We propose a randomized second-order method for optimization known as the Newton Sketch: it is based on performing an approximate Newton step using a randomly projected or sub-sampled Hessian. For self-concordant functions, we prove that the algorithm has super-linear convergence with exponentially high probability, with convergence and complexity guarantees that are independent of condition numbers and related problem-dependent quantities. Given a suitable initialization, similar guarantees also hold for strongly convex and smooth objectives without self-concordance. When implemented using randomized projections based on a sub-sampled Hadamard basis, the algorithm typically has substantially lower complexity than Newton's method. We also describe extensions of our methods to programs involving convex constraints that are equipped with self-concordant barriers. We discuss and illustrate applications to linear programs, quadratic programs with convex constraints, logistic regression and other generalized linear models, as well as semidefinite programs.


Decision making tools are essential for the successful outcome of any organization. Recent advances in predictive analytics have aided in identifying particular points of leverage where critical decisions can be made. Emerging Methods in Predictive Analytics: Risk Management and Decision Making provides an interdisciplinary approach to predictive analytics; bringing together the fields of business, statistics, and information technology for effective decision making. Managers, business professionals, and decision makers in diverse fields will find the applications and cases presented in this text essential in providing new avenues for risk assessment, management, and predicting the future outcomes of their decisions.


An experimental methodology to measure the stiffness of loosely packed powder beds was developed, which had not been possible using previous methods. Experiments were performed on a range of sample powders including polyethylene, rubber, glass, sand, and clay powders. Powders were placed in a vertical, open, cylindrical vessel, and subject to sweep vibration at low accelerations. Base force and acceleration were measured using an impedance head and accelerometer. Apparent mass, defined as a ratio of base force to base acceleration, measured showed a significant peak frequency. The longitudinal elastic modulus of the bed was calculated from the data. For shallow beds in which the wall friction is negligible, the peak frequency is independent of the cross-sectional area of the bed and sweep rate, but dependent on the bed height and acceleration. Data generated by the top-cap method agreed reasonably for cases in which the packing state was not sensitive to external force. A substantial change in elasticity was detected with changes of packing states. Furthermore, the elasticity of packed beds conforms to Kendall's fourth-order relationship with solid volume fraction over a range of packing conditions.


Litigators should give the opposing party options by which it can avoid a full-scale legal battle. Such options are provided through the pre-litigation process of negotiated settlement. It is curious why so much time, training and effort goes into teaching law students and lawyers how to litigate, and so little into how to efficiently achieve as much of a client's goal as possible through the process of negotiated settlement. The process of dispute resolution through effective negotiated settlement involves carefully crafted strategies. What's more, settlement negotiations typically begin with a strategy that is the legal equivalent of a shot across the bow - a demand letter. In this article, I argue that writing an effective Shot Across the Bow letter requires the attorney to engage in specific analytical writing, and tactical strategies. I also propose a methodology for the preparation and execution of such a letter. By breaking down the steps and providing an example, I contend that a well-conceived, well-written, and well-sent Shot Across the Bow letter can increase the likelihood of a prompt, efficient, and satisfactory end to a civil dispute.


Objective: Studies in the literature regarding the use of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients have shown conflicting results. This study sought to answer questions related to the use of remdesivir for the treatment of patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis including phase 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies selected from various databases, comparing patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 receiving remdesivir and controls. Results: A total of 207 studies were retrieved, 9 of which met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. The meta-analysis using RCTs alone showed no statistically significant differences regarding mortality or use of mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between remdesivir and control groups, and the quality of evidence was moderate and low, respectively. The use of remdesivir increased the recovery rate by 6% (95% CI, 3-9); p = 0.004) and the clinical improvement rate by 7% (95% CI, 1-14); p = 0.02). Additionally, no significant differences in mortality were found between remdesivir and control groups when the meta-analysis used observational cohort studies alone (risk difference = -0.01 (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.01; p = 0.32), the quality of evidence being moderate, and the risk of adverse events was 4% ([95% CI, -0.08 to 0.01]; p = 0.09). Conclusions: The use of remdesivir for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 had no significant impact on clinically important outcomes.


This paper focuses on structural changes of paper caused by different drying conditions. Contact drying with and without hot air impingement was investigated at different temperatures. The main focus was on relating mechanical properties to the fine structure of the paper and the constituent fibres, measured by different methods including microtomography, high resolution formation measurement and other standard methods. When paper is dried under different drying conditions, with shrinkage prevented, significant differences are seen in surface roughness and elastic properties. Measurements of porosity, fibre wall thickness and pore volumes do not show such large changes when different drying boundary conditions are used. This indicates that changes happen more between fibres rather than within fibres - and also that bonding in the fibre network is altered. One of the practical results of this study is that the elastic properties and surface smoothness of paper can be improved by cooler paper temperature during drying process.


The CD40/CD40L costimulatory pathway plays a crucial role in allograft rejection. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment as a method to induce long-term, tissue-specific, immunologic hyporesponsiveness to peripheral nerve allografts. Sciatic nerve allografts were performed from BALB/c donor mice into C57BL/6 recipients. Anti-CD40L mAb (1 mg) was administered intraperitoneally to recipient mice on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2. After a 14-, 28-, or 60-day recovery period, the mice were rechallenged with either a BALB/c cardiac or peripheral nerve allograft. Rejection was assessed by measuring the production of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-2, -4, and -5, and alloantibodies immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG. IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IgM, and IgG responses were much lower in the anti-CD40L mAb group compared with controls. Nerve allograft and nerve isograft rechallenge 60 days following the original nerve allotransplantation produced low cytokine responses, whereas cardiac allograft rechallenge produced high cytokine production, indicative of acute rejection. Short-term anti-CD40L treatment may cause long-term, tissue-specific, immunologic hyporesponsiveness. This may allow time for native axons to traverse the transplanted nerve allograft and replace the graft with autogenous peripheral nerve tissue.


Bacteriophages are an invaluable source of novel genetic diversity. Sequencing of phage genomes can reveal new proteins with potential uses as biotechnological and medical tools, and help unravel the diversity of biological mechanisms employed by phages to take over the host during viral infection. Aiming to expand the available collection of phage genomes, we have isolated, sequenced, and assembled the genome sequences of four phages that infect the clinical pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae: vB_KpnP_FBKp16, vB_KpnP_FBKp27, vB_KpnM_FBKp34, and Jumbo phage vB_KpnM_FBKp24. The four phages show very low (0-13%) identity to genomic phage sequences deposited in the Genbank database. Three of the four phages encode tRNAs and have a GC content very dissimilar to that of the host. Importantly, the genome sequences of the phages reveal potentially novel DNA packaging mechanisms as well as distinct clades of tubulin spindle and nucleus shell proteins that some phages use to compartmentalize viral replication. Overall, this study contributes to uncovering previously unknown virus diversity, and provides novel candidates for phage therapy applications against antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae infections.


Recent research on the microfoundations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has highlighted the need for improved measures to evaluate how stakeholders perceive and subsequently react to CSR initiatives. Drawing on stakeholder theory and data from five samples of employees (N = 3,772), the authors develop and validate a new measure of corporate stakeholder responsibility (CStR), which refers to an organization's context-specific actions and policies designed to enhance the welfare of various stakeholder groups by accounting for the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental performance; it is conceptualized as a superordinate, multidimensional construct. Results from exploratory factor analyses, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses, and structural equation modeling provide strong evidence of the convergent, discriminant, incremental, and criterion-related validities of the proposed CStR scale. Two-wave longitudinal studies further extend prior theory by demonstrating that the higher-order CStR construct relates positively and directly to organizational pride and perceived organizational support, as well as positively and indirectly to organizational identification, job satisfaction, and affective commitment, beyond the contribution of overall organizational justice, ethical climate, and prior measures of perceived CSR.


The ability to detect airborne sound using a pressure-transducing tympanic ear has evolved several times over the course of vertebrate history, suggesting that hearing is an advantageous modality and an informative model for sensory evolution. Amphibian hearing is especially interesting because these animals must negotiate water to land transitions. Salamanders are good animal models for the study of hearing, not only because they have a wide range of ear morphologies, but also because they have evolved extratympanic pathways for sound and vibration transmission. Here we suggest that sufficient extratympanic hearing in salamanders and reduced reliance on vocal communication has relaxed selection on the auditory system and allowed for the structural diversity of the salamander ear. Unique among salamanders is the family Plethodontidae, which is not only the most speciose and ecologically diverse family of salamanders, but also possesses a highly derived ear with great inter-specific variation. In this review, we provide an overview of historical and current research on acoustic behavior, auditory anatomy, evolution, and physiology. We highlight plethodontid salamanders as an informative model for study of extratympanic function and auditory evolution.


: Background : Primary arterial hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease globally and significantly impacts public health. It is hypothesized that 16:8 early time-restricted feeding (eTRF) bolsters blood pressure management. To date, there are no randomized trials evaluating its benefits in the treatment of hypertension as a primary outcome. Objective: To determine if eTRF combined with lifestyle modifications is superior to the standard lifestyle modifications treatment of primary hypertension recommended by the 2018 European hypertension guidelines. Methods: This will be a superiority, parallel, open-label, randomized, phase II trial carried out in a single center in Zurich, Switzerland. Participants between 30 and 60 years of age, recently diagnosed with high normal and grade I hypertension will be randomly assigned to the eTRF 18:6 plus lifestyle modifications group or the standard lifestyle interventions group. The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean systolic blood pressure at eight weeks with the baseline measurement. Discussion: This will be the first trial to evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting in patients with primary hypertension. Potential limitations include patient compliance to the intervention. However, in a previous study, self-reported adherence was observed in 1128 of 1351 participants (83.50%). In addition, this study seeks strategies to improve adherence. Conclusion: We hope that this trial directs other authors to carry out future studies aiming for higher external validity and evaluation of long-term effects of intermittent fasting for the treatment of primary hypertension.


To assess the practical implications in relation to the breastfeeding behavior, regarding the dimension of the structural problems in the framework of social marketing, a qualitative exploratory research based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) was developed, through in-depth interviews with lactation counselors and consultants in Portugal. The content of these interviews revealed some of the key barriers to breastfeeding behavior in the dimension of the structural problems and in the context of social marketing.


In this paper, a self-powered rectifier is proposed with an intended application in energy harvesting systems and wireless sensor networks. Key points in the design of the rectifier are discussed as well as practical limitations of the circuit. The proposed self-powered rectifier was designed and fabricated in a standard 0.5-μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process using standard components and poly-poly capacitors. Measurement results are presented for single and four-stage rectifiers with resistive loads from 10 kΩ to 10 MΩ and sinusoidal input amplitudes from 100-1000 mVpk. For the specified input and loading conditions, the maximum measured output voltages for the proposed single stage and four-stage rectifiers were 0.8 and 3.5 V, respectively.


The paper considers the class of matrix polytopes with a dominant vertex and the class of uncertain dynamical systems defined in discrete time and continuous time, respectively, by such polytopes. We analyze the standard concept of stability in the sense of Schur—abbreviated as SS (resp., Hurwitz—abbreviated as HS), and we develop a general framework for the investigation of the diagonal stability relative to an arbitrary Holder -norm, , abbreviated as (resp., ). Our framework incorporates, as the particular case with , the known condition of quadratic stability satisfied by a diagonal positive-definite matrix, i.e. (resp., ) means that the standard inequality of Stein (resp., Lyapunov) associated with all matrices of the polytope has a common diagonal solution. For the considered class of matrix polytopes, we prove the equivalence between SS and (resp., HS and ), (fact which is not true for matrix polytopes with arbitrary structures). We show that the dominant vertex provides all the information needed for testing these stability properties and for computing the corresponding robustness indices. From the dynamical point of view, if an uncertain system is defined by a polytope with a dominant vertex, then the standard asymptotic stability ensures supplementary properties for the state-space trajectories, which refer to special types of Lyapunov functions and contractive invariant sets (characterized through vector -norms weighted by diagonal positive-definite matrices). The applicability of the main results is illustrated by two numerical examples that cover both discrete- and continuous-time cases for the class of uncertain dynamics studied in our paper.


With the development of autonomous system, the operational use of loitering munition is shifting from the following of a pre-planned fixed route without communication to smart decision making and collaborative cooperation with sharing information. In this paper, we study the autonomous decision making and cooperative control strategy of online patrolling for a swarm of loitering munition using communication to coordinate their route based on maximizing the information they gathered in the operation region. Taking the non-Gaussian non-linear property of airborne radar seeker into account, we utilized a particle filter based method to evaluate or to predict the information quality of each action candidate. We also implemented a coordinate descent scheme to enable a distributed and scalable swarm decision making. Simulation results show that the proposed method provides a better estimation than baselines without the need for external or centralized decision agent.


Author(s): Vaish, Rajan | Advisor(s): Davis, James E. | Abstract: Crowdsourcing is a powerful approach to solve some of the biggest problems today - social and scientific. To harness the potential of crowdsourcing, researchers have often relied and successfully used crowd marketplaces such as Amazon Mechanical Turk. However, in spite of a large worker base and past successes, these platforms come with their own limitations. 40% of all the tasks are spam on Mechanical Turk; and it's also difficult to accomplish tasks which require a broader participation base, or expert knowledge. Citizen crowd, at the same time, involves distributed group of people with diverse background and skills; who might organize to accomplish tasks or solve problems without engaging with paid crowd platforms. The motivation for them lies in reasons other than micro-payments.In this dissertation, I explore problems of varying size and duration, where mobilizing the citizen crowd can achieve worthwhile goals. To investigate the possibilities with citizen crowdsourcing, I built systems and ran initiatives that require different level of expertise. This thesis highlights three projects, ranging from seconds of micro contributions to months of highly intellectual contributions. To begin with, we built a mobile lock screen application, that supports completion of quick microtasks in short bursts of time - each time someone unlocks their phone. Next, we launched first of its kind large scale distributed and time-critical campaign in India; where we mobilized the crowd and studied aspects around team building, collaboration, incentives and communication channel; to achieve a common goal. Finally, we ran a first of its kind "research-at-scale" initiative, that explores the possibility of crowdsourcing large open ended problems - by connecting professors with students from around the world - providing access and educational value. All these initiatives have engaged thousands of people from around the world, and we can conclude that it is possible to mobilize the citizen crowd to accomplish worthy goals.


BACKGROUND: Ovarian metastases of GI tumors grow rapidly and are relatively resistant to systemic chemotherapy. They may be unilateral or bilateral and macroscopic or occult. The risk of macroscopic ovarian involvement or occult involvement of macroscopically normal ovaries is unquantified. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify the risks of ovarian involvement in patients with peritoneal malignancy undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of a dedicated prospective malignancy database. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center for peritoneal malignancy. PATIENTS: Female patients with at least 1 remaining ovary, undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal tumors or colorectal peritoneal metastases between January 2010 and March 2015 were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data regarding ovarian involvement was extracted from surgical and histological records. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight female patients with at least 1 ovary underwent complete cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy during the study period. In total, 141 of 258 (54.7%) patients had ovarian tumor involvement, and 80% with at least 1 macroscopically abnormal ovary had bilateral involvement. Of 40 patients with 1 macroscopic ovarian metastasis, microscopic involvement of the contralateral ovary was found in 18 of 40 (45.0%). Of 141 patients in whom both ovaries were macroscopically normal, 24 of 141 (17.0%) patients had microscopic ovarian involvement. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature limits the interpretation of these results. CONCLUSIONS: Occult malignancy was present in 17% when both ovaries looked macroscopically normal and in 45% of contralateral normal-looking ovaries if the other ovary was macroscopically involved. These results help to inform preoperative consent and intraoperative decision making in patients with advanced appendiceal and colorectal malignancy, and are of benefit in managing advanced lower GI tract malignancy.


We present an approach for compiling a rich subset of APL into data-parallel programs that can be executed on GPUs. The compiler is based on the AplTail compiler, which compiles APL programs into a typed array intermediate language, called TAIL. We translate TAIL programs into Haskell source code, employing Accelerate, a Haskell-library for general purpose GPU-programming. We demonstrate the feasibility of the approach by presenting some encouraging results for a number of smaller benchmarks. We also outline some problems that we need to overcome in order for the approach to result in competitive code for larger benchmarks.


The large volume of user-generated content on the Social Web puts a high burden on the participants to evaluate the accuracy and quality of such content. Researchers have been trying to address this problem by focusing on discovering in- fluential entities inside social platforms to guide their ranking algorithms. Often these entities correspond to people or orga- nizations already influential in the real-world. However, not everywhere in the world is there a right to and protection of free speech. In countries where the traditional media cannot report the truth, anonymity becomes a necessity for citizens who want to exercise their right of free-speech in the service of their community. But is it possible for anonymous individuals to become influ- ential and gain the trust of a community? In this paper, we discuss the case of a community of Twitter citizen reporters, located in a Mexican city plagued by the drug cartels fighting for control of territory. Our analysis shows that the most in- fluential individuals inside the community were anonymous accounts. Neither the Mexican authorities, nor the drug car- tels were happy about the real-time citizen reporting of crime or anti-crime operations in an open social network such as Twitter, and we discovered external pressures to this com- munity and its influential players to change their reporting behavior.


A critical yet frequently overlooked challenge in the field of deepfake detection is the lack of a standardized, unified, comprehensive benchmark. This issue leads to unfair performance comparisons and potentially misleading results. Specifically, there is a lack of uniformity in data processing pipelines, resulting in inconsistent data inputs for detection models. Additionally, there are noticeable differences in experimental settings, and evaluation strategies and metrics lack standardization. To fill this gap, we present the first comprehensive benchmark for deepfake detection, called DeepfakeBench, which offers three key contributions: 1) a unified data management system to ensure consistent input across all detectors, 2) an integrated framework for state-of-the-art methods implementation, and 3) standardized evaluation metrics and protocols to promote transparency and reproducibility. Featuring an extensible, modular-based codebase, DeepfakeBench contains 15 state-of-the-art detection methods, 9 deepfake datasets, a series of deepfake detection evaluation protocols and analysis tools, as well as comprehensive evaluations. Moreover, we provide new insights based on extensive analysis of these evaluations from various perspectives (e.g., data augmentations, backbones). We hope that our efforts could facilitate future research and foster innovation in this increasingly critical domain. All codes, evaluations, and analyses of our benchmark are publicly available at https://github.com/SCLBD/DeepfakeBench.


The only previously known Mesozoic fossils of the chilopod order Geophilomorpha are two species from the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous, both known from single specimens that cannot be assigned with precision to a family. Four specimens from the Late Cretaceous (earliest Cenomanian) amber of Burma include three that can be identified as conspecific, described here as Kachinophilus pereirai gen. nov. sp. nov. These specimens preserve greater morphological detail in comparison with other fossil geophilomorphs: the form and fine features of the head, the maxillary complex, the trunk sternites with associated glandular pores and the ultimate pair of legs defend the assignment of the species to the extant family Geophilidae, and most probably to a derived subgroup including well‐known extant genera such as Ribautia Brölemann, 1909. Confocal laser scanning microscopy supplements examination under incident and transmitted light to document details of high taxonomic relevance in the head and the forcipular segment. The modern appearance of this species and its membership among deeply nested extant clades are consistent with molecular estimates that most of the diversity of crown‐group Geophilomorpha originated before the Late Cretaceous.


I study a dynamic model of trial-and-error search in which agents do not have complete knowledge of how choices are mapped into outcomes. Agents learn about the mapping by observing the choices of earlier agents and the outcomes that are realized. The key novelty is that the mapping is represented as the realized path of a Brownian motion. I characterize for this environment the optimal behavior each period as well as the trajectory of experimentation and learning through time. Applied to new product development, the model shares features of the data with the well-known Product Life Cycle. (JEL D81, D83, D92, L26)


A remarkable development in the sociology of work in recent years has been the explosion of brilliant cross-national and cross-cultural studies in Europe examining the conditions of labor against the background of different economic systems, and differences within each of the major free market, mixed welfare, and planned economic systems that dot the European landscape. In Vienna and Budapest in particular, a group of intellectual workers have gotten together for what can only be described as breakthrough studies in the conditions and purposes of work in post-industrial society. The question of new forms of work organization focuses on job satisfaction, participatory democracy in the work place, levels of productivity, and issues of health and safety in the occupational environment. That these elements are important have long been known. But what this collection of studies emphasizes is the specific mix that produced specific outcomes. It does not shy away from dangerous and tough questions: worker control and control of workers, political participation in contexts of authoritarian regimes, and personal rewards in contexts that once frowned upon private acquisition of capital. The volume is rich in empirical studies and draws the theoretical implications that can and already have had vast policy consequences for workers in the modern " context. Issues relating to job rotation, enrichment, enlargement and autonomy, and others related to new forms of organization starting with the shop floor and extending throughout the management of the enterprise as a whole are dealt with candidly. The social character of labor, long frowned upon as a mechanism for evading bread-and-butter issues, is now recognized, East and West, as a dimension of concern that is growing precisely as the size and character of the labor sector is diminishing. This is must reading for those interested in new forms of social and policy synthesis, and ways of meliorating competing claims of different sectors in modern societies.


We review and update the work on genetic elements, e.g., viruses and plasmids (exluding IS elements and transposons) in the kingdom Crenarchaeota (Thermoproteales and Sulfolobales) and the orders Thermococcales and Thermoplasmales in the kingdom Euryarchaeota of the archael domain, including unpublished data from our laboratory. The viruses of Crenarchaeota represent four novel virus families. The Fuselloviridae represented by SSVI of S. shibatae and relatives in other Sulfolobus strains have the form of a tailed spindle. The envelope is highly hydrophobic. The DNA is double-stranded and circular. Members of this group have also been found in Methanococcus and Haloarcula. The Lipothrivciridae (e.g., T TV1 to 3) have the form of flexible filaments. They have a core containing linear double-stranded DNA and DNA-binding proteins which is wrapped into a lipid membrane. The "Bacilloviridae" (e.g., TTV4 and SIRV) are stiff rods lacking this membrane, but also featuring linear double-stranded DNA and DNA-binding proteins. Both virus types carry on both ends structures involved in the attachment to receptors. Both types are represented in Thermoproteus and Sulfolobus. The droplet-formed novel Sulfolobus virus SNDV represents the "Guttaviridae" containing circular double-stranded DNA. Though head and tail viruses distantly resembling T phages or lambdoid phages were seen electronmicroscopically in solfataric water samples, no such virus has so far been isolated. SSV1 is temperate, TTV1 causes lysis after induction, the other viruses found so far exist in carrier states. The hosts of all but TTV1 survive virus production. We discuss the implications of the nature of these viruses for understanding virus evolution. The plasmids found so far range in size from 4.5 kb to about 40 kb. Most of them occur in high copy number, probably due to the way of their detection. Most are cryptic, pNOB8 is conjugative, the widespread pDL10 alleviates in an unknown way autotrophic growth of its host Desulfurolobus by sulfur reduction. The plasmid pTIK4 appears to encode a killer function. pNOB8 has been used as a vector for the transfer of the lac S (beta-galactosidase) gene into a mutant of S. solfataricus.


In the simulation, the mesh quality has a significant impact on the simulation results. To study the influence of the size and shape of target mesh on the high velocity projectile penetration into concrete, using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software in this paper, different target mesh side lengths are selected to simulate, the variation curve that depth of penetration (DOP) with target mesh side length is obtained, select 1/6 times projectile radius as the target mesh side length can meet the accuracy requirements. Based the target mesh side length above, different radios of the mesh side length in the radial direction to the side length in the axial direction are selected to simulate, the influence law of calculating results that depend on the mesh shape is acquired. The contrast validation of experimental results is carried out, the simulation results are in agreement with the experimental results.


Despite of the great focus of attention dedicated to demand response (DR), the potential benefits of DR on distribution networks have not yet been quantitatively studied. This paper aims to assess DR potential impacts on major attributes of the operation of a residential distribution network. For doing so, grossly metered usage of more than 1600 residential consumers from Kainuu, Finland, is disaggregated to appliance-level load profiles. The flexibility of the load profiles is also estimated from the survey data and questionnaires. The individual profiles are then adjusted within their flexibility such that the most evenly distributed aggregated load profile is realized. Finally, the resulted load profile is applied to a Finnish distribution network, and the impacts of the DR on different aspects of the network operation such as the network losses, voltage profiles, and service reliability are studied. The observations certified significant benefits of the DR potentials for the network operation and reliability. It is also revealed that almost all of the benefits can be achieved by enabling the potential of responsive heating and ventilation systems.


Proton delivery to the prosthetic group is a crucial step to sustain the activity of nitrite reductase. An iron N-confused porphyrin (NCP) complex, which is capable of relaying protons from the outer pyrrolic nitrogen (Nout-H) of the inverted pyrrole ring to the axial coordinated ligand, has been demonstrated to facilitate facile nitrite reduction. Time-dependent FTIR studies on the reaction between [FeII(HCTPPMe)Br] (1) and a nitrite anion revealed a two-step process involving conversion of the starting complex 1 to an {Fe(NO)}7 intermediate, [Fe(CTPPMe)(NO)] (5), before the detection of [Fe(CTPPCH2)(NO)] (3), an {Fe(NO)}6 end product. Moreover, spectroscopic data confirm that Nout-H on the NCP core is indispensable to the proceeding of the nitrite reduction reaction. Mass spectra have detected the coordination of a nitrite to the iron center while DFT theoretical calculations suggest that subsequent intramolecular proton transfer to a nitro group to form [Fe(CTPPMe)(HNO2)] (6a) evokes a homolytic N-OH bond fission on axial nitrous acid due to an enhanced π-back-bonding to produce an {Fe(NO)}7 intermediate and to release a hydroxyl radical. The subsequent oxidation of an {Fe(NO)}7 intermediate by the hydroxyl radical gave the final product, {Fe(NO)}6 [Fe(CTPPCH2)(NO)] (3). This study illustrates a proton assisted small molecule activation on the iron N-confused porphyrin coordination sphere and provides complemental insights into the mechanism of enzymatic nitrite reduction reactions.


Why did NATO expand its membership during the Cold War years, and what was its attraction to new members? This book locates the answers to these questions not solely in the Cold War, but in the historical problems of international order in Europe and the growing idea of the West. A wide range of sources is used, and the analysis looks at a process of neo-enlargement during NATO's inception as well as the formal accessions that followed


We have examined the ability of the recombinant hematopoietic growth factors (HGF) interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to increase retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer into human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). The efficiency of neo gene transfer by the N2 vector into human HPC was enhanced by preculture with either GM-CSF or IL-3 (but not IL-6) and with each combination of the three factors. The combination of IL-3 plus IL-6 consistently produced significantly higher levels of G418-resistant colonies (50-60%) than any of the other combinations of HGF tested. Following preculture with HGF and transduction by N2, marrow was maintained in long-term bone marrow culture (LTBMC) for 2 months. The levels of G418-resistant HPC remained stable, and no apparent depletion of total HPC content resulted from the prior exposure to highly stimulatory doses of factors. The proliferative status of the HPC, following exposure to the HGF, was measured as the percentage of HPC that were inhibited from forming colonies by exposure to the S-phase-specific drug, hydroxyurea. The ability of the different HGF to increase the rate of gene transfer by N2 correlated significantly with the extent to which they stimulated HPC proliferation. These results suggest that the mechanism by which HGF increase rates of gene transfer into HPC is by stimulating cell proliferation. Techniques that produce high rates of gene transfer into long-lived human HPC will facilitate studies to quantitate expression of exogenous genes in hematopoietic cells and may be applicable to clinical gene therapy.


We generalize the notion of average Lipschitz smoothness proposed by Ashlagi et al. (COLT 2021) by extending it to H\"older smoothness. This measure of the"effective smoothness"of a function is sensitive to the underlying distribution and can be dramatically smaller than its classic"worst-case"H\"older constant. We consider both the realizable and the agnostic (noisy) regression settings, proving upper and lower risk bounds in terms of the average H\"older smoothness; these rates improve upon both previously known rates even in the special case of average Lipschitz smoothness. Moreover, our lower bound is tight in the realizable setting up to log factors, thus we establish the minimax rate. From an algorithmic perspective, since our notion of average smoothness is defined with respect to the unknown underlying distribution, the learner does not have an explicit representation of the function class, hence is unable to execute ERM. Nevertheless, we provide distinct learning algorithms that achieve both (nearly) optimal learning rates. Our results hold in any totally bounded metric space, and are stated in terms of its intrinsic geometry. Overall, our results show that the classic worst-case notion of H\"older smoothness can be essentially replaced by its average, yielding considerably sharper guarantees.


OBJECTIVE: The goal was to characterize the pediatric role and scope of practice of family nurse practitioners (FNPs). METHODS: A mail survey of a random national sample of 1000 FNPs, stratified according to states that license nurse practitioners to practice independently, was performed. Frequencies were calculated and bivariate analyses were performed to determine the level of association between practice characteristics and practice state, practice location (urban versus rural), and type of care provided (primary versus specialty). RESULTS: The overall response rate was 75.9%. Sixty-six percent of respondents (n = 416) reported that they currently provided care to children, and 18% (n = 110) reported that they had never provided care to children. Fifty-four percent of FNPs who provided care to children (n = 222) reported that children represented ≤25% of their current patient populations. Few FNPs (9% [n = 39]) reported that children represented >75% of their total patient populations. CONCLUSIONS: Among FNPs who provide care to children, pediatric patients represent only a small fraction of their patient populations. FNPs are unlikely to have a significant impact on the availability of either primary or subspecialty care for children in the near future.


This thesis explores indigenous religious discourse around witchcraft in South Africa and how it relates to the HIV crisis, as well as the social and economic realities the epidemic brings forth.
The increasing popularity of witchcraft discourse amongst South Africans most affected by the HIV epidemic is often said to be the result of a lack in biomedical knowledge in the overall population. However, while public sphere discourse insists on a radical incommensurability of biomedical and religious forms of health knowledge, it has recently been suggested that despite increased access to biomedical knowledge and healthcare, many South Africans draw on a widening spectrum of health options available to them in their struggle to make AIDS meaningful.
Based on this suggestion, this thesis sets out by claiming that common responses to South Africans' choice of traditional health care instead of, or in tandem with biomedical healthcare, are not sufficient in explaining the popularity of interpretations of AIDS as witchcraft. Combining a historic-discursive analysis of South Africa's field of health and healing with a post-colonial approach to the history of academic notions of African religion, the thesis contends that dominant accounts of witchcraft discourses as opposing biomedicine are an extension of colonial tradition vs. modernity arguments. In order to achieve an adequate understanding, the thesis then deploys recent scholarship suggesting a "modernity of witchcraft" to comprehend South African witchcraft within the frame of contemporary social concerns. Finally, suggestions are provided as to why witchcraft serves as a favored discourse to address AIDS to many South Africans.


Introduction Cancers and other diseases caused by asbestos and has led to the 'fibre paradigm' that in essence suggests that biopersistent, fibre like, materials have a potential for asbestos-like negative health effects. The overwhelmingly most common type of fiber-like nanomaterials are the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of which there are numerous types. As predicted by the paradigm some CNTs have been shown to elicit tumour formation in animal models. Because of the very broad variety of CNTs it is imperative to understand which of these will have asbestos like effects. There are also unanswered questions about the carcinogenicity of CNTs that are not asbestos-like. Methods The presentation will discuss asbestos related carcinogenicity and evaluate the differences and similarities to the current understanding of CNT related carcinogenesis. Special attention will be paid to in vivo studies and histology. In addition to discussing published literature some unpublished results will also be presented. Results The early phases of asbestos induced effects in vivo include activation of inflammatory cascades and the production of reactive oxygen species. These effects are not that specific for asbestos and can be found in association with silica exposures and other exposures, including nanomaterials. A somewhat specific feature of asbestos exposure is a in vivo is eosinophilia associated with a Th2 type of immunological response. Interestingly this type of reaction can be seen in some types of CNTs with physical properties reminiscent of asbestos. Discussion Some CNTs do have physicochemical properties and an in vivo inflammatory response similar to that of asbestos. The potential for carcinogenicity of CNTs without these asbestos-like features is rather poorly investigated. Additional studies with traditional animal models for carcinogenicity are needed to provide a foundation for other approaches to determine carcinogenic potential.


Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are often used as part of a barrier system in modern landfills to prevent the escape of leachate into the surrounding environment. The hydraulic performance of GCLs depends on the degree of hydration from the underlying subsoil. The hydration behaviour of two GCL products from different underlying subsoils was examined under various normal stresses (0 to 8 kPa). The rate of hydration of GCLs significantly increased as the normal stress, provided by the waste or leachate collection system, increased from 0 to 8 kPa. For instance, the final equilibrium moisture content of the GCL was achieved in approximately 8 weeks when placed on sand subsoil under 8 kPa normal stress, while it took about 24 weeks for the same GCL under no normal stress. However, the effect of the normal stress on the final equilibrium moisture content of GCLs was not so significant. A normal stress of 2 kPa was shown to induce slightly higher equilibrium moisture uptake for most GCLs. Nevertheless, results indicated a meagre variation of the equilibrium moisture content as the normal stress increased from 2 to 8 kPa. The GCL manufacturing processes and the grain size distribution of the subsoil were shown to affect both the rate of hydration and the final equilibrium moisture content attained.


DNA content (ploidy status and proliferative fraction) was retrospectively studied by flow cytometry on archival material from 44 Wilms' tumors of the kidney to evaluate intratumoral DNA heterogeneity and correlate the findings with clinicopathologic factors and patients' outcome. Analyses of 168 blocks from these neoplasms (average 4 per case) revealed diploid DNA in 24 (54.5%) and aneuploid DNA in 20 (45.5%). Thirteen (29.5%) Wilms' tumors demonstrated intratumoral DNA heterogeneity. No statistical correlation between DNA content and age, gender, tumor size, tumor stage, histological subtypes, and clinical outcome was found. Significant association, however, was found between DNA ploidy heterogeneity and unfavorable histology, and death due to disease. Our results indicate that approximately one third of Wilms' tumors manifest intratumoral heterogeneity and this accounts, at least in part, for the variable incidence of DNA ploidy reported and may be associated with pernicious biological feature.


Background— Prenatal stress is considered a risk factor for several neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia (SZ). An animal model involving restraint stress of pregnant mice suggests that prenatal stress (PRS) induces epigenetic changes in specific GABAergic and glutamatergic genes likely to be implicated in SZ including the gene for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods— Studying adult offspring of pregnant mice subjected to PRS, we explored the long-term effect of PRS on behavior and on the expression of key chromatin remodeling factors including DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), ten-eleven translocation hydroxylases (TETs), methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methyltransferases (MLL1, SETD1, G9A and EZH1) and demethylase (LSD1) in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus (HP). We also measured the expression of BDNF. Results— Adult PRS offspring demonstrate behavioral abnormalities suggestive of SZ and molecular changes similar to SZ postmortem brain: a significant increase in DNMT1 and TET1 in the FC and HP but not in cerebellum, no changes in HDACs, histone methytransferases/ demethylases or MeCP2, and a significant decrease in BDNF variants measured in the FC and HP. The decrease of the corresponding BDNF transcript level was paralleled by an enrichment of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxylmethylcytosine levels at Bdnf gene regulatory regions. In addition, the expression of BDNF transcripts (IV and IX) was positively correlated with social approach in both PRS and non-stressed mice. Conclusions— Since patients with psychosis and PRS mice show similar epigenetic signature, PRS offspring may be a suitable model for understanding the behavioral and molecular epigenetic changes observed in SZ patients.


The construct of gender in social life manifests onto its discrimination in every aspect of society. Women have   a weak position and thus, become a "weapon" to weaken their own development in this growing emancipation era. Some legal efforts and the theory of feminist have developed to advocate them to grow up and get involved in various aspects of development; at least, it may suppress the level of discrimination toward women. Implementing the theory of feminism, however, should understand and see through some values that exist in society, as in Papuan women's life. In the context of kinship, it may tie and harmonize the family bond. Therefore, the theory of feminism can be well implemented and accepted in a society which is full of togetherness, kinship, relatives, and love values.


Accepted, September 6, 2002. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the anti-invasive effect of the anti-matrix metalloproteinase (anti-MMP) agent SI-27 by quantitative tracking of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled human malignant glioma cell lines in a brain slice model. METHODS: Persistent expression of EGFP in human malignant glioma cell clones (U87MG, U251MG, and U373MG) was established with the use of the pEGFP-C1 vector. Tumor spheroid in 1 l Matrigel was implanted into the caudate nucleusputamen of a severe combined immunodeficient mouse brain slice. To allow the quantitative assessment of tumor cell invasion, the invasion area index was measured on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7 with a fluorescence stereomicroscope and an image analyzer in the presence of various concentrations of SI-27 (0, 1, 10, 50, or 100 g/ml). RESULTS: In the control group (0 g/ml), all glioma cell lines invaded in a fingerlike fashion and reached the contralateral hemisphere through the corpus callosum. SI-27 at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 g/ml significantly suppressed the invasion area index on Days 5 and 7 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 1 g/ml had no effect. Transmission electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy indicated that the tumor cells had penetrated the brain slice and that the normal structural integrity of the brain was maintained until Day 7. CONCLUSION: This model enabled unequivocal periodic tracking of individual invading tumor cells in normal brain. The significant suppression of glioma cell invasion by noncytotoxic concentrations of SI-27 indicates that anti-MMP treatment may represent an important future therapeutic strategy for malignant cerebral neoplasms.


This article aims to create greater clarity about the specific professionalism of professional youth work by using the sociological theory on the phenomenon of labour division and the role that professions play in modern, western societies. Due to an unclear professional identity the existence of professional youth work within Northwest European welfare states is subject to debate. Sociological theory of professions shows that professions have three different societal roles: objective rationality, moral responsibility and democratic practice. A concise discussion of the development of professional youth work from the perspective of these three roles results in a model of professional youth work's own professionalism, with values at the core of the profession. The core values of youth work are: development-oriented, social justice and full participation . Besides, there are five preconditions that ensure the technical quality of professional practice. The preconditions are: personal commitment to young people, normative reflection, knowledge, workmanship and legitimacy, the provision of accountability of professional youth work. This article is based on literature on youth work, social work and sociological theory of professions.


Metaphor is a common, everyday technique for talking about objects or events in terms appropriate to other objects or events. Rather than confusing the issue, presenting facts of one sort as if they belong to another group can develop richer and deeper understandings of the world and our place in it. Metaphors of teaching have been used for many years as a route for teachers and preservice teachers to explore their philosophies and approaches to pedagogy, where the impersonal becomes personal through image and rich description. But while it is used extensively to develop images of teaching, it has not been used as much to explore images of learning. This research examined preservice teachers metaphors of teaching and Year 1 children's metaphors of learning for matches and mismatches. This presentation explores educators' metaphors of teaching through the visual arts.


Engineering education is constantly challenged to bridge the gap between classroom and real world problems. This paper reports on the experience at PSUT to complement the teaching of digital signal processing through project-based learning. A low cost digital stethoscope is utilized by students to record heartbeat sounds and apply DSP concepts to extract vital information from the signal. The ability to apply concepts learned in the classroom to a real world problem was an important element that motivated students. The feedback from students reinforced the effectiveness of these techniques in teaching concepts of digital signal processing


The transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) family represents a class of signaling molecules that plays a central role in morphogenesis, growth, and cell differentiation during normal embryonic development. Members of this growth factor family are particularly vital to development of the mammalian secondary palate where they regulate palate mesenchymal cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Such regulation is particularly critical since perturbation of either cellular process results in a cleft of the palate. While the cellular and phenotypic effects of TGFβ on embryonic craniofacial tissue have been extensively catalogued, the specific genes that function as downstream mediators of TGFβ action in the embryo during palatal ontogenesis are poorly defined. Embryonic palatal tissue in vivo and murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) cells in vitro secrete and respond to TGFβ. In the current study, elements of the Smad component of the TGFβ intracellular signaling system were identified and characterized in cells of the embryonic palate and functional activation of the Smad pathway by TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3 was demonstrated. TGFβ‐initiated Smad signaling in cells of the embryonic palate was found to result in: (1) phosphorylation of Smad 2; (2) nuclear translocation of the Smads 2, 3, and 4 protein complex; (3) binding of Smads 3 and 4 to a consensus Smad binding element (SBE) oligonucleotide; (4) transactivation of transfected reporter constructs, containing TGFβ‐inducible Smad response elements; and (4) increased expression of gelatinases A and B (endogenous genes containing Smad response elements) whose expression is critical to matrix remodeling during palatal ontogenesis. Collectively, these data point to the presence of a functional Smad‐mediated TGFβ signaling system in cells of the developing murine palate. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 261–271, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) is regarded as a step in the right direction to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. However, a dramatic increase of EV and charging stations has raised voltage quality and harmonic distortion issues that affect the performance of integrated renewable power sources (wind and solar) and smart-grid electrical transmission networks. This paper models an integrated electric vehicle charging and battery storage system operating in the presence of unpredictable wind and solar power sources. The aim is to enable the design of an electrical control system that develops the correct duty cycle to stabilize and regulate the voltage at the dc/dc power conversion station. Simulations are performed to evaluate energy management by the proposed control system. The proposed system effectively manages the electric power on the grid by drawing power from the batteries at peak times and then charging them in off-peak times, reducing the load on the converter and enabling the reduction of charging time for electric vehicles. A constant voltage is achieved on the grid irrespective of fluctuations in renewable energy generation and in the load.


We propose the logistic-kernel smoothing procedure for the semiparametric accelerated failure time (AFT) model with high-dimensional right-censored data. The resulting estimating procedure permits fast and accurate computation of regression parameter estimates and standard errors while preserving the same asymptotic properties as those from the non-smoothed rank estimating function. In addition, we provide an efficient numerical algorithm for obtaining a complete regularization path to facilitate adaptive variable selection in the AFT model. This can be done by using a second-order approximation of the smoothed estimating function and coordinate decent algorithm. Through extensive simulation studies, we examine several well-known penalties and show that our method is robust and computationally efficient with minimal loss of precision. Application to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) data demonstrates the utility of the proposed method in routine survival data analysis.


A 60-year-old man with lymphoma completed chemotherapy on October 21, 2016, with complete remission. He then received rituximab maintenance therapy. Since March 2017, he has had progressive fatigue, myalgias, rash, weight loss, diarrhea, and recurrent low-grade fever. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy and FDG PET/CT demonstrated no active lymphoma. An In-white blood cell scan showed abnormal tracer uptake on 20-hour postinjection, but not on 3-hour postinjection images, including innumerable skeleton muscle foci, multiple cutaneous foci, and persistent diffuse increased uptake in the lungs. Diagnosis of adult-onset Still disease was made accordingly. The patient's cytopenia was deemed a chemotherapy-related adverse effect.


DNSSEC Look-aside Validation (DLV) is examined, highlighting its lax specifications and privacy implications. By performing extensive experiments over datasets of domain names under comprehensive experimental settings, our findings firmly confirm the privacy leakages caused by DLV. We discover that a large number of domains that should not be sent to DLV servers are being leaked. We explore the root causes, and propose two approaches to fix the privacy leakages.


Author(s): Kohl, Erica L. | Advisor(s): Shaiken, Harley | Abstract: AbstractGoverning Poverty Amidst Plenty:Philanthropic Investments and the California DreambyErica L. KohlDoctor of Philosophy in EducationUniversity of California, BerkeleyProfessor Harley Shaiken, ChairDescribed as the `New Appalachia,' California's Central Valley ranks number one on the Brookings Institution's American poverty list. In the past two years newspapers ranging from the Los Angeles Times to the Washington Post ran headline stories featuring the Central Valley's dependence on large-scale agriculture and its resulting income stagnation, `brain drain', and deepening poverty and insecurity in isolated migrant farmworker settlements across the region. This dissertation is a historical study of philanthropic interventions into migrant farmworker poverty across California's Central Valley from the 1960's Farm Worker Movement to the present. It explores the ways in which foundation driven programs to address migrant poverty amidst great agricultural wealth manage or `govern' the work of farmworker organizers and institutions across the region. Over the past ten years an unprecedented number of private foundation grants have been made to farmworker organizations across California's Central Valley. While philanthropic investments in migrant institutions have not significantly altered the terrain of farmworker organizing, they have promoted institutional arrangements and theoretical frameworks that contain the work of farmworker organizations and advocates. In this dissertation I specifically interrogate how processes of professionalization and `participatory' ideas promoted through foundations such as self-help, community development, immigrant integration, civic participation, and asset-based community development are negotiated by institutional 'grantees,' and ultimately structure the ways in which historic farm worker movement organizations build institutions and organizing strategies. Through an analysis of archival data and interviews with historic movement leaders and current foundation and nonprofit staff, this dissertation shows how, while philanthropic investments in farmworker communities are greater than ever, regional program managers are more reluctant to address the problems faced by farmworkers such as pesticides poisoning, low wages, and substandard health and housing conditions. The specific `win-win' asset based approach popular with the most recent foundation initiatives facilitates processes that identify the places where growers and workers can work together, avoiding problem-based causes where growers' economic interests may be challenged. Operating under the 'win-win' model, at a time when growers and workers alike are suffering from the financial crisis and drought, advocates find themselves further away from addressing the structural issues of a farm labor system that relies on constant streams of migrant workers from poor pueblos in Mexico. This dissertation contributes to the emerging body of scholarship on philanthropy and social change by complicating arguments that either promote foundations as positive agents of social progress or critique them as monolithic imperialist institutions with clear agendas of co-optation and control. In complicating theories of social control and cooptation, my intention is not to defend private grant making foundations as effective agents of social movements or even to disagree with the ultimate dilution of organizing agendas that foundation grants often initiate. My aim is to encourage scholars and activists to confront the current paradigm where foundations are viewed as unified institutions of power with clearly articulated political agendas of which we have little understanding and therefore no ability to change. Throughout the dissertation, I do this by showing how decisions made between funders and movement leaders are, while not without consequences, often multi-layered and contingent, as opposed to being driven by a single political agenda of cooptation and repression as is now commonly argued. This is the first scholarly work on California foundations, and their relationship to farmworker institutions.


Most human protein-coding genes are regulated by multiple, distinct promoters, suggesting that the choice of promoter is as important as its level of transcriptional activity. While the role of promoters as driver elements in cancer has been recognized, the contribution of alternative promoters to regulation of the cancer transcriptome remains largely unexplored. Here we infer active promoters using RNA-Seq data from 1,188 cancer samples with matched whole genome sequencing data. We find that alternative promoters are a major contributor to context-specific regulation of isoform expression and that alternative promoters are frequently deregulated in cancer, affecting known cancer-genes and novel candidates. Our study suggests that a highly dynamic landscape of active promoters shapes the cancer transcriptome, opening many opportunities to further explore the interplay of regulatory mechanism and noncoding somatic mutations with transcriptional aberrations in cancer.


Relaying can replace one transmission over a long distance with several transmissions over shorter distances, and the total transmission power of mobile stations thus can be lower in the case of relaying. As such, the relaying concept and protocols in a cellular environment have been much discussed in the literature recently. We mathematically analyze the idea of uplink relaying schemes, using a simple model that represents their essential functions. In order to simplify our performance analysis, we assume that the originator of a packet sets the maximum number of hops to the base station to be 2. Our results indicate that the performance benefits of relaying are significant


Abstract Background: Despite the substantial hospitalization costs associated with the management of patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in the inpatient setting, there is limited guidance on patients who should be managed in the hospital relative to the outpatient setting. Studies have demonstrated that SSTI patients without major complications or comorbidities can be successfully managed in the outpatient setting. However, there are limited data on current hospital admission patterns for patients with SSTI. Objectives: Given this literature gap, this study described the current hospital admission patterns among adult patients with SSTI using data from a US hospital research database. Methods: To determine the subset of hospitalized SSTI patients who could likely be managed in the outpatient setting (potentially avoidable hospital admissions), the distribution of hospital admissions was categorized by infection severity and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score. Results: During the study observational period, there were 610,867 medical encounters across 520 hospitals. Of the 610,867, 125,743 (20.6%) were treated as inpatients. Nearly all patients with life-threatening conditions or systemic symptoms or a CCI score of 2 or greater were admitted. Among those with no life-threatening conditions and no systemic symptoms, admission rates exceeded 10 and 30% for patients with a CCI score of zero and 1, respectively. While the admissions rates for these patient populations were low, they accounted for nearly 60% of all admissions (75,255 of 125,743 hospital admissions). On average, patients with CCI score of zero or 1, independent of the presence of systemic symptoms, were treated in the hospital for about 4 days, costing $6000–$7000 on average. Conclusions: Given the cost associated with the management of patients with SSTIs in the inpatient setting, the findings highlight the critical need for healthcare systems to develop well-defined criteria for hospital admission based on presence of comorbid conditions and infection severity.


Summary 1.The strong inhibition in the rat of hepatic carcinogenesis due to the feeding of 0.054 per cent of 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3′-methyl-DAB) by the administration of 0.0033 per cent of 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) has been confirmed. At equimolar levels 3,4-benzpyrene and 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene also inhibited hepatic carcinogenesis strongly, 1,2-benzanthracene was a moderately strong inhibitor, 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene and its photooxide were weak inhibitors, and pyrene was without effect. One-half the level of 3′-methyl-DAB (0.027 per cent) induced few tumors in this assay in which the compounds were fed for only 3 months. The inhibitory effect of MC was overcome by increasing the level of 3′-methyl-DAB to 0.108 per cent. Administration of MC with 4′-fluoro-DAB or 2′,4′-difluoro-DAB also inhibited their hepatocarcinogenic actions. 2.Administration of MC with 2-acetylaminofluorene or 7-fluoro-2-acetylaminofluorene strongly inhibited the induction in rats of tumors at the four sites (liver, mammary gland, ear duct, and small intestine) normally affected by these compounds under our conditions. 3.Metabolic studies on rats fed 3′-methyl-DAB alone or with one of the hydrocarbons indicated that the hydrocarbons protected against the induction of tumors by causing the liver to maintain high levels of certain enzyme systems which metabolize the dye to less active or inactive derivatives. Thus, administration of 0.054 per cent of 3′-methyl-DAB resulted in a marked loss of the ability of liver homogenates to N-demethylate and to reduce the azo linkage of aminoazo dyes. A similar loss of activity occurred when pyrene was fed with the dye, but not when a hydrocarbon protecting against carcinogenesis was administered. When one of the protective hydrocarbons was fed with 0.054 per cent of 3′-methyl-DAB, the levels of free aminoazo dye in the liver and blood and of protein-bound dye in the liver were similar to those found in rats fed only one-half as much dye. The levels of free and bound dye were altered to a lesser extent by the feeding of 1,2-benzanthracene and were not affected by feeding pyrene with the dye. 4.The hepatic riboflavin levels of rats fed 3′-methyl-DAB alone or with the various hydrocarbons could not be correlated with the incidences of tumors obtained under these conditions.


In this paper, the ( G'/G )-expansion method is suggested to establish new exact solutions for fractional differential-difference equations in the sense of modified Riemann-Liouville derivative. The fractional complex transform is proposed to convert a fractional partial differential difference equation into its differential difference equation of integer order. With the aid of symbolic computation, we choose nonlinear lattice equations to illustrate the validity and advantages of the algorithm. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is effective and can be used for many other nonlinear lattice equations in mathematical physics and applied mathematics.


The Cherenkov Telescope Array is the main global project of ground-based gamma-ray astronomy for the coming decades. Performance will be significantly improved relative to present instruments, allowing a new insight into the high-energy Universe [1]. The nominal CTA southern array will include a sub-array of seventy 4 m telescopes spread over a few square kilometers to study the sky at extremely high energies, with the opening of a new window in the multi-TeV energy range. The Gamma-ray Cherenkov Telescope (GCT) is one of the proposed telescope designs for that sub-array. The GCT prototype recorded its first Cherenkov light on sky in 2015. After an assessment phase in 2016, new observations have been performed successfully in 2017. The GCT collaboration plans to install its first telescopes and cameras on the CTA site in Chile in 2018-2019 and to contribute a number of telescopes to the subsequent CTA production phase.


Objective: To evaluate the effects of immunization with a DNA-hsp65 vaccine in an experimental model of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: A total of 120 male C57BL/6 mice were distributed into four groups: SS, injected with saline (placebo) and then receiving intratracheal (IT) instillation of saline; SB, injected with saline (placebo) and then receiving IT instillation of bleomycin; PB, treated with plasmid only, without bacterial genome, and then receiving IT instillation of bleomycin; and BB, treated with the vaccine and then receiving IT instillation of bleomycin. Bleomycin was instilled 15 days after the last immunization, and the animals were killed six weeks thereafter. The left and right lungs were removed, the former for morphological analysis and the latter for hydroxyproline measurements. Results: The proportion of deaths within the first 48 h after the IT instillation (deaths attributed to the surgical procedure) was higher in the SB group than in the SS group (57.7% vs. 11.1%). The mean area of pulmonary interstitial septa was greater in the SB and PB groups (53.1 ± 8.6% and 53.6 ± 9.3%, respectively) than in the SS and BB groups (32.9 ± 2.7% and 34.3 ± 6.1%, respectively). The mean area of interstitial septa stained by picrosirius was greater in the SB, PB and BB groups than in the SS group (8.2 ± 4.9%, 7.2 ± 4.2% and 6.6 ± 4.1%, respectively, vs. 2.0 ± 1.4%). The total hydroxyproline content in the lung was significantly lower in the SS group (104.9 ± 20.9 pg/lung) than in the other groups (SB: 160.4 ± 47.8 pg/lung; PB: 170.0 ± 72.0 pg/lung; and BB: 162.5 ± 39.7 pg/lung). Conclusions: Immunization with the DNA-hsp65 vaccine reduced the deposition of noncollagen matrix in a model of bleomycin-induced lung lesion.


In this paper, we present a hierarchical force control framework consisting of a high-level control system based on fuzzy logic and the existing motion control system of a manipulator in the low level. In order to adapt various contact conditions, an adaptable fuzzy force control scheme has been proposed to improve the performance. The ability of the adaptable force control system is achieved by tuning the scaling factor of the fuzzy logic controller (FLC). A Mitsubishi MELFA RV-M1 industrial robot equipped with a BL Force/Torque sensor is utilized for implementing the hierarchical fuzzy force control system. Successful experiments for various contact motions are carried out. Additionally, discussion of a peg-in-hole insertion is presented, and the experimental results are given.


preceded by disease of sufficient severity to have required treatment, the risk of stillbirth is 20%-27%, and these (20% of all cases) provide food for thought. It is especially in these that a further method of assessment, whether by antibody titrations, tests on liquor amnii, or other method, is needed. The time at which stillbirth occurs must also be taken into account, and this varies, the chance of the pregnancy reaching 35 weeks satisfactorily being only 30% following multiple stillbirths but 70% for "first affected" stillbirth. The nearer a pregnancy approaches term satisfactorily the less the risk of stillbirth, so that the later induction is delayed the greater its apparent benefit unless early stillbirths are taken into account. Induction at 37 to 38 weeks can ,possibly prevent 40% of all stillbirths, but less than 30% of those with a bad obstetrical history. We still require an accurate method of forecasting stillbirth in haemolytic disease, and, having forecast it, a better method than premature induction to forestall it.-We are, etc., W. WALKER.


This highly original study examines the lives and education of working-class women in nineteenth-century England. Focusing on adult education, the author shows that women's participation cannot be fully understood by concentrating upon the educational field alone. She therefore explores women's lives in employment and in unpaid duties within the family which determined the possiblility of participation in adult classes. The author discusses the influences of society and the family upon formal education provision for working-class women, and she examines the basic schooling for girls which determined the type of adult education they could undertake in later life. `Hard Lessons' is an invaluable reversal of the invisibility of working-class women in the history of the nineteenth-century. Based on intensive research of primary sources, this work raises major questions concerning women in education, such as the value of single-sex education, which are still of relevance today. This work will be of great interest to students and researchers in women's studies, social history and the history of education.


Protozoa of the class Leishmania cause a wide assortment of pathologies going from self-mending skin sores to instinctive pathology. The result of the disease relies upon the types of the contaminating Leishmania parasite. A huge part of the versatile safe reaction was depicted for the advancement of clinical sickness and fix. While TH2 was related to the advancement of clinical illness, TH1 reaction was related to a fix. This examination meant to decide the profile of inborn invulnerable markers utilizing Leishmania contaminated human THP1 macrophage cell lines. The parasite confines were gathered from patients experiencing cutaneous, instinctive, post-kala-azar dermal, and mucosal leishmaniasis. Human THP1 cells were contaminated by live promastigotes of Leishmania donovani disconnects from Cutaneous (CL), Visceral (VL), and Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and Mucosal Leishmaniasis (ML) patients. The outflow of costs like receptor TL22, TL4, and TL9 and articulation of IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokine was estimated utilizing Real-Time PCR. The creation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines was estimated utilizing caught ELISA. A huge expansion in the outflow of TLR 2, TLR4, and TLR9 by L. donovani contaminated THP-1 from ML patients was distinguished. A higher focus IL-6 and IL-1β was distinguished in supernatants of L. donovani tainted human macrophage cell lines from CL patients contrasted and VL and ML patients while IL-1β fixation was higher in L. donovani tainted human macrophage cell lines from ML patients. Our information estimated a huge expansion in the outflow of TLR 2 and TNF-αby THP-1 cell lines tainted with L. donovani seclude from the mucosal patients. Leishmania detaches from mucosal and PKDL patients prompted huge quality articulation of TLR 4 and TLR9. These outcomes could add to a better comprehension of the elements of quality articulation and the creation of inflammatory cytokines in have cells during leishmaniasis. Instinctive leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne infection brought about by an intracellular parasite, Leishmania Donovan. The most elevated weight of VL is accounted for from the conditions of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh of India. Among these, 90% of VL cases in India start from Bihar. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a confounding dermal continuation of VL, may show up after treatment of (VL, kala-azar). PKDL has a few clinical polymorphic structures from a basic hypopigmented macular type of more created sores like papular, nodular, and blended injuries. PKDL patients may assume a part in the transmission of VL, which is a much-discussed viewpoint. Be that as it may, a few cases have additionally been accounted for without an archived history of VL in 10–23% of patients. Subsequently, it calls for better administration of PKDL, particularly helplessness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are little palindromic groupings, which are interpreted by RNA polymerase II or polymerase III to develop miRNA by Drosha and Dicer catalysts. The developed miRNA at that point ties to focused RNA-initiated quieting complex (RISC) and takes an interest in the debasement of transcriptional hushing of courier RNAs. During the previous years, an expanding measure of proof demonstrates that miRNAs assume a significant part in numerous natural cycles, similar to organ improvement, cell separation, expansion, apoptosis, signal transduction, inborn invulnerability, digestion, illness pathogenesis, and tumorigenesis. Accordingly, an expanded intrigue has produced for the subject. "Cutting edge sequencing" (NGS) is a high throughput innovation permitting the age and identification of thousands to millions of short sequencing peruses in a solitary machine run, which can be quickly brought into clinical and general wellbeing research center practice. The profiling of miRNAs by NGS has advanced quickly and is a promising field for applications in drug improvement. NGS is utilized to screen differential articulation levels of microRNA between various illness conditions. In the field of Leishmania, have revealed that have cells after contamination differentially communicated a few miRNAs that may control various capacities. Additionally, have recognized 940 miRNAs in L. donovani-tainted macrophages by again sequencing out of which levels of 85 miRNAs were discovered to be reliably altered by parasite disease have exhibited the novel administrative part of host microRNA, MIR30A-3p in the adjustment of host cell autophagy after contamination with L. donovani. It was likewise revealed that miRNAs can direct invulnerable flagging, cytokine creation, and insusceptible cell relocation to control the VL disease in people


The recognition and treatment of SLE requires an approach similar to other chronic diseases. A thorough initial evaluation with regular monitoring of outwardly silent manifestations (e.g. renal) minimizes potentially devastating complications. For disease which does not threaten the patient's life or carry the threat of end-organ failure, treatment analogous to non-lupus patients is usually appropriate, including minimization of steroids. The widening use of cytotoxic agents promises to continue to decrease the mortality from SLE. These agents must be used sparingly and in consultation with a rheumatologist to reduce the incidence of infection, malignancy and sterility.


Unmethylated CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are generally thought of as potent adjuvants with considerable therapeutic potential to enhance immune responses against microbes and tumors. Surprisingly, certain so-called stimulatory CpG-ODNs strongly inhibited the effector phase of inflammatory arthritis in the K/BxN serum transfer system, either preventively or therapeutically. Also unexpected was that the inhibitory influence did not depend on the adaptive immune system cells mobilized in an immunostimulatory context. Instead, they relied on cells of the innate immune system, specifically on cross talk between CD8α+ dendritic cells and natural killer cells, resulting in suppression of neutrophil recruitment to the joint, orchestrated through interleukin-12 and interferon-γ. These findings highlight potential applications of CpG-ODNs and downstream molecules as antiinflammatory agents.


AIM
To evaluate the efficacy of electrically conductive, biocompatible composite scaffolds in modulating the cardiomyogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).

MATERIALS & METHODS
Electrospun scaffolds of poly(ε-caprolactone) with or without carbon nanotubes were developed to promote the in vitro cardiac differentiation of hMSCs.

RESULTS
Results indicate that hMSC differentiation can be enhanced by either culturing in electrically conductive, carbon nanotube-containing composite scaffolds without electrical stimulation in the presence of 5-azacytidine, or extrinsic electrical stimulation in nonconductive poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds without carbon nanotube and azacytidine.

CONCLUSION
This study suggests a first step towards improving hMSC cardiomyogenic differentiation for local delivery into the infarcted myocardium.


For decades, New Zealand historians and architects have sought answers to the question: What is New Zealand architecture? New Zealand longs for a place in the architectural world, seeking the significance of our buildings in the wider realm of world architecture. In 2016, in a presentation based on his book Worship: a history of New Zealand church design, Bill McKay suggested that perhaps, "our most interesting architecture lies in the intersections of our cultures".  An opportunity is offered by the current shifts of New Zealand society where the impact of immigration on society is one of the most pressing issues that currently needs addressing. This thesis endeavours to explore the specific relationship between the heritage and culture of the existing Assyrian community and its context of Wellington, with reference to McKay's suggestion that our most interesting architecture is birthed from the intersection of different cultures.  Socially speaking, sense of identity and place attachment play a vital role in the integration of migrant communities into their new home country. Recalling and employing elements of not only tangible Assyrian heritage, but also the intangible qualities found in traditional Assyrian architecture, has the potential to create the connection and enhance the sense of identity which allows for the feeling of belonging in migrants in their host society. This thesis focuses on the space of worship.   This project of an Assyrian Orthodox church building in New Zealand might reflect the life of the migrants who occupy it. Is it a replica of the traditional building in its original context, unchanged and uninfluenced by the shift to a new place? Or is it influenced and integrated; a building which can identify with the soil it stands on? Furthermore, if one considers that architecture reflects society, it is hoped that this design led research will participate in the discussion about New Zealand architecture's unique identity and emerging new societal makeup.  This design led research discovers that creating a sense of belonging relies on both keeping aspects of the traditional and gaining influence from its new context. As focus shifts from the design of the building at a large scale to details and objects at a small scale, it becomes more important to reflect and retain the traditional qualities of the architecture. At a large scale, the building may be influenced by its context so as to be integrated into its new place, as if it belongs within its new urban fabric. As we move into the smaller scale in design, we draw closer to the body. It is these elements of the design which an occupant experiences more intimately, and through sensory experience and triggering memories of home, can help to create a feeling of belonging. The main findings of this research express the close relationship between architectural scales of intervention and the effects of individual and collective memory.


Phase I trials of irinotecan (CPT-11 [Camptosar]), conducted at Johns Hopkins and the University of Texas, San Antonio, demonstrated some activity in patients with refractory advanced cancer. Three pivotal phase II studies of irinotecan in advanced colorectal carcinoma were conducted at The University of Texas, San Antonio, Mayo/North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG), and the CPT-11 Study Group in a total of 304 patients. All patients had received prior fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy, and over 90% had progressed while on treatment within the last 6 months. The initial starting dose of irinotecan ranged from 100 to 150 mg/m2. The overall response rate was 12.8% (95% confidence interval, 9.1% to 16.6%) with a 15% response rate at a recommended starting dose of 125 mg/m2. The response durations and overall median survivals were similar in the three studies. The principal toxicities included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and neutropenia. Severe diarrhea was limited by use of an intensive loperamide regimen and appropriate dose modification. The three pivotal studies of irinotecan in advanced colorectal carcinoma demonstrate consistent response rates and duration, with manageable toxicity. Future studies will focus on the use of irinotecan in chemotherapeutically naive colorectal carcinoma, the adjuvant treatment of colon carcinoma, combination chemotherapeutic regimens, and treatment of other malignant diseases.


The aim of this study was to demonstrate in a rabbit liver tumor model that high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) produced with toroidal-shaped emitters may have a role in treating colorectal liver metastases. The HIFU device was composed of eight ultrasound emitters created by sectioning a single toroidal piezocomposite transducer. Each of the eight emitters was divided into 32 transducers operating at a frequency of 3 MHz. The toroidal transducer has a diameter of 70 mm and a radius of curvature of 70 mm. A 7.5 MHz ultrasound imaging probe (Vermon, Tours, France) was placed in the centre of the device. Using this transducer single lesions of 7 cm3 were created in 40 seconds. Juxtaposition of single lesions was performed under ultrasound guidance. VX2 tumor segments (25 mg) were implanted into right lateral liver lobes of 45 New Zealand white rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were treated with toroidal HIFU ablation (Group 1). Fifteen rabbits were resected (Group 2). Fifteen rabbits were not treated and formed a control group (Group 3). Group 1 and 3 were compared to evaluate treatment efficacy. Group 1 and 2 were compared to evaluate if the toroidal HIFU treatment increases the risk of tumor dissemination. Total hepatectomy took place 11 days after treatment. The therapeutic response was evaluated with follow-up ultrasound imaging and the corresponding gross pathology and histology. HIFU ablation produced using the toroidal transducer allowed fast and homogeneous tumor treatments. Ablations were visible on sonograms. The VX2 tumors were completely coagulated and were surrounded by ablated liver tissue without secondary thermal lesions in surrounding organs. In the control group tumor volume was 225% higher at the time of autopsy when compared to the volume at the day of the treatment. Tumor dissemination was lower in the HIFU group (25%) compared with resected (67%) and control (38%) groups. Findings of ultrasound imaging, gross pathology and histology supported these outcomes. Successful rabbit liver tumor ablation can be achieved using a toroidal HIFU transducer under ultrasound imaging guidance and therefore could be an effective treatment of localized tumors. There was no complication related to the HIFU procedure. Its clinical usefulness has to be further proven.


Large capital inflows are understandably viewed as dangerous in emerging markets living with memories of recent currency crises: in Israel foreign capital provided crucial funding for investment in the country's showcase technology sector. Israel is now solidly established as a high-tech powerhouse-a place where budding venture capitalists from emerging market countries flock to learn how to develop an innovation ecosystem. However, the domestic market alone is far too small and homegrown capital formation insufficient to foster that innovation. Globalization has been essential. The paper reviews the crucial role which globalization forces played Israel's transformation from low tech to high tech economy. Special emphasis is placed on foreign direct investment as a driver for the high-tech transformation.


Regucalcin (RGN/SMP30) and its gene (rgn)are identified in over 15 species consisting of regucalcin family, and its gene is localized on X chromosome. Regucalcin has been shown to play a multifunctional role in many tissues and cell types. Hormonal regulations of regucalcin gene expression are mediated through various transcription factors (including AP-1, NF1-A1, RGPR-p117 and other), which are involved in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by intracellular signaling factors. Regucalcin mRNA expression has been shown to be regulated by hormonal factors (including calcium, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , insulin, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, estrogen, testosterone, aldosterone, dexamethasone and other) in various tissues and many cell types. Regucalcin mRNA expression has also been shown to suppress with pathophysiological states that are related to hormonal diseases. Regucalcin may be a key molecule that is involved in hormonal effect and its related metabolic disease.


This paper presents work performed to improve an engine's fuel economy by introducing ultrasonic atomization as the method of fuelling. An ultrasonic atomizer was added to the air intake path of a four stroke spark-ignited two-wheeler engine, replacing the conventional carburetor.

Test results indicate that the engine BSFC reduced by around 20% due to lower pumping losses and lean operation facilitated by better fuel atomization. Less throttling also reduced the pressure difference between the air filter and combustion chamber, especially at lower speeds and low loads. This reduced exhaust gas dilution into the intake manifold and hence a rich mixture was not required for stable operation even at idling conditions. HC emissions are seen to be high and will need to be addressed, but NO emissions reduced significantly.


Not all patients with right-sided abdominal pain and associated inflammatory signs have acute appendicitis. When the usual surgeon finds unusual pathology coupled with evidences of peritonitis, he naturally inclines toward conservative action. The old adage, "The surgeon should run when the pus runs," is not sound surgical judgment in all cases. When one unexpectedly encounters a perforated lesion of the right colon in a completely unprepared patient, he must consider the possibilities of the pathology involved and the consequences of an inadequate procedure. Inflammatory lesions of the colon cannot always be distinguished from neoplastic ones. This lack of certainty is admitted by our most experienced surgeons. One must therefore at times base his judgment on probabilities. From a statistical viewpoint one must assume that a perforated right colon lesion is a carcinoma. Although the frequency of cancer of the left colon is emphasized, cancer of the right colon is not


A new tomographic model (Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratio) was built for two neighboring active volcanoes, Avacha and Koryaksky, which represent a serious hazard to the population and infrastructure of Petropavlovsk‐Kamchatsky, the main city of Kamchatka, Russia. Arrival times of seismic P and S waves from almost 5,000 local events, recorded by a permanent network of seismic stations during 2009–2018, were used for tomography. The resolution of the derived models was carefully tested by a series of synthetic simulations. Prominent anomalies with extremely high Vp/Vs ratios (up to 2.4) were retrieved directly beneath both volcanoes and interpreted as magma reservoirs containing high degrees of partial melt and/or fluids. Beneath Avacha, the upper limit of the anomaly is located at the depth of ~2 km below the surface. The reservoir appears to be connected to the surface by a neck‐shaped anomaly of high Vp/Vs ratio associated with active seismicity, which is interpreted as a magma and fluid conduit. Beneath Koryaksky, the magma related anomaly is deeper: Its upper limit is located at a depth of ~7 km below the surface. This anomaly is connected with the volcanic cone and is associated with a vertical seismicity cluster, which possibly marks the pathway of fluid ascent and degassing. Between the volcanoes, a 2‐ to 3‐km thick layer of very low Vp and Vs is interpreted as deposits of volcanoclastic sediments. Generally low Vp/Vs ratios in the area between the volcanoes show that the magma reservoirs in the upper crust are not interconnected.


The purpose of the paper is to explore the integration of community-based rehabilitation approach for sustainable solution of climate displacement problem in the coastal area of Bangladesh. The study conducted based on primary data sources where 385 household survey, 8 Key Informant Interview and 6 Focus Group discussion were done. The qualitative data have been analyzed through "narrative analyses beside quantitative data have been interpreted by IBM SPSS Statistics v-20 64bit software, respectively. The study reveals that indigenous knowledge is the effective mechanism for ensuring sustainable adaptation in response to the perceived impact of climate change induced disasters and displacement problem in southeastern coastal area. However, adaptation strategies are unlikely to be effective without an understanding of the communities perceptions of climate change. Nevertheless, the recent decades there have been substantial plantations and construction of embankment, but these and other options have been found to be impractical and ineffective in reducing disasters in coastal areas. Therefore, Community Based Rehabilitation Program not only ensures their permanent settlement but also ensures their dignity, local livelihood , culture, society, and wisdom.


New homoleptic nickel(0) and palladium(0) complexes with a water-soluble ligand, 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane, were prepared and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectra. The complexes, together with the known analogous Ni(0) and Pd(0) complexes with tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine, were found to be catalysts for buta-1,3-diene oligomerization or telomerization with water in an aqueous biphasic system without a cosolvent or a modifier. Tetrakis[tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine]nickel (7) preferentially catalyzes oligomerization (both linear and cyclic) in the first example of a nickel-catalyzed buta-1,3-diene oligomerization in an aqueous biphasic system. Palladium complexes give telomers or linear oligomers in quantitative yields. In the case of the triazaphosphaadamantane complex 4, high selectivity to octadienyl ethers (87%) was observed. High values of metal leaching into the product phase in these reactions suggest an easy extraction of starting or intermediate metal complexes caused by the fact that both monomer and products are good ligands for the metal complexes in this particular case.


Mathematical models of allelopathic interactions in aquatic environments are surveyed. Allelopathy literally means mutual harm or suffering. The term allelopathy is used in a broad sense and includes phytotoxicity and autotoxicity. The literature on mathematical modeling of aquatic allelopathy offers interesting perspectives. But little has been done so far to put in one place various mathematical representations of aquatic allelopathic effects. This survey attempts to fill that gap. I also discuss whether and how these mathematical models of aquatic allelopathy could be applied to terrestrial habitats. Researchers, ecologists, marine biologists, applied mathematicians, oceanographers, environmental managers, plant physiologists, and systems analysts are henceforth encouraged to use the present work to improve the accuracy of their models involving allelopathy.


There have been several projects with solar installations in Sweden, and Sala-Heby Energi (SHE) wanted to create a solar plant. The question answered in this thesis is whether it is economically viable to create such a source of sustainable, renewable energy. The plant would be built with the help of the financial effort from 120 customers. This economic union would sell the electricity to the SHE, for SEK 4.50 per kWh up to a certain level over a period of 10 years. It would be a long term commitment to environmentally friendly electricity, using solar cells which convert sunlight directly into electricity. In year 2009 there was introduced a new state aid for photovoltaic systems, to create an increased and continuing interest in solar cells. The premium is 60% of the cost of the entire solar installation, both parts and labor. The project in Sala-Heby receives 2000KSEK as financial aid from the Swedish state. In order to assess the economic conditions for the project, the payoff-method helps us to calculate how long it takes to get back the money invested. The price determines how much equipment you can buy and calculating with an investment of 1500KSEK and state aid of 2000KSEK, we can buy solar panels for 3500KSEK. It is likely that the solar plant will produce 56000kWh per year due to the weather in the region. Sold at 4.5 SEK per kWh gives 252KSEK per year. So according to the payoff method, the repayment period for an investment of 1500KSEK (divided by 252KSEK) 6 years. The conclusion of this thesis is that the repayment period for the investment in solar cell plant is 6 years, and if the revenue of the project is used for project expansion, it could lead to further growth in revenue for the plant. There are several factors that are crucial to make this project possible. The State aid is necessary, because the high costs of building a solar plant. In this project, we have a good profitability thanks to SHE buying electricity from the sun for a price that is higher than the market price. Invite major electricity producers to follow SHEs example, while the government retains remaining aid. Without state aid, it is impossible to get this economic calculus together, and the project in Sala-Heby had come to nothing.