The existence of construction sector in the structure of the national economy can be  seen by their role in producing physical output that supports the smoothness of the economic activities. The development of the construction sector depends on the availability of the fund and project development provided by the government. Therefore, the involvement of private sector on the construction must be increased to support the limit of government budget. Nevertheless, the increase of foreign construction companies in Indonesia raises the concern of the emergence of their domination in national construction sector. This article aims to analyze the role of the construction sector in the national economy and to explain the domination of the foreign investors in Indonesia's construction sector. This article suggests that the involvement of foreign private enterprise must be followed by an increase on the competitiveness of domestic enterprise in the construction sector. Furthermore, the increase of financial capacity, company's capacity, technological command, and quality of human resources are some indicators that need to be improved. On the other hand, fiscal stimulus is an alternative solution for increasing the activity of the construction sector especially for their benefit for creating more job opportunities. With the existence of the increase in local competitiveness, foreign domination in construction sector can be minimized and precisely open the opportunity for the involvement of the local contractors in large scale construction projects in Indonesia.


Statistical matching methods permit to integrate two or more data sources with the purpose of investigating the relationship between variables not jointly observed. Recently these methods received much attention as valid alternative to produce new statistical outputs.The paper provides an overview on the statistical matching methods implemented in the package StatMatch for the R environment, focusing on the most widespread methods and how they were improved. Particular attention is devoted to hot deck matching methods, strictly related to the ones developed for the imputation of missing values. The corresponding functions in StatMatch are very powerful and are flexible enough to be applied for imputing missing values in a survey. The paper tackles also the problem of matching data from complex sample surveys, a very important topic in National Statistical Institutes. Finally it is described the concept of uncertainty characterizing the statistical matching framework and how this alternative approach can be exploited for different purposes.


Fluids whose rheological properties can be tuned by light or heat (termed as photorheological (PR) or thermorheological (TR) fluids, respectively) have attracted a lot of attention as they can be useful in numerous applications such as drug delivery, coatings, sensors, and valves for microfluidic devices. However, current formulations of these fluids suffer from several limitations: in particular, they often require synthesis of complex organic molecules by elaborate procedures, and this limits the widespread use of these fluids. In this dissertation, we seek to develop and investigate new classes of PR and TR fluids based on organic molecules that are readily available and quite inexpensive. Since no new synthesis is required, these systems could prove to be more attractive for a variety of applications. In the first part of this study, we describe a new aqueous photorheological (PR) fluid based on the zwitterionic surfactant, erucyl dimethyl amidopropyl betaine (EDAB) and the photosensitive molecule, ortho-methoxy cinnamic acid (OMCA). EDAB/OMCA fluids exhibit photogelling, i.e., a large (~ 10,000 fold) increase in viscosity upon exposure to UV radiation. We show that this photogelling is caused by the growth of long wormlike micelles in the sample. This structural change, in turn, is induced by the UV-induced isomerization of OMCA molecules from their trans to cis form. Evidence from zeta-potential studies, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and rheology are used to systematically reveal the molecular and microstructural mechanism for our results. In the second part of this study, we turn our attention to non-aqueous solvents and demonstrate a new class of PR fluids using such solvents. The PR effect here relies on transformations of " reverse " micellar structures formed by a well-known lipid (lecithin) in conjunction with para-coumaric acid (PCA). Lecithin/PCA fluids exhibit a substantial decrease in viscosity upon exposure to UV light (i.e., photothinning). Initially, the molecules self-assemble into long wormlike micelles, leading to highly viscoelastic fluids. Upon UV irradiation, PCA is photo-isomerized from trans to cis. This change in geometry induces a transition from long to short micelles. In turn, the solution viscosity is decreased by more than three orders of magnitude. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to confirm the dramatic reduction in micellar length. In the last study, we report a class of aqueous fluids whose viscosity increases upon heating (i.e., thermo-thickening). These fluids are mixtures of telechelic associating polymers (HEURs) and a type of supramolecules called cyclodextrins (CDs) in water. Interestingly, …


The transcription factor THAP1 (THanatos Associated Protein 1) has emerged recently as the cause of DYT6 primary dystonia, a type of rare, familial and mostly early-onset syndrome that leads to involuntary muscle contractions. Many of the mutations described in the DYT6 patients fall within the sequence-specific DNA-binding domain (THAP domain) of THAP1 and are believed to negatively affect DNA binding. Here, we have used an integrated approach combining spectroscopic (NMR, fluorescence, DSF) and calorimetric (ITC) methods to evaluate the effect of missense mutations, within the THAP domain, on the structure, stability and DNA binding. Our study demonstrates that none of the mutations investigated failed to bind DNA and some of them even bind DNA stronger than the wild-type protein. However, some mutations could alter DNA-binding specificity. Furthermore, the most striking effect is the decrease of stability observed for mutations at positions affecting the zinc coordination, the hydrophobic core or the C-terminal AVPTIF motif, with unfolding temperatures ranging from 46°C for the wild-type to below 37°C for two mutations. These findings suggest that reduction in population of folded protein under physiological conditions could also account for the disease.


We provide conclusive observational evidence demonstrating that a solar wind pressure pulse produces a twin-vortex system of ionospheric currents, while a stepwise pressure increase/decrease creates a single vortex structure, at high-latitude ground magnetograms. Multi-satellite (Wind, Geotail, Interball, IMP 8 and GOES 8) and multi-instrument observations of plasma and magnetic field confirm with in situ measurements that solar wind inherent pressure pulses and stepwise variations strike on the Earth's magnetosphere in a global scale. The ground signatures are scrutinized in detail and the twin- or single-vortex current systems are studied using the IMAGE array stations. One more finding of this work is that a single vortex can produce monopolar and bipolar features, depending on the station position relative to the overhead travelling convection vortex (TCV). All of the above observational evidence confirms Glassmeier's (1992) prediction model that associates solar wind's steep changes of pressure with ionospheric TCVs.


Many countries around the world now face the dual challenges of closing the remaining gaps in access to drinking water in rural areas while further addressing the issues of equity, quality, and sustainability outlined in the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our research explores the key factors for sustainability in rural drinking water services in Chile, an important example not only due to its success in rural water access but also because of the new directions the country is taking to achieve the SDGs. Drawing on results from a Delphi study of Chilean rural water experts, we discuss the most important issues identified, including water availability and investment in community water organizations, as well as disagreement among experts, particularly around roles of private service providers and the national government. We leverage these results to assess Law No. 20.998 passed in 2017, which aims to address problematic variation in rural water services by introducing a stronger role for central government and conferring more responsibility on rural water organizations. The work presents insights for challenges countries closer to universal coverage will face as they work towards the SDGs and provides an analysis of the new rural drinking water governance landscape in Chile.


Cultural heritage encompasses the qualities and attributes of places that haveaesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations.Cultural heritage is also described as ways of living developed by a community andpassed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects,artistic expressions and values. Cultural heritage is often expressed as either intangibleor tangible cultural heritage. Cultural heritage are those aspects that are unique to aparticular culture (e.g. ingredients, preparation methods, dishes or services of foods).Thus cultural heritage is those aspects which have significance for the existing socialhistory. Considering the above facts, in the present paper an attempt has been made todescribe certain aspects of socio-cultural life – e.g. religious beliefs, values, attitudes,food habits and dress pattern – of the Ao Nagas of Nagaland. The empirical datapresented in this paper has been generated through field investigation in threehomogeneous Ao Naga villages namely Lirmen, Yajang-A and Yajang-B underJapokong range in Mokokchung district. Standard anthropological tools were used inthe collection of field data. The Ao Nagas have embraced Christianity, yet they are still maintaining some oftheir traditional activities. They are still continuing their traditional festivals. The paperalso reveals the prevalent traditional age group system among these Ao Nagas. All thesebehaviour reflect their ethnic identity. Key words: Heritage, Ao Naga, Nagaland, Age group


Implantable microelectrodes are useful for monitoring neural response patterns in the auditory cortex, however chronic neural recordings can often deteriorate with time (e.g. impedance measures across electrode arrays generally increase monotonically over the first 7 days post-implant). This problem is caused by the increasing spatial distribution of reactive tissue responses (corresponding to changes in impedance spectra along the electrode-tissue-interface). Therefore, the design of microelectrode probes must ensure that the neuronal ensembles lie within a cylindrical radius of the recording electrodes. In this chapter, chronic neural recording failure is examined via cortical spike patterns, histological analyses, indentation experiments, and finite element models. Next, the microfabrication of the "Utah" electrode array and the "Michigan" probe is compared to determine how their size, shape, and geometry address: (1) the spatial distribution of neurons (as related to recording quality); (2) the initial penetrating profile (as related to insertion killzones); (3) the reactive cell responses (as related to glial encapsulation); (4) the anchoring of the probe's position in the tissue (as related to micromotions) and (5) the embedding of various bioactive reagents (ex: growth factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.). Finally, a novel hydrogel "Dropping Method" is proposed for controlling the biocompatibility and mechanical properties at the electrode-tissue-interface.


Modifications of the TiO2 P25 photocatalyst with metals: Platinum (Pt), Copper (Cu) and nonmetal: Nitrogen (N) doping to produce Hydrogen (H2) from a glycerol-water mixture have been investigated. The metals (Cu and Pt) were loaded into Titanium Dioxide (TiO2 ) surface by employing an impregnation and Photo-Assisted Deposition (PAD) method, respectively. As prepared the metal doped TiO2 photocatalyst was then dispersed into an ammonia solution to obtain N-doped photocatalysts. The modified photocatalysts were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). XRD patterns indicated that the modified TiO2 photocatalysts have a nano-size crystallite range of 16-23 nm, while the DRS analysis showed that the doping of both metal and non-metal into TiO2 photocatalysts could effectively shift photon absorption to the visible light region. The optimum Cu loading of Cu-N-TiO2 was found to be 5%, resulting in a 10 times higher H2 production improvement level when compared to unloaded TiO2, even though this is still considered to be inferior compared to that of a 1% Pt loading, which results in a 34 times higher level than an unmodified TiO2 photocatalyst. The effect of glycerol concentrations on hydrogen production has also been studied. This method offers a promising technology to find renewable and clean energy by using cheap materials and a simple technology.


While population has been aging globally, regions and countries are significantly asymmetric in the timing and speed of the demographic transitions, especially between developed and developing regions. This paper explores the impacts of asymmetric demographic change on international capital flows with two contributions. First, the paper introduces demographic structure and pension systems into a theoretical overlapping-generation model of a small open economy, and derives an analytical solution which links a large set of factors to the current account. This framework enables tractable analysis of the effects of various demographic shocks on external balances, and also of the interaction between demographic shocks and productivity growth and pension systems. Second, the paper provides a comprehensive literature review of both modeling and empirical studies. There are several qualitative implications. First, the patterns of capital flows depend on the nature of demographic shocks (permanent or transitory; fertility or mortality) and also on the stage of demographic shocks. Second, less generous pension systems tend to increase national saving and drive capital outflows. Third, financial frictions such as borrowing constraints of young people tend to increase national saving and drive capital outflows. Fourth, production and trade specialization in labor-intensive sectors tends to decrease investment and drive capital outflows in the face of fertility growth. Fifth, the magnitude of the demographic effects depends on the extent of cross-border mobility of capital, labor and goods. There are also several quantitative implications. First, demographics alone can explain a significant fraction of historical current account dynamics among advanced economies, especially low-frequency movements. Second, institutional and financial frictions need to be incorporated to reconcile the demographic effects with historical capital flows from emerging to advanced economies. Third, production structure and trade specialization also play an important role in demographics-driven capital outflows from emerging economies. On the other hand, empirical studies strongly support that the demographic change since the second half of last century has statistically significant effects on the current account balance. The current account tends to decrease in the dependency ratio, and increase in the working-age population share. This paper also points out the potential research direction.


The T cell leukaemia/lymphoma 1A (TCL1A) oncoprotein plays key roles in several B and T cell malignancies. Lacking enzymatic activity, TCL1A's transforming action was linked to its capacity to co-activate the protein kinase AKT via binding to its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. However, perturbation of AKT signalling alone was recently shown insufficient to explain TCL1A oncogenesis, suggesting that TCL1A has additional cellular partners. Searching for such additional targets, we found that TCL1A binds specifically and directly to the ankyrin domain of IκB, the inhibitor of the NF-κB transcription factors. Through binding assays and a structural analysis by small angle X-ray scattering, we show that TCL1A and IκB interact in yeast-two-hybrid systems, when transiently overexpressed in 293 cells, and as recombinant proteins in vitro. We further establish that the association between TCL1A and IκB is compatible with AKT binding to TCL1A, but incompatible with IκB binding to NF-κB. By interfering with the inhibition of NF-κB by IκB, TCL1A may increase the concentration of free NF-κB molecules sufficiently to trigger expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Thus our data suggest an additional route by which TCL1A might cause cancer.


Best practices in global mental health stress the importance of understanding local values and beliefs. Research demonstrates that expectancies about the effectiveness of a given treatment significantly predicts outcome, beyond the treatment effect itself. To help inform the development of mental health interventions in Burundi, we studied expectancies about the effectiveness of four treatments: spiritual healing, traditional healing, medication, and selected evidence-based psychosocial treatments widely used in the US. Treatment expectancies were assessed for each of three key syndromes identified by previous research: akabonge (a set of depression-like symptoms), guhahamuka (a set of trauma-related symptoms), and ibisigo (a set of psychosis-like symptoms). In individual interviews or written surveys in French or Kirundi with patients (N = 198) awaiting treatment at the clinic, we described each disorder and the treatments in everyday language, asking standard efficacy expectations questions about each ("Would it work?" "Why or why not?"). Findings indicated uniformly high expectancies about the efficacy of spiritual treatment, relatively high expectancies for western evidence-based treatments (especially cognitive behavior therapy [CBT] for depression-like symptoms), lower expectancies for medicine, and especially low expectancies for traditional healing (except for traditional healing for psychosis-like symptoms). There were significant effects of gender but not of education level. Qualitative analyses of explanations provide insight into the basis of people's beliefs, their explanations about why a given treatment would or would not work varied by type of disorder, and reflected beliefs about underlying causes. Implications for program development and future research are discussed.


Background Despite a huge need for palliative care in Sub-Saharan Africa it is estimated that only 5% of those requiring palliative care in Sub-Saharan Africa receive it.1 One hospital providing an outpatient palliative care service since is Mulanje Mission Hospital (MMH) in southern Malawi. The clinic currently services 462 patients between 3 nurses, with appointments offered 2–3 times per year. Due to geographical challenges one home visit can take up to 5 hours to complete. As part of Swindon Academy's External Student Selected Component program a field trip to MMH was undertaken in 2016. Approval from the senior board of MMH this service evaluation aimed to analyse the population demographic and look for any patterns of mortality. Methods 100 outpatient palliative care records were examined from a 2 year sample to determine the last point of contact with the patient and the number of years they spent in the programme, with Chi-squared tests used to assess significance. Results Of the 100 patients 45 died within one year of first contact. 32% of these deaths were due to Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), despite KS making up 57% of the primary diagnosis. Conversely 53% of deaths within one year were due to other non-KS cancers, most commonly cervical. It was statistically significant that a patient was more likely to be alive with KS than with other type of cancer (p=0.0000162). Conclusions To correctly prioritise the needs of palliative care patients in low resource settings there needs to be identification of patients who are most likely to require intensive input. Anticipating the need for end of life care may allow increased clinic reviews and ultimately better symptom management to be prioritised. Reference 1. Harding, R Powell, RA Downing, J Connor,et al. Generating an African palliative care evidence base: the context, need, challenges, and strategies. J Pain Symptom Manage 2008;36(3):304–9.


Patients affected by periventricular nodular heterotopia are frequently characterized by focal drug-resistant epilepsy. To investigate the role of periventricular nodules in the genesis of seizures, we analyzed the electroencephalographic (EEG) features of focal seizures recorded by means of video-EEG in 10 patients affected by different types of periventricular nodular heterotopia and followed for prolonged periods of time at the epilepsy center of our institute. The ictal EEG recordings with surface electrodes revealed common features in all patients: all seizures originated from the brain regions where the periventricular nodular heterotopia were located; EEG patterns recorded on the leads exploring the periventricular nodular heterotopia were very similar both at the onset and immediately after the seizure's end in all patients. Our data suggest that seizures are generated by abnormal anatomic circuitries, including the heterotopic nodules and adjacent cortical areas. The major role of heterotopic neurons in the genesis and propagation of epileptic discharges must be taken into account when planning surgery for epilepsy in patients with periventricular nodular heterotopia. (J Child Neurol 2005;20:369—377).


The output weight optimization-hidden weight optimization (OWO-HWO) feedforward network training algorithm alternately solves linear equations for output weights and reduces a separate hidden layer error function with respect to hidden layer weights. Here, a new hidden layer error function is proposed which de-emphasizes net function errors that correspond to saturated activation function values. In addition, an adaptive learning rate based on the local shape of the error surface is used in hidden layer training. Faster learning convergence is experimentally verified.


Mullite was synthesized by firing precursors prepared from kaolinite via a wet chemistry method at various temperatures. The acicular mullite grains were formed in samples with addition of AlF3 by this process. The phase evolution and morphology of the fired samples were investigated. For the samples without AlF3, the mullitization began to occur at 1300 and almost completed at 1550 , the grains formed were normal-shaped. For the samples with AlF3, acicular mullite was formed, and mullitization began to occur at 1100 and completed at 1250 . The growth of the acicular mullite was associated with a liquid phase. The formed acicular mullite was alumina-rich and had a composition of about 73.4 wt% Al2O3 and 26.6 wt% SiO2 (Al2O3/SiO2=1.65, molar ratio).


Acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide. For the past years, the management of patients with STEMI has considerably evolved in terms of reperfusion strategies, adjunctive antithrombotic therapy, technical approaches, and development of coordination systems of care. This effort has not only led to a marked reduction in clinical event rates, but also resulted in continuous paradigm shift on our approach to treating these patients. The rapidity with which new information from pivotal trials and registries becomes available makes it a challenge for clinical guidelines to stay current because these documents inevitably lag behind the most recent reported findings in the field. This also presents a challenge for physicians because it is not always clear on how such emerging evidence should be embraced in clinical practice without endorsement from our professional societies. In this Editorial viewpoint, we put into perspective some of the recent pivotal data that have emerged and influences our clinical practice in the percutaneous management of patients with STEMI.1–3 In particular, areas that have evolved in percutaneous management of patients with STEMI include appropriate device use, revascularization strategies in the catheterization laboratory, and setting up optimal benchmarks and systems of care.

In the device arena, current guidelines give a class IIa (level of evidence B) recommendation to the use of manual aspiration thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).4,5 This recommendation has been primarily derived from the findings of the Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (TAPAS) trial, showing that in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI (n=1071), manual aspiration was not only associated with better reperfusion, but also improved long-term outcomes, including mortality.6 This has fueled …


We establish that matter-wave diffraction at near-resonant ultraviolet optical gratings can be used to spatially separate individual conformers of complex molecules. Our calculations show that the conformational purity of the prepared beam can be close to 100% and that all molecules remain in their electronic ground state. The proposed technique is independent of the dipole moment and the spin of the molecule and thus paves the way for structure-sensitive experiments with hydrocarbons and biomolecules, such as neurotransmitters and hormones, which have evaded conformer-pure isolation so far.


Antioxidant-rich fractions were extracted from pomegranate (Punica granatum) peels and seeds using ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol, hexan, chloroform and water. The extracts were screened for their potential as antioxidant using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) model systems. The methanol extract of peels showed 83 and 81% antioxidant activity at 50 ppm using the DPPH model systems. Similarly, the methanol extract of seeds showed 22.6 and 23.2% antioxidant activity at 100 ppm using the DPPH model systems. As the methanol, ethanol and water extract of pomegranate peel showed the highest antioxidant activity among all of the extracts; it was selected for testing of its effect on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EACC).


In this study, optimization of the impeller and design of volute were carried out in order to improve the performance of a centrifugal pump. Design parameters from vane plane development for impeller design were selected and effect of the design parameters on the performance of the pump was analyzed using CFD and Response Surface Method to optimized impeller. This study also proposed the optimization geometry of pump impeller for performance improvement through the results from numerical analysis that was obtained optimum design pump; efficiency 98.2% and head 64.5m. In addition, the pump design method was suggested by designing volute which was suitable for the optimized impeller through volute design where Stepanoff theory was applied and numerical analysis.


This paper analyzes the accuracy of current transformers (CT) when excited with nonsinusoidal currents. It uses a nonlinear model that accounts for the minor hysteresis loop of the core. It was concluded that instrument transformers with accuracy class 0.6 or better provide reasonably accurate measurements of current harmonics magnitudes, however the phase angle error may lead to unacceptable errors when the current transformers are used to measure active powers. If such measurements are used to determine the power flow direction, i.e., if a load or consumer pollutes or is polluted, even high accuracy class CTs may yield unsatisfactory results.


Communication via satellite begins when the satellite is positioned in the desired orbital position. Ground stations can communicate with LEO (Low Earth Orbiting) satellites only when the satellite is in their visibility region. The duration of the visibility and so the communication duration varies for each satellite pass at the ground station, specifically for LEO satellites which do move too fast over the Earth [1]. For low cost LEO satellite ground stations in urban environment it will be a big challenge to ensure communication down to the horizon. The communication at low elevation angles can be hindered through natural barriers. Thus, motion (appearance) detection of the satellite above natural barriers enables the practical horizon to be determined. Practical horizon differs from the ideal horizon. This paper discusses the satellites motion detection and the difference in between ideal and practical horizon. For this paper, data recorded at the Vienna satellite ground station within the Canadian space observation project "MOST" (Micro variability and Oscillations of Stars) are applied. Vienna ground station system was set up at the Institute for Astronomy of the University of Vienna in cooperation with the Institute of Communications and Radio- Frequency Engineering of the University of Technology.


Objective The study aimed to determine if the difference in cervical epithelium brightness, as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), has potential as a distinguishing characteristic of normal, low-grade, high-grade (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+), and cancer histological findings. Materials and Methods Information from 476 women was available for analysis. Demographic information was collected through in-person interview. All participants were human papillomavirus positive and/or had abnormal cytological finding and underwent colposcopy or unaided visual inspection and examination by OCT by quadrant. All women had a minimum of 4 OCT-matched cervical biopsies and endocervical curettage. Two sample t tests were used to measure differences in OCT image brightness by histological grades. Results Mean OCT image brightness differed significantly between each preinvasive histological grade and invasive cancer (p < .01 for all comparisons). Brightness as measured by OCT was also able to differentiate between squamous metaplasia and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3/cancer; p values were .004 and .003, respectively. Conclusions Epithelial brightness is an important component of cervical epithelium diagnosis by OCT, and we plan to add it to our diagnostic mathematical algorithm in all future versions of OCT software.


This paper presents a robust approach to estimate the relative motion between couples of range scans called CSoG. The algorithm first searches prominent structural features in one of the scans by means of a clustering algorithm. Thus, no assumptions about the environment are made. Afterwards, it projects the other scan into the detected feature set and uses a score function to evaluate the projection. By optimizing the score function the motion between the two scans is obtained.Our approach is compared to two well known scan matchers using real data from three different sensors: a terrestrial sonar, a terrestrial laser and an underwater sonar. Results show a significant improvement of CSoG with respect to the other algorithms in the case of medium and large motions between the scans. Accordingly, CSoG is a good choice to perform dead reckoning from range data and to close large loops in SLAM.


This paper analyzes the effects of the reforms initiated in India following the balance of payments (BOP) crisis of 1991 on economic performance. We do not find persuasive the contention of many analysts that growth accelerated after the mid-1980s when reforms were initiated. Nor does statistical analysis support the contention that reforms in the mid-1980s resulted in a growth acceleration. We show that there is an accelerating rate of growth of GDP after the mid 1970s and it is difficult to relate this gradual acceleration to specific policy changes. The changed policies in the 1980s did not mean a basic change in the policy framework. Furthermore, since corporate investment as a share of GDP did not increase in the 1980s it is difficult to identify the mechanism by which the more pro-business policies of the government were translated to higher growth. We also find that the differences with East Asia and particularly China depend on the basis of the comparison. We compare changes in performance since the reforms, which started in China in 1979 and in India in 1991. Such a comparison shows more similarities than differences. We finally examine social progress. We find that South Asia lags behind other regions in making progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and India lags behind other South Asian countries. The responsiveness of the improvement in the MDGs to increases in per capita income is usually low in Asia and particularly in India.


Abstract This paper analyses both quarterly data from the Confederation of British Industry (C.B.I.) Survey on respondents" expectations of recent and forthcoming manufacturing output, and monthly Office of National Statistics (O.N.S.) figures on actual manufacturing output within the U.K. Quarterly output expectations of the C.B.I. manufacturers are explained from the monthly O.N.S. observations using a bounded rationality approach. The logistic formulation models the diffusion process across respondents. There is a backward-looking C.B.I. Survey perspective, explained by past O.N.S observations, and a forward-looking perspective, explained from future O.N.S. statistics. Also, the forecasting of monthly manufacturing output from earlier values along with the quarterly C.B.I. Survey information is examined, and tested against the alternative Pesaran/Thomas method. The study provides econometric evidence for the validity of the logistic model, and shows that bounded rationality can explain the formation of predictions among business managers in the U.K. manufacturing sector. The emerging consensus from the literature, supported by this paper, is that the logistic format is a superior "approximation" to the true data generating process compared with the earlier standard Anderson/Pesaran/Thomas approach. An adjustment to the Survey is used, which achieves perfect symmetry with "up" and "down" versions of the data. The benefits of this adjustment are tested in the forecasting Section.


QR code has been widely used for Augmented Reality games as well as for many commercial applications. However, its usage was limited because it is difficult to enable tangible interactions through which users may change 3D models or animations. Markers, by blocking designated regions, may be recognized as different patterns allowing for tangible user interactions. Unlike markers, it is difficult to alter QR code patterns because QR code contains error correction patterns. In most cases, altered patterns cannot be recognized. Our goal was to enable QR code based interactions for Augmented Reality games. By performing research and experiments, we discovered a mechanism for altering QR code to change the text string that the QR code represents. In this paper, we introduced a QR code alteration prototype that is based on composition of partial QR codes by using transparent film overlays. We endowed tangible interaction capability to QR code for Augmented Reality games.


Non-Newtonian flow in heterogeneous media is of enormous theoretical and industrial importance. This phenomenon is studied to reveal macroscopic effects that arise due to the interaction between the non-linear flow behaviour and the spatial variation of the medium through which it is forced to move. The heterogeneity is achieved by using porous granular media, which is naturally non-homogeneous.
The non-Newtonian properties of the fluid may have many causes and is an intrinsic property of the fluid that is used:
One way of achieving it is by studying dense slurries of neutral particles or naturally occurring magmatic flows.
Another way is to study the case where the flow is dominated by its ionic content and where the double layer thickness (the effective size of the ionic entities) is of the order of magnitude of the pore size.
All cases studied in this thesis pertain to slow flow (low Reynolds number), though the fluid may be compressible.
The variations in the flow are calculated in first order and these turn out to be coupled to the spatial variations in the porous medium. In this way structure formation is predicted. The structures may be either aligned with or may be perpendicular to the mean flow direction. 'Experiments to decide on which regime is relevant have been conducted. The genesis of structure formation is studied as a temporal development by considering a compressible flow. The constitutive equation that is required to couple the compressibility to the flow parameters is investigated. Two possible mechanisms have been identified: compressibility coupled to the pressure field and compressibility associated with the fluctuations in the flow. Using linear analysis the structure formation patterns associated with these two mechanisms are established for the steady state.
Flow of ionically laden fluids has also been studied. Experiments done at Loughborough University (Department of Chemical Engineering) on electrowashing of filter cakes has been used to prove a major macroscopic effect. This effect takes place when the ionic diameter (which is approximately twice the double layer thickness) is of the order of magnitude of the pore size.
A phenomenological set of transport equations has been set up. These contain coefficients, such as transition probabilities and mean ionic flow rates, that can be obtained from experiments by doing a first order solution of the equations for short times. A more involved numerical solution is also supplied and confirms the initial analytical estimates.


A technique is described wherein the pupil phase profile is obtained from the image irradiance or point spread function. Results of numerical examples are shown that illustrate the procedure on spread functions with large aberrations and on irradiance measurements containing noise.


A common view of generics is that they express universal quantification over normal individuals. I argue against this approach, and provide evidence that the quantification is neither universal nor over normal individuals.Regarding universality, generics fail standard tests for universal quantification. As an alternative, I propose that generics express measures of high probability. I formalize this notion using a modal extension of first order probability logic, and demonstrate how this system can account for embedded generics and inference with generics.As for normality, I contrast it with another notion, that of uniformity : generics are evaluated with respect to worlds whose future resembles their past. Using standard substitution intensionality tests, I demonstrate that generics are evaluated with respect to uniform, rather than normal worlds.The end result is that a generic such as Birds fly does not mean "All normal birds fly" ; rather, it means that the probability for a randomly chosen bird to fly is high, and this tendency is expected to continue.


Abstract The crystal structure and the chemical composition of uklonskovite from the holotype material was reinvestigated to shed light on its correct chemical formula. On the basis of information gained from this characterization, we revised the formula from NaMg(SO4)OH·2H2O to NaMg(SO4)F·2H2O (F instead of OH). A careful analysis of the structural details together with a critical review of all the chemical data listed in the scientific literature for uklonskovite support our redefinition. We also present Raman data for the mineral for the first time. Our proposal was approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (voting proposal 16-J).


In this paper, we investigate experimentally the effects of changing the electrolyte concentration on the emission of random lasers fabricated based on Zinc oxide nanosheets. Zinc oxide sheets are grown on FTO glasses using electrochemical deposition technique. We use Rhodamine 6G solution as the random laser gain medium. Optical feedback is provided by light multi-scattering from ZnO sheets. It is demonstrated here that size and shape of sheets and their related lasing emission change with electrolyte concentration. It is also shown that by increasing the electrolyte concentration, first the intensity of emission peak of the random laser obtained from ZnO sheets and organic dye increases and then by further increase of concentration, the emission spectrum converts from single mode sate to double one. We measure the threshold pumping energy for each of the lasing modes excited in the structure. Our results show that at first the threshold of lasing mode decreases with increase of concentration. With further increase of concentration, a new mode appears in the emission spectrum leading to increase of the threshold of old mode and decrease of its intensity.


The historical development of employers' associations and the role these organisations played in strikebreaking has been considerably neglected in industrial-relations history. With a few notable recent exceptions, research has tended to concentrate on the development and struggles of the organisations of men, rather than the masters. This is partly the result of the secrecy and anonymity of employers' associations and their reluctance to allow access to their records or to attract media interest, and partly because the defensive and conservative attitudes and policies of employers' organisations have proved less attractive to historians than the more militant political and social theories that lie at the foundation of trade-union policy. In particular, the strikebreaking activities of employers and their organisations were not widely publicised. As a result, this whole emotive area is shrouded in exaggeration, sensationalism, distortion and the propagation of myths by both workers and employers. The object of this paper is to analyse the parameters of employers' coercive strikebreaking tactics from the 1880's to 1914 and to shed some light on the role employers' associations played during industrial stoppages. The first section briefly outlines the main developments in employers' organisation, solidarity and labour-relations policy before 1914. Following this is a discussion of the various strikebreaking tactics utilised by employers in this period, broken down into sections on labour replacement, victimisation and legal action, strike compensation and internal solidarity, and, finally, the lock-out.


This paper presents an algorithm for designing an FIR paraunitary filter bank when one or several filters are given. The algorithm is based on the properties of the balanced state-space representation of the polyphase matrix. We show that this representation may be computed via a single RQ decomposition thus gaining significant efficiency with respect to previous work. Application of the algorithm to signal-adapted filter banks is also discussed.


The Ni/CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3 catalyst with dieren t Al2O3 and NiO contents were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. The catalytic performance for CO2 reforming of CH4 reaction, the interaction among components and the relation between Ni content and catalyst surface basicity were investigated. Results show that the interaction between NiO and Al2O3 is stronger than that between NiO and CeO2-ZrO2. The addition of Al2O3 can prevent the formation of large metallic Ni ensembles, increase the dispersion of Ni, and improve catalytic activity, but excess Al2O3 causes the catalyst to deactivate easily. The interaction between NiO and CeO2 results in more facile reduction of surface CeO2. The existence of a small amount of metallic Ni can increase the number of basic sites. As metallic Ni may preferentially reside on the strong basic sites, increasing Ni content can weaken the catalyst basicity.


Mastery learning is defined as an approach where students are equipped with complex skills required in the VUCA world instead of simple skills that only apply to traditional classrooms. One way to encourage mastery learning in the classroom is through repeated assessments, specifically formative ones. In this paper, we describe our experience in designing a multiple submission policy to support mastery learning for a design thinking class taught purely online amidst lockdowns due to COVID. The transition to online learning and today's context presented an opportunity to target mastery learning instead of traditional learning outcomes, which we achieved in two ways. First, we elevated the assessments' level on Bloom's taxonomy and encouraged iteration by providing feedback to guide metacognition. Second, we built creative confidence providing a safety net for graded assessments, which helped address fears of judgment and lack of control. In the process, we also overcame transactional distance to help promote self-efficacy, especially those with initially low grades. The policy was implemented with the aid of technology, which served as the medium for learning and dialogue. The use of technology in this study allowed for practices that were otherwise not implemented or even considered in previous trials of the class. The study resulted in positive feedback and improved quality of submissions from participants.


We introduce a fundamental restriction on the strain energy function and stress tensor for initially stressed elastic solids. The restriction applies to strain energy functions $W$ that are explicit functions of the elastic deformation gradient $\mathbf{F}$ and initial stress $\boldsymbol \tau$, i.e. $W:= W(\mathbf F, \boldsymbol \tau)$. The restriction is a consequence of energy conservation and ensures that the predicted stress and strain energy do not depend upon an arbitrary choice of reference configuration. We call this restriction: initial stress reference independence (ISRI). It transpires that almost all strain energy functions found in the literature do not satisfy ISRI, and may therefore lead to unphysical behaviour, which we illustrate via a simple example. To remedy this shortcoming we derive three strain energy functions that do satisfy the restriction. We also show that using initial strain (often from a virtual configuration) to model initial stress leads to strain energy functions that automatically satisfy ISRI. Finally, we reach the following important result: ISRI reduces the number of unknowns of the linear stress tensor of initially stressed solids. This new way of reducing the linear stress may open new pathways for the non-destructive determination of initial stresses via ultrasonic experiments, among others.


Public concern over impacts of chemicals in plant and animal production on health and the environment has led to increased demand for organic produce, which is usually promoted and often perceived as containing fewer contaminants, more nutrients, and being positive for the environment.
These benefits are difficult to quantify, and potential environmental impacts on such benefits have not been widely studied. This book addresses these key points, examining factors such as the role of certain nutrients in prevention and promotion of chronic disease, potential health benefits of bioactive compounds in plants, the prevalence of food-borne pesticides and pathogens and how both local and global environmental factors may affect any differences between organic and conventionally produced food.
This book is an essential resource for researchers and students in human health and nutrition, environmental science, agriculture and organic farming.
Main Contents
1. Organic farming and food systems: definitions and key characteristics.
2. The health benefits of n-3 fatty acids and their concentrations in organic and conventional animal-derived foods.
3. Environmental impacts on n-3 content of foods from ruminant animals.
4. Health benefits and selenium content of organic vs conventional foods.
5. Environmental impacts concerning the selenium content of foods.
6. Contaminants in organic and conventional food: the missing link between contaminant levels and health effects.
7. Mycotoxins in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment.
8. Human pathogens in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment.
9. What does consumer science tell us about organic foods?
10. The beneficial effects of dietary flavonoids: sources, bioavailability and biological functions.
11. Environmental regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis.
12. Nitrates in the human diet.
13. Impacts of environment and management on nitrate in vegetables and water.
14. Effects of the environment on the nutritional quality and safety of organically produced foods: Round-up and summary.


Decision trees have the particularity of being machine learning models that are visually easy to interpret and understand. Therefore, they are primarily suited for sensitive domains like medical diagnosis, where decisions need to be explainable. However, if used on complex problems, then decision trees can become large, making them hard to grasp. In addition to this aspect, when learning decision trees, it may be necessary to consider a broader class of constraints, such as the fact that two variables should not be used in a single branch of the tree. This motivates the need to enforce constraints in learning algorithms of decision trees. We propose a survey of works that attempted to solve the problem of learning decision trees under constraints. Our contributions are fourfold. First, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey that deals with constraints on decision trees. Second, we define a flexible taxonomy of constraints applied to decision trees and methods for their treatment in the literature. Third, we benchmark state-of-the art depth-constrained decision tree learners with respect to predictive accuracy and computational time. Fourth, we discuss potential future research directions that would be of interest for researchers who wish to conduct research in this field.


African American (AfA) women with substance use disorders experience low rates of treatment retention compared to other groups of substance abusers. This is problematic since substance abuse treatment is effective only to the extent clients are retained. A weak working alliance is a significant barrier to treatment retention for AfA women. Thus, identifying therapist characteristics that facilitate a strong working alliance among this population stands as a promising step toward reducing disparities in treatment retention for this group. Therapist characteristics were explored as predictors of working alliance with AfA women substance users (N = 102). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) Population Sensitive Therapist Characteristics (PSTCs: multicultural competence, egalitarianism, and empowerment) will explain a significant amount of variance in working alliance beyond that explained by general therapist characteristics (GTCs: empathy, regard, and genuineness) and (2) GTCs will partially mediate the effect of each individual PSTC on working alliance. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that PSTCs explained 12% of the variance in working alliance after controlling for GTCs. Bootstrapping analyses demonstrated that GTCs mediated the effect of each PSTC on working alliance. Findings suggest that therapists can facilitate a stronger working alliance with AfA women substance users through demonstration of PSTCs in addition to GTCs, and that PSTCs are facilitative because they increase the likelihood the therapist is perceived as empathic, having unconditional positive regard, and genuine. Clinical and therapist training implications are discussed.


This paper presents an overview of the Rational Unified Process® The Rational Unified Process is a software engineering process, delivered through a web-enabled, searchable knowledge base. The process enhances team productivity and delivers software best practices via guidelines, templates and tool mentors for all critical software lifecycle activities. The knowledge base allows development teams to gain the full benefits of the industry-standard Unified Modeling Language (UML). What is the Rational Unified Process? The Rational Unified Process® is a Software Engineering Process. It provides a disciplined approach to assigning tasks and responsibilities within a development organization. Its goal is to ensure the production of high-quality software that meets the needs of its end-users, within a predictable schedule and budget. [11, 13] The Rational Unified Process is a process product, developed and maintained by Rational® Software. The development team for the Rational Unified Process are working closely with customers, partners, Rational's product groups as well as Rational's consultant organization, to ensure that the process is continuously updated and improved upon to reflect recent experiences and evolving and proven best practices. The Rational Unified Process enhances team productivity, by providing every team member with easy access to a knowledge base with guidelines, templates and tool mentors for all critical development activities. By having all team members accessing the same knowledge base, no matter if you work with requirements, design, test, project management, or configuration management, we ensure that all team members share a common language, process and view of how to develop software. The Rational Unified Process activities create and maintain models. Rather than focusing on the production of large amount of paper documents, the Unified Process emphasizes the development and maintenance of models—semantically rich representations of the software system under development. [3, 7, 8] The Rational Unified Process is a guide for how to effectively use the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The UML is a industry-standard language that allows us to clearly communicate requirements, architectures and designs. The UML was originally created by Rational Software, and is now maintained by the standards organization Object Management Group (OMG). [4] The Rational Unified Process is supported by tools, which automate large parts of the process. They are used to create and maintain the various artifacts—models in particular—of the software engineering process: visual modeling, programming, testing, etc. They are invaluable in supporting all the bookkeeping associated with the change management as well as the configuration management that accompanies each iteration. The Rational Unified Process is a configurable process. No single process is suitable for all software development. The Unified Process fits small development teams as well as large development organizations. The Unified Process is founded on a simple and clear process architecture that provides commonality across a family of processes. Yet, it can be varied to accommodate different situations. It contains a Development Kit, providing support for configuring the process to suit the needs of a given organization. The Rational Unified Process captures many of the best practices in modern software development in a form that is suitable for a wide range of projects and organizations. Deploying these best practicesusing the Rational Unified Process as your guideoffers development teams a number of key advantages. In next section, we describe the six fundamental best practices of the Rational Unified Process. Effective Deployment of 6 Best Practices The Rational Unified Process describes how to effectively deploy commercially proven approaches to software development for software development teams. These are called "best practices" not so much because you can precisely quantify their value, but rather, because they are observed to be commonly used in industry by successful organizations. The Rational Unified Process provides each team member with the guidelines, templates and tool mentors necessary for the entire team to take full advantage of among others the following best practices: 1. Develop software iteratively 2. Manage requirements 3. Use component-based architectures 1 4. Visually model software 5. Verify software quality 6. Control changes to software Develop Software Iteratively  Given today's sophisticated software systems, it is not possible to sequentially first define the entire problem, design the entire solution, build the software and then test the product at the end. An iterative approach is required that allows an increasing understanding of the problem through successive refinements, and to incrementally grow an effective solution over multiple iterations. The Rational Unified Process supports an iterative approach to development that addresses the highest risk items at every stage in the lifecycle, significantly reducing a project's risk profile. This iterative approach helps you attack risk through demonstrable progressfrequent, executable releases that enable continuous end user involvement and feedback. Because each iteration ends with an executable release, the development team stays focused on producing results, and frequent status checks help ensure that the project stays on schedule. An iterative approach also makes it easier to accommodate tactical changes in requirements, features or schedule. [1, 2, 10] Manage Requirements  The Rational Unified Process describes how to elicit, organize, and document required functionality and constraints; track and document tradeoffs and decisions; and easily capture and communicate business requirements. The notions of use case and scenarios proscribed in the process has proven to be an excellent way to capture functional requirements and to ensure that these drive the design, implementation and testing of software, making it more likely that the final system fulfills the end user needs. They provide coherent and traceable threads through both the development and the delivered system. [7] Use Component-based Architectures  The process focuses on early development and baselining of a robust executable architecture, prior to committing resources for full-scale development. It describes how to design a resilient architecture that is flexible, accommodates change, is intuitively understandable, and promotes more effective software reuse. The Rational Unified Process supports component-based software development. Components are non-trivial modules, subsystems that fulfill a clear function. The Rational Unified Process provides a systematic approach to defining an architecture using new and existing components. These are assembled in a well-defined architecture, either ad hoc, or in a component infrastructure such as the Internet, CORBA, and COM, for which an industry of reusable components is emerging. [5] Visually Model Software  The process shows you how to visually model software to capture the structure and behavior of architectures and components. This allows you to hide the details and write code using "graphical building blocks." Visual abstractions help you communicate different aspects of your software; see how the elements of the system fit together; make sure that the building blocks are consistent with your code; maintain consistency between a design and its implementation; and promote unambiguous communication. The industry-standard Unified Modeling Language (UML), created by Rational Software, is the foundation for successful visual modeling. [4, 12] Verify Software Quality  Poor application performance and poor reliability are common factors which dramatically inhibit the acceptability of today's software applications. Hence, quality should be reviewed with respect to the requirements based on reliability, functionality, application performance and system performance. The Rational Unified Process assists you in the planning, design, implementation, execution, and evaluation of these test types. Quality assessment is built into the process, in all activities, involving all participants, using objective measurements and criteria, and not treated as an afterthought or a separate activity performed by a separate group. Control Changes to Software  The ability to manage changemaking certain that each change is acceptable, and being able to track changesis essential in an environment in which change is inevitable. The process describes how to control, track and monitor changes to enable successful iterative development. It also guides you in how to establish secure workspaces for each developer by providing isolation from changes made in other workspaces and by controlling changes of all software artifacts (e.g., models, code, documents, etc.). And it brings a team together to work as a single unit by describing how to automate integration and build management.


This review is devoted to a consideration of the way in which the NADPH oxidase of neutrophils, NOX2, functions to enable the efficient killing of bacteria and fungi. It includes a critical examination of the current dogma that its primary purpose is the generation of hydrogen peroxide as substrate for myeloperoxide catalysed generation of hypochlorite. Instead it is demonstrated that NADPH oxidase functions to optimise the ionic and pH conditions within the vacuole for the solubilisation and optimal activity of the proteins released into this compartment from the cytoplasmic granules, which kill and digest the microbes. The general role of other NOX systems as electrochemical generators to alter the pH and ionic composition in compartments on either side of a membrane in plants and animals will also be examined.


Interim Reports on work of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis receive only limited review. Views or opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Institute, its National Member Organizations, or other organizations supporting the work. Acknowledgments * I am very grateful to Daniele Checchi, Giovanni Dosi and Youri Kaniovski for their suggestions and critical comments on a preliminary version of this paper. I am also indebted to Masahiko Aoki and Robert Boyer for their suggestions. Preface This new research project at IIASA is concerned with modeling technological and organisational change; the broader economic developments that are associated with technological change, both as cause and effect; the processes by which economic agents — first of all, business firms — acquire and develop the capabilities to generate, imitate and adopt technological and organisational innovations; and the aggregate dynamics — at the levels of single industries and whole economies — engendered by the interactions among agents which are heterogeneous in their innovative abilities, behavioural rules and expectations. The central purpose is to develop stronger theory and better modeling techniques. However, the basic philosophy is that such theoretical and modeling work is most fruitful when attention is paid to the known empirical details of the phenomena the work aims to address: therefore, a considerable effort is put into a better understanding of the 'stylized facts' concerning corporate organisation routines and strategy; industrial evolution and the 'demography' of firms; patterns of macroeconomic growth and trade. From a modeling perspective, over the last decade considerable progress has been made on various techniques of dynamic modeling. Some of this work has employed ordinary differential and difference equations, and some of it stochastic equations. A number of efforts have taken advantage of the growing power of simulation techniques. Others have employed more traditional mathematics. As a result of this theoretical work, the toolkit for modeling technological and economic dynamics is significantly richer than it was a decade ago. During the same period, there have been major advances in the empirical understanding. There are now many more detailed technological histories available. Much more is known about the similarities and differencers of technical advance in different fields and industries and there is some understanding of the key variables that lie behind those differences. A number of studies have provided rich information about how industry structure co-evolves with technology. In addition to empirical work at the technology …


The purpose of this report is to survey the entire range over which measurements of vibration
parameters can currently be made. Consideration is given in separate sections to special
techniques and to particular work areas. In each case, attention is given to the measurement range
and precision which has been achieved. Each point is supported by citations from the literature
and as a result this document represents a comprehensive key to the state of the art technology in
the field of vibration measurement.


A number of Eu-doped layered yttrium hydroxides intercalated with various benzenedicarboxylate (phthalate, isophthalate and terephthalate) and sulphobenzoate (2-, 3- and 4-sulphobenzoate) anions were obtained using hydrothermal microwave (HTMW) treatment. For the first time, phthalate, isophthalate and sulphobenzoate anions were intercalated into layered rare-earth hydroxides (LRHs). Two approaches for the synthesis of intercalated layered yttrium hydroxides were used: ion exchange reactions and homogeneous hydrolysis of rare-earth cations in the presence of intercalated anions. Ion-exchange reactions between layered rare-earth hydroxides and a series of benzenedicarboxylic and sulphobenzoic acid salts were performed under the conditions of HTMW treatment, which significantly increased the rate of intercalation. The structure of the first representative of layered rare-earth hydroxides intercalated with sulphobenzoate-type anions, namely layered yttrium hydroxide intercalated with 4-sulphobenzoate of the composition Y3(OH)7(C7H4O5S)·H2O, was solved. Intercalation of benzenedicarboxylate and sulphobenzoate anions into Eu-doped layered yttrium hydroxides led to a substantial sensitization of Eu3+ luminescence. The local symmetry of Eu3+ was greatly decreased by intercalation of benzenedicarboxylate and sulphobenzoate anions.


The surge in the interest in personalised medicine necessitates a corresponding rational approach for implementing such individualised therapies. Dynamiceuticals represents a natural extension of the Pharmacoceutical and Electroceutical fields, where the precise determination of the dynamical regimes of the pathophysiology will guide to devise therapies that ameliorate the pathology in a well-controlled manner, thus being precisely tailored towards the implementation of individualised medicine. This approach foretells to lessen side-effects and achieve superior efficacy as compared with current trial-and-error or open-loop strategies. But does the current state of knowledge and technology allow this scheme to offer what it claims?


Objectives: When maximum precision is required in performing periodontal surgery to satisfy particular esthetic demands, a surgical microscope that enhances complete visualization of the operative field may represent a useful tool. The aim of this case series was to assess clinical outcome of isolated gingival recession treated by using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in combination with coronally positioned flap (CPF) in esthetic areas by using surgical microscope. Study Design: A total of 3 cases of isolated gingival recession (Class I and II) located on mandibular incisors were treated by using SCTG in combination with CPF with the aid of a surgical microscope. Gingival recession, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and width of keratinized gingiva were recorded at baseline, before surgery and at 6 months following surgery. Results: Prior to surgery, there were 2 mm gingival recession (REC), 3 mm clinical attachment loss (CAL) with PPD of 1 mm in two cases while one case had 3 mm gingival recession, 4 mm clinical attachment loss with PPD of 1 mm. 6 months post surgery, 2 cases showed 2 mm reduction of gingival recession indicating 100% root coverage while one case showed 80% of root coverage (2 mm reduction of gingival recession). Conclusion: In the present case report, qualitative aesthetic evaluation of the treated cases showed better searing and marginal profile. This could be due to an atraumatic surgical approach and excellent visualization of the operative field by using surgical microscope. Microsurgery enhances normal vision through magnification and favorable lightening which would lead to an improvement in cosmetic results and patient comfort level.


1. Sodium influx and net sodium uptake have been measured for the crayfish, Astacus pallipes , in solutions of a variety of sodium salts. 2. The nature of the anion has no effect on the sodium influx. 3. Sodium influx is related to the external sodium concentration in the same way whether the anion is chloride or sulphate. 4. The net sodium uptake rate from sodium sulphate is 65-100% of that from sodium chloride solutions. 5. In sodium sulphate solutions the sulphate ion does not penetrate. 6. There is no increase in ammonia excretion during net sodium uptake from sodium sulphate solutions. 7. An analysis of the external solution by conductivity and ion exchange showed that during sodium uptake sodium ions are not exchanged for metallic cations and must be exchanged either for ammonium or hydrogen ions without increasing their normal rate of excretion. 8. Sodium uptake may sometimes exceed ammonia production so that hydrogen-ion exchange may be involved in these cases. 9. The possibility is discussed that sodium ions exchange for either ammonium of hydrogen ions depending on the metabolic activity of the animal.


Transpositions of the vector P[lArB] into the regions 78D, 61F, and 85F of chromosome 3, which result in various anomalies of mitoses in neural ganglions of homozygous larvae, were obtained by insertion mutagenesis. The tissue specificity of regulatory elements controlling the reporter gene was studied by staining for the activity of beta-galactosidase reporter gene of the vector P[lArB]. These regulatory elements are suggested to be the enhancers of the genes carrying insertions. In all studied mutants, staining for beta-galactosidase was found in tissues containing actively proliferating cells. The staining of germarium in adult female ovaries was the most pronounced. The germarium staining pattern was used for the identification of novel insertions leading to mitosis abnormalities. The P1003 (99F) insertion was found, which according to preliminary data leads to an increase in the mitotic index and anomalies of chromosome structure in neuroblasts of homozygous larvae. In addition, the 22w (42A) insertion leading to chromosome arrest in metaphase was found.


Abstract The chromosome diploid number (2n) and the sex chromosome system in males of five species belonging to the families Gnaphosidae and Lycosidae were determined as 2n  =  22 (20 + X1X2) and 2n  =  28 (26 + X1X2), respectively. Nomisia conigera (Spassky 1941), Haplodrassus morosus (O. Pickard-Cambridge 1872) and Haplodrassus dalmatensis (L. Koch 1866) have 10 autosomal bivalents and two univalent sex chromosomes, while Pardosa bifasciata (C.L. Koch 1834) and Arctosa cinerea (Fabricius 1777) have 13 autosomal bivalents and two univalent sex chromosomes during first meiotic stages of prophase I and metaphase I. All species have acrocentric chromosomes and chiasmatic meiosis.


The future of quantum photonic technology depends on the realization of efficient sources of single photons, the ideal carriers of quantum information. Parametric downconversion (PDC) is a promising route to create highly coherent, spectrally pure single photons for quantum photonics using versatile group velocity matching (GVM) and tailored nonlinearities. However, the functionality to actively control the poling period of nonlinear crystals used in PDC is currently missing, yet would enable to dynamically modify the wavelength of single photons produced in the PDC process. Herein, a detailed GVM study is presented for functional PMN‐0.38PT material which can be dynamically repolled at ambient conditions with fields as low as 0.4 kV mm−1. The study reveals phase‐matching conditions for spectrally pure single photon creation at 5–6 µm. Further, a practical approach is proposed for on‐flight wavelength switching of the created single photons. The reported reconfigurable functionality benefits a wide range of emerging quantum‐enhanced applications in the mid‐IR spectral region where the choice of single photon sources is currently limited.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of using a remote sensing model as a free messaging application tool in the preventive screening of oral potentially malignant disorders in a rural area of India.

DESIGN
An observational cross-sectional study.

SETTING
Primary care setting in Udupi District, Karnataka, South India.

PARTICIPANTS
One-hundred and thirty-one individuals with a mean (SD) age of 37.34 (11.31) years, of whom 64.1% and 35.9% were men and women, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS
Clinical oral examination followed by photo capture of five areas of the patients' mouth.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Reliability measures for the use of a photo messaging service in diagnosing oral potentially malignant disorders, as compared to the clinical examination.

RESULTS
When lesions were categorised as normal and abnormal, the reliability (kappa) between the diagnoses, based on photo messaging and clinical oral examination, was 0.68 and 0.67 for Examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity values for Examiners 1 and 2 were 98.5% and 99.04%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 72% and 64%, respectively. When the agreement between photo messaging and clinical oral examination for an exact diagnostic match was assessed, the reliability (kappa) was 0.59 and 0.55 for Examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity values for Examiners 1 and 2 were 98.1% and 98.7%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 64% and 52% respectively.

CONCLUSION
There was a substantial agreement between the diagnosis based on clinical examination and WhatsApp image for both the examiners, when the lesions were dichotomised as normal and abnormal, but slightly reduced when assessed for the exact diagnostic match. Screening for oral potentially malignant disorders using photo messaging can serve as an effective adjunct and a potential cost-effective tool in a low-resource setting.


A total of 26 Ni-deficient (less than 100 ppm Ni in the ration) breeding goats and their 30 kids and 24 corresponding control goats with 37 kids were used to investigate, over 6 experimental years, the influence of Ni-deficiency on the reproductive performance until weaning. Following the same arrangement, 7 and 6 mini sows, respectively, and their piglets (71 and 67) were studied. The following statistically secured results were obtained. Ni-deficiency resulted in reduced pregnancy rates (after one insemination) in animals that had revealed clear estrus symptoms. This caused delayed pregnancies and birth of offspring. The conception and abortion rates, the number of offspring and the sex ratio were not influenced significantly by Ni-deficiency. Intra-uterine Ni-deficiency reduced the birth weights and caused lower weight gains during the suckling period. Its influence proved stronger in the kids as compared to the mini piglets. Ni-deficiency caused the mortality of the offspring during the suckling period to increase significantly. The losses in the Ni-deficient kids and mini piglets were by 41 and 51%, respectively, higher than in the corresponding control animals.


Conclusion.-These analyses, I hope, will show to the professioa to what extent colchicum will alter the renal secretion, by supplying it, *when deficient in its normal constituents-urea and uric acid-from the blood. From practical observations and experiments, I am inclined, therefore, to believe that to this property of colchicum its -remedial action is in a great measure to be referred. Further analysis of the blood may, however, be thought necessary, but want of time has allowed me no means for this purpose. The analyses of the urine recorded are only a few selected from many others made by me, and were effected according to Becquerel's method. Colchicum has been employed in all forms of the disease, but it appears to me more particularly useful in articular rheumatism. My belief is that in proportion as the synovial symptoms predominate or mix themselves distinctly with the fibrous-in proportion as the disease approaches in its character to gout-we may expect to be successful with colTchicum. N.B.-Large doses are not requisite; 20 minims of the tincture of the wine may be given every six hours until some relief be obtained, -or a grain of the inspissated juice or of the acetic extract of colchicum every four hours. Under this treatment the disease sometimnes vanishes within three days, the medicine producingf sickness and purging, and the rheumatism or rheumatic gout rapidly declining; occasionally, the same favourable event takes place, although there has been no disturbance of the stomach and bowels. The cases in which colchicum appears to me to be mnore pre-eminently useful are those in which the disease attacks the joints and is of an erratic character, for example, suddenly disappearing from one joint, and as suddenly appearing in another ; these, I believe, are the cases in which the heart and other internal organs are chiefly affected, and probably if the active operation of colchicum is secured early, these formidable secondary diseases are less likely to occur.


We are concerned with reliably harvesting data used to monitor a service-based system hosted in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) environment. These data are time-bounded, time-sensitive time-series data recorded by individual hosts in the network. Harvesting is used to gather the data for global time-series analyses, such as fault localization. The MANET environment challenges data harvesting, due to the inherently unstable and unpredictable connectivity and the resource limitations of wireless devices. We present an epidemic, delay tolerant method to improve the availability of time-series monitoring data in the presence of network instabilities, asymmetries, and partitions. The method establishes a network-wide synchronization overlay to incrementally and efficiently move data to intermediate nodes. We have implemented the algorithm in Java EE and evaluated it in the CORE and EMANE MANET emulation environments.


This paper presents an improved Sorted-Min-Max-Mean Filter (SM3F) algorithm for detection and removal of impulse noise from highly corrupted image. This method uses a single algorithm for detection and removal of impulse noise. Identification of the corrupted pixels is performed by local extrema intensity in grayscale range and these corrupted pixels are removed from the image by applying SM3F operation. The uncorrupted pixels retain its value while corrupted pixel's value will be changed by the mean value of noise-free pixels present within the selected window. Different images have been used to test the proposed method and it has been found better outcomes in terms of both quantitative measures and visual perception. For quantitative study of algorithm performance, Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and image enhancement factor (IEF) have been used. Experimental observations show that the presented technique effectively removes high density impulse noise and also keeps the originality of pixel's value. The performance of proposed filter is tested by varying noise density from 10% to 90% and it is observed that for impulse noise having 90% noise density, the maximum PSNR value of 30.03 dB has been achieved indicating better performance of the SM3F algorithm even at 90% noise level. The proposed filter is simple and can be used for grayscale as well as color images for image restoration.


In today's science driven healthcare environment, although evidence-based information is increasingly used to guide clinical decision making, irrational beliefs are still prevalent among nurses. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of workplace-related beliefs about luck and its varied meanings among nurses in Taiwan. Method: A qualitative design was conducted using a content analysis approach. This paper is a description of inductive and deductive content analysis. Findings: These findings represent twelve general examples of workplace-related beliefs on good luck and bad luck among Taiwanese nurses. The author of this study uncovered the complexity and sometimes irrationality of human nature and behavior in a hospital context. All beliefs have their own meanings. Implications: These irrational beliefs are long-forgotten ways of thought that affect nurses still. We suggest that discovering nurses' viewpoints and cultural ideals is important to understand nursing practices. Nurses should be aware and understand these beliefs cautiously, and not rely too much on luck.


The vibration-based damage detection (VBDD) has been widely used in structural health monitoring (SHM). However, different damage indicators have different effects on SHM. It is necessary to analyze the sensitivity of structural damage indicators to study the correlation between these indicators and damages. In this paper, the sensitivities of the mode shape, modal strain energy (MSE) and strain mode are numerically studied and experimentally validated. The damage is simulated by the reduction in the cross-sectional area of the rods of a 3-D steel frame. The sensitivity of the three damage indicators are obtained and compared by using the finite element (FE) analyses of the frame; the modal parameters are obtained through the experimental modal analysis, and the sensitivity of the three damage indicators are calculated to validate whether they could identify the structural damage. The results indicate that, generally, the sensitivity of the modal strain is the highest, followed by the MSE, and the sensitivity of the mode shape is the lowest. Nevertheless, the MSE shows high sensitivity in the cases of multiple damages. The sensitivity of the damage indicators varies for different damage locations; the sensitivity decreases from the mid span to the end of the steel frame. The above results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of damage indicators in the damage detection.


Mercaptoethylamine (MEA), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioate (WR-2721) were tested for their protective effects against single and fractionated doses of 250 kv X-rays. Acute and late skin reactions and control of the BA-1112 rhabdomyosarcoma were examined in protected and unprotected WAG/Rij rats. All drugs protected skin in both single and fractionated treatment regimens, with MEA giving the most protection and DMSO the least. DMSO and WR-2721 protected tumors against single doses of radiation, and all three drugs tested protected tumors against fractionated irradiation. As a result, only single-fraction treatments of MEA-protected animals showed therapeutically favorable differential protection.


Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly progressive, degenerative slow virus infection disease of central nervous system. Based on etiologic origins, four different Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease subtypes have been identified: sporadic, genetic, iatrogenic and variant. The clinical course generally begin with apathy, irritability, behavioral changes, speech problems, memory deterioration, rapidly progresses and concludes with death over a period of 3-12 months. Symptoms are observed secondary to brain cortex, cerebellum, corticospinal tracts, spinal anterior horn cells and basal ganglia damage. Unusual (%5-10) cases can survive up to 2 years. The initial symptoms of disease can be sudden which resultsin adjustment problems leading patients to seek psychiatric help. Patients could receive different diagnosis such as psychosis, depression with psychotic features, and treatments at this stages. Early diagnosis is crucial because of management of the disease and treatment approaches. In this article diagnosis and clinical features of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and related psychiatric symptoms have been briefly reviewed.


We report the results of the first comparative study of the determinants and effects of patent oppositions in Europe and of re-examinations on corresponding patents issued in the United States. The analysis is based on a dataset consisting of matched EPO and US patents. Our analysis focuses on two broad technology categories - biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors and computer software. Within these fields, we collect data on all EPO patents for which oppositions were filed at the EPO. We also construct a random sample of EPO patents with no opposition in these technologies. We match these EPO patents with the 'equivalent' US patents covering the same invention in the United States. Using the matched sample of USPTO and EPO patents, we compare the determinants of opposition and of re-examination. Our results indicate that valuable patents are more likely to be challenged in both jurisdictions. But the rate of opposition at the EPO is more than thirty times higher than the rate of re-examination at the USPTO. Moreover, opposition leads to a revocation of the patent in about 41 percent of the cases, and to a restriction of the patent right in another 30 percent of the cases. Re-examination results in a cancellation of the patent right in only 12.2 percent of all cases. We also find that re-examination is frequently initiated by the patentholders themselves.


Field experiments were conducted during the 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons to evaluate 15 new cassava genotypes and one local check (Okwoko) for adaptation to Nsukka agro-ecology in the face of global climate change. The experiments were sited at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Pre-planting soil samples were collected at 0 – 15 cm depth in each experimental unit after land preparation and subjected to routine chemical analysis. The new cassava genotypes were obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria while the local (Okwoko) was obtained from the farmer's field in Obukpa, near the University of Nigeria. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications per trial. The cassava sticks were cut 30 cm long and planted at a spacing of 1 m apart. Data were collected on survival count, plant height, number of branches, tuber weight and disease incidence. Highest stem yield (780 bundles/ha) was obtained from TMS01/1368 while the lowest stem yield (320 bundles/ha) came from NR03/1555 in 2008 and 2009. Tuber yield (t/ha) was significantly (P ≤ 0 .05) lowest with the local genotype in both years. Among the improved genotypes, TMS98/2132 significantly (P ≤ 0 .05) recorded the highest root yield (42.04 t/ha) in 2008 and (43.50 t/ha) in 2009. Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) incidence was significantly higher than root rot among the genotypes. Keywords : Germplasm, cassava, evaluation, environment


Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a common cause of blindness after buckling procedures and after primary vitrectomy.1 PVR occurs in 10% of eyes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.2 Re-detachment is seen mostly within the first 6–8 weeks after surgery. Efforts to reduce the risk of PVR include trying to reduce the surgical trauma, early surgery, and lower thresholds to use silicone oil or retinotomies, pharmaceutical adjuncts, as well as improvements in surgical technique during recent years.3

Surgeons are under the impression that the burden of PVR has lessened over recent decades. This is hypothetically attributable to a change in the surgical technique (for example, more primary vitrectomy instead of scleral buckling). To test this hypothesis, we have retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent primary surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 1988 at the University of Cologne and compared the results to the patients operated on in 2003 in the same location. The follow up for eventual re-operations was 1 year in both instances.

In a second step, …


Today's cloud services are driving the wide-spread deployment of multi-tenant large-scale data centers. These data centers must have agility in order to provide diverse services to users in an efficient way, via dynamic allocation of the virtual machines (VMs) to the servers. However, as the complexity and the size of the data centers have increased, the tremendous address resolution traffic among the massive numbers of VMs has become a significant problem. Some approaches have tried to reduce the ARP broadcast traffic via distributed cache on the switches, or location specific addresses, but this has resulted in unavoidable challenging issues, such as the inconsistency problem between caches and/or address re-allocation to the VM and network reconfiguration whenever the VM migrates. In this paper, we propose a new centralized ARP proxy model that utilizes the Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller architecture, in which we can leverage the SDN's centralized control characteristics. In this approach, the SDN controller performs the ARP proxy function, and can significantly reduce the number of ARP broadcast messages over the networks. We prototyped the centralized ARP proxy module on an open-source SDN controller and performed experiments on the Mininet based virtual testbed to evaluate our approach. The experiments show that our approach efficiently processes address resolution while reducing ARP broadcast traffic by dozens of times to hundreds of times.


During mechanical ventilation, specific devices are used to heat and to humidify gases delivered by mechanical ventilators. Basically, they must replace the function of the upper airways that are bypassed by tracheostomy or endotracheal tubes. Among others heated wire humidifiers (HWHs) are the most popular to accomplish this task. Their control is not based on the measure of relative humidity (RH) but on the gas temperature in a single point of the breathing circuit. Owing to the mentioned control, HWHs' performance shows some weaknesses in particular when they work under demanding ventilatory settings. Moreover, also environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) can affect HWHs' performance. The direct control of the air humidity may be beneficial to overcome these hurdles. The aim of this work is to develop a fiber optic sensors, based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology for RH measurements in mechanical ventilation. It consists of a coated FBG, whose output changes with RH due to the volume expansion of the coating material. The proposed sensor has been fabricated with a simple coating procedure and it is coated with a cost effective polymer (i.e., agarose), which can be used in a wide range of RH values. An experimental set-up allowing the delivering of air with different amounts of vapour content (relative humidity from about 0% to saturation) has been prepared to perform a preliminary assessment of the sensor in a wide range of RH values. The proposed sensor shows promising results in terms of both capability to follow RH changes, as well as sensitivity and range of measurement. Future testing will assess in depth the metrological properties of the proposed sensor and will evaluate the potential of the sensor for RH monitoring during mechanical ventilation. The implementation of a feedback based on RH may be useful both to improve the performance of HWHs, to minimize the influence of external factors on the humidification process, as well as to pave the way to new strategy of control in this field.


Diagnostic imaging methods aimed to detect osteoporosis range from the visual analysis of bone structure on plain skeletal radiographs to quantitative imaging techniques that enable accurate measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), such as quantitative computed tomography (QCT). According to the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) still represents the "gold standard" for diagnosis of osteoporosis and fracture risk prediction. This paper illustrates the current possibilities and recent advances the in application of bone densitometry.


Since the subprime crises numerous articles examining short selling have been published, most of them present positive contributions of short selling to financial markets. Short selling, however, is continually a subject for criticism and mistrust. The critique presented by legislators, media and bankers are hard to back up with sufficient evidence according to the researchers in the field. There are assumptions that short selling contribute to increase financial crisis, short selling is also a subject to ethical questioning. The research question of this thesis is "how does short selling affect the Swedish stock market?" with the purpose to examine the positive and negative contributions of short selling, to generate an understanding to why it exist different perspectives regarding short selling.This is a bachelor thesis written by two students at Umea School of Business and Economics. The epistemological view of this thesis is interpretivism and the ontological standpoint is constructionism. By having this view the authors have drawn their conclusions based on existing studies. By identifying a set of factors that are needed to create an understanding about the negative and positive contributions of short selling, a theoretical framework was gathered and analyzed. After the analysis the authors conducted five in-depth interviews to get the views from respondents with a close connection to short selling. Analyzing the respondent's answers with the theoretical framework the authors developed an understanding covering positive and negative contributions of short selling.The conclusions made in this paper are that short selling overall is positive for financial market by arguing reductio ad absurdum. The author's conclusion is that short sales strengthen the Swedish financial market in the long run by increasing market efficiency, liquidity and stability. Hence the critique against short selling are in most cases unjustified and based on lack of knowledge. Furthermore the authors of this thesis, based on the conducted interviews, argue that the conclusion can be a foundation for authorities in Sweden for future legislations. The conclusion is that the legislations overall is useful since they aim to prevent market abuse and gives security to the financial market. However, the authors have found indications showing that the disclosure requirement today is misallocating resources. Therefore the authors recommend that the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority should investigate how much the disclosure actually is contributing to the market efficiency in Sweden. Furthermore, the authorities should develop a solution solving the problems regarding market abuse without restricting short selling.


This research analyses the extent to which three newer (European Union) EU member states, Poland, Bulgaria and Latvia have attempted and succeeded in shaping the development of the EU's energy security policy, focusing on natural gas. This explores the argument that EU membership affects the formation of national foreign and energy policy as well as procedures of policy-making, and that newer member states have also been able to shape EU level policy-making through the ?uploading? of national preferences. The research engages with relevant conceptual issues to develop and utilise a framework which is a synthesis of literature on EU agenda-setting, policy framing, Europeanisation and the social construction of energy ?crises? and (in)security. This conceptual frame is then used to explore and evaluate the influence of newer member states on EU energy policy agenda-setting, policy-making and policy implementation. Evaluating the obstacles and opportunities for influence, an empirically rich data set is analysed to test the extent to which five theoretically derived hypotheses account for member state influence. Five mechanisms are identified as potentially key factors in explaining the degree of influence which member states have. The thesis suggests that one is the impact of supply disruptions and price rises on perceptions and constructions of national and EU energy security. This can contribute towards a context that is conducive to the arguments about policy change and projection being made, a policy window, and is a reflection of the social construction of energy insecurity and energy crises. Diplomatic skill and learning to ?play the EU game?, being active in Council summits and technocratic level(s), and engaging in consensual policy-making that adheres to EU norms and interests is seen as important. Another key factor is the role of Russia as a major and sometimes monopoly gas supplier, in constraining, enabling, and influencing the strength of national interests - the extent of political will and EU energy policy activism. A fourth factor is considered to be the extent to which institutionalised sub-EU regional and strategic alliances exist and are prioritised as an arena to develop coordinated policies and preferences. The final conceptually derived factor is related to the strength of administrative capacity, in terms of well-coordinated institutions at the national and EU level, and sufficient personnel and resources.The thesis also provides a study of the development of EU energy policy since the 1950s in chapter two, and chapters three to five focus on the three country case studies; Poland, Bulgaria and Latvia. These empirical chapters include in each case a history of their energy policy and relations with both the EU and Russia. The thesis concludes with an analysis of the empirical findings using comparative country case manner approach, along with conceptual (and methodological) observations based on the testing of the hypotheses.