Invasive candidiasis is the most common fungal disease among hospitalized patients in the developed world. Invasive candidiasis comprises both candidemia and deep-seated tissue candidiasis. Candidemia is generally viewed as the more common type of the disease, and it accounts for the majority of cases included in clinical trials. Deep-seated candidiasis arises from either hematogenous dissemination or direct inoculation of candida species to a sterile site, such as the peritoneal cavity (Fig. 1). Mortality among patients with invasive candidiasis is as high as 40%, even when patients receive antifungal therapy. In addition, the global shift in favor of nonalbicans candida species is troubling, as is the emerging resistance to antifungal drugs. During the past few years, new insights have substantially changed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.


The economic structure of a city affects the civic well-being of its residents. The degree of 'localism' in an economy affects the area's social capital, contributing to the development of its civic institutions. I examine the relationship between localism and social capital in case studies of four Michigan cities: Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Pontiac. A more local, or independent economic structure, is resilient to harmful effects of globalization. Local business leaders support civic institutions. Bridging social capital flourishes, creating a civically engaged population. Big-business dominated economic structures, on the other hand, foster an unstable environment and are relatively more susceptible to the effect of global economic forces. The heart of a locality's economic structure, thus, provides insight into the development of a city's civic institutions.


We report on the results of laboratory experiments of voluntary giving with suggested donations. Asking subjects to give the socially optimal amount reduces giving compared to no suggestion. Asking subjects not to give also depresses giving. However, moderate suggested donations produce modest positive e¤ects. We o¤er a model using the fairness equilibrium framework of Rabin (1993) that is capable of rationalizing some of these results.


Introdution The maternity services are essential for ES for CS. SCSP is a university hospital of São Paulo City, Brazil, It is, located in the central area of the city. Are seen at SCSP populations at high risk of infection by sexually transmitted diseases (STD), such as sex workers, injecting drug users and homeless. Objetive To analyse the reported cases of congenital syphilis in SCSP, from 1999 to 2010. Methods Through the surveillance system, data were obtained for all children born between 1998 and 2010 in the SCSP. Results Were reported 555 cases of CS during the study period; considering the number of deliveries we have an average of 46.3 cases SC/year and 2.6 by 100 deliveries CS. The average age of mothers was 29 years old (ranging from 11 to 46 years) and only 6.1% had more than 7 years of schooling; 59% of pregnant women attend prenata, but these only 49% had seven or more visits, and only 13.8% were diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy, but the treatment of pregnant women or partners was not considered adequate. Conclusion The analysis of the data reflects the quality of prenatal care offered; Our Monitoring Service is the most notify CS in São Paulo state, probably by the population at risk for STDs that it serves, it is necessary that those responsible for improving maternal health actions for these segments of the population. The ES is very important for the control of CS assisting in planning, control and evaluation of actions.


In this paper, we report on our experience in teaching a course on concepts of programming languages at TU Delft based on Krishnamurthi's PAPL book with the definitional interpreter approach using Scala as meta-language and using the WebLab learning management system. In particular, we discuss our experience with encoding of definitional interpreters in Scala using case classes, pattern matching, and recursive functions; offering this material in the web-based learning management system WebLab; automated grading and feedback of interpreter submissions using unit tests; testing tests to force students to formulate tests, instead of just implementing interpreters; generation of tests based on a reference implementation to reduce the effort of producing unit tests; and the construction of a product line of interpreters in order to maximize reuse and consistency between reference implementations.


In recent decades, anthropology has revised itself several times, evaluated the access codes to its knowledge, and detected new options for the use of ethnographic experiences. Rather than addressing past re-examinations of the ethnographic research method, the article tackles the issue of the method of anthropological research. It addresses interpretive methods, the issue of empathy, the shifts between the concepts of field and home, the dilemmas of recording ethnographic experiences, and, finally, ethical reservations; regarding the latter, I have come to the conclusion that they are not necessarily impediments, but can act as a stimulus to the question how to understand the world and how to put our understanding in words.


Takaful serves as an alternative for the Muslims to fulfill their insurance needs in a Shariah compliant manner. Participating in a takaful scheme, while aimed mainly at gaining protection against the risks, could also be perceived as a scheme of mutual help. The religious and ethical aspects of takaful can be an attractive value proposition to the people especially Muslims, as in Islam helping those in need with sincere intention for the sake of Allah is an act of piety rewarded by Him. Apart from the inherent spiritual distinctive feature of takaful, takaful products might also provide for other religious contentment. Some takaful products cover debt settlement for the deceased, payment for outstanding zakat, execution of charitable donation or waqaf and even providing for the performance of hajj, which are religiously of tremendous values for the deceased. All these features could be attractive marketing points for takaful especially among the Muslims. This study focuses on the religious and spiritual dimensions of takaful products and explores on the experience of a group of takaful agents of a selected takaful operator in marketing their products by leveraging on these aspects.   Keywords: Mutual Help, Religious, Ethical, Takaful marketing, Takaful Agent


New process/structure designs for the channel in the vortex flux-flow transistor (VFFT) have been explored utilizing thin YBCO films on silicon wafers. Two designs are reported: first, films on micromachined Si(100) surfaces, and second, films ex-situ annealed in bromine. Shallow trenches are anisotropically etched into Si(100) wafers forming (111) facets, and films are grown by pulsed laser deposition. Bromination processing of YBCO is preceded by mild de-oxidation and followed by a re-oxidation. Broad-area characterizations by R(T), dc magnetometry, and ac susceptibility are given. On Si(100), epitaxial YBCO films have sharp R(T) transitions and high J/sub c/. Films on Si(111) and brominated films have a toe in R(T) at T/sub co/, and lower J/sub c/ more easily reduced by H. YBCO falling across the trenched surfaces or small brominated regions have R(T), I-V, and I/sub c/ promising for use as flux-flow channels in VFFT.<<ETX>>


Abstract. Phosphorus is a nutrient necessary for the development of crops and is thus
commonly applied as fertilizer to sustain agricultural production. It occurs
naturally, in indefinite quantities of uncertain quality in phosphate rock
formations, but also accumulates in urban and livestock wastewater wherefrom
it is often lost as a pollutant. Recovering phosphorus from wastewater,
however, is feasible through struvite crystallization technologies and has
the potential to reduce phosphorus pollution of the environment as well as
lower the agricultural demand for artificial P fertilizers. In this study, we
developed a model to assess the global potential of P fertilizer recovery
from wastewater and to visualize its trade at sub-national resolution.
Results show that humans discharge a maximum of 3.7 Mt P into wastewater,
thereby potentially satisfying 20 % of the global fertilizer demand.
Provided 2015 market dynamics, however, the model determines that only
4 % of this discharge is technologically and economically recoverable in
a market that offers cheap rock phosphate products also. The results of this
study demonstrate that in the current economic context, phosphorus recovery
from wastewater offers only a small contribution to resolving global
phosphorus issues. Nevertheless, this recovery offers many wastewater
treatment facilities the opportunity to contribute to creating sustainable
communities and protecting the environment locally, while reducing their own
operational costs.


We report 2 cases of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) involving the ovaries in young women. The first patient presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis and the second patient presented with a mass in the lower abdomen and slightly elevated CA-125 level. In both patients, the tumor was widely metastatic at presentation. The ovarian involvement was unilateral in the first patient and bilateral in the second with tumor size ranging from 9 to 11 cm. Morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular cytogenetics were consistent with DSRCT. Despite tumor debulking and multiple chemotherapy regimens, the first patient died at 20 months after initial diagnosis and the second is still undergoing chemotherapy at 7 months after initial presentation. To gain additional insight on DSRCT with ovarian involvement, the literature was reviewed and summarized.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS Evidence suggests that the intestinal actions of Clostridium difficile toxin A—stimulation of secretion and motility, and an acute inflammatory response—have a neurally mediated component. METHODS Direct intracellular electrophysiological recording of electrical and synaptic behaviour in enteric neurones was performed in the submucous plexus of guinea pig small intestine during exposure to the toxin. RESULTS Application of toxin A affected both the electrical behaviour of the neuronal cell bodies and inhibitory noradrenergic neurotransmission to the cell bodies. Altered electrical behaviour included depolarisation and increased excitability. Tetrodotoxin or a histamine H2 receptor antagonist did not affect the depolarisation evoked by toxin A. Failure of the histamine antagonist to suppress the actions of toxin A is evidence that its actions were not mediated by degranulation of intramural mast cells. The action of toxin A on neurotransmission was suppression of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials evoked in the neuronal cell bodies by stimulation of sympathetic nerve fibres that synapsed with the cell bodies. The inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were mediated by norepinephrine (noradrenaline) acting at postsynaptic alpha adrenoceptors on the cell bodies. Hyperpolarising responses evoked in the cell bodies by micropressure application of norepinephrine were unaffected by toxin A. This fulfils criteria for a presynaptic inhibitory action of toxin A to suppress release of norepinephrine from sympathetic postganglionic axons. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the neural component of the action of toxin A involves both direct excitation of enteric neurones and suppression of norepinephrine release from postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres in the enteric nervous system.


This study aimed to understand the intuitive ability of nursing professionals in caring. The study method was qualitative, adopting a descriptive exploratory approach. Sampling involved 87 female nursing professionals, being 31 nurses, 29 nursing technicians and 18 nursing auxiliaries. The result showed different levels of intuitive abilities, related to novice, standard, and veteran. The relation between the three levels of intuitive abilities and the corresponding figures in years, observed in a North American study, was not identified. The factors described as affecting the intuitive experience were both environmental and intra-interpersonal (personological). The experiences of the professionals portrayed the importance of intuition in nursing care, mainly in doubtful and conflicting situations and, in this sense, its vital function was decision-making towards better quality of nursing care.


A full-vectorial contour integral equation analysis of the natural modes of dielectric waveguides (DW) of arbitrary cross section is presented. The Galerkin method, together with the Analytical Regularization procedure, is applied to discretizing and solving the eigenvalue problem. This ensures the fast convergence and superior accuracy of the numerical algorithms. The waveguide cross section is characterized by a parametrical curve defining its contour, with a limited curvature at each point. This avoids the singularity points at corner regions and provides accurate results, even for waveguides with virtually sharp corners. Both fundamental and higher order mode propagation characteristics are studied in the bound, leaky, and complex regimes. Numerical results consistent with other theories and experimental data are presented for a wide range of practical dielectric waveguides that demonstrate the efficiency, accuracy, and versatility of the method developed. Finally, the technique is applied to model a fused fiber coupler.


Research efforts in the area of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are heavily dependent on the development and evaluations of protocols through simulations. Therefore, realistic simulations are vital for the development of viable protocols. However, most the research efforts that depend on simulations tend to use non-realistic parameters and assumptions. Such examples include use of infinite transmit power levels and no consideration of radio propagation loss and irregularities. These assumptions are common among many clustering protocols which lead to incorrect estimation of performance metrics such as network lifetime, energy consumed per bit, and connectivity. In this paper we modify clustering protocols by incorporating a model compliant with Crossbow MICAz motes. The energy consumption model takes into account the discrete transmit power levels of the CC2420 radio ship used by MICAz sensor nodes. The radio propagation path loss is modeled by using the Lognormal Shadowing Model. We evaluate a number of clustering protocols including LEACH, HEED, EECS and MOECS. We also present results that demonstrate how realistic assumptions can effect the system behavior in comparison with the results obtained by assuming ideal conditions.


The gender difference in competitiveness has been cited as an important factor driving the gender gap in labor market outcomes. Using a natural field experiment with 35,000 university students, I explore the impact of compensation scheme on willingness to apply for a job. I find that competitive compensation schemes disproportionately deter women from applying, which cannot be explained by differences in risk preferences alone. I also vary whether the job is introduced as helping a non-profit, which increases application rates, suggesting a role for social preferences in application decisions. Finally, I observe a correlation between competitiveness preferences and career choice.


Karst bauxite deposits are currently investigated as a new resource for rare earth elements (REE) in order to avoid present and future supply shortfalls of these critical metals. The present work focuses on the geochemistry and mineralogy of the REE in karst bauxite deposits of the Catalan Coastal Range (CCR), NE-Spain. It is revealed that the studied bauxitic ores have a dominant breccia and local ooido-pisoidic and pelitomorphic texture. The bauxitic ores are mostly composed of kaolinite and hematite, as well as of lesser amounts of boehmite, diaspore, rutile and calcite. The mineralogy and major element composition indicate incomplete bauxitization of an argillaceous precursor material possibly derived from the erosion of the Mesozoic Ebro massif paleo-high. The studied bauxites are characterized by ∑REE (including Sc, Y) between 286 and 820 ppm (av. 483 ppm) and light REE to heavy REE (LREE/HREE) ratios up to 10.6. REE are mainly concentrated in phosphate minerals, identified as monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y) of detrital origin and unidentified REE-phosphates of a possible authigenic origin. REE remobilization presumably took place under acidic conditions, whereas REE entrapment in the form of precipitation of authigenic rare earth minerals from percolating solutions was related to neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. During the bauxitization process no significant REE fractionation took place and the REE distribution pattern of the bauxitic ores was governed by the REE budget of the precursor material. Finally, adsorption as a main REE scavenging mechanism in the studied CCR bauxite deposits should not be considered, since the presented data did not reveal significant REE contents in Fe-and Mn-oxyhydroxides and clay minerals.


Abstract Little is known about the impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami on wildlife populations. Five species of sea turtle nest on the beaches of southern Sri Lanka; initial reports after the tsunami revealed damage to nesting beaches, hatcheries, and adult foraging habitat. We show that, in the year after the tsunami, the number of adult females returning to nesting beaches at Bundala National Park remained almost unchanged from previous years.


The development of functional-structural plant models requires an increasing amount of computer modelling. All these models are developed by different teams in various contexts and with different goals. Efficient and flexible computational frameworks are required to augment the interaction between these models, their reusability, and the possibility to compare them on identical datasets. In this paper, we present an open-source platform, OpenAlea, that provides a user-friendly environment for modellers, and advanced deployment methods. OpenAlea allows researchers to build models using a visual programming interface and provides a set of tools and models dedicated to plant modelling. Models and algorithms are embedded in OpenAlea 'components' with well defined input and output interfaces that can be easily interconnected to form more complex models and define more macroscopic components. The system architecture is based on the use of a general purpose, high-level, object-oriented script language, Python, widely used in other scientific areas. We present a brief rationale that underlies the architectural design of this system and we illustrate the use of the platform to assemble several heterogeneous model components and to rapidly prototype a complex modelling scenario.


Purification of a diethyl ether extract of the Argentinian fern Elaphoglossum lindbergii afforded five new prenylated acylphloroglucinols, lindbergins E-I (1-5), of which two showed significant in vitro leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis and L. amazonensis. The structures of compounds 1-5 were elucidated based on analysis of their spectroscopic data and comparison with values previously reported for other phloroglucinol derivatives isolated from plant species of the genera Hypericum, Dryopteris, and Elaphoglossum. Fragmentation and rearrangement patterns of prenylated acylphloroglucinols were analyzed, and some mechanisms were proposed to rationalize the peaks observed in the mass spectra of these natural products produced by EI and FAB. Compounds isolated from E. lindbergii show the opposite absolute configuration when compared to those reported from E. crassipes. Empirical evidence indicates that acylphloroglucinols carrying a prenylated acylfilicinic acid residue possess a high-amplitude configuration-dependent Cotton effect centered at 350-360 nm in their CD curves, from which the absolute configuration of the sole chiral center of the prenylated acylfilicinic acid moiety can be deduced.


In the last two decades, China organized political campaigns to fight corruption. Such campaigns led to an increased prosecution of high-profile cases involving high-level officials. Perceived corruption in China, however, has not decreased as a result, because the campaigns failed to address widespread lower-level incidents. China's political campaigns against corruption-the politico-legal campaigns-are an example of the use of political methods to enhance the legal system. China has organized several politico-legal campaigns to promote public awareness of legal issues and combat crimes, including illegal drug trade, copyright infringements, and environmental violations. The Chinese politico-legal campaigns show that China needs its effective laws to support government policies. A comparative analysis shows that there is a similar need for effective laws in the United States, especially in times of crises. Such effective laws usually come at the cost of sacrificing the formal-rational legal limits on governmental actions. Now that China is trying to establish the rule of law and the U.S. still faces crises related to drugs, crime, and terrorism, both countries face similar challenges in balancing their effective laws with the rule of law principle, and may learn from each other's experience.


The battle for the old growth forest of the Pacific Northwest, which gained widespread national attention with the designation of the northern spotted owl as a threatened species in June 1990, can be thought of as a complex set of social and ecological problems traceable to a single cause: the continuing failure on the part of timber capital and the federal government to see either the forest for the trees or the trees for billions of board feet of standing timber. By the late 1980s this environmental failure had reached such tragic proportions that the Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem, one of the most important natural environments on the face of the earth—encompassing many of the world's oldest and largest trees, storing more carbon per unit area than any other terrestrial ecosystem, and supporting the largest or second largest accumulations of living matter per unit area to be found anywhere, including numerous rare and endangered species—was increasingly being threatened with annihilation.This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.


Abstract
 On the basis of literature data and new morphological and ecological studies, the reinstatement of species rank for the Black Sea endemic species Cystoseira bosphorica is proposed. Previously reduced to a simple form of the Mediterranean endemic species C. crinita, this member of the caespitose Cystoseira group without spinose-like appendages clearly differs from C. crinita by having the axes long with smooth and prominent apices, the branches with numerous and slightly prominent cryptostomates, the aerocysts frequent, large, oval to subconical-broader at the apex, with 2 or more apical outgrowths, and by the receptacles long, cylindrical-tuberculate, simple or bifid, with apices blunt bearing sometimes a short lateral sub-apical spine. The species that shares the greatest number of characters with C. bosphorica is not C. crinita but the Mediterranean endemic species C. barbatula; however, this latter species clearly differs from C. bosphorica by the constant absence of aerocysts, the filiform branches with prominent and spaced cryptostomates, and by the receptacles smaller, compact, simple, humpy and subulate with sometimes 1–2 long lateral spine-like appendages.


Background To explore the potential value of S-Detect™, a high-end computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) software system for residents-in-training. Methods Routine breast ultrasound (US) examinations were conducted and assessed by an experienced radiologist. Archived images of the lesions (including grayscale, color Doppler �ow and elastography images) were retrospectively assessed by each of �ve in-training residents who were blinded to the histopathological �ndings and any other US diagnosis. The diagnostic performances of S-Detect™ and the �ve residents were measured and compared. Afterwards, category 4a lesions assessed by the residents were downgraded when classi�ed as possibly benign by S-Detect™. The diagnostic performance of the integrated results was compared with the original results of the residents. Results A total of 195 focal breast lesions were consecutively enrolled, including 82 malignant lesions and 113 benign lesions. S-Detect™ presented higher speci�city and area under the curve (AUC)than the residents. After combination with S-Detect™ in category 4a lesions, the speci�city and AUC of the �ve residents were signi�cantly improved. The intraclass correlation coe�cient (ICC) of the �ve residents also increased after integration. Conclusions With the help of the CAD software, the speci�city, overall diagnostic performances and interobserver agreements of the residents greatly improved. S-Detect™ can be utilized as an assistant tool for residents-in-training in classifying breast lesions.


It is well known that the ferroelectric layers in dielectric/ferroelectric/dielectric heterostructures harbor polarization domains resulting in the negative capacitance crucial for manufacturing energy-efficient field-effect transistors. However, the temperature behavior of the characteristic dielectric properties, and, hence, the corresponding behavior of the negative capacitance, are still poorly understood, restraining the technological progress thereof. Here we investigate the temperature-dependent properties of domain structures in the SrTiO3/PbTiO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures and demonstrate that the temperature–thickness phase diagram of the system includes the ferroelectric and paraelectric regions, which exhibit different responses to the applied electric field. Using phase-field modeling and analytical calculations we find the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant of ferroelectric layers and identify the regions of the phase diagram wherein the system demonstrates negative capacitance. We further discuss the optimal routes for implementing negative capacitance in energy-efficient ferroelectric field-effect transistors.


According to operation situation of power plant's EP, the technical measures of energy saving in low-voltage power supply system have been analyzed over the years. Based on the classical theory of electrostatic precipitator and the operating status quo of EP, the paper has been focused on the principles of energy-saving and emission-reduction EP, established high-voltage current supply energy-saving and emission-reduction EP dust removal efficiency of mathematical models, analyzed energy saving and emission reduction technical measures of the low voltage device and proposed the technical solutions. It provided reference for design, adjustment, operation and energy saving of power plant's EP.


Abstract : The classical formulation of the static job shop scheduling problem with job due dates implies that the question of interest to the manager is: What is the best that can be done to meet due dates with fixed resources. In this paper, two alternative formulations of the problem are proposed; one because of its practical appeal, the other because of its methodological appeal. The latter is used to develop a multi-pass heuristic scheduling procedure aimed at providing a practical tool for attacking any of the three formulations of the problem. The procedure was programmed and applied to a set of nineteen test problems for which solutions satisfying all job due dates are known to exist. The problems range in size up to 10 jobs, 9 machines and 14 jobs, 7 machines. Solutions were attained for each of the test problems. The average and maximum IBM 360-91 computing times were 1.23 and 3.28 seconds, respectively. (Author)


The kidney function alterations with age and on congestive heart failure, are reviewed as the pharmacocynetic and pharmacodynamic of the diuretics on old patients with this syndrome. The therapeutic importance of hiposodic diet was considered. The reasons for the susceptibility of old people to diuretics and the criteria for the choice of the diuretic on this age, are reviewed. So are the most important adverse effect of diuretics on old people and the contra-indication for the use of these drugs on elderly. The importance of hypocalaemia on old people and how to prevent or correct it are considered. The haemodynamic risks of an excessive diureses are reviewed. Finally, we propose some recommendations about the use of diuretics on the elderly.


A major difference behveen a university and a training institute is the university's requirement that students complement their professional major with liberal education, the outcomes of which are generally assumed to be the development in students of higher-order thinking, a critical system of values, and the skill to communicate that thinking and those values. Faculty in the professions are beginning to realize that these outcomes are not achieved by means of loosely articulated requirements in general education, but are inf act the foundation of good professional education. The task before them is to articulate professional expectations for liberal outcomes, and then to take the responsibility for developing and assessing the outcomes within the professional curriculum.


SUMMARY: We examine whether audit engagement partner tenure and rotation affect investors' perceptions, as proxied by the ex ante cost of equity capital. We find that partner tenure has a nonlinear relation with the ex ante cost of equity capital for non-Big 4 audit engagements prior to the introduction of partner rotation requirements, and that the imputed gains from partner tenure appear similar to the imputed gains of having a Big 4 auditor. Consistent with the tenure results, we also find that partner rotation is associated with increased ex ante cost of equity capital. Our results are very robust to a variety of sensitivity tests and raise important questions for future research. It is not known to what extent investors or analysts are aware of the audit partner's identity or pay attention to audit partner tenure; if investors or analysts do not consider partner tenure, future research may identify omitted variables that have the same nonlinear relationship with the ex ante cost of capital that we ob...


Insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle is a key defect mediating the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, a disease that typically affects people in later life. Sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and quality) is a risk factor for a number of frailty-related conditions that occur in the elderly. In addition, a syndrome of 'sarcopenic obesity' (SO) is now increasingly recognised, which is common in older people and is applied to individuals that simultaneously show obesity, IR and sarcopenia. Such individuals are at an increased risk of adverse health events compared with those who are obese or sarcopenic alone. However, there are no licenced treatments for sarcopenia or SO, the syndrome is poorly defined clinically and the mechanisms that might explain a common aetiology are not yet well characterised. In this review, we detail the nature and extent of the clinical syndrome, highlight some of the key physiological processes that are dysregulated and discuss some candidate molecular pathways that could be implicated in both metabolic and anabolic defects in skeletal muscle, with an eye towards future therapeutic options. In particular, the potential roles of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signalling, AMP-activated protein kinase, myostatin, urocortins and vitamin D are discussed.


It is well known that the Karhunen - Loeve Transform (KLT) diagonalizes the covariance matrix and gives the optimal energy compaction. Since the real covariance matrix may not be obtained in video compression, we consider a covariance model that can be constructed without extra cost. In this work, a covariance model based on a graph is considered for temporal transforms of videos. The relation between the covariance matrix and the Laplacian is studied. We obtain an explicit expression of the relation for tree graphs, where the trees are defined by motion information. The proposed graph-based covariance is a good model for motion-compensated image sequences. In terms of energy compaction, our graph-based covariance model has the potential to outperform the classical Laplacian-based signal analysis.


ABSTRACT Target binding by CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein effectors is initiated by the recognition of double-stranded PAM motifs by the Cas protein moiety followed by destabilization, localized melting, and interrogation of the target by the guide part of CRISPR RNA moiety. The latter process depends on seed sequences, parts of the target that must be strictly complementary to CRISPR RNA guide. Mismatches between the target and CRISPR RNA guide outside the seed have minor effects on target binding, thus contributing to off-target activity of CRISPR-Cas effectors. Here, we define the seed sequence of the Type V Cas12b effector from Bacillus thermoamylovorans. While the Cas12b seed is just five bases long, in contrast to all other effectors characterized to date, the nucleotide base at the site of target cleavage makes a very strong contribution to target binding. The generality of this additional requirement was confirmed during analysis of target recognition by Cas12b effector from Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Thus, while the short seed may contribute to Cas12b promiscuity, the additional specificity determinant at the site of cleavage may have a compensatory effect making Cas12b suitable for specialized genome editing applications.


Objectives: To compare the occurrence of oral diseases in a population of khat chewers and non chewers in the Eastleigh, a commercial and residential area in Nairobi. The practice of khat chewing has been shown to be aetiological1y associated with several oral and dental diseases including temporomandibular joint dysfunction, dental attrition, oral stomatitis, keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study constituting 72 current khat users, 10 former users and 85 individuals who had never used khat were subjected to a standard clinical examination based on established oral health indices after obtaining their informed consent. Results: The habit of khat chewing was common, particularly among the youth aged 20 39 years; and more in males (67.60%) than in females (32.39%). Mean DMFT scores (± SEM) were higher in the group of current khat chewers, while no significant differences were observed between the groups in relation to fluorosis levels, dental attrition and periodontal status. Emerging trends associated with the khat habit included initiation into khat chewing in adolescence and habitual consumption of cariogenic foods andlor soft drinks to counter the bitter after-taste of khat and to relieve thirst resulting from sympathomimetic stimulation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the traditional modes of khat use are changing, and that the short term use of khat can lead to a variety of oral and dental problems which are mainly associated with accompanying habits.


ABSTRACT Uhl D., Jasper A. & Wuttke M. 2020. — Anatomical preservation of silicified corylites J.S.Gardner leaves from the Paleocene maar lake of Menat (Puy-de-Dôme, France). geodiversitas 42 (26): 485-492. http://geodiversitas.com/42/26 The late Paleocene fossil lagerstätte Menat in France is well known for its wealth of excellently preserved fossil plants and insects. Although the flora from this locality is regarded as characteristic for the late Thanetian in Western and Central Europe, there is a noteworthy lack of modern paleobotanical studies on this locality. The few existing studies on plant megafossils utilized only the gross morphology of leaves and carpological material for taxonomic questions, whereas anatomical data (i.e. from cuticles and permineralizations) have been completely neglected. The present study provides the first data on anatomically preserved internal tissues of leaves assigned to Corylites macquarrii (Forbes) Heer from this locality. Cell walls are preserved as silicates, whereas cell lumina are mostly empty. On occasion, cell lumina are filled with foam-like, porous silica. Anatomical preservation of these tissues is probably related to early diagenetic silicification of plant cell walls. Although at the moment nothing can be said about the source of the SiO2 it is likely that it is related to the volcanic origin of the Menat maar and/or volcanic activities in the vicinity of the lake during deposition of the sediments.


&NA; Combined clinical pretest probability (PTP) and D-dimer testing have great diagnostic value for pulmonary embolism exclusion. To harmonize performance levels of D-dimer assays available on the market, the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) has published a guideline, endorsed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Such guideline specifies the ideal D-dimer assay characteristic and target population. This study was conducted following the CLSI guideline to upgrade the assay-intended use and obtain FDA clearance of STA-Liatest D-Di assay for pulmonary embolism exclusion in patient with low/moderate PTP. This was an international, multicenter, prospective nonrandomized, noninterventional clinical outcome management study conducted in a standard of care setting. D-dimer assay was performed in consecutive, ambulatory outpatients suspected of pulmonary embolism, with low/moderate PTP, and without medical conditions or in clinical settings known to alter default D-dimer values regardless of the presence of thrombosis using a threshold of 0.5 &mgr;g/ml (fibrinogen equivalent units) for venous thromboembolism exclusion. Results were used to determine test performance. Of 1141 patients who underwent D-dimer testing, 1060 had valid results and completed study as planned. STA-Liatest D-Di assay performance has exceeded the CLSI/FDA guidance requirements, with a sensitivity of 97.6% (95% confidence interval: 91.7–99.7%) and a negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% confidence interval: 99.0–100%). STA-Liatest D-Di assay has an excellent performance when used in combination with a PTP score in relevant patients and has the potential to minimize the economic healthcare burden avoiding unnecessary and expensive imaging tests.


Background: Egypt is undergoing rapid socioeconomic changes that affect health and social distribution of its citizens. One of the most increasingly employed poverty alleviation strategies is Cash Transfer (CT) programs. CT Programs are expected to improve all aspects of citizens' lives, including their health status. CT Programs are classified into two types; Conditional (CCT) and Unconditional (UCT).
Aim: This study was carried out to assess the impact of UCT programs on the health status of Beneficiary Families through comparing them with Non Beneficiary Families.
Methods: A community-based, cross sectional comparative study was conducted in a randomly selected urban area in Cairo - Egypt. The sample included all the 200 registered Beneficiary Families at the Social Affairs Office, Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity and 200 Non Beneficiary Families. A questionnaire form was used to record data about members of the 400 families during a household survey. Analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 17.0). The following was estimated at family level: disease burden (estimated as the sum of years lost due to morbidity and premature death) and extent of health service utilization.
Results: The study findings revealed that the disease burden was 7995 years among Beneficiary Families with a mean of 8 years per family member versus 5000 years for Non Beneficiary Families (mean =5 years/ family member). For health service utilization in the three months preceding the study, 31% of Beneficiary Family members received health services versus 35% of Non Beneficiary Family members (p=0.03).
Conclusion: UCT is not enough to ensure better health status of beneficiary families. Policy makers should encourage moving towards conditional forms of CT programs and increasing the amount of cash payments.


In recent years, new business models are becoming increasingly more important for manufacturers in the capital goods industry. However, manufacturers of plants still hesitate to offer these customer-oriented solutions, due to existing uncertainties resulting from economic risks. The offer of innovative business models requires a stronger integration of the supplier into the life cycle of a plant and hence into the production phase of the customer, leading to the consequence that manufacturers have to restructure their previous activities extensively. Due to the financial risk connected herewith, decision models are required, which identify and assess the impacts resulting from the implementation of these innovative business models. Aspects like time delay, due to the reorganization of the service department or the set up of adequate human resources have to be considered. Therefore, the aim of this contribution is to develop a system dynamics model for the analysis of long-ranging consequences due to the implementation of an exemplary business model.


Background Acceptable post-orchiectomy adjuvant therapy strategies for stage I seminoma patients include surveillance, para-aortic radiation therapy (RT), dog-leg RT, and a single cycle of carboplatin. The required follow-up recommendations were amended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in 2012. Given a cause-specific survival of nearly 100%, a closer analysis of the reimbursement for each treatment strategy is warranted. Methods NCCN guidelines were used to design treatment plans for each acceptable adjuvant treatment strategy. Follow-up charges were generated for 10 years based on 2012 (version 1.2012; unchanged in current version 1.2013) and 2011 NCCN (version 2.2011) surveillance recommendations. The 2012 Medicare reimbursement rates were used to calculate each treatment strategy and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to compare the treatment options. Results Under the current NCCN follow-up recommendations, the total reimbursements generated over 10 years of surveillance, para-aortic RT, dog-leg RT, and carboplatin were $10,643, $11,678, $9,662, and $10,405, respectively. This is compared with the reimbursements as per the 2011 NCCN recommendations: $20,986, $11,517, $9,394, and $20,365 respectively. Factoring the rates of relapse into a salvage model, observation was found to be more costly and less effective ($–1,831, $−7,318, $–7,010) in the adjuvant management of stage I seminoma patients Conclusion Based on incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, para-aortic RT, dog-leg RT, and carboplatin are cost-effective options for the treatment of stage I seminoma when compared with observation; however, surveillance could potentially spare as many as 80%–85% of men diagnosed with stage I seminoma from additional therapy after radical inguinal orchiectomy. Such cost and reimbursement analyses are becoming increasingly relevant, but are not meant to usurp sound clinical judgment. Further studies are required to validate these findings.


I have been favoured by W. H. Shrubsole, Esq. F.G.S., to whom I was indebted for the humeral evidences of Argillornis longipennis, with a fossil from the same formation and locality (London Clay, Sheppey), which, when cleared of matrix, has afforded the subject of the following description. It is a considerable portion of the skull of a bird (Pl. II.), wanting the lower jaw and fore end of the upper jaw: some prominent parts are abraded, exposing a pneumatic cellular structure. The lenght of the fossil is 5 inches 4 lines = 135 millims.; the breadth across the lacrymals (fig. 2, 73) is 1 inch 9 lines = 45 millims,; across the mastoids (ib. 8, 8) 2 inches = 50 millims.; but these prominences have suffered abrasion. The coalesced frontals (fig. 2, 11, 11′), which are 2 inches 6 lines 63 millims, in length, have joined the præmaxillo-nasals (fig. 2, 1–22) by a transverse suture, 1 inch 2 lines = 30 millims, in length. Posthumous pressure has driven this part of the frontal two or three lines below such base of the upper mandible (fig. 1, 11, 22). Defining the hind part of the frontal by a faint linear trace of a fronto-parietal suture, 7, the breadth of the bone is here 1 inch 6 lines = 37 millims. The whole of the preserved extent of the frontal is smooth, devoid of intermuscular crest or ridges, feebly convex behind the orbits, becoming as feebly concave transversely between the orbits—this concavity


Leadership is widely considered to be an important aspect of organizing performance and there
are several reasons to suggest the type of leadership styles of particular relevance in this context.
However, there is a dearth of both theoretical and empirical work on leadership styles and their
subsequent effects on organization performance. The aim of this paper is to report the findings of
leadership styles and business performance effectiveness, such participative, supportive and
instrumental leadership style. In a study of 109 respondents, the research found participative
leadership style was positively associated with business performance. Participativeleadership is a
style of leadership that involves all members of a team in identifying essential goals and
developing procedures or strategies for reach those goals. It allows for the development of
additional leaders who can serve the organization at a later date. Because leaders who favor this
style encourage active involvement on the part of everyone on the team, people often are able to
express their creativity and demonstrate abilities and talents that would not be made apparent
otherwise. The discovery of these hidden assets help to benefit the work of the current team, but
also alerts the organization to people within the team who should be provided with opportunities
to further develop some skill or ability for future use


A comprehensive model of chlorine plasma etching of polysilicon in a parallel plate reactor was developed. The Boltzmann transport equation and a bulk plasma model were used to calculate the rate coefficients of electron impact reactions. These coefficients were then used in a transport and reaction model to calculate the atomic chlorine concentration distribution. The same methodology may be applied to other plasma systems as well. Theoretical results for an empty reactor (no polysilicon film) are presented in this paper. Unified plots were developed which relate the electron density, self-sustained electric field, and electron impact coefficients in the bulk plasma to pressure, power, and reactor geometry. The calculated atomic chlorine concentration showed similar dependence on pressure and electrode spacing for either first or second order surface recombination kinetics. Experimental verification of the model predictions is presented in the accompanying paper.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the magnitude and trend of maternal mortality in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.

DESIGN
Retrospective study.

SETTING
Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.

SUBJECT
All women dying in pregnancy, labour and puerperium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Maternal mortality ratio, trend of maternal mortality, age, antenatal booking status, educational status, main causes of maternal death, factors contributing to maternal deaths.

RESULTS
The maternal mortality ratio was 739/100,000 total deliveries and trend rose from 450/100,000 in 1990 to 1,060/100,000 total deliveries in 1994. About 33% of all maternal deaths occurred among teenagers. The risk factors for maternal deaths included adolescence, grand multiparity, illiteracy and non-utilisation of antenatal services. The main causes of maternal mortality were haemorrhage (28.1%), sepsis (21.3%) and eclampsia (15.7%). The contributions of complicated induced abortion and anaesthetic deaths in this study are worthy of mention.

CONCLUSION
The maternal mortality ratio is unacceptably high in Jos University Teaching Hospital more particularly because of the rising trend. Socio-cultural and economic factors contributed immensely to the high maternal mortality in Jos. The objective of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to reduce maternal mortality by 50% by the year 2000 will not be achieved in this part of Nigeria. Nonetheless, improvement of the nation's economy coupled with a stable policy and provision of intrastructural facilities will assist to significantly reduce maternal mortality.


More than 20 years ago, Ashby and Tennant showed the interest of structural alerts for the prediction of the carcinogenicity of chemicals. These structural alerts are functional groups or structural features of various sizes that are linked to the level of carcinogenicity of chemicals. Since this pioneering work it has been possible to refine the alerts over time, as more experimental results have become available and additional mechanistic insights have been gained. To date, one of the most advanced lists of structural alerts for evaluating the carcinogenic potential of chemicals is the list proposed by Benigni and Bossa and that is implemented as a rule-based system in Toxtree and in the OECD QSAR Application Toolbox. In order to gain insight into the applicability of this system to the detection of potential carcinogens we screened about 200 pesticides and biocides showing a high structural diversity. Prediction results were compared with experimental data retrieved from an extensive bibliographical review. The prediction correctness was only equal to 60.14%. Attempts were made to analyse the sources of mispredictions.


We present the B-fields mapped in IRDC G34.43+0.24 using 850 μm polarized dust emission observed with the POL-2 instrument at the James Clerk Maxwell telescope. We examine the magnetic field geometries and strengths in the northern, central, and southern regions of the filament. The overall field geometry is ordered and aligned closely perpendicular to the filament's main axis, particularly in regions containing the central clumps MM1 and MM2, whereas MM3 in the north has field orientations aligned with its major axis. The overall field orientations are uniform at large (POL-2 at 14″ and SHARP at 10″) to small scales (TADPOL at 2.″5 and SMA at 1.″5) in the MM1 and MM2 regions. SHARP/CSO observations in MM3 at 350 μm from Tang et al. show a similar trend as seen in our POL-2 observations. TADPOL observations demonstrate a well-defined field geometry in MM1/MM2 consistent with MHD simulations of accreting filaments. We obtained a plane-of-sky magnetic field strength of 470 ± 190 μG, 100 ± 40 μG, and 60 ± 34 μG in the central, northern, and southern regions of G34, respectively, using the updated Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi relation. The estimated value of field strength, combined with column density and velocity dispersion values available in the literature, suggests G34 to be marginally critical with criticality parameter λ values 0.8 ± 0.4, 1.1 ± 0.8, and 0.9 ± 0.5 in the central, northern, and southern regions, respectively. The turbulent motions in G34 are sub-Alfvénic with Alfvénic Mach numbers of 0.34 ± 0.13, 0.53 ± 0.30, and 0.49 ± 0.26 in the three regions. The observed aligned B-fields in G34.43+0.24 are consistent with theoretical models suggesting that B-fields play an important role in guiding the contraction of the cloud driven by gravity.


Eyewear for athletes and sportsmen must meet legally-recognized standards for impact-resistance. Negligence and product liability claims may result from a failure to observe these standards, which are intended to minimize the risk of ocular injury. Optometrists have a legal duty to warn athletes of the relative impact-resistance of ophthalmic materials, to dispense materials that offer adequate protection, and to verify all materials dispensed to ensure they meet the necessary standards.


When modelling demand for addictive consumption goods, the most widely used framework is the rational addiction model proposed by Becker and Murphy. This paper extends the rational addiction model to include two addictive consumption goods, alcohol and cigarettes, and using aggregate annual time series on sales volumes for the period 1955–1999, estimates the aggregate demand for these goods in Sweden, where OLS estimates are compared to GMM estimates allowing for possible endogeneity of lagged and lead consumption. First, the demand for alcohol and cigarettes are estimated as separate equations and it is found that alcohol demand is quite well described by the rational addiction model while the same is not true for cigarettes. The own-price elasticities are negative, and alcohol demand is more elastic than cigarette demand. The cross-price elasticities are also negative, showing that alcohol and cigarettes are complements. Since consumption of alcohol and cigarettes are probably simultaneous decisions, the demand for these goods is estimated as a system of equations and it is found that alcohol demand is still positively affected by lagged and lead consumption while cigarette demand is not. It is also found that the elasticities obtained are now generally smaller compared to when estimating the equations separately.


A group of 15 partially edentulous patients who needed alveolar ridge augmentation for implant placement, were consecutively treated using a two-stage technique in an outpatient environment. A total of 18 alveolar segments were grafted. During the first operation bone blocks harvested from the mandibular ramus or symphysis were placed as lateral or vertical onlay grafts and fixed with titanium osteosynthesis screws after exposure of the deficient alveolar ridge. After 6 months of healing the flap was re-opened, the screws were removed and the implants placed. Twelve months after the first operation implant-supported fixed bridges could be provided to the patients. Mean lateral augmentation obtained at the time of bone grafting was 6.5 +/- 0.33 mm, that reduced during healing because of graft resorption to a mean of 5.0 +/- 0.23 mm. Mean vertical augmentation obtained in the 9 sites where it was needed was 3.4 +/- 0.66 mm at bone grafting and 2.2 +/- 0.66 mm at implant placement. Mean lateral and vertical augmentation decreased by 23.5% and 42%, respectively, during bone graft healing (before implant insertion). Mandibular sites showed a larger amount of bone graft resorption than maxillary sites. All the 40 implants placed were integrated at the abutment connection and after prosthetic loading (mean follow-up was 12 months). No major complications were recorded at donor or recipient sites. Soft tissue healing was uneventful, and pain and swelling were comparable to usual dentoalveolar procedures. A visible ecchymosis was present for 4 to 7 days when the bone was harvested from the mandibular symphysis. From a clinical point of view this procedure appears to be simple, safe and effective for treating localised alveolar ridge defects in partially edentulous patients.


ABSTRACT Jean Barbeyrac is best known as the leading eighteenth-century translator in French of the major writings on natural law by Pufendorf, Grotius and Cumberland. This article attempts to expound and assess Barbeyrac's independent contribution to the natural law tradition as it may be recovered both from these editions of the works of others and also from other writings. It is argued that Barbeyrac's intellectual context in the Huguenot diaspora and his distinctive reading of Locke, Bayle, and Pufendorf led him to develop an original equation of the authority of conscience with the authority of reason. The rationalist natural law theory he developed inevitably identified the role assigned to God within it and the scope of resistance to legal civil authority as central issues for debate which remained problematic for Barbeyrac throughout his career. These important ethical subjects remained unresolved in the general development of natural jurisprudence in the early eighteenth century, as exemplified in Barbeyrac's attempt to refute Leibniz's telling critique of Pufendorf.


The authors present a combined head-eye tracking system suitable for use with free head movement during natural activities. This system provides an integrated head and eye position measurement while allowing for a large range of head movement (approx 1.8 m of head translation is tolerated). Six degrees of freedom of head motion and two degrees of freedom of eye motion are measured by the system. The system was designed to be useful for the evaluation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The VOR generates compensatory eye movements in order to stabilize gaze during linear or rotational motion of the head. Current clinical and basic research evaluation of the VOR has used a restricted range of head motion, mainly low-frequency, yaw rotation. An integrated eye-head tracking system such as the one presented here allows the VOR response to linear and angular head motion to be studied in a more physiologically relevant manner. Two examples of the utility of the integrated head and eye tracking system in evaluating the vestibular response to linear and angular motion are presented.


The objective of supply chain management (SCM) is to remove time and cost from supply chains, improving profitability and/or competitiveness. It is possible through conceptual advances, utilization of computer hardware and software, and other advances in electronic technology. Business literature is used to define the concept. Most applications and benefits have resulted from alliances between large retailers and large packaged goods vendors. Specific applications of SCM in the produce industry, with emphasis on factors such as perishability and production variability, are discussed. Firm-size implications are important. While small and mid-sized growers may find the cost to be high, the innovation of logistics provided by outside suppliers is an alternative. A third-party provider was interviewed; its approach and services are documented; and industry implications are discussed.


Author(s): O'Connor, Wendy Lynn | Advisor(s): Huie Hofstetter, Carolyn | Abstract: This mixed-methods study explored TK-2 students' literacy experiences in school and home in regards to their use of print books and the digital library, myON, as part of their repertoires of practice. This study is broadly based in language socialization theory and operationalized through the cultural communities framework presented by Rogoff (2003). There is a literature base that exists around early literacy and the importance of connecting literacy development with the home through family involvement. The existing literature around e-books shows the promise of increased literacy proficiency when using e-books along with concerns regarding equitable access, distractibility, and the appropriate use of screen time. School and home survey and interview responses about the daily practices of 208 student participants at one elementary setting revealed a variety of literacy and technology practices in the school and home. The findings revealed a strong digital infrastructure in the school context; however, some students did not have access to technology at home because they did not have Internet. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analyses revealed that the overall myON hours varied across student usage, which was in part explained by a nested structure in which the classroom teacher had the largest effect on myON usage followed by grade. The higher the grade level of the student, the more likely students were to integrate a digital library into their routine practices. Teacher and parent reports revealed that both traditional and digital resources were integrated into their classroom and home literacy practices. Teacher participants used reading homework as a mediator to communicate ways that parents could support their children's literacy development. Further, the classroom teacher had the largest effect on student myON usage within classroom, homework, and home practices because the teachers' literacy practices influenced what activities students engaged in while in school and at home. Findings from this study regarding how participants used a digital library as part of their daily routine can support the development of effective and culturally sensitive 21st century literacy practices that draw from the experiences of children's families and educators. Implications of the study are also discussed.


Mutations in human tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes TSC1 and TSC2 are the leading causes of developmental brain abnormalities and large tumors in other tissues. Murine Tsc1/2 have been shown to negatively regulate the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway in most tissues, and this pathway has been shown to be essential for proper oligodendrocytes/Schwann cell differentiation and myelination. Here, we report that ablation of Tsc1 gene specifically in oligodendrocytes/Schwann cells activates mTORC1 signaling resulting in severe motor disabilities, weight loss, and early postnatal death. The mutant mice of either sex showed reduced myelination, disrupted paranodal domains in myelinated axons, and disorganized unmyelinated Remak bundles. mRNA and protein expression analyses revealed strong reduction in the RNA–binding protein Quaking (Qk) and the 155 kDa glial Neurofascin (NfascNF155). Re-introduction of exogenous Qk gene in Tsc1 mutant oligodendrocytes restored NfascNF155 protein levels indicating that Qk is required for the stabilization of NfascNF155 mRNA. Interestingly, injection of Rapamycin, a pharmacological mTORC1 inhibitor, to pregnant mothers increased the lifespan of the mutant offspring, restored myelination as well as the levels of Qk and NfascNF155, and consequently the organization of the paranodal domains. Together our studies show a critical role of mTORC1 signaling in the differentiation of myelinating glial cells and proper organization of axonal domains and provide insights into TSC-associated myelinated axon abnormalities.


Abstract In the course of our supervisory work over the years, we have noticed that qualitative research tends to evoke a lot of questions and worries, so-called frequently asked questions (FAQs). This series of four articles intends to provide novice researchers with practical guidance for conducting high-quality qualitative research in primary care. By 'novice' we mean Master's students and junior researchers, as well as experienced quantitative researchers who are engaging in qualitative research for the first time. This series addresses their questions and provides researchers, readers, reviewers and editors with references to criteria and tools for judging the quality of qualitative research papers. The second article focused on context, research questions and designs, and referred to publications for further reading. This third article addresses FAQs about sampling, data collection and analysis. The data collection plan needs to be broadly defined and open at first, and become flexible during data collection. Sampling strategies should be chosen in such a way that they yield rich information and are consistent with the methodological approach used. Data saturation determines sample size and will be different for each study. The most commonly used data collection methods are participant observation, face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Analyses in ethnographic, phenomenological, grounded theory, and content analysis studies yield different narrative findings: a detailed description of a culture, the essence of the lived experience, a theory, and a descriptive summary, respectively. The fourth and final article will focus on trustworthiness and publishing qualitative research.


Human neutrophils have been considered to be a functionally homogeneous population of cells. We have developed a density sedimentation technique for separation of neutrophils into two populations based on their ability to form rosettes with IgG-coated human erythrocytes (7SEA). Under the experimental conditions 80% +/- 4.3% of normal human peripheral blood neutrophilis form rosettes. Functionally rosette- forming neutrophils are more adherent to nylon wool, able to phagocytize more 14C-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, more efficient in killing S. aureus, and more responsive to endotoxin-activated human serum in a 51-cr chemotaxis assay that the non-rosette forming neutrophils. However, there is no difference among neutrophil subpopulations' ability to phagocytize latex particles. Paired samples of exudate neutrophils from cutaneous abscess fluid and peripheral neutrophils from three patients were investigated for their ability to form 7SEA rosettes. In each case exudate neutrophils contained greater than 96% rosette-forming neutrophils, whereas peripheral blood contained the normal 80% ( less than 0.01). Thus we show that peripheral blood contains at least two distinct populations of neutrophils. However, an essentially homogeneous neutrophil population is present in cutaneous exudate fluid.


Background Within many health related degree programmes, students receive support during placements via visiting tutors. Literature discusses the importance of this support but economic and environmental arguments indicate a need for alternatives to supporting a student in situ. This project investigated the logistics of and perceptions towards using video conferencing as a means of providing this support. Methods A pilot project was undertaken in which an in situ, support meeting was replaced with a meeting via video link. All participants completed evaluative questionnaires and students attended a follow up focus group in order to explore responses in more depth. Results and discussion Use of the medium identified key logistical hurdles in implementing technology into existing support systems. All participants expressed enthusiasm for the medium with educators expressing a preference. Students identified concerns over the use of this medium for failing placements but could not identify why. As a result of evaluation, this project has raised a number of questions relating to the fitness for purpose of video conferencing in this context. Conclusion Future research aims to respond to the questions raised in evaluating the value and purpose of placement support and the nature of conversations via the video conferencing medium.


Background: Air pollution is a major global environmental risk factor. Since people spend most of their time indoors, the sole measure of outdoor concentrations is not sufficient to assess total exposure to air pollution. Therefore, the arising interest by the international community to indoor-outdoor relationships has led to the development of various techniques for the study of emission and exchange parameters among ambient and non-ambient pollutants. However, a standardised method is still lacking due to the complex release and dispersion of pollutants and the site conditions among studies. Methods: This review attempts to fill this gap to some extent by focusing on the analysis of the variety of site-specific approaches for the assessment of particulate matter in work and life environments. Results: First, the main analogies and differences between indoor and outdoor particles emerging from several studies are briefly described. Commonly-used indicators, sampling methods, and other approaches are compared. Second, recommendations for further studies based on recent results in order to improve the assessment and management of those issues are provided. Conclusions: This review is a step towards a comprehensive understanding of indoor and outdoor exposures which may stimulate the development of innovative tools for further epidemiological and multidisciplinary research.


OBJECTIVE To determine whether breaking up prolonged sitting with short bouts of standing or walking improves postprandial markers of cardiometabolic health in women at high risk of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-two overweight/obese, dysglycemic, postmenopausal women (mean ± SD age 66.6 ± 4.7 years) each participated in two of the following treatments: prolonged, unbroken sitting (7.5 h) or prolonged sitting broken up with either standing or walking at a self-perceived light intensity (for 5 min every 30 min). Both allocation and treatment order were randomized. The incremental area under the curves (iAUCs) for glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and triglycerides were calculated for each treatment condition (mean ± SEM). The following day, all participants underwent the 7.5-h sitting protocol. RESULTS Compared with a prolonged bout of sitting (iAUC 5.3 ± 0.8 mmol/L ⋅ h), both standing (3.5 ± 0.8 mmol/L ⋅ h) and walking (3.8 ± 0.7 mmol/L ⋅ h) significantly reduced the glucose iAUC (both P < 0.05). When compared with prolonged sitting (548.2 ± 71.8 mU/L ⋅ h), insulin was also reduced for both activity conditions (standing, 437.2 ± 73.5 mU/L ⋅ h; walking, 347.9 ± 78.7 mU/L ⋅ h; both P < 0.05). Both standing (−1.0 ± 0.2 mmol/L ⋅ h) and walking (−0.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L ⋅ h) attenuated the suppression of NEFA compared with prolonged sitting (−1.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L ⋅ h) (both P < 0.05). There was no significant effect on triglyceride iAUC. The effects on glucose (standing and walking) and insulin (walking only) persisted into the following day. CONCLUSIONS Breaking up prolonged sitting with 5-min bouts of standing or walking at a self-perceived light intensity reduced postprandial glucose, insulin, and NEFA responses in women at high risk of type 2 diabetes. This simple, behavioral approach could inform future public health interventions aimed at improving the metabolic profile of postmenopausal, dysglycemic women.


Recent advances in solid-state technology coupled with marked decreases in the cost of hardware have provided the impetus to reexamine computer architectures. The von Neuman computer and other early stored-program computers were constrained to single data-stream/single-instruction-stream sequential organization primarily because of economic considerations (flip flops were of the order of $100 each). Today, however, with flip flops priced under $0.25 each, hardware costs are rapidly approaching the point where both horizontally distributed (array structures) and vertically distributed (hierarchical structures) information processing architectures are not only feasible, but economically practical.


A commonly used controller in the process industries is the Proportional-Integral-
Derivative (PID) controller due to its features; cheap and easy to configured. Another
type of controller that is now being developed is neuro-ruzzy logic controller that
functions like a human brain which consists of interconnected processing elements
called nodes or neurons that work together to produce an output function. The feature
that it has that the PID controller does not have is the ability to be retrained to deal with
various conditions in the process industries. A previous final year project on neuroruzzy
logic controller yielded an unsatisfactory result as it could only perform for a
single set point change [1]. The objective of this project is to improve the neuro-ruzzy
logic controller so that it can control a process for a wider range of set point values.
Data achieved for this project are through plant experiments using SIM 305 Pilot Plant:
Plant 6 for the purpose of process modeling and computer simulation. Computer
simulation is used to design the PID controller and the neuro-fuzzy logic controller.
These two types of controllers are then compared and analyzed based on their
performances. Controlled Variable (CV) Overshoot, Manipulated Variable (MV)
Overshootand DecayRatio are the benchmarks used to compare and evaluate these two
controllers. Based on the simulation results, the two controllers are in par since the
benchmark values for the two controllers are nearly the same. However, it can be
concluded at this stage that the PID controller is better than the neuro-fuzzy logic
controller due to the smallest value of overshoot compared to the neuro-fuzzy logic
controller.


This paper discusses an arms control simulation that formed a central part of the course, Controlling Chemical and Biological Weapons. Based on the experiential learning approach this simulation sought to (a) provide an active learning context for students to acquire an in-depth understanding of central aspects of biological arms control, and (b) gain an appreciation for the complexities of multilateral diplomacy in general and arms control negotiations in particular. I taught this course in spring 2006 to a group of 16 final-year undergraduate students. The arms control simulation complemented the weekly one-hour lectures and replaced the standard one-hour student-led seminar sessions. At the beginning of the simulation I supplied students with a set of confidential country instructions to approach the simulation, which was subdivided into two negotiating rounds of three sessions each and a drafting exercise towards the end of the semester.


The performance of coherent MIMO-OFDM systems critically depends on the availability of accurate channel estimates. In wireless communications, the MIMO channel is time-varying and thus has to be tracked by the receiver. In this paper, we develop an extended Kalman filter technique for pilot symbol assisted MIMO-OFDM channel tracking. Our tracking scheme is able to exploit spatial correlations of the channel. It includes on-line estimation of the channel's state-space parameters and hence does not require any prior knowledge. Simulations using measured channels demonstrate the excellent performance of our channel tracking scheme.


Gas turbine engine prices vary widely. Any organisation planning to invest in a project involving the use of gas turbine engines, as prime mover, must perform a robust economic analysis to guide the organisations investment decisions. One major element that could greatly influence the outcome of an economic analysis, and eventual organisational decisions and planning, is gas turbine engine acquisition price.
 This study applies artificial neural networks to estimate gas turbine engine price. A supervised network learning strategy has been adopted to train the network from a dataset of historical records of gas turbine engine performance parameters and engine price. Numerical gradient checking has been performed to validate the computed cost function with quantified similarity obtained in the order of 10−9. The challenge of neural network overfitting has been minimized by applying a regularization technique. As such, the developed network closes reflects real world observations. To validate the network predictions, the developed neural network has been used to estimate the price of known gas turbine engine units with 95% to 99.9% accuracy.


This study made to explore the use of ICS in different parts of Kenya- to identify the types of ICS used; determine cooking practices of the people; ascertain the impact of the ICS on the peoples socio-economic well- being; determine the general population's awareness of the ICS; select some ICS and recommend further laboratory experiments on their energy efficiency and emission controls. Total Project Area (TPA) included three regions in Kenya namely Western Province (Kakamega area), Central Province (Nyeri area) and Nyanza Province (Maseno area). Simple random sampling was used for the households in the TPA. Basically 36A of the total households sampled were found to be using ICS with 2A in central province, 31A in Nyanza and 60A in western Kenya and the ICS mainly being locally manufactured. Beside use of improved cooking stove, residents of the three regions rely on the following stoves; ceramic jiko, charcoal stove, traditional three stone fires and others Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves. Those who knew about ICS basically got the information through friends with only 7.14A learning about them through promotions by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Majority of the ICS users were however satisfied with its performance. Individualsusing ICS realized reduction in smoke emitted hence less respiratory problems. Economically, it has seen reduction in cooking time, fuel used and convenience when in use due to its portability. Majority of the interviewees had medium family size ranging from 3-6 members who could be described as living below the poverty level basing on their living conditions.90A of the interviewed households in western had mud and pole walls with thatched roof 56A in Central and 54A in Nyanza. It was also noted during the study that majority of the households collect fuel wood for cooking with the number of collections reducing by half through the use of ICS. Laboratory tests on emissions and efficiency is however necessary for these widely used stoves to determine their performance and identify best performing models for distribution and promotion countrywide.


Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are non-hematopoietic multipotent stem cells capable of differentiating into mature cells. Studies in animal models have indicated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may originate from genetically mutated BMSCs. Moreover, it has been shown that BMSCs are influenced by and can modulate their micro-environment via secreted cytokines that promote tumor initiation, growth, and homing to tumor sites. Based on these features, BMSCs have been recognized as a putative target of molecular therapies to treat and prevent HCC. In this review we discuss the role of human BMSCs in HCC pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential.


In the field of intensive care, clinical data registries are commonly used to support clinical audit and develop evidence-based practice. However, they are often restricted to the intensive care unit episode only, limiting their ability to follow long-term patient outcomes and identify patient readmissions. Data linkage can be used to supplement existing data, but a lack of unique patient identifiers may compromise the accuracy of the linkage process. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of linking the Australia/New Zealand critical care registry to a state financial claims database using a method without direct patient identifiers and to identify possible sources of bias from this method. We used a linkage method relying on indirect patient identifiers and compared the accuracy of this method to one that also included the patient medical record number and date of birth. The overall linkage rate using the method with indirect identifiers was 92.3% compared to 94.5% using the method with direct identifiers. Factors most strongly associated with not being a correct link in the first method included patients at one study hospital, admissions in 2002 and 2003 and having a hospital length of stay of 20 days or more. Linking the Australia/New Zealand critical care without direct patient identifiers is a valid linkage method that will enable the measurement of long-term patient survival and readmissions. While some sources of bias have been identified, this method provides sufficient quality linkage that will support broad analyses designed to signal future in-depth research.


Summary Waiswa, C., 2005. Porcine trypanosomiasis in Southeastern Uganda: Prevalence and assessment of therapeutic effectiveness. Bulg. J. Vet. Med., 8, No 1, 59�68. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of trypanosomiasis and the usefulness of diminazene aceturate and isometamidium chloride in the treatment of pigs infected with Trypanosoma brucei subgroup. Whole blood was collected from pigs kept in two disease endemic areas, with riverine and open savannah environments. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis was recorded at 8.1% in the riverine environment as compared to the 2.1% in the open savannah environment and the infections in the former were significantly higher (P < 0.001). All pigs that received a treatment of isometamidium chloride (Samorin®) at 1 mg/kg body weight did not show relapse when followed up to one month post treatment using microscopy. However, relapses were recorded among pigs treated with diminazene aceturate (Berenil®) at a dose rate of 7 mg/kg body weight and no relapses were recorded in those treated with 14 mg/kg body weight. From this investigation, it is apparent that the trypanosome prevalence among pigs kept under the riverine environment is higher than those kept under the open savannah. In addition, 1 mg/kg and 14 mg/kg isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate respectively should be adopted for the treatment of trypanosome infections among the pigs in the trypanosomiasis endemic areas.


BACKGROUND
Arthrodesis is optimized when the structural graft occupies most of the surface area within a disc space. The transforaminal corridor inherently limits interbody size.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the biomechanical implications of nested interbody spacers (ie, a second curved cage placed behind a first) to increase disc space coverage in transforaminal approaches.

METHODS
Seven lumbar human cadaveric specimens (L3-S1) underwent nondestructive flexibility and axial compression testing intact and after transforaminal instrumentation at L4-L5. Specimens were tested in 5 conditions: (1) intact, (2) interbody, (3) interbody plus bilateral pedicle screws and rods (PSR), (4) 2 nested interbodies, and (5) 2 nested interbodies plus PSR.

RESULTS
Mean range of motion (ROM) with 1 interbody vs 2 nested interbodies, respectively, was: flexion, 101% vs 85%; extension, 97% vs 92%; lateral bending, 127% vs 132%; and axial rotation, 145% vs 154%. One interbody and 2 nested interbodies did not differ significantly by loading mode (P > .10). With PSR, ROM decreased significantly compared with intact, but not between interbody and interbody plus PSR or 2 interbodies plus PSR (P > .80). Mean vertical height during compressive loading (ie, axial compressive stiffness) was significantly different with 2 nested interbodies vs 1 interbody alone (P < .001) (compressive stiffness, 89% of intact vs 67% of intact, respectively).

CONCLUSION
Inserting a second interbody using a transforaminal approach is anatomically feasible and nearly doubles the disc space covered without affecting ROM. Compressive stiffness significantly increased with 2 nested interbodies, and foraminal height increased. Evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of nested interbodies is underway.


Our aim is to contribute to research on workplace innovation by identifying tasks within industrial Lean Production Systems (LPS) that can trigger the involvement of teams in workplace innovation. Previous research has shown negative effects of LPS for employees' motivation, learning, and innovation processes. The principles of job design of production tasks, e.g., standardization and routinization, are seemingly opposed to a job design that supports team's engagement in workplace innovation. In this study, we explored relations between task complexity, team learning, and proactivity. Work task analysis was conducted at baseline among 41 teams to capture the complexity of different work tasks. Eight months later, employees completed a questionnaire about team-learning processes, and managers rated each team's proactivity. Three kinds of tasks were identified. The results showed that the main work task and supplementary tasks gave no input to the team's learning process. Mediation analysis showed that additional work tasks, taking little time, have an impact on team proactivity through team learning. A conclusion is that teams within LPS can be engaged in workplace innovation depending on how they take on additional tasks, as these impact team learning. The implications for future research and practice are discussed.


This dissertation contributes to the study of educational change and the conditions thereof. During the second half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, Swedish early care and education (ECE) programs underwent a comprehensive transformation as formal instruction was supplanted by early childhood education. My analysis of this transformation utilizes a comparatively long time-frame, an organizational historical perspective, and archival material from 44 ECE societies. It focuses on three types of ECE programs: infant schools, day nurseries, and kindergartens. Since philanthropic societies organized such programs, this study's results are also of interest to the history of philanthropy.Early childhood education was established through a selection and adaptation process in which existing ECE programs were closed or changed as new ones were established. My investigation demonstrates that this occurred on the basis of the conditions in which individual ECE programs operated. Factors that stand out in this regard are the debate concerning infant schools, the funding of ECE programs, and the expansion of the mandatory elementary education system, together with changes in the dissemination of ideas about education and the establishment of municipal regulations. How these conditions contributed to educational change constitutes the substance of the dissertation.The results of this dissertation deepen our knowledge of the finances of ECE programs, their organizational niche, and their relations with municipal authorities. This study questions the significance for educational change within these programs that has been attributed to the growth of a romantic conception of childhood. It provides a new picture of the role of the kindergarten movement in this regard and ascribes to day nurseries a previously unobserved role in educational change. This dissertation thereby contributes to a revision of recurrent assumptions concerning educational change and of the connection between such change and general societal or ideological structures.


Crowdfunding is an increasingly attractive source to fund social projects. However, to our best knowledge, the study of crowdfunding for social purposes has remained largely unexplored in the literature. This research envisages a detailed examination of the role of crowdfunding on the early-stage of the social projects at regional level. By comparing the characteristics of the projects available in the Portuguese Social Stock Exchange platform with others that did not use this source of financial support, we envisage to show the critical role of crowdfunding on regional development. The use of inferential techniques (Chi-square test, the Cramer's V statistic, the Goodman and Kruskal λ and the odds ratio) demonstrates that the use of the Portuguese Social Stock Exchange platform was linked to the geographical location of the social venture as well as its geographical scope. Also, social ventures located on rural regions are more likely to use social crowdfunding platforms than social ventures located in urban areas. Further, the circumstance of having the social ventures acting at a local or regional level seems to be strongly associated with the possibility of using crowdfunding for financing social projects.


The eye-catching structure of domes is one of the most significant archetypes of the traditional architecture of Iran. Review of the merits of the architecture of Iranian monuments show that domes, which are the masterwork of traditional builders, are constructed in various shapes by various techniques in different periods over centuries. Two-shelled domes are the result of the technical evolution of traditional technology of historic architecture in the construction of regular domes. In an earlier historical age, many of the mosques of Iran, schools and building complexes were covered by single- or two-shelled domes. But, these domes are in urgent need of technical assessment: modeling, load transfer mechanisms, element characteristics, evaluation criteria, and shape effects. The aim of this paper is to explain how two-shelled domes behave in the structural systems of traditional architecture of Iran, how they bear and transfer various types of loadings and why the two-shelled dome is used instead of the oneshelled dome. In this paper as a case study, the two-shelled dome of the Charbaq School of Isfahan constructed in the Safavid era has been selected. The dome is modeled in simulation software and then its behavior under vertical loadings, dead and live loads, horizontal loadings, and wind and earthquake loads are examined in detail. In this way, performance of the two-shelled dome during a variety of loading


Synopsis This study examines the origin and significance of spectacular bedrock channel forms and sedimentary sequences in the Ochil Hills, central Scotland. Channels and terraces form a discontinuous system extending 4 km from the main Forth valley into central Glen Devon via Glen Quey. It is suggested that as the Ochil Hills emerged above the Late Devensian ice sheet, large amounts of glacial meltwater flowed into the ice free area mainly from the margins of the Forth valley glacier. Meltwater entered Glen Devon via a series of deeply incised meltwater channels passing into a large ice-dammed lake with an overflow into Glen Eagles. Boulder-sized sediment forming a large delta confirms the tremendous erosional and transport capacity of flows entering the former ice-dammed lake. Glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sedimentation within the Ochil Hills was very sensitive to changes in ice-margin position and ice thickness due to the configuration of outlet spillways and cols. The Ochil Hills therefore acted as a major storage area for meltwater during deglaciation. The release of such stored meltwater may have taken place suddenly resulting in high magnitude floods or jökulhlaups whose erosional and depositional effects may have extended beyond the immediate area.


Line intensity mapping (LIM) provides a unique and powerful means to probe cosmic structures by measuring the aggregate line emission from all galaxies across redshift. The method is complementary to conventional galaxy redshift surveys that are object based and demand exquisite point-source sensitivity. The Tomographic Ionized-carbon Mapping Experiment (TIME) will measure the star formation rate during cosmic reionization by observing the redshifted [C ii] 158 μm line (6 ≲ z ≲ 9) in the LIM regime. TIME will simultaneously study the abundance of molecular gas during the era of peak star formation by observing the rotational CO lines emitted by galaxies at 0.5 ≲ z ≲ 2. We present the modeling framework that predicts the constraining power of TIME on a number of observables, including the line luminosity function and the auto- and cross-correlation power spectra, including synergies with external galaxy tracers. Based on an optimized survey strategy and fiducial model parameters informed by existing observations, we forecast constraints on physical quantities relevant to reionization and galaxy evolution, such as the escape fraction of ionizing photons during reionization, the faint-end slope of the galaxy luminosity function at high redshift, and the cosmic molecular gas density at cosmic noon. We discuss how these constraints can advance our understanding of cosmological galaxy evolution at the two distinct cosmic epochs for TIME, starting in 2021, and how they could be improved in future phases of the experiment.


The assistance provided by the World Bank to the health sector in Mali has contributed to improved access to rural health services and increased availability of affordable essential drugs, according to a recent Operations Evaluation Department (OED) study. Lessons learned through an early, unsuccessful health project in the country helped the Bank and its partners identify key strategies - including establishing a community-managed health sector with services financed through cost recovery, reforming the state pharmaceutical agency, and creating a regulatory framework to promote essential generic drugs. Remaining challenges include increasing the utilization of health services, addressing malnutrition, alleviating staff shortages in the community sector, and improving the equity of government health expenditures.


In the mealybug Pseudococcus obscurus Essig (Pseudococcidae) two esterases, a tyrosinase and a mannosephosphate isomerase, exhibited an unusual type of maternal inheritance. Electromorphs (alleles) were transmitted by both parent but segregation was delayed by one generation and full sisters always had the same phenotype. Moreover, for esterase-1, in which three alleles were present, some of the females exhibited all three alleles. Several other polymorphic loci exhibited normal transmission and segregation. This mode of inheritance can be readily explained by assuming that most or all of the enzymes coded for by these loci are produced by the mycetocytes. The mycetocytes house intracellular bacteria-like symbionts and are usually formed by the fusion ofthe polar bodies and one or more cleavage nuclei. For a locus with two alleles exhibiting this type of inheritance, the expected frequencies of the three phenotypes are p3, 3pq an equation is presented for estimating the frequency of alleles from the frequencies of the phenotypes and it is shown that for three samples from wild populations there is a good agreement between the expected and observed frequencies of the phenotypes.


Experimental observation of wave-packet propagation in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies in a tokamak plasma is reported. Studies were carried out in the Caltech Research Tokamak [Phys. Fluids 23, 614 (1980)] in a pure hydrogen plasma and in a regime where fast-wave damping was sufficiently small to permit multiple toroidal transits of the wave packet. Waves were launched by exciting a small loop antenna with a short burst of radio-frequency current and were detected with shielded magnetic probes. Probe scans revealed a large increase in wave-packet amplitude at smaller minor radii, and the packet velocity was found to be independent of radial position. Measurement of the packet transit time yielded direct information about the wave group velocity. Packet velocity was investigated as a function of the fundamental excitation frequency, plasma density, and toroidal magnetic field. Results are compared with the predictions of a cold plasma model that includes a vacuum layer at the edge.


ABSTRACT The operationalization of smart specialization policy has been rather limited because a coherent set of analytical tools to guide the policy directives remains elusive. We propose a policy framework around the concepts of relatedness and knowledge complexity. We show that diversifying into more complex technologies is attractive but difficult for European Union regions to accomplish. Regions can overcome this diversification dilemma by developing new complex technologies that build on local related capabilities. We use these findings to construct a policy framework for smart specialization that highlights the potential risks and rewards for regions of adopting competing diversification strategies.