This paper investigates the evolution of foreign subsidiaries in promoting
employment in their host regions. The implications for employment are considered
using a theoretical frameworks on how Multinational Corporations (MNCs) develop
their network of subsidiaries. The theoretical framework suggests that (when parent
companies are based in economies with similar levels of development as the host
economy) the development of subsidiaries should follow a time path beginning with
export enhancing investments that diversify into more complex operations. An
analysis is then made on how this would affect employment. The theoretical
framework is assessed using evidence from a survey of German subsidiaries in North
West England. The survey suggest that German MNCs may not be providing the
expected benefits that are sought from the large increase in Direct Foreign
Investment (DFI) flows that have followed from the integration programmes of the
European Union (EU). The results of the survey are reinforced by evidence from
other research work, which suggests that European MNCs are less likely than non-
European to create diversified networks of subsidiaries within the EU. Some policy
implications and a future research agenda are drawn from the results.


Mercury pollution in the surface ocean has more than doubled over the past century. Within oceanic food webs, sea turtles have life history characteristics that make them especially vulnerable to mercury (Hg) accumulation. In this study we investigated Hg concentrations in the skin and carapace of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus) from two rookeries in Western Australia. A total of 50 skin samples and 52 carapace samples were collected from nesting turtles at Thevenard Island, and 23 skin and 28 carapace samples from nesting turtles at Eighty Mile Beach. We tested the influence of turtle size on Hg concentrations, hypothesising that larger and likely older adult turtles would exhibit higher concentrations due to more prolonged exposure to Hg. We compared the rookeries, hypothesising that the turtles from the southern rookery (Thevenard Island) were more likely to forage and reside in the Pilbara region closer to industrial mining activity and loading ports (potential exposure to higher environmental Hg concentrations) with turtles from the northern rookery (Eighty Mile Beach) more likely to reside and feed in the remote Kimberley. Turtles from the Eighty Mile Beach rookery had significantly higher skin Hg concentrations (x̄ = 19.4 ± 4.8 ng/g) than turtles from Thevenard Island (x̄ = 15.2 ± 5.8 ng/g). There was no significant difference in carapace Hg concentrations in turtles between Eighty Mile Beach (x̄ = 48.4 ± 21.8 ng/g) and Thevenard Island (x̄ = 41.3 ± 16.5 ng/g). Turtle size did not explain Hg concentrations in skin samples from Eighty Mile Beach and Thevenard Island, but turtle size explained 43.1% of Hg concentrations in the carapace of turtles from Eighty Mile Beach and 44.2% from Thevenard Island. Mercury concentrations in the flatback turtles sampled in this study are relatively low compared to other sea turtles worldwide, likely a result of the generally low concentrations of Hg in the Australian environment. Although we predicted that mining activities would influence flatback turtle Hg bioaccumulations, our data did not support this effect. This may be a result of foraging ground overlap between the two rookeries, or the predominant wind direction carrying atmospheric Hg inland rather than seaward. This is the first Hg study in skin and carapace of flatback turtles and represents a baseline to compare Hg contamination in Australia's surrounding oceans.


BACKGROUND
Isokinetic dynamometry is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of muscle function in individuals with intermittent claudication. However, there is still little information available about the cardiovascular responses of these patients during this type of assessment.

OBJECTIVE
To assess and compare the cardiovascular responses recorded during the assessment of muscle strength and endurance for two exercises commonly used in patients with IC (plantar flexion/dorsiflexion and knee flexion/extension).

METHODS
The sample consisted of 17 claudicant patients with stable disease for at least 6 months. During the isokinetic dynamometer testing, non-invasive measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and double product at rest and at peak exertion were obtained according to specific protocols established for muscle strength and endurance assessment.

RESULTS
Except for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values rose during the exercise compared to the resting stage (p < 0.05). Elevations in heart rate and double product values were higher during knee extension/flexion than during plantar flexion/dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). Increases in heart rate were also higher during the endurance assessment protocol than during muscle strength assessment.

CONCLUSION
Isokinetic strength and endurance testing in patients with IC results in elevation of heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values during the exercises. These increases are higher during the muscle endurance exercises and in those involving greater muscle mass, suggesting that strength testing of small muscle groups causes less cardiovascular overload in these patients.


The Canary Islands are a biologically important archipelago hosting many unique species, whose myrmecofauna is peculiarly rich in both endemic and introduced species. Lepisiota frauenfeldi cfr. kantarensis Forel, 1911 is reported for the first time from Fuerteventura and Tenerife. It is the second species of Lepisiota introduced in the archipelago in the last few years, and one of the few documented cases in which Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Mayr, 1855) s.l. acts as a successful tramp species. Comments are also given on taxonomic problems involving the L. frauenfeldi-group and related taxa. Finally, new additional information and comments are presented on the distribution of other alien ants species from the Canary Islands [Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrásfalvy, 1990, Lepisiota capensis (Mayr, 1862) and Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802)].


Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of new cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Moreover, African-American women and men are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than their white counterparts. We report qualitative data from nine focus group discussions (FGD) conducted in centers serving a low-income, primarily African- American population in East Baltimore.
Methods: Nine FDGs were conducted in health, drug treatment and social service centers across East Baltimore with a total of 127 individuals. A structured interview guide was developed with a focus on three key areas: 1) participants' understanding and interpretations of health, 2) understandings and knowledge about cancer and colorectal cancer, and 3) promoters and barriers to colorectal cancer screening. Transcripts of interviews were coded and analysis was performed using grounded theory methodology and Nvivo software.
Results: Key facilitators for seeking colonoscopy were friend and family support systems, having a family member with CRC, seeking medical care for symptoms, viewing the doctor as a partner, and radio, television, and print advertisements. Participants also described barriers to undergo screening including challenges with colonoscopy preparation, colonoscopic procedural and testspecific concerns, insurance and cost concerns, generalized fear, poor relations with physician, and failure of a physician to make a recommendation and referral.
Conclusions: Knowledge about facilitators of and barriers to CRC screening (CRCS) are necessary for effective initiatives. Interventions targeted at increasing education, knowledge of CRC, and open conversations between patients and providers may be viable options to improve CRCS, early diagnosis and treatment.


A novel adaptive evolving Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) model identification method is investigated and integrated in a control architecture to control of nonlinear processes is investigated. The proposed system identification approach consists of two main steps: antecedent T-S fuzzy model parameters identification and consequent parameters identification. First, a new unsupervised fuzzy clustering algorithm (NUFCA) is introduced to combine the K-nearest neighbor and fuzzy C-means methods into a fuzzy modeling method for partitioning of the input-output data and identifying the antecedent parameters of the fuzzy system. Then, a recursive procedure using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is exploited to construct an online fuzzy model identification and adaptive control methodology. For better demonstration of the robustness and efficiency of the proposed methodology, it is applied to the identification of a model for the estimation of the flour concentration in the effluent of a real-world wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and identification and control, using a generalized predictive controller (GPC), of a real experimental setup composed of two coupled DC motors. The results show that the developed evolving T-S fuzzy model methodology can identify nonlinear systems satisfactorily and can be successfully used for a prediction model of the process for the GPC.


Modified membrane separators with lower cost using non-woven Polypropylene (PP) were widely used in the field of the secondary lithium batteries. Sulfonation is one of the most commonly modified methods for the surface modification of polymers. In order to make it effective in industry production, plasma surface treatment is applied to one, and it is an effective surface activation technology without changing its original properties. The characteristic properties of modified PP membrane separators have been studied by Alkali Absorption property Test, Tensile Strength Test, Fourier-Transform Infrared Measurements (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Sulfonic acid groups in the polymer membranes were evidenced by the FTIR and the XPS spectroscopy. The results showed that the plasma sulfonation treatment reaction was very effective to improve the surface hydrophilicity of the non-woven membranes. The suitable sulfonation process could keep the lower cost in industry production.


Describes a 64 x 64 beam steering optical cross connect constructed using surface micromachined mirrors. It used a curved mirror as a Fourier transform element and to fold the optical system. Both micromechanical switches mirror arrays are fabricated on a single chip and packaged in a single package. The switch fabric size, at 100×120×20 mm, is compatible with mounting on a standard circuit card. The cross connect achieves a mean fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 1.9 dB.


Objective: To determine the prevalence and correlates of children's underinsurance preand postimplementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Study Design: A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 5043 parents of children greater than 6 months old who had health insurance in the previous 12months. Respondents completed the Medical Expenses for Children Survey. Pre-ACA data were collected in summer/fall of 2009 to 2011 (n = 3966); post-ACA data were collected in summer/fall 2016 (n = 1077). All data were collected within the Southwestern Ohio Ambulatory Research Network (SOAR-Net). Results: Some study parents (16.3%) were unable to follow at least 1 recommendation of their child's pediatrician due to their inability to pay for it, and 17.3% reported it had become more difficult to obtain "needed health care" in the past 3 years. Factors associated with underinsurance after adjusting for demographic factors did NOT include pre/post-ACA, but did include annual household income < $50,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.71; 95% CI, 2.15–3.40). Poor child health was also a significant risk factor for underinsurance(AOR=3.71; 95% CI, 2.61–5.29). Conclusions: About 1 in 6 study children were underinsured. The ACA did not affect the underinsurance rate. Parents continued to report that it had become more difficult to obtain needed health care over the past 3 years post-ACA. About one third of study parents consistently reported that the health of their underinsured child had suffered because they could not afford to pay for their child's health care. ( J Am Board Fam Med 2021;34:208–215.)


A new computational approach to identification for models of inverse dynamic problem has been proposed. It is based on robust econometric difference and integral identification algorithms. Their approbation is made on real statistical data for n-industrial open macroeconomic system. All models and sub-models have been tested for adequacy and correspondence with reality.


Purpose Gene transduction using adenoviral vectors is an important research tool. To assess and optimize this technique for glaucoma research, we characterized green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in the mouse eye after intraocular injection of adenoviral vector encoding GFP (Ad5.CMV-GFP) and evaluated the effect of anti-CD40L antibody administration on GFP expression. Methods Mice were injected with Ad5.CMV-GFP intracamerally (IC) or intravitreally (IVT) with or without anti-CD40L antibody treatment. GFP expression was assessed by in vivo fluorescence intensity with a standardized grading scale. Location of expression was analyzed histologically by fluorescence microscopy. Results Intraocular injection of Ad5.CMV-GFP induced titer-dependent expression of GFP in the anterior segment. In vivo fluorescence was detectable but low after IC injection. After IVT injection, fluorescence in the eye peaked at days 4–7 with a fluorescence grade of 3.0 ±0.0 (mean ±SEM, n=6; injection with 1x108 pfu vector). After day 7, GFP expression declined significantly. Treatment with anti-CD40L antibody increased fluorescence intensity after IC injection, and prolonged GFP expression in the IVT group. At day 43, fluorescence grades of the IVT group were 2.8 ±0.7 (with anti-CD40L) and 1.2 ±0.6 (without antibody). Three-Way ANOVA confirmed that GFP expression was significantly higher in the anti-CD40L than the no antibody group (p=0.013), significantly higher in the IVT than the IC group (p=0.003), and significantly higher in the high viral titer (1x108 pfu) than the low titer (1x107 pfu) group (p=0.010). Fluorescence microscopic examination of cross-sections of eyes indicated GFP expression in the trabecular meshwork (TM), corneal endothelium, and sporadically iris, ciliary body and lens epithelium. Conclusions Intraocular injection of Ad5.CMV-GFP induced GFP expression in the mouse anterior segment, including the TM. Expression was more prominent after IVT injection than IC injection. Anti-CD40L antibody treatment increased both intensity and duration of GFP expression. These findings provide important and practical means to improve duration and efficiency of adenovirus-mediated transgene expression in the eye.


The aim of the present study is to study the catalytic activity of Ni-doped graphene in the reduction of NO by CO molecules. The adsorption energies, geometric parameters, reaction barriers, and thermodynamic properties are calculated using the M06-2X density functional. The results suggest that the reaction proceeds in two steps, initiated by the co-adsorption of two CO molecules over the surface, followed by the addition of NO molecules to form a stable (OCON)2 intermediate. Next, by overcoming a small activation energy, a N2 molecule is formed which can easily desorb from the surface due to its negligible adsorption energy. Finally, two CO2 molecules are formed over the surface, which need a negligible activation energy. According to our results, Ni-doped graphene can be used as a potential catalyst for NO reduction by CO molecules. These theoretical results could be also useful in practical applications for the removal of toxic NO and CO molecules.


Understanding of ion generation in air provides insights to several applications, such as gas sensors, electrohydrodynamic pumping, and air purification. In this paper, ion generation processes in atmospheric air are simulated using a particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo method with emphasis on the prediction of ion generation and breakdown characteristics in microscale gaps. The simulation results are validated through comparison to Townsend's discharge theory and experiments. The significance of each relevant electron-molecule reaction is characterized to improve understanding of ion generation dynamics. Self-sustaining discharge and ionization are predicted under sufficient voltage bias, and the predicted trends of breakdown voltage are similar to those obtained from Paschen's curve. Corrections to Paschen's curve in microscale gaps also are identified and compare well to experiments. Electron field emission produces stable electron current that suggests a controllable ionization device without external el...


Upper-ocean zonal currents in the western equatorial Pacific are remarkably variable, changing direction both with time and depth. As a part of the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment, an enhanced monitoring array of moorings measured the upper-ocean velocity, temperature, salinity, and, surface meteorological conditions in the western equatorial Pacific for two years (March 1992‐April 1994). Data from this array are used to evaluate the zonal momentum balance. Although nonlinear terms (zonal, meridional, and vertical advection) were at times large, reversing jets were primarily due to an interplay between wind forcing and compensating pressure gradients. In the weakly stratified surface layer, the flow is to a large extent directly forced by local winds. Eastward acceleration associated with westerly wind bursts and westward accelerations associated with easterly trades lead to frequent reversals in the surface-layer flow. However, pressure gradients set up by the wind bursts partially compensate the local wind forcing in the surface layer. Below the surface layer, these pressure gradients tend to accelerate the upper-thermocline flow in a direction opposing the local winds. Consequently, during westerly wind bursts, a reversing jet structure can develop, with a surface eastward current overlying a westward intermediate layer flow, overlaying the eastward Equatorial Undercurrent.


The increasing of the carbon dioxide (CO2) release into the atmosphere is undeniably one of the biggest concerns for the twenty-first century. Among the different strategies proposed for reduction of CO2 emission (carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), renewable energies, etc.), low-temperature plasma technology offers an alternative and rather efficient way to convert CO2 into the valuables chemicals (e.g. syngas) which can be stored and used afterwards. Several CO2 decomposition plasma-related approaches have been proposed in the literature, all having a main task: increasing the energy efficiency associated to the decomposition process, while keeping the conversion rate at reasonably high level. This task is especially challenging since many kinetic mechanisms of CO2 decomposition in low-temperature discharges are not yet well-known, such as the vibrational excitation which plays a key role in achieving high decomposition rates. In this chapter our recent research efforts associated with the experimental study of the CO2 decomposition in microwave surfaguide low-temperature discharges are presented. The research was focused on the systematic investigation of the basic plasma parameters. The discharge area of the reactor was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy using the light emitted from spontaneous relaxation of excited species in plasma. The critical parameters such as gas temperature and dissociation rate were evaluated. In addition to this, the post-discharge area was characterized by two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence and gas chromatography techniques in order to investigate the exhaust gas composition. All together, the results overviewed in this chapter provide interesting insights into different kinetic mechanisms of CO2-containing discharges, which play an important role in the CO2 decomposition process.


This study investigates current knowledge and performance of existing technology, 'charcoal coolers' in improving the overall quality and shelf-life of French beans. Data was collected primarily from a household survey using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 45 purposively selected farmers who were selected at fixed interval. Data was analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 20 software and Pearson correlation is used to show the relationship between demographic characteristics and farmers post-harvest handling practices. The study revealed that majority of the farmers (80%) harvested late between 9 am to 12 noon and targeted temperature of 16 to 20°C. Only 32% of the farmers interviewed disinfected their produce after harvesting. Majority of farmers (57%) did not belong to any farmers' group or co-operatives. On the other hand, majority of the famers (80%) had adopted use of charcoal cooler technology and 69% stored their produce for between 1 and 6 h before delivering them to the packing shed, a distance that would take another 6 h. Farmers' age and education level had positive influence on use of cold storage facility. To sustain the use of cold storage facilities and technologies, there is need to support establishment of a community-based cold storage facilities that can be accessed by the small scale farmers to ensure their produce remain fresh before transfer to packing stations. Such a move would considerably reduce food losses and wastes along the value chain, which is an instrumental agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.

 Key words: French beans, charcoal cooler, cold storage, post-harvest practices, quality, shelf life.


Abstract. A virtual globe to visualize time series of pixels from the MODIS sensor over the South American continent is available in the Internet and was developed at the Brazilian Institute for Space Research. The MODIS images acquired since the year 2000 were transformed to a vegetation index (EVI2, two-band Enhanced Vegetation Index) with pixel size of 250 m. This study aims to use these time series to identify land use changes (LUC) based on the temporal profile of EVI2 values of deforested polygons between 2007 and 2011 within the context of the Soy Moratorium. Deforested polygons were divided in two strata: with and without soy in crop year 2010/11. From the MODIS/EVI2 time series the following classes were identified: forest, degraded forest, total clearing of the area, regrowth of forest, regrowth with pasture, pasture, agriculture, and soy. For stratum 1, the dominant LUC trajectory was: forest – degradation – regrowth / regrowth with pasture. In the second stratum we observed two main LUC trajectories: 1) forest – degraded forest – total clearing of the area – annual crop (rice) – soy; and 2) forest – total clearing of the area – annual crop (rice) – soy. For most samples of stratum 2 the LUC trajectory was agriculture (e.g., rice) between total clearing and soy cultivation. These patterns occurred on average over two harvests, which may be considered the necessary time for soil correction and total removal of above ground stumps and roots to enable mechanized soy harvesting. The fast evaluation of one hundred polygons during 11 years was only possible due to the virtual globe to visualize the MODIS time series that proved to be an important tool to improve the understanding of LUC dynamics in the Amazon region.


Research conducted to investigate functional electrical stimulation in the paraplegic individual to provide functional walking is reviewed. To understand better the problems of hip and trunk stability, crutch walking video tapes depicting trial crutch walking sessions experienced by four implanted complete paraplegic individuals were reviewed and all segments demonstrating instability were copied to provide a tape of walking errors. Additional information was gathered from direct observations of similar episodes during muscle programming sessions and exercise walking sessions using a rolling walker. Attempts to use forearm crutches to replace the rolling walker resulted in numerous gait deviations at the hip and spine, the first being a strong tendency to lean forward. It is postulated that adequate hip and trunk stability using electrical stimulation can be achieved through a combination of additional subject training, improved muscle implantation techniques, and improved programming techniques.<<ETX>>


Similar to frequent patterns in data mining, visual pattern refers to a recurring composition of visual contents in images or videos, such as repetitive texture regions, common objects among images, or similar actions among videos. Such visual patterns capture the recurrence nature of visual data and can represent the essence of the visual data. Finding such visual patterns is critical to image and video data analysis. In spite of the recent successes of unsupervised mining of representative visual patterns in unlabeled visual data, for visual recognition tasks, the unsupervised mined visual patterns are often not discriminative enough to distinguish among different classes. One natural way to overcome this limitation is to leverage supervised learning and discover class-specific visual patterns, which is the focus of this thesis. Particularly, we target at discovering the following visual patterns of different structures: (1) class-specific local spatial patterns, e.g., local texture structure that can help differentiate different object images; (2) class-specific spatial layout patterns, e.g., spatial grid patterns that can help differentiate different scene images; (3) classspecific visual pattern of compositional structures, e.g., conjunction (AND) and disjunction (OR) forms of individual visual features that can help differentiate different scene images and action videos. To discover the above-mentioned class-specific visual patterns, this thesis is composed by the following technical works. In the first work, we propose to mine mid-level visual phrases from low-level visual primitives, e.g., local image patches or regions, by leveraging local spatial context of visual primitives, multi-feature fusion of visual primitives, and also the weaklysupervised image label information. In the second work, we propose to discover class-specific spatial layouts for each scene category by casting a `1-regularized max-margin optimization problem. In the third work, we propose a novel branch-and-bound based co-occurrence pattern mining algorithm that can directly mine both optimal conjunctions (AND) and disjunctions (OR) of individual features at arbitrary orders simultaneously with minimum classification error Nanyang Technological University for boosting algorithm. Similar to the third work, in the fourth work we aim to discover highorder AND/OR patterns of skeleton features from depth camera for action recognition. We also propose to integrate the discovered AND/OR patterns in an attention LSTM model for temporal modeling to improve action recognition performance. Compared with unsupervised visual pattern discovery, which usually separates the step of pattern discovery and classification, our method can provide a joint learning of visual pattern discovery and visual recognition. Also, different from conventional visual recognition which emphasize purely on the classification performance, our class-specific visual patterns target more on capturing the essence of difference visual classes, such that we not only can recognize the visual classes, but also can explain and understand why they are different visual classes, thanks to the discovered class-specific visual patterns.


Quantum effects in ambient conditions Quantum back action—the "reaction" of a quantum mechanical object to being measured—is normally observed at cryogenic temperatures, where it is easier to distinguish from thermal motion. Purdy et al. managed to tease out the effects of quantum back action at room temperature by using a mechanical oscillator and probing it with light (see the Perspective by Harris). The fluctuations of the force produced by the light probe caused correlated changes to the motion of the oscillator and the properties of the transmitted light. These correlations revealed the effects of the back action, which allows the system to be used as a quantum thermometer. Science, this issue p. 1265; see also p. 1232 An optomechanical system containing a Si3N4 nanobeam is used to tease out the effects of quantum backaction. The act of position measurement alters the motion of an object being measured. This quantum measurement backaction is typically much smaller than the thermal motion of a room-temperature object and thus difficult to observe. By shining laser light through a nanomechanical beam, we measure the beam's thermally driven vibrations and perturb its motion with optical force fluctuations at a level dictated by the Heisenberg measurement-disturbance uncertainty relation. We demonstrate a cross-correlation technique to distinguish optically driven motion from thermally driven motion, observing this quantum backaction signature up to room temperature. We use the scale of the quantum correlations, which is determined by fundamental constants, to gauge the size of thermal motion, demonstrating a path toward absolute thermometry with quantum mechanically calibrated ticks.


Nowadays, scanning electron microscopy is a valuable tool that could be applied in a number of applications
including forensic sciences, metallurgy and nanotechnologies. In view of researchers, it provides a better overall
visual image of the sample and makes the quick resolution of tough analytical problems effectively. In this work, the
characterization of thin films prepared under various deposition conditions by using scanning electron microscopy
was discussed and reported.


Context. In addition to the torques exerted by the Moon, Sun, and planets, changes of precession-nutation are known to be caused also by geophysical excitations. Recently studies suggest that geomagnetic jerks (GMJ) might be associated with sudden changes of phase and amplitude of free core nutation. We showed that using atmospheric and oceanic excitations with those by GMJ improves substantially the agreement with observed celestial pole offsets. Aims. Traditionally, the period T f and quality factor Q f of the free core nutation (FCN) are derived from VLBI-based celestial pole offsets (CPO). Either direct analysis of the observed CPO, or indirect method using resonant effects of nutation terms with frequencies close to FCN, are used. The latter method is usually preferred, since it yields more accurate results. Our aim is to combine both approaches to better derive FCN parameters. Methods. We numerically integrated the part of CPO that is due to geophysical excitations for different combinations of T f , Q f , using Brzezinski's broadband Liouville equations (, Manuscripta geodaetica, 19, 157), and compared the results with the observed values of CPO. The values yielding the best fit were then estimated. The observed CPO, however, must be corrected for the change of nutation that is caused by the T f , Q f values different from those used to calculate IAU 2000 model of nutation. To this end, we have used the Mathews-Herring-Buffet transfer function and applied it to the five most affected terms of nutation (with periods 365.26, 182.62, 121.75, 27.55 and 13.66 days). Results. The results, based on the CPO data in the interval 1986.0—2016.0 and excitations with three different models, are presented. We demonstrate that better results are obtained if the influence of additional excitations at GMJ epochs is added to excitations by the atmosphere and oceans. Our preferred values are T f = 430.28 ± 0.04 mean solar days and Q f = 19 500 ± 200.


Most fault detection algorithms are based on residuals, i.e. the difference between a measured signal and the corresponding model based prediction. However, in many more advanced sensors the raw measurements are internally processed before refined information is provided to the user. The contribution of this paper is to study the problem of fault detection when only the state estimate from an observer/Kalman filter is available and not the direct measured quantities. The idea is to look at an extended state space model where the true states and the observer states are combined. This extended model is then used to generate residuals viewing the observer outputs as measurements. Results for fault observability of such extended models are given. The approach is rather straightforward in case the internal structure of the observer is exactly known. For the Kalman filter this corresponds to knowing the observer gain. If this is not the case certain model approximations can be done to generate a simplified model to be used for standard fault detection. The corresponding methods are evaluated on a DC motor example. The next step is a real data robotics demonstrator.


Many recent reports suggest the relationship between hyperuricemia, risk and prognosis of arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. The works on the clinical and prognostic significance in chronic heart failure are few even if this pathology deteriorates prognosis of some cardiovascular diseases. Hyperuricemia is considered to be a component of cardiovascular continuum, risk factor of chronic heart failure and marker of its unfavourable outcome. Prognostic significance of hyperuricemia in patients with chronic heart failure is discussed,


Objectives Recently developed genotyping tools allow better understanding of Trichomonas vaginalis population genetics and epidemiology. These tools have yet to be applied to T vaginalis collected from HIV+ populations, where understanding the interaction between the pathogens is of great importance due to the correlation between T vaginalis infection and HIV transmission. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to compare the genetic diversity and population structure of T vaginalis collected from HIV+ women with parasites from reference populations; second, to use the genetic markers to perform a case study demonstrating the usefulness of these techniques in investigating the mechanisms of repeat infections. Methods Repository T vaginalis samples from a previously described treatment trial were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. Estimates of genetic diversity and population structure were determined using standard techniques and compared with previously reported estimates of global populations. Genotyping data were used in conjunction with behavioural data to evaluate mechanisms of repeat infections. Results T vaginalis from HIV+ women maintain many of the population genetic characteristics of parasites from global reference populations. Although there is evidence of reduced diversity and bias towards type 1 parasites in the HIV+ population, the populations share a two-type population structure and parasite haplotypes. Genotyping/behavioural data suggest that 36% (12/33) of repeat infections in HIV+ women can be attributed to treatment failure. Conclusions T vaginalis infecting HIV+ women is not genetically distinct from T vaginalis infecting reference populations. Information from genotyping can be valuable for understanding mechanisms of repeat infections.


We present the concept of 3D video particles, a versatile representation for 3D video and real-time visual effects. By generalizing 2D video pixels towards 3D irregular point samples we combine the simplicity of conventional 2D video processing with the power of more complex polygonal representations for 3D video. The heart of the video particle representation is a hierarchical spacesubdivision data structure. Once initialized, this data structure can progressively be updated by so-called "smart" streaming. A smart 3D video stream consists of operators such as particle inserts, updates or deletes accounting for input changes. Our approach works with any real-time 3D reconstruction method and scales smoothly from view dependence to view independence. The video renderer implements a variety of advanced rendering operators including re-shading, and numerous 3D visual effects and makes use of state-of-the-art vertex processing hardware. 3D video particles are primarily designed for 3D telepresence, augmented reality, location-based entertainment, and real-time virtual studio applications.


Introduction Impuse Control Disorders (ICD) are a potentially devastating side-effect of dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). We explore the genetic factors associated with ICD in Tracking Parkinson's/PRoBaND – a UK-wide cohort of early-stage PD. Methods Participants were diagnosed with PD within 3 years and had longitudinal assessment including the Questionnaire for ICD in Parkinson's (QUIP) for up to 5 years. We defined cases as having any positive response to the QUIP (lax criteria) or 2 positive responses in any domain (strict criteria). We performed a candidate-gene analysis based on systematic review, followed by a genome-wide association study. We used age at onset, gender, and three significant principle components as covariates. Results After clinical and genetic quality control steps, we analysed 1602 participants. Prevalence was significantly affected by classification criteria (strict/lax): ICD – 26.8%/11.1%, IRB 29.3%/27.2%, any 31.7%/41.9%. Six SNPs in dopamine, glutamate and adreno- receptor genes achieved nominal significance (p<0.05) in the candidate study. We have identified several SNPs in the GWAS that approach genome wide significance (p<5 × 10–7). Conclusions This work is the first genome-wide study of genetic determinants of ICD. Our findings support the hypothesis of genetic determinants of ICD in Parkinson's and further work will allow understanding of the biology of ICD.


Investing in disadvantaged young people is one of the rare public policies with no equity-efficiency tradeoff. Based on the methodology developed in Sharpe, Arsenault and Lapointe (2007), we estimate the effect of increasing the educational attainment level of Aboriginal Canadians on labour market outcome and output up to 2026. We build on these projection to estimate the potential effect of eliminating educational and social gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people on government spending and government revenues using population and economic projections to 2026.


The educational sector of Cameroon has continuously absorbed a substantial proportion of government's budgets since independence. For example, between 1975 and 1985 government budgetary allocations to Education rose from FCFA 8,600 million to about FCFA 50,541 million (1 US$ = 300 FCFA) which is an increase of 588 per cent during the decade. According to UNESCO (1984), government budgetary allocation to education in 1975 represented about 22.7% of current government expenditure while that of 1984 was about 23.2%. Coupled with these high budgetary allocations is the increasing demand for education especially at the primary school level, as evidenced by increased enrollments over the years.


Rational for the Study Long term patency of autologous saphenous vein coronary bypass grafts is limited by neointima formation and atherosclerosis. Neointima is promoted by adventitial hypoxia. Hence we investigated the effect on neointima in pig vein-into-artery interposition grafts of peri-adventitial application of immortalised human mesenchymal stem cells that express the angiogenic peptide, Glucagon Like Peptide-1. Cells were protected from immune mediated destruction by encapsulation in alginate microbeads. Methodology Cellbeads (20 000cell/cm2) were applied onto adventitia in Ringer's solution during grafting and were compared to alginate beads without stem cells or vehicle treated grafts. Results CellBeads significantly reduced neointima area after 4 weeks compared to alginate beads (mean difference 4.1 mm2, 95% CI 0.3 to 7.9, p=0.033) or vehicle (mean difference 4.0 mm2, 95% CI 0.3 to 7.7, p=0.030). CellBeads provoked a significant increase in vein graft adventitial neoangiogenesis vs alginate beads (mean difference 16.8 vessels/ mm2 95% CI 3.4 to 30.3, p=0.012) or vehicle (mean difference 18.0 vessels/ mm2 95% CI 5.1 to 31.0, p=0.006). CellBeads had no effect on vessel inward or outward remodelling and promoted adventitial collagen deposition. CellBeads treated grafts had higher patency (6/7) than alginate beads without stems cells (6/17, Fisher's Exact test p=0.052) and similar to vehicle-treated grafts (7/8 grafts patent), There was no evidence of an inflammatory (macrophage) or immune (lymphocyte) reaction to either CellBeads or alginate beads. Conclusions Periadventitial human stem cells inhibit early neointima formation and accelerate adventitial angiogenesis in experimental porcine vein grafts. The alginate beads alone exhibited unexpected graft failure which will need to be understood before further translational development.


In the last few years new ceramic/carbon nanotube composites have been developed and a number of authors have reported improved mechanical and functional properties in the case of ceramic/CNT composites compared to the monolithic materials. according to the results reinforcing by CNTs in many cases improved the fracture toughness of Al2O3, however, this toughening is not evident, and some of the variations may purely arise from using different testing techniques. The improvement in fracture toughness is due to bridging of the crack surfaces by CNTs during the crack propagation by CNT pullout mechanism, which strongly depends on the interfacial bonding between CNTs and the matrix. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of addition of carbon nanotubes and carbon black on the indentation toughness of alumina-CNT and alumina-carbon black nanocomposites.


Introduction: The earthquake that struck Padang, West Sumatra on September 30, 2009 was a significant turning point in the city's recent history. The aftermath and responses to the disaster were shaped by longstanding practices and attitudes towards development, and it has resulted in ongoing effects and changes to the city's health environment, including, significantly, to issues relating to vector control and the occurrence of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Objective: Establish and document the links between the earthquake and changes to the environmental health situation in Padang. Method: Consideration of statistics on dengue hemorrhagic fever, combined with an assessment of issues arising from the earthquake that impact on environmental health, as reported in official documents and media discussion Result: The earthquake has resulted in significant long-term changes to the living environment, which have impacted on health issues, most notably through an increase in dengue hemorrhagic fever. Conclusion: The importance of planning for sustainable development in the context of prevention and control of environmental disease is illustrated by natural disasters such as the Padang earthquake, and cannot be overlooked in developing regions.


Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to assess micro-RNAs miR-142 and miR-39 as potential biomarkers for drug-monitoring of rivaroxaban among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods The study involved 57 patients with median (ME) age 87 years [80–94 years old] with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation admitted to a multidisciplinary hospital in Moscow. High-performance liquid chromatography with mass-spectrometry detection (HPLC-MS) was carried out to measure rivaroxaban concentrations. Carriership of CYP3A4 and ABCB1 was detected. MiRNA expression levels were measured. The activity of CYP3A4 isoenzyme was measured as the ratio of the concentrations of 6β-hydroxycortisol and cortisol. Results The miR-142 expression levels of patients with CC allelic variant polymorphism ABCB1 3435 C>T (rs1045642) were significantly higher compared to CT and TT variants 31.69 ± 1.60 vs. 34.06 ± 1.66 vs. 33.16 ± 1.77 (p=0.021). Carriers of TT allelic variant polymorphism ABCB1 rs4148738 had a higher concentration of the 6-beta-hydroxycortisol in urine compared to CC and CT variants 3,467.35 ± 1,055.53 vs. 3,453.52 ± 1,516.89 vs. 2,593.30 ± 1,172.52 (p=0.029). As for CYP3A4*22, the carriers of CC allelic variant had higher prothrombin time 14.10 ± 2.17 vs. 11.87 ± 0.60 and INR 1.31 ± 0.20 vs. 1.1 ± 0.06 but lower Quick's value 74.52 ± 16.84 vs. 97.55 ± 10.54 (p=0.059). A positive correlation between the Ct miR-142 and the aPTT p=0.019 was noted. Also miR-142 has a correlation with Quick's value p=0.095. There is no statistically significant connection between miR-142 and miR-39 expression levels and the plasma concentration of rivaroxaban (b coefficient=−2.055, SE 3.952, p=0.605 and b coefficient=1.546, SE 9.887, p=0.876 in the linear regression model respectively). Conclusions This study has assessed new potential biomarkers for rivaroxaban therapeutic drug monitoring: miR-142 and miR-39.


Targeted protein degradation (TPD) using proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glue degraders has arisen as a powerful therapeutic modality for eliminating disease-causing proteins from cells. PROTACs and molecular glue degraders employ heterobifunctional or monovalent small molecules, respectively, to chemically induce the proximity of target proteins with E3 ubiquitin ligases to ubiquitinate and degrade specific proteins via the proteasome. Whereas TPD is an attractive therapeutic strategy for expanding the druggable proteome, only a relatively small number of E3 ligases out of the >600 E3 ligases encoded by the human genome have been exploited by small molecules for TPD applications. Here we review the existing E3 ligases that have thus far been successfully exploited for TPD and discuss chemoproteomics-enabled covalent screening strategies for discovering new E3 ligase recruiters. We also provide a chemoproteomic map of reactive cysteines within hundreds of E3 ligases that may represent potential ligandable sites that can be pharmacologically interrogated to uncover additional E3 ligase recruiters.


more intensive treatment: four regained normal renal function, four had renal impairment when discharged, one was still receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis six months after her initial illness, and one died. This small uncontrolled series included only one patient who had had surgery. In a double blind study, however, 20 patients receiving diclofenac after oesophagogastrectomy had significantly reduced urine output and potassium excretion, with a tendency to hyperkalaemia.' One patient receiving diclofenac developed renal impairment requiring treatment with dopamine. Degradation products of prostaglandin were greatly increased on the first postoperative day in controls, but this rise was abolished by diclofenac. Renal perfusion after surgery is maintained by the increased production of renal prostaglandins; this is blocked by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acute renal impairment during treatmnent with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is more likely in elderly patients, patients with hypertension and vascular disease, and patients with hypovolaemia and pre-existing renal impairment. In such cases we suggest that nephrotoxicity related to use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be a serious problem, with increased morbidity and occasional deaths; this cannot be ignored when postoperative analgesic requirements are being considered. Particular caution is indicated in patients with infection.


The pelvic inlet, or the upper pelvic narrow, is the anatomical limit between the true pelvis below and the false pelvis above. There are tangible, genetic and hormonal differences between the male and female pelvis related to the reproductive function. In obstetrics, the pelvic inlet is the entrance door toward the birth canal. The fetal cephalic extremity needs to position itself and to adapt adequately to be able to compare the smaller diameter with the largest diameter of the space delimited by the anatomical line of the maternal pelvic inlet. The shape of the inlet depends on the general shape of the pelvis, according to the traditional classification of Caldwell and Moloy [1]. The dimensions of its anteroposterior, oblique, and transverse diameters vary according to the morphological type of the pelvis. The proportions of the shape of the internal pelvic spaces correspond to the proportion of the sacral area of Michaelis. There is radiological evidence that the intrapelvic space changes with the posture of the subject. The position taken by the subject influences the values of the transversal and anterior-posterior diameters. This evidence is extremely useful to facilitate fetal entry into the true pelvis and to favor the dilating phase of labor [2]. A method of evaluating the diameters of the endopelvic spaces and their adaptability (mobility) would be extremely useful for diagnosing the "contracted pelvis" and avoiding the consequences on the health of the mother and the newborn that protracted labor and an operative birth can involve.


: Sun worship has existed for thousands of years and the popularity of sunbathing and tanning salons proves that it still exists today. Overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and tanning beds is a major cause of skin damage and the main cause of precancerous and cancerous skin lesions. Regardless of the many warnings about the dangers of sun exposure and the many sunscreen products available, a significant number of people develop these lesions. The most common sun-induced pre-cancerous lesion is solar keratosis, or actinic keratosis. Unless detected and treated, actinic keratosis can progress to skin cancer. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. All can be cured if caught early and treated promptly. A number of treatment options are available for skin cancers, including topical preparations, systemic chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and surgery. The best treatment option depends on the type and location of lesion, the stage of the lesion, and the needs of the individual patient.


Trafficking of persons is a serious and very complex issue, although too often neglected, in many developing countries, including the Philippines. We make a first attempt to produce empirical research from the angle of development economists to assess the risk factors for entering into trafficking and evaluate the prospects of reintegration of trafficked victims. We have interviewed young women resident in shelters in the Cebu area and the sample consists of girls 14 years and above living in 12 shelters in the Cebu area. We find that trafficked victims have on average lower levels of education than the non-trafficked girls. Trafficking victims are also more likely to come from larger families. 20 percent of the girls came from households where the mother was absent during the last year she lived with her family. Therefore, as expected, income appears as a main factor of vulnerability. Any policy oriented to create safety nets for families at risk, empowering women, and create better labor opportunities for girls is likely to reduce to probabilities of entering into trafficking. In terms of family dynamics, trafficking victims come from families with relatively more inter-personal conflicts. There is also more prevalence of physical violence in houses where trafficked victims lived. The violent home environment of these vulnerable girls needs to be kept in mind when designing reintegration programs. Using techniques that elicit the expectations that the girls had when leaving their household and then comparing them with what actually happened, we observe that trafficked girls underestimate the cost of leaving the household (in terms of likelihood to get pregnant, ill, use drugs) and overestimate the benefits (in terms of likelihood to marry a foreign man and being able to send back money to the family). Moreover, we also find that friends are the most prevalent mode of recruitment of trafficking while the role of formal recruiters is less important. In our sample, only 27 percent of the girls obtained their job via a recruiter. Information campaigns to explain the danger of the jobs offered could contribute to stopping the trafficking phenomenon. Finally, important insights emerged by looking at inter-temporal preferences and risk preferences of our respondents, where these preferences were elicited using the tools of experimental economics. Former victims of trafficking exhibited a relatively high degree of impatience compared to other girls. On the other hand, both groups were extremely risk averse. These results suggests that an important role should be given, when designing reintegration programs for vulnerable girls – and especially former victims of trafficking – in working on the formation of their expectation, inter-temporal preferences and risk preferences.


In our previous column (in the February ABT ), we reviewed the impact of two key factors that precipitate relapse: (1) priming (introduction of small amounts of the drug), which acts on the mesolimbic dopamine pathway in the brain; and (2) stress, which acts on a variety of neural pathways. As our exploration of addiction and the brain continues, the endocannabinoid system contributes additional pieces of information to enhance our understanding of addiction.

Who ever would have thought that the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), had receptor sites ready and waiting in our brains? The plant that gives us marijuana, Cannabis sativa , has been known for thousands of years. Its psychoactive properties have been used over the centuries and across the world. Once the chemical structure of THC was identified, the research began (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964).

There have …


In order to accurate calculation vehicle pre-braking speed by the regression analysis data of vehicle braking speed, comparing and analyzing with LS estimation algorithm, instrumental variable estimation algorithm, generalized least squares estimation algorithm and Cor-LS algorithm, LS estimation algorithms is used to study on parameter estimation of the vehicle braking model, introducing multiple linear regression theory, building the pre-brake speed regression model. By using the simulation data, to calculate the braking system dynamic growth factor, to gain pre-braking speed regression model. Solved the problem of calculating vehicle brake speed. In the end, through the high-precision vehicle dynamics simulation model (veDYNA) platform to simulation, comparing the speed model and original model to verify the model speed validity and accuracy, the simulation results show good results.


The present study examined Antifat attitudes and Body Image concerning individual differences along gender, weight, and ethnicity. Researchers have concluded that how a person perceives his or her own body weight may affect that person's view about self and others (Rucker & Cash, 1991). Four scales were utilized to measure the perceptual (Body Figure Perception Questionnaire), affective (The Body Esteem Scale), cognitive (Attention to Body Shape Scale), and behavioral components (Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire) of body image. One scale (Antifat Attitudes Test) was utilized to measure antifat attitudes. One hundred and forty-five participants from Fort Hays State University participated in the present study (59 men and 86 women). Self-report of height and weight were used to calculate each participant's Body Mass Index (BMI). Results from the present study revealed men endorsed stronger antifat attitudes than women. Results also revealed that women were more dissatisfied with their body image than were men. Furthermore, overweight participants had higher levels of body image dissatisfaction than other weight groups. Overweight participants were also more likely to hold an overweight person responsible for his or her own weight. It was expected that the level of satisfaction a person had about his or her body image might in fact be related to the degree of endorsement of antifat attitudes. From this study, it can be concluded that dissatisfaction with body image may not have as strongly predicted antifat attitudes as expected. In general, results from the current study did not agree with related research.


"Debate" is a new series offering opposing sides of a continuing, controversial issue in tobacco control. In this and the two responses that follow, the pros and cons of banning smoking outdoors are discussed by the Editor of Tobacco Control, Simon Chapman, physicist James Repace of Repace Associations in Bowie, Maryland, USA, and Michelle Bloch and Donald Shopland of the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland, USA

Several Australian hospitals are proposing to extend their indoor smoking bans outdoors. In 1996, the mayor of Friendship Heights, Maryland similarly sought to ban smoking in municipal parks and on sidewalks. A leading non-smokers' rights advocate in Sydney has attracted publicity for his proposal to take civil action to have his suburban tennis club ban smoking in outdoor spectator areas, typically occupied by a handful of people waiting for courts to become vacant. In Kerala and Goa in India, smoking is banned in public spaces such as beaches, attracting fines.1

Such proposals "push the envelope" of tobacco control into areas where questions need to be asked to ensure tobacco control policies are firmly anchored to scientific evidence and especially concern those who value the freedom of individuals to do what they please to the extent that this does not harm others.2 They invite consideration of whether zero tolerance of public exposure to toxic agents is a reasonable policy for civil societies and whether the loudly proclaimed exquisite sensitivities of a small minority should drive public policy.

Further, they invite us to reflect on the extent to which these policies risk alienating a large number of people who might otherwise be supportive of efforts to reduce environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in situations where there is significant risk or reduced amenity. In short, we need to ask whether efforts to prevent people …


Purpose:Dissemination of the total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSSM) technique is limited by concerns of nipple viability, flap necrosis, local recurrence risk, and the technical challenge of this procedure. We sought to define the impact of surgical and reconstructive variables on complication rates and assess how changes in technique affect outcomes. Patients and Methods:We compared the outcomes of TSSM in 2 cohorts of patients. Cohort 1: the first 64 TSSM procedures performed at our institution, between 2001 and 2005. Cohort 2: 106 TSSM performed between 2005 and 2007. Outcomes of cohort 1 were analyzed in 2005. At that time, potential risk factors for complications were identified, and efforts to minimize these risks by altering operative and reconstructive technique were then applied to patients in cohort 2. The impact of these changes on outcomes was assessed. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between predictor variables and adverse outcomes (Stata 10). Results:The predominant incision type in cohort 2 involved less than a third of the nipple areola complex (NAC), and the most frequent reconstruction technique was tissue expander placement. Between cohort 1 and cohort 2, nipple survival rates rose from 80% to 95% (P = 0.003) and complication rates declined: necrotic complications (30% → 13%; P = 0.01), implant loss (31% → 10%; P = 0.005), skin flap necrosis (16%–11%; not significant), and significant infections (17%–9%, not significant). Incisions involving >30% of the NAC (P < 0.001) and reconstruction with autologous tissue (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for necrotic complications. The local recurrence rate was 0.6% at a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 1–65), with no recurrences in the NAC. Conclusion:Focused improvement in technique has resulted in the development of TSSM as a successful intervention at our institution that is oncologically safe with high nipple viability and early low rates of recurrence. Identifying factors that contribute to complications and changing surgical and reconstructive techniques to eliminate risk factors has greatly improved outcomes.


Background and Objective: As majority of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) have a viral origin, antibiotic prescription for URTIs has become a common practice in pediatric medicine. The prescription of an inappropriate and unnecessary antibiotic is the main cause of the development and increase of antibiotic resistance. The factors involved in high level of using antibiotics include knowledge and attitude on the use of antibiotics, patient satisfaction with treatment, and the relationship between physician and patient, and patient experience in the use of antibiotics. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of parents with regard to the use of antibiotics for URTIs in children admitted to Infectious Diseases Clinic of Shahid Motahari Hospital in Urmia in 2017–2018. Methodology: The current research is an analytical cross-sectional study. The research population included parents who have children aged 1–8 years and admitted to the infectious diseases clinic of the Motahari Hospital in Urmia from all parts of the province. In this research, KAP of patients was evaluated with regard to the use of antibiotics for acute URTIs in children based on age, education level, and living place. SPSS software version 21 was used to analyze the data. Results: Of 400 parents examined, 58.8% were female and 41.2% were male. In addition, 75% of the parents were living in cities, 23.3% of them had academic level of education, and 12% were illiterate. A significant relationship was found between the level of education, the living place, and the KAP of parents with regard to the use of antibiotics for URTIs. There was also a significant relationship between age and attitude and practice of parents, but age was not significantly correlated with parent knowledge. Parents admitted to the hospital stated that the most reason for the arbitrarily use of antibiotics was its prescription by physician in the same condition. During 3 months before admitting to the hospital, 54.2% of the parents used the antibiotic arbitrarily for URTIs children. Conclusion: Low level of knowledge and attitude of parents about URTIs and high levels of arbitrarily use of antibiotic in this study make it necessary to provide educational programs for parents with regard to infections common among the children and, their treatment more supervision over pharmacies and retraining courses for physicians.


The shortage for the pure water exists in many developing countries like India even though three fourth of the earth is sheltered by water. The main reason behind this is the unplanned growth of industry and uncontrolled growth of population. In this context, solar still may serve as an efficient solution for addressing pure water shortage in hot climatic areas facing scarcity of water. Solar still is a very simple device that can be used for converting the available non-potable water into potable water. Various water purifiers based on solar energy have been proposed in literature but most of them are having low water output. This paper presents a novel method of a solar water purifier operating under vacuum to enhance its productivity. An experimental investigation of a scaled model has been carried out and it was observed that productivity of solar still increases with decrease in pressure inside the still.


Background: This study reviews our experience with penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in order to define and describe the injury pattern and the outcome. A secondary aim of this study was to review the use of the Motor Score (M Score) and the Simplified Motor Score (SMS) to assess and triage patients with penetrating TBI.
Methods: All patients with a TBI secondary to a penetrating mechanism were identified from the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry at Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) from January 2012 to December 2014. Standard demographic data, need for neuro-surgical intervention, location of external wounds, CT findings and mortality where analysed. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) M score and SMS score were specifically evaluated to determine the relationship between the individual motor component and patient outcome.
Results: Over the two-year period January 2012–December 2014, a total of 384 patients were admitted following a penetrating TBI. There were 350 males and 34 females and of this total 7 (1.82%) died. The mechanism of injury was axe (30), bottle (34), gunshot wound (GSW) (22) and stab wound (298). The average age for axe injuries was 27 and bottle injuries was 30. The average age for firearms and knives was 29 and 30 respectively.  Surgery was not required for 76.67% of patients. The need for surgery varied according to mechanism of injury. Axe injuries were treated non-operatively in 47.83%, bottle injuries in 87.50%, firearms 70% and knife injuries were treated nonoperatively in 86.84% of cases. The overall survival rate for a penetrating head injury in this population is 98.16%. There were a total of 368 patients with a motor score of 6 of which one died. The survival rate was 99.7% and the mortality rate 0.3%. There were only 6 patients with a motor score of 5 and only 2 with a motor score of 4. The survival rate for both these groups was 100%. There was a total of 6 patients with a motor score of 1. There was a 100% mortality rate is this group.
Conclusion: Penetrating TBI has a good prognosis. The vast majority of cases do not require neuro-surgical intervention. Poor motor score is associated with a poor outcome.


Data warehousing is a collection of data from multiple, very large, distributed, heterogeneous databases and other information sources. This information is stored in autonomous and distributed systems .Quick response time and accuracy are the vital things for the database to be successful. In distributed databases query response time is the basic need. Performance of query can be improved by different approaches like hybrid integration system where most recent data is stored at mediator i.e. common access point to distributed system ,optimization of query, use of proper data structure, reduce complexity of query etc. leaving all alternatives, we are planning to use materialized view approach. Materialized view is used to store the result of queries. We are going to store the result of queries based on the frequency of queries fired by the user. The queries having high frequencies i.e, based on the user demandable queries materialized view is designed. This will save the time of revisiting the base table whenever any query is fired frequently and also saves the time of cost of operations like join, aggregations etc.


A perifusion system, intermediate in character between perfusion and static incubation, is described for the investigation of the multiphasic aspects of insuiin secretion from pancreas not subjected to separation of endocrine and exocrine tissue. Pancreatic tissue fragments obtained by mechanical chopping with razor blades are placed in small (0.7 ml.) chambers through which medium is pumped and from which effluent is collected at various time intervals for IRI determination. Under the conditions employed, insulin degradation by released proteolytic enzymes is minimal throughout the test period. Dose-dependent glucose-induced insulin release is observed and decreases immediately after cessation of the stimulus. Pancreas from fed animals secretes significantly greater quantities of insulin in response to glucose thata pancreas from fasted animals. Optimal results are obtained when the chopped tissue fragments average (0.5 mm.)3. The secretion profiles obtained with this system are similar to those reported with pancreatic perfusion. Tolbutamide produced an early insulin response only, whereas glucose and amino acids induced both early and late insulin secretory responses. Among the hexoses tested, only glucose and mannose stimulated insulin secretion, whereas two inhibitors of the early steps of glucose metabolism, mannoheptulose and 2-deoxygIucose, inhibited both the early and late phases of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The separation between the two phases of insulin secretion is not as sharp and complete with perifusion as with perfusion. This difference is presently attributed to the greater role of tissue diffusion in the minced perifused tissue. Balancing this disadvantage, however, perifusion offers several advantages over perfusion, among which are ease of tissue preparaton and handling, ability to study a number of variables relatively rapidly, comparison of identically prepared and randomly sampled minces of the same pancreas in parallel. Finally, the preparation is applicable whenever pancreatic perfusion is not possible (for example, in the fetus or for very small animals), or when the isolation of islets of Langerhans presents practical or theoretical disadvantages, as in the study of the influences of exocrine on endocrine tissue.


The surface water quality and level of metal contents in the contamination of the Toplluha river sediment were determined by means of statistical techniques and pollution indicators. The samples of water and sediments were taken in five different locations along the Toplluha river in the spring period 2013 and 2019 using standard methods for analysis. International standards (WHO 2004) were used to assess the quality of water. The samples of water in some of the locations were above these criteria levels. The heavy metal contents in the sediment were in the following order: Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd. For the evaluation of the heavy metal content, some factors were applied: enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and index of geoccumulation (Igeo). Cu and Pb have a significance enrichment according to the calculated EF values. The Igeo index values for Cu and Zn were at a higher level. The PLI index values were at a progressive high level from stations S3 to S5. Therefore, the preliminary treatment of the discharging waters is indispensable.


Happiness is not the same as capability, but the matters are related. Capability is obviously required for living a happy life and happiness feeds back on capability in several ways. Capabilities affect happiness not only at the individual level, but also indirectly at the societal level. For instance: school education does not seem to make pupils any happier, but a high level of education is required for modern society that does add to happiness. Insight in the interrelations between capability and happiness is required for making policy choices. If the prime aim is greater happiness for a greater number, one must know what capabilities are most functional for happiness in the given conditions. If the cultivation of capabilities is prioritized, one must at least acknowledge the possible loss of happiness. Inspection of the available data does not reveal much conflict.


This working paper gives an overview of minimum wage policies in Central and Eastern Europe. It shows that minimum wages are an effective tool for reducing inequality by raising the lowest incomes. Minimum wages can have some, albeit limited, role in increasing aggregate productivity and promoting economic upgrading. However, to be truly effective in raising wages and productivity, minimum wages would need to be accompanied by a stronger role for collective bargaining in CEE countries.


Orlando-Cataract and refractive surgeons have worked hard over the last decade, perfecting their surgical techniques. Small-incision cataract surgery has revolutionized the ophthalmic profession as have developments in laser refractive procedures. But surgical technique is only part of the equation for producing outstanding surgical outcomes. Prevention of post-surgical infection is another concern.


Introduction: The spectrum of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and the urinary tract is extremely broad and ranges from mild, asymptomatic malformations to severe, life-threatening ones. In young children congenital anomalies are the leading cause for kidney failure and for kidney transplantation or dialysis. Prenatal sonography has facilitated the detection of urological abnormalities presenting with hydronephrosis. The goal of management is preservation of renal function through mitigation of the risk for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and/or obstruction. Material and methods: A case report of a 14-year-old male patient is discussed. He is diagnosed at the age of two months with congenital bilateral grade 2 hydronephrosis and megaureters, caused by obstructive uropathy – Marion's disease (congenital bladder neck sclerosis). Results: The diagnosis is confirmed via abdominal ultrasound, intravenous urography and computed tomography (CT). At four months the patient is consulted with a pediatric urologist in University Hospital for Emergency Medicine "N.I. Pirogov", where corrective surgery is performed. He is admitted multiple times at the Pediatric urology department in Sofia and at the Pediatric department in University Hospital "St. Marina" in Varna due to UTIs and an exacerbation of his kidney disease. The patient underwent five surgeries after the diagnosis in accordance with the severity of his anomaly. The imaging studies demonstrated grade 1 hydronephrosis with improvement of urinary tract drainage. During the periodical follow-ups his renal laboratory test results indicated chronic kidney disease stage 2. Conclusion: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are the main cause for chronic kidney disease in pediatric patients. Advances in prenatal diagnostics are essential for early detection and diagnosis, requiring a multidisciplinary approach in management and prevention of this condition.


Temporal coherence (i.e., the degree of synchronicity of a given variable among ecological units within a predefined space) has been shown for several limnological features among temperate lakes, allowing predictions about the structure and function of ecosystems. However, there is little evidence of temporal coherence among tropical aquatic systems, where the climatic variability among seasons is less pronounced. Here, we used data from long-term monitoring of physical, chemical and biological variables to test the degree of temporal coherence among 18 tropical coastal lagoons. The water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration had the highest and lowest temporal coherence among the lagoons, respectively, whereas the salinity and water colour had intermediate temporal coherence. The regional climactic factors were the main factors responsible for the coherence patterns in the water temperature and water colour, whereas the landscape position and morphometric characteristics explained much of the variation of the salinity and water colour among the lagoons. These results indicate that both local (lagoon morphometry) and regional (precipitation, air temperature) factors regulate the physical and chemical conditions of coastal lagoons by adjusting the terrestrial and marine subsidies at a landscape-scale. On the other hand, the chlorophyll-a concentration appears to be primarily regulated by specific local conditions resulting in a weak temporal coherence among the ecosystems. We concluded that temporal coherence in tropical ecosystems is possible, at least for some environmental features, and should be evaluated for other tropical ecosystems. Our results also reinforce that aquatic ecosystems should be studied more broadly to accomplish a full understanding of their structure and function.


Contrary to conventional gaming-on-demand services that stream gaming video from cloud to players' terminals, a decomposed cloud gaming platform supports flexible migrations of gaming components between the cloud server and the players' terminals. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the proposed decomposed gaming system. The cognitive resource optimization of the system under distinct targets, including the minimization of cloud, network, and terminal resources and response delay, subject to quality of service (QoS) assurance, is formulated as a graph partitioning problem that is solved by exhaustive searches. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of cognitive resource management in a cloud gaming system to efficiently adapt to variations in the service environments, such as increasing the number of supported devices and reducing the network bandwidth consumption of user terminals, while satisfying different QoS requirements for gaming sessions. We also suggest two heuristic algorithms based on local greedy and genetic algorithm approaches, which can potentially provide scalable but suboptimal solutions in large-scale implementations.


An analysis of results of the examination and treatment of 92 patients with nonepithelial colorectal tumors has shown that the correct diagnosis can be made in 82% of the cases on the basis of using complex X-ray, ultrasonic and endoscopic methods. Of decisive significance in determination of the tumor tissue character is the morphological investigation. Extensive surgical interventions were performed due to suspected malignization on 21 patients with benign nonepithelial tumors. In other cases (n = 49) the organ-saving operations were fulfilled. The decision between the volumes of the surgery for malignant nonepithelial tumors (n = 24) was not difficult in most cases and depended on the spread of the oncological process. The 5-year survival in this group of patients was 57%. No recurrences were noted after ablation of benign tumors.


Objective: Micronutrient deficiencies are among the top ten leading causes of death in Sub Saharan Africa. In Suba district of Kenya, the problem is compounded by high poverty levels and a high prevalence of HIV and AIDS. This study determined the effect of corn soy fortified complementary food on serum zinc levels among primary school pupils in Suba district. Methodology and results: An experimental study was conducted with children in two schools (Mbita and Sindo) being fed with corn soy blend for three months. Children in a third school (Ong'ayo primary) were the control and were not fed with the corn-soy blend. Blood samples at baseline were drawn from 156 school children aged 6 to 9 years from the 3 schools (Mbita 55, Sindo 52 and Ong'ayo 49) through systematic sampling while blood samples at follow up were drawn from 138 children (Mbita 49, Sindo 46 and Ong'ayo 43). Assessments of serum zinc were done before and after three months of feeding. SPSS and Nutri-survey software packages were used to analyze data into descriptive and inferential statistics. At baseline, nearly all (95.7%) of the pupils were found to be deficient, with low serum zinc (<10.7μm/l). There was a significant reduction (p=0.0421) in the number of zinc deficient cases to 70.2% after feeding for 3 months on corn soy blend with the mean serum zinc having improved from 8.4 to 10.2 μm/l (p=0.002). Although not significantly different, girls had higher serum zinc levels than boys before feeding trials while the opposite was observed after the feeding trials. Conclusion and potential application of findings: The fortified complementary food significantly improved serum zinc levels and reduced the level of absenteeism from school. Parents are therefore encouraged to introduce and ensure families consume more of corn-soy blended foods at home. It would also be valuable for schools with feeding programmes to introduce corn-soy blends or products as part of school meals. The findings can also be used by policy makers to promote production and consumption of soya beans. Authors recommend a similar study be conducted in a different area among the same age group and results compared to validate the findings of this study.


Chief Justice Taney's 1857 opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford is justly infamous for its holdings that African Americans could never be citizens, that Congress was powerless to prohibit slavery in the territories, and for its proclamation that persons of African ancestry "had no rights which the white man was bound to respect." For all of the interest in and attention to Dred Scott, however, no scholar has previously analyzed United States v. Dow, an 1840 decision of Chief Justice Taney in a Circuit Court trial which is apparently the first federal decision to articulate a broad theoretical basis for White supremacy. Dow identified Whites as the "master" race, and it explained that only those of European origin were either welcomed or allowed to be members of the political community in the colonies. Non-Whites such as members of Dow's race, Taney explained, could be reduced to slavery, and therefore their rights continued to be subject to absolute legislative discretion. Dow, however, was not a person of African descent, he was Malay, from the Philippines. Chief Justice Taney's employment in Dow of legal reasoning which he would later apply in Dred Scott suggests that Dred Scott should be regarded as pertinent to all people of color, not only African Americans. This understanding of Dred Scott helps explain the revival of Taney's reputation during the Jim Crow era after Reconstruction. Courts declined to invalidate restrictions with respect to a broad range of civil rights on citizens and immigrants of African, Indian, Asian, and Mexican ancestry to which Whites were not subject. Indeed, Whites could not be subject to them, unless it is conceivable that under the U.S. Constitution, the law could provide, for example, that all races would be ineligible to testify or vote because of their race. Accordingly, even after Reconstruction, just as Dred Scott and Dow contemplated, the White race remained the master race, in the sense that they were the exclusive holder of truly inalienable rights.


This paper outlines a way toward conceptual and historical clarity around the question of territory. The aim is not to define territory, in the sense of a single meaning; but rather to indicate the issues at stake in grasping how it has been understood in different historical and geographical contexts. It does so first by critically interrogating work on territoriality, suggesting that neither the biological nor the social uses of this term are particularly profitable ways to approach the historically more specific category of 'territory'. Instead, ideas of 'land' and 'terrain' are examined, suggesting that these political-economic and political-strategic relations are essential to understanding 'territory', yet ultimately insufficient. Territory needs to be understood in terms of its relation to space, itself a calculative category that is dependent on the existence of a range of techniques. Ultimately this requires rethinking unproblematic definitions of territory as a 'bounded space' or the state as a 'bordered power container', because both presuppose the two things that should be most interrogated, space and boundaries. Rather than boundaries being the distinction between place and space, or land or terrain and territory, boundaries are a second-order problem founded upon a particular sense of calculation and concomitant grasp of space. Territory then can be understood as a political technology: it comprises techniques for measuring land and controlling terrain, and measure and control — the technical and the legal — must be thought alongside the economic and strategic.


The extracellular matrix (ECM) orchestrates its own destruction, according to results by Galvez et al. (page 509).

Figure

MT1-MMP (green) is inactive when associated with β1 integrin (red, left) between static cells, but active when associated with αvβ3 integrin (red, right) in migrating cells.

Many different proteins, such as collagen (COL), fibronectin (FN), and gelatin (GEL), make up the basement membranes and connective tissues of ECM-rich tissues. Their degradation by membrane-type matrix metalloprotease 1 (MT1-MMP) is required for cell migration. But it now appears that ECM proteins are not passive victims in this process—they influence the location and activity of the protease by recruiting the help of cell adhesion receptors.

Using MT1-MMP fused to GFP in endothelial cells, Galvez et al. noted that the protease had an unusual association with β1 integrin at cell–cell contact sites on β1 integrin–dependent substrates (e.g., FN and COL). This association induced by ECM-mediated integrin clustering somehow blocked internalization of MT1-MMP, possibly through integrin signaling. Endocytosis of MT1-MMP was recently shown to be necessary for its activity, and, as expected, MT1-MMP activity at cell contact sites was indeed down-regulated.

In contrast, MMP remained active in cells in which MT1-MMP was not associated with β1 integrins at cell–cell contacts due to either growth on a different substrate (as on GEL) or wound-induced migration. In migrating cells, MT1-MMP relocalized to motility-associated (such as filopodia), where it associated with αvβ3 integrin. MT1-MMP internalization proceeded, thus allowing MMP activation. MT1-MMP activity and its association with integrins were both necessary for maximum cell migration.

The localization of MT1-MMP at cell contact sites indicates that it may have functions not previously considered. Although it is inactive at this site, the authors speculate that MMPs could be activated at the onset of cell migration and cleave adhesion receptors to ease the separation of the close-knit endothelial cells. Transmigrating leukocytes might also stimulate MMP activity at cell contacts to allow cell passage through the endothelium. ▪


The small animal PET scanner MADPET-II, currently under development, is characterized by a small diameter (71 mm), two radial layers of detectors and by small lutetium-oxyorthosilicate crystal elements read out individually by avalanche photodiodes. To exploit this configuration, aimed at achieving high resolution and high sensitivity, we intend to reconstruct a field-of-view (FOV) almost as large as the physical opening of the device. The effects of crystal penetration may, however, hinder this task. To overcome this problem, we implemented fully (three-dimensional) 3-D reconstruction techniques (MLEM and OSEM) based on an accurate description of the system response. The main feature of our method is the off-line calculation of the system probability matrix by means of Monte Carlo simulations. This approach requires the sorting of the simulated data into the matrix, a computationally expensive procedure hindered by the large size of the matrix and the large amount of simulated data. In order to handle this problem, we have employed a database management system (DB2), which has proven to be a practical solution. In this paper, we also studied the effect of applying the underlying symmetries within the matrix to reduce statistical noise affecting the matrix elements and to save disk space. The results showed that this procedure both increases the detectability and contrast, and reduces the ratio of mispositioned events and the coefficient of variation. The transaxial resolution calculated from a phantom consisting of 7 point sources degraded slowly toward the edges of the FOV: for a source at r=0 the FWHM was 0.9 mm, while for a source at r=30 mm, the FWHM was 1.7 mm. The use of the symmetries allowed us to reduce the resolution degradation (FWHM=0.6 mm for r=0 mm and FWHM=1.3 mm for r=30 mm). Despite the gaps between modules and between detectors, rotation of the scanner was not needed. For the 3-D case, an important issue is to improve the accuracy and the statistical quality of the matrix. This is the objective of our future work.


Due to the physico-chemical conditions given, i.e. the high salinity and the icy matrix, sea ice as habitat favors production of high levels of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by the inhabiting microalgae. DMSP and DMS (dimethylsulfide) are frequently found in high concentrations in sea ice during spring and summer. Records from winter are yet scarce, but of importance for global budgeting.
Our study presents profiles of the DMS(P) in sea ice cores collected during the AWECS (Antarctic Winter Ecosytem Climate Study) cruise on RV Polarstern (ANT29-6) in the Weddell Sea. Results show that DMS(P) production in sea ice in the Weddell Sea is also significant during winter. This stands in contrast to previous measurements in Arctic winter sea ice (CFL-IPY cruise in the Circumpolar Flaw Lead Polynya), where DMS(P) concentrations were very low. Possible explanations for the differences between DMS(P) levels in the Arctic and Antarctic might be the different snow cover and thus insulation, light regimes and also microbial community structure within the ice. The DMS profiles mirrored the permeability of the sea ice following DMSP in the impermeable areas while showing losses to the ice surface and ice-water interface in the more permeable regions. DMS(P) levels were generally correlated with chlorophyll A concentrations, although the details are complex and seem to be influenced by species composition and species specific DMSP/Chla ratios. Three mayor trends determined in situ with values of 136 (±93), 32 (±15) and 5 (±2) mmol DMSP / g ChlA resemble the published values for cultures of dinoflagellates, haptophytes and diatoms. Preliminary microscopy data confirm that dinoflagellate dominated sea ice layers display higher DMSP/ChlA ratios than diatom dominated ones.


Extracellular High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) has been associated with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. However, little is known about HMGB1 in necrotizing bacterial infections. We hypothesized that the local HMGB1 response is excessive in severe soft tissue infections (STIs), which are characterized by necrosis and hyperinflammation. To explore this, tissue biopsies were collected from patients with varying severity of Streptococcus pyogenes skin and STIs, including erysipelas, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Tissue sections were immunostained for HMGB1, S. pyogenes, and inflammatory cell infiltrates and results quantified by acquired computerized image analysis (ACIA). HMGB1 expression increased in parallel to disease severity and was significantly higher in necrotizing fasciitis than in erysipelas (p = 0.0023). Confocal microscopy of sections co-stained for HMGB1 and cell markers revealed both extracellular and cytoplasmic HMGB1, the latter of which was found predominantly in macrophages. To further verify macrophages as main source of activation triggered HMGB1 release, human macrophages were infected with clinical S. pyogenes isolates. The results demonstrated infection triggered release of HMGB1. Dual staining's visualized HMGB1 in areas close to, but not overlapping, with neutrophils, indicating a potential chemotactic role. In vitro transmigration experiments showed a chemotactic effect of HMGB1 on neutrophils. The data furthermore provided in vivo support that HGMB1 may form immunostimulatory complexes with IL-1β. Taken together, the findings provide the first in vivo evidence that HMGB1 is abundant at the local site of severe bacterial STIs and its levels correlated to severity of infections; hence, indicating its potential value as a biomarker for tissue pathology.


Objective To observe the mechanism of Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe (XJR) for fighting a- gainst hepatoma by detecting tumor miRNAs expression profiles in H₂₂tumor-bearing mice. Methods To- tally 50 H₂₂tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low dose XJR group, the medium dose XJR group, the high dose XJR group, the Cisplatin group, 10 in each group. Different expressions of tumor tissues in H₂₂ tumor-bearing mice under light microscope were detected using histopathological technique. Differentially expressed miRNAs of tumor tissue in H₂₂tumor-bearing mice were detected by using miRNA chip technique. Differentially expressed miRNAs associated with antitumor mechanism of XJR were found out by statistical analysis. Results Histopathological results showed that reduced pathologic mitosis, smaller cancer cells, and obviously enhanced anti-cancer effect along with increased XJP dose. Results of miRNA chip analyses indicated XJP could significantly up-regulate the ex- pressions of miRNAs, such as miR-1298-5p, miR-874-3p, miR-721, miR-298-5p, miR-551b-5p, miR-346- 5p, miR-105, and so on. It could also down-regulate the expressions of miR-24-3p, miR-3963, miR-127- 3p, miR-434-5p, miR-1187, miR-468-3p, miR-221-5p, and miR-6695-5p. Conclusion XJP could fight a- gainst tumor possibly by regulating expressions of multiple miRNAs.


PURPOSE
To investigate the results of treatment for adult patients with Burkitt's and Burkitt-like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) undergoing high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), and to determine prognostic factors for this group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 117 adult patients reported to the lymphoma registry of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) between June 1984 and November 1994. Seventy of these patients received high-dose therapy and stem-cell transplantation in first complete remission (CR). Data on all patients were reviewed, and prognostic factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS
The actuarial overall survival (OS) rate for the entire group was 53% at 3 years. The major factor predicting for outcome after transplantation was disease status: the 3-year actuarial OS rate was 72% for patients transplanted in first CR, compared with 37% for patients in chemosensitive relapse, and 7% for chemoresistant patients. For patients transplanted in first CR, disease bulk at the time of ASCT was the only factor predictive of progression-free survival (PFS) and OS.

CONCLUSION
The results of high-dose therapy and ASCT for patients with relapsed disease, particularly chemosensitive relapse, are superior to those reported for conventional-dose salvage regimens. The results for patients transplanted in first CR require comparison with modern dose-intensive regimens.


Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an auspicious technology that has tremendous potential for various futuristic applications. As WSN become wide spread, security becomes a cardinal affair. Wireless sensor networks has grown a lot in recent years and offers excellent opportunities in defense related applications such as monitoring environment and collecting data related to antisocial activities. Currently, the needs of wireless sensors have become inevitable in daily life. With the continuous growth of Wireless sensor networks in daily life, business, and defense applications, the security of transferring data from sensors to their destination has become an important research area. Due to the limitations of power, storage, and processing capabilities, current security mechanisms of wireless networks or wired networks can not apply directly to wireless sensor networks. So there is a need to develop new techniques or modify the current security mechanisms to transfer data from source (from the field) to base station (destination). In this paper, we discuss currently available intrusion detection techniques, attack models using game theory, and then propose a new framework to detect malicious nodes using zero sum game approach for nodes in the forward data path. The first part of research provides the game model with probability of energy required for transferring the data packets. The second part derives the model to detect the malicious nodes using probability of acknowledgement at source. Wireless sensor networks, game theory, zero sum non zero sum non cooperative game theory processing capability, security, deployment, Nash equilibrium.


The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze hybrid viscosity methods for a general system of variational inequalities (GSVI) with hierarchical fixed point problem constraint in the setting of real uniformly convex and 2-uniformly smooth Banach spaces. Here, the hybrid viscosity methods are based on Korpelevich's extragradient method, viscosity approximation method, and hybrid steepest-descent method. We propose and consider hybrid implicit and explicit viscosity iterative algorithms for solving the GSVI with hierarchical fixed point problem constraint not only for a nonexpansive mapping but also for a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in X, respectively. We derive some strong convergence theorems under appropriate conditions. Our results extend, improve, supplement, and develop the recent results announced by many authors.


Low-frequency vibration cutting is a new kind of advanced manufacturing process with several features of advantages, compared with conventional cutting operation. Based on the review of the history of low-frequency vibration cutting, its special technological effects and applications were discussed, and presented in detail the research progress in mechanism and experiment study on low-frequency vibration cutting. Three primary problems, lack of unified awareness of mechanism, establishment of a unified standard for the choice of certain parameters, application level, still in expertise for low-frequency vibration cutting were explored and the development tendency as well as the prospect of low-frequency vibration cutting in future was foreseen.


This study investigated prospects and problems of liquidity management in financial system in Nigeria. Time series data from 1991 to 2011 was used for data gathering and econometric tool of Ordinary Least Square Linear Regression method was adopted for data analysis. The study revealed that day to day conduct of monetary policy by CBN relies on a theoretical framework which links the operating target to the intermediate target (M2) and to the final objectives of price and output stability; uncertainty remains the major challenge for monetary policy not only in Nigeria, but the world over. The researcher however recommended that monetary authorities must revisit the guidelines on the operation of deposit money banks in Nigeria with a view to trashing out some disturbing elements and widening the scope of activities. Nigerian banks should focus on the development of decision models in treasury and funds management for policy makers and senior management so as to ensure desired goal achievement.