Rural development projects are aimed at reducing: (1) the large differences in income between urban and rural areas; and (2) the income inequality that persists within rural areas because of the large differences in access to agricultural assets (particularly land), to social services (such as health, education, and housing), and to productive services (such as credit, marketing, and processing facilities). The lack of these facilities and services and the disparities in income and wealth have led some Latin American governments to promote projects which supply the deficient facilities and services to poor rural areas. This emphasis on integrated rural development has also been promoted by the international lending agencies--the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank in particular. While rural and agricultural development projects have been initiated in a number of countries, this paper emphasizes examples in Latin America in which the Inter-American Development Bank has been involved. Specific references to these projects do not represent an official viewpoint, however, and opinions expressed herein are exclusively mine. In executing agricultural and rural development projects in Latin America, most problems have arisen because of inattention to: (1) beneficiary participation in designing and implementing the projects; (2) dealing with changes in the existing institutional structure and public organization; (3) finding criteria for the selection of beneficiary persons, groups, and regions; and (4) resolving the debate among those espousing a product oriented development strategy and those supporting a social development oriented strategy. Two major project categories may be differentiated--the agricultural development project and the rural development project. Mosher has suggested a practical classification scheme for these projects. The former emphasizes supplying missing production services (marketing, credit, extension, and research) while the latter emphasizes public social services (education, health, and sanitation). Rural development projects should increase the participation of the rural poor in the planning stage of the projects. This is emphasized in the rural development programmes of Mexico and Colombia, but is absent from many other agricultural investment programmes in Latin American countries. For example, it has been common for governments to design and execute agricultural projects (such as irrigation) without a careful consideration of the receptiveness and the social characteristics of the beneficiary groups. This has given rise to serious problems such as frequent dissatisfaction of beneficiaries, underutilized investment works, high project unit costs, production failures, low rates of return, and heavy government subsidization of the beneficiaries. See, for example, the survey of Colombian agrarian reform projects by Howard. The candidate beneficiaries of rural development projects are the inhabitants who historically have been excluded-the small subsistence farmer, the landless worker, and the population in the small urban centre in predominantly rural regions. To the extent that the rural poor are concentrated in well defined regions, rural development projects may benefit this group, but if the rural poor are spread out through all rural and small urban areas, there is a reduced prospect that specific regional rural development projects will have the desired effects. It is clear that middle income rural inhabitants may benefit from traditional public programs because of the access they have to the programs. For example, school nutrition programs often do not reach the lowest income groups because the children of the poor attend school with much less frequency than other income classes (Offedal and Levinson).


This paper presents a novel photonic bandgap (PBG) structure for microwave integrated circuits. This new PBG structure is a two-dimensional square lattice with each element consisting of a metal pad and four connecting branches. Experimental results of a microstrip on a substrate with the PEG ground plane displays a broad stopband, as predicted by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Due to the slow-wave effect generated by this unique structure, the period of the PBG lattice is only 0.1/spl lambda//sub 0/ at the cutoff frequency, resulting in the most compact PEG lattice ever achieved. In the passband, the measured slow-wave factor (/spl beta//k/sub 0/) is 1.2-2.4 times higher and insertion loss is at the same level compared to a conventional 50-/spl Omega/ line. This uniplanar compact PBG (UC-PBG) structure can be built using standard planar fabrication techniques without any modification. Several application examples have also been demonstrated, including a nonleaky conductor-backed coplanar waveguide and a compact spurious-free bandpass filter. This UC-PBG structure should find wide applications for high-performance and compact circuit components in microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits.


(NOTE: Each chapter beings with an Introduction and concludes with a Summary.) Preface. What This Book is About. Who Should Read This Book? Structure of This Book. Whose Java? Downloading Example Source. Building the Examples. Setting Up the Environment. How To Build. A Word About the Examples. Some Conventions. Help From Fellow Travelers. A Word About Borrowed Words. Acknowledgments. 1. Why JNI? Virtual Machine, Real Machine. JNI and Binary Compatibility. Memory Loss. The JNI Solution. Features of the JNI. 2. Hello JNI World. The Big Picture. The Steps. Identify Native Functionality. Describing the Interface to the Native Code. Writing the Java Code. Using javac to Generate Class Files. Using javah to Generate Include Files. Writing Native Code. Building a Library. Loading and Invoking the native Method. Building and Running Your Java Application. The Steps in Pictures. 3. Setting Java Variables, Invoking Java Methods. What Is All This Talk About C and C++? Some of the Basics. Setting Java Object Data Fields. Native Access to an Objects Own Data Fields. Making It Happen. Native Access to Another Object's Data Fields. Making It Happen. Getting a Java Object's Data Fields. Invoking a Java Method. Native Access to an Objects Own Methods. Native Access to Private Methods of Another Object. Making It Happen. A Disclaimer of Sorts. Returning a Value From Java Methods. Non-Virtual Method Invocation. Use of JNI Non-Virtual Functions. Yet More Ways to Call a Java Method. 4. Native Types, Signatures and Other Details. Java Types. Java Native Types. Primitive Native Types. Reference Native Types. Programming Considerations. The jvalue Type. Field and Method Identifier Types. Method Signatures. Signature and Constructors. Type Signatures and Data Fields. The JNIEnv Pointer. A Word About Passing Arguments. 5. Objects and Classes. JNI References. Code Natively, Reference Locally. Coding Globally. Releasing a Local Reference. A Few More Facts About Native References. JNI Object Functions. Determining an Object's Class. Creating a New Object Instance. Using NewObject. Using NewObjectA. Using NewObjectV. Example Object Creation. Allocating Memory for an Object. Comparing Two References. A Native instanceof. Testing Class Inheritance Relationship. JNI Class Functions. From Class Name to Class. From Class to Superclass. From Bytes to Class. A Simple Class Loader. A Loader Using DefineClass. 6. Arrays and Strings. JNI Array Functions. Object Arrays. Array of Arrays. Some Output. Primitive Type Arrays. Creating a Primitive Array. Getting Primitive Array Elements. Accessing the Entire Array Contents of a Primitive Array. An Example: Accessing an Entire Array. Accessing a Region of a Primitive Array. JNI String Functions. UTF-8 String Handling. Creating a New String Object. Unicode String Functions. 7. Exceptions. Throwing Exceptions. Throwing an Exception. Building and Throwing an Exception. When Does an Exception Get Raised? Catching Exceptions. A Native Try-Catch. Passing Exceptions to Java. A JNI Stack Trace. General Exception Handling Guidelines. 8. Monitors. JNI Synchronization Support. The Producer-Consumer Problem. A Java Implementation. A JNI Producer-Consumer Implementation. The C++ Product Info Class. The init Method. C++/Java Object Correspondence. Native Implementation of Produce Method. Native Implementation of Consume Method. A Native Wait and Notify. Native Producer-Consumer Output. A Reminder. A Global Reference as Lock. 9. Java and C++. C++ Legacy Code. The General Strategy. Mirroring Example. The C++ Side. The Java Side. Type Mappings. Object Construction. Finalization. Cloning. Serialization. The Native Methods. The Registry Interface. Object Construction and the Registry. Instance Data Access and the Registry. Object Finalization and the Registry. Object Cloning and the Registry. Serialization and the Registry. The Registry Implementation. MFC Implementation of ObjMap. Tools.h++ Implementation of ObjMap. Static Variables and Methods. C++ Class Methods. Public Data Field Access. Java Mirroring at Work 176 An Alternative to the Registry. Some Other Issues. Multiple Inheritance. C++ Templates. 10. Conversion of C Structures. The Java Source. The C Adapter Code. POSIX User Database Access. Using structConverter. Running the C Preprocessor. The structConverter Configuration File. Running structConverter. The Java Source File. StructConverter Data Type Conversion. InitFIDs and the static Block. The Adapter Source File. Field ID Initialization. Adapter Code. Tying It All Together. Another Database Example. Updating a Booking Record. Generating Just Java. Some Design Considerations. A Bit More About structConverter. 11. Native Serial I/O. The portio Package. Using portio. Portio Template Class Files. Augmenting portio. Portio and POSIX tty. The PosixPortDriver Class. The PosixPortReader Class. The PosixPortPrivate Class. The POSIX Native Code. Opening and Closing a Port Using POSIX System Calls. Reading and Writing a Port Using POSIX System Calls. Using POSIX System Calls flush, sendBreak and purge. Setting POSIX Device Parameters. Portio and Win32 COM. 12. Running the JVM From a C/C++ Application. JVM Initialization. Stack and Heap Values. Garbage Collection Settings. Load Verification Mode. The classpath Field. The properties Field (JDK 1.1.2 and Greater). Application Hooks for the JVM. Invocation API Overview. invokeMain: Creating a JVM. A Java-enabled Application in Action. Building a Java-Enabled Application. The Invocation API and Reflection. JNI and Reflection. Running miniInvoker. A Small Disclaimer. Registering Native Methods. The JNINativeMethod Structure. Using RegisterNatives. Building for Native Method Registration. Avoiding Static Libraries. 13. An NT Service Application. The Service Control Manager. Registering a Service With the SCM. The Service Process. The Executing Service. Reporting Service Status. The service_controller Routine. The Java Agent Server. Starting the Java Agent Server. Stopping the Java Agent Server. Support for Java Agent Creation. The JVM as Service: Some Considerations. The JVM's Current Working Directory. Displaying a Frame. Some Common Errors. A Java Agent Service. Overview of a Java Logging Agent. Source for a Java Logging Agent. Making It Happen. 14. Debugging Native Methods. What Is It You Are Debugging? JNI Debugging Tips. Microsoft Visual Studio. The JVM: Starting a Debug Session. Debugging on Solaris. Using dbx. Debugging With Sun Workshop. When All Else Fails. 15. JDK 1.2 Enhancements to JNI. Summary of Enhancements. Summary of Additional Functionality. JDK 1.2 JNI Enhancements. JVM Initialization. Improvements to Invocation API Functions. FindClass Enhancements. New JDK 1.2 JNI Functions. Weak References. "Critical Region" String and Array Manipulation. Local Reference Management. Core Reflection Support. String Character Extraction. New Invocation API Functionality. Loading and Unloading Notification. Native Library Management Via Class Loaders. Appendix A. JNI Reference. Notation. The Invocation API. Appendix B. 1.0 Native Methods vs. JNI. javah Usage. Using javah to Generate 1.0-Style Native Code. Using javah to Generate JNI Function Prototypes. Include File Requirements. The Pieces, Side-by-Side. Building Native Libraries. A printString Example. The Execution Environment. Function Specification and Naming. Data Types. Argument Handling. Signatures. Accessing Java Data Fields. Accessing Instance Data. Accessing Class Data. Invoking Methods. Invoking a Java Instance Method. Invoking a Java Class Method. Creating an Object. Exceptions. String Manipulation. Arrays. Garbage Collection Issues. Appendix C. structConverter Reference. Command Syntax. Options. Appendix D. javah Reference. Command Syntax. Options. Description. Environment Variables. Appendix E. Native Methods, Applets, Security. General JDK Security. Netscape Communicator Security. Netscape Capabilities API and Object Signing. Avoiding Signatures. Using Native Code With Applets. How Did the Native Library Get There?


Induction surface hardening creates very desirable residual stresses in the hardened surface layer. Residual stresses are always of a compressive nature and are usually present to the depth of the induction-hardened layer. By the appropriate selection of grinding wheel and grinding conditions and taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the workpiece material very favourable compressive residual stresses in the hardened surface layer can be retained. How is it possible to assure a desirable surface and surface layer quality after induction hardening and fine grinding Finding an answer to this question requires a very good knowledge of the process of grinding on the micro-level as well as knowledge of mechanical and heat effects acting on the layer of the workpiece including the type and condition of the grinding wheel. An allinclusive consideration of the numerous influences of the kind and condition of the tool on the changes on the surface and in the surface layer of the workpiece in the given machining conditions is described by the term "surface integrity".


Context. The emission of Ca and Hα is correlated for the Sun, but this does not seem to be true for other stars. We previously demonstrated that this lack of correlation could be due to the presence of filaments. Aims. We aim to establish a link between the activity level, the magnetic configuration, and the number of filaments, and therefore with observables of other stars that the Sun. Methods. We studied the relationship between the filaments and the magnetic configuration using a large scale approach on MDI/SOHO magnetograms and a large sample of filaments. We validated the reconstruction of synthetic time series of filament surface coverage representative of the magnetic configuration, and then apply it to observations over a full solar cycle. Results. We derived quantitative criteria that relates the presence of filaments to the properties at polarity inversion lines, hereafter PIL, magnetic field gradient, and unipolar areas on the solar surface (size and distance to these areas). We also observed that the number of PIL pixels is anti-correlated with the activity level, and the increase in filament surface coverage is due to the modification of the PIL pixel properties. We reconstructed synthetic time series of filaments that are in good agreement with observations. Conclusions. This work validates our method, which will later be applied to solar and stellar simulations.


The legal landscape with respect to constructive discharges resulting from sexually harassing conduct has been mired in confusion for the past two decades. Courts generally have applied a multi-step analysis that requires plaintiffs to establish both the existence of severe or pervasive sexual harassment as well as additional aggravating factors warranting an employee's resignation. The courts, however, have had a difficult time in defining the contours of the separate harassment and constructive discharge tests. The Supreme Court has weighed in on several occasions, but rather than opt for clarity, the Court has created new tests and new terminology that have compounded the confusion. The recent Pennsylvania State Police v. Suders decision is a case in point. In that 2004 decision, the Court ruled that an employer is strictly liable for harassment that results from a supervisor's official act, but is subject to liability for other types of supervisor harassment only if employer negligence is established. The Court's use of the "official action" and "constructive discharge" concepts in that case sets an unpredictable course and fails to correct the unfairness of the current multi-tiered analytical framework. This article attempts to simplify and recalibrate the sexual harassment/constructive discharge standard. We propose a Unitary Constructive Discharge Standard that would provide a single mode of analysis applicable to all claims of constructive discharge resulting from workplace sexual harassment. The proposal merges elements of the current strict liability and negligence tests and asks a single question: did the employer fail to redress sexual harassment of which it was or should have been aware such that quitting was a fitting response for the employee subjected to the harassment? The proposal jettisons two of the most unfair elements of the current calculus, namely the requirement that the harassment victim must always utilize formal complaint procedures and the requirement in some circuits that an employee quit is actionable only if the employer subjectively intended that result. While thereby removing the necessity for employees to make out a case of "aggravated" harassment in the constructive discharge context, the Unitary Standard nonetheless protects employer interests by ensuring that no liability will ensue in the absence of causal fault attributed to an agent of the employer. The result is a test that is both more simple and fair.


RÉSUMÉ This paper investigates the labour market consequences of an exogenous increase in the labour supply, exploiting the large and unexpected inflow of repatriates to Portugal following the end of the Portuguese Colonial War in 1974-76. We explore the impact on labour force participation, unemployment, and different types of employment of both male and female natives. Using a novel instrumental variable approach which exploits information on the places of birth of the repatriates, we find no increase in unemployment but some displacement effects, with a stronger adverse effect on females. Female and male native workers are found to be driven out of employment as employees. However, men compensate for this loss by moving to self-employment, while native women move to inactivity.


The present study aims at examining and describing the uses of the discourse marker "wallahi" in Jordanian spoken Arabic. To meet the purpose of the study, a corpus of 8 hours of spoken discourse has been collected, including face-to –face as well as cell phones conversations. The study employs 26 participants, varied in gender, age, education, and job. Due to the fact that it is massively frequent in Jordanian Arabic, this DM has been chosen foran in-depth functional study. The nature of the study is exploratory and functional, attempting to provide a corpus –based description and analysis. As a qualitative research, an eclectic analytical method is employed as a theoretical framework to account for the functions of the discourse marker wallahi. In addition, it relies on utilizing direct observation technique for analyzing the DM wallahi in the corpus under investigation. The results of the study show that the DM wallahi is multifunctional, serving ten functions in the present corpus: to introduce an acceptance, an apology, a threat,and a compliment, and to serve as a request softener, a marker of elaboration, a continuer, a marker of confirmation, a marker of complying with a request, and a filler marker.


In the present paper, we propose a method to unify information maximization and minimization in hidden units. The information maximization and minimization are performed on two different levels: collective and individual level. Thus, two kinds of information: collective and individual information are defined. By maximizing collective information and by minimizing individual information, simple networks can be generated in terms of the number of connections and the number of hidden units. Obtained networks are expected to give better generalization and improved interpretation of internal representations. This method was applied to the inference of the maximum onset principle of an artificial language. In this problem, it was shown that the individual information minimization is not contradictory to the collective information maximization. In addition, experimental results confirmed improved generalization performance, because over-training can significantly be suppressed.


Nano-ZrO2 particles were modified by KH-570 (γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane). The nano-ZrO2 before and after modified were characterized by UV-VIS spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The anti-wear and friction reduction properties of nano-ZrO2 used as additive in lubrication were analyzed by friction and wear test machine of MMU-10G. The results show that the polarity of nano-ZrO2 after modified is changed, the surface free energy is reduced, and both the dispersity and stability of the modified nano-ZrO2 in organic media are improved. The modified nano-ZrO2 can increase the anti-wear and friction reduction properties of the base oil. Lubrications containing 0.10wt% and 0.05wt% nano-ZrO2 have the best tribological properties in the four-ball test and the thrust-ring test, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyze the protective layer formed on the rubbed surface, and Zr elements were found on the rubbed surface.


We sequenced the Yoruban NA19240 genome on the long read sequencing platform Oxford Nanopore PromethION for benchmarking and evaluation of recently published aligners and structural variant calling tools. In this work, we determined the precision and recall, present high confidence and high sensitivity call sets of variants and discuss optimal parameters. The aligner Minimap2 and structural variant caller Sniffles are both the most accurate and the most computationally efficient tools in our study. We describe our scalable workflow for identification, annotation, and characterization of tens of thousands of structural variants from long read genome sequencing of an individual or population. By discussing the results of this genome we provide an approximation of what can be expected in future long read sequencing studies aiming for structural variant identification.


The retinas of adult teleost fish can regenerate neurons following injury. The current study provides the first documentation of functional whole retina regeneration in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, following intraocular injection of the cytotoxin, ouabain. Loss and replacement of laminated retinal tissue was monitored by analysis of cell death and cell proliferation, and by analysis of retina‐specific gene expression patterns. The spatiotemporal process of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) regeneration was followed through the use of selective markers, and was found to largely recapitulate the spatiotemporal process of embryonic ganglion cell neurogenesis, over a more protracted time frame. However, the re‐expression of some ganglion cell markers was not observed. The growth and pathfinding of ganglion cell axons was evaluated by measurement of the optic nerve head (ONH), and the restoration of normal ONH size was found to correspond to the time of recovery of two visually‐mediated behaviors. However, some abnormalities were noted, including overproduction of RGCs, and progressive and excessive growth of the ONH at longer recovery times. This model system for whole‐retina regeneration has provided an informative view of the regenerative process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008


Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was investigated in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout mice. After a 26-min bilateral renal pedicle clamp, serum creatinine concentrations (in mg/dl) in wild-type mice after a 24-h reperfusion were 0.25 +/- 0.03 in sham-operated controls and 2.3 +/- 0.38 in ischemic mice (P < 0. 01); after 48 h, concentrations (in mg/dl) were 0.25 +/- 0.03 in controls and 2.0 +/- 0.18 in ischemic mice (P < 0.01). iNOS knockout mice demonstrated an attenuation of serum creatinine concentration after renal I/R injury. Serum creatinine concentrations (mg/dl) after a 24-h reperfusion were 2.3 +/- 0.22 in wild-type ischemic and 1.21 +/- 0.25 in iNOS knockout ischemic mice (P < 0.05); after 48 h, concentrations were 2.0 +/- 0.18 in wild-type ischemic and 0.96 +/- 0.25 in iNOS knockout ischemic mice (P < 0.01). Histological scoring of acute tubular necrosis in iNOS knockout mice was decreased compared with that in wild-type controls (0.88 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.3 +/- 0. 3, P < 0.05). iNOS protein in the renal cortex of wild-type mice subjected to renal I/R injury was undetectable up to 48 h. However, a strong upregulation of heat shock protein 72 expression was observed in renal cortex of iNOS knockout mice under basal conditions. In conclusion, kidneys of iNOS knockout mice were protected against ischemic acute renal failure. This protective effect may be related to a compensatory upregulation of heat shock protein 72.


In this research, I examine the ways a terrorist group uses online videos and magazines to construct its own and others' identities, how they describe their operations and how they and others live, and also how in their view people should live and see the world. The analytical framework draws on critical discourse studies (CDS) and multimodal social semiotics, specifically Reisigl and Wodak's (2016) discourse-historical approach (DHA) and Kress and van Leeuwen's (2006) grammar of visual design. Additionally, I summarise reasons for radicalisation based on past scholarly work which include finding solutions to personal, social and economic crises (see King & Taylor, 2011; el-Said and Barrett, 2017). A detailed qualitative semiotic analysis of the recruitment materials leads to a taxonomy of semiotic elements with different meaning-making possibilities. These are actors (e.g. the group and their perceived enemies), symbols (e.g. enemies' flags), music (e.g. recitation of holy texts), and texts (e.g. text fragments in English or Arabic within the materials). I juxtapose these elements with existing radicalisation models. Among other salient findings, I concluded that the group position themselves as victims of war because of coalition attacks, and the target audiences as being on the side of their enemies. They also indicate what they expect their readers/viewers to do if they haven't been on the "right path" (e.g. instructing them to "terrorise" their enemies). In terms of argumentation, the findings reveal that they are mostly theological (e.g. references to Quranic verses), with evidence of manipulation, such as through recontextualisation (e.g. verses isolated from historical contexts). Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the body of knowledge about the recruitment and manipulation strategies of terrorist groups from a critical discursive perspective, and further provide a detailed understanding of digitally mediated recruitment processes which may ultimately help to reduce the risk of radicalisation among vulnerable groups and inform public policy.


Fish oil (FO) modifies cardiac membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition to confer increased efficiency of oxygen utilization and antiarrhythmic effects. We tested the capacity of low-dose increments of FO, rich in (n-3) PUFA, to reverse the detrimental pro-arrhythmic and inefficient oxygen usage effects of dietary saturated fat (SAT) [including high ratio of (n-6) PUFA:(n-3) PUFA] during ischemia and reperfusion. Wistar rats were fed an SAT-enriched diet (15.3% fat, including 12% SAT, added by weight) for 6 wk and were then divided into 4 groups (n = 10/group) fed that diet or a 12% fat diet containing 3, 6, or 12% FO in place of SAT for 6 wk. Paced (300/min), erythrocyte-perfused isolated working hearts were subjected to low coronary flow ischemia (15 min) and were then reperfused. At normoxic baseline, external work capacity increased marginally at 6 and 12% FO; however, marked dose-related reductions in oxygen consumption were evident due to FO-dependent reduction in oxygen-energy utilization efficiency and associated reductions in coronary flow and oxygen extraction. Postischemic recovery resulted in lower oxygen consumption, greater oxygen-energy utilization efficiency, reduced coronary release of creatine kinase, and reduced incidence of arrhythmias in all FO groups compared with the SAT group. FO at a dose as low as 3% of total fat dietary supplement effectively reversed the high oxygen requirements and pro-arrhythmic effects of a SAT-rich diet even with continued consumption of SAT (9%) in this ex vivo animal model.


Soil C dynamics are not only important to both productivity and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems, but also contribute significantly to global C cycling. Adjacent natural forest (NF), and first (1R) and second rotation (2R) hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii Aiton ex A. Cunn.) plantations in southeast Queensland, Australia, were selected to investigate the effects of conversion of NF to hoop pine plantations and forest management (harvesting and site preparation of plantation) on the size and the nature of C pools in surface (0-10 cm) soils using chemical extraction, laboratory incubation and 13 C cross-polarization with magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 13 C CPMAS NMR). Conversion from NF to hoop pine plantations not only led to the reduction of soil total C (by 19.8%), water-soluble organic C (WSOC) (by 17.7%), CaCl 2 -extractable organic C (by 38.8%), and hot water-extractable organic C (HWEOC) (by 30.9%) and bioavailability of soil C (as determined by CO 2 evolved in the incubation), but also to a change in chemical composition of soil C with lower O-alkyl C and higher alkyl C under the 1R plantation compared with NF. Harvesting and site preparation did not significantly affect total soil C and most labile C pools (except for a decrease in WSOC), but led to a lower signal intensity in the alkyl C spectral region and a decreased alkyl C/O-alkyl C (A/O-A) ratio in the soil under the 2R compared with the 1R plantation. The shifts in the amount and nature of soil C following forest conversion may be attributed to changes in litter inputs, microbial diversity and activity, and the disturbance of soil during harvesting and site preparation.


While much research in the field of conducting polymers and organic electronics focuses on development of novel polymers and other related materials, or enhancing the properties of existing materials and understanding the mechanisms behind them, in many cases, clear and reliable future directions or applications of the research are unclear. Developing an understanding of the roles of different physical and chemical mechanisms and establishing simple, cheap and reliable manufacturing and processing technologies for conducting polymers will be crucial to guide future research to uncover modern materials for advanced practical applications. In the present work, several novel manufacturing and processing routes have been established to firstly create organic materials with desired properties and, later, to apply them in functional devices. Several adjustments have been made to the synthesis of conducting polymers, and novel ways for patterning of thin organic films developed, so that high-quality materials can be made cheaply and relatively quickly and then used to create functional devices with improved properties. Conducting polymers such as polyacetylene, polythiophene, polyaniline or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) have been studied for several decades now; however, their properties have not been sufficient for widespread commercial application. Only recently have developments in the field and improvements in the properties of these materials, as well as better understanding of mechanisms underlying their functionality, allowed their use in prototype devices. The conductivity of organic materials is still relatively low compared to that of their inorganic counterparts, although some applications do not require such high electrical properties. A critical step was to better understand conductivity mechanisms and improve them using several different methods. Examples of methods to improve properties include blending two or more conducting or non-conducting polymers, co-polymerizing different monomers together or designing polymers and their surfaces on the nano-level. This work presents a study of two conducting polymers: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(thiophene) and some attempts to increase their current properties or develop new properties to meet requirements for specific applications. Most of the effort focuses on the development of properties that are important for application in fields like energy production and storage, photonics and electronics. These critical properties include high electrical performance and high conductivity, good electrochemical properties, high surface area, broad light absorption spectra, biocompatibility, good mechanical properties and long lifetime. Chapter 3 discusses vapor phase co-polymerization of bithiophene and terthiophene as a route to widen absorption spectra of polythiophene materials. Chapter 4 describes processes responsible for formation of polythiophene nano-structures during vapor phase polymerization. It also explains conditions and polymerization parameters responsible for formation of different nano-structures so that those materials can be tuned for desired applications. Chapter 5 shows development of a laser ablation technique as a way to pattern conducting polymers to get the shape and architecture required for a specific device or application. The laser ablation technique is applied to manufacture organic electrochemical transistors and gas sensors. Lastly, Chapter 6 builds on knowledge from previous chapters to develop organic light sensors and opto-logic gates that can be used in an optical-to-electronic interface. This work significantly advances the state of knowledge of conducting polymers within the organic electronics field, and gives insights into how those materials interact with each other and how to tailor their properties. The findings here can serve as a basis for developing new conducting polymers, as well as direct investigations for new applications using the materials presented here.


ABSTRACT Objective: The primary aim of this study is to assess and characterize correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series completion among young adult women evaluated by gynecological (GYN) providers at a single institution and to measure changes over 4-y period. Methods: At a major academic center, the medical records of 845 women administered the HPV vaccine series by a GYN provider were retrospectively reviewed from 2006 to 2010 and 2014 to 2015. Patients were grouped based on the date of vaccine initiation into "earlier" (2006–2010) and "later" (2014–2015) cohorts. Patient demographics, dates of vaccine administration, and practice locations where vaccines were administered were collected. Patients who received all 3 vaccines within 6 months were deemed "complete". Patients seen by a provider but did not receive the vaccination were deemed "missed opportunities". The primary outcome was completion of HPV vaccination according to the ACIP guidelines. Results: The 845 patients were divided into earlier (n = 399) and later (n = 446) cohorts. There was no statistically significant difference in completion rates between the earlier-cohort compared to the later-cohort (35.2% vs. 30.9%, p = .20). Age at initiation were similar (p = .61), with the complete cohort having a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than the incomplete cohort (p = .0015). There was a significant difference between the completion rates among race/ethnic groups (p = .036). African-American and Hispanic (18.9% and 20.0%, respectively, p = .04) patient-populations had the lowest completion rates and higher missed opportunities. Conclusion: Our study found an overall low completion rate in both earlier and later cohorts. Additionally, higher BMI and African-American and Hispanic race/ethnicity were associated with low vaccine completion.


This quantitative basic research was a cause-effect correlational design, where the instruments results for information literacy and reciprocal teaching were ,987 and ,992 through the Cronbach's Alpha. The validation of the instruments was carried out by 3 expert judgment and the population was composed of 249 communication science students of a private university in Lima, Perú. Through the multinominal logistic regression was statistically verified that the predominant level in the dimension of information literacy (sourcing, evaluating and managing information) in a 90% are at level 3 according to the DigComp 2.1 scale; nevertheless, the expectation for the Communication Sciences Program was they managed to achieve a higher level in the evaluating information dimension considering their training should be oriented towards information assurance, showing the necessity to strengthen the development of these competences.


Background The progress of the fight against HIV is highlighted by significant change. HIV of the past is different from HIV of the present. Healthcare services have played an essential role in achieving the optimal goals needed to end the HIV epidemic. However, people living with HIV and those at risk of catching it (PLWH) often misunderstand the rapid growth of HIV healthcare service options. Objective This study aimed to explore the experiences of PLWH in the healthcare services featured in this study. Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2017 with 12 PLWH who engaged with healthcare services in Jakarta, Indonesia, by using a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured questions were asked which related to their experiences of using the services. Stevick Colaizzi Keen method was used to extract the thematic analysis of the study. Results The study developed four essential themes of PLWH healthcare use. They were accessibility, availability at all healthcare levels, comprehensiveness of service, and affordability. Conclusion Providing accessible healthcare services is considered essential by PLWH. It is also pivotal to helping people feel positive about the community-related healthcare services on offer. Nurse-led HIV services must maintain this progress by continuously evaluating the quality-of-service outcomes and promoting the accessibility of the services to the broader population.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and provide empirical evidence for the combined effects of individual characteristics, training design factors as well as environmental factors (as pre-training factors) on training transfer.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected from 235 managerial-level full-time employees in two phases with a temporal gap of two months. Both procedural and statistical measures were used to minimize the common method variance problem. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data.FindingsThe results of this study clearly point out that all four predictor variables (voluntary participation, prior training information, training needs identification and training evaluation) positively and significantly influence training transfer.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the training transfer literature in three ways. One, the authors have shown the positive influence of pre-training factors (together as well as independently) on training transfer. The study is grounded in a strong theoretical framework, thus fulfilling the previous gap. This study brings more clarity to those variables (such as voluntary training) which are having contradicting views in the extant literature.Practical implicationsThe study has significant findings for the organizations operating in the current business scenario in their endeavor to enhance learning transfer, which is very low and a major cause of concern for every organization. If management is aware of the success factors of training transfer, they can ensure a better training transfer.Originality/valueThe training transfer literature showcases two significant gaps; first of all, it lacks in using appropriate motivational theories, and second, there is variability in the results. This paper bridges both the gaps and attempts to advance our understanding of training transfer grounded in the theoretical framework by focusing on the role of individual, motivational and situational factors of training transfer to understand better which predictor variables can improve training transfer.


The introduction of a micro-electronic based technology to the workplace has had a far reaching and widespread effect on the numbers and content of jobs. The importance of the implications of new technology were recognised by the trade unions, leading to a plethora of advice and literature in the late 70s and early 80s, notably the TUC 'Technology and Employment ' report. However, studies into the union response have consistently found an overall lack of influence by unions in the introduction of technology. Whilst the advent of new technology has coincided with an industrial relations climate of unprecedented hostility to union activity in the post-war period, there are structural weaknesses in unions in coming to terms with the process of technological change. In particular was the identification of a lack of suitable technological expertise. Addressing itself to this perceived weakness of the union response, this thesis is the outcome of a collaborative project between a national union and an academic institution. The thesis is based on detailed case studies concerning technology bargaining in the Civil Service and the response of the Civil and Public Services Associations (CPSA), the union that represents lower grade white collar civil servants. It is demonstrated that the application of expertise to union negotiators is insufficient on its own to extend union influence and that for unions to effectively come to terms with technology and influence its development requires a re-assessment across all spheres of union activity. It is suggested that this has repercussions for not only the internal organisation and quality of union policy formation and the extent, form and nature of collective bargaining with employer representatives, but also in the relationship with consumer and interest groups outside the traditional collective bargaining forum. Three policy options are developed in the thesis with the 'adversarial' and 'co~operative' options representing the more traditional reactive and passive forms of involvement. These are contrasted with an 'independent participative' form of involvement which was a 'pro-active' policy option and utilised the expertise of the Author in the CPSA's response to technological change.


Abstract Objective. To evaluate how municipality-based post-discharge follow-up visits including a general practitioner and municipal nurse affect early readmission among high-risk older people discharged from a hospital department of internal medicine. Design and setting. Centrally randomized single-centre pragmatic controlled trial comparing intervention and usual care with investigator-blinded outcome assessment. Intervention. The intervention was home visits with a general practitioner and municipal nurse within seven days of discharge focusing on medication, rehabilitation plan, functional level, and need for further health care initiatives. The visit was concluded by planning one or two further visits. Controls received standard health care services. Patients. People aged 65 + years discharged from Holbæk University Hospital, Denmark, in 2012 considered at high risk of readmission. Main outcome measures. The primary outcome was readmission within 30 days. Secondary outcomes at 30 and 180 days included readmission, primary health care, and municipal services. Outcomes were register-based and analysis used the intention-to-treat principle. Results. A total of 270 and 261 patients were randomized to intervention and control groups, respectively. The groups were similar in baseline characteristics. In all 149 planned discharge follow-up visits were carried out (55%). Within 30 days, 24% of the intervention group and 23% of the control group were readmitted (p = 0.93). No significant differences were found for any other secondary outcomes except that the intervention group received more municipal nursing services. Conclusion. This municipality-based follow-up intervention was only feasible in half the planned visits. The intervention as delivered had no effect on readmission or subsequent use of primary or secondary health care services.


Epoxy resins are essential to the fabrication of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs). This paper investigates laser generated ultrasound in epoxy resins using three pulsed lasers: A TEA CO2, a fundamental Nd:YAG and a XeCl excimer. In the low power thermoelastic regime, the laser beam causes the surface of the sample to expand rapidly, in times that are comparable to the rise time of the laser pulse. In non-metals the phenomenon is dominated by the optical absorption depth, which is a function both of the properties of the material and the laser wavelength, and for epoxy resins, varies from a few microns to several millimeters. Compared to the thermoelastic source in metals, a bigger volume of the material is affected, the temperature rise is less and the amplitude of the longitudinal wave is greater. This condition is referred to as "a buried thermoelastic source". In CFRCs, the superficial layer of epoxy resin (typically 50-100 microns thick) plays an important role to the generation mechanism. At the Nd:YAG wavelength the epoxy is transparent and acts as a constrained layer. At the TEA CO2 and the XeCl excimer wavelengths both the epoxy and the underlying fibers absorb strongly. Experiments were carried out on CFRC and pure epoxy resin samples, comparative results and efficiency graphs are presented.


Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (M/SMEs) are a dynamic force for sustained economic growth and job creation. They are a valid, crucial component of a vibrant industrial society.M/SMEs stimulate private ownership and entrepreneurial skills; they are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing market demand and supply conditions; they generate employment, help diversify economic activities and make significant contribution to export and trade.This paper aims to present a proposal to enhance the exports of small and medium enterprises in Egypt.


The pre-Tertiary core of Sundaland contains numerous North-South striking regional faults in addition to, but fewer major faults in Northwest and other directions (Fig. 1). One N-S regional fault extends from the Thailand-China border via the Gulf of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia into Central Sumatra is the longest at -2,000 km (abbreviated as TBB for Thai-Bentong-Bengkalis). Two other long faults are the Vietnam Shear off the east coast of Indochina and another N-S fault in the gulf parallel to TBB. The other regional faults range in length between 200 km and 700 km. In the Malay Peninsula, the TBB coincides with the Raub-Bentong suture that existed since the Middle Triassic. Faults within the suture shows overprinting of normal faulting (down to east), upon dextral slip that in tum post-dated sinistral slip. N-S faults in the peninsula are considered the oldest set and date from the Jurassic or earlier. The TBB segment in Sumatra is the Bengkalis trough on which dextral slip had continued to affect Miocene strata. Similarly, N-S regional faults in the Tertiary basins of North Sumatra, Central Sumatra, South Sumatra, Sunda basin complex, Arjuna basin, Central Thailand basin complex, Mekong, Nam Con Son, Malay and Penyu basins deformed strata as young as early Late Miocene. These regional faults show mainly dextral slip except the Peusangan (North Sumatra) and the northerly trending faults in Terengganu (Peninsular Malaysia). Left-lateral slip implies that the Terengganu faults are lag structures in the general extrusion of SE Asian crustal slabs towards SE and S. The sinistral slip on the Peusangan fault is attributed to spreading of the Andaman Sea basin since about 11 Ma ago. The geological history suggests that by the Middle Triassic, Sundaland had combined into a single microplate. Some of the meridian-parallel faults, such as the TBB probably have existed since that time. Other N S faults may be younger, but perhaps most developed in the Mesozoic and a number ofthese structures became reactivated in the Cenozoic. It seems probable that lateral slip directions were different at different times, but that the latest tectonic displacement sense had been dextral. The origin of most of the N-S regional faults is problematic. The Vietnam Shear may be attributed to the opening of the South China Sea basin from Oligocene to about mid-Miocene. The TBB is a mid-Triassic suture between continental blocks. Those N-S faults traversing Cenozoic sediments are probably reactivated pre Tertiary structures. The widespread distribution of these faults in Sundaland may mean that the entire region participated as a single unit in large-scale translations or rotations that have been suggested by paleomagnetic studies. Or, was Earth's rotation responsible for the formation of regional N-S faults in Sundaland? The regional meridian-parallel faults of Sundaland have functioned as (1) originators/initiators of Tertiary basins such as the Mekong and Nam Con Son, as (2) determinants of basin location (Central Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand; sub-basins: Balam-Pematang troughs, Bengkalis trough, Benakat gully, Asri, Seribu, Arjuna, and relatively small basement depressions in the Malacca Strait), and as (3) modifiers of basin geometry (Peusangan fault in the North Sumatra basin; the large dextral offsets off old series in the Malay basin). N-S faults across fold crests of the Malay basin are non-tectonic and formed by tightening of the folds in a persistent compressive stress regime.


Locke's account of personal identity has been highly influential because of its emphasis on a psychological criterion. The same consciousness is required for being the same person. It is not so clear, however, exactly what Locke meant by 'consciousness' or by 'having the same consciousness'. Interpretations vary: consciousness is seen as identical to memory, as identical to a first personal appropriation of mental states, and as identical to a first personal distinctive experience of the qualitative features of one's own thinking. There is wide agreement, however, that Locke's theory of personal identity is meant to complement his moral and theological commitments to a system of divine punishment and reward in an afterlife. But these commitments seem to require also a metaphysical criterion, and Locke is insistent that it cannot be substance. The difficulty reconciling the psychological and metaphysical requirements of the theory has led, at worst, to charges of incoherence and, at best, to a slew of interpretations, none of which is widely accepted.


Infrastructural systems have emerged as productive ethnographic sites for analysing political subjectivities and rationalities. Through the case of shared electricity and prepaid meters in the compound housing system of Accra, Ghana, I suggest that infrastructures' political potential lies in their imaginative and hermeneutic abilities to foster desires for dignity, sustain well-being, and question moral ideals of collective life. In contrast to recent anthropological work that has emphasized the material basis of infrastructures as 'techno-political' devices materializing certain logics of rule and governance, I reclaim a poetics of sociality whereby infrastructures mobilize a politics of (unwanted) collective life. Through the 'electricity stories' circulated by tenants, I chart how the moral economy of infrastructure in a context of collective precarity redistributes marginalization and freedom in ways that always exceed political rationales of energy reforms and policies.


This study compared the kinematic parameters of swing mechanics under toss batting (TB), motor imagery (MI), video projection (VP), and virtual reality (VR) conditions during baseball batting. Nine college baseball players performed three swings to hit a tossed ball under TB conditions or a virtual ball under MI, VP, and VR conditions. The results revealed that upper trunk backward rotation was smaller in the loading phase under the VP and VR conditions than under the TB and MI conditions and lower under VR than under the VP condition (p < 0.05) except at the load event. Pelvic backward rotation was smaller under the VR condition than under the TB, MI, and VP conditions (p < 0.05). In the swing phase, TB demonstrated higher peak velocity at the head of the bat, lead elbow extension, and pelvis and upper trunk rotation than did MI, VP, and VR, whereas VP also demonstrated higher peak velocity in pelvic forward rotation than did VR (p < 0.05). In summary, VR demonstrates a more realistic response in the loading phase and reduced pelvic backward rotation but lower movement velocities. Coaches should pay attention to movement differences between swing conditions when arranging a swing training plan.


Let $\Bigl\langle\matrix{n\cr k}\Bigr\rangle$, $\Bigl\langle\matrix{B_n\cr
k}\Bigr\rangle$, and $\Bigl\langle\matrix{D_n\cr k}\Bigr\rangle$ be the
Eulerian numbers in the types A, B, and D, respectively -- that is, the number
of permutations of n elements with $k$ descents, the number of signed
permutations (of $n$ elements) with $k$ type B descents, the number of even
signed permutations (of $n$ elements) with $k$ type D descents. Let $S_n(t) =
\sum_{k = 0}^{n-1} \Bigl\langle\matrix{n\cr k}\Bigr\rangle t^k$, $B_n(t) =
\sum_{k = 0}^n \Bigl\langle\matrix{B_n\cr k}\Bigr\rangle t^k$, and $D_n(t) =
\sum_{k = 0}^n \Bigl\langle\matrix{D_n\cr k}\Bigr\rangle t^k$. We give
bijective proofs of the identity $$B_n(t^2) = (1 + t)^{n+1}S_n(t) - 2^n
tS_n(t^2)$$ and of Stembridge's identity $$D_n(t) = B_n(t) -
n2^{n-1}tS_{n-1}(t).$$ These bijective proofs rely on a representation of
signed permutations as paths. Using this representation we also establish a
bijective correspondence between even signed permutations and pairs $(w, E)$
with $([n], E)$ a threshold graph and $w$ a degree ordering of $([n], E)$,
which we use to obtain bijective proofs of enumerative results for threshold
graphs.


This paper models a financial sector in which there is a feedback between individual bank risk and aggregate funding market problems. Greater individual risk taking worsens adverse selection problems on the market. But adverse selection premia on that market push up bank risk taking, leading to multiple equilibria. The model identifies shifts among equilibria as a function of parameter shocks. Measures that reduce individual bank default risk within an equilibrium can actually make the system as whole more sensitive to shocks. Risks may thus seem small and market risk premia low precisely when the system as whole is most fragile.


Pedigree information is fundamentally important in breeding programs, enabling breeders to know the source of valuable attributes and underlying alleles and to enlarge genetic diversity in a directed way. Many apple cultivars are related to each other through both recent and distant common ancestors. As apple trees are clonally propagated, long-lived, and widely adapted, many of the ancestors of modern cultivars are still present in global germplasm collections. Use of apple SNP arrays enables identification of direct and distant pedigree relationships with precision. An example is the elucidation of the 'Honeycrisp' pedigree using the 8K SNP array, which enabled further findings regarding the inheritance of important alleles for traits including scab resistance and soft scald susceptibility. To facilitate more discoveries across apple germplasm, a large-scale collaborative apple pedigree reconstruction project has been initiated. This project utilizes output from the Illumina Infinium 20K and Affymetrix Axiom 480K apple SNP arrays, a high quality genetic linkage map for the 20K array SNPs, and a data curation pipeline developed through the FruitBreedomics and RosBREED projects. Techniques using shared haplotype length statistics will be used alongside historical information to deduce distant pedigree relationships. The project involves various experts, germplasm collections, and academic institutions around the world and is open for further extension. It will provide findings useful for breeding programs, germplasm collections, geneticists, and historians.


The inverse problem associated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy requiring the solution of a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind is considered. If the underlying physical model is not clearly determined, the inverse problem needs to be solved using a regularized linear least squares problem that is obtained from the discretization of the integral equation. For this system, it is shown that the model error can be made negligible by a change of variables and by extending the effective range of quadrature. This change of variables serves as a right preconditioner that significantly improves the condition of the system. Still, to obtain feasible solutions the additional constraint of non-negativity is required. Simulations with artificial, but realistic, data demonstrate that the use of non-negatively constrained least squares with a smoothing norm provides higher quality solutions than those obtained without the non-negative constraint. Using higher-order smoothing norms also reduces the error in the solutions. The L-curve and residual periodogram parameter choice criteria, which are used for parameter choice with regularized linear least squares, are successfully adapted to be used for the non-negatively constrained Tikhonov least squares problem. Although these results have been verified within the context of the analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, there is no reason to suppose that they would not be relevant within the broader framework of solving Fredholm integral equations for other applications.


Outlines economic and accounting reforms in China since the late 1970s and assesses the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis on them. Suggests that although China escaped the recession suffered by neighbouring countries, it still has a high risk of financial crisis/recession and enumerates the reasons why. Explains the steps taken by the government to reduce the risk, including reforms aimed at the standardization of accounting practices and improved reliability and comparability of financial information. Discusses the nine practical accounting standards issued between May 1997 and July 1999, which are in line with international standards and summarizes the reforms to enhance the independent status of public practitioners and the auditing standards issued so far. Identifies six remaining problems in the process of accounting reform but believes it is on the right track.


Aim: To find out the co-relation between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with blood group & diet in South
Indian females, between the age-group of (20-30) years. Objectives: Correlative analysis of ABO & Rh system,
dietary habits & alcohol consumption with PCOS. Materials & Methods: 100 patients between (20-30) years,
diagnosed with PCOS were selected. A standard PCOS questionnaire was given. Blood group & dietary status
data were collected. Patients were grouped according to ABO & Rh system considering their diet & alcohol
intake (p≤0.05 significant). Result: Our data revealed that the highest risk of PCOS was observed in females with
blood group 'O' positive followed by 'B' positive who were on mixed diet & used to consume alcohol. Our study
also suggests that Rh negative individuals didn't show any association with PCOS. Conclusion: The results of
our study suggest that 'O' positive females, are more prone to PCOS. Though the relative frequency of B positive
individuals are more in India, females with blood group O positive are more susceptible to PCOS, contributing
factors being mixed diet & alcohol intake. So, early screening of 'O' positive &'B' positive females of
reproductive age-group in South-India, could be used as a measure for timely diagnosis of PCOS, better
management &also prevention of complications. However, further research should be done to investigate the
multifaceted mechanisms triggering these effects.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the a priori chance that primary cystic lesions of the retrorectal space are malignant and to investigate MRI characteristics that indicate malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients referred to a center for colorectal surgery were recruited from 2000 to 2014. Lesions were proven by clinical assessment and histopathology. MRI was performed at 1.5 T with examinations evaluated by two radiologists. Interobserver agreement was assessed (Cohen kappa) and differences between malignant and benign lesions calculated (Fisher exact test).

RESULTS
Twenty-eight patients (22 women, six men; age range, 18-70 years) with 31 lesions were included. Lesions were categorized as tailgut cysts (n = 16, 52%), teratomas (n = 9, 29%), lesions of colorectal origin (n = 4, 13%), or neurogenic lesions (n = 2, 6%). Five patients (18%) had malignant lesions. Colorectal lesions had the highest percentage of malignancy (3/4, 75%). A solid tissue component was found in all five (100%) malignant lesions and two (8%) of the benign lesions, which were both teratomas (p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity for malignancy according to the presence of a solid tissue component was 100% (5/5) and 92% (24/26). For unilocularity, multilocularity, debris, septa, and wall thickening, differences were not significant. Interobserver agreement was excellent (κ = 1) for all characteristics except debris (κ = 0.795).

CONCLUSION
The majority of retrorectal cystic lesions are benign. The presence of a solid tissue component should raise suspicion for malignancy.


Mixed data with both categorical and continuous features are ubiquitous in real-world applications. Learning a good representation of mixed data is critical yet challenging for further learning tasks. Existing methods for representing mixed data often overlook the heterogeneous coupling relationships between categorical and continuous features as well as the discrimination between objects. To address these issues, we propose an auto-instructive representation learning scheme to enable margin-enhanced distance metric learning for a discrimination-enhanced representation. Accordingly, we design a metric-based auto-instructor (MAI) model which consists of two collaborative instructors. Each instructor captures the feature-level couplings in mixed data with fully connected networks, and guides the infinite-margin metric learning for the peer instructor with a contrastive order. By feeding the learned representation into both partition-based and density-based clustering methods, our experiments on eight UCI datasets show highly significant learning performance improvement and much more distinguishable visualization outcomes over the baseline methods.


In the last few decades we have seen important changes in the neuropsychological rehabilitation of brain injury patients. First, the notion of neurorehabilitation has been extended to incorporate psychotherapy as a necessary component. Historically, neurorehabilitation was understood as a synonym for cognitive rehabilitation, which excluded psychotherapy. This person-centered change was based on a comparative analysis of effectiveness of different approaches to neurorehabilitation and increasing awareness of the importance of working with emotional sphere and personality of the patients and their families, as well as of clinic and rehabilitation centre staff. The paper presents a review of two such approaches. One of the first programmes of brain injury patient rehabilitation incorporating psychotherapy was developed by Yehuda Ben-Yishay. This programme spanning two years addressed patients and their family members who were involved in solving everyday life tasks. This ecological orientation combined with therapeutic support resulted in high efficiency of the programme. Another well-known approach was developed by George Prigatano, who formulated thirteen principles of neuropsychological rehabilitation. Many of these principles cover psychotherapeutic work targeting patients, family members, as well as members of the rehabilitation team who confront a number of psychological and behavioral problems associated with brain injury. These programs belong to a holistic approach in neuropsychological rehabilitation which was shown to be highly effective. By approaching patients in combination with their environment, addressing motivation and emotional issues, the effectiveness of rehabilitation sessions can be increased by increased cooperation of patients who gain better awareness of the aims and possibilities of rehabilitation.


The implantation of microchips into human beings has spurred a recent firestorm of controversy. This year VeriChip Corp., the nation's main manufacturer and purveyor of human microchips, went out of business in the wake of ten-year studies confirming that microchip implants had induced malignant tumors in animals. Nevertheless, the microchipping controversy is far from settled; as the industry retools for potential redevelopment of human microchips, we must engage in serious discussion of this topic. Human microchipping in an experimental setting (whether informed or not) raises issues regarding U.S. and international human rights law, potentially violating standards of human experimentation under the Nuremberg Code, the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and case law. One instance of such violation arguably occurred when VeriChip recently implanted hundreds of Alzheimer's patients. Among other issues, this action by the company raises questions regarding informed consent; the fact that Alzheimer's patients are arguably not competent to provide consent points to a potential human rights violation by VeriChip under the Nuremberg code and other law. Advances in human microchipping technology, including its use in gene therapy and the recent trend toward fusion of DNA and RFID technology in a microchip, create the potential for additional peril, including DNA alteration.


Ready access to emerging databases of gene annotation and functional pathways has shifted assessments of differential expression in DNA microarray studies from single genes to groups of genes with shared biological function. This paper takes a critical look at existing methods for assessing the differential expression of a group of genes (functional category), and provides some suggestions for improved performance. We begin by presenting a general framework, in which the set of genes in a functional category is compared to the complementary set of genes on the array. The framework includes tests for overrepresentation of a category within a list of significant genes, and methods that consider continuous measures of differential expression. Existing tests are divided into two classes. Class 1 tests assume gene-specific measures of differential expression are independent, despite overwhelming evidence of positive correlation. Analytic and simulated results are presented that demonstrate Class 1 tests are strongly anti-conservative in practice. Class 2 tests account for gene correlation, typically through array permutation that by construction has proper Type I error control for the induced null. However, both Class 1 and Class 2 tests use a null hypothesis that all genes have the same degree of differential expression. We introduce a more sensible and general (Class 3) null under which the profile of differential expression is the same within the category and complement. Under this broader null, Class 2 tests are shown to be conservative. We propose standard bootstrap methods for testing against the Class 3 null and demonstrate they provide valid Type I error control and more power than array permutation in simulated datasets and real microarray experiments.


Abstract. Imaging via Pre-Stack Depth Migration (PSDM) from reflection towed-streamer Multi-Channel Seismic (MCS) data at the scale of the whole crust is inherently difficult. This mainly results because the depth-penetration of the seismic wavefield is controlled, firstly (i) by the acquisition design, like streamer length and air-gun source configuration, and secondly (ii) by the complexity of the crustal structure. Indeed, the limited length of the streamer makes the estimation of velocities from deep targets challenging due to the velocity-depth ambiguity. The problem is even more pronounced when processing 2D seismic data, due to the lack of multi-azimuthal coverage. Therefore, in order to broaden our knowledge about the deep crust using seismic methods, one shall target the development of specific imaging workflows integrating different seismic data. Here we propose the combination of velocity model-building using (i) first-arrival traveltime tomography (FAT) and full-waveform inversion (FWI) of wide-angle/long-offset data collected by stationary Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) and (ii) PSDM of short-spread towed-streamer MCS data for reflectivity imaging, using the former velocity model as background model. We present an application of such workflow to seismic data collected by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER) in the eastern Nankai Trough (Tokai area) during the 2000/2001 SFJ experiment. We show that the FWI model, although derived from OBS data, provides yet an acceptable background velocity field for the PSDM of the MCS data. Furthermore, from the initial PSDM, we first refine the FWI background velocity model by minimizing the residual moveouts (RMO) picked in the prestack migrated volume through slope tomography (ST), from which we generate a better focused migrated image. Such integration of different seismic data sets and leading-edge imaging techniques led to optimal imaging results at different resolution levels. That is, the large-to-intermediate scale crustal units identified in the high-resolution FWI velocity model extensively complement the short-scale reflectivity inferred from the MCS data to better constrain the structural factors controlling the geodynamics of the Nankai Trough area.


At certain Institute of Higher Learning, the evaluation of students' projects is done not only by a supervisor but also by a group of panels. The evaluation takes into consideration a number of criteria, a few of which are normally fuzzy in nature. The fuzziness of certain criteria makes the evaluation process complicated. The main evaluation criteria that are considered include project proposal document, final report document, prototype system, and oral presentation. All students' projects need to be carefully evaluated based on these criteria to ensure that the students' projects are rated fairly and be given standardized marks. A group decision support system is required to achieve the objective of fair and accurate evaluations. This research proposes a framework for students' projects evaluation for Decision Support System based on the Weighted Model, Fuzzy Ranked Analytical Hierarchical Process and Fuzzy TOPSIS via a number of evaluation phases. At the end of the evaluation process, a list of sorted ranked marks is displayed to the users for further decision making activities to take place.


ABSTRACT Discussion is provided for an occurrence of Macbridea caroliniana thought to be extirpated (Berkeley County) and five new occurrences collected 2019–2020 on the South Carolina Coastal Plain. One new occurrence is a county record (Charleston County). Four new occurrences along the Black River through Berkeley and Williamsburg counties suggest favorable habitat in that region. Findings suggest that this species may be underreported in South Carolina and effort should be placed in identifying disturbed habitat in conserved natural areas that may harbor this rare plant.


Finding dense semantic correspondence is a fundamental problem in computer vision, which remains challenging in complex scenes due to background clutter, extreme intra-class variation, and a severe lack of ground truth. In this paper, we aim to address the challenge of label sparsity in semantic correspondence by enriching supervision signals from sparse keypoint annotations. To this end, we first propose a teacher-student learning paradigm for generating dense pseudo-labels and then develop two novel strategies for denoising pseudo-labels. In particular, we use spatial priors around the sparse annotations to suppress the noisy pseudo-labels. In addition, we introduce a loss-driven dynamic label selection strategy for label denoising. We instantiate our paradigm with two variants of learning strategies: a single offline teacher setting, and mutual online teachers setting. Our approach achieves notable improvements on three challenging benchmarks for semantic correspondence and establishes the new state-of-the-art. Project page: https://shuaiyihuang.github.io/publications/SCorrSAN.


The automatic segmentation of nuclei in confocal reflectance images of cervical tissue is an important goal toward developing less expensive cervical precancer detection methods. Since in vivo confocal reflectance microscopy is an emerging technology for cancer detection, no prior work has been reported on the automatic segmentation of in vivo confocal reflectance images. However, prior work has shown that nuclear size and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio can determine the presence or extent of cervical precancer. Thus, segmenting nuclei in confocal images will aid in cervical precancer detection. Successful segmentation of images of any type can be significantly enhanced by the introduction of accurate image models. To enable a deeper understanding of confocal reflectance microscopy images of cervical tissue, and to supply a basis for parameter selection in a classification algorithm, we have developed a model that accounts for the properties of the imaging system and of the tissues. Using our model in conjunction with a powerful image enhancement tool (anisotropic median-diffusion), appropriate statistical image modeling of spatial interactions (Gaussian Markov random fields), and a Bayesian framework for classification-segmentation, we have developed an effective algorithm for automatically segmenting nuclei in confocal images of cervical tissue. We have applied our algorithm to an extensive set of cervical images and have found that it detects 90% of hand-segmented nuclei with an average of 6 false positives per frame.


Background: Unscheduled tetanus prophylaxis (UTP) used in the emergency room (ER) in patients with wounds who are unaware of their vaccination history is erroneous in 40% of cases. Evaluation of bedside tetanus immunity with the Tétanos Quick Stick (TQS) test may improve UTP. Objectives: To show that (1) a positive TQS result reflects immunity to tetanus; and (2) TQS is reproducible by ER workers. Methods: In a prospective concordance study, immunity to tetanus of patients with wounds was assessed by two techniques: (1) TQS at the bedside, which detects specific tetanus antitoxins at concentrations ⩾0.2 IU/ml in whole blood or ⩾0.1 IU/ml in serum; (2) ELISA in the laboratory (threshold >0.1 IU/ml). The study comprised three groups: (A) healthcare personnel self-tested with the two techniques to determine the effect of training; (B) selected patients with wounds were double-tested with TQS by two healthcare providers whose readings were compared to test reproducibility; and (C) all patients with wounds aged ⩾15 years were consecutively included. Results: Of 1018 individuals included, 60 were in group A, 50 were in group B and 908 were in group C. 403 patients who were not included were similar to those included for age, vaccination history and types of wounds. The reproducibility of the test was 98%. TQS sensitivity was 83.0%, specificity 97.5%, positive predictive value 99.6% and negative predictive value 42.9%. Conclusions: TQS reliably predicts tetanus immunity and is reproducible by healthcare providers. Although it may not accurately discriminate between patients with ongoing and declining immunity, it is currently the most sensitive and specific tool for guiding tetanus prophylaxis and should be included in current guidelines on UTP.


Stronger global completion provides an impetus for servitization in global industrial companies, that is, to shift from selling products to selling integrated products and services. To increase efficiency in service innovation there is a need to reorganize innovation system and build suitable capabilities, something which require significant organizational transformation. The purpose of the paper is to describe a Scandinavian effort to develop a Total Innovation Management (TIM) approach to service innovation. Firstly, a theoretical framework for innovation system for service is developed. Secondly, through a case illustration it is shown that servitization in practice imply complex dynamics of many factors, forces and agency which both works towards and restricts servitization. To deal with this dynamic there is a need for a TIM approach.


Cross-linguistic studies on second language (L2) reading reveal that component skills of reading such as word recognition, phonemic decoding, spelling, and oral text reading are prone to the influence of first language (L1) orthography but few empirical studies have examined the possible influence of L1 orthography on these skills. This study investigates how adult ESL learners of two different L1 backgrounds (Spanish and Chinese) compare in their performances on word recognition efficiency, phonemic decoding efficiency, spelling, and oral text reading fluency and how these skills are related to their overall ability in reading comprehension. The differences in the learners' performances on the component skills and the variations in the role of these skills in ESL reading comprehension indicated possible influence of the orthographic features of learners' first language.


This paper is detailing some of the most recent observations on the anthropomorphic plastic discovered over the last 15 years, during the excavation of the Chalcolithic settlement mound at Pietrele (Romania). Firstly, a clay statuette showing evidently morphological features close to the ones of the Cucuteni-Tripolje culture is presented and the inquiry of whether or not it should be regarded as an "import" is forwarded. In addition, a similar assumption is proposed for a marble statuette found in 2007 at the same site. Finally, those stratigraphic observations which suggest the first occurrences of figurines made of bone as well as the presumed origin of clay statuettes with a so-called swollen belly are discussed.


OBJECTIVES
To test prospectively the hypothesis that an infant car seat modification to allow the infant's head to rest in a neutral position on the trunk would prevent narrowing of the upper airway and thus reduce oxygen desaturation in preterm infants who are restrained in car seats.

METHODS
Seventeen preterm infants who were approved for discharge were evaluated in a car seat for newborns, with and without a foam insert that provided a slot for the back of the infants' head. Respiration timed inspiratory radiographs for assessment of upper airway dimensions were taken during quiet sleep in each position. Infants were monitored in each position for 30 minutes with continuous polygraphic recording of respiratory, cardiac, and nasal airflow activity and pulse oximetry.

RESULTS
Placement of the insert in the car seat was associated with a larger upper airway space (mean +/- standard deviation, 5.2 +/- 1.3 vs 3.6 +/- 1.4 mm). This radiologic improvement was associated with a significant reduction in the frequency of episodes of oxygen desaturation to <85% (1.5 +/- 2.1 vs 3.5 +/- 3.5 episodes/infant), of bradycardia <90 bpm (0.1 +/- 0.3 vs 1 +/- 1.7), and of arousal (median [25th, 75th], 2.5 [1.3, 4.0] vs 5.0 [4.0, 7.0]).

CONCLUSIONS
The cause of oxygen desaturation in preterm infants who are restrained in car seats is multifactorial. The present data strongly support the hypothesis that flexion of the head on the body is a significant contributor to these episodes and that the mechanism is posterocephalic displacement of the mandible, leading to narrowing of the upper airway. Critically, this pilot study demonstrates that the frequency of episodes of desaturation in a standard newborn car seat can be substantially reduced by placement of a simple foam insert that allows the infant to maintain the head in a neutral position on the trunk during sleep.


Tūhono Māori is a qualitative research project that engages with Indigenous Kaupapa Māori methodology and methods. The purpose is to investigate a uniquely Māori approach for understanding the nature in which healthy whānau (family) relationships are fostered within a Māori social system. The research seeks to advance what we understand about healthy attachments through an Indigenous Māori lens, exploring traditional and contemporary notions of attachment in which healthy emotional bonds are fostered and secure whānau attachments promoted. The aim of this research is to develop Māori theory that will shape trauma-informed interventions for Māori children and their whānau. The study is intended to address a knowledge gap in which tūhono (attach/bond) and related concepts such as tūhonotanga (attachment/connectedness) are proposed as a contemporary Māori notion of attachment. This paper discusses the methodology and methods employed in the Tūhono Māori research project.


Solving real life optimisation problems is a challenging engineering venture. Since the early days of research on optimisation it was realised that many problems do not simply have one optimisation objective. This led to the development of multi-objective optimizers that try to look at the optimisation problem from di erent points of view and reach a set of compromised solutions among the di erent objectives. The presented research brings together recent advances in the eld of multi-objective optimisation and particle swarm optimisation raising several challenges. This is tackled from di erent aspects including the proposal of new archiving techniques to developing new methods and quality measures. Smart Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimisation based on Decomposition (SDMOPSO) is rst proposed to incorporate multi-objective problem decomposition techniques with PSO. A novel archiving technique is developed using a clustering based mapping approach between the objective and solution spaces and is applied to general multi-objective optimizers. D2MOPSO is introduced as a new MOPSO that uses problem decomposition and a new archive utilising dominance based mapping between objective and solution spaces. Finally the thesis presents a novel multi-objective quality measure that uses mutual information to compare among solutions generated by di erent algorithms. The contributions are all tested on standard test suits and are used to solve two real-life problems: a) Channel selection for Brain-Computer Interfaces, and b) E ective cancer chemotherapy treatments. The two problems are real challenges in the two respective elds. Two di erent modelling approaches of the channel selection problem are presented: one is based on binary representation of the channels, while the other is continuous in a projected space of the channel locations. The results are very competitive with the commonly used methods.


A finite probability mixture model is combined with a contingent valuation model to analyze the existence of differential market segments in a hypothetical market. The approach has at least two principle benefits. First, the model is capable of identifying market segments within the hypothetical market. Second, the model can be used to estimate WTP/WTA within each segment. The model is illustrated using a data set collected on consumer response to genetically modified foods in Norway.


 Abstract — Turkey's immigration policy is a controversial issue considering its legal, economic, social, and political and human rights dimensions. Formulation of an immigration policy goes hand in hand with political processes, where natives' attitudes play a significant role. On the other hand, as was the case in Turkey, radical changes made in immigration policy or policies lacking transparency may cause severe reactions by the host society. The underlying discussion paper aims to analyze quantitatively the effects of the existing 'open door' immigration policy on the economic integration of Syrian refugees in Turkey, and on the perception of the native population of refugees. For the analysis, semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group interviews have been conducted. After the introduction, a literature review is provided, followed by theoretical background on the explanation of natives' attitudes towards immigrants. In the next section, a qualitative analysis of natives' attitudes towards Syrian refugees is presented with the subtopics of (i) awareness, general opinions and expectations, (ii) open-door policy and management of the migration process, (iii) perception of positive and negative impacts of immigration, (iv) economic integration, and (v) cultural similarity. Results indicate that, natives concurrently have social, economic and security concerns regarding refugees, while difficulties regarding security and economic integration of refugees stand out. Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, such as the educational level and employment status, are not sufficient to explain the overall attitudes towards refugees, while they can be used to explain the awareness of the respondents and the priority of the concerns felt.


Abstract Data for the period from 1985 to 1993 from TAO moorings along 110°W (5°S–5°N) and 140°W (2°S–9°N) describe the vertical, meridional, and temporal structure of the seasonal cycle of several variables. The results have a number of interesting features. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle is relatively constant in the surface layers but varies considerably at the depth of the equatorial thermocline where it was small before 1989, large thereafter. Also, vertical seasonal movements of the thermocline have little effect on sea surface temperatures. These seasonal variations are consistent with a westward propagating coupled ocean–atmosphere mode in the surface layers. Conversely, the low-frequency modulation of the seasonal cycle in the thermocline is associated with changes in the seasonal cycle of the zonal wind in the central and western tropical Pacific and might be attributable to equatorial Kelvin waves forced resonantly by the surface winds.


It is believed that bone cells can sense mechanical loading and alter bone external shape and internal structure to efficiently support the load bearing demands placed upon it. However, the mechanism by which bone cells sense and respond to their mechanical environment is still poorly understood. In particular, the load-induced signals to which bone cells respond, e.g. fluid flow, substrate deformation, electrokinetic effects etc., are unclear. Furthermore, there are few studies focused on the effects of physiological strain (strain < 0.5%, Burr, 1996; Owan, 1997) on bone cells. The goal of this study was to investigate cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization (a very early signaling event) in response to different substrate strains (physiological or supra-physiological strains), and to distinguish the effects of substrate strain from those of fluid flow by applying precisely controlled strain without induced fluid flow. In addition, we quantified the effect of physiologically relevant fluid flow (Cowin, 1995) and substrate stretch on the expression of mRNA for the bone matrix protein osteopontin (OPN). A computer controlled stretch device was employed to apply different substrate strains, 0.1%, 1%, 5% and 10%. A parallel plate flow chamber was used to test cell responses to steady and oscillating flows (20dyn/cm2, 1Hz). Our data demonstrate that physiological strain (< 0.5%) does not induce [Ca2+]i responses in primary rat osteoblastic cells (ROB) in vitro. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the number of responding cells at supra-physiological strains of 1, 5, and 10% suggesting that the cells were capable of a biological response. Similar results for human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB 1.19) and osteocyte-like cells (ML0-Y4) were obtained. Furthermore, compared to physiological substrate deformation, physiological fluid flow induced greater [Ca2+]i responses for hFOB cells, and these [Ca2+]i responses were quantitatively similar to those obtained for 10% substrate strain. Moreover we found no change in osteopontin mRNA expression after 0.5% strain stretch. Conversely, physiological oscillating flow (20dyn/cm2, 1Hz) caused a significant increase in osteopontin mRNA. These data suggest that, relative to fluid flow, substrate deformation may play less of a role in bone cell mechanotransduction.


: The possibility of using impedance plethysmography to assess changes in the volume of the extravascular lung fluid in intensive therapy and resuscitation patients is discussed. Changes in the volume of the fluid during extracorporeal detoxication are analysed. A correlation was found between these changes and lung distensibility (r = -0.7). A significant diminution of the fluid volume was observed in response to therapeutic doses of Lasix and Nitroglycerin. Data are cited on the increasing (85 percent) volumes of the fluid in preclinical pulmonary edema in patients with left ventricular insufficiency.


Mastitis is an inflammation of mammary glands that is prevalent in dairy bovines. It causes a significant proportion of economic losses to the dairy farmers in India. Cattle and buffalo farming contribute significantly to the economy of the state. Various infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and algae may cause mastitis. Hence, it is essential to understand the etiological agents and predisposing factors that lead to mastitis in susceptible bovine populations in Madhya Pradesh state so that appropriate prevention and control strategies can be implemented. In this chapter, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and control measures of mastitis in general and in India, the state of Madhya Pradesh, in particular, will be presented.


Co-digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge may be an attractive alternative for sustainable management of two separate waste streams produced in large amounts in all countries. This study evaluates calculation-based results of an anaerobic co-digestion process for primary sludge (PS) together with the OFMSW. The calculations were carried out for the anaerobic digester of Kayseri municipal wastewater treatment plant (in Turkey) presently digesting only PS. Two alternatives were proposed using different solid waste contents in co-digesters. For achieving the optimal solids content, some treated wastewater should be recycled to the inlet of the digesters. The municipal solid waste collection method characterized as mechanically sorted (MS-OFMSW; Option 1) is evaluated as well as a source sorted (SS-OFMSW) alternative (Option 2). Utilizing the energy produced by the existing sludge digester, only 30% of the internal energy demand at the wastewater treatment plant can be covered. The aim of this study is to evaluate how energy production would be increased by co-digestion of OFMSW and PS. The best operational condition considering organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and energy generation could be attained at 10% digester solids content for both options. According to Option 1, almost 77% of the energy demand could be covered by co-digestion of MS-OFMSW and PS. Results indicated that almost 100% energy coverage can be obtained when co-digestion (Option 2) was performed according to SS-OFMSW and PS.


Abstract In studies of clinical phenotypes, such as dementia, disability, and frailty, participants are typically assessed at in-person clinic visits. Thus, the precise time of onset for the phenotype is unknown. The discreteness of the clinic visits yields grouped event time data. We investigate how to perform a risk factor analysis in the case of grouped data. Since visits can be months to years apart, numbers of ties can be large, causing the exact tie-handling method of the Cox model to be computationally infeasible. We propose two, new, computationally efficient approximations to the exact method: Laplace approximation and an analytic approximation. Through extensive simulation studies, we compare these new methods to the Prentice-Gloeckler model and the Cox model using Efron's and Breslow's tie-handling methods. In addition, we compare the methods in an application to a large cohort study (N = 3,605) on the development of clinical frailty in older adults. In our simulations, the Laplace approximation has low bias in all settings, and the analytic approximation has low bias in settings where the regression coefficient is not large in magnitude. Their corresponding confidence intervals also have approximately the nominal coverage probability. In the data application, the results from the approximations are nearly identical to that of the Prentice-Gloeckler model.


Today, states are moving closer to another moment of critical decision-making in charting the course of the death penalty in the United States. Unlike the sudden and dramatic immediacy of Furman, however, this moment is arriving through a slower and quieter progression, or perhaps more accurately a deceleration. While not abolished, in many states application of the death penalty is grinding or has ground to a halt. If the status quo holds, the vast majority of defendants who are sentenced to death by the states will instead live out their natural lives in prison for decades dying of old age in prison while still waiting on death row with a variety of challenges still pending in the courts.

This reality presents an opportunity, or perhaps more accurately a responsibility, for renewed reflection by state legislators. There at least three clearly discernable paths forward that states could follow. One is to continue the present course with states maintaining the status quo which leads to some persons who are sentenced to death being executed often after decades on death row while most death-row inmates die from natural causes in prison. Two, states can abandon the death penalty in favor of the maximum sentence being life without the possibility of parole. Three, states can streamline the process for addressing legal challenges after a defendant has been convicted and sentenced to death to prevent decades of delay before executions are carried out.

In seeking to derive a better understanding of the current realities of actual application of death penalties and to explore the potential paths forward for the states, this article begins in Section I by addressing delayed application of the death penalty in death penalty states. Section II next explores the transformation that has occurred in the interval between sentencing and execution from colonial America to the present. In doing so, Section II addresses the reasons for the significant elongation of the interval between sentencing and execution that has occurred over the last four decades. Section III examines some of the deleterious consequences that arise from these delays for those sentenced to death, the families of victims, and the states themselves. Section IV begins to delineate that paths that are available to the states in moving forward, considering some of the pitfalls and possibilities.


Resveratrol and curcumin are natural products with important therapeutic properties useful to treat several human diseases, including cancer. In the last years, the number of studies describing the effect of both polyphenols against cancer has increased; however, the mechanism of action in all of those cases is not completely comprehended. The unspecific effect and the ability to interfere in assays by both polyphenols make this challenge even more difficult. Herein, we analyzed the anticancer activity of resveratrol and curcumin reported in the literature in the last 11 years, in order to unravel the molecular mechanism of action of both compounds. Molecular targets and cellular pathways will be described. Furthermore, we also discussed the ability of these natural products act as chemopreventive and its use in association with other anticancer drugs.