Summary In an attempt to evaluate the contributory factors to the high frequency of referred cases in obstructed labour at the State's referral hospital, a questionnaire-based survey of 396 maternity care-providers from 66 randomly selected peripheral delivery units in Ogun State, Nigeria was conducted over a 2-month period, to evaluate their knowledge and use of the partograph. The majority of the personnel were nurses/midwives (45.5%) and community health extension workers (CHEW) (42.7%). Of the 216 personnel (54.5%) who were aware of the partograph, 36 (16.7%), 119 (55.5%) and 61 (28.2%) demonstrated poor, fair and good levels of knowledge, respectively. No junior CHEW had a satisfactory knowledge of the partograph. Only 39 (9.8%) of all the personnel routinely employed the partograph for labour management and almost half of these individuals had a poor level of knowledge. Efforts to limit the frequency of referred cases of established obstructed labour to the State's referral hospital should include training of care-providers at the peripheral delivery units, especially junior personnel in the effective use of the partograph, in addition to employing quality assurance measures to check inappropriate use.


ABSTRACT During the 1970s, Turkey's radical nationalist youth were ideologically and culturally shaped by their involvement in the idealist (ülkücü) movement. The idealists also played a significant role on the streets in fomenting the mass political violence that characterized Turkey at this time. Based on the social movements literature, this paper analyzes why and how far-right movements used political violence, departing from the case of the ülkücü movement in Turkey. In doing so, the paper employs Protest Event Analysis with an original dataset of 5,361 protest events for 1971–1985. The findings suggest that far-right violence was facilitated by discursive and political opportunities, namely the praise of ruling politicians and the non-critical rhetoric of and opportunities provided by the alliance structures.


BACKGROUND
The authors conducted a study in which they explored the geographical distributions of primary care dentists, physicians and pharmacists to determine if a spatial pattern existed between provider types across cities in Iowa.

METHODS
The authors analyzed practice locations of primary care providers, including dentists, pharmacists and physicians, at the city and county levels in Iowa for 2000 and 2010. They categorized cities on the basis of types of primary care providers in each city and compared population characteristics.

RESULTS
Among cities with primary care providers of any type, the most common scenario was for all three provider types to be found together. Several cities that had at least one physician and pharmacist but no dentist in 2000 gained one by 2010.

CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a heterarchy of primary care providers in Iowa cities, with pharmacists more prevalent than physicians and dentists.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Communities with at least one physician and pharmacist but no dentist may be able to offer new or relocating dentists a competitive opportunity for practice.


OBJECTIVES
This study defines and describes, from the perspective of occupational health professionals, (a) the aging worker, (b) health promotion for aging workers, (3) employees' health-promoting activities, (4) workplace health promotion factors, (5) occupational health promotion activities, (6) co-partners supporting the health promotion, and (7) the impact of health promotion activities for older workers. A model is proposed, based on these issues.

DESIGN
A cross-sectional, qualitative design was used to analyze e-mailed essays. Content analysis of the essays yielded themes that were validated by an independent research colleague.

SAMPLE
Ten group essays from 16 occupational health professionals who had participated in the Health Promotion Project of Aging Workers in Northern Karelia, Finland were received.

RESULTS
An aging employee was defined as a mature worker. Health promotion was defined as early prevention of the influence of health hazards. Workers can improve their health through living habits, positive attitude, personal relationships, and education. Individual work arrangements, good work atmosphere, and appreciative leadership were essential factors for the health of workers. Occupational health professionals supported workers by health examinations, workplace visits, counseling, and organizing activities.

CONCLUSIONS
The impacts of health promotion activities were better health, productivity, and work satisfaction.


The particle production process is reviewed, through which cosmic inflation can produce a scale invariant superhorizon spectrum of perturbations of suitable fields starting from their quantum fluctuations. Afterwards, in the context of the inflationary paradigm, a number of mechanisms (e.g. curvaton, inhomogeneous reheating etc.) through which such perturbations can source the curvature perturbation in the Universe and explain the formation of structures such as galaxies are briefly described. Finally, the possibility that cosmic vector fields also contribute to the curvature perturbation (e.g. through the vector curvaton mechanism) is considered and its distinct observational signatures are discussed, such as correlated statistical anisotropy in the spectrum and bispectrum of the curvature perturbation.


Abstract. Size-resolved aerosol trends were investigated based on a
17-year data set (2000–2017) from the rural background site Aspvreten
located in southern Sweden (58.8 ∘  N, 17.4 ∘  E). Cluster
analysis of the size distributions was performed to aid in the
interpretation of the data. The results confirm previous findings of
decreasing aerosol mass and number during the last decades as a result of
reduced anthropogenic emissions in Europe. We show that both particle modal
number concentration and size have substantially been reduced during the last 17
years. Negative trends in particle number concentration of about 10 cm −3  yr −1 are present for nuclei, Aitken, and accumulation modes. In
total, integral particle number concentration has decreased by 30 %, from
1860 to ca. 1300 cm −3 . The reduction in modal number
concentration is accompanied by a decrease in modal size, and this decrease
is largest for the accumulation mode (2 nm yr −1 or about 17 % for the
whole period). These reductions have resulted in a decrease in submicron
particle mass (< 390 nm) by more than 50 % over the period
2000–2017. These decreases are similar to observations found at other
stations in northern Europe. Although all size classes show a downward trend as annual averages, we also
show that observed trends are not evenly distributed over the year and that
a rather complex picture emerges where both sign and magnitude of trends
vary with season and size. The strongest negative trends are present during
spring (accumulation mode) and autumn (Aitken mode). The strongest positive
trends are present during summer months (Aitken mode). The combined
trajectory and data analyses do not present evidence for an increase in new
particle formation formed locally, although some evidence of increased new
particle formation some distance away from the receptor is present. Observed
aerosol size distribution data, together with an adiabatic cloud parcel
model, were further used to estimate the change in cloud droplet
concentration for various assumptions of updraught velocities and aerosol
chemical composition. The results indicate a substantial increase in the
atmospheric brightening effect due to a reduction in cloud reflectivity
corresponding to 10 %–12 % reduction in cloud albedo over the period
2000–2017.


Changes in longitudinal stress wave velocity measured during the drying process of Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana) wood at different moisture contents were investigated. The test was performed at five different positions from bark to pith on each part. Five bars, cut successively from bark to pith with different fiber proportions, were also tested. The corrected velocity was calculated by dividing the velocity by the fiber proportion to negate any possible effects of wood structure on the velocity. The results showed that the longitudinal stress wave velocity decreased with increasing moisture content. Such trends were more obvious when the moisture content was lower than the fiber saturation point (FSP). The longitudinal stress wave velocity increased with increasing fiber proportion. A linear relationship between the corrected velocity and the moisture content was observed. This linear relationship was similar to the relationship between the relative velocity and the moisture content.


On January 12, 1815, the former Federalist governor of New Jersey, Aaron Ogden, wrote a brief letter to a young political antagonist, Samuel L. Southard, requesting Southard's "professional aid in a hearing before the Legislature, which I expect will take place on Tuesday next." Observing that he had the relevant documents organized so that Southard could get quickly acquainted with the facts of the matter at issue, Ogden added that "the cause will be entertaining and interesting, and as to compensation, you will please to name your own sum." A good deal of history lay behind these remarks, and the "entertaining and interesting case" that Ogden had requested Southard to argue ultimately would create a good deal of history itself. Involved was a matter of monopoly rights and steamboats, an embroglio more than a decade in the making, and nearly a decade short of resolution. The hearing before the New Hersey legislature to which Ogden referred was one of a series of legal contests that culminated in the famous case of Gibbons v. Ogden, decided by the Marshall Court in 1824. At all stages of the case, the basic issue was the validity of legislative sanctioned transportation monopoly-a matter of increasing importance to a nation whose economic maturation depended on free and cheap modes of travel, communication, and trade. [excerpt]


Since several years, the protection of multimedia data is becoming very important. The protection of this multimedia data can be done with encryption or data hiding algorithms. To decrease the transmission time, the data compression is necessary. Since few years, a new problem is trying to combine in a single step, compression, encryption and data hiding. So far, few solutions have been proposed to combine image encryption and compression for example. Nowadays, a new challenge consists to embed data in encrypted images. Since the entropy of encrypted image is maximal, the embedding step, considered like noise, is not possible by using standard data hiding algorithms. A new idea is to apply reversible data hiding algorithms on encrypted images by wishing to remove the embedded data before the image decryption. Recent reversible data hiding methods have been proposed with high capacity, but these methods are not applicable on encrypted images. In this paper we propose an analysis of the local standard deviation of the marked encrypted images in order to remove the embedded data during the decryption step. We have applied our method on various images, and we show and analyze the obtained results.


In this paper, we propose a transmitter-based linear-precoding scheme that outperforms conventional precoding by making use of a portion of the interference between the users in a code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system downlink. The utilization of part of the interference is achieved by selectively orthogonalizing the desired symbols to destructive interference by means of precoding while allowing interference that constructively contributes to the useful signal's energy. The existence and exploitation of constructive interference effectively spreads the signal constellation and enhances the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the receiver. SINR improvement is attained with no need for additional power-per-user investment at the transmitter since energy that is inherent in the CDMA system is utilized. The scheme introduced in this paper applies to the downlink of cellular phase-shift keying (PSK)-based CDMA systems. Theoretical analysis and comparative simulations show that significant performance improvement can be attained with the proposed technique.


The sales territory alignment problem may be viewed as the problem of grouping small geographic sales coverage units into larger geographic clusters called sales territories in a way that the sales territories are acceptable according to managerially relevant alignment criteria. This paper first reviews sales territory alignment models which have appeared in the marketing literature. A framework for sales territory alignment and several properties of a good sales territory alignment are developed in the course of the review. A general sales territory alignment model which accommodates these properties is developed. A solution procedure for the general model is presented. Finally, an actual implementation of the general model is described. The implementation provides a comparison of the general model with a similar model which has been frequently cited in the marketing literature.


BACKGROUND
A decision to implement innovative disease management interventions in health plans often requires evidence of clinical benefit and financial impact. The Pediatric Asthma Care Patient Outcomes Research Team II trial evaluated 2 asthma care strategies: a peer leader-based physician behavior change intervention (PLE) and a practice-based redesign called the planned asthma care intervention (PACI).

OBJECTIVE
To estimate the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

METHODS
This was a 3-arm, cluster randomized trial conducted in 42 primary care practices. A total of 638 children (age range, 3-17 years) with mild to moderate persistent asthma were followed up for 2 years. Practices were randomized to PLE (n = 226), PACI (n = 213), or usual care (n = 199). The primary outcome was symptom-free days (SFDs). Costs included asthma-related health care utilization and intervention costs.

RESULTS
Annual costs per patient were as follows: PACI, USD 1292; PLE, USD 504; and usual care, USD 385. The difference in annual SFDs was 6.5 days (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.6 to 16.9 days) for PLE vs usual care and 13.3 days (95% CI, 2.1-24.7 days) for PACI vs usual care. Compared with usual care, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was USD 18 per SFD gained for PLE (95% CI, USD 5.21-dominated) and USD 68 per SFD gained for PACI (95% CI, USD 37.36-361.16).

CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study show that it is possible to increase SFDs in children and move organizations toward guideline recommendations on asthma control in settings where most children are receiving controller medications at baseline. However, the improvements were realized with an increase in the costs associated with asthma care.


We study numerically and experimentally laser coherent combination (LCC) with multiple one- or two-dimensional Airy beams. It is shown that the method of LCC using Airy beams leads to a higher combining efficiency and a better feature of propagation than that using conventional Gaussian beams. Based on such coherent Airy beams combination, we propose a laser steering approach that could achieve large-angle beam steering (over 0.6°) without the need of using any mechanical steering component.


Purpose
Considering the increasing significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the corporate world and the mixed findings of the financial implication of CSR investment in the financial economics literature, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between (im)material CSR investment and firm performance and the moderating role of airline type and economic conditions based on the stakeholder theory and institutional pressure argument.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a two-way random-effects model by firm and year along with using clustering coefficient estimation by firm to control for the possibility of inflated standard errors because of autocorrelation across years within a given firm.

Findings
This study finds that both material and immaterial CSR initiatives do not directly influence firm performance, but airline type and economic conditions do moderate the relationship. In specific, the study found that airlines' investments in material CSR initiatives show an indifferent effect on firm performance between low-cost and full-service carriers and also between non-recessionary and recessionary periods. On the other hand, investments in immaterial CSR initiatives present different impacts on firm performance between low-cost and full-service carriers and between non-recessionary and recessionary periods. In details, the effect is more negative for low-cost carriers and recessionary periods than full-service carriers and non-recessionary periods.

Originality/value
This is the first empirical investigation of materiality for the airline industry in relation to firm performance using the industry-specific Materiality Map developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. Further, this study incorporates two additional moderators (airline type and economic conditions) to enhance the understanding of the proposed relationships between (im)material CSR and firm performance.


Two cases of spontaneous transpositions of MDG1, MDG3, and copia retrotransposons were detected in Drosophila melanogaster lines derived from the nonadaptive NA line and marked by recessive visible mutations. The transpositions were accompanied by a dramatic increase in individual fitness (competitive success). In independent instances of MDG1 transpositions, the location patterns of new sites were similar. These results confirm the existence of adaptive transpositions that were demonstrated earlier for the NA line that carried no visible markers.


Community Health Centers (CHCs) are one of the principal safety-net providers of health care for low-income and uninsured populations. Co-locating dental services in primary care settings provides an opportunity to improve access to dental care. Yet this study of California CHCs that provide primary care services shows that only about one-third of them co-located primary and dental care services on-site. An additional one-third were members of multisite organizations in which at least one other site provided dental care. The remaining one-third of CHC sites had no dental care capacity. Policy options to promote co-location include requiring on-site availability of dental services, providing infrastructure funding to build and equip dental facilities, and offering financial incentives to provide dental care and recruit dental providers.


Taking prompt and effective actions to mitigate risks associated with an effusive eruption greatly depends on the monitoring of lava flow emplacement. Here we report on the monitoring of the lava flow emplaced during the 19 September to 05 October 2022 eruption at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion) that involves an unprecedentedly large data set acquired using multiple techniques and sensors. These include aerial photogrammetry to construct digital surface models and define lava flow geometry during and after emplacement. Complementary use of multiple satellite sensors (visible, infrared and radar) allowed lava flow field contour definition and an estimation of time-averaged discharge rate with daily frequency. Evolution of the eruptive cone morphology was also monitored through aerial photogrammetry and radar multi-viewing angle imagery. This combination of data obtained from several institutes and using various techniques—from ground, air and space—allowed detailed tracking of lava flow advance and serves as an example for future eruptions at Piton de La Fournaise and at other active volcanic sites


Background and aims 'Treat the patient not just the disease' is guiding principle of holistic health. Malnutrition in children has serious consequences to health as well as economy in the long term. We studied the prevalence and treatment of Malnutrition in children admitted to surgical wards. Methods Retrospective study of 100 randomly selected medical records out of 980 patients of age <5 yrs. admitted in Surgical wards from 2009–2013. Socio-demographic data, nutritional parameters, clinical profile and nutritional rehabilitation status were audited. Four files were misplaced/active during the study and could not be audited. Results Most patients were from general surgery ward (63[65.6%]), males (62[64.6%]) and from rural areas (53[55.2%]). Of the 96 records, 7 (7.3%) and 26 (27.1%) have height and weight respectively and these were noted in Pre Anaesthesia Checkup or Dietary Assessment Chart rather than surgeon's notes except one case. Nutritional status couldn't be ascertained by the investigators due to insufficient data in 26 (27.1%) cases. In the remaining 70 (72.9%) cases; malnutrition was present in 27 (28.1%) cases (moderate in 16 (16.7%) and severe in 11 (11.5%)). Nutritional Rehabilitation was required in 42 (43.8%) cases but was not advised or provided. No significant association between malnutrition and socio-demographic profile was observed. Conclusion The study indicates gender preference in health seeking and also points toward missed opportunities of diagnosis and rehabilitation of malnutrition in children admitted to surgical departments. Checklists to screen for malnutrition and rehabilitative management can improve the holistic management that will help reduce the malnutrition burden.


Introduction Few studies have examined the impact of community health on employers. We explored whether employed adults and their adult dependents living in less-healthy communities in the greater Philadelphia region used more care and incurred higher costs to employers than employees from healthier communities. Methods We used a multi-employer database to identify adult employees and dependents with continuous employment and mapped them to 31 zip code regions. We calculated community health scores at the regional level, by using metrics similar to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) County Health Rankings but with local data. We used descriptive analyses and multilevel linear modeling to explore relationships between community health and 3 outcome variables: emergency department (ED) use, hospital use, and paid claims. Business leaders reviewed findings and offered insights on preparedness to invest in community health improvement. Results Poorer community health was associated with high use of ED services, after controlling for age and sex. After including a summary measure of racial composition at the zip code region level, the relationship between community health and ED use became nonsignificant. No significant relationships between community health and hospitalizations or paid claims were identified. Business leaders expressed interest in further understanding health needs of communities where their employees live. Conclusion The health of communities in which adult employees and dependents live was associated with ED use, but similar relationships were not seen for hospitalizations or paid claims. This finding suggests a need for more primary care access. Despite limited quantitative evidence, business leaders expressed interest in guidance on investing in community health improvement.


We investigate the impact of peer interaction on the quality of financial decision making in a laboratory experiment. Face-to-face communication with a randomly assigned peer significantly improves the quality of subsequent private decisions even though simple mimicry would have the opposite effect. We present evidence that the mechanism involves general conceptual learning (because the benefits of communication extend to previously unseen tasks), and that the most effective learning relationships are horizontal rather than vertical (because people with weak skills benefit most when their partners also have weak skills). The benefits of demonstrably effective financial education do not propagate to peers.


Background and objective: Children with disabilities appear to have poorer oral health than their nondisabled counterparts. The objectives of this study were to conduct a community-based oral health survey among school children with physical disabilities and to compare the findings with an ageand gender-matched sample from mainstream schools. Materials and methods: Following World Health Organization (WHO) oral health survey criteria, 103 handicapped children and 214 healthy controls were examined. Comparison of dental caries, malocclusion, and treatment needs were done using chi-square test and Student t-test (p < 0.05). Results: Both the groups had high dental caries prevalence with less decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. Handicapped children had more severe malocclusion then healthy controls. Conclusion: Increased oral health promotion for parents and caretakers both at primary school age and at the preschool stage to enable them to implement effective preventive regimes for their children. Any health promotion strategy for these children must include improving access to dental care and encouraging uptake of dental services.


Chickpea straw is the main by-product which is produced in large amounts after chickpea grain threshing. There is a little information about its nutritive value. This experiment was carried out to determine the fiber and non-fibre component, ruminal dry matter degradability and Metabolizable Energy (ME) of chickpea straws using nylon bags (in situ) technique. Replicated samples were incubated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in 3 rumen canulated male Ghezel rams with 50±3 kg body weight. Dry Matter (DM), Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and Non-Fibrous Carbohydrates (NFC) content of chickpea straws were 92.18, 57.80, 37.40 and 22.65%, respectively. The dry matter soluble fraction (a), non-soluble but potentially degradable fraction (b) and potential degradability (a+b) of chickpea straws were 19.50, 38.60 and 58.10%, respectively. Effective degradability at different passage rates (2, 5 and 8% h-1) were 53.70, 48.60 and 44.80%, respectively. Estimated metabolizable energy of chickpea straw was 8.55 MJ kg-1 DM. Based on the DM degradation kinetics and energy content, beseems chickpea straw could be used as a valuable feedstuff in ruminants diet


A viable real-time image acquisition system was introduced in this paper. The EP2C35F6728C8 was usesd in this system as the core processor. By using the VHDL language and giving a simulation effect in the circumstances of QUARTUS, the collection and cache of original image was completed in the system, which could ensure the continuity and integrity of the image data. With a simple external interface circuit, it is very convenient for people to use and transplant this system. What's more, it is also highlighted for its lower power consumption and higher speed. Thus it can be widely used in video surveillance and other fields.


INTRODUCTION
Elective vulvar plastic surgery was the topic of a heated discussion on the list-serve of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Medicine. At the suggestion of a board member, it was determined that this discussion might of interest to journal readers in the form of a published controversy.

METHODS
Six people with expertise and/or strong opinions in the area of vulvar health, several of whom had been involved in the earlier online discussion, were invited to submit evidence-based opinions on the topic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
To provide food for thought, discussion, and possible further research in a poorly discussed area of sexual medicine.

RESULTS
Goodman believes that patients should make their own decisions. Bachmann further states that, while that is a woman's right, she should be counseled first, because variations in looks of the vulvar region are normal. Johnson furthers this thought, discussing the requirement for counseling before performing reinfibulation surgery on victims of female genital cutting. Fourcroy emphasizes the need to base surgical procedures on safety and efficacy in the long term, and not merely opportunity at the moment. Goldstein and Goldstein state that, based on the four principles of ethical practice of medicine, vulvar plastic surgery is not always ethical, but not always unethical. Sklar pursues this thought further, pointing out specific examples in regard to the principles of ethics.

CONCLUSION
Vulvar plastic surgery may be warranted only after counseling if it is still the patient's preference, provided that it is conducted in a safe manner and not solely for the purpose of performing surgery.


Polymyxin B, a relatively toxic antibiotic, has potent endotoxin-neutralizing properties that may be beneficial as adjunctive therapy in gram-negative sepsis. Polymyxin B nonapeptide (deacylated polymyxin B) is devoid of antibiotic activity but retains the capacity to disorganize the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. To evaluate the potential therapeutic usefulness of this derivative, we produced purified polymyxin B nonapeptide, tested its in vivo toxicity in animals, and evaluated its in vitro antiendotoxin activity. Effectiveness as an antiendotoxin agent was assessed by examining the ability of polymyxin B nonapeptide to block the enhanced release of toxic oxygen radicals induced by lipopolysaccharide in human neutrophils (priming). In vivo, at doses of 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg, polymyxin B nonapeptide did not exhibit the neuromuscular blocking, neurotoxic, or nephrotoxic effects that were observed with polymyxin B sulfate. Both polymyxin B and polymyxin B nonapeptide inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophil priming in a concentration-dependent manner, but the parent compound, polymyxin B, was 63 times more effective on a weight basis. The inhibitory activity of both compounds, however, diminished rapidly when they were added after the start of the lipopolysaccharide-neutrophil incubation. We conclude that polymyxin B nonapeptide is less toxic than polymyxin B and, at the doses tested, lacks the neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of the parent compound. Polymyxin B nonapeptide retains the antiendotoxin activity of polymyxin B but is much less potent. The findings suggest that these compounds block an early step in the neutrophil priming process, possibly lipopolysaccharide attachment to or insertion into the neutrophil membrane.


In this article, based on a certain actual project, the main physical and mechanical performance including compressive strength, splitting strength, flexural strength and shear strength are studied in detail through the experiments. Different fiber types and volume ratio are chosen in the experiments for the purpose of determining the best quantities and types of steel fiber in concrete to lengthen the service life of deck pavements. It is showed that the research has some referential value for similar projects.


We observe shot-to-shot fluctuations in the far-field fidelity of stimulated Brillouin scattering phase-conjugate mirrors in the saturated reflectivity regime under various experimental conditions. The fluctuations, which are not seen in the reflectivity, reflect a partial breakdown in the discrimination mechanism that selectively amplifies the conjugate mode above the stimulated Brillouin scattering noise seed.


A recently published treatment of nonredundant manipulator kinematics and dynamics on differentiable manifolds is extended to kinematically redundant manipulators. Analysis at the configuration level shows that forward kinematics and dynamics of redundant manipulators are identical to that for nonredundant manipulators. The manifold-based inverse kinematics formulation that is presented for redundant manipulators, in contrast, yields parameterizations of set-valued inverse mappings at the configuration level, where sharper results are obtained than those presented in the literature using velocity formulations. Explicit expressions are derived for set-valued inverse kinematic mappings for both serial and non-serial (called compound) kinematically redundant manipulators, as functions of vectors of free parameters. Parameterizations are presented for both manipulator regular configuration manifolds and self-motion manifolds, the latter comprised of sets of inputs that map into the same output. It is shown that kinematically redundant configuration and self-motion differentiable manifolds are distinctly different and play complementary roles in redundant manipulator kinematics. Computational methods are presented for evaluation of set-valued inverse kinematic mappings, without problem dependent ad-hoc analytical manipulations. Redundant serial and compound manipulator examples are presented to illustrate computation of set-valued inverse kinematic mappings and use of self-motion manifold mappings in obstacle avoidance applications. Differentiation of configuration level inverse mappings yields inverse velocity and acceleration mappings as functions of time dependent free parameters that play a central role in manipulator dynamics and control.


The swift acceptance and the widespread use of virtual environments has substantially increased the stress on networks as each of the operating systems running in parallel sends out packets over the same network. As an increased number of packets traverse a network, the importance to continuously monitor whether the network is providing satisfactory service has increased. The metrics for such analyses includes delay, jitter, packet loss and available path capacity. The basic parameter required to quantify these metrics is the time-stamping values of the packets. The purpose of this research work is to characterize the impact of virtualization on a PC's time-stamping process. Operating system virtualization is employed where the time-stamping is done by the operating system kernel. CPU load and packet generating parameters are varied in order to study about the effect of virtualization on the time-stamping process under different operating conditions.


This is a report on a project funded by the Criminology Research Council. The original title of the research project, in the names of Shannon Caroline Taylor, Beverley Blaskett and Doug Lloyd, was 'Facilitators and inhibitors of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect'. The study surveyed and interviewed health and welfare professionals employed in seven different occupations about their knowledge of, training in, attitudes towards, and compliance with, child protection legislation. The professional groups surveyed included groups mandated to report suspected child abuse (doctors, nurses, teachers and psychiatrists) and others who are not mandated (psychologists, child care workers, and social workers). The study aimed to determine to what extent professionals comply with reporting requirements and to what extent professionals influence one another in their child abuse reporting behaviours. The study finds, among other things, that despite a high level of concern to protect children from abuse, for a variety of reasons including lack of confidence in the child protection system, concern to protect confidentiality, fear of reprisal and concern at loss of trust of clients, professionals with responsibility for the care of children express reservations about reporting abuse. Several of those who are most experienced in dealing with cases of child abuse and with Child Protection Services are those who are most reluctant to invoke assistance from child protection authorities. These professionals recommend additional training in child protection issues and an enhanced, expeditious, supportive and professional approach from Child Protection Services to reports concerning abused children. Many of those surveyed indicated that they would benefit from increased opportunities to consult with Child Protection Services when deliberating over whether or not to notify suspected child abuse.


In the literature dealing with the impact of genetic counsel in the reproduction decision, two aspects are discussed: 1. memorization and appraisal of the recurrence risk, chosen options for family planning, appraisal of genetic counsel by the patients 2. mechanisms of decision making and psychological impact of genetic counsel.


Epidemiological studies have shown that nutrition is a key factor in modulating sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) risk. Aromatic plants of the genus Salvia (sage) have been attributed many medicinal properties, which include anticancer activity. In the present study, the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of water extracts of Salvia fruticosa (SF) and Salvia officinalis (SO) and of their main phenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) were evaluated in two human colon carcinoma-derived cell lines, HCT15 and CO115, which have different mutations in the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. These pathways are commonly altered in CRC, leading to increased proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Our results show that SF, SO, and RA induce apoptosis in both cell lines, whereas cell proliferation was inhibited by the two sage extracts only in HCT15. SO, SF, and RA inhibited ERK phosphorylation in HCT15 and had no effects on Akt phosphorylation in CO115 cells. The activity of sage extracts seems to be due, at least in part, to the inhibition of MAPK/ERK pathway.


An overload limiter is used to prevent its overturning accident during an operation of a movable crane. Recently the indirect measuring method, which measures hoisting load and overturning moment of overload limiter, demands instead of the existing method, which measures only hoisting load. The indirectly measuring method is how to conduct the hoisting load and overturning moment as measuring the load of hydraulic cylinder for a luffing driving of boom. So we need to develop the multi-angular pin type load cell with the measuring angle of degree instead of the existing load cell with the measuring angle of degree. In this study the finite element analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of the aspect ratio of measuring cross section on the measuring limit of the load cell to develop the many-angular pin type load cell. For this investigation, the aspect ratio of measuring cross section and load applying angle were adopted as design parameters and the stresses of measuring part were evaluated for each parameter.


STUDY OBJECTIVE
To estimate the possible association between reported symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after bedtime, sleep-disordered breathing, respiratory symptoms, and asthma.

DESIGN
Cross-sectional international population survey.

PARTICIPANTS
Participants consisted of 2,661 subjects (age range, 20 to 48 years) from three countries (Iceland, Belgium, and Sweden), of whom 2,202 were randomly selected from the general population and 459 were added because of reported asthma.

MEASUREMENTS
The investigation included a structured interview, spirometry, methacholine challenge, peak flow diary, skin-prick tests, and a questionnaire on sleep disturbances.

RESULTS
In the random population sample, 101 subjects (4.6%) reported GER, which was defined as the occurrence of heartburn or belching after going to bed at least once per week. Subjects with nocturnal GER more often were overweight and had symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing than participants not reporting GER. Participants with GER were more likely to report wheezing (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.5), breathlessness at rest (adjusted OR, 2.8), and nocturnal breathlessness (adjusted OR, 2.9), and they had increased peak flow variability compared to the subjects without GER. Physician-diagnosed current asthma was reported by 9% of subjects with GER compared to 4% of those not reporting GER (p < 0.05). Subjects with the combination of asthma and GER had a higher prevalence of nocturnal cough, morning phlegm, sleep-related symptoms, and higher peak flow variability than subjects with asthma alone.

CONCLUSION
The occurrence of GER after bedtime is strongly associated with both asthma and respiratory symptoms, as well as symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The partial narrowing or occlusion of the upper airway during sleep, followed by an increase in intrathoracic pressure, might predispose the patient to nocturnal GER and, consequently, to respiratory symptoms.


THE WORLD'S POLICYMAKERS often take for granted the assumption that the earth's supplies of usable water are essentially unlimited. However, as we enter the new millennium, that assumption is appearing less and less tenable. Per capita water supplies worldwide are now a third lower than they were 25 years ago; this unsettling figure is largely attributable to the addition of 1.8 billion people to the earth's population since then. Over the next 30 years, the earth's population is expected to grow to at least 8 billion. This anticipated growth will cause global demand for water to increase significantly. Industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of agriculture will also contribute to the depletion of water resources. By 2025, as many as 52 countries, with a combined population of some 3 billion people, will suffer from the strain of insufficient water resources. These impending shortages will be severely detrimental to global public health, worldwide environmental conditions, and international security. Current water management techniques have failed to lay the foundations that would allow nations to face these challenges successfully. Fortunately, however, governments can remedy these shortfalls by promoting cooperation among government sectors in the task of water management, by treating water as an economic good, and by promoting the participation of all water users in the formulation of policies relating to water. The Consequences of Scarcity The human and environmental costs of water shortages are devastating. When water is scarce, people are often forced to rely on unsafe water sources, and this phenomenon has an extremely negative impact on public health. One billion people, most of whom are among the world's poor, lack a guaranteed supply of high-quality water, and 1.7 billion have no adequate sanitation. In urban areas, the number of people without access to sanitation actually increased by about 70 million in the 1980s. The health consequences of such service shortfalls make the availability of water a life and death issue for millions of people. Waterborne diseases account for eight percent of all diseases in developing countries, affecting some two billion people annually, and for 90 percent of the 13 million child deaths each year. The environment is also suffering as a result of the same factors that put pressure on water supplies. Half of the world's coastal wetlands have been drained for development of agriculture or infrastructure, and, in many places, groundwater supplies are at risk because of over-exploitation and contamination by urban and rural pollutants and salt water intrusion. Many countries either do not have legal standards to control water pollution or else lack the capacity to enforce existing legislation. Sewage and industrial waste pollute rivers on every continent, and industry is now discharging a plethora of colorless and odorless toxins. By some estimates, the amount of water made unusable by pollution is almost as great as the amount used. Finally, increasing water scarcity will also lead to greater competition for water among nations and, perhaps inevitably, to greater tension between states that share water basins. Nearly half of the world's population lives in river basins that are shared by several nations. The failure of many such countries to cooperate in the task of water management results in economic losses in downstream countries. As pressure on water resources increases, this phenomenon, and the tension and resentment that are sure to ensue, will increase in turn, and the result may be armed conflict. Indeed, just as many of the wars of this century have been fought over oil, those of the next century may well be fought over water. For example, the ability of countries of the Middle East to maintain peace among themselves will depend on their ability to manage potential conflicts over water. Per capita water supplies in that region are a third lower than they were in 1960 and are expected to decrease by 50 percent over the next 30 years. …


The aerospace industry is expected to grow substantially during the next two decades. As a result more suppliers aim for entering into this industry. Demands on safety and quality in this sector are particularly high, where SME´s must upgrade from the generic group of quality standards, the ISO9000 family, to AS9100, the aerospace standard. In this research we focus on the meaning of learning processes for successful implementation of quality standards in a workplace context at a manufacturing company. By using Blooms Revised Taxonomy of learning, we can understand, evaluate and design actions for continuous improvement which can be supported by an IT-based tool for self-assessment supporting organisational learning and implementation of the Quality Management System.


Trade is a key element in food security but international cooperation is necessary for trade to help coping with supply shocks, to spread variations in crop yield and to dampen price volatility. While multilateral trade agreements have provided the foundations for a rule-based system, multilateralism has stalled. New economic and political conditions, in particular the new weight of emerging countries, have complicated the negotiations of a Doha agreement under the WTO. Agriculture plays a special role in the global negotiating game. Developed countries have given up many of their bargaining chips in the previous rounds of negotiation and concessions in agriculture are not sufficient for extracting concessions from emerging countries on services, procurement, and intellectual property that would make a multilateral agreement possible. Non-cooperative policies such as export restrictions are gaining momentum and distorting support is on the rise in emerging countries. With the development of bilateral agreements, there is a genuine risk of a more fragmented trading system that is unable to help coping with food insecurity. A series of research issues are listed that may help to revitalize the Doha negotiation agenda.


The Flin Flon greenstone belt is best known for its world-class volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. However, the recent discovery of the McBratney platinum group element (PGE)-Au occurrence and other PGE occurrences has drawn attention to the potential for Ni-Cu-PGE (Au) deposits in this belt. The McBratney occurrence contains some of the highest PGE and Au grades found in this type of deposit in North America (up to 207 g/t Pd, 34 g/t Pt, 2.6 g/t Rh, and 75 g/t Au). It is hosted in chlorite-actinolite and chlorite schists of the Bear Lake magmatic unit in the Bear Lake block of the Flin Flon greenstone belt. The metamorphosed host rocks are komatiitic and tholeiitic in composition. The mineralization is hydrothermal and postdates the regional, retrograde metamorphic event. It occurs as sulfide-rich veins and surrounding disseminated zones controlled by faults, as well as isolated disseminated zones within chlorite-actinolite and chlorite schists. Platinum group minerals (PGM) and gold are spatially and temporally associated with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, carbonate, second generation chlorite, chamosite and, locally, stilpnomelane. In the disseminated zones, these phases replace the metamorphic actinolite-chlorite assemblage in both types of host rocks. Locally the veins are layered with pyrrhotite-rich zones and chalcopyrite-rich zones. The PGM include, in order of abundance, Te-rich sudburyite, borovskite, sperrylite, sudburyite, an unknown Pd-Te-Sb mineral, temagamite, and merenskyite, which occur mainly as inclusions in the sulfides. Minor amounts of PGE also occur within chlorite, carbonate, and stilpnomelane, and Au-Ag alloy is observed locally included in Fe sulfides in association with sphalerite. The mantle-normalized metal distribution shows that the McBratney mineralization is enriched in Bi, As, Au, Pd, Cu, Pt, Rh, Os, Ru, Zn, Re, and Ag; the mineralization is both enriched and depleted in Ir and Cr, and it is depleted in Ni in all analyzed samples when compared with typical komatiitic magmatic ore. The mineral assemblage suggests that the hydrothermal fluids were reduced (pyrrhotite-pyrite stable), neutral to alkaline, and CO 2 bearing (carbonate-chlorite stable). Chlorite geothemometry indicates that the hydrothermal assemblage formed at temperatures ranging from 250° to 350°C. Under these conditions, PGE may have been transported mainly as bisulfide complexes and their precipitation likely occurred due to reactions of the hydrothermal fluids with the Fe-rich host rocks, which led to the formation of Fe sulfides, reduction of the activity of the bisulfide, and formation of PGM. Palladium precipitated mainly as tellurides and antimonides; however, Pt formed an arsenide. The abundant As, Te, and Sb may have been crucial in forming high-grade PGE ore. Sulfur isotope data indicate that magmatic rocks or fluids were likely the sources of sulfur, which may include the metamorphosed basic-ultrabasic sequence, hidden magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization, or fluids derived directly from postmetamorphic magmatic rocks.


The UMTS macrocell downlink capacity is evaluated for macrocells that operate at the same frequency of the Deep Space Network (DSN) and that are near shaded DSN installations. It has been found that the downlink capacity is not affected when the distance between the DSN installations and the macro-cell is more than 35 km. For a distance greater than the obstacle distance, the effect of the DSN is less compared with the un-shaded case.


Background: Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI-AP) for patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) have saved significant healthcare costs. However, the cost effectiveness of LAI-AP for patients with other mental disorders has yet to be established. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of early initiation of LAI-AP medications on healthcare resource utilization (HRU). Drawing on the Quebecois universal healthcare program (RAMQ), we conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study of LAI-AP under real-world conditions. Methods: This study was performed using a representative sample of patients newly treated with LAI-AP (n = 3957) who were covered by the Québec Health Insurance Plan. The index date was defined as the date of the first prescription for LAI-AP between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2012. We collected (a) the demographics and patient characteristics; (b) the treatment characteristics index drug, speciality of the principal prescriber, prescriptions of LAI-AP; and (c) HRU and costs. Two comparisons were made between (a) non-SCZ users of LAI-AP and SCZ users of LAI-AP; and (b) patients with SCZ using first-generation antipsychotic LAI-AP (FGA-LAI) and second-generation antipsychotic LAI-AP (SGA-LAI). Results: In the people with SCZ group, 976 patients were on an SGA-LAI, and 1020 patients were on an FGA-LAI; 41.9% of all users were on risperidone LAI-AP during this period and 17.9% were on zuclopenthixol decanoate. The number of hospitalizations was reduced by half. Durations were also significantly reduced. The total healthcare cost savings for all users were C$29,876 per patient/per year. Younger patients tended to receive more SGA-LAI than FGA-LAI: 29% versus 13%. The percentage of general practitioners who prescribe LAI-AP is higher in the FGA-LAI group than in the SGA-LAI group: 19% versus 13%. For psychiatrist prescribers, it is the opposite: 86% (SGA-LAI) versus 79% (FGA-LAI). The concomitant use of oral antipsychotics (OAP) in the year following index date is higher in the FGA-LAI group: 75% versus 43%. The number of hospitalization days was reduced by 31.5 days in the FGA-LAI group and 38.8 days in the SGA-LAI group. Cost savings were of C$31,924 in the FGA-LAI group and of C$39,100 in the SGA-LAI group. Conclusion: The initiation of LAI-AP saved significant costs to the province of Québec compared with the previous year. Initiation of a LAI-AP resulted in lower resource use. Higher medication costs were offset by lower inpatient and outpatient costs.


Factors influencing breeding initiation of the endangered Laysan Teal Anas laysanensis were studied on Laysan Island in the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge between 1998 and 2006. Sixty-two radio-tagged adult females were tracked for 30‐180 days to locate and describe their nest sites. In addition, the Laysan Teal were surveyed daily during the breeding season, and 331 individually colour-ringed females were marked to identify new broods and timing of incubation initiation. Temperature, rainfall, and abundance of Brine Flies (Scatella sexnotata, an important prey) were measured in all years. Females nested on average 213 m (s.e. ± 37 m) from the lake basin primarily in Eragrostis variablis, a native bunch grass with > 75% cover. The first observation of nesting in marine debris by Laysan Teal was reported. The initiation of incubation, at the start of the breeding season each year, varied from December to July, and differed significantly between years. Brine Fly abundance, temperature, and rainfall also varied significantly between years. The earlier the Brine Fly abundance peaked, the longer the duration of the breeding season. The length of the breeding season, measured as the number of days between the first and last clutches, varied from 83‐192 days (mean 116 ± 14 days). Annual brood production was positively correlated with spring peak abundance of Brine Flies. There was some evidence that it was negatively correlated with the number of adult females in the population. Rainfall, temperature, prey abundance, and the density of other birds on Laysan Island are likely to interact in influencing Laysan Teal's variable nesting phenology and productivity.


Purpose: To report an unusual case of bilateral Candida keratitis in a young drug abuser Case report: A 19-year-old man sought medical care for his left eye redness, pain and photophobia. On slit-lamp examination a well-defined paracentral exudative corneal ulcer was observed. Smear from the corneal ulcers contained pseudohyphae and accordingly a routine regime of antifungal therapy (topical drop of Amphotericin-B 0.15% q1h beside out-patient daily follow-up) was commenced. Although the signs and symptoms improved initially, the corneal ulcer grew even larger in the third day of treatment and the contralateral cornea also began to show preliminary signs of fungal infection. Further work-ups revealed that his bilateral Candida keratitis had happened in association with an unusual route of drug abuse (transconjunctival heroin abuse). Clinical response was achieved by additional topical Voriconazol (1% q1h) and systemic Fluconazol (200 mg bid). Conclusion: Candida Keratitis in the context of previous drug abuse and the presence of bilateral keratoconjunctivitis beside kissing conjunctival lesions may serve as diagnostic clues for this very rare condition.


Abstract Poly(amidoamine)s (PAMAMs) incorporated into a cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) exhibited excellent CO2 separation properties over H2. However, the CO2 permeability should be increased for practical applications. Monoethanolamine (MEA) used as a CO2 determining agent in the current CO2 capture technology at demonstration scale was readily immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix by solvent casting of aqueous mixture of PVA and the amine. The resulting polymeric membranes can be self-standing with the thickness above 3 μm and the amine fraction less than 80 wt%. The gas permeation properties were examined at 40 °C and under 80% relative humidity. The CO2 separation performance increased with increase of the amine content in the polymeric membranes. When the amine fraction was 80 wt%, the CO2 permeability coefficient of MEA containing membrane was 604 barrer with CO2 selectivity of 58.5 over H2, which was much higher than the PAMAM membrane (83.7 barrer and 51.8, respectively) under the same operation conditions. On the other hand, ethylamine (EA) was also incorporated into PVA matrix to form a thin membrane. However, the resulting polymeric membranes exhibited slight CO2-selective gas permeation properties. The hydroxyl group of MEA was crucial for high CO2 separation performance.


Renal artery stenting has been established as the primary form of renal artery stenosis revascularization procedure. The no-touch technique is proposed in order to avoid renal artery injury and atheroembolism during renal artery stenting. We describe a modification of the no-touch technique by using an over-the-wire (OTW) balloon or a Quickcross 0.014′′ catheter with a 0.014′′ coronary wire inside, instead of the rigid 0.035′′ J wire. The reported technique, while it prevents direct contact of the guiding catheter with the aortic wall, at the same time it allows for a closer contact with the renal arterial ostium and a more favorable guiding catheter orientation, compared to what is achieved with the use of the more rigid 0.035′′ J wire, thus improving visualization, reducing the amount of contrast required, and potentially decreasing complications.


BACKGROUND
DWI and ADC-mapping was performed to analyze hepatic metastasis of GIST, GEP-NET.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to present hepatic metastasis of GIST and GEP-NET with Diffusion weighted MR imaging(DWI) and the Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) values of masses.

METHOD
18 GIST patients and 8 GEP-NET patients were examined retrospectively. 11 males and 6 females were present in GIST group, 7 males to 5 females were involved in GEP-NET group. 18 primary GIST and 10 hepatic metastasis of GIST, 8 original GEP-NET and 19 hepatic metastasis of GEP-NET; total 55 GIST and GEP-NET masses were analysed by ADC mapping. MR images were acquired by 1,5 T MR units (32 mT/min gradient strength- Achieva; Philips Healthcare, Best, Netherlands and 32 channel GE Signa GE-Wisconsin-USA); by using a 4-8 channel standard phased-array torso XL coil, all images were evaluated by an Abdominal MRI experienced radiologist. DWI was performed in the transverse plane by using spin-echo-planar imaging sequence.

RESULT
No statistical differences were observed between GIST and GEP-NET patients according to age and gender variations. No significant statistical differences were observed according to the diameters and ADC values of GIST and GEP-NET patients. A significant statistical difference was observed between GIST and GEP-NET groups in terms of size of liver metastasis which was significantly higher in GIST patients. All three groups (GIST_Hep. MET, GEP-NET_Liver_Met and normal) were statistically differed according to ADC values. With the ROC curve analysis: Hepatic metastasis of GIST(n=10) and normal liver (n:47) had cut-off value for ADC: 0.925 under AUC: 0.939 with regard to ADC values and regarded 89.4 % Sensitivity, 100% Specificity, 100% PPV and 66.7% PPV. ROC curve of GEP NET_ Hepatic metastasis (n=19) group and normal liver (n:47) group presented cut-off value for ADC: 0.860 under AUC: 0.967 correlated to ADC values with 93.6 % sensitivity, 89.5% specificity, 95.7% PPV and 85% PPV.

CONCLUSION
High cellular tumors resulted from liver metastasis of GIST and GEP-NET's, and a positive correlation was observed between ADC values and cellularity/differentiation ratios of metastatic masses.


Abstract Fluid shear stress (SS) is well known to cause morphological changes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) accompanied by alteration in actin cytoskeletal structure and distribution of focal adhesions. Recent studies have shown that spatial SS gradient also has effects on EC morphology, but the detailed mechanisms of EC responses to SSG remain unclear. In the present study, we sought morphological responses of ECs under SS and uniform SSG condition using a newly developed flow chamber. Confluent ECs were exposed to SS with SSG for 24 hours. Focal adhesions of the EC under SS without SSG were localized in the cell periphery. In contrast, focal adhesions were expressed not only in the periphery but also in interior portion of cells after exposure to SS with SSG. Unlike ECs exposure to SS developed thick actin filaments aligned to the direction of flow no development of thick actin filaments but thin and short filaments were observed in ECs after 24-hour exposure to SS with SSG. Since the distribution of focal adhesion is of critical importance for development of actin filaments and cell morphological changes, these results suggest that SSG suppresses redistribution of focal adhesions, resulting in the inhibition of EC morphological changes and development of thick actin filaments in response to flow.


This study was designed to determine whether cholinergic receptors are operative in the coronary vessels of a hibernating species (golden mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis) and a nonhibernating species (rat, Rattus norvegicus) under normothermic and hypothermic conditions. Coronary flow and left ventricular systolic pressure were measured in isolated perfused hearts from squirrels at 37, 20 or 7 degrees C and from rats at 37 and 20 degrees C. During cooling, rat hearts became arrhythmic and failed between 15 and 12 degrees C. Squirrel hearts remained functional at 7 degrees C. Bolus injections of acetylcholine (> 1.0 microgram) caused significant coronary vasoconstriction in rat hearts at 37 and 20 degrees C. Similar treatment caused mild coronary vasodilation in squirrel hearts at both temperatures. Squirrel hearts did not respond to acetylcholine at 7 degrees C. The responses in both species were blocked by atropine. Rat coronary vessels appear to contain muscarinic constrictor receptors similar to those described in humans, sheep, cattle and pigs. The coronary vessels of squirrels, by contrast, do not. In this latter species there appears to be a preponderance of muscarinic (possibly endothelial-relaxing-factor-linked) dilator receptors. Given that acetylcholine acts only as a mild vasodilator at higher temperatures in squirrels, parasympathetic regulation of coronary flow in the squirrel heart is unlikely, especially during hibernation.


The genetic diversity organization and evaluation of relationships within Tunisian date-palm cultivars were assessed using the random amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMPO) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) methods. 18 combinations of random/ISSR primers and six AFLP primers combinations were tested with DNAs isolated from 40 date-palm cultivars. Our results show that using both markers systems, the Tunisian date-palm germplasm is characterized by a large and continuous genetic diversity. In addition, due to the greater number of markers per assay, the AFLP technique seems to be more informative than the RAMPO method. In fact, 186 and 428 polymorphic bands were detected using RAMPO and AFLP primers, respectively. Moreover, AFLP markers were found most polymorphic with the highest average PIC value (0.7) and marker index (50.54). In addition, independent as well as combined analyses of the cluster analyses of the RAMPO and AFLP fragments showed that cultivars are clustered independently from the sex of trees or else their geographical origin. On the other hand, based on Pearson and Spearman correlation between RAMPO and AFLP distance, matrices were positive and highly significant. This result indicates good congruence between these two molecular markers. The opportunity of the designed methods is discussed with the molecular characterization of genotypes in order to enhance the conservation and the improvement of the local date-palm germplasm.


Uptake and loss of radioactive iodine by marine organisms were studied in the artificial seawater in which the concentration as well as chemical forms of both stable and radioactive iodine were controlled. The concentration factors of radioactive iodine by these organisms were clearly dependent upon the concentration of stable iodide ion in the culture media while the concentration of stable iodate ion did not affect the uptake and loss of radioactive iodine. It was observed that the higher the concentration of iodide ion was in the culture media the shorter the biological half-life of radioactive iodine became, and thus the lower the concentration factor resulted in.


It is shown that normal delta modulation can be used for the transmission of dc signals. A circuit is described in which a delta modulator is combined with a counter for analog-to-digital conversion of a dc signal. Several factors contributing to the accuracy are developed. One of these factors which has not been dealt with previously is the size of the steps in the reconstructed signal due to the finite integrator time constant. Two examples of delta modulators are described; one of them a high precision system, the other a simple design of moderate precision.


Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in using machine learning to predict and identify critical dynamical phase transitions in physical systems (e.g., many-body quantum systems). The underlying lattice structures in these applications are generally regular. While machine learning has been adopted to complex networks, most existing works concern about the structural properties. To use machine learning to detect phase transitions and accurately identify the critical transition points associated with dynamical processes on complex networks thus stands out as an open and significant problem. Here we develop a framework combining supervised and unsupervised learning, incorporating proper sampling of training data set. In particular, using epidemic spreading dynamics on complex networks as a paradigmatic setting, we start from supervised learning alone and identify situations that degrade the performance. To overcome the difficulties leads to the idea of exploiting confusion scheme, effectively a combination of supervised and unsupervised learning. We demonstrate that the scheme performs well for identifying phase transitions associated with spreading dynamics on homogeneous networks, but the performance deteriorates for heterogeneous networks. To strive to meet this challenge leads to the realization that sampling the training data set is necessary for heterogeneous networks, and we test two sampling methods: one based on the hub nodes together with their neighbors and another based on k-core of the network. The end result is a general comprehensive machine learning framework for detecting phase transition and accurately identifying the critical transition point, which is robust, computationally efficient, and universally applicable to complex networks of arbitrary size and topology. Extensive tests using synthetic and empirical networks verify the virtues of the articulated framework, opening the door to exploiting machine learning for understanding, detection, prediction, and control of complex dynamical systems in general.


In order to verify the transcription factor CBF2 gene can be induced to express in plant and improve the plant salt resistance, they were cloned from the Arabidopsis thaliana by PCR according to CBF2 gene sequence published on GenBank. The plant expression vector (pBI-rd29A-CBF2) with CBF2 gene was constructed. The CBF2 gene was transformed into soybean plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. It approved that the CBF2 gene had been transformed and integrated into the genome of soybean by PCR and Southern blot. Through the physiological test of salt resistance, the relative electric conductivity of the transformed plants plasma membrane and the control were 36.84% and 59.35% respectively under salt stress. The content of chlorophyll of the transformed plants was 2.41 times as much as that of the control. The content of proline of the transformed plants was 2.49 times as much as that of the control. It showed that the CBF2 gene was induced to express in soybean plants. And it also indicated that the expression of the CBF2 gene increased the salt stress tolerance of the transgenic soybean plants. The results proved the CBF2 gene were functional gene.


The idea is to use the talisman as a portable electronic device that holds the personal health record (PHR) of the wearer of the talisman. We perceive this PHR-talisman as a removable memory device that can be updated with information from any computer that a clinic or a doctor uses to store the patient's case history and/or treatment information (Safran, 2006). Once updated with the person's health information, the talisman becomes the personal health record of the wearer and is available with the patient whenever and where ever he visits a doctor, clinic or a hospital. While the information contained in the talisman PHR may not initially be a complete electronic health record, it serves as the starting point for the continuum of the entire electronic health record of the individual. In terms of data storage capacity, current (as of May 2007) memory devices have a memory of up to 4 GB, which can carry textual information and some important images as well related to a person's entire life-time. An important feature of the talisman is that with appropriate security and privacy protocols in place, over a period of time the talisman has the potential to become the unique identifier that links all electronic health records of an individual spread across several hospitals and clinics around the entire globe.


ABSTRACT Nowadays, people begin to shift from the use of kerosene to 3 kg elpiji (liquid natural gas) gas, and the government provides and distributes 3 kg elpiji to the people. In this case, the government is expected to maintain the quality of the product because it becomes the most important thing for consumers' safety. If consumers' right as stipulated in Law on Consumer Protection is not fulfilled, they have the right to file a complaint about the responsibility of PT. Pertamina for their loss in using 3 kg elpiji gas. The result of the research showed that why consumers' right were not fulfilled was because of their lack of knowledge, education, and intensity and their indifference/apathy in using 3 kg elpiji gas, in handling its danger, and in consumer protection. This fact was supported by their lack of knowledge of how to handle its possible danger. They ignored the security in using 3 kg elpiji gas because they still used devices from conversion program. Article 19 of Law No 8/1999 on Consumer Protection states that business people are responsible for the compensation on damage, disgrace, and financial loss of consumers because of consuming produced or sold goods and services. The settlement of dispute between both parties is through the Court and settlement outside the Court is through BPSK (Consumer Dispute Settlement Board). Keywords: Consumer Protection, Dispute Settlement


A novel oral dosage to be delivered to the stomach comprising a safe and effective amount of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of emepronium bromidebromide, doxycycline, and other tetracyclines/antibiotics, iron preparations, quinidine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alprenolol, ascorbic acid, captopril, theophylline, zidovoudine (AZT), bisphosphonates and mixtures thereof and pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients, wherein said oral dosage form is a generally oval form and film coated to facilitate rapid esophageal transit and avoid irritation in the mouth, buccal cavity, pharynx, and esophagus.


A number of model isopeptides containing oligo(methionine) chains varying in length (2-5 residues) covalently linked to the epsilon-amino group of lysine were synthesized by solid-phase procedures. Hydrolysis of these peptides by pepsin, chymotrypsin, cathepsin C (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) and intestinal aminopeptidase N was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantify the hydrolysis products. Methionine oligomers grafted onto lysine were cleaved to tripeptides by pepsin. Chymotrypsin preferentially hydrolyzed the methionyl-methionine bond preceding the isopeptide bond. Cathepsin C released dimethionyl units from the covalently attached polymers. Intestinal aminopeptidase caused efficient hydrolysis of both peptides and isopeptide bonds although free methionine decreased the cleavage of the latter bond. Hydrophobic characteristics of oligo(methionine) chains promoted enzyme-catalyzed transpeptidations resulting probably from acyl-transfer-type reactions. Complementary hydrolysis of the isopeptides by these digestive enzymes suggests that covalent attachment of oligo(amino acid)s to food proteins may improve their nutritional value.


Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution from agricultural and urban development is a primary source of nutrients and decreased water quality in aquatic systems. Installation of best management practices (BMPs) within critical source areas of the watershed can be helpful at reducing the transport of nutrients to waterbodies; however, prioritizing these areas may be difficult. The objective of this study was to develop several potential frameworks for prioritizing subwatersheds using baseflow water chemistry data in relation to a simple human development index (HDI; total percent agriculture and urban development). At a monthly interval, samples were collected at 26 sites throughout the Oklahoma portion of the Lake Wister Watershed (LWW) and analyzed for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll a. Changepoint analysis for each parameter found significant thresholds for each of the parameters ranging from 20 to 30% HDI. Changepoint analysis summary statistics were used to develop prioritization frameworks for the LWW that could be used to target subwatersheds where BMP installation would have the greatest effect at improving water quality. Additionally, regression models developed from the relationships between water quality parameters and HDI values serve as realistic targets for improving water quality, with the modeled line representing the target concentration for a given HDI value. After BMPs have been implemented, baseflow monitoring should continue at the subwatershed scale to track changes in water quality. Focusing monitoring efforts at the subwatershed scale will provide an earlier indication of the effectiveness of BMPs, as it may take several decades to detect improvements in water quality at the larger watershed scale.


The steam turbine is one of the components in combined steam and gas power plant PT. X which serves to expand the vapor to produce mechanical energy to drive the generator. In operation, steam turbine can pose a danger to humans, one of which is noise. Noise is the emergence of unwanted sounds that may interfere with or endanger health. Based on the decision of the Minister of Manpower, Transmigration and Cooperatives No. 51 / Men / 1999, noise threshold of 85 dB(A) per 8 hours per day. If exposure to noise exceeds the noise threshold continuously, it may cause disruption to nearby workers. Therefore, research will be conducted to control the noise level by designing the enclosure in the steam turbine block I PLTGU PT. X. Based on the measurement results that have been done,, the highest noise level on each floor is 93.6 dB (A) for the 1st floor, 90.7 dB (A) for the 2nd floor, and 93.2 dB (A) for the 3rd floor in the overall frequency. Based on the noise level after the enclosure design, the material suitable for the enclosure design in the steam turbine unit Block I PLTGU is an aluminum sheet with a thickness of 1 mm. The addition and design of the enclosure can reduce the noise level by ± 25.8 dB (A).


In this paper, we study the effects of opportunistic relay placement on the performance of multihop ad hoc networks. It has been previously shown that multihop mesh networks can aid in enhanced network performance by optimally utilizing power and bandwidth resources. We propose a placement scheme to introduce relay nodes in the network at critical locations that can significantly improve the throughput and link connectivity of the network. The placement algorithm uses a linear program formulation and takes into consideration the data rate and power availability of the surrounding nodes, network density, etc. However, these improvements can come at the cost of a few additional nodes and higher energy expenditure. We demonstrate through extensive simulations that placing minimal additional relay nodes can be worthwhile in improving the performance in a multihop network.


ABSTRACT In sentencing offenders in Australia to a fine it has long been considered uncontroversial that the principle of equality before the law is upheld. This is because similar sanctions are imposed on offenders convicted of the same offence and the circumstances of the financially disadvantaged offender are taken into account in the imposition of a reduced fine. However, this long-held view fails to address the large number of offences for which a minimum fine is legislatively prescribed and where, in circumstances where judicial discretion is allowed, fines are not increased relative to the offender's wealth. In contrast, Germany and many other continental European countries have adopted an income-based fining system known as the 'day fine'. This is a fining system in which the economic burden of the fine is felt similarly by both the wealthy offender and the financially disadvantaged offender. With a particular emphasis on Germany, this article argues that the 'day fine' has the potential to reduce Australia's reliance on imprisonment, increase public confidence in sentencing and better meet the principle of equality before the law. I INTRODUCTION From time to time newspaper reports appear in Australian newspapers of exorbitant fines being sanctioned in European courts for what appear to be minor transgressions. Examples include a Finnish businessman ordered to pay a staggering 116,000 [euro] for speeding, a German footballer penalised (90,000 [euro] for insulting a policeman and an Englishman fined 1,200 [pounds sterling] for littering. While these sentences at first appear to be disproportionately harsh, they are in fact founded on recognition of the principle of equal treatment, that is, that the impact of the sentence should be similar despite the wealth of financial disadvantage of the offender. (1) In Germany and many other continental European countries the principle that the fine should have a similar punitive bite on all offenders is applied in practice. (2) Alternatively, Australia and the majority of jurisdictions with a common law tradition have embraced a different system, in which judicial starting points or 'tariffs' of what an appropriate fine is, mean that there is little discretion to increase the amount of a fine on a wealthy offender. Additionally, many offences require the imposition of a minimum fine, for which no discretion exists to reduce the amount of the fine for financially disadvantaged offenders. (3) Paradoxically, despite the well-reported difference in fine amounts imposed, the principle of equal treatment is aspired to in both systems, with Australia adopting literally the mantra 'like penalty for like offence', whereas in Germany the mantra is 'like punitive bite of penalty for like offence'. At first the European 'day fine' appears to encourage unequal treatment, as offenders committing similar offences may be sanctioned to significantly different fine amounts. However, the underlying justification is that fairness in the imposition of a fine is best achieved through the adoption of a two-step process. Firstly the gravity of the offence is assessed on the basis of the culpability of the offender to determine the number of day fine units, and then the value of each unit is dependent on the means of the offender to ensure that the economic burden is felt equally on offenders. (4) The ability of the day fine to both reflect the seriousness of the offence and to equalise the impact of the sentence has ensured that it remains the preferred sanction for a broad spectrum of criminal offences, some of which were formerly subject to a custodial sentence. (5) In Australia on the other hand, proposals for the introduction of the day fine continue to be rejected, despite criticism of the sentencing system's reliance on imprisonment and its failure to adequately consider the financial circumstances of the offender when imposing a fine. (6) With a particular emphasis on Germany, this article argues that the day fine system legitimises the credibility of the fine as a sentencing sanction, ensuring broad application and concomitantly reducing dependence on custodial sentences. …


Communication between cells is important to multi-cellular organisms for processes such as cell survival, development, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. Junctional complexes that are comprised of intracellular and intercellular protein components govern these cell-cell interactions. The loss of junctional integrity is implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Although intracellular signaling molecules such as phosphatases and kinases and extracellular signaling molecules such as steroids hormones and growth factors have been shown to regulate cellular junctions, the exact mechanism by which these junctional complexes are assembled, disassembled, and maintained is largely unknown. Glucocorticoids have been shown to regulate junctional complexes in a variety of tissue types. However, their effect on the human endometrium, a tissue that is primarily regulated by steroid hormones, has not been evaluated. Using human endometrial cancer cells, the present work details the effects of glucocorticoids on junctional organization and delineates glucocorticoid-mediated signaling cascades that regulate protein complexes within these cellular junctions. We show that treatment of Ishikawa cells, a well-established human endometrial cancer cell line, with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, results in organization of tight junctional proteins ZO-1 and occludin to the cell periphery. This effect does not involve changes in cell cycle progression and is attenuated upon treatment with RU-486, a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist. Furthermore, DEX treatment stimulates the interaction between ZO-1 and occludin that occurs before the localization to the cellular membrane. Total protein expression levels of the GR, ZO-1, occludin and other junctional proteins such as E-cadherin and beta-catenin do not change. The DEX-dependent increase in interaction between ZO-1 and occludin and the subsequent localization of the proteins at the cell periphery is a co-dependent process that requires the expression of both ZO-1 and occludin. An evaluation of various kinases known to regulate interactions between ZO-1 and occludin reveals that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a serine/threonine kinase, is required for the DEX-induced organization of the ZO-1 and occludin to the cell periphery, as siRNA mediated knockdown of AMPK reverses the effect. Inhibition of c-Src, a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, increases the localization of ZO-1 and occludin to the cell membrane where as the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC), a serine/threonine kinase, disrupts the membranous organization of the two proteins. Activation of AMPK and inhibition of c-Src and PCK also results in changes in interaction between ZO-1 and occludin. Gene expression profile of Ishikawa cells reveals that Kruppel-like factor (KLF9), a transcription factor that is associated with a differentiated endometrium, is significantly up-regulated upon treatment with DEX. Clinical data suggests that loss-of-expression of KLF9 leads to endometrial carcinogenesis. We show that knockdown of KLF9 disrupts the DEX-induced organization of ZO-1 and occludin to the cell periphery and attenuates the interactions between the two proteins. Similarly, gene expression level of GRIM-19, a tumor-suppressor and a known inhibitor of c-Src kinase is also increased upon treatment with DEX. si-RNA mediated knockdown of GRIM-19 disrupts DEX-induced organization of ZO-1 and occludin to the cell periphery and attenuates the interactions between the two proteins. The effect is somewhat reversed upon addition of SRC-inhibitor1 in cells where GRIM-19 is knocked-down. Taken together, our work shows that DEX confers a differentiated phenotype with a lower tumorigenic potential in human endometrial cancer cells by increasing gene expression levels of KLF9 and GRIM-19 that leads to alterations in the dynamics of ZO-1 and occludin through a mechanism that involves kinases associated with regulating interactions between the two tight junctional proteins.


Chili is an important vegetable commodity in Indonesia. Chilli can be used for cooking ingredients and used as a basic ingredient in the food industry. This study aims to evaluate some quantitative characters and qualitative characters as an indicator of yield as a reference for obtaining lines that can be nominated into new varieties. Research was been carried out from February to July 2018 at the Leuwikopo Experimental Garden, IPB. The height of the research site was ± 197 m above sea level. The design used in this study was Randomized Complete Block Design with a single factor, namely genotype. The number of genotypes that being used consists of 10 test genotypes, and 5 comparison varieties with 3 repetitions. Thus, there was total 45 experimental units. The research outcome was that the lines tested showed significant effect and had differences between the ten test lines except for the flowering age character. Lines F8160291-9-4-3-2-1-1 and F6145291-115-8-1-1 were lines that had better plant growth characteristics. The fruit characteristics of the lines F8160291-3-12-5-4-51-1 and F6145291-14-9-3-12 had good fruit weight and fruit length compared to all comparison varieties. Based on the correlation analysis, the character of the number of fruit and weight of fruit were very important to determine the performance of the plant. Line F8160291-3-12-5-4-51-1 and F6145291-14-9-3-12, F8160291-9-4-3-2-1-1, and F6145291-115-8-1-1 had potential character to be released as new varieties. Keywords: Capsicum annuum L., genotype, preliminary yield test, chili pepper


An introduction to Old English and a starting-point for the discussion of life and literature in Anglo-Saxon England; this book offers seven passages suitable for weekly or fortnightly work; each page is accompanied by a facing glossary. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle traces the history of early England from the migration of the Saxon war-lords, through Roman Britain, the onslaught of the Vikings, the Norman Conquest and on through the reign of Stephen. Michael Swanton's translation of this work - the first continuous national history of any Western people in their own language - draws extensively on the latest evidence of paleographers, archaeologists and textual and social historians to place these annals in the context of current knowledge. Fully indexed and complemented by maps and genealogical tables, this edition allows ready access to one of the prime sources of English national culture. The introduction provides all the information a first-time reader could need, cutting an easy route through often complicated matters.


What can sex therapy tell us about sex — and about gender, power, fantasy, culture, and law? Part of a symposium on "For Love or Money? Defining Relationships in Law and Life," this article proceeds from the premise that sex therapy is a vital topic for scholarly investigation in general and feminist analysis in particular. Studying sex therapy illuminates a society's fantasies of healthy and adequate sexuality and provides insight into the tensions between love and money, the purported divide between private and public, and the reproduction and persistence of gender hierarchy in America, notwithstanding several decades of equality-minded law reforms and feminist developments. In this article, we explore changes in sex therapy over the past sixty years, beginning with the pathbreaking research undertaken by William Masters and Virginia Johnson and the therapeutic interventions they developed, as recounted in Thomas Maier's recent book, "Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How to Love." Masters and Johnson's innovations included discovery of female sexual prowess, rejection of the Freudian ideal of the vaginal orgasm, and scientific celebration of the expanded role of the clitoris, as well as therapies based on touching exercises and communication. These innovations, nurtured by a supportive legal and cultural environment, held out a promise of liberating transformation, including new understandings of "sex" and new sexual expectations and practices for women. Yet, as we show, instead of realizing the promise, these discoveries inspired a contradictory therapy, the prescription of Viagra, which has now become the preeminent treatment for "sexual dysfunction," a term that Masters and Johnson coined. These contrasting therapies help make visible the ethos of two different ages or cultural moments: the period of Masters and Johnson's project (beginning in the late 1950s) and the period of Viagra's ascendancy (beginning in 1998, when the drug received FDA approval). In addition, using the lens of fantasy to examine each of these competing therapeutic approaches, we theorize that they embody contrasting (and we think gendered) visions of what constitutes "good" heterosex. In particular, in tracing how Viagra emerged from earlier versions of sex therapy and ultimately triumphed, we expose how androcentric notions of "sex" as intercourse have both resisted change and upheld patriarchal authority, frustrating the transformative potential of Masters and Johnson's contributions. This story of sex therapy has two discernible lessons: First, in these neoliberal times, money overcomes love, often even in the name of love. Second, interventions that ask us to be present and do what we fumblingly and imperfectly can do will lose out to a quick fix promising to give us the idealized kind of sex the dominant fantasy teaches us is sexy.


The greatest challenge to small holder farmers in Africa is lack of markets although new developments point to linking them to specific markets. Since linking farmers to markets in Kenyan agriculture is a relatively new phenomenon both at the level of government and the NGO/donor, it has not been established what works and what does not. Secondly, there is inadequate information and documentation on the nature of linkages of farmers to markets both in the public and private sector. The objective of the study was therefore to identify the different practices through which successful small holder farmers have gained access to remunerative markets. Based on a FAO nomenclature on the various approaches that small holder farmers' access markets globally, a market research was done in 2010 where a total sample of twenty farmers was selected from eight districts in Kenya. After further screening, only seven farmers meeting the FAO criteria were interviewed. The commodities that were considered were eggs, milk, avocado fruit, meat, horticultural produce, summer flowers, essential oils and bananas. Results showed that there were five best practices identified contributing to market access for small holder farmers: Production (adequate volume), Group's development dynamics (organized groups), Marketing (consistent supply), Marketing institutions (collaboration with marketing institutions), and Business development services (providing services to producers). It was concluded that implementing what is perceived as the best practices built self-confidence, reduced perception of risk and through the market exposure, farmers acquired a set of new life skills: business, management, human relations and organization.


Under given energy constraints, a fundamental problem in wireless networks is to maximize network lifetime and prolong network operational lifetime. Since nodes in the network can be affected with interference of peripheral nodes, it causes collisions and congestions. Thus, whole network consumes more energy. It is clear that the higher density of network the higher degree of nodes. It leads to more redundant coverage, i.e. more overlapped areas (joint areas between adjusted nodes) in the network, which also increases energy consumption and probability of collisions. This paper proposes an energy-efficient topology control algorithm. Based on location awareness, the proposed algorithm minimizes a set of the relay nodes keeping the connectivity and whole network coverage. To address this, the algorithm calculates density of network and divides the transmission range of a node into border area and core area. Then, the algorithm calculates overlapped areas between border nodes and selects relays amongst them. As a result, the network can be seen as a sparse network in which the overlapped areas are reduced. Since only selected nodes act as relays at the particular time interval, it helps to reduce whole network energy consumption, prolong operational network lifetime and reduce collisions or congestions. The results of simulation show that the proposed algorithm improves energy-efficiency of the network while preserving connectivity and functions of routing agent.


ABSTRACT This paper presents evidence on choral singers' perceptions of the physical health benefits of choral singing. It is based on a thematic analysis of answers given to a single open question included in a questionnaire survey of over 1,000 choral singers in Australia, England and Germany: 'What effects, if any, does singing in a choir have on your physical health?' The question was carefully worded to be as open as possible, to allow respondents to say that singing has no effects or to identify both positive and negative effects on health. Four findings stand out from this study. Firstly, many respondents did not answer this question or expressed a belief that singing does not have effects on physical health. Secondly, there was a clear spectrum of confidence in the substantive answers respondents gave when identifying effects – usually benefits. Some answers were given very tentatively, whereas others were given with a great deal of confidence. Thirdly, with respect to the positive benefits identified by choristers, four areas stand out most clearly: effects on breathing and lung function; posture and body control; relaxation and stress relief, and physical activity and energy. And finally, the analysis of choristers' answers has helped to suggest some of the hypothetical mechanisms at work which link the activity of singing to aspects of physical health. The limitations of this study are considered and recommendations made for future research.


This research investigates whether the undergraduate education experience in Turkey affects financial literacy (FL) levels of university students. A survey study was carried out in Suleyman Demirel University (Isparta, Turkey). Students from 7 departments under the fields of natural and applied sciences, social sciences, and health sciences were included in the study, and the participants of which were composed of first-year and senior students. The results indicate that the FL levels of the senior students are significantly higher than those of the first-year students. In addition, senior students higher FL level is also verified by the analyses performed separately for each of the fields of science. It has been determined that this difference might be affected by factors such as getting to know the concept of FL, having an investment, intensity of reading, thinking, and talking about finance, attending a financial course, employment status and having an independent income. Students who undertook a specifically FLbased course showed higher levels of FL knowledge.


The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of MetS on short- and long-term outcome and survival after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Between January 2005 and December 2014, data from all patients undergoing CEA were prospectively recorded. The metabolic syndrome was defined based on the presence of ≥3 of the following criteria: hypertension, high serum triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high fasting serum glucose, and obesity. Primary end points were the occurrence of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction, and mortality. A total of 564 interventions (in 525 patients) were performed, of which 244 (43.3%) were in patients who met the diagnosis of MetS. There were no differences in short- and long-term complications and overall survival between patients with and without MetS. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had significantly more ipsilateral TIA/CVA after 30 days (P = .001). The presence of MetS has no negative effect on the outcome after CEA. However, patients with DM have a significantly higher risk of ipsilateral TIA/CVA.