than the child's self-assessment. Male gender is a protective factor against impaired QoL, but having partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for lower QoL. [Paediatr Indones. 2011;51:245-51].


Since coming to power in 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has changed how Canada views the world, and how the world views Canada. This is evident through Canada's strained relations with the United Nations. Harper has used his government's antagonism with the UN to bring Canada closer to Israel than before. He has shown disdain for the UN treaty process, including the Arms Trade Treaty, the Convention to Combat Desertification, and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. He used the UN umbrella to court support for his Maternal, Newborn Child Health initiatives, masking an overall cut in development spending. A combination of political ideology and domestic political necessity lies behind this new foreign policy direction. That has meant smashing the brand of past Liberal governments and crafting policies that can appeal to Harper's core base, while attempting to attract other more mainstream supporters.


It is shown that the one-factor Hull-White model can be used in the modern derivative multiple-curve valuation framework. For vanilla instruments such as caps and European swaptions, closed-form pricing formulae are derived.


North Korean detention of U.S. citizens has prompted considerable attention in the U.S. media over the years, especially with the most recent case of Otto Warmbier's death. Releases have usually been negotiated through diplomatic channels on a humanitarian basis. While detainee treatment is influenced primarily by political considerations, this Article asks what international legal implications arise from these detentions in terms of international law violations and recourse. Specifically, this Article analyzes (1) violations of consular law and international human rights law as applied to the detainees, such as standards for arrest, investigation, trial, and detention, and (2) whether viable legal recourse exists. While North Korea has acted contrary to international law in its treatment of U.S. detainees in a number of respects, including through violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other treaties and principles of customary law, legal recourse is practically limited in both international and U.S. domestic law due to jurisdictional barriers and weak international enforcement mechanisms.


Motivated by a recent controversy over handshaking, a survey of the personal networks of young Swedes (n=2244) is used to describe greeting practices across social class, gender, immigrant background, and geographic location. While greeting practices in the sample are fairly uniform, there are also important differences. Handshaking is predominantly used by respondents with an immigrant background, men and women distinguish between greetings depending on the gender of the person they are greeting, and greeting practices differ between northern and southern Sweden as well as between rural and urban areas.


Background : Nasal polyposis is considered one of the most common diseases that cause obstruction of the respiratory tract and impede the patient's quality of life.Aims : The aim is to determine if smoking and body mass index are risk factors for hyperplastic nasal polyps in patients with chronic obstructive rhinitis and allergic rhinitis, and thus conducting early diagnostic investigations to detect the disease early and limit its development. Methods : A cross-sectional case control study was conducted that includes patients who came to Damascus Hospital with complaints of chronic obstruction of the nose and chronic allergies that doesn't respond to conventional treatments and who met the entry criteria and patients from ENT Division without symptoms of obstructive respiratory tracts .Results : 120 patients were included in the study and were distributed as follows: 60 patients with nasal polyps and 60 patients without nasal polyps. The arithmetic mean of age in the group of cases was 31 ± 16.7 years, while in the controls 32.2 ± 18.3, the BMI value was expressed as the arithmetic mean and it was 30.5 ± 4.16 years, while in the controls 23.6 ± 4.30, and the sex ratio was equal between cases and controls with A statistically non-significant value p = 1.000, while the proportion of smokers in cases was 70%, while in controls 37%, with a statistically significant value p = 0.0003.Conclusion : Smoking and body mass index had a statistically significant relation with the development of nasal polyposis .


The information submitted is knowledge accumulated over years of experience teaching dentists how to bill medical insurance. This is supplemented with a good number of personal expert witness testimonies in criminal and malpractice insurance cases. The objective is to prevent problems before they start with the prudent use of information. My experience in court testimony on these issues has shown me that there is an army of lawyers, insurance company fraud examiners, and dentists working for the aforementioned, just waiting for you to improperly use this method of insurance reimbursement. Use this only if you understand the nuances of what it is you are doing! For example, any procedure you bill to dental insurance using CDT-2 codes can be billed to medical insurance using medical insurance CPT-95 codes. The difference is that if the procedure is not a covered medical expense, it will not be paid by the medical insurance carrier. I strongly suggest that you do not fall into the trap of obfuscating these codes. There are a number of so-called insurance "gurus" teaching dentists how to write confusing and misleading operative reports so as to obtain reimbursement for procedures that normally would not be covered. I beseech you--please do not do it! The penalties are severe. You will experience a significant increase in payments from the medical insurance when procedures are submitted in the proper manner. More and more computerized dental insurance management programs are offering their clients the ability to automatically cross-code and submit dental/medical insurance claims. It is a recognized ability of dentists to do such. Billing responsibly is of the utmost importance.


Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region which exhibits several medicinal activities. In the present study, plant growth, chemical composition, and antitumor and antimicrobial properties of S. minor plants were evaluated under different growing conditions. In particular, plants were grown on different substrates, namely (A) peat, (B) peat : perlite (1 : 1) and (C) peat : perlite (2 : 1). The dry weight of the aerial parts and roots was higher for the peat treatment (A), whereas plant growth was severely affected in the peat : perlite (1 : 1) treatment (B). The major detected sugars were fructose and glucose, while the peat : perlite (2 : 1) treatment resulted in a significant increase of α-tocopherol, glucose and total sugars content, especially in the aerial parts. Oxalic acid and citric acid were the major organic acids detected, with a varied effect of growth substrate on organic acid profile. Growth substrate and plant part also had a significant effect on fatty acid composition, especially on linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid content which was higher in the peat : perlite (1 : 1) treatment in both aerial parts and roots. An impact on the composition of phenolic compounds was also observed, where the plants grown on peat : perlite (2 : 1) and peat : perlite (1 : 1) substrates had the highest content of individual and total phenolic compounds in their aerial parts and roots, respectively. Moreover, roots contained significantly higher amounts of phenolic compounds than the aerial parts. Moreover, plant extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against four tumor cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7 and NCI-H460) and a primary culture of porcine liver cells (PLP2), as well as significant antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, S. minor presented significant bioactive properties, while growth substrates affected the nutritional value, chemical composition, antitumor and antimicrobial properties of the species which could be probably attributed to the higher phenolic compound content and different compositions of phenolic compounds. Therefore, although the species is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, it is underexploited yet and its plant tissues could be a potential source of natural bioactive compounds with further use in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.


Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers with small lung cancer (SCLC) representing 14% of the total lung cancer incidence. It is the major cause of cancer death in the UK. Most patients present with extensive disease, which is difficult to treat with the standard chemotherapy. Liposome-based approach provides a tool for improving treatment outcomes. Liposome is versatile tool, with tuneable features such as composition, size and charge. It can be used as a targeting therapy.
The aim of this study was to synthesis a targeted liposomal drug delivery system for SCLC that enhances delivery to GRPR+ cells through conjugation with an antagonist peptide, cystabn. To do that, the receptor expression evaluated in the SCLC cell line (H345) and NSCLC cell line (A549) by indirect antibody detection using flow cytometed. The cystabn peptide was synthesised using Fmoc-SPPS and coupled to DSPE-PEG2000-Maleimide. The dyalised product was characterised by HPLC, UV and MALDI-TOF MS. PEG-stabilised control liposomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method and characterized by DLS. A targeted liposome formulation was prepared by including 1 mole % DSPE-PEG2000-cystabn in the control formulation. Fluorescent liposomes include 1 mole % DHPE-fluorescein. Cell uptake was measured on by flow cytometer.
Uniform targeted liposome formulation were prepared with good stability. The cystabn peptide showed no growth stimulation in H345 and A549 cells, both of which have been shown to express GRP-R to varying extents. Uptake of targeted liposomes into SCLC cells was equivalent for control and targeted formulations. This indicates that the current formulation approach is inappropriate for the preparation of targeted liposomes.


The effects of salinity and osmolality differences on the uptake rates of dissolved cadmium were investigated in 3 crabs of different ecologies — the euryhaline common shore crab Carcinus maenas, the extremely euryhaline Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, and a more stenohaline crab, the velvet swimming crab Necora puber. This study tests predictions derived from the interpretations of the authors from a study of Zn uptake by the same crabs, in terms of the balance between physicochemical and counteractive physiological effects controlling trace metal uptake rates from solution. As predicted, reduced salinities caused increases in the cadmium uptake rate of E. sinensis as expected from the free metal ion model, with increased free cadmium ion availabilities in conditions of reduced chloride complexation. In the cases of C. maenas and N. puber, however, decreased salinity was associated with reduced cadmium uptake, a result interpreted in terms of a physiological response by these crabs to low salinity offsetting the physicochemical effect of increased free cadmium ion availability. This physiological response may include reductions in apparent water permeability with reduced salinities. Osmolality experiments showed that the physiological responses made by the crabs to decreases in salinity could not be explained simply by responses to changes in osmotic pressure of the medium. The interaction of physiology and physico- chemistry controls rates of trace metal uptake from solution by these ecophysiologically distinct crab species.


Metastable structures of cobalt nitrides and Fe-substituted cobalt nitrides are explored as possible candidates for rare-earth free permanent magnets. Through crystal structure searches using an adaptive genetic algorithm, new structures of ConN (n = 3…8) are found to have lower energies than those previously discovered by experiments. Some structures exhibit large magnetic anisotropy energy, reaching as high as 200 μeV per Co atom (or 2.45 MJ m-3) based on first-principles density functional calculation. Substituting a fraction of Co with Fe helps in stabilizing new structures and at the same time further improves the magnetic properties. Our theoretical predictions provide useful insights into a promising system for the discovery of new rare-earth free magnets by experiment.


Objective: The study is a representation of a cohort population from a socio-economically low background indulging in the consumption of smokeless tobacco in Southern Mumbai, India. The study was undertaken to compile the data from a self-designed Questionnaire and to identify and study the inter-relationship between parameters like triggers to consumption, oral habits and tobacco consumption frequency as contributing factors to Oral and Dental Problems and mental health in Smokeless Tobacco Consuming cohort. Methods: The project was conducted in the Southern part of Mumbai city, India. The cohort consisted of 45 tobacco consuming respondents, 3 non consumers and 2 respondents who quit the habit for more than a year. All respondents belonged to a socioeconomically lower background of a working class consisting of cab drivers and local vendors. Results: The study revealed that 80% of the population faced severe dental problems due to the consumption of tobacco. Out of which, 20% said that the consumption was triggered by frustration, 31.1% by stress and 17.7% due to lack of concentration and anxiety. Conclusion: The study revealed that Stress, Frustration/Anxiety and Lack of concentration are the most common triggers that leads to consuming smokeless tobacco. It also reveals that consuming more number of Smokeless Tobacco products is directly correlated to the poor oral hygiene causing oral problems in the population. In our study, an interrelationship was observed between triggers to consumption, oral hygiene and consumption frequency.


The fact that a large majority of mammalian genes are subject to alternative splicing indicates that this phenomenon represents a major mechanism for increasing proteome complexity. Here, we provide an overview of current methods for the computational prediction of alternative splicing based on the alignment of genome and transcript sequences. Specific features and limitations of different approaches and software are discussed, particularly those affecting prediction accuracy and assembly of alternative transcripts.


This book focuses on the role of labor law systems in the global South. It critically reviews the relevant literature and reflects on the way workers' protection tends to be conceptualized as well as on the adequacy of the legal categories and tools used to further it. Special attention is given to the effectiveness of labor legislation in promoting gender equality. This book argues that there is a mismatch between the realities of the developing world and the social, economic, and political underpinnings of labor laws that were developed in post-colonial times. Additionally, changes in the labor market due to globalization have left a significant number of workers falling outside the scope of labor law and needing protection. Against this background, this book explores regulatory and policy responses designed to enhance the scope and application of labor regulation from governments in Latin America, South Asia, and Southern Africa.


Background & Aim : These days it is expected that postmenopausal women live a healthier life for more years. Although sexual relations play an important role for the stability of family life, there is little information in hand about this serious subject in our town. This research is regarding the status of sexual functioning disorders amongst postmenopausal women referring to health centers of Torbat Heydariyeh in 2016. Methods : the present study is a descriptive one which has been conducted in Torbat Heydariyeh. The community consisted of 200 of postmenopausal women referring to health and medical centers of in this city. Tools for the project included: a demographic features form and sexual functioning questionnaire in women (FSFI). The data were analyzed by SPSS software ver .18 and descriptive status. Results : The average total grade of sexual functioning was 22.53+/- 5.91 (in the domain of 14.40 to 35.60). Most of the units under study had a low result of (72.5%). Also amongst the 6 fields of sexual functioning, the highest disorder was of slipperiness (93.5%) and the least level of disorder was of satisfaction (72.5%). Conclusion : Sexual functioning of postmenopausal women in our town is at an undesirable level. It is recommended that further actions be taken in order to recognize the related factors and resolve the prevalent problems.