One important prerequisite to state compliance with higher-order legal rules is a convergence of public opinion on the existence and nature of those rules. We present original data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. residents that captures knowledge of higher-order legal norms, allowing us to explore the plausibility of the hypothesis that people have sufficient knowledge of higher-order law to enforce it. To do so, we polled U.S. residents about their positive and normative views on the existence of sixteen rights and government powers, experimentally manipulating whether the duty or power flowed from constitutional or international law. We also asked respondents to state how certain they were about their positive knowledge. Our key finding is that knowledge on both constitutional and international law is limited, and, relatedly, that there is not much agreement among respondents on what either requires. Yet constitutional knowledge is higher than international legal knowledge, especially for some provisions, like the right to bear arms and the right to a jury trial. These findings underscore and provide an explanation for why coordinating to deter and punish constitutional violations is difficult.


Scholars have raised various objections to the last and often decisive (narrow tailoring) prong of the different forms of heightened scrutiny, and these problems may become acute when courts consider constitutional challenges brought against government entities that enjoy far more truncated powers than do legislative bodies. This Essay argues, however, that agencies should enjoy no special dispensation for failing to consider less restrictive means simply because the legislature has failed to empower them to adopt such alternative courses of action.


Inspired by the stage direction from The Winter's Tale, 'Exit pursued by a bear', The End explores endings and exits and asks why we perform and how we will know when to stop. Developed at The Junction (Cambridge), Brighton Dome and Festival, New Art Exchange and Lakeside Arts Centre (Nottingham). Commissioned by Chester Performs. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Selected for the British Council's Edinburgh Showcase 2011.


How should online retailers attract customers? Should they advertise intensively to attract online traffic, or should they simply price lower than their competitors? To answer these questions, we develop a game-theoretic model of two firms choosing advertising levels and prices strategically. We find that only asymmetric equilibria exist, where e-tailers choose different strategies along both advertising and pricing dimensions. When market mobility is low (i.e., the majority of buyers have high search costs), firms engage in fierce competition in advertising, and the firm with a higher advertising level charges a higher price and earns higher profits. When market mobility is high (i.e., the majority of buyers have zero search costs) or medium, one firm may choose to advertise intensely while the other may choose to charge a lower price and not advertise at all. In such cases, either firm may make higher profits. We also compare the market outcome in our model to the case in which firms do not have the option of advertising and find that the option to advertise leads to higher expected prices. We further extend the model to consider e-tailers choosing advertising levels sequentially.


A 49-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department because of an intentional overdose of sustained-release verapamil along with captopril and glyburide. The estimated interval between ingestion and the time she was found was several hours. Initial findings were blood pressure 72/39 mm Hg, heart rate 32/min, and a score of 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale. She was intubated and given intravenous fluid and vasopressor support. Decontamination with activated charcoal was instituted. Administration of dopamine and norepinephrine, atropine, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium chloride did not yield significant clinical improvement. Hyperinsulinemic eug- lycemia therapy was started: a bolus of regular insulin then infusions of insulin and 10% dextrose. After 24 hours of therapy, the bradycardia resolved and the patient's hemodynamic condition stabilized with normalization of cardiac indices. On day 5 the patient was transferred to the medical unit, and on day 8 she was discharged to psychiatric care. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2007;16;520,518-519)


A pot experiment was conducted at the Centre for Ecological Studies of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria to evaluate the efficacy of Primextra Gold herbicide in controlling weeds in melon and cucumber and to assess the extent of injury to the crops. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Design with four replications. Seven doses of the herbicide – 0.0kg a.i/pot (D0), 0.25 kg a.i/pot (D1), 0.5 kg a.i/pot (D2), 0.75 kg a.i/pot (D3), 1.0 kg a.i/pot (D4), 1.25 kg a.i/pot (D5) and 1.5 kg a.i/pot (D6) – were applied preemergence. The dry weight, height of plant, number of green leaves, weed control efficiency, weed persistence index, crop phytotoxicity rating, weed destruction rating were used to determine the herbicide efficacy and crop injury. Results show that the melon recovered from the injury caused by lower doses (D1, D2, D3) while higher doses (D4, D5, D6) caused stand loss and complete crop destruction. The maximum average height (72 cm/pot), maximum number of leaves per pot (20), second maximum average dry weight (2.98g/pot) was observed at 28 DAT in melon treated with  D3. All the doses applied caused over 50% injury to the cucumber at all stages except at 7 DAT. The study also showed that Primextra Gold has a high Weed Control Efficiency (WCE %) and the Weed Persistence Index (WPI) of the weeds was low. Primextra Gold has a high weed destruction rating with the effect of the doses ranging from moderate to complete weed destruction.


Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) provides an opportunity to rapidly and non-destructively investigate how plants respond to stress. Here, we explored the potential of SIF to detect the effects of elevated O3 on soybean in the field where soybean was subjected to ambient and elevated O3 throughout the growing season in 2021. Exposure to elevated O3 resulted in a significant decrease in canopy SIF at 760 nm (SIF760), with a larger decrease in the late-growing season (36%) compared to the middle-growing season (13%). Elevated O3 significantly decreased the fraction of absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (FPARgreen) by 8-15% in the middle-growing season, and by 35% in the late-growing stage. SIF760 escape ratio (fesc) was significantly increased under elevated O3 by 5-12% in the late growth stage due to a decrease of leaf chlorophyll content (ChlLeaf) and leaf area index (LAI). Fluorescence yield of the canopy, ΦF, canopy, was reduced by 5-11% in the late-growing season depending on the fesc estimation method, during which leaf maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport (Jmax) were significantly reduced by 29% and 20% under elevated O3. These results demonstrated that SIF could capture the elevated O3 effect on canopy structure and acceleration of senescence in soybean and provides empirical support for using SIF for soybean stress detection and phenotyping.


BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are dramatically higher among low-income women than in the general population, in part due to poor adherence to recommended diagnostic follow-up after an index Pap test. This report describes a pilot study of the Screening Adherence Follow-Up Program (SAFe), an individualized, structured case management program designed to assess for and intervene in response to a variety of potential personal and systems barriers to follow-up adherence. Interventions included health education, counseling, and systems navigation.

METHODS
A clinical decision-making algorithm was used to determine service intensity and level of intervention. Services were provided to 196 low-income women, predominantly Latinas, who had either a low-grade or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL or HGSIL) abnormal Pap result. Adherence rates to at least one follow-up appointment after enrollment and baseline intervention were 83% following LGSIL and 93% for HGSIL.

RESULTS
Over 1 year post-enrollment, 41% of women with LGSIL were fully adherent, with 42% partially adherent; 61% of women with HGSIL were fully adherent, with 32% partially adherent. In a comparison group of 369 nonenrollees (women who refused participation or could not be located for consent), adherence rates were 58% for LGSIL and 67% for HGSIL. A survey among a random sample of women served indicated that 93% were "mostly" or "very" satisfied, overall, with SAFe services.

CONCLUSIONS
The intervention team--a peer counselor and a master's degreed social worker--addressed multiple psychosocial and systems navigation problems to reduce potential barriers to adherence, including knowledge, attitudinal, psychosocial, psychological distress, systems communication, and resource access problems. SAFe appears highly acceptable to women and may significantly enhance medical care management following an abnormal cervical screen for a carefully targeted group of women at risk for suboptimal follow-up adherence.


T‐cell activation, particularly of CD8+ cells, is invariably associated with viral infections. We now provide evidence for the activation of T cells in patients with localized bacterial soft tissue infections. During acute disease we detected in the peripheral blood of these patients, small though conspicuous populations of CD4+ CD28+ CD11b+ and CD8+ CD28+ CD11b+ cells, indicative of an expansion of effector T cells. Moreover, we identified CD4+ and CD8+ cells at the infected site, in addition to highly activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). In keeping with their role as first‐line defence, PMN were preponderant, but T cells amounted to 20% of the infiltrated cells. The majority of the infiltrated T cells expressed CXCR6, a homing receptor for non‐lymphoid tissue. The infiltrated T cells produced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), while the peripheral blood cells obtained at the same time did not. In conclusion, in response to localized bacterial infections, T cells are activated and recruited to the infected site. We propose that these T cells, e.g. by producing IFN‐γ, enhance the efficiency of the infiltrated phagocytic cells, particularly of the PMN, thereby supporting the local host defence.


OBJECTIVE
To compare screw insertion characteristics and pullout mechanical properties between self-tapping (ST) and non-self-tapping (NST) AO 4.5-mm cortical bone screws in adult equine third metacarpal bone (MC3).

STUDY DESIGN
In vitro biomechanical experiment.

ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION
Seven pairs of adult equine MC3.

METHODS
Bicortical holes were drilled transversely in proximal metaphyseal, diaphyseal, and distal metaphyseal locations of paired MC3. NST screws were inserted in pre-tapped holes in 3 sites of one bone pair, and ST screws were inserted in non-tapped holes of contralateral MC3. Tapping and screw insertion times and maximum torques were measured. Screw pullout mechanical properties were determined.

RESULTS
Screw insertion time was longer for ST screws. Total time for tapping and insertion (total insertion time) was over twice as long for NST screws. Statistically significant differences were not observed between screws for any pullout mechanical property. From pullout tests, diaphyseal locations had significantly stiffer and stronger structure than metaphyseal locations. Pullout failure more commonly occurred because of screw breakage than bone failure. Bone failure and bone comminution were more commonly associated with ST screws. Bone failure sites had pullout failure loads that were 90% of screw failure sites.

CONCLUSIONS
NST and ST 4.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screws have similar pullout mechanical properties from adult equine MC3. ST screws require less than half the total insertion time of NST screws.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Use of ST 4.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screws should be considered for repair of adult equine MC3 fractures; however, bone failures at screw sites should be monitored.


This contribution argues that Aihwa Ong's approach to the urban as problem-space is a powerful and underutilized conceptual tool for studying contemporary urban worlds. Drawing on fieldwork with an environmental nongovernmental organization in Dalian, China, it suggests that environmental volunteering signaled important shifts in the specification of citizen-subjects and in what counted as effective urban governance. Making sense of such urban assemblages required flexible methodological tools, and Ong's approach of the urban as a terrain of problematization offers this. This conceptual and methodological move facilitates a middle-range theoretical approach that accounts for patterns and emergent paradigms while allowing for contingency, not forcing complex assemblages into singular or universal explanations. It is this kind of anthropology and ethnographic analysis that enables better understandings of our contemporary (global) urban worlds.


This paper describes the basic methods for measurement of body impedance, electrodes and their configuration, and the measuring instrument with its limitations. A microcomputer assisted impedance plethysmograph system, developed at BARC and different lead configurations for impedance plethysmographic investigation are also described. Typical impedance plethysmographic waveforms recorded from a normal subject and measurement of their amplitude and various time intervals are illustrated.


Learning sparse linear models with two-way interactions is desirable in many application domains such as genomics. l1-regularised linear models are popular to estimate sparse models, yet standard implementations fail to address specifically the quadratic explosion of candidate two-way interactions in high dimensions, and typically do not scale to genetic data with hundreds of thousands of features. Here we present WHInter, a working set algorithm to solve large l1-regularised problems with two-way interactions for binary design matrices. The novelty of WHInter stems from a new bound to efficiently identify working sets while avoiding to scan all features, and on fast computations inspired from solutions to the maximum inner product search problem. We apply WHInter to simulated and real genetic data and show that it is more scalable and two orders of magnitude faster than the state of the art.


Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT) involves the use of a spatially fractionated beam of synchrotron generated X-rays to treat tumours. MRT treatment is delivered via an array of high dose 'peaks' separated by low dose 'valleys'. A good Peak to Valley Dose Ratio (PVDR) is an important indicator of successful treatment outcomes. MRT dosimetry requires a radiation hard detector with high spatial resolution, large dynamic range, which is ideally real-time and tissue equivalent. We have developed a Silicon Strip Detector (SSD) and very recently, a new 3D MESA SSD to meet the very stringent requirements of MRT dosimetry. We have compared these detectors through the characterisation of the MRT radiation field at the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical Beamline. The EPI SSD was able to measure the microbeam profiles and PVDRs, however the effective spatial resolution was limited by the detector alignment options available at the time. The geometry of the new 3D MESA SSD is less sensitive to this alignment restriction was able to measure the microbeam profiles within 2 μm of that expected. The 3D MESA SSD measured PVDRs were possibly affected by undesired and slow charge collection outside the sensitive volume and additional scattering from the device substrate.


Holmes tremor is characterized by resting, postural, and intention tremor. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of both the nucleus ventralis intermedius (Vim) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) may be required to control these three tremor components. A 79-year-old man presented with a long-standing combination of resting, postural, and intention tremor, which was associated with severe disability and was resistant to medical treatment. Neuroimaging studies failed to reveal areas of discrete brain damage. A DBS device was placed in the Vim and produced an improvement in both the intention and postural tremor, but there was residual resting tremor, as demonstrated by clinical observation and quantitative tremor analysis. Placement of an additional DBS device in the STN resolved the resting tremor. Stimulation of the Vim or STN alone failed to produce global resolution of mixed tremor, whereas combined Vim-STN stimulation produced global relief without creating noticeable side effects. Combined Vim-STN stimulation can thus be a safe and effective treatment for Holmes tremor.


The toddler years can be a particularly stressful time for all parents, however, parents of children with disabilities may experience additional sources of stress. Recent literature on early education for children with disabilities promotes inclusion with typical peers with increases in the availability of inclusive programs. However, little is known about early intervention inclusion programs and parental factors such as stress and adaptability. The current study expands the research for children with disabilities by investigating the associations of having a young child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on multiple dimensions of parental stress for mothers and fathers and how participation in an inclusive toddler program may be related to these stress levels. Results for this community sample are consistent with previous research indicating that that both mothers and fathers of children with ASD report significantly elevated levels of both child and parent related stress in comparison with parents of typically developing toddlers. Following their child's participation in the inclusion program, mothers of children with ASD report significant reductions in child-related stress but no reductions in the parent-related stress domain. No changes were seen with either child or parent domain for fathers. Lastly, a child's level of social skills was a significant predictor of child-related maternal stress for children with autism. This pattern was not seen in fathers of these children. Implications for early intervention program modifications, such as increasing family support and incorporating adjunctive parent interventions for parents with elevated levels of stress are discussed.


This paper presents a real-time cooperative multi-target tracking system. The system consists of a group of Active Vision Agents (AVAs, in short) representing a logical model of a network-connected computer with an active camera. All AVAs track their target objects cooperatively by interacting dynamically with each other. As a result, the system as a whole can track multiple moving objects simultaneously under complicated dynamic situations in the real world. To implement real-time cooperation among AVAs, we designed a three-layered interaction architecture. In each layer, parallel processes mutually exchange a variety of information for effective cooperation. We employed the dynamic memory architecture to achieve real-time information exchange. Experimental results demonstrated that AVAs track their target objects cooperatively in real-time while adaptively changing their roles.


Murine lymphocytes were enzymatically radioiodinated and the class of immunoglobulin (isotype) on the cell surface was studied as a function of differentiation and ontogeny. The results indicate that IgM is the first isotype to appear and that IgD is subsequently acquired. A proportion of IgM-bearing cells also bear IgD. The acquisition of IgD does not appear to be under the influence of the thymus or of exposure to antigen. The observations suggest a sequence of differentiation steps in which B-cells first express IgM then acquire IgD (to become "double bearers"), and eventually lose IgM. The relationship of the IgD-bearing cells to the IgG-bearing memory cells has not yet been established. The implications of these findings with regard to function and genetic organization are discussed.


Primary systemic vasculitides are rare diseases affecting blood vessel walls. The type and patterns of distribution of the organs affected usually reflect the size of the vessels predominantly involved, and the patterns of clinical manifestations are generally useful to reach a specific diagnosis. However, presenting symptoms may lack adequate specificity for a prompt diagnosis, leading to a diagnostic (and therapeutic) delay, often causing irreversible damage to the affected organs. Due to their rarity and variable clinical presentation, the diagnosis of primary vasculitides could be challenging for physicians. Vasculitis mimickers, i.e. the clinical conditions that could be likely mistaken for vasculitides, need to be carefully ruled out, especially before starting the immunosuppressive therapy. We present here a practical approach to the diagnosis of primary systemic vasculitides involving large, medium and small size vessels, and reviewed most of the conditions that could mimic primary systemic vasculitides.


Automated program discovery has been mainly approached via Genetic Programming, which represents the search space of programs implicitly by a collection of individuals. In this paper, we propose a way of representing program search space explicitly, with a top-down hierarchy of semi-constructed programs. Together with a bottom-up generation procedure, we maintain an overview of the overall search space structure, while being able to quickly get samples from the fringe. Moreover, having a type system with parametric polymorphism allows us to limit the state space size using type level programming while keeping a complete control over program sizes. Our approach can naturally be used for searching the space of programs using tree search methods. We back this claim by a simple experiment utilizing a Monte-Carlo Tree Search algorithm, though other search methods (such as A∗) might be used as well.


There are many facets to explore and examine when looking at ASEAN today. Yet, what is imperative at the moment is an investigation into how this Southeast Asian community of states is adapting to a milieu increasingly defined by broad economic integration. True, the rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership by the Trump Administration may impact the policy direction of both the regional organization and the individual member states. However, it must be remembered that ASEAN is confronted with a myriad of other integration plans that will challenge the long-held inviolability of the Westphalian system in this corner of the world. Indeed, it can be argued that a new economic cornerstone will emerge for the entire Asia-Pacific. Governments and businesses across the Pacific have started to take more seriously the idea of greater commercial liberalization and interconnectedness as well as the necessity to push for a borderless region.
Utilizing a case study approach, this paper focuses on the key region-wide initiatives pushing for greater economic integration and examines how these proposals are obligating governments across ASEAN to reconsider the seemingly sacrosanct nature of national borders and state sovereignty. Indeed, 21st century economic integration is driving the national economies of ASEAN towards greater interconnectivity and obligating the governments of ASEAN member states to recalibrate their stance on the concept of national sovereignty.


For the development and application of various robots, researchers have been looking for adequate materials for external structures and actuators. Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC), is a type of ionic electroactive polymer (EAP), and this material can exhibit large deflection with low external voltages (∼5 V). This smart material can work in an aquatic environment without the impact from the aquatic pressure, so a swimming robot is one of popular applications of IPMC. Recently, several models in various methods have been found to simulate output deflection. For example, some typical models based on cantilever beams or system identification tools have been used to provide models of IPMC systems. In this paper, however, an electrical model with equivalent passive elements based on existing internal properties is introduced in order to model the system directly. On the other hand, the surface metallic electrodes and the internal Nafion® membrane can be modeled as equivalent resistors according to the properties. Finally, a novel linear time-variant (LTV) modeling method that is different from conventional models is introduced and applied to an IPMC electrical model, built on the basis of the internal environment such as surface resistance, thickness, and water distribution related to the unique working principle of IPMC. Eventually, most of the equivalent elements will change with time in operation, so this electrical model will be revised and describe the entire system more accurately.Copyright © 2015 by ASME


Nanostructures get great attention due to their unique properties which can be applied in preparation of advanced composite materials, medicine, pharmacy or cosmetics. Preparation of structures having properties required for the concrete application presents a great challenge. Kinetic factors dependent on crystal growth conditions considerably influence morphology of formed crystals. It is well known that crystallinity, phase purity, particle size, shape and microstructure strongly affect magnetic properties. Hence, understanding the influence of synthesis parameters on a growth process would be crucial in tailoring the properties of nanomaterials. With regard to the mentioned parameters, particles of pure Fe3O4 or also multiphase systems with high crystallinity and saturation magnetization were prepared by a simple microwave-assisted solvothermal method using microwave pressurized reactor. Presented method enables preparation of particles of various sizes and tuneable magnetic properties and, moreover synthesis of hollow spheres in one step and shore times.


Automatic and fast tagging of natural sounds in audio collections is a very challenging task due to wide acoustic variations, the large number of possible tags, the incomplete and ambiguous tags provided by different labellers. To handle these problems, we use a co-regularization approach to learn a pair of classifiers on sound and text. The first classifier maps low-level audio features to a true tag list. The second classifier maps actively corrupted tags to the true tags, reducing incorrect mappings caused by low-level acoustic variations in the first classifier, and to augment the tags with additional relevant tags. Training the classifiers is implemented using marginal co-regularization, pair of which draws the two classifiers into agreement by a joint optimization. We evaluate this approach on two sound datasets, Freefield1010 and Task4 of DCASE2016. The results obtained show that marginal co-regularization outperforms the baseline GMM in both efficiency and effectiveness.


This article contributes to the literature on party appeals to social groups by introducing a new dataset on group and policy appeals in Scandinavia (2009–2015). In addition to coding to what social groups parties appeal, we collected information on what policies parties offer for the groups they mention and what goals and instruments they specify for such policies. The latter advance makes it possible to present new insights on the extent to which group appeals are actually substantial and meaningful. We find that left, centre and right parties appeal to broad demographic categories rather than class. There are almost no appeals to the middle class, although the frequent reference to a category 'all' can be interpreted as a functional equivalent for middle-class appeals. Finally, parties clearly still make substantial policy proposals and address concrete policy problems, but with only small differences in such appeals across the left–right spectrum.


This paper gives an overview of some of the effects caused by circuit mismatch and parasitics in binary weighted digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and, as a special case, a current-steering CMOS converter. Matlab is used as a behavior-level simulator. In telecommunications applications, the frequency-domain parameters are of the greatest importance. Therefore, the characterization of the device and its performance is determined by frequency parameters such as the signal-to-noise ratio, spurious-free dynamic range, multitone power ratio, etc. In this paper, we show how these frequency-domain parameters are affected when mismatch errors and finite output impedance are applied to a current-steering CMOS DAC. We discuss how static performance is affected when changing the size of the errors and fundamental circuit parameters. The impact of dynamic errors such as glitches, slewing, and bit skew is discussed. Measurement results from 14-bit DACs are also shown to illustrate the correlation with the modeling.


Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of team based learning (TBL) on student`s test scores in comparison with didactic lectures. We also wanted to assess to the level of students satisfaction regarding TBL as a teaching methodology.Study Design: Quasi experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad, from May to July 2013.Material and Methods: Fourth year undergraduate medical students attending Pathology course at University Medical and Dental College (UMDC), Faisalabad in year 2013 involved the portion of Haematology were divided into two halves. The first half (H-1) was covered in two TBL sessions of two hours and 15 minutes duration each. The second half (H-2) was covered in 8 lectures of 45 minutes duration each.After completion of the course, students took test comprising of problem based SEQs regarding Hematology. The test comprised of two segments with questions of equal difficulty, representing the two halves of the topic. Students' scores in these two segments were compared by using paired sample t-test.The students were given a validated questionnaire. This data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.Results: The test scores were highly significant (p=0.000) in TBL as compared to lecture group. In addition to positive significant relationship, majority of students also agreed that TBL motivated them to learn Pathology (71.72%), promoted better understanding of the subject matter (68.92%), helped to gain in depth knowledge of the subject (62.06%) and helped to remove misconceptions about the topic (65.51%). Sixty two percent students preferred TBL to didactic lectures.Conclusion: Our study proved to have a significant impact of TBL on student test scores as compared to didactic lectures. Majority of the students were satisfied with TBL as a teaching methodology in Pathology and preferred it to didactic lectures.


In this paper, phase transition of forsterite in carbothermal reduction processing was studied. Phase composition and microstructure of the products were characterized by XRD, SEM and XRF. The influences of calcination temperature (1400, 1500, and 1600 °C), carbon content (lacking 50% and 10%, theoretical content, exceeding 10%, 50% and 100%) and holding time (1 h, 2 h and 4 h) on phase composition of carbothermal reduction products were discussed. The results showed that forsterite can be reduced to β-SiC, Fe and MgAl2O4 when it was reacted with carbon exceeded 50wt% of theoretical content at 1600°C for 4 h, while it was stable when treated below 1500°C.


The implementation of mass customisation into a manufacturing environment is by no means an easy task to achieve. This thesis will attempt to investigate the areas within a manufacturing company that require change in order to be integrated into a mass customised environment. The hypothesis behind the research is that all aspects of mass customisation in manufacturing can be brought together in a framework for the implementation of new products into a mass customised organisation. Two major case study investigations were undertaken at a diesel engine manufacturing company, Cummins Engines, at their Darlington Engine Plant to observe current practices for new product introduction and identify opportunities for improvement through tailoring the procedures towards a mass customised environment. An objective of the research was to understand the inter-relationships between processes and departmental structures. Recommendations for possible improvements in processes, procedures and practices in mass customisation framework are included, with a particular focus on new product introduction. The work carried out within the thesis will look at what inputs are required within a new product introduction programme in order to get the desired outputs. The typical inputs will include the relationships between different departments within an organisation and what is required in order to introduce a mass customised product


I. BUSINESS ENGINEERING. 1. Business Engineering and Enterprise Optimization. Significance of Business Engineering. Principles of Business Engineering. Elements of Business Engineering. Requirements for Successful Implementation of Business Engineering. IT Implementation Issues. Effects of Integration of Information Technology. Evolution of Information Technology. Client/Server Technology. Benefits of Client/Server Technology. SAP(TM) and Client/Server Technology. Beyond Business Engineering. Continuous Engineering. Supply Chain Management. Desktop ERP. Conclusion. 2. The Business Blueprint. Pros and Cons of Business Blueprints. General Design of the R/3(TM) Blueprint. Focus of the R/3(TM) Blueprint. Event-Driven Process Chain Methodology. Describing Complex Business Processes. Ordering Toner. Recruiting a New Employee. Planning a Seminar. EPC Methodology and Viewpoints in the R/3(TM) Reference Model. Reference Model Viewpoints-Car Dealership. The Component Model-What Happens? The Organizational Model-Who Does What? The Data Model-What Is Needed? The Interaction Model-How Do Company Models Interact? Summary. 3. Configure to Order. Standard Software Implementation Issues. Mapping with the Business Blueprint. Redlining the Blueprint. Extending the Business-Process Design. Conclusion. II. PROCESS DESIGN. 4. Value Chain Thinking. The Value Chain Principle. R/3(TM) and the Value Chain. Overview of Part 2: Value Chain Thinking. 5. Sales Logistics. Standard Order Handling Scenario. Mailing Campaign Processing. Sales Activity Processing. Customer RFQ Processing. Customer Quotation Processing. Standard Order Processing. Delivery Processing. Goods Issue Processing for Stock Material. Billing. Contract Handling and Scheduling Agreements. Third-Party Order Handling. Customer Consignment Stock Handling. Cash Order Handling. Rush Order Handling. Make-to-Order Sales Order Handling. Assembly-to-Order Sales Order Handling. Empties and Returnable Packaging Handling. Returns Handling. Decentralized Shipping. R/3 Sales Logistics Summary. 6. Production Logistics. Production by Lot Size. Processing of Sales and Operation Planning. Demand Management. Material Requirements Planning (Single-Item MPS). Creation, Release, and Execution of Production Order. Repetitive Manufacturing. Make-to-Order Production. Process Manufacturing. Project-Related "Engineer to Order." Quality Management for Goods Receipt from Production. R/3 Production Logistics Summary. 7. Procurement Logistics. Procurement of Stock Material. Material Requirement Planning. Requisition Processing to Stock Material. Processing of RFQ Issued to Vendor. Vendor Quotation Processing. Purchase Order Processing for Stock Material. Goods Receipt Processing. Procurement of Consumable Materials. Procurement of Consignment Materials. Procurement of Subcontract Work. Stock Transfer Processing. External Services Management. R/3(TM) Procurement Logistics Summary. 8. External Accounting. Vendor Handling. Vendor Master Record Processing. Vendor Invoice Processing. Down Payment Release. Automatic Payment. Manual Payment. Customer Processing. OTA Vendor Processing. Creditor Subsidiary/Head-Office Processing. General Ledger Processing. Special-Purpose Ledger Handling. Consolidation. R/3(TM) External Accounting Overview. 9. Organization and Human Resource Management. Recruitment. Creating a Search. Tracking the Search Process. Job Description. Employee Application Processing. Confirming the Application Receipt. Preliminary Personnel Choice. Personnel Processing. Employment Agreement Offer Processing. Applicant Status Check. Preparation for Employing the Applicant. Rejection of Offer. Applicant Pool Administration. Putting an Application on Hold. Rejection of Application. Business Event Handling. Business Trip Management. Time Management Handling. International Payroll Processing. Salary Administration. Benefits Administration. Personnel Planning and Management. R/3 Procurement Logistics Overview. 10. Business Planning and Controlling. Cost Object Controlling. Production Order Preliminary Costing. Production Order Simultaneous Costing. Period-End Closing and Final Costing. Profitability Analysis. Profit Center Accounting. Overhead Cost Management. R/3(TM) Business Planning and Controlling Summary. 11. Capital Asset Management. Planned Plant Maintenance. Maintenance Plan Processing. Maintenance Plan Scheduling. Maintenance Call Processing. Maintenance Order Creation and Processing. Maintenance Order Release. Maintenance Order Execution. Maintenance Order Completion Confirmation. Maintenance Order Settlement. Damage-Related Maintenance Processing. Project-Based Maintenance Processing. Cash Management. Budgeting. Fixed Asset Processing. Leased Asset Processing. R/3(TM) Capital Asset Management Summary. 12. Finance Management. Treasury Management. Fixed-Term Deposit Processing (Money Market/Foreign Exchange/Derivatives Trading). Product Type Selection. Fixed-Term Deposit Processing. Rollover. Correspondence. Settlement in Treasury. Netting Processing. Posting Approval in Treasury. Posting in Treasury. Accrual. Key Date Valuation. Realized Profits/Losses. Treasury Master Data Scenario. New Security Management. Treasury. Treasury Information System. Cash Management. Market Risk Management. R/3(TM) Finance Management Summary. 13. Customer Service. Field Service. Recording and Processing Service Notifications. Opening and Processing Service Orders. Service Order Release. Service Order Completion Confirmation. Technical Results Recording. Resource-Related Billing and Invoice Processing. Service Order Settlement. Long-Term Service Agreements. In-House Repair Processing. Replacement Part Delivery Processing. Notification Receipt and Processing. Evaluations. R/3(TM) Customer Service Summary. III. ARCHITECTURE, FRAMEWORK, AND TOOLS. 14. Architecture of the R/3(TM) System. R/3(TM) and the Distributed Environment. The Three-Tier Client/Server R/3(TM) Architecture. Benefits of the R/3(TM) Three-Tier Client/Server. Interprogram Communication. Middleware Transaction Management. Rationale for Distributed Business-Process Integration. Capabilities of Application Distribution in R/3(TM). Tools for Application Distribution. Model-Based Application Distribution. Distribution Reference Model. Using the Business Blueprint for Application Integration. Conclusion. 15. R/3(TM) Framework and Infrastructure. Background of Business Integration. SAP(TM) Business Framework. Configuration of Enterprise Applications. Rationale for the Business Framework. Repository as Integrating Factor. Business Processes. Business Objects. Data Models. Object-Oriented Interfaces. Business Components. Enterprise Application Development. ABAP/4 Development Workbench. Development Workbench Features. Conclusion. 16. Business Engineering in R/3(TM). R/3(TM) Business Engineer Overview. Business Engineer and Streamlined Implementations. Modeling the Distributed Enterprise. Application Components. Session Manager. Enterprise Organization. Using the R/3(TM) Reference Model. Business Object Model. Object-Oriented Data Model. Business Process Model. Workflow Model. Guideline for Implementing R/3(TM). Project Management Procedure Model. AcceleratedSAP(TM). The Roadmap. Tools. R/3(TM) Services and Training. Phase 1: Project Preparation. Phase 2: Business Blueprint. Phase 3: Realization. Phase 4: Final Preparation. Phase 5: Go Live and Support Continuous Change. Workflow and Personnel Organization. Open Repository Interface. Business Engineer: Future Vision. 17. Next Generation Enterprise. What Is Internet ERP? Next Generation Application Components. The Industry Reference Model, Process Configuration, and Vertical Markets. Supply Chain Optimization, Planning, and Execution. Enterprise Application Integration. Business Object Integration Model. Business Process Integration Models. Electronic Commerce. Desktop ERP: Automating the Way People Work. Improved Browsers. Desktop ERP. Autonomous Software Agents. Conclusion. Index.


This paper deals with the North American automotive value chain and analyses the prospects for Canadian automotive sector upgrading. The size and importance of the automotive industry in Canada's Ontario Province is a legacy of its historic ties to the 'Big 3' US automakers and its proximity to the traditional heartland of the US industry in Michigan. Canada continues to have marginally lower operating costs than the USA and a strong industrial culture that attracts investment. But Mexico's integration into the North American production system, the rise of new centres of automotive production in the southern USA and rapidly growing flow of automotive parts from China to North America have begun to erode this advantage. Because the North American market is saturated, consisting mainly of sales of replacement vehicles, locational shifts in production and employment within North America are essentially 'zero-sum games'. If the market share of the Big 3 continues to fall and the southward shift of the industry within the USA is maintained, the sustainability of the Canadian industry could be undermined. The paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations for Canada to maintain its comparative advantage in the industry.


BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of research evidence to guide acute stroke care. Receiving care in a stroke unit improves access to recommended evidence-based therapies and patient outcomes. However, even in stroke units, evidence-based recommendations are inconsistently delivered by healthcare workers to patients with stroke. Implementation interventions are strategies designed to improve the delivery of evidence-based care.

OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of implementation interventions (compared to no intervention or another implementation intervention) on adherence to evidence-based recommendations by health professionals working in acute stroke units. Secondary objectives were to assess factors that may modify the effect of these interventions, and to determine if single or multifaceted strategies are more effective in increasing adherence with evidence-based recommendations.

SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute and ProQuest databases to 13 April 2022. We searched the grey literature and trial registries and reviewed reference lists of all included studies, relevant systematic reviews and primary studies; contacted corresponding authors of relevant studies and conducted forward citation searching of the included studies. There were no restrictions on language and publication date.

SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials and cluster-randomised trials. Participants were health professionals providing care to patients in acute stroke units; implementation interventions (i.e. strategies to improve delivery of evidence-based care) were compared to no intervention or another implementation intervention. We included studies only if they reported on our primary outcome which was quality of care, as measured by adherence to evidence-based recommendations, in order to address the review aim.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE. We compared single implementation interventions to no intervention, multifaceted implementation interventions to no intervention, multifaceted implementation interventions compared to single implementation interventions and multifaceted implementation interventions to another multifaceted intervention. Our primary outcome was adherence to evidence-based recommendations.

MAIN RESULTS
We included seven cluster-randomised trials with 42,489 patient participants from 129 hospitals, conducted in Australia, the UK, China, and the Netherlands. Health professional participants (numbers not specified) included nursing, medical and allied health professionals. Interventions in all studies included implementation strategies targeting healthcare workers; three studies included delivery arrangements, no studies used financial arrangements or governance arrangements. Five trials compared a multifaceted implementation intervention to no intervention, two trials compared one multifaceted implementation intervention to another multifaceted implementation intervention. No included studies compared a single implementation intervention to no intervention or to a multifaceted implementation intervention. Quality of care outcomes (proportions of patients receiving evidence-based care) were included in all included studies. All studies had low risks of selection bias and reporting bias, but high risk of performance bias. Three studies had high risks of bias from non-blinding of outcome assessors or due to analyses used. We are uncertain whether a multifaceted implementation intervention leads to any change in adherence to evidence-based recommendations compared with no intervention (risk ratio (RR) 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 3.61; 4 trials; 76 clusters; 2144 participants, I2 =92%, very low-certainty evidence). Looking at two specific processes of care, multifaceted implementation interventions compared to no intervention probably lead to little or no difference in the proportion of patients with ischaemic stroke who received thrombolysis (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.37, 2 trials; 32 clusters; 1228 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), but probably do increase the proportion of patients who receive a swallow screen within 24 hours of admission (RR 6.76, 95% CI 4.44 to 10.76; 1 trial; 19 clusters; 1,804 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Multifaceted implementation interventions probably make little or no difference in reducing the risk of death, disability or dependency compared to no intervention (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.02; 3 trials; 51 clusters ; 1228 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and probably make little or no difference to hospital length of stay compared with no intervention (difference in absolute change 1.5 days; 95% CI -0.5 to 3.5; 1 trial; 19 clusters; 1804 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We do not know if a multifaceted implementation intervention compared to no intervention result in changes to resource use or health professionals' knowledge because no included studies collected these outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We are uncertain whether a multifaceted implementation intervention compared to no intervention improves adherence to evidence-based recommendations in acute stroke settings, because the certainty of evidence is very low.


Swine production has become, in a relatively short time, one of the most competitive agribusinesses. The increase in international exportation of pork, dynamic changes in the efficiency of hog production, and the increasing preference of consumers for alternative meats has mandated that the swine industry be competitive with other producers of protein foodstuffs. Recent changes in the American swine industry have been dynamic. During the past 10 years, the financial advantage of volume selling and buying has led to an unwavering, irreversible evolution toward increasingly larger herd sizes. Accompanying this has been an ongoing trend toward decentralization away from the traditional grain-rich regions of the Midwest and consolidation of the meat packing industry. Although America remains one of the largest international producers of pork, imports into the domestic market have increased dramatically in recent years and now constitute approximately 8 percent of all pork consumed. In this climate of increased competition for more discerning markets, the independent producer has been faced with the challenge of either becoming efficient in the next decade or running the risk of no longer being competitive and no longer having a product desired by the marketplace. So, why keep records? A necessary prelude to being competitive in hog production is a usable record system allowing the producer to monitor both biological and financial performance and to troubleshoot production and financial problems.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 15, 1990


An observational study of the Oakland Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA) and its Ryan White Title I HIV health services planning council, officially known as the Alameda/Contra Costa HIV Planning Council, has been in progress since October 1992. This paper reports on the background, methodology, and several preliminary findings of this research. It is argued that a Title I planning council's organizational form fits precisely the definition of a minimalist organization, and that the environment in which a planning council must function is turbulent. We identify several aspects of a planning council's turbulent environ- ment and the consequences for a planning council of a catastrophic loss of experienced and knowledgeable membership. We note that both internal and external environmental forces can seriously impair a planning council's functioning as an organization, or even culminate in its dissolution or sudden collapse, to be followed by its swift replacement by a newly appointed successor planning council. Furthermore, the planning council replacement procedure that we identify, when adroitly performed, apparently can be completed without jeopardizing either the EMA's Title I status and eligibility or the delivery of Title I-funded health and social services in the EMA. We conclude that the planning council replacement procedure is an example of environmental selection as hypothesized by theorists of the organizational ecology perspective. Several implications of these findings for practitioners are offered, as well as one warning.


Losses of C from decomposing permafrost may be offset by increased productivity of tundra plants, but nitrogen availability partially limits plant growth in tundra ecosystems. In this soil incubation experiment carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling dynamics were examined from the soil surface down through upper permafrost. We found that losses of CO2 were negatively correlated to net N mineralization because C‐rich surface soils mineralized little N, while deep soils had low rates of C respiration but high rates of net N mineralization. Permafrost soils released a large flush of inorganic N when initially thawed. Depth‐specific rates of N mineralization from the incubation were combined with thaw depths and soil temperatures from a nearby manipulative warming experiment to simulate the potential magnitude, timing, and depth of inorganic N release during the process of permafrost thaw. Our calculations show that inorganic N released from newly thawed permafrost may be similar in magnitude to the increase in N mineralized by warmed soils in the middle of the profile. The total release of inorganic N from the soil profile during the simulated thaw process was twice the size of the observed increase in the foliar N pool observed at the manipulative experiment. Our findings suggest that increases in N availability are likely to outpace the N demand of tundra plants during the first 5 years of permafrost thaw and may increase C losses from surface soils as well as induce denitrification and leaching of N from these ecosystems.


Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a contagious and vector-borne disease of livestock caused by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Vesicle formation in the oral mucosa, and in the skin of the coronary band (CB), teats, prepuce and vulva characterize the disease. Transmission occurs via direct animal-to-animal contact or via biting and non-biting insects. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. Viremia is rarely reported in livestock, viral replication kinetics in tissue is unknown, the role of insect bite in infection has not been established, and the detailed immune response to VSV acute infection has not been described. To address these questions steers were inoculated with VSV via scarification (SC) and black fly bite (FB) in the CB and in the skin of the neck. Animals were euthanized from 12 to 120 hours post infection (HPI). Multiple tissue samples and serum were collected for virus isolation and detection of numerous T helper 1 and 2 cytokines. Samples were also processed for immunohistochemistry to characterize the inflammatory cell infiltration. This study describes that VSV replicates to high copy numbers in specific anatomic regions, such as the CB, but fails to replicate and to cause lesions in the skin of the neck. Viral replication in the CB peaks between 24 and 48 HPI, with detection of replicating virus restricted to 24 HPI in the lymph nodes. Lesions are more prominent and develop faster in FB-inoculated animals. There is up-regulation of MHC II in SCinoculated animals, with lack of MHC II up-regulation in the FB-inoculated animals, which may explain why lesions are more severe with FB. Marked T helper 1 cytokines are present at 48 HPI in the CB of infected animals, which comes immediately after the peak of virus replication. Strong and acute antiviral cytokine response may prevent the virus from systemic spread (viremia). Viral antigen presentation to B cell through follicular dendritic cells occurs as early as 72 HPI. This finding correlates with the fact that neutralizing antibodies are produced early in VSV infection. The results of this study add new data to better understand VS pathogenesis and might be instrumental for disease control and prevention. INDEX WORDS: Black flies; cattle; cytokines; immunohistochemistry; in situ hybridization; pathogenesis; vesicular stomatitis virus. PATHOGENESIS OF ACUTE VESICULAR STOMATITIS INFECTION IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED CATTLE


Abstract In this review paper a set of chemical (H2O, CO2, S, HCl, HF) and water isotopic (δD, δ18O) data is compiled for 26 subduction zone volcanoes and 3 volcanoes of other tectonic settings. To the arc-volcano dataset we added new data on high-temperature gas vents from three Kamchatkan volcanoes (Gorely, Bezymianny and Tolbachik) and also published data on the chemical composition of volcanic plumes obtained by remote instrumental techniques (Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (OP-FTIR), Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) MultiGas) for volcanoes of different tectonic settings. Three typical cases of the persistent volcanic degassing in terms of δD, δ18O of the volcanic vapour and its HCl content are discussed in detail: (1) Kudryavy type with a clear two-end-member mixing behaviour; (2) degassing of active or cooling lava domes with fractionation of both water isotopes and Cl content; and (3) degassing of small volcanic islands with a complex admixing of meteorics and seawater. We show that independently of the complexity of the shallow processes which affect volcano degassing, the highest temperature volcanic gases are characterized by δD values and HCl concentrations close to −25‰ V-SMOW and 0.5–1.0 mol%, respectively. These values are the same for any volcanic arc (except maybe Mediterranean volcanoes) and are the result of seawater recycling at subduction zones on the global scale. In contrast to volcanic fluids of non-arc settings, the arc-magmatic fluid has uniformity not only in water isotopic composition and Cl content but also in the total composition (H–C–O–S–Cl–F).


The incidence of breast cancer among premenopausal women has been increasing rapidly in recent decades in East Asia. This case-control study investigated whether estrogen-DNA adducts were associated with breast cancer risk in Taiwan. The control group (n = 146) comprised healthy female volunteers and women with non-proliferative breast disease. The case group (n = 221) comprised women either with proliferative benign breast disease or breast cancer. The ratios of estrogen-DNA adducts to their respective metabolites and conjugates in plasma were analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and COMT were genotyped. Logistic regression model was used to compare the estrogen-DNA adduct ratios between the two groups. The estrogen-DNA adduct ratio in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (median ratio: 58.52 vs. 29.36, P = 0.004). A multiple logistic regression model demonstrated that a unit increase in the natural log of the estrogen-DNA adduct ratio in premenopausal women was a significant predictor of breast cancer risk, with an estimated hazard ratio of 1.718 (1.444 - 2.046, P < 0.001). However, the CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and COMT SNPs were not associated with the estrogen-DNA adduct ratios. In conclusion, plasma estrogen-DNA adduct ratio was associated with the presence of breast cancer or proliferating benign breast disease in premenopausal women in Taiwan.


The effect of different infrared power levels on drying kinetics of watermelon seed was investigated. The seeds dried at 83, 125, 167 and 209 W infrared powers. It was observed that the power level affected the drying and rehydration characteristics of watermelon seeds. Drying time reduced from 170 to 40 min as the infrared power level increased from 83 to 209 W. Midilli et al. and Hii et al. models are satisfactorily described drying kinetics. Effective diffusivity varied from 0.72 × 10−10 to 3.78 × 10−10 m2/s and activation energy was calculated as 15.45 kW/kg. The highest energy efficiency was found for the samples dried at 209 W.

Practical Applications

Watermelon is an important crop grown in the warmer regions of the world. The fresh or juice from watermelon is used for human consumption. It contains large quantities of seeds, which can be cooked, dried and served as snacks. Because of high initial moisture content, the watermelon seed is very sensitive to microbial spoilage. Drying is one of the preservation methods applied to agricultural products. The basic objective of drying agricultural products is the removal of water in the solids up to a certain level, at which microbial spoilage and deterioration chemical reaction are greatly minimized. Besides, knowledge of drying characteristics is important in the design, simulation and optimization of drying process.


Background: In chronic hepatitis C, it has been suggested that steatosis could accelerate progression of fibrosis. However, results of the few published studies are controversial. Aim: To determine the characteristics (epidemiological, biological, and histological) associated with steatosis and its relationship with liver lesions (grade of necroinflammation and stage of fibrosis) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: From November 2000 to July 2001, untreated consecutive adults with chronic hepatitis C admitted for liver biopsy were included in this study. On the day of liver biopsy, a questionnaire for risk factors was completed prospectively, and a blood sample was obtained for laboratory analysis. Results: Our study included 290 patients (143 men, 147 women). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24 (3.8) kg/m. Proportions of patients with genotypes 1 and 3 were, respectively, 48% and 18%. A total of 135 patients (46.6%) had steatosis. Liver steatosis, in multivariate analysis, was associated with hepatitis C virus genotype 3, higher grade of necroinflammation, and higher BMI. There was no significant association between stage of fibrosis and liver steatosis. In multivariate analysis, high stage of fibrosis was associated with male sex, age over 50 years, high BMI, and high grade of necroinflammation. Conclusion: In our population of patients with chronic hepatitis C, steatosis does not seem to be an important determinant of liver fibrosis. High grade of necroinflammation is associated with a high stage of fibrosis.


The conversion and storage of solar energy to chemical energy via artificial photosynthesis holds significant potential for optimizing the energy situation and mitigating the global warming effect. Photocatalytic water splitting utilizing particulate semiconductors offers great potential for the production of renewable hydrogen, while this cross-road among biology, chemistry, and physics features a topic with fascinating interdisciplinary challenges. Progress in photocatalytic water splitting has been achieved in recent years, ranging from fundamental scientific research to pioneering scalable practical applications. In this review, we focus mainly on the recent advancements in terms of the development of new light-absorption materials, insights and strategies for photogenerated charge separation, and studies towards surface catalytic reactions and mechanisms. In particular, we emphasize several efficient charge separation strategies such as surface-phase junction, spatial charge separation between facets, and polarity-induced charge separation, and also discuss their unique properties including ferroelectric and photo-Dember effects on spatial charge separation. By integrating time- and space-resolved characterization techniques, critical issues in photocatalytic water splitting including photoinduced charge generation, separation and transfer, and catalytic reactions are analyzed and reviewed. In addition, photocatalysts with state-of-art efficiencies in the laboratory stage and pioneering scalable solar water splitting systems for hydrogen production using particulate photocatalysts are presented. Finally, some perspectives and outlooks on the future development of photocatalytic water splitting using particulate photocatalysts are proposed.


The modern coroner is the heir of a long and honoured tradition with its roots in Anglo-Saxon England. The primary duty of the ancient "crowner" or "King's man" was to support the interests of the King of England by investigating violent deaths. The modern counterpart of this royal officer has a much broader range of duties in the interests of justice and the state. Not only do today's coroners act as "ombudsmen for the dead", but they also are becoming increasingly involved in medico-legal investigations of service to the living.


Customer interactions are changing in the digital age with implications on the digital enterprise. The predominant channel-based thinking is superseded by touchpoint-based thinking, which entails a more granular perspective on each customer contact regardless of the communication channel. Interestingly, there exists an analogy between this development and the dissemination of the process-oriented enterprise over the function-oriented enterprise. This position paper builds on this circumstance and argues for the knowledge transfer from the mature Business Process Management (BPM) domain to the nascent Touchpoint Management (TPM) domain. To substantiate this idea, a theoretical framework is proposed. It is illustrating methods that are deemed useful for TPM in the form of four propositions, as well as it clarifies the process of knowledge transfer between BPM and TPM through a research design.


Many liquid storage tanks around the world have been affected by earthquakes, and the seismic analysis of such tanks is much more complicated due to the Fluid-Structure Interaction. Besides, when the soil properties are taken into the consideration, the analysis with the Fluid-Soil-Structure Interaction becomes very complicated. In this paper, a series of shaking table tests are conducted on a model of the cylindrical water tank rested on  dry granular soil and the equivalent load is considered to study the effect of hydrodynamic pressure generated in the storage water tank on the soil behavior. An experimental investigation of (1:100) scale model has been carried out on a shake table that was manufactured with specific mechanical parts and flexible laminar shear box. The preparation of the test included three cases in different relative densities (medium, dense, medium-dense). Three earthquake histories (Kobe, El-Centro and Ali Al-Gharbi) were implemented to study a wide range of the acceleration. The results showed that the acceleration at the bottom-depth of the soil column is slightly higher than at the mid-depth, while at the top portion of the soil column, the acceleration comparatively becomes less than that at the mid-depth. The settlement due to hydrodynamic pressure in the storage base tank is significantly reduced compared with results of nonhydrodynamic pressure in all cases of the acceleration history. In addition, the lateral stress at the surface gives higher than the stress at a depth equal to the diameter of the base tank.


This study tries to find the causal relationship between bilateral trade and FDI in India and East Asian countries using macroeconomic data and derive policy implications for regional integration. Since the late 2000s, Korea, Japan and Singapore's trade and FDI with India have been rapidly increasing, but the causal relationship between trade and FDI could not be found, contrary to expectations. The relationship between trade and FDI in the US, the UK and Germany with India showed one-way or two-way causality, respectively. The estimation suggests that the causal relationship between trade and FDI in both countries could be formed by long-term economic exchange rather than a short-term surge in scale.


This article presents a shared vision among stakeholders across the value chain on the use of radio positioning and sensing for road safety in the 5G ecosystem. The key enabling technologies and architectural functionalities are explored, focusing on the extremely stringent localization and communication requirements. A case study for joint radar and communication using experimental data showcases the potential of the new enablers that are paving the way toward enhanced road safety in beyond 5G scenarios.


: Recommendations for safe and adequate dietary intakes of selenium were recently established. The recommendations were based largely on data from animals, because few data for humans were available. Some information regarding the dietary selenium intake required by humans to replace excretory losses has now appeared, but the bioavailability to humans of selenium from different dietary sources has not been determined. Selenium bioavailability depends on several metabolic processes, including not only absorption but also conversion into a biochemically active form. Of the different forms of selenium in foods, probably not all are converted to biologically active selenium with equal ease. Therefore, determination of selenium absorption may not in itself yield an accurate estimate of selenium bioavailability. Rather, functional tests, such as measurement of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase, apparently are more valid for determining selenium bioavailability. Various food sources of selenium for humans differ widely in their ability to restore hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity in selenium-depleted rats. Platelet glutathione peroxidase activity seems to be particularly promising for bioavailability studies because platelets are a convenient biopsy material and the platelet enzyme is sensitive to changes in dietary selenium intake. Work in progress should establish the feasibility of this approach for future research in this area.


(Ba,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3 (BSCF) perovskite solid solutions are promising materials for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes and oxygen permeation membranes. Cathode performance strongly depends on the morphology of these materials remaining as a single phase or two-phase mixture. Combining ab initio calculations of the atomic and electronic structure of different supercells with thermodynamics of solid solutions, we have constructed and discussed phase diagrams of several important BSCF chemical compositions. It is demonstrated that in BSC cobaltite solid solution the spinodal decomposition may occur already at relatively low temperatures, while ferrite (BSF and SCF) solid solutions decompose at relatively high temperatures forming a two-phase system where the coexisting hexagonal and cubic phases significantly differ in fractions of constituents.


The insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) gene, Idd3, has been localised to a 0.35 cM region of chromosome 3 containing the structural gene for the cytokine interleukin 2 (IL-2). While variation of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of IL-2 has been shown to correlate with Idd3 allelic variation, differences in induction of proliferation by IL-2 allotypes have not been detected. In the current study, we examined the electrophoretic migration of IL-2 allotypes and have found two distinct patterns, consistent with differences in glycosylation, that correlate with diabetes-resistance and susceptibility. These findings strongly suggest that IL-2 variants may be functionally distinct.


Cigarette smoking has been shown to impair endothelium-dependent dilation in arteries. We tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoking also impairs endothelium-dependent venodilation and evaluated changes in this response after smoking cessation in a time-course study using the dorsal hand vein technique. Dose-response curves were constructed in smokers and nonsmokers by infusing bradykinin (1-278 ng/min), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and nitroglycerin (0.006-1,583 ng/min), an endothelium-independent vasodilator, into hand veins preconstricted with the selective α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. The maximal venodilation induced by bradykinin was 89 ± 5% in controls ( n = 16) and 61 ± 7% in smokers ( n = 18; P = 0.02). No difference in nitroglycerin-induced venodilation was observed between the two groups. Coinfusion of l-arginine (0.33 mg/min) markedly improved the bradykinin-induced venodilation in smokers (52 ± 7 to 90 ± 9%; P < 0.01). After acute smoking cessation ( n = 7), restoration to normal bradykinin-induced venodilation was observed within 24 h, whereas no change in the response to a maximally effective dose of nitroglycerin (1,583 ng/min) was detected. In a human vein model appropriate for testing vascular functional alterations, this study demonstrates that smoking impairs endothelium-dependent venodilation in heavy smokers. Moreover, this endothelial dysfunction appears to be rapidly reversible after smoking cessation. This model may be useful in studies evaluating mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and interventions to modify it.


Abstract: Objective: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent finding in Dengue fever. Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a diagnosis of exclusion and is not associated with febrile illness. Ignoring fever, low platelet count and clinical signs may be similar in both conditions. Peripheral film finding in Dengue fever shows many reactive lymphocytes. Enumeration of these reactive lymphocytes as high fluorescence lymphocyte count (HFLC) and computing immature fraction of platelets (IPF) may be useful in differentiating these two disorders as soon as the blood sample is analyzed on XN-1000 hematology analyzer. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at National Institute of Blood Disease and Bone Marrow transplantation from January to July 2019 during (Dengue season); blood samples from emergency room were analyzed on XN-1000 hematology analyzer for complete blood count and IPF. Samples with thrombocytopenia were checked for IPF count and HFLC from the extended research parameter data of the analyzer. Patients presenting with fever, had Dengue NS-1 tested. Detailed history & examination was recorded from the patients. Results: Out of the 124 patients, 62 (50%) patients of Dengue and ITP respectively. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Mean age in Dengue was 25.52±10.46 years while 34.44 + 20.82 years in ITP group. Mean platelet count was significantly higher in dengue than ITP patients (120.59 ± 80.28 x109/L versus 41.84 ±38.62 x109/L) (p<0.001). HFLC was 11.71± 7.17% in Dengue fever while 0.198±0.25% in ITP patients whereas IPF in ITP group was 21.91 ± 16.09% while 8.79± 4.39%in Dengue patients were found to be significant i.e. (p<0.001). Conclusion: Excluding fever, thrombocytopenia, presence of increased number of HFLC and low or normal IPF can reliably a predictor of a diagnosis in Dengue season. Keywords: High fluorescence lymphocyte counts, Immature platelet functions, Dengue, Immune thrombocytopenia, Resource constraint Laboratories, Research parameters.


In this study, a real-time temperature compensation control system for tunable high-Q cavity-based filters are designed, implemented, and experimentally validated. Both bandpass (BPFs) (700–1000 MHz) and bandstop filters (BSFs) (1300–1600 MHz) with high-Q ( Q ≃ 400 ) resonators are monitored in real time to compensate for any temperature variations. The monitoring scheme includes additional resonators that share the same tuning piezoelectric actuators with the resonators of the radio frequency (RF) filters. An oscillator is coupled with each monitoring resonator resulting in an output signal at a frequency directly linked to the RF resonance. Each monitoring resonator is controlled by a user-provided input through a closed-loop in real time. The presented system is capable of compensating for temperature variations in the − 40 and 80 ∘ C range. The average system resolution varies from 0.23 to 9 MHz, depending on temperature, with a 1 ms sensing period. The closed-loop frequency shift is 6.5 MHz (0.93%) and 8.75 MHz (0.65%) for the BPFs and BSFs, respectively, in the − 40 to 80 ∘ C temperature range. This is to be compared with the open-loop change of 256 MHz (36%) and 590 MHz (44%) for the same temperature change. The monitoring oscillator power leakage to the RF cavities is optimised and measured to −101 dBm.


Discussion of an article T.L. Klyachko, V.A. Mau Tendencies in the Development of Higher Professional Education in Russia // Journal of Educational Studies. 2007. № 3. P. 46–64.


Objective: To evaluate whether kidney and cyst volumes can be accurately estimated based on limited area measurements from magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Materials and Methods: MR coronal images of 178 ADPKD participants from the Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of ADPKD (CRISP) were analyzed. For each MR image slice, we measured kidney and renal cyst areas using stereology and region-based thresholding methods, respectively. The kidney and cyst 'observed' volumes were calculated by summing up the area measurements of all the slices covering the kidney. To estimate the volume, we selected a coronal mid-slice in each kidney and multiplied its area by the total number of slices ('PANK2' for kidney and 'PANC2' for cyst). We then compared the kidney and cyst volumes predicted from PANK2 and PANC2, respectively, to the corresponding observed volumes, using a linear regression analysis. Results: The kidney volume predicted from PANK2 correlated extremely well with the observed kidney volume (R2 = 0.994 for the right kidney and 0.991 for the left kidney). The linear regression coefficient multiplier to PANK2 that best fit the kidney volume was 0.637 (95% CI: 0.629-0.644) for the right kidney and 0.624 (95% CI: 0.616-0.633) for the left kidney. The correlation between the cyst volume predicted from PANC2 and the observed cyst volume was also very high (R2 = 0.984 for the right kidney and 0.967 for the left kidney). The least squares linear regression coefficient for PANC2 was 0.637 (95% CI: 0.624-0.649) for the right kidney and 0.608 (95% CI: 0.591-0.625) for the left kidney. Conclusion: Kidney and cyst volumes can be closely approximated by multiplying the product of the mid-slice area measurement and the total number of slices in the coronal MR images of ADPKD kidneys by 0.61-0.64. This information will help save processing time needed to estimate total kidney and cyst volumes of ADPKD kidneys.


Islet transplantation is a potential cure for diabetic patients, however this procedure is not widely adopted due to the high rate of graft failure. Islet encapsulation within hydrogels is employed to provide a three‐dimensional microenvironment conducive to survival of transplanted islets to extend graft function. Herein, we present a novel macroencapsulation device, composed of PEG hydrogel, that combines encapsulation with lithography techniques to generate polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds. PEG solutions are mixed with islets, which are then cast into PDMS molds for subsequent crosslinking. The molds can also be employed to provide complex architectures, such as microchannels that may allow vascular ingrowth through pre‐defined regions of the hydrogel. PDMS molds allowed for the formation of stable gels with encapsulation of islets, and in complex architectures. Hydrogel devices with a thickness of 600 μm containing 500 islets promoted normoglycemia within 12 days following transplantation into the epididymal fat pad, which was sustained over the two‐month period of study until removal of the device. The inclusion of microchannels, which had a similar minimum distance between islets and the hydrogel surface, similarly promoted normoglycemia. A glucose challenge test indicated hydrogel devices achieved normoglycemia 90 min post‐dextrose injections, similar to control mice with native pancreata. Histochemical staining revealed that transplanted islets, identified as insulin positive, were viable and isolated from host tissue at 8 weeks post‐transplantation, yet devices with microchannels had tissue and vascular ingrowth within the channels. Taken together, these results demonstrate a system for creating non‐degradable hydrogels with complex geometries for encapsulating islets capable of restoring normoglycemia, which may expand islet transplantation as a treatment option for diabetic patients. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2485–2495. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


ABSTRACT The Black Swift (Cypseloides niger) was first discovered in Colorado in 1880, yet information on prey items taken by this species in Colorado is very rare. We collected and identified prey items of Black Swifts from three breeding locations in Colorado during August over a seven-year period (2006–2012) and identified 5,371 insects representing 10 orders and 54 families. We compare our data with historical Black Swift prey item information from other locations in North America. These data indicate that Black Swifts forage on a wider array of insect taxa and sizes than previously reported in other parts of its range.


The aim of this study is to identify elasmobranch species present in the SouthernTyrrhenian Sea, to describe their distribution and abundance, to identify significant spatial or temporal differences between species. 14 bottom trawl surveys were carried out from 1994 to 2007. 16 species of elasmobranchs were recorded. Multidimentional Scaling Ordination (MDS) showed two groups according to the depth gradient: in the first one the stations from upper slope and in the second one the stations from middle slope. Mean biomass indices and frequency of occurrence showed that Galeus melastomus, Etmopterus spinax and Scyliorhinus canicula were the most abundant species. Mean biomass indices for other species were very low. The mean abundance of G. melastomus exhibited a positive temporal trend in biomass and density. The mean abundance of E. spinax exhibited a negative temporal trend in biomass and in density. For other species abundance varied greatly between years, even if there was no evident trend.


In this study, numerical analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of slot die nozzle exit rear pressure on coating uniformity improvement in coating nozzles which are widely used in industry. Coating uniformity in coatings of viscosity materials such as inks and surface coating solutions is closely related to the quality of the product. Especially, coating uniformity is an important performance indicator for slot die coatings, which are used primarily in the production of optical or chemical products such as displays, touch screens, solar panels, and batteries. In general, the average thickness of a thin film in a slot die coating is determined by the supply flow rate and the moving speed of the plate. However, due to various parameters, thickness irregularities and coating defects due to pores occur locally. Therefore, many studies have recently been performed to solve the local defect of the slot die coating. In order to improve the coating uniformity, this study applied the vacuum pressure condition to the slot die nozzle rear end and numerical study on the coating uniformity according to the vacuum pressure was carried out. The numerical analysis proceeded to 2-D, unsteady condition and the VOF method. A commercial numerical simulation software (STAR-CCM+ V.12.06) was used. It was simulated that the coating liquid was supplied onto the moving plate surface. The moving plate speed was fixed 0.01m/s. The nozzle geometry simulates a slot die nozzle. And the coating raw material supply flow rate was considered for two conditions (0.005, 0.006m/s). Two vacuum pressure conditions (−3, −300Pa) were applied to the rear end of the nozzle. The viscosity of the viscous material was fixed at 2 Pa.s. The analysis results were analyzed through the uniformity of the material supplied to the surface. As a result of analysis, uniformity of coating was lowered regardless of the velocity when the vacuum pressure condition was −3.0 Pa, and uniformity was lowered as the velocity increased. However, it was confirmed that uniformity of the coating was increased at all velocity condition when the vacuum pressure condition was −300 Pa. This is because as the flat plate moves, the reverse pressure is applied to the downstream of the coating solution, thereby improving the uniformity of the coating liquid flowing through the flat plate and preventing the inflow of air or the like. Through this study, it was confirmed that the coating uniformity can be improved by controlling the vacuum pressure at the rear end of the nozzle.


A brief history of the development and growth of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) is presented; their differences from traditional medical practice and insurance are addressed. Critical management needs for success are discussed. Other entities in managed care are noted, especially how they differ from HMOs. How advanced nursing has been included in HMOs is presented. Future opportunities in HMOs are addressed, emphasizing differences among models. Finally, roles for nurses, not necessarily advanced practice nurses (APNs) in its strict meaning, who also need additional training and experience to perform duties other than direct patient care, are mentioned.


A 45-year-old man with end-stage renal disease due to polycystic kidney disease was admitted to the hospital because of recurrent abdominal pain, progressive peripheral motor neuron neuropathy, and respiratory failure. The diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria was confirmed by an elevated porphyrin concentration in the urine and the presence of an R167Q mutation in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene. Use of hydroxyzine, weight loss, and/or a mild upper respiratory viral infection might have been the provoking factor of the acute intermittent porphyria. Treatment with intravenous hemin (3 mg/kg) and a high-carbohydrate diet (3000 kcal/d) had no clinical effect. Tetraplegia and chronic respiratory insufficiency developed, and the patient needed a pacemaker because of a symptomatic sinus bradycardia due to autonomic dysfunction. The patient died 10 months after the first manifestation of acute intermittent porphyria.


Immunomodulators are key to the management of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To ensure safety and efficacy, UK guidance recommend immunomodulator review.
 At University Hospitals Sussex (UHS), reviews are completed by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), with specialised IBD pharmacists and nurses leading on autonomous blood monitoring and symptom review (figure 1).
 This workload puts considerable strain on the UHS IBD team. Upskilling and task shifting is recognised as legitimate strategy for service enhancement, care access, cost effectiveness and sustainability plus ensures team flexibility, boosted morale and career progression.
 The UHS IBD team includes a highly motivated pharmacy technician (PT). In the UK, PT are registered non-prescribing healthcare professionals, but training does not include autonomous blood monitoring and symptom review.

 To ensure competency of autonomous blood monitoring and symptom review, a training package was developed and was approved by UHS Medicines Governance Group.
 Once accredited, PT prospectively recorded blood monitoring and symptom review activity over, 10-weeks (figure 2 and, 3) and referrals completed (figure 4).

 The training package was completed in, 10 weeks.
 Over, 10 weeks, PT completed, 699 distinct monitoring activities, with, 57 (8%) needing referral to the specialised pharmacist.
 The highest proportion of workload was observed in the IBD infusion clinic (314, 45%), followed by thiopurine monitoring (250, 36%) and then 'others' (135, 19%). 'Others' were essential IBD activities including faecal calprotectin levels (FCPL), pre-initiation tests (e.g. thiopurine methyltransferase levels (TPMT), viral screening, t-spots) and medication levels to optimise therapy.
 All referrals to the specialised pharmacist were appropriate as needed action by a prescribing professional.
 In addition, PT contributed substantially to data collection for virtual biologic clinic (VBIC) reviews;, 32 patients.
 Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from all effected stakeholders (PT, IBD pharmacy and nursing team and gastroenterologists).

 Identifying appropriate tasks and upskilling the IBD PT has enabled a more cost-effective and efficient use of IBD workflow, care standardisation, team robustness and staff morale.
 Approved training and support are required to enable upskilling and continued service safety and we recommend that skills are recognised locally and nationally.


This paper presents detailed learnings into the dissection of a flexible riser section, which had been operating for seven (7) years and subjected to high rates of fatigue damage, after operational field changes. Detailed global and local fatigue analyses were performed to assess the response of the riser system taking into account significant changes between the design and the operational history. These environmental and operational changes were shown to have a negative impact on the fatigue performance of the risers, in particular the top section located inside the bend stiffner. Fatigue analyses are performed using field measured data such as vessel headings, internal pressures and environmental conditions, aiming to replicate the riser response history and calculate fatigue usage to date. Actual field data are shown to be more onerous than design data and therefore a detrimental fatigue response is expected. Results from detailed fatigue analysis shows that flexible risers fatigue usage were above the maximum allowable of 0.1, as outlined in API [1,2]. The most critical location was the pressure armour wires of the top section, located inside the bend stiffener. A mitigation plan was proposed, including an immediate reduction of internal pressure to reduce the risk of riser failure, and the removal of the fatigued riser top section. After removal of the fatigue critical section, the riser was re-terminated and its fatigue performance reinstated. The pipe section removed from operation was carefully dissected. Following the dissection, each riser layer was investigated to determine possible signs of degradation. Additionally, fatigue testing of both pressure and tensile armour wires were performed to determine potential fatigue degradation and confirm analyses findings. Dissection and fatigue tests have demonstrated that the pipe condition was better than expected, highlighting conservatisms in design and analyses methodologies. In-service inspection of flexible riser internal layers is highly complex, with no detailed insight of all the respective layers. Dissection of a flexible riser, in service for seven (7) years and exposed to high rates of fatigue damage, provides valuable information about the state of the different layers comprising the cross section. This is particularly useful since analytical work have shown the riser to have exceeded the fatigue limit of 0.1 as defined per API. The good state of the flexible riser, on the contrary to the prediction, highlights a good level of conservatism in flexible riser design and methodology. Learn more at www.2hoffshore.com


Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence and severity of depressive mood states among graduate-level allied health students. Participants: Students (N = 77) completed this study. Methods: Participants completed a series of self-reported surveys measuring moods, lifestyle behaviors, trait mental and physical energy and fatigue, and objective assessments of Trail-Making Test Part-B, and muscle oxygen consumption. Multiple backwards linear regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with depressive mood states. Results: When accounting for all subjects, increased severity of depressive mood states was associated with worse sleep quality (SQ), increased sitting time (ST), and trait physical fatigue (TPF). When examining subjects reporting depressive mood states, increased severity of depressive mood states was associated with worse SQ, increased ST, decreased mental workload on non-school days, and trait physical energy (TPE). Conclusion: Adjustments in lifestyle factors such as sleep, mental workload, and ST, may ameliorate depressive mood states.


The problem in this research is the in the basic sector in South Minahasa District and the potential sectors to be developed as a support for economic growth in South Minahasa District. The purpose of this study is to analyze the basic sector and potential sectors in South Minahasa district. The study lasted four months starting June 2016 until September 2016, started with the preparation period to the preparation of research studies. This study used secondary data obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics of North Sulawesi province and the Central Bureau of Statistics South Minahasa district. Analysis used LQ, Shift Share, and MRP. The Result shows that the base sector in the Domestic Regional Product Of South Minahasa District. There are four sectors Agriculture sector, Mining and Quarrying, Manufacturing Industry Sector, and the Construction Sector. Values shift share South Minahasa district likely to lead to an economy that will grow relatively slowly and did not have a competitive advantage, and There are two sectors of the value of MRP that stand out in North Sulawesi province and South Minahasa District the Construction Sector, and Health Services and Social Activity sectors. Manufacturing sector, and Administration Sector, Government, Defense and Compulsory Social Assurance. These sectors are expected to be a potential role in contributing to the growth in north Sulawesi province because These sectors are potential sector that can be developed in South Minahasa district.


This manuscript describes a fine-scale land cover reconstruction for the EU-27 for the period 1950-2010. Such a set of maps is a potentially important dataset for a range of applications, including better GHG accounting. The paper represents a major advance compared to existing datasets in terms of resolution, disaggregation methodology, and input data used. I have a few comments and suggestions for revisions that would further strengthen the paper.


The legal situation of companies costs for investing in computer software in an income tax law perspective is described by a tax law guidance that generelly acount these costs according the principles of research and development. If there is any reason to classify the costs differently, it could mean that immediate deduction not will be allowed. For this reason it is important to establish what the legal situation would be in a more nuanced tax law classification. The tax law categories that will be analysed in the thesis are research and development, inventories, intangible assets, stocks and ongoing projects. The purpose of this thesis is mainly to give examples of what such an income tax law classification can look like.While dealing with the problems of classifying the costs some situations of competition will occure. My conclusion is that it is important to bring out the multiplicity and the comlpexity that marks the legal situation in question. In each specific case yet some situations can occure that I haven't been close to border on. The income tax law classification of companies costs in computer software shall be descided with the very purpose of the specific investment in mind and as only parameter.


An imbalance in the human dietary intake of various types of fatty acids has become apparent. Results of fundamental studies have shown specific and beneficial effects on human health and well-being through the consumption of the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which play an important role in rectifying this imbalance. As a result of these observations, recent recommendations pertaining to the consumption of dietary fat have stressed the importance of consuming higher levels of these fatty acids. In addition to increasing oily fish consumption, intake of the n-3 polyunsaturates can be enhanced through the consumption of commonly occurring non-fish foods containing elevated levels of these fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of the lipids of avian egg yolk and muscle tissues may be modified to match human nutritional guidelines better by appropriately manipulating the fatty acid composition of the diet; for example, modifications of the avian diet have raised total n-3 fatty acid content in egg yolk to over 200mg. Beneficial effects on blood lipoprotein characteristics in humans who consumed eggs with such modified fatty acid contents have been recorded. As in the case of eggs, meaningful quantities of n-3 polyunsaturates have been incorporated into major poultry muscle tissues. Concerns have been expressed over the development of unacceptable odours in eggs and meat from birds fed diets with increased polyunsaturation. However, by using only high quality materials, limiting the amount of fish oil or fishmeal within the diet and optimising the provision of supplemental dietary antioxidants, the production of eggs and meat with increased n-3 polyunsaturates is practicable.


Lactobacilli belong to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), that have several distinguished abilities such as production of lactic acid, enzymes such as β-Galactosidase and natural antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins. Bacteriocin is a biopreservative agent potential of suppressing growth of some contaminant bacteria in food industry but its commercial availability is limited and costly. The study aimed to select isolates of Lactobacillus spp. potential for producing bacteriocins to suppress the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus subtilis NCIB3610, and to optimize the process of bacteriocin production. Results obtained in this study showed that L. acidophilus isolate CH1 was selected as the best candidate for bacteriocin among the four isolates that tested. The largest amounts of the bacteriocins were synthesized only in MRS medium was supplemented with K2HPO4 (1.0%), Tween 80 (1%), Beef extract (1%), glucose, cyctein and peptone extract (1%). The optimization of culture conditions for bacteriocin production areas showed that corn steep liquor medium was the best medium for all isolates against Bacillus subtilis while no effect was observed on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 except when used MRS medium. The optimum conditions for bacteriocin production were pH 6.0, temperature 34?C with 4% Phenyl acetamide showing the greatest growth inhibition areas.


The Serdar Mohammed litigation signalled a decisive change in judicial attitude towards scrutiny of extraterritorial executive action in armed conflict. The most significant indicator of a change in judicial attitude was the reinstatement of the act of state doctrine in the private law claim in tort. Act of state bars tort claims against the Crown when the Crown acts outside of its territory. The UK Supreme Court characterised act of state as a non-justiciability doctrine. The article argues that the UK Supreme Court exercised extreme deference in its adjudication of the act of state in the private law claim. This deference was then mirrored in the reasoning employed in the public law claim under the Human Rights Act 1998, departing from international and domestic standards on detention in armed conflict.