Metamaterials are architected artificial materials engineered to exhibit properties not typically found in natural materials. Increasing attention has recently been given to mechanical metamaterials with unprecedented mechanical properties including high stiffness, strength, or/and resilience even at extremely low density. These unusual mechanical performances emerge from the three-dimensional (3D) spatial arrangement of the micro-structural elements designed to effectively distribute mechanical loads. Recent advances in additive manufacturing in micro-/nano-scale have catalyzed the growing interest in this field.
 This work presents a new lightweight microlattice with tunable and recoverable mechanical properties using a three-dimensionally architected shape memory polymer (SMP). SMP microlattices were fabricated utilizing our micro additive manufacturing technique called projection micro-stereolithography (PμSL), which uses a digital micro-mirror device (DMD™) as a dynamically reconfigurable photomask. We use a photo-crosslinkable and temperature-responsive SMP which can retain its large deformation until heated for spontaneous shape recovery. In addition, it exhibits remarkable elastic modulus changes during this transition. We demonstrate that mechanical responses of the micro 3D printed SMP microlattice can be reversibly tuned by temperature control. Mechanical testing result showed that stiffness of a SMP microlattice changed by two orders of magnitude by a moderate temperature shift by 60°C. Furthermore, the shape memory effect of the SMP allows for full restitution of the original shape of the microlattice upon heating even after substantial mechanical deformation. Mechanical metamaterials with lightweight, reversibly tunable properties, and shape recoverability can potentially lead to new smart structural systems that can effectively react and adapt to varying environments or unpredicted loads.


UNLABELLED
The use of immuno-PET, the combination of PET with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), is an attractive option to improve tumor detection and mAb quantification. The long-lived positron emitter (89)Zr has ideal physical characteristics for immuno-PET, such as a half-life of 3.27 d, which is compatible with the time needed for intact mAbs to achieve optimal tumor-to-nontumor ratios. Thus far, a major limitation in the use of (89)Zr has been the lack of suitable methods for its stable coupling to mAbs. In this article, practical protocols for reproducible isolation of highly pure (89)Zr and the production of optimal-quality mAb-(89)Zr conjugates are provided.

METHODS
(89)Zr was produced by a (p,n) reaction on natural yttrium ((89)Y), isolated with a hydroxamate column, and used for labeling of premodified mAbs. mAbs were premodified with a novel bifunctional derivative of the chelate desferrioxamine B (Df) via a new linker chemistry. To this end, Df was initially succinylated (N-sucDf), temporarily filled with Fe(III), esterified by use of tetrafluorophenol, and then directly coupled to mAbs. Chimeric mAb (cmAb) U36, directed against head and neck cancer, was used for in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The in vitro stability of cmAb U36-N-sucDf-(89)Zr was assessed in human serum, and its in vivo behavior was evaluated by biodistribution and PET imaging studies in tumor-bearing nude mice. A cmAb U36-Df-(89)Zr conjugate containing a previously described succinimide ring-thioether unit in the linker was used as a reference.

RESULTS
(89)Zr was produced in large batches (6.5-13.5 GBq) and isolated with improved radionuclidic purity (>99.99%) and high yield (>94%). The Df-premodified mAbs gave (89)Zr-labeling efficiencies of 80% within 30 min, resulting in conjugates with preserved integrity and immunoreactivity. With respect to stability, the novel cmAb U36-N-sucDf-(89)Zr conjugate appeared to be superior to the reference conjugate. In vivo, the novel conjugate demonstrated selective tumor targeting, and on PET images obtained at 24, 48, and 72 h after injection of this conjugate, small tumors in the range of 19-154 mg were readily visualized.

CONCLUSION
Methods were developed for improved purification of the long-lived positron emitter (89)Zr. Moreover, a novel bifunctional Df chelate was synthesized for the reproducible coupling of (89)Zr to mAbs. The suitability of such conjugates to detect millimeter-sized tumors in xenograft-bearing nude mice was demonstrated.


Measurements of the velocity properties of plane buoyant turbulent adiabatic wall plumes (adiabatic wall plumes) are described, emphasizing conditions far from the source where self-preserving behavior is approximated. The experiments involved helium/air mixtures rising along a smooth, plane and vertical wall. Mean and fluctuating streamwise and cross stream velocities were measured using laser velocimetry. Self-preserving behavior was observed 92–156 source widths from the source, yielding smaller normalized plume widths and larger near-wall mean velocities than observations within the flow development region nearer to the source. Unlike earlier observations of concentration fluctuation intensities, which are unusually large due to effects of streamwise buoyant instabilities, velocity fluctuation intensities were comparable to values observed in nonbuoyant turbulent wall jets. The entrainment properties of the present flows approximated self-preserving behavior in spite of continued development of the wall boundary layer. Measurements of temporal power spectra and temporal and spatial integral scales of velocity fluctuations are also reported.


Elk Cervus canadensis nelsoni in the Black Hills, South Dakota, have been declining since 2006 and there is concern by resource managers and hunters that puma Puma concolor predation may be contributing to declining herds. We evaluated characteristics at sites where puma successfully killed elk in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We evaluated characteristics at coarse (79-ha plots) and fine (0.2-ha plot) scales across the landscape. Our primary objective was to obtain a better understanding of vegetation and terrain characteristics that may have facilitated greater susceptibility of elk to predation by puma. We evaluated effects of road density, terrain heterogeneity, probability of elk use, and vegetation variables at 62 puma kill sites of elk and 186 random sites to identify key landscape attributes where elk were killed by puma. Elk were killed by puma in high use areas. Elk were also killed in areas that had greater amounts of edge and intermediate ruggedness at the coarse scale. Further, elk were killed in areas with greater small tree density and woody debris at the fine scale. High germination rates of ponderosa pine trees are unique to the Black Hills and provide dense patches of cover for puma. We hypothesize that cover from small trees and woody debris provided conditions where puma could stalk elk in areas with optimal security cover for elk. We suggest managers implement vegetation management practices that reduce small tree density and woody debris in areas with greater density of meadow—forest edge if they are interested in potentially diminishing hiding cover for puma in elk high use areas.


Environmental valuation techniques have been used in quantifying the influences of environmental amenities on house prices. The hedonic approach is used to evaluate contributions of environmental amenities to rents in this study. Though the theme of this study has attracted pedagogical attention, the comparison between man-made and natural environmental amenities in housing values is a nouvelle approach in identifying and explaining effective demand and value systems of urban and natural amenities through market evidence. It extends existing body of literature on hedonic studies in Nigeria by contextually assessing these two broad categories of environmental amenities on the same scale. Results reveal the variations in demand and significance of physical infrastructure and natural amenities in rents. This /study's significance lies in bringing to light, the realities of market demand for natural amenities in comparison with physical infrastructure


This study examined university gym use by staff and students using mixed methods: participant observation and an e-survey. Research in three UK universities entailed 16 observation sessions and an e-survey that reached 3396 students and staff. The research focused on gym use, the gym environment, the presentation of the self, and social interaction within gym spaces. The gyms were found to have a difficult role to play in providing functionality for some, while helping others to be active and minimize feelings of isolation and lack of control. This led to these gyms developing spaces of exercise rather than therapeutic spaces, and divisions in use of space, with some areas rarely used and often highly gendered, resulting in contested meanings produced within Healthy University discourses and physical activities.


The object of this dissertation is to argue the value of the literary genre, science fiction, in the education of adolescents. Through the notions of resistance and engagement, science fiction is used to focus a critique of traditional secondary school curricula which, it is argued, no longer effectively transmit useful or desirable features of our culture.
Science fiction narratives are relatively simple on a literary level and contain satisfying plots. Those identified in this dissertation as 'didactive', however, also entertain serious and provocative theoretical considerations. By taking sensitive elements from the 'thickness' of daily life, and distancing them in fictional form through the techniques of 'estrangement', these stories can stimulate readers to sustained reflection on the meaning and purpose of life and to the construction of possible futures for themselves and the society they live in. Science fiction's particular use of 'cognitive estrangement' can operate to initiate speculation and debate in many disciplines, giving rise to forms of language in response whicn belong in the domains of politics and social organization. The study of this 'literature of ideas' can serve to heighten individual students' awareness of the powers of persuasive argument.
The dissertation is in three parts: Part 1 explores science fiction with a view to identifying the principal opportunities offered and the demands made on adolescent readers. Through closer textual analysis, Part 2 defends certain science fiction texts on moral, intellectual, emotional and general developmental grounds. Criteria are offered for the evaluation of works within the genre in terms of their contribution to the development of valued educational capabilities. The study of science fiction is placed in the context of adolescents' wider personal and cultural definitions and experiences.
Part 3 outlines some operating principles for a program of science fiction in the secondary school in the light of the considerations discussed above. The invitations to speculation in seriously extrapolative and propositional science fiction narratives are shown to promote an openness and reflexivity in teaching approaches and a wide range of possible student responses, with important implications for general educational theory and practice.


The important new developments in nuclear fuels and their problems are reviewed and compared with the status of present light-water reactor fuels. The limitations of these fuels and the reactors they power are reviewed with respect to important recent concerns, namely provision of outlet coolant temperatures high enough for use in H2 production, destruction of plutonium to eliminate proliferation concerns, and burning of the minor actinides to reduce the waste repository heat load and long-term radiation hazard. In addition to current oxide-based fuel-rod designs, the hydride fuel with liquid metal thermal bonding of the fuel-cladding gap is covered. Finally, two of the most promising Generation IV reactor concepts, the Very High Temperature Reactor and the Sodium Fast Reactor, and the accompanying reprocessing technologies, aqueous-based UREX and pyrometallurgical, are summarized. In all of the topics covered, the thermodynamics involved in the material's behavior under irradiation and in the reprocessing schemes are emphasized.


When pupils with learning disability are confronted with academic challenges they cannot comprehend, they often become frustrated, confused and helpless. This development could make them express low self-esteem, be anxious and throw tantrums. This characterizes the behaviour of pupils experiencing learning disability in Mathematics (dyscalculia). Therefore, this study investigated peer influence and parental neglect as predictors of tantrum behaviour among children with dyscalculia in Benin Edo State Nigeria. Through the use of descriptive survey research design, two research questions were answered and data collected from one hundred and sixty randomly selected primary six pupils in twenty randomly selected public schools in Benin City. Using their Mathematics cumulative cognitive scores of three consecutive examination records and two validated instruments, analysis of data was done using the multiple regression statistical tools. The result revealed that peer influence and parental neglect made a joint contribution of 23% variance on tantrum behaviour among pupils with dyscalculia. The result of the study further revealed that peer influence and parental neglect has predictive influence on tantrum behaviour of dyscalculia pupils. Therefore it was recommended that teachers should use teaching methods that would take care of pupil's individual differences. Through this measure, pupils with learning disability in mathematics would be able to rediscover their potentials and ability to succeed in school.


Integrating land and water resources is a major key in sustainable development. Managing agricultural land is a concerning task keeping the ever increasing population in mind as agriculture utilizes largest amount of water in the world. A case study of Pendurthi mandal, Vishakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India has been taken up for resource appraisal. Basic integration of land and water resources (BILWRUS), generation of thematic maps using remote sensing in conjunction with Geographical Information System, and ground laboratory techniques has been the major task . The proposed landuse has been assigned to all the 23 villages of the study area, using recommended optimal land utilization and farming techniques (ROLUFS) as per the norms set by National water Development Program for Rainfed areas (NWDPRA).


OBJECTIVE: There is no known effective treatment for chronic stroke. In this report, we used positron emission tomography (PET) with [F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to map the metabolic brain response to neuronal cell implantation in the first human neuroimplantation trial for stroke. METHODS: Twelve patients (nine men, three women; mean age standard deviation, 60.8 8.3 yr) with chronic basal ganglia infarction and persistent motor deficit underwent FDG PET within 1 week before and 6 and 12 months after stereotactic implantation of human neuronal cells. Serial neurological evaluations during a 52-week postoperative period included the National Institutes of Health stroke scale and the European stroke scale. RESULTS: Alterations in glucose metabolic activity in the stroke and surrounding tissue at 6 and 12 months after implantation correlated positively with motor performance measures. CONCLUSION: FDG PET performed as part of an initial open-label human trial of implanted LBS-Neurons (Layton BioScience, Sunnyvale, CA) for chronic stroke demonstrates a relationship between relative regional metabolic changes and clinical performance measures. These preliminary findings suggest improved local cellular function or engraftment of implanted cells in some patients. (Neurosurgery 49:586–592, 2001)


IMMUNOLOGY
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the parasite that causes malaria, both remain health concerns of immense proportion. In certain parts of the world individuals frequently become infected with both pathogens, raising the question of how each disease might influence the course of the other.

In an established mouse model of HBV infection, Pasquetto et al. show that the presence of malarial parasites can profoundly influence the course of HBV infection. Expression of HBV genes in the liver was considerably diminished upon co-infection with the malarial parasite Plasmodium yoeli . Infection with both the liver and blood stages of the malaria parasite resulted in this anti-viral effect, which was closely associated with intra-hepatic inflammation. Although the induction of several proinflammatory genes was detected within the liver, only interferons α/β and γ were identified as being critical for inhibiting HBV replication. This study may help to explain some of the protective effects of malaria on the course of HBV infection in man. — SJS

J. Exp. Med . 192 , 529 (2000).


Recent studies have shown that atmospheric particles are sufficiently acidic to enhance the uptake of unsaturated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by triggering acid-catalyzed oligomerization. Controlling factors of oligomerization at the aqueous surfaces, however, remain to be elucidated. Herein, isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, ISO), 1,3-butadiene (1,3-b), 1,4-pentadiene (1,4-p), 1-pentene (1-p), and 2-pentene (2-p) vapors are exposed to an acidic water microjet (1 ≤ pH ≤ 5), where cationic products are generated on its surface within ∼10 μs and directly detected using surface-sensitive mass spectrometry. We found that carbocations form at the air-water interface in all the cases, whereas the extent of oligomerization largely depends on the structure in the following order: ISO ≫ 1,3-b > 1,4-p ≫ 1-p ≈ 2-p. Importantly, the cationic oligomerization of ISO yields a protonated decamer ((ISO)10H+, a C50 species of m/z 681.6), while the pentenes 1-p/2-p remain as protonated monomers. We suggest that ISO oligomerization is uniquely facilitated by (1) the resonance stabilization of (ISO)H+ through the formation of a tertiary carbocation with a conjugated C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond pair, and (2) π-electron enrichment induced by the neighboring methyl group. Experiments in D2O and D2O : H2O mixtures revealed that ISO oligomerization on the acidic water surface proceeds via two competitive mechanisms: chain-propagation and proton-exchange reactions. Furthermore, we found that ISO carbocations undergo addition to relatively inert 1-p, generating hitherto uncharacterized co-oligomers.


Reprogramming of mammalian genome methylation is critically important but poorly understood. Klf4, a transcription factor directing reprogramming, contains a DNA binding domain with three consecutive C2H2 zinc fingers. Klf4 recognizes CpG or TpG within a specific sequence. Mouse Klf4 DNA binding domain has roughly equal affinity for methylated CpG or TpG, and slightly lower affinity for unmodified CpG. The structural basis for this key preference is unclear, though the side chain of Glu446 is known to contact the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or thymine (5-methyluracil). We examined the role of Glu446 by mutagenesis. Substituting Glu446 with aspartate (E446D) resulted in preference for unmodified cytosine, due to decreased affinity for 5mC. In contrast, substituting Glu446 with proline (E446P) increased affinity for 5mC by two orders of magnitude. Structural analysis revealed hydrophobic interaction between the proline's aliphatic cyclic structure and the 5-methyl group of the pyrimidine (5mC or T). As in wild-type Klf4 (E446), the proline at position 446 does not interact directly with either the 5mC N4 nitrogen or the thymine O4 oxygen. In contrast, the unmethylated cytosine's exocyclic N4 amino group (NH2) and its ring carbon C5 atom hydrogen bond directly with the aspartate carboxylate of the E446D variant. Both of these interactions would provide a preference for cytosine over thymine, and the latter one could explain the E446D preference for unmethylated cytosine. Finally, we evaluated the ability of these Klf4 mutants to regulate transcription of methylated and unmethylated promoters in a luciferase reporter assay.


Abstract —Dynamic nature of investment return requires the application of the appropriate methodology, especially regarding enhanced volatility induced by frequent extreme events occurrence. The subject of the research is to analyze the possibility of efficient portfolio selection on the transitional financial market of the Republic of Serbia.  The main objective is to gather empirical evidence about the investment portfolio performance with special attention to the decision making process. The methodology in the research implies the usage of the appropriate portfolio optimization methods. The research results stress the significance of efficient portfolio selection in contemporary business conditions. It can be concluded that it is necessary to examine the volatility of the portfolio assets and thus enabling the efficient portfolio selection, which is especially challenging on transitional markets.


Objectives—To determine the effects of aerobic and power exercise training on haemostatic factors after coronary artery surgery and to compare the effect of the two exercise programmes. Design—A prospective randomised controlled study of six months aerobic and power exercise training in men after coronary artery surgery. Setting—Exercise rehabilitation classes in a teaching hospital in Glasgow. Patients—55 men within 12 months of coronary artery surgery recruited from surgical centres and medical clinics and asked to participate in the study. Interventions—Assessments, including a treadmill test, measurements of haemoglobin, platelet, fibrinogen, factor VIIc, and fibrinopeptide A concentrations, and packed cell volume, done at baseline, three months, and six months. Patients in the two exercise groups attended training sessions three times weekly for six months. Control patients had no formal exercise training but continued with their leisure time activities. Main outcome measures—Exercise performance on a treadmill, haematology, and haemostatic factor assays at baseline, three months, and six months. Results—In the aerobic trained group exercise performance increased significantly over baseline at three months (interval change 146·7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 52·5 to 240·9 s, p = 0·003) and was maintained at six months (interval change 172·1, 95% CI 63·3 to 280·9 s, p = 0·002). In the power trained groups significant improvement in exercise performance was delayed until six months (interval change 99·9 s, 95% CI 20·3 to 170·5 s, p = 0·01). Exercise performance in the control did not change significantly. Haemoglobin, concentration, packed cell volume, and platelet counts did not change significantly at any time. Fibrinogen concentration was significantly lower in the aerobic group than the other two groups at three months (2·96 g/dl compared with 3·3 g/dl and 3·87 g/dl in the power and control groups, p = 0·01). The power group had a lower fibrinogen concentration than the control group (p = 0·04). The lower fibrinogen concentration in the aerobic group was maintained at six months. There was a gradual rise in factor VIIc concentrations in the aerobic and control groups compared with a small fall in the power group. Fibrinopeptide A concentrations showed no consistent changes. Conclusions—Aerobic exercise training after coronary artery surgery causes an early favourable change in treadmill performance and in fibrinogen concentrations, that is maintained with further training. Power exercise training causes delayed benefit in treadmill performance. It also causes a small fall in fibrinogen concentrations. These changes may be relevant in reducing cardiovascular morbidity from graft failure and occurrence of myocardial infarction after coronary artery surgery.


Question classification plays a crucial important role in the question answering system because categorizing a given question is beneficial to identify an answer in the documents. It is the basic and important module of question answering which task is to assign one or several classes to a given question; the errors of question classification will probably result in the failure of question answering. In recent years, support vector machines have been introduced for solving pattern recognition problems because of their superior performance. In this paper, we will perform the One-against-All Algorithm with support vector machine for Chinese question classification problems. The results show the excellent general performance of the Algorithm.


More than 30 different methods have been used to assess physical activity. These methods can be grouped into seven major categories: calorimetry, job classification, survey procedures, physiological markers, behavioral observation, mechanical and electronic monitors, and dietary measures. No single instrument fulfills the criteria of being valid, reliable, and practical while not affecting behavior. The instruments that are very precise tend to be impractical on a population basis. Surveys are the most practical approach in large-scale studies, although little is known about their reliability and validity. Studies employing objective monitoring through heart rate, movement sensors, and doubly labeled water procedures appear promising, but are still experimental and costly. Despite the difficulty of measurement, relatively strong association has been found between physical activity and health, suggesting that, with improvements in assessment techniques, even stronger associations should be seen.


Managing drug use in a way that maximizes the value obtained from total health care spending faces obstacles; hence, payers and policymakers tend to look at pharmaceutical expenditures in isolation from the rest of health care spending. Currently there are both regulatory and putative market-based approaches to containing pharmaceutical spending worldwide. But evidence suggests that regulatory efforts in Europe and elsewhere have not proved effective in containing costs or improving efficiency or access, and supposedly market-based solutions now in vogue, such as reference pricing, pose their own set of challenges and may in practice violate market principles. In the end, silo-based budgeting is short-sighted; the emphasis in Europe and in the United States should be on measures that achieve efficient health care rather than the containment of drug spending.


What future for fortified heritage: problems of conservation and enhancementWhat are the risk factors that undermine the conservation of fortified architecture? What are the future prospects of a heritage that is not always adequately protected and valued? These are the questions posed by castles, towers, fortresses that seem to have lost the meaning of their existence, for having failed in their original function. Certainly the abandonment involves an inevitable lack of maintenance with the inevitable decay due to natural causes with slow action and prolonged over time. But even bad restorations conducted without the necessary historical-critical awareness and the necessary technical skills can irreversibly cancel documents of art and history, as well as "material testimonies of civilization value". It is a heritage of multiple criticalities that offers an extraordinary opportunity for contemporary design aiming at conservation. Innumerable problems are posed by fortified architectures, first and foremost the accessibility, but also their management, which cannot but take into account the very close typology-function relationship and where, however, the old utilization is no longer possible. Unquestionably the first step is represented by the knowledge of these singular architectures, in the becoming of historical processes, which is an unavoidable moment on which the choices aiming at conservation and valorisation depend. Emblematic from this point of view are some case studies investigated in Puglia which pose the problem of maximum conservative attention and desirable enhancement, pursued with the promotion of knowledge and the assurance of the best conditions of use, provided that the new function is respectful of the identity of the object of study, of its use vocations and attentive to the needs and expectations of the community.


Abstract. To obtain efficient and stable light trapping, angle rotation is introduced to form rotated square pillar array grating (SPAG) solar cells. Compared with the unpatterned stack slab and the optimized uniform SPAG cells, the maximum short-circuit current (Jsc) of the optimized rotated SPAG is increased by 78.54% and 3.21%, respectively. Moreover, besides the fact that the low-incidence angular sensitivity of Jsc could be maintained, Jsc of the optimized rotated SPAG will always be larger than that of the optimized uniform SPAG at any incident angle. Furthermore, when the structural parameters of the subsquare pillar slightly deviate from the optimum, the absorption only deceases slightly as well, which indicates both a high structural tolerance and a stable absorption performance. In addition, our results show not only that the proposed rotated SPAG is promising to make light trapping efficient and stable but also that introducing rotation disorders is promising for other high-absorption pseudounordered surface structures.


In this study, chromite industry waste and red mud were used in the production of concrete. They were ground and incorporated into concrete with the levels of 5%, 10% and 15% by the weight of binder. Ten mixtures were prepared with different proportions of both the chromite industry waste and the red mud. The experimental results indicate that the mixtures that were ground with 5% chromite industry waste and 5% red mud, substituted with Portland cement gave compressive strength performance similar to that of the reference mixture. A higher percentage of the chromite industry waste and the red mud (15%) replacement yielded lower strength values. The leaching tests that were carried out confirmed that the process makes it possible to obtain materials without major risks for the environment. This study shows that using waste materials in concrete to cost‐effective help solve some of the issues with solid waste problems. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011


The curved twistor theory is studied from the point of view of integrable systems.

A twistor construction of the hierarchy associated with the anti-self-dual Einstein vacuum equations (ASDVE) is given. The recursion operator R is constructed and used to build an infinite-dimensional symmetry algebra of ASDVE. It is proven that R acts on twistor functions by multiplication. The recursion operator is used to construct Killing spinors. The method is illustrated on the example of the Sparling-Tod solution.

An infinite number of commuting flows on extended space-time is constructed. It is proven that a moduli space of rational curves, with normal bundle O(n) ⊕ O(n) in twistor space, is canonically equipped with a Lax distribution for ASDVE hierarchies. It is demonstrated that the isomonodromy problem can, in the Fuchsian case, be understood in terms of curved twistor spaces. The solutions to the SL(2, C) Schlesinger equation are related to the flows of the heavenly hierarchy.

The Lagrangian, Hamiltonian and bi-Hamiltonian formulations of heavenly equations are given. The symplectic form on the moduli space of solutions to heavenly equations is derived, and is proven to be compatible with the recursion operator.

It is proven that a family of rational curves in the twistor space may be found by integrating the Hamiltonian system which has the second heavenly potential as its Hamiltonian. An alternative view of heavenly potentials as generating functions on the spin bundle is given.

The potentials for linear fields on ASD vacuum backgrounds are constructed. It is shown that generalised zero–rest–mass field equations can be solved by means of functions on O(n) ⊕ O(n) twistor spaces. The moduli space of deformed O(n) ⊕ O(n) curves is shown to be foliated by four dimensional hyper-Kahler slices.

The twistor theory of four-dimensional hyper-Hermitian manifolds is formulated as a combination of the Nonlinear Graviton Construction with the Ward transform for anti-self-dual Maxwell fields. The Lax formulation is found and used to derive a pair of potentials for a hyper-Hermitian metric. A class of examples of hyper-Hermitian metrics which depend on two arbitrary functions of two complex variables is given.

The ASDV metrics with a conformal, non-triholomorphic Killing vector are considered. The symmetric solutions to the first heavenly equation are shown to give rise to a new integrable system in three dimensions, and to a new class of Einstein–Weyl geometries. The Lax representation, Lie point symmetries, hidden symmetries and the recursion operator associated with the reduced 3D system are found, and some group invariant solutions are considered.

It is proven that if an Einstein–Weyl space admits a solution of a generalised monopole equation, which yields four dimensional ASD vacuum, or Einstein metrics, then the four-dimensional correspondence space is equipped with a closed and simple two-form. A class of Einstein–Weyl structures is given in terms of solutions to the dispersion-less Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation.

It is explained how to construct ASDVE metrics from solutions of various 2D integrable systems by exploiting the fact that the Lax formulations of both systems can be embedded in that of the anti-self-dual Yang–Mills equations. The explicit ASDVE metrics are constructed on R^2 × Σ, where Σ is a homogeneous space for a real subgroup of SL(2, C) associated with the two-dimensional system. The twistor interpretation of the construction is given.


We investigated why women may have lower desires and intentions to apply to become a member of a leadership group (i.e., committee) than men when the majority of its members are men. In four studies, we examined the interaction between gender and gender composition of the leadership group on leader candidates' sense of power, desire to lead, and intentions to apply to become a member of a leadership group. Informed by research on gender, perceived power, and the model of goal-directed behavior, we found that women, compared to men, expected lower sense of power when considering applying to a majority-male (vs. gender-balanced) online leadership committee (Study 1A, N = 294; Study 1B, N = 278). This pattern observed for women in majority-male leadership committees was not, however, evident for men in majority female leadership committees (Study 2, N = 560). Furthermore, women's lower sense of power explained why they expressed lower desires to lead and intentions to apply for a majority-male leadership committee compared to men. Finally, we found that increasing women's sense of power increased their desires and intentions to lead in a majority-male committee (Study 3, N = 460). We contribute to understanding why there still exists a discrepancy in the number of men versus women in leadership groups despite ongoing efforts to reduce it. We hope readers will apply these findings by identifying ways to increase women leader candidates' sense of power in order to increase women's representation on leadership committees and groups (e.g., boards). Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684320939065


INTRODUCTION Flatworms living as commensals on parasitic copepods from marine fishes were known already as- early as 1835, when Johnston described Udonella caligorum from Caligus spec., a parasite of Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.). Since then a number of similar genera and species have been described, but none of these is clearly different from Udonella caligorum, as far as can be judged from the descriptions. Therefore only one valid species is recognized by most modern authors (Price, 1938; Sproston, 1946; Ivanov, 1952b). Calinella ophiodontis Kay, 1945, a species not listed by these authors, probably is another synonym to be added to the long list, but Kay's material should be re-examined before a final decision can be made. In Yamaguti's compilation (1963) the genus Calinella Monticelli, 1910, is still maintained, based on the incorrect assumption that this genus should differ from Udonella in having the intestine fenestrated. In the present paper a new species is described, which is provisionally included in the genus Udonella. Material of Udonella caligorum could also be studied. Udonella papillifera n. sp. (fig. 1-22) Material. — Dr. W. Vervoort found 12 specimens of this new species loose in a vial with about 30 specimens of Ceratocolax euthynni Vervoort (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), which were collected from the nasal fossae of Euthynnus alleteratus (Rafinesque) from the Gulf of Guinea, off Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Vervoort, 1965). From a few to more than 40 eggs of Udonella were attached to the carapax, the genital segments and the egg strings of nearly all host copepods. It is not known whether the copepods were collected from


A pi-sigma network is a class of feedforward neural networks with product units in the output layer. An online gradient algorithm is the simplest and most often used training method for feedforward neural networks. But there arises a problem when the online gradient algorithm is used for pi-sigma networks in that the update increment of the weights may become very small, especially early in training, resulting in a very slow convergence. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce an adaptive penalty term into the error function, so as to increase the magnitude of the update increment of the weights when it is too small. This strategy brings about faster convergence as shown by the numerical experiments carried out in this letter.


We evaluated the role of the p66Shc redox adaptor protein in pancreatic beta-cell insulin resistance that develops under lipotoxic conditions and with excess body fat. Prolonged exposure to palmitate in vitro or the presence of overweight/obesity augmented p66Shc expression levels and caused an impaired ability of exogenous insulin to increase cellular insulin content and secreted C-peptide levels in INS-1E cells and human and murine islets. In INS-1E cells, p66Shc knockdown resulted in enhanced insulin-induced augmentation of insulin content and C-peptide secretion and prevented the ability of palmitate to impair these effects of insulin. Conversely, p66Shc overexpression impaired insulin-induced augmentation of insulin content and C-peptide secretion both in the absence and presence of palmitate. Under lipotoxic condition, the effects of p66Shc are mediated by p53-induced increase in p66Shc protein levels and JNK-induced p66Shc phosphorylation at Ser36 and appear to involve the phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase at Thr389 and of insulin receptor substrate-1 at Ser307, resulting in the inhibition of insulin-stimulated protein kinase b phosphorylation at Ser473. Thus, the p66Shc protein mediates the impaired beta-cell function and insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids and excess body fat.


This study presents a novel model to predict gas-water two-phase transport behaviors in shale microfractures by incorporating a mobile water film with varying thickness according to the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory as well as multiple fluid transport mechanisms (i.e., real gas transport controlled by the Knudsen number and water slippage). This model is implemented in real shale microfractures via digital-core imaging. A gas-water displacement process is modelled by the invasion percolation theory, while a local multiphase distribution is determined by combining disjoining pressure with capillary force. Key findings reveal that gas relative permeability (RP) decreases by 17% and water RP enhances by 33.5%, when the mean aperture decreases from 1.67 to 0.0418μm. Neglecting water film brings a decrease in water RP and an overestimation of gas transport ability. Moreover, two critical microfracture apertures are determined, which enhances an understanding of the water film impact on gas-water transport properties in application.


Background: Triptorelin, a gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue, can be administered to postpubertal female individuals with cancer who receive chemotherapy to obtain menstrual suppression and decrease the risk of hemorrhage caused by thrombocytopenia. Our goal was to assess whether triptorelin also has a protective role against the gonadotoxicity of chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: This retrospective observational study includes all postmenarchal female patients who presented to our Unit from 2000 to 2015 and received chemotherapy for cancer. They were administered depot triptorelin. We evaluated long-term ovarian function in order to detect clinical signs of ovarian damage, miscarriages, and pregnancies. Laboratory follow-up consisted in dosing serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone. Ultrasound of the ovaries was performed as well. Results: Of 36 evaluable patients, 9 received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The remaining 27 patients maintained normal ovarian function at clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessment. Five of them achieved spontaneous physiological pregnancy. Four of the 9 patients who underwent HSCT developed premature ovarian failure. Conclusion: Our study suggests that gonadotropin releasing hormone-a administered during chemotherapy can prevent premature ovarian failure in patients treated without HSCT and that it is not enough to preserve the ovarian function during HSCT. Hence, a prospective randomized trial with a larger population would be recommended.


The research conducted in this study focuses on student learning outcomes for students of Radiologic Technology. A comparison between non-traditional teaching using MOODLE and traditional lecture delivery as related to written and practical assessment results is the focus. This study is important due to the need for programs of Radiologic Technology to produce competent radiographers upon completion of such programs in order to assure patient care and safety standards are met. The surge in online and non-traditional course delivery methods may jeopardize this necessity. The purpose of this research was to compare the use of non-traditional delivery and traditional delivery with the level of competency evidenced by associate degree Radiologic Technology students in each format. The researcher used a quantitative approach for the study. The sample population includes second year students in an associate degree Radiologic Technology Program attending a 4-year college located in a rural setting in the southeastern United States. Courses that include both traditional, face-to-face, as well as nontraditional instructional methods in the respective program were targeted. Learning outcomes specified from the required curriculum and assessment tools used for evaluation of those outcomes were compared to demonstrate the possible differences when traditional and nontraditional instructional methods are used. The researcher sought evidence that non-traditional instruction of identified outcomes is insufficient to demonstrate competency for specific student learning outcomes needed in associate degree programs of Radiologic Technology.


We have calculated the intraband photon absorption coefficients of hot two-dimensional electrons interacting with polar-optical phonon modes in quantum wells. The dependence of the photon absorption coefficients on the photon wavelength λ is obtained both by using the quantum mechanical theory and by the balance-equation theory. It is found that the photon absorption spectrum displays a local resonant maximum, corresponding to LO energy, and the absorption peak vanishes with increasing the electronic temperature.


Since 2013, students from the University of Limerick (UL), the University of Central Florida (UCF), and Université Paris Diderot (UPD) have collaborated on a documentation and translation assignment in virtual teams. The UL and UCF students, who study technical communication, collaborate to write procedural documents. The UPD students translate the documents into French. A key feature of the project design is the need for collaboration among the document writers and translators throughout the process. This paper provides a theoretical background to the project and describes the assignment that student teams collaborate on. It then offers guidelines for faculty wishing to organize similar projects.


An understanding of the genetic variability within a crop species is essential to its improvement. The objectives of this research were to study the utility of isozyme patterns for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) cultivar identification and to estimate the relationships between creeping bentgrass cultivars based on isozyme patterns. Seventy to 73 plants from each of 18 creeping bentgrass cuitivars and 25 plants from one plant introduction were scored for 24 isozyme polymorphisms representing six loci. All cultivars except a small group containing the cultivars Pennlinks, Pro/Cup, Southshore, and Lopez were uniquely characterized based on a 20% or greater band frequency in one cultivar versus absence of the band in the most closely clustered cultivar. The isozyme patterns from each plant were used to calculate the genetic distance within a cultivar, and the average band frequency within a cultivar was used to calculate genetic distances between cultivars. The cultivars Pennlinks, Pro/Cup, Southshore, and Lopez had the highest average within-cultivar genetic distances indicating that additional marker loci will be needed to distinguish these cultivars. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis generated from the between-cultivar genetic distance matrix divided the cultivars into two groups. One group contains 10 cultivars including the variety Seaside which may have provided initial germplasm for this group. The second group contains the cultivars Pennlinks, Southshore, Pro/Cup, Lopez, and four cultivars with unique allozymes. The plant introduction PI251945 was distantly related to the cultivated U.S. germplasm indicating that European material can be a source of genetic diversity to broaden U.S. bentgrass germplasm.


Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography are used to characterize N-polar InGaN/GaN quantum wells at the nanometer scale. Both techniques first evidence the incorporation of indium in the initial stage of the barrier layer growth and its suppression by the introduction of H2 during the growth of the barrier layer. Accumulation of indium at step edges on the vicinal N-polar surface is also observed by both techniques with an accurate quantification obtained by atom probe tomography (APT) and its 3D reconstruction ability. The use of EDX allows for a very accurate interpretation of the APT results complementing the limitations of both techniques.


The thesis examines influential groups' perceptions of social problems in Estonia,
Russia and Finland. The context of the study is the ongoing "Eastern transition" in
Estonia and Russia and the "Western transformation" in Finland. Each is changing the
accustomed ways to define and treat social problems. The focus is on comparing
definitions of social problems, including the causes and solutions suggested by the
influential groups. The main assumption is that the framework of defining social
problems is changing in all three countries: the state's role as the body responsible for
people's welfare is diminishing, while more emphasis is being placed on the role of
individuals, the market and civil society.
Theoretically, the approach is close to social constructionism, according to which social
problems are products of collective definition processes. Furthermore, I assume that the
influential groups, formed of journalists, administrators and business people, have the
power and the possibility to influence the course of social change. The data consists of
focus group interviews conducted in Tallinn, St. Petersburg and Helsinki in 1995-1996.
The thesis suggests that, for all three countries, the determining factor behind the
definitions of social problems is the heavy social costs of the transition and
transformation. According to the interviewees, Estonia and Russia are now afflicted
with vicious circles of social problems, centered around the problems of crime, poverty,
housing, poor health and environmental pollution. In Finland, unemployment and
poverty were regarded as the most serious social problems. Mainly due to the severe
social problems, the interviewees were not willing to transfer the responsibility for
people's welfare from the state to the market or civil society. The changes in the
framework of defining social problems thus turned out to be much less dramatic than
expected. Altogether, the results indicate that the welfare systems created during the
post-war era are now being partly dismantled in all three countries. However, in the
opinion of the influential groups, there is no overall disillusionment with big state
solutions to social problems.


This paper deals with the state estimation problem of a class of nonlinear time‐varying systems with switched dynamics. Based on the concept of fixed‐time stability, an observer is designed to reconstruct the continuous state of switched nonlinear time‐varying systems with state jumps, satisfying the minimal dwell‐time condition. Using the past input and output values of the studied system, some sufficient conditions are provided to estimate the state before the next switching. Some numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.


A CAPTCHA is a type of challenge-response test used in computing to determine whether or not the user is human. It is a standard defence mechanism against bots, or automated programs, that attempt to use web-based services meant for human users. While there are many different types of CAPTCHA schemes that have emerged over the years, to date, the most widely used type is text-based CAPTCHAs in the form of a single 2D image of distorted text. Unfortunately, a large number of text-based CAPTCHA schemes have been successfully broken. Thus, animated, 3D or 4D text-based CAPTCHAs are seen as alternative paradigms which have been explored by a number of CAPTCHA designers. These new types of CAPTCHAs are meant to overcome the limitations of traditional CAPTCHAs and are supposed to be more robust and secure against automated attacks. However, while there is a growing number of design proposals for animated, 3D and 4D text-based CAPTCHAs, very little research has been devoted to examining the robustness of these alternative types. The primary goal of this research was to systematically investigate the security of existing text-based CAPTCHAs, focusing on animated, 3D and 4D types. First, we analyse the security of alternative designing paradigms by developing a toolbox with a set of novel algorithms and attacks. Our successful attacks on a large number of existing real-world schemes give rise to the conclusion that they are no more secure than their static 2D counterparts. Next, we explain why those schemes failed to withstand the attacks by highlighting design flaws and give recommendations which should be used or avoided in future CAPTCHA designs. We also show that segmentation-resistance, a widely accepted principle in designing traditional text-based CAPTCHAs, is still one of the necessary design principles that apply to animated, 3D and 4D CAPTCHAs. Then we propose a segmentation-resistant CAPTCHA scheme based on the concept of identifying character locations, rather than merely recognising characters. We show that this scheme is robust against


The enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD) is essential for the biosynthesis of all active steroid hormones. It exists as multiple isoforms in humans and rodents, each the product of a distinct gene. Human 3β-HSD I in placenta is essential for placental progesterone biosynthesis and thus is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. The murine ortholog, 3β-HSD VI, is the only isoform expressed in giant trophoblast cells during the first half of mouse pregnancy. This study was designed to identify the cis-acting element(s) and the associated transcription factors required for trophoblast-specific expression of 3β-HSD VI. Transfection studies in placental and nonplacental cells identified a novel 66-bp trophoblast-specific enhancer element located between −2896 and −2831 of the 3β-HSD VI promoter. DNase protection analysis of the enhancer element identified three trophoblast-specific binding sites, FPI, FPII, and FPIII. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with oligonucleotides representing the protected sequences, FPI and FPIII, and nuclear extracts isolated from human JEG-3 cells and from mouse trophoblast cells, demonstrated the same binding pattern that was distinct from the binding pattern with mouse Leydig cell nuclear proteins. Further electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified AP-2γ and the homeodomain protein, Dlx 3, as the transcription factors that specifically bind to FPI and FPIII, respectively. Site-specific mutations in each of the binding sites eliminated enhancer activity indicating that AP-2γ and Dlx 3, together with an additional transcription factor(s) that are conserved between humans and mice, are required for trophoblast-specific expression of 3β-HSD VI.


Given the likely simultaneity between FPI, Capital Formation and Growth, this work studies the relationship between foreign private investment, capital formation and economic growth in Nigeria using the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method of estimation. The study finds that the long run impact of capital formation and foreign private investment on economic growth is larger than their short-run impact. There is thus, a long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables as the error correction term is significant, but the speed of adjustment is small in both models. The two stage least squares estimates are very close to the OLS estimates suggesting that OLS estimates are consistent and unbiased. Hence, endogeneity was not a problem in the estimated models. There is therefore no simultaneity between GDP growth and capital formation model. These findings therefore have some policy implications as discussed in the work.


Despite advances in biometrics and other technologies, passwords remain the most commonly used means of authentication in computer systems. Users maintain different security levels for different passwords. In this study, we examine the degree of similarity among passwords of different security levels of a user. We conducted a laboratory experiment with 80 students from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). We asked the subjects to construct new passwords for websites of different security levels. We collected the lower-level passwords (e.g., passwords for online news sites) constructed by the subjects, combined them with a comprehensive wordlist, and performed dictionary attacks on their constructed passwords from the higher-level sites (e.g., banking websites). We could successfully crack almost one-third of their constructed passwords from the higher-level sites with this method. This suggests that, if a user's lower-level password is leaked, it can be used effectively by an attacker to crack some of the user's higher-level passwords.


The researches were carried out in a characteristic region of the Mureş – Bega inter-river field, on a typical chernozem soil. Many climatic types are dovetail with each other in this region: Mediterranean, temperate continental and oceanic climate. The annual average temperature is of 10,8C, according to the data obtained from the Meteorological station Sânnicolau Mare, and the annual precipitations are of 519 mm. The researched varieties of durum wheat were Grandur and Condurum, created in Romania, and Selyemdur and Betadur coming from Hungary. The crop results of the researched field N0P 80 K80, N100P 80 K80 ,N150P 80 K80, N200P 80 K80, showed a crop amplitude of netween 3682 kg/ha (Selyemdur N0P 80 K80,) and 6478 kg/ha (Condurum N200P 80 K80). As an average of the four varieties there has been noticed, that by fertilizing with N100 the crop result increased by 18%, respectively to 767 kg/ha, by increasing the nitrogen doses to N150 the crop result increased with 31%, respectively there has been obtained a yield difference of 1321 kg/ha, and by using a dose of N200 the crop increased with 37%, meaning a yield difference of 1576 kg/ha. It results that the crop yield increase obtained by using one kg N s.a. was of 7,67 kg seeds for a dose of N100, of 8,80 kg seeds for a dose of N150 and of 7,88 kg seeds for a dose of N200. As an average for the four agrifunds, the highest crop was obtained for the variety Condurum, being of 5672 kg/ha, that is 7% respectively 368 kg/ha more than the yield obtained for the reference variety, Grandur, a very significant yield difference, the lowest yield, that of 4252 kg/ha, being obtained for the variety Selyemdur, this being statistically a very significant negative difference. Laboratory analyses done on average samples revealed an evolution of the mass of 1000 seeds of between 33,50 g for teh variety Selyemdur and 38,75 g for the variety Condurum; the hectolitre mass was of between 77,16 kg/hl for the variety Selyemdur and 82,10 kg/hl for the variety Grandur. The protein content varied between 13,8% at the variety Selyemdur and 14,4% at the variety Grandur; the wet gluten content was of 28,6% at the variety Selyemdur and of 30,1% at the variety Betadur; the deformation coefficient was 2 mm at the variety Grandur and 3 mm at the other three varieties and the coefficient of falling was of between 373 seconds at the variety Selyemdur and 482 seconds at the variety Grandur.


In this study, an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) algorithm is designed for estimating the attitude of a pico- satellite and the in-orbit external disturbance torques. The estimation vector is formed by the satellite's attitude, angular rates, and the unknown constant components of the external disturbance torques acting on the satellite. The gravity gradient torque, residual magnetic moment, sun radiation pressure and aerodynamic drag are all included in the estimated external disturbance torque vector. The satellite has magnetometers and gyros onboard as the attitude sensors. Because of the inherent nonlinear dynamics and the nonlinear measurement model, the UKF, which is a nonlinear version of the Kalman Filter, is selected as the filter algorithm. Performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated via simulations for a cube pico-satellite and the results are analyzed for different scenarios.


Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) are small, inexpensive chips which provide a limited set of security functions. They are most commonly found as a motherboard component on laptops and desktops aimed at the corporate or government markets, but can also be found on many consumer-grade machines and servers, or purchased as independent components. Their role is to serve as a Root of Trust - a highly trusted component from which we can bootstrap trust in other parts of a system. TPMs are most useful for three kinds of tasks: remotely identifying a machine, or machine authentication; providing hardware protection of secrets, or data protection; and providing verifiable evidence about a machine's state, or attestation. This book describes the primary uses for TPMs, and practical considerations such as when TPMs can and should be used, when they shouldn't be, what advantages they provide, and how to actually make use of them, with use cases and worked examples of how to implement these use cases on a real system. Topics covered include when to use a TPM; TPM concepts and functionality; programming introduction; provisioning: getting the TPM ready to use; first steps: TPM keys; machine authentication; data protection; attestation; other TPM features; software and specifications; and troubleshooting. Appendices contain basic cryptographic concepts; command equivalence and requirements charts; and complete code samples.


A major challenge in the implementation of evaporative two-phase liquid-cooled ICs with embedded fluid microchannels/cavities is the high pressure drops arising from evaporation-induced expansion and acceleration of the flowing two-phase fluid in small hydraulic diameters. Our ongoing research effort addresses this challenge by utilizing a novel hierarchical radially expanding channel networks with a central embedded inlet manifold and drainage at the periphery of the chip stack. This paper presents a qualitative description of the thermal design process that has been adopted for this radial cavity. The thermal design process first involves construction of a system-level pressure-thermal model for the radial cavity based on both fundamental experiments as well as numerical simulations performed on the building block structures of the final architecture. Finally, this system-level pressure-thermal model can be used to identify the design space and optimize the geometry to maximize thermal performance, while respecting design specifications. This design flow presents a good case study for electrical-thermal co-design of two-phase liquid cooled ICs.Copyright © 2015 by ASME


Semi-supervised learning that leverages synthetic training data has been widely adopted in the field of Automatic post-editing (APE) to overcome the lack of human-annotated training data. In that context, data-synthesis methods to create high-quality synthetic data have also received much attention. Considering that APE takes machine-translation outputs containing translation errors as input, we propose a noising-based data-synthesis method that uses a mask language model to create noisy texts through substituting masked tokens with erroneous tokens, yet following the error-quantity statistics appearing in genuine APE data. In addition, we propose corpus interleaving, which is to combine two separate synthetic data by taking only advantageous samples, to further enhance the quality of the synthetic data created with our noising method. Experimental results reveal that using the synthetic data created with our approach results in significant improvements in APE performance upon using other synthetic data created with different existing data-synthesis methods.


In this paper, we formulate an experimental method to examine the pump acoustic characteristics and report the test data. First, we assess the resonance effects in the test loop by calculating the acoustic impedance and reflection coefficient at the pump ports from local pressure field measurements. Next, we decompose the measured signal into the components associated with pump action and loop acoustics with the use of a simple pump model based on linear superposition of pressure wave transmission and excitation.
 We apply this technique to examine the acoustics of a single-stage, double-volute centrifugal pump. We estimate the strength of source variables at the blade-passing frequency and establish the pump characteristics as an acoustic source. The results indicate that the source variables are nearly free of acoustic resonance effects in the test loop. The pump characteristics, however, depend on the location of pump ports and loop acoustics; that is, a given pump may act either as a pressure or as a velocity source.


Pain affects the lives of many individuals by creating physical, psychological, and economic burdens. A critical psychological factor negatively affected by pain is one's ability to sustain attention. In order to better understand the effect of pain on sustained attention we conducted three experiments utilizing the psychomotor vigilance task, thought probes, and pupillometry. In Experiment 1, participants in acute pain exhibited overall poorer task performance. However, this effect was localized to the relative frequency and duration of the participants' slowest responses with their faster responses being equivalent to a no-pain control group. In Experiment 2, we replicated the procedure and included periodic thought probes to overtly measure subjective experiences during the task. Participants in pain reported fewer 'on-task' thoughts and more exteroceptive thoughts directed toward the source of their pain. In Experiment 3, we replicated the procedure while simultaneously tracking pupillary dynamics using an eye-tracker. Participants in pain had smaller task-evoked pupillary responses, which is thought to be an indicator of task engagement. Taken together, pain led to poorer performance on the psychomotor vigilance task, an increase in the relative frequency and extremeness of slow responses, increases in off-task thoughts, and reductions in a physiological indicator of task engagement. These data speak to theories of how pain competes with task goals for attention and negatively impacts behavior. The broader implications of this work are the identification of a low-level mechanism by which pain can interfere with normal cognitive functioning.


Introduction: Cholesterol metabolism in the brain is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the relationship between markers of brain cholesterol metabolism and the structural changes occurring in the aging brain has particular public health relevance to the treatment and prevention of AD. Methods: This dissertation consists of a systematic review of the literature and two papers of original research. Our systematic review: critically evaluates the literature regarding brain cholesterol metabolism and AD, identifies gaps in our current understanding, and proposes directions for future research. The two papers of original research were designed to address these gaps in knowledge. We examined the relationship between plasma oxysterol metabolites and cerebrovascular disease, amyloid deposition in the brain, and incident cognitive impairment using two longitudinal cohorts of older adults with extensive characterization of cognition and brain structure. Quantitative marker of brain structure were prior to clinical disease using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).Results: Our review found inconsistent associations between brain-derived plasma oxysterols and AD. Epidemiological design issues and methodological limitations may explain these conflicting results; these include: residual confounding, lack of temporal of associations, and inconsistent direction of associations resulting from stage of the disease at which oxysterols were measured. A major methodological limitation is the scarcity of objective measures to quantify underlying structural changes occurring the brain. Our original research examined the longitudinal association between oxysterols, cognition and brain imaging markers in non-demented older adults. We found higher levels of brain-derived oxysterols were associated with MRI markers of cerebrovascular disease and a greater risk of cognitive impairment over 8 years of follow-up. Furthermore, we found that lipid-lowering drugs modify the association between plasma oxysterols levels and amyloid deposition in the brain, visualized using PET. Conclusions: There are important relationships between brain degeneration, cholesterol metabolism and dementia that need to be better understood. Brain-derived metabolites of cholesterol appear to be elevated in the early stages of disease prior to the onset of cognitive impairment. Brain-derived plasma oxysterols may be an important marker of underlying cerebrovascular disease preceding cognitive impairment and risk for developing cognitive impairment.


This paper proposes (1) for Basque nominal domain. Expanding on the ideas of Distributed Morphology, all nouns are syntactically derived from a categorically unspeci ed root, which is nominalized by an n-head. With deverbal nouns, this unspeci ed root is rst dominated by a series of structure-creating nodes (V-v). Event nouns take an external and an internal argument due to their argument structure, and have an event reading, while result nouns have the option to take an adjunctexternal argument and an internal argument, and have a referential reading. Thus, event nouns project the v that introduces the event reading and the external argument, while result nouns project a defective v* that has a non-active reading and does not introduce an external argument (Kratzer 1996). With common nouns, however, the √RP merges directly with the little n, making impossible for them to take arguments. Finally, with result nouns and common nouns, a possessor1 is possible. Hence, two types of n are proposed: n* introduces the possessor, while n does not. The possessor raises to the Spec-FP position along with the external and the internal argument. 1The label possessor is given to any argument that has referential relation to the following nominal constituents: the kinship noun, nouns with inherent part-whole relations, and ordinary nouns.


The fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are carving out a niche amid the keen market competition to replace the other material counterparts, e.g., metals. Due to the low weight and corrosion resistance, the FRPCs are wildly utilized from aviation to automobile industries; both in the sectors of civilian and defense. To obtain high-quality products at low cost, the composite industry continues seeking numerical simulation tools to predict the manufacturing processes instead of prototype testing and trials. Regarding the attractive liquid composite molding (LCM) process, it provides the possibility to produce net shape parts from composites. The main focuses are of the simulation efforts of the flow in the mold and the deformation of fiber networks for optimizing and improving manufacturing processes. Concerning the modeling, one potential interest is to describe physics at the macroscopic level. Then, the theory of porous media (TPM), which relies on the concept of volume fractions, can explain the liquid saturated multiphase materials considerably. The Darcy's law describes the relation between the flow velocity and the pressure gradient, without accounting for the microscale flow and fiber bundles coupling. Combining with the mass conservation principle, we can develop the numerical method to simulate the flow during wetting and drying processes. To this end, the gas and liquid resin compose the homogenized flow in the model. Unlike the traditional models that ignore the role of gas flow, the new model introduces the capillary effect and the relative permeability to achieve a better free surface flow front tracking. What's more, the mechanism that the gradient of saturation degree also contributes to the flow velocity is revealed herein, and an extension of Darcy's law is derived as well. As to the other phenomenon, e.g., fiber networks compaction and thickness variations, it is possible to use the Terzaghi effective stress principle and the packing law from Staffan Toll to model those issues. A normal directional stretch kinematic assumption is developed to reduce the model from full 3-D to a shell-like problem. Given this, an explicit formulation is obtained to express the normal directional stretch as a function of homogenized flow pressure. By embedding the flow into the shell-like fiber network, we end with a non-linear coupled equation system that solves for the homogenized flow pressure, the saturation degree and the normal directional stretch. The finite element method is employed to solve equations with the staggered approach, especially the StreamlineUpwind/Petrov-Galerkin method is employed to eradicate the stability problems.


Nowadays, it is well known that digitization has tenaciously become part of the construction industry. The document is aimed at being an analysis of the state of the art, focusing on the digitization application in post-disaster reconstruction. The new technologies have influenced all the actors involved to adapt to a new designing way, but this methodology brings with itself advantages and disadvantages. This paper will try to identify, clarify and review them. In fact, it will try to explain to what extent the logic related to the design and construction of the post-disaster area may be guided by a single common thread, that consists in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology use. Through this methodology it is possible to reduce time and improve costs, thanks to the possibility to optimize the design and construction processes and to carry out virtual inspections and analysis based on the information from the construction phases. In addition, the various BIM tools, that allow interoperability, guarantee a semi-automatic review of the project's compliance with regulations and interference between the different design levels (structural, architectural, plant engineering and energy). In this way, there is the chance to improve the accuracy and reliability of the validation process. The entire process is also based on a multidisciplinary approach involving all branches of engineering. * Corresponding author


Abstract The myomucosal buccinator flap, first described by Bozola in 1989, has become an important tool for intraoral defects reconstruction. In the literature, there is a variety of proposed myomucosal cheek flaps, both pedicled and island, based on the buccal or the facial arteries. From January 2007 to December 2011, the authors used a pedicled buccinator flap based posteriorly on the buccal artery to reconstruct partial lingual defects following tumor resection in 27 patients. The buccal fat pad was translated to cover the donor site defect. After 3 to 4 weeks from the original surgery, a second procedure under local anesthesia was performed to detach the pedicle and remodel the flap. The morphological and functional outcomes of the procedures were evaluated by the surgeons and a speech and language therapist. All patients presented satisfactory results. The authors consider the use of the described technique as the gold standard in the reconstruction of partial tongue defects after tumor resection.


This article explores the family practices of female-headed households in Singapore, specifically, those of lesbian and divorced mothers as they negotiate the entrenched normative orders of sexuality and gender in Singapore. In examining the non-normative lives of lesbian and divorced mothers, this article marshals two distinct fields of study to explore the profound effects of heteronormativity on all who stand outside its fold. Using empirical data collected from in-depth interviews with Singaporean lesbian and divorced mothers, this article provides insights into how the women lead, organise and practise family; identifies the challenges they face in an unfavourable policy and social environment in which heteronormativity is assumed at every turn; and asks after the hopes and aspirations of these women for their non-normative households. Based on these accounts, the paper outlines a broader vision for government policy positions on the family and for sexuality politics relevant for contexts deeply invested in a heteronormative ideal.


This paper presents a collection of five filters in Ka-band using low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Its purpose is to show an overview of the compacting possibilities with final sizes of complex designs in LTCC. The coupling matrix method is used in order to synthesize the frequency response of the filters, and the designs are carried out doing a systematic characterization of every coupling structure. A coupling matrix optimization CAD is used to extract coupling coefficients and resonant frequencies, making the tuning of the resonators easier. Two filters are designed with single and dual-mode patch resonators. The rest of the designs are cavity filters; one of these combines different coupling structures, using two different layers where the cavities are situated in order to reduce the final size. Finally, an overall comparison of sizes and insertion losses is given.


Abstract Background and aims : Ethylbenzene (EB) is one of the most hazardous carcinogenic VOCs that is used or produced in various industries. Thus, it is important to reduce its use and control its emissions. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MnO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite coated on HZSM-5 Zeolite for the removal of ethylbenzene vapors. Methods : Nanocomposite coated on HZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized by the sol-gel method, and its morphological characteristics were determined by XRD, FTIR, and SEM. We investigated the effects of the initial concentration of contaminant, relative humidity, and residence time on the performance of the nanocomposite for the control of ethylbenzene. The Response Surface method was used to estimate the main effects and these variables and their interactions so that we could optimize the number of experiments. The experiments were designed using Design Expert software, version 9. Results : The result showed that sizes of the nanocomposite particles were less than 80 nanometers. The optimum condition for the removal of EB was found to be in 50% relative humidity, 19 s residence time and an initial concentration of EB of 300ppm. For this condition the nanocomposite removed 98.95% of the EB vapors. Conclusion : The nanocomposite provided high efficiency removal of EB from the gas phase or the conditions at which the study was conducted. The advantages of using the nanocomposite for this purpose include the reaction at room temperature and the ability to remove high concentrations of contaminants. The results of this study showed coating nanocomposites on HZSM-5 Zeolite provide an effective adsorbent for the removal of EB from the gaseous phase.


A rhamnose-containing polysaccharide (RCP) was extracted and purified from cell walls of Streptococcus mutans B13 (serotype d) and was chemically and immunologically characterized. Walls were initially extracted with 5% trichloroacetic acid at 4 degrees C to remove the serotype antigen and were then sequentially extracted with increasing concentrations of hot acid. Extracts lacking galactose were combined and chromatographed on a column of diethylaminoethyl--Sephadex A25. The purified RCP contained 90% carbohydrate, 1.4% protein, and 0.16% phosphorus. Analysis by gas chromatography indicated that the RCP was composed of rhamnose and glucose in a 1.6:1 ratio. RCP was immunogenic in rabbits when animals were immunized with whole cells or cell walls. Antisera prepared against partially extracted cell walls of B13 appeared specific for RCP. These sera were not reactive with purified serotype d antigen or lipoteichoic acid in passive hemagglutination assays or by agar gel diffusion. The RCP appeared to be a cell wall polysaccharide that was both chemically and immunologically distinct from the serotype d antigen.


The contribution of electron contamination to the dose received by the skin and the underlying tissues during teletherapy with 60Co gamma-rays has been determined by an indirect method. First, the distribution of dose under the skin due to an uncontaminated beam of 60Co gamma-rays was determined using the Monte Carlo method without any major assumption. This distribution was then subtracted from the measured distribution of total dose available in the literature, to get the required dose distribution due to electron contamination. The distribution as determined in this work has been compared with that determined by some other workers, who relied on the dose distribution due to an uncontaminated beam calculated under some assumptions. It was found that the dose due to electron contamination was overestimated by them in the middle depths. This was as expected, because with their assumptions in the calculation of the dose distribution due to an uncontaminated beam, this dose is underestimated in the middle depths.


Environment domain models are a key part of the information used by adaptive systems to determine their behaviour. These models can be incomplete or inaccurate. In addition, since adaptive systems generally operate in environments which are subject to change, these models are often also out of date. To update and correct these models, the system should observe how the environment responds to its actions, and compare these responses to those predicted by the model. In this paper, we use a probabilistic rule learning approach, NoMPRoL, to update models using feedback from the running system in the form of execution traces. NoMPRoL is a technique for nonmonotonic probabilistic rule learning based on a transformation of an inductive logic programming task into an equivalent abductive one. In essence, it exploits consistent observations by finding general rules which explain observations in terms of the conditions under which they occur. The updated models are then used to generate new behaviour with a greater chance of success in the actual environment encountered.


The interaction of the single azo dye, carmine with fish-sperm dsDNA is inspected in pH 3.2 H2SO4 with electrochemical method on the surface of nanometer TiO2 modified carbon paste electrode. After the addition of dsDNA, the peak currents of oxidation and reduction peaks of carmine decrease with a positive shift of potential, indicating that intercalation interaction between the dye and dsDNA is taken place. This is consistent with fluorescence spectra results. The binding constant and binding ratio is calculated as 4.92×108 and 1:2, respectively. Furthermore, the decrease in the oxidation peak currents is found proportional to dsDNA concentration in the range of 21.24-127.44 μg·mL-1 with a detection limit of 16.04 μg•mL-1.


A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with both gas distribution flow channels and Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is developed. A set of conservation equation is numerically solved by developing a CFD code based on the finite volume technique and SIMPLE algorithm. In this research, some parameters like oxygen consumption, water production, velocity distribution, liquid water activity and the fuel cell performance for conventional cases (base Cases) are presented and compared to those in cases with semicircular prominences. The numerical simulations indicated that prominent gas diffusion layer (GDL) could improve the transport of the species through the porous layers and this leads to increment in fuel cell performance. Hence, prominent gas diffusion layers would result in higher current density. Finally the numerical results for the base Cases were compared with the experimental data, which represented reasonable agreement.


This article shares the experience of the development, implementation, and evaluation of a service learning course that aims at promoting intergenerational learning between university students and older adults through engagement in community service. It is through service learning that the course purports to achieve intergenerational learning and foster mutually beneficial relationships that are stimulating for both the young and old. Intergenerational service learning is a partnership based on reciprocity and mutuality involving people of different ages where the generations work together to gain skills, values, and knowledge. To examine the effects of such experiences on both the young and old participants in the course, a small-scale evaluative study was conducted on the group of students and elders who took part in the community service project, which is an integral part of the intergenerational service learning course in question. This article reports the findings on the outcomes of cross-generational interactions and makes recommendations for enhancing intergenerational service learning opportunities based on the evaluative feedback from the study.


In the last few years, there has been considerable interest in scene parsing. This task consists of assigning a predefined class label to each pixel (or pre-segmented region) in an image. To best address the complexity challenge of this task, first, we propose a new geometric retrieval strategy to select nearest neighbors from a database containing fully segmented and annotated images. Then, we introduce a novel and simple energy-minimization model. The proposed cost function of this model combines efficiently different global nonparametric semantic likelihood energy terms. These terms are computed from the (pre-)segmented regions of the (query) image and their structural properties (location, texture, color, context, and shape). Different from the traditional approaches, we use a simple and local optimization procedure derived from the iterative conditional modes algorithm to optimize our energy-based model. Experimental results on two challenging datasets: 1) microsoft research Cambridge dataset and 2) Stanford background dataset demonstrate the feasibility and the success of the proposed approach. Compared to existing annotation methods that require training classifiers for each object and learning many parameters, our method is easy to implement, has a few parameters, and combines different criteria.


Abstract Gestation periods in mammals are generally in line with scaling laws. There are several exceptions in which species of relatively similar size and degree of neonatal maturation show a significant difference in gestation length. For example the giraffids have a very long gestation period, compared to bovids of similar size. By using published data about the placental surface area at term, we show that in ungulates this surface area is more tightly correlated to the average fetal growth rate than to fetal and placenta weight. These data suggest that, within one type of placenta, gestation length and placental surface area are associated parameters.


The paper reports the main results from an experimental gathering campaign carried out on a bench scale plant for the evaluation of hydrocarbon e ff ect on the system performance. In particular, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) under submerged configuration was analysed. The MBR plant was fed with synthetic wastewater containing hydrocarbons. Organic carbon, hydrocarbons and ammonium removal, kinetic constants, extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) production and membranes fouling rates have been assessed. The observed results highlighted good system performance in terms of both COD removal and nitrification, thus showing a sort of biomass adaptation to hydrocarbon. Such a result has been also confirmed by the biomass respirometric tests. Moreover, membrane fouling analysis showed an increase of the total resistance in the last period of the experiments. Such a result was most likely due to the hydrocarbon which caused an irreversible fouling due to oil deposition onto the membrane surface.


Crop production is mainly rain-fed in most developing economies especially in Africa. Therefore, any variation in the climate patterns has immediate effects on productivity. It is crucial for farmers in this region to sustainably adapt to climate change if food security, sufficiency and sustained livelihoods are to be achieved. A farmer's choice of an adaptation strategy is influe nced by certain socioeconomic factors and the perception of the farmer about the changes in climate. This study investigates farmers' perceptions and the socioeconomic factors that influenced their decisions to respond to climate change in the North Bank Region of The Gambia. Data for the study was collected from 258 farmer household heads and nine Focus Group Discussions. Descriptive statistics and a logit regression model were used to analyze the data obtained from the households. Results from the study revealed that about 97.29% of farmers had experienced changes in climate factors for the past 30 years. Also, analysis from the logit model indicated a combination of socioeconomic factors influenced a farmer's response to climate change. The study conclude d that; age, awareness of climate change, marital status, access to extension services and farmland influence farmers in the North Bank Region to adopt response strategies to climate change. It is recommended that the positive and significant socioeconomic factors that influence response in this study such as awareness of climate change, access to extension services, access to credit and size of farmland should be considered and enhanced when implementing programmes and projects on response/adaptation to climate change among farmers in the study region. Keywords : Perception, Response, Climate Change, The Gambia, logit Model


The Annotated Passover Haggadah presented here is unique, both in substance and appeal. The story is well-known and often repeated, having been translated, elaborated, neutered, abbreviated, truncated, and all but exfoliated over the many centuries. Nevertheless, the current volume makes an important contribution since, while preserving both the traditional Hebrew text along with an equally traditional English translation, it provides important analytical, philosophical, and theological perspectives on the seminal event of Jewish consciousness and self-awareness. This Haggadah is intended, notwithstanding its scholarly rigor, for practical use in family and congregational settings for those who wish, during this all-important night, to delve ever deeply into the Passover narrative, to go beyond the mere repetition of an annual ritual into a more richly rewarding and profound experience. Its overall theme is a celebration, not only of the deliverance from Egypt but of the widely disparate ways in which the Passover is observed by sundry traditions worldwide. Going beyond the "normative" observance of the Passover Seder, this Haggadah breaks new ground in referencing the increasing interest among Christians and Messianic Jews in observing the Exodus from Egypt. It underscores, via a small cadre of the world's most renowned Jewish scholars, the sanctified memory of this mighty deliverance, which remains forever emblazoned in the Jewish soul.


"The paper seeks to establish whether or not Australian home loan interest rates exhibit the cyclical and seasonal variations and whether seasonality, if present, is stochastic or deterministic. To do so, the paper uses a structural time series modelling approach and product-level home loan interest rates data from one of the biggest banks in Australia, National Australia Bank (NAB). A study of the literature uncovered no empirical research conducted to prove or disprove the existence of cyclicality and seasonality in Australian home loan interest rates. The modelling results with respect to the expected cyclicality of home loan interest rates overall confirm the existence of cyclicality in home loan interest rates. With respect to home loan interest rate seasonality, although most of the variables analysed show the presence of statistically significant seasonal factors, the majority of the statistically significant seasonal factors observed cannot be attributed to any of the three considered seasonal effects.""


This paper integrates the degree of carbonate saturation into a general model for the origin of dolomite in organic-rich marine sediments. Degradation of organic matter by sulfate-reducing bacteria promotes early dolomite precipitation by simultaneously increasing the carbonate alkalinity and lowering the sulfate ion concentration to near zero. The interstitial water in organic-rich sediments of several Deep Sea Drilling Project sites where dolomite is believed to be precipitating is up to 10/sup 3/ times supersaturated with respect to near-ideal dolomite and up to 10 times supersaturated with respect to calcite. The highly supersaturated interstitial waters appear to overcome low-temperature kinetic barriers to precipitate a nonideal, fine-grained calcian dolomite. The degree of supersaturation with respect to dolomite decreases, and the interstitial water approaches carbonate equilibrium with increasing burial depth at several of these sites. Removal of sulfate ion is important because sulfate ion may inhibit dolomite precipitation. A calcareous sediment is not required, but the presence of calcite or aragonite appears to greatly enhance dolomitization by providing an additional source of Ca and carbonate ions.


The study investigated the components of job performance as predictors of job performance of administrative staff in South West Nigeria Universities. The research design was a descriptive research of the survey type. A selfconstructed questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. 400 subjects in various departments were rated by their heads of departments. The selection was done through multistage techniques from four Universities. The data were analyzed using multiple regression model. . The findings revealed that leadership quality is the single best predictor of job performance with a beta weight of 0.225. Recommendations were made based on the findings that both the University management and the government should know that only those who have the quality, capability and ability to rule should be made leaders to enhance high performance from the workers. Also, sensitivity of workers to the type of leadership provided will enhance performance.


Within the globalization era, the conduct, resolution, and impact of international conflicts are frequently not limited solely to the belligerent states involved. Conflict influences distant countries and often illustrates the vulnerability of sea access to the security of coastal and landlocked nations, by factoring in that: import/export commodities are impacted; access to vital energy resources is undermined; and/or international resource distribution is threatened. Therefore, the maritime domain (and its military, legal, and commercial components) represents a Russia/Ukraine conflict cornerstone and the epicenter of this analysis. This conflict highlights maritime trade importance and re-establishes the strategic significance of protecting multi-polarity, the "rule of law", and freedom of the seas within the Black Sea region (BSR), which today represents a very large concentration of power (involving actors like Russia, USA, NATO, EU) and has been the site of ten post-Cold War conflicts. Resultantly, maritime domain objectives and tactical events (on, above, and below the seas) require detailed analysis as hostilities continue, the norms and principles of international law are threatened and/or undermined, and prospective combat end-state(s) are considered. Such will define Russia's and Ukraine's future(s), as well as economic-diplomatic stability and the future of rules-based international order across the BSR, which is a vital maritime transport corridor.
Amidst increasing maritime emphasis, this conflict also illustrates transformational warfighting facets. In addition to troops, ships, and aircraft, modern battlefields now include issues like: Information Warfare outlets; "lawfare"; cyber threats; and adversaries with unprecedented Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The international community must acknowledge these skills yield warfighting capability to nations lacking capacity. As naval warfare equipment and tactics change, protecting sea lanes, preventing maritime hegemony, and upholding the "rule of law", remain dominant-and are enhanced by globalization.


The Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) is home to many important space assets such as telecommunication and navigational satellites. Monitoring Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in GEO is a crucial aspect in achieving Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and in protecting critical space assets. However, ground-based GEO object detection is challenging due to the extreme distance of the targets, as well as nuisance factors including cloud coverage, atmospheric/weather effects, light pollution, sensor noise/defects, and star occlusions. The Kelvins SpotGEO Challenge is designed to establish to what extent images coming from a low-cost ground-based telescope can be used to detect GEO and near-GEO RSOs solely from photometric signals that are without any additional meta-data. At the same time, the SpotGEO dataset also addresses the lack of publicly available datasets from a computer vision perspective on the satellite detection problem; by assembling and releasing such a dataset, we hope to spur more efforts on the optical detection of RSOs and enable objective benchmarking for existing and future methods. In this work, we present details of the SpotGEO dataset development, challenge design, evaluation metric, and result analysis.


Farmers are known to be at high risk for the development of occupational airway disease. The aim of this European study was to determine which airway symptoms predominate in different types of animal farmers (cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep) and to compare the prevalence of symptoms to the general population. A total of 6,156 randomly selected animal farmers in Denmark, Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen), Switzerland, and Spain completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and farming characteristics in 1995-1997. The prevalence of general respiratory symptoms was compared to the results of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) obtained in the same regions. Pig farmers were at highest risk for the development of work-related symptoms. A significant dose-response relationship between daily hours worked inside animal houses and symptoms was established for pig and poultry farmers. Additionally, self-reported nasal allergies (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.92 (3.26-4.71)) and nasal irritation during work (3.98 (3.35-4.73)) were shown to be associated with the development of chronic phlegm. The prevalence of wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma and nasal allergies was signficantly lower among all farmers in the age group 20-44 yrs than among the general population. However, the prevalence of usually bringing up phlegm in winter among farmers was significantly higher than in the general population (9.4 (8.3-10.5%) versus 7.5 (6.5-8.5%)). Individual factors have been shown to be related to the prevalence of chronic phlegm among farmers. Additionally, this study could support the hypothesis that farming could be negatively related to allergic diseases.