The present paper investigates the cutting parameters pertaining to the turning of X2CrNi18-09 austenitic stainless steel that are studied and optimized using both RSM and desirability approaches. The cutting tool inserts used are the CVD coated carbide. The cutting speed, the feed rate and the depth of cut represent the main machining parameters considered. Their influence on the surface roughness and the cutting force are further investigated using the ANOVA method. The results obtained lead to conclude that the feed rate is the surface roughness highest influencing parameter with a contribution of 89.69%.The depth of cut and the feed rate are further identified as the most important parameters affecting the cutting force with contributions of 46.46% and 39.04% respectively. The quadratic mathematical models presenting the progression of the surface roughness and the cutting force and based on the machining parameters considered (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) were obtained through the application of the RSM method. They are presented and compared to the experimental results. Good agreement is found between the two sections of the investigation. Furthermore, the flank wear of the CVD-coated carbide tool (GC2015) is found to increase with both cutting speed and cutting time. A higher tool life represented by t=44min is observed at cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut of 280m/min,0.08mm/rev and 0.2mm respectively. Moreover and at low cutting speeds, the formation of micro weld is noticed and leads to an alteration of the surface roughness of the work piece. Finally, optimizing the machining parameters with the objective of achieving an improved surface roughness was accomplished through the application of the Desirability Function approach. This enabled to finding out the optimal parameters for maximal material removal rate and best surface quality for a cutting speed of 350m/min, a feed rate of 0.088 mm/rev and a depth of cut of 0.9mm.


Abstract Following the declaration adopted at the 1992 World Summit held inRio de Janeiro, many governments have committed themselves to a common political goal of sustainable development. The declaration points out that both production and consumption patterns have to change in order to reach this goal. Since, in social and environmental terms, one of the most important areas is the production and consumption of food, some European governments have drawn up action plans setting out concrete goals for the conversion of arable land from conventional to organic production. One of the notable emerging areas is the idea that large-scale foodservice such as hospital foodservice should adopt a 'buy organic' policy owing to their large consumption volume. Whereas the implementation of organic foods has developed quite smoothly in smallerinstitutions such as kindergartens and nurseries, the introduction of organic foods into large-scale foodservice such as that found in hospitals and larger residential homes for the elderly, has proven to be quite difficult. One of the reasons for this is the highly complex planning, procurement and processing procedures pursued by such facilities. Against this background, an evaluation was carried out of the change process related to the implementation of organic foods in largescale foodservice facilities in the county of Greater Copenhagen in order to study the effects of such a change. Based on the findings, a set of guidelines was developed for the successful implementation of organic foods into the large-scale foodservice. However, the findings and guidelines are applicable to other types of innovation processes in foodservice.


Clearly, no one surgical procedure is ideal for the treatment of degenerative joint disease. Many factors are involved in planning for the proper approach, such as age and activity of the patient, etiology, and stage of the disease. Arthroplasty, implant arthroplasty, cheilectomy, enclavement, various osteotomies, and joint fusions have been advocated as procedures for choice of degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (24-26). Similar procedures have been used to treat arthroses of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints as well. Some of these procedures are designed to address the etiology of the degenerative process. This is the case with the enclavement and metatarsal osteotomies such as the Watermann procedure (25, 26). Most of these procedures are primarily effective in the early stages of the disease (26). Other procedures attempt to alleviate symptomatology as with the Keller arthroplasty, implant arthroplasties, cheilectomy, and joint fusions (24, 26). With the exception of the cheilectomy, these generally are reserved for late stage arthroses. Subchondral drilling has been used to treat cartilage defects in conjunction with other procedures that address the etiology and symptomatology of the disease process. It has been shown that small drill holes may be effective in producing fibrocartilage to replace full- and partial-thickness cartilage defects (14, 18). Such drilling has been useful in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the ankle and promises to be equally effective in treatment of osteochondral lesions of the metatarsophalangeal joints. As with any procedure, applications are limited. Subchondral drilling addresses only the cartilage defect and the pain attributed to that defect. It does nothing to address the etiology of a biomechanical problem. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


The aim of this project was to apply social and behavioural insights to cyber security
challenges to answer the following questions:
- What behaviours should people display to reduce their vulnerability to cyber-security attacks?
- Why do people not behave securely online?
- What can theories of behaviour tell us about how to effectively influence behaviour?
- What is the role of communication campaigns in changing behaviour?
- How can interventions be designed to motivate appropriate cyber-security behaviour?

To achieve this, we adopted a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the literature on cybersecurity behaviours and interventions. We drew on the existing literature from science communication, health, social and organisational psychology and cyber security. We then carried out a brief email Delphi with experts in Cyber Security. We used this study to get expert opinion on the conclusions we had drawn from the literature.

It should be noted that research into human aspects of cyber-security is piecemeal and nonsystematic. It relies heavily on self reported behaviours and beliefs which are not always reliable. Actual experimental studies have limitations of small sample size and homogenous, mainly student, populations. It is also worth noting that the rate of change of technology and uptake of the internet makes it difficult to draw conclusions from older research. However, suffice to say, there is sufficient evidence to say there is room for improvement in people's cyber-security related behaviours.


Abstract. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a technique used worldwide to increase the
availability of water resources. We study how MAR modifies microbial
ecosystems and its implications for enhancing biodegradation processes to
eventually improve groundwater quality. We compare soil and groundwater
samples taken from a MAR facility located in NE Spain during recharge (with
the facility operating continuously for several months) and after 4 months
of no recharge. The study demonstrates a strong correlation between soil and
water microbial prints with respect to sampling location along the mapped
infiltration path. In particular, managed recharge practices disrupt
groundwater ecosystems by modifying diversity indices and the composition of
microbial communities, indicating that infiltration favors the growth of
certain populations. Analysis of the genetic profiles showed the presence of
nine different bacterial phyla in the facility, revealing high biological
diversity at the highest taxonomic range. In fact, the microbial population
patterns under recharge conditions agree with the intermediate disturbance
hypothesis (IDH). Moreover, DNA sequence analysis of excised denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) band patterns
revealed the existence of indicator species linked to MAR, most notably
Dehalogenimonas sp., Nitrospira sp. and Vogesella sp.. Our real facility multidisciplinary study (hydrological, geochemical and
microbial), involving soil and groundwater samples, indicates that MAR is a
naturally based, passive and efficient technique with broad implications for
the biodegradation of pollutants dissolved in water.


The Bologna declaration aims at providing solutions for the problems and challenges of European Higher Education. One of its main goals is the introduction of a common framework of transparent and comparable degrees that ensures the recognition of knowledge and qualifications of citizens all across the European Union. This paper will discuss an ontology-based model that supports the creation of transparent curricula content (Educational Ontology) and the promotion of reliable knowledge testing (Adaptive Knowledge Testing System). Beside the description of the evolution of the Educational Ontology, which has been developed within a research project by the Department of Information Systems, role of the ontology in managing, mapping and sharing the knowledge of curricula will be discussed in details as well. The Educational Ontology addresses establishing relation between the requirements of labour markets and the content of curricula through competencies that can be acquired during a given training program. Another critical aspect of this research concerns the measuring of knowledge. The second part of the paper will focus on the possibilities of adaptive knowledge testing and describes how a suitably elaborated ontology model can support adaptive testing of students by enabling a detailed exploration of missing knowledge and knowledge areas.


Germany) was studied to constrain the Th-U-total Pb age of pluton formation. Monazite grains demonstrate subtle to distinct patchy zoning related to slight compositional variations. Textural and compositional characteristics indicate that the monazite formed in a single magmatic event in a slightly heterogeneous system, and was only weakly affected by secondary alteration, which did not disturb the Th-U-Pb sys tem. Chemical dating of the monazite gave a consistent age of 299 ± 1.7 Ma. The current study presents the first geochronological data for the Stolpen granite. It provides evidence that Stolpen is the youngest Variscan granitic in trusion in the Lusatian Granodiorite Complex and indicates that magmatic activity related to post-collisional exten sion in this region lasted at least 5my longer than previously assumed.


Low speed high torque direct drive motor has been widely applied in various industries. However, operation faults occur frequently due to the complex working conditions of the motor, especially the locked-rotor fault. Therefore, it is necessary to do deeply research in this case of the electromagnetic field and the temperature field distribution of the motor. Taking a 5kW, 10-pole tangential type Low speed high torque permanent magnet (PM) motor for example, based on field-circuit coupled finite element method, 2-D motor field, circuit and motion coupling is achieved. On this basis, the temperature field of the motor is analyzed. Finally the results which are consistent with the actual project are obtained.


Abundant water chemistry analyses from nine different locations (predominantly petroleum reservoirs) on five continents were evaluated. This information, together with local mineralogy, depth and temperature relations provided a sound basis from which to investigate the most important controls on formation water composition. In particular, the detailed study of two very different hydrocarbon reservoir case studies (the Central US coalbed methane reservoir, the San Juan Basin and the North Sea oilfield Miller) provided an insight not only into the fundamental controls on formation water composition, but also into the effects of active oilfield development on systems that are very sensitive to change on rapid timescales.

The geochemistry of San Juan waters is controlled by the introduction of bicarbonate through carbonate dissolution and methane/coal oxidation leading to leaching of Na-bearing clay minerals, and by ion exchange on clay minerals and dilution by meteoric waters in certain locations. The time series of produced waters from Miller enabled detailed study of fluid mixing in the field and the physical, chemical and thermodynamic response of the system to the
injection of seawater. Changes occur in the concentrations of many water components through time that cannot be explained by linear mixing between formation water and injected water and require dissolution or precipitation reactions to have occurred between injection and production
sites. For example Ba, and SO4 concentrations are affected by equilibrium with barite and what is likely to be sulphate reduction. Also, excess Si present in the fluid is due to dissolution of the silicate phases in the reservoir, and demonstrates reactions between silicate minerals occur on a fast enough timescale to buffer the pH of the water.

Integration of all available data shows consistent patterns of behaviour, which implicate mineral-fluid interactions in the subsurface as a major control on formation water chemistry. For example, globally, Ca concentrations are shown to behave in one of three ways, all of which depend on water interaction with the host rock, be it silicate or carbonate, clastic or evaporite. Distinct trends arise for bicarbonate waters, brines derived by halite dissolution and formation brines that have evolved extensively with silicates. In addition, K concentrations are closely
related to feldspar-clay equilibria and Mg concentrations are influenced predominantly by carbonate minerals with significant contribution from clays. It is likely that initial Ba concentration is related to interaction with K-feldspars and SO4 is controlled by equilibrium with sulphate mineral phases as well as by redox.

A greater understanding of formation water chemistry leads to an improved perception of the importance of these systems in terms of both furthering scientific progress and the technological development of the oil and gas industry. In particular, produced water chemistry analyses from
Miller were used to appraise and improve the most important aspects of both generic and specific reservoir models. A set of simple models emphasised the point that small variations in reservoir property parameters can have significant effects on model outputs, and thus the
highlighted the importance of thorough reservoir characterisation, particularly permeability heterogeneity, capillary pressure and relative fluid permeabilities.

Geochemical models of three different systems from the integrated database (the Alberta Basin, a Colombian onshore oilfield and an oilfield from offshore Gulf of Mexico) illustrate that reservoir rocks containing a wide variety of minerals are the most effective at limiting pH decrease following the injection of CO2 into the system. The geochemistry, in particular the salinity, of the formation water present also has a significant bearing on the processes that are likely to occur during CO2 sequestration.


Abstract. In an emergency situation shelter space is crucial for people affected by natural hazards. Emergency planners in disaster relief and mass care can greatly benefit from a sound methodology that identifies suitable shelter areas and sites where shelter services need to be improved. A methodology to rank suitability of open spaces for contingency planning and placement of shelter in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is introduced. The Open Space Suitability Index uses the combination of two different measures: a qualitative evaluation criterion for the suitability and manageability of open spaces to be used as shelter sites and another quantitative criterion using a capacitated accessibility analysis based on network analysis. For the qualitative assessment implementation issues, environmental considerations and basic utility supply are the main categories to rank candidate shelter sites. A geographic information system is used to reveal spatial patterns of shelter demand. Advantages and limitations of this method are discussed on the basis of an earthquake hazard case study in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. According to the results, out of 410 open spaces under investigation, 12.2% have to be considered not suitable (Category D and E) while 10.7% are Category A and 17.6% are Category B. Almost two-thirds (59.55%) are fairly suitable (Category C).


Exploiting the potential of current technologies is more critical to increase farm production than that of waiting for a new technological breakthrough. In reality, higher efficiency can often translate into higher productivity which further may lead to sustainability at the farm levels. Taking this into consideration, the present study was conducted in Saurashtara region of Gujarat state during 2016-17 to determine technical efficiency levels of randomly selected farmers practicing groundnut-pigeonpea relay cropping vis-a-vis other cropping systems. The analysis was conducted using stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) approach. The findings revealed that the mean technical efficiency of relay cropping farmers (89 %) was higher than that of sole pigeonpea farmers (87.18 %) and sole groundnut farmers (74.52 %). The maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) revealed positively significant effect of human labour (1.103) and machine power (0.109) and fertilizer (0.276) on farm output among relay cropping farmers. In fact, the variance ratios viz. σ2 (0.027), γ (0.838) and λ (2.263) were found to be significant indicating that the variations in the farm output were more due to the existence of technical inefficiency levels. In addition, the average frontier yield to be bridged was only 0.89 qtl/ha under relay cropping which was much lesser than the other two cropping systems. Among the factors influencing the technical efficiency of relay cropping farmers, experience (0.37); education (0.10); institutional support (0.12) and imput market access (0.08) were found to be both positive and significant.


This paper examines the controls on the thermal evolution of continental mountain ranges and investigates how pressure (P) and temperature (T) estimates from metamorphic rocks can be used to reconstruct the thermal histories of orogenic belts. We show that one‐dimensional models can approximate the temperature structure of most continental mountain belts, and find that the metamorphic conditions typical of such tectonic settings can most easily be achieved by thickening of the mid‐ to upper‐crust above a rigid lower crustal substrate. Homogeneous thickening of the entire lithosphere can only result in these conditions under unusual circumstances. This result implies that thickening above rigid lower crust has been the dominant mode of mountain‐building preserved in the rock record. In this situation, modest rates of vertically distributed internal radiogenic heating (1±0.5 μW/m3) are able to produce typical metamorphic conditions and timescales, without the requirement for an external source of heat. In a given model, peak temperature conditions for rocks originally positioned closely in depth (e.g. 5 km apart) occur at times that can be separated by over 10 Myr, highlighting the spectrum of ages and conditions that can be produced by a single geometrically simple mountain‐building event. The direction of approach in P–T space towards the highest‐T conditions experienced by a rock (i.e. the curvature of the P–T loop) is the most diagnostic feature that allows the thermal and tectonic history of a mountain belt to be estimated, highlighting the importance of determining prograde P–T paths. Combining estimates of the peak‐T conditions with multiple other sources of information (e.g. the timescales of metamorphism or the initial crustal thickness) can also allow the reconstruction of the mountain range evolution under most circumstances. Many configurations of continental mountain‐building result in rocks transiently passing through regions with low average thermal gradients (e.g. 10–15°C/km), suggesting that such gradients should not be used to infer the presence of subduction. Analysis of existing P–T loops from the 3.2 Ga metamorphism in the Barberton terrane suggests that mountain‐building processes at that time and place were similar to those in present‐day mountain ranges, implying that large regions of rigid continental lithosphere were already in existence, and were underthrusting the margins of mountain ranges.


Determination of stress-strain properties of materials and formulation of suitable constitutive laws is very important in order that: (i) the elastic-plastic response and collapse mode of structures can be analysed for improving subsequent design, and (ii) analysis of high speed metal cutting and metal forming processes may provide improved estimations of process parameters and better understanding of material flow behaviour.

Numerous techniques of high strain rate testing have been reported in the literature and most require transient measurements using sophisticated and often expensive instrumentation. The main criticism of these techniques is that there is always some inherent inaccuracy present especially when measurement of transient load is involved. In recent years, a new technique was reported in which high speed photographic means were employed. The technique avoids the measurement of transit load but is very tedious and expensive.

This thesis is devoted to the development and verification of a novel rate-dependent constitutive law which is capable of describing the elasto-plastic behaviour of three classes of engineering materials under dynamic loading conditions and large deformation. The materials examined were: metallic alloys (aluminium, brass, copper and steel); metal matrix composites (Al-Cu MMC and AL-Li MMC ); and a polymeric material (Nylon).

Both theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted to achieve the above set objectives. In the theoretical investigations, finite difference algorithms were developed to describe the elasto-plastic behaviour of the examined materials using a novel constitutive law. The algorithms take into account the effect of inertia, interfacial friction, strain hardening and thermal softening.

The experimental investigations were divided into two main sections. In the first, ballistic test experiments were conducted in conjunction with the theoretical work to evaluate the material constants needed in the newly developed constitutive law. In the second, the ballistic tests were used to verify the proposed law. In this case, both the deformation and loading history were measured and compared with the theoretical predictions. The results reveal good agreement between the two.


Operacional de Processos; Logs de Eventos. Abstract Process Mining is a discipline focused on the analysis of the data logged by the execution of deployed business processes. Business process' execution is not linear and might entail many decisions that affect the process execution. Decision Mining is a sub-field of Process mining, focused on finding and supporting these decision points. The decision criteria used in these decision points is often not explicit or optimized. Most research, techniques and algorithms in this area have been focused on providing off-line management support as means of explicitly representing implicit decisions. The solution proposed in this document presents a system that will provide the business actors a "Best Next Action" recommendation during the execution of business processes. To do so, it will be automatically identifying possible decision points, mine its data objects, apply probabilistic supervised learning algorithms and predict the best actions.


Epidermal growth factor is a polypeptide hormone that was previously identified only in mice. It causes proliferation and keratinization of epidermal tissues. An immune affinity column extraction technique was used to purify partially a substance from human urine which was similar to the mouse hormone in both its biological activity and immunoreactivity.


Interface characteristics of frequency dispersion, flatband voltage (Vfb) shift, fixed charge (QIL), and interface state density (Dit) in β-Ga2O3/Al2O3/Pt capacitors were investigated after postmetallization annealing (PMA) at 300 °C in N2 using a conductance method and a photo-assisted capacitance-voltage technique. After PMA, no frequency dispersion was observed, and the QIL and Dit values related to interface states near the conduction band edge (Ec) were significantly reduced to the ranges of −4 to +1 × 1011 cm−2 and 3 to 8 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 at Ec − E = 0.4 eV, respectively, in the capacitors subjected to a low postdeposition annealing (PDA) temperature region of 300–600 °C. In contrast, a large frequency dispersion, and high QIL (−2 × 1012 cm−2), and Dit (4–5 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 at Ec − E = 0.4 eV) of the capacitors with a high PDA temperature region of 700–900 °C remained. This difference is considered to be due to hard structural changes at the multilayer level by the interdiffusion of Ga and Al at the β-Ga2O3/Al2O3 interface caused by PDA above 700 °C. In contrast, the average Dit values due to the electrons deeply trapped below the midgap between 2.6 and 3.3 eV decreased from 2 × 1012 to 1 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 as the PDA temperature was increased from 300 to 900 °C, respectively, before PMA. No significant change in Dit below the midgap was observed, regardless of the PDA temperature after PMA. Note that the PMA treatment effectively improved only the interface properties near the Ec after treatment in the low PDA temperature region below 600 °C.


Catastrophic damage has been observed in ZERODUR mirrors used as first mirrors in two beam lines at the National Synchrotron Light Source. ZERODUR was selected as a substrate for these uncooled, grazing incidence mirrors because of its superior thermal expansion properties near room temperature. Despite the high reflectivity of the coatings used on these mirrors, a significant flux of high energy photons penetrates below the coating and is absorbed mainly in a thin layer at the top of the substrate. Over a long time period the absorbed flux causes the glass material to compact, leading to a build-up of surface stress, gross figure changes, and the growth of fractures. The total dose of absorbed radiation for these mirrors is estimated to be in the range of 106 MRads, i.e. 1012 Rads, which is orders of magnitude greater than the dose used in conventional radiation damage studies for space-borne optics and deep UV lithography systems.


This pilot project was designed to survey the visual and developmental-perceptual abilities and capabilities of the Down's syndrome child. Considering the frequency of Down's syndrome in the general population, there has been a paucity of work done in this area. Each child was given a complete visual evaluation using standard pediatric techniques and careful objective observations of performance. Subjective techniques were used whenever possible, however, subjective testing could not be used on many of the subjects due to problems concerning their overall comprehension of the task and their ability to converse, as many infants were included in this study. All subjects were also given a developmental-visual examination which is composed of tests with readily available normative data, so that subjects could be compared to each other and to normal children.


This article wishes to present a theoretical perspective which seeks to addresses the importance of moral behaviours in the current proposed epoch, characterised by the significant impact of human activity upon Earth's geology and ecosystems, called the Anthropocene. The present paper proposes that, in the current global context, time has come for humanity to implement new adaptive answers to the problems of mutualism, and therefore, argues in favour of the idea that wishing to discover and to behave in accordance with objective moral truths represent, on one hand, a first step in the process of ensuring a collective and benevolent development for mankind, and on the other hand, a major aspect which fulfils both self-actualization needs and self-transcendence needs. In line with this view, this article hopes to inspire future researcher investigations that would aim to find out new and more practical ways of increasing the frequency of moral behaviours.


Over the past two decades, environmental psychologists have become increasingly interested in the concept of nature connectedness: the degree to which people feel connected to the natural world. Nature connectedness has been shown to predict a variety of important individual differences, including stronger proenvironmental attitudes and behaviours, and greater well-being. Despite the increased attention that this topic has recently received, there is a dearth of research that has comprehensively examined how people's relationship to nature might be related to and influenced by social relationships and contexts. In this dissertation, I consider and test the applicability of attachment theory to human-nature relations. Across two studies, I examined whether interpersonal attachment orientations (i.e., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) are associated with nature connectedness at the trait-level. I also investigated whether momentary activation of specific attachment-related schemas influence people's motivation to connect with nature, and whether dispositional attachment orientations and nature connectedness moderate the impact of these temporarily activated schemas on motivation to connect with nature. Evidence for relationships between interpersonal attachment orientations and nature connectedness at the trait-level were weak and inconsistent across the two studies. Motivation to connect with nature did not differ across experimental conditions in either study, but some evidence was found for interpersonal attachment orientations moderating the effect of some of the experimental conditions. In general, the current research did not provide clear and consistent evidence for a link between how people relate to close others and how they relate to nature, or for attachment-related contexts impacting people's motivation to connect with nature. Based on these results, one could conclude that attachment theory appears to have limited relevance for understanding human-nature relations. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.


Abstract. The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) is an infrared (IR) limb emission spectrometer on the Envisat platform. It measures trace gas distributions during day and night, pole-to-pole, over an altitude range from 6 to 70 km in nominal mode and up to 170 km in special modes, depending on the measurement mode, producing more than 1000 profiles day−1. We present the results of a validation study of methane, version V5R_CH4_222, retrieved with the IMK/IAA (Institut fur Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Karlsruhe/Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia, Grenada) MIPAS scientific level 2 processor. The level 1 spectra are provided by the ESA (European Space Agency) and version 5 was used. The time period covered is 2005–2012, which corresponds to the period when MIPAS measured trace gas distributions at a reduced spectral resolution of 0.0625 cm−1. The comparison with satellite instruments includes the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), the HALogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE), the Solar Occultation For Ice Experiment (SOFIE) and the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY). Furthermore, comparisons with MkIV balloon-borne solar occultation measurements and with air sampling measurements performed by the University of Frankfurt are presented. The validation activities include bias determination, assessment of stability, precision validation, analysis of histograms and comparison of corresponding climatologies. Above 50 km altitude, MIPAS methane mixing ratios agree within 3 % with ACE-FTS and SOFIE. Between 30 and 40 km an agreement within 3 % with SCIAMACHY has been found. In the middle stratosphere, there is no clear indication of a MIPAS bias since comparisons with various instruments contradict each other. In the lower stratosphere (below 25 km) MIPAS CH4 is biased high with respect to satellite instruments, and the most likely estimate of this bias is 14 %. However, in the comparison with CH4 data obtained from cryogenic whole-air sampler (cryosampler) measurements, there is no evidence of a high bias in MIPAS between 20 and 25 km altitude. Precision validation is performed on collocated MIPAS–MIPAS pairs and suggests a slight underestimation of its uncertainties by a factor of 1.2. No significant evidence of an instrumental drift has been found.


To confirm the occurrence of marine residents of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, which have never entered freshwater ('sea eels'), we measured Sr and Ca concentrations by X-ray electron microprobe analysis of the otoliths of 69 yellow and silver eels, collected from 10 localities in seawater and freshwater habitats around Japan, and classified their migratory histories. Two-dimen- sional images of the Sr concentration in the otoliths showed that all specimens generally had a high Sr core at the center of their otolith, which corresponded to a period of their leptocephalus and early glass eel stages in the ocean, but there were a variety of different patterns of Sr concentration and concentric rings outside the central core. Line analysis of Sr/Ca ratios along the radius of each otolith showed peaks (ca 15 × 10 -3 ) between the core and out to about 150 µm (elver mark). The pattern change of the Sr/Ca ratio outside of 150 µm indicated 3 general categories of migratory history: 'river eels', 'estuarine eels' and 'sea eels'. These 3 categories corresponded to mean values of Sr/Ca ratios of ≥ 6.0 × 10 -3 for sea eels, which spent most of their life in the sea and did not enter freshwater, of 2.5 to 6.0 × 10 -3 for estuarine eels, which inhabited estuaries or switched between different habitats, and of <2.5 × 10 -3 for river eels, which entered and remained in freshwater river habitats after arrival in the estuary. The occurrence of sea eels was 20% of all specimens examined and that of river eels, 23%, while estuarine eels were the most prevalent (57%). The occurrence of sea eels was confirmed at 4 localities in Japanese coastal waters, including offshore islands, a small bay and an estuary. The finding of estuarine eels as an intermediate type, which appear to frequently move between different habitats, and their presence at almost all localities, suggested that A. japonica has a flexible pattern of migration, with an ability to adapt to various habitats and salinities. Thus, anguillid eel migrations into freshwater are clearly not an obligatory migratory pathway, and this form of diadromy should be defined as facultative catadromy, with the sea eel as one of several ecophenotypes. Furthermore, this study indicates that eels which utilize the marine environment to various degrees during their juve- nile growth phase may make a substantial contribution to the spawning stock each year.


A study was carried out during the dry season period to determine the mineral status of soil/forages (batiki and pangola grasses) grazed by the Fiji Fantastic Sheep (FFS) at four government owned livestock farms located at Avele, Togitogiga, Lemafa and Tanumalala within Upolu Island, Samoa. Also blood serum mineral content was examined. Soils and forages were sampled in June and August from the four farms. Among the four farms, soil at Togitogiga was comparatively low in Ca, Mg, K and Zn; while P and K were deficient in the soil at Avele. Ca content in the batiki grass at Avele was 2.7 g kg 1 DM while at Togitogiga and Lemafa it ranged between 1.8-2.1 g kg 1 DM. Ca content in the pangola grass (Tanumalala farm) ranged between 1.7-2.3 g kg 1 DM. Phosphorus (P), Mg, Na and K contents in the forages were 2.1 g kg 1 DM; 2.5 g kg 1 DM, 0.5 g kg 1 DM and 8.5 g kg 1 DM, respectively. Ca;P ratio in the forages was 1:1. Na content in batiki and pangola grasses was below the critical level an indication of deficiency. The content of micro-minerals in the forages was Fe (97.9 mg kg 1 DM), Mn (172.9 mg kg 1 DM); Cu (3.3 mg kg 1 DM) and Zn (36.9 mg kg 1 DM). Micro-minerals were adequate in the forages and above the requirements of an adult sheep. Mean concentration of serum macro-minerals was Ca (25.2 mg 100 mL 1); P (3.2 mg 100 mL 1); Mg (0.9 mg 100 mL 1): Na 51.9 mg 100 mL 1) and K (2.4 mg 100 mL 1), while serum micro minerals were Fe (372.4 mg 100 mL 1); Mn (1.1 mg 100 mL 1); Cu 3.3 mg 100 mL 1 and Zn (7.6 mg 100 mL 1). Except for Ca and Fe, the serum content of other macro and micro minerals were below the ovine reference range. In this report we tested the soil, forage and carried out direct veterinary evidence for deficiency through blood analysis to validate the mineral status of the Fiji. Fantastic sheep grazing batiki and pangola grasses in Samoa and compared the values obtained with appropriate standards of adequacy or safety. In conclusion, it appears that the critical levels proposed for most macro and micro minerals elements are higher than may apply to the FFS grazing low potential grasses in the dry season in Samoa. Supplementation of the sheep with mineral lick block during grazing would alleviate the problems of the deficiencies of some of the macro and micro minerals observed in the forages and in the serum of the sheep.


This paper examines the factors affecting bilateral Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stocks from 14 high income countries to 31 OECD countries over the period 1995-2015. We specifically emphasise the effect of regional trade agreements such as the European Union (EU) and the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) along with membership of the Currency Union. Our empirical analysis applies the generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator to a gravity model of bilateral FDI stocks. The findings imply that EU membership is a significant determinant of FDI even when we condition on the variables that follow from the application of the gravity model. We look at the effects of the North American Free Trade Area on within block FDI and find no similar effect. Our results suggest that European Integration has a large effect on FDI stocks, raising intra Single Market FDI noticeably. We note that the UK's departure from the Single Market may reduce the stock of intra EU FDI by up to 30 per cent in the long run. In addition, the findings point that the UK has no labour market or competitive environment advantage above the rest of the EU in attracting FDI.


In this paper we describe a programming framework called Pyro which provides a set of abstractions that allows students to write platform-independent robot programs. This project is unique because of its focus on the pedagogical implications of teaching mobile robotics via a top-down approach. We describe the background of the project, novel abstractions created, its library of objects, and the many learning modules that have been created from which curricula for different types of courses can be drawn. Finally, we explore Pyro from the students' perspective in a case study.


Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been increasingly considered an attractive solution for a plethora of applications. The low cost of sensor nodes provides a mean to deploy large sensor arrays in a variety of applications, such as civilian and environmental monitoring. Most of the WSNs operate in unlicensed spectrum bands, which have become overcrowded. As the number of the nodes that join the network increases, the need for energy-efficient, resource-constrained, and spectrum-efficient protocol also increases. Incorporating cognitive radio capability in sensor networks yields a promising networking paradigm, also known as cognitive radio sensor networks. In this paper, a cognitive networking with opportunistic routing protocol for WSNs is introduced. The objective of the proposed protocol is to improve the network performance after increasing network scalability. The performance of the proposed protocol is evaluated through simulations. An accurate channel model is built to evaluate the signal strength in different areas of a complex indoor environment. Then, a discrete event simulator is applied to examine the performance of the proposed protocol in comparison with two other routing protocols. Simulation results show that when comparing with other common routing protocols, the proposed protocol performs better with respect to throughput, packet delay, and total energy consumption.


1979 is regarded as a watershed in the way that public services operate. It was characterised by the setting of limits to the involvement of the state, placing the emphasis on public service provision and the role expected of its management. In the specific context of local government, the drive for efficient, customer-orientated services meant focusing on the pursuit of 'value-for-money' (VFM) and it was intended that this would take a variety of forms: changes to the sources of funding and controls over expenditure were accompanied by compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) and the deregulation of activities to encourage private sector competition. The implementation of such a policy was highly political, and very quickly gave rise to research examining its success or failure. Over a near thirty year period, a wealth of studies has been published on the effects of tendering and contracting out of service provision, and the level of efficiency gains achieved. However, resultant evidence has been ambivalent on success or failure, and has also focused primarily on the local authority as the provider of the service. An area that has been relatively starved of equivalent research has been the impact on those DLOs which have continued to trade and survive in the medium to long-term. This research paper is an attempt to begin the rectification of that imbalance as it focuses on: • evidence as it relates to the DLO (agent) rather than the local authority (principal). • the response of DLOs/DSOs to the introduction of a 'quasi- market' as discerned through an examination of their costs structures. • the extent to which other external factors such as party political control or geographical location accentuate or ameliorate the impact on the DLOs / DSOs cost structures either through or alongside the market. The findings, by their very nature, provide issues for management to reflect on, for policy making and for consideration in the context of the most recent Gershon efficiency agenda.


What is presented here is a montage constructed from sections of interviews with (in alphabetical order) Rose Clemente, Eva Di Cesare, Laura Lattuada, Lucia Mastrantone, Dina Panozzo and Peta Toppano after they had completed a four-week season of Love and Magic in Mamma's Kitchen directed by Teresa Crea. Performances took place at the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney in October 1991. All performers, with the exception of Rose Clemente, were interviewed within several weeks of the end of the show. Interviews were held separately, except for the one with Laura Lattuada and Lucia Mastrantone with whom I spoke together simply because it turned out that way and not for any particular reason. The fact that this was a trialogue will show in how I have fitted the pieces together.


Introduction: This research aimed to determine the study and learning environments that have nursing students of the National University of Cordoba. Methods: Observational - analytical study, period 2011 Universe all students pursuing the degree. Sample stratified random. Technical self-administered survey. Primary source. Results: The population consisted of 290 students studying different subjects of the degree. 46% of students have between 18 and 25 years, 44 % between 26 and 40; 83% female; 68 % were single; 76% live with family, and 69% have dependents; 56% work and 44% receive help from parents or scholarship. When analyzing the environment in the organization and management dimension, in facilitating learning materials in-house services discipline highlights its availability in more than 70%. In the variable physical plant over 50% responded that it is not appropriate. Students are supported in their different pedagogical variations in values higher than 75 % As formulation processes complaints, 75% responded that their claims are not heard: by managers in planning Chairs respondents 78% do not exists a negative impact on all the subdomains. 52% of respondents said that driving during the study period shows no ability to manage. Regarding the aspect linking academic students do not feel heard in the institution by 65 %, responding to peer communication is low and intermediate collaboratively by 59 %. 78% of students say there is no communication between the two last ciclos. Por dimension to student participation in relation to the center 92% of students said they are not actively engaged and 59% say they do not promote a healthy environment. Conclusion: The organization and management, and communication are negatively identified. We consider remaining design elements that illustrate this problem as central to the politics of academic management, to build joint resolution strategies.


Prof Peter Taylor opened the symposium focussed on optimisation of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at each stage of the patient's journey. Prof Ronald van Vollenhoven reviewed the evidence for first- line biologics in the 'exceptional patient' and explored which patients may be suitable for such treatments. Prof Taylor then expanded on how use of such treatments could be optimised and when to introduce biologic therapy for the so-called 'standard' patient. Finally, Prof Daniel Aletaha discussed treatment options and targets for patients who have failed on a biologic as 'the rule' in the treatment of RA.


Traditional public key cryptosystem (PKC) requires high maintenance cost for certificate management. Although, identity based cryptosystem (IBC) reduces the overhead of management, it suffers from the drawback of key escrow. Certificate-based cryptosystem solves certificate revocation problem and eliminate third party queries in the traditional PKI. In addition, it also solves the inherent key escrow problem in the IBC. In this paper, we proposed an efficient certificate-based signature and the result shows that the scheme is provable secure against two game attacks of certificate-based signature in the random oracle model. The security is closely related to the difficulty of solving the discrete logarithm problem.


Multichannel spectrophotometry was performed to assay for paraoxon in spiked beverages. A 96-well microplate was used for this purpose. The measuring protocol was based on inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase by paraoxon that resulted in decreased or no reaction of the enzyme product thiocholine with Ellman's reagent (5,5'-dithiobis [2-nitrobenzoic acid]). The above assay was practically tested using spiked drinking water, mineral water, and coffee. Analytical parameters such as the limit of detection, time, and sample size consumption were adequate. The limit of detection for beverages ranged from 32 to 48 ppb corresponding to 0.32-0.48 ng of paraoxon in absolute values. The described assay seems to be convenient in terms of practical use.


Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is a new dimension of pharmacy education in developing countries. The PharmD graduates are expected to participate in patient health care by providing pharmaceutical care. The graduates should have enough necessary clinical knowledge, competitiveness and skills in community, hospital and clinical pharmacy related services. There is a need of curriculum that fit into the program outcome that helps to attain graduate competency. Programs in India, Pakistan, Iran and Nepal were reviewed based on the available literature. Even though it is evident that the PharmD curriculum in developing countries has made an attempt to provide patient-oriented approach for pharmacists, the existing curriculum, training and orientation have several pitfalls. It needs assessment, evaluation and improvement.


Triathlon organisers should focus on segmenting participants according to different age groups. Age was found to be a significant factor in commitment, motivational and loyalty levels in reviewed research material. The purpose of this research is therefore to categorise triathletes participating in the only Ironman event held on the African continent, the Ironman South Africa, based on their age. Ironman South Africa will resultantly gain continued participation from different age groups of triathletes and sustain the event in a competitive sport tourism industry. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed during the 2013 registration for Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa where 425 questionnaires were administered. Respondents were divided into four age categories and labelled according to their level of experience in the sport: <= 30 years (Young triathletes), 31-40 years (Adept triathletes), 41-50 years (Mature triathletes) and 51+ years (Senior triathletes). These four clusters differ significantly statistically and practically, in terms of their spending behaviour, their sport participation behaviour and their motives for competing. The results showed that age, as a segmentation variable, is a successful way to categorise triathletes, as different age groups typify distinctive segments, each with different sport and spending behaviour and participation motives. In addition to sustaining Ironman South Africa, these findings can be used to expand the event in the future as well as the sport in general.


This paper aims to explore how social capital facilitates the process of social innovation in community-based enterprises. We draw insights from two case studies of APROPESCA and CORSEDA in the El Cauca region of Colombia that engage local rural communities in trout fishing and silk production respectively. We draw upon qualitative responses collected through multiple methods including semi-structured interviews with organisational and external informants, workshops engaging local communities and participant observations. Findings of our study illustrate that where social capital of local communities and institutions involved were not developed, government interventions failed to ensure the sustainability of the CBE. In contrast, when strong social capital was developed and maintained through active participation of community members the CBE's viability and economic success were ensured. Our findings have implications for development initiatives aiming to empower local communities and bring about sustainable development.


There are reform proposals on the table. They involve legal restrictions on how, and how much, money is spent in elections by candidates, parties, PACs, and others, very possibly accompanied by proposals for public financing of election campaigns or of some aspects of them, maybe involving the use of vouchers. Some argue, formidably, that these reforms would work badly. Some even maintain that the best alternative is total deregulation of campaign spending. Let us agree there are real questions about the operational merits and demerits of various proposed reforms. Those questions are not the ones I address. The constitutional question is different. It is about how, under the American constitutional system, the matter of reform should be decided. It is about whether the Constitution, seen in its best light, authorizes tight judicial supervision of reform choices. Is the Constitution best read to invite judicial imposition of a hard-and-fast rule against expenditure caps?(1) Is it best read to invite close judicial second-guessing of whether a contribution ceiling is too strict,(2) or of whether a candidate's acceptance of a spending limit in exchange for public funding ought to be classed as voluntary, given the specific terms of choice under challenge?(3) Don't get me wrong. The Constitution's allocations of decisionmaking authority over campaign-spending reform can't be honored without some attention to the effects of proposed reforms. Any political-spending reform restricts someone's participation or influence in politics. Any that does so lacking a reasonably credible justification, rooted in widely accepted principles of American democratic government, should be disallowed by the judiciary, as unconstitutional. Reform proposals do, however, often claim justifications of exactly the sort I mentioned. Supporters say they provide the conditions of fair access to political participation or influence for many people who presently lack it. Obviously, a spending limit can't have an effect of that kind unless it restricts some people's political activities, but supporters justify such effects by arguing that they go along with fulfillment of widely accepted norms of equality and fairness in a democracy. Fulfilling such norms looks like a pretty weighty interest. Of course, a claim that a given reform does fulfill them, measurably better than an electioneering free market would do, can be mistaken. What's more, it can be deceptive. I do take it, though, that there is some room for reform proposals--probably involving substantial public funding supported or protected by limits on spending out of private resources--whose overall democratic merits are intelligently and sincerely maintainable. I have to assume that much for the sake of keeping my assigned topic open for discussion. If there really is nothing honest and intelligent to say or propose--on the merits, operationally--against any an electioneering free market, then that has to be the end of the constitutional discussion. The constitutional discussion is interesting only if you grant there is sometimes room for sincere and competent debate over the public-value serving merits of a reform proposal. Assuming, then, that there is room for such debate, the question before us is one about the forums in which and methods by which such debates ought, in the American constitutional system, to be resolved. It is whether the Constitution is working at its best when, for example, the judiciary totally bars the door to expenditure limits as in Buckley, or closely second-guesses contribution limits as dissenting Justices would have done in the recent Shrink Missouri PAC case. The answer would be easy if the Constitution just hands-down decided the matter. If the First Amendment's prohibition against laws abridging the freedom of speech incontestably covers laws limiting individual, group, and aggregate spending in support of a political candidacy, then courts must enforce the prohibition as written. …


We studied morphological changes of the nucleoli in HeLa cells treated with cisplatin and compared them with induction of markers of programmed cell death and TUNEL staining. We used different light microscopic nucleolar staining methods allowing us to visualize not only nucleolar proteins but also nucleolar RNA. Our results show predominantly compact, centrally localized nucleoli in intact control HeLa cells. In cisplatin-treated HeLa cells, we found an early onset of nucleolar segregation of proteins detected by argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions and anti-nucleolar monoclonal antibody as well as an increased immunoreactivity for activated caspase-3 after 6 hours. Staining with Toluidine Blue and Methyl-green Pyronine revealed segregated nucleoli 12 hours after the treatment with cisplatin. TUNEL positivity in cisplatin-treated HeLa cells was accompanied by the aggregation of the argyrophilic proteins in the central portion of nucleus, disappearance of nucleolar RNA and shrinkage of the nucleus after 24 hours. Monitoring of the biochemical changes by immunoblotting revealed that activation of distinct caspases and degradation of their downstream protein substrates is executed in two phases. During an early apoptotic stage beginning 4.5 hours post treatment an activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 was observed. This was accompanied by proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). The caspase-9 activation seems to be mediated by recruitment by the activating factor Apaf-1 because the increased accumulation of Apaf-1 and cytochrome C in cytosol preceded the generation of mature caspase-9 form. A second phase of apoptosis occurring between 10 and 15 hours post treatment was characterized by degradation of other nucleolar and nuclear proteins such as nuclear lamins, topoisomerase I and B23. In conclusion, remarkable segregation of nucleolar argyrophilic proteins, nucleolar RNA and a simultaneous activation of the cascade of caspases markedly preceded the TUNEL positivity in cisplatin-treated HeLa cells thereby substantiating the hypothesis that the nucleolus is a preferred target for caspase-3-dependent proteolysis in cisplatin-treated HeLa cells.


A laboratory-simulated free-space optical link under various turbulence levels is implemented to propose and experimentally demonstrate the use of saturated optical amplifiers as a simple and efficient approach for suppression of scintillation due to atmospheric turbulence. The use of erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) or semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) requires the received signal be coupled into a fiber. The system performance of receiver structures employing a saturated EDFA and a SOA (in saturation and conversion modes) are measured and compared to that of fiberless direct detection (DD). It is shown that in higher turbulence levels, where no data transmission can be achieved by DD, remarkable eye opening results when using saturated amplifiers


ABSTRACT The objectives of this qualitative needs assessment were to assess perceived needs of health and social services professionals in the Caribbean Region to enhance services supporting healthy aging and care of older adults and to assess perceived facilitators and barriers to increasing capacity to serve their aging populations. The assessment, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science, was conducted in 14 islands in the eastern and southern Caribbean. The results demonstrated need for education of professionals and the general population about the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), assessment and services for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and harmful alcohol use, all of which pose significant challenges for older adults. Education of health and social services professionals, families, and the public on the risk factors for NCDs and common mental and physical health problems is critical. Barriers to implementation of educational programs include lack of community awareness and resources within the islands. The needs assessment findings are foundational to planning educational interventions. These will be developed by local health providers with the collaboration and support of external resources including those of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre in Gerontological Nursing Education.


In this paper, we introduce a low-cost system for animal behavior measurement. This system includes four animal experiment cages, each cage being attached to a very sensitive vibration sensor. The output signal of each vibration sensor is connected to a four-channel data acquisition system. The vibration sensor we adopt here is modified from a low cost piezoelectric buzzer. The self-made data acquisition system has four 24 bit A/D converters controlled by a signal-chip microprocessor. The microprocessor then sends this vibration information into a PC computer from a RS-232 port for animal behavior analysis.


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ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to define the effects on antigen-presenting cells of the expression of HIV antigens from an attenuated poxvirus vector. We have analyzed the transcriptional changes in gene expression following infection of human immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) with recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the genes encoding the gp120 and Gag-Pol-Nef antigens of HIV type 1 clade B (referred to as MVA-B) versus parental MVA infection. Using microarray technology and real-time reverse transcription-PCR, we demonstrated that the HIV proteins induced the expression of cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and molecules involved in antigen uptake and processing, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. Levels of mRNAs for interleukin-1, beta interferon, CCR8, and SCYA20 were higher after HIV antigen production. MVA-B infection also modulated the expression of antigen processing and presentation genes: the gene for MICA was upregulated, whereas those for HLA-DRA and HSPA5 were downregulated. Indeed, the increased expression of the gene for MICA, a glycoprotein related to major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, was shown to enhance the interaction between MVA-B-infected target cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes. The expression profiles of the genes for protein kinases such as JAK1 and IRAK2 were activated after HIV antigen expression. Several genes included in the JAK-STAT and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were regulated after HIV antigen expression. Our findings provide the first gene signatures in DC of a candidate MVA-B vaccine expressing four HIV antigens and identified the biological roles of some of the regulatory genes, like that for MICA, which will help in the design of more effective MVA-derived vaccines.


Abstract 4969 BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea (HU) is one of the mainstay agents used to treat myeloproliferative disorders as well as sickle cell anemia. There has been lately increasing reports of secondary skin malignancies in patients receiving Hydroxyurea therapy but the literature consists essentially of case reports. Current incidence of melanoma skin cancer in the general population in the United States is 15 per 100 000 person, and of non melanoma skin cancer is 230 per 100 000 lightly pigmented individuals and 3.4 per 100 000 darkly pigmented individuals. METHODS We reviewed 292 charts of patients treated with HU in our institution. 237 patients carried a diagnosis of myeloproliferative disorder, 14 patients were treated for sickle cell anemia and 41 patients were being treated with HU for HIV as part of a regimen to decrease viral load. Charts were reviewed looking for development of skin malignancies. RESULTS Among the patients with sickle cell anemia, the incidence of skin cancer was nil. Among the patients with HIV there were 2 cases of non melanoma skin cancer. Among patients with myeloproliferative disorders, there were 16 cases of skin cancer. The pathology was non-melanoma skin cancer. Subgroup analysis based on skin phenotype revealed that the incidence was higher than the general population in both dark and light-skinned individuals: the rate was 0.9434 per 100 among the dark skinned individuals, statistically significant when compared to the established rate of 0.0034 per 100 dark-skinned individual in the general population. Similarly among light-skinned individuals, the calculated rate was 12.0968 per 100-person, which is statistically significant compared to the rates in light-skinned individuals in the general population of 0.2300 per 100 person with a p-value of 0.001. CONCLUSION Our study showed a significantly higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer among patients treated with HU. While HU is well known to have cutaneous side effects in terms of hyperpigmentation, skin ulcers, scaling or skin atrophy, its implication in skin cancers had only been in the form of case reports. Our study thus highlights a true risk of skin malignancies with HU. It is worth noting though that there were only non-melanoma skin cancers, which are non-aggressive, localized and treatable. Thus this heightened incidence of skin cancer does not appear to bear a mortality or morbidity burden on patients treated with HU. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


This article analyses the historical context of forest cover change in the upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam during the precolonial, colonial and the postcolonial periods, locating these changes within the political economy and demographic milieu of each regime. In the current context of rising populations linked to immigration from neighbouring regions, dwindling share of agriculture in the state's gross domestic product, and recent incentives to small tea growers in risk-prone agricultural landscapes, serious challenges remain to securing forests in this region. Empowering local communities and institutions, understanding tea plantation dynamics and managing the causes and consequences of recent demographic change are crucial to the conservation of forests there.


Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially serious syndrome. Since there are some alternatives to treatment with heparin in patients who develop HIT, the decision as to which to use should be based on renal and hepatic function, drug availability and the available monitoring resources. We report a patient who received heparin for mechanical aortic valve replacement. Her clinical course was complicated by HIT, which was treated initially by danaparoid. The syndrome progressed with new thrombotic complications, and eventually was treated successfully by bivalirudin (Angiomax; Medison Pharma Ltd, Petach Tikva, Israel) for 9 days. We propose that treatment with bivalirudin for several days is a safe and effective alternative to heparin therapy in patients who develop HIT.


Based on Western Sahara's status as a non-self-governing territory and the rights of peoples in such territories over their natural resources, the article analyzes the Norwegian policy addressing Norwegian business enterprises operating in Western Sahara. In addition to relevant treaties and resolutions, the article assesses the scope of the revised OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, both adopted in 2011. In both the OECD and UN non-binding standards, enterprises are asked to undertake a human rights due diligence and to prevent adverse human rights impacts that are directly linked to their operations, products or services by their business relationships. Norway has listed Western Sahara as an exceptional case in its 2009 White Paper on CSR, and made available an explicit recommendation against investing in Western Sahara ('dissuasion'). However, the text of this dissuasion is far from perfect. First, the text does not refer to international law, but rather refers to the 'situation' in Western Sahara. Second, the central feature of the text is whether or not the economic activities promote the 'interests of the local population', rather than the rights and wishes of the peoples of the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara. This article also analyzes statements, policies, rejections and secrecy of specific Norwegian companies, showing that some of these companies simply chose to ignore the impact of their conduct towards the original peoples (the Saharawis). This is in clear contradiction to the duty to undertake human rights due diligence and to prevent negative human rights impacts resulting from their operations, as specified in the OECD and UN standards. It must be acknowledged, however, that there are some Saharawis who are collaborating with Moroccan companies, and are receiving substantial financial benefits.


This article examines the impact of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) on dispute resolution law reforms in Africa and Latin America. Using the prism of regional coordinating activities, regional law reforms, and domestic law reforms in the two regions, it offers insights into the potential of UNCITRAL's soft law instruments in shaping institutional and legal development in dispute resolution in the region. While legislative efforts indicating heightened attention to advancing dispute resolution practice in these regions have been on-going, continued scope for integrating standards of transparency and enforcement of awards exists.

The essay is divided in four parts. In part one, we present a background situational analysis of the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, specifically arbitration and conciliation, in the areas of investor-state and direct foreign investments generally in both regions. In the second part, we highlight the various regional UNCITRAL conferences, intersession meetings and stakeholder engagements in both Africa and Latin America in a bid to assess regional and international efforts toward reform and addressing the diverse challenges faced in both regions in the adoption and implementation of UNCITRAL soft-law instruments. In the third part, we highlight specific efforts at adopting UNCITRAL soft law in the two regions and their impact on dispute resolution developments. We deliberately emphasise here the possible impact on arbitration rules, arbitration law, transparency rules, conciliation rules, and investor-state arbitration reform. In the last part, we examine some of the challenges faced by African and Latin American States in the implementation of UNCITRAL soft law, and suggest a preliminary reform menu that could be considered by UNCITRAL and other stakeholders in ongoing efforts to reform dispute resolution systems in the two regions along the lines of UNCITRAL soft law.


Measurements of osteoporosis might contain errors caused by the calcium drug used in the prevention and the treatment of osteoporosis. This study conducted a lumbar spine phantom experiment to examine whether a calcium drug can influence the measured values of the bone mineral density (BMD) because of the drug taken by a real patient remaining undigested in the stomach. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the BMD for a calcium-drug in an equipment-dedicated lumbar spine phantom and 10 patients selected for the BMD measurement. Three types of drugs that are prescribed in actual clinical practice calcium drugs were used for the phantom experiment, and the drugs were divided into a fixed dose, 1/2 of the fixed dose, 1/4 of the fixed dose and 1/8 of the fixed dose. Without the drugs included, the phantom was scanned 60 times continuously to calculate the baseline BMD. The BMD was measured as the calcium drug coated with paraffin was placed in the lumbar vertebra 2 and the soft tissue region of the phantom. To determine when the drug was invisible to the naked eye are measured, the BMD at different drug dilutions. The measurements were conducted three times to calculate the mean. In the patient experiment, patients were selected who visited hospital after taking the drug before measuring the BMD. After a certain time had passed, the BMD was measured again to examine the difference in images and the change in BMD values due to the calcium-drug intake. The BMD measurements of lumbar 1–4 in the phantom were higher, with statistical significant, than the least significant change (LSC) in the bone region for all three drugs (Ca carbonate, Ca citrate and Ca cholecalciferol), showing a significant increase. On the other hand, there was no significant change in the soft tissue. When Ca Cholecalciferol was used in a fixed dose, the BMD of L2 increased by 11.6%, showing the largest increase among the drugs examined, but only a 2.8% increase in the BMD of L1–L4 was observed. The dependence of the results on the degree of dilution of the calcium drug showed that the three drugs had values that exceeded the LSC significantly. The measured the BMD was higher in 7 out of 10 patients when the patients took the calcium drug than when they did not. In addition, one of the patients showed a 3.6% increase in BMD. In addition, the calcium drug appeared in the image in two of the patients who showed an increase in the BMD. This confirmed that the drug remained undigested, with a certain amount of it remaining in the body system. Overall, the measured BMD is affected when the calcium drug taken by a real patient remains undigested in the stomach.


The promise of e-business is coming true: both businesses and individuals are using the Web to buy products and services. Both want to extend the reach of e-business to new environments. Customers want to check accounts, access information, and make purchases with their cellular phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Banks, airlines, and retailers are competing to provide the most ubiquitous, convenient service for their customers. Web applications designed to take advantage of the rich rendering capabilities of advanced desktop browsers on large displays do not generally render effectively on the small screens available on phones and PDAs. Some devices have little or no graphics capability, or they require different markup languages, such as Wireless Markup Language (WML), for text presentation. Transcoding is technology for adapting content to match constraints and preferences associated with specific environments. This paper compares and contrasts different approaches to content adaptation, including authoring different versions to accommodate different environments, using application server technology such as JavaServer pagesTM (JSPTM) to create multiple versions of dynamic applications, and dynamically transcoding information generated by a single application. For dynamic transcoding, the paper describes several different transcoding methodologies employed by the IBM WebSphereTM Transcoding Publisher product, including HyperText Markup Language (HTML) simplification, Extensible Markup Language stylesheet selection and application, HTML conversion to WML, WML deck fragmentation, and image transcoding. The paper discusses how to decide whether transcoding should be performed at the content source or in a network intermediary. It also describes a means of identifying the device and network characteristics associated with a request and using that information to decide how to transcode the response. Finally, the paper discusses the need for new networking benchmarks to characterize the server load and performance characteristics for dynamic transcoding.


The study aims to investigate the legal aspects and the informative aspects, especially the conventional implicature of patient package inserts. Eighty five patient package inserts were collected from licensed drugstores in Surakarta and the surroundings from February 1, 2013 to February 15, 2013 to be qualitative content analyzed. It was found that out of eighty five inserts, seventy four (87 percents) gave explanation in Indonesian only; eight package inserts (9.4 percents) had English and Indonesian translations; and three (3.6 percents) had English texts only. It seems that most of the pharmaceutical companies do not think original leaflets important for drug users or public readers. The companies focus more on legal aspects than on good benefit that might be gained by attaching the original ones. Without original brochures, it is not known whether the translation meet the Readability Guideline expectations: faithful translation, understandable and patient-friendly. Eight package brochures having English and Indonesian translation were discussed. Three of them contained sentences with inference markers of conventional implicature. The inference markers were: even, therefore and but; their conventional implicature were explained by way of the drugs mechanisms and metabolisms in human body. The scarcity of conventional implicature indicated by only three words (even, therefore and but) or three sentences among about eight times five hundred words or around four hundred sentences could be an indication of appreciable efforts of the English writers to meet understandable and patient-friendly information. They seemed to avoid conventional implicature that might be understood differently by many drug users or public readers. Key words: legal and informative aspects, readability, patient-friendly.


In Caenorhabditis elegans, asymmetry is established in the one-cell embryo in response to the position of the sperm provided centrosome. Asymmetric contraction of actin and myosin at the cortex leads to the localisation of the conserved PAR (partitioning defective) polarity proteins into anterior and posterior cortical domains. The PAR proteins and associated protein kinases generate cytoplasmic gradients of polarity mediators, which in turn regulate the anterior/posterior cytoplasmic localisation of downstream cell fate regulators. The PAR proteins also regulate a conserved G protein pathway that coordinates the division plane with the anterior/posterior axis. Thus, the first division is asymmetric and the daughter cells have different developmental fates. During the next few divisions, anterior/posterior asymmetries and cell–cell signalling events establish the dorsal/ventral and left–right axes of the embryo and further refine cell fates.

Key Concepts:

The C. elegans embryo exhibits an invariant pattern of asymmetric cell divisions that generates diverse cell types.

Asymmetric divisions are regulated by the conserved PAR proteins, which become localised in anterior and posterior cortical domains during polarity establishment after fertilisation.

Polarity establishment occurs in response to an unknown cue associated with the sperm centrosome, which causes an actomyosin cortical flow that localises the anterior PAR proteins.

PAR polarity cues create a cytoplasmic gradient of the polarity mediators MEX-5 and MEX-6, which act together with other polarity mediators to generate the asymmetric localisation of cell fate determinants.

Asymmetric localisation of cell fate determinants is accomplished mainly through protein degradation and translational regulation.

The localisation of cell fate determinants combined with cell–cell signalling events leads to specification of different developmental programmes in cells of the early embryo.

A conserved G protein pathway functions with the microtubule motor dynein to position the mitotic spindle on the polarity axis during asymmetric divisions.

Keywords:

asymmetric division;
polarity;
PAR;
actomyosin;
spindle position;
protein degradation;
translational control


Joint laboratory building is to be built at Udayana University in Denpasar campus. It is important to consider the potential of the earthquake in the region. Based on SNI - 03-1726-2002, Denpasar is located in seismic zone 5 (regions with strong seismic risk). The purpose of this study is to plan the structure of earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete buildings including the calculation and design plan based on SNI 03-2847-2002 and SNI 03-1726-2002 using the Special Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF). The building has a floor plan size of 61.6 m x 41.8 m, with 4 floors structure and 14.4 m high. The structure planned resulted a 120 mm thick slab with reinforcement of O12 mm and the distance between the foundation and reinforcement on the field is of 150 mm , while in the staging area used for the reinforcement is of O12 - 300 mm. Stairs calculation is obtained with a reinforcement with D12 – 150 and O10 - 200 mm . Secondary beam 25/35 used a reinforcement with 4D13 and O10-50 mm . For primary beam 35/60 used 4 D16 main reinforcement , and reinforcement O10-150 mm on the hoops and torsion . In the column used 50/50 with the main reinforcement 12D19 mm and O10-120 mm. Pile foundations are used with the dimensions of 25/25 and a depth of 6 m .


: Patients with severe pain have a reduced capacity to communicate with doctors. These patients have depleted resources. Doctors are pressed for time. Patients not responding to treatment present doctors with communication tasks. Doctors need to persist gently in telling the 'unacceptable' bad news until it is reluctantly accepted.


In order to overcome shortcomings of the traditional PID controller for nuclear steam generator water level, we proposed a fuzzy controller by using fuzzy reasoning. By summing up the experience of skilled operators, we gave a set of fuzzy control rules, and determined some important control parameters. To verify the effectiveness of fuzzy controller, a simulation for a steam generator in Qinshan nuclear power plant, for example, was given. Simulation results show that the method can effectively improve the control quality.


Secure source coding provides the methods to compress data efficiently taking the risks of unauthorized access into account. However standard information-theoretic achievability proofs only show the existence of a coding scheme without providing a concrete code design. In the paper we provide an alternative proof of achievability for the secure Wyner-Ziv source coding problem with side information at the eavesdropper using polar coding. Due to the recent algorithmic advances in the design of polar codes, our result is highly relevant for future big data applications since it provides the basis for further developments.


Archaeologists once thought that the earliest people to arrive in the Americas wandered into the continent through a gap in the ice age glaciers covering Canada. But most researchers today think the first inhabitants came by sea. In this view, maritime explorers voyaged by boat out of Beringia—the ancient land now partially submerged under the waters of the Bering Strait—about 16,000 years ago and quickly moved down the Pacific coast, reaching Chile by at least 14,500 years ago. Still, the evidence that might settle the question has been mostly out of reach. As the glaciers melted starting about 16,500 years ago, global sea level rose by about 120 meters, drowning many coasts and any settlements they held. The hunt for that evidence is now in high gear. A dedicated cadre of archaeologists is searching for maritime sites dating to between 14,000 and 16,000 years ago, before the ice-free corridor became fully passable. They're looking at the gateway to the Americas, along stretches of the Alaskan and Canadian coasts that were spared the post–ice age flooding. They are even looking underwater. And on Mexico's Cedros Island, researchers are helping fill in the picture of how early coastal people lived and what tools they made, details that link them to maritime cultures around the Pacific Rim and imply that they were not landlubbers who later turned seaward.


The objective use of table top adjustable sit–stand desks has yet to be determined, due to the lack of an effective digital evaluation method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of computer prompt software on table top sit–stand desks to determine if there was a difference in the frequency of desk position changes. This five month, pre-post pilot study on 47 university staff members used a novel USB accelerometer sensor and computer software reminders to continuously record and prompt increases in desk usage to promote physical activity at the workstation. During the baseline phase (3 months), desk usage data were continuously recorded for all workers. Following the baseline, the results from a two-month intervention of personalized computer reminders doubled the number of desk position changes per work day from 1 desk position change every 2 work days to 1 change every work day. Furthermore, those who changed desk positions once or twice a day increased from 4% to 36% from baseline to intervention. Overall, the intervention was encouraging, but longer intervention studies are warranted to determine if the desk usage behavior change can be improved and sustained for years and whether that change results in health gains.


Abstract. The assessment of the physical vulnerability of elements at risk as part of the risk analysis is an essential aspect for the development of strategies and structural measures for risk reduction. Understanding, analysing and, if possible, quantifying physical vulnerability is a prerequisite for designing strategies and adopting tools for its reduction. The most common methods for assessing physical vulnerability are vulnerability matrices, vulnerability curves and vulnerability indicators; however, in most of the cases, these methods are used in a conflicting way rather than in combination. The article focuses on two of these methods: vulnerability curves and vulnerability indicators. Vulnerability curves express physical vulnerability as a function of the intensity of the process and the degree of loss, considering, in individual cases only, some structural characteristics of the affected buildings. However, a considerable amount of studies argue that vulnerability assessment should focus on the identification of these variables that influence the vulnerability of an element at risk (vulnerability indicators). In this study, an indicator-based methodology (IBM) for mountain hazards including debris flow (Kappes et al., 2012) is applied to a case study for debris flows in South Tyrol, where in the past a vulnerability curve has been developed. The relatively "new" indicator-based method is being scrutinised and recommendations for its improvement are outlined. The comparison of the two methodological approaches and their results is challenging since both methodological approaches deal with vulnerability in a different way. However, it is still possible to highlight their weaknesses and strengths, show clearly that both methodologies are necessary for the assessment of physical vulnerability and provide a preliminary "holistic methodological framework" for physical vulnerability assessment showing how the two approaches may be used in combination in the future.


Water is a major factor limiting crop production in many regions around the world. Irrigation can greatly enhance crop yields, but the local availability and timing of freshwater resources constrains the ability of humanity to increase food production. Innovations in irrigation infrastructure have allowed humanity to utilize previously inaccessible water resources, enhancing water withdrawals for agriculture while increasing pressure on environmental flows and other human uses. While substantial additional water will be required to support future food production, it is not clear whether and where freshwater availability is sufficient to sustainably close the yield gap in cultivated lands. The extent to which irrigation can be expanded within presently rainfed cropland without depleting environmental flows remains poorly understood. Here we perform a spatially explicit biophysical assessment of global consumptive water use for crop production under current and maximum attainable yield scenarios assuming current cropping practices. We then compare these present and anticipated water consumptions to local water availability to examine potential changes in water scarcity. We find that global water consumption for irrigation could sustainably increase by 48% (408 km3 H2O yr−1)—expanding irrigation to 26% of currently rainfed cultivated lands (2.67 × 106 km2) and producing 37% (3.38 × 1015 kcal yr−1) more calories, enough to feed an additional 2.8 billion people. If current unsustainable blue water consumption (336 km3 yr−1) and production (1.19 × 1015 kcal yr−1) practices were eliminated, a sustainable irrigation expansion and intensification would still enable a 24% increase in calorie (2.19 × 1015 kcal yr−1) production. Collectively, these results show that the sustainable expansion and intensification of irrigation in selected croplands could contribute substantially to achieving food security and environmental goals in tandem in the coming decades.


Differing emphysema distribution in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) relates to specific lung function abnormalities. This thesis explores which factors need to be taken into account when defining A1AD phenotypes.
Miller's lung function prediction equations were the most appropriate for our A1AD population as judged from predicting their survival. A1AD phenotypes were defined by Kco and FEV\(_1\)/FVC using these equations. Those with normal lung function and those with isolated Kco abnormality had the least smoking history, least emphysema and best health status whereas those with both indices abnormal had the worst. Those with isolated FEV\(_1\) abnormality had faster Kco decline compared to the normal and the both abnormal groups (p=0.002 and p<0.001) and were more likely to change groups over time. The best univariate predictor of survival was VA%TLC followed by TLco. Multivariate analysis found the hazard ratio (HR) for death was increased with lower TLco (lowest quartile HR 5.44) and with better Kco (highest quartile HR 2.5 compared to lowest quartile). The HR for death for the lowest VA%TLC quartile was 3.42 compared to the best quartile.
Relevant lung function equations and cut points can define meaningful distinct physiological phenotypes for A1AD. VA%TLC shows potential as a new index in this context.


There are an overwhelming number of studies showing that your oral health is related to your body's overall health. If your mouth isn't healthy, you may be twice as likely to die from a heart attack, three times as likely to die from a stroke and even four to seven times more likely to die if you have diabetes. Additionally, you may be 63% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Clearly oral health (or lack thereof) has life and death consequences.


In astronomy, the brightness of a source is typically expressed in terms of magnitude. Conventionally, the magnitude is defined by the logarithm of received flux. This relationship is known as the Pogson formula. For received flux with a small signal to noise ratio (S/N), however, the formula gives a large magnitude error. We investigate whether the use of Inverse Hyperbolic Sine function (hereafter referred to as the Asinh magnitude) in the modified formulae could allow for an alternative calculation of magnitudes for small S/N flux, and whether the new approach is better for representing the brightness of that region. We study the possibility of increasing the detection level of gravitational microlensing using 40 selected microlensing light curves from the 2013 and 2014 seasons and by using the Asinh magnitude. Photometric data of the selected events are obtained from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE). We found that utilization of the Asinh magnitude makes the events brighter compared to using the logarithmic magnitude, with an average of about 3.42 × 10−2 magnitude and an average in the difference of error between the logarithmic and the Asinh magnitude of about 2.21 × 10−2 magnitude. The microlensing events OB140847 and OB140885 are found to have the largest difference values among the selected events. Using a Gaussian fit to find the peak for OB140847 and OB140885, we conclude statistically that the Asinh magnitude gives better mean squared values of the regression and narrower residual histograms than the Pogson magnitude. Based on these results, we also attempt to propose a limit in magnitude value for which use of the Asinh magnitude is optimal with small S/N data.


I read the article "Glioma Immunotherapy: Advances and Challenges for Spinal Cord Gliomas" with great interest, and I hope that this concept will be another game changer.1 A spinal intramedullary tumor is a challenging disease due to the difficulty of surgical removal without damaging a functional spinal cord. Even with an experienced hand, dysfunction of the dorsal spinal column could occur due to its location, adhesion, and invasion to the normal spinal cord. When removing an intramedullary spinal cord, we have to continuously trade off between oncological and functional outcomes. There have been several milestones to improve those outcomes.2-5 I think the first milestone would be an introduction to microsurgery. With the help of better visualization, the tumor could be removed with minimal damage to the spinal cord. However, there was a discrepancy between anatomical and functional outcomes. In this regard, the demand to improve functional outcomes led to the introduction of electrophysiological monitoring during surgery. It is a second milestone. However, in many patients, residual or recurrent tumors are inevitable for functional outcomes. We made efforts to improve oncological outcomes using a lesson from brain tumors. However, chemotherapy or radiotherapy was not as dramatic in controlling the problematic tumor as a brain tumor. It is a time to turn our eyes to a different perspective, and immunotherapy may play there. This paper extensively reviewed the concept, possible candidates, and huddles to overcome them. I hope this paper will intrigue scientists and doctors for this perspective.


The effect of eight chemicals; vinegar, Allium sativum (crude garlic), Acacia auriculiformis, lemon juice, praziquantel, pumpkin, perosan and yomesan on the viability of cysticerci of Taenia saginata in vitro was investigated. The minimum exposure time required for cysticerci to be non-evaginable for the eight chemicals were 5, 10, 25, 40, 55, 75, 90 and 105 minutes respectively. The best one was vinegar and the least effective was yomesan.


The main building of the University of Wrocław, with its magnificent façade facing the Odra River, is one of the most important historical monuments of the city and a major tourist attraction. It also houses a significant institution in the Polish educational landscape. Founded by Jesuits and built in early eighteenth-century Baroque style, the University is closely connected with the history of the Habsburg monarchy and its Counter-Reformation aims. For this reason, after 1945, its heritage was difficult to reconcile with the official Communist ideology and its initially anti-German sentiments. This article tackles the question of how both art historiography and the popular media, including guidebooks and the press of the People's Republic of Poland, became engaged in the task of proving the Polish roots of the University of Wrocław. To this end, we provide an overview of the shifting interpretations and attributions of the Baroque edifice from its beginnings in the eighteenth century until the second decade of the twenty-first century in order to highlight the features specific to the discourse in Socialist times.


The field of solid modeling has developed a variety of techniques for unambiguous representations of three-dimensional objects. Feature recognition is a sub-discipline of solid modeling that focuses on the design and implementation of algorithms for detecting manufacturing information from solid models produced by computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Examples of this manufacturing information include features such as holes, slots, pockets and other shapes that can be created on modern computer numerically controlled machining systems. Automated feature recognition has been an active research area in solid modeling for many years and is considered to be a critical component for integration of CAD and computer-aided manufacturing. The paper gives an overview of the state-of-the-art in feature recognition research. Rather than giving an exhaustive survey, we focus on the three of the major algorithmic approaches for feature recognition: graph-based algorithms, volumetric decomposition techniques, and hint-based geometric reasoning. For each approach, we present a detailed description of the algorithms being employed along with some assessments of the technology. We conclude by outlining important open research and development issues.


[Purpose] Postural stability is the ability of to maintain the position of the body within the support area. This function is affected in cerebral palsy. The aim of the present study was to compare static and dynamic postural stability between children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and healthy controls. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-seven children between the ages of 5 and 14 diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (19 right, 18 left) and 23 healthy gender- and age-matched controls were included in the study. Postural stability was evaluated in both of the groups using a Neurocom Balance. Sway velocity was measured both with the eyes open and closed. Sit to stand and turning abilities were also assessed. [Results] The sway velocities with the eyes open and closed were significantly different between the groups. The weight transfer time in the Sit to Stand test was also significantly slower in children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy also showed slower turning times and greater sway velocities during the Step and Quick Turn test on a force plate compared with their healthy counterparts. [Conclusion] Both static and dynamic postural stability parameters are affected in hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Further research is needed to define rehabilitation interventions to improve these parameters in patients.