Differences in IL-1beta mRNA expression, stability and translation between non-adherent monocytes and those stimulated by adherence suggest that cytokine regulation is coupled to the function and assembly of cytoskeletal structures. In situ hybridization studies were performed to visualize expression and positioning of IL-1beta mRNA in adherently cultivated monocytes. IL-1beta mRNA expression was heterogeneous with high transcript levels found in spread or polarized cells. Transcripts were compartmentalized to the perinuclear region in spread cells, and partially redistributed with polarization. In contrast to mRNA distribution in other motile cell populations, IL-1beta mRNA did not localize to the distal or proximal actin cytoskeleton. Perinuclear confinement of transcripts required intact actin microfilaments. Treatment with cytoskeleton disruption and detergent extraction suggested that most non-translated IL-1beta mRNA was associated with intermediate filaments. In monocytes stimulated by LPS, IL-1beta, but not IL-1Ra transcripts were redistributed and partially associated, yet not bound to actin microfilaments. The present study demonstrates that IL-1beta mRNA expression and localization in adherent monocytes is interrelated with the cytoskeletal rearrangement upon adherence, spreading and polarization.


The perturbation of a light field might affect preheating and hence generate a contribution to the spectrum and non-gaussianity of the curvature perturbation ζ. The field might appear directly in the preheating model (curvaton-type preheating) or indirectly through its effect on a mass or coupling (modulated preheating). We give general expressions for ζ based on the δN formula, and apply them to the cases of quadratic and quartic chaotic inflation. For the quadratic case, curvaton-type preheating is ineffective in contributing to ζ, but modulated preheating can be effective. For quartic inflation, curvaton-type preheating may be effective but the usual δN formalism has to be modified. We see under what circumstances the recent numerical simulation of Bond et al. [0903.3407] may be enough to provide a rough estimate for this case.


A Trust Agent is an assembly of software components arranged to provide trusted remote entities access and control over certain aspects of a user's end system, in a privacy preserving manner. The Trust Agent recognising the end user as the platform owner, and consequently the owner of any personal information held on the platform. In this paper we describe two scenarios (one domestic, the other commercial) where Trust Agents can be deployed. The solution draws on some of the benefits that can be gained through the introduction of a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to enhance platform security.


The deuteron is too small, too The radius of the proton has remained a point of debate ever since the spectroscopy of muonic hydrogen indicated a large discrepancy from the previously accepted value. Pohl et al. add an important clue for solving this so-called proton radius puzzle. They determined the charge radius of the deuteron, a nucleus consisting of a proton and a neutron, from the transition frequencies in muonic deuterium. Mirroring the proton radius puzzle, the radius of the deuteron was several standard deviations smaller than the value inferred from previous spectroscopic measurements of electronic deuterium. This independent discrepancy points to experimental or theoretical error or even to physics beyond the standard model. Science, this issue p. 669 The charge radius of the deuteron is several standard deviations smaller than the previously accepted value. The deuteron is the simplest compound nucleus, composed of one proton and one neutron. Deuteron properties such as the root-mean-square charge radius rd and the polarizability serve as important benchmarks for understanding the nuclear forces and structure. Muonic deuterium μd is the exotic atom formed by a deuteron and a negative muon μ–. We measured three 2S-2P transitions in μd and obtain rd = 2.12562(78) fm, which is 2.7 times more accurate but 7.5σ smaller than the CODATA-2010 value rd = 2.1424(21) fm. The μd value is also 3.5σ smaller than the rd value from electronic deuterium spectroscopy. The smaller rd, when combined with the electronic isotope shift, yields a "small" proton radius rp, similar to the one from muonic hydrogen, amplifying the proton radius puzzle.


OBJECTIVES
This work sought to describe the quality of nursing care from the perceptions of parents of children hospitalized in a neonatal unit.

METHODS
Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in an institution with tier III level of care in the city of Medellín (Colombia). Information was gathered by using the CARE-Q instrument, which was answered by the parents of newborns hospitalized in neonatal unit. The sampling was intentional.

RESULTS
The study had the participation of 121 individuals; 67.8% were women; mean age was 28 years and almost one in every two had secondary education or higher. Among the neonates, 66.9% were premature and 33.1% were to term, average weight was 2015 g (minimum 620 and maximum 4420). The general assessment of the parents on the quality of nursing care their children received in the neonatal unit, was on average 88 of 100 possible points. The scores obtained in the dimensions from highest to lowest were: Monitors and follows through (95.2), Accessibility (90.8), Maintains a relationship of trust (88.6), Comforts (87.2), Explains and facilitates (86.3), and Anticipates (86.0).

CONCLUSIONS
Parents perceive as positive the nursing care their children receive in the neonatal unit. However, in the analysis by dimensions, it is possible to establish the need to strengthen aspects, like interpersonal relations and communication processes, which are part of the dimensions: Explains and facilitates and Anticipates. The findings permit guiding specific actions to improve quality in neonatal care.


A planar concentrating solar cell based on a highly transparent sol-gel concentrator, metallic mirrors, and double sided PV devices is described. Highly transparent silica glasses, synthesized by sol-gel polymerization of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), accompanied with an Ag back reflector were used for concentrating sunlight. By using TEOS, hydrochloric acid, ethanol, and water as the precursors for synthesizing sol-gel glass and optimizing the polymerization process, highly transparent glasses with absorption coefficients of as low as 0.1 cm−1 were obtained in a wide wavelength spectrum ranging from 350 nm – 1100 nm. The sol-gel material was cast into desired shape. The proposed planar solar cell was simulated using the data obtained from UV-Vis absorption measurements and it was shown that the proposed design is capable of reducing the area of PV devices up to 75%.


We evaluate the sporting effects of the seeding system reform in the major football club tournament -- the Champions League -- organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). In the UEFA Champions League, before the 2015-16 season, the teams were seeded in the group stage with respect to their ratings. Starting from the 2015-16 season, national champions of the Top-7 countries are seeded in the first pot, whereas other teams are seeded by their rating as before. We propose a probabilistic model for predicting the score of a single match in UEFA tournaments as well as the whole UEFA season. This model uses clubs' ratings as inputs. Applying Monte-Carlo simulations, we show that the expected rating of the UEFA Champions League winner, as well as the sum of the finalists' ratings, slightly decreased after the reform. At the same time, the difference in the finalists' ratings, which is a measure of competitive balance, increased. The UEFA Europa League became stronger and less balanced. We check the robustness of the results by introducing local fluctuations in the clubs ratings. Also, we study which national associations took advantage of the reform. For seeding rules before and after the reform, we estimate the transition matrix (pij), where pij is the probability of i-th strongest national association moving to j-th position after the season. The effect of reform on a single national association measured by the change in probability to increase or decrease the association's UEFA rank is not more than 3%.


Soybean plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv Ransom) were grown for 21 days on 4 sources of N (1.0 mM NO3-, 0.67 mM NO3- plus 0.33 mM NH4+, 0.33 mM NO3- plus 0.67 mM NH4+, and 1.0 mM NH4+) in hydroponic culture with the acidity of the nutrient solution controlled at pH 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, and 4.5. Dry matter and total N accumulation of the plants was not significantly affected by N-source at any of the pH levels except for decreases in these parameters in plants supplied solely with NH4+ at pH 4.5. Shoot-to-root ratios increased in plants which had an increased proportion [correction of proporiton] of NH4(+)-N in their nutrient solutions at all levels of root-zone pH. Uptake of NO3- and NH4+ was monitored daily by ion chromatography as depletion of these ions from the replenished hydroponic solutions. At all pH levels the proportion of either ion that was absorbed increased as the ratio of that ion increased in the nutrient solution. In plants which were supplied with sources of NO3- plus NH4+, NH4+ was absorbed at a ratio of 2:1 over NO3- at pH 6.0. As the pH of the root-zone declined, however, NH4+ uptake decreased and NO3- uptake increased. Thus, the NH4+ to NO3- uptake ratio declined with decreases in root-zone pH. The data indicate a negative effect of declining root-zone pH on NH4+ uptake and supports a hypothesis that the inhibition of growth of plants dependent on NH4(+)-N at low pH is due to a decline in NH4+ uptake and a consequential limitation of growth by N stress.


This Article is the transcript of a panel presented at Emory's Third Biennial Conference on Transactional Education. The panelists advance two premises: First, that law schools need to teach transactional skills because many students will either focus on transactional law or practice general law where transactional skills are necessary; and second, that some of the transactional skills the schools teach should be specific to main street lawyering because a number of students will be main street lawyers. The panelists explain how the transactional skills necessary for main street lawyering differ from skills needed in litigation and big law firms. They offer ideas of approaches and assignments professors can use in classes and clinics to teach law students the transactional skills necessary for main street lawyering.


The concept of organizational commitment has been examined extensively in organizational literature, yet the relationships between organizational culture, subculture and commitment have received little attention so far. Acknowledging the complexity and the multifaceted nature of antecedents involved in organizational commitment, it is still necessary to understand the dynamics of relationships between these variables. It was found that organizational subculture was more strongly related to commitment than was organizational culture. Satisfaction with the level of control over working environment had the highest correlation with the level of commitment. The leadership style variable, consideration, was also relatively strongly related to commitment when compared with other variables. There was a small positive association between age and commitment. However, participants' level of education, years in position and years of experience failed to show any relationship with commitment.


A volumetric graphics model of deformable human tissue with layers of varying stiffness was developed. The model uses spring-mass-damper to calculate haptic force feedback from various layers of tissue. A haptic epidural needle insertion simulation is developed with real-time tissue deformation when external forces are exerted. Voxelization is used to fill surface meshes with grids of spring-mass-damper assemblies. The modeled tissues include all the layers traversed during an epidural procedure, including skin, subcutaneous fat, Supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, ligamentum flavum and the epidural space. Tissue is modeled with volumetric information describing the stiffness and density of each layer. Spring-mass-damper modeling enables the calculation of compression and extension of springs between tissue masses, to simulate tissue stretching and relaxation movement. A haptic force feedback device is used to interact with the tissue model with a virtual needle. The resulting simulation gives a different feeling for each tissue layer. The haptic device allows the user to insert a needle though the modeled tissue layers feeling the various physical properties of each tissue layer during needle insertion. Tissues can be viewed in cross-section to see the progress and depth of the needle. Force feedback graphs were produced to compare the force from the operator's thumb to the resultant force feedback from the device.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Recent tax developments aimed at mitigating the possibilities of base erosion and profit shifting are expected to increase the importance and popularity of tax incentives. This is due to the fact that states will want to remain competitive on the international stage and multinational enterprises will look for other opportunities to minimize their tax liabilities.

This book seeks to answer the following essential questions, from both a practical and an academic perspective:

• Will tax incentives be the 21st century tool for tax planning structures?
• Will states need to introduce more tax incentives in the future in order to be more competitive?
• What are the effects of the anti-abuse measures adopted by the EU Member States and recommended by the OECD on tax incentives?
• What are the challenges of securing the use of tax incentives?
• What new tax policy challenges will tax incentives bring about?

This book answers these questions by analysing selected tax incentives that are commonly promoted by both developed and developing states, particularly those tax incentives that are of relevance to corporate income taxation. This analysis is performed with the objective of presenting the expected new role of tax incentives in the changing international tax arena, assessing whether – and, if so, which – tax incentives can be used or will be prone to abuse for tax planning purposes and examining the impact of the measures developed and/or adopted by the OECD and the European Union on tax incentives.

Tax Incentives in the BEPS Era is essential reading for anyone working with tax incentives, tax planning tools and anti-abuse measures in their activities, including tax advisers, tax lawyers, tax administrators and tax policy makers.


As Lord Saatchi notes in his prologue, Conservatives have struggled for some time to find an answer to the question, 'who needs the Tories?' (p. viii). This short book attempts to provide an answer. It is a blueprint for a Conservative electoral revival, which for the authors is axiomatic with a better Britain. The collection contains contributions from six recent (unsuccessful) Conservative parliamentary candidates, and is edited by the Camden Councillor and former chairman of the Bow Group, Chris Philp. The authors share a desire to modernise the Conservative party, and support their case with previously unpublished polling data, gathered by Populus in the aftermath of the 2005 general election


Feedstocks from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) include crop residues and dedicated perennial biomass crops. The latter are often considered superior in terms of climate change mitigation potential. Uncertainty remains over their availability as feedstocks for biomass provision and the net greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during crop production. Our objective was to assess the optimal land allocation to wheat and Miscanthus in a specific case study located in England, to increase biomass availability, improve the carbon balance (and reduce the consequent GHG emissions), and minimally constrain grain production losses from wheat. Using soil and climate variables for a catchment in east England, biomass yields and direct nitrogen emissions were simulated with validated process‐based models. A 'Field to up‐stream factory gate' life‐cycle assessment was conducted to estimate indirect management‐related GHG emissions. Results show that feedstock supply from wheat straw can be supplemented beneficially with LCB from Miscanthus grown on selected low‐quality soils. In our study, 8% of the less productive arable land area was dedicated to Miscanthus, increasing total LCB provision by about 150%, with a 52% reduction in GHG emission per ton LCB delivered and only a minor effect on wheat grain production (−3%). In conclusion, even without considering the likely carbon sequestration in impoverished soils, agriculture should embrace the opportunities to provide the bioeconomy with LCB from dedicated, perennial crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd


Glucose deprivation, a cell condition that occurs in solid tumors, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). A key feature of the UPR is the transcription program activation, which allows the cell to survive under stress conditions. Here, we show that the UPR transcription program is disrupted by the antidiabetic biguanides metformin, buformin, and phenformin depending on cellular glucose availability. These drugs inhibit production of the UPR transcription activators XBP1 and ATF4 and induce massive cell death during glucose deprivation as did the antitumor macrocyclic compound versipelostatin. Gene expression profiling shows remarkable similarity in the modes of action of biguanides and versipelostatin determined by the broad range of glucose deprivation-inducible genes. Importantly, during glucose deprivation, most of the biguanide suppression genes overlap with the genes induced by tunicamycin, a chemical UPR inducer. Gene expression profiling also identifies drug-driven signatures as a tool for discovering pharmacologic UPR modulators. Our findings show that disrupting the UPR during glucose deprivation could be an attractive approach for selective cancer cell killing and could provide a chemical genomic basis for developing UPR-targeting drugs against solid tumors.


BACKGROUND
Both surgery and exogenous estrogen use are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is not known whether estrogen hormone therapy (HT) exacerbates the surgery-associated risk among transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals. The lack of published data has contributed to heterogeneity in perioperative protocols regarding estrogen HT administration for TGNB patients undergoing gender affirming surgery.

METHODS
A single-center retrospective chart review was performed on all TGNB patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery (GAS) between November 2015 and August 2019. Surgery type, pre-operative hormone therapy regimen, peri-operative hormone therapy regimen, VTE prophylaxis management, outcomes, and demographic data were recorded.

RESULTS
Nine hundred nineteen TGNB patients underwent 1858 surgical procedures representing 1396 unique cases, of which 407 cases were transfeminine patients undergoing primary vaginoplasty. Of the latter, 190 cases were performed with estrogen suspended for 1 week prior to surgery, and 212 cases were performed with hormone therapy continued throughout. Of all cases, 1 patient presented with VTE, from the cohort of transfeminine patients whose estrogen HT was suspended prior to surgery. No VTE events were noted among those who continued hormone therapy. Mean postoperative follow-up was 285 days.

CONCLUSIONS
Peri-operative VTE was not a significant risk in a large, homogenously treated cohort of TGNB patients independent of whether or not hormone therapy was suspended prior to surgery.


Blends containing 85 wt. % of an amorphous polylactide with 15 wt. % of three different semicrystalline PLA (cPLA) grades with different crystallizabilty were separately blended via a twin-screw extruder below the melting temperature of the cPLAs. The extrudates were either directly pelletized or pelletized after being drawn at a draw ratio of 10. The small amplitude oscillatory shear behavior of the samples revealed that while the rheological properties of the undrawn samples were enhanced, those of the drawn samples were much more dramatically increased. In undrawn samples, the enhancements were due to the presence of unmelted crystal clusters, which could form a solid network structure in the blend. The much more pronounced increases in drawn samples, however, were due to the transformation of the crystal clusters into the fiberlike oriented crystal network, which formed a stronger solid network. This reinforcing behavior in both undrawn and drawn samples was even more pronounced when cPLA with a higher degree of crystallinity and a higher melting temperature was used. In drawn samples, the stress growth experiments confirmed the formation of such oriented crystal structure during which the primary overshoot caused by the crystal network structure could be formed again after molecular relaxation. This was while, in undrawn samples, stress overshoots were barely visible.


Background and purpose — The incidence of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after knee arthroplasty surgery has been reported to vary between 0.5% and 10%. We evaluated the incidence of MUA after primary knee arthroplasty in Sweden, the demographics of the patients and the risk of revision. Patients and methods — Between 2009 and 2013, 64,840 primary total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (TKA and UKA) were registered in the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR). MUAs performed between 2009 and 2014 were identified through the in- and outpatient registers of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Pertinent data were verified through medical records and patient demographics and revisions were obtained from the SKAR. Results — 1,258 MUAs were identified. Of these, 1,078 were 1st-time MUAs, performed within 1 year after the primary knee arthroplasty. The incidence of MUA was 1.7% and the incidence varied between hospitals from 0% to 5%. The majority were performed after TKA (98%), in younger patients (65% < 65 years), women (64%), and relatively healthy persons (88% had ASA ≤ 2). The cumulative risk of revision at 10 years was 10% (95% CI 8.6–12), similar for men and women. Interpretation — In Sweden, MUA is a rather uncommon measure after knee arthroplasty, especially after UKA. The CRR at 10 years was doubled compared to the general knee arthroplasty population. The frequency of the procedure varies between hospitals but in general it is performed more frequently in healthier and younger patients.


This project was aimed to elucidate the sub-cellular and molecular regulation of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced muscle protein turnover (protein synthesis (PS) and protein degradation) in two in vitro models, C2C12 murine myotubes and avian primary skeletal muscle cell line. In addition, the effect of natural challenge of chicken with Salmonella serotypes gallinarium or Enteritidis on mRNA expression levels in skeletal muscle was assessed.
 LPS (1 μgml-1) transiently decreased PS rate by 50% compared with control cells. This effect was mediated via decreased phosphorylation of translation initiation mediators (p70S6K, 4E-BP1 and eIF-4E). This effect was preceded by decreased Akt and mTOR phosphorylation. Although, LPS significantly increased p38, Erk1/2 and their down stream target Mnk1, however, this effect was not sufficient to abolish LPS-induced decreased PS.
The role of Akt and MAPKs (p38 or Erk1/2) was verified using specific pathway inhibitors. Inhibition of Akt by LY0294002 (PI3-K/Akt inhibitor) dramatically decreased PS by 80% compared with control cells. Incubation of C2C12 myotubes with SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) or with PD098059 (MEK/Erk inhibitor) alone significantly decreased the PS rate at the 3 h time point by -63  12.48% and -64  5.05% respectively compared with control cells (P < 0.01).
In contrast, LPS (1 μgml-1) significantly increased the chymotrypsin-like enzyme at all the time points. This effect was preceded by a significant increase in the IkB-α phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kB, and significant increase in TNF-α, atrogin-1, MuRF1 and TLR4 mRNA expression. Of note, increased atrogin-1 mRNA is the prominent feature of our septic model. The data presented in chapter 4 and 5 showed that, there is no absolute correlation between the expression levels of atrogens (atrogin-1 and MuRF1) and the overall proteolytic activity in LPS-stimulated C2C12 myotubes.
The beneficial roles of the curcumin were evaluated LPS-stimulated C2C12 myotubes for 3 h. Incubation of C2C12 myotubes with LPS (1 μgml-1) and curcumin (25 μM) significantly decreased the LPS-induced chymotrypsin-like enzyme activity. This effect was mediated via decreased p38 and IkB-α phosphorylation. Although, curcumin blocked LPS-induced decreased Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation and significantly increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation, however, curcumin still had no effect on LPS-induced decreased protein synthesis.
The effect of the LPS on the muscle protein turnover in the avian primary skeletal muscle was summarised in chapter (7). Incubation of avian primary skeletal cells with LPS (1 μgml-1) for 3 h, significantly decreased the proteasomal activity and increased PS rate. The difference in response to LPS between C2C12 myotubes and avian primary skeletal muscle cells could be attributed to the different incubation parameters mainly the presence of insulin in case of avian primary cells.
 Finally, the effect of natural challenge of chicken with S. Gallinarum or S. Enteritidis on skeletal muscle mRNA expression was summarised in chapter 9. Natural challenge of chicken with S. Gallinarum or S. Enteritidis had no effect on the expression of many atrophic genes in chicken skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius and pectoral muscle).
The data collected from this project showed that, LPS is a strong catabolic stimulus significantly decreased PS along with increased protein breakdown rates in skeletal muscle. This effect was mediated via two main pathways PI3-K/Akt and MAPKs (p38 or Erk1/2) and the cross talk between them is exists. The better understanding of these signalling cascades and their cross talk will be the starting point for developing the appropriate and safe therapeutic intervention in order to decrease the sepsis-induced muscle proteolysis.


Solution-mined salt caverns in bedded halite successions of the UK host several operational and planned underground gas storage schemes. The sedimentology and associated engineering behaviour of halite is increasingly recognised as an influence in the planning, design and construction of storage caverns, as the crystal fabric and distribution of non-halite units can affect their morphology, which impacts operational processes (e.g., the operating pressure ranges) and the placement of facilities in the subsurface.
Thick successions of bedded halite, with thin interbedded mudstones are developed in the Mid-Triassic (Anisian – Ladinian), in the Cheshire (Northwich Halite Member) and west Lancashire (Preesall Halite Member) basins of north-west England. Analysis of borehole core from these lateral correlatives allows comparisons to be made between accumulations from different sedimentary basins, and the sedimentary structures to be understood in a modern context. Depositional fabrics within the halite beds include primary laminated halite (with cuboid, chevron and cornet fabrics, dissolution seams and erosional surfaces) and banded halite. The non-halite lithologies include some anhydrite but predominantly haselgebirge through to laminated and structureless mudstone, with evidence of load structures and desiccation. These indicate accumulation in a predominantly shallow setting, with karst structures (pipes and fissures) indicating rare periods of emergence, and the accumulation of cumulate facies in intervals of deeper, stratified of brine. Indicators of flow are rare, restricted to ripple-lamination in mudstones, and re-worked oriented clasts of anhydrite. Diagenetic features influenced by post-depositional halite mobilisation include the development of chickenwire textures and recrystallized zones of halite.
Brecciation of the succession is linked to four distinct processes: penecontemporaneous haloturbation, emergence and desiccation, post-depositional structural processes and the dissolution of halite in the modern freshwater groundwater zone (so-called 'wet rockhead'). Wet rockhead processes are poorly understood, although relationships between brecciated and laminated zones indicates new models for the development may be required.


Problem Statement: Transformational leadership increases organization members' commitment and engagement in meeting organizational goals and it enhances skills and capacities. Many studies reveal that transformational leadership behaviors, such as idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, innovative climate, and intellectual stimulation, are positively related to better performance and increased job satisfaction. It is considered that since managers of the future will be transformational leaders, they should be trained as transformational leaders. Purpose of the Study: The main purpose of this study is to introduce usability of the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Headmasters' Transformational Leadership Scale. It also purposes to discover headmasters' behaviors based on teachers' perceptions. Methods: In this study, a descriptive statistical model was employed, and 822 teachers participated in the Malatya (n=442) and Adiyaman (n=380) provinces. The sample of this study was chosen by a purposive sampling method. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to obtain evidence related to construct validity of the scale, and it administered on 330 primary schools teachers in Mardin. For Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), it was administered to 390 teachers in Adiyaman, Turkey. Findings and Results: After EFA and CFA processes, it was proven that this scale is valid and usable for the Turkish context. As a result of the reliability and validity processes, the adapted form of the scale was composed of 23 items. Item sub-factor correlation was between 0.78 and 0.90, and item total correlation was between 0.61 and 0.80. Cronbach value was found to be 0.96. Other values found were 0.87 for vision building; 0.88 for individual consideration; 0.92 for intellectual consideration; and 0.91 for the innovative climate sub-dimension. As a result, it was discovered that 61.22% of the teachers remarked that their headmasters provided participation for vision building; 72.02% stated that their individual consideration were valued; and 65.07% claimed that their individual stimulation was supported. Finally, 80% asserted that they were encouraged for an innovative climate in their organizations. Conclusion and Recommendations: Results reveal that teachers' perceptions about their headmasters' transformational leadership behaviors are positive in vision building, individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, and innovative climate. They perceive their headmasters' leadership qualities and communicative skills positively. It is recommended that headmasters who are incompetent should be trained carefully through in-service programs.


Industrial hydrogen production via alkaline water electrolysis (AEL) is a mature hydrogen production method. One argument in favor of AEL when supplied with renewable energy is its environmental superiority against conventional fossil-based hydrogen production. However, today electricity from the national grid is widely utilized for industrial applications of AEL. Also, the ban on asbestos membranes led to a change in performance patterns, making a detailed assessment necessary. This study presents a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the GaBi software (version 6.115, thinkstep, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany), revealing inventory data and environmental impacts for industrial hydrogen production by latest AELs (6 MW, Zirfon membranes) in three different countries (Austria, Germany and Spain) with corresponding grid mixes. The results confirm the dependence of most environmental effects from the operation phase and specifically the site-dependent electricity mix. Construction of system components and the replacement of cell stacks make a minor contribution. At present, considering the three countries, AEL can be operated in the most environmentally friendly fashion in Austria. Concerning the construction of AEL plants the materials nickel and polytetrafluoroethylene in particular, used for cell manufacturing, revealed significant contributions to the environmental burden.


The study examines the long-term and seasonal climatic variations in north-western part of Bangladesh (NWPB). Long-term variation of different climatic parameters reveals that significant increases in temperature are associated with decreasing evaporation which could be attributed to wind speed variation and seasonal variation of temperature. Increase of monsoon rainfall during monsoon period and scarcity or absence of rainfall during dry periods increase the region's vulnerability to monsoon flood and seasonal drought, respectively. The area witnesses a single peak of rainfall in July during the first half of the study period (1964-1985), whereas the same experiences bimodal peak of rainfall during July and September in the second half of the study period (1986-2007). This may signify the changes of climatic condition in the studied area. Annual variability of rainfall as well as the unpredictable shifting of rainfall periods might be a possible reason for the seasonal drought. The aridity index indicates that the overall dryness of the area has increased during winter season. The study shows that humidity increases at all stations throughout the year. The study also shows that long-term seasonal variation of both surface and groundwater level is also prominent. Gradual decrease of surface water level was observed in Teesta River which might be due to unilateral withdrawal of surface water in the upper riparian. Detailed investigation on hydrometeorology of the study area is required to see whether there is any trend of climate change in the area.
Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 44(2): 195-210 December 2018


Economic and social conditions on Swedish farms have altered in recent decades, restructuring the sector, but the family farm is still the primary production unit. Sweden is often described as a role model in gender equality, but a gender-unequal situation in farming has been identified, posing a political challenge.

This thesis critically assessed how gender inequalities are reproduced within Swedish family farming by analysing how the 'doing' of family farming, in terms of labour and material relations, is shaped and reproduced. This approach focused the analysis on relations of and in production, by placing labour and property at the centre. Other approaches yielded novel information. The theoretical frameworks of labour process theory, political economy, feminist standpoint theory and material feminism, provided conceptual space to examine the reproduction of gender inequalities.

In mixed method research, two types of survey data, interviews with farmers and literature on occupational health and safety in agriculture were used to analyse gendered access to arable land and farming conditions; the Swedish agrarian structure and the gendered organisation of the labour process; the gendered understating of agricultural health and safety; and the temporalities of Swedish family farming.

The results showed how gender inequalities are reproduced in the temporal and spatial organisation and structuring of the labour process and through unequal distribution of resources. Unequal access to arable land contributes particularly to the gendering of farm management, farm diversification and farm ability to provide household income. A spatial stratification was observed, with larger gendered differences in more productive areas. The farm labour process forms the diverse experience of time, space, economy and labour of men and women in family farming. The different spheres and socio-economic modes of the labour process puts men and women in unequal positions, with differing materialised experiences of family farming and farm work; its risks, problems and consequences.

The findings highlight the persistence of family farming in the Swedish agrarian structure and the importance of gender mainstreaming in e.g. policy, education and risk prevention work. More research is needed on the gendering effects of renegotiation of the family farm concept and situated agrarian change.


The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact on dispersion model predictions of errors introduced by Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models of Atmospheric Boundary Layers (ABLs). It is a known problem that CFD models using the standard k-ε turbulence model struggle to maintain the correct ABL profiles along the length of a flat, unobstructed computational domain. Appropriate ABL profiles may be imposed at the inlet but they are often progressively modified downwind by the CFD model until they no longer represent the specified stability class and/or wind speed. Various solutions have been proposed in the literature to address this issue, although many of them are complex and difficult to implement in commercial CFD software. Also, little is known about the impact of the ABL profiles on dispersion model predictions. To examine this issue, CFD simulations are presented for two sets of field scale experiments: Prairie Grass and Thorney Island. The Prairie Grass cases considered involve continuous releases of a passive tracer in both neutral and stable ABLs. One of the reasons for studying these experiments is to compare dispersion predictions from a standard CFD solution to results obtained from fixing the ABL with prescribed profiles throughout the flow domain. This approach is only possible for passive releases, where the flow field is unaffected by the presence of the tracer gas. Simulations are then presented for a Thorney Island experiment which involved a continuous release of dense gas in a stable ABL. The results show that the modified ABL profiles produced by the CFD models affect the predicted concentrations in most cases. The maximum differences range from 50% to a factor-of-two in the two Prairie Grass cases, although the differences are minimised in the neutral ABL by using a short upwind fetch in the CFD model. For the Thorney Island case, attempts were made to use a modified k-ε turbulence model to maintain the correct stable ABL profiles but the solution was numerically unstable and it failed to produce results. Results are presented for the standard k-ε turbulence model with two different roughness lengths, which produce different results. The inherent difficulties in resolving dense-gas flows over rough surfaces using CFD models are discussed.


Ethiopia has experimented with land law reforms linked to agriculture-led national development strategies that Emperor Haile Sellassie I, Derg, and EPRDF introduced since Emperor Menelik II enacted modern Ethiopia's first reform intended for development in 1908. Nonetheless, the country's smallholder productivity averaged 1.0 ton/hectare and its poverty ranked 174th in the UNDP Human Development Index in 2011. This thesis examines whether and how land law reform can be used to help raise smallholder productivity and tackle poverty in Ethiopia notwithstanding the challenges of legal pluralism. By drawing upon evidence from law and development research and experience and analysing it in the Ethiopian context, the thesis argues that reform can help raise smallholder productivity, but only by recognising legal pluralism and changing the land tenure system's formal state or non-formal customary land policies, laws, and institutions which constrain the provision and implementation of productivity-raising smallholder land rights that enhance tenure security, facilitate the transfer of rights over land, and authorise the collateralisation of land rights; and tackle poverty by thereby increasing food supplies, raising incomes, and improving health, education, and other necessities for the country's predominantly rural population. Specifically, the thesis explores the possibility of using reform to adopt a hybrid state-private-customary land policy that combines the advantages of state land ownership policy that the government enforces, private ownership that critics favour, and non-formal arrangements that society uses. It then highlights how within the framework of this hybrid policy reform may help issue land laws boosting the provision of land rights that enhance tenure security by specifying definition of state, private, and communal landholdings, certification of lifelong usufructuary landholding, stricter eviction and confiscation procedures, and clearer expropriation and compensation mechanisms; that facilitate transfer by easing lease, donation, and succession restrictions; and that authorise collateralisation conditionally. Finally, it demonstrates how reform may help establish land institutions that improve implementation by incorporating non-formal arrangements, establishing a federal executive institution, clarifying the mandates of regional institutions, and assigning the judiciary greater dispute resolution role.


During the collapse of an initially spherical cavitation bubble near a rigid wall, a reentrant jet forms from the side of the bubble farthest from the wall. This re-entrant jet impacts and penetrates the bubble surface closest to the wall during the final stage of the collapse. In the present paper, this phenomenon is modelled with potential flow theory, and a numerical approach based on conventional and hypersingular boundary integral equations is presented. The method allows for the continuous simulation of the bubble motion from growth to collapse and the impact and penetration of the reentrant jet. The numerical investigations show that during penetration the bubble surface is transformed to a ring bubble that is smoothly attached to a vortex sheet. The velocity of the tip of the re-entrant jet is always directed toward the wall during penetration with a speed less than its speed before impact. A high-pressure region is created around the penetration interface. Theoretical analysis and numerical results show that the liquid-liquid impact causes a loss in the kinetic energy of the flow field. Variations in the initial distance from the bubble centre to the wall are found to cause large changes in the details of the flow field. No existing experimental data are available to make a direct comparison with the numerical predictions. However, the results obtained in this study agree qualitatively with experimental observations.


In this work, the adsorption capacity of an aqueous solution of Congo Red (CR) dye was used as a model of wastewater treatment to study the treatment activity of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The adsorption capacity of an aqueous solution of CR onto MWCNTs surface was investigated, particularly focusing on the influence of the experimental parameters on the kinetics adsorption at constant conditions, such as MWCNTs dosage, initial concentration, pH, ionic strength and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used as the model adsorption equilibrium data. The constants of Langmuir and Freundlich models are obtained from fitting the adsorption equilibrium data. The correlation coefficients of Langmuir and Freundlich models are 0.9906 and 0.9662, respectively. The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models were used to describe the adsorption kinetics. The experimental adsorption data fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetic.


Discusses Phase I bids to study the feasibility of using MMW radar techniques to measure the amount of ice accumulated on aircraft wings and rotors. It appeared to the authors that this sensor technology might have the potential to solve some of the problems of sensors that are currently available. A proposal and program strategy was adopted capitalizing on the prior research in the area wherever it could be found from unclassified sources.


An algorithm to generate toroidal or helical cage structures has been developed. Any toroidal or helical structure can be generated following four stages. In the first stage a Fonseca type unit cell and its symmetrical counterpart is formed which represents one-fifth of a toroid. In the second stage one-fifth fragment of the torus is fully obtained by applying geometry optimization to the structure obtained in the first stage. In the third stage the torus fragment obtained in the second stage is reproduced five times and connected to each other to generate either toroidal or helical structure. In the last stage a final optimization process is reapplied to get the complete structure desired.


The accuracy of the results from coagulation testing can be affected by numerous preanalytic and analytic variables including the stability of the citrated sample at room temperature. Samples not tested within 2–4 h of collection should be processed and frozen for later analysis. As limited data exist about the impact of freezing samples on coagulation testing, we sought to evaluate the effect of freezing on coagulation testing. Plasma samples into 3.2% sodium citrate tubes, centrifuged to yield platelet-poor plasma, were evaluated for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, antithrombin (AT) activity, factors V, VII, VIII, IX, lupus anticoagulant and anti-Xa measurements for both unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparins. Samples were then frozen at −70°C for at least 1 week and testing was repeated using the same lot of material. All tests strongly correlated (R > 0.85) between fresh and frozen sample results. Using paired t test analysis, significant differences between fresh and frozen tested plasma existed for PT, APTT, factors V, VIII and AT. Significant differences existed between fresh and frozen lupus anticoagulant ratios (lupus anticoagulant screen but not lupus anticoagulant confirm), and single centrifugation process underestimated the presence of lupus anticoagulant as compared to double centrifugation processing. Freezing significantly affects the results for PT, APTT, factors V and VIII activity, and AT activity, although these differences were not considered to be clinically significant. Double centrifugation is required for accurate lupus anticoagulant testing, regardless of whether platelet-poor plasma is achieved with single centrifugation.


Abstract Cathodoluminescence (CL) and trace element analyses were performed for fluorapatite from the gabbro and Fe-Ti oxide ores in the upper zone of the Hongge Fe-Ti oxide-bearing, mafic-ultramafic layered intrusion in SW China. The fluorapatite is closely associated with Fe-Ti oxides and interstitial to plagioclase and clinopyroxene. The fluorapatite grains in one thin section vary from ~10 to 800 mm in width and ~50 to 1200 μm in length. Coarse-grained fluorapatite crystals (>200 in width) in the same thin section show both simple and complex CL images. The coarse-grained fluorapatite crystals with simple CL images show discontinuous, thin dark rims along grain boundaries, whereas those with complex images show clearly bright veinlets across the grains. On the other hand, fine-grained fluorapatite crystals (<200 μm in width) show complex CL images and can be divided into four types, i.e., concentric, chaotic, banded, and overall dark. The concentric type shows distinctly bright core surrounded by dark mantle that is irregularly zoned, whereas the chaotic type shows disordered bright and dark sectors in the interior with a thin dark rim. The banded type shows unevenly distributed bright and dark bands. The overall dark type shows a relatively dark and uneven image. Fluorapatite grains contain 1.84–2.74 wt% F, 0.07–0.19 wt% Cl, and 0.86–1.63 wt% OH. Coarse-grained fluorapatite grains have total rare earth elements (REE) concentrations ranging from 2278 to 3008 ppm and Sr/Y of 9 to 13. Fine-grained fluorapatite grains have relatively high REE (2242–4687 ppm) and low Sr/Y of 6 to 14 in the bright cores, sectors, and bands and relatively low REE (1881–2728 ppm) and high Sr/Y of 9 to 15 in the dark mantles, sectors, and rims under CL imaging. On the thin section scale, the bright sections under CL imaging for fine-grained fluorapatite have much higher REE contents than those for similar bright CL images for coarse-grained fluorapatite. The highly variable REE concentrations among fluorapatite grains and the sections within a single fluorapatite are attributed to a prolonged crystallization process and overprint by fluid metasomatism. The coarse-grained fluorapatite may have crystallized earlier than fine-grained fluorapatite. Then variable degrees of hydrothermal metasomatism released REE from the fine-grained fluorapatite so that diverse CL images developed in the crystals. This study reveals that magmatic apatite from a layered intrusion can be intensively modified by later-stage fluid-induced metasomatism in both trace element composition and CL image texture. Reconstruction of primary melt compositions using apatite from layered intrusions should therefore be treated with caution.


We study the Gaussian multiple-input, multiple-output broadcast channel, where a base station with N_T antennas transmits K independent messages to K users, each having a single receive antenna. The messages consist of independent, identically distributed Gaussian random variables and we study linear transmission with an end-to-end distortion criterion. By using an already established uplink/downlink duality and a recently discovered special relation between beamforming vectors and channel vectors, we present a closed-form expression for the optimal power allocation in the two-user case. We also outline an iterative algorithm that finds the optimal power allocation for an arbitrary number of users.


Our challenge in annotating the 2.91-Mb Adh region of the Drosophila melanogaster genome was to identify genetic and genomic features automatically, completely, and precisely within a 6-week period. To do so, we augmented the MAGPIE microbial genome annotation system to handle eukaryotic genomic sequence data. The new configuration required the integration of eukaryotic gene-finding tools and DNA repeat tools into the automatic data collection module. It also required us to define in MAGPIE new strategies to combine data about eukaryotic exon predictions with functional data to refine the exon predictions. At the heart of the resulting new eukaryotic genome annotation system is a reverse comparison of public protein and complementary DNA sequences against the input genome to identify missing exons and to refine exon boundaries. The software modules that add eukaryotic genome annotation capability to MAGPIE are available as EGRET (Eukaryotic Genome Rapid Evaluation Tool).


The two experiments that are discussed in this work are both studies of ionization phenomena in gases. The main body of the work involved the development of an experiment to measure the positron impact ionization cross-section of atomic hydrogen. This experiment utilizes the crossed-beam method wherein a magnetically guided positron beam crosses a diverging jet of highly dissociated hydrogen gas. The suitability of this system to measure relative ionization cross-sections with both positrons and electrons has been demonstrated by measuring the impact ionization cross-sections of molecular hydrogen. Results obtained agree with previously published data to within experimental error. Preliminary studies have also been made with the atomic hydrogen source in operation and these revealed that high fluxes of photons, protons and electrons are emitted from the gas discharge and detected. These would make it impossible to detect ions at the considerably lower count-rates that are anticipated and their effects have had to be circumvented. This has been done successfully and it is concluded that the measurement of the positron impact ionization cross-section of atomic hydrogen seems possible with this apparatus. The second experiment has been a study of the times-of-flight of electrons emitted in positron impact ionization of Argon. The purpose of the experiment is to assess the significance of electron capture to the continuum (ECC) as a possible outcome of the ionizing collisions of positrons. Electrons which have been captured into a continuum state of a positron are expected to have a velocity vector equal to that of the positron, one would therefore expect them to have a particular time-of-flight to a detector. A broad peak was observed around the characteristic flight time at all energies indicating that ECC does occur in positron-Ar collisions but quantitative estimates of its likelihood were not possible.


In this paper the results of an experimental activity carried out with the aim to investigate on the frictional behaviour of visco-elastic materials in sliding contact with road asperities is presented.Experiments are carried out using a prototype of pin on disk machine whose pin is constituted by a specimen of rubber coming from a commercial tyre while the disk may be in glass, marble or abrasive paper. Tests are performed both in dry and wet conditions.Roughness of the disk materials is evaluated by a tester and by a laser scan device. Temperature in proximity of the contact patch is measured by pyrometer pointed on the disk surface in the pin trailing edge, while room temperature is measured by a thermocouple. Sliding velocity is imposed by an inverter controlled motor driving the disk and measured by an incremental encoder. Vertical load is imposed applying calibrated weights on the pin and friction coefficients are measured acquiring the longitudinal forces signal by means of a load cell.As regards to the road roughness, the experimental results show a marked dependence with road Ra index.Dry and wet tests performed on different micro-roughness profiles (i.e. glass and marble) highlighted that friction coefficient in dry conditions is greater on smoother surfaces, while an opposite tendency is shown in wet conditions.Although affected by uncertainties the results confirm the dependence of friction on temperature, vertical load and track conditions.© 2012 ASME


In this paper, Artificial Neural Network was adopted to predict the effect of current, the concentration of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and graphite Nanopowders in dielectric fluid for the machining of Carbon steel 304 using Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). The process variables were utilized to find their effect on Material Removal Rate (MRR), Surface Roughness (SR), and Tool Wear Rate (TWR). It was revealed from the experimental work that the addition of aluminum oxide and graphite Nanopowders into dielectric fluid maximizing MRR, minimized the SR and TWR at various variables. Minitab software was used in the design of experiments. Analysis of the process outputs of EDM indicates that graphite powder concentration greatly influencing SR also the discharge current whereas the current and Nanopowders concentration has more percentage of influence on the TWR and MRR.


Background: Letrozole (LTZ) is a potent aromatase inhibitor which blocks estrogen synthesis in post-menopausal women. Suitable analytical methods are required to quantify letrozole in bulk and its nanoformulations. Hence a sensitive and robust reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method (RP-HPLC) was developed for the estimation of LTZ.Methods: The method was developed using Kinetex C18 column (250 mm�4.6 mm; 5�) and mobile phase comprising acetonitrile (ACN): acetate buffer (pH 4.5) mixture (50:50% v/v) was used to affect the chromatographic separation at 0.8 mL/min flow rate. The responses were measured at 240 nm.Force degradation studies were done by exposing LTZ to acid- and alkali-induced hydrolysis, oxidation (H2O2), thermal and photolysis. Two-level factorial design was used to validate the method as per ICH Q2 (R1) using Design-Expert® software. The effects of independent variables on flow rate, pH, acetonitrile content and column temperature were recorded as responses.Results: Method was linear over the concentration range of 5-2500 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 1.000. Force degradation studies revealed that LTZ was stable to all stress agents except the basic conditions. The inter-day precision results were reproducible with relative standard deviation (% RSD) of 0.078. The peak area RSD and mean recovery of LTZ was found to be <1.0% and 99 102% in drug solution and <1.0% and 98-106% in nanoformulations respectively. Deliberate changes in independent chromatographic parameters analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the model was significant (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The developed analytical method was successfully utilized to quantify LTZ in bulk and its nanoformulations.


It is shown that Sun spots resemble battery cells For those interested natural philosophers it is shown a simple. picture of the surface of the Sun It should be noted that they. resemble battery cells The question should be then which is the /. anode cathode Which material has the higher reduction potential and what is this material comprised of? There are two giant battery. cells in this picture All natural philosophers should understand by , now that the Sun is an electrochemical phenomenon not. thermonuclear


This paper combines structural inertia theory with various theoretical perspectives to explain the process of organizational change in the population of hospitals in Korea from 1980 to 2008: specifically, how environmental conditions facilitate a hospital's niche expansion defined as the addition of clinical service departments and how environmental conditions mediate the effects of niche expansion on the rates of organizational growth. The paper proposes that environmental turbulence caused by pivotal institutional transformations and changes in market competitiveness creates opportunities for organizations to cultivate new market niches by enabling them to overcome inertial pressures. It also proposes that because of the high level of uncertainty entailed in environmental turbulence, however, the organization that expands into new market niches under turbulent environments have more difficulty with further organizational growth than one that does under stable environmental conditions. Analyses of the rates of niche expansion and organizational growth in the hospital industry support such propositions. We discuss the implications of these findings, which indicate that renewed attention should be paid to structural inertia theory and organizational change research.


Surround-view cameras are a primary sensor for automated driving, used for near-field perception. It is one of the most commonly used sensors in commercial vehicles primarily used for parking visualization and automated parking. Four fisheye cameras with a <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$190^{\circ }$</tex-math></inline-formula> field of view cover the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$360^{\circ }$</tex-math></inline-formula> around the vehicle. Due to its high radial distortion, the standard algorithms do not extend easily. Previously, we released the first public fisheye surround-view dataset named WoodScape. In this work, we release a synthetic version of the surround-view dataset, covering many of its weaknesses and extending it. Firstly, it is not possible to obtain ground truth for pixel-wise optical flow and depth. Secondly, WoodScape did not have all four cameras annotated simultaneously in order to sample diverse frames. However, this means that multi-camera algorithms cannot be designed to obtain a unified output in birds-eye space, which is enabled in the new dataset. We implemented surround-view fisheye geometric projections in CARLA Simulator matching WoodScape's configuration and created SynWoodScape. We release 80 k images from the synthetic dataset with annotations for 10+ tasks. We also release the baseline code and supporting scripts.


Objective: Cochlear nerve size is a prognostic factor for successful cochlear implantation. Reports about the cochlear nerve size in normal-hearing patients and differences among societies in the cochlear nerve size are not satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to determine the average cochlear nerve size in normal-hearing adults and to investigate whether there is a difference among societies on the basis of literature data. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 21 patients (38 ears) who underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) because of either vertigo and/or tinnitus complaints. Measurements were conducted on parasagittal constructive interfer- ence in steady state (CISS) sequence MRI. Vertical and horizontal diameters and cross-sectional area (CSA) were evaluated at the fundus of the internal auditory canal. Differences in the cochlear nerve size between the right and left ears and gender were evaluated. The difference in the cochlear nerve size among societies was compared with a z-test using data from literature. Results: The average vertical diameter, horizontal diameter, and CSA were 1.11 mm, 1.10 mm, and 0.96 mm2, respectively. No difference was found between the right and left ears and gender and among societies. Conclusion: This study shows that the mean normal size of the cochlear nerve does not change between right and left ears and gender and among societies.


Mycolic acids are essential components of the mycobacterial cell wall. In this study we show that a gene encoding a reductase involved in the final step of mycolic acid biosynthesis can be deleted in Mycobacterium smegmatis without affecting cell viability. Deletion of MSMEG4722 (ortholog of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2509) altered culture characteristics and antibiotic sensitivity. The ΔMSMEG4722 strain synthesized α-alkyl, β-oxo intermediates of mycolic acids which were found esterified to cell wall-arabinogalactan. While the precursors could not be isolated directly due to their inherent instability during base-treatment, their presence was established by prior reduction of the β-oxo group by sodium borohydride. Interestingly, the mutant also accumulated unsaturated ketones, similar to tuberculenone from M. tuberculosis, which were shunt products derived from spontaneous decarboxylation of α-alkyl, β-oxo fatty acid precursors of mycolic acids.


Complex perovskite oxides are promising materials for cathode layers in solid oxide fuel cells. Such materials have intricate electronic, magnetic, and crystalline structures that prove challenging to model accurately. We analyze a wide range of standard density functional theory approaches to modeling a highly promising system, the perovskite LaCoO3, focusing on optimizing the Hubbard U parameter to treat the self-interaction of the B-site cation's d states, in order to determine the most appropriate method to study defect formation and the effect of spin on local structure. By calculating structural and electronic properties for different magnetic states we determine that U = 4 eV for Co in LaCoO3 agrees best with available experiments. We demonstrate that the generalized gradient approximation (PBEsol+U ) is most appropriate for studying structure versus spin state, while the local density approximation (LDA+U ) is most appropriate for determining accurate energetics for defect properties.


Preparations of E. coli 014 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contain a common enterobacterial antigen (CA) in large amounts or in an immunogenic form. Chemical analysis revealed, in addition to o-acetyl groups, only those sugars which are present in the basal core structure of the E. coli or Salmonella LPS (e.g., galactose, glucose, glucosamine, heptose, and ketodeoxyoctonate). On treatment with acetic acid (pH 3.2) at 100°C for 1.5 hr, a fragment was liberated which after gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 appeared in the molecular weight range of 2–3 x 103. The fragment inhibited precipitation of alkali-treated E. coli 014 LPS by antibodies to CA from anti-E. coli 014 serum. It also inhibited hemagglutination between anti-CA antibodies and red cells coated with E. coli 08 LPS. Chemical analysis of the fragment indicated that it corresponded to the core region of E. coli 014 LPS. It contained a heptose and ketodeoxyoctonate in addition to glucose and galactose. However the fraction lacked glucosamine. Enterobacterial CA has previously been found to cross-react with colon antigen of ulcerative colitis. These results should provide a chemical basis for further studies of this cross-reactivity.


In mixed energy settings, tidal inlets undergo an episodic process known as shoal bypassing, whereby discrete bars are released from the ebb-tidal delta and migrate onshore. Such events can transport large volumes of sand, in the form of landward-migrating shoals, to adjacent beaches. Nine tidal inlets in South Carolina were analyzed to determine if there are predictable relationships among the volume of sand in the ebb-tidal deltas and in the individual bypassing shoals, the time interval between bypassing events, and the tidal prism. Historical photographs spanning up to 58 years yielded 221 discrete shoals at various stages of bypassing for the analysis. Building on earlier work by KANA (1995), mean shoal-bypassing event time intervals and the mean bypassing shoal volumes were found to be related to tidal prism. Larger inlets underwent shoal-bypassing events less frequently than smaller inlets, but produced larger bypassing shoal volumes. The relationship between average event interval and tidal prism was based on the equation, I = 0.046Tp + 4.56, where I is the average shoal-bypassing event interval (years) and Tp is the tidal prism (10 6 m 3 ). The relationship between average shoal volume and tidal prism was based on the equation, S = 6.42Tp + 113.4, where S is the average bypassing shoal volume (10 3 m 3 ). Both relationships are statistically significant. Bypassing shoals represented, on average, small volumetric percentages (0.6% to 6.6%) of their respective ebb-tidal delta volumes, yet in mesotidal, moderate wave energy settings such as South Carolina, shoal bypassing can be the single most important process contributing to a locally accreting beach.


Finding shortest path for various applications is important in various domains. But to provide result for complex graphs in real time is a challenging task. So in this paper four shortest path algorithms namely Dijkstra's algorithm, Floyd Warshall, Bellman Ford and Jhonsons algorithm are studied and analyzed to detect parallelism in them and the parallelized version of all three is implemented using parallel computing framework OpenCL. It is found that Bellman Ford and Floyd Warshall contains fine grained parallelism while Jhonsons has less parallelism.


In this paper, we propose to study the possibility of using a photovoltaic system combined with a high speed micro-turbine. This hybrid system can work as stand-alone system or grid connected system as it will be a part of a micro-grid. Initially, we propose simple dynamic models of photovoltaic and micro turbine systems. Then, we carry out a comparison between simulations and measurements of the two systems. At last, simulation results show the effectiveness of the suggested hybrid system.


MR elastomers, which consisting of silicone rubber and carbonyl iron particles, are prepared under different magnet fields intensity. Their micro-structure and mechanics properties are investigated and compared. Results show that the bearing capacity and stiffness of both MR elastomers will increase when subjected to a magnet field. But the controllable range and comprehensive properties of the MR elastomers prepared with magnet fields are better than what of the MR elastomers prepared without magnet fields.


This paper investigates the performance of the neural network (NN) assisted motion detection (MD) over an indoor optical camera communication (OCC) link. The proposed study is based on the performance evaluation of various NN training algorithms, which provide efficient and reliable MD functionality along with vision, illumination, data communications and sensing in indoor OCC. To evaluate the proposed scheme, we have carried out an experimental investigation of a static indoor downlink OCC link employing a mobile phone front camera as the receiver and an 8 × 8 red, green and blue light-emitting diodes array as the transmitter. In addition to data transmission, MD is achieved using a camera to observe user's finger movement in the form of centroids via the OCC link. The captured motion is applied to the NN and is evaluated for a number of MD schemes. The results show that, resilient backpropagation based NN offers the fastest convergence with a minimum error of 10-5 within the processing time window of 0.67 s and a success probability of 100 % for MD compared to other algorithms. We demonstrate that, the proposed system with motion offers a bit error rate which is below the forward error correction limit of 3.8 × 10-3, over a transmission distance of 1.17 m.


As a result of failures in the healthcare profession, and perhaps also in sexual health education, women are facing barriers when attempting to express, control, and explore their own sexuality. In response to the constraints of medical and educational discourses of sexuality and the disregard of female perspectives in traditional forms of health communication, some women are seeking out alternative sites for communicating about sexuality. This major research paper focuses on the expression of knowledge and experience regarding women's sexuality, sexual practices, and sexual health in online spaces. To evaluate the potentially beneficial and damaging effects of exchanging knowledge online, the construction, negotiation, and legitimization of expertise will be considered through a theoretical lens focused on sexual storytelling and dominant feminist and health discourses.

This study provides an inductive qualitative discourse analysis of three publicly available websites: girlonthenet.com, carasutra.co.uk, and sluttygirlproblems.com. The discourses of both authors and readers are analyzed through a coding scheme derived from a number of sources from the relevant literature. The broader categories of coding
allow for an understanding of how expertise is constructed, while the subcategories within these headings enable analysis of the ways in which expertise is legitimized, enforced, and policed between experts and non-experts. This particular categorization of expertise is considered through a perspective that prioritizes the personal sexual narrative as a valid form of sexual knowledge exchange, while assessing the validity, value, and influence of this knowledge on women and their individual sexuality, sexual practices, and sexual health.


SUMMARY Between 1995-2001 79 patients with fecal incontinence (FI) were examined with endorectal ultrasound in our laboratory. There were 56 patients with a definite history of anatomic risk factors (congenital diseases, anorectal operation, difficult delivery, sexual abuse or other trauma). 11 patients had evidence of internal or external rectal prolapse. Endoanal ultrasound revealed sphincter defects in 50 patients (44 internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects and 38 external anal sphincter (EAS) defects). Sphincter defects were found in 47/56 patients with a history of anorectal trauma and in 3/23 patients without a history of trauma. In 14 patients, no risk factor was identified. The etiology of FI was diagnosed as non-traumatic after endoanal ultrasound examination in 34 patients (6 patients with endosonographic evidence of sphincter trauma). The results of endorectal ultrasound had a significant impact in the subsequent management of FI (sphincter repair, muscle transposition, biofeedback training or prolapse repair).


EPortfolio offers a new philosophy of teaching and learning, giving the learner an opportunity to express oneself, to show one's past work and experience to all the interested parties ranging from teachers to potential employers. However, an integral model for ePortfolio implementation in academic institutions that would take into account three different levels of stakeholders: 1. Individual (student and teacher) ; 2. Institution ; and 3. Employer, currently does not exist. In this paper the role of ePortfolio in academic environment as well as the context in which ePortfolio operates is analyzed in detail. As a result of the comprehensive analysis that takes into account individual, academic institution and employer, a meta-model of ePortfolio usage in Lifelong Learning is proposed.


Computer simulations and experimental studies were performed to investigate the relationship between patient exposure and measurement precision in dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA). Systems employing 153Gd, K-edge filtered X-rays and dual-kV X-rays were analysed. The results indicate that, except for added exposure due to beam-profile overlap between scan lines, currently available systems are capable of operating at or near the limits of statistical precision per unit of patient exposure. They further indicate that there are no major advantages in exposure requirements for X-ray systems as compared to 153Gd systems.


Abstract The KISSPEPTIN-1 receptor (KISS1R) and its ligands (KISSPEPTINS) are implicated in the regulation of the onset of puberty. We report the coding region and genomic structure of the kiss1r gene of a modern teleost, the Senegalese sole (Ss). Ss kiss1r cDNA contained an opening frame of 1137 bp, which results in a predicted 378 amino acid protein. Searching genomic databases allowed the identification of kiss1r orthologues in six new species belonging to three vertebrate groups and established the evolutionary relationships of all KISS1R sequences available to date. Analysis of Ss kiss1r revealed for the first time in any vertebrate KISS1R gene the presence of features that are characteristic of a mechanism of alternative splicing. This was confirmed by the identification of two transcripts, Ss kiss1r_v1 and Ss kiss1r_v2. The latter, arising from intron III retention, contained a 27 codons insert in transmembrane region 4 with two stop codons, suggesting it may lead to a truncated protein. The mRNA of the two variants was differently expressed in several tissues. In the brain, levels of the Ss kiss1r_v1 were higher than those of Ss kiss1r_v2. In the gonads, the opposite was observed. Both isoforms exhibited changes depending on sex and maturity stage. The presence of two variants may help to explain some discrepancies observed in past studies regarding KISS1R expression during puberty. Thus, the existence of alternative splicing for the KISS1R gene may contribute to our understanding of the many physiological functions suspected to be mediated by KISSPEPTIN-KISS1R signaling.


Branching Processes in Random Environment (BPREs) $(Z_n:n\geq0)$ are the generalization of Galton-Watson processes where \lq in each generation' the reproduction law is picked randomly in an i.i.d. manner. The associated random walk of the environment has increments distributed like the logarithmic mean of the offspring distributions. This random walk plays a key role in the asymptotic behavior. In this paper, we study the upper large deviations of the BPRE $Z$ when the reproduction law may have heavy tails. More precisely, we obtain an expression for the limit of $-\log \mathbb{P}(Z_n\geq \exp(\theta n))/n$ when $n\rightarrow \infty$. It depends on the rate function of the associated random walk of the environment, the logarithmic cost of survival $\gamma:=-\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty} \log \mathbb{P}(Z_n>0)/n$ and the polynomial rate of decay $\beta$ of the tail distribution of $Z_1$. This rate function can be interpreted as the optimal way to reach a given "large" value. We then compute the rate function when the reproduction law does not have heavy tails. Our results generalize the results of B\"oinghoff $\&$ Kersting (2009) and Bansaye $\&$ Berestycki (2008) for upper large deviations. Finally, we derive the upper large deviations for the Galton-Watson processes with heavy tails.


Meta-learning tries to learn meta-knowledge from a large number of tasks. However, the stochastic meta-gradient can have large variance due to data sampling (from each task) and task sampling (from the whole task distribution), leading to slow convergence. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that integrates variance reduction with first-order meta-learning algorithms such as Reptile. It retains the bilevel formulation which better captures the structure of meta-learning, but does not require storing the vast number of task-specific parameters in general bilevel variance reduction methods. Theoretical results show that it has fast convergence rate due to variance reduction. Experiments on benchmark few-shot classification data sets demonstrate its effectiveness over state-of-the-art meta-learning algorithms with and without variance reduction.


We derive the space-time distribution of energy and momentum deposited by a fast parton traversing a weakly coupled quark-gluon plasma by treating the fast parton as the source of an external color field perturbing the medium. We then use our result as a source term for the linearized hydrodynamical equations of the medium. We show that the solution contains a sonic Mach cone and a dissipative wake if the parton moves at a supersonic speed.


Infectivity of P. falciparum sporozoites determines the course of primary malaria infection in human volunteers. New insights into malaria parasite infectivity A malaria infection starts by inoculation of Plasmodium falciparum parasites into the skin by blood-feeding mosquitoes. These sporozoites rapidly invade liver cells and mature and multiply over 6 to 7 days. Infected liver cells then release new parasites into the bloodstream, which then multiply repeatedly inside red blood cells, causing clinical symptoms. McCall and colleagues now show that sporozoites of diverse geographic and genetic origin differ in their capacity to infect and develop within human liver cells in culture. This matched their ability to form blood-stage parasites in human volunteers undergoing a controlled malaria infection. Thus, the fitness of sporozoites apparently determines their virulence. Malaria sporozoites must first undergo intrahepatic development before a pathogenic blood-stage infection is established. The success of infection depends on host and parasite factors. In healthy human volunteers undergoing controlled human malaria infection (CHMI), we directly compared three clinical Plasmodium falciparum isolates for their ability to infect primary human hepatocytes in vitro and to drive the production of blood-stage parasites in vivo. Our data show a correlation between the efficiency of strain-specific sporozoite invasion of human hepatocytes and the dynamics of patent parasitemia in study subjects, highlighting intrinsic differences in infectivity among P. falciparum isolates from distinct geographical locales. The observed heterogeneity in infectivity among strains underscores the value of assessing the protective efficacy of candidate malaria vaccines against heterologous strains in the CHMI model.


Statistical analysis of data for treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) regularly fails to identify statistically significant changes in patient condition. Patient outcome is typically measured on an ordinal scale which is then analyzed with statistical methods that lack sensitivity to detect changes across all measured outcomes, have restrictive assumptions, or lack adequate statistical power. The conventional binary regression model, the proportional odds model, partial proportional odds model, and the continuation ratio model are four standard methods applied in the analysis of ordinal variables, traditionally deemed effective in a number of cases. To overcome their known deficiencies in some scenarios, the sliding dichotomy model was recently developed to accurately analyze the changes in patient condition across ordinal scales and has had several productive applications in specific cases.

This study compares the sample size, type I error rate and power among these models. This study attempts to detect the consistency among the contemporary models and also the weakness of the sliding dichotomy model in controlling the type I error rate. A few recommendations for handling ordinal variables in applied research are also proposed.

This study used data from Corticosteroid Randomisation after Significant Head Injury (CRASH), a baseline observed data set consisting of 10,008 patients, as the primary data set. Varying the sample sizes, the number of covariates, the band size of the sliding dichotomy approach and randomizing the treatment effect created different scenarios. A number of possible contexts that might occur in practical clinical trials was simulated to try and test the applicability of the models. For each scenario, the effect on statistical power and type I error rates of the models was assessed. Another supplementary primary data set, already collected from Bangladesh, was applied to compare the two data sets. Apart from these two, we tested two other non-clinical trial data sets to assess the models' application in the field of public health.

Although previous studies have suggested that smaller samples sizes can maintain desired power for some applications of the sliding dichotomy model, the results of this study indicate that consideration of the type I error rates does not encourage this approach, due to the risk of false-positive inferences from application of this method. The model could not even maintain the error rate even when the sample size was high (over 1000); often times the type I error rate were higher than 5%.

Inconsistent results were observed from all the models applied to different data sets. These inconsistencies across all the ordinal methods suggest that researchers may find value in evaluating multiple methods and using goodness of fit statistics to help report and interpret results, and also encourages use of meta-analysis in some studies. However, this is not the best or ultimate solution to inconsistent performance of methods. Specific problems with the current methods were detected as part of this research and some potential solutions were outlined. Empirical studies with both clinical and non-clinical data are required to devise a model that can adequately balance the errors and statistical power, and have less (or no) restrictive assumptions.


Background and Objectives : Continuous appraisal of the publication process of articles is warranted for developing future research activities. The aim of the present study was the determination of the publication process of articles published in the Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (JRUMS). Materials and Methods : In this descriptive study, all published papers in the JRUMS through the years 2006-2011 were examined. Data collecting tool was a pre-designed checklist for the first self-appraisal which was based on the new strategies of editorial boards . A number of items were added to this checklist including: funding, conflict of interest, and ethical approval . Data were then analyzed by Chi- Square and independent t-tests. Results: Out of 948 submitted articles, 208 articles (%22) had been published. The most frequent types of study was related to the descriptive ones (30.2%). Twenty seven (22.5%) of authors had received the acceptance letters six months after the submission of their articles. Conclusion: Although the results indicated improvements in some areas, more cooperation among authors with referees and editorial staff is needed to reduce the acceptance time. Key words: Publication process, Quality, Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences Funding: This research was funded by Research Council of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Conflict of interest: All the authors are among editorial team of JRUMS. Ethical approval: It was not Necessary. How to cite this article : Rezaeian M, Salem Z, Besharat F, Hadavi M.Vazirinejad R. Second self-appraisal on the Publication Process of Articles published in the Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (J RUMS) 2006-2011 . J Rafsanjan Univ Med scie 2012 11(1): 1-10. [Farsi]


This thesis concerns an investigation into the correlation between self-assessment reports regarding vocabulary knowledge and actual levels of vocabulary knowledge according to two standardized assessments. The experiment in this study was conducted by means of a questionnaire consisting of a language testing component and a self-assessment component. The participants in this study are speakers of Dutch as a native language. With the help of regression analyses, it has been shown that the result of this study is that the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels of vocabulary knowledge according to both the DIALANG Vocabulary Test and the Cambridge General English Online Test correlate with the estimated levels of the self-assessment component. There are differences in the correlation coefficients of both tests and the self-assessment components. Unfortunately, the sample size impeded the confirmation of demographic discrepancies, such as gender, educational background, and use of English in daily life and in the workplace or educational context. Nonetheless, the fact that in general the language testing component correlates with the selfassessment component indicates that in terms of vocabulary, participants are generally able to predict their language skills. This could have some implications for self-assessment as an assessment tool in educational contexts, or for other contexts where language testing is applicable.


Pickling is the process of removal of oxide layer and rust formed on metal surface. It also removes sand and corrosion products from the surface of metal. Acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid are used for pickling. Hydrofluoric acid-Nitric acid mixture is used for stainless steel pickling. Pickling solutions are spent when acid concentration in pickling solutions decreases by 75-85%, which also has metal content up to 150-250 g/ dm3. Spent pickling liquor (SPL) should be dumped because the efficiency of pickling decreases with increasing content of dissolved metal in the bath. The SPL content depends on the plant of origin and the pickling method applied there. SPL from steel pickling in hot-dip galvanizing plants contains zinc(II), iron, traces of lead, chromium. and other heavy metals (max. 500 mg/dm3) and hydrochloric acid. Zinc(II) passes tothe spent solution after dissolution of this metal from zinc(II)-covered racks, chains and baskets used for transportation of galvanized elements. Unevenly covered zinc layers are usually removed in another pickling bath. Due to this, zinc(II) concentration increases even up to 110 g/dm3, while iron content may reach or exceed even 80 g/dm3 in the same solution. This review presents an overview on different aspects of generation and treatment of SPL with recourse to recovery of acid for recycling. Different processes are described in this review and higher weightage is given to membrane processes.


Heart failure represents one of the leading causes for morbidity and mortality in this country. Despite advances in clinical management, no significant improvements in prognosis have been achieved. Heart failure itself represents a final common endpoint for several disease entities, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy. However, certain biochemical features remain common to the failing myocardium. Foremost among these are alterations in the β-adrenergic receptor signaling system including G protein and associated regulatory proteins. Recent advances in myocardial transgenic and gene transfer techniques have supported the hypothesis that, on a molecular level, the β-adrenergic receptor system is a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure. In this review, we will discuss the biochemical changes that accompany heart failure as well as corresponding novel therapeutic strategies that were uncovered by studies in transgenic mice as well as with β-adrenergic receptor based gene therapy studies in larger animals.


Using transaction data from a large Fintech company, we document a decline of 40% to 50% in the spending of British households during the Covid-19 crisis. The fall is concentrated in services such as retail, restaurants and transportation. The initial rise in on-line shopping and groceries purchases has been subsequently reverted. Income reductions have become far more frequent, with a median decline around 30%. The share of borrowers facing financing issues has increased significantly for both secured and unsecured lending. Consumption and income inequality have surged, with the most economically vulnerable groups experiencing the largest percentage decline. Mortgagors and higher earners in London record the most sizable pound change.


The study was on the Impact of Application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the administration of Polytechnics in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study population comprised five polytechnics in Ogun State, Nigeria. These polytechnic were: one Federal Polytechnic, one State owned Polytechnic, one Private owned Polytechnic and two ICT based Polytechnics. Sixty subjects were randomly selected from the population. However, related literatures were reviewed from textbooks, journals and past researches. The research instruments were questionnaire which was statically analyzed with contingency tables, while the hypotheses were both tested at 0.05 level of significance using the mean statistic. It was discovered that there is a significant relationship between Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the administration of polytechnic. Therefore, the finding revealed that the proprietors of polytechnics (Federal Government, State Government and private individuals) should procure more ICT facilities and equipment to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in administration of polytechnics.  This study suggested that administrators of polytechnics should place greater emphasis on ICT in their respective institutions to foster capacity building of human resources, material resources and financial resources.


This thesis contributes, in essence, four developments to the field of computer vision. The first two present independent methods of locating and tracking body parts of the human body, where the main interest is not 3D biometric accuracy, but rather a sufficient discriminatory representation for visual interaction. Making use of a single uncalibrated camera, the first algorithm employs background suppression and a general approximation to body shape, applied within a particle filter framework. In order to maintain real-time performance, integral images are used for rapid computation of particles. The second method presents a probabilistic framework of assembling detected human body parts into a full 2D human configuration. The face, torso, legs and hands are detected in cluttered scenes using body part detectors trained by AdaBoost. Coarse heuristics are applied to eliminate obvious outliers, and body configurations are assembled from the remaining parts using RANSAC. An a priori mixture model of upper-body configurations is used to provide a pose likelihood for each configuration, after which a joint-likelihood model is determined by combining the pose, part detector and corresponding skin model likelihoods; the assembly with the highest likelihood is selected. The third development is applied in conjunction with either of the aforementioned human body part detection and tracking techniques. Once the respective body parts have been located, the a priori mixture model of upper-body configurations is used to disambiguate the hands of the subject. Furthermore, the likely elbow positions are statistically estimated, thereby completing the upper body pose. A method of estimating the 3D pose of the upper human body from a single camera is presented in the final development. A database consisting of a variety of human movements is constructed from human motion capture data. This motion capture data is then used to animate a generic 3D human model which is rendered to produce a database of frontal view images. From this image database, three subsidiary databases consisting of hand positions, silhouettes and edge maps are extracted. The candidate image is then matched against these databases in real time. The index corresponding to the subsidiary database triplet that yields the highest matching score is used to extract the corresponding 3D configuration from the motion capture data. This motion capture frame is then used to extract the 3D positions of the hands for use in HCI, or to render a 3D model.


A removable visible watermarking scheme, which operates in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain, is proposed for combating copyright piracy. First, the original watermark image is divided into 16×16 blocks and the preprocessed watermark to be embedded is generated by performing element-by-element matrix multiplication on the DCT coefficient matrix of each block and a key-based matrix. The intention of generating the preprocessed watermark is to guarantee the infeasibility of the illegal removal of the embedded watermark by the unauthorized users. Then, adaptive scaling and embedding factors are computed for each block of the host image and the preprocessed watermark according to the features of the corresponding blocks to better match the human visual system characteristics. Finally, the significant DCT coefficients of the preprocessed watermark are adaptively added to those of the host image to yield the watermarked image. The watermarking system is robust against compression to some extent. The performance of the proposed method is verified, and the test results show that the introduced scheme succeeds in preventing the embedded watermark from illegal removal. Moreover, experimental results demonstrate that legally recovered images can achieve superior visual effects, and peak signal-to-noise ratio values of these images are >50 dB.


Abstract High yield and wide adaptation are principal targets of wheat breeding but are hindered by limited knowledge on genetic basis of agronomic traits and abiotic stress tolerances. In this study, 277 wheat accessions were phenotyped across 30 environments with non‐stress, drought‐stressed, heat‐stressed, and drought‐heat‐stressed treatments and were subjected to genome‐wide association study using 395 681 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We detected 295 associated loci including consistent loci for agronomic traits across different treatments and eurytopic loci for multiple abiotic stress tolerances. A total of 22 loci overlapped with quantitative trait loci identified by biparental quantitative trait loci mapping. Six loci were simultaneously associated with agronomic traits and abiotic stress tolerance, four of which fell within selective sweep regions. Selection in Chinese wheat has increased the frequency of superior marker alleles controlling yield‐related traits in the four loci during past decades, which conversely diminished favourable genetic variation controlling abiotic stress tolerance in the same loci; two promising candidate paralogous genes colocalized with such loci, thereby providing potential targets for studying the molecular mechanism of stress tolerance–productivity trade‐off. These results uncovering promising alleles controlling agronomic traits and/or multiple abiotic stress tolerances, providing insights into heritable covariation between yield and abiotic stress tolerance, will accelerate future efforts for wheat improvement.


Green growth means fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies. Increasing concern about the future sustainability of economic growth patterns underpin the demand for a greener model of growth. Existing production technology and consumer behaviour can only be expected to produce positive outcomes up to a point; a frontier, beyond which depleting natural capital has negative consequences for overall growth. By pushing the frontier outward, innovation can help to decouple growth from natural capital depletion. Innovation and the related process of creative destruction will also lead to new ideas, new entrepreneurs and new business models, thus contributing to the establishment of new markets and eventually to the creation of new jobs. Green innovation is therefore the key in enabling environmentally sustainable growth.